In a presentation Tuesday night at City Hall (invited by the Planning Commission), Engineers from the consulting firm CH2MHill Inc. offerred some advice for dealing with stormwater runoff problems in the Fairhope planning jurisdiction. Among the highlights:
1. Enforcement of EPA mandated construction runoff laws--based on Best Management Practices-- is becoming "stricter" in Alabama ("swifter"). "Things are going to get tighter . . . from a water quality standpoint."
2. Low Impact Development (LID) is the best way to meet stormwater requirements: as much runoff water as possible should be disposed of "on site" rather than left to drain into streams/bays. "Allow natural filtration . . . as close as possible to where rain falls . . . to reduce volume and flow rate . . . remove contaminants from water . . ." The use of pervious pavement, natural buffers, vegetated swales, rain gardens, tree drain "grates" on sidewalks, green roofing, constructed wetlands, cisterns/rain barrels, et. al. were mentioned. Specifically for Fairhope, "depressing" the new Section St. grassy medians (to catch runoff water), tree drain grates over downtown tree roots, and a "green roof" for City Hall/new downtown parking structure were mentioned.
LID can actually be more profitable for developers, according to the consultants (green=higher property value).
3. "Sand Chimneys" (like those being proposed for a new apartment complex on Gayfer Rd.) are used extensively in Florida according to the consultant, but the prime consideration for their effectiveness is the construction site's geology. Pre-treating the runoff (ponds, swales, etc.--before it drains into the chimney) can be an effective way to remove contaminants and the depth of drinking water wells in the vicinity is a consideration (the deeper the better). [4 of the city's 6 public drinking water wells are considered deep]
Sand chimneys are not now considered a low impact development practice, however, according to the consultant.
Tests by a hydrogeologist will determine if a buidling site is suitable for sand chimneys.
[According to a resident attending (and member of the City Environmental Board)-- sand chimneys are proposed to be used in a new development on W. Parker Rd. as well.]
4. Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) are the basis for new EPA guidelines and local city ordinances will need to be updated accordingly (pertaining to stormwater runoff into streams/bay). The goal being no post development storm-water runoff increase at all.
5. Funding can come from developers, private foundations, 319 grants, other private/public sources.
6. Educating the public is essential to effective implementation.
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