October 2008

U.S. Water News Online

INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis officials are planning the first green roof on a city-owned building.

A wastewater, pumping, storage and disinfection facility on the city's north side will get a vegetation roof as part of overall upgrades.

Mayor Greg Ballard says green roofs will help capture stormwater run-off that otherwise would enter the city's overburdened combined sewer and drainage systems.

Stormwater not captured by the roof is filtered through the vegetation as it runs off, which officials say helps reduce the amount of pollution that ends up in waterways like the White River. Ballard says the roof will also help improve air quality and insulate buildings.