Large-Scale Implementation of Urban Green Stormwater Infrastructure
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Why is this a San Francisco Bay Program Priority?
Rain events result in water runoff—or stormwater—entering creeks or pipes which discharge into San Francisco Bay. To mitigate pollutants like industrial chemicals, heavy metals, trash, and other emerging contaminants of concern from entering the Bay, Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) is a nature-based solution that can capture some pollutants and improve watershed health.
Requirements in the Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit issued by San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board are changing the way municipalities manage stormwater runoff. Large-scale implementation projects such as the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s 20-year Sewer System Improvement Program (SFPUC 2017) transition away from solely having traditional “gray” infrastructure and incorporate green infrastructure in watersheds, especially those experiencing localized flooding.
EPA is investing grant funds with local municipalities to assist with the growing demand for regional scale projects and documenting the cumulative pollutant reduction effectiveness of GSI projects.