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Front-loading urban stormwater management for success – a perspective incorporating current studies on the implementation of retrofit low-impact development
Citation:
SHUSTER, W. D., M. A. MORRISON, AND R. WEBB. Front-loading urban stormwater management for success – a perspective incorporating current studies on the implementation of retrofit low-impact development. Cities and the Environment. Urban Ecology Institute, Chestnut Hill, MA, 1(2):Article 8, 15 p, (2008).
Impact/Purpose:
To inform the public
Description:
Recent work into the implementation of low-impact development and green infrastructure suggests that a decentralized, source-control approach has the potential to significantly reduce urban stormwater runoff quantity. We posit that the factors of increasing public participation in stormwater management; application of proven source control methods to mitigate runoff formation; and science-based, comprehensive monitoring strategies are all important to the implementation of low-impact development as a retrofit approach to stormwater issues. The landscape of retrofit and stormwater management is currently dominated by demonstration projects, and some additional momentum is required to spur adoption and upscaling of low impact development (LID) practices so that the scale of this management approach can better match the scale of disturbance. This momentum may be provided in part by targeted research into effectiveness of stormwater best management practices insofar as research accounting for cost, and effectiveness (e.g., water quality benefits, and actual stormwater capture) under a variety of climate conditions. In order to realize the full benefits of decentralized, LID stormwater management practices in urban and suburban areas, a nexus must exist of a motivated and engaged citizenry, sound management practices, and follow-up monitoring. We present and discuss features, objectives, and costs of recent efforts to scale demonstration projects and broader LID initiatives from the perspective of Federal researchers and local non-governmental organizations.
