Save the Sound and UConn NEMO launch stormwater website

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Save the Sound, a program of Connecticut Fund for the Environment, and the University of Connecticut Center for Land Use Education and Research’s (CLEAR) Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) program launched its new green infrastructure website, www.ReduceRunoff.org

The new website is designed to assist Connecticut homeowners in reducing the harmful effects of stormwater runoff. 

Volunteer and outreach coordinator for Save the Sound Kierran Broach says, “Stormwater is one of the most serious water quality problems facing Long Island Sound. Rain can cause flooding and sewage overflows and carry pollutants into nearby waterbodies, but it doesn’t have to be so destructive. Green infrastructure solutions like rain gardens filter stormwater and curb sewage overflows while saving money and enhancing communities. ReduceRunoff.org will help residents do their part to protect the Sound.” 

Currently, rain running off of roads, parking lots, and roofs can overwhelm the sewer systems of older, combined sewer overflow communities like Bridgeport, New Haven and Hartford—resulting in releases of raw sewage. In other communities, it floods streets and carries fertilizers and pesticides into rivers and the Sound. This pollution forces summer beach closings, and makes it difficult for shellfishermen to earn a living. According to state data, many rivers and shoreline waters fail to meet key water quality standards because of stormwater. 

But common sense solutions can help protect the waters. Innovative green infrastructure concepts like rain gardens, rain barrels, downspout disconnections, permeable pavers, and green roofs, can help naturally manage stormwater, limit raw sewage discharges, reduce flooding risk and improve water quality. Major cities like Portland, Kansas City, Philadelphia and New York are working to promote the use of green infrastructure; ReduceRunoff.org is designed relay the lessons learned from those cities by helping Connecticut residents green their neighborhoods while reducing pollution statewide.  

DEEP Commissioner Daniel C. Esty says, “DEEP is very happy to provide the funding to Save the Sound for this innovative and creative effort to protect and expand drinking water supplies in the Quinnipiac River Watershed Project. The unique approach of capturing rainwater runoff by working with towns and residents to build rain gardens will not only replenish the area’s groundwater but will also foster partnerships that can be expanded to other environmental projects. We applaud Save the Sound for their efforts.”

Additionally, www.ReduceRunoff.org features information on three localities using green infrastructure to benefit the community. In the Quinnipiac River Watershed small rain gardens and large bioswales will be used to boost drinking water supplies. And in New Haven and Bridgeport green infrastructure will help reduce flooding, reduce nonpoint source pollution, and limit combined sewer overflows. 

Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch says, “To keep our rivers, Long Island Sound and our beaches clean, we all need to do our part. The website shows Bridgeporters how to roll up their sleeves to make Bridgeport green and save some green and lower government spending at the same time. Thanks to Save the Sound and CLEAR for their hard work.” 

ReduceRunoff.org was funded by the generous support of the Fairfield County Community Foundation, the Greater New Haven Green Fund, and the Quinnipiac River Groundwater Natural Resources Damages Fund administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP).



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