Happy Birthday, Clean Water Act!

The Clean Water Act turns 36 years old this week. In the past 36 years, enormous amounts of change have occurred with respect to policy and environment in the US. Constantly spreading impervious surfaces, diminishing wetlands, and alterations of natural watercourses have led to increased flooding and millions of dollars of damage to populated areas. However, improvements in natural channel design and wetland and stream restoration techniques as well as the NPDES Phase I and Phase II stormwater regulations are helping to reduce flooding and restore habitat. F. X. Browne, Inc. is proud to be on the forefront of environmental restoration consulting and engineering design.

Cincinati wants to lead green roof movement in US

The Cincinati City Council recently became the first in Ohio with a plan to channel grants and loans to residents and businesses to replace tar and shingle roofs with vegetation. Supporters of the idea say the greenery not only is pleasing aesthetically but reduces stormwater runoff, filters pollutants and cuts heating and cooling costs.

In Ohio, green roofs grace the tops of the Toledo public library, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency building in Columbus and the Cleveland Environmental Center, home of the Greater Cleveland Green Building Coalition. In Cinicinati, the grant program is specifically aimed at commercial buildings.

AP Article, October 2, 2008