Be the solution to stormwater pollution!

April showers bring May flowers, but that’s not all! When rain hits the ground or a building, we call it “stormwater.” Not all surfaces respond to stormwater in the same way. Stormwater either soaks in becoming groundwater or flows over the surface of the ground. Impervious surfaces (rooftops, driveways, patios, parking lots, roads, suburban lawns, and other hard surfaces like compacted soils) do not allow water to soak into the ground, which means more water flows over the surface to the nearest storm drain, river, stream, and lake

As stormwater flows along, it picks up pollutants and carries them along to storm drains, rivers, streams, and lakes. Our drinking water, fishing and recreational waters are threatened when stormwater washes over impervious surfaces while transporting stormwater pollutants. During periods of high flow, erosion of stream banks muddies the water, which degrades habitat for plants and animals that depend on clear water.

Thankfully, there are many opportunities for property owners to combat stormwater pollution. Whether you plant native trees, install a rain garden or rain barrel, these efforts serve to capture and slow down the rate and volume of stormwater pollution from entering our storm drains, rivers, streams, and lakes. These small individual actions lead to big community impacts that ultimately protect the Chesapeake Bay.

Another attractive way to alleviate stormwater runoff is by removing impervious surfaces like underutilized sections of driveway or patio and replacing these areas with native vegetation. However, if you already use your entire driveway or patio, consider replacing these surfaces with the Chesapeake Bay-friendly alternative called permeable pavement. Permeable pavement is a great alternative for walkways, patios, plazas, driveways, and parking areas. Even if you only install a small portion of permeable pavement, you are making a positive impact on our local watersheds that drain to the Chesapeake Bay.

The installation of any type permeable pavement should be completed by a qualified contractor. To alleviate costs, the Prince George’s County Rain Check Rebate Program provides a rebate of $12 per square foot up to $4,000 for residential properties, and up to $20,000 for commercial businesses, homeowner associations, condominium associations, civic associations, multi-family dwellings, and nonprofit or not-for-profit organizations.

Not only do permeable pavers reduce the amount of polluted stormwater runoff, they look nice, too! A wide variety of permeable pavements are available. Grass pavers improve site appearance by providing vegetation where there would otherwise be only pavement. Other examples of permeable pavement can also be found at Buddy Attick Park and Springhill Lake Recreation Center. More good news is that with proper maintenance, the longevity of permeable pavements typically exceeds that of conventional systems.

Come learn more about the permeable parking lot and walkway at Springhill Lake Recreation Center during orientation for the City of Greenbelt’s Annual Earth Day Watershed Cleanup starting at 9 am on April 22. You will get an up-close view of even more watershed protection practices including the City of Greenbelt’s rain cistern, rain gardens, CHEARS Three Sisters Demonstration Gardens and Greenbelt Food Forest. To RSVP for Earth Day, sign up at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409084fa4ad2ba3f58-city2.

Reduce your carbon footprint by walking, biking, or carpooling with family, friends, and neighbors to Greenbelt’s fun and educational Earth Month activities that are free and open to the public. To find more environmental service-learning opportunities, look on the City of Greenbelt website at greenbeltmd.gov/index.aspx?nid=638. Don’t forget to bring a reusable water bottle and wear weather appropriate-clothing and closed-toe shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. All training, tools, and supplies will be provided by the City of Greenbelt Department of Public Works, Alice Ferguson Foundation, Green ACES, and Chesapeake Education, Arts and Research Society (CHEARS). For questions, contact Erin Josephitis at ejosephitis@greenbeltmd.gov or 240-542-2168.