Green Infrastructure
DEFINITION/DESCRIPTION
Green infrastructure is an approach to managing water that protects, restores, or mimics the natural water cycle. It means planting trees, rain gardens, bioretention areas, grass swales and other Environmental Site Design practices. Given the small size of these practices, they fit well into Baltimore’s urban environment of streets, parking lots, small parks, and school grounds. Treatment of impervious surfaces (impenetrable materials such as asphalt, concrete, stone and rooftops) removes pollutants from stormwater, and allows runoff to soak back into the soil. Such practices reduce temperatures, decrease air pollution, provide new community spaces and offer nature experiences. When maintained properly, Green infrastructure is effective, economical and enhances community safety and quality of life, while creating jobs.
CURRENT STATUS
Baltimore is required by law to remove pollutants and contaminants that stormwater picks up from our neighborhoods before it enters our waterways. Baltimore City adopted a revised Stormwater Management Ordinance with the goal of using Environmental Site Design to the maximum extent practicable. The City also developed a Watershed Implementation (WIP) and a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan, which outlines the restoration of 20% of the City’s impervious surface area. Meeting this goal requires treating 4,291 acres of impervious surface – the equivalent of 3,000 football fields or 2,000 row house blocks. In addition, the City’s Growing Green Initiative and Green Network Plans support the implementation of Green Infrastructure on vacant land. And, the City, in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Trust, offers grant opportunities to support the implementation of green infrastructure projects.
EQUITY INDICATORS
There are several locations throughout the City that are prone to flooding and increased stormwater runoff due to topographic low points, undersized storm drains, and failing infrastructure. In addition, Baltimore’s neighborhoods are plagued by nearly 30,000 vacant properties. Often these neighborhoods are predominantly communities of color and low income where residents are exposed to the negative impacts of underutilized land. Ensuring that positive and productive Green Infrastructure features are incorporated into public land will bring environmental, economic and social benefits to neighborhoods.
STRATEGIES
1. Demonstrate reduction in impervious areas and increased implementation of Green Infrastructure practices. Use the City’s Watershed Implementation and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plans to target and guide construction of Green Infrastructure practices on vacant lots, public right of way, school campuses, and Recreation and Parks land.
Action 1 – Determine interest and demand for an Offsite Stormwater Mitigation Credit program, and establish, if needed.
Action 2 – Work with community partners and stakeholders to create design specifications and a streamlined permitting process to implement Green Infrastructure practices particularly on smaller projects, under 5,000 square feet.
Action 3 – Partner with key community members, other stakeholders, and design consultants to ensure that Green Infrastructure practices are used in appropriate settings.
Action 4 – Establish residential Green Infrastructure incentive program.
2. Ensure pro-‐active maintenance of Green Infrastructure installations
Expand existing maintenance programs to include Green Infrastructure, and improve the function and appearance of Green Infrastructure practices.
Action 1 – Investigate and document best practices for Green Infrastructure maintenance programs with the intent of building Green Infrastructure workforce.
Action 2 – Coordinate with city agencies to work with community members and key stakeholders to develop City and resident stewardship programs, design maintenance programs and, monitoring and reporting standards.
Action 3 – Create a database of Green Infrastructure practices that identifies all parties with maintenance responsibilities.
Action 4 – Create a standard Maintenance MOU for City agencies on Green Infrastructure practices on public property that will be maintained by entities other than the City.
3. Increase community awareness of the impacts of stormwater runoff and the benefits of Green Infrastructure through education and outreach. Resident awareness can lead to further acceptance of green infrastructure practices and adoption of practices on private property.
Action 1 – Create demonstration projects on public land with educational signage.
Action 2 – Maintain and promote the use of educational mapping tools (printed map/brochure, mobile app, presentations, tours, etc.) to provide locations and benefits of Green Infrastructure
Action 3 – Create a citywide public education campaign in partnership with residents and stakeholders, promoting the economic, social and environmental benefits of Green Infrastructure and the impacts of stormwater runoff.
METRICS FOR SUCCESS
Strategy 1: Demonstrate an increase in impervious area treated or removed from 2014 to current date
Strategy 2: Demonstrate number of acres maintained annually
Strategy 3: Demonstrate number of residents reached annually
Qualitative: Improve ______ through ___