Kansas City Star SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2007

Mission continues native grass project

Switchgrass, big bluestem and buffalo grass in the 'burbs? The Kansas prairie natives may be more fitting than you think.

Mission is moving forward with a storm water effort called biomass, a concept that calls for planting strategically located berms and swales with deep rooted native grasses. The plants filter pollutants from storm water, their roots prevent erosion, and the underlying soil soaks up water.

In contrast, asphalt simply shoots water still laden with pollutants - downstream too rapidly to be controlled.

Mission has been working with Kansas State University for more than a year to lay groundwork for the effort. The City Council this week renewed an agreement with K-State to continue the project.

Researchers will probably do up to two more years of testing before any earth is moved. After construction, they will monitor water quality for several years as plantings take root.

Sara Stites, sstites@kcstar.com