Scientific Data Monitoring
Sensor Technology
Stormwater Management
LOCATION
Washington, DC
Baltimore, MD
CLIENTS
Morgan State University
Baltimore Social Environmental Collaboration
TIMELINE
2023-Present
STATUS
Ongoing
PROJECTED RESULTS
Neighborhood revitalization along major public corridors
855.5 tons
of sediment reduced per year
38,352 linear ft
of concrete replaced with pervious pavers
Project Overview
This project advanced green infrastructure (GI) monitoring and implementation in Baltimore through a partnership between Morgan State University, Broadway East Community CDC, and local/state agencies. It was supported under the Maryland Department of Natural Resources IIJA/BIL Most Effective Basins program.
Problem Statement
Baltimore’s disadvantaged neighborhoods, such as Broadway East (91% people of color, life expectancy ~50 years) and Old Goucher (73% people of color, life expectancy ~45 years), face historic disinvestment, high impervious cover (77–89%), low tree canopy (7–10%), and environmental justice challenges. These conditions create excess stormwater runoff, nutrient loading, urban heat stress, and poor air quality, while communities lack equitable access to resilient green infrastructure solutions.
Solution
The project had two integrated components:
Smart Monitoring at Morgan State – Deployment of one gateway and over 12 soil moisture sensors to generate real-time data on GI performance, with advanced data modeling (including random forest and regression analysis) to guide maintenance protocols and practice improvements.
2. Urban Bioretention Strips in Broadway East & Old Goucher – Large-scale implementation of low-cost/high-impact bioretention strips, pervious pavers, and conservation landscaping along public rights-of-way, with dedicated maintenance and community monitoring. Capstone student groups from the University of Maryland (3 groups, ~15 students, 110+ hours) contributed applied research and modeling, including a detailed study of drain blocks for subsurface retention.
Innovation
Technology Integration: Combined real-time soil moisture monitoring with advanced statistical modeling to optimize GI performance and reduce maintenance costs
Applied Research: University of Maryland capstone teams (~15 students, 110+ hours) conducted applied studies, including drain block modeling that identified up to 7.1% additional stormwater storage capacity
Equity-Centered Design: Focused directly on environmental justice communities with historically low life expectancy and high vulnerability
Scalable Model: Demonstrates how smart monitoring and community GI can be deployed cost-effectively for measurable stormwater and climate benefits
Impact
Environmental Outcomes
Stormwater Benefits: 23 urban BMPs implemented; 17,42 sq. ft. impervious surface removed
Nutrient & Sediment Reductions: 1.69 lbs/year Nitrogen, 0.27 lbs/year Phosphorus, and 855.5 tons/year sediment reduced
Tree Canopy Expansion: 68 new urban trees plus shrubs and live stakes planted, contributing to cooling and air quality
Watershed Impact: Reduced runoff and nutrient loading in the Jones Falls watershed, a Chesapeake Bay Program priority basin
Community Outcomes
Engagement: Outreach and convenings built new communication channels between residents, academia, and government
Education & Workforce: Student research and community maintenance created learning and employment opportunities
Resilience Benefits: Improved protection from flooding, heat, and air quality stressors in EJ neighborhoods
Greened Public Corridors: Highly visible improvements along North Broadway, North Avenue, and Maryland Ave/23rd St
Economic Outcomes
Total Project Value: ~$2.87M (50/50 federal–nonfederal match)
Cost Savings: Smart monitoring reduces long-term GI maintenance costs
Revenue Potential: Opens pathways for additional stormwater credit generation in DC/MD markets
Neighborhood Revitalization: Visible GI investments catalyze redevelopment and increased property values
Conclusion
The Smart Monitoring Green Infrastructure Project demonstrates how technology, equity, and community engagement can converge to deliver measurable environmental justice outcomes. By combining data-driven monitoring with large-scale, low-cost GI in historically underserved neighborhoods, the project reduces nutrient runoff, expands tree canopy, and enhances climate resilience—while also creating economic value, workforce opportunities, and stronger community-government partnerships. This integrated model provides a replicable blueprint for advancing clean water goals and revitalizing urban corridors across the Chesapeake Bay region.
