Zombie Ponds to Living Community Ponds

Introduction

Group shot of students adn staff in front of pond

Project Description

In underserved communities, stormwater ponds often become inert "Zombies," because of steep side slopes, restrictive fences, poor water quality, and trash. Our project will install novel bio-infiltration and floating wetland systems, containing biochar-amended media, around Aaran's pond in Tampa's University Area Community, one of Florida's most economically challenged neighborhoods. Experimental and modeling studies will demonstrate how biochar-amended bio-infiltration and floating wetland systems can protect and restore the heath and productivity of Florida's Gulf Coast by reducing runoff and nutrient discharges. The project will also investigate whether collaborative participation in pond co-design and outreach activities changes residents' perceptions of the value of stormwater infrastructures in their community.

Project Head (Principal Investigator): Sarina J. Ergas 

Co PIs: Mauricio Arias, Mary Lusk, James R Mihelcic, Mahmood Nachabe, Christian Wells, Qiong Zhang

Contact Information

Dept. Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave. ENC 3300, Tampa FL 33620

Partners