Rainwater Management in the District of Maple Ridge: New developments lead by example
The Goal: Protect Stream Health
“Drop by drop, the effect cars, roads and roofs have on Maple Ridge streams is declining,” writes Phil Melnychuk published in the Maple Ridge News and titled Filtering stormwater, the way it’s done now.
“Thanks to the 2006 Watercourse Protection Bylaw, the amount of storm water that used to rush into creeks and streams, scouring out fish habitat and dumping pollutants, is dropping as builders get used to the new rules that control rainwater.”
The article describes a number of development projects that have incorporated rainwater runoff capture measures. Two recent townhouse developments about to get final approval, one on 237th Street, the other on 240th Street, both use natural biofiltration techniques to capture the runoff, cleanse it of most contaminants, then slowly release it back into nature’s system.
Such measures are part of all new developments, said Chuck Goddard, the District’s manager of development and environmental services.
It’s now a mix of compulsion and persuasion to get builders to include ground infiltration systems. Developers and engineers all must now include some way to control rainwater runoff.
Alignment at All Scales
“The District is exploring how we will align our local actions with the provincial and regional policy framework for water sustainability in general, and rainwater management in particular,” states Rodney Stott, Environmental Planner.
“We are at an important cross roads where we are ready to make some minor amendments to our municipal tool kit that can lead to some significant improvements with respect to our current planning, engineering, operations, and building practices.”
To read a previous story on Water Bucket, click on Convening for Action in Maple Ridge: Understanding why RAINwater management is important.
Posted May 2010