Green Infrastructure Planning Design Guidelines
Stormwater runoff is generated when precipitation from rain and snowmelt events flows over land or impervious surfaces and does not soak into the ground. As the runoff flows over paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops, it accumulates debris, chemicals, sediment or other pollutants. Urban stormwater runoff is a significant contributing factor in water quality impairment. Green infrastructure maintains or restores stormwater’s natural flow pattern by allowing the water to slowly saturate into the ground and be used by plants. Other benefits of green infrastructure include enhanced groundwater recharge, reduced sewer overflow events, and the creation of wildlife habitat and recreational space.
These practices, however, sometimes conflict with other community goals such as economic development, transportation systems, and public health and safety. Green Infrastructure Planning Design Guidelines is a user-friendly document that provides the review tools necessary for planning boards in Monroe County when addressing stormwater management during the site planning and design process. Using many graphics and an easy to read format, the document addresses the barriers to green infrastructure for stormwater management, such as existing local codes, maintenance, and enforcement. Not only does this document assist planning boards with site planning and green infrastructure objectives, but it helps educate municipal staff, the development community, and the general public.
The Executive Committee of the Stormwater Coalition of Monroe County served as the project advisory committee. Funds for Green Infrastructure Planning Design Guidelines have been provided by the Finger Lakes - Lake Ontario Watershed Protection Alliance, administered through the Monroe County Water Quality Coordinating Committee.
Stormwater runoff is generated when precipitation from rain and snowmelt events flows over land or impervious surfaces and does not soak into the ground. As the runoff flows over paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops, it accumulates debris, chemicals, sediment or other pollutants. Urban stormwater runoff is a significant contributing factor in water quality impairment. Green infrastructure maintains or restores stormwater’s natural flow pattern by allowing the water to slowly saturate into the ground and be used by plants. Other benefits of green infrastructure include enhanced groundwater recharge, reduced sewer overflow events, and the creation of wildlife habitat and recreational space.
These practices, however, sometimes conflict with other community goals such as economic development, transportation systems, and public health and safety. Green Infrastructure Planning Design Guidelines is a user-friendly document that provides the review tools necessary for planning boards in Monroe County when addressing stormwater management during the site planning and design process. Using many graphics and an easy to read format, the document addresses the barriers to green infrastructure for stormwater management, such as existing local codes, maintenance, and enforcement. Not only does this document assist planning boards with site planning and green infrastructure objectives, but it helps educate municipal staff, the development community, and the general public.
The Executive Committee of the Stormwater Coalition of Monroe County served as the project advisory committee. Funds for Green Infrastructure Planning Design Guidelines have been provided by the Finger Lakes - Lake Ontario Watershed Protection Alliance, administered through the Monroe County Water Quality Coordinating Committee.