Use of green roofs for ultra-urban stream restoration in the Georgia Piedmont (USA)

Abstract

Stormwater management has tra-
\nditionally focused on the use of conveyances to
\nquickly move stormwater runo from urban cen-
\nters into nearby rivers, streams, and lakes. The
\nincreased 
\now caused by impervious surface cover
\n(ISC) leads to runo rates that are ampli ed by
\nkinematic processes as they travel through the mu-
\nnicipality's stormwater system. Elevated runo vol-
\numes and rates lead to high pollutant transfer and al-
\ntered hydrology that adversely a ects urban stream
\necosystems, water quality, and human health.
\nVegetated roof cover provides a means for re-
\nducing stormwater runo , while providing additional
\naesthetic and environmental bene ts. We tested
\nvegetated roof plots at the Boyd Graduate Studies
\nBuilding on the campus of the University of Geor-
\ngia from October 2003 to the present for their e ec-
\ntiveness in reducing stormwater 
\nows. Performance
\nresults were found for a large range of storm events.
\nSpatial analysis was performed in an urban water-
\nshed (Tanyard Branch watershed in Athens, GA) to
\nevaluate widespread green roof implementation. Re-
\nsulting management scenarios are discussed.