Robert J. Korenic

Associate Professor and Program Coordinator

Civil & Construction Engineering Technology

Robert J. Korenic, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of the Civil and Construction Engineering Technology Program published a paper entitled Case Study: Urban Revival and Appropriate Storm Water Management (Youngstown State University) in the Journal of Sustainability Education Water and Climate Issue (March 2020). The abstract of the publication is below.

Youngstown State University, an Urban Research Institution located in Youngstown, Ohio (Mahoning County), has experienced significant infrastructure improvements over the last several years. The improvements center around new dormitories, academic buildings and parking areas located to the south of the campus. Prior to these additions, the improved areas were parking lots, grass and tree areas and other structures that were subsequently demolished to make room for the infrastructure improvements. Due to the aforementioned activity, the storm water patterns, drainage and quantities were increased causing storm water runoff accumulations and significant ponding on Rayen Avenue and Belmont Avenue which meet at the south end of campus.

This situation is not abnormal since every urban area that is revitalized with new buildings and parking structures undergoes a significant change in storm water runoff patterns and areas of drainage or groundwater recharge. At Youngstown State University, there has been no known attempt to quantify the amount of change (increase) of runoff from the original conditions to the current. The focus of this research completed with the aid of The Mahoning County Engineers Office was two – fold. First, to find accurate quantities of runoff (pre and post development improvements) and expand on sustainable storm water management techniques that can be incorporated in urban areas including bioswales and rain gardens. Second, to include a group of sophomore engineering technology students in a meaningful, real world engineering technology analysis project similar to what they will be completing while practicing.