[CANUFNET] alternative stormwater infrastructure

[Mark Peterson]

In answer to JP Warren's question about alternative SWM infrastructure:
In my opinion, the best SWM initiative is to mandate that any SWM ponds (new 
and existing) should be required to be planted with native trees and shrubs. 
This would increase urban forest by creating mini woodlots - more 
ecologically effective than individual street trees. Storm water 
infrastructure is only one piece of the services needed along any street. 
Storm pipes also carry away rain fall on the street itself, not just rooftop 
drainage. One must remember water mains, gas mains, and assorted buried 
cables. By eliminating storm pipes alone does not entirely solve the 
utility/tree conflict.
Mark Peterson

Mark Peterson, BES, MLArch, OALA
Mark Peterson & Associates, Landscape Architect
(519)743-2990        www.openspacesolutions.com

Land Uses, Neighborhood Satisfaction and the Urban Forest
New approaches to urban design have included community retail land uses 
within walking distances of residential neighborhoods as a means to reduce 
suburbia's dependence on vehicles. Commercial development however, can have 
negative impacts on neighbourhood satisfaction due to increased traffic, 
garbage and noise etc. Studies have shown that when extensive tree and shrub 
cover is provided (the urban forest) within residential areas, in particular 
those adjacent to retail land uses, neighbourhood satisfaction increases. 
Perhaps development regulations should provide for more urban forest.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jp Warren" <jpwarren at interlog.com>
To: <canufnet at list.web.net>
Sent: Monday, December 01, 2008 3:34 PM
Subject: [CANUFNET] alternative stormwater infrastructure


> Hi Canufnet,
>
> Would an alternative stormwater infrastructure, or infrastructure
> retrofit, help in growing canopy in the city? Stormwater harvesting
> seems to hold two potentials in this regard; captured rooftop
> stormwater can be used toward tree irrigation, and by reducing the
> need for traditional stormwater pipes, can provide physical space for
> large trees root-balls. It seems harvesting would also reduce the need
> for disturbing them later via stormwater infrastructure-related
> excavations in the right of way.
>
> Cheers,      John-Paul Warren
>
> Rainbarrels, -its composting, -without the raccoons.
> Jp Warren
> 416-467-1339 (desk)
> 416-629-2512 (mobile)
> Toronto
>
>
>
>
>
>


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