Robert Traver, Ph.D.
Mission: The mission of the Villanova Urban Stormwater Partnership is to advance the evolving field of sustainable stormwater management and to foster the development of public and private partnerships through research on innovative stormwater Best Management Practices, directed studies, technology transfer and education.
Research Direction
The potential for urban stormwater to deliver pollutants and increased flows to receiving waters over short intervals is well recognized as a problem that must be addressed. Volume and quality have joined peak flow as design parameters, radically changing the design approach of the stormwater profession. Design elements used to mitigate these effects termed Stormwater Control Measures (SCM) are still emerging (NRC 2008).
To both demonstrate and to learn about this emerging technology, Villanova created the Villanova University Stormwater Research and Demonstration Park www.villanova.edu/VUSP) a decade ago. SCM currently being studied include a Pervious Pavements, Bio Infiltration and Bioretention Rain Gardens, a Green Roof, Infiltration Trench, and a Stormwater Wetland. The research focus is to understand the engineering aspects of the SCM through determining the effectiveness in reducing stormwater runoff volumes, peak flows, and non-point source pollution.
Current Research Support is through the VUSP Corporate Partners, the William Penn Foundation, Pennsylvania Growing Greener and US EPA.
Research Capabilities
The VUSP uses the campus as a field laboratory. By monitoring wet weather flows and pollution entering and exiting multiple stormwater Stormwater Control Measures, the effectiveness of these technologies can be measured and evaluated. The experiences gained through the construction, monitoring and operation of these sites is the basis for the outreach component.
To support the large quantity of on going sampling and analysis, Villanova has developed the Water Resources Teaching and Research Laboratory (WRTRL). This laboratory supports research into the hydrologic and environmental performance of numerous on campus stormwater Best Management Practices.
Partners
Members
- Advanced Geoservices
- Amec
- Borton Lawson
- CH2M HILL
- Geosyntec Kleinschmidt
- Meliora Env. Design
- Momenee & Associates
- Princeton Hydro
- Van Note Harvey
Friends
Public Partners
- PA DEP, Bureau of Watershed Management
- PACD - Chester, Delaware, West Moreland
- Chester County Water Resources Authority
- Tredyffryn Township
- DRBC - Delaware River Basin Commission
- EPA III
- Philadelphia Water Department - Office of Watersheds
- Chesapeake Stormwater Network
Research Partners
- William Penn Foundation
- TVSSI - Temple-Villanova Sustainable Stormwater Initiative
- LID MARC - Low Impact Development Mid Atlantic Research Consortium: Villanova, University of Maryland, and North Carolina State
