When I heard about green infrastructure, the only installation my mind could point to was a green roof. Learning more about applications that help control stormwater, my knowledge of these structures had expanded. What is interesting about green infrastructure is that the design is obviously man-made, but the facilitation of the construct works in harmony with nature rather than against it. They often add an aesthetic appeal to an area while simultaneously benefitting the environment. The Gowanus Canal Watershed had added this type of infrastructure in October of this year, 2016. This construction is known as the Sponge Park and is located on Second Street on the west side of the Gowanus Canal. This green area is 1800 square feet and designed in such a way that it is able to capture, collect, and clean approximately one million gallons of storm water run off from the street. This essentially prevents overflow of the canal and sewers and ensures better water quality in the canal.

Green infrastructure installations usually entail large excavations which require a lot of monetary expenditures. The Sponge Park project was an approximate $1.5 million project. The plants chosen for the park work to filter the stromwater from contaminants allowing for access to a safe public waterfront. These contaminants include sulfur and volatile organic compounds. The way this system works is that storm water collects across the surface of the green park. It enters naturally filtrating bioswales with plants like the Honey Locust (Gleditsia) and Mulberry (Morus rubra). Next is a remediation wetland basin which has plants like the Hawthorn (Crataegus) and the Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrotis). These plants have vibrant colors and are suitable for average rainfall. However, if there is extremely heavy rainfall, water flows into shallow meadows, shallow marshes, and deep marsh planting zones. These plants can withstand 0-12” of standing water and include the Giant Miscanthus (Miscanthus Floridulus), Duckweed (Lemna minor), and the Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus serica). Finally, the excess filtered water flows into the canal. As a result, extra public space is offered as well as a safer environment to foster greater biodiversity.

Sources:

http://www.gowanuscanalconservancy.org/downloads/dlandstudio_GowanusCanal_SpongePark_9_24_08.pdf

Green infrastructure improves health of Gowanus Canal, beautifies neighborhood