The King Street Drainage Project has been a topic of intense debate and discussion in recent months. During the City Council’s last work session, statements made by Councilman Josh Scallate and Beaufort resident Nancy Russell may lead to a solution that will effectively manage stormwater while also enhancing the community’s environmental health. As the City decides to move forward by “going back to the drawing board,” opportunities arise to incorporate environmentally friendly infrastructure into the new design.
On July 9th, Assistant City Manager J.J. Sauvé presented three options to move forward with the project. The council chose Sauvé’s Option 2 which set aside the $9M pump station, generator and outfall originally proposed, and directed the engineers to come up with other options to address the drainage issues in The Point. Councilman Josh Scallate suggested incorporating green infrastructure components to the new, “upgraded” designs. According to Scallate, we should “replace the pipes with larger pipes, fix the broken ones, fix the clogged outfalls, and then seek any green infrastructure alternatives that may complement our collection and distribution of that stormwater runoff”. He was cautious about how these additions might affect the current design, and Sauvé confirmed that such modifications would be possible under the redesign in Option 2.
As councilman Josh Scallate initiated the call to explore green infrastructure solutions, Beaufort resident Nancy Russell stepped up to the podium, ready to respond. Russell presented several green infrastructure options previously identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ranging from landscaping alterations to changes in construction permits. Russell highlighted the benefits of such systems, including cost efficiency, ease of management, and environmental health improvements.
Permeable Pavement
Permeable pavement allows water to seep through the surface, reducing runoff and promoting groundwater recharge. As explained by Russell, permeable pavement “traps and slowly releases the precipitation into the ground, instead of letting it all flow into the stormwater system.” Since King Street will be “torn up” anyway, she stated that “resurfacing the street would not only serve to reduce flooding, it would also seem to lend itself to historical context, since portions of the street were formally a waterway.” Permeable pavements have been successfully implemented in similar urban areas, such as Toledo, OH, and Wilmington, NC, demonstrating their effectiveness in stormwater management.
Bioswales and Rain Gardens
Bioswales and rain gardens use vegetation to slow down and filter stormwater, reducing the load on traditional drainage systems. They are particularly useful in narrow areas and can significantly improve water quality by trapping pollutants. Potential locations for bioswales in The Point neighborhood were identified by Russell, including the green area surrounding the pond, the Harvey Park fishing area, and green areas protected under the Open Land Trust. “They can be placed where water currently collects,” said Russell. Additionally, the right-of-ways near the Post Office and County parking areas near Charles St could also be transformed into bioswales or rain gardens. Case studies from other cities have shown substantial reductions in runoff volumes through the use of bioswales and rain gardens.
Rainwater Harvesting with Cisterns
Harvesting rainwater using a cistern involves collecting and storing the rainwater for later use, “which we could then use for irrigation, so we don’t have to pay for the irrigation water” as noted by Russell. Residents can integrate these collection practices into their property through the use of rain barrels. This implementation is just one cost-effective approach that reduces the demand on municipal water supplies and provides a sustainable water source during dry periods, though Beaufort is rarely a victim of drought.
Community Participation and Regulations
Russell emphasized the importance of community involvement in implementing green infrastructure. She suggested that new construction permits could require adherence to green infrastructure principles. Encouraging businesses and residents to adopt practices like downspout disconnection could also contribute to the overall effectiveness of the drainage system. “This is simple, reroute your drainage from going directly into the stormwater sewer into something else,” said Russell. Beaufort Copy (Budget Print), Beaufort Digital Corridor, and Limelight Hair Salon were named as examples of local businesses that could integrate these components to mitigate rainwater falling directly onto the concrete and sidewalks.
When talking about the cost of implementing green infrastructure, Russell pointed out that it may not be the “big ticket item” that we think. Citing a case study from Toledo, Ohio, Russell explained that the cost estimates with green infrastructure were “far below those without it.” Green infrastructure reduces the need for extensive maintenance and repairs, mitigates flood risks, and enhances the environmental health of the community, making it a cost-effective option in the long run. Without discounting Mrs. Russell’s claims and research, Councilman Mike McFee shared his experience with green infrastructure, referencing his participation in two commercial projects that utilized permeable pavement and rain gardens in the last five years. “They cost twice as much as regular concrete,” explained McFee. Neither Mrs. Russell or Councilman McFee provided specific cost estimates for the proposed infrastructure.
Aside from opposing comments regarding initial construction cost, implementing green infrastructure comes with its fair share of challenges. Coastal erosion and resiliency, community support, and implementation errors may present the biggest obstacles. The EPA has identified solutions and alternatives to combat many of these potential problems, ranging from strategic design changes to collaboration with programs such as the NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management. “I won’t argue that a green solution will solve these issues,” noted Russell, “but green infrastructure along with new title guide option 2 would be a better, more cost-effective solution in the long-term.” Long-term commitment and education would be necessary to overcome potential obstacles and maximize the benefits of these eco-friendly solutions.
The successful integration of green infrastructure into the King Street Drainage Project could set a precedent for future urban planning initiatives. Ensuring proper design, maintenance, and community support are crucial for this success. As Councilman Scallate continues to advocate for adding green components into the design, engaged residents, like Nancy Russell, are doing their part to educate the community. This combination demonstrates how the King Street Drainage Project could be a remarkable example of integrating sustainable solutions with traditional infrastructure to create resilient and environmentally friendly cities.
