"Philadelphia's approach is a radical shift in the way cities handle stormwater," says Mark Maimone
Why Philadelphia is Shifting Perspectives on Stormwater Management
“The Philadelphia Water Department, faced with a mandate to reduce CSOs into its rivers and creeks, found it critical to approach the problem in the context of the city’s economic, social and environmental challenges. After expanding its analysis of potential ways to reduce CSOs, the department chose a GSI (Green Stormwater Infrastructure) approach over more traditional engineered solutions,” writes Mark Maimone in a story posted on Susdrain – The community for sustainable drainage.
Mark Maimone has worked with the Philadelphia Water Department for 13 years on water supply and combined sewer overflow (CSO) planning and is the project manager for their Green City Clean Waters program. This 25-year program is designed to provide many benefits beyond reduced CSOs, so that every dollar spent maximizes return in benefits to the public and the environment.
Philadelphia is Addressing the Total Water Balance
“Using GSI to manage at least the first inch of runoff from every storm on thousands of acres of what are now impervious surfaces will help Philadelphia significantly reduce the amount of stormwater entering its overburdened sewers—also reducing pollution to its rivers and creeks.”
“In fact, the department’s new approach is a radical shift in the way cities handle stormwater…By changing its approach, Philadelphia is addressing the total water balance, where all components of water supply, stormwater and wastewater are managed in a closed loop,” concludes Mark Maimone.
To Learn More:
To read the complete blog posted by Mark Maimone on Susdrain, click on Why Philadelphia is shifting perspectives on stormwater management.
An overview of Philadelphia’s initial steps to implement this change is presented in the video on the Green City Clean Waters program. The video features Mark Maimone. This 25-year program is designed to provide many benefits beyond reduced CSOs, so that every dollar spent maximizes return in benefits to the public and the environment.