Low Impact Development (LID), also known as Green Infrastructure, is an on-site approach to stormwater management using various techniques to manage stormwater as close to the source as possible. Examples include vegetated areas, natural or manmade swales, rain barrels, green roofs and permeable pavement to capture and retain water onsite. LID techniques for stormwater management provide many community and environmental benefits such as improved water quality, restored habitat, reduced flooding events, groundwater recharge, and more attractive surroundings.
These systems work to mimic the natural, pre-developed conditions of an area resulting in a reduction of stormwater runoff. Results are important as a community grows and more hard surfaces are developed.
LID techniques can be applied at any development stage. In undeveloped areas, LID design can be incorporated in early planning stages by protecting open space and natural areas, while reducing the amount of pavement. In developed areas, communities can add LID systems to provide benefits and solutions, such as redirecting roof drainage and other methods to capture and infiltrate rainwater.
Many subdivisions and planned unit developments (PUDs) in Hood River have employed LID techniques during development that assist with stormwater management. For example, flow-through curbs and sidewalks discharging to
a swale, permeable driveways, green rooftops, and vegetated landscapes.
Private property owners are encouraged to incorporate LID techniques into their current landscape to create habitat, improve water quality, provide groundwater recharge, and enhance community beauty. Rain gardens, rain barrels, and downspout disconnection are all LID techniques that require little to no engineering for implementation. See the LID webpage for ideas on LID techniques to consider.