Green Infrastructure Highlights American Wetlands Month

From the pages of ...

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES n WASHINGTON, D.C. VOL. 40, NO. 11 n JUNE 2, 2008 Green infrastructure highlights American Wetlands Month

By Ca r r i e Cl i n g a n COMMUNITY SERVICES ASSOCIATE

American Wetlands Month celebrated its 18th birthday this May. Across the nation, this event inspires many civic groups, individuals, businesses and local governments to evaluate how their practices can promote positive environmental stewardship. But better care for the environment does not have to increase the bottom line for counties. The Clayton County Water Authority (CCWA) of Clayton County, Ga. has taken an innovative approach to wastewater management by taking advantage of Mother Nature’s technology. The CCWA uses wetlands to treat wastewater, resulting in both lowered costs and effectively treated wastewater. This system has also provided a constant water supply for the county even during recent Photo taken by Suzanne Brown of the CCWA droughts. Constructed treatment wetlands use a natural process involving plants and soils that act as Created in 1955 by an act of the Georgia State a filtering system as water flows through the cells, such as this cell found in Phase 1 of the Legislature, the CCWA provides water services Huie Constructed Wetlands. to a burgeoning rural area south of Atlanta, now boasting 270,000 residents and six cities. Though the CCWA is a distinct governmental compared to the life of most mechanical costly when accomplished through mechani- entity, Clayton County commissioners appoint wastewater treatment systems available. cal means. the board of directors and participate in many Wetlands provide natural filtration Wetlands also offer another vital service, of the planning activities and public meetings through ecological activity. The constructed acting as a sponge during times of high rainfall of the Water Authority. wastewater treatment wetlands work like and then releasing that stored water slowly, In 2000, the agency identified “construct- this: wastewater or “used” water is collected reducing flood damage and retaining water ed treatment wetlands” as an alternative to at a traditional mechanical treatment plant for times with little or no rainfall. CCWA’s their existing land-application system. The and treated to a high level. Then this water is wetlands have helped the area immensely wetlands offered a cost-effective, energy- pumped into the wetlands, gradually flowing during the recent droughts that have caused efficient alternative with lower maintenance through the plant and aquatic ecosystem. This other Georgia counties to enact strict water- requirements as an alternative to the existing ecosystem provides continual filtration and conservation policies. system which used lines, sprinklers and microbial treatment as the water flows through According to Mike Thomas, CCWA gen- pumps to push water through treatment. and into the reservoir where it re-enters the eral manager, this method’s energy efficiency The wetlands also provided a much more water supply. The wetlands act as the final sustainable and long-term strategy when buffer of the treatment process which can be u has reduced their monthly energy bill by 66 percent since implementation. The treatment area requires about 25 acres of wetlands per million gallons treated, so this method may not be available for many governments. Climate conditions, including rainfall, impact the storage capacity of the wetlands limiting the amount of water pumped in, and a change in water quality goals could alter the necessary amount of land used. Public opinion, however, has been very positive, and Thomas remarked that the only complaint has been about the noise made by the frogs at night. Many local residents appreciate the area as a nature preserve and for the fresh clean water it helps supply. Constructed wetlands like this system represent just one way that wetlands can benefit local governments. Wetlands recharge water supplies, act as natural filters and absorb rainwater helping to stave off floods as well as help in times of drought by releasing slowly what they absorb. They also provide habitats where many aquatic plants, fish, birds and other species thrive. Though many wetlands face challenges due to development, CCWA illustrates that innovative thinking can net positive results for citizens, and the environment while saving money. For more information about the Clayton County Water Authority please see www. ccwa1.com.

(For more information about wetlands visit NACo’s Web site at www.naco.org/techassistance and click on Water Resource Management or contact Carrie Clingan, community services associate, at [email protected] or 202/942-4246.)