The construction design of the Devaney Gymnastics Training Facility is making a positive impact on the environment.

The project, located next to the Devaney Center, includes permeable pavers, which are along the north side of the building. Permeable pavers capture and treat pollutants in storm water. They naturally mimic and recreate the way the ground reacts to rainwater. Altogether, the Gymnastics Devaney Center permeable pavers can withhold a treatment volume of 3,200 cubic feet of storm water — almost 24,000 gallons.

In addition to reducing pollutants, permeable paver structures assist in reducing the initial or “first flush” of storm water that discharges into nearby Antelope Creek. The permeable pavers do this by allowing storm water to percolate through the gaps between the pavers and allow the dirty storm water to settle in an aggregate layer that is located beneath. Once the water level in the aggregate layer reaches a designed height, treated storm water will then seep into a drainage pipe and leave the site through the storm water conveyance system.

This filtering process is effective at removing different types of pollutants such as sediments and solids, nutrients and total metals that would otherwise be discharged to receiving bodies of water downstream.

The project is part of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s commitment to keeping its storm water contribution to receiving waters clean. The project also complies with an environmental permit with the State of Nebraska. Through this partnership, the university has designed and constructed storm water controls at new and redeveloped sites on both City and East campuses.

The permeable pavers are just one of many different ways that the university is reducing its storm water impact to lakes and streams. Learn more about how the university reduces its stormwater impact..

The 2019 Stormwater Annual Report can be reviewed and comments are welcome.