Supported through funding provided to DEP by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grant, Derry Township re-configured an approximately 40,000-square-foot parking lot located near 43 West Caracas Avenue in downtown Hershey.
Nearly one-third of the lot was repaved with porous asphalt beds, which will absorb rainwater, promote groundwater recharge, reduce the volume of stormwater runoff, and improve water quality flowing into nearby Spring Creek.
More than 3,500 square feet of vegetative islands and shade trees were added to help absorb rainwater.
“Properly managing stormwater runoff is a challenge facing many municipalities in the Commonwealth,” said Director Adams. “Derry Township is to be commended for implementing this proven effective best management practice (BMP) which will not only improve conditions in the downtown area, but improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed by reducing sediments and nutrients entering the local waterways.”
Regional Director Adams, township officials and invited guests witnessed how water poured onto the newly paved surface dissipates into the asphalt instead of running off into nearby storm drains.
The project is expected to produce a sediment load reduction of more than 100 pounds per year, plus lesser amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus.
Derry Township received $200,000 in funding in July 2016 as part of the Local Stormwater Best Management Practice Implementation Program.
To learn more about stormwater pollution reduction, visit DEP’s Municipal Stormwater and How To Be Stormwater Smart webpages.(Photo: Demonstrating porous asphalt.)
No comments :
Post a Comment