In partnership with the city of Columbus Ohio, the Blueprint Columbus initiative is an innovative plan to address the problem of sanitary sewer overflows while at the same time investing in Columbus neighborhoods and the local economy. It uses today’s technology to address the problem of rainwater in sanitary sewers by directing it to the storm sewer, where it belongs. Blueprint Columbus helps create clean, safe neighborhoods in Ohio’s largest city.
To start, PRIME AE analyzed the study area to establish whether green infrastructure and inflow/infiltration controls could help meet future stormwater regulations. We also examined private properties to see if abandoned parcels could be used to implement green infrastructure.
From there, we reviewed all relevant records, including flow data, record plans, stormwater reports, construction plans, and geographic information systems maps. We invested in boots-on-the-ground field work, included delivering residential notifications and performing house-to-house data collection, to uncover downspout locations, downspout and sump pump discharge locations, lateral locations, gutter conditions, and other features relevant to the drainage of individual properties.
In the end, our team designed and supported the implementation of storm sewer improvements for several neighborhoods, using solutions such as bioretention basins, curb bump outs, rain gardens, porous pavement, lining private sewer laterals, and downspout diversions. PRIME AE’s close work with the city of Columbus has empowered this ongoing initiative to improve quality of life for city residents.
