Master of Environmental Science, Miami University, 2011, Environmental Sciences
Combined sewer overflows (CSO) associated with antiquated combined sewer systems (CSS), contribute to water and ecosystem impairment in many older cities throughout the United States. This report examines the effectiveness of a green infrastructure pilot program in reducing CSOs and also analyzes the attitudes of residents who participated in the program. This study focuses on the use of green infrastructure (rain barrels) within two CSO basins in Wyoming, Ohio. Methods include the use of GIS, a resident survey and a rainfall and runoff model. Although the Wyoming Green Infrastructure Pilot Program was not effective at reducing CSO, survey results indicated that the property owners who participated in the study generally had a positive experience with the program. This report also discusses the limitations of the study and provides suggestions for improved methods on future studies.
Committee: William H. Renwick PhD (Advisor); Sandra Woy-Hazleton PhD (Committee Member); Robbyn J.F. Abbitt (Committee Member)
Subjects: Conservation; Environmental Engineering; Environmental Management; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Water Resource Management