As rainstorms and development continue to increase stormwater runoff volumes, properly managing this resource is crucial. Unchecked runoff erodes infrastructure and pollutes waterways. Though required by regulations, effective stormwater management provides ecological benefits too.
Stormwater that is not absorbed or captured flows directly into combined sewer systems or nearby bodies of water. This subjects property and public resources to flooding while transporting pollutants. Integrating proven management techniques safeguards communities and the environment. Let’s explore the best approaches to responsible stormwater management.
Understanding Stormwater Runoff
During rainstorms, unabsorbed water flows from impervious urban and suburban surfaces into sewer systems and nearby streams, picking up contaminants along the way. This runoff volume and discharge rate exceed the systems’ capabilities, resulting in flooding and pollution issues downstream. Implementing proper stormwater management aims to copy pre-development flows.
Impacts of Unmanaged Stormwater
- Flooding: Overwhelmed drainage systems damage roads, basements, and land.
- Pollution: Runoff picks up debris, chemicals, bacteria, and sediments en route to water sources.
- Erosion: High-velocity flows undermine stream banks and drainage structures.
- Property Damage: Floods risk public safety and incur expensive response and repairs.
Clearly regulated and properly executed stormwater management brings widespread public and ecological advantages. Containment and infiltration of rainfall where it falls yields multiple long-term benefits.
Evaluating Your Property’s Runoff
Identify runoff trouble spots like sloped parking lots or large flat roofs utilizing an audit. Look for ponding, erosion, and drained areas lacking permeability to understand runoff volumes. Soil testing and topography reviews estimate absorption capabilities. These early assessments inform customized solutions.
Green Infrastructure Strategies
Techniques like bio retention gardens, bios wales, rain gardens, and filtration planters provide beautiful landscaping supporting absorption. Grassy swales and permeable pavers allow infiltration versus sealing surfaces. Rooftop gardens, rain barrels, and cisterns harvest stormwater for reuse. Vegetation naturally filters and reduces runoff.
Detention and Retention Systems
From dry wells to underground vaults and above-ground ponds or wetlands, these structures provide temporary storage slowing release rates. Combined with slow drainage designs, velocity and volumes reaching waterways shrink considerably. Multi-purpose spaces create wildlife habitat and community assets.
5 Steps in the Stormwater Management Process
- Assessment
Evaluate the site to understand stormwater drainage patterns, source areas, flow paths, and existing drainage infrastructure. Identify problems caused by runoff.
- Planning
Develop a stormwater management plan with specific performance goals. Select appropriate best management practices (BMPs) based on site constraints and stormwater needs.
- Design
Use hydrologic modeling and engineering designs to lay out the stormwater controls, specifying materials and construction details. Include long-term maintenance plans.
- Installation
As construction progresses, install the BMPs like swales, ponds, rain gardens, etc according to the approved design plans.
- Maintenance and Monitoring
Inspect practices periodically and after major storms. Remove debris and sediment. Repair as needed. Monitor water quality improvements over time to evaluate effectiveness. Modify the plan as required to continuously protect water resources.
Conclusion
With proactive planning, green infrastructure and development policies controlling stormwater become hugely impactful in mitigating flooding and improving water quality. Interconnected properties adopt nature-based systems tailored to available space through responsible stormwater management practices preventing pollution at its source. Coordinated community solutions offer extensive environmental and social rewards for generations.