The Winooski NRCD and UVM Extension Lake Champlain Sea Grant are working in partnership to create a Low Impact Development (LID) Atlas and Map, which will be part of the larger National LID Atlas (http://clear.uconn.edu/tools/lidmap/) created by the National Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) Network. The Vermont LID Atlas & Map will raise awareness of LID projects as a solution to residential stormwater management, reinforce the link between LID projects and water quality, and provide residents with successful examples of local LID projects.
To include your LID practice in the Vermont LID Atlas & Map, fill out both sides of this form (pdf) and either mail your completed form to: Ashley Lidman, Winooski NRCD, 1193 S Brownell Rd., Suite 35, Williston, VT 05495 or e-mail it to Ashley.Lidman@vt.ncadnet.net by September 1, 2009.
What is Low Impact Development? LID is a sustainable landscaping approach that can be used to replicate or restore natural hydrological processes. Examples of LID practices include rain gardens, rain barrels, permeable pavement, green roofs, and bioswales. LID techniques reduce the volume of stormwater runoff and hence improve the water quality of our local waterways.
Specific LID Practices include the following:
Bioswales: Bioswales are swaled drainages with gently sloped sides, which are filled with vegetation, compost, and riprap. They are used to remove silt and pollution from surface water runoff, often from parking lots.
Bioretention/Rain Gardens: Bioretention features, also known as rain gardens, are attractive, landscaped gardens used to treat stormwater runoff, usually from a roof, parking lot, or other impervious surface. Government studies have shown that up to 70% of the pollution in our streams, rivers and lakes is carried there by stormwater. Rain gardens prevent pollutants from reaching our streams, since toxins in runoff often adhere to soil particles in the garden, or are taken up by plants. In addition, rain gardens reduce the total volume of stormwater runoff and provide habitat for butterflies, bees and other wildlife.
Cisterns/Rain Barrels: A cistern is a receptacle for catching and storing rainwater. Cisterns vary in size from a few gallons to thousands of gallons. A rain barrel is a 50 or 55-gallon recycled food-grade barrel used to capture runoff from roofs, which can be reused to water lawns and gardens. Rain barrels and cisterns help to conserve water and improve water quality through reducing the volume of stormwater runoff entering local streams and lakes and preventing erosion.
Stormwater Wetlands: Stormwater wetlands (a.k.a constructed wetlands) are man-made marshes or swamps that are designed to mimic natural wetlands. Stormwater wetlands act as biofilters and remove sediments and pollutants from wastewater, stormwater, or sewage.
Green Roofs: Greenroofs are, as the name implies, plantings that are placed on the roof of a building. They are light-weight, low-maintenance vegetated areas that can be built on existing roofs or atop new structures. Greenroofs work by capturing and filtering stormwater runoff, reducing the amount of water entering storm drains. In addition to protecting our local waterways, greenroofs help to reduce heating and cooling costs, provide habitat for birds, reduce sound, and prolong the life of the roof.
Permeable Pavement: Permeable pavement, which is used on roads, parking lots, and walkways, allows water and air to infiltrate into the ground, around or through the paving material. Permeable pavement can be used in areas of new development, to minimize the impacts of development and protect water quality, and in areas that are already developed, to improve water quality and reduce stormwater runoff.
Water Conservation: Water conservation refers to using less water and reusing water. Examples of water conservation include rain water harvesting (rain barrels and cisterns), low-flow shower heads, and reuse of greywater. Many water conservation practices also reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality, as in the case of rain barrels and cisterns.
Contact Ashley at Ashley.Lidman@vt.ncadnet.net or 802-865-7895 x104 if you have any questions.
Project partners & sponsors:
A special thanks to the Lake Champlain Basin Program for their support of this project!
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