Providence College Slavin Center

LID Type: Bioretention

Use: Institutional

Installer: Jacavone Construction Corporation

Designer/Developer: Symmes Maini & McKee Associates (Landscape Architect) and Fuss & O’Neill (Civil Engineer)

Install Date: 2009



Address: 1 Cunningham Square

Town: Providence

Zip Code: 02908

County: Providence

Contact:

Gale Gennaro

Director, Providence College Environmental Health & Safety

401.865.2549

ggennaro@providence.edu

The Slavin Center bioretention system captures and treats stormwater runoff from the Slavin Center lobby roof, walkways, and landscaped areas on the south side of the facility, as well as half of Hendricken Field, a total area of 3.5 acres.

The bioretention system is designed to capture and filter 1” of runoff from this drainage area, a volume of approximately 1,240 cubic feet (9,275 gallons). Additional runoff from larger storms flows into a drainage structure connected to a downstream storm drain.

Native wetland vegetation was planted to absorb nutrients and other stormwater pollutants and help control flooding. In addition, the bioretention system beautifies the landscape, providing a natural habitat for birds and small wildlife that play a role in a balanced ecology. Stormwater treated by the system’s processes is eventually discharged into to the local stormwater drainage system, reducing sediment loads on the city’s aging infrastructure.

A large interpretive sign designed by project landscape SMMA was installed to educate students and visitors about the bioretention system, including its function and benefits, as well as various other low impact development strategies.

Address: 1 Cunningham Square, Providence, RI 02908