Controlling storm water runoff and preventing erosion from residential properties, agricultural areas and construction sites keeps pollutants out of rivers, streams and bays, and protects wildlife habitat and drinking water supplies.

"Green Infrastructure" refers to newly-developed or recently-improved methods of managing storm water runoff that are cost effective, sustainable and environmentally beneficial. These include large-scale projects such as restoring, maintaining and protecting natural landscapes, as well as smaller projects such as green roofs, rain gardens, permeable paving and rainwater harvesting for non-potable purposes.


Resources:

The EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is a comprehensive web site offering detailed information and data on hundreds of subjects regarding wastewater, storm water and erosion.


Rain garden photo courtesy of USDA NRCS.