ABSTRACT
Controlling stormwater runoff quality is an increasing environmental concern significantly influencing design and permitting of large development projects. This chapter presents the water quality mitigation measures for the 83,600-m2 Emerald Square Mall constructed by New England Development, Newton, Massachusetts. For controlling stormwater runoff quality, the design and operation of Emerald Square Mall includes the following mitigation measures: wet detention ponds, constructed wetland basins, catch basins equipped with oil and grease traps, parking lot sweeping, sodium-free deicing salts, and restricted use of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers. Stormwater runoff from the shopping mall will be directed through the wetland/ detention systems prior to discharging into tributaries of the Sevenmile River. Wetland basins were established during the first construction phase to provide at least one full growing season prior to receiving parking lot runoff. Long-term monitoring of treated runoff will detect unanticipated water quality problems that may result from the shopping mall operation.
