EPA Chief, Philadelphia Mayor to Highlight Green Storm Water Infrastructure

On April 21, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson will join Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter to highlight the Philadelphia Water Department’s green storm water infrastructure investments, particularly the Big Green Block initiative, a collaborative sustainability project at and around Shissler Recreation Center. The two will be joined by Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz and Amanda Benner of the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society, and will plant a tree at the project site.

This initiative is part of Philadelphia’s Green City, Clean Waters plan, the city’s strategy to invest in storm water infrastructure and water resource protection and management. Green infrastructure reduces water pollution by capturing and filtering rain runoff using green roofs, permeable materials, alternative street and building design, trees, rain gardens and rain harvesting systems.

The event continues EPA’s week-long Earth Day recognition. Administrator Jackson has visited a number of places throughout the country to highlight initiatives that promote sustainability and the protection of human health and the environment.

The event takes place outside of Kensington High School of the Creative and Performing Arts, 1901 N. Front St., at 1:30 p.m.

Source: U.S. EPA