Urban Stormwater Management in the United States

2008

This report on stormwater management from the National Research Council clarifies the mechanisms by which the pollutants present in stormwater affect the environment, defines the elements of a protocol linking the pollutants to ambient water quality criteria and studies how can monitoring help determine the level a discharge is potentially polluting water and assess a stormwater management plan.

In PDF is the prepublication version. You can have a free access to the published document (PDF) here: http://www.nap.edu/catalog/12465/urban-stormwater-management-in-the-united-states

Canadian Communities’ Guidebook for Adaptation to Climate Change

2008

This Guidebook is intended to help those who are looking for ways to reduce the impacts of climate change (increasing heat waves, water shortages, intense storms and sea-level rise) while decreasing GHG emissions and ensuring sustainable development for their communities. Recognition of the need to integrate climate risks into development priorities and decision making has driven the integration of adaptation and mitigation in the context of sustainable development. This Guidebook provides one method to achieve such integration.

Climate Change Adaptation Options for Toronto’s Urban Forest

2007

This case study presents some of the expected climate change impacts challenging Toronto’s urban forest as well as a number of adaptation options that can be undertaken to protect these vulnerable species.

Developing Our Coastlines – Four Michigan Communities Take Stock of Their Great Lakes Assets

2006

In 2005, the Michigan Environmental Council conducted a study regarding the coastal development in Michigan. It consulted four communities to do so.

Identifying Adaptation Options

2006

This guidance note is aimed atsupporting decision and policymakers who are faced with identifying and appraising the effectiveness of adaptation measures that address identified climate risks. It should be considered as a companion piece to other UKCIP tools such as the Adaptation Wizard; Risk, Uncertainty and Decision-making framework, Business Areas Climate Impacts Assessment Tool (BACLIAT), Adaptation Actions database and the guidelines on costing the impacts of climate change.

Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Communities: Vulnerabilities to Climate Change and Response to Adaptation Strategies

2006

A collaborative research project that assessed the vulnerability to climate change of wetlands in the Great Lakes area. The report explores human-directed adaptations and responses to climate change.

Toronto Outdoor Water Efficiency

2005

The Toronto Outdoor Water Efficiency program is a multi-pronged approach to educating citizens about efficient uses of water. The two primary goals were reducing water use during peak hours and encouraging citizens to plant water-friendly gardens. The campaign included information about water-friendly plants and other lawn and garden practices. The city began this campaign as an alternative measure to increasing flow capacity; instead, the city invested resources in water use reduction efforts.

City of Chicago Water Education Campaign

2005

In 2005, the City of Chicago began a water education campaign to demonstrate grassroots stormwater best management practices through rain barrels and rain gardens. 400 residences were equipped with rain barrels, and the city estimated that over 170,000 gallons of water were conserved from these rain barrel installations. Additional information about the campaign’s ongoing programs can be found by clicking on the adjacent link.

Visit site City of Chicago Water Education Campaign

Duluth Educational Outreach Program

2005

The City of Duluth, Minnesota has created an outreach program to educate its citizens on water quality issues that affect the health of Lake Superior. The program focuses on watershed awareness and involved stream-specific educational cards that were distributed to schoolchildren.

Superior, Wisconsin Stormwater Education Program

2005

Through the City of Superior’s Stormwater Education program, fifth and sixth graders are able to tour the city’s wastewater treatment plant.The plant invites all fifth and sixth grade classrooms each year and provides funding for buses, bus drivers, and snacks at the treatment plant. Treatment plant staff also discuss water quality programs like rain barrel installation, rain gardens, composting, and beach clean-ups. Because poor weather can cause visit cancellations, the wastewater treatment plant also created a “virtual tool” option. The program has become a great success and is a highlight of the year for many students and teachers