Project Title: Zombie Ponds to living community ponds
Project head (Principal Investigator): Sarina J. Ergas (sergas@usf.edu)
Co PIs: Mauricio Arias, Mary Lusk, James R Mihelcic, Mahmood Nachabe, Christian Wells, Qiong Zhang
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 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 can protect and restore the heath and productivity of the Gulf of Mexico 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.
Contact Information
Dept. Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave. ENC 3300, Tampa FL 33620,
Sarina Ergas (Phone) (+1-813-974-1119)
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