Collaborative discussions yield proposed Green Infrastructure Project
New Haven, Conn. – Save the Sound and the Greater New Haven Water Pollution Control Authority have reached a collaborative agreement that will yield a green infrastructure project with the Eli Whitney Museum in Hamden to reduce stormwater runoff and help ensure local residents can enjoy a clean Long Island Sound.
The proposed environmental benefits project will include construction of a bioretention area at the Eli Whitney Museum Parking Lot that will capture the first inch of stormwater runoff before it discharges to the Mill River. The use of green infrastructure will provide treatment for the stormwater and infiltration into the soil, yielding stormwater quality improvements to the Mill River and Long Island Sound. The scope of the environmental benefits project will include protecting and restoring vegetative buffers along the Mill River, which will also improve water quality. GNHWPCA has committed $200,000 toward this project and will provide for a portion of legal and expert costs incurred by Save the Sound.
In addition, the GNHWPCA will collaborate with the Eli Whitney Museum in providing an educational component and student engagement in the implementation of the watershed enhancement.
The Settlement between Save the Sound and GNHWPCA is the result of Save the Sound’s efforts to redress a 2020 sewer pipe segment failure at the Whitney Avenue Pressure Sewer in Hamden that resulted in a release of raw sewage into the Mill River.
The Settlement is a reflection of the shared commitment of Save the Sound and the GNHWPCA to clean water. GNHWPCA has consistently operated in accordance with standard industry practices for inspection, maintenance, and repair. The GNHWPCA will continue to implement these practices as required by applicable law.