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Many US metropolitan areas are facing costs of millions or billions of
dollars addressing sewer overflows and flooding. There is growing
interest in assessing the extent to which green infrastructure can
reduce the amount of storm water runoff from urban and suburban
landscapes. Can it provide a cost-effective alternative to the massive
funding needed to address flooding, water quality concerns and sewer
overflows?
Kari Ann Mackenbach, Certified Floodplain Manager, will discuss the
effectiveness of rain barrels, rain gardens, green roofs, cisterns,
pervious pavement applications, tree boxes and other techniques in
reducing storm and sewer overflows within urban, suburban, and urban
sprawl communities. Should a community, business, or homeowner consider
green infrastructure? What types of green infrastructure would be most
effective for what a municipality wants to accomplish? The initial costs
and lifecycle costs of green infrastructure in comparison to traditional
stormwater controls must be evaluated. Kari will discuss several case
studies on how communities decided what practices to consider for their
community. We will talk about what we think Columbus and other
communities in Central Ohio can do, and how we can educate and encourage
them. Refreshments will be served.
See Brandi Whetstone’s article on
rain barrels. This program is an official part of Central Ohio’s
River Pride month. |
