BOARD MATTER
September 12, 2005

Demonstrating Innovation:
A Stormwater Retrofit at the Providence Supervisor's Office

Mr. Chairman:

This past spring my office was the recipient of a grant from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (also referred to as the DCR Grant). The purpose of attaining this grant was to complete a highly visible low impact development/best management practice retrofit project in the parking area shared by Fire Station 30 and my office.

The project utilized low impact development techniques to uphold many of the environmental standards as delineated in the Board's 20- Year Environmental Vision Plan. The purpose of the project was to create a working model for residents and county staff to duplicate, partly or wholly, and recreate environmentally friendly designs of their own. Runoff from impervious surfaces and neighborhood yards has a major impact on water and stream quality in our communities. Small and steady contributions from each citizen can ultimately have an enormous positive impact on the stability of the environment and positively impact our watersheds.

Over this summer, that small and steady contribution started in 'my backyard.' The project team has been very busy retrofitting the project site with a green roof, retention rain garden and permeable pavers. This project has a tremendous potential to profoundly impact our communities through its educational and practical components.

I would like to take this opportunity to ask the Board for unanimous support for recognizing the commitment and dedication of the project team and share a presentation of this project at the Board's October 17, 2005 meeting.