13 Million For CWC Stormwater Retrofit Program

Stormwater retention ponds and rain gardens help manage stormwater runoff.

ARKVILLE - The Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC) received an additional $13 million for the stormwater retrofit program, the third contract since 1997. Stormwater retrofit is the best management practice for addressing existing stormwater runoff in concentrated areas of water-resistant surfaces. Such practices correct or reduce existing erosion or pollutant loading.

Eligible undertakings are awarded based on severity of water quality issues concerning stormwater runoff, extent of existing erosion issues due to stormwater runoff, amount of pollutant loading, and the predicted effectiveness of pollutant removal or anticipated pollutant loading reductions. Approval could also be based on topography, water quality, land area, land use, land ownership, contributing drainage areas, soil, imperviousness, and agreement by the municipality in which the project is located.

Eligible projects include feasibility studies, project design, construction and implementation, retrofit operation and maintenance costs, and community-wide planning and assessment. A community-wide assessment project would provide a guide for implementation of future stormwater retrofit projects.

Stormwater practices vary from rain gardens with moisture-tolerant native vegetation and stormwater retention ponds to stone-lined channels leading runoff to storm drains or addition of porous pavement that allows water to penetrate through into the native soil.

Retrofit programs are used at a higher rate in urban areas where water-resistant materials are more plentiful, said CWC Director Jason Merwin. In the watershed, he explained areas of concern include schools, bus garages, municipal facilities, grocery stores, and more. "Other eligible projects could be main street areas of certain communities where green infrastructure practices could be utilized to prevent dirty stormwater runoff from entering the waterways," said Merwin. In the past, applicants have been mostly schools and municipalities, but any property owner in the watershed can apply, Merwin added.

For more information on the program call 845-586-1400 or visit cwconline.org.