“The rebuilt scenario comparison tool is tailored to multiple levels of users who have a wide range of technical backgrounds, from hydrology experts to stewardship groups. The model now has launch buttons at three scales of investigation,” reports Richard Boase.
“Watersheds are not all created equal. And when we begin to examine them, we find that they function in all kinds of different ways. And what I often see missing in most engineering methodologies is an understanding of how a particular watershed actually functions,” states Will Marsh.
“The real problems and solutions come together when you look at the site and the data you have to represent what you have. How do you compare the future condition that is very undefined with a calibrated tool that is very well defined? There is much that we do that has a place and purpose, BUT sometimes what we do is questionable,” states Dr. Charles Rowney.
“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,” writes Noah Garrison.
“The series seeks to shed light on the project of building community and the relationship between that task and rainwater/stormwater management. The first article in the series (by Martin Dreiling) offered a general framework for the issues we find relevant to that task,” states Janice Kasperson.
Stormwater Magazine – Nov/Dec 2011 issue – cover (475p)
The article by Kim Stephens and Jim Dumont is a thoughtful review of the divergent goals of rainwater management in the US and Canada written from a British Columbia perspective.
“The ‘missing link’ has been the single family detached dwelling. Yet, the ultimate audience goes well beyond homeowners. The WBM Express is a vehicle to connect with builders, developers, consultants, real estate agents and students/educators,” stated Kim Stephens.
“By 2014, municipalities will be required to develop and implement integrated stormwater management plans (ISMPs) at the watershed scale that integrate with land use to manage rainwater runoff,” states Kim Stephens.
“The critical issue in British Columbia is the damage and loss of habitat caused by development and erosion of the headwater streams. The focus is in direct response to Canada’s Fisheries Act that prohibits damage of fish habitat.”,” stated Jim Dumont. “The United States EPA, on the other hand, has focussed upon water quality in the main stems and coastal waters and seeks to restore the resources of those waters through the goals and objectives of the Clean Water Act.”
The Surface Water Management Bylaw adopted by the District of Central Saanich in 2010 was the source of inspiration for the WBM Express. According to Nirmal Bhattacharya, the Bylaw provides the means to restore the water balance when properties redevelop.
