EPA Technical Assistance on Green Infrastructure Provided to City of Lincoln
February 12, 2014
In October 2013, EPA selected the City of Lincoln to receive targeted technical assistance to support the expanded use of green infrastructure. EPA's consultant, Tetra Tech, Inc., will work with the City's Public Works Department to develop fact sheets on five green infrastructure practices, develop strategies for reducing pollutants in the Antelope Creek watershed, and work with Lincoln Public Schools Science Focus Program on a green infrastructure design charette at the Lincoln Children's Zoo.
Green Infrastructure Practice Fact Sheets
Green infrastructure practices use vegetation, soils, and natural processes to manage water and create healthier urban environments. EPA will work with the City to develop fact sheets on the following five green infrastructure practices:
- Bioswales
- Rainwater harvesting
- Urban forests
- Soil amendments
- Green streets
These fact sheets will help educate the public, developers, engineers and others about how best to use these practices, including information on their benefits and costs. The fact sheets are expected to be available by July 2014.
Pollutant reduction strategy for the Antelope Creek watershed
The City completed a master plan for the Antelope Creek watershed, which is impaired by E. coli and other pollutants, in 2012. EPA's consultant will develop a report identifying potential urban pollutant reduction strategies for reducing pollutants in Antelope Creek. Strategies will be identified for specific land uses and will include both non-structural and structural controls, and where possible will include examples of where these strategies have been applied.
A report documenting strategies for reducing pollutants in Antelope Creek is expected to be available by July 2014.
Lincoln Public Schools Science Focus Program Design Charette
The Lincoln Public Schools Science Focus Program at the Lincoln Children's Zoo is a science-focused curriculum for Lincoln high school students in grades 9-12. EPA's consultant will conduct a workshop and design charette for students about stormwater, green infrastructure, and how to design practices to better address runoff at the Zoo. A two hour workshop presentation for all students is planned where a design engineer will discuss why green infrastructure is important and introduce students to common green infrastructure controls. A smaller group of students will then meet for a design charette with the engineer to propose potential site layouts that incorporate green infrastructure principles at a site on the Zoo property. The student teams will develop site layouts and a fact sheet on the overall design charette will be developed.
The workshop and charette are expected to take place in September 2014.
Project Contacts
-
City of Lincoln
Ben Higgins, Watershed Management
Phone: 402-441-7589
Email: watershed@lincoln.ne.gov -
U.S. EPA
Jamie Piziali, Office of Water/Green Infrastructure Program
Phone: 202-564-1709
Email: Piziali.Jamie@epa.gov -
Tetra Tech
John Kosco
Phone: 703-385-1834
Email: john.kosco@tetratech.com
