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Using Green Infrastructure to Maximize Restoration BenefitsBrian Hazelwood, Conservation Associate
Jessie Thomas-Blate, Associate Director of River RestorationCredit: Nancy Arazon
Delaware Estuary Science & Environmental Summit 2017
W hy Do This?
Healthy river… or closer to it
Framework Development Goals
• Use Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) to enhance restoration benefits
• ID Top GSI projects for use by Delaware Basin organizations and/or municipal staff
• Establish repeatable and transferable process and associated resources for use throughout the watershed
Credit: USDA
Selecting Ideal Restoration Projects for Companion GSI
• Compile list of potential restoration sites
• Answer questions such as:• Could the goals of the restoration project be
encouraged, enhanced, or sustained by GSI?
• Consider relationships of project in context:• Project goal similarities between restoration and
GSI• Location of restoration project in watershed • % impervious surface at site• Factors limiting infiltration
Where Do We Go From Here?
Desktop Analysis
• Examine topographic maps
• Use maps/photos to spot possible retrofit sites
• Obtain GIS files of parcel boundaries
• Score your potential parcels
Field Reconnaissance
• Visit the site in person to identify constraints and barriers
• Identify potential indirect benefits of the project
• Wiki Watershed's "Model My Watershed"
Selecting CompanionGSI Projects
• Public vs. private landowners
• Vacant/abandoned lots
• Properties with high imperviousness
• Large parcels with moderate imperviousness
• Existing SWM controls for retrofit
• Go into WikiWatershed’s "Model My Watershed" Module
• Using the "Draw Area" or "Delineate Watershed" features, define the site boundary
• Run "Site Storm Model" for 24 hour 2.5 cm (~1 inch) precipitation event
• Use scenarios to conceptualize GSI control alternatives
Estimating Runoff and Pollutant Removal
• Estimated “cost per volume” or pollutant reduction
• Existing use
• Community sentiments
• Project feasibility
Using Your Results
• Review Compendium of Resources for information on codes, policies, and funding resources
• Meet with municipalities and landowners
• Begin project implementation
For More Information
• Brian Hazelwood, Conservation Associate• Phone: (717) 763-0743• Email: [email protected]
• Jessie Thomas-Blate, Associate Director of River Restoration• Phone: (202) 347-7550• Email: [email protected]
We would like to extend a special thank you to our
funder, the William Penn Foundation!
www.americanrivers.org