EPA recognizes Gainesville company

PHILADELPHIA, PA, Oct. 17, 2007 -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized Wetlands Studies and Solutions Inc. of Gainesville, Va. as a leader in building construction projects that control stormwater runoff and help protect the environment.

The company was recognized for its new office and warehouse facility that incorporates several design elements to control stormwater runoff including a green roof, rain garden, underground cistern, three types of permeable pavements, underground gravel detention, and preservation of existing open space, wetlands, and streams.

"Projects like this serve as great examples of how smart building practices can help protect the environment by controlling stormwater runoff," said Donald S. Welsh, administrator for EPA's mid Atlantic Region. "Retaining as much stormwater as possible on land -- rather than letting it run to storm drains -- can help keep harmful flows and pollutants out of our streams and rivers."

Wetlands Studies and Solutions was recognized under the Leadership In Low Impact Development Recognition Program that was created by a cooperative agreement between EPA's mid-Atlantic region and the Low Impact Development Center in Beltsville, Md. to highlight exceptional efforts in stormwater management.

Low impact development is a stormwater management strategy concerned with maintaining or restoring the natural hydrologic functions of a site to achieve natural resource protection objectives. Low impact development addresses stormwater through small, cost-effective site design and landscape.

For more information on low impact development: http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/lid/

For more information on the recognition program: www.lowimpactdevelopment.org/recognition.

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