Kentucky Growth Readiness for Water Quality

1. KentuckyGrowth Readinessfor Water Quality Does your water quality matter? SHOULD SAY: Water quality matters in Kentucky. >It matters to all of us, for many reasons. I want to take a few minutes of your time to discuss why it is important, talk about some ideas you may want to consider to deal with this issue.SHOULD SAY: Water quality matters in Kentucky. >It matters to all of us, for many reasons. I want to take a few minutes of your time to discuss why it is important, talk about some ideas you may want to consider to deal with this issue.

2. Acknowledgements SHOULD SAY: >My name is ___________, and I am with ______________________ (name of agency/organization/firm) as a part of statewide effort to help people understand the importance of water quality and it�s impacts on a community�s potential to grow. I am here with you today as a part of this effort [� at this point you need to clarify your relationship to the overall project � are you a citizen volunteer, agency representative doing this as a part of your job, or consultant doing this pro bono? That is, make it clear it is Nonpoint Source Grant-funded, and you are receiving no compensation and doing this as part of an overall education effort � not alone.] Because water quality matters, the following organizations are helping us by sponsoring the Kentucky Growth Readiness program. Kentucky Division of Water U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tennessee Valley Authority University of Louisville Kentucky Waterways Alliance Kentucky Transportation Center Kentucky Association of Counties Kentucky League of Cities Kentucky Environmental Education Council The program was developed and piloted by KDOW & TVA and by representatives from the Kentucky community of Bowling Green. BACKGROUND: NEMO is the Nonpoint Source Education for Municipal Officials � this program was started by Cooperative Extension Service in Connecticut and is now available in many states. This presentation and other Growth Readiness materials were loosely modeled after the NEMO curriculum.SHOULD SAY: >My name is ___________, and I am with ______________________ (name of agency/organization/firm) as a part of statewide effort to help people understand the importance of water quality and it�s impacts on a community�s potential to grow. I am here with you today as a part of this effort [� at this point you need to clarify your relationship to the overall project � are you a citizen volunteer, agency representative doing this as a part of your job, or consultant doing this pro bono? That is, make it clear it is Nonpoint Source Grant-funded, and you are receiving no compensation and doing this as part of an overall education effort � not alone.] Because water quality matters, the following organizations are helping us by sponsoring the Kentucky Growth Readiness program. Kentucky Division of Water U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tennessee Valley Authority University of Louisville Kentucky Waterways Alliance Kentucky Transportation Center Kentucky Association of Counties Kentucky League of Cities Kentucky Environmental Education Council The program was developed and piloted by KDOW & TVA and by representatives from the Kentucky community of Bowling Green. BACKGROUND: NEMO is the Nonpoint Source Education for Municipal Officials � this program was started by Cooperative Extension Service in Connecticut and is now available in many states. This presentation and other Growth Readiness materials were loosely modeled after the NEMO curriculum.

3. Presentation�s Purpose Why water matters: Kentucky�s precious water resources Threats to our waters Land use and its impact on water What YOU can do! >Our presentation today is intended to: To provide information on water quality issues confronting Kentucky as we grow. Why does water matter? What are the threats to our waters? What are the predominant land uses and how do the impact water? What can you do?>Our presentation today is intended to: To provide information on water quality issues confronting Kentucky as we grow. Why does water matter? What are the threats to our waters? What are the predominant land uses and how do the impact water? What can you do?

4. What is a watershed? A watershed is the land where all the water drains to a specific location. It includes surface runoff and groundwater flow. What is a watershed? A watershed is all the area upstream or up-gradient of a point on the land; it is the point to which all that land drains. The watershed also includes all the water that drains downward under the ground as well. So, water is stored and flows through our watershed as groundwater as well. Normally, watersheds are fairly easy to visualize, as the mountain or hill ridgelines form their upper-most boundary. > There are 11 major river basins (or large watersheds) in Kentucky � 7 of which are wholly within the state. The others, flow into or out of the state. For example [point to map as you speak to indicate areas]: The Cumberland has its headwaters in eastern Kentucky, then flows through Tennessee, and back into western Kentucky. This illustrates the interconnectedness we have with our neighbors and the importance of taking care of this common resource. What is a watershed? A watershed is all the area upstream or up-gradient of a point on the land; it is the point to which all that land drains. The watershed also includes all the water that drains downward under the ground as well. So, water is stored and flows through our watershed as groundwater as well. Normally, watersheds are fairly easy to visualize, as the mountain or hill ridgelines form their upper-most boundary. > There are 11 major river basins (or large watersheds) in Kentucky � 7 of which are wholly within the state. The others, flow into or out of the state. For example [point to map as you speak to indicate areas]: The Cumberland has its headwaters in eastern Kentucky, then flows through Tennessee, and back into western Kentucky. This illustrates the interconnectedness we have with our neighbors and the importance of taking care of this common resource.

5. To better understand how a watershed functions, take a look at this diagram. This diagram shows how development and its corresponding increase in hard surfaces disrupts how water moves in a watershed and how water is stored. In the diagram on the left, most of the rain water is able to soak into the ground or be absorbed by vegetation, thus storing the water in the watershed for later use. The vegetation also helps filter any water that runs off the land. In the diagram on the right, on the other hand, when using the most common current development practices, most of the water is forced to runoff and move downstream rapidly, leaving little in the watershed for groundwater recharge, drinking water supplies, or other uses. And as the water runs over the land, it collects any contaminants on the land; this polluted runoff can run directly to our streams and lakes. Because the water is forced to run over the land so rapidly, it can also increase the risks of downstream flooding, stream bank erosion, and scouring of bridges and culverts.To better understand how a watershed functions, take a look at this diagram. This diagram shows how development and its corresponding increase in hard surfaces disrupts how water moves in a watershed and how water is stored. In the diagram on the left, most of the rain water is able to soak into the ground or be absorbed by vegetation, thus storing the water in the watershed for later use. The vegetation also helps filter any water that runs off the land. In the diagram on the right, on the other hand, when using the most common current development practices, most of the water is forced to runoff and move downstream rapidly, leaving little in the watershed for groundwater recharge, drinking water supplies, or other uses. And as the water runs over the land, it collects any contaminants on the land; this polluted runoff can run directly to our streams and lakes. Because the water is forced to run over the land so rapidly, it can also increase the risks of downstream flooding, stream bank erosion, and scouring of bridges and culverts.

6. Water quality issues matter According to a survey of Kentuckians, water quality ranks first among all environmental concerns. If your goals are to improve the quality of life in your community, and have a vital economy, then water quality issues should be at the top of your concerns. Since you�re viewing this presentation, it�s likely that addressing issues related to water quality is part of your job, your elected duties, or your legal responsibility. If your goals are to improve the quality of life in your community, and have a vital economy, then water quality issues should be at the top of your concerns. Since you�re viewing this presentation, it�s likely that addressing issues related to water quality is part of your job, your elected duties, or your legal responsibility.

7. Pollution isn�t what it used to be Point source Single, identifiable source industrial sewage treatment Not the only source that can contaminate your water But, we can�t talk about water quality without talking about pollution. Point source pollution�that comes from a single, identifiable source, such as industrial plants or sewage treatment plants � have been the focus of cleanup efforts for the past 25 years (under the Clean Water Act). But there are still many contaminants in our water supplies that come from less obvious sources. But, we can�t talk about water quality without talking about pollution. Point source pollution�that comes from a single, identifiable source, such as industrial plants or sewage treatment plants � have been the focus of cleanup efforts for the past 25 years (under the Clean Water Act). But there are still many contaminants in our water supplies that come from less obvious sources.

8. The pollution you can�t pinpoint Comes from an entire watershed Geographic, not political, boundaries Affected by geology Most from land that is built on or paved farmed bare soil NPS Pollution is the less obvious source of pollution. Nonpoint source pollution comes from an entire watershed. [REPEAT DEFINITION IF NEEDED: A watershed is all the land that channels water into the nearest waterbody.] So, pollution from other communities may drain into streams in your community. Conversely, pollution from your community may drain into streams in other communities. Most nonpoint source pollution is from land that is built on or paved farmed bare soil NPS Pollution is the less obvious source of pollution. Nonpoint source pollution comes from an entire watershed. [REPEAT DEFINITION IF NEEDED: A watershed is all the land that channels water into the nearest waterbody.] So, pollution from other communities may drain into streams in your community. Conversely, pollution from your community may drain into streams in other communities. Most nonpoint source pollution is from land that is built on or paved farmed bare soil

9. Clean Water Act requirements If streams do not meet Water Quality Standards: Waterway is placed on 303(d) list TMDL requirements May limit development To address both point and nonpoint sources of pollution, Kentucky is required by the Clean Water Act to keep track of water quality: Specific provisions in the Clean Water Act require states to: identify streams not meeting the State designated use for that waterbody; such as swimmable, fishable, or drinkable - the 303(d) list of impaired waters develop total maximum daily load (or TMDL) for each pollutant in the listed waters [Optional statement: We will talk more about TMDLs later.] limit development activities that adds to these pollutants in listed waters COULD SAY: You may have heard about the 305(b) list. This is a report about water quality, the National Water Quality Inventory, that states make every two years to Congress. The 303(d) list is basically a subset list of only the impaired streams from the 305(b) list. COULD SAY: Communities can face fines of up to $15,000 per day for violations. Individual operations � residential development, farms, industry, commercial development, road building and more � can be fined or shut down. To address both point and nonpoint sources of pollution, Kentucky is required by the Clean Water Act to keep track of water quality: Specific provisions in the Clean Water Act require states to: identify streams not meeting the State designated use for that waterbody; such as swimmable, fishable, or drinkable - the 303(d) list of impaired waters develop total maximum daily load (or TMDL) for each pollutant in the listed waters [Optional statement: We will talk more about TMDLs later.] limit development activities that adds to these pollutants in listed waters COULD SAY: You may have heard about the 305(b) list. This is a report about water quality, the National Water Quality Inventory, that states make every two years to Congress. The 303(d) list is basically a subset list of only the impaired streams from the 305(b) list. COULD SAY: Communities can face fines of up to $15,000 per day for violations. Individual operations � residential development, farms, industry, commercial development, road building and more � can be fined or shut down.

10. Streams not in compliance This is a map of stream quality in your area. [Presenter should be prepared to ELEBORATE on specific streams in your area] An impaired stream doesn�t have to be in our community for us to be affected. If an impaired stream is upstream of us, it can affect our community�s use of that water as it flows by. If land in our community drains to a stream in another community downstream, we�re still affected by the regulations if that stream is out of compliance. [DESCRIBE LOCAL CASE IN WHICH THIS MAY APPLy.] COULD SAY: Streams stay on the list of impaired streams, and restrictions remain in place until the stream is restored, monitored, and found in compliance. Streams are monitored by state and federal agencies on a five-year cycle. If a stream is cleaned up, the community can pay to monitor sooner. You may want to do this in order to loosen restrictions on development and growth.This is a map of stream quality in your area. [Presenter should be prepared to ELEBORATE on specific streams in your area] An impaired stream doesn�t have to be in our community for us to be affected. If an impaired stream is upstream of us, it can affect our community�s use of that water as it flows by. If land in our community drains to a stream in another community downstream, we�re still affected by the regulations if that stream is out of compliance. [DESCRIBE LOCAL CASE IN WHICH THIS MAY APPLy.] COULD SAY: Streams stay on the list of impaired streams, and restrictions remain in place until the stream is restored, monitored, and found in compliance. Streams are monitored by state and federal agencies on a five-year cycle. If a stream is cleaned up, the community can pay to monitor sooner. You may want to do this in order to loosen restrictions on development and growth.

11. Land use affects water quality How do these streams become impaired? Simply put: from the way we use our land. If you step back and look at land use across the state, you can see patterns of forests, agriculture, and urban land.How do these streams become impaired? Simply put: from the way we use our land. If you step back and look at land use across the state, you can see patterns of forests, agriculture, and urban land.

12. As you zoom in, you can see that the things we do on the land clearly change the way it looks. Each type of land use has the potential to affect the quality and quantity of the water we use. Rural uses such as timbering, farming, and outdoor recreation can result in erosion, animal waste, and chemical pollution. Most pollution associated with urban and suburban land uses is exaggerated by impervious surfaces. Impervious surface is anything that keeps water from penetrating into the ground. Examples: a roof, driveway, street, parking lot, swimming pool. Pollutants from construction and land development include: Erosion from bare soil during construction Construction debris washed into streams Chemicals and contaminants that leak from equipmentAs you zoom in, you can see that the things we do on the land clearly change the way it looks. Each type of land use has the potential to affect the quality and quantity of the water we use. Rural uses such as timbering, farming, and outdoor recreation can result in erosion, animal waste, and chemical pollution. Most pollution associated with urban and suburban land uses is exaggerated by impervious surfaces. Impervious surface is anything that keeps water from penetrating into the ground. Examples: a roof, driveway, street, parking lot, swimming pool. Pollutants from construction and land development include: Erosion from bare soil during construction Construction debris washed into streams Chemicals and contaminants that leak from equipment

13. If you look even closer, you will see that every community and neighborhood comes in close contact with our water. Land use has a direct impact on water quality.If you look even closer, you will see that every community and neighborhood comes in close contact with our water. Land use has a direct impact on water quality.

14. Different land uses can contribute different types of pollutants. Even in the normal course of activities, these land uses account for more than 80% of our stream and river pollution in Kentucky. * (In case question arises: The other 20% would be land that is managed properly, with good practices, no logging or mining, etc.) I�ll briefly cover the main pollutants � and some sample strategies to reduce nonpoint source pollution � from each of the primary land uses. * Source: Information on stream impairment status and sources of pollution come from Kentucky�s Report to Congress on Water Quality (2004). Different land uses can contribute different types of pollutants. Even in the normal course of activities, these land uses account for more than 80% of our stream and river pollution in Kentucky. * (In case question arises: The other 20% would be land that is managed properly, with good practices, no logging or mining, etc.) I�ll briefly cover the main pollutants � and some sample strategies to reduce nonpoint source pollution � from each of the primary land uses. * Source: Information on stream impairment status and sources of pollution come from Kentucky�s Report to Congress on Water Quality (2004).

15. Impact of impervious surfaces Increase flooding Lower groundwater Prevent natural filters Collect pollutants Moves pollutants to waterways faster Much of the developed land in Kentucky is paved and blacktopped; Kentucky soil is also dense with clay. These factors create impervious or near-impervious surfaces in much of the populated portions of the state; these conditions keep water from penetrating into the ground and allow surface water to move fast and freely, picking up pollutants as it flows. Impervious surfaces increase flooding because more water runs off into streams and less is absorbed into the ground. Since less water penetrates into the ground, less water gets to the aquifer, and the water table is lowered. Water doesn�t percolate through the soil, which can help filter out many contaminants. When not filtered, the contaminants are carried to our streams. The decreased percolation and increased runoff contributes to downstream flooding. STRATEGIES: Minimize impervious areas Evaluate ordinances for parking lots, such as decreasing the ratio of paved parking spaces per square foot of commercial space Implement a comprehensive landscape plan or ordinance to plant trees and plants, and create swales for water absorption in urban areas. Build up instead of out; and reuse existing infrastructure Implement low impact development in urban neighborhoods Much of the developed land in Kentucky is paved and blacktopped; Kentucky soil is also dense with clay. These factors create impervious or near-impervious surfaces in much of the populated portions of the state; these conditions keep water from penetrating into the ground and allow surface water to move fast and freely, picking up pollutants as it flows. Impervious surfaces increase flooding because more water runs off into streams and less is absorbed into the ground. Since less water penetrates into the ground, less water gets to the aquifer, and the water table is lowered. Water doesn�t percolate through the soil, which can help filter out many contaminants. When not filtered, the contaminants are carried to our streams. The decreased percolation and increased runoff contributes to downstream flooding. STRATEGIES: Minimize impervious areas Evaluate ordinances for parking lots, such as decreasing the ratio of paved parking spaces per square foot of commercial space Implement a comprehensive landscape plan or ordinance to plant trees and plants, and create swales for water absorption in urban areas. Build up instead of out; and reuse existing infrastructure Implement low impact development in urban neighborhoods

16. 90% of commercial development area is impervious surface Commercial development pollutants: Erosion from bare soil during construction Debris from construction Debris from littering or illegal dumping Chemicals and contaminants that wash off parking lots Nutrients from fertilizer Pathogens from overloaded septic systems or lagoons Thermal pollution from water being warmed as it washes over hot roofs and parking lots SHOULD SAY: 90% or more of most commercial development is impervious surface. Pollutants from commercial development: Erosion from bare soil during construction Construction debris washed into streams Debris form littering or dumping Chemicals and contaminants that wash off parking lots Nutrients from fertilizer in planted areas Pathogens from overloaded septic systems or lagoons Thermal pollution as water flows over hot roofs and parking lots and is heated before going into storm sewers and streams SHOULD SAY: 90% or more of most commercial development is impervious surface. Pollutants from commercial development: Erosion from bare soil during construction Construction debris washed into streams Debris form littering or dumping Chemicals and contaminants that wash off parking lots Nutrients from fertilizer in planted areas Pathogens from overloaded septic systems or lagoons Thermal pollution as water flows over hot roofs and parking lots and is heated before going into storm sewers and streams

17. Our present land use VISUAL: INSERT LOCAL MAP OF PRESENT LAND USE. How are our community�s land uses and impervious surfaces affecting water quality? First, let�s look at our community�s present land use: Light blue to dark blue is wetlands and water Light green to dark green is grasses and forest Yellow is agricultural land Pink to Red is residential to commercial Black is mines and quarries Is our community planning on more growth and developing more land? VISUAL: INSERT LOCAL MAP OF PRESENT LAND USE. How are our community�s land uses and impervious surfaces affecting water quality? First, let�s look at our community�s present land use: Light blue to dark blue is wetlands and water Light green to dark green is grasses and forest Yellow is agricultural land Pink to Red is residential to commercial Black is mines and quarries Is our community planning on more growth and developing more land?

18. Our water quality & imperviousness VISUAL: INSERT LOCAL MAP WITH IMPERVIOUS SURFACE INDICATED SHOULD SAY: Here�s how our current land use is likely affecting water quality: Green areas�likely to have good water quality unless there are problems caused by localized land use conditions or construction. Less than 10% of these areas have impervious surfaces. Yellow areas�likely to have impacted water quality. Between 10 and 25 percent of these areas are impervious. Red areas�likely to have seriously degraded water quality. More than 25% percent of these areas are impervious. As we�ve already discussed, geology and topography play a role in how sensitive an area is to impervious surfaces. In karst regions, such as Central Kentucky, impervious surfaces increase the threats to water quality because sinkholes and underground river networks provide a direct conduit to deliver pollutants to our waterways. Similarly, there are other regional difference that must be considered. For example: The development in the mountain region of Eastern Kentucky frequently occurs in the valleys along the streams. Not only is flooding more likely in these narrow valleys, but it also means the the developed or impervious areas tend to be closer to the streams, increasing the chance that polluted runoff will reach the streams. COULD SAY: [Comment on any obvious connection between impervious surface and out-of-compliance streams.] We can predict our water quality this way because the Center for Watershed Protection has summarized hundreds of scientific studies and found that percentage imperviousness can be a reliable indicator of water quality in suburban and urban areas.VISUAL: INSERT LOCAL MAP WITH IMPERVIOUS SURFACE INDICATED SHOULD SAY: Here�s how our current land use is likely affecting water quality: Green areas�likely to have good water quality unless there are problems caused by localized land use conditions or construction. Less than 10% of these areas have impervious surfaces. Yellow areas�likely to have impacted water quality. Between 10 and 25 percent of these areas are impervious. Red areas�likely to have seriously degraded water quality. More than 25% percent of these areas are impervious. As we�ve already discussed, geology and topography play a role in how sensitive an area is to impervious surfaces. In karst regions, such as Central Kentucky, impervious surfaces increase the threats to water quality because sinkholes and underground river networks provide a direct conduit to deliver pollutants to our waterways. Similarly, there are other regional difference that must be considered. For example: The development in the mountain region of Eastern Kentucky frequently occurs in the valleys along the streams. Not only is flooding more likely in these narrow valleys, but it also means the the developed or impervious areas tend to be closer to the streams, increasing the chance that polluted runoff will reach the streams. COULD SAY: [Comment on any obvious connection between impervious surface and out-of-compliance streams.] We can predict our water quality this way because the Center for Watershed Protection has summarized hundreds of scientific studies and found that percentage imperviousness can be a reliable indicator of water quality in suburban and urban areas.

19. Our future water quality? VISUAL: INSERT LOCAL MAP WITH PROJECTED IMPERVIOUS SURFACE MAP SHOULD SAY: Here�s how our future growth is likely to affect our water quality. Note areas that have turned yellow are likely to have impacted water quality because their impervious area is now between 10 and 25 percent. Note areas that have turned red are likely to have seriously degraded water quality because their impervious area is now greater than 25 percent. COULD SAY: What would these changes mean to our community? They could mean: Water quality will deteriorate More streams will go on list of impaired streams (305b) Development may be limited due to permit restrictions Flooding will increase Property values will decline Groundwater recharge will decrease IF THERE IS NO CHANGE IN MAP FROM 2000-2020: This is a wonderful opportunity for your community to grow with a positive impact on water quality and your quality of life. You have the ability to save your community money by planning for future growth and development with water quality in mind. VISUAL: INSERT LOCAL MAP WITH PROJECTED IMPERVIOUS SURFACE MAP SHOULD SAY: Here�s how our future growth is likely to affect our water quality. Note areas that have turned yellow are likely to have impacted water quality because their impervious area is now between 10 and 25 percent. Note areas that have turned red are likely to have seriously degraded water quality because their impervious area is now greater than 25 percent. COULD SAY: What would these changes mean to our community? They could mean: Water quality will deteriorate More streams will go on list of impaired streams (305b) Development may be limited due to permit restrictions Flooding will increase Property values will decline Groundwater recharge will decrease IF THERE IS NO CHANGE IN MAP FROM 2000-2020: This is a wonderful opportunity for your community to grow with a positive impact on water quality and your quality of life. You have the ability to save your community money by planning for future growth and development with water quality in mind.

20. What can you do? Remember how to manage polluted runoff with the 5 S�s: Soak it in� take advantage of natural infiltration through soil. Sift it out� use silt fences, grass & other vegetation to trap pollutants Slow it down� pond or break up concentrated flows Spread it around� redirect flows to flat, vegetated areas for infiltration Settle it out� use storm water ponds and settling basins for large areas (Source: Barry Tonning from TetraTech) Non-structural measures to prevent polluted runoff can save money. Could reduce costs for local government by up to 65% And 10-33% for developers. (Source: Haden and Yankee, TVA, 2004) Remember how to manage polluted runoff with the 5 S�s: Soak it in� take advantage of natural infiltration through soil. Sift it out� use silt fences, grass & other vegetation to trap pollutants Slow it down� pond or break up concentrated flows Spread it around� redirect flows to flat, vegetated areas for infiltration Settle it out� use storm water ponds and settling basins for large areas (Source: Barry Tonning from TetraTech) Non-structural measures to prevent polluted runoff can save money. Could reduce costs for local government by up to 65% And 10-33% for developers. (Source: Haden and Yankee, TVA, 2004)

21. What can you do? Consider land use effects on water quality when: Planning for your community Identify water resources Identify water quality protection goals Consider open space Evaluating site designs Adopting new best practices Consider low impact development practices So what can you to make informed decisions for your community? It�s not an either/or proposition. Communities can have growth and water quality with proper planning. Here�s what we can do to have both: Planning gives citizens and communities greater control on what can be built in the area. For example, if someone wants to build a chicken farm on the outskirts of town, then you as citizens, are able to evaluate the impacts of the farm on regional economics, water quality, and quality of life. You can then make the best decision for your community. In our community�s planning process, consider the effects of land use on water quality. We can look beyond the stream�s edge and address impacts from the entire watershed. Your water pollution and quantity problems in a stream may be coming from a parking lot a mile away in the watershed. As we review designs for future development sites, we can add water quality to the list of issues we consider. We already evaluate the impacts of development on public safety, schools, traffic and flooding; why not water quality, too? We can encourage development in our community that uses best practices for protecting water quality. STRATEGIES include: Require erosion & soil control on construction sites. Implement Construction Best Management Practices � for example, use phasing on sites to disturb as little area as possible. Put rules in place that encourage low impact development strategies. Evaluate ordinances for parking lots and decrease the ratio of paved parking spaces to retail space. Implement a comprehensive landscaping plan that uses trees and other natural materials for water absorption; for example, grassy swales can be a good addition to your plan by helping increase water absorption. Encourage developers to build up instead of out. Seek incentives for developers and home owners to use: Bioretention (rain gardens, grassy swales, wetlands, rooftop gardens) � can function as filters for water while reducing runoff by as much as 95% Permeable pavement � reduces runoff anywhere from 75-95% Low impact neighborhood and subdivision design Background: Photo is rendering from Norton Commons � a Traditional Neighborhood Design (Low Impact Development) in Louisville, Kentucky. They are in beginning stages of construction. So what can you to make informed decisions for your community? It�s not an either/or proposition. Communities can have growth and water quality with proper planning. Here�s what we can do to have both: Planning gives citizens and communities greater control on what can be built in the area. For example, if someone wants to build a chicken farm on the outskirts of town, then you as citizens, are able to evaluate the impacts of the farm on regional economics, water quality, and quality of life. You can then make the best decision for your community. In our community�s planning process, consider the effects of land use on water quality. We can look beyond the stream�s edge and address impacts from the entire watershed. Your water pollution and quantity problems in a stream may be coming from a parking lot a mile away in the watershed. As we review designs for future development sites, we can add water quality to the list of issues we consider. We already evaluate the impacts of development on public safety, schools, traffic and flooding; why not water quality, too? We can encourage development in our community that uses best practices for protecting water quality. STRATEGIES include: Require erosion & soil control on construction sites. Implement Construction Best Management Practices � for example, use phasing on sites to disturb as little area as possible. Put rules in place that encourage low impact development strategies. Evaluate ordinances for parking lots and decrease the ratio of paved parking spaces to retail space. Implement a comprehensive landscaping plan that uses trees and other natural materials for water absorption; for example, grassy swales can be a good addition to your plan by helping increase water absorption. Encourage developers to build up instead of out. Seek incentives for developers and home owners to use: Bioretention (rain gardens, grassy swales, wetlands, rooftop gardens) � can function as filters for water while reducing runoff by as much as 95% Permeable pavement � reduces runoff anywhere from 75-95% Low impact neighborhood and subdivision design Background: Photo is rendering from Norton Commons � a Traditional Neighborhood Design (Low Impact Development) in Louisville, Kentucky. They are in beginning stages of construction.

22. Commercial development BMPs Environmentally compatible and commercially viable development SHOULD SAY: Best management practices can minimize nonpoint source pollution from commercial development. Many of these practices cost no more � and in some cases much less � than conventional practices. Reducing nonpoint source pollution may be necessary to maintain growth and continued development. Note: A good guide for construction best management practices is the Kentucky Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Field Guide available by calling the Division of Water�s 319 program or at http://www.water.ky.gov/sw/nps/Publications.htm. SHOULD SAY: Best management practices can minimize nonpoint source pollution from commercial development. Many of these practices cost no more � and in some cases much less � than conventional practices. Reducing nonpoint source pollution may be necessary to maintain growth and continued development. Note: A good guide for construction best management practices is the Kentucky Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Field Guide available by calling the Division of Water�s 319 program or at http://www.water.ky.gov/sw/nps/Publications.htm.

23. Reduce parking stallsto reduce runoff and cost Current practices 190 sq. ft. per stall Each stall = 400 sq. ft. total 3-6 stalls per 1000 sq. ft. of retail space 13 acres of impervious parking area for a 250,000 sq. ft. mall Cost $1,100 per space SHOULD SAY: Retail development generally requires three to six stalls per thousand feet of space. Stalls average about one hundred ninety square feet each, but when you add in the traffic lanes and overhang, it works out to four hundred square feet of paving per stall. That�s thirteen acres of parking for a two hundred fifty thousand square foot mall. With land costs, paving cost and miscellaneous expenses like painting lines, each space costs around eleven hundred dollars. SHOULD SAY: Retail development generally requires three to six stalls per thousand feet of space. Stalls average about one hundred ninety square feet each, but when you add in the traffic lanes and overhang, it works out to four hundred square feet of paving per stall. That�s thirteen acres of parking for a two hundred fifty thousand square foot mall. With land costs, paving cost and miscellaneous expenses like painting lines, each space costs around eleven hundred dollars.

24. Why reducing parkingis important Automotive pollution Runoff channeled to storm sewers 120� heat Trash SHOULD SAY: Why are parking lots problems? They accumulate all the pollutants that leak or drip off the cars that park there; such as antifreeze, oil, brake pads, etc. When rain falls, the first flush carries those pollutants into storm sewers and then to waterways. In the summer the surface temperature of the asphalt can climb to one hundred twenty degrees and heats rainwater as much as fifteen degrees. Trash from littering washes into waterways.SHOULD SAY: Why are parking lots problems? They accumulate all the pollutants that leak or drip off the cars that park there; such as antifreeze, oil, brake pads, etc. When rain falls, the first flush carries those pollutants into storm sewers and then to waterways. In the summer the surface temperature of the asphalt can climb to one hundred twenty degrees and heats rainwater as much as fifteen degrees. Trash from littering washes into waterways.

25. Reduce runoffwithout reducing stalls One-way lanes More compact car spaces Eliminate curbs Drain into pervious areas Porous paving SHOULD SAY: Parking lots can be more environmentally compatible without being smaller. Reducing runoff doesn�t have to mean reducing stalls. One of the easiest ways to reduce pavement area is to use one-way access lanes and angled spaces. This allows the access lanes to be reduced from twenty-four feet to eighteen feet or less and reduces the impervious cover of the entire lot by five to ten percent. Savings in impervious area and cost can also be achieved by using more compact car spaces. Eliminating or cutting curbs allows surface water to run off into vegetated areas that are used in many commercial lots for aesthetic purposes. It costs virtually nothing to use them to absorb and filter storm water. Porous paving is a consideration for secondary parking areas. Grid or lattice paving blocks or the new pervious concrete can absorb storm water. This is especially beneficial in areas used for cleared snow piles. COULD SAY: Eliminating asphalt saves between two and a half and three dollars per square foot.SHOULD SAY: Parking lots can be more environmentally compatible without being smaller. Reducing runoff doesn�t have to mean reducing stalls. One of the easiest ways to reduce pavement area is to use one-way access lanes and angled spaces. This allows the access lanes to be reduced from twenty-four feet to eighteen feet or less and reduces the impervious cover of the entire lot by five to ten percent. Savings in impervious area and cost can also be achieved by using more compact car spaces. Eliminating or cutting curbs allows surface water to run off into vegetated areas that are used in many commercial lots for aesthetic purposes. It costs virtually nothing to use them to absorb and filter storm water. Porous paving is a consideration for secondary parking areas. Grid or lattice paving blocks or the new pervious concrete can absorb storm water. This is especially beneficial in areas used for cleared snow piles. COULD SAY: Eliminating asphalt saves between two and a half and three dollars per square foot.

26. Use bioretention areas 10� grass filter strip 15� ponding area Overflow storm drain SHOULD SAY: The most critical storm water runoff is the first half inch of rainfall. That first flush generally carries most of the pollutants from the impervious surface. It�s the effect you notice when you�re driving and it begins to rain (especially after a long dry spell) -- the road gets very slippery at first, because all of the oil and other hydrocarbons on the surface that have accumulated are carried off in that first flush of rain water. Bioretention areas and filter strips can be used to catch and clean this polluted first half inch of water. Bioretention areas are recessed vegetated areas built to contain storm water runoff. Typically water from a parking lot runs down a ten-foot grass filter strip to a vegetated bioretention area with a concave surface that allows runoff to pond and percolate down into a highly permeable layer. Excess runoff from exceptionally heavy storms goes into a storm drain set into the ponding area just above the designed maximum pond height.SHOULD SAY: The most critical storm water runoff is the first half inch of rainfall. That first flush generally carries most of the pollutants from the impervious surface. It�s the effect you notice when you�re driving and it begins to rain (especially after a long dry spell) -- the road gets very slippery at first, because all of the oil and other hydrocarbons on the surface that have accumulated are carried off in that first flush of rain water. Bioretention areas and filter strips can be used to catch and clean this polluted first half inch of water. Bioretention areas are recessed vegetated areas built to contain storm water runoff. Typically water from a parking lot runs down a ten-foot grass filter strip to a vegetated bioretention area with a concave surface that allows runoff to pond and percolate down into a highly permeable layer. Excess runoff from exceptionally heavy storms goes into a storm drain set into the ponding area just above the designed maximum pond height.

27. Land use and water quality: the choices are ours All land use has potential impacts on our water quality; we have choices that can reduce these impacts. As a community we must choose our priorities. This information is intended to provide you with a basis for informed decisions. Your decisions can help ensure that this community enjoys water quality which will sustain a high quality of life. All land use has potential impacts on our water quality; we have choices that can reduce these impacts. As a community we must choose our priorities. This information is intended to provide you with a basis for informed decisions. Your decisions can help ensure that this community enjoys water quality which will sustain a high quality of life.