Microsoft Word - RFP - Tree Watering System Kean Capstone Project.docx Request for Proposal: Self-Sustaining Tree Watering System for Borough of Roselle Park Environmental Commission Contacts: Daniel...

review project proposal and come up with background information on the project concept. look over requirement requests and support. keep in mind anticipated challenges


Microsoft Word - RFP - Tree Watering System Kean Capstone Project.docx Request for Proposal: Self-Sustaining Tree Watering System for Borough of Roselle Park Environmental Commission Contacts: Daniel LaPorte (Roselle Park Environmental Commission Member) Contact information: [email protected] Challenge to be Addressed: The Borough of Roselle Park desires to increase its urban forestry cover to improve quality of life, combat heat island effect, increase stormwater management capacity among other environmental and social benefits. One challenge of planting new trees is that they require regular watering, especially during warm weather, for approximately two years. Watering must usually be completed either by Department of Public Works staff or, if the borough chose to do so, with a hired contractor. These methods take both staff time and/or money for contractors. Project Concept: To address the need for regular watering of newly planted trees for at least two years, we would like to explore the feasibility of the development of a closed, self-watering, gravity-fed system that could serve the function which staff or contractors must currently fill. We envision such a system to include the following components: ● A water holding such as a rain barrel or tub fitted with water collection apparatus to increase surface area collecting water ● A spout with a timer system to regularize the timing of watering (such a timer system might be battery operated or solar-powered) ● A hose or tube that would deliver water to 1-5 trees This system would collect rain water and distribute to trees which it is connected to. Where rain is insufficient, it may be necessary for DPW staff to fill the water holding section. Priority should be given to a system that is self-reliant and does not require location next to other structures for rain collection. A final prototype design should be determined based on an evaluation and consultation between the Kean team and Roselle Park project lead. Request for support: The following activities are requested for support for this project: 1. A list of suggested materials for the project that take into account: a. Water storage capacity vs. size and weight b. Storage capacity vs. number of trees that can be watered given minimum watering requirements c. Cost d. Durability of materials for long-term use exposed to weather events of all four seasons e. Increased water collection capacity through higher surface area while maintaining stability (i.e. actual water volume collection based on surface area) f. Feasibility of dismantling and reassembly after initial trees are established and no longer need regular watering g. Interaction with nature (such as mice, racoons or other wildlife that may interact and/or damage materials) 2. Budget for one prototype of materials list after consultation with borough project lead (maximum $1000 - final amount TBD with goal to be most cost-effective) 3. Five suggested locations for implementation within the Borough of Roselle Park taking into account: a. Must be on borough property b. Suitability for tree planting in area and how many c. Heat island locations (based on Environmental Resource Inventory) d. Visibility for increased public awareness and demonstration of sustainable watering systems e. Priority should be given to feasibility of open locations where system must collect own water (as opposed to locations with nearby borough owned structures which would enhance surface area for water collection - maximum two locations where borough owned structure might be used to enhance water collection. Ex: downtown gazebo) 4. Suggested list of suitable trees (based on borough tree recommendations and primary research), complimentary plant types and other plant based means of absorbing stormwater, reducing water evaporation around the tree and creating complimentary ecosystem in immediate area around the trees (note that primary purpose of the project is a tree watering system so plants suggestion would ideally not use water from the system which is needed by the trees) 5. One prototype of system that can be used by the borough (pending budget and funding) a. Design to be finalized after review and discussion between capstone team and borough project lead taking into account materials identified from request #1 6. Detailed step-by-step instructions for how to build additional systems in the future that would be easily used and understood by non-specialized individuals (similar to Ikea furniture assembly instructions). Instructions should include suggestions for regular maintenance. 7. Suggested criteria for future installation if borough groups wish to build additional systems including the following considerations: a. Characteristics of locations for implementation (based on lessons learned from identification of five initial spots) b. Cost-benefit analysis based on lessons learned that includes evaluation of: i. Types of materials ii. Size and weight of system vs. # of trees able to be watered iii. Cost of materials iv. Estimated length of life of system v. Estimated staff time or contractor costs Anticipated challenges: ● Managing cost to ensure start-up costs are less than cost of DPW staff time or contractor (will provide more specific estimate after consultation with borough staff) ● Balance of increasing surface area for water collection while maintaining durability to weather events ● Vandalism and ease of repair ● Durability of materials to last several years exposed to all types of weather events