Question

What does sustainability mean to a Storm-water Manager?

Answer 1

Before Portland was developed, forests and open spaces absorbed rainwater. Today, rainfalls on buildings, streets, sidewalks, and other hard surfaces and runs off into rivers
and streams. Stormwater runoff causes erosion, carries pollution and sediment to the river, decreases groundwater recharge, and increases river temperatures. Sustainable

stormwater management is a strategy that helps the City of Portland comply with pollution prevention and resource protection regulations by managing water at its source.

1.Sustainable stormwater management is rapidly
gaining acceptance in the United States, particu-
larly here in Portland. The increased interest is a
response to mounting infrastructure costs of new
development and redevelopment projects, more
rigorous environmental regulations, and concerns
about the impact of growth on natural resources.Studies show that natural landscaping at a residential development can reduce annual stormwater runoff volume by as much as 65%. Naturaldrainage and native landscaping areas in residen-
tial developments can remove up to 80% of the
suspended solids and heavy metals, and up to
70% of nutrients like phosphorous and nitro-
gen from stormwater runoff.
2.Sustainable stormwater management uses both
structural devices such as rain barrels, cisterns,
and planters, and non-structural devices like
landscaped swales and infiltration basins. The
sustainable approach is cost effective and
attractive. It also addresses erosion, water pol-
lution, combined sewer overflows and other
stormwater runoff problems all at once.
The information presented shows how to use
one or a combination of technologies to effec-
tively manage stormwater onsite and reduce
the impacts of development on water quality.