“Natural ecosystems are built to absorb rainfall and slow the flow of water as it passes through vegetation and soils and into waterways. Thus, incorporating natural systems into the built urban environment can effectively mitigate the intensity of storm surges,” wrote David Suzuki.
“But have you paid attention to what might be leaking off your property when it rains? In the dark ages of subdivision design, rain that fell on roofs, patios and oil-stained driveways was treated as the enemy,” writes Billy Goodnick.
“Effective rainwater management requires a focus on the harmonization of man and nature AND the skill sets of a spectrum of professionals and citizens. Too often, the reverse is true,” states Paul Crabtree.
“It’s an old idea that’s new again. There used to be a whole federal agency in the U.S. that was devoted to soil protection. Franklin D. Roosevelt said – rather dramatically, after watching the devastation of the Dust Bowl – ‘The nation that destroys its soil, destroys itself.’ Yet somehow, decades later, it feels like we are rediscovering topsoil for the 21st Century,” writes Anna Warwick Sears.
“The Green City Clean Waters Plan is our proposal to revitalize our rivers and streams by managing stormwater in a way that provides multiple benefits. It will result in clean and beautiful waterways, a healthier environment and increased community value,” said Mayor Michale Nutter.
“Rooftops to Rivers II profiles the approaches taken by 14 cities in the US and Canada, revealing just how far the use of green infrastructure has spread and just how adaptable it is. Green infrastructure works everywhere,” reports Noah Garrison.
Thomas Low (120p) – Light Imprint Handbook
The basic premise is to recover and maintain the pre-development natural hydrology of the site. It is compatible with urban design that emphasizes compact, mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented design, and environmental efficiency.
WEF logo (294p)
Effective integration of green infrastructure is an emerging method for the management of wet weather flows.
EPA Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe (100×150)
The Partnership consists of agencies from the Tacoma and Pierce County region along with the Puyallup tribe, working to address modern challenges associated with water pollution, particularly that caused by stormwater runoff. The Center is a partnership between Washington State University and the University of Washington Tacoma Center for Urban Waters.
Philadelphia – report cover
Philadelphia is setting a national model for smarter, greener ways to clean up troubled rivers, lakes and beaches. The city is pioneering a broad investment in measures that deliver dramatically improve overall health and quality of life.
