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Green Streets Proposed Amendmentfor the Montgomery County Road
Code
Montgomery County StormwaterPartners
3/07
They Can Now Become Part of theSolution….
• The Road Code bill should be amended tomandate that a minimum quantity ofstormwater be retained and treated on-site,within the road right-of-way, preferablyusing vegetation-based stormwatermanagement techniques.
Key Components
1) Numeric performance standards in inches ofrain to be treated within the road ROW.
2) Toolbox of stormwater techniques withpreference for vegetation-based bioretention.
3) Specifications to be developed by DPWT w/DPS and DEP.
Green Streets Methods
Stormwater Planters
Street Tree Stormwater Units
Bioretention Medians & Curb Extensions
Bioswales
Open Section Roads with Trees
Permeable Pavement
Open Section Roads With Trees are keyto maintaining rural character.
• The late Michael T. Rose employed this principle at hisNorthridge Development: “This rural character of acommunity is mirrored best through the community’srural lanes. Flanked by mature vegetation and grasseddrainage swales, these rural lanes impose only a gentleimpact…Rather than subduing and pushing backnature, nature softens the lanes and becomes a part oftheir character.”
Benefits of Green Streets Techniques• They increase pedestrian and traffic safety by reducing average auto speeds.
• They improve water quality and help protect our streams from further damage.
• They beautify our neighborhoods, re-introducing native plants.
• Natural systems projects involve neighbors in the planning and implementation.
• Rather than deteriorating over time like piped systems, natural systems become more effective asplants and trees grow. Total life-cycle costs are reduced with natural systems.
Source: Seattle Public Utilities’ Natural Drainage System web page at:www.seattle.gov/util/About_SPU/Drainage_&_Sewer_System/Natural_Drainage_Systems
What are the drawbacks & needs?
More time to plan, design, and construct
More community outreach and involvement
Cost impacts will vary, yielding a savings or acost increase depending on the project and site-specific factors.
Maintenance, cold weather issues.
Conclusions
1) Require that new and reconstructed roads bedesigned to absorb and treat at least somestormwater on-site.
2) Preserve rural and rustic roads and theiradjacent trees and woodlands.
3) Minimize impervious surfaces as much aspossible, once pedestrian, bicycling and othertransportation needs are served.