NRDC: Rooftops to Rivers: Green Strategies for Controlling Stormwater and Combined Sewer Overflows

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Rooftops to Rivers
Green Strategies for Controlling Stormwater and Combined Sewer Overflows

The urban landscape of roadways, sidewalks and buildings has changed the way water moves through our environment. Rain and snow that falls on paved surfaces becomes stormwater runoff that picks up dirt and pollutants as it follows gravity downhill into storm drains and ultimately into our streams, rivers and lakes; polluted runoff can threaten public health and degrade wildlife habitat. Some cities are using green techniques -- including rooftop gardens on city buildings, more absorbent concrete, and street planters that intercept rainwater before it hits the ground -- to protect their water. This May 2006 report is a policy guide for decision makers looking to implement green strategies in their own area, including nine case studies of cities that have successfully used green techniques to create a healthier urban environment.


	For printed copies of this report, see our Publications List.

FULL REPORT IN PDF
Adobe Acrobat file (size: 1.9 MB)
Click here if you need a copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader (free)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: The Growing Problem of Urban Stormwater
Chapter 3: Controlling Stormwater in Urban Environments
Chapter 4: Economic Benefits of Green Solutions
Chapter 5: Policy Recommendations for Local Decision Makers
Chapter 6: Conclusion
Chapter 7: Case Studies: Chicago, Illinois; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Portland, Oregon; Rouge River Watershed, Michigan; Seattle, Washington; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Vancouver, B.C., Canada; Washington, D.C.
Appendix: Additional Online Resources

Related NRDC Pages
Mimicking Nature to Solve a Water-Pollution Problem

Related Websites
EPA's Green Infrastructure Website