The Ohio State University
OP-23: Rainwater Management

Ohio State follows the City of Columbus’s Stormwater Drainage Manual which provides guidance on Stormwater quality and quantity control for construction activities.

Compliance with our MS4 and our stormwater management plan, with emphasis on public education and involvement and the incorporation of green infrastructure and low impact development concepts when applicable.
Rain Gardens
Ohio State has several rain gardens on campus. The oldest active rain garden on campus is located behind Jennings Hall. The Jennings Hall rain gardens consist of 22 vegetated boxes. This form of green infrastructure helps filter and slow the runoff from storm events by filtering the rainwater from the roof of Jennings Hall, storing it in a 50,000 gallon cistern, and finally discharging the stormwater through a vegetated bioswale to the area storm sewers. A pumping system allows the stored water within the cistern to be used for supplementary irrigation during dry periods. This system not only filters the storm water, but it provides retention and opportunity for storm water reuse. Other rain gardens include the traffic circle at Cunz Hall and curb inlets around the Spirit of Women park.
Bioswales
There are two active bioswales on campus. The Jennings Hall bioswale and the Book Depository bioswale. These facilities which help reduce peak flows during rainfall events, filter the collected water, and reduce pollutant concentrations.

Green Roof
Ohio State has several green roofs across campus. As one example, the Green Roof on Howlett Hall is the first retrofit green roof at the university and is an extension of the Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens. It is a 12,000 square foot green roof, which mitigates over 200,000 gallons of rainwater each year, reduces heating and cooling costs for the portion of the building below it, and increases biodiversity.
[information from http://chadwickarboretum.osu.edu/our-gardens/learning-gardens/green-roof-howlett-hall-0]
Wetlands
Ohio State owns and maintains several wetlands including The Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park which gives faculty, staff and students the opportunity to research at multiple levels of ecological organization, ranging from populations to ecosystems to landscapes. The Schiermeier Wetlands also provide a unique opportunity for undergraduate and graduate student training, as well as service to the community via environmental outreach and extension. The research potential includes the water quality changes that would be realized if storm water runoff was directed to wetlands. Another wetlands area include constructed wetlands that are present at the majority of our major storm sewer outfalls to disperse energy and provide pollutant & nutrient reduction. Finally, there are forested wetlands and a vernal pool located within the Carmack Woods. These wetlands provide vital stormwater detention, water quality improvement, and wildlife habitat. Carmack woods are also the location of some of the oldest trees on campus.