Benefits of Low Impact Development

As Low Impact Development captures and releases stormwater, it filters pollutants from runoff, thus cleaning it before it enters natural waterways. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies demonstrate the effectiveness of Low Impact Development for removing pollutants, such as metals, nutrients, sediments, and pathogens from stormwater.

The National Resource Defense Council analyzed 17 Low Impact Development case studies comparing the cost of Low Impact Development and conventional stormwater management practices. In most cases, Low Impact Development methods were both economically and environmentally beneficial, with capital cost savings ranging from 15 to 18 percent.

The savings can be attributed to

• Decreasing the amount of site grading and preparation;
• Decreasing the si]e of stormwater management ponds and storm sewers;
• Reducing pipes, inlet structures, curbs, and gutters; and
• Decreasing the volume of concrete for roadway paving.

Low Impact Development can reduce the need for large detention facilities and heavy stormwater infrastructure, like pipes. By reducing the size and costs of stormwater management facilities, more land and more capital become available to develop additional units or public amenities, like parks, on the site.

Conventional stormwater conveyance systems carry stormwater runoff into pipes that drain the site as quickly as possible. This has the potential to overwhelm infrastructure and cause flash floods. However, Low Impact Development systems are designed to capture and retain water on-site, allowing runoff to soak into the ground and/or slowly discharge from the site.

Low Impact Development features not only manage stormwater, but can serve as a public amenity. For example, a trail system can meander around a bioswale or wetlands, and other natural features can be preserved as open space.

If Low Impact Development is designed to maximize its dual functionality as stormwater infrastructure and an attractive, natural amenity, then Low Impact Development can increase property values and the marketability of developments. Studies reveal that lots in Low Impact Development neighborhoods sell for $3,000 more than lots in competing areas not using Low Impact Development.

Protect site and regional water quality

Preserve on-site hydrologic systems

Preserve trees and natural vegetation

Reduce potential for flooding impacts

Create and preserve open space

Balance urban growth needs with environmental protections

Reduce impact on public stormwater infrastructure

Reduce potential for flooding impacts

Reduce system-wide municipal infrastructure and utility maintenance costs

Reduce land clearing and grading

Increase quality of building lots and project marketability

Increase number of units due to less land needed for detention ponds

Reduce infrastructure costs (stormwater conveyance and treatment systems, roads, streets, and curbs and gutters)

Preserve or create natural amenities that can increase property values

Save money via water conservation

Reduce potential for flooding impacts