Grantee Research Project Results
Green Infrastructure in Protection of Coastal Water Quality
EPA Grant Number: SU835085Title: Green Infrastructure in Protection of Coastal Water Quality
Investigators: Hertler, Heidi , Ramirez-Toro, Graciela
Current Investigators: Hertler, Heidi , Fernandez, Carolina , Ramirez-Toro, Graciela , Colon, Jose
Institution: Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Central Campus
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Phase: I
Project Period: August 15, 2011 through August 14, 2012
Project Amount: $15,000
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2011) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Challenge Area - Sustainable and Healthy Communities , P3 Challenge Area - Safe and Sustainable Water Resources , Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , P3 Awards , Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Objective:
Land use changes often outpace the ability of natural systems to contain contaminants entering near shore marine systems. Our goal is to understand and address the impacts of land-based sources of pollution in sub-tropical dry environments. Our objective is to determine the effectiveness of green stormwater infrastructure on reducing contaminants entering near shore environments.
Approach:
Project participants survey land use (cause, effect and extent) in areas with and without green infrastructure (prevention, reduction and elimination); measure contaminants at inflow and outflow areas; and increase the knowledge of land-based sources of pollution in the community to provide solutions to water quality conditions through better management practices in future projects.
Expected Results:
Increase the local understanding about the impact on the near shore environments, including water quality; collect data that can be utilized by community member, presented at local and national conferences and in peer review publications; and encourage environmental stewardship of the marine environment through awareness of the impact we have on these systems.
Supplemental Keywords:
land use change, land, estuary, ecosystem protection, public policy, decision making, community-based, survey, public good, conservation, environmental assets, environmental chemistry, marine science, biology, ecology, monitoring, measurement methods, Caribbean, EPA Region 2Progress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.