Johnson County Stormwater Plan Highlights 'Green' Efforts

Media Release

The Johnson County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Johnson County Property Stormwater Management Plan at its July 25, 2013, formal meeting.  The plan, which addresses properties owned by the County, will guide staff in controlling stormwater runoff.

The plan formalizes the County’s goals; however, its efforts in this area are ongoing. For example, stormwater runoff has been reduced from the employee parking lot at the County’s Administration Building (913 S. Dubuque Street, Iowa City) through proper site design, the use of porous pavement, and a bio-retention cell with native plantings.

Over the next three years, Johnson County Soil and Water Conservation Specialist Kate Giannini and Roadside Vegetation Manager Chris Henze will develop individual stormwater plans for each of the County’s properties.  The plans will identify best management practices to reduce stream erosion, protect water quality, reduce risks from flooding, and mitigate the adverse effects of changes in land use on stream habitat.

The County will also implement an ongoing educational program to inform the public about the impacts of stormwater and steps that can be taken to reduce stormwater pollution. 

“As Johnson County strives to be a leader in sustainability, the approval of this plan illustrates the Board of Supervisors’ commitment to ‘go green’ and to take a closer look at the impact of internal county operations on water quality,” said Giannini. 

The Johnson County Property Stormwater Plan resulted from a strategic planning priority. It is available for review at www.johnson-county.com/dept_zoning.aspx?id=13616 or by clicking on the scrolling photo on the home page.