Lake Lieberman
42°05'12.36" N 75°57'42.93" W
Campus boasts two constructed wetlands. Lake Lieberman was initially built as a retention pond for storm flows originating from the southern portion of the Binghamton University campus. In 2010, plans for new dorm construction necessitated an expansion and reconfiguration of Lake Lieberman.
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Both the old and the new Lake Lieberman help to alleviate erosion in the watershed by decreasing the velocity of campus runoff. The wetland also helps to capture sediment and serves as habitat for many campus animals (you can join us annually for the BUBioblitz to contribute to an ongoing survey of campus diversity!).
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Standing on top of the berm (designed to contain a 100 year storm event) and looking northeast, you can see the concrete outlet structure, the top of which corresponds to pond level expected for a 10-year storm event. Looking at the central portion of the wetland, you can clearly see the main stream channel. The meandering course of the channel is intentional and one of the design features of the constructed wetland that, along with the vegetation, helps to slow down water during storms and allow for the deposition of sediments.
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Old Lake Lieberman in April 2006 (left/top) and New Lake Lieberman in May 2015 (right/bottom) Source: Google Earth Images
FRI students indicating height of storm flow during June 2021 event at the Lake Lieberman Inlet adjacent to sensor location.
View of Lake Lieberman in June 2021 from dormitory overlook. The top of the berm (the hill structure surrounding the wetland) is designed to contain a 100-year storm event. The concrete outlet structure is also visible.