Memo #1
Issue Summary
The presence of stormwater is an issue in urbanized areas, especially ones that are close to the coast. Stormwater is water that is unable to be absorbed into the ground when it rains, causing it to pool together and collect all kinds of chemicals, which can eventually lead to a body of water or the ocean. This is caused by heavy urban development, which can cover natural soil with cement and block the water from becoming groundwater. Development of houses and large buildings can also trap water in places where it cannot assimilate into the ground. The presence of pesticides and pollution also means that stormwater can sweep through these harmful substances on its way to absorption, ruining soil and integrating these toxins into an aquatic ecosystem.
Background
Normally, the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS-4) program will accommodate for stormwater by collecting the water through drains and depositing it safely into the local stream before it collects too many harmful substances. The issues arise when the stormwater is still able to aggregate motor oil, fertilizer, pesticides, and other general bacteria that will destroy habitats 1. This can quickly escalate due to the number of general pollutants that fill an urban environment. According to the EPA, around 193 million gallons of used oil are improperly dumped every year, which undoubtedly ends up in local habitats 2. Storm drains are high in quantity, but it is not uncommon to find some completely clogged as water floods around it. Illegal disposal of substances into a storm drain is also an issue, which will directly deposit harmful substances into an ecosystem. Not only are these substances terrible for aquatic organisms, but a study in Santa Monica Bay also found that people who swam in front of flowing storm drains were 50% more likely to develop symptoms than those who were swimming farther from it 2. In Virginia, the rivers and streams eventually pool into the Chesapeake Bay, which means that the risk of this large ecosystem being further polluted is very high if studies are accurate. The biggest risks from a regular citizen are pet feces, improper disposal, and yard turf 3. Other risks come from urban design, such as a lack of soil and plants, and impervious surfaces with few breaks to allow for water absorption 3.
Policy options
Develop more permeable surfaces. Such surfaces prevent clogging and allow for water to be absorbed even through concrete-like materials. A permeable surface melts snow easier, reducing the need for heavy road salt by 75-100% 4. It also makes stagnant puddles harder to form, which can reduce road risks. The paving itself may take up to 2-3 weeks to replace or pave over a previously unpaved area, but it will remain for years at a time 5. Repaving of the area will be necessary in time but the effects will still last.
Treat stormwater before it arrives to streams via filtration. Creating more septic tanks or filtration systems that connect to many stormwater drains can eliminate most of the pollution in the sewers. A study showed that using multiple filtration methods greatly reduces the amount of particulate infiltration, peaking around 4% infiltration 6. The development may take months to implement, but it will last for years. Replacement is necessary to make sure septic tank/filter is working at peak efficiency.
Pros and cons
Paving would require planning with a construction crew, and may require digging up heavy amounts of previous pavement to replace with permeable surfaces.
The cost would be high if there are many places that need pavement, and it would shut down roads for a few weeks. The commission would be costly, but it would improve standards of living and the ecosystem. Paving a driveway alone costs around $12 per square foot, so it will be very time and resource consuming 7.
It will cost tax money, but will make for cleaner roads with less puddles, plus it will greatly improve the local environmental health/aesthetic.
Snow melts easier on permeable surfaces, saving costs on salting roads 4.
Reduces flooding of storm drains which can disrupt commuters and neighborhoods 4.
Creating filtration would require hiring plumbers/construction crews to implement septic tanks and filters.
The cost would be lower than paving, but still would require losing tax money. It is usually $6400 to install a septic tank, which needs to be done throughout the sewers to filter through substances 8.
Citizens would not feel the direct benefits of this project, as the positives apply to the cleanliness of the ecosystem, unless they go directly to the beach where the sewer system empties into.
The streams and rivers would improve in quality from pollutants being filtered out, which makes the general environment much cleaner and healthier for animals and people who frequent these areas.
Creates healthier environment for aquatic organisms such as blue crab that Virginia relies upon in fishing industry.
Recommendations
Local government would have to approve each commission of construction.
Time and taxes need to be allocated to removing impervious surfaces.
Construction crews would be implementing all aspects of the plan, reconstructing outdated infrastructure of each county.
May take several years to fully achieve, but environment will greatly improve.
Plan for replacement every few years to achieve peak efficiency would be drafted.
County and sector of Virginia will gain credibility for improving Chesapeake Bay.
To compromise with commuters, only back roads will be replaced at first.
Paving mostly back roads will accommodate for local highways being impervious.
Promoting cleanliness and paving paths to parks may encourage a care for environmental safety in neighborhoods.
Promoting seafood as a benefit of prioritizing environmental health and making waterways cleaner.
Citations
1 https://www.viennava.gov/index.aspx?nid=788
2 https://www3.epa.gov/region9/water/npdes/stormwater-feature.html
4 https://www.usgs.gov/science/evaluating-potential-benefits-permeable-pavement-quantity-and-quality-stormwater-runoff?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects
5 https://patriotasphaltandfoam.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-pave-asphalt/
6 http://stormwaterbook.safl.umn.edu/filtration-practices
8 https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/plumbing/install-a-septic-tank/
Memo #2
Issue Summary
As Fairfax County has developed, natural features like forests and meadows have been replaced by impervious surfaces such as roofs and pavements. The fact that rainwater cannot percolate into the ground through impervious surfaces is a problem because it causes an increase in both the volume and velocity of stormwater runoff. Stormwater runoff can contain sediments, nutrients, toxic substances, pathogens, and other pollutants. The runoff eventually arrives to lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands and coastal waters, which leads to degradation of water quality.[1] Since development in the county will most likely continue, addressing stormwater management has become important more than ever.
Background
Much of Fairfax County developed between the 1950s and 1970s, prior to requirements for stormwater management.[2] Since then, Fairfax County has made significant investments in stormwater management and water pollution control mechanisms. Between 2005 and 2011, the Board of Supervisors adopted 13 watershed management plans that cover all 30 of the county’s watersheds.[3] The degree of the issue on stormwater runoff varies within different watersheds within the county. Naturally, areas that are more developed will have more problems with stormwater runoff.
Policy options
In 2010, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors implemented Stormwater Service District tax. The Stormwater Service District was established to create a funding mechanism that was independent of general fund.[4]
This helps fund projects such as:
Water quality improvements such as stream stabilization and rehabilitation
Safety upgrades of dams, repair and replacement of underground pipe systems and surface channels, structural flood proofing and site retrofits
Increased public education efforts
Investment in stream restoration has helped the county deal with stormwater management because streams are known to be one of the most effective mediums to filter stormwater runoff.[5]
Implementation of green roofs and rainwater capture on buildings to minimize stormwater runoff.
Investment in the Bandalong litter trap, a trash trap that floats on the surface water and captures debris, has been effective in some watersheds, including Little Hunting Creek.[6]
Pros and cons
The Stormwater Service District tax is an effective way to secure additional funding aside from general funding. This tax program is especially beneficial when general funding is not enough or when there are cuts in general funding. A disadvantage is that it could place a financial burden on low-income families and that not everyone is willing to pay for the service.
Investment in more stream restoration projects makes sense because data has shown that streams are an effective medium in controlling stormwater runoff. As long as a stream is healthy and functioning, the stormwater should be naturally filtered when it is drained into the stream. Disadvantages include the duration it takes for restoration projects and that it does not solve the root problem, but rather serves like a bandage.
The adoption of green roofs and rainwater capture features on buildings is an effective approach because it deals with the problem on-site. Rather than trying to treat stormwater, it helps minimize stormwater runoff in the first place. However, these green building features can be costly to implement, which would be an issue if the county does not have enough funds.
The Bandalong litter trap is a cost-effective method of managing solid debris in stormwater runoff, which can harm wildlife downstream. However, this is more of an afterthought approach rather than tackling the cause of stormwater runoff.
Recommendations
Securing sufficient funds for stormwater management is an essential part for the Fairfax County to make a positive impact. Since general funds such as those from the federal government can be unreliable, it is beneficial to have a back-up funding source. Although the Stormwater Service District has its cons, its existence is a crucial part of a functioning Stormwater management system in Fairfax County. An increase in this tax could be considered as the county experiences more development in the future.
Prioritizing stream restoration projects is needed because these restoration projects are not a quick fix, but is rather a series of steps. According to Shannon Curtis, a Chief of the Fairfax County Watershed Assessment Branch, about three quarters of the streams within the county are in poor condition, which is a unfortunate because these streams could be serving an important water-filtering role.[7] It is important to take advantage of the ecosystem services that these streams provide by investing in projects like stream restoration.
Fairfax County should consider implementing more green roofs and rainwater capture on buildings in order to deal with the root cause of stormwater runoff. As new buildings are built, they should incorporate strict stormwater management features.
[1]https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/sites/publicworks/files/assets/documents/pdf/reports/2020-stormwater-status-report.pdf
[2] https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/stormwater/stormwater-service-district
[3]https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/sites/publicworks/files/assets/documents/pdf/reports/2020-stormwater-status-report.pdf
[4] https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/stormwater/stormwater-service-district
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u83-fPlLq7o&feature=emb_title
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RyPK8rbaQs&feature=emb_title
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RyPK8rbaQs&feature=emb_title
Memo #3
Issue Summary
Development has transformed natural environments into areas with more impervious surfaces such as road, sidewalks, and parking lots. For example, from 1984 to 2003, impervious surfaces in Charlotte, North Carolina increased by 127%.[1] The increase in impervious surfaces has led to increased stormwater runoff. Stormwater is created when rainwater flows over impervious surfaces rather than percolating into soil. The stormwater collects pollutants present on the impervious surfaces and transfers them to local water bodies, degrading the water quality.[2] In Fairfax County, the pollution of the local water bodies ends up degrading the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. This issue raises questions with how to best address the increased stormwater runoff.
Background
Stormwater runoff is one of the main reasons for water pollution in urban environments.[3] Excess stormwater runoff can negatively impact both the environment and humans. Stormwater effects on ecosystems include harming aquatic species, creating conditions unsuitable for native fish, and killing native vegetation.[4] Public health and safety can also be threatened due to flooding and contamination of drinking water.[5] Society also bears an economic cost from stormwater through damages to property from flooding, impairment of fisheries and recreation, and an increased cost to wastewater treatment.[6] The National Water Quality Inventory described that urban runoff is the largest source of water quality impairments to surveyed estuaries and the third-largest source of impairments to surveyed lakes.[7]
Policy options
The installation of more wastewater treatment plants could reduce the polluted waters resulting from stormwater runoff.
New development projects could set guidelines to reduce impervious surfaces such as by making driveways shorter or making parking spaces smaller.[8]
Green infrastructure or low impact development goals could be set for the construction of new buildings or roads. Examples of green infrastructure include rain gardens and green roofs.[9] Rain gardens, also known as bioretention basins, are depressions in the ground filled with soil and vegetation that allows for slow percolation of stormwater.[10] Green roofs are composed of roofs covered by vegetation that absorb stormwater and then release the water through evaporation and transpiration.[11] Other examples of green infrastructure that could also be incorporated include pervious pavement, rain barrels, and bioswales.
Pros and cons
Wastewater treatment alleviates concerns to public health and safety from contaminated waters resulting from stormwater runoff. However, a problem with installing wastewater treatment plants as a solution is that although it helps to improve water quality, it does not address the source of the problem. The water would be less polluted but there is still an increasing quantity of impervious surfaces from development that would continue generating stormwater runoff.
Guidelines for new development projects would reduce the number of impervious surfaces that is added with each new construction project. A possible flaw to this solution is that some citizens may not be satisfied by shorter driveways and smaller parking spaces.
The benefit of green infrastructure is that it helps to slow down stormwater runoff and filter out pollutants.[12] Green infrastructure such as green roofs are also generally aesthetically pleasing and could help with other environmental issues such as reducing the urban heat island effect.[13] However, it could require investing more financial resources to implement green infrastructure.
Recommendations
To implement these policy changes, supervisors for Fairfax County would need to set guidelines for new development projects to both reduce impervious surfaces and incorporate green infrastructure.
Weighing the costs and benefits of the potential policy options, the new development plans appear to be a more suitable recommendation compared to the construction of new wastewater treatment plants which might not address the source of the problem. In addition, wastewater treatment plants could be less cost-effective compared to the other options. For example, in the 1990s, New York City spent $1.5 billion protecting a watershed in the Catskill Mountains instead of the $6-$8 billion that it would have cost to install water filtration and treatment plants.[14] Implementing sustainable infrastructure options could reduce the amount of money that taxpayers would have to spend on wastewater treatment plants.[15]
[1] https://www.esf.edu/outreach/gi/documents/Environmental_Finance_Center_Brochure.pdf
[2] https://www.epa.gov/npdes/npdes-stormwater-program
[3] https://www.epa.gov/G3/why-you-should-consider-green-stormwater-infrastructure-your-community
[4] https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-10/documents/nps_urban-facts_final.pdf
[5] https://doee.dc.gov/service/why-stormwater-problem
[6] https://doee.dc.gov/service/why-stormwater-problem
[7] https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-10/documents/nps_urban-facts_final.pdf
[8] https://lidcertification.org/certification/reduce-impervious-areas
[9] https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/sources-and-solutions-stormwater
[10] https://www.esf.edu/outreach/gi/documents/Environmental_Finance_Center_Brochure.pdf
[11] https://www.esf.edu/outreach/gi/documents/Environmental_Finance_Center_Brochure.pdf
[12] https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/sources-and-solutions-stormwater
[13] https://www.esf.edu/outreach/gi/documents/Environmental_Finance_Center_Brochure.pdf
[14] https://www.esf.edu/outreach/gi/documents/Environmental_Finance_Center_Brochure.pdf
[15] https://www.esf.edu/outreach/gi/documents/Environmental_Finance_Center_Brochure.pdf
Memo #4
Issue summary
Fairfax County should implement additional strategies for combating stormwater run-off to effectively control and manage run off that incentivizes stakeholders to take sustainable initiative. The county needs to implement storm water management initiatives to prevent degradation of local stream and downstream water bodies that ultimately compromise the Chesapeake Bay. Urban development causes many problems that can disrupt natural water cycles. This has become an increasing concern with the quality and quantity of stormwater and the challenges it poses on the environment, economic stability and the county citizens livelihood.
Background
Between 1958 and 2012, the Northeast saw more than a 70% increase in the amount of rainfall measured during heavy precipitation events, more than in any other region in the United States.[1] Sea level rise, heavy precipitation, and storm surge are expected to increase flooding and coastal erosion, and put further strain on aging infrastructure in the Northeast.[i] In the east coast, even higher sea level rise is possible, due to the combined effects of warming waters and local land subsidence. Sea level rise and coastal flooding are likely to disrupt and damage important infrastructure, including communication systems, energy production, transportation, waste management, and access to clean water. Fairfax county has to effectively control and manage stormwater runoff to prevent further degradation of streams and water bodies ultimately impacting the Chesapeake Bay; with increased developmental demands this problem will persist. Climate change projections for an increase in rainfall for the Northeast coast Projections indicate continuing increases in precipitation, especially in winter and spring and in northern parts of the region. However, the timing of winter and spring precipitation could lead to drought conditions in summer as warmer temperatures increase evaporation and accelerate snow melt.[2]
Policy options
Rainwater Harvesting Systems: Implementing Rainwater harvesting technology systems in schools, businesses and public buildings. This roof top system will reduce potable water consumption by replacing potable water with rainwater for uses such as toilets, irrigation, and businesses utilizing stormwater for car washing for example.[3] Fair fax county would provide monetary incentives to individuals and businesses who collect rainwater. As a well as provide subsidies to promote installation of rain collection systems.
Pervious roads: Effectuate all new development and future road maintenance plans regarding infrastructure must be previously paved.
Green roofs: Implement Green roofs on select shaded new buildings and incorporate an accessible modular green roof attachment for residential homes or buildings primarily constructed of pitched roofs.[4]
Filters: Utilizing of filtration screens to create a barrier preventing trash and debris passing into the drainage system.[5] Utilize usage of stormwater filters collect water and pass it through sand or another media to remove the contaminants from the water. [6]Install downstream hydrodynamic separators that remove sediments, oil and other floating debris from stormwater.
Pros and Cons
The rainwater harvesting systems would require installation and maintenance fees. The systems might not be considered esthetically pleasing. The cost of incentivizing the public and business owners would have to be allocated into the budget. As well as a possibility of polluting the filtration devices if they aren’t properly discarded. Ultimately this system would benefit the public by reducing the consumption of potable water use and reduce storm water run-off and prevent flooding. This system will also reduce water bills.
Asphalt Pavement last about 5 years longer than pervious roads if they are maintained properly. The removal of the old pavement once it requires maintain would require specialized engineers. Pollution creation from the construction of the pervious pavements. This would allow for additional environmental engineering jobs. The asphalt pavement would be replaced once it has worn down to the pervious pavement to reduce construction and traffic overflow. Ultimately the pervious pavements would allow to absorb some of the stormwater limiting run-off.
Green roofs impose a greater expense and maintenance fees than traditional roofing. They also can create a weight imbalance possibly requiring additional structural support.[7] However, flat roof tops are more equipped to handle an increase in weight load. Homes with pitched roofs would require new roofing or a modular attachment that can sustain the traditional pitched roof; an environmental engineer would be essential for assisting in modular placements and construction which would increase costs. Aesthetically, the green roof would only be able to sustain a certain type of greenery that is able to sustain harsh conditions. Ultimately the employment of green roofs would help reduce the urban heat island effect, produce oxygen, provide shade, improve the drainage system, and increase the lifespan of the roof. Green roofs will also improve thermal efficiency during the winter season by trapping the heat inside and also limit the use of air conditioning during the summer months. Green roofs are helping out the environment, supporting wildlife habitats, aiding air quality and adsorbing stormwater run off reducing the treat of flooding. [8]
Treatments: Any treatment method system requires maintenance in order to functionally operate for the intended use. The installing of the treatment devices is unique to each location and require construction and engineers. Stormwater treatments will essentially prevent degradation of bodies of water, prevent harm to habitats and allow unpolluted water to flow through the drainage systems.
Recommendations
Fair Fax county should establish these sustainable initiatives; combating storm water nodus requires an account for multiple combative efforts stemming from collaboration amongst interconnecting stakeholders.
[1][1] https://archive.epa.gov/epa/climate-impacts/climate-impacts-northeast.html
[2] https://www.chesapeakeconservancy.org/2021/01/27/chesapeake-conservancy-applauds-president-bidens-expected-announcement-of-a-30-by-2030-conservation-goal-for-the-united-states/January 27th 2021
[3] https://cleanawater.com.au/information-centre/rainwater-harvesting-solutions-which-countries-lead-the-way
[4] https://cleanawater.com.au/information-centre/rainwater-harvesting-solutions-which-countries-lead-the-way
[5] https://hydro-int.com/en/stormwater-treatment
[6] https://www.epa.gov/water-research/system-urban-stormwater-treatment-and-analysis-integration-sustain
[7] https://www.greenroofers.co.uk/green-roofing-guides/advantages-disadvantages-green-roofs/
[8] https://www.greenroofers.co.uk/green-roofing-guides/advantages-disadvantages-green-roofs/