EPA Announces Green Infrastructure Partnership to Improve Water Quality Throughout Jacksonville; U.S. Postal Service Unveils New Go Green Stamps
Contact Information: Davina Marraccini, (404) 562-8293, marraccini.davina@epa.gov
USPS, Nancy Barbee Ross, 202-746-8879, nancy.b.ross@usps.gov
(Atlanta, Ga. – April 16, 2011) – At a ceremony today during the Earth Day and Ecology Fair at the Jacksonville Landing, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the City of Jacksonville announced that they will partner on several green infrastructure projects to improve water quality throughout the city. Following the announcement, the U.S. Postal Service dedicated 16 Go Green Forever stamps that encourage conservation.
“Green infrastructure manages stormwater—or rain—by treating it like the great resource it is and working with nature, rather than against it,” said Nancy Stoner, Acting Assistant Administrator for Water. “In city after city—and beginning now in Jacksonville—green infrastructure approaches are revitalizing neighborhoods, creating jobs, expanding green space and increasing property values and economic activity.”
The City of Jacksonville was selected as one of EPA’s first 10 key Green Infrastructure Partner Communities based in part on interest and work that began through the Environmental Justice Showcase Community Pilot project in 2010. Residents have expressed concern about pollution from nitrogen, phosphorus and metals in the St. John’s River, as well as consumption of fish and shellfish caught in the river and local streams. The green infrastructure projects planned as part of this new partnership include the use of permeable pavement, rain gardens and rain harvesting. EPA will also provide assistance with rain barrel building and composting demonstrations. Together, these projects are expected to help beautify neighborhoods, address stormwater pollution and provide fresh food.
The City of Jacksonville plans to incorporate lessons learned from these green infrastructure demonstration projects in a low impact development manual. The City’s goal is to make green infrastructure a part of the vocabulary for all city departments, and incorporate these practices in its future work to address stormwater pollution throughout the city.
Vince Seibold, Division Chief, Environmental Quality for the City of Jacksonville, thanked the EPA for the agency’s sponsorship and support for the city’s ongoing efforts to implement and promote Low Impact Development (LID). “We could not move forward without the invaluable leadership and financial support from the city’s Environmental Protection Board (EPB). With both the EPA and EPB on board, we are now looking for the best possible site here in Jacksonville to implement and showcase LID practices and concepts.”
The City of Jacksonville will use the best practices of LID to continue efforts initiated and underway by Mayor John Peyton’s 2006 River Accord. The overall goal of all stormwater management continues to be the health and wellbeing of Jacksonville ’s St. Johns River .
Following the green infrastructure announcement, the U.S. Postal Service—a recognized sustainability leader and innovator—continued a 50-year tradition today by dedicating its latest social awareness stamps: Go Green. The sheet of Forever stamps features 16 actions anyone can take to make a positive impact on the environment. They will also encourage conservation.
“The Postal Service has been recognized for its strong “green” commitment,” said Jacksonville Postmaster David Dillman. “In the past 16 years, we have received more than 75 major environmental awards, including 40 White House Closing the Circle awards and 10 consecutive WasteWise Partner of the Year awards.”
The Postal Service is a nationally recognized sustainability leader and innovator. USPS is the only mailing and shipping company in the world whose stamp products and shipping supplies have earned Cradle to Cradle Certification, meaning they meet established standards for human and environmental health and recyclability.
More information about green infrastructure is available: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=298
More information about the City of Jacksonville ’s Environmental Quality Division is available:
http://www3.coj.net/Departments/Environmental-and-Compliance/Environmental-Quality.aspx
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