Low-impact development

Definition

Low-impact development (LID) is an approach to land use planning and management that aims to minimize the environmental impact of development by managing stormwater, reducing impervious surfaces, and promoting sustainable practices. This strategy emphasizes the use of natural systems and processes to handle stormwater, which helps maintain the natural hydrology of an area and supports ecological integrity. By integrating these practices into urban design, LID enhances water quality and promotes biodiversity while also addressing issues like flooding and urban heat islands.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Low-impact development techniques include rain gardens, permeable pavements, green roofs, and bioretention areas that allow for natural infiltration of water.
2. LID practices help reduce the volume of stormwater runoff, thereby decreasing the risk of flooding and erosion in urban areas.
3. By mimicking natural hydrological processes, LID can improve groundwater recharge and maintain stream flows during dry periods.
4. Implementing low-impact development can lead to cost savings for municipalities by reducing the need for expensive traditional stormwater infrastructure.
5. LID promotes community engagement and aesthetics by creating green spaces that enhance recreational opportunities and overall quality of life.

Review Questions

• How does low-impact development contribute to sustainable land use practices?
  • Low-impact development contributes to sustainable land use practices by integrating techniques that manage stormwater effectively while minimizing ecological disruption. By using methods like rain gardens and permeable pavements, LID promotes natural infiltration of rainwater, reduces runoff volume, and helps maintain local hydrology. This approach not only supports ecosystem health but also enhances the resilience of urban areas against flooding and water quality degradation.
• Discuss the relationship between low-impact development and urban heat islands, explaining how LID can mitigate their effects.
  • Urban heat islands are areas that experience higher temperatures than their rural surroundings due to human activities and infrastructure. Low-impact development can mitigate the effects of urban heat islands by incorporating green infrastructure elements such as green roofs and trees that provide shade and promote evapotranspiration. By reducing impervious surfaces and increasing vegetation, LID not only cools urban areas but also improves air quality and enhances the urban ecosystem.
• Evaluate the long-term benefits of implementing low-impact development strategies in urban planning compared to traditional methods.
  • Implementing low-impact development strategies in urban planning offers significant long-term benefits compared to traditional methods. LID promotes sustainable water management, improves local biodiversity, reduces flooding risks, and enhances community aesthetics. Additionally, by minimizing reliance on costly gray infrastructure like detention basins, municipalities can save on maintenance expenses over time. Overall, LID fosters resilient urban environments that adapt to climate change impacts while improving the quality of life for residents.

Related terms

Green Infrastructure: A network of natural and semi-natural features that manage water and provide environmental benefits, including parks, green roofs, and wetlands.

Stormwater Management: The collection, storage, treatment, and release of stormwater runoff to reduce flooding, erosion, and pollution in receiving waters.

Sustainable Site Design: The practice of designing landscapes and urban spaces in a way that conserves resources, protects ecosystems, and supports community needs.