Pollution In Water Runoff: Danville Holds Study Session

DANVILLE, CA — A Danville Town Council study session scheduled Tuesday will look at ways to more efficiently collect and disperse water runoff to prevent pollution from entering sensitive waterways.

Town staff has developed "a blueprint on how Danville will shift from conventional 'collect and convey' storm drain infrastructure to a more resilient, sustainable stormwater management system where feasible," according to a Danville staff report. The "Green Infrastructure" plan reduces runoff and pollutants by dispersing water to vegetated areas, "promoting infiltration and evapotranspiration, and using natural processes to detain and treat runoff," the staff report states.

Such Green Infrastructure already exists in a number of public and private projects within Danville. But lack of funding poses a serious constraint for additional GI, according to the Town. For example, acquiring additional right-of-way or easements for roadway projects is not always possible. Short and long-term maintenance costs also need to be considered, according to the Town.

A regional study is underway to evaluate the feasibility of establishing a "water quality trading/banking system" within Contra Costa County and/or the Bay Area to reduce pollution in stormwater runoff — specifically, PCBs and mercury.

The Town of Danville is one of 76 local agencies subject to requirements of the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board to develop a Green Infrastructure plan that reduces PCBs and mercury loads in runoff.

During Tuesday's study session, Town staff will discuss the Green Infrastructure plan and answer questions. On October 1, Town Council is expected to consider adopting a resolution to approve the plan.