A Hydrologic Study of Smith College and Impacts on the Mill River Watershed

Environmental practices of Smith College negatively affect the local community, particularly the Mill River watershed. Models of the surface hydrology of Smith College show that runoff originating from the campus flows directly into Paradise Pond and the Mill River. This runoff carries sediment, chemicals, and materials used for lawn and walkway maintenance. Similarly, particulates generated by the numerous sites of construction flow directly into the watershed, increasing turbidity with the increase of suspended and dissolved sediment. Storm water and runoff management practices, such as the use of siltfences and filter cloths, as well as changes in chemical types and applications, can greatly reduce the impact Smith College has on the Mill River and improve the Campus’s overall sustainability. Other Five College campuses, particularly Mount Holyoke, currently employ these management practices and can act as models for future Smith College sustainability policies