PA experienced major storms that resulted in over $1 billion dollars worth of damages since Since 1954 more than $16 billion in damages

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1 Maintain the Rain: Why Keeping It Out Of The Drain Makes Dollar Sense Janie French PA Environmental Council And Lisa Brown Nine Mile Run Watershed Association

2 The Cost of Flooding in PA PA experienced major storms that resulted in over $1 billion dollars worth of damages since Since 1954 more than $16 billion in damages have occurred. PA is fourth in the nation with highest overall flood losses.

3 A 10 Year Flood For the nine most populated counties in the state (accounting for over 50 percent of total population), will cause $9.2 billion in damages. 20% of the cost will be to residential homes. 50% of the cost will be to commercial businesses. Philadelphia Allegheny Montgomery Bucks Delaware Lancaster Chester York Berks

4 PA Combined Sewer Overflows States with the Most Combined Sewer Overflows Rank State CSOs 1 Pennsylvania 1,671 2 Ohio 1,507 3 New York 1,075 4 Indiana Illinois Michigan Massachusetts Kentucky New Jersey Maine 277

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6 Defining Green Infrastructure An array of products, technologies, and practices. Use natural systems or engineered systems that mimic natural processes. Produce variety of environmental benefits when used as components of a stormwater management system. It s not just about where you build but how you build

7 Distributing Stormwater Controls Close to Runoff Sources Distributed Stormwater Features Regional Traditional Techniques

8 From Stormwater Management to Rainwater Management Traditional Drainage systems Reactive (solve problem) Protect property Pipe and convey Extreme storm focus to Integrated Ecosystems Proactive (prevent problem) Protect property & habitat Mimic natural processes Rainwater integrated with landuse

9 BIG PIPES = BIG $$$$$$ Examples of Deep Storage Tunnel Projects City Project Duration Years Completion Date Storage Capacity Gallons Cost Chicago, IL billion $3.4 billion Milwaukee, WI 17 (phase 1) 8 (phase 2) million $2.3 billion million 130 million Portland, OR million Pittsburgh, PA million $1.4 billion $10 billion

10 The Green Behind the Green Green Infrastructure Type Rain Gardens Installation Costs $5-7 sq. ft. $12-15 sq. ft. Operation and Maintenance Minimal Pervious Pavement $20-35 sq. ft. Minimal Green Roof Applications $30 sq. ft. $12-15 sq. ft. Great to minimal Rain Barrels $35-75 Great Constructed Wetlands $6-20 sq. ft. Minimal Life Cycle Costs Annual Mulching and Weeding $0.50 to $2.00 per sq. ft Fewer repairs, longer overall lifespan, yearly vacuuming/ pressure washing $0.15 sq. ft Conventional roof yrs, green is double or triple that life cycle, watering needed until established. Homeowner attention is crucial, water bills reduced Replace pretreatment components 3-5 yrs, weed invasive plants $ yr

11 Comparison for New York

12 Green Probably Won t Replace. Grey Biorentention - Up to 25% cost savings vs. conventional pipe infrastructure $ $ $ Permeable Paving -initial installation costs approximately 50% lower than conventional storm drainage systems

13 Other Hidden Costs Wastewater and water treatment plants account for 35% of the nation s energy consumption. Nitrous Oxide from wastewater treatment plants is significantly higher than previously thought. Nitrous Oxide greenhouse gas is 3000 times stronger than carbon dioxide.

14 Environmental Benefits Enhanced Groundwater Recharge Stormwater Pollutant Reductions Reduced Sewer Overflow Events Increased Carbon Sequestration Urban Heat Island Mitigation and Reduced Energy Demands Improved Air Quality Additional Wildlife Habitat and Recreational Space

15 Economic Benefits Increased land values Compliment opportunities for development Reduce cost for drinking water treatment Capital cost savings Green job creation Cheaper to prevent than remediate Flood Insurance savings

16 Societal Benefits Consumers willing to pay 9 percent more in small cities and 12 percent more in large cities for equivalent goods and services in business districts having trees. Less crime because green plants have a calming effect and neighbors spend more time outdoors. Corporations can attract a higher level of skilled workforce when environmental quality is enhanced. Renter rates were 7% higher for commercial properties having attractive landscaping.

17 Triple Bottom Line People Planet - Profit

18 Philadelphia s Triple Bottom Line Heat Stress Mortality Reduction (35%) Recreation (22%) Property Value Added (18%) Water Quality and Habitat (14.5%) Air Quality (4.6%) Poverty reduction from Green Jobs (3.7%) Energy Savings (1.0%) Carbon Footprint Reduction (0.6%) Reduction in ConstructionConstruction- Related Disruptions (0.2%)

19 Significant Regulation Considerations PA Chapter 102 Includes O&M tied to landowner and maintenance responsibility would remain in property transfer through covenant to the land. MS4 Includes provision for stormwater discharges in areas of existing development through retrofitting the sewer system or drainage area with improved stormwater control measures GASB 34 Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) issued comprehensive changes in state and local government financial reporting explore using GASBGASB-34 to help capture our natural environment s inherent capital

20 Maintain the Rain. Keep it out of the drain

21 Low Cost Alternatives An $8 million subsidized downspout disconnection program in Portland, Oregon saved $250 million in water infrastructure improvements, successfully keeping 1 billion gallons of rain annually out of the city s combined sewer system, promoting groundwater recharge.

22 Nine Mile Run Rain Garden Eagle Scout Project