Green Infrastructure in Newark,NJ

Reflecting on the success of the Green Infrastructure in Newark Symposium, we are thrilled to share the highlights and insights from this inspiring event. The symposium featured a dynamic lineup of talks and presentations, followed by a stimulating panel discussion that addressed critical issues in the world of urban green infrastructure. The day was not only a platform for knowledge sharing but also a hub for networking and collaboration, all set against the backdrop of a delightful lunch. With attendees representing various organizations, the event showcased the city's dedication to a more sustainable and resilient future. Join us as we explore the key takeaways and exciting developments in the world of green infrastructure that emerged from this transformative gathering.

Symposium Highlights

Welcoming Remarks by host Dr. Michel Boufadel
1. Sustainable Newark City
2. Significance of Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Environmental Issues
3. Low impact development (LID), modeling, runoff across Newark
4. Microplastics measured in Newark’s stormwater. Using Green Infrastructure to capture microplastics
5. Advances in Green Infrastructure in Newark and New Jersey
6. Stormwater quality management using Green Infrastructure
7. Urban Heat Island in Newark and Climate Change
8. Community engagement and workforce development
Panel Discussion

Welcoming Remarks by host Dr. Michel Boufadel

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1. Sustainable Newark City

Mr. Jonathan Gordon discussed how land use and green infrastructure impact the city's resiliency efforts.

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2. Significance of Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Environmental Issues

The Nature Conservancy is working to address the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. The Cities Program at the Nature Conservancy is working in Newark and Paterson to center community-driven conservation in urban spaces to address extreme heat, flooding, and air quality issues. Johnny Quispe, PhD., highlighted the significance of nature-based solutions and the scalable impact of these techniques in addressing urban environmental issues while meeting community needs and creating enabling conditions for citywide impacts.

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3. Low impact development (LID), modeling, runoff across Newark

Urban stormwater flooding presents significant challenges to cities like Newark, affecting transportation and economic activities. To address this issue, numerical simulations were conducted to predict flood depth and duration at different sites in Newark and to assess the performance of green infrastructures in mitigating flooding. These preliminary results lay the foundation for facilitating flood evaluation in urban areas, supporting green infrastructure planning and implementation.

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4. Microplastics measured in Newark’s stormwater. Using Green Infrastructure to capture microplastics

Urban areas play a significant role in generating microplastics through increased vehicular and human activities, making urban runoff a key source of MP pollution in receiving waterways. The presentation will cover field study findings from stormwater runoff on Newark streets and how Green Infrastructure could be a potential solution to retain microplastics from stormwater.

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5. Advances in Green Infrastructure in Newark and New Jersey

Dr. Christopher Obropta shared his experience of designing and installing green infrastructure throughout New Jersey. For the City of Newark’s Combined Sewer Overflow Long-term Control Plan, green infrastructure is being proposed. Dr. Obropta further discussed the process of identifying project locations in Newark and sharing information on projects that have already been designed for the City.

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6. Stormwater quality management using Green Infrastructure

Stormwater runoff often carries elevated levels of pollutants, particularly suspended solids, nutrients, and heavy metals, posing significant threats to surface water quality upon their discharge to water bodies. This problem is more acute in coastal states like New Jersey with environmentally vulnerable bays and estuaries. To sustainably address the environmental concerns, innovative yet cost-effective and environmentally friendly water treatment solutions are needed. Several green technologies have been developed that can be easily retrofitted in existing green infrastructures and low impact developments, making them capable of filtering stormwater pollutants at the source.

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7. Urban Heat Island in Newark and Climate Change

Urban heat islands interact synergistically with extreme heat waves to increase the health risk in cities. Here we will overview the drivers of these phenomena and their interactions, and then examine potential solutions. The focus will be on the combination of novel and conventional solutions into portfolios that can deliver the risk reduction needed in cities.

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8. Community engagement and workforce development

NewarkDIG is committed to educating and empowering our resident and business community about flooding and toxicity hazards of stormwater as well as available solutions. Stormwater management with strategic use of gray and green infrastructure and responsible land use policy are necessary to create a vibrant and sustainable Newark for current and future generations.

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Panel Discussion

The panel discussion at the Green Infrastructure in Newark Symposium was a pivotal moment, where thought leaders and experts engaged in a robust exchange of ideas and insights. The panelists delved into the challenges and opportunities in implementing green infrastructure in Newark, exploring topics ranging from urban planning and policy to the practical aspects of design and construction. Attendees were treated to a wealth of knowledge as the panelists shared their experiences, providing valuable guidance for those looking to make a positive impact on the city's sustainability initiatives. This interactive discussion encouraged collaborative thinking and offered a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of green infrastructure in urban environments.

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Events hosted by CNR at NJIT

For more information, Contact:
Dr. Michel Boufadel
Director of Center for Natural Resources, NJIT
boufadel@njit.edu
973-596-5657