The Low-Down on Low Impact Development

As defined by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, Low Impact Development (LID) refers to a variety of practices designed to mimic natural drainage to manage stormwater flow. The overarching goal is to minimize the impact of development on the natural landscape and environment. In contrast to high impact development with mostly impervious surface and grey infrastructure, these practices encourage stormwater percolation into the soil. In addition to managing stormwater volume, this helps to filter out pollutants that may be picked up by stormwater as it makes its way to natural waterways.
 
What are the Benefits of LID? 
Economic

• cut costs associated with traditional infrastructure materials (such as curb, pavement, basin outlet/inlet structures, pipe conveyance systems, culverts, etc.)
• reduce clearing/grading costs (less disturbance = less of this work)
• increase value of residential lots (larger lots with more green space/natural vegetation)
• reduce landscaping costs (working around the natural areas that are already available on-site)
• reduce pollutant loading to ground water and drinking source water (reduces water treatment process costs)
• reduce long-term life cycle costs   
  
  

Environmental

• provide habitat for local pollinators
• effective stormwater volume management to reduce stream channel erosion
• reduce downstream pollutant loading
• reduce urban heat island effect  
  
  

Aesthetic

• vegetation and flowers add aesthetic value to built landscapes
• education and recreational opportunities
• provide ecosystems that deter mosquito breeding and other pests
  
  

Can LID Techniques be Used in Warren County?
Yes! In 2020, Warren County updated its stormwater regulations and technical design guide to allow for green infrastructure practices for water quality best management such as wetlands, permeable pavements, infiltration practices, and bioretention. Not only is low impact development permissible in the county, but with the numerous benefits, it is strongly encouraged! 

BMP SPOTLIGHT: 
Rain Garden, Warren County Soil & Water Conservation District
If you have ever visited our office in Lebanon, you may have noticed this little garden next to our parking lot. What you may not have noticed is that it is a garden is designed with stormwater management in mind. It helps collect and clean water runoff from our parking lot. Feel free to stop by if you’re in the area and take a look at green infrastructure and low impact development in action! 
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Other examples of Green Infrastructure that can be used as part of a Low Impact Development plan can be found here: https://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure/what-green-infrastructure

Additional Resources
​www.warrenswcd.com/rain-gardens.html
https://www.epa.gov/nps/urban-runoff-low-impact-development
http://www.wceo.us/