Green Infrastructure Grows Beyond Stormwater Mitigation

The approach to stormwater management in the United States has evolved from a focus on rapid conveyance and disposal of runoff to an emphasis on using natural systems to minimize hydrologic and pollutant impacts from developed areas. According to a recent publication by the Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF): this movement, sometimes referred to as “green infrastructure” or “low impact development”, has taken hold in communities throughout the United States and in other parts of the world, offering a variety of benefits beyond enhanced stormwater mitigation.

WERF's project Using Rainwater to Grow Livable Communities explored the benefits and key factors influencing the success of stormwater best management practices. In addition, the project developed a website at www.werf.org/livablecommunities to ease the integration of best practices into development projects.

The purpose of the website is to showcase the many fact sheets, technical resources, and communication aids designed through the WERF project.

Acknowledgment: WERF Progress, A Publication of the Water Environmetn Research Foundation, published  Spring 2008

Posted May 2008