HomeMy Public PortalAboutr2743 revRESOLUTION NO. 2743
WHEREAS, green infrastructure can be both a cost effective and
an environmentally preferable approach to reduce stormwater and other
excess flows entering combined or separate sewer systems in
combination with, or in lieu of, centralized hard infrastructure solutions;
WHEREAS, green infrastructure can be both a cost effective and
an environmentally preferable approach to reduce stormwater and other
excess flows entering combined or separate sewer systems in
combination with, or in lieu of, centralized hard infrastructure solutions;
WHEREAS, green infrastructure may save capital costs associated
with digging big tunnels and centralized stormwater ponds, operations
and maintenance expenses for treatment plants, pumping stations,
pipes, and other hard infrastructure; energy costs for pumping water
around; cost of treatment during wet weather; and costs of repairing the
damage caused by stormwater and sewage pollution, such as
streambank restoration;
WHEREAS, vegetation and green space reduce the amount of
stormwater runoff and, in combined systems, the volume of combined
sewer overflows;
WHEREAS, most green infiltration approaches involve allowing
stormwater to percolate through the soil where it recharges the
groundwater and the base flow for streams, thus ensuring adequate
water supplies for humans and more stable aquatic ecosystems;
WHEREAS, trees and vegetation improve air quality by filtering
many airborne pollutants and can help reduce the amount of respiratory
illness;
WHEREAS, summer city temperatures can average 10ºF higher
than nearby suburban temperatures. High temperatures are linked to
higher ground level ozone concentrations. Vegetation creates shade,
reduces the amount of heat absorbing materials and emits water vapor –
all of which cool hot air;
WHEREAS, green space helps lower ambient temperatures and,
when incorporated on and around buildings, helps shade and insulate
buildings from wide temperature swings, decreasing the energy needed
for heating and cooling;
WHEREAS, trees and plants improve urban aesthetics and
community livability by providing recreational and wildlife areas.;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF
TRUSTEES OF THE METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT:
THAT, it recognizes the benefits of using green infrastructure in
mitigating overflows from combined and separate sewers and reducing
stormwater pollution and encourages the use of green infrastructure,
where appropriate, as a prominent component of its various programs.
The foregoing Resolution was adopted October 11, 2007.