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San Diego's stormwater infrastructure faces a $1.6B deficit. This piece takes a look at the environmental, economic, and community impacts of underfunded stormwater systems and how we as voters can address the crisis. https://lnkd.in/gicuvzJ4

Did you know that stormwater management only receives about 7.5% of total water sector funding? This issue is complex due to the array of entities involved, including utilities, public works, state transportation agencies, and private property owners. Why does it matter? Parking lots and other impervious surfaces worsen stormwater runoff and pollution. Urbanization is converting greenfields into concrete jungles, making the situation worse. Fortunately, there's a growing focus on innovative solutionsfrom 'gray' infrastructure to 'green' approaches like rain gardens and permeable pavements. #StormwaterManagement #Sustainability

This week, the Planning Commission reviewed Pasadena's draft Capital Improvement Program. Our recommendations focused on stepping up street repair; capturing more stormwater to recharge our groundwater reserves for drought; and shifting from contentious battles over neighborhood traffic calming measures to a citywide discussion of how to better balance safety and mobility. We also voted against certifying a study to widen a road and add parking in the Lower Arroyo and using natural areas for basketball and pickleball courts in the Central Arroyo -- instead recommended using existing underutilized paved areas for the courts. https://lnkd.in/g57v5EfB

When it comes to funding for clean drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, did you know that the Town of Barnstable tops the list? Not mentioned in the article is where that funding is headed, and thanks to the 2024 Clean Water State Revolving Fund Draft Intended Use Plan, a lot will benefit Barnstable. The #1 rated project on the 2024 CWSFR Draft IUP is Barnstable's Nitrogen Removal Improvements & New Headworks Facility Project, followed by #3 the Route 28 West Sewer Expansion Project, and #15 the Phinney's Lane Neighborhoods Sewer Expansion 👏

Communities worldwide are grappling with intensified storms due to climate change, aggravating drainage issues amidst rapid urbanization. The American Society of Civil Engineers highlights $9 billion in annual losses from urban flooding, and the EPA notes a concerning rise in stormwater-related water pollution. Modern challenges echo the past, with unchecked urban sprawl causing strain for over 50 years. Learn more about making stormwater control measures resilient:   #climateaction #infrastructureresilience #urbandevelopment

Are stormwater fees the future everywhere? As infrastructures age and stormwater runoffs increase, many municipalities are searching for solutions to keep up with maintenance and make needed upgrades. Usually the funding for this comes out of the city’s general funds, but there is a growing trend of cities assessing residents and businesses with a monthly stormwater fee. Most people don’t think twice about paying for city trash collection, drinking water and sewer services. They know there area specific taxes assigned to roadwork. This is much the same: stormwater is a utility and there are costs associated with it. These fees face push back in many places when they are initially introduced, because no one wants a new bill. However, this may be the most logical step for cities to take to pay for needed infrastructure and maintenance.

Check out the Boston Stormwater Infrastructure! Working in the Stormwater Industry SEE employees notice it everywhere we go. On Phil’s walk through Boston, he noticed some sweet lobster stormwater decals and features. Stormwater features are common across the US and can take many different forms. For example, instead of Boston’s lobster design, the Bangor area stencils fish or duck decals next to stormwater drains. Stormwater infrastructure directs water from precipitation into our waterways. It is important to prevent pollutants like pet waste, oil & gas, salt, fertilizer, and litter from getting into storm drains to keep our waterways clean. Where have you noticed stormwater infrastructure? Stormwater BMPs can take a variety of forms, including devices, practices, or methods that a municipality can use to manage stormwater runoff by controlling peak flow rates in large rainstorm events, improving water quality as high pollution concentrations collect over impervious surfaces, and managing runoff volume in flash flooding.

We are grateful to all of the BBMHC members who urged the County’s Infrastructure, Operations, and Innovations Committee (CIOIC) to pass the Impervious Surface and Stormwater Ordinance, agenda item number 1G1. Your voices were heard as this vital ordinance passed the CIOIC unanimously! But it’s not over yet. The ordinance will now make its way to the full Board of County Commissioners (BCC) and we need your help to continue to court every Miami-Dade County Commissioner. Background: Our system is currently not equipped to handle extreme rain events. We must improve the stormwater system design and maintenance standards for all municipalities, as we have all seen how poor design, insufficient maintenance and lack of oversight in the stormwater system has caused significant flooding and water quality issues entering our precious Biscayne Bay. The Impervious Surface and Stormwater Ordinance, sponsored by Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, and championed by our very own Chair, Dave Doebler and the BBMHC Steering Committee, includes dramatically improved stormwater system design and maintenance standards for all municipalities. Improved maintenance of stormwater infrastructure and management of our surface areas can help to reduce the volumes of water overwhelming the system, leading to flooding in neighborhoods and pollution in Biscayne Bay. As former Chief Bay Officer (and now again a Biscayne Bay Marine Health Coalition Steering Committee Member) said at the 2024 Summit, “After septic tanks, the biggest source of pollution is stormwater... stormwater, stormwater, stormwater.” Today, we celebrate that 5 Commissioners heard our community and voted yes on a piece of legislation that fulfills multiple recommendations from the Biscayne Bay Task Force Report, but we must continue to advocate for this vital legislation at the full BCC. Rule #1: Always Show Up Rule #2: Never Go Away

We are grateful to all of the Biscayne Bay Marine Health Coalition members who urged the County’s Infrastructure, Operations, and Innovations Committee (CIOIC) to pass the Impervious Surface and Stormwater Ordinance. Your voices were heard as this vital ordinance passed the CIOIC unanimously! But it’s not over yet. The ordinance will now make its way to the full Board of County Commissioners (BCC). Background: Our system is currently not equipped to handle extreme rain events. We must improve the stormwater system design and maintenance standards for all municipalities, as we have all seen how poor design, insufficient maintenance and lack of oversight in the stormwater system has caused significant flooding and water quality issues entering our precious Biscayne Bay. The Impervious Surface and Stormwater Ordinance, sponsored by Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, Esq., (and championed by our very own Chair, Dave Doebler and the BBMHC Steering Committee), includes dramatically improved stormwater system design and maintenance standards for all municipalities. Improved maintenance of stormwater infrastructure and management of our surface areas can help to reduce the volumes of water overwhelming the system, leading to flooding in neighborhoods and pollution in Biscayne Bay. As former Chief Bay Officer (and now again a Biscayne Bay Marine Health Coalition Steering Committee Member) said at the 2024 Summit, “After septic tanks, the biggest source of pollution is stormwater... stormwater, stormwater, stormwater.” Today, we celebrate that 5 Commissioners heard our community and voted yes on a piece of legislation that fulfills multiple recommendations from the Biscayne Bay Task Force Report, but we must continue to advocate for this vital legislation at the full BCC. Rule #1: Always Show Up Rule #2: Never Go Away

Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure is a long-term necessity. The following scientific findings highlight the detrimental effects of traditional infrastructure design given the escalating frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Prioritizing short-term economic gains over long-term sustainability is a dangerous gamble, particularly in the face of increasing climate-related disasters such as devastating floods, property damage, and loss of life. The short-sightedness of underfunding infrastructure with outdated design is particularly concerning and a critical oversight in urban planning.