ISSUE FOR DECISION:


Implementation of green infrastructure in the Metro Louisville area will serve to improve and protect the water quality of the Ohio River.  Urban areas contain large amounts of impervious surfaces such as roads, parking lots, buildings, and rooftops.  Rainwater collects on these surfaces and carries pollutants such as trash and oil from cars into streams and sewers that enter directly into the Ohio River.  Green infrastructure, such as urban rain gardens, planter boxes, and green rooftops can decrease the amount of water that collects on these surfaces and prevent pollutants from entering the river.  As the city develops the recreational infrastructure to get more of its citizens on its creeks and rivers, clean water is essential. 



RECOMMENDATION:



Work with MSD to increase the incentives to commercially owned buildings that are adjacent to the Ohio River or one of its tributaries in the Metro Louisville area to implement a green rooftop or green wall.  Ensure that all metro government owned buildings are models of green infrastructure. 



BACKGROUND INFORMATION:


The discharge of raw sewage and storm water through Combined Sewer Overflows during significant rainfall events is one of the most pressing issues regarding pollutants entering the Ohio River in the Louisville area and at Beargrass Creek.
• Over 100 CSOs are currently in operation in the Louisville area.
• Millions of gallons of discharge enter into the Ohio River annually
• This discharge results in diminished water quality for wildlife and can make the river unfit for public health, discouraging engagement and recreation with the Ohio river and the Louisville Waterfront
Even though our community is spending over 850 million dollars through MSD’s Project Win to alleviate this problem, Green infrastructure can reduce this negative impact on the environment and promote the positive engagement with the Ohio River.  Further, many informational resources are available in order to make implementation of green infrastructure a success:
• The Watershed Watch in Kentucky has produced a Kentucky Green Infrastructure Action Plan that highlights the many benefits of green infrastructure.
• Green Roofs for Healthy Cities provides substantial online resources for education and implementation of green rooftops at www.greenroofs.org
• The Center for Watershed Protection provides a detailed manual for Urban Stormwater Retrofit Practices which provides detailed information about a variety of green infrastructure projects



ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:


It is important for the public to be aware of the benefits of green infrastructure and be proud of their city for taking action in an innovative and environmentally conscious way.
• Once established, green roof projects can be listed on the greenroofs.com International Green roof & Green wall Projects Database
• Once established, green roof projects can promote valuable volunteer opportunities for members of the community
• Urban green spaces such as green rooftops and green walls provide beautification of the city of Louisville and can provide an entry point for educating the public about preserving the Ohio River watershed.
• In addition to the water quality benefits, green roofs can significantly reduce the effects of Louisville’s heat island effect. 
Costs of installing green rooftops can be slightly higher than installing typical roofs at $7-$15 per square foot; however these costs can be offset by a number of benefits”
• Green rooftops can protect buildings from solar radiation, decreasing the energy costs for cooling the buildings in the warmer months
• Green rooftops can trap air against buildings and provide a layer of insulation to decrease energy costs of heating buildings in the colder months
• It is possible to procure additional funding for green infrastructure through grants offered by the EPA and other state and federal agencies

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CLOSING REMARKS:

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By investing in green infrastructure it is possible to transform Louisville into a city that can serve as a beacon for environmental action along the Ohio River.  The beautification of the city can serve as an inspiration to the people of Louisville.  The increased adoption of green rooftops and walls in Louisville can be the first of a number of steps that can be taken to raise awareness about environmental concerns, promote green infrastructure, and improve the daily life of the Louisville citizenry and the quality of the Ohio River.