Low Impact Development (LID)

Definition

Low Impact Development (LID) is an innovative approach to land use planning and stormwater management that aims to mimic natural hydrological processes. This method emphasizes the use of green infrastructure techniques to manage rainwater where it falls, reducing runoff and minimizing environmental impacts. By integrating LID practices into land use and development, communities can improve water quality, enhance biodiversity, and promote sustainable urban growth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. LID techniques include rain gardens, bioswales, green roofs, and permeable pavements, which all work to slow down and absorb stormwater runoff.
2. Implementing LID can help mitigate the urban heat island effect by increasing vegetation cover and providing shade in urban areas.
3. LID is beneficial for enhancing local wildlife habitats, as it creates more diverse ecosystems in urban settings.
4. Incorporating LID practices into development plans can lead to cost savings by reducing the need for traditional stormwater infrastructure like retention basins.
5. Many local governments promote LID as part of their sustainability initiatives and regulatory frameworks to meet clean water standards.

Review Questions

• How does Low Impact Development (LID) contribute to effective land use planning?
  • Low Impact Development (LID) contributes to effective land use planning by promoting sustainable practices that integrate natural hydrological processes into urban environments. By managing stormwater where it falls, LID reduces runoff and prevents flooding, which can enhance the overall resilience of communities. This approach encourages the preservation of natural landscapes and biodiversity while ensuring that development meets both ecological and community needs.
• Evaluate the impact of implementing LID practices on urban water quality compared to traditional stormwater management approaches.
  • Implementing LID practices significantly improves urban water quality compared to traditional stormwater management approaches. Traditional methods often rely on centralized systems that direct runoff to treatment facilities, which can be inefficient and costly. In contrast, LID utilizes decentralized strategies that filter pollutants at the source through natural processes. This not only enhances water quality by reducing sedimentation and nutrient loading but also promotes groundwater recharge, leading to healthier ecosystems.
• Assess the long-term benefits of Low Impact Development for urban communities facing climate change challenges.
  • The long-term benefits of Low Impact Development for urban communities facing climate change challenges are substantial. By promoting resilience against extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall and flooding, LID helps communities adapt to changing climate conditions. Additionally, LID fosters biodiversity, supports urban cooling, and improves air quality, all essential factors in mitigating climate impacts. The integration of LID into urban planning not only enhances community livability but also reduces the economic burdens associated with climate-related disasters.

Related terms

Green Infrastructure: A network of natural and engineered systems designed to manage stormwater and enhance environmental quality through the use of vegetation, soils, and other natural elements.

Stormwater Management:

The practice of controlling the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff to prevent flooding, erosion, and pollution in water bodies.

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