E-NEWSLETTER
This e-newsletter is the second in a series introducing the Colfax & Federal Interchange Transformation project. In this newsletter, you will learn about stormwater and its impacts on the study area.
Get involved and stay up to date!
Please visit the project website to learn more about the study and to find out about upcoming engagement opportunities. Also, don't forget to check out newsletter #1 to learn about mobility and transportation.
Vision Element Statements for Stormwater
The statements evaluate stormwater and environmental considerations through four lenses: Equity, Resiliency, Connectivity, and Health & Safety. They were developed by reviewing 23 prior studies and from stakeholder input and will guide decision-making throughout the design process.
Click on the graphic above to make it larger.
Did you know?
The Colfax/Federal interchange area has been subject to historic flooding. Therefore, stormwater management is a key consideration in the future redesign of this interchange and the surrounding area.
Photo: View of South Platte River flood damage in Denver, 1965. The photo shows warehouses, smokestacks, power poles, water, railroad tracks, and the Colfax Avenue viaduct.
The Colfax/Federal Interchange project area experiences local flooding during larger rain events.
Stormwater flows from the Sloan’s Lake area, east along 17th Avenue and toward the interchange and surrounding Stadium District area as it makes it way to the S. Platte River.
During a major storm event, the existing stormwater pipe infrastructure could be overwhelmed, causing excess water to flow through the streets and across the project area.
Floodplain Mapping
The floodplain is any land area susceptible to being inundated as the result of a flood.
On the map to the right, the floodplain is shown in blue. Light blue areas are more likely to flood than dark blue.
During a 100-year storm event about 400 cfs of water could come though the project site, which is equivalent to about 14,500 garden hoses on at the same time.
The way we build our communities has a direct impact on flood conditions.
One of the contributing factors to urban flooding is the amount of impervious surface - or paved surfaces - present within the area. Hard or paved surfaces do not absorb stormwater runoff, but tree canopy and vegetation can work to slow the flow of stormwater over the area and provide increased absorption of runoff into the soil.
The lack of tree canopy and vegetative diversity results in less absorptive capacity and greater surface water runoff which can increase flooding. The photo to the below reveals that the project area is comprised primarily of grasses and other weeds, yet lacks trees and diverse plant species.
Stormwater Best Management Practices
Stormwater management is the effort to reduce runoff of rainwater or melted snow into streets, lawns or other sites. Improving the water quality of that runoff can be an important practice that enhances the quality of our natural ecosystems and reduces the risk of property damage in the event of a storm.
Green Infrastructure
Green infrastructure design mimics nature and uses vegetation, soils and roots to slow, filter and treat stormwater runoff. Examples include: rain gardens, retention basins, bioswales, permeable pavers, green roofs, and creation or preservation of wetlands and open spaces. Visit the EPA website to learn more about the above mentioned best practices.
Green infrastructure is also key to managing water quality within the area.
In the image below, runoff from our homes, driveways and streets carries pollutants to our drainage infrastructure and to the S. Platte River or gulches. By increasing the level of vegetation within our local environments, we can minimize the pollutants that are carried to our waterways.
As we think about the future of this area, we must consider how future development will work in harmony with the natural environment.
Thank you for your time!!
Please visit the project website for updates and evolving details!
Credits:
Created with an image by Yoann Boyer - "Infinity"