Image: CDC

Members from the Community Design Collaborative (CDC), Philadelphia Water Department (PWD), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gathered together on January 21st to share their expertise around plans for the implementation of green stormwater infrastructure in Philadelphia and other cities across the country.

Amongst the variety of interesting conversations, one question that was raised – how do we get citizens involved? Bob Perciasepe, the U.S. EPA Deputy Administrator, had some thoughts on the topic. “When you look at a broader area, look at the things that will happen regardless of planning and ask, ‘what can we do differently’?” A connection to green stormwater infrastructure could be made every time anything goes in the ground, whether it’s a road repair, roof replacement or even a new faucet! Thinking through this lens gets both the public sector and private property owner on board.

Shawn Garvin, Administrator of EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Region, also added that, “A big selling point of green stormwater infrastructure is quality of life. There’s the water quality piece, but there’s also how neighborhoods will look. The beauty of this partnership is getting people thinking this way.”

The session wrapped up with green stormwater infrastructure questions of interest including how to push the design of the green stormwater tools neighborhood-wide and how to help people think differently about these tools as they go into the ground.

Read more about the meeting here.

Paseo Verde, image: WRT

Every time land is developed in Philadelphia we can improve the water quality in our rivers and streams.  Since 2006, PWD has been regulating some private land development in the City. These regulations help prevent polluted stormwater draining off impervious surfaces like roofs and parking lots from running into our rivers and streams. As of this Monday, February 10th, PWD implemented changes to both the Development Regulations and Stormwater Management Guidance Manual.
   
The Department is making changes for two reasons. First, the regulations must be updated to comply with State-approved Act 167 Stormwater Management plans for the Tookany-Tacony Frankford, Pennypack and Poquessing Watersheds.  These are long term plans designed to maintain and improve water quality in our local watersheds.

Second, these changes should clarify requirements, improve the Stormwater Plan Review process and make the development regulations more effective in managing runoff. Since implementing stormwater development regulations in 2006, PWD has worked closely with the development community through the plan review process. These changes result in part from those experiences.
   
For detailed information on the changes please visit PWD’s Stormwater Plan Review webpage. If you have specific questions about these changes, please e-mail PWD.PlanReview@phila.gov or call (215) 685-6387.

Join the Tookany/Tacony Frankford Watershed Partnership (TTF) for breakfast and coffee! Next Tuesday, on February 11th, TTF will host an information and networking breakfast. Participants will have the opportunity to network with volunteer coordinators and community leaders and learn about upcoming TTF projects and service opportunities. Additionally, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society will discuss the Urban Waters program and Green Stormwater Infrastructure in Philadelphia.

The event will be held at the Globe Dye Works on 4500 Worth Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19124.