Projects

Project Description

The goal of this project was to address the problem of streets that contribute to stormwater volume and water quality deterioration through the development of an Innovative Street Specifications Manual and conceptual designs for alternative:

• Downtown Streets
• Parking Areas
• Densely Urban Streets
• Commercial Areas

Volume reduction, source control, and use of innovative techniques were the goals of the project. The project included facilitation of a large group of planners, conservation agents, public works representatives, and other City representatives such as the Fire Department. Meetings were held over a one-year period to derive a consensus on the City’s street, drainage and sidewalk specifications to address environmental factors. These specifications served as a green streets design manual that also addressed safety and drainage issues. Modifying the existing specifications helped to reduce non-point source pollution which can help improve water quality and quantity impacts on Nashua’s streams, water supplies, and other water bodies. Initial designs for parking lots show major reductions in stormwater volume exiting the alternative sites, e.g., 70+% of a 2-year storm.