Using Landscape Design to Keep Storm Water On-Site
Keeping Storm Water On-Site Using Landscape Design
Here in California, we've always been at the forefront of the environmental movement. Practicing sustainable construction techniques has been a part of our culture since the 1960s. Today, these practices have become more important than ever as we deal with the dual challenges of a growing population and a troubled environment.
Taking a Low-Impact Development (LID) strategy for stormwater control and land use that strives to mimic natural hydrological processes is not only smart in most areas of the state, but it's also mandated.
Basically, LID is a form of Best Management Practice, which is any program, technology, operational method, process, engineered systems, or measures that, when implemented, prevent, control, remove or reduce pollution.
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Landscape design falls under both of these umbrellas. Landscape design is a Best Management Practice that can help to remove, prevent and control stormwater pollution. It is also an LID strategy that emphasizes conservation by using on-site natural features, innovative site planning, and integrating innovative stormwater management practices into a home's landscaping and hardscape.
In this post, we're going to look at some methods, materials, and landscaping tips to help control stormwater and reduce stormwater pollution.
Why Low-Impact Development Is Needed
Back in the days before urban development, Santa Cruz and the Central Coast was mostly open land. As much as 50% of rainwater infiltrated into the soil, replenishing groundwater and sustaining native vegetation. Another 40% was released into the atmosphere through evaporation, and only about 10% contributed to stormwater runoff.
Fast forward to today, and development throughout the Central Coast means there are more impervious surfaces (areas that do not allow water to pass through). These include streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and roofs. This hardscape has significantly increased the amount and rate of stormwater runoff.
Increased runoff can cause flooding and increase erosion. Additionally, runoff from an urban area also carries pollutants that can include bacteria, oils, metals, pesticides, and other trash that can negatively impact aquatic environments, unsafe for recreation use, and dangerous to wildlife.
The Goals of Low-Impact Development
Today, one of the major goals of any environmental program, strategy, or technique is improving the local ecosystem's health. Another goal is reducing stormwater flows and improving water quality.
The use of LID strategies can help protect and enhance the quality of the rivers, creeks, and watershed on the Central Coast of California. This strategy takes a “site design” approach that uses techniques to slow and infiltrate stormwater, mimicking the pre-development hydrology. LID can be applied to new development or redevelopment projects to meet stormwater regulations, reduce flooding downstream and protect our valuable natural resources.
In a low-impact development strategy, the management of rainwater and storm runoff is considered and incorporated in the project's design from the initial stages. All existing factors are considered, including hydrology, topography, and natural features that influence water movement. These elements are factored into the site plan, including where to site structures, to slow, store, and infiltrate rainwater.
The Benefits of Landscape Design on Low-Impact Development
There are many techniques for implementing rainwater management and reduce stormwater. These strategies focus on intercepting, directing, evaporating, and infiltrating stormwater onsite through using landscaping techniques.
Low-Impact Design offers many benefits for both the homeowner and the greater community. These include:
Reduced water use
Low maintenance landscaping through the use and reintroduction of drought-resistant, flexible native plant species
Increased aesthetics, curb appeal, and potentially increased value
The community at large can also benefit greatly as more of us incorporate LID into our lives.
Reduced stormwater runoff and reduced pollution reaching rivers and Monterey Bay
Reduced amount of trash washed into drainage systems, the rivers, and the bay
Reduced erosion and reduced flooding in creeks
While this low-impact development strategy is beneficial, it's also becoming the law in more areas of the country. California state and federal stormwater regulations require that new developments and remodeling projects in Santa Cruz incorporate Best Management Practices to reduce storm runoff and pollution. This is true citywide and throughout the Central Coast Region.
Landscape Design Elements That Meet LID Standards and Regulations
There are many BMP landscape design strategies that not only meet local regulations, function well in terms of stormwater management, and are aesthetically beautiful. These include directing stormwater through landscaped areas of native flora and soils, bioswales, and rain gardens, using rain barrels, or installing pervious pavement or green roofs.
BMPs that all single-family homes can implement:
Using Drainage as a Design Element - Vegetated buffers and rain gardens can serve as effective LID elements and beautiful focal points. This also includes direct release from downspouts into landscaped areas or rain gardens safely away from foundations, consistent with California building codes.
Properly Grade Landscape - Proper grading can direct sheet flow to landscaped areas, where appropriate.
Concentrate on the Least Sensitive Areas - Focus your design on the least sensitive areas of your lawn. Leave the remaining land in an undisturbed, natural state whenever possible.
Minimize Storm Runoff - Direct water using site design measures that include directing runoff into rain barrels for future use, using pervious elements like crushed aggregate, concrete pavers, or pervious asphalt in place of concrete.
Site Planning and Design is a key element in reducing runoff. LID principals should be included from the beginning of any project. It should take into consideration existing topography and drainage to encourage runoff dispersal. Include native plantings of drought-tolerant native species, install energy dissipaters or conduits to minimize erosion.
With planning and landscape design, you can turn your landscaping for water drainage into features that enhance your space. Ditches can be landscaped as swales that resemble creek beds or meadows. Gutter water can be directed to flow into rain gardens that allow water to percolate back into aquifers, attracting and supporting butterflies and birds. You can also reduce groundwater pollution by using pervious pavers for driveways, patios, and walkways that filter pollutants before returning water to the aquifer.
If you're considering a remodeling project or hardscaping project, local regulations can be confusing. If you're not sure how to proceed, it's always a good practice to call an expert!
If you have questions about using landscape design to meet local water control regulations, why not give the experts at Om Design a call at (831) 607-8772. We're always happy to discuss your project and answer your questions.