Cold Climate Center of Excellence for Stormwater Infrastructure Technology (CCCESIT)

Project Summary

Cold climates present a special challenge for stormwater management, including the difficulty in monitoring and reduction of performance in green infrastructure during winter months, and the prevalence and impact of road salt (sodium chloride) in streams, lakes, and groundwater. These challenges will be addressed by a Cold Climate Center of Excellence for Stormwater Control Infrastructure Technology (CCCESIT) at the University of New Hampshire and University of Minnesota, collaborating and partnering as one center. The initial CCCESIT program, with eight key personnel, houses two research projects, eight technical assistance activities, and five collaboration activities. The outputs of CCCESIT include an increased number of classes offered at community and technical colleges related to implementation of new and existing stormwater infrastructure technologies and funding mechanisms; regional partnerships with community organizations and educational institutions to address stormwater infrastructure needs as well as financing mechanisms; and published documents, presentations, and workshops. Outcomes of CCCESIT will include an increased number of trained stormwater professionals, increased awareness about stormwater control technologies amongst professionals in cold climate regions of the United States, enhanced sustainable regional collaborations that support the long-term stormwater regional needs, an increased number of communities (especially small, rural, Tribal, underserved, and/or disadvantaged communities) that receive information on stormwater technology and financing opportunities for infrastructure projects, and more and stronger involvement by local community groups to increase support for projects relevant to the local communities. The University of Minnesota and the University of New Hampshire co-lead the Cold Climate Center of Excellence for Stormwater Infrastructure Technology (CCCESIT), a collaborative effort including the National Municipal Stormwater Alliance. The CCCESIT conducts cold-climate stormwater research and provides technical assistance to stormwater communities. Research is conducted at both lead universities. The two initial research projects for the CCCESIT are biofiltration (rain garden) media improvement to retain pollutants and road salt reduction strategies. CCCESIT's work will also include technical assistance and education for stormwater researchers in both the public and private sectors, as well as the greater community. Additionally, the center provides webinars, workshops, and training. A Technical Advisory Committee includes experts from across the country.