Montgomery County Receives National Stormwater and Green Infrastructure Award

WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 19, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Montgomery County was one of six recipients of the new national municipal stormwater and green infrastructure awards at the 88th Annual Water Environment Federation (WEF) Technical Exhibition and Conference held September 28 in Chicago. Montgomery County received a gold certificate in the Phase I program management category for its multifaceted and effective Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) program and was recognized as a national leader in stormwater management.

Developed through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the award recognizes high-performing, regulated MS4s and inspires municipal government agencies to exceed requirements through innovative and cost-effective approaches.

“Montgomery County has made tremendous progress in meeting our water quality goals,” said Lisa Feldt, director of the County’s Department of Environmental Protection. “We are very grateful to be recognized on a national scale for our continued efforts to address stormwater pollution and to work to restore our streams and rivers and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. This award reflects the close coordination and cooperation among County departments, agencies and co-permittees and the strong commitment they share for watershed management, restoration and improved water quality, while also working hand-in-hand to achieve sustainable economic growth.”

Through the County’s robust MS4 program, approximately 1,030 acres of impervious area are currently being controlled by completed restoration projects. Another 2,386 acres are in the design phase. These projects – and projects installed by the development community – have resulted in a dramatic increase in stormwater management practices from three percent to 38 percent over the past five years.

“The awards were developed to inspire MS4 program leaders toward innovation that is both technically effective and financially efficient,” said WEF Executive Director Eileen O’Neill. “The success of this first year shows great promise for the program as a means to continually support, encourage and recognize this important and growing segment of the water sector.”

Applications were reviewed and winners selected by a diverse steering committee that included members and volunteers from WEF’s stormwater and watershed national committees, as well as representatives from national stormwater organizations.

For more information about this recognition program, visit www.wef.org/ms4awards or contact .

Learn more about Montgomery County’s stormwater program and progress in improving local water quality.