This project involves the capture and re‐use of hoop‐house roof runoff at an urban‐agriculture site in Baltimore City. Four used shipping containers are used to store over 34,000 gallons of runoff that is then re‐used on‐site for crop irrigation within the hoop houses. This project demonstrates a unique and creative solution to manage runoff from an urban‐farming site. Rather than contribute additional runoff into the storm drain system, the design effectively captures and manages this runoff on‐site. The hoop houses protect the crops from rainfall, which minimizes any nutrient runoff from the crop beds. Additionally, the need for potable water input is significantly reduced. The use of shipping containers to store the runoff is a creative re‐use of a waste product. This site provides a great example of urban‐agricultural best management practices and also represents a creative and beneficial design for vacant green space. Further, this project was designed and constructed on a small budget, demonstrating a cost‐effective solution to a challenging site.
To learn more about the project that was declared this year’s first place Innovative BMP, visit the project folder on our google drive here.
