Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Native plantings at East Grand Rapids, MI Community Center.
development, urban redevelopment, and in limited space applications such as
along transportation corridors.
How does LID work?
LID strives to replicate virtually all components of the natural water cycle by:
• Minimizing total runoff volume
• Controlling peak rate of runoff
• Maximizing infiltration and groundwater recharge
• Maintaining stream baseflow
• Maximizing evapotranspiration
• Protecting water quality.
Stormwater management historically focused on managing the flood effects
from larger storms. Exclusive reliance on peak rate control prevents flooding, but
doesn't protect streams and water quality. Thorough stormwater management
should target infrequent large storms, as well as the much more frequent, smaller
storms.
With the change in land surface generated by land development, not only
does the peak rate of runoff increase, but the total volume of runoff also often
dramatically increases. LID focuses on both peak rates and total volumes of
runoff. LID application techniques are designed to hold constant peak rates of
runoff for larger storms and prevent runoff volume increases for the much more
frequent, smaller storms. Thus, the natural flow pattern is kept in better balance,
avoiding many of the adverse impacts associated with stormwater runoff.
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