Boston Water and Sewer Commission collaborates with Boston Public Schools for integrated green infrastructure

摘要

In 2012, the Boston Water and Sewer Commission entered into a Consent Decree with EPA to address pollutant loading from drainage system discharges to the Charles River. Since that time, the Commission has implemented a number of green infrastructure projects in collaboration with Boston city agencies. The latest such effort takes advantage of the Boston Public School systems' comprehensive Educational and Facility Master Planning process to construct green infrastructure pilot projects at five schools throughout Boston, all of which are in areas of high phosphorus loading. The projects are also integrated into the curriculum at each school, so students get hands-on experience with both the science and infrastructure involved. The overall effort won a 2015 Stormy Award from the New England Stormwater Collaborative, a joint effort of NEWEA, the New England Water Works Association, and the New England Chapter of the American Public Works Association.