Work for the first property started with a grass swale lined with turf reinforced matting in the backyard, where runoff from neighboring properties gathered. A new drain box was installed, capturing runoff from the swale and roof, and sending it to the front yard. There, a rain garden captured 100% of all stormwater runoff. 

The other two properties had rooftop runoff piped within 10 feet of the street curb. The areas are mostly shade and have a 10% slope to the curb with less than 50% vegetated cover between the outlet and the street curb. Consequently, significant erosion was occurring during each rain event and sediment was being delivered to the street. The landowners agreed to disconnect the impervious areas and install native shade tolerant grasses on the slope. Four 15’ x 20’ areas were planted with native grasses to provide treatment and mitigation of the four impervious roof areas.

Sixty percent of funding for each project came from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality through Section 319 of the Federal Clean Water Act, administered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The remaining 40% was cost shared through the Orange County Community Climate Action Grant.