The primary advantages of tree box filters include ease of construction and simple, cost-effective maintenance. Plant selection allows for a good blend into the environment. Maintenance is normally done with a rake and shovel to remove spent mulch and captured trash.
This form of pavement is a great idea for low-trafficked drives. The more vehicles on this material decreases the lifespan and efficiency. When installed correctly it has a great look and helps minimize icing issues.
Earth’s water cycle constantly refreshes our water supply as it travels through (the basic) phases of precipitation, evaporation, and condensation. We depend on the water cycle to bring us fresh, clean water.
Our water can only be as clean as it’s filters. Damage of soil, air, or ground surfaces also damages the filtration or renewal of water.
Greenhouse gases affects the amount, distribution, timing, and quality of available water which affects our activities like recreation (fishing, hunting, water recreation), farming, manufacturing.
Contaminants left on the surface or in the soil contaminate groundwater as it soaks through the soil, requiring additional filtration for humans to drink.
Every person can help prevent pollution, which helps keep the water cycle flowing smoothly and our water clean.
Downspouts directed towards natural areas, such as yards or flowerbeds, allow the runoff to infiltrate and be used to its full advantage. This action also helps reduce the volume of runoff and amount of pollutants that enter the storm sewer system, which get sent directly to receiving lakes and streams.
Problem: Lawnmowers create 5% of US air pollution (EPA)
Remedy: Buffalo Grass tops out between 4-5 inches and has a growing shorter season; thus requiring less mowing.
Problem: Lawn owners use 10 times the amount of pesticides and fertilizers per acre than farmers use on their crops (National Academy of Sciences).
Remedy: Native grasses are used to drier conditions. Even traditional grasses can be trained to use less water.
Problem: Traditional grasses use more water
Remedy: Native grass species require less chemical input since they’re already adapted to succeed in our soils and climate.
Problem: Native grasses aren’t as pretty, soft, green, etc.
Remedy: Check the different types. Tatanka buffalo grass is actually used on golf courses. (Which is an activity you’ll have more time for by raising a sustainable lawn.)
It takes just as much effort to cut the grass and shoot it into your yard as it does to shoot it into the street. The difference is that it’s a GOOD THING to put it in your yard and a BAD THING to put it in the street. People notice these things.
Good Housekeeping/Pollution Prevention deals with the impact of Municipal Employees activities on stormwater pollution. All municipal employees receive training on minimizing their influence on stormwater by implementing Best Management Practices (BMP’s) in their everyday work.
Post-Construction Stormwater Management is the most recently implemented MCM in the SWMP. For projects to require Stormwater Treatment Facilities they need to have been preliminary platted after Sept 1, 2017 and greater than an acre in size.
Construction Stormwater Management is a key part of controlling Stormwater Pollution. The City of Kearney has at least 120 building permits out at any point in the year. A lot of these disturb the soil and require Best Management Practices to control erosion and sediment movement.