Executive Summary. iii

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1 T h e Office of University Facilities and Capital Planning at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, initiated the development of a Stormwater and Landscape Management Master Plan for the Busch and Livingston Campuses in the fall of These campuses in particular are expected to experience significant future growth and are currently hosting a number of capital improvement and building projects. This Master Plan supports the University s commitment to protecting its natural resources and provides an ecological and hydrological foundation for the University s future planning and development efforts through a green infrastructure approach to stormwater and landscape management. A green infrastructure approach considers stormwater management as part of a broader ecological systems approach using a combination of bioengineering techniques and native landscape practices within the campus context. Creating more sustainable green infrastructure requires transitioning from practices that may contribute to the degradation of the environment toward creating working landscapes that perform important ecological functions. Examples include the following functions: receiving, retaining, and filtering stormwater in a way that may preserve or mimic natural hydrological patterns (treating water as a resource, not as a problem); creating natural habitat for diverse ecosystems (Figure 1); providing educational opportunities; contributing to overall campus sustainability initiatives; and reducing the overall operation and maintenance burden for campus staff. Through the protection, enhancement, or creation of functional or working landscapes, Rutgers has the opportunity to demonstrate and embrace the manner in which water serves as a resource on the campus. These working landscapes also provide important habitat, micro-climate, and aesthetic benefits. In built environments (redevelopment and new development situations), the Master Plan emphasizes strategies that daylight water and incorporate it into active landscapes such as courtyards, plazas, walkways, parking areas, buildings, etc. These strategies bring these spaces to life and actively and passively educate users of the spaces while treating surface runoff. In more natural or transitional areas across the campus, the emphasis of the Master Plan is on restoring, protecting or enhancing existing habitat while integrating it into the aesthetic of the campus. Executive Summary Figure 1 Mowing regimes have been changed here on Livingston Campus to allow for more natural succession of native plants, providing habitat and stormwater filtration. Biohabitats, Inc. Rutgers Stormwater and Landscape Management Master Plan iii

2 Stormwater Retrofit Priorities Bioretention Vegetated Swale Filter Strip Rooftop Treatment Raingardens Rooftop Collection/Cistern Landscape Conversion/ Regeneration Rutgers University Golf Course Raritan River Rutgers Stormwater and Landscape Management Master Plan Biohabitats, Inc. Davidson idson Rd Existing Pond, Wetland/BMP Expanded Wetland BMP Wetland Woodland Regeneration Stream Restoration Stream Daylighting Regenerative Stormwater Conveyance (RSC) Hoes Ln W Ecological Priorities Bartholomew w Rd Rd Rd Frelinghuysen Rd Forest Restoration Riparian Forest Restoration Stream Restoration Naturalized Meadow Naturalized Meadow (experimentation in athletics off-season) Community Garden SR Campus Rd Rd iv Busch Campus Wooded Streetscape Connection Riparian Buffer Zone (approx. for illustrative purposes only. 50 regulatory buffer & 150 ecological buffer on each side of stream) Circulation & Connectivity Priorities New Circulation Connections Pedestrian Desire Lines Proposed Bike Lanes Gateway Preserve Entry Habitat Connection Potential Campus Boundary Feet N Figure 2 The combined Busch Campus Stormwater and Landscape Management Master Plan highlights opportunities for stormwater treatment, as well as enhanced landscape ecological connections, and improved circulation.

3 Livingston Campus Stormwater Retrofit Priorities Bioretention Vegetated Swale Filter Strip Rooftop Treatment Raingardens Rooftop Collection/Cistern Landscape Conversion/ Regeneration Existing Pond, Wetland/BMP Expanded Wetland BMP Wetland Woodland Regeneration Stream Restoration Stream Daylighting Regenerative Stormwater Conveyance (RSC) Metlars ars Ln n Avenue E Suttons ton s Ln Ecological Priorities Forest Restoration Riparian Forest Restoration Stream Restoration Naturalized Meadow Naturalized Meadow (experimentation in athletics off-season) Community Garden Wooded Streetscape Connection Riparian Buffer Zone (approx. for illustrative purposes only. 50 regulatory buffer & 150 ecological buffer on each side of stream) SR SR Rutgers Ecological ogical Reserve erve RD RD 3 Circulation & Connectivity Priorities New Circulation Connections Pedestrian Desire Lines Proposed Bike Lanes Gateway Preserve Entry Habitat Connection Potential Campus Boundary Feet N Raritan River Figure 3 The Livingston Stormwater and Landscape Management Master Plan provides opportunities for stormwater treatment, enhanced connections to the Ecological Preserve, and circulation improvements. Biohabitats, Inc. Rutgers Stormwater and Landscape Management Master Plan v

4 The planning process included site visits, meetings with key campus departments and staff members, as well as faculty and students. After assessing the campus needs and coming up with an approach that strives to improve the health and function of the landscape, current and future stormwater conditions were modeled to better understand the implications of suggested practices and their ability to meet regulatory requirements for stormwater management. Ultimately, an implementation strategy was developed that includes an integration of stormwater treatment practices, landscape and ecological enhancements, circulation and gateway enhancements, and operation and maintenance recommendations across campuses (Figures 2 & 3). The implementation of these strategies is proposed to occur over time with a range of priority levels and capital funding needs. Specifically, there are short (0-3 years), medium (3-10 years), and long (>10 years) term strategies identified under three priority tiers and a range of costs (Tables 1-4). Another primary purpose of this Stormwater and Landscape Management Master Plan is to establish planning principles and design guidelines for architects, planners, and engineers to follow and be informed by as they embark on individual project or precinct level work at Rutgers Livingston and Busch Campuses. Central to the purpose of the principles and guidelines was the recognition that the existing development process on campus was ineffective at addressing broader campus stormwater management and landscaping needs. With the principles and guidelines in place and readily available at the beginning of future projects, design professionals and University staff will be able to envision and create more integrated, cost-effective and systems-based stormwater and landscape management solutions emphasize and require a sustainable approach to stormwater and landscape management as an integral part of the planning and design of future capital improvement projects. It is also the intent to provide flexibility in terms of identifying techniques and practices that can be applied throughout various Rutgers University settings, while still being specific enough to reflect the unique ecological characteristics and opportunities on the Busch and Livingston Campuses. The planning principles focus on consideration of the land as a resource and amenity, integrating the landscape and stormwater features early in the planning and design process. The principles also highlight the importance of stewardship, and research and learning as campus spaces are planned and programmed. Finally, the planning principles promote sustainable landscapes that are native, low maintenance, and resilient. The design guidelines provide detail to the planning principles and are structured under five primary headings. Within each area, required, highly recommended, and encouraged guidelines are identified. The required guidelines are presented on the following pages. Figure 5 A gathering space on Livingston Campus. The planning principles and design guidelines were developed through a consensus process that involved input from faculty and staff with a wide range of perspectives and expertise. Through the process, it was agreed to Figure 6 Educational signage incorporated into the landscape describing a green roof practice. Jennifer Dowdell vi Rutgers Stormwater and Landscape Management Master Plan Biohabitats, Inc.

5 Biohabitats, Inc. Figure 7 An existing pedestrian path along the interface between Avenue E and the Rutgers Ecological Preserve. Figure 8 A rain garden with native plantings provides habitat and an amenity. Human Provide positive and attractive spaces for social gatherings, and other activities, which integrate and demonstrate the natural environment and local ecology into the campus context, as space or use allows (Figure 5). Incorporate educational signage with supporting narratives and graphics in the design of spaces that helps interpret the ecology and innovative practice of the space. Have at least one sign posted with each new project, and include a posting on the University website for further information on the purpose and progress of each new development project and associated practices (Figure 6). Provide educational/research opportunities in the landscape. When research areas are created, monitoring will be required. Land Incorporate stormwater BMPs into the design of new gateways. Streetscape improvements should look to incorporate and/or enhance pedestrian access and bike accommodations (Figure 7). All streetscape projects or improvements should incorporate water quality treatment elements and stormwater best management practices. Streetscape tree pits should be a minimum of 225 cubic feet and provide proper growing media and spacing to allow for mature trees. Trees placed within streetscape retrofit and improvement projects shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet away from utilities. For new construction trees shall be located a minimum of ten (10) feet away from all major underground utilities, and fifteen (15) feet from all above ground utilities, structures, and buildings. Drain sidewalks to treatment areas, filter strips, or buffers. Incorporate edge treatment, providing a new aesthetic along walkway edges that uses gravel/stone/brick, designing for maintenance needs like plowing and sightlines for safety and visibility. Such edge treatment can provide for stormwater infiltration and conveyance, a depository for winter salts and sand, and a visually attractive border. Create and implement best management practices (BMPs) in the campus core to promote stormwater management and help create visibility, or implement non-mown areas where habitat character, landscape succession etc. may be studied With each new development project and each building renovation on campus, smaller public/open spaces shall be integrated into the site design as appropriate with associated programming, while responding to the surrounding campus context. The design of these open spaces will be visually and physically connected across the campuses. Create ecologically sustainable quads by integrating stormwater management systems, using native plantings that provide some habitat value, amending soils as required to establish a healthy profile, and by creating gathering and seating areas for students. Limit manicured lawns/turf grass to no more than 20 percent of pervious area on a project site, with 80 percent of pervious area planned in turf alternatives and stormwater management practices. Areas where turf may exist include: formal landscapes and quads, athletic fields and the golf course, limited areas near residence halls, designated areas for active recreation, and three to five foot mowed strips on either side of pedestrian walks, and eight to twelve foot strips, where appropriate, on either side of roads which go through meadows. Create naturalized meadow areas where mown turf will be reduced. Adhere to approved campus plant list created for implementation in specific zones (see Appendix B). Maximize use of native plants adapted to site conditions, and microclimates throughout campus (Figure 8). The design intent is to support biodiversity, reduce pesticide use, increase wildlife habitat and maximize water conservation. There may be opportunities at campus gateways or other key locations for non-native ornamentals, which are included on the approved plant list. When utilizing non-natives ensure they complement the native palette, are not invasive, and are nursery grown, legally harvested, or salvaged for reuse from on- or off site. The use of species that are currently listed on any of the following lists as invasive is expressly prohibited: State Noxious Weeds laws, Federal Noxious Weeds laws, or regional invasive lists. (Sources: New Jersey Invasive Species Council, New Jersey Dept. of Environmental Protection, < pl?id=1786, New Jersey Dept. of Agriculture, Division of Plant Industry, Utilize plants that maximize biological uptake in areas that may benefit from soil remediation strategies. Biohabitats, Inc. Rutgers Stormwater and Landscape Management Master Plan vii

6 Utilize plants, which attract butterflies, birds and other beneficial wildlife while deterring deer. No loss of natural areas with High Preservation Value and no net loss of natural areas with Medium and Low Preservation Value as determined by the ecological assessment conducted as part of the Stormwater and Landscape Management Master Plan. (See Figure 4-27 in Chapter 4) Maintain a 300 foot vegetated buffer for any New Jersey C1 waters or tributaries to C1 waters. Maintain a 50 foot vegetated buffer on all other streams (perennial or intermittent) and a 100 foot buffer off of forested areas, as identified in the Stormwater and Landscape Management Master Plan, for ecological health and regeneration. All soil disturbances will be mitigated with appropriate amendments, restoring soils ability to support healthy plants based on soil testing and unique planting needs in different spaces, as well as the soils ability to support biological communities, and provide water storage and infiltration as described in the Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) for Prerequisite 7.2 and Credit 4.4. (See SITES website for more information: < Soils associated with planting areas of stormwater systems shall meet approved specifications for the identified practice per NJDEP requirements or, if absent, the criteria referenced above Water No loss of perennial streams. No net loss of intermittent or ephemeral streams. Promote the preservation and restoration of existing streams and wetlands on campus through innovative site development and design. Use the natural hydrologic features that exist on the site of proposed improvements or new development, or directly adjacent to the site, as the primary driver for landscape planning and stormwater management design, through conservation of drainage patterns, water budget, soils, and vegetation (Figure 9). Provide full water quality treatment (as defined by the applicable design criteria) as close to the generating source as possible, and at a minimum within the project s limit of disturbance. Implement suggested priority stormwater retrofits identified in the Stormwater and Landscape Management Master Plan, if they are within the bounds of development zone. See Chapter 3 for locations and complete listing of suggested priority stormwater retrofits. Regulatory Meet, and exceed where practical, all stormwater regulatory requirements Maintenance Create a landscape and maintenance management plan with each new development project that addresses landscape areas and stormwater facilities. As part of the plan identify and delineate low maintenance design and planting areas. Maintenance costs and facilities maintenance staffing must be taken into consideration. Appropriate maintenance guidance will be developed (e.g., tasks and frequency schedule) for landscape areas and stormwater BMPs. For BMPs, consult the NJ State Stormwater Management Manual (< bmp_manual2.htm>). Maintain a maximum mow zone (or zone of alternative low maintenance vegetation) of 12 feet and a minimum mow zone (or zone of alternative low maintenance vegetation) of eight feet from naturalized areas (Preserve, etc). Figure 9 An existing stormwater feature at Athlete s Grove on Busch Campus, which could be enhanced with native plantings. viii Rutgers Stormwater and Landscape Management Master Plan Biohabitats, Inc.

7 Priority Level Retrofit ID Recommended Project Description Time Frame/ Phasing Planning Level Short Capital Cost 0-3 yrs Medium Long 3-10 yrs >10 yrs Estimate 1 RB-14 Existing wetlands at Silvers Apartments: update and restore stormwater pond to wetland system, RSC through quad $502,000 5% 1 RB-15 Busch Dining Hall: bioretention, permeable pave, new walkways through parking lot $468,000 5% 1 RB-10 Quad, Library of Science: turf conversion, meadow, bioretention $350,000 5% 1 EB-5 Riparian woodland restoration and enhancement $217, % 1 CB-1 Enhanced design of gateway at Route 18 and Campus Road $250,000 5% 1 Provide a consistent way finding & signage program directing pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles $450,000 1 Invasives Management Plan- deer and vegetative control $50,000 1 Project review process Integrated into existing processes Annual Routine Maintenance Cost (as % of construction costs) 1 Maintenance - handbooks/plans for each new project $1000, integrated into new project costs 2 RB-26 Golf Course: stream restoration, wetland creation, and some landscape conversion to meadow $1,170,000 5% Table 1 Busch Campus top priority retrofit and management opportunities and planning level costs. (Stormwater retrofit planning level costs based on Center for Watershed Protection published rates, on volume of stormwater treated, adjusted for 2009, and multiplied by the regional factor for NYC area. Ecological and Circulation planning level costs based on Biohabitats and Wells Appel professional experience, 2009) Biohabitats, Inc. Rutgers Stormwater and Landscape Management Master Plan ix

8 Priority Retrofit Recommended Project Description Time Frame/ Phasing Planning Level Annual Routine Level ID Short Capital Cost Maintenance Cost 0-3 yrs Medium Long 3-10 yrs >10 yrs Estimate (as % of construction costs) 2 RB-13 Richardson Apartment Quad (Lib of Science): daylight stormwater in vegetated feature, bioretention $306,000 5% 2 RB-23 Math Sciences Complex Library: stormwater planters, green walls and canopies integrated into plaza $14,000 5% 2 RB-25 Frontage at CoRE: forest and meadow restoration $6,000 1% 2 RB-9 Davidson Dry Pond: update existing pond, riparian restoration $312,000 3% 2 EB-3 Golf course riparian and meadow restoration $242,000 1% 2 EB-4 Meadow plantings and research areas on athletics fields, in offseason $79, % 2 CB-3 Turf conversion to meadow in central quads of Busch campus, interesting gathering spaces $7, % 2 CB-4 Enhanced pedestrian routes across parking lots $923,000 5% 2 CB-5 Enhanced pedestrian routes across parking lots $280,000 5% 2 CB-6 Enhanced pedestrian routes across parking lots $160,005 5% 2 CB-7 Pedestrian route enhancement and desire line attention $440,000 5% 2 CB-8 Extend and complete safe cycling routes around campus $163,000 5% 2 Develop design guidelines for gateway elements including signage, lighting, planting and architectural elements 2 Develop a comprehensive program for sidewalk and crosswalk maintenance to address problematic areas as they occur $250,000 Primary Gateway; $150,000 Secondary Gateway Rutgers to provide maintenance costs 2 Academic research agenda Integrated into curricular planning 2 Integrated Trails Master Plan $15,000 3 RB-11b Russell Apartments 2: including of rain garden and native meadow $281,000 5% 3 RB-3 UMDNJ Parking 2: bioretention, riparian edge restoration $331,000 5% 3 RB-5 Kindercare: riparian restoration and integrated bioretention $396,000 5% 3 RB-6 Nichols 1 Apartments: riparian restoration and integrated wetland creation $286,000 5% 3 RB-11a Russell Apartments 1: turf conversion, bioretention, residential scale $14,000 1% 3 RB-28 Athlete s Glen: RSC, riparian vegetation enhancement $408,000 5% 3 RB-7 Nichols 2 Apartments: bioretention, turf conversion $163,000 5% 3 EB-1 Forest management along western edge, riparian preservation and enhancement $668,000 1% 3 EB-2 Turf conversion to meadow, productive garden landscapes - the portion of the meadow that coincides with the RB-10 could be considered for implementation in conjunction with the stormwater practices $42,000 1% 3 EB-6 Turf conversion along woodland edge at CoRE, and forest regeneration connecting piece in CORE parking lot $30,000 1% 3 CB-2 Enhanced connection for bicyclists at George Street entry to Raritan Bridge south of the river $898,000 5% Table 2 Busch Campus second and third level priority retrofit and management opportunities and planning level costs. (Stormwater retrofit planning level costs based on Center for Watershed Protection published rates, on volume of stormwater treated, adjusted for 2009, and multiplied by the regional factor for NYC area. Ecological and Circulation planning level costs based on Biohabitats and Wells Appel professional experience, 2009) x Rutgers Stormwater and Landscape Management Master Plan Biohabitats, Inc.

9 Priority Retrofit Recommended Project Description Time Frame/ Phasing Planning Level Annual Routine Level ID Short Capital Cost Maintenance Cost 0-3 yrs Medium Long 3-10 yrs >10 yrs Estimate (as % of construction costs) 1 RL-2 Large parking lot north of RAC bioretention integrated into parking lot design, linear and internal $1,860,000 5% 1 RL-10 Quad 2: bioretention, riparian restoration $261,000 5% 1 RL-7 Levin Building and natural area: reforestation, native meadow conversion $4,000 1% 1 RL-17 Woodland area along Preserve: bioretention and native meadow conversion $298,000 5% 1 EL-2 Naturalized meadows along preserve edge and in some core areas $131, % 1 EL-4 Riparian woodland regeneration southwest of Quad 2 $216, % 1 EL-5 Riparian buffer enhancement in Preserve streams (headwaters protection) $319, % 1 EL-6 Streetscape tree canopy enhancements $129,800 5% 1 CL-1 Gateway feature at hinge point Ave E and Metlars lane $250,000 5% 1 CL-2 Major axes enhancement, east-west within campus RAC to central, north-south to Preserve, and entry at Preserve SE location $755,000 5% 1 CL-5 Green spine design in large surface parking lot (Yellow Lot) $401,000 5% 1 CL-6 Bike trail expansion on campus $111,000 5% 1 Preserve Management Plan $50,000 1 Provide a consistent way finding & signage program directing pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles $450,000 1 Invasives Management Plan- deer and vegetative control $50,000 1 Project review process 1 Maintenance - handbooks/plans for each new project Integrated into existing processes $1000, integrated into new project costs Table 3 Livingston Campus top priority retrofit and management opportunities and planning level costs. (Stormwater retrofit planning level costs based on Center for Watershed Protection published rates, on volume of stormwater treated, adjusted for 2009, and multiplied by the regional factor for NYC area. Ecological and Circulation planning level costs based on Biohabitats and Wells Appel professional experience, 2009) Biohabitats, Inc. Rutgers Stormwater and Landscape Management Master Plan xi

10 Priority Retrofit Recommended Project Description Time Frame/ Phasing Planning Level Annual Routine Level ID Short Capital Cost Maintenance Cost 0-3 yrs Medium Long 3-10 yrs >10 yrs Estimate (as % of construction costs) 2 RL-14 Livingston Rec 1: linear bioretention and native meadow conversion $150,000 5% 2 RL-15 Livingston Rec 2: bioretention $145,000 5% 2 RL-4 Bus Circle: bioretention and turf conversion $22,000 5% 2 RL-5 Student Center Parking: linear bioretention, turf conversion to west $80,000 5% 2 EL-1 Forest management and enhancement at RAC/Athletics $225, % 2 EL-3 Productive landscapes, student gardens $2,000 0% 2 CL-3 Revegetation in courtyards with formal native vegetation design Total cost will vary based on s c ale and de s ig n; Shade Tree $1,000/ea; Multi-stemmed tree $600/ea; Shrubs $50/ea 2 CL-4 Pedestrian route enhancement and desire line attention $374,000 5% 2 CL-7 Meandering E Street pedestrian paths, between Metlars Lane and Hospital Road $297,000 5% 2 Cl-8 Pedestrian bridge across Route 18 $250, ,000 5% 2 Develop design guidelines for gateway elements including signage, lighting, planting and architectural elements. 2 Develop a comprehensive program for sidewalk and crosswalk maintenance to address problematic areas as they occur $250,000 Primary Gateway $150,000 Secondary Gateway Rutgers to provide maintenance costs 2 Academic Research Agenda Integrated into curricular planning 2 Integrated Trails Master Plan $15,000 Table 4 Livingston Campus second level priority retrofit and management opportunities and planning level costs. (Stormwater retrofit planning level costs based on Center for Watershed Protection published rates, on volume of stormwater treated, adjusted for 2009, and multiplied by the regional factor for NYC area. Ecological and Circulation planning level costs based on Biohabitats and Wells Appel professional experience, 2009) xii Rutgers Stormwater and Landscape Management Master Plan Biohabitats, Inc.

11 Table of Contents I. Introduction The Vision II. Plan Development and Approach Process Existing Conditions Summary Planning Principles Design Guidelines The Green Infrastructure Approach to Master Planning Future Conditions Modeling III. Master Plan Stormwater Landscape Ecology Circulation and Connectivity Design Precincts IV. Recommended Approaches Campus Watershed and Stormwater Management Strategy Stormwater Management Best Management Practices (BMPs) Opportunities by Landscape Position Landscape Ecological Recommendations Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Three Native Habitat Analogs Circulation and Connectivity Gateway Recommendations Pedestrian Circulation Recommendations Bicycle Route Recommendations I-1 to I-2 I-1 II-1 to II-8 II-1 II-2 II-4 II-5 II-6 II-8 III-1 to III-19 III-4 III-8 III-14 III-16 IV-1 to IV-21 IV-1 IV-2 IV-2 IV-8 IV-13 IV-13 IV-16 IV-18 IV-18 IV-20 IV-21 V. Implementation Busch Campus Stormwater Ecology Policy and Research Circulation and Connectivity Livingston Campus Stormwater Ecology Policy and Research Circulation and Connectivity VI. References VII. Glossary Appendices A. Design Guidelines B. Plant List C. Observations: Landscape Setting and Ecological & Stormwater Management Inventories D. Future Conditions: Stormwater Modeling V-1 to V-13 V-2 V-2 V-4 V-5 V-6 V-8 V-8 V-10 V-11 V-12 VI-1 VII-1 to VII-2 A-1 to A-6 B-1 to B-8 C-1 to C- 49 D-1 to D-35 Biohabitats, Inc. Rutgers Stormwater and Landscape Management Master Plan xiii

12 Rutgers Stormwater and Landscape Management Master Plan Biohabitats, Inc.