Low Impact Development (LID) Stormwater doesn't have to be a Headache

Summary

This video highlights the importance of Low Impact Development (LID) in urban planning, focusing on its role in managing stormwater runoff and protecting water quality. LID practices, such as bio-retention ponds, permeable pavement, and green infrastructure, not only enhance the beauty of developments but also reduce flooding and erosion. The video emphasizes the economic and environmental benefits of LID, showcasing how it can save municipalities money, improve property values, and promote sustainable urban growth. With real-world examples, it demonstrates how these practices make a significant positive impact on communities and businesses.

Takeaways

• 😀 Low Impact Development (LID) mimics natural processes to manage stormwater runoff and protect water quality.
• 😀 Only 10% of rainfall converts to runoff, but non-porous surfaces like roads and parking lots can increase runoff by up to 500%.
• 😀 Increased stormwater runoff can cause flooding, erosion, and pollute downstream water bodies like rivers, lakes, and bays.
• 😀 LID solutions like bio-retention ponds, permeable pavement, and stormwater wetlands help reduce the impact of stormwater runoff.
• 😀 Municipalities can save money and improve quality of life by implementing LID practices to mitigate flooding and stormwater issues.
• 😀 LID makes sense from a business perspective as it reduces long-term costs related to stormwater management.
• 😀 Research shows that properties built with LID practices are more desirable and command higher prices in the market.
• 😀 Incorporating green infrastructure such as trees, plants, and natural features helps make neighborhoods more attractive.
• 😀 LID practices streamline the permitting process by reducing runoff and can lower long-term maintenance costs compared to traditional stormwater solutions.
• 😀 LID is environmentally friendly, combining green spaces and functional designs that improve aesthetics and preserve natural areas.
• 😀 By incorporating LID, municipalities not only enhance environmental outcomes but also provide economic and social benefits to the community.

Q & A

What is Low Impact Development (LID)?

Low Impact Development (LID) refers to planning and engineering practices that mimic natural processes to manage stormwater runoff and protect water quality in natural areas.

How does urban development increase stormwater runoff?

Urban development increases stormwater runoff by introducing non-porous surfaces such as roofs, parking lots, roads, and even manicured lawns, which can increase runoff by up to 500%.

What are some of the environmental impacts of excess stormwater runoff?

Excess stormwater runoff can overwhelm wetlands and streams, causing flooding, stream bank erosion, and pollution of downstream rivers, lakes, and bays.

What are some examples of LID practices that help manage stormwater runoff?

Examples of LID practices include bio-retention ponds, constructed stormwater wetlands, bioswales, permeable pavement, and other green infrastructure elements.

How does LID benefit municipalities financially?

LID makes good business sense for municipalities because it helps reduce the costs associated with poor stormwater management, such as flooding and quality-of-life issues, leading to lower long-term costs.

Why are LID developments more desirable in the real estate market?

Research shows that neighborhoods designed with LID practices are more desirable and demand higher prices than those without, due to the aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits of green infrastructure.

How does LID affect the permitting process for development projects?

LID can streamline the permitting process by reducing the amount of runoff associated with a development, making it easier to meet regulatory requirements and reducing the complexity of stormwater management.

What impact does LID have on long-term maintenance costs?

Research indicates that LID projects often have lower maintenance costs compared to traditional stormwater management systems, due to their more sustainable and natural designs.

How does LID preserve natural features in development projects?

LID helps preserve natural features, such as trees and wetlands, by integrating green spaces and stormwater management into the design, as seen in the Point Place subdivision, which preserved live oaks and other trees.

How does LID contribute to the aesthetic value of a community?

LID practices incorporate plants, trees, ponds, and other natural elements into the landscape, making the community more visually appealing while also serving functional stormwater management purposes.