Webb Bridge Park Water Quality Enhancement Project Winner of 2016 Integrated Water Resources Management Award from American Water Resources Association
(PRWEB) October 24, 2016 -- The American Water Resources Association (AWRA) is pleased to announce that the Webb Bridge Park Water Quality Enhancement Project of the City of Alpharetta, GA, is the 2016 winner of the Association's prestigious Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Award.
The award will be presented during the Annual Awards Luncheon at the Association's Annual Water Resources Conference, November 16, 2016, Florida Hotel and Conference Center, Orlando.
“Alpharetta is excited to learn that our project has been recognized by the American Water Resources Association,” says Jill Bazinet, Senior Stormwater Engineer, City of Alpharetta, Public Works Department. “Using the Integrated Water Resources Management approach was vital to the project’s success. Alpharetta is proud that Webb Bridge Park and its innovative stormwater projects can join past recipients and serve as an example for collaborative environmentally sustainable projects.”
In 2011, following a dredging operation at Lake Windward, the Windward Community Services Association approached the city with concerns about suspended sediment leaving the park and depositing in the lake. The city’s response to this inquiry included the formation of a team to address concerns, completion of a drainage study, construction of a number of innovative stormwater measures, and introduction of an education program. These items make up the key elements of the Webb Bridge Park Water Quality Enhancement Project.
Neighborhood community groups, residents, city staff, scientists, and designers came together to improve the environmental impacts of a large city park on the downstream creeks and ultimately on the recreational lake. The project expanded beyond the boundaries of one municipal department. It was not just a stormwater project or a parks project, it was a community project. The team sought input from neighboring property owners, recreation and parks maintenance staff, park patrons, and the Recreation Commission. By doing this, the resulting projects had wide spread support.
“Alpharetta has already adopted this planning and coordination method for other city park projects,” Bazinet continues. “Studies and designs are underway to include bioretention ponds, runoff reduction, environmental education, and stream restoration throughout the city. "
AWRA will also present several other awards during the November 16th Luncheon, including:
Sandor C. Csallany Institutional Award for Exemplary Contributions to Water Resources: Orange County Water District
William R. Boggess Award: Joanna Endter-Wada, Enjie Li, Shujuan Li, all with Utah State University, Paper Title: "Characterizing and Contextualizing the Water Challenges of Megacities,” JAWRA 2015
Outstanding AWRA State Section Award: Florida State Section
Outstanding AWRA Student Chapter Award: University of Florida Student Chapter
Fellow Member Inductees: Carol Collier and Michael Lilly
AWRA Awards
Each year, the American Water Resources Association gives several awards and scholarships. Nominations for 2016 will open in the new year. For more information visit the AWRA Annual Awards page,IWRM Award page, or the AWRA Scholarships page.
About AWRA
Since 1964, the American Water Resources Association has been dedicated to the advancement of water resources management, research and education, as well as a balanced approach toward solving water resources challenges. AWRA’s membership is comprised of professionals who share a common interest in working and learning across a wide range of disciplines focused on water resources policy, practice and education. Visit AWRA.
Christine McCrehin, American Water Resources Association, http://www.awra.org, +1 (540) 687-8390, [email protected]
Share this article