 |
During the past decade, the use of green infrastructure and low-impact development measures to manage stormwater has helped to reduce pollutant loading in water bodies, recharge groundwater, and more closely imitate natural hydrologic systems. Because many of these methods actually mimic natural processes, implementing green infrastructure within a system that is already interlaced with impermeable surfaces, point-source culverts and drains, and other man-made stormwater conveyances requires expertise. Here are some of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) most popular green infrastructure practices and recommendations for use.
Downspout Disconnection— the rerouting of rooftop rainwater away from storm sewers to rain barrels, cisterns and/or permeable ground areas. This is an especially good practice in areas that have combined storm and sanitary sewer systems.
Rainwater Harvesting—systems that allow stormwater to be collected and stored for future use. This practice is especially useful for use in arid regions to conserve water and offset water shortages.
Join us for an in-depth webinar on December 18. Our presenter, a seasoned EHS veteran, will provide an analysis of the proposed MSGP changes and suggest ways for EHS professionals to evaluate the impact of the changes and develop a compliance strategy.
Rain Gardens—shallow, versatile basin gardens that help collect and absorb stormwater runoff from rooftops, sidewalks, streets, and other impermeable areas. These areas work with the natural hydrology to provide infiltration and evapotranspiration of stormwater runoff and can also be used in many different places of varying sizes, including urban, suburban, and rural sites.
Planter Boxes—rain gardens contained by vertical walls and open or closed bottoms to collect and absorb runoff from diverse impermeable areas, including streets, parking lots, and sidewalks. Planter boxes are ideal for use in highly urban areas and when a more structured streetscaping element is desired.
Bioswales—vegetated, mulched, or xeriscaped linear channels designed to transport stormwater flows especially from areas along streets and parking lots. Bioswales are useful in areas with large areas of impermeable surfaces to impede the flow of stormwater into storm sewers.
Permeable Pavements—paved surfaces for roads, streets, sidewalks, and parking lots that are permeable and can be designed to infiltrate, treat, and store stormwater. Options include pervious concrete, porous asphalt, different types of pavers, and other materials. Use is particularly cost-effective in areas with high land values and where icing and flooding occur.
Green Streets and Alleys—combine all/any of the above elements to create stormwater-friendly areas designed to allow infiltration, evapotranspiration and/or storage of stormwater. Different aspects can be implemented to create a system that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Learn the key proposed 2013 MSGP changes, and get a review of the existing 2008 MSGP requirements , and much more during our in-depth webinar on December 18, 2013.
Register Now
Green Parking—use of permeable pavement can be applied to all or a portion of parking areas alone or in conjunction with other elements such as rain gardens or bioswales. Permeable pavement is especially useful in mitigating urban heat islands and in creating walkable community elements.
Green Roofs—uses vegetation on flat roofs of buildings such as offices and manufacturing plants to capture, infiltrate, and evapotranspirate stormwater. Green roofs work well in high-value urban areas as well as in areas where stormwater management costs are high.
Urban Tree Canopy—planned tree plantings to provide for the slowing and capture of stormwater within the trees. This is a great option anywhere that trees can be planted especially along streets.
Land Conservation—careful management of natural areas in and adjacent to urban areas can help to minimize stormwater impacts, including flooding and provide recreational opportunities at the same time. Special attention should be paid to riparian areas and to wetlands and areas with potential for erosion like hillsides.
Which green infrastructure practices are chosen should first and foremost be a factor of which ones best manage stormwater according to permit requirements. Designers can work with agencies to define which green infrastructure practices best serve the needs of the project and meet all permits parameters.