|
|
Groups advocate tougher stormwater permits in region
Challenges to stormwater rules threaten to weaken water quality
Developing a better watershed
A fundamental goal of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay has been to unite various groups in the effort to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay and its waterways. This collaborative approach is evident in its programs and projects such as the RiverSmart Homes Program, which has shown great promise in its ability to reduce stormwater runoff from residential properties and could serve as a model for many jurisdictions.
Stormwater is a major source of pollution in the watershed, from the headwaters of Pennsylvania and New York to the mainstem Chesapeake. Stormwater carries sediment; nutrients from lawns; waste from farms and pets; oil and litter from streets; and many more contaminants before flowing into streams or entering storm drains to be transported into the nearest waterway. All of the watershed's citizens, though, can help to reduce stormwater runoff...starting in their own backyards.
RiverSmart Homes, developed by the District of Columbia Department of the Environment, is an incentive program to encourage residents to reduce runoff on their property.
The Alliance coordinates the part of the program in which homeowners get a $1,200 grant toward the installation of rain or BayScapes gardens and/or the replacement of impervious surfaces with pervious ones.
In the program's pilot phase-spring 2009 through spring 2010-100 rain garden, BayScaping or surface projects were completed in a targeted area of the Pope Branch watershed in southeast DC. In addition, shade tree and rain barrel installations were completed by Casey Trees and DC Greenworks, respectively, as part of the program.
The pilot phase was funded through grants from the EPA and locally collected stormwater utility fees. Feedback from homeowners, landscape contractors and other partner organizations has been used to make RiverSmart Homes more effective and efficient.
Today, the program serves property owners throughout the District. The Alliance is coordinating the installation of 296 projects, funded by the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act, which has helped to create and retain jobs while assisting in the effort to reduce stormwater runoff in the nation's capital. Approximately 40 of the 296 projects have been completed this spring, with work continuing year-round in an attempt to complete the waiting list of projects resulting from the high level of interest shown by District residents. Even during the winter months, when frozen ground prevents project installations, RiverSmart partners moved forward with project consultations, design preparations and program evaluation.
RiverSmart Homes also educates District homeowners about increasing wildlife habitat diversity, recharging groundwater supplies and using fewer chemicals on their lawns and gardens, thus reducing stormwater runoff from their properties.
Many homeowners choose to not only take advantage of the grant funding provided by the RiverSmart Homes but also invest their own time and money to implement additional landscape enhancements on their property.
The DDOE sponsored two workshops to increase landscape contractor participation. Participants learned about rain and BayScape garden installations and received information about RiverSmart Homes so that they can offer these techniques or the program to their clientele.
A BayScape garden uses plants that are native to the Chesapeake region. Native plants typically require less maintenance than other plants found at local nurseries or hardware stores. Once native plants are established, they require little or no water, fertilizer and pesticides, and may provide wildlife habitat and attract pollinators such as butterflies, hummingbirds and bees. Native plants also help to stabilize steep slopes and decrease lawn area that must be mowed.
Rain gardens are landscaped with native plants and strategically placed to intercept stormwater runoff until it can be fully absorbed into the ground. Often, downspouts are directed into rain gardens or rain barrels to capture water from roofs, allowing for its slow release into the ground or to be used to water gardens or wash cars. This prevents rain's rapid flow across the ground and into storm drains, which often overwhelms stormwater systems.
The Alliance is committed to implementing the RiverSmart Homes program and is encouraged by the level of commitment from concerned citizens, businesses, nonprofit organizations and government entities.
For information on the RiverSmart Homes Program, visit www.ddoe.dc.gov/riversmarthomes.
RiverSmart Homes Partners
RiverSmart Homes involves government, nonprofits, businesses and citizens, including:
- Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
- Behnke's Nursery Company
- Capitol Hardscapes
- Casey Trees
- DC Greenworks
- DC Department of the Environment
- DC Department of Transportation
- EP Henry
- First Impression Hardscapes
- Independence Landscape
- J&G Landscape
- Landscape Design, Inc.
- John Shorb Landscaping
- Meadows Farms Landscaping
- Patios Plus
- Scapes, Inc.
- Set in Stone
- Sustainable Life Designs
- Urban Solar Solutions
- Wisteria Landscape
