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Best Management Practices Web Quest

Introduction

In July of 2007, the Delaware River Basin Flood Mitigation Task Force released an action plan detailing how the three states bordering the Delaware River could reduce flood damage over the long term.  The task force was formed in 2006 after the Delaware River watershed was devastated by floods for three years in a row.  The task force agreed that no one set of prevention and response measures could entirely eliminate flooding along the Delaware River, but a combination of solutions will improve the basin’s capacity to prepare for and recover from future flooding. 

In the area of stormwater, it was recommended that municipalities encourage the long-term management of stormwater using what is known as “BMPs” (Best Management Practices).  The purpose of this Web Quest is to promote BMPs that can be used by local homeowners and small businesses to handle their stormwater runoff problems.  You will become “experts” in stormwater BMPs, and learn how to apply these techniques to solve local stormwater problems.  Our goal is to find ways of educating people about these BMPs in ways that will encourage them to get involved and take actions!

Be creative and carefully read the instructions!

The Task

Groups will be assigned by the instructor.  Each group will take on the role of spokesperson/expert for their BMP.  Working within this group, you will create a 6 minute public education presentation (PowerPoint recommended), using the provided Web links as your background information.  You may also do Internet searches on your own, or use books and magazines as resources for your presentations.  The top presentation will be posted on the NCC flood resources Web site.

The Process

• Explain how your BMP works so that the average person can understand.  Use photos or drawings where appropriate to illustrate how the BMP works.
   
• Describe what stormwater problem your BMP addresses.
   
• Describe the pros and cons of your BMP (when does it work best, cost, ease of implementation, etc.)
   
• Describe the materials and methods for installing your BMP.
   
• Give some examples of where your BMP was used effectively.

Mid Atlantic Regional Council - Dry detention basin retrofit, Kansas City
http://www.marc.org/Environment/Water/pdfs/BMPs/39th_coachman_detention.pdf

DC Greenworks - Green roofs
http://www.dcgreenworks.org/LID/greenroofs.html