Description
Stormwater low impact development (LID) mimics natural processes to help alleviate the adverse effects of traditional stormwater management. Traditional stormwater infrastructure collects runoff and releases it at a few discrete points into local waterways, which can overwhelm natural systems with damaging flows and pollutants. Stormwater LID slows the flow of collected water, allowing some of the water to infiltrate naturally into the ground. The remaining water can be released more slowly into waterways to avoid damaging flows. Stormwater LID can also help to remove pollutants from stormwater, through natural or man-made filtration and through plant uptake.
Westminster is currently developing a stormwater LID Master Plan, which will serve as a guide to educate residents and identify potential stormwater LID throughout the city.
Components
- Develop a stormwater LID master plan (including types of stormwater treatment facilities recommended in Westminster and where they could be utilized and identify potential locations for regional stormwater facilities).
- Educate residents and businesses about stormwater LID options for private property (e.g., rain barrels, rain gardens, disconnected downspouts).
- Invest in vegetative buffers, natural areas and other LID, especially along waterways and along trails.
- Pilot and incorporate more stormwater LID strategies into city capital improvement planning and projects.
- Require that vegetative stormwater treatment facilities are planted with low-water plant mixes that support biodiversity.
- Certify lead city maintenance staff through the National Green Infrastructure Certification Program.