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This document outlines the role of green infrastructure in managing stormwater effectively through innovative approaches that utilize soil, vegetation, and technology. It highlights partnerships and funding opportunities available through New Jersey's Environmental Infrastructure Trust and the NJDEP to support sustainable water resource management. By leveraging green technology, communities can improve water quality, reduce economic costs, and enhance social well-being while protecting natural resources. Real-world examples showcase the effectiveness of green strategies in urban settings.
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Water Resources: Utilizing Technology, Partnerships and Nature Michele N. Siekerka, Esq. Assistant Commissioner Water Resource Management New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection March 29, 2012
What is Green Infrastructure? • Utilizing soil and vegetation to manage rainwater where it falls • Infiltration • Vegetative uptake • Storage
Sustainable ROI • Environmental: can both manage stormwater volume and treat runoff for a variety of pollutants • Social : aesthetically pleasing and community building • Economic: Can reduce the capital costs and O & M costs of gray technology; short term quicker impact
Policy Driving Action • Strategic Integrated Approach to Water Quality • Leveraging Funding • NJDEP State Revolving Loan Fund • Federal pass through money; principal forgiveness • NJ Environmental Infrastructure Trust • New Jersey’s Independent Financing Authority responsible for funding Environmental Infrastructure projects that protect the State’s natural resources and public health • ______________________
Program Qualification - Water Quality Component 2 Main Qualification Categories : 1. Clean Water • Point Source Clean Water Projects (WTF, CSO, Sludge, etc.) • Non-Point Clean Water Projects (Storm water, Equip, Remediation) 2. Drinking Water • Safe Drinking Water Projects (Treatment, Distribution)
Examples of EIT Eligible “Green Projects” • Energy Production -must • be connected • directly to a CW/DW activity • Power • Wind • Solar • Geothermal Power • Micro-Hydroelectric • Biogas and CHP Systems • Rain / Stormwater • Permeable Pavement • Bioretention • Green Roofs • Grey Water Use • Xeriscape • Constructed Wetlands • Stormwater Harvesting • Stormwater Reuse Projects • Establishment or Restoration of: • Riparian buffers • Floodplains • Wetlands and other Natural Features • Installing Water Efficient Devices • Installing Water Meters in Previously Unmetered Areas • Retrofitting / Adding Leak Detection Equipment • Recycling and Water Reuse Projects as related to replacing potable sources with non-potable sources. • Retrofit or replace landscape irrigation systems.
Why Borrow Through NJEIT? AAA / Aaa Loan Rate Comparisons Low “net” rate = blend of DEP 0% rate and AAA “market” rate 20 yr. savings on $1mm Borrowed: ~ $120,000 / each 1% saved
Additional Benefits… • Lower all-in financing costs • Economies of scale in co-mingled pool. Borrowers pay proportionate share of issuance fees (rating agency, underwriter, trustee, etc.). Equates to lower cost/borrower • Capitalized interest / Deferred Payments • Borrowers may capitalize Interest and defer repayment of Principal costs during construction… until completion of the project, up to six months after construction ( not to exceed 3 years from the loan) • Interim financing • 0% financing is available to municipal borrowers (2% to Private Entities / Utilities) prior to long-term loan funding, providing timing flexibility for shovel-ready projects • … And MUCH more …
Resources • USEPA Green Infrastructure web page http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/greeninfrastructure/index.cfm • Implementing Watershed-Based Green Infrastructure for Stormwater Management: Case Study in Blacksburg, Virginia http://www.cabellbrandcenter.org/Downloads/sr452009.pdf • NYC Green Infrastructure Plan, A sustainable Strategy for Clean Waterways http://www.georgetownclimate.org/resources/nyc-green-infrastructure-plan-a-sustainable-strategy-for-clean-waterways • Rooftops to Rivers, Green Strategies for Controlling Stormwater and Combined Sewer Overflowshttp://www.nrdc.org/water/pollution/rooftops/contents.asp • The Value of Green Infrastructure for Urban Climate Adaptation http://www.cakex.org/virtual-library/value-green-infrastructure-urban-climate-adaptation • A Triple Bottom Line Assessment of Traditional and Green Infrastructure Options for Controlling CSO Events in Philadelphia's Watersheds http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/gi_phil_bottomline.pdf
Contact Information • http://www.njstormwater.org/ • http://www.njstormwater.org/bmp_manual2.htm • Michele N. Siekerka, Esq. Asst. Comm. 609-292-4543 Michele.Siekerka@dep.state.nj.us • Adriana Caldarelli 609-984-3660 Adriana.Caldarelli@dep.state.nj.us • Sandy Blick 609-633-7045 Sandra.Blick@dep.state.nj.us