A NIMBY Success Story Baltimore s Stony Run Restoration

Transcription

1 A NIMBY Success Story Baltimore s Stony Run Restoration Kimberly L. Burgess, P.E. Division Chief Surface Water Mgt Division Bureau of Water and Water Department of Public Works Baltimore, Maryland September 26, 2011

2 A NIMBY Success Story Baltimore's Stony Run Restoration What this is A case study of outreach / communications for innovative stormwater restoration activities in an ultra-urban environment. A lesson of twisted words and intentions. An overview of successful and not-so successful messaging. A story of hope for weathering the storm of bad publicity. What this is not An overview of stream restoration design. A comparison of stream restoration methods. A presentation of technical data to support stream restoration as a method for removing nutrients and sediment. A how-to guide for communicating stormwater projects to mass audiences.

3 Background: Baltimore, Maryland A city on the water but Established in 1729 along tidal portion of Patapsco River Our streets are our streams campaign Survey (2009): Less than 45% knew they lived in a watershed The majority did not consider surface waters in good condition. Surface water = Inner Harbor

4 Background: Restoring Streams Non-Traditional Approach Biddison Run Phase I 1,500 LF restored Construction costs ~$1M Standard community meetings / outreach Completed in 2003 Stony Run was next on the list 2 different communities = 2 different responses

5 A Call for Help Jones Falls Watershed Association

6 Stony Run Restoration Taking All of the Right Steps Upper SR 2,325 LF $3 M Middle SR 2,750 LF $2.4 M Watershed Assessment Study Training: In-house and JFWA School Meetings Mailing of Restoration Plan Search for funding Initial Designs

7 Community Participation Design Impacts Middle Stony Run (2005) Shift of access location resulting in more trees being destroyed Lower Stony Run Invasive species control Pedestrian stream crossing

8 2006: The First Cut is the Deepest August 18, 2006 Bulldozing a creek in order to help save it: City spending $10 million on disputed Stony Run job Scientists warn that this aggressive method of erosion control is outdated, discredited and destructive legions of "Rosgenauts" who are confident that they can build better streams with bulldozers and boulders oversimplified, 'cookbook restoration projects that do as much harm as good "It would be difficult to demonstrate that the project will have the water quality benefits that they claim it will."

9 The Cost of Cuts August 18, 2006 Bulldozing a creek in order to help save it: City spending $10 million on disputed Stony Run job spending more than $10 million to bulldoze a wooded park and cut down nearly 150 trees for a stream reconstruction project A $2 million city construction project is under way nearby to repair a leaky sewage pipe. the project -- which could eventually cost $15 million, according to the city 4 stream projects Adj. sewer project $10 M price tag

10 Continuing Cuts August 18, 2006 Bulldozing a creek in order to help save it: City spending $10 million on disputed Stony Run job [Bill] Stack dismissed most opponents of the project as "Nimbys who lack scientific training and don't want to help the Chesapeake Bay." Ending line "We are still learning how to play God with nature.

11 With a little time Publicity continues, but in a positive way Just google it! Research interest Habitat restoration University tours Social benefit in aesthetics Education Communities connected to their streams not just the harbor Project opportunities Credit for permit compliance The once-dead stream is alive with frogs, toads, ducks, crayfish...even hardy little fish called black-nosed dace.

12 With a little time Photos will tell your story

13 With a little time Photos will tell your story

14 Summary Applications to other innovative projects Community outreach should be adaptable: Know your audience. Technical vs. average joe they all are stakeholders. Opinions can change once construction starts. Develop relationships with media get your story out first. Utilize your water resources community. Pictures are priceless. Don t stop when the bulldozers leave.