Wednesday, Apr 13 2011 11:28PM
Planting strips are being placed around King County to help catch runoff that may be contributing to sewage contamination in the Pudget Sound.
Officials in King County, Washington are meeting in Westside to discuss the green stormwater infrastructure project that is being considered in the area.
The intention of the project is to help reduce the combined sewer overflow into the Pudget Sound.
According to the county, the project will involve the use of planting strips along 66 blocks. The vegetation may allow stromwater runoff to enter the soil before reaching the sound, improve neighborhood aesthetics and would not require the use of operating facilities, making it more environmentally friendly.
In addition to planting new strips, the project will also encompass pre-existing strips, which they will optimize for the retention of stormwater runoff.
The community meeting at Westside School is part of the county's effort to receive community input on the project as well as educate residents about the option of green stormwater infrastructure and provide updates on the status of the initiative before it is fully underway.
The Pudget Sound Partnership reports that stormwater runoff in the area has caused a number of significant problems, and is one of the leading causes of water quality pollution in Washington.