Philadelphia Water Department Soak It Up! Adoption … Guide_LO RES... · 1 SOAK IT UP, PHILLY! ADOPTION GUIDE Philadelphia Water Department Soak It Up! Adoption Guide

1 SOAK IT UP, PHILLY! ADOPTION GUIDE

Philadelphia Water Department

Soak It Up!Adoption Guide

Philadelphia Water Department | Green City, Clean Waters 2

PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT

This is your Soak It Up! Adoption “how-to” guide with instructions for simple actions that PWD expects its Adoption partners to perform to help care for our Green Stormwater Tools.

The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) is responsible for and committed to maintaining the functionality of all green stormwater infrastructure and appreciates the contributions made by our partners.

PWD relies on our partnerships with communities to help us keep green stormwater sites clean, beautiful and functional; we can’t do it without you! Your hard work is greatly appreciated. Together we can make Philadelphia a sustainable and beautiful city!

Learn more are www.phillywatersheds.org/adoption


TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Background

a. What is Stormwater Runoff?

b. What are Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs)?

c. What is a Green Stormwater Tool?

d. Green City, Clean Waters

II. What is the Soak It Up! Adoption Program?

a. What Can I Do?

b. What Do Green Stormwater Tools Look Like and How Do They Work?

III. Soak It Up!Adoption Maintenance Responsibilities & Resources

a. What are my responsibilities as a Soak It Up! Adoptee?

b. Checklist for Maintaining Your Green Stormwater Tools

c. What to look for during site visits

d. Soak It Up, Adoption Activity Chart – Roles & Responsibilities

e. Directory


Stormwater runs off…What is Stormwater Runoff?

Stormwater runoff is rain or melting snow that flows over our yards, streets, buildings,

parking lots and other hard surfaces. In Philadelphia, where buildings and other

impervious surfaces cover much of the urban landscape, stormwater cannot soak into

the ground and instead runs off; creating a rush of fast-moving water that picks up

pollutants, such as trash and motor oil as it travels. Too much stormwater can overwhelm

our combined sewer pipes. This impact floods our creeks and rivers, degrading the

health of our waterways.

• Impervious cover worsens the problem of stormwater when runoff flows directly into

the nearest storm drain without being absorbed.

• If runoff is left untreated before entering our waterways (including the Schuylkill and

Delaware rivers, which we use as sources of drinking water), this contaminated water

can have a harmful effect on water quality.

• The more impervious surfaces there are in the city, the more polluted stormwater

enters the sewer system, increasing the total volume of water the city’s infrastructure

network must handle.

Did you know that when it rains in Philadelphia…


What are Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs)? When it rains in Philadelphia, water flows down storm drains and into the City’s sewer

system. More than half of Philadelphia sits on top of combined sewer pipes that

collect both stormwater and wastewater and carry it to wastewater treatment plants.

The combined sewer system was designed to protect human health as well as our

waterways and during dry weather, it does exactly that. During rainstorms, however,

the sewer pipes can’t handle all of the incoming water and it overflows into our rivers

and streams. The term Combined Sewer Overflow, or CSO, refers to the direct release of

polluted stormwater mixed with sanitary wastewater into our rivers and streams.


Managing Stormwater with Green Stormwater Tools

Traditional or “gray” infrastructure refers to the pipes and tanks belowground that are

used to collect and transport wastewater and stormwater to treatment plants. One way

to reduce CSOs is to build more gray infrastructure. Another method is to build green

stormwater infrastructure.

The green approach refers to innovative infrastructure that intercepts runoff before it

reaches the underground sewer system and holds it on-site temporarily, mimicking a

natural ecosystem. Green stormwater infrastructure allows runoff to slowly soak into

the earth while also providing water to flowers, shrubs or trees planted on-site. Water

that doesn’t soak in is taken up by plant roots, evaporates into the air, or is slowly

released into the sewer system when capacity is available.

Green Stormwater Tools manage stormwater runoff on the surface to reduce CSOs and

clean up our waterways while simultaneously enhancing the City’s streets, schools,

parks, homes, and more. Implementing green stormwater projects throughout our City

can maximize economic, social, and environmental benefits for Philadelphia.

What is a Green Stormwater Tool?

Green Stormwater Tools use a range of plant-soil-stone systems that intercept

stormwater, infiltrate a portion of it into the ground, evaporate a portion of it into the

air, and in some cases slowly release a portion of it back into the sewer system

Green Stormwater Tools capture runoff from hard surfaces like rooftops, streets,

parking lots and sidewalks and hold it in place temporarily, allowing the water to

slowly filter into the ground while letting plants and tree roots soak it up. In addition to

water quality benefits, PWD’s Green Stormwater Tools have the potential to:

• Enhance the beauty of our neighborhoods with trees & green spaces

• Provide a cost effective alternative to expensive pipes and tanks for cleaning up our

waterways

• Generate green jobs

• Improve Philadelphia’s air quality

• Reduce the urban heat island effect

• Save energy & help reduce Philadelphia’s carbon footprint


Green City, Clean Waters

The Soak It Up! Adoption Program supports the Philadelphia Water Department’s vision

set forth in the Green City, Clean Waters program to unite the City of Philadelphia with its

water environment, creating a green legacy for future generations while incorporating a

balance between ecology, economics and equity. The City of Philadelphia is dedicated

to its 25 year plan to reduce CSO’s and to make the City’s streams and rivers healthier,

primarily by using green stormwater infrastructure.

The Challenge

During heavy storms, rainwater overwhelms the sewer system sending pollutants into

our creeks and rivers.

The Solution

The Green City, Clean Waters program promotes the use of green tools that capture

stormwater before it enters sewers. Green means we use plants, trees and stone to

filter, store and manage stormwater more effectively.

The Benefits

These green tools are the smartest and most cost-effective ways to manage stormwa-

ter. Green tools like these help reduce over 80% of the pollutants entering our creeks

and rivers.

Learn more about PWD and the Green City, Clean Waters program at:

www.phillywatersheds.org


Want to help keep Philadelphia green and clean? The Philadelphia Water Department needs you!

What is the Soak It Up, Philly! Adoption Program? Soak It Up! Adoption supports PWD’s Green City, Clean Waters program to protect Philadelphia’s waterways using Green Stormwater Tools. As Green Stormwater Tools pop up throughout the City: on our streets, in our parks, schools and campuses, and even on residential properties, community members will have an opportunity to participate by adopting stormwater management projects. Wherever there is stormwater runoff, there is potentially the opportunity to soak it up with Green Stormwater Tools. The Soak It Up! Adoption program is a rewarding way to help care for your community while improving the health of our creeks and rivers!

As a recipient of a $5,000.00 Soak It Up! Adoption grant, your civic organization will arrange for the care of 1 or more Green Stormwater Tools (GST), helping to make sure the tool is litter free and the surface of inlets and overflow drains are free of leaves and other debris. Beyond helping with monitoring and aesthetic maintenance, participants are responsible for tracking and reporting to PWD on both the amount and frequency of litter and debris removal from the site.

What can you do? Now that your adoption is complete, you’re ready to maintain your neighborhood’s Green Stormwater Tools! The next few pages will detail your civic organization’s responsibilities as a participant in the Soak It Up! Adoption program. Also included is a checklist to help your community maintain their new Green Stormwater Tools.

For locations of green stormwater management projects, visit the Big Green Map online at www.phillywatersheds.org/BigGreenMap

Questions about your new Green Stormwater Tool?Please contact Chris Anderson, PWD Public Affairs at [email protected]

or 215-609-0185.


Rain Garden

Stormwater Bumpouts

Stormwater Planters

Stormwater Tree Trenches

Porous Pavement

What Do Green Stormwater Tools Look Like and How Do They Work?

Although there are many design variations, a sample of the most common

infrastructure tools used by PWD to date are:

• Stormwater Bumpouts: A stormwater bumpout is a landscaped extension of

the curb. Stormwater runs down the street and into the bumpout, where plants,

soil and stone filter and remove pollutants from the stormwater as it soaks into

the ground. Bumpouts are planted with native grasses, perennials and trees.

• Stormwater Planters: Stormwater planters are set into the sidewalk and filled

with vegetation, soil and stone. They capture stormwater runoff from the street

and sidewalk and direct it into an underground system where it is stored,

infiltrated, taken up by the plant’s roots and, in some cases, slowly released

into the sewer system when capacity is available.

• Stormwater Tree Trenches: Stormwater tree trenches are connected by a trench

beneath the sidewalk that stores stormwater and also waters the trees. Runoff

flows through a special storm drain into the tree trench where it is stored,

infiltrated, taken up by the tree’s roots and, in some cases, slowly released

into the sewer system when capacity is available.

• Porous Paving: Special porous materials such as asphalt pavers and concrete

allow water to pass through their surfaces. These materials slow, redirect and

filter water through the soil instead of overwhelming the sewers.

• Rain Garden: A rain garden is planted lower than the surrounding area to catch

stormwater before it goes into the sewer. The plant species are selected for

their ability to thrive in extremely wet and dry weather. Rain gardens filter

pollutants, replenish groundwater and provide a habitat for animals


Soak It Up! Adoption Maintenance Responsibilities & Resources:

What are my responsibilities as a Soak It Up! Adoptee?

• Communicate regularly with the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) and the

Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) as needed in person, over the phone and/

or via e-mail.

• Participate in 1 training meeting with PEC and PWD to learn how to care for your Green

Stormwater Tool (GST).

• Participate in 1 training tour of your GST sites with PEC and PWD.

• Identify, procure and provide secure storage and access to the appropriate equipment

for site maintenance. PWD recommends visiting your local hardware store and

purchasing: work gloves, a trash picker, trash bags and reflective vests for each

participant.

• Visit each of your adopted GST sites a minimum of once per week, as well as after

heavy rainstorms to collect trash, clear the entrance to inlets and overflow drains and

assess the site for any structural damage.

• Submit an online reporting form for each green stormwater tool following every site

visit. The reporting form available at http://www.phillywatersheds.org/maintain.

• Submit photos of your Green Stormwater Tools once per month.

• Report any major structural damage to PWD immediately.

• Assist PWD with Green City, Clean Waters outreach and education in your neighborhood

as needed.


Stay safe!

Always remember to take safety precautions, especially when near a roadway

• Watch for vehicles.

• Ensure that you and your tools are not in the way of bikers and pedestrians.

• Remember to wear bright, highly visible clothing when working at your site.

• Always wear thick gloves and do not touch potentially hazardous materials or sharp

objects.

• Heed inclement weather warnings


Checklist for Maintaining Your Green Stormwater Tools

Step 1

Study! Review the list of adoption and maintenance

responsibilities as well as the section detailing what to look for

during site visits. Know what you’re responsible for before you

begin maintaining your green stormwater tool.

Step 2

Be prepared. Tools you will need:

• Work gloves

• Sturdy shoes

• Trashbags

• Bright, visible clothing

• Rake or broom and dust pan

Step 3

Learn about your green stormwater infrastructure site! A PWD

representative will provide training to help you identify key site

features including:

A. The storm drain(s) connected to your green stormwater project

B. The curb opening


Step 4

Check your site! Visit your green stormwater tool once a week,

after heavy rainstorms and when buildup of debris is noticeable.

If possible, check your site before major rainstorms to ensure

that the drains and inlets are clear.

Step 5

Report back, we want to hear from you! All Soak It Up adoption

participants are required to fill out a simple (short!) online

reporting form following each visit. Additionally, please submit

photos of your green storm water tools each month.

Participants can find their reporting forms and submit photos on

the Soak It Up! Adoption Page: http://www.phillywatersheds.

org/maintain.


What to Look for During Site Visits

Trash/Debris

Green Stormwater Tools collect trash and debris which can prevent it from

functioning properly.

• Check: Inspect for trash and debris once a month or when buildup is

noticeable.

• Do: Collect, remove and properly dispose of trash and debris along the street

curb, inlets, and within other areas of the site.

• Avoid: Please don’t step on the plants.

• Tools needed: Thick gloves, sturdy shoes and trash bags.

Vegetation

Vegetation is an important part of green stormwater infrastructure. PWD

maintenance crews will plant and care for the grasses, shrubs and/or trees

in your facility but you can help by keeping an eye out.

• Check: Take note of long periods of dry weather and monitor foliage for

problems.

• Do: Water vegetation when necessary, if equipment is available.

• Do: Record problematic or unhealthy vegetation on your adoption report.

• Avoid: Please don’t remove planted vegetation from green stormwater

infrastructure sites.

• Tools needed: Hose (if available), water and sturdy shoes.

Erosion

Heavy rainstorms can wash away plants, mulch and soil, reducing the

effectiveness of the green stormwater infrastructure.

• Check: After heavy rain events, monitor for deep channels or soil removal from

vegetated areas. Note areas with exposed fabric, sand or gravel and record

any issues on your adoption report.

Trash/Debris

Vegetation

Erosion


Structural Deficiencies

Structural components of stormwater management facilities include plates,

grates, pipes, concrete, metal or plastic parts.

• Check: Watch for problematic structure-related issues and record any

problems on your adoption report.

Ponding Water

Green stormwater infrastructure is designed to hold water in place temporarily,

however if drains become clogged or blocked and water can’t drain out of the

facility, problems can occur.

• Check: Inspect the site after a major rain event and note if ponded water

remains after 72 hours. Record any problems on your adoption report.

• Do: If nearby inlets are clogged with leaves and debris, clear them to restore

flow, if possible.

• Avoid: Please don’t step on the plants.

• Tools needed: Thick gloves, sturdy shoes and a rake or broom.

Animal Waste

Animal waste is natural but acts as a fertilizer in water, promoting excessive plant

growth that can choke waterways, harm aquatic life and degrade the water quality

by introducing disease-causing bacteria.

• Do: Remember to always remove your own dog’s waste, but if animal and

other waste issues become problematic at your site, please note the issue on

your adoption report.

Structural Deficiencies

Ponding Water

Animal Waste


Soak It Up, Philly Adoption Activity Chart

Roles & Responsibilities

Green Stormwater Infrastructure Care and Maintenance Activity

PWD / Contractor Activity (only

during scheduled maintenance visits)

Adoptee Activity

Remove trash and debris Monitor plant health and water during

extended periods of dry weather

Check for Erosion Maintain and Repair site infrastructure

(i.e., inside the stormwater planter)

Add soil, fertilizer, or other growing medium

Install or remove vegetation

Look for structural damage to the facility Repair structural damage to the facility

Monitor water ponding in the facility for more

than 72 hours following major rain storms

Neighborhood specific reporting forms are available on the Soak It Up! Adoption

Program site: http://www.phillywatersheds.org/maintain.

If you encounter a serious problem during your site visit please notify Chris Anderson,

PWD Public Affairs at 215-240-0243.


Want to know more?

Visit http://www.phillywatersheds.org/adoption to learn more about stormwater

management in Philadelphia and what you can do to help protect our waterways!

Thank You!

As PWD works to install more green stormwater infrastructure across Philadelphia, we

rely on our partnerships with communities to help us keep the sites clean; we can’t do it

without you! Your hard work is greatly appreciated. Together we can make Philadelphia

a sustainable and a beautiful city with healthy waterways

Directory

Philadelphia Water Department

Chris Anderson – Soak It Up! Adoption Program Manager

1101 Market Street | 3rd Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19130

E: [email protected]

P: 215-240-0243

Pennsylvania Environmental Council

Paul Racette – Program Support

E: [email protected]

P: 215-545-4570, ext. 112

Animal Care and Control Services

2300 Poplar Street

Building #4

Philadelphia, PA 19130

P: 215-685-0918

Philadelphia Police Department

P: 215-685-9500

Emergencies call 911



Soak It Up, Philly Adoption Activity Chart Roles & Responsibilities

Green Stormwater Infrastructure Care and Maintenance Activity

PWD / Contractor Activity (only during scheduled

maintenance visits)

Adoptee Activity

Remove trash and debris

Monitor plant health and water during extended periods of dry weather

Check for Erosion

Maintain and Repair site infrastructure (i.e., inside the stormwater planter)

Add soil, fertilizer, or other growing medium

Install or remove vegetation

Look for structural damage to the facility

Repair structural damage to the facility

Monitor water ponding in the facility for more than 72 hours following major rain storms

Contacts

Philadelphia Water Department Chris Anderson – Program Manager [email protected] P: 215-240-0243

Pennsylvania Environmental Council Paul Racette – Program Support [email protected] P: 215-545-4570, ext. 112

Philadelphia Water Department Water and Sewer Service Inquiries & Emergency Maintenance Line P: 215-685-6300

Philadelphia Police Department P: 215-685-9500 Emergencies call 911

Animal Care and Control Services P: 215-685-0918

Neighborhood specific reporting forms are available on the Soak It Up! Adoption Program site: http://www.phillywatersheds.org/maintain.

Green Stormwater Infrastructure Tools

Stormwater Bumpout

A stormwater bumpout is a landscaped extension of the curb. Stormwater runs down the street and into the bumpout, where Plants, soil and stone filter and remove pollutants from the stormwater as it soaks into the ground. Bumpouts are planted with native grasses, perennials and trees.

Porous Paving

Special porous materials such as asphalt pavers and concrete allow water to pass through their surfaces. These materials slow, redirect and filter water through the soil instead of overwhelming the sewers.

Rain Garden

A rain garden is planted lower than the surrounding area to catch stormwater before it goes into the sewer. The plant species are selected for their ability to thrive in extremely wet and dry weather. Rain gardens filter pollutants, replenish groundwater and provide a habitat for animals.

Stormwater Planter

Stormwater planters are set into the sidewalk and filled with vegetation, soil and stone. They capture stormwater runoff from the street and sidewalk and direct it into an underground sys-tem where it is stored, infiltrated, taken up by the plant’s roots and, in some cases, slowly released into the sewer system when capacity is available.

Stormwater Tree Trench

Stormwater tree trenches are connected by a trench beneath the sidewalk that stores stormwater and also waters the trees. Runoff flows through a special storm drain into the tree trench where it is stored, infiltrated, taken up by the tree’s roots and, in some cases, slowly released into the sewer system when capacity is available.

Green Stormwater Tools use a range of plant-soil-stone systems that intercept stormwater, infiltrate a portion of it into the ground, evaporate a portion of it into the air, and in some cases slowly release a portion of it back into the sewer system

Green stormwater Tools capture runoff from hard surfaces like rooftops, streets, parking lots and sidewalks and hold it in place temporarily, allowing the water to slowly filter into the ground while letting plants and tree roots soak it up.

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Philadelphia Water Department Soak It Up! Adoption … Guide_LO RES... · 1 SOAK IT UP, PHILLY! ADOPTION GUIDE Philadelphia Water Department Soak It Up! Adoption Guide