Name
Planning and Progress of Green Stormwater Infrastructure Solutions for Transportation Infrastructure in New Mexico
Date & Time
Thursday, August 31, 2023, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Sarah Ganley Antonio Griego
Description

The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) has made significant progress related to incorporating Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) solutions into transportation projects. This presentation will use project examples to highlight NMDOT GSI advancements. One of the NMDOT initiatives was to transform its regulatory focused NPDES Guidance Manual into a guidance document that includes and promotes GSI/Low Impact Development (LID) strategies for stormwater management in arid regions. This updated NPDES Manual provides education and awareness for GSI to NMDOT professionals, as well as to stakeholders throughout the state. NMDOT has built a coalition of GSI supporters and is currently working on a redesign of its General Office campus in Santa Fe to feature GSI in an effort solve on-site, as well as adjacent drainage issues. This GSI project involves extended cooperation among departments and will function as a GSI showcase project. NMDOT is also working to identify optimum locations for the benefits of GSI within NMDOT right-of-way. This process highlights a multi-disciplinary approach, which considers that wildlife crossings, potential pollinator habitat, riparian/wetland areas, and GSI are commonly found in the same areas. Maintenance planning, responsibility, and costs have been a significant challenge for GSI adoption by NMDOT. GSI requires different maintenance practices, so NMDOT has established contract maintenance funding for GSI projects as well as initiated a pilot project to establish a GSI inventory. In addition, NMDOT is currently creating a GSI maintenance field guide and checklists to assist maintenance contractors as well as NMDOT staff.

Location Name
Room A3
Full Address
Sheraton Dallas
400 Olive Street
Dallas, TX 75201
United States