EPA Awards City SWIF Grants for Two Storm Water Projects
The City of North Olmsted has been awarded two grants from the Ohio Environmental
Agency for the purpose of improving storm water management. The Surface Water
Improvement Fund (SWIF) was created in 2008 with the passage of Ohio House Bill
119 and authorizes the Ohio EPA to provide grant funding to applicants such as local
governments, park districts, conservation organizations, and others.
The Problem
Uncontrolled stormwater runoff resulting from increased development is the cause of flooding, erosion,
and pollution in our waterways. Stormwater runoff is generated when precipitation from rain and snow
events does not infiltrate the ground. As more impervious surfaces such as pavement and roof areas
replace natural green spaces, there is less infiltration resulting in more runoff. As stormwater flows over
the ground, it picks up debris, chemicals, and pollutants that can contaminate our drinking and
recreational water supply.
The (Green) Solutions
While development is necessary for a growing population, it can be accomplished sustainably and
economically through proper planning, design, and practice. Stormwater management is an integral part
of sustainable development, and decentralized methods that imitate nature are the preferred methods.
City Hall Pavers and Bioretention Project (2010: $196,028)
This project involves replacing existing pavement within the City Hall parking lot with permeable pavers
and a bioretention swale. The system of permeable pavers and bioretention swale will allow storm-water
to permeate the ground surface. Runoff from an initial rainfall is commonly referred to as the “first flush”
because it releases and transports pollutants that have been sitting on the surface, therefore containing
the highest concentration of pollutants. The system of permeable pavers and bioretention will have
sufficient capacity to store runoff allowing pollutants to be filtered, settled out of the runoff, and absorbed
by the surrounding soil and plant life. In addition, the extended drain time will allow runoff to infiltrate the
ground, recharging the ground water system, thereby imitating the natural cycle. The project was
complete in 2011. Photos below from EPA site visit and nearing project completion in September 2011.
North Olmsted Park Pavers and Rain Garden Project (2012: $161,059)
This project involves replacing existing pavement within the North Olmsted Park with permeable pavers
and installing a rain garden. Like in the City Hall project, the permeable pavers will allow storm water to
permeate the ground surface, and runoff will be filtered by the aggregate base material and soil, and
stored for a duration of time allowing it to infiltrate the ground or to be released at a controlled rate into the
municipal storm sewer system.
A rain garden is a landscaped area planted with
perennial native plants which don’t mind getting
“wet feet.” They are attractive gardens, built in
depressions which are designed to capture and
filter storm water runoff from impervious surfaces
around the home, such as rooftops and
driveways. Rain gardens help keep water clean
by filtering storm water runoff before it enters
local waterways and recharge the ground water
supply. They help alleviate problems associated
with flooding and drainage while providing
habitat and food for wildlife including birds and
butterflies. The project will begin in late 2012.
Our Environment: Everyone’s
Responsibility
Residents can also implement storm water improvements at home through the installation of permeable
pavers, rain gardens, rain barrels, and other means. To learn more about environmental stewardship,
visit these websites:
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.state.oh.us/in_my_community.aspx
Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District
http://www.cuyahogaswcd.org/