Health Impact Assessment of the Boone Boulevard Green Street Project in the Proctor Creek Watershed of Atlanta, GA

Proctor Creek is one of the most impaired creeks in metro-Atlanta due to exceedance of state water quality standards for fecal coliforms. The topography, prevalence of impervious surfaces in the watershed, and a strained combined sewer system have contributed to pervasive flooding in the Proctor Creek communities and created environmental, public health, economic, and redevelopment issues.  The City of Atlanta selected a green infrastructure (GI) project to implement in the Proctor Creek Watershed to address some of the flooding and water quality issues. GI uses natural hydrologic features to manage stormwater. The City’s pending decision to implement GI along a portion of Joseph E. Boone Street in the Proctor Creek Watershed provided the opportunity to raise awareness of direct and indirect health benefits of GI solutions. EPA partnered with stakeholders to conduct a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) of the Boone Boulevard GI project. HIA is a process that uses scientific data, health expertise, and stakeholder input to factor public health considerations into the decision-making process. The HIA examined potential health impacts in the community within one-half mile of the project, which consists of predominately low-income and minority populations. Probable impacts of GI identified through the HIA included reduced localized storm flooding, improved air quality, improved accessibility for walking and biking, increased social cohesion, improved disease vector control, and more opportunity for employment through construction and maintenance of GI. The HIA provided recommendations to the City that promoted the positive health benefits and minimized potential adverse health effects of the project.