Resources

Municipal Flood Control

Enhancements to Local Capacity to Reduce Flooding
The debate on engineered solutions rages, but there are things that can be done now to reduce flooding.

Here are just three examples of enhancements that help.  For more, check out the Best Management Practices website at EPA.  We also have a great resource at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension: Contact Dr. Chris Obropta, Extension Water Specialist at: obropta@envsci.rutgers.edu or (732) 932-9800, extension 6209.

Three simple examples for municipalities to implement now:

1. A simple rain garden can recharge the impact of modest storms, and 40 rain gardens can recharge a million gallons a year -- that is a substantial reduction in discharge that will otherwise head downstream to the municipalities below!  These solutions are inexpensive - and show immediate results!  
 
2. Paving solutions:  when municipalities have to repave, they can use new pervious materials to achieve instant recharge and eliminate runoff.

3. Grade matters: Regrading an area around a building or parking area can also have a tremendous impact on the amount of water that is recharged or discharged.

Long Term Planning also Works!
Taking a regional approach is key - learn about the Parsippany-Troy Hills work done by Rutgers

There are a lot of other means to address stormwater and reduce flooding.  For more information, check out the EPA National Menu of Best Practices

Resource Pages