“Water accumulates and flows as interflow through the topsoil as it follows the path of least resistance; through the topsoil rather than through the underlying tighter soils. This explains why surface flows from pervious surfaces are often observed to be nil and a catchment contribution to a stream is then ignored,” states Jim Dumont
Kim Stephens (Partnership for Water Sustainability):
By 2007, we had become concerned about the way MAR was either being misinterpreted or misunderstood by various regulators and drainage practitioners in British Columbia
Written for both expert and non-expert audiences, the document explains how the Guidebook provides a transition into ‘Beyond the Guidebook: The New Business As Usual’. “We are using the slogan The New Business As Usual to convey the message that, for change to really occur, practices that until now have been viewed as the exception must become the norm moving forward. We have to build regulatory models and develop models of practice and expertise,” stated Dale Wall, Deputy Minister
“The language used by drainage practitioners around the world has been changing. Unfortunately, there does not yet appear to be a common set of definitions or vocabulary, with each region of the English speaking world using different terms. It is important to use descriptions which are linked more closely with the objectives and ideas. Ideally, the right choice of wording will frame the concepts clearly, and provide the terminology with some longevity. Clarity will help with uptake – jargon and anachronism needs to be avoided as they can obscure the objectives and ideas,” stated Robert Hicks.
“A Regional Commission is necessary to overcome the main barrier to rational rainwater management: the fragmented jurisdiction over runoff in the region. We envision that the new Commission would create a long-term Regional Integrated Watershed Management Plan with a number of mandatory targets,” states Calvin Sandborn.
When the SmartStorm Forum Series introduced the term 'smart development' a decade ago, the goal was to advance implementation of an integrated and balanced approach to land use. “When we decided to host the second event on the Sunshine Coast, the skeptics asked me who would come. Well, they did come and they came from far and wide, including a representative of the Ontario Ministry of Environment,” stated Barry Janyk.
Published in March 2002 by the Greater Vancouver Regional District, the “Watershed / Landscape-Based Approach to Community Planning” was developed by an interdisciplinary working group. “At the heart of the approach is an adaptable 10-step methodology that facilitates planning with reference to watershed-based features,” reports Erik Karlsen, a primary author of the document. ‘Stormwater Planning: A Guidebook for British Columbia’ is a prime application of the watershed / landscape-based approach. In the Guidebook context, what happens at the scale of the individual parcel and street affects what happens at the watershed scale.
“Every pipe within each catchment is evaluated by examining the INSTALLED PIPE CAPACIY. Based on detailed modelling experience, we know that ‘problems’ fall within a narrow range. The lesson learned is that one need not model every section of pipe,” explains Jim Dumont.
“Local government plans and policies typically state that land use and infrastructure planning will consider climate change adaptation. Hence, being able to quickly and effectively model how the ‘water balance’ may change over time is a critical input to local government decision processes,” states Chris Jensen.
“In terms of educational dollars per unit of knowledge, I found the Water Balance Model workshop to be astounding value,” reports Michelle Sorensen. “The graphical results allow me to communicate relevant information about the effectiveness of rainwater capture options.”
