Ocean Science and Exploration Center, Pell Marine Science Library

Type: Rain garden, groundwater recharge system

Use: Civic/Public

Installer: Gilbane Building Co. of Providence, Fleet Construction Co. Inc., Cumberland, R.I.

Designer/Developer: Burt, Hill of Boston

Installation Date: 2009

Address: University of Rhode Island, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, 02882

The building features a groundwater recharge system that consists of a series of chambers laid out under the south east quadrant of the quadrangle area (the area previously occupied by the library). Those chambers collect roof runoff and stormwater, remove sediments, and return it to the site so as to infiltrate water back into the ground. This system also reduces the stress on Narragansett stormwater infrastructure and limits runoff into the ocean. There is also a rain garden in front of the building that collects water on site and is landscaped with native plants. The entire site is also landscaped with drought-tolerant, native plants, including no-mow grass species, so as to reduce the need for irrigation.

Address: University of Rhode Island, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI 02882