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Center for Advancing Research in Transportation Emissions, Energy, and Health (CARTEEH)

A USDOT University Transportation Center

Impact of Vegetation Species

Identifying the impact of vegetation species in stormwater can measure an ecosystem’s balance by indicating the water quality. Healthy ecosystems have different plant life that can thrive in different habitats. When an ecosystem is unhealthy, there is often a loss of biodiversity or a variety of species present. This biodiversity loss can be caused by several factors, including pollution and habitat destruction. This measurable indicator measures the existence of vegetation species in stormwater since these species are often responsible for reducing stormwater pollution by intercepting rainfall and allowing it to seep slowly into the ground. These species can filter out many pollutants that would otherwise end up in our waterways.1

This indicator helps determine the effectiveness of the following objectives

  • Less Contamination
  • Less Emissions
  • Less Traffic Noise
  • Connectivity and Inclusion
  • Healthy Destinations
  • Less Traffic Violence
  • Active Transportation
  • Green Space

Data Collection

The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for providing reliable and accurate data on the measured vegetation species in stormwater. The EPA uses a variety of methods to collect data on environmental conditions and trends. These methods include field sampling, remote sensing, statistical analysis, and modeling. Data is collected from a variety of sources, including federal, state, local, and tribal governments; private industry; academia; and the public. The EPA’s data collection programs provide critical information on air and water quality, land contamination, solid and hazardous wastes, and risk assessment.2

Examples

The role of vegetation in regulating stormwater runoff from green roofs in a winter rainfall climate

Schroll et al. (2011) suggested that green roofs with vegetation species can significantly reduce both the timing and magnitude of stormwater runoff. The study examined the performance of green roofs in effectively reducing stormwater runoff during the winter rainfall climate of the U.S. Pacific Northwest. It was also tested whether irrigation used in green roof vegetation could successfully influence stormwater performance. The findings of the study revealed that vegetation species could reduce stormwater runoff during the summer period and not during the winter or rainy season. The findings suggested that cool, wet season climates are challenging in effectively reducing stormwater runoff.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2010.12.020

1. “Sources and Solutions: Stormwater” US EPA, 12 Mar. 2013. [Accessed 8 Aug. 2022]. Available from: https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/sources-and-solutions-stormwater
2. “Nutrient Pollution Policy and Data” US EPA, 1 Feb. 2013. [Accessed 8 Aug. 2022] Available from: https://www.epa.gov/nutrient-policy-data