Proposed runoff rules not water under the bridge

With two photographs, Bill Norris can show the benefit of native grass plantings in his south Lincoln neighborhood.

One picture shows muddy-looking water running off the street and into a drain. The other photo shows clear water coming from a pipe.

The difference, said Norris, is likely the cleansing action of a stand of native grass planted in Aspen Greens, a housing area south of Pine Lake Road and west of 56th Street.

The Aspen Greens' stormwater management projectis a series of four earthen weirs, or ridges of soil that act like mini dams, and the native grasses planted between them. The project slows runoff, allowing more of it to soak into the ground.

In the future, under new rules being considered by the City Council, developers of larger projects in Lincoln would be required to install stormwater management structures to keep runoff from racing straight for the nearest stream and taking with it urban pollution such asdog poop, fertilizer and herbicidesfrom hundreds of yards.

Slow it down, spread it out and let it soak is the motto for producing cleaner runoff and thus cleaner streams and rivers.

The council is expected to vote Jan. 27 on the rules, which would apply to developers of projects that cover more than an acre.

But critics question the cost and challenge the science involved.

No one has studied the effects on water quality of bigger detention and retention ponds, weirs and stands of grass or permeable paving, says Mark Hunzeker, a Lincoln attorney who represents area developers.

The inability to measure specific effects of these structures is part of the reason the federal government hasn't set nationwide standards, Hunzeker said.

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Proposed runoff rules not water under the bridge