Economic Value of Stormwater in Delaware
Date
2011-09
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Abstract
Objectives: The Delaware DNREC proposes to submit legislation to the General Assembly during Spring 2011 to consider revisions to the Delaware Stormwater & Sediment Control Regulations. The objective of this regulatory review is to quantify the economic costs/benefits of the proposed stormwater regulation revisions according to Title 29, Ch. 104 of the Delaware Regulatory Flexibility Act. Green Stormwater Management: After the 100-year floods of Tropical Storm Henri (Sep 2003) and Tropical Storm Jeanne (Sep 2004), the Governor’s Task Force for Surface Water Management (2005) recommended revisions to the Delaware Stormwater & Sediment Control Regulations that call for innovative green stormwater practices such as:
1. Infiltration Technologies Bioretention Systems
2. Green Roofs Constructed Wetlands
3. Permeable Surfaces Infiltration Basins & Trenches
4. Bio-Swales Detentions Basins
5. Filter Strips Wet Ponds
6. Rain Gardens
Green stormwater practices can provide the following benefits to Delaware communities (WERF 2009):
• Higher property values (increased sales, higher sale/resale prices, shorter on-market time)
• Increased tax revenue
• Decreased flood damage that increases property values in the 100-yr floodplain
• Public infrastructure cost savings through reduced size of stormwater pipes and culverts
• Reduced pollution and water treatment costs
• Improved water quality
• Increased tourism and recreation