Low-impact development, refers to an approach to stormwater management that improves water quality by reducing the amount of pollution from stormwater that enters our creeks and rivers. It can also be referred to as a Post Construction Best Management Practice (BMP). Impervious surfaces like parking lots and buildings impair our streams by increasing the amount of stormwater runoff that enters waterways. This runoff includes car oil, litter, gasoline, and other contaminants.
The increased runoff further impairs waterways by contributing to erosion, stream incision, and sedimentation. Water quality and habitat for aquatic life is ultimately compromised. The term used to describe how development increases runoff is called “hydromodification.” By ensuring future development is constructed in a manner that reduces these impacts, water quality can be improved.
For further information visit our Low Impact Development page or contact Rebecca Taber.