TMACC to Host Green Streets Forum

TMACC will hold a forum for transportation engineers, planners, municipal representatives and others to learn about developing "green streets" projects that manage stormwater runoff as a resource rather than a waste.

Green Streets are landscaped streetside planters or swales that capture stormwater runoff and allow it to soak into the ground as soil and vegetation filter pollutants. This replenishes groundwater supplies that feed fresh, cool water to rivers and streams. Green Streets also make attractive streetscapes that connect business districts, neighborhoods, parks and schools, and they can be designed to accommodate the diverse traffic needs of motor vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists.

The Green Streets forum will be held at 8 a.m. Friday, Feb. 3, at Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown.  The forum was developed by representatives of TMACC, PennDOT, the Chester County Planning Commission and the Chester County Water Resources Authority to educate and inform transportation professionals and municipal planners about how to develop Green Streets through innovative stormwater management. The forum will also provide an opportunity for attendees to learn about best practices and exchange ideas.  Presentations by industry experts will highlight local and regional case studies.  Those industry experts include: 

• Michele Adams, P.E. LEED AP, Principal Engineer at Meliora Environmental Design;
• Stephen Burgo, P.E., Township Engineer in Tredyffrin Township;
• Tavis Dockwiller, ASLA, Principal Landscape Architect and Planner at Viridian Landscape Studio;
• Jeffrey MacKay, P.E. CPESC, Principal at NTM Engineering;
• Peter Reilly, C.E., Philadelphia Water Department. 

Engineers, planners and municipal representatives who attend will be able to earn three Professional Development Hours (PDH). 

"Sustainable development practices will help Chester County preserve and protect its natural resources," said Derrick Stokes, TMACC Deputy Executive Director. "TMACC's vision and mission support the development of green streets." 

Tickets to the forum are $25 for TMACC members and representatives from public agencies and non-profit organizations, $35 for others. Registration and payment must be made by Jan. 20. 

Register online at tmacc.org or contact Angela Garvin at 610-993-0911 or at angela@tmacc.org.