Page 18 - Port of Baltimore - May/June 2017

[16] The Port of Baltimore ■ May/June 2017
GreenPort
Environmental Stewardship at the Port of Baltimore BY NANCY MENEFEE JACKSON
Turning to Trees
for Storm-Water Pollution Prevention
The Maryland Department of Transportation’s Maryland Port Administration (MDOT MPA) is committed to improving water quality. One way to reduce pollution in waterways is to increase the
urban tree canopy (UTC). The UTC intercepts storm water that could carry pollutants from paved surfaces to local waters. It also reduces the urban heat island effect, improves air quality, lowers energy consumption, creates a wildlife habitat and provides
community benefits such as an enhanced quality of life.
To accomplish its goal of support- ing communities and reducing storm water pollution, the MDOT MPA formed a partnership with Blue Water Baltimore (BWB) under its Forestry Program. The program is committed to increasing the region’s tree canopy by planting and maintaining 500 trees on park and school grounds and on the private property of institutions and homeowners. In return, the
MDOT MPA will receive credit for treating impervious areas as required by regulation.
“We at Blue Water Baltimore are very grateful to have such a strong partner with the MDOT MPA,” said Carl Simon, Interim Director of BWB. “This urban forestry project demonstrates how the MDOT MPA is stepping up
and investing in local, community- based projects that improve the environmental health of Baltimore.”