Date of Award

6-2020

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Science in Earth and Environmental Sciences

Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

First Reader/Committee Chair

Noblet, James

Abstract

This project paper is an overview of the different types of best management practices (BMPs) that can be applied within a Low Impact Development framework. Low Impact Development (LID) is a type of stormwater management implementation that is growing in popularity. It allows developments to manage stormwater by working within established ecosystems to lessen environmental impacts. The cost and effectiveness of these practices are examined. In the first chapter, a comprehensive summary to LIDs and BMPs is presented.

The costs and effectiveness of bioretention, biofiltraion and infiltration basins, as well as permeable pavements, were studied and compared. The facility case study, along with literature research, provides a current snapshot of the available information on the effectiveness of LID BMPs. .

Overall, permeable pavements had the highest performance in cost and efficiency, with costs ranging from $3 to $37 per square foot. Permeable pavements were also shown to have the highest potential for decreasing runoff and pollutants. Compared to other practices, their durability is high, but they require more maintenance over time. LID BMPs should be evaluated on a site-specific and case-by-case basis to determine the optimum costs versus benefits for a particular development project.

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