Puget Sound Decision Mandates Low-Impact Development

By Michael Wilmeth

An August 2008 decision by the Washington Pollution Control Hearings Board directs the state’s Department of Ecology to require “low-impact development” (LID) techniques that go beyond end-of-pipe approaches to stormwater management.

Photo courtesy Low Impact Development Center, Inc.

A recent decision in the Puget Sound watershed will require the use of low-impact development techniques such as drainage swales like this one in Seattle.

Rate this project:
Based on what you have seen and read about this project, how would you grade it? Use the stars below to indicate your assessment, five stars being the highest rating.

----- Advertising -----

A recent study conducted by state agencies and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found that stormwater runoff is the leading source of pollution in Puget Sound, carrying herbicides, arsenic, cadmium, phthalates, and oil. The board found that protecting waterways would require stormwater management techniques—such as the use of permeable pavement, narrower streets, vegetated roofs, rain gardens, and open space—that allow water to infiltrate the ground close to where it falls.

Many builders in western Washington support LID, but there has been resistance to requiring it across the board, and some builders complain of delays and added expense in obtaining local permits for LID tactics. LID proponents say that educating local authorities will reduce such problems and that LID can save 25% to 30% in costs for site development, fees, and maintenance.

This article was produced by BuildingGreen, LLC.- www.buildinggreen.com

Reader Comments:

We welcome comments from all points of view. Off-topic or abusive comments, however, will be removed at the editors’ discretion.