Green pets

The Plains Animal Hospital and the Northeast Veterinary Referral and Emergency Hospital, located at 242 South River Street in Plains Township, Pa., were founded by Dr. Douglas Ayers, VMD. Together, these two veterinary hospitals provide services to roughly 35,000 pets across Northeastern Pennsylvania.

In 2008, the construction of their new green facility was completed, totaling 7,000 square feet, and the upgraded building opened to serve its animal clientele. After touring the building and interviewing Dr. Ayers -- eight years after he embarked on an unpredictable renovation -- it's apparent that the sustainable features and efficiency of the facility are something special.

Upon arriving at the Plains Animal Hospital, visitors take note of a large area of low-lying plants, bushes, and trees grouped together, which sometime seem to be flooded. What people may not know is that this seemingly random grouping of plants is actually a pothole wetland that was created to absorb storm water, reduce flooding, and provide habitat. Smaller wetland plants such as grasses can be found around the building and in the employee parking lot, which is designed as a green parking lot.

The green parking lot is not paved, rather, graveled and it was designed to be slightly angled so stormwater would run into the areas that contain the plants. By doing so, rainwater is absorbed instead of being dumped into the adjacent Susquehanna River, which would create more flooding and pollution issues. Another green feature of the facility that helps reduce flooding is its underground water containment system. These large holding tanks are located underneath the visitors parking lot so that when it rains, the tanks collect and hold the water and then slowly drain it.

Look for more blogs about northeastern Pennsylvania's green infrastructure and sustainable buildings in the months ahead.

Brittany Czerniakowski is an intern in PennFuture's Wilkes-Barre office. She is entering her senior year toward a B.A. in Environmental Studies at King's College, Wilkes-Barre.

Rain barrels: Helping to solve Harrisburg's stormwater problems

Last year, Harrisburg resident Jean Cutler established the Harrisburg Rain Barrel Coalition (HRBC) to lessen stormwater runoff in the city that contributes significant pollution to local streams and the Susquehanna River and causes localized flooding and sewer overflows. Rain barrels are a simple, cost-effective option for managing stormwater and can be easily attached to downspouts to capture roof runoff. The stored water can be used to water plants and gardens and can help reduce water bills. 

Image: Harrisburg Rain Barrel Coalition

Over the past year, the HRBC has held multiple workshops at various locations throughout the city, culminating in the well-attended Rain Barrel Festival. During these workshops, participants learn how to install and maintain their rain barrels and they also learn about their role in water quality protection and stormwater management. The Coalition uniquely combines artistic expression with environmental issues and allows workshop participants to have fun while creating awareness, as each participant can personalize their barrel. 
 

Image:Harrisburg Rain Barrel Coalition

But the HRBC is more than just rain barrels. By engaging and educating citizens and local government, the Coalition is working to develop and implement multiple green infrastructure practices, such as rain gardens, green roofs, permeable pavers, and increased urban tree planting. All of these practices reduce polluted runoff more cost-effectively than traditional methods and provide additional benefits including neighborhood beautification and increased property values. The HRBC also participated in the planning and presentation of the 2013 Environmental Leadership Training program, which consisted of 8 courses and graduated 24 environmental stewards and advocates.

There are plans for future rain barrel workshops, a demonstration rain garden, and additional environmental leadership training. Upcoming HRBC events include a tree planting in Harrisburg and rain barrel painting at the upcoming Wetlands Festival at Wildwood Park. To learn more about the HRBC or to volunteer, contact Jean Cutler at jecutler32 at gmail dot com.

Effective stormwater management is essential to meeting Pennsylvania’s pollution limits under the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). Periodically, we will feature the work of other clean water advocates in the watershed as we work toward mutual goals and explore collaboration.

Jen Quinn is central Pennsylvania outreach coordinator for PennFuture and is based in Harrisburg. She specializes in water quality issues.