Stormwater

By Laura Knoy on Monday, June 9, 2008.

It’s been called enemy number one for New Hampshire waterways, collecting on driveways, highways and parking lots and gathering up pollutants before heading into lakes and rivers. UNH has been on the cutting edge of stormwater research, and this week experts gather there to examine the problem, share solutions and even consider the positive side of storm water. We look at the stormwater dilemma.

Guests

  • Dr. Robert Roseen, Assistant Research Professor of civil engineering at the University of New Hampshire and director of the UNH Stormwater Center
  • James Houle, Outreach Coordinator and Program Manager of the UNH Stormwater Center

We'll also hear from

  • Paul Morin , President of Tarkka Homes and Chairman of the Government and Legislative Affairs Committee for the Homebuilders and Remodelers Association of New Hampshire. He's also served as chairman of the Weare Planning Board for eight years
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Stormwater runoff

Stormwater runoff is also a major water quality issue in rural New Hampshire. Soil-laden water from poorly maintained unpaved roads and driveways ultimately ends up in surface water bodies, typically carrying with it nutrients that cause algae blooms and silt that destroys fish breeding beds.

Most people are surprised to hear that dirt roads are among the major contributors to surface water pollution. The remedy is good for the lake, as well as the pocket books of individuals with gravel roadways, camp road associations, and other residential developments served by such roads.

Here in the Mt Washington Valley, Tin Mountain Conservation Center has teamed with local contractor Russ Lanoie to drawing attention to the problem through free workshop to those interested in learning how to properly maintain dirt and gravel roads to minimize erosion. The next workshop will be on July 12 at the center in Albany. More info, call Tin Mountain at 447-6991

porous pavement in the winter

the question about how porous pavement holds up in the winter wasn't completely answered ... they talked about salt and runoff, but not about freezing. what happens when water soaks into the porous pavement and freezes? won't the pavement crumble into gravel?

Stormwater discussion points

A few items for discussion:

Please discuss the subject of rain gardens as a measure that the home or business owner can take to encourage infiltration and groundwater recharge, and to reduce stormwater pollution and flooding on a small scale;

Community car wash fundraisers are often held in high traffic areas where the run-off drains directly to the storm drainage system. Do you have recommendations for inexpensively modifying these sites and keeping high BOD-bearing (and other pollutants) wastewater from entering the storm drain system and flowing to our brooks and rivers?

What are some of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to retrofit existing stormwater drainage systems in an urban setting with little room for expansion of structures?

I'm not able to listen in this morning so I don't know if you have touched on these. I'll listen in tonight for the discussion.

Thank you,
Eric