Low Impact Development (LID)

Definition

Low Impact Development (LID) refers to a set of land use planning and engineering practices designed to manage stormwater runoff while minimizing environmental impact. LID techniques emphasize the integration of natural processes in managing stormwater, reducing flooding, and enhancing water quality. By mimicking natural hydrology, LID helps protect water resources and maintain the health of ecosystems in urban settings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. LID practices can significantly reduce the volume of stormwater runoff, which helps minimize flooding and erosion in urban areas.
2. Common LID strategies include bioretention areas, green roofs, and swales that filter and slow down stormwater before it enters waterways.
3. Implementing LID can improve groundwater recharge by allowing rainwater to percolate into the soil instead of running off into storm drains.
4. LID is often more cost-effective than traditional stormwater management methods, as it can reduce the need for expensive drainage systems and treatment facilities.
5. By using native plants in LID designs, these systems can enhance local biodiversity while providing habitat for wildlife.

Review Questions

• How does Low Impact Development (LID) differ from traditional stormwater management techniques?
  • Low Impact Development (LID) differs from traditional stormwater management by focusing on decentralized approaches that mimic natural processes. While traditional methods often involve directing stormwater to centralized systems like sewers or treatment facilities, LID integrates techniques like bioretention and permeable surfaces that manage runoff where it falls. This shift not only reduces flooding but also improves water quality by filtering pollutants through natural systems.
• Evaluate the benefits of using green infrastructure within the context of Low Impact Development (LID).
  • Green infrastructure plays a crucial role in Low Impact Development (LID) by enhancing the functionality of natural systems to manage stormwater. The benefits include improved water quality through pollutant filtration, increased biodiversity through habitat creation, and reduced urban heat effects. Furthermore, green infrastructure elements like rain gardens and green roofs can provide aesthetic improvements to urban landscapes while contributing to community resilience against flooding.
• Assess the long-term implications of adopting Low Impact Development (LID) practices on urban planning and ecosystem health.
  • Adopting Low Impact Development (LID) practices has significant long-term implications for urban planning and ecosystem health. By integrating natural hydrological processes into urban design, LID promotes sustainable development that minimizes environmental degradation and enhances resilience to climate change impacts. Over time, these practices can lead to improved water quality in local waterways, healthier urban ecosystems, and reduced costs associated with traditional stormwater management infrastructures. Ultimately, LID fosters a more harmonious relationship between urban environments and nature.

Related terms

Green Infrastructure: A network of natural and semi-natural systems that provide environmental benefits, including the management of stormwater and enhancement of urban resilience.

Rain Gardens:

Landscaped areas designed to capture and absorb rainwater runoff from impervious surfaces, promoting infiltration and improving water quality.

Permeable Pavement: A type of pavement that allows water to pass through it, enabling infiltration into the ground rather than runoff into storm drains.