Under orders from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to largely eliminate the flow of sewage into rivers and streams, Cincinnati is moving forward with a plan using green solutions.
The city’s approach to controlling storm runoff will include a one-mile-long restored stream, water features, rain gardens, a recreation area, and a trail. Officials believe that results of the green approach will include revitalization of blighted areas, cleaner air, cooler temperatures, and less flooding.
The green alternative to a concrete tunnel to hold overflow for later treatment is projected to cost $100 million less to construct. Green solutions can help many communities reduce stormwater runoff, but cannot by themselves be the answer everywhere.
Pittsburgh, for example, with its numerous hills, has a much different topography than Cincinnati. Pittsburgh officials favor a combination of green and gray approaches to meet the requirements for reducing the outflow of sewage into the Ohio River.
Related Stories
| Aug 11, 2010
AIA Course: Building with concrete – Design and construction techniques
Concrete maintains a special reputation for strength, durability, flexibility, and sustainability. These associations and a host of other factors have made it one of the most widely used building materials globally in just one century. Take this free AIA/CES course from Building Design+Construction and earn 1.0 AIA learning unit.
