Low Impact Development

Definition

Low Impact Development (LID) is an approach to land development and stormwater management that aims to mimic natural hydrological processes, reducing runoff and improving water quality. This method incorporates a variety of techniques and practices designed to manage stormwater at its source, which helps to mitigate the negative impacts of urbanization, particularly in areas with impervious surfaces. By utilizing green infrastructure such as rain gardens, permeable pavements, and green roofs, LID not only promotes water conservation but also enhances the overall resilience of urban environments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. LID techniques can significantly reduce the volume of stormwater runoff by allowing rainwater to infiltrate into the ground rather than flowing directly into storm drains.
2. Implementing LID practices can help to filter pollutants from stormwater before they enter water bodies, improving overall water quality.
3. Low Impact Development is increasingly recognized as a best practice for managing urbanization impacts, particularly in cities with high levels of impervious surfaces.
4. The use of vegetation in LID designs helps to enhance biodiversity and provides aesthetic benefits in urban areas.
5. LID approaches are often more cost-effective in the long run compared to traditional stormwater management systems because they can reduce infrastructure costs associated with flood control.

Review Questions

• How does Low Impact Development relate to urban hydrology and the challenges posed by impervious surfaces?
  • Low Impact Development is directly related to urban hydrology as it addresses the challenges posed by impervious surfaces, which typically increase runoff and lead to flooding. By mimicking natural hydrological processes, LID practices such as rain gardens and bioswales help absorb and infiltrate rainwater, reducing the volume of runoff. This approach not only lessens the pressure on traditional drainage systems but also maintains the hydrological balance in urban areas, mitigating some of the adverse effects of urbanization.
• Discuss how Low Impact Development serves as a best management practice for improving water quality in urban settings.
  • Low Impact Development serves as a best management practice for water quality improvement by employing techniques that treat stormwater at its source before it enters larger water bodies. Methods such as vegetated swales and permeable pavements help capture and filter pollutants from runoff, significantly reducing contaminants that would otherwise impact local waterways. By enhancing infiltration and utilizing natural filtration processes, LID effectively protects aquatic ecosystems from degradation associated with urban development.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of Low Impact Development in addressing both flood mitigation and environmental sustainability in urban planning.
  • The effectiveness of Low Impact Development in addressing flood mitigation and environmental sustainability lies in its holistic approach to stormwater management. By focusing on decentralized solutions that mimic natural processes, LID reduces runoff volumes, helping to prevent flooding while also promoting groundwater recharge. Additionally, LID enhances environmental sustainability by improving water quality through natural filtration methods and creating green spaces that support biodiversity. As cities continue to grow, integrating LID into urban planning becomes crucial for balancing development needs with environmental protection.

Related terms

Green Infrastructure: A network of natural and semi-natural systems that provide ecosystem services, such as water management, biodiversity support, and urban cooling.

Stormwater Management:

The process of controlling the quantity and quality of runoff generated from rainfall events to protect water resources and reduce flooding.

Permeable Pavement: A type of pavement that allows water to pass through it, reducing surface runoff and promoting groundwater recharge.