Green Infrastructure and Stormwater Management
Green Infrastructure also referred to as Blue-Green Infrastructure is a stormwater management system built with nature to help communities combat the challenges of climate change. Stormwater runoff is a major contributor to the pollution in our freshwater systems. When it rains or the snow melts on our roofs, streets and parking lots, there isn’t enough uncovered soil or plants to absorb and filter the water. The water flows into a storm sewer system that is released into the nearest body of water which could be a lake, a river, a stream, wetland and even the coastal water. The water flows with chemicals, debris, trash, and other contaminants into places where we fish, swim and even into the places we get our drinking water from.
It’s important to our environment and our health to build an effective stormwater management system where structure meets nature and works together to create a healthier community. Green infrastructures are systems made of soils and vegetations that aid in flood protection while providing cleaner air and cleaner water. These systems are also effective in providing shade for less heat stress, producing food and improving the aesthetics of an area.
There are many different green infrastructures being built throughout the urban cities of the United States like bioswales, rain gardens, planter boxes, permeable pavements, green roofs, urban tree canopies, land conservations and downspout disconnections. NYC is currently adding 2000 bioswales around the city to absorb stormwater and they are “outperforming expectations” according to an article on Capitalnewyork.com
The benefits of green infrastructure is a hands down no brainer, that is why there are incentives to use green infrastructure on private property. There are many cities like Philadelphia, Portland, and DC offer development incentives, grants, rebates and installation financing, awards and recognition programs, and stormwater fee discounts to encourage people to help reduce stormwater runoff. The EPA has a section that provides more information on funding tools for green infrastructure projects.
If you are interested in what Americover offers for green infrastructure projects, give us a call at 833-261-6501. Our staff is well educated on the different applications and which geomembranes or geotextiles will work for your specific design. Whether you need a liner for a planter or bioswale, or you have something spec’d in for a much larger application, we are here to help.