Let’s celebrate World Water Day, March 22, with an interview with Dawson Garrod, Senior Civil Engineer, from the UVA Environmental Resources department about the native grass planting on Engineer's Way. His team oversees various water protection and conservation efforts on Grounds.
1 - Why is it important to strategically control stormwater on Grounds?
As development increases on Grounds and land use evolves over time, it becomes increasingly difficult for precipitation to naturally absorb into the soil. Coupled with a trend toward more frequent and intense storms, this shift is sending larger volumes of runoff into local streams at higher speeds, accelerating streambank erosion, degrading aquatic habitats, and increasing the risk of localized flooding.
2 - We would love to learn about the recent native grass planting on Engineer's Way that your department played a key role in installing. Can you describe the project?
This structure is a collaboration between Facilities Management, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and the Engineering School’s Link Lab. A valve installed in the biofilter’s underdrain system can be operated remotely to regulate soil moisture levels. This enables the Link Lab to conduct research and determine the most effective strategies for optimizing stormwater treatment in real time. By integrating control with soil sensors, weather forecasts, and other instantaneous environmental data, the Engineer's Way biofilter functions as UVA’s first continuous monitoring and adaptive control system for stormwater.
The concrete structure on Engineer’s Way has two components. The upper level is called an urban bioretention practice and the lower section is a landscape planter bed. Stormwater is collected from the pavement between Jesser Hall and the Mechanical Engineering Building and discharges to the upper section where the bioretention (or biofilter) is located.
Stormwater runoff passes through layers of engineered soil and an aggregate of rock and sand to filter out contaminants, such as excess nitrogen and phosphorus. As an added benefit, this slows the water’s release into the soil to allow more time to be filtered. It also ensures these cleaner discharges are released gradually into the stormwater system, helping to reduce the chances of downstream flooding.
In this project, using native plant species capable of thriving in both overly wet and dry conditions is an important part of how the system performs. Vegetation plays a critical role in nutrient uptake and overall treatment efficiency. Plants soak up stormwater through their root systems, reducing runoff, while simultaneously absorbing nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as certain metals, all of which contribute significantly to improved water quality.
3 - What are other ways we manage stormwater runoff and reduce pollution to waterways?
UVA’s most common way to manage stormwater is through structural best management practices (known as BMPs) like the bioretention on Engineer’s Way. We have a wide range of BMPs across Grounds including permeable paving, green roofs, stormwater detention and retention ponds as well as some prefabricated, engineered systems.
Here at UVA, our Environmental Resources group is responsible for keeping construction sites affiliated with the University in compliance with erosion and stormwater management regulations. Active construction sites are a significant source of sediment to local streams; therefore, the proper installation and ongoing maintenance of erosion and sediment control measures are essential for effective water quality protection.
Education and outreach are critical tools in preventing stormwater pollution. Helping our community understand the ecological significance of healthy streams can promote sustainable behaviors that keep our water quality clean and healthy. It takes all of us.
UVA is a founding member of the Rivanna Stormwater Education Partnership, an alliance of local Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit holders and area governments and institutions who work to advance public education, outreach, and community engagement on stormwater issues. The partnership’s mission is to promote informed participation and implement initiatives aimed at improving local water quality throughout the region.
4 - How can students and others play a role in helping to preserve and protect water here on Grounds?
The most important step students can take to protect local waterways is to develop strong clean water habits, and to practice them both on Grounds and in the broader community.
At its core, stormwater protection is guided by a simple principle: only rain should enter a storm drain or stream. Preventing or minimizing spills and runoff pollution can make a meaningful difference in water quality.
Other ways to keep our waterways clean include picking up pet waste, properly disposing of litter and cigarette stubs, maintaining vehicles to prevent fluid leaks, and avoiding pouring grease or fats down household drains. Together, these everyday actions can significantly reduce pollution and help safeguard local streams and rivers.
For students interested in becoming more actively engaged, UVA Clean Water (@uvacleanwater) is a student-led organization dedicated to addressing water quality issues. The group organizes a variety of engagement and outreach initiatives, including stream cleanups and public awareness campaigns. They welcome new volunteers and encourage innovative ideas to further their mission.
Finally, we'd love to know more about you, specifically what your role within Environmental Resources is and how long you have been with UVA!
As a civil engineer, I have spent the last 11 years working in Environmental Resources at UVA. I serve as the Program Administrator for the University’s Stormwater Management (SWM) and Erosion & Sediment Control (E&SC) Program. In this role, I oversee regulatory compliance efforts and help guide the implementation of campus-wide environmental initiatives. I am also closely involved in the construction oversight and maintenance of Best Management Practices (BMPs) and contribute to tracking and projecting the University’s Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements to support long-term water quality goals.
Thanks, Dawson!