$1.34-Million Stormwater Runoff and Greening Project Underway at Harbor Hospital
MedStar Harbor Hospital is nearing completion on a $1.34-million stormwater runoff and greening project at its Middle Branch campus which spans both sides of S. Hanover St. and faces the Patapsco River. Once completed, it is expected to clean more than five million gallons of stormwater every year before it hits the river.
MedStar and its contractors are installing eight bioretention systems, five rain gardens, a healing garden, and new benches, as well as completing landscaping improvements. More than 40,000 trees, shrubs, and perennials, all of which are native to Chesapeake Bay watershed, are also being planted.
The project will take place in MedStar’s parking lots on both sides of S. Hanover St. and its lawn facing the Patapsco River, which includes a section of the Gwynns Falls Trail.
There will be 18 shade trees planted, including Red Maple, Yellowwood, Thornless Honeylocust, Black Gum, and Pin Oak species. There will also be 16 ornamental trees planted, including River Birch, Redbud, Fringetree, and Natchez Crape Myrtle species. The trees are all four to six years old and weigh about 500 pounds.
Along with beautification and stormwater remediation, MedStar is hoping the improvements will create a relaxing environment for its patients during their recovery.
The project is funded by a $1.34-million grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources issued through the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund. MedStar is paying for new asphalt to be installed.
MedStar is funding a new asphalt surface in its Harbor Hospital parking lots.
The project started in June and is expected to be completed this month. The large amount of rainfall this summer extended the project’s timeline.
“MedStar Health takes the health of the environment as seriously as it does the health of patients,” said Brian K. Gray, director of clinical engineering and environment of care at MedStar Harbor Hospital, in a press release. “We are delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to the cleaning of the Patapsco River and to install a garden for our patients to enjoy nature.”
Gray told SouthBMore.com that future improvements in the works include installing two trash-collecting water wheels on the campus. He said there are not currently any plans for a large expansion and redevelopment of Harbor Hospitals properties.
About the Author: Kevin Lynch
Founder and Publisher of SouthBmore.com, longtime resident of South Baltimore, and a graduate of Towson University. Diehard Ravens and O's fan, father of three, amateur pizza chef, skateboarder, and "bar food" foodie. Email me at Kevin@InceptMM.com and follow me on Twitter at @SoBoKevin.
