Using Rainwater to Grow Livable Communities Sustainable Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Basic Principles Treat water as a resource, not a waste product Design to mimic or replicate the natural hydrology of a site Design to address issues of water quality, quantity and amenity Accommodate the standards and expectations of the local community Infiltrate, detain, retain Start small, build from there Collaboration is key

What Do BMPs Look Like?

Rain Gardens: Kansas City, MO Raingardens are bioretention areas that increase infiltration, recharge groundwater, and improve overall water quality McCarthy Garden in Kansas City

Ecoroof: Chicago, IL An ecoroof is a roof that is planted with vegetation. It can reduce the heat imprint of a building and reduce off-site runoff

Detention and Infiltration Areas: Belleview, WA Detention and infiltration areas reduce the amount of off-site runoff and the speed with which water enters local waterbodies High flow storage area next to recreational facilities

Right of Way Enhancements: Portland, OR Street right-of- ways can be modified to capture runoff from roadways Green Street Swales - New Seasons Market

Residential Communities: Denver, CO Detention areas, planted with native plants, perform a stormwater retention and water quality improvement function.

What Can Sustainable Stormwater Practices Do For Me?

Benefits of Sustainable Stormwater Practices Reduce Runoff and Improve Water Quality Add Amenity Meet Regulations Save Money Enhance Funding Options Improve Wildlife Habitat

Reduce Runoff: Burnsville, MN Monitoring has shown that The rain gardens in the Burnsville rain garden demonstration project capture at least (and often more than) the first 0.9” of rainfall There is a 90% reduction in runoff rates from the neighborhood with rain gardens as compared to a similar neighborhood without rain gardens

Add Amenity: Philadelphia, PA The Philadelphia Public Works Department is a partner in the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's Neighborhood Transformation Initiative, which transforms vacant lots into community-friendly spaces. Converted spaces offer stormwater management benefits because the park- like spaces are outfitted with berms and swales that collect and infiltrate rainfall and runoff, and natural vegetation promotes evapotranspiration. Vacant lot at 2300 North 3rd Street before greening Site was regraded to capture stormwater and planted with trees, shrubs, and grass

Meet Regulations: Truckee Meadows, NV A Regional Stormwater Management Quality Program was developed in response to TMDL and NPDES Phase I permit requirements Program components include: –Structural BMP Controls –Land Use Planning and LID Tools –Public Outreach Vegetated swale at Costco parking lot

Save Money: Seattle, WA Seattle Public Utilities has projected that its Natural Drainage Installations are at least 25 percent less expensive than traditional stormwater systems due to decreased build and infrastructure maintenance costs. Broadview Green Grid Vegetated Swale

Enhance Funding Options: Milwaukee, WI The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District partnered with Alterra Coffee Roasters to renovate a historic site with stormwater management features to provide community amenity and stormwater management education Stormwater is managed entirely on-site at the former Milwaukee River Flushing Station, now an Alterra Coffee Roasters café and interpretive center

Improve Wildlife Habitat: Orlando, FL Wetlands restoration, greenspace corridors, and other environmental enhancements are standard features in Orlando's re- development projects. Greenwood Urban Wetlands

How can we implement BMPs in our community?