The Lewes Birding and Biking Center
Date
2023-05
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Description
My project is focused on the Howard H. Seymour Water Reclamation Plant located in Lewes, Delaware. For this project the wastewater treatment plant (WTP) will be shut down and a new wastewater treatment plant will be built and functioning the town of Lewes in an area unaffected by sea level rise. The Howard H. Seymour Water Reclamation Plant will be affected by sea level rise and the residential housing behind the plant will be destroyed. By reinforcing a raised train rail line on the site, a bermed trail can be implemented to protect the site from sea level rise. The purpose of this project is to protect the current infrastructure that will be underwater if nothing is done. Currently, the site is a 50 acre tidal marshland that includes the Howard H. Seymour Water Reclamation Plant at the north western part of the site. The plant services over 3,000 residents and all of the wastewater from the town of Lewes is run through this plant. The marshland will be underwater with one foot of sea level rise, the plant will experience flooding with two feet of sea level rise. Due to the projected sea level rise on the site the WTP will become inoperable with salt water intrusion. Tackling this problem would be advantageous for the town of Lewes. With the raised trail protecting the now defunct WTP, the plant will undergo an adaptive reuse being transformed into and area for bird rehabilitation, birding and biking. This site will promote active living in the community that has a beautiful natural environment. The site would be a direct connection between the beach and town center. With such a high number of people that visit Delaware's beaches every summer, the bermed trail system would be favored by families, commuters, joggers, bikers and those looking to enjoy nature.
Keywords
Landscape Architecture, Howard H. Seymour Water Reclamation Plant, Lewes Delaware, Birding, Biking, Sea level rise, Adaptive reuse, Bermed trail system