Flood Control at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor Campus
The University of Michigan (U-M) has experienced a significant amount of flooding in recent years, affecting over 10% of its 500 buildings across the 1,500 acre Ann Arbor campus. Considering the complexity of U-M's campus, the damage to facilities and equipment caused by flooding can lead to substantial problems.

To combat the issue, U-M decided to address current conditions and to evaluate future construction. U-M established a team to study storm water flow on campus, comprised of environmental specialists, engineers, plumbers, utility and ground/landscaping individuals and an outside consultant. The team worked together to evaluate the storm water system using hydraulic models, determine the effectiveness of potential solutions for handling flood issues, and develop short-term and long-term solutions to flooding.

Short-term solutions were designed to protect buildings from flooding under the existing storm water system. They include measures such as pumps, backflow prevention valves, and waterproofing low entrances.

Long-term solutions, designed to provide flood protection from a 100-year storm event, were also developed. Some examples include construction of new storm water detention and retention facilities; replacement of undersized sewers; addition of catch basins where necessary, ensuring that inlets do not become clogged; flood-proofing; and construction of relief sewers.

As a result of this study, a one million gallon storm water basin on Palmer Drive for the new Life Science Initiative Building and the Palmer Drive Commons area was built. Also, a new retention basin is under construction on North Campus. U-M is continuing to evaluate several areas on campus, such as the School Girls Glen and South Campus, to determine the best ways to address storm water management.

The following pictures were taken during the construction of a wet detention pond located on the University of Michigan North Campus: