The University Area Joint Authority (UAJA), as part of its ongoing effort to manage water quality in the Spring Creek Watershed, selected RETTEW to implement its program to invest in green infrastructure for the reduction of nutrient-based pollution resulting from non-point sources. Inclusive of urban stormwater and agricultural pollution, UAJA is investing in innovative techniques in stormwater management including porous pavement, riparian buffers, bioswales, and conversion of urban lands to riparian constructed wetlands and forests.

As part of the program implementation, RETTEW identifies potential projects, evaluates appropriate best management practices, designs the improvements, oversees construction, and manages the Nutrient Offset Certification process. Due in part to our unique skillset in nutrient credit trading and offset generation, RETTEW worked with the Central Office of the Department of Environmental Protection to enable UAJA to develop a program that creates nitrogen and phosphorus credit offsets from urban stormwater for use in a Municipal Wastewater NPDES Discharge Permit. This innovative application of nutrient credit trading and offset generation allows these non-tradable offsets to foster continued growth in the Centre Region and UAJA to meet its stringent discharge limits. Additionally, this program creates a broader set of stakeholders for the successful implementation of MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) programs and policies and fosters collaboration between UAJA and the various municipal entities that are responsible for MS4 planning.