Does your new construction or existing propety need Stormwater Management?
Many cities are requiring stormwater management for new construction. Contact M&M Landscaping to learn more.
Stormwater begins as weather, rain, snow and snowmelt. But due to conventional development patterns and engineering practices, stormwater cannot soak into the ground naturally instead it flows into a man-made system where it eventually is released as surface water. Stormwater is an important issue because it can carry pollutants, cause significant erosion and contribute to flood events. As fresh water sources become even more burdened, the collection of stormwater could become a crucial future resource.
Engineers and planners have developed several Best Management Practices (BMPs) concerning stormwater management. They include retention ponds, rain gardens, rain barrels, pervious pavement, and infiltration systems. Most municipal regulations require the use of stormwater management BMPs in their Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances. This encourages smart development that focuses on the amount of runoff caused by new development.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed programs to help states and municipalities enforce stormwater management policies. National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits are issued nationwide to help monitor the number of point source pollution systems. Additionally, small and large municipal separate sewer systems (MS4) require permits. Municipalities that fall under these regulations will need to acquire new permits in 2012.
If you are interested in a storm management system for your property, contact us today at 617-686-0468.
Why Manage Stormwater?
Low impact development (LID) and wet weather green infrastructure address these concerns through a variety of techniques, including strategic site design, measures to control the sources of runoff, and thoughtful landscape planning.
LID aims to restore natural watershed functions through small-scale treatment at the source of runoff. The goal is to design a hydrologically functional site that mimics predevelopment conditions.
Wet weather green infrastructure encompasses approaches and technologies to infiltrate, evapotranspire, capture, and reuse stormwater to maintain or restore natural hydrologies.