After a recent state ruling requiring Seattle and other Puget Sound cities to control polluted stormwater runoff, smaller cities and suburbs could be brought on board as well.
"A key concept is whether the government should require, or merely permit, "low-impact" development techniques to control stormwater, which is considered the biggest source of many of Puget Sound's worst pollutants."
"The smaller cities -- from Aberdeen to Yarrow Point, including Bellevue, Redmond, Edmonds, Everett and Federal Way -- merely have to take steps toward requiring the enviro-friendly construction methods."
"Steps to minimize the polluted runoff focus on minimizing concrete and other hard surfaces that cause rain to flow away, carrying pollutants such as oil and copper residue from cars' brakes. Examples include vegetated roofs, special pavement that allows water to soak through, and "rain gardens" that slurp up runoff."
"The environmentalists were stopped short in their effort to convince the quasi-judicial hearings board that the 85 smaller cities and counties should have to take the same steps as Seattle, Tacoma and the counties of King, Pierce, Snohomish and Clark."
FULL STORY: Stormwater isn't just a big-city problem
Seattle to Rely on Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Seattle Mayor Ed Murray has released a draft plan to overhaul the city's stormwater infrastructure to reduce the pollution levels in Puget Sound.
How Zoning Changes Could Boost Housing Supply in Seattle
The Puget Sound region could benefit from zoning tweaks that would encourage more transit-oriented development and ‘gentle’ density increases, new research finds.
New Long-Term Regional Plan for Puget Sound Approved
The regional planning organization for the four-county area around Puget Sound has adopted a new long-term plan for the future.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service