Across the country, we're building new neighborhoods, office parks, hospitals, and more. Using low-impact development methods is one way to "Respect to Connect" understanding that everything we do affects our neighbors.
Low impact development involves planning and engineering designs that mimic natural processes to manage stormwater runoff and protect water quality. In natural areas, only 10% of rainfall converts to runoff into streams and rivers. Much of the stormwater is infiltrated into the ground. Non-porous surfaces such as roofs, parking lots, roads, and even manicured lawns increased stormwater runoff by up to 500%. This extra water overwhelms wetlands and streams causing not only increased flooding but also head cuts and significant stream bank erosion that threatens buildings roads and sanitation systems. The suspended sediments can pollute downstream rivers lakes and bays. By installing bio-retention ponds, constructed stormwater wetlands, bioswales, permeable pavement, and other LID elements, not only will development be more physically attractive, it will also help prevent big problems downstream