Constructed Wetlands

NRE 501.022/023 (lab section)

Instructor: Prof. Chris Ellis

Meets: Tu 7-10PM

Course Description:

In this course, you will develop a basic understanding of constructed wetland components and functions.  You will learn how wetlands are dependent on, and affected by, the regional context around them.  With this knowledge the class will discuss how wetlands may be constructed to reduce contamination from urban runoff and function in much the same way as a local natural system.

Until recently, most communities saw wetlands as wasted spaceí¢â‚¬”unclaimed land.  Now communities are recognizing the value of wetlands as amenities, ecological services, wildlife conservation, and community identity.  Wetlands are able to ingest wastes from human activities while simultaneously providing amenities to community residents, and field laboratories for local schools.

Many cities and developers still treat stormwater as a flood safety issue alone without regard to regional water quality and ecological integrity.  New stormwater guidelines are being developed that regard water as a resource and aim to capture and treat it before infiltrating it into the ground or releasing it into surface water systems.  Constructed wetlands play an important role in removing contaminated sediments, nutrients and other impurities related to urban land uses.

Upon completion of this course, each student will be able to:

1. explain the basic functions and values of wetlands.
2. evaluate urban land use in terms of expected stormwater quality output.
3. estimate stormwater discharge volume using the NRCS TR-55 computer program
4. identify suitable wetland plants for use in a constructed wetland
5. design a constructed wetland

Please note that this course will fulfill one of the MLAí¢â‚¬â„¢s NRE 791 studio requirement.