Draining the city: Stormwater management under Phase II in Providence,RI.
详细信息
文摘
Water pollution from diffuse sources remains a problem after decades of point-source pollution regulation under the Clean Water Act. To address this, the EPA has recently attempted to regulate municipal stormwater discharges, which deposit pollution collected from diffuse sources on our streets and sidewalks, into water bodies. Unfortunately, this legislation provides no direct source of funding. Phase II of the program, which applies the regulations to small cities, has come into effect just when many municipalities are experiencing budget crises. While full realization of the goals of Phase II cannot be met without a substantial outlay of time and money, cities without such resources can take measures to pave the way for future implementation. This thesis provides an analysis of Phase II implementation in Providence, Rhode Island. A dense city with an industrial history, aging infrastructure, and a tight budge, Providence faces many challenges in creating an effective stormwater program. This thesis explores zoning changes, redevelopment, the infiltrative capacity of existing green space, and creative partnerships as a way for Providence to lay the foundation for a robust stormwater program as outlined by Phase II.