EcoFLow
Sustainable and Smart Stormwater Solutions for Future Generations of South Florida
Florida International University
Team Registration #: M-31
Salome Montoya Henao
M.S. Water Resources
B.S. Civil Engineering
Ana Malagon
B.S. Civil Engineering
Ripley Raubenolt
B.S. Environmental
Engineering
Angela Hogan
Project Lead
B.S. Civil & Environmental
Engineering
Vivek Verma
Ph. D. Civil Engineering
M.S. Civil Engineering
B.S. Civil Engineering
Arturo S. Leon
Ph.D., P.E., D.WRE
Faculty Advisor
Adriana Anda Colasacco
M.S. Environmental
Engineering
Sarah Solomon
B.S. Civil & Environmental
Engineering
Hector R. Fuentes
Ph.D, P.E., D.E.E.
Faculty Advisor
Abstract
The Florida International University Modesto Maidique Campus (FIU-MMC) is an urban
environment that is constantly developing, making it an ideal location for the implementation
of sustainable stormwater solutions. Located in the South Florida region, FIU-MMC constantly
faces issues regarding stormwater management due to climate change, the low ground
elevation, frequent storms, and natural habitat loss. South Florida is subject to extreme
environmental stressors, such as flooding, associated with the effects of climate change and
rapid urban development in the early 1900's, thus its dense population and infrastructure are
highly vulnerable. To address extreme flooding conditions and associated water quality issues,
EcoFLow couples existing conventional stormwater systems and green infrastructure
alternatives to preserve ecosystems and provide a wide array of benefits to people and wildlife.
Not only is EcoFLow proposing the implementation of sustainable and smart stormwater
technology, but also restoring historical Florida ecosystems with the creation of artificial
wetlands across campus. Using the existing features of the campus, EcoFLow creates an
interconnected system that mitigates flooding and stormwater pollution, improves air quality,
and conserves water while adding recreational, educational, and aesthetic value to the campus.
EcoFLow's proposal focuses on innovative and cost-effective solutions that will benefit FIU-
MMC while serving as a model, along with the Campus Master Plan, for green infrastructure
practices for FlU's growing and vulnerable community.
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I.	Introduction
The Florida International University Modesto Maidique Campus (FIU-MMC) is located in the
city of Miami, FL, a densely populated area with an extremely unique environment that faces
crucial challenges due to development, nutrient pollution, invasive species, and sea-level rise
(The Everglades Foundation). The Everglades National Park, which consists of free-flowing
wetlands, once covered land extending from Orlando to the southern end of the Florida
peninsula but was reduced 50% in size due to urban development and agricultural expansion
(Ingebritsen, et al., 95). In 2000, the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) was
authorized by Congress to provide protection to the South Florida ecosystem and invest more
than $10.5 billion into the largest hydrologic restoration project in the history of the U.S.
(National Parks Service). FIU-MMC lies roughly seven miles east of the Everglades, therefore
incorporating ideas from the CERP into FlU's plans for improving its stormwater management
system and restoring natural habitats is extremely important for FlU's and South Florida's
future.
FlU-MMC's goals for future stormwater management improvements include providing a system
that incorporates sustainable practices, protection of property, and maintenance of
groundwater water quality, which are further described in the Campus Master Plan 2010-2020.
After careful research, planning, and design, EcoFLow has developed a comprehensive proposal
consisting of innovative green infrastructure alternatives that address FlU-MMC's goals for
improving water quality, promoting water conservation and reuse, maximizing storage capacity
of sub-basins, as well as tackling the regional goal of restoring and protecting South Florida's
natural habitats and hydrological systems.
II.	The Problem and Challenge
At an average elevation of six feet, South Florida is highly susceptible to flooding due to rising
sea levels and frequent storms. According to FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps 12086C0269L
and 12086C0288L, the majority of the FIU-MMC campus is subject to flooding by the 1% annual
chance flood. The existing drainage system of the FIU-MMC campus is insufficient for future
large storms. Currently, the water bodies on campus are not interconnected, resulting in an
unbalanced system and drainage problems. Some existing drainage structures do not have
excess capacity for future development.
Site Description
FIU-MMC, located in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, covers approximately 353 acres. The
land use is estimated to be 73% impervious and 27% pervious land. The current stormwater
management system consists of exfiltration trenches, positive drainage systems, overland flow,
onsite lakes, and infiltration. After speaking with Stuart Grant, the Facilities Planning
Coordinator at FIU-MMC, he confirmed that mostly all stormwater runoff is handled through
catch basins and exfiltration trenches. According to the National Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS), there are three types of soils present at FIU-MMC; udorthents, hallandale fine
sand, and urban land (Natural Resources Conservation Service). According to percolation tests
conducted in the past, the soil drainage of FIU-MMC is satisfactory except in locations where
layers of muck have been buried due to early development of the campus (Grant). EcoFLow
obtained scaled aerial photographs from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and
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used Microstation to calculate the areas and volumes of six existing lakes on FIU-MMC. The six
lakes make up a total area of 3.60 acres and total volume of 18 acre-ft, assuming an average
depth of five feet.
Site Problem and Challenge
Existing features of the FIU-MMC campus and stormwater management systems do not
incorporate green infrastructure practices. Of the existing stormwater management systems,
the majority of the parking lots and portions of the roadways use exfiltration trench systems to
convey stormwater. Stormwater runoff from building roofs, plazas, and the arena is conveyed
through gravity-driven drainage systems that discharge to lakes on campus. The 15 lakes on
MMC are not interconnected, resulting in the no-full utilization of storage in some lakes while
producing flooding around some other lakes.
FlU's Campus Master Plan
The 2010-2020 Campus Master Plan includes plans and standards for improving existing
stormwater management systems, implementing environmentally-friendly systems to conserve
water and energy on existing structures, and creating green landscapes on all FIU campuses to
provide botanical and environmental educational values to the campus. Of the goals outlined in
the Master Plan, those pertaining to EcoFLow's proposed solutions are:
• Retrofit existing campus buildings with water- • Interconnect water bodies to maximize
saving devices	capacity
•	Improve the integration of existing and new
storm water retention areas as landscape
enhancement elements
•	Protect natural stormwater management and
hydrological areas from contamination
•	Water quality enhancements
•	Reduce the use of potable water for
landscape irrigation by expanding the use of
harvested greywater
•	Pervious walkways of 15 ft. width with
canopy shading
•	Meet water quality standards for discharging
into canals
• Relocate and incorporate existing valuable • Create landscaped areas, gardens, and
plant material in the areas of future	natural habitats to promote conservation
construction and development
Throughout the planning and design phases of the project, EcoFLow used the Master Plan as a
reference to ensure all proposed alternatives met the goals stated above.
III. EcoFLow's Proposed Alternatives
In order to address all the stormwater difficulties that FIU-MMC faces and prepare for future
storms, EcoFLow has proposed seven alternatives that adhere to green infrastructure practices.
Detailed descriptions of each alternative, including design considerations and calculations
performed, are described throughout this section.
Artificial Wetlands
Wetlands serve many purposes that can benefit FIU-MMC, including water quality
improvements, storage, habitat restoration, biological productivity, recreational use, and
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aesthetic value. EcoFLow has proposed the creation of 11 artificial wetlands across FIU-MMC,
with average depths of 2.5 feet, sloped sides (2H:1V), a total area of roughly 33 acres, and a
total capacity of about 3.4 million ft3. Because some of the proposed wetlands are located in
areas of high pedestrian traffic, unique elevated walkways will be constructed above the
wetlands for pedestrians to travel safely across campus. The walkways will be 15 feet wide and
will have 4-foot high railings for safety. Class II structural concrete will be used for the
substructure of the walkways (FDOT Structures Design Guidelines, 1-15) while pervious
concrete will be used for the deck of the walkways.
Stormwater will enter the wetlands directly from runoff, a pipe connection from an existing
drainage structure, or through the proposed remotely-operated and automated siphon system,
which is described in more detail on page 5. Prior to larger storm events, the siphon system will
be used to drain certain wetlands or lakes, providing extra water storage for the storm event.
Because most of the wetlands and lakes will be interconnected, the drainage will be in cascade
from high elevation to low elevation. The terminal discharge of FIU-MMC will be to the existing
C-4 canal, located to the north of the campus. To comply with SFWMD and Miami-Dade
County's Division of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) water quality criteria,
EcoFLow recommends that prior to any discharge of water directly from a wetland or lake to
the canal, the water must first be filtered to meet water quality requirements. The main
functions of the proposed wetlands on FIU-MMC are to remove pollutants from stormwater
runoff and maintain an interconnected and self-contained system that does not rely on
discharging to the canal.
Based on analysis of the various soil types present on FIU-MMC and characteristics of natural
Florida habitats, EcoFLow chose specific native flora for each of the artificial wetlands to
properly replicate three historical South Florida habitats. By incorporating these habitats,
EcoFLow is promoting restoration of South Florida's natural wetland habitats that existed in the
area prior to development. The different ecological characteristics of each wetland will also
serve educational purposes for FIU students and visitors. Proposed habitats and corresponding
native flora are:
Marl Prairie - Located in areas consisting of udorthent soil. A flatland with marl over
limestone substrate that is seasonally inundated. (Hypericum brachyphyllum,
Muhlenbergia capillaris, Flaveria linearis, Cyperus odoratus, and Cladium jamaicense)
Bayhead - Located in areas consisting of urban land soil with organic matter. A wetland
with peat substrate that is usually saturated and occasionally inundated. (Myrica cerifera,
Psilotum nudum, Canna flaccida, Salix caroliniana, Ilex cassine, and Sagittaria lancifolia)
Strand Swamp - Located in areas consisting of hallandale fine sands. A broad, shallow
channel with peat over mineral substrate that is seasonally inundated and has flowing
water. (Myrsine cubana, Pontederia cordata, Taxodium distichum, Acer rubrum, sabal
palmetto, Annona glabra, and Persea palustris)
After contacting local nurseries to obtain prices for each plant, EcoFLow determined that Silent
Native Nursery in Homestead, FL was the most viable option based on affordability and
proximity to FIU-MMC.
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Remotely-Operated and Automated Siphon Systems
Remotely-operated and automated siphon systems serve two purposes; (1) During flood
conditions, they allow the full utilization of the combined storage capacity of the wetlands and
lakes by diverting excess water from a storage system that is about to flood to another with
remaining storage capacity; (2) Prior to large storm events that are forecasted to produce
flooding, the remotely-operated siphon system can release water to the existing C-4 canal,
maximizing the storage capacity available for flood control on FIU-MMC.
The remote operation of the siphons
involves a decision support system (DSS) to
compute the schedule of optimal flow
releases in the siphons, water level sensors
in the wetlands and siphon hardware and
the programming logic controller (PLC) to
read the status of the sensors, establish the
communication (via 4G Cellular
connection) between the DSS and the
siphon hardware and perform active
control of the siphon hardware.
The schematic of the siphon system
hardware, programming logic controller,
and power is shown in Figure 1. The siphon
system consists of a PVC pipe, liquid level
switches, check valves, an air release valve,
an actuated valve, and a bilge pump, which
is only used for priming the pipe (e.g.,
filling the pipe with water before the
siphon operation). The level switches in the pipe are used for deciding when to prime or re-
prime the pipe (e.g., refilling the pipe). The setup is designed to maintain the pipe always
primed (e .g., water level is maintained between the two switches in the vertical pipe), so the
siphon system can be ready to receive an order for flood control. The two-level switches placed
in the wetland inform the system if the wetland is about to overflow or is too dry. All devices
that require power (e.g., actuated valve and bilge pump) are solar powered. For power needs
during the night and on cloudy days, the siphon system includes a battery backup, which would
supply the needed power for a period of up to 4.5 weeks without recharge. Because Florida has
very few cloudy days, the power needs would be guaranteed at least during the life time of the
battery.
The remotely-operated siphon system can be divided into three layers: data process and display
layer, data communication layer, and data acquisition layer. The first layer consists of the
sensor control software, which is used to turn on/off the pump and air vent and to control the
opening/closing of the outlet valve. The second layer consists of the shielded input/output (I/O)
connector and is used for communication between software and sensors. The third layer

Wetland
I
—**

Reservoir

M Reservoir

Dam


kfil
Kttinl
StrideLinx Cloud
Platform
Acquired data
Invoked services
Control center
router
Operator
Figure 1: Schematic of the remote operation, communication
and control of a network of storage systems for flood control
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collects the data on the status of the sensors, which allows it to perform a diagnostic of the
system and inform the decision maker if maintenance of any of the sensors is required.
In the actual implementation of the project, EcoFLow will have in total 30 siphon systems that
will be operated simultaneously using a decision support system (Figure 2) developed at FIU in
a MATLAB platform. The DSS utilizes forecasted data of precipitation (obtained from the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), hydrological modeling (HEC-HMS),
hydraulic modeling (HEC-RAS), and genetic algorithm optimization. The automated exchange of
data between these models is made via HEC-DSS files. Parallel computing is used for running all
models so the optimal solutions can be obtained much faster than those obtained when using
serial computing. In general, the time interval of parallel computations are between 1/20 and
1/100 of the time compared to serial computing. The DSS can be used as a guide for the
optimal water releases from a network of wetlands, detention ponds, and other storage
systems for mitigating floods. This approach can enable adaptive release of water from
wetlands hours or days ahead of rainfall events, thereby maximizing storage capacity and
minimizing flooding. For this approach to be implemented, conventional storage systems, such
as detention ponds, would be retrofitted (e.g., adding large gates) and the gates and siphons of
these systems would be remotely controlled in an integrated manner using the DSS. Figure 3
shows the software interface used to remotely control siphons in a network of wetlands,
detention ponds, and/or other storage systems. This software interface was written in C# and
can be easily modified to adapt to evolving needs and challenges.
Bioswales and Rain Gardens
The majority of stormwater runoff is currently treated through exfiltration trenches, but when
the water table is high, this form of water quality treatment is ineffective because the
perforated pipes are submerged. In order to capture stormwater directly and allow infiltration
into the ground, EcoFLow has proposed the implementation of bioswales along roadway
shoulders and rain gardens within parking lot medians.
The bioswales and rain gardens cover a total area of approximately 5.4 acres and are 1.5 feet
deep on average. They include native flora, such as Zamia integrifolia, Rondeletia leucophylla,
Asclepias, and Spartina bakeri, because of the various benefits these plants offer, including
increased biodiversity, air-purification, improved water quality, and pollinator attraction.
EcoFLow designed the bioswales and rain gardens so that 70% of the total area will consist of
flora, then estimated the surface area surrounding each plant based on their relative sizes, and
lastly calculated the quantities for each plant. For 10 different native plants, a total of 214,255
plants will be required for all the bioswales and rain gardens.
Rainwater Harvesting
The capture and reuse of rainwater for irrigation purposes is a sustainable alternative to using
potable water because it is easily captured and contained on-site, whereas potable water must
be pumped from water treatment facilities and purchased by FIU. Therefore, EcoFLow has
proposed to retrofit 12 buildings with rainwater harvesting systems in order to reduce
stormwater runoff, conserve water, and reduce costs associated with potable water
conveyance and use. Using the Rational Method for calculating surface runoff with an average
annual rainfall intensity of 0.007 in/hr for Miami (U.S. Climate Data), a total area of 19.7 acres
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for the roofs used as catchment basins, and a runoff coefficient of 0.95 for concrete roofs
(FDOT Drainage Design Guide), the rainwater harvesting systems are able to collect a total of
31.2 million gallons of rainwater annually. This captured rainwater can be used to irrigate
surrounding landscapes and vertical gardens, thus reducing potable water use by 31.2 million
gal/yr. The excess water can be conveyed to existing lakes and artificial wetlands as well.
The required storage tank volumes and quantities for each building were determined using the
Rational Method based on a 1-year, 24-hour design storm. An intensity of 0.22 in/hr was
obtained from an FDOT IDF Curve for Zone 10 for this design storm. A total of 36 tanks, ranging
in size from 2500 to 6000 gallons, are required for the 12 buildings. The storage tanks can be
purchased from the company National Tank Outlet, located within 165 miles of FIU-MMC. The
tanks will be installed adjacent to the buildings on the ground floor and will be wrapped with
green-designed vinyl for aesthetic purposes. Particles and contaminants will be filtered prior to
storage by installing Twist II Clean Screen Filters. These filters prevent damage and clogging in
the irrigation system by removing unwanted debris.
Vertical Gardens
The growth of vertical gardens along FIU-MMC buildings would reduce cooling costs for air-
conditioned buildings, reduce C02 emissions into the atmosphere, reduce heat islands and their
effect on wildlife and humans, decrease direct stormwater runoff, and bring tremendous
aesthetic value to FIU. The native Wild Allamanda (Pentalinon luteum) vine was chosen as the
vegetation for the vertical gardens due to its long lifespan and its capability to grow in USDA
hardiness zone 10B. These vines grow up to 10 feet tall and require full to partial sunlight. They
can be purchased at Sandhill Growers in Arcadia, FL. EcoFLow researched products that would
provide a rigid platform for the vines to grow on and determined that the "Basic Wall System"
designed by a company called "GSky" was the best option. GSky specializes in living green wall
systems and is located in Delray Beach, FL. The Basic Wall System consists of cage-like panels
measuring 5-10 feet tall prepared with an irrigation framework. To ensure that the vegetation
does not attach to the building itself, the steel frames will be placed 12 inches away from the
fagade of the building.
EcoFLow proposes to implement vertical gardens on walls facing west and south for six parking
garages and six air-conditioned buildings on FIU-MMC. The selected building wall heights and
widths range from 40-83 feet and 130-150 feet, respectively. The total area covered by vertical
vegetation is estimated to be 124,640 ft2, consisting of 361 panels, 87 planters, and a total of
348 vines. Using a correlation between average tree surface areas and the total area of wall
vegetation, as well as the assumption that trees can absorb C02 at a rate of 48 lb/year
(McAliney), the C02 sequestered by the vertical gardens was estimated to be 34,187 Ib/yr.
A drip irrigation system was chosen to water the vertical gardens using the collected rainwater
from the building roofs because it is a versatile and cost-effective method. Compared to
sprinkler irrigation, it reduces water losses due to evaporation and runoff by delivering water
directly to the roots of the vines. The system will consist of 1 gal/hr pressure-compensating
emitters, soil humidity sensors, vertical mainlines from the storage tanks to the highest
planters, lateral lines scaling the building horizontally at vertical intervals of 10 feet, drip lines at
every vine, slip ball valves, end caps, and pumps. Humidity sensors will be installed in each
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planter to detect dry-soil conditions, allowing the irrigation system to automatically deliver
water from the storage tanks when necessary. Along with this, the emitters will also deliver 1
gallon of water per week at a water pressure of 25 psi, except during Florida's rainy season
(May-October). The mainline will be connected to a pump that is connected to each water
storage tank. Water from the tank will be transported vertically along the mainline, laterally
across the width of the wall, and then delivered to each vine through the drip line. EcoFLow
determined that the vines will only require 9,733 gallons of water annually, based on the total
number of vines (348), a 28-week watering period (52 weeks minus 24 weeks for rainy season),
and an average watering rate of 1 gal/vine/week. This water demand is just 0.03% of the total
water supply of 31.2 million gallons/year calculated previously. Therefore, the excess water
collected from rainwater harvesting can also be used for irrigation in other parts of FIU-MMC.
Permeable Walkways and a Continuous Urban Tree Canopy
By creating a campus-wide permeable walkway and incorporating 10 permeable parking lots,
EcoFLow's design reduces the impervious area of FIU-MMC by approximately 14% by
converting roughly 48 acres of impervious land to pervious. The proposed walkway is a 7.5 mile
path throughout the campus, surrounded by an urban tree canopy to provide shading. The
pathway will allow infiltration of stormwater while providing a safe area for pedestrians and
bicyclists to travel across the campus. The pathway will be 15 feet wide, a requirement stated
in the Master Plan, which will allow half of the walkway to be dedicated space for pedestrians
to walk, while the other half will be for bicyclists to travel. The permeable parking lots will cover
35 acres of the campus.
The urban tree canopy along the proposed walkway will consist of relocated trees due to the
construction of wetlands, Gumbo Limbo (Bersera simaruba) trees, and Mahogany (Swietenia
mahagoni) trees, which are both native to South Florida. Mahogany is listed as a threatened
species by the state of Florida, therefore planting these trees around FIU-MMC will promote
conservative actions. The purpose of the urban tree canopy is to reduce the urban heat island
effect caused by human activity, sequester C02, provide wildlife habitats, increase the level of
comfort for pedestrians, and intercept rainfall that would otherwise travel to impervious
surfaces and gather pollutants along the way (Center for Watershed Protection). Using i-Tree
Canopy, an online application in which 500 random sample points within FIU-MMC were
selected and defined as either "tree" or "non-tree", EcoFLow determined that tree canopies
cover approximately 21% of the entire campus, or roughly 75 acres (of 353 acres).
After analysis of the number of existing trees located within areas of proposed wetlands, it was
concluded that approximately 136 trees would be relocated along the proposed walkway.
Based on a walkway length of 7.5 miles, an average tree spacing of 20 feet, and trees located on
both sides of the walkway for 60% of the total length, it was determined that a total of 2,376
trees would be needed (1,120 Gumbo Limbo, 1,120 Mahogany, and 136 relocated trees).
Average canopy spreads were assumed to be 50 feet and 32.5 feet for Mahogany and Gumbo
Limbo trees, respectively (Gilman and Watson). The total additional canopy area was then
estimated to be 72 acres based on the respective canopy spreads, the circular shape of the
canopies, and the quantity of each proposed tree. Therefore, EcoFLow's design increased the
area of tree canopies covering FIU-MMC from 75 to 147 acres (96% increase). Not only that, but
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based on the assumption that a single mature tree can absorb C02 at a rate of 48 lb/year
(McAiiney), the C02 sequestered by new trees was determined to be 107,520 ib/yr. By
increasing the tree canopy to now cover 42% of the campus, EcoFlow is also helping to reduce
the urban heat island effect and provide comfort and aesthetic value for the FID community.
IV. Flood Control
Using the EPA's Storm Water Management Model (SWMM), EcoFLow modeled the pre-
development and post-development stormwater management systems of FIU-MMC (Figure 2).
For both pre- and post-development, precipitation data was obtained from U.S. Climate Data;
sub-catchment areas were denoted with respective percentages of pervious and impervious
land; coordinates, invert elevations, and maximum depths of junctions were defined; and lastly,
sizes, depths, lengths, slopes, and roughness coefficients for pipes were specified in the model.
The SWMM model was then simulated using the Dynamic Wave Routing Model for processing
models rainfall/runoff and flow routing.
SWMM 5-1 - EPA_Rainworks.inp	— ~ X [I
I E'l«	jfiew Project geport Took ffimdow fcjelp	I
D & H & M vfl#, <3 n**	* gQ^

Auto-length: Off * Offsets: Depth - Flow Units: CFS » J Zoom Level: 100% X.Y: 857845.542. 519418.697 ft
Figure 2: SWMM Model
To create flood inundation maps, the results for each scenario were exported into ArcGIS. The
operations performed in ArcGIS to obtain the flood inundation maps included importing surface
data with respective coordinates, importing the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) obtained from
SFWMD for Miami-Dade County, using the Raster Interpolation tools in ArcGIS to create a
continuous surface of FIU-MMC from the sampled points, and lastly performing a cut-and-fiil
operation to generate the flood inundation map.
The final flood inundation maps were then generated for the pre- and post-development
conditions. The results indicated that the existing stormwater management system is
insufficient for mitigating flooding during a 25-year return period, as shown in Figure 3. When
artificial wetlands, rain harvesting systems, permeable pavement, and interconnection between
water bodies were incorporated throughout FIU-MMC, the results showed that flooding is
mitigated for a 25-year return period and peak flow is reduced by 8.4% (Table 1).
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Figure 3: Pre-development inundated areas on FIU-MMC for existing storm water management systems during a 25-year return
period
Table 1: Peak-Flow Reduction
Condition
Land Use
Area
(acres)
Runoff
Coefficient,
C
Composite
C
Rainfall
Intensity
(in/hr)
Discharge,
Q(cfs)
Total Peak
Flow
(ft3/s/acre)
% Reduction
of Peak Flow
4—1
C
Impervious
258
0.95

0.22



Pre-
Developme:
Conditions
Pervious
83
0.50
0.81
0.22
62.97
0.18

Water
12
0.00
0.22


Impervious
185
0.95

0.22



t/1
C
o
Bioswales
5
0.50

0.22



4-J
c
o
u
Permeable
Pavement
48
0.75

0.22


8.4%
c
CD
E
Q_
_o
OJ
>
aj
Q
Rain
Harvesting
20
0.95
0.74
0.22
57.69
0.16

Remaining







i
4—1
to
Pervious
59
0.50

0.22



O
Q_
Area








Water
36
0.00

0.22



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V. Water Quality Enhancement
For natural stormwater treatment, the water quality improvement across the 11 proposed
wetlands was estimated using empirical formulas developed by authors Kadlec and Wallace in
the second edition of Treatment Wetlands. The calculated percent removal of common
contaminants across the proposed free water surface wetlands are shown in Table 2.
Table 2: Natural Wetland Pollutant Removal Capacity
Pollutant Typical Influent Value in Computed Output Value in FWS Estimated % Removal Across 11
Stormwater, Q Wetlands, Ca Proposed Wetlands
BOD (mg/L)
17.20a
7.60
56%c
TSS (mg/L)
94.30a
22.25
79% d
Total Nitrogen
(TN) (mg/L)
2.83a
0.80
0.00
72% e
100% e
Total Phosphorus
(TP) (mg/L)
0.43a
0.05
0.00
88%f
100%f
Fecal Coliform
(#/100mL)
73000b
1053.19
0.00
99% 8
100%g
3 (Harper, 15) b (U.S. EPA, 5)
c
Calculated using First-Order Modeling for free water surface (FWS) wetlands, Co = 1.13*CiA0.67 (Kadlec and
Wallace, 242)
Calculated using regression of annual information, Co = 1.5 + 0.22*Ci (Kadlec and Wallace, 222)
e
Calculated using Plug-Flow Reactor Model based on the following values: average first-order areal rate constant
(k=22 m/yr) (Kadlec and Knight, 430), <10% k=1.2 (Kadlec and Wallace, 308), calculated hydraulic loading rate
(q=0.95 m/yr) based on a maximum flowrate of 345 m3/d for the siphon system and total area of 132,939 m2 for
proposed wetlands, assumed background concentration of zero (C*=0), and assumed apparent number of TIS of
zero (P=l) (Kadlec and Wallace, 166)
k=12.1 m/yr (Kadlec and Knight, 466), lower k=1.99 (Kadlec, 5), q=0.95 m/yr, C*=0„ and P=1 (Kadlec and
Wallace, 166)
g k=0.011 m/d (Kadlec and Knight, 538), q=0.95 m/yr, C*=0, P=1 (Kadlec and Wallace, 166)
VI. Engagement of Campus and Surrounding Community
An important goal of the EcoFLow project is to involve the FIU community and surrounding
community of Sweetwater in the planning, design, implementation, and operation of the
project. A campus "EcoFLow Project Organization" will be established to coordinate with the
FIU Facilities Department and engage the community with the project. The organization will be
responsible for hosting volunteering events with the community, contacting stakeholders for
support, and spreading awareness about the importance of green infrastructure. Volunteering
events will be held three times a month, in which FIU students, faculty, alumni, and community
members will join to conduct routine maintenance of the various alternatives implemented,
such as removal of invasive species from bioswales and rain gardens. The organization will also
be responsible for gathering volunteers to construct the bioswales and gardens in order to
reduce costs.
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As an educational contribution to the Sweetwater community, the organization will establish a
semi-annual STEM Day, in which local K-12 schools will attend FIU-MMC to learn about green
infrastructure practices. The event will begin with a tour of the stormwater alternatives
implemented, followed by a hands-on activity in which students will be able to design their own
solutions for various stormwater issues faced in South Florida. An event like this will attract
stakeholders and provide an opportunity for the EcoFLow Project Organization to establish
partnerships and gain financial support for the project. For example, space for informational
booths can be offered to stakeholders, such as engineering design firms, construction
companies, non-profit organizations, and government agencies, in which they can make a
financial donation to the project to secure a spot.
VII. Project Phasing
The EcoFLow Project will be implemented in four phases over a total period of about 7 years,
beginning in January 2020 and ending in December 2026. Construction of wetlands will occur
during the Summer-terms since less people attend FIU during those months. EcoFLow
estimates that wetlands 1, 5, and 7 will require 320 hours of work; 4 and 10 require 120 hours;
2 and 9 require 100 hours; 3, 8, and 11 require 60 hours; and 6 requires 40 hours.
Interconnection of water bodies and assembly of the siphon systems will begin as the wetlands
are constructed. Assuming the EcoFLow Project Organization volunteers can complete 1% of
the total bioswales and rain gardens each time they meet (3 times/month), the construction
will take about 34 months in total. Rainwater harvesting systems and vertical gardens will be
implemented simultaneously, completing an average of two buildings within 4 weeks. Due to
high activity at FIU-MMC during normal business hours, construction of the permeable
walkways must be conducted between 10 PM - 3 AM. Assuming 0.15 miles of the walkway can
be completed each night, the walkway will take 50 work days to complete. Assuming
construction of the walkway occurs 3 times a week, the total period of construction will take a
little over 4 months. The construction of the 10 permeable parking lots is divided over a period
of 5 years. Only one lot will be constructed at a time in order to minimize the conflicts involved
with reducing parking during construction. As a temporary traffic control plan during
construction, vehicles will be redirected to the neighboring Tamiami Park and a shuttle service
will be provided. Planting of the proposed trees will begin after completion of the walkway.
EcoFLow estimates that 10 trees can be planted in a work day. Assuming trees are planted 4
days/week, 15 months is required to plant all 2,376 trees.
The timeline for implementation (Table 3) was created in such a way that dates and
construction periods are flexible to allow adaptation to changing circumstances over time.
Table 3: Construction Timeline for EcoFLow Project
Phase 1
January - May
May - August
August - December
2020
EcoFLow Project Organization is established. Grants, loans, and other sources of
financing are researched. Future events are planned, including volunteering,
educational, and fundraising events. A strong relationship with the FIU Facilities
Department is established. Potential stakeholders are contacted.
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Phase 2
January - May
May - August
August - December
2021
Begin Construction
• Begin construction of permeable
walkway
• Construction of
wetlands 1 & 4
•	End construction of
permeable walkway
•	Construction of vertical
gardens & rain
harvesting for PVH1,
PVH2, & PVH3
2022
•	Construction of Parking Lot 5
•	Begin construction of bioswales
and rain gardens
•	Construction of vertical gardens
& rain harvesting for PG1 & PG2
•	Begin tree planting
•	Construction of
Parking Lot 9
•	Construction of
wetlands 5 & 10
• Construction of vertical
gardens & rain
harvesting for PG3 &
PG4
Phase 3
January - May
May - August
August - December
2023
•	Construction of Parking Lot 3
•	Construction of vertical gardens
& rain harvesting for GC
•	Construction of
Parking Lot 4
•	Construction of
wetlands 2 & 7
•	End tree planting
• Construction of vertical
gardens & rain
harvesting for PG5 &
PG6
2024
•	Construction of Parking Lot 2
•	Construction of vertical gardens
& rain harvesting for PC & ARE
•	Construction of
Parking Lot 7
•	Construction of
wetlands 9, 8,11, &
6
• End construction of
bioswales and rain
gardens
Phase 4
January - May
May - August
August - December
2025
• Construction of Parking Lot 1
• Construction of
Parking Lot 6

2026
• Construction of Parking Lot 8
• Construction of
Parking Lot 10
End Construction
VIII. Budget and Funding Sources
In coordination with the FIU Facilities Department, the EcoFLow Project Organization must
establish partnerships with stakeholders in order to gain financial support for the project. Based
on the cost of materials and labor, the total estimated cost for the project is $8.0 million (Table
4). This project is eligible to apply for the Home Depot "Retool your School" campus
improvement grant, which awards schools to make sustainable improvements to their campus.
Another promising option is the Knight Foundation, which granted $1 million to Harvard
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University to create solutions for some of the sustainability and resiliency challenges faced
Miami.
Table 4: Cost-Estimate for the EcoFLow Project
Alternative
Unit Price
Quantity
Total Cost
Artificial Wetlands
Bayhead Wetland Plants
$0.50-$95.00
/Plant
1,735
Plants
$22,244
Marl Prairie Wetland Plants
$0.50-$20.00
/Plant
970
Plants
$2,968
Strand Swamp Wetland Plants
$0.50-$95.00
/Plant
2,307
Plants
$35,038
Construction Costs:
Excavation/Compaction
$0.07
/ft3
4,330,421
ft 3
$282,035
Labor (Construction crew of 10 people)
$35.00
/hr
640
hr
$224,000
Total Wetland Costs:
$566,284
Remotely-operated and automated siphon systems
Liquid Level Switch
$17.00

120

$2,040
Bilge Pump
$30.97

40

$1,239
6" Clear PVC Utility Swing Check Valve,
Socket, EPDM
$124.71

80

$9,977
Air vent with solenoid
$11.00

40

$440
6" Solid PVC Schedule 40 Pipe
$3.96
/ft
600
ft
$2,376
6" Clear PVC Schedule 40 Pipe
$64.90
/ft
80
ft
$5,192
6" Schedule 40 PVC 90 Elbow Socket
$20.42

120

$2,450
6" Schedule 40 PVC Tee Socket
$31.41

80

$2,513
6" PVC Drain Cap
$4.89

40

$196
6" Schedule 40 PVC Coupling Socket
$9.32

40

$373
6" Schedule 40 PVC Van Stone Flange
Socket
$19.81

40

$792
6" EPDM Flange Gasket
$8.01

40

$320
Total Siphon-System Costs:
$27,908
Bioswales and Rain Gardens
Plants
$0.50-$50.00
/plant
214,255
Plants
$313,487
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Total Bioswale and Rain Garden Costs:
$313,487
Rainwater Harvesting
Tanks
$607-$3581
/tank
36
Tanks
$97,950
Labor (4 workers)
$35.00
/hr
40
hr
$5,600
Total Rainwater Harvesting Costs:
$103,550
Vertical Gardens
Tubing
$14.98
/250 ft
of tubing
3,240
ft
$194
Slip Ball Valve with Tee Handle
$0.06
/valve
590
Valves
$35
Emitters
$9.79
/30
emitters
348
Emitters
$114
End Caps
$0.67
/end cap
475
End caps
$318
Wild Allamanda Vines
$5.00
/vine
348
Vines
$1,740
"Basic Wall System" Panels
$130.00
/panel
361
Panels
$46,930
Singflo 24V Solar Water Pump
$85.00
/pump
24
Pumps
$2,040
Soil Moisture Sensors
5.95
/sensor
348
Sensors
2070.6
Labor (5 workers)
$35.00
/hr
480
hr
$84,000
Total Vertical Garden Costs:
$137,442
Permeable Pavement
Permeable Pavers
$1,849.00
/ 600 ft2
2,090,465
ft 2
$6,442,115
Labor (5 workers)
$35.00
/hr
400
hr
$70,000
Total Permeable Pavement Costs:
$6,512,115
Urban Tree Canopy
Gumbo Limbo Tree
$125.00
/tree
1,120
Trees
$140,000
Mahogany Tree
$125.00
/tree
1,120
Trees
$140,000
Labor (2 workers)
$35.00
/hr
1,600
hr
$112,000
Total Tree-Planting Costs:
$392,000
Estimated Total Cost for EcoFLow Project


$8,052,786
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X.	Conclusion
By examining the existing conditions of FIU-MMC and carefully reviewing the goals outlined in
the Master Plan, EcoFLow proposed seven green infrastructure alternatives for Fill's
stormwater issues. When implemented together, the alternatives achieved the desired results.
The incorporation of wetlands, bioswales, rain gardens, permeable pavement, and rainwater
harvesting systems reduces the impervious area of FIU-MMC by 21% and therefore decreases
the peak flow of the system by 8.4%; Rainwater harvesting reduces potable water use for
irrigation by 31.2 million gal/yr; Vertical gardens and urban tree canopies collectively
sequester 141,707 lb C02/yr; Artificial wetlands have the capacity to remove 56% BOD, 79%
TSS, 72-100% TN, 88-100% TP, and >99% fecal coliform from collected stormwater; The area of
tree canopies covering FIU-MMC was increased by 96%; The entire system was capable of
mitigating flooding within FIU-MMC during a 25-year return period.
EcoFLow's innovative designs address major sustainability goals outlined in the Master Plan,
including water quality enhancements, flood mitigation, habitat restoration, reduced runoff,
water storage maximization, and water reuse. Every aspect of the proposed designs was
carefully thought-out, taking into consideration sustainable practices that would help restore
the natural habitats of South Florida, enhance water quality, and mitigate flooding while
providing educational, recreational, and aesthetic value to FIU. In such a sensitive environment
that is highly subject to the negative effects of climate change, it is essential for FIU to consider
EcoFLow's proposal as a model for implementing green infrastructure practices in the near
future.
XI.	References
"Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP)." National Parks Service, U.S. Department
of the Interior, www.nps.gov/ever/learn/nature/cerp.htm.
Gilman, Edward F. "Urechites Lutea Wild Allamanda." EDIS New Publications RSS, Agronomy, 26
Oct. 2015, edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp595.
Ingebritsen, S. E., et al. "Florida Everglades." Land Subsidence in the United States, U.S.
Geological Survey Information Services, 1999, pp. 95-96.
"i-Tree Canopy." i-Tree Canopy: Define Project Area, canopy.itreetools.org/.
Kadlec, Robert H., and Scott D. Wallace. Treatment Wetlands. 2nd ed., CRC Press, 2009.
Kadlec, Robert H., and Robert L. Knight. Treatment Wetlands. 1st ed., CRC Press, 1996.
McAliney, Mike. Arguments for Land Conservation: Documentation and Information Sources for
Land Resources Protection, Trust for Public Land, Sacramento, CA, December, 1993
Office of Design, Drainage Section. FDOT Drainage Design Guide. State of Florida Department of
Transportation, Jan. 2018, www.fdot.gov/roadway/drainage/files/DrainageDesignGuide.pdf.
"Web Soil Survey ." USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service,
websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx.
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