Stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces (roads, parking lots, roofs, sidewalks, etc.) can cause serious environmental and human health problems due to erosion, flooding, and the discharge of sewage into our public waterways through combined sewer overflows (CSOs). Traditionally, gray infrastructure (sewer pipes) was the standard method of managing all stormwater. However, gray infrastructure is no longer adequate at handling the current volume of stormwater, and alternative (green) approaches are now being used.

The EPA defines Green Infrastructure as “an array of products, technologies, and practices that use natural systems – or engineered systems that mimic natural processes – to enhance overall environmental quality and provide utility services.” Green infrastructure technologies infiltrate, evapotranspire, or capture and reuse stormwater to maintain or restore the natural hydrology. These techniques include things like protecting ecologically sensitive areas like forests and floodplains from development to installing rain barrels and rain gardens to treat stormwater on site.

PEC is a leader in the Commonwealth in promoting the use of Green Infrastructure as a sustainable, environmentally sound way to manage our stormwater.