Ecological Planting
As we revitalize the marina, we will create a landscape that reconnects the site with the Spa Creek watershed and local ecology. Over 120 trees, 2,894 shrubs, and over 13,000 native perennials and grasses will be planted on-site. There will be a new generation of forest canopy created. The urban biodiversity will be enhanced through the selection of habitat-rich species that also participate in the improvement of stormwater quality through the capture of harmful contaminants and pollutants.
Green Roof Benefits
We will be including a green roof on the property. It will be strategically located on one of the maritime village buildings, preserving the water-views of the adjacent neighbors. Additional benefits of this green roof include:
Intercepts stormwater: plants and soil filter the rain-water, either delaying water run-off or releasing the water back into the atmosphere. This process eases the burden on local watersheds and reduces soil erosion.
Contributes to evapotranspiration: water is stored in green roof soil and is released back into the atmosphere through transpiration and evaporation.
Decreases the heat island effect: plants and soil on the roof help to warm the building during the winter months and cool the building during the summer.
Diminishes UV Damage: a green roof protects the roof’s membrane, which extends the life of the building materials.
Water Quality Plan
Our goal is to protect natural water resources through an integrated stormwater management approach utilizing multiple micro-practices including: pervious paving, rain gardens, storm filters, and micro-bioretention. As vegetation adapts to the site conditions and climate, the need for irrigation and maintenance will be reduced resulting in a reduction of water and energy needs. Through the redevelopment we will provide opportunities for people to visually and physically connect with nature and will incorporate environmental site design to the maximum extent practicable. The following elements will be implemented:
Approximately 20,000 square feet of covered boat houses will be removed from the water frontage within Spa Creek, thereby reducing shading effects over potential submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) habitat by approximately 0.46 acres. This will allow for regrowth and support of marine life and a healthier Spa Creek.
A Marina Boat Wash Wastewater Containment and Treatment system will be installed where there is none in the existing condition.
There will be a reduction of impervious coverage within the 100-ft buffer by 17% (9,393 sq.ft.). Reducing impervious coverage in the buffer and replacing it with a planted buffer will provide a huge positive impact on the health of Spa Creek and the environment.
The site will exceed the Critical Area 10% Rule for stormwater pollutant removal by 55% which is in stark contrast to the site’s current situation of zero pollutant removal as seen below in the infographic.
The site currently has zero stormwater management. We are required to remove 10% of the site's stormwater pollutants.
Instead we will remove 65%. That's 55% above the requirement!
Pollutant Reductions
The pollutant reduction is a critical objective of the EPA Watershed Implementation Plan to reduce nutrients (Nitrogen and Phosphorous) and Sediment to meet the goals set within the Total Maximum Daily Limit (TMDL) Program. A TMDL is a calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant that a waterbody can receive and still meet water quality standards, and an allocation of that load among the various sources of that pollutant. The proposed reductions for the South Annapolis Yacht Centre project will assist in meeting the goals of the Spa Creek Conservancy (SCC) for the Spa Creek Watershed. These reductions will improve the health of the creek and the tidal waterway leading to the Chesapeake Bay.
The redevelopment will provide the following pollutant reduction:
Total Nitrogen Removal TN = 14.9 lbs./yr.
Total Phosphorous Removal TP = 2.3 lbs./yr.
Total Suspended Solids Removal TSS = 990 lbs./yr.
