Low Impact Development (LID) is a land planning and engineering design approach that aims to minimize the negative impact of development on the environment. LID techniques can be used to manage stormwater runoff, reduce pollution, and protect natural resources.
One of the main goals of LID is to mimic the natural hydrology of a site, allowing water to infiltrate into the ground rather than running off into stormwater systems. LID techniques can be used in both new development and redevelopment projects.
Some examples of LID techniques include:
Green roofs: Green roofs are roofs that are covered with vegetation. They help to reduce stormwater runoff by absorbing and filtering rainwater.
Rain gardens: Rain gardens are shallow basins that are planted with native plants. They are designed to capture and filter stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces such as roofs and driveways.
Permeable pavement: Permeable pavement is a type of pavement that allows water to pass through it. This can help to reduce stormwater runoff and prevent pollution by allowing water to infiltrate into the ground rather than running off into waterways.
Rainwater harvesting: Rainwater harvesting involves collecting and storing rainwater for later use. This can help to reduce stormwater runoff and prevent pollution by reducing the amount of water that flows into stormwater systems.
In addition to these techniques, LID also emphasizes the use of natural systems, such as vegetation and soil, to manage stormwater runoff.
LID can offer a number of benefits, including reduced stormwater runoff and pollution, improved water quality, and increased habitat for wildlife. It can also be cost-effective, as LID techniques can often be implemented at a lower cost than traditional stormwater management systems.
Overall, LID is a sustainable and innovative approach to land development that can help to protect natural resources and reduce the negative impacts of development on the environment. If you're considering a development project, be sure to consider the use of LID techniques to minimize the impact on the environment.
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