Floodplains, Stormwater and Climate Resilience

Floodplains are our watershed's natural buffer from the impacts of flooding as they absorb and filter water. But when floodplains are developed, we permanently lose those ecosystem benefits. In Oregon, many of our floodplains are developed for industrialized uses, which often means that heavy metals, oils and toxins flow directly into rivers and streams, worsening flood impacts and degrading water quality. 

On this episode of Locus Focus, we talk with Mary Stites, Staff Attorney with Northwest Environmental Defense Center, about how when we protect floodplains, we reduce stormwater pollution and strengthen climate resilience.