Tell the EPA what you think of the Q.C.’s stormwater flooding problem
November 2nd, 2009 by Rhiannon Bowman in News
Now’s your chance to speak your mind.
Are you sick and tired of flood warnings every time it rains? Then tell the Environmental Protection Agency how Charlotte’s persistent flooding problem affects you. You’ve got until Dec. 30 to submit your comments.
What’s the problem with stormwater?
According to the EPA, “Generally, as sites are developed, less ground area is available for rain to soak into, which increases stormwater volume. This stormwater flows across roads, rooftops and other surfaces, picking up pollutants that then flow into waterways.” They also say, “Developed sites, such as subdivisions and commercial shopping centers, can significantly alter the hydrology of land can have a negative impact on receiving waterbodies.”
Translated, that means all of the concrete and asphalt in our city is a problem. Water doesn’t soak into those impervious surfaces, it rolls off — fast — and overburdens our streams and creeks, causing flooding. And, let’s not forget that all of this flooding creates a giant mess, frustration and massive property damage and emergency service bills.
On the flip side, green space, like lawns and gardens, not only soak up much of the water but also the pollutants the water’s picked up, like oil and rubber residue from tires.
Now, you should know, this “public comment” period is really intended for the development industry and local governments … which isn’t very “public” if you ask me. How are they going to know the true impact of stormwater flooding if they don’t hear from the people?
So, speak up. It is your right to do so. Let the EPA know how Charlotte’s frequent floods affect your life and livelihood.
All you have to do is e-mail your comments to OW–Docket@epa.gov. Be sure to put “Attention Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OW–2009–0817″ in the subject line.
From the summer of 2007:
From the summer of 2008:
From the summer of 2009:
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:51 pm
We should only do what makes economic sense.
November 3rd, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Doing what “makes economic sense” is how we got into this situation, Frank.
How about we do what makes sustainable sense, or healthy living sense, or earth sense, or what’s in the best interest of humanity sense, or — how about this one (I realize it’s a foreign concept for you) COMMON SENSE?! How ’bout that?
November 12th, 2009 at 9:22 am
[...] Protection Agency wants to hear from the public about how stormwater flooding affects you. Click here for more information. The National Weather Service issued flood warnings across the region Wednesday as rain swelled [...]