Low Impact Development: Managing Stormwater Runoff

Low impact development (LID) refers to a comprehensive land planning and engineering design approach to managing stormwater runoff that emphasizes conservation and the use of on-site natural features to protect water quality. According to the nonprofit Low Impact Development Center, Beltsville, Md., the goal of LID is to “maintain and enhance the pre-development hydrologic regime of urban and developing watersheds while allowing for development or infrastructure rehabilitation.”

After reading this article, you should be able to:

Understand how low impact development (LID) benefits the health, safety, and welfare of building owners, occupants, and the community.
Know what to consider to incorporate LID into sustainable design and construction strategies.
Discuss the “treatment train” and how various “best management practice” options are used to enhance project sustainability.
List the life cycle cost advantages of LID and evaluate their sustainability advantages in specific projects.

Full story and exam.

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