from Belmont Patch, accessed 2014-02-13
http://belmont.patch.com/groups/letters-to-the-editor/p/moving-forward-with-green-infrastructure-plans-in-belmont-and-arlington?ncid=newsltuspatc00000001&evar4=picks-2-post&newsRef=true
Moving Forward with Green Infrastructure Plans in Belmont and Arlington
Posted by Mystic River Watershed Association , February 11, 2014 at 02:48 PM
Representatives from the Towns of Belmont and Arlington, Mystic River Watershed Association and Bioengineering Group met to evaluate and prioritize sites for implementing green infrastructure. This work is part of the 604(b) Water Quality Management Planning Grant and is focused on the Alewife Brook sub-watershed. Patrick Herron (MyRWA) presented on a GIS analysis of the two towns to evaluate both the geographic sources of stormwater pollutants and sites where infiltration of water is possible. The presentation on GIS examined surficial geology, hydrologic soil group, depth to water table and topographic slope. These are key characteristics when identifying ideal sites for infiltation-based green infrastructure, such as rain gardens and bioretention facilities. Each Town reviewed ten potential sites based on the following criteria: watershed benefits, ease of implementation, feasibility, ease of maintenance and community benefits. The consulting engineering team (Bioengineering) will visit the top 5 sites in each community to further evaluate feasibility.
The
Alewife Reservation
is a unique natural resource for the communities of Belmont, Arlington and Cambridge
and home to hundreds of species, including hawks, coyotes beavers, snapping turtles, wild turkeys and muskrats,
the reservation is a unique natural resource for the community.
Historical information (Powerpoint)
Friends of Alewife Reservation works to protect and restore this wild area and the surrounding area for the water quality, native plants, animals and over 90 bird species with paths for walking, running and biking, recreation, and for classroom education and research. We regularly steward and preserve the Reservation area for wildlife and for the enjoyment of present and future generations.