03/04/1996 Park Board Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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�aunental P-Orcction _vzvn(� he,,an rryuir- as natural purification of runoff and aground- ��,,, that :111 construction ,itrs of ti%r acres or water recharge to sustain base flow of 11u,re apply for a National Pollutant [)is streams, are being maintained. A compre cll,,rge Elimination System permit (14). In hensive approach views stormwater as a re- inlplementing these guidelines, many states, source and sees the land as a treatment Mich as Pennsylvania, will place special em- medium. phasic on watersheds of high quality or ex- When we examine the interdependence ceptional value. Responsibility for imple- of stormwater issues, we see the opportuni- mentation, however, lies at the municipal ties and shortcomings of current practices. level, offering an opportunity to formulate Many practices are ironic. We apply nitrogen an approach involving environmental and phosphorus fertilizers and install sprin- groups, municipal decision makers, develop- kler systems to irrigate lawns and landscape ers. and their consultants, who through a features in subdivisions, yet nutrient rich joint effort can turn a liability into an open stormwater is intentionally being prevented space asset. This can be implemented from reaching those plants by curbs, gutter through a comprehensive stormwater man- inlets, and storm drains. agement plan and ordinance. Runoff from paved surfaces is so rich in nitrogen and phosphorus that NPDES per- Comprehensive stormwater mWn- mits (14)are now required for its discharge. agement Stormwater can be directed to irrigate land- scape features (rather than using drinking water for irrigation), and the nitrogen and Sustainable development, the theme of phosphorus it contains can enhance the the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, im- growth of vegetation in the landscape. plies that we maintain natural systems with- Rather than flushing stormwater down the out impairing their capability for self renew- stream we can filter it through the upper soil al. Stormwater is an essential component of horizons to resupply groundwater, thus the water cycle, and management practices maintaining dry weather flow of urban streams should ensure that natural processes, such and sustaining their aquatic community. Figure 1.Streams,floodplains,and wetlands form linear riparian open spaces.Land areas used for "'s stormwater management practices in adjacent subdivisions should be arranged to act as a riparian extension to jointly form gneenways. Ir V. lb do • • % �— o �o JANUARY-FEBRUARY 1994 15