Stormwater Pollution Workshop for the Georgia Conservation Assistance Program

Summary

Stormwater causes pollution, flooding, and erosion of natural resources and property. These damaging effects can be reduced by installing green infrastructure practices in the landscape and on buildings. Educational workshops were delivered for the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts’ Georgia Conservation Assistance Program to help grant applicants learn about stormwater implications and mitigation. Fulton and Cobb county residents awarded funding through the program will be able to install green infrastructure and reduce stormwater damage in their community.

Situation

Stormwater runoff creates nonpoint sources of pollution that impact watersheds. Impervious surfaces, such as rooftops and driveways, contribute to large volumes of stormwater that carry pollutants into local waterways and creates erosion and flooding problems in more urban locations. Land use patterns and development in Fulton and Cobb counties have contributed to large amounts of stormwater and damage to streams and rivers. These are two of the most populated counties in Georgia and have the most impact on water resources in the Atlanta area. Naturally, rainwater should be allowed to infiltrate into the ground, contributing to surface aquifer recharge and maintaining plant and soil health. Municipalities have realized that stormwater can be reduced, and infiltration increased, by using green infrastructure practices. Such practices include downspout disconnects, rain gardens, rain cisterns, drywells, and pervious surfaces. Assistance from state agencies and research institutes will help implement more green infrastructure projects to improve water resource protection.

Response

Two informative workshops were coordinated by the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) to promote the first Georgia Conservation Assistance Program (GCAP) application announcement. The GCAP is funded and managed by the GACD and provides funding for residential property owners to install green infrastructure and reduce stormwater flow. Along with the UGA Center for Urban Agriculture and Crop and Soil Sciences Department, University of Georgia Extension provided technical guidance to the GCAP manager and delivered informative presentations and educational support for workshop attendees. The harmful effects of stormwater runoff and nonpoint source pollution were introduced, along with green infrastructure practices and maintenance. A total of 300 participants attended the two workshops.

Impact

Property owners learned which stormwater management practices fit their landscape best to provide effective soil and water conservation benefits. Maintenance and monitoring protocols for these practices were presented to the participants for future cost savings. Fulton and Cobb County residents that attended were also eligible for extra points on their green infrastructure GCAP funding application. The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts will review the applications and award projects based on soil and water conservation benefits and appropriateness of design. This technical guidance and educational workshop provided by UGA Extension helped set up grant applicants with the proper stormwater management knowledge to apply for assistance through GCAP. The GACD has $160,000 available to distribute among Fulton and Cobb counties residents for assistance with installing green infrastructure. Award recipients will reduce stormwater pollution entering local waters and soil erosion with the use of green infrastructure practices. Other property owners choosing to fund their own stormwater projects can also use the workshop information for guidance.

State Issue

Sustainability, Conservation, & the Environment

Details

• Year: 2020
• Geographic Scope: Multi-County
• County: Fulton
• Location: College Station, Athens
• Program Areas:
  • Agriculture & Natural Resources