Managing blue with green: Preparing for increased rainfall in a waterfront city
By Michael Woodall, Boston Water and Sewer Commission Chairman of the Board / Putnam Investments Chief of Operations / Trustees One Waterfront Initiative CEO Roundtable member
BWSC’s “green” approach to stormwater management has been expanding, and informational signs, such as these in East Boston’s Central Square, are installed around the city. (Image courtesy BWSC)
Ask someone what comes to mind when they think of rainfall and you’ll get a range of answers. Gardeners will praise it, commuters will bemoan it, outdoor sports fans will lament it, and so on. As Chairman of the Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC), what comes to my mind is the critical role that BWSC plays in maintaining water quality and protecting public health.
With the increasing impacts of our changing climate, we can expect to see even more storm events, and more rainfall. At BWSC we have our eye on the future, by continually investing in infrastructure and regularly putting out community reminders and tips to prevent flooding and reduce stormwater pollution. Among our infrastructure projects is a push to upgrade our water and sewer systems and install new storm drains to separate the stormwater flow from the existing combined sewers, including in Roxbury, South Boston and East Boston.
THE FUTURE IS GREEN
The Board of BWSC works to ensure the sound, economical, and efficient maintenance of the water and sewer systems for the residents and businesses of Boston. We take this responsibility very seriously, and in 2018 were proud to be awarded the Sustainable Water Utility Management award for our commitment to improving operations and increasing public awareness to protect water quality and the environment.
Part of our commitment to this effort is to implement eco-friendly and low-impact green infrastructure and development projects that help manage stormwater and protect our people and our city. This includes a recent bioretention project, using native plants, to filter rainwater on South Street and Bussey Street in Roslindale, and the installation of permeable pavers to absorb rain and snow water on the sidewalks outside of our headquarters on Harrison Avenue.
This approach aligns with the City of Boston’s goal to “increase access and open space along the waterfront while better protecting the city during a major flooding event.” In recent years our “green” approach to stormwater management has been expanding around the city with informational signs installed in East Boston’s Central Square, Audubon Circle, Washington Irving Middle School in Roslindale, and the Rafael Hernandez School and the David A. Ellis Elementary School, both in Roxbury.
BOLSTERING SUPPORT FOR OUR SHORES
As we continue to innovate to prepare for the inevitable climate-related challenges ahead, we are focusing on increasing efforts to implement green solutions, and encouraging the creation of more green, open space to help naturally absorb increased rainfall and storm runoff. But an important component of this effort will be expanding partnerships to increase impact.
For this reason, I am pleased to support the Trustees of Reservations as a member of its One Waterfront Initiative CEO Roundtable. Being part of this group and expanding partnerships will help to bring much-needed interdisciplinary expertise to the table, whether as conveners, government, local agencies, community leaders or concerned residents, as we work together to protect our vulnerable City and waterfront from the impacts of our changing climate.
Joining a group of local business leaders, I look forward to working with the nonprofit as they design and build a series of waterfront parks along Boston’s vulnerable harbor. Green space is a critical component of stormwater absorption, and positioned on our waterfront, these parks can play a critical role in keeping our waterways clean—and our environment healthy.
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To learn more about the One Waterfront Initiative, visit: https://onewaterfront.thetrustees.org/about
Michael J. Woodall
Michael J. Woodall was first appointed BWSC Chairman of the Board by Mayor Martin J. Walsh on February 24, 2015 and was reappointed by Mayor Martin Walsh on April 8, 2016. Mr. Woodall is the Chief of Operations at Putnam Investments, and the President of the Putnam Fiduciary Trust Corporation. He is a member of Putnam Investments Operating Committee and Diversity Council. Mr. Woodall is a recognized Financial Service Industry leader with over 35 years of experience building, re-engineering and running profitable businesses and operations. He has significant leadership experience working closely with the Putnam Funds Board of Directors and is the former Chair of the Board of Directors of NICSA.