The Bottom-Up Revolution Ellie Riggs and Ryan Carter: Advocating for Clean Water and Flood Prevention at the State Level
Jan 23, 2025
Ellie Riggs, a passionate field organizer at Catawba Riverkeeper, and Ryan Carter, the organization's policy director, dive into the critical issue of stormwater management and its environmental ramifications. They highlight an upcoming stormwater management bill aimed at saving the Catawba-Wateree River basin. The duo also discusses the negative impacts of outdated parking regulations and the need for community-driven solutions. Their insights reveal the importance of grassroots advocacy in pushing for meaningful change and protecting local ecosystems.
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Impact of Impervious Surfaces
- Impervious surfaces like parking lots cause massive stormwater runoff harmful to water quality.
- Runoff carries pollutants and increases flooding by eroding stream banks and ecosystems.
2019 Redevelopment Stormwater Loophole
- A 2019 rule stopped local governments from requiring stormwater controls on redevelopment projects.
- Example: A vacant Wilmington Kmart avoided installing stormwater controls due to this loophole.
Link Between Parking and Stormwater
- Parking minimums add impervious surfaces developers dislike because they increase stormwater management burden.
- Reforming parking rules can reduce impervious surfaces and improve stormwater outcomes.