Green Stormwater Infrastructure Strategies for Airports ACRP Project Mary Ellen Tuccillo, Ph.D.

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1 Green Stormwater Infrastructure Strategies for Airports ACRP Project Mary Ellen Tuccillo, Ph.D. May 18, 2017

2 What is Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI)? National Research Council: Green infrastructure refers to stormwater management practices that restore hydrologic functions to harvest, evapo-transpire, and infiltrate precipitation. In contrast to gray infrastructure (concrete pipes and structures and mechanical equipment) GSI maintains, mimics, or restores natural processes to manage stormwater as close as possible to its point of origin Examples of Green Stormwater Infrastructure best management practices (BMPs): Bioswales Filter strips Infiltration galleries Green roofs Permeable pavement Sand filters Water harvesting & reuse Bioretention cells/rain gardens Wetland treatment systems 5/24/2017 2

3 Project Goals Disseminate information needed to assess the feasibility of GSI at airports Help airports evaluate and select the most appropriate green infrastructure strategies Provide guidance on strategies for assessment and implementation (not design, policy, or regulatory guidance) Results of the Project Green Stormwater Infrastructure - Primer Green Stormwater Infrastructure Guidebook 3

4 Project Approach Literature review identify data gaps Data collection talk to the airports 15 airport participants: 3 focus groups (10 airports) 7 telephone interviews and written questionnaires Range of airport sizes, locations, and experiences with GSI Guidebook and Primer development TRB Senior Program Officer Principal Investigator Marci Greenberger James Jolley Airport Environmental Planning Mia Stephens (Cadmus) Greg Frederickson (Baker) Quintin Watkins (Baker) Mariben Anderson (Baker) Guidebook & Resource Development Michelle Young (Cadmus) Erina Keefe (Cadmus) Grey Benjamin (Cadmus) Project Team Stormwater Management Mary Ellen Tuccillo (Cadmus) Anna Lantin (Baker) Scott Taylor (Baker) Michael Barrett (Baker) Technical Advisory Paul Fendt (Parametrix) Mary Vigilante (Synergy) 4

5 Results of Literature Review and Discussions with Airports Water Quality and Quantity Concerns Pollutants of concern or drainage needs that might be mitigated by GSI. Associated regulatory challenges faced in planning or implementing GSI. BMP Selection, Siting, and Design Goals in BMP selection, siting, and design. Strategies used in different parts of the airport. Capital and O&M Costs How to estimate and what airports have experienced. How might O&M be best handled? Drivers Drivers for considering or implementing GSI at an airport (e.g., new development, system improvements, regulatory, sustainability goals) Wildlife Hazards How to manage wildlife hazards associated with stormwater management practices. 5

6 Drivers Promoting GSI Regulations Stormwater Regulations National Environmental Policy Act Mitigation Environmental/Sustainability Goals Environmental Drivers Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Goal of becoming the greenest airport in the world (American Rivers 2015). Focus on reducing peak runoff volume by infiltration. BMPs: Permeable pavement, constructed bioswales, rainwater harvesting. Planning bioretention systems. Land suitability analysis that identified 38 percent of the airport land as highly suitable for GSI implementation (American Rivers 2015). REGULATORY DRIVERS Regulatory considerations were consistently mentioned as a primary driver by participating airports. Local regulations were cited as drivers as they often mandate the implementation of GSI during development or redevelopment of airport property. 6

7 Management of Wildlife Hazards Strategies to Avoid Creating Wildlife Attractants Ensure detention ponds drain between storms. Use bird balls, wire grids, pillows, wildlife fencing, and/or netting to deter wildlife. Design steep-sided, linear stormwater detention systems. Locate ponds away from the AOA. Install grates or other exclusion devices on all outfalls to prevent wildlife access. Remove vegetation in and around ponds. Use stormwater infiltration systems when possible. A primary concern for all participants Has been dealt with in a variety of ways. Pond with Bird Balls at Northeast Ohio Regional Airport (Michael Baker International) 7

8 Green Stormwater Infrastructure - Primer Describes: the essentials of stormwater management and GSI Audience: airport managers, planners, engineers, and aviation consultants Graphics and sources: additional resources at each stage. Goal not to reproduce existing documents Topics covered Overview of stormwater management at airports History of stormwater regulations at airports Green vs. gray infrastructure Basic information on GSI BMPs Benefits of GSI Applicability of GSI to airports Challenges 8

Primer Stormwater Permitting Program Resources Applicability to Airports NPDES MSGP Associated with Industrial Activity NPDES Permits for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer

Figure 10: Bioretention at Austin Bergstrom International Airport (M. Barrett 2015) NPDES Construction General Permit https://www.epa.

9 Primer Stormwater Permitting Program Resources Applicability to Airports NPDES MSGP Associated with Industrial Activity NPDES Permits for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) All airports (operating under SIC codes ). Airports discharging runoff to MS4s, or airports designated as MS4s. Figure 10: Bioretention at Austin Bergstrom International Airport (M. Barrett 2015) NPDES Construction General Permit construction-general-permit-cgp-and-relateddocuments Airports with areas of construction of one acre or more. 9

appropriate GSI strategies Tables and text boxes special topics, airport examples In-depth case studies Step 1:

10 Green Stormwater Infrastructure - Guidebook Provides a basic process that airport managers of any airport size or type can follow to: Assess their stormwater management needs, including whether GSI may be applicable Learn about and select appropriate GSI strategies Tables and text boxes special topics, airport examples In-depth case studies Step 1: Understanding GSI Step 2: Gathering Information Step 3: Screening GSI BMPs Step 4: Examining GSI BMPs Step 5: Evaluating GSI Feasibility 10

Step 1: Understanding GSI Applicability of GSI at Airports Drivers (regulatory, environmental) Advantages of GSI Environmental Drivers Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Seattle-Tacoma included in

control, and using green stormwater infrastructure (where feasible) for airport industrial stormwater.

11 Step 1: Understanding GSI Applicability of GSI at Airports Drivers (regulatory, environmental) Advantages of GSI Environmental Drivers Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Seattle-Tacoma included in its strategic plan its commitment to GSI: Strategy 3, Objective 6: Water Quality: Contribute to the restoration of Puget Sound and local receiving waters by providing water quality treatment, flow control, and using green stormwater infrastructure (where feasible) for airport industrial stormwater. (Port of Seattle 2015) Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Located at the source of the water-stressed Flint River basin, Hartsfield- Jackson Atlanta International Airport set the ambitious goal of becoming the greenest airport in the world (American Rivers 2015). Regulatory Support Implementation issues for airports Barriers - actual and perceived Barriers REGULATORY DRIVERS Regulatory considerations were consistently mentioned as a primary driver by the airports that participated in the focus groups and interviews for this project. Local regulations were also cited as drivers as they often mandate the implementation of GSI during development or redevelopment of airport property. 11

12 Step 2: Types of Information Needed to Assess and Implement GSI Assess your facility s needs Identify and assemble relevant information (permit requirements, wildlife hazard management, financial information, etc.) Consult with necessary departments Will help in tying GSI into airport master planning. May be useful to prepare to communicate with stakeholders 12

13 Step 3: GSI BMP Screening Clarify which areas of the airport may or may not be suitable for GSI Identify which BMPs may be appropriate Airside and landside tables 13

14 Step 3: GSI BMP Screening 14

performance, maintenance, costs Figure 20.

15 Step 4: Examining Best Management Practices Information for 9 GSI BMP types: design features that can be customized, issues and constraints, performance, maintenance, costs Figure 20. Vegetated filter strips along runway at Seattle- Tacoma International Airport. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport 15

Step 5: Evaluating GSI Feasibility for Airports Lead the use through a careful evaluation of the BMPs of interest using sets of guiding questions Use all

16 Step 5: Evaluating GSI Feasibility for Airports Lead the use through a careful evaluation of the BMPs of interest using sets of guiding questions Use all relevant information to conduct discussions with other airport staff as well as external stakeholders Guiding questions illustrated with hypothetical airport example 16

17 Step 5, Category 1: Coordination with Overall Facility and Regional Planning and Stormwater Management 17

18 Step 5, Category 2: GSI Design and Performance: Water Quality (Pollutant Removal) and Quantity (Runoff Peak Flow and Total Volume) 18

19 Step 5: Category 3: Capital and O&M Costs and Implementation 19

20 Step 5, Category 4: Management of Wildlife Hazards 20

21 Step 5: Next Steps Review information to date and identify data gaps that need to be filled and concerns that need to be addressed before plans can be made to move forward. 21

22 Case Study: Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac) Highlights of GSI BMPs Bioswales receiving stormwater directly from streets and parking areas Vegetated filter strips installed along runways Enhanced bioswales polishing discharge from upstream detention ponds. Installation of Ecology Embankment BMP By 2008: Approx. 33 bioswales 5 infiltration facilities 10 runway filter strips Additional BMPs in the future 2016 SEA stormwater management manual 22

zinc levels in the stormwater runoff Cell Phone Lot

23 Case Study: SeaTac Media filter swale with layers of highly permeable, highly reactive sands to reduce zinc levels in the stormwater runoff Cell Phone Lot Bioswale (installed October, Vegetated March, 2016) 23

24 Case Study: SeaTac Vegetated Filter Strips installed along the airfield in pre existing grassy infield areas along all runways and taxiways Configuration of filter strips with catch basin and conveyance pipe layout. 24

25 Case Study: SeaTac Lessons Learned To minimize hazards from open water associated with GSI Prevent wildlife access (e.g. netting) Discourage wildlife (e.g. high-density planning, undesirable vegetation) Capital costs for GSI not a major challenge To minimize GSI operation and maintenance (O&M) Consider O&M requirements and include O&M staff during design Complete upstream pollutant source control as much as possible prior to installation of new BMPs Consider installation of GSI BMPs at end of pipe rather than near the source Identify and reserve land for future GSI BMPs (potentially at end of runways in RSAs) 25

26 Case Study: San Diego International Airport Highlights of GSI BMPs Artificial turf infiltration area Porous pavement areas at rental car center, general aviation parking, south public parking area Bioswales at rental car center Rain gardens with curb cuts in medians Green Build Expansion Project Constructed between 2010 and 2013 Terminal 2 parking lot incorporated LID designs Permeable pavers throughout site and along perimeter 26

27 Case Study: San Diego West Side Artificial Turf Infiltration Area 27

28 Case Study: San Diego Green Build Landside Parking Lot Area View of porous pavers in parking spots Rental Car Center Bioswales 28

29 Case Study: San Diego Lessons Learned Capital costs for GSI are not major challenge Deterioration of porous pavement does not appear to be a major operational issue Wildlife attractants are not a major issue as open water is minimized and endangered species habitat maintained adjacent to the runway and taxiway Local regulatory climate is increasing current and future use of GSI 29

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32 EXTRA SLIDES 32

33 San Diego West side artificial turf infiltration area 33

34 San Diego -Rental Car Center Bioswales 34

35 San Diego - South Public Parking Lot Area View of porous pavement along the center low point of the parking area 35

36 San Diego - Green Build Landside Parking Lot Area View of rain garden 36

37 Applicability of Green Stormwater Infrastructure at Airports GSI strategies can provide effective stormwater management as well as deliver a variety of benefits to airports, such as: Environmental benefits (e.g., improved water quality, groundwater recharge); Aesthetic benefits (e.g., landscape improvements); Economic benefits (e.g., potentially lower capital and O&M costs, reduction in the airport s energy and other operational costs); and Social benefits (e.g., demonstration of stewardship to communities and stakeholders). 37

38 Implementation Issues for GSI Best Management Practices at Airports The challenges associated with implementing GSI at airports include: 1. The perceived barrier of higher capital and O&M costs associated with all GSI strategies, 2. Compatibility with the varying landscape and other characteristics at airports (e.g., climate, topography, site hydrology, facility experience with stormwater management), 3. Limited data on soil characteristics and detailed, activity specific stormwater characteristics, 4. Understanding and acceptance of GSI practices by local and state permitting authorities and practitioners, 5. Creation of hazardous wildlife habitat (attractant), 6. Compatibility with FAA design guidelines, and 7. Predicting and verifying GSI performance. 38

39 SeaTac Ecology Embankment 39

40 Case Study: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Figure 2: Raingarden/Bioretention Facility at ABIA 40

41 Case Study: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Figure 4: Rainwater Harvesting at ABIA Taxi Waiting Area 41

42 Green Stormwater Infrastructure Primer Topics cont d: Benefits of GSI: reducing flooding, protecting water quality, potential cost and energy savings, stewardship and aesthetics Applicability of GSI to airports: Airport land uses and associated pollutants Avoiding creation of wildlife hazards Challenges: FAA safety regulations Retrofit costs Familiarity with GSI Maintenance Evaluation of effectiveness 42

43 Step 3: GSI BMP Screening 43

44 Step 3: GSI BMP Screening 44

45 Pollutant Concerns from Airport Land Uses Land Use Sediment Nutrients Heavy Metals Bacteria Spills Notes Runways and Taxiways Low Medium High Unlikely Highly unlikely Metals from brake pad wear and rubber accumulation Ramp Area Medium Medium Medium Low Likely Isolate to manage spills Service Roads Low Medium Medium Unlikely Highly unlikely Terminal and Other Buildings Low Medium Low Unlikely Highly unlikely Avoid metal structural materials and cladding (e.g., metal roofs) to keep metal concentrations low Parking Lots Medium Medium Medium Unlikely Highly unlikely Rental Car Centers (quick turnaround areas) Low Low Low Unlikely Unlikely, except in areas where fueling occurs. FBOs Medium Medium Medium Low Likely Isolate to manage spills Maintenance Hangars Medium Medium Medium Low Likely Isolate to manage spills Outdoor Parking of GSE Medium Medium Medium Low Likely Isolate to manage spills Note: Based on professional judgement of document authors. 45

Green Infrastructure & Low Impact Development

Green Infrastructure & Low Impact Development CITY OF COVINGTON STORMWATER MANAGEMENT WHAT IS GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE? Green infrastructure uses vegetation, soils and natural processes to manage water and