Sustainable Design Features

IAMU's 24-acre property adjoins a unique natural feature, the Carney Marsh, a 40-acre protected wetland. Development on the site was planned to protect the marsh and its water quality. Other stewardship goals included:

• To design facilities to respond to the site, minimizing disruption of the land and soil
• To initiate best management practices (BMPs) for erosion and sediment control
• To landscape with the trees, shrubs, prairie flowers, and grasses that are native to this region
• To develop a wetland treatment system that cleans wastewater before it leaves the site
• To minimize the need for mowing, watering, and chemical use.

Three key sustainable design features include:

Best Management Practices (BMPs)

In cooperation with the Polk County Soil and Water Conservation District, IAMU demonstrated erosion and sediment control practices from the first day of grading and site development. Temporary sediment basins, constructed wetlands, use of compost, silt fences, fabric ditch checks, and temporary and permanent seedings all contributed to keeping soil on the site and out of the marsh.

Rattlesnake master

11 Acres of Restoration Prairie

Seeds collected from prairie plants native to central Iowa were used to create over 11 acres of new prairie at the IAMU site. To date, more than 120 different prairie species have been observed. Additionally, each part of the prairie is burned every 2-4 years. Having low maintenance plantings in the prairie area saves both money and natural resources. The native plant species, being well adapted to the Iowa climate, require no watering, mowing, or fertilizer. They also compete very successfully against weeds, minimizing the need for chemical controls. IAMU also receives tax credits each year for having this prairie.

A Wetland Treatment System

Soil tests showed that a traditional septic system would be inadequate to treat the wastewater from the facility. The natural choice, therefore, was to construct a wetland treatment system. Sewage enters an underground septic tank, where solids settle out. Water from the tank flows into a wetland basin. Bacteria at the bottom of the basin break down waste materials in the water. This treatment is enhanced by wetland plants growing in the basin.