AK: Green Infrastructure Resource Guide for Fairbanks

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Green Infrastructure Resource Guide

for Fairbanks, Alaska

By

Sarah Heinchon, Cold Climate Housing Research CenterJe Murray, GW Scien c

November 20101st Edi on

Suggested Cita on:

Heinchon, S. & Murray, J. (2010). Green Infrastructure Resource Guide for Fairbanks Alaska. Fairbanks, AK: City of Fairbanks.

DISCLAIMER

Reference to any speci c commercial products, process, service, manufacturer, company, or trademark does not con-s tute its endorsement or recommenda on by the City of Fairbanks, Cold Climate Research Center, Fairbanks Soil and Water Conserva on District, or GW Scien c.

Acknowledgements

Development of this guide was made possible by:

American Recovery & Reinvestment Act fundsgranted by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry

We would also like to thank:

Jackson Fox, City of Fairbanks

Michael Lilly, GW Scien c

Joni Scharfenberg, Fairbanks Soil and Water Conserva on District

Michele Hébert, University of Alaska Fairbanks Coopera ve Extension Service

Lowe’s® in Fairbanks

Tanana Valley Farmers Market

Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Purpose and Need for Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Guide Development Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Research and Preliminary Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Demonstration Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Guide Compilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Green Infrastructure Design Considerations for Fairbanks . . . . . . . . 3Geology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Climate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Precipitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Water Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Selection and Adaptation of Green Infrastructure Applicationsfor Fairbanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Feasibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Cost-effectiveness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Ease of Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Level of Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Residential Best Management Practice (BMP) Comparison Table . . . . . . . . 6

Selected Green Infrastructure Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Rain Barrel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Rain Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Tree Pit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17In ltration and Flow-Through Planters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Dry Well . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Swales and Berms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Green Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Permeable Pavers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Grass Reinforcement Mesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Riparian Forest Buffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

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“Green Infrastructure” best managment prac ces (BMPs) can be used to manage wet weather runo through in ltra- on, evapotranspira on, capture, and reuse of water from rain and mel ng snow, and be done in ways that are cost-e ec ve, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. On a residen al scale, examples of green infrastructure include rain barrels, rain gardens, green roofs, permeable pavers, and an array of rainwater harves ng systems for non-potable uses such as gardening, lawn irriga on, and even toilet ushing. This Green Infrastructure Resource Guide is intended to be a resource for homeowners in the Fairbanks area who wish to construct these types of BMPs on their proper es. The guide provides background on the purpose and need for green infrastructure in the Fairbanks area, discussion of how this guide was developed, design considera ons for the Fairbanks area, and detailed installa on instruc ons for BMPs suitable for the Fairbanks environment.

Purpose and Need for GuideThe City of Fairbanks (City), incorporated in 1903, lies along the banks of the Chena River and Noyes Slough and has grown to a popula on of more than 35,000 within city limits. While residen al areas have necessarily expanded away from the river, the square footage of impervious surfaces, increase in monoculture plan ng such as lawns, and other urban development factors have contributed to a substan al amount of runo and pollutants that empty into the river and slough. The BMPs presented in this guide aim to assist the City and its residents in mi ga ng these runo concerns.

Guide Development ProcessIn December 2009 the Alaska Department of Natural Resources invited local governments across Alaska to apply for planning grants that would help prevent water pollu on and improve water quality in their communi es. The City partnered with the Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC), GW Scien c (GWS), and Fairbanks Soil & Water Conserva on District (FSWCD), and successfully applied for a grant to develop this guide for homeowners in the Fair-banks area. Development of the guide provided an intern posi on at the CCHRC to work with a team of design, hydrol-ogy, and educa on experts from the project team to evaluate and design cold-climate BMPs for residen al proper es, engage the community in small-scale demonstra on projects, and ul mately provide a planning resource for future residen al development, redevelopment, and retro t projects.

Research and Preliminary DesignDevelopment of the guide began by compiling each partner’s collec ons of research data and publica ons related to BMPs in Alaska and other cold-climate regions. The project intern completed a literature review of the data and pub-lica ons to assist the project partners with selec on of 10 BMPs appropriate for residen al use in the Fairbanks area based on the feasibility, cost-e ec veness, ease of installa on, and level of maintenance. The BMPs selected included the rain barrel, rain garden, tree pit, in ltra on and ow-through planter, dry well, swales and berms, green roof, permeable pavers, grass reinforcement mesh, and riparian bu er – each of which is shown in the guide with speci c cold-climate design adapta ons.

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Demonstra on ProjectsOnce the preliminary design work was complete, a series of small-scale demonstra on projects of the selected BMPs were completed using three approaches. The goal was to educate the public about BMPs and inform them about de-velopment of the guide. All of these demonstra on projects occurred in 2010, as follows.

The rst approach featured homeowner par cipa on in demonstra on projects, i.e., building a rain garden, 1. through reimbursement of materials and/or contractual labor costs up to $500 per residence. A total of six residences were selected by applica on using a process based on loca on and project type. For each project, the construc on process was well-documented by taking “before and a er” and step-by-step photographs, as well as tracking all materials, costs, and labor hours involved. Informa on regarding the performance of these BMPs will be collected at a later date.

The second approach included three in-store workshops: at the FSWCD Annual Tree Sale on May 22, Lowe’s 2. Home Improvement Center on July 10, and Tanana Valley Farmers Market on July 14. The workshops demon-strated how to construct some of the simpler green infrastructure applica ons, i.e., installing a rain barrel for water reuse.

The third approach was par cipa on at relevant special events: booths at the Interior Alaska Building Associa-3. on’s Home Show on March 26-28, Tanana Valley State Fair on August 7, and Chena Hot Springs Resort “Pollu- on Solu ons” 2010 Renewable Energy Fair on August 15. The inten on was to engage homeowners who may

not know about runo concerns, and provide them with simple, e ec ve solu ons to these problems.

Guide Compila onOnce the demonstra on projects were complete, the resource guide was assembled using the nal design drawings, construc on photographs, material lists, and re ned es mates of the material costs and labor hours associated with each green infrastructure BMP, and a thorough bibliography of addi onal print and online resources. For the BMPs for which demonstra on projects were not completed, stock photographs and representa ve cost/labor informa on were used un l local documenta on can be obtained.

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Lowe’s Home Improvement Center, July 10, 2010 Tanana Valley State Fair, August 7, 2010

GeologyFairbanks is located in the Tanana River Valley between the White Mountains and the Alaska Range. The valley bo om consists of permeable ood-plain alluvium, but the hills are covered in loess and perennially frozen silt. Discon nuous permafrost is also found on the north-facing slopes of hills and in the poorly drained lowlands (United States Geo-logical Survey, 1998). Permafrost greatly reduces the porosity of the soil and so a ects BMP e ec veness. In ltra on BMPs should not be considered in areas with shallow permafrost. Loess also creates very poorly draining soils, but these soils can be amended for in ltra on BMP use. The groundwater level in the valley bo om is usually between 5 and 20 feet below the surface, and is seasonally a ected. The lowest levels are just before the spring snowmelt, and the highest levels occur a er spring snowmelt (USGS, n.d.).

ClimateLocated in Alaska’s Interior, which is classi ed as a sub-arc c climate, Fairbanks experiences some of the largest, and most extreme, clima c varia ons in North America. From bi er cold in the winter to warm in the summer, the tem-perature varia ons alone can cause headaches when trying to create successful Green Infrastructure projects.

The Fairbanks area is dominated by solar radia on received throughout the year. In the summer months, the sun is above the horizon for as many as 21 hours per day. During this me, temperatures commonly reach into the 70s (F), and while not as frequently, they can also reach into the 80s and 90s (F). On average, temperatures reach 80 degrees or higher about 10 mes each summer. In the winter, when the sun is only above the horizon for a few hours, the average temperature dips well below zero degrees. Temperatures during the winter months vary dras cally, from as warm as 45 degrees (F) above to 65 degrees below zero (ACRC, 2010). As a result of the extremely long, cold winters, the ground begins to freeze in October and does not begin to thaw un l May (Shannon & Wilson, 2006).

PrecipitationThe average annual precipita on in Fairbanks is around 10 inches, with an average of only one inch per month in June, July, August, and September (Shannon & Wilson, 2006).

Snow covers Fairbanks from October through April, and snow cover is persistent throughout the winter. While fall is considerably drier than summer, it contributes the most snowfall. Winter and spring are even drier because the atmo-sphere is so cold, preven ng much water vapor from accumula ng.

Summer me rainfall peaks in July and August, but, as shown on the graph on the following page, consistent averages can never be expected.

The BMPs selected for Fairbanks are designed to process the rainwater runo in the summer and snow melt in the spring. Fairbanks experiences its peak water runo event in the spring when the snow melts - when most BMPs e ec- veness is reduced because the soil is s ll is frozen. However, in ltra on BMPs do gradually thaw the frozen ground.

This is accomplished when standing water is warmed by the sun, resul ng in the ground thawing and the standing water percola ng into the soil.

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Water QualityAs Fairbanks has become more urbanized, the quan ty of runo has increased while the quality has degraded. This is due to increased development and impermeable surfaces. As more area is developed, there are fewer opportuni- es for rain water and snowmelt to in ltrate into the ground. This not only increases the amount of runo , but it also

increases the amount of sediment, nutrients, bacteria, and contaminants being introduced into the nearby water bod-ies. Increased runo also increases the temperature of the water bodies, harming cold water species (Collins, Kosco, Scheibner, Schueler, & Swanson, 2009).

According to the Fairbanks & North Pole Storm Water Management Program Guide (City of Fairbanks & City of North Pole, 2010) “the main pollutants of concern from residen al land use are sediments, oil and grease, solvents and de-tergents, li er and debris, pes cides and fer lizers, nutrients, and pathogens.” The best way to reduce the impacts of these pollutants is the use of BMPs.

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Figure 1. Shows the 2008 and 2009 summer rainfall data collected from the CCHRC green roof, located about two miles from the northwest boundary of the City of Fair-banks. These amounts are compared to the historical rainfall average. June and July present good examples of the uncertainty of rainfall amounts from year to year. In both 2008 and 2009, CCHRC received slightly higher than average rainfall amounts in June. In July 2008, CCHRC received above normal amounts of rain, while, as previously stated, Fairbanks received almost no rain in July 2009.

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The primary focus of this guide was to develop do-it-yourself green infrastructure projects for homeowners in Fair-banks. Selec on of the projects, or BMPs, was based on several factors: feasibility, cost-e ec veness, ease of instal-la on, and level of maintenance.

FeasibilityThe rst aspect considera on was whether or not the BMP could perform in the Fairbanks climate. The climate here presents unique challenges in collec ng and using runo , including infrequent, heavy rains; a brief growing season; and permafrost and other frozen-ground condi ons. Many of the BMPs used in other states are simply not suitable for Fairbanks based on these climate condi ons.

Cost-EffectivenessThe cost of shipping was also a key considera on in selec ng BMPs for Fairbanks. Some solu ons, while prac cal and inexpensive at the outset, i.e., permeable concrete pavers, were cost-prohibi ve when shipping costs were factored in. Lighter-weight materials, like the grass mesh, proved to be more appropriate for Fairbanks. In addi on, few of the materials required for many BMPs are available locally.

Ease of InstallationIn focus with the intent of the guide, the most prac cal approach was to select and develop BMPs that local homeown-ers could accomplish themselves, or with a minimal amount of contracted help. There is one excep on to that rule in our group of BMPs - green roofs, which have been built atop log cabins for many genera ons in Fairbanks.

Level of MaintenanceThe level of maintenance for each BMP was also a key factor. Usually there is more maintenance required for BMPs in Fairbanks than would be required in less extreme environments. The higher the maintenance level, the more likely that the BMP will fail due to it not being properly maintained. Homeowners are also more likely to install a BMP that is easy to maintain.

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Residential BMP Comparison Tables

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BMPs Not Feasible for Fairbanks

BMPProject

CostEstimate

TimeEstimate

(days)

Ease ofInstallation

RunoffVolume

Reduction (%)

Maintenance Level

Porous Asphalt$8 - $10 per

sq 1 - 3 Di cult 45 - 75 High

Xeriscaping$10 - $15 per

sq 2 - 4 Di cult 10 - 20 Moderate

Reten on grading $1 per sq 3 - 4 Di cult 0 - 15 Low

A er considering all of these factors, the following 10 BMPs were selected. The cost es mates were calculated based on materials needed, equipment rentals, and shipping costs; and the runo volume reduc on percentages were derived from the Technical Memorandum: The Runo Reduc on Method (Collins, K., Hirschman, D., & Schueler Hirschman & Collins, 2008).

BMPs Feasible for Fairbanks

BMPProject

CostEstimate

TimeEstimate

(days)

Ease ofInstallation

RunoffVolume

Reduction (%)

Maintenance Level

Rain Barrel $70 - $200 1 Easy 40 Moderate

Rain Garden$10 - $15 per

sq 1 - 3 Moderate 40 - 80 Moderate

Tree Pit $10 - $100 1 Easy 50 - 90 Low

In ltra on andFlow-Through Planter

$60 - $250 1 - 2 Moderate 50 - 90 Moderate

Dry Well $10 - $20 1 - 2 Moderate 50 - 90 Moderate

Swales and Berms $3 - $7 per sq 1 - 3 Moderate 40 - 60 Moderate

Green Roof $20 per sq 5 - 10 Di cult 45 - 60 Low

Permeable Paver $10 per sq 1 - 2 Moderate 45 - 75 Low

Grass Protec on Mesh $1.25 per sq 1 Easy 10 - 20 Low

Riparian Forest Bu er $300 - $1000 1 - 4 Moderate 10 - 20 Low

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The following handouts were produced for homeowners to help them choose BMPs that are appropriate for their property and lifestyle.

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Sections of Each HandoutAn explana on of the BMP

Installa on di culty

Cold climate considera ons for the BMP

Materials list

Tools required

Installa on steps

A diagram of the BMP

Expected maintenance

Cost es mate

Time es mate

Pros and cons of the BMP

A list of sources for more informa on

List of HandoutsRain Barrel

Rain Garden

Tree Pit

In ltra on and Flow-Through Planters

Dry Well

Swales and Berms

Green Roof

Permeable Pavers

Grass Reinforcement Mesh

Riparian Forest Bu er

Rain BarrelDif cultEasy

Need free water?Installing a rain barrel to collect rain water for non- potable uses is an easy way to help the environment and to save money. Any person that can screw on a garden hose and has a saw and a screwdriver can install a rain barrel.

For Your Home

photo: www.composters.com

Updated 11-15-109

Steps:You can calculate the amount of water you can expect to collect using the size of your roof and the average rainfall 1. for Fairbanks. Fairbanks averages about 1.3 inches of rain each month from May to September. This will help you determine how many barrels you will want to install. A rain barrel calculator is available at:h p://cchrc.org/green-infrastructure.Level the soil at your site and use the cinder blocks to create a stable pla orm for the rain barrel. 2. Saw an opening about twice the size of your downspout in the top of the barrel for the incoming water.3. Drill a one-inch hole within four inches of the bo om of the barrel.4.

Materials:55-gallon barrel Garden hose valve Garden hose washer Plas c hose/tubing Plas c cement/silicon caulking Te on tape ¾” polypropylene compression bulkhead ng Small sheet metal screws Cinder blocks Wire screen Mosquito pellets made with Bt-israelensis (Bt-i) Universal downspout adapter or exible down spout extension

Tools:Drill 1” drill bit Small drill bit Keyhole saw Heavy-duty scissors Hacksaw

h p://thegardenpet.com/

www.make-my-own-house.com/

www.malcleanse.co.uk/ www.aquama on.co.uk/

Garden Hose Valve Bulkhead Fitting Mosquito Pellets Keyhole Saw

Cau on: Water collected in rain barrels is safe for grey water uses, i.e., watering plants and gardens (not including vegetables), but is NOT SAFE TO DRINK.

Cold Climate Considerations:The rain barrel must be disconnected from the downspout in the fall to prevent ice dams from forming in the gu ers. We also recommend that homeowners use mosquito pellets made with Bt-israelensis (Bt-i) or cover the top of the bar-rel to control the mosquito popula on.

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A ach the bulkhead ng:5. Remove the locknut from the ng, leaving the gasket on the body.a. Wrap Te on tape around the threads of the bulkhead ng.b. Insert the body through the hole in the tank from the inside, trapping the washer between the tank wall and c. the bulkhead ng. Screw the locknut back onto the body over the Te on tape.d.

A ach the wire screen to the hole on top of the barrel to keep debris out.6. Place mosquito pellets in the barrel (recommended). 7. Modify the downspout so that it directs water into the barrel:8.

Measure how tall your rain barrel is going to be including the height of the pla orm and up to ve extra a. inchesUse a hacksaw to cut the downspout at the appropriate height. b. A ach the universal downspout adapter or exible down spout extension.c. Place the rain barrel under the downspout so the water will ow into it. d.

Install waterproof heat tape in downspout and barrel (recommended).9. Set up the over ow system:10.

Drill a hole within three inches of the top of the barrel.a. Insert the plas c hose/tubing into the hole and glue into place.b. Direct the hose to a suitable runo area or another barrelc.

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For more information about the Green Infrastructure Project pleasevisit: www.cchrc.org/green-infrastructure

Sources:Aquabarrel Kits www.aquabarrel.comCity of Portland, Oregon, Rain Barrel Plans www.portlandonline.com/bes/index.cfm?a=182095&c=50367Drought Buster, Downspout rainwater redistributor www.cleanairgardening.com/drbudorare.html“Management of Mosquitoes in Stormwater Treatment Devices” by Marco Metzger h p://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu/pdf/8125.pdfMetropolitan Mosquito Control District www.mmcd.orgPlant Kingdom has 40-gallon barrels with a spigot already installed. 620 Fideler Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712 (907)457-5268 Rain Barrel Guide is a website with many ar cles on rainwater harves ng. www.rainbarrelguide.comSourdough Fuel sells new 55-gallon barrels. (907)456-7798x2Whatcom County, Bellingham, Washington, Rain Barrel Factsheet h p://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/compost/rainbarrel.htm

Cost Estimate:Pre-made: $80 - $200• Homemade: $70 - $200•

Pros:Reduces water runo • Increases groundwater •

in ltra onMinimal maintenance •

requiredRequires limited space• Collects rainwater for•

gray water uses

Cons:Freezing water can cause pipe blockage and defor-ma on of the barrel.

Maintenance:Replace the mosquito pellet every spring. • Clean o the wire screen periodically throughout the growing season. • Clean gu ers once a year to keep them clear.• Empty the barrel and divert the downspout a er the rst freeze in the fall. • Clean algae buildup yearly.•

Time Estimate:The project should take • about one to two days.

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Rain GardenDif cultEasy

Want to mow less?A rain garden is usually a low section of land that is assembled with water-tolerant plants that absorb rainwater and also lter out harmful chemicals. It is a very effective and attractive way of diverting runoff from your home’s gutters.

For Your Home

www.chisagoswcd.org

Updated 11-15-1013

Materials:Rain garden soil mix (if replacing exis ng soil) Organic fer lizer mix (10-20-10 in the spring) Appropriate plants Mulch (best to use mulched grass clippings or aged compost)

Tools:Shovel Tarp Digging fork Spade Camera Bow rake Roto ller

A rain garden is usually a low sec on of land that is assembled with water-tolerant plants that absorb rainwater and also lter out harmful chemicals. It is a very e ec ve and a rac ve way of diver ng runo from your home’s gu ers.

Steps:Choose an appropriate size for your rain garden. The more runo you can redirect to your rain garden, the larger 1. it can be. If you make the garden larger than can be supported by runo , you will have to water it more during dry periods. See h p://anchorageraingardens.com/RGmanualWEB.pdf for examples of how to calculate the ap-propriate size.Choose the right loca on for your rain garden:2.

Do not build a rain garden in permafrost.a. Note the direc on of runo and low spots where water collects.b. Make sure that the chosen loca on is downhill and at least 10 feet away from buildings with basements.c. Loca on should not be on or near sep c tanks or wellheads. d. Be aware of underground service lines or u li es. Call 907-278-3121, 1-800-478-3121 or go online ate.

www.akonecall.com to have the underground lines marked for you. It is a good idea to take a picture of the markings to record their loca ons.

Cold Climate Considerations:See list on page 16 for speci c plants that will survive in a Fairbanks rain garden.

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Once you have chosen a loca on, de ne the borders using non-toxic paint, stakes and string, etc. 3. Test the in ltra on rate of your soil:4.

Dig an eight by eight inch hole within the designated area a er the ground has had enough me to thaw in a. the spring.Fill the hole with water and check the depth of the water every hour for at least three hours. b. If the water level in the hole goes down on average at least one inch an hour your soil will be able to drain ef-c. fec vely for a rain garden.If it takes longer than eight hours for the hole to completely drain, then you will want to put a gravel layer d. under your rain garden.Most loca ons in Fairbanks have well draining soils. If you live in the hills surrounding Fairbanks, you may have e. poorly draining soils.

Remove sod, if needed, and dig a three to four foot deep hole, piling the soil o to the side onto a tarp. Making the 5. rain garden hole this deep and amending the soil will help ensure proper drainage.Loosen the soil in the hole with a digging fork or a roto ller. 6. You can place a layer of gravel before replacing the soil. The gravel should be no more than twelve inches deep. 7. Loosely pile the soil back in or replace the soil with rain garden soil mix: 50 - 60% sand, 20 – 30% topsoil, and 20 8. – 30% compost.Leave a ponding depth, the height of the nished garden bed should be lower than the height of the soil surround-9. ing the bed, of six to eight inches in the rain garden. This may mean that not all of the soil will t back in the rain garden. Redirect downspouts to ow into designated area by construc ng channels, swales, or pipes:10.

— To create berms along the downhill side of the rain garden:Pile up an appropriate amount of soil using le over soil from the rain garden hole. Usually ve inches tall is a. su cient to retain water but not drown plants.Compact the soil by walking on it and tamping it down well.b. To help minimize erosion of the berms, either put a two inch layer of mulch on the berm or plant drought c. resistant plants for ground cover. Rock Cress (Arabis arendsii), Gold Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia mummularia ‘Aurea’), and Field Pussytoes (Antennaria neglecta ‘Greene’) are some good choices.

— To create a swale from the downspout to the rain garden:a. The swale can be as wide or narrow as you want it, and does not need to be very deep. b. The slope of the swale should be not more than 3:1, horizontal to ver cal. c. Remove the sod and dig a trench with the dimensions you wish your swale to be. d. Once you have nished your trench, either replace the sod or reseed the swale. You will need to water the sod or seeds well un l they are established.e. A ach a universal downspout adapter to the downspout and redirect it into the swale.Grade the area so that water entering the garden will spread out over the whole bermed area.11. Plant selected plants.12. Feed plants using organic fer lizer mix.13. Put a three to four inch layer of mulch down to help retain moisture and deter weeds. 14. Water plants.15.

Maintenance:Weeding • Fer lizing• Watering, frequently un l the garden is established, then occasionally•

Cost Estimate:Self installed $3 - $7 per sq • Professionally installed•

$10 - $15 per sq

Time Estimate:This project could take one to • three days to complete.

Pros:Aesthe cally pleasing• Reduces water runo • Increases groundwater•

in ltra onIncrease property value• Creates habitat for birds•

and bu er ies

Cons:Surface freezing in the fall reduces • the water reten on poten alA restricted list of•

suitable plantsPossible breeding ground for•

mosquitoes

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Sources:Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Na ve Alaskan and Exo c Plants Used by Wildlife www.wildlife.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=birds.plantsLow Impact Development Center, Inc., Bioreten on Bene ts www.lid-stormwater.net/bio_bene ts.htmLow Impact Development, Rain Garden Design Templates www.lowimpactdevelopment.org/raingarden_design/index.htmCuyahoga Soil and Water Conserva on District, Rainwater Garden Plans www.cuyahogaswcd.org/gran unded-raingardens.htmMetropolitan Mosquito Control District, Mosquitoes and Rain Gardens www.mmcd.org/pdf/raingarden09.pdfMunicipality of Anchorage. (n.d.). Rain Gardens: A How-To Manual for Homeowners in the Municipality of Anchor

age. Retrieved April 21, 2010 from: h p://anchorageraingardens.com/RGmanualWEB.pdfRain Gardens of West Michigan, Rainwater Garden Plans www.raingardens.orgUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks Coopera ve Extension Service, A Key to Flower Growing in Alaska www.uaf.edu/ces/publica ons-db/catalog/anr/HGA-00139.pdf

Plants Suited to an Alaskan Rain Garden Key: Shade - | Par al Shade - | Full Sun -Plant Type Plant Name La n Name Growing Condi ons

Evergreen Shrubs Creeping Juniper Juniperus horizontalis

Deciduous shrubs

Saskatoon Serviceberry Amelanchier alnifoliaNanking Cherry Prunus tomentosaFlowering Almond Prunus triloba Rugosa Rose Rosa rugosaRoyalty Lilac Syringa x prestoniae ‘Royalty’Highbush Cranberry Viburnum edule

Evergreen TreesWhite Spruce Picea glaucaScotch Pine Pinus sylvestris

Deciduous Trees

Alaska Paper Birch Betula neoalaskanaSiberian Crabapple Malus baccataQuaking Aspen Populus tremuloidesAmur Chokecherry Prunus maackii

Perennials

Columbine AquilegiaAlaska Wild Iris Iris setosaOstrich Fern Ma euccia struthiopterisNa ve Bluebells Mertensia paniculataGlobe ower TrolliusCommon Yarrow Achillea millefoliumLarkspur / Delphinium Delphinium glaucumSiberian Aster Aster sibiricusAsia c Lily LiliumDaylily HemerocallisCranesbill Geranium Geranium erianthum

16

Tree PitDif cultEasy

Need more shade?Installing a tree pit is an easy way to improve the look of your yard. A tree pit will increase the health of your tree and your lawn. Trees need about one inch of water a week and are good water retain-ers.

For Your Home

Updated 11-15-1017

Steps:Find a suitable tree on your property or plant a new tree, using these guidelines: 1.

Should be downhill and at least 10 feet away from buildings with basements.a. Tree can be in a small depression, but not where water stands for more than a day.b. Loca on should not be on or near sep c tanks or wellheads. c. Be aware of underground service lines or u li es. Call 907-278-3121,d.

1-800-478-3121 or go online to www.akonecall.com to have the underground lines marked for you. It is a good idea to take a picture of the markings to record their loca ons.Test the in ltra on rate of your soil:2.

Dig an eight by eight inch hole within the designated area a er the ground has had enough me to thaw in a. the spring.Fill the hole with water and check the depth of the water every hour for at least three hours. b.

Materials:Gravel PVC pipe

Tools:Post hole digger or drain spade Drill Shovel Camera Tape measure

A tree pit is most o en a depression around a tree or shrub that allows diverted water to be absorbed by the plant, and lters out harmful chemicals. The pit can also be a hole that is lined with gravel around the tree to help retain water.

Cold Climate Considerations:See list on page 19 for speci c trees that will survive in a Fairbanks tree pit.

18

Plants Suited to an AlaskanTree Pit

Key: Shade - | Par al Shade - | Full Sun -

Plant Type Plant Name La n Name GrowingCondi ons

Evergreen Shrubs Creeping Juniper Juniperus horizontalis

Deciduous shrubs

Saskatoon Serviceberry Amelanchier alnifolia

Nanking Cherry Prunus tomentosa

Flowering Almond Prunus triloba

Rugosa Rose Rosa rugosa

Royalty Lilac Syringa x prestoniae ‘Royalty’

Highbush Cranberry Viburnum edule

Evergreen TreesWhite Spruce Picea glauca

Scotch Pine Pinus sylvestris

Deciduous Trees

Alaska Paper Birch Betula papyrifera var. neoalaskana

Siberian Crabapple Malus baccata

Quaking Aspen Populus nigra

Amur Chokecherry Prunus maackii

If the water level in the hole goes down on average at least one inch an hour your soil will be able to drain ef-c. fec vely for a rain garden.If it takes longer than eight hours for the hole to completely drain, then you will want to put a gravel layer d. under your rain garden.Most loca ons in Fairbanks have well draining soils. If you live in the hills surrounding Fairbanks, you may have e. poorly draining soils.

Use a post hole digger or a drain spade to make a few narrow holes around the tree. The holes should be between 3. three to six feet deep and six inches to one foot in diameter.Fill the hole with gravel or place a perforated PVC pipe in the hole. Fill with gravel.4. Redirect downspouts to ow into designated area by construc ng channels, swales, or pipes. Or use berms to 5. retain water if needed by piling up an appropriate amount of soil along the downhill side of the tree.

— To create berms along the downhill side of the tree pit:Pile up an appropriate amount of soil using le over soil from the tree pit hole. Usually ve inches tall is suf-a. cient to retain water but not drown plants.

Compact the soil by walking on it and tamping it down well.b. To help minimize erosion of the berms, either put a two inch layer of mulch on the berm or plant drought c. resistant plants for ground cover. Rock Cress (Arabis arendsii), Gold Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia mummularia ‘Aurea’), and Field Pussytoes (Antennaria neglecta ‘Greene’) are some good choices.

— To create a swale from the downspout to the tree pit:a. The swale can be as wide or narrow as you want it, and does not need to be very deep. b. The slope of the swale should be not more than 3:1, horizontal to ver cal. c. Remove the sod and dig a trench with the dimensions you wish your swale to be. d. Once you have nished your trench, either replace the sod or reseed the swale. You will need to water the sod or seeds well un l they are established.e. A ach a universal downspout adapter to the downspout and redirect it into the swale.

19

Pros:Improves tree health• Reduces water runo • Increases groundwater•

in ltra onRequires limited space• Easy to install• Inexpensive•

Time Estimate:This project could take one • half to one day to complete.

Cost Estimate:$10 - $100 per tree.•

Cons:Can’t process large volumes • of waterSurface freezing reduces the • water reten on poten al


Sources:TLC for Trees h p://www.tlcfortrees.info/transplan ng_landscape_trees.htmUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks, Coopera ve Extension Service, Transplan ng Trees Successfully h p://www.uaf.edu/ces/publica ons-db/catalog/anr/HGA-00335.pdfUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks, Coopera ve Extension Service, Managing Your Trees and Shrubs in Alaska Part Two: Plan ng Guide for Trees in Urban and Rural Alaska h p://www.uaf.edu/ces/pubs/catalog/detail/index.xml?id=132

Maintenance:Clearing debris from the area to keep rainwater owing into the pit and to maintain absorp on.

20

In ltration and Flow-Through Planters

Dif cultEasy

Want to water less?

A ow-through planter has an impervious bottom with a porous pipe that drains the water after it has been l-tered by the plants and soil. In ltration planters have a pervious bottom to allow water to in ltrate the ground below.

For Your Home

Updated 11-15-1021

Materials:Planter or raised bed Gravel Universal downspout adapter or

exible down spout extensionPo ng soil Mulch Plants Geotex le fabric Silicon caulking PVC pipe to correspond to the length

of the planter or raised bed

Tools:Drill One-inch drill bit Small drill bit Keyhole saw

Flow-through and in ltra on planters are very similar. A ow-through planter has an impervious bo om with a porous pipe that drains the water a er it has been ltered by the plants and soil. Another name for a ow-through planter is wicking bed. In ltra on planters have a pervious bo om to allow water to in ltrate the ground below.

Building a Flow-Through Planter:Find a suitable area on your property: 1.

Note the direc on of runo and low spots where water collects. These would be good loca ons for a dry well a. as long as they follow the loca on constraints below. Only roof runo should be redirected into a dry well. b. Make sure that the chosen loca on is downhill and at least ten feet away from buildings with basements.c. Loca on should not be on or near sep c tanks or wellheads. It is not advisable to plant a garden on top of the d. dry well.Be aware of underground service lines or u li es. Call 907-278-3121, or 1-800-478-3121 or go online at www.e. akonecall.com to have the underground lines marked for you. It is a good idea to take a picture of the markings to record their loca ons.

Using a one-inch drill bit, drill a hole about two inches from the bo om in the middle of one of the long sides of 2. the planter. This is for the in ow from the downspout to enter. Use the keyhole saw to make the hole large enough for the downspout adapter or exible down spout extension.Drill another hole about six inches from the bo om in the front of the planter close to the other end of the planter 3. without the in ow with the one-inch drill bit and use the keyhole saw to make the hole large enough for the smaller PVC pipe.Fill the bo om of the planter with about three inches of gravel.4. With the small drill bit, drill holes about one-half to one inch apart in the larger PVC pipe. Leave about three inches 5. of one end un-perforated. With the one inch drill bit, in the middle of the perforated PVC pipe drill a hole that will be large enough for the 6. downspout adapter or extension.Set up over ow system:7.

Drill a series of holes (about six inches apart) on the long side of the planter opposite of the in ow pipe.a. Place the holes at the top of where the gravel layer will be.b.

Seal the gap around the PVC pipe that extends from the planter with silicon caulking.8. Modify the downspout so that it directs water into the planter:9.

Use a hacksaw to cut the downspout at the appropriate height. a.

Cold Climate Considerations:The in ltra on and ow-through planters must be disconnected from the downspout in the fall to prevent ice dams from forming in the gu ers.

22

A ach the universal downspout adapter or exible downspout extension, mmaking sure the adapter/exten-b. sion is long enough to reach the planter.Bury the adapter/extension, or lay it on the ground.c. Insert the adapter/extension into the drilled hole on long side of the planter.d. A ach the adapter/extension to the perforated PVC pipe with silicon caulking, then seal the gap between the e. adapter/extension and the planter hole.

Put another two-inch layer of gravel all along the planter.10. Lay down a geotex le fabric to separate the gravel and soil.11. Fill the planter with soil. The soil should contain a high level of organic ma er. Try to not use soil with clay or silt in 12. it. This will ensure that the soil is able to support the wicking func on. Plant. Many plants will do well in the moist-to-slightly-moist soil condi ons which these planters will provide. Ask 13. your local nursery for advice on plants that will be happy in this kind of se ng. Mulch.14.

Building an In ltration Planter:Follow the same direc ons above with a few excep ons:1.

There should not be a bo om on the planter or foam along the bo om of the planter. This means that you may a. have to cut o the bo om of a planter or drill large holes in the bo om if you buy it pre-made. Do not want to build an in ltra on planter in permafrost. b. You will also need to test the in ltra on rate of your soil. c.

23


Sources:Charles River Watershed Associa on, Low Impact Best Management Prac ce (BMP) Informa on Sheet www.crwa.org/projects/bmpfactsheets/crwa_stormwater_planter.pdf

City of Portland Environmental Services, Flow-Through Planters www.portlandonline.com/BES/index.cfm?a=127475&c=31870

Hébert, Michele. Building the Ul mate Alaska Raised Box Garden by www.uaf.edu/ces/michele/ar cles/general_gardening/raisedBoxGardening.pdf

University of Alaska Fairbanks Coopera ve Extension Service, Raised Bed Gardening in Alaska www.uaf.edu/ces/publica ons-db/catalog/anr/HGA-00132.pdf

Cost Estimate:between $60 and $250•

depending on size and materials.

Pros:Can be placed right next to a•

buildingReduces water runo • Increases groundwater•

in ltra onRequires limited space• Minimal maintenance•

requiredEasy to install• Inexpensive• Aesthe cally pleasing•

Cons:Surface freezing in the fall reduc-• es the water reten on poten alA restricted list of suitable plants. • Only use plants that like moist to slightly moist soils.The perforated pipe can•

become blocked by ice or soilNeeds good soil for proper•

wicking

Time Estimate:This project could take • one to two days to complete.

Maintenance:Disconnect the downspout from the planter a er the rst freeze in the fall. • Weed when and if necessary. • Clean gu ers once a year to help keep debris out of the in ow pipe of the planter.•

To test the in ltra on rate of your soil:2. Dig an eight by eight inch hole within the designated area a er the ground has thawed in the spring.a. Fill the hole with water and check the depth of the water every hour for at least three hours. b. If the water level in the hole goes down on average at least one inch an hour your soil will be able to drain c. e ec vely for a rain garden.If it takes longer than eight hours for the hole to completely drain, then you will want to put a gravel layer d. under your rain garden.Most loca ons in Fairbanks have well draining soils. If you live in the hills surrounding Fairbanks, you may e. have poorly draining soils.

24

Dry WellsDif cultEasy

Does Your Yard Flood Frequently?

A perforated pipe that drains into a small pit lled with gravel. Only roof run-off should be redirected into a dry well.

For Your Home

photo: www.canalelandscaping.com

Updated 11-15-1025

Steps:Find a suitable area on your property: 1.

Do not build a dry well in permafrost.a. Note the direc on of runo and low spots where water collects. These would be good loca ons for a dry well b. as long as they follow the loca on constraints below. Only roof runo should be redirected into a dry well. c. Make sure that the chosen loca on is downhill and at least ten feet away from buildings with basements.d. Loca on should not be on or near sep c tanks or wellheads. It is not advisable to plant a garden on top of the e. dry well.Be aware of underground service lines or u li es. Call 907-278-3121, or 1-800-478-3121 or go online at www.f. akonecall.com to have the underground lines marked for you. It is a good idea to take a picture of the markings to record their loca ons.

Test the in ltra on rate of your soil:2. Dig an eight by eight inch hole within the designated area a er the ground has had enough me to thaw in a. the spring.Fill the hole with water and check the depth of the water every hour for at least three hours. b. If the water level in the hole goes down on average at least one inch an hour your soil will be able to drain c. e ec vely for a rain garden.If it takes longer than eight hours for the hole to completely drain, then you will want to put a gravel layer d. under your rain garden.Most loca ons in Fairbanks have well draining soils. If you live in the hills surrounding Fairbanks, you may e. have poorly draining soils.

Use a post hole digger to make a narrow hole. The hole should be three to six feet deep and one to three feet 3. wide.The dry well will last much longer if you line the hole with geotex le fabric to keep the soil separate from the gravel 4. ll.

Redirect downspouts to ow into the designated area by construc ng channels, swales, or pipes. 5. — To create berms along the downhill side of the dry well:

Pile up an appropriate amount of soil using le over soil from the dry well hole. Usually ve inches tall is suf-a. cient to retain water but not drown plants.

Compact the soil by walking on it and tamping it down well.b. To help minimize erosion of the berms, either put a two inch layer of mulch on the berm or plant drought c. resistant plants for ground cover. Rock Cress (Arabis arendsii), Gold Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia mummularia ‘Aurea’), and Field Pussytoes (Antennaria neglecta ‘Greene’) are some good choices.

— To create a swale from the downspout to the dry well:a. The swale can be as wide or narrow as you want it, and does not need to be very deep. b. The slope of the swale should be not more than 3:1, horizontal to ver cal.

Materials:Gravel Geotex le fabric Universal downspout adapter or exible down spout extension

Tools:Post hole digger Shovel Camera Tape measure

A dry well is a perforated pipe that drains into a small pit lled with gravel. Only roof runo should be redirected into a dry well. The following instruc ons are for a very simple dry well. If your yard frequently oods you may want to install more than one dry well.

Cold Climate Considerations:The dry well must be disconnected from the downspout in the fall to prevent ice dams from forming in the gu ers.

26

c. Remove the sod and dig a trench with the dimensions you wish your swale to be. d. Once you have nished your trench, either replace the sod or reseed the swale. You will need to water the sod or seeds well un l they are established.e. A ach a universal downspout adapter to the downspout and redirect it into the swale.Fill the dry well hole with gravel or place a perforated PVC pipe in the hole then ll with gravel.6. Line the top of the well with more geotex le fabric to keep the soil separate from the gravel ll. This will keep the 7. top soil and grass in place. It is not advisable to plant a garden on top of the dry well.

Varia ons:Direct ow dry well: You can a ach a PVC pipe to your downspout and burry it in a shallow trench that leads to the dry well. If you use this op on you need to make sure that you can disconnect the PVC pipe from your downspout in the fall to prevent ice dams from forming in your gu ers. This type is demonstrated (in the diagram below) (in diagram A) (in the direct ow dry well diagram).

Prefabricated dry well: There are mul ple dry well kits available for home installa on. If you purchase a kit, follow the manufacturer’s direc ons when installing it.

Intermediate sump box dry well: Instead of directly connec ng your downspout to the PVC pipe, you can have the downspout directed to a sump box. This box will collect the water and it will pass through a wire screen to keep debris out before it ows through the PVC pipe that is a ached to the bo om of the box. Consult the Middletown Township source below for more informa on on this type.

Direct Flow Dry Well

Basic Dry Well

27


Sources:Pennsylvania Stormwater Management Manual, French Drains www.bfenvironmental.com/pdfs/Frenchdrains.pdfPoribesh, Drywell for Stormwater Drainage www.poribesh.org/Documents/drywell.pdfTree People, Install a Drywell www.treepeople.org/install-drywell

Maintenance:Disconnec ng the downspout from the PVC pipe in the fall and reconnec ng it in the spring.•

Cost Estimate:$10 to $20 per well•

Pros:Reduces water runo • Increases groundwater• in ltra onRequires limited space• Minimal maintenance required• Homeowner can install • without assistance

Cons:Can’t process large • volumes of waterSurface freezing reduces • the water reten on po-ten alThe perforated pipe can • become blocked by ice or soil

Time Estimate:This project should take one • to two days to complete.

28

Swales and BermsDif cultEasy

Want to water less?A vegetated swale is usu-ally a grass-lined ditch that slows down runoff water ve-locity and in ltrate the wa-ter into the soil. Berms can be used to help retain runoff in a designated area along the downhill side of the lo-cation.

For Your Home

www.dscapes.com.jpg

Update 11-15-1029

Steps to create a vegetated swale:Choose the right loca on for your swale:1.

Note the direc on of runo and low spots where water collects.a. Swales can be used to convey roof runo to rain gardens, dry wells, or other areas of your lawn. Swales b. should not be used to direct runo into the street or other nonporous surfaces.Make sure that the chosen loca on runs downhill and ends at least ten feet away from buildings with base-c. ments.Loca on should not be on or near sep c tanks or wellheads. d. Be aware of underground service lines or u li es. Call 907-278-3121 or 1-800-478-3121 or go online at www.e. akonecall.com to have the underground lines marked for you. It is a good idea to take a picture of the mark-ings to record their loca ons.

Once you have chosen a loca on, de ne the borders using non-toxic paint, stakes and string, etc. 2. The swale can be as wide or narrow as you want it. a. The depth of the swale can be as deep as you like. For residen al purposes six inches or less is adequate. b. The slope of the swale should be not more than 3:1, horizontal to ver cal. c.

Remove the sod and dig a trench with the dimensions you wish your swale to be. 3. Once you have nished your trench, either replace the sod or reseed the swale. You will need to water the sod or 4. seeds well un l they are established.A ach a universal downspout adapter to the downspout and redirect it into the swale.5.

Materials:Appropriate plants Extra soil if needed Non-toxic paint, stakes or string Na ve plant seeds or grass seeds

Tools:Shovel Spade Camera Measuring tape

A vegetated swale is usually a grass-lined depression. Plants slow down runo water velocity and in ltrate the water into the soil. Swales can be used to redirect rainwater runo to rain gardens, tree pits, and dry wells.

Berms can be used to help retain runo in a designated area by piling up an appropriate amount of soil along the down-hill side of the loca on. The berms do not need to be very big, usually ve inches tall is su cient for this purpose.

Maintenance:Weeding • Fer lizing• Watering, frequently un l the vegeta on is established, then occasionally•

Steps to create a berm:Pile up an appropriate amount of soil. Usually ve inches tall is su cient to retain water but not drown plants.1. Compact the soil by walking on it and tamping it down well.2. To help minimize erosion of the berms, either put a two-inch layer of mulch on the berm or plant drought resis-3. tant plants for ground cover. Rock Cress (Arabis arendsii), Gold Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia mummularia ‘Aurea’), and Field Pussytoes (Antennaria neglecta ‘Greene’) are some good choices.

Cold Climate Considerations:See “steps to create a berm” for examples plants that will survive on a Fairbanks berm.

30

Vegetated Swale

Berm

31


Sources:Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Na ve Alaskan and Exo c Plants Used by Wildlife www.wildlife.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=birds.plantsTree People website, Build Berms www.treepeople.org/build-bermsUnited States Environmental Protec on Agency website, Na onal Pollutant Discharge Elimina on System, Grassed Swales h p://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/menuo mps/index.cfm?ac on=factsheet_ results&view=speci c&bmp=75

Cost Estimate:Self installed•

$3 - $7 per sq Professionally installed • $10 - $15 per sq

Pros:Aesthe cally pleasing.• Reduces water runo .• Increases groundwater•

in ltra on.Increases property value.• Creates habitat for birds and•

bu er ies.

Cons:Surface freezing in the • fall reduces the water reten on poten al dur-ing that season.A restricted list of•

suitable plants.Time Estimate:

This project could take one • to three days to

complete.

32

Green RoofsDif cultEasy

Want lower heating bills?A roof completely or partially covered with vegetation in a growing medium planted over several layers of water-proof membrane, root bar-rier, and a drainage board. A green roof can absorb up to half of the rainwater and greatly increase the insula-tion value of your roof.

For Your Home

Updated 11-15-1033

Steps:The following steps outline the basic elements of a modern green roof. Every green roof installa on is unique depend-ing on the building on which it is to be used. It is essen al that you consult a professional for more detailed and site speci c informa on before building or adding a green roof.

Consult an engineer to determine the proper structural adjustments needed for the building to safely support the 1. substan al extra weight of a green roof. Only a er your structure has been determined to support the extra weight should you begin any installa on of the green roof. To ensure the green roof is installed properly, hire a roo ng company that is familiar with installing these systems. A emp ng to install a green roof your self my nega vely impact your homeowners insurance policy.

Here are the Steps the installer will take to install a green roof:

Install a vapor control barrier on top of your roof structure.2. Then install the insula on. 3. Install a waterproof membrane such as 60 mil EPDM rubber membrane. This can also act as the root barrier. 4. Install a drainage layer such as a drain board.5. Install a moisture reten on mat on top of the drain board. This helps plant growth by retaining water and making 6. it easily available for plant use. Lay down the growing medium. There are several op ons of growing medium: inorganic and organic, as well as 7. engineered soils. Plant selected plants.8. Water the plants un l they are established and during dry periods if so desired. 9.

A green roof is completely or par ally covered with vegeta on in a growing medium planted over a waterproof mem-brane, root barrier, and a drainage board. There are two basic types of green roofs, extensive and intensive. An exten-sive roof has a layer of growing medium that is six inches or less. Extensive roofs can support the growth of grasses and some small shrubs. An intensive roof has a six to twenty four inch layer of growing medium. Intensive roofs can support larger shrubs and even trees. A green roof can absorb up to half of the rainwater that falls on it and greatly increase the insula on value of your roof.

Cold Climate Considerations:See list on page 35 for speci c plants that will survive on a Fairbanks green roof.

34

Cost Estimate:According to Green Roofs for • Healthy Ci es (see below for reference) green roofs cost $15 to $25 per sq . The green roof on the CCHRC building cost about $19 per square foot in 2006. These cost es mates are for professional installa on.

Pros:Reduces water runo • Filters water runo • Sound insula on• Heat insula on• Aesthe cally pleasing• Increases property value• Creates habitat for birds and • bu er iesCan have a much longer lifespan • than a tradi onal roofsGardening without having to • worry about moose etc.

Cons:High ini al cost• Extensive green roofs can weigh • ten to een pounds per square foot when fully saturatedSome buildings can’t be • retro ed because they can’t support the extra weight.Homeowner would need • assistance to construct.

Time Estimate:This project could take ve days • to over a week tocomplete.

Plants Suited to an Alaskan Rain Garden Key: Shade - | Par al Shade - | Full Sun -Plant Type Plant Name La n Name Growing Condi ons

Grasses

Nortran Tu ed Hairgrass Deschampsia cespitosaAlyeska Polargrass Arctagros s la foliaTilesius’ Wormwood Artemisia lesiiTundra Bluegrass Poa glauca cv. TundraArctared Fescue Festuca rubraMayweed TripleurospermumTall Jacob’s Ladder Polemonium acu orumArc c Goldenrod Solidago mul radiata var. arc caNootka Lupine Lupinus nootkatensisAlpine Sweetvetch Hedysarum alpinumWainwright Wheatgrass Elymus trachycaulusSourdough Bluejoint Reedgrass Calamagros s canadensisGruening Alpine Bluegrass Poa alpina

Below is the list of plants that were planted on the south green roof of the Cold Climate Housing Research Center in 2007. They have since naturalized, so not all species are currently represented in the bed. Take into account the amount of sun your roof gets when selec ng plants for your green roof.

35


Sources:Cold Climate Housing Research Center, Green Roof website h p://cchrc.org/green-roofGreen Roofs for Healthy Ci es website h p://greenroofs.orgGreen Roof Plants: A Resource and Plan ng Guide, by Edmund C. Snodgrass and Lucie L. Snodgrass, 2006 from Timber Press, Portland, OR.Living Roofs website h p://livingroofs.orgLow Impact Development Center, Inc., Green Roof www.lid-stormwater.net/greenroofs_home.htm

36

Permeable PaversDif cultEasy

Cement Patio Cracking?These porous concrete blocks allow water to pass through them and into the soil. Permeable pavers can be used instead of concrete or asphalt for driveways, pa-tios, and walkways.

For Your Home

photo: h p://fc03.deviantart.com

Updated 11-15-1037

Steps:Find a suitable area on your property: 1.

Do not place permeable pavers on permafrost. a. Only roof runo should be redirected onto permeable pavers. b. Loca on should not be on or near sep c tanks or wellheads.c. Be aware of underground service lines or u li es. Call 907-278-3121, or 1-800-478-3121 or go online at d. www.akonecall.com to have the underground lines marked for you. It is a good idea to take a picture of the markings to record their loca ons.

Prepair area. If there is an exis ng surface already remove old pavers. If in a new area remove sod, if needed, and 2. excavate down one foot deep.Compact the soil with either a hand tamp or a mechanical compactor. Using a hand tamp is not recommended for 3. large areas.Deposit a six inch (minimum) layer of compacted aggregate base.4. Lay down a layer of geotex le fabric to keep the sand in place and to prevent weeds from growing.5. Deposit a one inch layer of bedding sand.6. Install the edge restraints. Place the restraints along the perimeter of the project. These can be plas c, aluminum, 7. or steel and are available at most hardware stores. Install the permeable pavers following the manufacturer in-struc ons.Fill the joints by sweeping coarse sand or pea gravel over the pavers. Or plant moss or grass between the pavers.8. Compact the pavers with a hand tamp for small areas and a mechanical compactor for large areas.9. Spray the paved area with water to help compact the sand.10.

Materials:Coarse gravel Geotex le fabric Bedding sand and / -or pea gravel Permeable pavers Edge restraints Water

Tools:Hand tamp or mechanical compactor Shovel or excavator Hose Push broom

These porous concrete blocks allow water to pass through them and into the soil. Permeable pavers can be used in-stead of concrete or asphalt for driveways, pa os, and walkways, or in place of some concrete/asphalt.

Maintenance:Over several years some of the joint sand may erode away. If it does, just spread more joint sand over the pavers • and sweep it in.Weeding may be necessary throughout the summer to prevent weeds from colonizing the cracks between the • pavers.If the pavers become uneven you can remove the pavers in the a ected area, re-level the aggregate base (you may • need to add more sand) and reinstall the pavers. Sweep the pavers at least every spring to remove dirt and sand, which will prevent the loss of porosity of the pav-• ers.

Cold Climate Considerations:We only recommend composite pavers. Permeable concrete pavers will not last very long in our environment due to the e ects of freeze thaw cycles. Call your local nursery or hardware store for availability of pavers.

38

Cost Estimate:about $10 per square foot •

Pros:Reduces water runo .• Increases groundwater•

in ltra on.

Cons:Using sand for trac on • on or near the pavers can reduce the porosity of the pavers.

These are porous pavers produced by VAST En-terprises. They have permeability that is com-parable to tradi onal porous pavers, but they are made from recycled rubber and plas c so they are much more resistant to cracking. For more informa on please visit the VAST website at: www.vastpavers.com

Time Estimate:one to four days depending • on the size of the area

39


Sources:Interlocking Concrete Pavement Ins tute h p://www.icpi.org/Low Impact Development Center, Inc., Permeable Pavers h p://www.lid-stormwater.net/permpavers_bene ts.htmVAST Enterprises h p://vastpavers.com

40

Grass Reinforcement Mesh

Dif cultEasy

Can’t stand mud?A polyethylene grid placed directly on grass and se-cured with metal U-Pins or plastic pegs, the mesh helps stabilize the grass so that it can handle much more traf- c without damage.

For Your Home

photo: h p://fc03.deviantart.com

Updated 11-15-1041

Steps:Mow the grass on an established lawn. For a newly sown area the only prepara on is to make sure the soil is well 1. consolidated. The area can be sown before or a er the mesh is in place. Unroll the mesh over the selected area and let it stand for at least one hour to help it a en out.2. Secure the mesh to the ground with metal U –Pins:3.

Secure U-Pins along the middle of the mesh every three to six feet.a. Make sure to secure the perimeter of the mesh every twelve to twenty inches with the metal U –Pins.b. To join two sec ons of mesh, secure the two ends together with the metal U –Pins every twenty inches alongc.

the seam. Do not use the area un l the grass has grown through the mesh. This can take up to four weeks.4. Once the grass is long enough to mow, set the mower blades at a rela vely high se ng to prevent the blade 5. from cu ng the mesh. Once the grass has completely grown around the mesh, the grass can be cut normally.

Materials:Grass reinforcement mesh Metal U-Pins Grass seed (if star ng a new lawn)

Tools:Lawn mower

A polyethylene grid placed directly on grass and secured with metal U-Pins or plas c pegs, the mesh helps stabilize the grass so that it can handle much more tra c than a unprotected lawn, without damage. There are several grades of mesh, some of which are suitable for driving/parking vehicles and some of which is designed for foot tra c. The mesh can be used for everything from addi onal parking for a special event to a permanent pa o.

Maintenance:Mowing the grass as it grows up around the mesh.•

Cost Estimate:About $1.25 per square • foot.


in ltra on.Can be used to control mud • problems.Aesthe cally pleasing.• Increases property value.• Homeowner can install with-• out assistance.No excava on or soil removal • is required.

Cons:May not be able to use • snow plows over the mesh.Have to buy a •

minimum amount. Time Estimate:The project should take about • six hours depending on the size of the area.

Cold Climate Considerations: Most varie es of this grass mesh can withstand temperatures below -50 F. They should not be plowed during the winter, but they can be shoveled.

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Ground leveled, with mesh layed out prior to pinning.

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Sources:Boddingtons Ltd, GrassProtecta® Grass Reinforcement Protec on Mesh h p://www.grass-reinforcement.com/

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Riparian ForestBuffer

Dif cultEasy

Is A StreamEroding YourPorperty?A strip of wooded land ad-jacent to waterways. Forest buffers help reduce erosion, improve water quality, create wildlife habitat, and helps sustain aquatic life. Native plant species are preferred.

For Your Home

photo: www.kansasforests.org

Updated 11-15-1045

Steps:Remove nonporous surfaces within at least forty ve feet of the body of water. 1. Be aware of underground service lines or u li es. Call 907-278-3121, or 1-800-478-3121 or go online at www.2. akonecall.com to have the underground lines marked for you. It is a good idea to take a picture of the markings to record their loca ons.Plant na ve or naturalized plants to help reestablish undisturbed forest along the shoreline. 3.

This strip of land should be at least forty ve feet wide, although seventy ve feet is preferred.Water young plants un l well-established.4. Mowing or fer lizing this area is strongly discouraged.5.

Materials:Na ve or naturalized plants

Tools:Shovel

A riparian forest bu er is a strip of wooded land adjacent to a waterway. These bu ers help reduce erosion, improve water quality, create wildlife habitat, and help sustain aqua c life. Na ve plant species are preferred. Roots of ripar-ian vegeta on stabilize the stream bank and prevent stream bank erosion and sedimenta on, improving water qual-ity. Overhanging stream banks, stabilized by tree roots and large woody debris, can be important habitat for aqua c wildlife.

Maintenance:Water new plants un l they become established. • Remove trash and invasive plant species yearly. •

Cold Climate Considerations:See list on page 48 for speci c plants that will survive in a Fairbanks forest bu er.

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Cost Estimate:$300 - $1000•

depending on size of bu er and materials.


in ltra on.Minimal maintenance•

required.Creates habitat for birds and•

bu er ies.Helps maintain aqua c•

habitats.Helps keep water bodies cool.• Homeowner can install•

without assistance.

Cons:Requires land adjacent • to water.Can reduce the•

recrea onal uses of the shoreline.

Time Estimate:This project could take one • to four days to

complete.

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Sources:Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Na ve Alaskan and Exo c Plants Used by Wildlife www.wildlife.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=birds.plantsOhio State University, Vegeta ve Filter Strips: Applica on, Installa on and Maintenance h p://ohioline.osu.edu/aex-fact/0467.htmlPaci c Northwest Extension, A Homeowner’s Guide to Riparian Areas www.uaf.edu/ces/water/pdf/pnw552.pdfTanana Valley Watershed Associa on. (2010). Tanana Valley Watershed Associa on. Retrieved October 27, 2010 from: www.tvwatershed.org/content/University of Alaska Fairbanks, Coopera ve Extension Service, Transplan ng Trees Successfully www.uaf.edu/ces/publica ons-db/catalog/anr/HGA-00335.pdfUSDA, Natural Resources Conserva on Service, Riparian Forest Bu er Prac ce Job Sheet www.wsi.nrcs.usda.gov/products/w2q/strm_rst/docs/bu /Riprarian_Forest_Bu er_Prac ce_Job_Sheet. pdf

Plants Suited to an Alaskan Riparian Forest Buffer

Key: Shade - | Par al Shade - | Full Sun -

Plant Type Plant Name La n Name Growing Condi onsEvergreen Shrubs Creeping Juniper Juniperus horizontalis

Deciduous shrubs

Saskatoon Serviceberry Amelanchier alnifoliaNanking Cherry Prunus tomentosaFlowering Almond Prunus triloba Rugosa Rose Rosa rugosaRoyalty Lilac Syringa x prestoniae ‘Royalty’Highbush Cranberry Viburnum eduleWillow Salix bebbiana, lasiandra, or alaxensisThinleaf Alder Alnus tenuifolia

Evergreen TreesWhite Spruce Picea glaucaScotch Pine Pinus sylvestris

Deciduous Trees

Alaska Paper Birch Betula neoalaskanaSiberian Crabapple Malus baccataQuaking Aspen Populus tremuloidesAmur Chokecherry Prunus maackii

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Caraco, D. & Claytor, R. (December 1997). Stormwater BMP Design Supplement for Cold Climates. Ellico City, MD: Center for Watershed Protec on.

Collins, J., Kosco, J., Scheibner, R., Schueler, T., & Swanson, J. (June 2009). Alaska Storm Water Guide.Retrieved April 2, 2010 from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conserva on Division of Water web-site: h p://www.dec.state.ak.us/water/wnpspc/stormwater/docs/AKSWGuide.pdf

Collins, K., Hirschman, D., & Schueler, T. (April 18, 2008). Technical Memorandum: The Runo Reduc on Method.

Retrieved April 2, 2010 from the Virginia Department of Conserva on and Recrea on website: h p://www.dcr.virginia.gov/documents/stmrunredmethmemo.pdf

Fairbanks North Star Borough Department of Public Works. (March 2010). Storm Water BMP Design Guide.Retrieved April 2, 2010 from the Fairbanks North Star Borough Fairbanks Urbanized Area Storm Water Management Program website: h p://www.co.fairbanks.ak.us/pworks/stormwatermanagementprogram/BMP_Design_Guide_Final.pdf

Shannon & Wilson, Inc. (February 2006). BMP E ec veness Report 18-9001-15 Fairbanks, Alaska.Retrieved April 2, 2010 from the Fairbanks North Star Borough website: h p://co.fairbanks.ak.us/PWorks/StormWaterManagementProgram/BMPE ec venessReport.pdf

United States Geological Survey. (1998). Geologic Map of Central (Interior) Alaska Northeastern Region [Map]. Retrieved September 29, 2010 from h p://pubs.usgs.gov/of/1998/of98-133-a/

United States Geological Survey. (n.d.). Ground-Water Studies in Fairbanks, Alaska—A Be er Understanding of Some of the United States’ Highest Natural Arsenic Concentra ons.

Retrieved September 29, 2010 fromh p://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/fs-0111-01/fs-0111-01.pdf

USKH Inc. Water Resources Group. (December 2008). Low Impact Development Design Guidance Manual. Retrieved April 2, 2010 from the Municipality of Anchorage Watershed Management Services website: h p://www.muni.org/Departments/project_management/Publica ons/LID_Design_Guidance_ 1208.pdf

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AK: Green Infrastructure Resource Guide for Fairbanks

Technology

Transcript of AK: Green Infrastructure Resource Guide for Fairbanks