In my recent conversations with those in the stormwater and erosion control industries, I’ve heard a lot about doing more with less. It’s a tricky task to effectively and efficiently protect the quality of storm- and surface water. The benefits of keeping pollutants, sediment, and soil out of surface water are obvious—improved stream health, safe drinking water sources, and healthy resources. Ocean-front communities across the country know first-hand the importance of shoreline stabilization and farmers can attest to the value and necessity of keeping topsoil on the ground. Providing these benefits without undue costs to communities, farmers, homeowners, and small businesses is the challenge for those in our industry.

In this issue of Stormwater, we’re bringing you stories of doing more with less. In “Help for Stormwater Managers,” we examine an online tool that’s helped Chesapeake Bay counties compare different BMPs and choose solutions that achieve their sediment- and cost- reduction goals.

In “Salting the Earth,” we spoke with Brendan Wiltse, science and stewardship director for the Ausable River Association, about his study measuring the impact of road-salt-laden runoff on Mirror Lake. Wiltse discusses how reducing the amount of salt applied to roads can both improve water quality and reduce material costs for communities.

In our guest editorial, “Sediment: Take It or Leave It?” James Spotts, CPSS and CPESC, discusses the options for managing construction site sediment. Who needs to be involved in the decision? Is there some value to the sediment? What options are there for removal?

Finally, although it may be cliché, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Understanding the environmental flood trends that affect communities around the country can help stormwater managers and erosion and sediment control experts to better prepare, saving time, cost, and possibly even lives. Don’t miss “Environmental Science Behind Increasing Flood Trends” for more on this.

Budgets rarely seem to get any bigger, but the professionals in the stormwater and erosion and sediment control industries continue to tackle problems with ingenuity and dedication. We hope you enjoy this edition of Stormwater and perhaps find some inspiration yourself. Please send your stories of doing more with less to [email protected].