The Stormwater Blog 

The intent of LEED Sustainable Sites Credit 6.2 is “to limit disruption and pollution of natural water flows by managing stormwater runoff,” and the requirements necessary for meeting this intent are clearly spelled out: capture 90% of the average annual rainfall and treat it by removing 80% of the total suspended solids (TSS). While the rating system does not define TSS it does recommend reliance on field monitoring data that is compliant with the Technology Acceptance Reciprocity Partnership (TARP) protocol or the Technology Acceptance Protocol-Ecology (TAPE) when screening stormwater best management practices (BMPs). Seemingly straightforward, but...

VIDEO POST
This short video explains how rainwater harvesting is a logical and feasible approach to managing stormwater runoff using example usage for a typical commercial office building.

 If more than one type of infiltration system meets your project requirements, your decision may be cost driven. It’s important to maximize the storage efficiency in the available space at the lowest possible cost.  Here's a cost comparison of CMP and chambers...

With LID, not all solutions are created equal. There is a hierarchy in the regulations for what is the preferred technology. So it’s not so much is it approved or not approved… there are certain preferred technologies that must be considered first, and if that doesn’t work, you consider the next option in preference. This is a huge difference in conventional stormwater regulations, which says technologies must be approved by state of local jurisdictions – and then everything is on a level playing field. 

Water is necessary for economic growth, a healthy environment and vibrant communities for future generations. With gridlock in Washington and broken budgets at all levels of government, it may not seem like the right time to make broad changes in water management policy. But change is happening and the catalyst for that change is stormwater management policy and Low Impact Development (LID).

Inspection and maintenance are key factors for making sure that your biofiltration box is performing as designed and achieving the required water quality standards.  Here are a few things to keep in mind...