EPA Awards City SWIF Grant for City Hall Stormwater Project
The City of North Olmsted has been awarded a $196,028 grant from the Ohio Environmental Agency for the purpose of funding the City Hall Pavers and Bioretention Project. The Surface Water Improvement Fund (SWIF) was created in 2008 with the passage of Ohio House Bill 119 and authorizes the Ohio EPA to provide grant funding to applicants such as local governments, park districts, conservation organizations, and others.
Problem
Uncontrolled stormwater runoff resulting from increased development is the cause of flooding, erosion, and pollution in our waterways. Stormwater runoff is generated when precipitation from rain and snow events does not infiltrate the ground. As more impervious surfaces such as pavement and roof areas replace natural green spaces, there is less infiltration resulting in more runoff. As stormwater flows over the ground, it picks up debris, chemicals, and pollutants that can contaminate our drinking and recreational water supply.
Green Solutions
While development is necessary for a growing population, it can be accomplished sustainably and economically through proper planning, design, and practice. Stormwater management is an integral part of sustainable development, and decentralized methods that imitate nature are the preferred methods. 
This project involves replacing existing pavement within the City Hall parking lot with permeable pavers and a bioretention swale. The system of permeable pavers and bioretention swale will allow stormwater to permeate the ground surface. Runoff from an initial rainfall is commonly referred to as the "first flush" because it releases and transports pollutants that have been sitting on the surface, therefore containing the highest concentration of pollutants. The system of permeable pavers and bioretention will have sufficient capacity to store runoff allowing pollutants to be filtered, settled out of the runoff, and absorbed by the surrounding soil and plant life. In addition, the extended drain time will allow runoff to infiltrate the ground, recharging the ground water system, thereby imitating the natural cycle.
Our Environment: Everyone's Responsibility
As this project moves forward updates and photos will be posted here. Please stop back to follow the progress. The City will invite school science classes to use the project as an educational activity in and out of the classroom. This may involve an onsite learning laboratory prepared by the City Engineer or a display or presentation for the classroom. Residents can also implement storm water improvements at home through the installation of permeable pavers, rain gardens, rain barrels, and other means.
To learn more about environmental stewardship, visit these websites:
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.state.oh.us/in_my_community.aspx
Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District
http://www.cuyahogaswcd.org/