Combined Sewer Overflow Mitigation Using Green Roofs and Their Potential Implementation in Milwaukee

Abstract

Combined sewer overflows are a problem in cities such as Portland, Washington D.C., and Milwaukee. Combined sewer overflows are detrimental to local waterways because they pose a threat to local species populations from the human waste poured into the waterways and other pollutants that are carried in storm runoff. One solution to mitigate storm runoff is the implementation of green roofs to help absorb rainwater and delay runoff from entering the sewers. The potential of runoff mitigation through the use of green roofs was studied and analyzed to see if this type of construction can be implemented in a cost effective manner in Milwaukee. The data suggests that green roofs can lessen the frequency of sewer overflows and can be constructed economically in Milwaukee.