Impervious?!
The Marshall Stormwater Project
Winding through Marshall’s 40 acre campus is Brewery Creek – aptly named because in early Duluth history the creek powered the water wheel at a local brewery. Today Brewery Creek is the watershed for the Central Entrance business district and the Central Hillside. When it rains in Duluth the stormwater collects all the dirt and debris from this compact and industrial area . The stormwater run-off carried to Lake Superior by Brewery Creek is some of the most polluted water in Duluth.
Marshall has been working on two strategies to reduce the level of pollution entering the creek from our campus. We are reducing impervious surface and treating the run-off that results from heavy rain and storms. Not only does this add to ongoing efforts to make our campus environmentally sustainable, but also creates important learning opportunities for Hilltopper students. Cleaning up the Brewery Creek Watershed allows students to practice site-based scientific investigation.
Impervious surfaces are a major cause of lake and stream pollution. Rainwater can’t penetrate impervious surfaces like asphalt. Since rainwater can’t soak back into the ground, it runs quickly into the nearest lake or stream. There is no filter for the pollution that ultimately washes into Lake Superior. This past year, we removed over 20,000 square feet of unnecessary asphalt behind Marshall’s tennis courts, areas adjacent to the football field, and behind the school’s “d-wing.” We are also working to properly treat run-off from surfaces like roofs and sidewalks that we can’t remove. Marshall students are creating rain gardens in strategic areas of the campus. The foliage and landscaping of the gardens is intentionally designed to filter and slow down stormwater, minimizing the amount that enters Brewery Creek.
These strategies also make good economic sense. Like many city governments, Duluth assesses businesses and organizations a utility fee for surface run-off. The steps that Marshall has already taken are expected to save the school nearly $3,000 this year – and every year in the future.
Marshall students are actively involved in the stormwater project. Fifth and sixth graders are planning and initiating projects to reduce our impact on the Brewery Creek watershed. The sixth graders recently created a water map that identifies how water flows on campus that will assist them in planning the locations of future rain gardens. Students also study the history of Brewery Creek, what it means to be part of a watershed, and examine their own use of water. As student Braxton Baker said, “I never knew water was so fascinating – I used to think it only made a difference if it was a tsunami.”
