Stormwater Management Project Efficacy Testing

In 2010, Johnson County Community College built a wetland in the Southeast corner of campus as a part of the stormwater management project, which plays a vital role in cleaning runoff from the parking lots on the South side of campus. Students were tasked with testing water that enters the wetland to determine the wetlands efficacy. Runoff water from the Galileo’s Pavilion Parking Garage was tested in a lab to determine the levels of harmful substances in the water, which was then compared to water remediated in the wetland. Testing concluded that the runoff from the lot, which runs directly into the basin, contains a large amount of harmful substances, which could potentially damage the surrounding ecosystem if not treated properly. After being treated in the wetland, the runoff’s levels of harmful substances decreased substantially. This research shows the necessity of the wetland in ensuring JCCC campus supports the wellbeing of the surrounding area through its environmental footprint.