EPA, South Carolina Officials Construct Rain Garden for Chicora-Cherokee Community

Environmental Protection Agency workers, state officials and attendees of the National River Rally will construct a new community rain garden at the Gussie Green Community Center in North Charleston, S.C. A unique collaboration between local and national organizations, the project will include the installation of rain barrels and the planting of a rain garden, which aid in the removal of pollutants from runoff though natural physical, chemical and biological processes.

Local residents, youth and volunteers were on-hand to assist with construction, furthering the conversation on environmentalism and the growth potential of green jobs.

“Stormwater can add pollution to aquatic habitats across the Southeast, threatening fish and wildlife that depend on them,” said EPA Region 4 Deputy Regional Administrator Stan Meiburg. “Stormwater pollution can also contaminate food, drinking water supplies and recreational waterways, and increase risks to public health—anyone can help prevent stormwater pollution by creating a rain garden.”

Rain gardens capture runoff from impervious areas such as roofs and driveways and allow it to seep slowly into the ground, filtering out pollutants including fertilizer, pesticides, oil, heavy metals and other chemicals. These pollutants are absorbed by the soil, mulch and plants and removed through the natural biological and chemical process. In addition, rain gardens can help preserve nearby streams and lakes by reducing the amount of runoff and filtering pollutants.

“The Gussie Community Rain garden is a wonderful opportunity for local youth and residents to play an active role in transforming their neighborhoods,” said North Charleston Recreation Director Ed Barfield. “It will not only plant the seed on the importance of green jobs, but will hopefully create a new generation of environmental leaders in the North Charleston community.”

The Gussie Green Community Center is located in the Chicora-Cherokee community. The development of the rain garden will add value to the community’s efforts to improve their urban environment and economic development. In addition to protection from stormwater runoff, the rain garden installation will be an educational experience for local youth and residents to learn more about green job opportunities including environmental management for local parks and recreation services.

The event was a cooperative collaboration between EPA, the city of North Charleston, South Carolina Parks and Recreation Department and River Rally 2011, which is an annual outreach and educational event run by the non-government organization River Network.

Source: EPA