New Runoff Reduction Method Announced for Innovative Stormwater Design

The Center for Watershed Protection and Tom Schueler of the Chesapeake Stormwater Network have recently completed a technical memo that outlines an innovative system for stormwater design called the Runoff Reduction Method. More...
The design is part of CWP's "Extreme BMP Makeover" project, funded by the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation. They have been working closely with the VA Department of Conservation & Recreation to integrate the Runoff Reduction Method into proposed stormwater regulations and an updated handbook. While the technical memo provides extensive background research on BMP performance, the focus is on BMP capacity to reduce overall runoff volume as well as pollutant removal. These BMPs include both conventional and innovative practices (e.g., pervious parking, sheetflow to open space, green roofs, downspout disconnection). The method also incorporates built-in incentives for environmental site design, such as preserving forests and reducing soil disturbance and impervious cover. The memo includes a draft spreadsheet that can be used as a stormwater site planning tool to assess how well certain combinations of practices reduce post-development runoff volumes and total phosphorus loads. VA DCR and the VA Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers are currently using this spreadsheet and the Runoff Reduction Method in site design charrettes around the state. The spreadsheet will be revised based on feedback from these stakeholder involvement workshops. http://www.cwp.org/Downloads/ExtremeBMP/RRTechMemo.pdf

From CWP Runoff Rundown Spring 2008

PA Water Infrastructure Task Force Plans Public Meetings

With aging and deteriorating water systems across Pennsylvania in need of critical investments, members of Governor Edward G. Rendell’s Sustainable Water Infrastructure Task Force are setting out to gather the public’s ideas on how to address the challenge. The task force recently announced a series of eight public meetings to be held throughout the state this month.

From the PADEP press release: The 30-member task force, made up of business leaders, legislators, government officials and industry experts, will host eight public meetings during May, the first kicking off today in Harrisburg. The other meetings will take place in Allegheny, Clearfield, Luzerne, Montgomery, Northampton, Venango and York counties. Members want to hear recommendations from the public about what issues the task force should consider; what existing statutory, regulatory or public policy barriers prevent the long-term sustainability of Pennsylvania’s water infrastructure; and possible new revenue streams that could help meet the state’s infrastructure needs.According to a federal Clean Water Needs Survey, Pennsylvania is facing nearly $11 billion in unmet drinking water infrastructure needs and at least $7.2 billion in unmet wastewater infrastructure needs. The task force convened for the first time last month and formed five work groups to address the most pressing issues: needs assessment, innovative measures, financial resources, financial sustainability and legislative and regulatory needs.

For meeting dates and locations, click here and scroll down.