Environmental Science department partners with the City of Bedford to create a storm water management plan

Fort Worth, TX

4/14/2008

A group of environmental science students at TCU recently partnered with the City of Bedford to help create a storm water management plan (SWMP) and improve the water quality with a limited budget. The was a part of the Applied Projects Partnership Program in which students are selected and partnered with local businesses, industry and consulting firms to solve real-world problems and create professional deliverables.

Through the program, students apply academic skills to experience in a field, linking established learning objectives with genuine needs. They also lead, manage and direct the project, while a TCU faculty member provides oversight and guidance.

Abby Schlipmann, an environmental science student and project manager, said, “I have never worked as a consultant, so this was a great way for me to get my feet wet. This project taught me a lot about what it takes for a municipality to comply with local, as well as, national environmental regulations.”

In the most recent project dealing with the City of Bedford, the student-led team reviewed the city’s storm water program, researched the current Best Management Practices (BMP), conducted field research, and prepared a new program for the City of Bedford in order for the city to submit a new required permit.

For more information please contact Becky Richards, professor of professional practice for the environmental science department, by phone at (817) 257-7271 or by  e-mail at b.richards@tcu.edu.