River Revitalization with Street Project

The neighborhood I call home is only a few short blocks from the Anacostia River---a river plagued by pollution from stormwater and sewage overflow.   You see, every time it rains metals, bacteria, sediments, and nutrients deposited on highways are discharged into the river.  These pollutants come from vehicle exhaust, vehicle fluids and parts, road wear, use of fertilizer and deicing agents, waste spills, and wildlife. 

This isn't a problem unique to Washington, DC.  Nationwide, over 28,000 waterways currently don't meet EPA criteria (they are "impaired") for pollutants contained in highway runoff, including 9,000 waterways impaired for mercury and 6,000 each for sediment and nutrients.  The problem being that when many highways were built, designers and regulators were not fully aware of the detrimental impact highways have on water quality. 

One community upstream from The District has decided to take matters into their own hands.  The Washington Post reported today about the Town of Edmonton's plan to install 'green streets.'   Starting this summer local workers are going to be replacing the towns traditional impervious streets with porous brick, rain gardens, bike paths, and a drought-resistant tree canopy all of which will absorb stormwater and residue.

The article also cites the job created through this project:

 Edmonston's "green" street will be its biggest public works project, employing about 40 workers from the town and neighboring communities. The project qualified for $1.3 million in federal stimulus money.

The goal of this project is decreased water pollution from stormwater runoff, less flooding, job creation, and a more natural-looking, aesthetically pleasing town center.

You can read how other communities are using green infrastructure to revitalize their neighborhood, create jobs, and revive their local waterway on NRDC's water program page.