GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE Assessment &
Viability FOR the North Concho
Green infrastructure uses filtration, infiltration, and evapotranspiration to treat and soak up rainwater where it falls. It can deliver multiple environmental, social, and economic benefits beyond stormwater management alone. Terms such as nature-based solutions, green stormwater infrastructure, and low-impact development are also used to describe green infrastructure installations, and there is overlap between these concepts.
When green infrastructure systems are thoughtfully designed to fit the site-specific, local, or regional needs of the community and environment, they can provide cleaner air and water, protect against flooding and excessive heat exposure, provide diverse habitat, and create beautiful green spaces for all to enjoy (https://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure/about-green-infrastructure).
THE PROJECT
UCRA seeks to identify potential NPS contributions from various urban infrastructures and determine applicable green infrastructure using mapping and surveying. Based on the data compiled and assessed, UCRA will develop a Green Infrastructure Master Plan for use in future projects. This project is funded by EPA and managed by the TCEQ.
AGENCY CONTACT:
Ellen Groth
325-655-0565
Have you seen our billboards? The hashtag #GREENtownSanAngelo is being used to connect our project to the community. We encourage anyone who sees an area of Downtown San Angelo in need of more green space to snap a photo and tag us on Instagram (@uppercoloradoriverauthority) or Facebook (@uppercoloradoriverauthority1935). Don’t forget the hashtag!
Although we have no immediate plans to change our downtown space, we want feedback from the community on how you feel about green infrastructure and how much you’d like to see incorporated in San Angelo. These photos are a quick and easy way to gauge interest.
And remember, green space doesn’t always include plants; see the permeable pavement examples on this page.
UCRA Green Infrastructure Master Plan Guidance Document coming soon.
A bioretention practice in a suburban road median, capturing stormwater during a rain event. Photo Credit: Image reproduced with permission from Montgomery County, MD Department of Environmental Protection
Permeable pavement can reduce the impervious area in an urban landscape without losing the functionality of impervious surfaces. Photo Credit: Anthony D'Angelo for USEPA, 2015
On a typical day, the Chicago City Hall green roof measures almost 80°F (40°C) cooler than the neighboring conventional roof. Photo Credit: National Center of Excellence/ASU
A bioretention practice in a suburban road median, capturing stormwater during a rain event. Photo Credit: Image reproduced with permission from Montgomery County, MD Department of Environmental Protection