12/19/2001 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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r(1 fl own taI Protection Age I t gan requir- jtlg 1hai all construction sites of live ages or more apply for a National Pollutant Dis- charge Elimination System permit (14). In implementing these guidelines. many states. <uch as Pennsylvania. will place special em- phasis on watersheds of high quality or ex- ceptional value. Responsibility for imple- mentation, however. lies at the municipal level. offering an opportunity to formulate an approach involving environmental groups, municipal decision makers. develop- ers. and their consultants, who through a joint effort can turn a liability into an open space asset. This can be implemented through a comprehensive stormwater man- agement plan and ordinance. Comprehensive stormwater man- agement Sustainable development, the theme of the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, im plies that we maintain natural systems with- out impairing their capability for self renew- al. Stormwater is an essential component of the water cycle, and management practices should ensure that natural processes, such as natural purification of runoff and ground - water recharge to sustain base flow of streams. are bring maintained. A compre- hensive approach views stormwater as a re- source and sees the land as a treatment medium. When we examine the interdependence of stormwater issues, we see the opportuni- ties and shortcomings of current practices. Many practices are ironic. We apply nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers and install sprin- kler systems to irrigate lawns and landscape features in subdivisions, yet nutrient rich stormwater is intentionally being prevented from reaching those plants by curbs, gutter inlets, and storm drains. Runoff from paved surfaces is so rich in nitrogen and phosphorus that NPDES per - mits (14) are now required for its discharge. Stormwater can be directed to irrigate land- scape features (rather than using drinking water for irrigation), and the nitrogen and phosphorus it contains can enhance the growth of vegetation in the landscape. Rather than flushing stormwater down the stream we can filter it through the upper soil horizons to resupply groundwater, thus maintaining dry weather flow of urban streams and sustaining their aquatic community. Figure 1. Streams, floodplains, and wetlands Corm linear riparian open spaces. Land areas used for stormwater management practices in adjacent subdivisions should be arranged to act as a riparian extension to jointly form greenways. JANUARY- FEBRUARY 1994 15