Low impact development

Definition

Low impact development (LID) is an approach to land use planning and stormwater management that emphasizes conservation and use of natural landscape features to manage water and mitigate environmental impacts. This strategy reduces the volume and rate of stormwater runoff by utilizing techniques such as green roofs, rain gardens, permeable pavements, and bio-retention areas, helping to control both point source and nonpoint source pollution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Low impact development aims to mimic natural hydrology by managing rainfall on-site to reduce runoff and promote groundwater recharge.
2. LID techniques are often more cost-effective over time than traditional stormwater management systems that rely heavily on pipe networks and treatment plants.
3. Implementing LID can improve water quality by filtering pollutants through vegetation and soil before they reach waterways.
4. Low impact development strategies are designed to be adaptable to different environments, making them applicable in urban, suburban, and rural settings.
5. Community engagement and education are essential components in the successful implementation of low impact development practices.

Review Questions

• How does low impact development help in managing stormwater runoff compared to traditional methods?
  • Low impact development helps manage stormwater runoff by using natural features and green technologies to absorb and filter rainwater on-site. Unlike traditional methods that often rely on large pipe systems and treatment facilities, LID promotes infiltration, evaporation, and transpiration. This reduces the volume of runoff entering waterways, thereby minimizing the risk of flooding and water pollution. Techniques like green roofs and permeable pavements play a crucial role in this sustainable approach.
• Discuss the role of green infrastructure within the framework of low impact development in controlling both point source and nonpoint source pollution.
  • Green infrastructure is integral to low impact development as it uses natural systems to filter pollutants from both point source and nonpoint source pollution. For instance, rain gardens capture stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces, allowing it to infiltrate through soil layers that naturally filter out contaminants. Similarly, bio-retention areas are designed to treat runoff before it reaches local waterways. By incorporating these elements into urban planning, LID can significantly improve water quality in surrounding ecosystems.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of low impact development as a long-term solution for urban areas facing increasing stormwater challenges due to climate change.
  • Low impact development is a highly effective long-term solution for urban areas grappling with stormwater challenges exacerbated by climate change. As rainfall patterns become more intense and frequent due to climate shifts, LID practices enhance a city's resilience by reducing peak runoff rates and promoting groundwater recharge. By incorporating features such as green roofs and permeable surfaces into urban design, cities not only mitigate flooding risks but also improve biodiversity and create healthier living environments. Ultimately, LID represents a sustainable adaptation strategy that aligns urban development with environmental stewardship.

Related terms

Stormwater Management: The practice of controlling the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff to minimize flooding, erosion, and water pollution.

Green Infrastructure: An approach that integrates natural systems into urban environments to provide environmental, social, and economic benefits, including improved water quality.

Best Management Practices (BMPs): A set of practices designed to prevent or reduce pollution from various sources, including agricultural runoff and urban stormwater.