Storm Water Benefits from
North Denver Projects
Storm water management is something that everyone needs to understand and appreciate. Storm water is runoff from impervious surfaces that includes rooftops, driveways, sidewalks and roads. A thunderstorm that stalls over a neighborhood like Park Hill can generate an enormous amount of water. Many curbed streets and storm drains can’t handle the sudden burst of rain. Storm drains are directly connected to our rivers and streams. There is no treatment plant to clean the rainwater once it enters the storm sewer system.
Platte-to-Park Hill is one of those projects that can both reduce storm water and help keep it clean. Park Hill and North Denver were hit with gully washers in June of 2015. The aftermath included soggy carpets, a stranded fire truck, and people demanded that something be done. The Platte-to-Park Hill will help slow down the storm water to reduce flooding.
Storm water can be dirty. It carries away anything in its path—dirt, mulch, cigarette butts, sand, leaves, car fluids, fertilizers and pet waste. This cocktail of urban runoff eventually enters the South Platte River. The Platte-to-Park Hill will be designed specifically to help clean the water. The Platte-to-Park Hill improvements will need to be done no matter what happens with the North Denver area.
Everyone will pay for storm water treatment. We all benefit from solid roads and watertight roofs. Storm water is created by everyone. Storm water impacts everyone.
Barr Lake and Milton Reservoir Watershed Association, Amy Conklin, Watershed Coordinator, www.barr-milton.org