Seattle one of 14 cities recognized for green solutions
Every year in Seattle, billions of gallons of stormwater runs off roofs, roads, parking lots, and other paved surfaces, causing sewage and roadway pollution to flow into our local waterways. But Seattle was recently recognized for using green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) as part of the solution to these problems.
The city was featured in the National Resources Defense Council publication Rooftops to Rivers II, which highlights Seattle as one of 14 case studies of cities that are national leaders in employing green infrastructure solutions to address stormwater challenges.
Green infrastructure, also known as natural drainage, helps prevent pollution by capturing rainwater and letting it filter back into the ground. Examples include green roofs, street trees, cisterns, rain gardens, and permeable pavement. It is also more cost-effective approach than investing in conventional projects like underground storage tanks and pipes.
Green infrastructure is an integral part of Seattle’s long-term plan to reduce sewage overflows, comply with the Clean Water Act, and protect the health of people and the environment. More information is available at www.seattle.gov/util/greeninfrastructure.