Developing a Stormwater Management Plan for Coastal Carolina University

The increase of impervious surfaces due to the continuous development of Coastal Carolina University's campus has the potential to turn CCU into a significant contributor of non-point source pollution. The Better Site Design resolution, signed last year by the CCU Senate, SGA and administration agreed to develop a stormwater management plan for the campus. This plan has been drafted as an undergraduate research project, where potential problem areas on campus were assessed with a goal to lessen the impacts of stormwater runoff from Coastal. The plan includes measures to educate administration and staff, implement best management practices and continue the monitoring of stormwater on campus. Field surveys of hot spot sites, pervious areas, streets and storm drains and stream reaches were conducted using evaluation sheets from the USRM-11 and USRM-10 manuals. These surveys were used to evaluate the campus with respect to stormwater and determine what potential retrofits and restorations would be most beneficial and cost effective. Interviews were conducted with certain individuals on campus who are involved in activities that may impact the effectiveness of Coastal's stormwater management. Expert opinions were obtained to determine the current status of impacted wetlands on campus and to help in developing restoration projects for these areas.