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Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Green Streets & Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Urban development traditionally involves replacing natural landscapes with solid pavements and storm drain systems - causing increased amounts of polluted stormwater to flow directly into local streams. Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI), however, uses plants and soils and techniques such as permeable pavers to mimic natural watershed processes. This helps to capture stormwater and infiltrate it, to create healthier environments. Benefits include:
- Added beauty to local streetscapes
- Bicyclist and pedestrian safety
- Improved traffic
- Improved water quality
- Increased stored water supply
- Reduced local flooding
- Wildlife habitat
Low Impact Development
With so many benefits, green stormwater infrastructure is a priority for state and local water quality agencies, including the Authority and its member agencies. Municipalities are integrating Low Impact Development (LID) designs into new and existing public spaces. These designs minimize impervious cover and store/treat stormwater similar to pre-development site conditions. The implementation of LID reduces the amount of urban runoff and pollutants draining into creeks.
All local municipalities are required to develop Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Plans to incorporate GSI features into new and existing drainage infrastructure on public properties and rights-of-way, including streets, storm drains, and parking lots. See our member agencies' GSI plans below.
Agency | Plan | Adopted |
City of Campbell | Green Stormwater Infrastructure Plan | July 16, 2019 |
Los Gatos | Green Stormwater Infrastructure Plan | August 20, 2019 |
Monte Sereno | Green Stormwater Infrastructure Plan | August 20, 2019 |
Saratoga | Green Stormwater Infrastructure Plan | August 21, 2019 |
Green Stormwater Infrastructure Handbook
The Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program developed countywide guidance to municipal staff on how to incorporate green stormwater infrastructure features into public streets, parking lots, and park retrofit projects (see Green Stormwater Infrastructure Handbook Part 1 and Part 2).
Hacienda Avenue
An example of a local award-winning green street in the City of Campbell is the reconstruction of Hacienda Avenue from Winchester Boulevard to Burrows Road. This redeveloped one-mile stretch of Hacienda Avenue (Winchester Boulevard to Burrows Road) features 63 biotreatment areas, street trees, and bike lanes. View a map of other local public projects that use green stormwater features.
More Information
See how green stormwater features help our community. Take a video tour of local features and learn how you can incorporate some of these features into your yard and garden.