Comparison of Low Impact Development Treatment, Traditional Stormwater Treatment,and No Stormwater Treatment for Commercial Shopping Centers in North Carolina

摘要

Low impact development (LID) stormwater practices are becoming more popular because of their ability to improve water quality and recharge groundwater. New regulations require water quality treatment of stormwater runoff in addition to reducing peak flows, especially in nutrient sensitive watersheds. Previously, the main focus of traditional stormwater practices had been on mitigating flooding and reducing peak flows; whereas, newer LID practices improve water quality and attempt to restore a site's natural or pre-developed hydrology. This is accomplished by promoting more evapotranspiration and infiltration.