Capturing the Rain - Julie Bolthouse, PEC
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This presentation was given by Piedmont Environmental Council field representative Julie Bolthouse to kick off the June 11, 2020, PEC webinar titled Capturing the Rain: Green Infrastructure Options for HOA Common Areas.
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Capturing the Rain - Julie Bolthouse, PEC
- 1. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org June 11, 2020 Capturing the Rain Green Infrastructure Options for HOA Common Areas
- 2. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org Protecting the Piedmont’s natural resources, rural economy, history and beauty since 1972
- 3. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org
- 4. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org Our role in the region? Engage | Educate | Empower
- 5. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org Today, we’re talking about stormwater and how HOA’s, and other owners of common areas, can manage it
- 6. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org Introductions: Julie Bolthouse PEC Field Representative Fauquier County (540) 347-2334 ext. 7042 jbolthouse@pecva.org Claire Catlett PEC Field Representative Fauquier & Rappahannock County (540) 347-2334 ext. 7060 ccatlett@pecva.org
- 7. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org Introductions: David Wood CSN Stormwater Coordinator 410-750-7635 Wood.CSN@outlook.com Dave Hirschman Principal of Hirschman Water and Environment LLC (434)409-0993 dave@hirschmanwater.co Ari Daniels, P. E. CWP Civil/Water Resources Engineer 410-461-8323 x3204 add@cwp.org
- 8. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org Webinar Overview: 1. Stormwater and How It’s Managed 2. Examples of Projects and Tips for HOA’s 3. Examples of Projects in Fauquier/Warrenton and Practical Guidance for Making Stuff Happen 4. Residential and Community Best Management Practices
- 9. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org Green Infrastructure is the use plants, soil systems, permeable pavement, stormwater harvest and reuse, or landscaping to store, infiltrate, & reduce flows to sewer systems and surface waters.
- 10. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org
- 11. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org
- 12. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org Land Cover Changes 1957 Aerial Image: Belmont Ridge in Ashburn, VA
- 13. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org Land Cover Changes 2010 Aerial Image: Belmont Ridge in Ashburn, VA
- 14. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org Effect of Impervious Cover StreamCorridorRestoration:PrinciplesandPractices 1998
- 15. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org Base flow Urbanization Effect on Streamflow Time to peak Discharge Time Pre-Urbanized Hypothetical graph demonstrating impact of urbanization on stream flows. Peak Flow Storm Hydrograph
- 16. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org ● Flashier floods ● Higher flood waters ● Reduced baseflow Higher peak flow Shorter time to peak Lower base flow Urbanization Effect on Streamflow Shorter duration Discharge Time Post-Urbanized Pre-Urbanized Hypothetical graph demonstrating impact of urbanization on stream flows.
- 17. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org Urbanization Effect on Stream Water Quality ● Higher Bacterial Counts ○ Fecal coliform ○ E. Coli
- 18. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org Urbanization Effect on Stream Water Quality ● Higher Bacterial Counts ● Increased Chemicals and Toxins ○ Chloride (from deicing, septic systems, water softeners, and pools) ○ Trace metals (like lead, mercury, arsenic) ○ Oil and gasoline ○ Pesticides and herbicides
- 19. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org Urbanization Effect on Stream Water Quality ● Higher Bacterial Counts ● Increased Chemicals ● Excess nutrients ○ From septic systems and fertilizers
- 20. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org Urbanization Effect on Stream Water Quality ● Higher Bacterial Counts ● Increased Chemicals ● Excess nutrients ● Higher Water Temperature ○ Lack of trees and plants providing shade to streams ○ Shallower water from reduced baseflow ○ Absorbing heat from impervious surfaces
- 21. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org Traditional Way: Get Water Out and Away as Quickly as Possible Credit: Julie Bolthouse
- 22. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org Traditional Way: Get Water Out and Away as Quickly as Possible Town of Leesburg
- 23. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org New Way: Slow Down, Spread Out, Sink In Credit: Julie Bolthouse
- 24. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org A Couple of Examples from Warrenton, Virginia
- 25. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org Rainwater Swale at PEC’s Office in Warrenton Credit: Claire Catlett
- 26. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org Credit: Claire Catlett
- 27. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org Credit: Claire Catlett
- 28. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org Rain garden at #18 Schoolhouse in Marshall Credit: Tim Ohlwiler
- 29. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org Credit: Tim Ohlwiler
- 30. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org The Take-Away... Excessive stormwater runoff causes problems downstream. While utilizing it on-site reduces runoff, improves water quality, and can enhance the beauty of your common area.
- 31. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org Next Presentations: 1. Examples of Projects and Tips for HOA’s 2. Examples of Projects in Fauquier/Warrenton and Practical Guidance for Making Stuff Happen 3. Residential and Community Best Management Practices
- 32. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org
- 33. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org Capturing the Rain You can make a difference!
- 34. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org What can you do? ● Keep Learning - Resources webpage ● Share Your Knowledge - teach children, talk with a neighbor! ● Take the Lead in Your Community! ● Advocate for Increased Funding for State Cost Share Programs (like VCAP) ● Take Action at Home: Plant native plants!
- 35. Julie Bolthouse ♦ The Piedmont Environmental Council ♦ jbolthouse@pecva.org Question and Answer Segment
Editor's Notes
- Welcome to the Capturing the Rain Webinar. I’m Julie Bolthouse the Fauquier Field Representative for Piedmont Environmental Council. This webinar is brought to you by PEC in partnership with Chesapeake Stormwater Network, Center for Watershed Protection, Fauquier County, Fauquier Extension, and John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation District. A big thank you to all our presenters and thank you to all of our members and supporters that make events like this possible!
- Piedmont Environmental Council has been protecting the Piedmont’s natural resources, rural economy, history and beauty since 1972.
- We cover a nine county region ranging from Loudoun and Clarke County in northern Virginia to Charlottesville and Albemarle.
- Our role in the region is to engage educate and empower residents to become strong advocates. We advocate for conservation practices, better land use planning, a resilient and strong local food economy, increased public access to parks, improved water quality, and protection of wildlife habitat.
- Today, we’re talking about stormwater and how HOA’s, and other owners of common areas (like schools, churches, or parks), can manage it.
- Before we I get started I would like to briefly introduce myself, Claire and our guest speakers. I have been with PEC for about 10 years and have a Masters in Natural Resources Management and Urban and Regional Planning. Prior to working with PEC I did fisheries and stream work as an intern throughout Virginia. Claire Catlett joined PEC in 2017 after working in the southwest for 8 years on conservation and protection of western rivers. She holds a Masters Degree in International Development, Sustainability and Environment from the University of Denver.
- David Wood has worked in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed for years, working with the Chesapeake Research Consortium prior to his work with the Stormwater Network. David Hirschman has decades of experience in local government, non profit, private consulting, and teaching at the university level. Ari Daniels has been with Center for Watershed Protection for 6 years and is a Civil/Water Resource Engineer who has designed numerous stormwater BMP’s.
- The plan for the webinar is that I will be introducing how stormwater is managed followed by Dave Hirschman who will be speaking about his experiences implementing projects and tips for HOAs doing these projects. Ari Daniels will be giving some examples of projects in Fauquier/Warrenton and Practical Guidance for Making Stuff Happen. David Wood will be speaking about Residential and Community Best Management Practices. To conclude the webinar, Claire Catlett will leading us in the question and answer segment.
- Green infrastructure is define by its contract to gray infrastructure (stormwater basins, culverts, and storm drains). It is the use plants, soil systems, permeable pavement, stormwater harvest and reuse, or landscaping to store, infiltrate, & reduce flows to sewer systems and surface waters.
- This is a slide showing the details of the water cycle. It is actually fairly complex but the basic things to remember are that our water resources are connected (groundwater flows into streams and provides the base flow during dry periods) and all the water that falls from the sky is taken up by plants or flows into groundwater and surface waters.
- We all live in a watershed and most of us on this webinar live in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. What we do on our land impacts our local streams, rivers, and eventually the bay.
- Suburban development significantly changes the landscape from rural farm land and forests. As land uses change so does the way that water flows. Water that was once absorbed by the ground and refilled groundwater and stream baseflow...
- Now hits impervious surfaces like driveways, roads, and rooftops and runs off through stormwater systems.
- Impervious surfaces reduce the amount of vegetation and the amount of water that can infiltrate into the ground resulting in more runoff. As you can see in the diagram above 35-50% impervious surface can triple the amount running off.
- This is a hydrograph of a stream in a rural setting prior to urbanization and increases in impervious surfaces. It shows the flow of water before, during, and after a storm event. The three key aspects of the graph are: 1) time to peak which is the length of time after it starts to rain that it takes for a stream to reach peak flow, 2) peak flow which is the maximum flow or height of the flood waters from a storm event, and 3) base flow which is the average flow of the stream between rainfall events, or the flow that is normally in the stream.
- The blue line is an example of a stream in an urban setting surrounded by roads, buildings, parking lots, etc. It demonstrates how urbanization impacts the three key aspects. The increased run off of stormwater results in a 1) reduced to time to peak or flashier floods, 2) higher peak flows or higher flood waters, and 3) reduced base flows during times without rain because groundwater levels are lower and unable to replenish the streams.
- The effects of urbanization on water quality vary based on what land use is being developed, with forest cover conversion showing the most stark increases in pollutant levels. Some of the pollutants you can expect are higher bacterial counts such as fecal coliform and E. Coli.
- Increased chemicals such as chloride from deicing of roads, septic systems, water softeners, and pools. Increased trace metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic. Oil and gasoline contaminants off of roads and parking lots. And increased pesticides and herbicides from golf courses, lawns, and gardens.
- Excess nutrients from septic systems and fertilizers used on golf courses, lawns, and gardens.
- And finally increased water temperatures in streams from the lack of trees and plants providing shade along streams, shallow water from reduced base flow, and the absorption of heat from impervious surfaces as stormwater runs off.
- The traditional way of handling stormwater runoff is to get it out as fast as possible. We do this to protect our buildings and roadways from flooding. But we’ve realized that this method causes bigger problems downstream as population and urbanization increases. Every stream is connected downstream to a larger water bodies… and usually another community. This system was built to direct runoff from the development in the background to a local stream.
- That local stream drains into a larger stream called Tuscarora Creek which drains into the Potomac River. And of course the Potomac River drains into the Chesapeake Bay.
- The new way of handling stormwater runoff is to let the water slow down, spread out, and sink in… while of course still protecting our buildings and roadways from flooding. This picture is actually a stream restoration project on the Tuscarora just downstream from the first picture. The trees planted help slow water down. The once narrow channelized stream bed has been widened to allow the water to spread out into a wider floodplain where the water can have more time to sink in. The goal of the project is to reduce flooding of the adjoining residential properties you see in the background and enhance the natural stream channel and floodplain that had become badly eroded over the years. The wider floodplain gives the stream more capacity to handle floodwaters and planted riparian buffer along the stream helps slow down flow and improves the stream habitat.
- Here are a couple local examples of green infrastructure projects that help implement this new way of handling stormwater.
- This is a picture of the rainwater swales at the Piedmont Environmental Council office in Warrenton. In 2015, we replaced our mowed lawn backyard, that included some steep slopes, with a large native plant garden and these swales to capture rainwater runoff. The swales were partially funded by the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP) which is available through your local Soil and Water Conservation District. The rest of the garden was funded through private donations.
- The way the swales work is that runoff from our office and driveway is guided to a series of rainwater swales with engineered soils that are designed to slow down and allow the water to be absorbed by the surrounding ground and plants.
- The plants used in the swales are adapted to wet conditions and were specifically selected to reduce turbidity and increase infiltration rates.
- Another great example is this 300 sq ft raingarden at the number 18 Schoolhouse in Marshall completed by the Fauquier Master Gardeners in 2019. It was also partially funded through the VCAP program. It replaces a poorly functioning grassy swale that captured rainwater from the schoolhouse roof and some of the water off a nearby transfer station.
- This is the site working its magic after a rain event. Both the Larson Native Plant Garden and the number 18 Schoolhouse Raingarden are demonstration gardens and are open to the public. So if you are in Fauquier County, we encourage you to come visit!
- The key take-aways are that excessive stormwater runoff results in flooding, ecological damage, and pollution downstream. While utilizing the water on-site reduces runoff, improves water quality, and can enhance the beauty of your common area. The small actions we take in our common areas, or even our own yards, can make a big difference. And remember you can always start small and build upon that.
- With that I’d like to turn the webinar over to our next speaker Dave Hirschman to hear about examples of projects and tips for HOA’s trying to complete a green infrastructure project in a common area.
- There is no denying that human beings have a profound impact on the landscape. That impact can be negative or it can be positive though. A shift in our stormwater management from hardened stormwater removal systems to green infrastructure that captures and utilizes the rainwater to improve our common areas can help reduce environmental problems downstream.
- Our speakers have shared numerous tips to help you get started on a project in your community and ways to become more involved on this issue. And I encourage you to review those tips and learn more on our resource page that will be sent out to the email you signed up for the webinar with. Share your knowledge with the board of your HOA and other residents. Take the lead on a green infrastructure project in a common area. Advocate for increased funding for the VCAP and other similar programs. As our speakers mentioned, many of these projects were funded through VCAP, but these funds (only $500,000!) ran out earlier in 2020. Your legislators need to know how much need and interest there is for this program and others like it. And finally, take action at home! The best way to get your HOA interested in completing a project in a common area is to show them an example of a project on your own property. Starting small and building upon it can be a very effective way to build momentum in a community.
- With that, Claire would you like to lead us in question and answer?