edge regeneration book

Edge RegenerationPost industrial reclamation park along the Westport Patapsco Waterfront

This Project is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies of VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITY

Mintai Kim project advisor Terry Clements project SupervisorBrian Katen Department chair,landscape architecture

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Acknowledgements

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the many people who help me and gave me encourage-ment throughout this project and over my 5 years at Virginia Tech. First and foremost I would like to thank my studio family, especially Kaitlin Shealy, I would not be the person I am with out them. Your assistance, support, and friendship has made my college experience truly great. I would like to thank my roommates, family, girlfriend who have always believed in me even when the things were at there lowest. Lastly I would like to thank my advisor and all the staff the helped me along my educational exploration especially Mintai Kim, Ben Johnson, and Wendy Jacobson.

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Contents Introduction .....................................................4

Research .......................................................16

Analysis .......................................................25

Design ........................................................38

Conclusion ....................................................50

Sources ......................................................52

Westport History Context

Past Industry Present Westport Project Goals & Vision

Phytoremediation Process/Methods

Neighborhood scale Analysis

Master Plan Westport Waterfront Welcome Center Plant Selection

Past & Present Remediation Strategy

Neighborhood scale Synthesis Site scale Analysis

Wetland Machine

Site scale Synthesis

Circulation

Bibliography Images

Reflection

Concept

4 Introduction

This image from Baltimore Washington Parkway (295) overlooks the Patapsco Middle Estuary and the view out from the Westport waterfront. It depicts the rich history visible from the shore line including the Hanover Bridge in the distance and the nonfunctional industrial rail bridge. To the right, closer to Westport, the Baltimore rowing club is still an active water recreation.

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Introduction

Context

I chose to study the Patapsco Middle Estuary because the Westport, Baltimore condition is emblematic in many ways of most major metropolitan cities located along the eastern shore. All to common valuable wa-terfront is developed by industry polluting the soil, water, and habitat on site and degrading the adjacent land. As the industry declines, vacating the water-front, it leaves behind dangerous contaminants and a disconnected waters edge that renders it unusable for anything. Baltimore has always been close to my heart as I have taken many trips there as child and still today. From my visits I saw an obvious need to heal this waterfront, especially along the Patapsco Middle Branch. The Westport waterfront is an opportunity to create a restorative landscape that tells the history of this neighborhood and act as a framework for oth-er cities experiencing similar waterfront obstacles. This projects combines my passion for plants along with my exploration of waterfront development serving as an activator for urban cities.

54.3 Acres

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1773 1850’s 1895

1800’s 1889 1904

John Moale bought tracts of farm land adja-cent to the Patapsco Middle Branch to con-struct an iron furnace at the mouth of the Gwynns River Falls. The furnace was in opera-tion until the end of the Civil War. African-Americans, both free and slave, made up the majority of the iron workers.

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During this period of growth Westport be-came a popular resort destination because of its sandy beaches and wildlife. It be-came such a popular destination for swim-ming, fishing and eating centered around the Smiths’s Cove and is still the home of the Baltimore Rowing/Aquatic center.

Famous Landscape Architect Frederick Law Ol-mstead developed a master plan for the Gwynn River Falls and the Patapsco Middle estuary to make water front park and recreational area. However before his vision could be ful-filled the Great Baltimore Fire struck.

Westport’s location near a major junction of roads, railroads; joining Baltimore, Washington, and Annapolis and the Patapasco river made this once rural neighborhood an ideal location for commerce and recreation. Westport experiences large population and construction growth.

In 1889 the Carr &n Lowery Glass Works Factory opens on the water front of the Patapsco estuary which ushers in a near wave of industrialism and development in Westport. Nearly 200 homes are added for factory work, most of German decent.

The Great Fire of Baltimore struck destroying most of the harbor and industrial area. Much of the debris created during the fire was recycled and used as fill to expand and build the industrial area in West-port.

1906

Consolidated Gas & Electric Pow-er Company constructs the Westport Power Plant. It is said to be the largest reinforced concrete gener-ating power station.

Westport History

Introduction

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1916 1923 1952 19922F8 1F9 2F10

Hanover Street Bridge is construct-ed to connect the North and South banks of the Middle Branch. It also connects the Glass Works Factory to the major industrial area. The West-port neighborhood is said to have the best view of this iconic bridge.

By the mid to late 20’s the city re-zones Westport as industrial land. Due to its idea location next to the Middle Branch and adjacent roads and rail lines industrial factories take over the wa-terfront cutting off the access to the Patapsco estuary.

The Baltimore-Washington Parkway (295) is opened. This four lane ma-jor interstate cuts through the mid-dle of Westport dividing the neigh-borhood and permanently alters the geography.

Baltimore’s light rail starts service along a 22 mile corridor with a stop in Westport along the Patapsco waterfront. The light rail connects Westport with downtown Bal-timore with transit links to BWI Airport and Penn Station.

1920 1951

By the early 1920’s Westport had its own school, fire department, and the Enoch Library. By the end of the 20’s most of the present day row houses were built.

Introduction

The 14 mile Gwyenns Falls trail is opened along the river front in an attempt to achieve Olmsteads vision for the Westport community.

1990’s

In 1951 the Westport community is home to 2000 + citizens and has earned the reputa-tion as a peaceful quiet neighborhood with a “bustling main street” (Annapolis Rd.) with a movie theater, hardware store, a drug store, and a bank.

Westport History

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Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User CommunitySource: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community

8Past Industry

IntroductionHistory: Carr Lowrey Glass Company founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1889 by Samuel Carr and William Lowrey who established their com-pany to create glass bottles for the pharma-ceutical and perfume industries. Soon after the Glass company took off and became the largest employer of Westport residents during its peak production. The company was so suc-cessful that it became one of the first Glass factories to be equipped with an IS machine, which is used to speed up the bottling pro-cess. In 1944 the company was acquired by the Anchor-Hocking Glass Company however, shortly after changing hands the company began to de-cline. With the advent of plastics and compe-tition from other companies the glass busi-ness. In 2003 the factory closed its doors for good, shortly after the Inner Harbor West LLC purchased the land for $6.82 Million and de-molished the history industrial facility with plans to rebuild the desirable waterfront.

History: Formally owned by Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), now Constellation Energy, the Westport power plant was built in 1906. This concrete and steel giant was the largest re-inforced concrete building in the world when it was first constructed. The coal fired power plant generated energy for Baltimore city until 1993 when it was closed down. During it time of operation this plant was a large employer of Westport residents. In 1995 the massive vacant building served as the set for the movie “12 Monkeys” Starring Brad Pitt. The Plant stood as a testament to Westport industrial legacy until 2003 when Inner Harbor West LLC purchased the property and demolition began in 2007 to make way for water front redevelopment.

Located by major industrial rail lines the coal fired plant was in an ideal site to prosper

Patapsco Middle Estuary with industry adjacent to the waterfront prior to demolition

Pollutants the groundwater and soil -Elevated levels of metals including -Arsenic, chromium, lead, mercury, nickel, and Zinc - Volatile organic compounds -Arsenic and petroleum hydrocarbons

Pollutants: in the groundwater and soil -Elevated levels of heavy metals in soil -Lead, mercury, and Zinc - Volatile organic compounds -Petroleum hydrocarbon leached into groundwater

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1822

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IntroductionOnce hailed as the “natural Oasis” of Baltimore, the Middle Branch and mouth of the Gwynn Falls River was a popular beach destination. This beautiful location nicknamed the “Monte Carlo” of Maryland was an urban escape from Baltimore where citizens came to eat, relax, swim, and fish this diverse ecosystem. Over the years of industrial process, contamination, & land manipulation the Middle Estuary ecology and extent has changed drastically. Today the Middle Estuary does not resemble the popular thriving habitat that it once was. Habitat destruction the water and surrounding ecosystem is barley usable for anything from its past time. The water is bulk headed along the coast line and so badly polluted, mostly with heavy metals, that it hardly supports life and is not safe to interact with. This graphic shows the endangered or threat-ened species of Baltimore City that live near or on the water and the extent of the wetland degradation.

Past Industry

1875 1903Evolution of the patapsco Estuary

1970

Current

10Past Industry

Introduction

There are no residential units West of I-95 at this northern most section of Westport. This zone of Westport is dominated by industri-al lots which creates barriers.

Gwynn Falls River is surround-ed by industrial lots that pollutes the river and limits access to the rivers edge.

There are few residential units at the north-ern edge of Westport. Most of the soil is con-taminated creating a toxic living environment. There is not as much of a need to create con-nections into the North Westport.

The municipal electrical facility takes up al-lot of space in Westport which limits acces-sibility to the Patapsco. The light rail line elevates and allows for a much improved auto-mobile connection to the Water front.

The middle portion of Westport is less imperative to repair the connection across I-295 because there is not as many residential units. The Mt. Winans Housing development, which is not fully completed, will bring in a higher density but right now it is a fenced off vacant lot.

The interstate right of way widens to meet the department of transit storage lot making it impassable. The grade rises sharply and meets the back alley/vegeta-tion of the row homes. This is the densest section of Westport.

Row homes back up to the Westport light rail station. Kent street is the only street that provides access to the station. The tracks and the retaining wall separate the residents from the Patapsco.

There are no residential units West of I-95 at this norther most section of West-port. This zone of Westport is dominated by industrial lots which creates barriers.

Gwynn Falls River is sur-rounded by industrial lots that pollutes the river and limits access to the rivers edge.

There are few residential units at the northern edge of Westport. Most of the soil is contaminated creating a toxic living environment. There is not as much of a need to create connections into the North Westport.

The municipal electrical facility takes up allot of space in Westport which limits accessibility to the Pa-tapsco. The light rail line elevates and allows for a much improved auto-mobile connection to the Water front.

Introduction

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3.

The site of the Carr-Lowery Glass Factory is the most accessible area of the water front by automo-bile traffic. However this section has the fewest residents. Traffic connection will need to be made into the residential zone of Westport.

2.

The water front access to the light rail station is located near this section of Westport. This section of the water front has a lot of debris and piles of construc-tion waste/dirt.

1.

The site of the Carr-Lowery Glass Factory is the most accessible area of the water front by automobile traffic. However this section has the fewest residents. Traffic connection will need to be made into the residential zone of Westport.

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3

The Westport community was originally founded in an ide-al location for transporting industrial goods via rail, road, or shipping. Today however, with a collapsing in-dustry, Westport suffers from fragmentation and dis-connection due to that infrastructure. Major transit artery 295 cuts straight through the middle of the com-munity dividing Westport in two parts, East Westport & West Westport. With only a narrow walking bridge link-ing the two, the heritage and culture of West Westport is essentially forgotten. Further to the East light rail lines create a neighborhood boundary that separates the residents of East Westport from the Patapsco Middle Es-tuary. The infrastructures that cuts thought Westport divides the neighborhood from itself and contributes to the decline of the neighborhood. The industry left the beautiful waterfront disconnected and inaccessible.

The only pedestrian access across 295 is a small pedes-trian bridge that links East and West Westport. Elementary school students cross this bridge to go to school every-day

Westport light rail sta-tion forms the border to the east of East Westport cutting the residents off from the Middle Branch

Past Industry

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Along with a fragmented neighborhood the industry also left behind major soil and water contamina-tion. The largest source of pollutants are heavy metals in the form of lead, zinc, mercury, Arsenic, nickel, and chromium. In addition there are also volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) and Polychlori-nated biphenyls (PCB) to a lesser degree. The maps taken from the Chesapeake Bay Programs illustrates the source of pollutants entering the Bay. The in-dustrial pollution has degraded the once vibrant waterfront of Westport and rendered the waterfront unusable and disconnected. The Patapsco rivers and side streams are among the most polluted water ways in the Chesapeake Bay. The map to the right shows how contaminated it is in comparison to the other water ways. The Patapsco river is severely impaired and continues to be polluted by storm water runoff from the neighborhoods. Blow (F2) depicts the imper-vious surface surrounding the Patapsco which drains to the water ways continuing to supply heavy metals and VOC’S

Past Industry

Introduction

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13Present Westport

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Westport Elementary is on the Western side of 295 with a pedestrian bridge spanning the gap. The school is discon-nected from the greater Westport neigh-borhood.

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Condemned home on Annapolis Rd., this is not uncommon to see in this community as 25% of the homes are vacant or condemned

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Gas Electric Power Plant, punctuates the skyline of Baltimore City. This icon-ic smoke stack is the first thing you see as you enter from the south on 295.

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Introduction

7

Annapolis Rd., is the “Main St.” of Westport with a great view of Balti-more’s Central Business District & M&T Bank Stadium.

M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Ravens. Visible from within the Westport.

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Electric facility, on the edge of the Westport community adjacent to the vacant Glass Factory property. Active and dormant rail lines crisis cross the area that runs along the Gwynn River Falls Trail.

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Old Rail Bridge is unused and stands vacant in the middle of the Patapsco Estuary. Relics of the industrial legacy are scattered throughout Westport.

Westport Light Rail Station, view to the Downtown. Light rail runs adjacent to the Gwynn Fall Trail/Middle Branch Trail.

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Mt. Auburn Cemetery, one of the oldest African-American burial grounds in the country. Currently this cemetery is in a state of decline and undervalued.

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Storm water drains to the Gwynn Falls River. The riv-er is unadulterated and se-verely polluted.

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Introduction

Present Westport

Community DemographicsThe Westport neighborhood is young poor black commu-nity that is in distress. The lose of the water front employment (glass factory and power plant) has forced this community into a state of poverty & decline of the built environment. The built environment affects how people use space and interact with one another and has impacts on health. The high percentage of vacant/condemned buildings and poverty creates a lack of com-munity pride and high crime rate. The general socio-economic conditions & crime rates all impact a neigh-borhood’s social environment. These elements interact to shape opportunities for community health in many ways. The health of Westport is below average because of a lack of employment, high crime, and a high degree of poverty. This is ultimately reflected in the life expectancy of the average Westport resident (68.8 yrs) compared to the average life expectancy of Baltimore City (72.8 yrs). The community is in need of shared common space to bring the community together.

0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0%

0-17 years

18-24 years

25-44 years

45-64 years

65+ years

Baltimore

Westport

Race DistributionAge Distribution

Westport is comprised of mainly a younger school age and middle age adult population with 61% of family households, that is more than a third greater than the city average. There is a large num-ber of young children, The Patapsco Water front development can provide amenities for these young families of Westport.

There is a disproportionate number of black residents compared to white residents. Historically Westport was predominately a white European community however over the generations, especially after the water front closed, the race has shifted. The new population should be included in the waterfront but should also celebrate the past.

0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0% 70.0%

Black

White

Asian

Hispanic

Baltimore

Westport

Vacant Lots Household Income Home Foreclosure/Value

Westport is a relatively poor community in Baltimore with the average family income around $35,467 compared to the Baltimore average $44,721. With the main economic drivers (Power Plant & Glass Factory) leaving the unemployment rate was roughly 17%,the community needs more viable employment opportunities.

Westport is considered to be a distressed neighborhood by the City of Baltimore with over 22% of the row homes condemned or abandoned.

0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0%

Less than $25,000

$25,000-$39,999

$40,000-$59,999

$60,000-$74,999

$75,000 and over

Baltimore

Westport

US Average

Baltimore City Average

Westport Average

US Average

Baltimore City Average

Westport Average

The housing market in Westport has suffered a lot since the clo-sure of the water front factories in 2003. The number of fore-closures has risen steadily over the past decade. Westport has a high percentage of its residents living below the poverty level (29.3% of families) compared to Baltimore city average (15.2%).

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Introduction

Project Goals & Vision

Vision Statement

Goals & Objectives

Clean the westport waterfront to restore it back to its valued state as a natu-ral escape from Baltimore and reconnect the resident to the waters edge while telling the story of Westport.

Improve the ecological health of the Gwynn Falls River and the Patapsco Middle Estuary

-Collect and treat the runoff before it gets to the water system. -Employ an adaptive phytoremediation strategies to improve the health of the water ways. -Buffer the industrial areas to create a riparian buffer.

Connect residents of Westport to the natural systems -Utilize the site of the old Glass Factory and other historically important locations to create Places the allow people to use the waterfront. -Green the Gwynn river and Middle Branch Trail to improve the green infrastructure and create a Trail that runs adjacent to the rivers edge. -Educate the visitors on the process of phytoremediation and value wetlands Narrate the history of Westport -Re imagine the historic Patapsco waterfront -Describe the past present and future of Westport in treatment of the land -Highlight the industry and re purpose the unused rail line where ever possible.

16Research

This image of the Gwynn River is taken near the Baltimore Solid Waste Incinerator Plant. It shows how degraded the site ecology has become over time due primarily to industrial intervention and pollu-tion. In order to repair the site it is important to clean both the soil and the water of the current neighborhood and the past industry. The Westport waterfront is a great location to employ an adaptive phytoremediation to clean the past pollutants and the present inputs from the surrounding neighborhoods using a diverse plant pallet and a wetland storm water collection zone.

17Phytoremediation Process/Method

1. Identify the Pollutants location on site, Research the plants to treat them.

The areas with the highest concentrations of heavy metals (Lead, Mercury, Zinc, Arsenic, Nickel, and Chromium) must be identified to keep people off of that land. In addition to toxins soil compaction should also be identified as a design consideration for the hydraulic residence time of the constructed wetlands. It is important to identify where the upland contami-nants are coming from to isolate and treat these as well to stop further degradation of the waterfront and adjacent water ways. The EPA Superfund sites are an extremely dangerous point source of pollution that should be identified for future restoration.

Research

Annapolis RoadSource: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.40.05Miles ´Chemical Metals, Inc

EPA Superfund sites that are extremely polluted. Currently the plums are migrat-ing toward the Gwynn River

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XPlants uptake contaminates and store them in the leaf portion of the plant where the pollut-ants are degraded producing a less toxic form. The contami-nants are evapotranspiration out of the leaves into the atmo-sphere. Limited research shows that these plants should not be planted around residential ar-eas.

Plants uptake or isolate contaminates in the soil and release enzymes/metabolic processes/fungi to break down pollutants. Plants also degrade heavy metals around the rhizosphere in a process called rhizo-degradation/filtration. Plant selection with a large fibrous root system are the best at this process. Treatment depth of about 9’.

Phyto-volatilization Phyto-degradation

Phyto-extraction Phyto-stabilization

2. Plant the selected species on the polluted areas and monitor the growth.

Plants can sequester/immobi-lize contaminants by absorbing them in the root zone called the rhizosphere. Plants ex-ude enzymes and chemicals that reduce the contaminates to a less toxic state and limit the migration of pollutants from ground water leaching. This process is called phytodegra-dation which is closely relat-ed to rhizo-degradation.

Plants uptake metals and translocate the pollut-ants in above ground por-tion of plant. The most important aspect of ex-traction is the amount of biomass Effective treat-ment depth of about 3’.

Phytoremediation Process/Method

Research

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Extreme pollution not safe for contactModerate pollution safe for contact

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3. Develop a maintenance plan to dispose of contaminated biomass.There are three main disposal methods to safely har-vest contaminated biomass off site (mainly involving phyto-extractors). The cheapest method is to compact and compost the plant matter in protected site which greatly reduces the volume of harvested biomass but does not treat the contaminates. Another process is to dispose of the plant mass in a lined landfill which does not clean the metals but makes it so that the metals cannot migrate. The last method and perhaps the most common is to take the contaminated biomass to an incinerator plan which burns the plant mater producing Ash and vapors. The metals can be collected from the ash residue and recycled, while the vapor gets cleaned and can be used as a source of energy in the form of oils and tar to produce heat and electric-ity. This is the best method because it offsets the remediation costs and there is an incinerator plan right next to the Westprot Waterfront.

The Baltimore solid waste incinerator plant is located on the opposite side of the Gwynn Falls right next to the Westport wa-terfront making incineration a convenient maintenance strategy.

Phytoremediation Process/Method

Research

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Extreme pollution not safe for contact

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The soil treatment method in the lesser polluted areas of the Westport waterfront employs two strategies. Phyto-degtradation & stabilization. These process collect, trap, and detoxify the pollutants in the below ground portion of the biomass. In addition these contact safe plant treat a wide variety of existing soil contaminates including the limited or-ganic contaminates on site. The process cleans the soil contaminants in the rhizosphere which makes these plant species safe for visitors to be in contact.

In the more heavily polluted areas of the waterfront (storage areas and factories) the treatment method employs phytoextraction/accumulation. These plants are the most effective at cleaning heavy metal contaminated soils but the trap and store the metals in the above ground biomass of the plants. This aspect makes these species “not safe for human contact” and there fore they will be confined to the heavy pollution/wetland area. The wetland vegetation is also equipped to treat the organic pollutant/metals in the storm water runoff in the wetland cells.

Safe For Contact Not Safe For Contact

Hg

AsCr

Pb

Zn CrCr

Cr

Cr

VOC

VOC

PbPb

Pb

NiNi

NiHg Hg

Zn

Ni

Ni

VOC

VOC

NN

Cr

Cr

Pb

Pb

Ni

Ni

P

P

Hg

As

As

As

Zn

ZnZn

Ni

Stormwater Runoff

Ni

Ni

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CrPb

PbZn

Zn

NP

VOC’s

VOC’s

Research


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Research


Constructed Wetland Zones

Root Depth

Biomass

Regeneration

Typical root depth should be be-tween 3’-6’ and fibrous to trap/collect pollutants. The larger the rhizosphere the more con-taminant are trapped in the be-low ground portion of the plant species.

The larger the biomass the more pollutants are collected and stored in the above ground por-tion of the plant species. This dictates how frequently mainte-nance is required. The faster the plant spe-

cies sends out shoot and suckers the more soil the plant can cover. This is critical for removal of contaminated biomass and repopulation after main-tenance.

Not safe for contact: The Phyto-extractors plant species are the most efficient at cleaning the soil and ground water and therefore should be plant-ed in the areas with the highest concentrations of heavy metals. Because many of these species accumu-late metals in the above ground portion of the plants these species are not safe for human interaction. In addition, the wetland ecosystem and process is very delicate and should not be interfered with therefore it makes sense to plant the storm water wetland with the extractor species to clean the current runoff from Westport and the past contaminants left behind from the industry. This will provide the most “clean-ing” potential to restore the site and keep it clean into the future. Below is a diagram of costal wetland depicting the different zone. The plants were spe-cifically selected to accommodate each of the zones and meet the three different phytoremediation plant selection criteria to the left.

Plant Selection Criteria

22Past & Present Remediation Strategy

Aquatic

Lead Mercury Zinc Arsenic Nickel Chromium

Submerged Emergent TerrestrialAzolla filiculoides • floating aquatic fern• Very fast growth• Capable of spreading

over lake surface • Treats a wide variety

of heavy Metals.

Pistia stratiotes • Among the world’s most

productive freshwater aquatic plants.

Salvinia cucullata • Fast growing aquatic

brackish water fern• Considered an inva-

sive species • Fine roots,effective

at accumulating heavy metals.

Eichhornia crassipes • Free-floating • Extreme growth rate • Each plant produces

thousands of seeds • Form large colonies

Lemna gibba • Exhibits a fast

growth rate that can • Cover large aquatic

areas. • Extremely tolerant of

adverse conditions.

Myriophyllum sibiricum • Tolerant of brackish

water• Fibrous root provides

large surface area to absorb.

• Grows completely sub-merged

• No true roots• Widespread global dis-

tribution • Grow in adverse condi-

tions.

Myriophyllum spicatum • Habitat includes fresh

to brackish water • Tolerant of many water

pollutants

Potamogeton pectinatus• Grows in fresh and

brackish water • Found on all conti-

nents

Elodea canadensis• Grows rapidly • Tolerates wide vari-

ety of conditions• Choke shallow ponds.

Hydrilla verticillata • Grow to the surface

and forms dense mats• Found in all types of

water bodies• Can be considered in-

vasive.

Potamogeton natans• Produces both float-

ing and submersed leaves

• Grows in brackish wa-ter

Typha angustifolia • Found in or near water • Periodically flooded

areas • Like brackish marshes.

Phragmites australis • Large perennial grass • Native to North Amer-

ica • Tolerant of adverse

conditions.

Scirpus maritimus • Extremely adaptable • Survives under saline

conditions • Found around the world • Tolerant of drought

and flooding

Spartina patens • Grows in thick mats 1

to 2 feet high• Grows further back

away from shore that experiences occasional high tide flooding

Spartina alterniflora • Regarded as a habitat

engineer• Tolerant of adverse

condition

• Grows in shallow wa-ter

• Excellent accumulator of a wide variety of Heavy metals.

Salix sp• Found primarily grow-

ing in moist soils • Takes-up large quan-

tities of heavy met-als

Solidago hispida • Tolerates poor, dry

soils • Hyper-acumulator of

many types of heavy metals.

Gleditsia triacanthos• Fast growing native

species • Extremely hardy and

adaptable.

Bassia scoparia • Grows quickly/toler-

ates adverse condition • Tolerates salt condi-

tions• Remediates wide vari-

ety of pollutants.

Digitalis purpurea • naturalized in North

America • Prefers to grow in

moist soils in full sun conditions

Canna indica • Large biomass to accu-

mulate metals • Tolerates consistently

moist soil

Ceratophyllum submersum

Alisma plantago-aquatica

HAHA

HA

HA

HA

HA: Hyperaccumulator

Research

HA

HA

HA

HA

23Past & Present Remediation Strategy

ResearchHydraulic Residence Time

Vegetation density is an issues previously discussed in regards to phytoremediation of heavy metal. It is also an important factor in wetlands. High biomass vegetation helps to slow surface water flow rate. The water entering the site transports heavy metals and suspended particles, the vegetation slows water and allows for the particles to settle on the media.

Pb

Zn

Vegetation

Slope

Water is the most critical component of a wetland, without water is there is no wetland. Westport most be analyzed with regards to the wetland hydrology criteria. There are 2 main factors that influence wetland hydrology, 1.Continuous source of water to periodically inundate the wetland cells. The source of water should be large enough to support the typical wetland cell 2. water retention time,(residence time) this is the length of time the water remains in the system before it is evapo-rated, leached, or exported out. This aspect of wetland design is perhaps the most important because the length of time that the water is in contact with the substrate and vegetation directly correlates to the amount of contaminants extracted. The longer the contaminates are in contact with the media the more sediment settles and cleaned. Residence time is dictated by three main factors; slope, compaction, and vegetation.

As

N

P

Hg

VOC

Ni

Ni

Slope controls the speed at which surface water enters the system. Wetlands should be designed on a gently sloped sur-face to feed the wetland using gravitational flow so that there is continuous input. The ideal slope for a wetland is between .5%-3%. It should also be located near a large enough source and away from residential area to prevent any unintended interference.

ZnCr

Pb

Compacted Sub-soilCompacted soil allows water to accumulate before it perco-lates through the substrate. This ponding effect is neces-sary to allow the presence of aquatic wetland species and increases the biodiversity. Aquatic zone plants are more efficient at extracting pollutants then terrestrial plants because the dissolved particulates are in direct contact with the floating roots. The ideal holding time for a wet-land is between 3-5 days to allow for cleaning.

AsHg

NiZn

Cr

Pb

Cr

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Lead Mercury Zinc Arsenic Nickel Chromium

Manicured Meadows

Forest

Natural Meadow

Cynodon dactylon• Considered invasive in warm areas• Rhizofiltration • Stores metals in the root zone and

degrades contaminants• Deep rooting

Carex sp.• Extremely tolerant of moist soil• Tough versatile species • Treats a wide range of contami-

nants• Large biomass

Lupinus albus• Arsenic primarily stored

in the root structure• Nitrogen fixing legume• Fibrous root system

Festuca arundinacea • Native to the metro area • Deep root zone to trap and break

down organic compounds/metals• Treats a wide range of pollutants• 4’ deep roots

Vetiveria zizanioides • Bronze purple fall color • Vertical clump up to 8’• Deep roots/regenerates quickly

Rhaphiolepis umbellata • A slow growing evergreen • Drought tolerant• Grows to about 5’, and has

fragrant flowers

Lolium multiflorum• Good turf grass • Hardy durable grass that can han-

dle traffic • Treats a wide range of pollutants

Juncus effuses• Grown in wet soils, including

standing water• No serious insect or disease

problems • Spread by creeping rhizomes

Populus deltoides• Salt tolerant• Shallow fibrous roots • Tolerates saturated con-

ditions, but can tolerate drier conditions as well

Sorghum halepense • Grows and spreads quickly • Thrives in open disturbed areas• Treats a wide variety of pol-

lutants.

Glycine max• Cultivated worldwide, most pro-

duction in the U.S.• Weedy in eastern North America• Stabilizes many metals• Large root biomass

Polygonum lapathifolium• Slow growth rate• Grows well in moist salty

soil• Treats metals well using a

variety of methodsRaphanus sativus • Widely naturalized species • A weed of disturbed sites• Treats a wide range of pollutants

Sparganium eurycarpum• Partial wetland species can

tolerate periodic flooding.• Grow in moist soils in full

sun conditions

Pinus taeda• Hydraulic control method to

isolate and degrade pollut-ants

• Native to Southeast US• Deep rooting

Avena sativa • Vigorous growth• Relatively free from diseases

and pests • Regenerates quickly

Poplulus trichocarpa • Excellent at treating a va-

riety of contaminants• Shallow and wide-spreading

roots stabilize metals

PD

M

PD

M

PD

PD

M

M

PS

M

PD

PD

PS

PS

PD

PS

PS


Research

PS: Phytostabilization PD: Phytodegradation M: Multiple

SAFE FOR CONTACT: A different plant pallet should be selected for areas of lesser pollution where residents are going to be in direct contact with the plants. Ex-tractors are the best phytoremediation strategy to clean heavy metal sites however they do have their limitations such as; they must be constantly maintained, observed, and cannot be ingested or handled by people or animals. The lesser polluted areas of the site are still dangerous for people and must be cleaned. This can be done using a combination of degradation & stabilization methods which treats/collects contaminants in the below ground portion of the plants. This makes these species safe to touch but are not as fast at cleaning the site. Just like the ex-tractors these species were selected for deep root zone, regeneration, and biomass to treat the desired area and depth. These plants will require less maintenance than the extractors.

25Analysis

This image is taken on the Gwynn River Falls Trail along Kloman St. across from the historical coal fired power plant. Westport is a interesting mix of infrastructure, zoning, and condi-tions. Each aspect of the neighborhood should be analyzed in consideration of phytoremedia-tion, constructed wetlands, and the challenges of connectivity that industrial areas pose. These focus areas begin to reveal the opportunities and constrains as it relates to restoration and connection to the waterfront.

26Neighborhood Scale Analysis

AnalysisTopography Analysis

Zone Analysis

The Westport topography has been artificially manipulated to construct the infrastructure that crisscrosses the neighborhood. The steepest slopes are adjacent to interstate 295 that divides East Westport and West Westport. To the north of Westport, on the opposite side of the Gwynn Falls River, the grade becomes steep again to elevate I-295 over the river and connect the major artery to I-95. The majority of the wa-terfront is flat except to the south where the Smiths cove inlet meets the land. Other small mounds/leftover debris are scattered across the waterfront as well; these should be clean on site as well. Their is a retaining wall adjacent to the site that serves as the commuter rail station. The steep slopes do not allow automobile access however there is pedestrian access to the station that should be emphasized.

The Westport neighborhood has a diverse range of “zones”. This creates for an interesting set of edge conditions that don’t necessarily mesh well together. These zones are often separated by serious infrastruc-ture that cuts through the topography making it difficult to make con-nections between these zones. The industrial areas are located along the water (Gwynn Falls,Patapsco Estuary), some of these zones will need to be buffered to mitigate human interaction. The connections into the residential areas are stressed because of topography and infrastructure in the form of rail roads.

Legend

LegendPositive Views

Post-Industrial Edge

Industrial Edge

Residential Edge

Disconnected Edge

Vegitated Edge

High Point

Steep Slope

Moderate Slope


AnalysisTransitAnalysis

Hydrology Analysis

The infrastructure of Westport is intriguing because there is a diverse combination of old/new, large/small scale transportation arteries. Adjacent to the waterfront the com-muter and industrial rail runs along the length to service the vacant industrial lots. The Gwynn Falls Trail shares the same path as the rail system and splits going into the industrial area. The trail provides pedestrian access to the commuter rail station and waterfront. Annapolis road, Main Street, is in a state of degradation although, there is still a lot of culture connected to it. At either end there are critical nodes that provide access across 295 and provide a connection to the Gwynn Falls. The walk-ing bridge is the only pedestrian access across 295. I-295 splits Westport at grades and then elevates as is continues into the industrial corridor. The abandoned railroad in the Patapsco provides an opportunity to bridge the estuary and better connect the waterfront.

The residential zones of Westport are well outside of the flood plain however, the industrial areas to the north are well inside the 50 year flood plain. The welcome center should be located well outside the flood area and flood BMP’s can be employed where flat open space is available. The edge of the Patapsco is highly manipulated and effects the edge of the flood plain. Lastly sea level rise does not have any effect on the site due to the bulk head that runs the length of the waters edge.

Above Grade Road

At Grade Road

Critical Road

Commuter Railroad

Industrial Railroad

Abandoned RailroadPedestrian Trail

Pedestrian Connection

Important Transit Node

Legend

Legend

Historic Patapsco

Flood Plain


AnalysisCulturalAnalysis

There are many positive and negative opportunities provided in Westport. There are many vacant lots espe-cially at the waters edge (both natural and artificial. At the artificial edge of the Patapsco the historic industrial buildings are no longer standing however, the foot print could be converted into a wetland/BMP to protect the rest of the industry from floods. Because the economic drivers left Westport fell into a state of poverty resulting in 22% vacant/condemned homes. Along Annapolis Rd. there are some critical Westport buildings that are slated to be reproposed by the Westport Neighborhood Association and the old materials can be reused in the waterfront. However, East Westport is in a better sociocultural state and contains critical open space including Mt. Auburn Cemetery and the Elementary school and adjacent park land.

Important Open Space

Important Cultural Bld.

Vacant Bld./Block

Vacant Lot

Open Green Space

Super Fund Site

Historic Industry

Legend

29

AnalysisOverview

Neighborhood Scale Synthesis

Overlaying the analysis begins to inform where the most disconnected points are along the waterfront. In addition the synthesis reveals where there is most potential for automobile and pedestrian access to bridge those gaps. The light rail station is a criti-cal connection that should be made stronger but steep topography limits the opportunities. The vacant rail bridge offers a great opportunity to bridge the Pata-psco and bring people to the waters edge, this link should be emphasized . The synthesis also shows the majority of culturally important nodes are located in west Westport and disproportionately less in East Westport. The western side of Westport is more open but has little opportunity to connect it to the wa-terfront via the light rail and pedestrian trails. Waterview Ave. is the only road that bridges 295 therefore, the link to the Gwynn River Falls should be preserved to engage the entirety of the neighbor-hood. The majority of the site is relatively flat in-side the flood plain but gets steep towards the south. There are few constraints in the flood plain but the largest portion of the flood plain is surrounded by infrastructure and industrial processes. These areas should be buffered and the active recreational areas should avoid them as well.

Zone Mapping Study

Hard edge provides opportunity to bring people to the waterfront and experience views of Baltimore

Residential zone is bordered on three sides by various industry. Two of the three sides contained my infrastructure. Bridging the gap between the waterfront is critical.

Open space is inacces-sible, habitat preser-vation.

Contaminated post industrial zone is adjacent to the ac-tive and should be buffered. Clear distinction between ac-tive and historic industry

Soft edges create a allows for wetland habitat to enter the site and creates an area for bird watching recreation

30Site Scale Analysis

Analysis

There are multiple edge conditions within the post-industrial waterfront and the adjacent lots. The majority of the waterfront is open vacant industrial land that has been contaminated over years of use. Where the vacant industrial land meets the Patapsco two types of conditions oc-cur; 1. a hard artificial edge is built up to the

waters edge where it allows access to the waters edge. 2. the topography gently slopes down to the water allowing vegetation to re-enter the edge. Behind the vegetated edges of the site are open green space, the only open currently usable space on site that’s cut off from he water. The railroad/road divides the site form the majority of Westport

which contains a variety of opposing fragmented zones. Connecting the residential zone to the waterfront is critical to integrating this park into the community.

Topography Study

Too steep beyond Wenburn St. to allow auto access from Westport neighborhood.

Expansive flat land sits within the flood plain on contaminated compact soil provides an opportunity for a wet-land BMP.

Piles of debris are scattered around the site and can be incorporated into the design to clean the entire water-front

Where the grade is too steep to allow automobile access around Westport Station, pedestrian con-nection is critical.

High point on site provides an opportunity for overlook of the Middle Estuary.

31

There is very little change in elevation on the site until the land meets the water. There are steep edges along the perennial edges were veg-etation controls the erosion. These steep slopes leading down to the water should dictates the di-rection and location of the path. Steep Piles of debris and soil are located around the site, these

should be cleaned on site and incorporated into the overall design. Outside the site, in the ac-tive industrial area, is relatively flat however, the slope gradually increases moving up into the residential zone of Westport. The steep topogra-phy prohibits automobile access beyond the Com-muter rail station. Pedestrian access to the water

should be the main focus were topography is too steep to allow automobile access however it is important to provide car access where possible.

Site Scale Analysis

Hydrology Study

Flat open space where grav-itational surface runoff flow to: contaminated, com-pacted soil, wetland BMP.

Currently storm water drains to the Gwynn River

Vacant land adjacent to the residential zone sits outside the flood plain and is ideal connection to Westport and light rail

Patapsco Estuary Historic shore line

Perennial stream divide the waterfront into 4 zones

Three perennial converge at Smith’s Cove, erosion is an issue and the existing vegetation so be preserved

Drainage area splits near the Westport Station.

Gravitational flows di-rectly to the site of the old factories

Impaired perennial arti-ficial stream lacks any riparian buffer.


Analysis

The majority of the site is situated inside the flood plain, development should occur outside to minimize flood risk. The historic industry is completely in-side the flood plain and contained by two perennial streams that currently serve as swales to transport water off Site. These streams naturally divide

the site into four areas with distinct “watersheds”. These streams have a vegetated edge and should be preserved and dictate where natural divisions in development occur. The surface flow of storm water splits at the commuter rail station with the major-ity of the water running off into the flat flood-

plain creating an opportunity to collect it on site. The historic waters edge should be High-lighted to educate the visitors of the history of the site.

Drainage StudyStorm Event Rainfall Depth (in) Runoff Coefficient Runoff Depth (in) Runoff Depth (ft) Drainage Area (sf) Volume (cf)

Typical 1 0.81 0.81 0.067 2,143,440.00 144,682.202 3.2 0.81 2.59 0.22 2,143,440.00 462,983.045 4.3 0.81 3.48 0.29 2,143,440.00 622,133.4610 5.1 0.81 4.13 0.34 2,143,440.00 737,879.2225 5.7 0.81 4.62 0.38 2,143,440.00 824,688.5450 6.4 0.81 5.18 0.43 2,143,440.00 925,966.08100 7.3 0.81 5.91 0.49 2,143,440.00 1,056,180.06

10-year 24 Hour Rainfall

Sizing CriteriaDesign Criteria Of the Westport neighborhood about 50 acres drains to the low point towards the North in the flood plain, see hydrology map. This produces a large volume of water (roughly 81% runoff)transport-ing VOC’s, heavy metals, and other organics that will be collected and cleaned prior to reaching the Patapsco Middle Estuary. The compacted, pol-luted site of the old Glass Factory and Power Plant is flat and naturally fed by storm water runoff. Its is also currently away from any heav-ily populated residential areas, the combination of these factors make it the most ideal location to apply a wetland phytoremediation strategy to manage current storm water and restore the wet-land ecology in the long term. Based off of the current building footprint of the two factories the proposed phytoremediation wetland cells could hold a combined volume equal to a 10 year flood event at a depth of roughly 3 feet (idea depth of a wetland). The wetland should be portioned out into a series of cell divided by a sequence of check dams to hold the surface water allowing the volume to move progressively through the wetland cells purifying the storm water before it reached the Patapsco/Gwynn Falls.

Area (sqft)Total 265,494.12

796,482.36 796,482.36

Storage Calculations


Analysis

11F22

Transportation Study

Westport rail Station of-fers external connection and should be highlighted in the new development.

Railroad tracks divides Westport from the water-front. Pedestrian connec-tion should be made.

The rail lines should be buff-ered to create privacy, but should not prevent access into the waterfront Light rail is elevated by a

bridge providing access under the rail line

Waterview Street is the edge of the site and connects West Westport across I-95 to East Westport. Important to maintain this connec-tion.

Historic rail line is a great op-portunity to connect the water-front across the Patapsco.

Wenburn and Manokin street are two of the most critical cross streets that connect Westport to I-295 North/South.

Pedestrian trail basically ends becoming a sidewalk, last effec-tive place to tie back into the Gwynn Falls River.


Analysis

Westport has a diverse range of infrastructure running through it. The infrastructure has both negative and positive effects on the neighborhood and residents. The Industrial and commuter rail runs the length of the post-industrial waterfront divides the residents from the waters edge. The commuter rail station at Westport can

benefit the new development and existing Westport by providing a great opportunity for pedestrian access and bringing in external visitors. The industrial rail that runs along the waterfront should be buffered where it runs along the pedestrian entry. The historic rail line provides opportunity to connect the opposite side of the

Patapsco. Critical cross streets have been identified that can link the waterfront and encourage residents to use the waterfront.

Pollution/Compaction Study

Storage facility for factory ar-eas. Polluted and compacted.

Site of former coal fired power plant. Extremely compacted and polluted. Low sitting in flood plain.

Site of old glass factory heavily contaminated with heavy metals and severely compacted. Neighbor-hood storm water drains to this low point.

Industrial land that is most-ly paved parking service that stores vehicles. Large sourc-es of non-point pollution.

Area of lesser pollution is the start of the degradation/stabilization plant pallet

Contaminants runoff the Westport neighborhood. Many of the old homes have lead in the pain and other heavy metals/VOC’s from surface flow off the streets


Analysis

The heavy metals and PCB/VOC contamination is primar-ily located near or around the factories and the as-sociated building used as storage. Many of these con-taminants leached in to the soil and shallow ground water table (4-7’) over the years of industrial use. These building and the surrounding areas are also

subject to a extremely high degree of compaction. How-ever, the entire site is polluted and compacted and will require cleaning in order to safe for human use and re-generate the habitat. The pollutant plume follows the direction of the ground water flow which runs down to the Patapsco. The contaminants will need to be harvested

before they reach the Middle Estuary. In addition the current runoff from Westport neighborhood and adja-cent commercial areas containing heavy metals/VOC’s, will need to treated on site to prevent further deg-radation of the Patapsco.

36Site Scale Synthesis

Analysis

Natural Seclusion

Industrial Revolution

Future Regeneration

37Concept

Analysis

The Westport waterfront concept is centered around 2 major aspects. First and foremost the plant selection, which is intended to clean the site pollutants past and present and restore the wetland habitat close to what it once was. The remediation species are chosen to clean the storm water runoff from the industrial area and neighborhood. The water is piped to the wetland cells which are the most polluted areas on site. These not safe

for contact for species are the most efficient at clean-ing the soil and ground water. Secondly the waterfront is intended to connect visitors to the water’s edge and narrate the legacy of Westport and the waterfront. There are three main zones that will be established along the waterfront linked together by the historic Patapsco waterline. First zone is the natural seclusion zone centered around the Smith’s Cove which offers prospect

and refuge oasis to escape the city. The natural zone bleeds into the industrial revolution zone which is the main entrance that links the light rail to the wa-terfront defined my manipulated topography. The last zone to be created is the future remediation zone which is the machine that will be the most intensive cleaning area that respects the existing vegetation and creates a wetland habitat that was destroyed.

38Design

Currently the Westport waterfront is completely fenced off and inaccessible. The site history has been forgotten, the historic rail road is imbedded in the road out of site. The pollution/infrastructure has rendered this beautiful historic amenity usable. This design intends to bring people and animals back to the water’s edge and energize the post-industrial land to a state that it was once valued for, a natural oasis to get away from the noise and sprawl for Baltimore.

39Master Plan

Design

Solitude Gazebo

Smiths’s Cove Overlook

The Smith’s Cove overlook offers visitors the pros-pect of excellent views across the Patapsco Estuary from the highest point on the site. The Smith’s Cove was the focal point of the Westport waterfront in the 1800’s when the thriving habitat created an escape form the city of Baltimore.

The Solitude Gazebo offers the refuge and seclusion where visitors can go for self reflection and escape. The gazebo is set with in the hills and surrounded by trees to create and inward oriented space.

Natural Seclusion Sections

40Master Plan

Design

Industrial Waterfront Edge

Amphitheater Stage

The amphitheater and stage in the industrial zone is built into the side of a mound left on site. The to-pography is manipulated and cleaned in-situ but em-ploying a safe for contact remediation strategy.

The industrial waterfront edge manipulates the wa-ter’s edge much like the industry of the past. The hard edge is built on the previously bulk headed edge. The waterfront edge has a splash pad that allows visi-tors and Westport residents to experience water since the Patapsco Estuary is not safe for interaction.

Industrial revolution Sections

41Master Plan

Design

Educational Facility

Naturalistic Waterfront

The naturalistic waterfront takes a less imposing approach to bring visitors to the water by not ma-nipulating the water’s edge. This approach allows the vegetation to repopulate the wetland edge zone to recreate the habitat lost by the industrial process.

The outdoor educational facility in the future regeneration zone is located around the three most critical aspects of the waterfront. The opportunity to learn about phytoremedi-ation, the importance of wetlands, and the industrial leg-acy are all on display from its location. The educational area is intended for younger children of Westport and the light rail coming to the waterfront for a field trip.

Future Regeneration

42

Design

Master Plan

43

Design

Westport Waterfront Welcome Center

Maintenance access

Connection to main trail

Open lawn

Water runnel

Recycled brick from condemned Westport homes

Reused rail tracks as flag poles divide en-try plaza

Pedestrian bridge to light rail station

Waiting plaza for train station

Terraced eating build into existing mound

Welcome center

Welcome Center section

Pedestrian connection

44

Design

Westport Waterfront Welcome Center

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Wetland Information Panel Phytoremediation Information PanelHistory Information Panel

45

Design

Legend Perserve Existing Vegetation

Accumulator Forest

Accumulator Natural Meadow

Accumulator Manicured Meadow

Accumulator Aquatic

Accumulator Submergent

Contact Safe Forest

Contact Safe Natural Meadow

Contact Safe Manicured Meadow

Welcome CenterAccumulator Emergent

The Westport waterfront is envisioned as a mod-ern English landscape that incorporates pleasing views out across the Patapsco and within the post-industrial waterfront. The plant selection creates sequences of open vistas and internal focus by blending the diverse plant pallet to create visual levels across the site. The plant selection is in reference to the pollution study that located the areas of extreme pollution and lesser polluted

areas to employ the two different remediation strategies. Lastly the plant pallet also responds to the natural & proposed hydrology of the neigh-borhood and were the storm water collects to cre-ate the wetland vegetation zones.

Plant Selection

HP

Typical2 Year

10 Year

5 Year

HP

Legend

Corner Collection Point Neighborhood High Point

Alley Collection Point

Maximum Water Height

Overland Flow

Main Pipe Flow

Off Site Transport

The site hydrology analysis reviled that the grav-itational flow of storm water was directed to the site of the historic glass and coal factories, the area of the highest concentration of pollution and compaction. In addition the topography analysis showed that the slope was ideal to achieve the desired movement speed of water flowing into the system. This location provided that most logical place to clean the soil and ground water contami-nants left behind from the industrial processes as well as clean the storm water runoff from the neighborhood. The wetland is a series of intercon-nected cells that stores that is intended to slow the water movement and hold the volume of water equivalent to the typical, 2 year, 5 year, and the 10 year. The typical cell will the only permanent wetland habitat.

46

Design

Wetland Machine

1. Water is collected in the alleys ways in the center of the road. The Grates are usually located at the beginning and the end of the alleys. There is not much trash that accumulates around the alley drain grates because there is little traffic.

1

2

1

2. The water is collected at the intersection of the main neighborhood roads. Many of the roofs of the row hous-es drain directly into the street via sidewalk gutter holes or flow directly over the sidewalk surface. Much of the debris collects at the grated storm water inlets at the intersections.

2

3. The light rail is structurally elevated near the in-dustrial area of Westport. The surface flow runs direct-ly underneath the rail bridge and is unobstructed by a street curb or other impairments. The storm water is only obstructed by the industrial rail which sits on a gravel bed. The industrial area adjacent to the waterfront is mostly gravel and asphalt that does have a curb edge al-lowing the surface flow to run unobstructed (see F1).

4. On the back side of Westport light rail station the topography stacks up against the retaining wall which creates the platform. The gravitational slope of the neighborhood directs water to-ward the backside of the light rail. A swale collects the storm water runoff and transports it around the station to the elevated rail.

4

3

3

4

47

Design

Wetland Machine

The wetlands were graded to responds to two design cri-teria: 1 maintenance 2 flow of water. Maintenance ac-cessibility into the wetlands are critical because many of these species are hyper -accumulators of heavy met-als and will need to be harvested on an annual basis. The slopes down into the cells are no more than 30% to allow equipment and personnel to enter the cells. The most important consideration for the wetland grading is the movement of water. The slopes leading into down to the low points are between 1 and 2% to slow the ware enough to drop the suspended sediment load as it enters the system. The firs cell is oriented to the raised rail bridge which offers gravitational surface flow to enter the system.

48

Design

Wetland Machine

Trails

Conection Points

Dedicated Lanes

Byicle Friendly Lanes

Legend

Historic Patapsco Edge

Primary Path

Secondary Path

Direct Water Axis

Viewshed

Parking Access

Vehicle Access

Pedestrian Access

Maintenance Access

The Westport waterfront is located along the existing Gwynn Falls Trail which runs directly through the stadiums and into the heart of Baltimore City. In doing my analysis I determined that this trail effectively ends at the Smith’s Cove and becomes a sidewalk with “bike friendly lanes”. The picture above on the left is taken along the Gwynn Falls Trail at the start of the industrial zone near 295. The trail is extremely polluted with debris and is void of any real vegetation. The proposed circulation will connect at the existing trail at the Smith’s Cove and tie back into the trail behind the municipal incinerator plant reroute to the stadiums. In addition the historic rail bridge that runs across the Patapsco and connects Swann Park to the new waterfront (see picture above). This location along a pre-established trail system will increase the visitor load and provide a more scenic route that links critical site throughout Baltimore.

1 2

1 2

49

Design

Circulation

External Circulation Diagram Internal Circulation Diagram

50

This is image of Westport, taken along Annapolis rd. (Main Street),is all to common. With the economic driver, waterfront factories, leaving the area the once great community of Westport is falling in to a state of despair. Without shared identity that the neighborhood can take pride in the community will slowly over time look more like this condemned house. The new waterfront can serve as community and regional park that adds to the beautiful waterfront spaces of Baltimore opposite that of the Inner Harbor.

Conclusion

51

The historic industry that has since vacated the waterfront molded the Westport community into what is today. It has done a lot of good for this community and deserves to be respected. As it stands right now it is not respected instead is forgotten and abandoned. This design reuses the waterfront in a progressive way to heal the land allowing people to reconnect with nature and their industrial legacy. Over time this landscape will transform 360 degrees brining this beautiful waterfront full circle, returning it to the state it was once valued before the industry developed in Westport.

Reflection

Conclusion

52

This image of the Maryland commuter rail runs adjacent to the Waterfront. This rail road currently di-vides the Westport neighborhood front he polluted postindustrial waterfront. This proposed design takes advantage of the regional connection the light rail offers and bridges the gap between the neighborhood allowing a greater number of people to access the new natural waterfront. In this design the rail road that helped shape Baltimore and Westport is emphasized and respected so that the history of the site can live on.

Sources

53

Sources

Bibliography

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Fisher, Bonnie, and Beth Benson. Remaking the Urban Waterfront. Washington, D.C.: Ur-ban Land Institute, 2004. Print.

Gilbert, O. L. The Ecology of Urban Habitats. London: Chapman and Hall, 1989. Print.

Hayward, Mary Ellen., Frank R. Shivers, and Richard Hubbard. Howland. The Architecture of Baltimore: An Illustrated History. Baltimora: John Hopkins UP, 2004. Print. Kirkwood, Niall. Manufactured Sites: Rethinking the Post-industrial Landscape. London: Spon, 2001. Print.

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Marshall, Richard. Waterfronts in Post Industrial Cities. London: Spon, 2001. Print. Russ, Thomas H. Redeveloping Brownfields: Landscape Architects, Planners, Developers. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2000. Print.

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2F

3F

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5F

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Kühl, Kaja. “From Brownfields to Greenfields: A Field Guide to Phytoremediation.” Urban Omnibus From Brownfields to Greenfields A Field Guide to Phytoremediation Comments. N.p., Nov.-Dec. 2010. Web. 05 May 2014. <http://urbanomni-bus.net/2010/11/from-brownfields-to-greenfields-a-field-guide-to-phytoremediation/>.

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“Staged Gasification.” Staged Gasification. BTG Biomass Technology Group, n.d. Web. 05 May 2014. <http://www.btg-world.com/nl/rtd/technologies/gasification>.

“Westport Community Partnerships.” Site. Westport Community Partnerships, n.d. Web. 05 May 2014. <http://westport-partnerships.org/www/docs/118/westport_waterfront_development_community_partnerships/>.

“Westport Waterfront Green Urban Waterfront Baltimore Maryland Middle Branch of the Patapsco River A 2009 Turner Development Sustainable Project.” Westport Waterfront History. Baltimore City, n.d. Web. 05 May 2014. <http://www.westportwaterfront.com/>.

“Westport Generating Station.” Opacityus. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2014. <http://opacity.us/site214_westport_generat-ing_station.htm>.

“Maps.” Chesapeake Bay Program. Chesapeake Bay, n.d. Web. 5 May 2014. <http://www.chesapeakebay.net/Maps>.

“NASA USES A “SLEUTH” TO PREDICT URBAN LAND USE.” NASA. NASA, 24 Mar. 2004. Web. 5 May 2014. <http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nasa.gov%2Fcenters%2Fgoddard%2Fnews%2Ftopstory%2F2004%2F0322sleuth.html>.

“M& T Bank Stadium.” M& T Bank Stadium. PSL SOURCE, n.d. Web. 05 May 2014. <http://www.pslsource.com/baltimore_ravens/m_and_t_bank_stadium/>.

“Spring Garden Swing Bridg.” Spring Garden. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2014. <http://www.wmwestsub.com/tidesub/spring-garden.htm>.

“Westport Real Estate & Westport Baltimore Homes For Sale - Zillow.” Zillow. Yahoo, n.d. Web. 05 May 2014. <http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Westport-Baltimore-MD/163817_rid/days_sort/39.272232%2C-76.613095%2C39.258094%2C-76.640968_rect/15_zm/>.

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