Successful and Beneficial Green Infrastructure
Most people are familiar with “gray” water infrastructure — the hard, concrete and metal pipes, holding tanks, pumps, water tunnels, and treatment plants. These systems play a key role in managing drinking water, wastewater and combined-sewer systems.
“Green” infrastructure is a newer approach to stormwater management that mimics nature by capturing stormwater so it can either be reused or seep into the ground where it falls, rather than flowing into underground sewer and storm pipes. Methods for stormwater capture include rain gardens, pervious pavement, planted swales, and storage containers such as cisterns and rain barrels. Green-infrastructure features can help reduce stress on water systems and can provide good local jobs, as well as making the communities where they’re installed healthier and more beautiful.
Both gray and green infrastructure are important components of water infrastructure systems statewide. Communities with combined sewer systems in particular will be evaluating gray- and green-infrastructure approaches to come up with the best combination that meets regulatory requirements cost-effectively and in a manner that provides tangible community benefits.
Resources
Scalable Solutions to Local Challenges
This practical toolkit, which features scalable tools and design templates, aims to help municipal managers and decision-makers begin the process of exploring and implementing green infrastructure. 2015.
Links
- United States Environmental Protection Agency Green Infrastructure Resources including the basics of green infrastructure, tools, case studies, and a library of additional resources. (EPA)
- Rutgers Water Resources Program Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program – Stormwater Management Resources (Rutgers)
- New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Green Infrastructure in New Jersey Resources for green infrastructure for home owners, businesses, municipalities and counties, educators, and a list of completed projects. (NJDEP)
- Mainstreaming Green Infrastructure Project (New Jersey Future)
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