When buffer strips are established, they increase the rate of time that it takes for the runoff water to get into the creek, which prevents flooding. In areas where greenways have been established, they have proven extremely successful at reducing the amount of erosion and flooding. There is great initial cost to agencies that would like to implement greenways, due to the purchasing of land and demolishing of any manmade structures within the buffer zone. The long term affects and low maintenance cost by far justify the initial expense. There is no inclusive method to assess the monetary value of environmental preservation.
Wetlands occur naturally throughout the world and support a wide variety of plant and animal life.
They act much like a sponge by soaking up and holding great quantities of water. Manmade wetlands can be created in areas of Mobile where flooding is a major concern. They also improve water quality by reducing wave action and slowing the flow of water, this lessens erosion and causes sediment to filter out of the water. Soil bioengineering, greenways, and wetlands provide long-term results to the users. Initial costs can be high, but the environmental impact of these procedures, as well as permanence and aesthetic value, are among the benefits.