EPA, NRDC to Seek Green Approaches to Reducing Stormwater Pollution
On April 19, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and EPA signed a statement of intent to pursue "green infrastructure" approaches to reduce sewer overflows and stormwater pollution.
"We are pleased to join EPA and our other partners in recognizing that simple solutions like planting green roofs or giving urban trees more room to spread their roots can control some of our worst water pollution," said Nancy Stoner, NRDC clean water project director. "This partnership will help local communities protect and restore polluted waterways, helping preserve one of America's most important resources for generations to come."
The agreement -- also signed by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators and the Low Impact Development Center -- formalizes a public-private partnership to help states, cities and local governments implement innovative and effective green infrastructure solutions.
Wet weather pollution -- stormwater pollution and sewer overflows after storms -- contributes significantly to contamination of urban and suburban waterways in the United States, NRDC officials stated. Green infrastructure involves the strategic use of soil and plants to trap polluted runoff, restore natural surface and groundwater systems and prevent contaminants from reaching waterways. Solutions range from vegetated median strips to permeable pavement to rain-catching roofs and gardens.
For more information, contact NRDC at http://www.nrdc.org.