UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant is helping create an inventory of low impact development stormwater practices along the coast to use as examples for future projects.
These practices improve water quality and the health of coastal ecosystems, said Jessica Brown, stormwater specialist with Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant.
“One way of mitigating the impact of polluted runoff is the implementation of stormwater low impact development best management practices, which incorporate science-based strategies and tools to treat stormwater before it flows into our streams and estuaries,” Brown said.
The inventory will include best practices from 11 of Georgia’s coastal communities. Information about the type of practice, along with photographs and summary reports will be included. Summary data can be used to support the design, development and permitting of future projects in coastal communities.
Kelly Hill, coastal resources specialist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Coastal Resources Division, will work with Brown and other partners to develop the inventory. Hill hopes coastal communities will use it as a resource to learn about alternative infrastructure.
“The inventory will identify on-the-ground examples that can be visited in person and provide more detailed information on the process and costs involved,” Hill said. “This information can be used by practitioners, local governments and the water resource community.”
Funding for the project was provided by DNR. Other partners include the nonprofit Center for Watershed Protection based in Ellicott Coty, Md., and the Ecological Planning Group, a Savannah-based consulting firm.