The Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission (PVSC) has partnered with Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) Water Resources Program to pilot a Green Infrastructure Municipal Outreach and Technical Assistance Program. It is designed to provide guidance and direction to the 48 municipalities in the PVSC service area regarding the benefits and opportunities of implementing green infrastructure practices.

When rain falls in undeveloped areas, the water is absorbed and filtered by soil and plants.  However, when rain falls on paved streets and surfaces, the water cannot soak into the ground, resulting in flooding, water quality issues, and more.  Storm water is a major cause of water pollution. Green Infrastructure practices uses natural systems to infiltrate water back into the soil or to detain water during the peak of the storm, thereby reducing the amount of storm-water runoff.

In August 2015, PVSC and RCE addressed this concern at the Lincoln Middle School in Kearny. In partnership with this school’s community, a brand new outdoor classroom, rain garden and rainwater harvesting system were installed. PVSC staff worked tirelessly to clear, clean, build and assemble this space.

PVSC’s River Restoration staff expended nearly 35 man days constructing this space. This included everything from de-paving and excavating to create the rain garden, to designing and assembling the custom outdoor classroom benches and teachers podium, which were all made from trees removed from the Passaic River.

After the installation and an opening ceremony, students participated in gardening and planting activities in the courtyard, and had a chance to enjoy the outdoor classroom and greenhouse.

Lincoln Middle School (Kearny) Project photos