Current Stormwater Hydrology of Downtown Sewanee, Prior to Village Expansion

The downtown of Sewanee, TN is preparing to undergo a phase of development that will potentially result in a 250% increase in impervious surfaces. The Depot Branch watershed, a 134 acre plot, is presently made up of 20%... [ view full abstract ]

The downtown of Sewanee, TN is preparing to undergo a phase of development that will potentially result in a 250% increase in impervious surfaces. The Depot Branch watershed, a 134 acre plot, is presently made up of 20% impervious surfaces. Streams within developed watersheds in Sewanee generally exhibit undercut streambanks, declines in aquatic biodiversity, and flooding. Understanding that stormwater runoff is a potential issue with regards to downtown development, a stormwater management plan has been implemented, and has determined that watershed protections such as retention basins and permeable materials are recommended based on current stream conditions, the vulnerability of the streams, and the scale of proposed development. The purpose of our study is to establish a storm hydrograph and velocity-stage rating curve for the watershed of downtown Sewanee, TN. Our results will establish a baseline for the watershed prior to further development. This will facilitate future monitoring of changes in hydrologic response that result from the addition of impervious surface and the implementation of stormwater management projects. The Sewanee community has an obligation to protect its watershed integrity both on the plateau and below.