Combating Environmental Racism Through Stormwater Retrofit Project Prioritization

Stormwater retrofits that include green infrastructure are important tools in creating more equitable and environmentally-enhanced cities for communities experiencing environmental racism. Underserved communities within large municipalities often have denser populations and fewer open spaces. Due to aging infrastructure, these areas can also be more prone to flooding and sewer overflows. This leaves these populations more vulnerable to the ill effects of the environment than more affluent populations. Stormwater retrofits incorporating green infrastructure replicate natural systems by creating open, green spaces. These types of projects, particularly when project prioritization informed by environmental equity is incorporated, work to correct environmental inequity, improve water quality, reduce flooding, promote health, and increase community interaction and cohesion within these underserved communities. Stormwater practitioners are in an ideal position to invite change and promote innovation that benefits those impacted by environmental racism.