No. 1 against storm-runoff
Philadelphia ranks first in the nation and is a national model for its long-term efforts to reduce stormwater pollution and sewage runoff through eco-friendly and cost-effective measures such as green roofs and porous asphalt, according to an environmental group's new report.
The city led a list of 14 municipalities for its commitment to infrastructure and design changes like tree plantings and rain gardens to capture rainfall and reduce runoff pollution by slowing the flow of stormwater into the city's antiquated sewer system.
"Philadelphia recognizes that green infrastructure, which stops rain where it falls, is the smartest way to reduce water pollution from storms," said Karen Hobbs of the Natural Resources Defense Council, which released the "Rooftops to Rivers" report Wednesday.
DELAWARE
State balks at fracking
Delaware Gov. Jack Markell says his state will not give its blessing to a controversial proposal for natural-gas drilling in the Delaware River basin.
Markell sent a letter yesterday to other voting members of the Delaware River Basin Commission saying proposed regulations regarding the drilling process known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, lack critical information about protecting public and private water supplies.
Markell, a Democrat, said in the letter that Delaware will vote no when the commission meets Monday to consider allowing fracking in the river basin.
Fracking involves injecting water, sand and chemicals underground to break up shale and rock. Environmentalists and other opponents say that many of the chemicals cause cancer and that fracking could pollute the Delaware, a drinking-water source for more than 15 million people.
- Staff and wire reports
