BUP/MCP, University of Cincinnati, 2004, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning : Community Planning

Increased volumes of storm water runoff due to the implementation of impervious surfaces during urbanization has both economic and environmental implications, and is therefore a major issue confronting developers and municipalities alike. The purpose of this study is to estimate how much surface runoff, or storm water, will increase if specific sites in Amberley Village are altered according to suggested development plans for the area. Estimates of peak runoff flows are based on a specified rainfall event and are calculated using the TR55 / Soil Conservation Service (SCS) Curve Number methodology. ESRI's GIS software (ArcView 3.2 and Spatial Analyst, specifically) is the primary analytical tool through which the SCS curve number model is facilitated. Using GIS, the estimated amount of storm water before and after development is calculated and then before and after scenarios compared to calculate the estimated change in runoff. Areas immediately affected by the increased/decreased runoff are highlighted as well as areas downstream from the development sites. Results indicate that areas experiencing an increase in surface runoff are characterized by increasing impervious surfaces due to dense land uses while areas preserved as greenspace see runoff figures either remain constant or decrease.

Committee: Xinhao Wang (Advisor) Subjects: Hydrology