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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.