How Does Development Impact Water Quality, And What Can Be Done About It?

As watershed managers, we are faced daily with the question of how to control stormwater pollution from developed areas. However, in order to control stormwater runoff, one must first develop a thorough understanding of how development really impacts water quality. Several new PowerPoint presentations by F. X. Browne, Inc. President Dr. Frank Browne, P.E. have recently been made available on our website that examine these issues

The first presentation, Adverse Impacts of Development on Water Quality, describes the five main impacts to water quality that arise as development increases within a watershed, including changes to watershed hydrology, changes in stream geometry, degradation of aquatic ecosystems, pollutant export during construction, and pollutant export after site development. The presentation provides a thorough technical discussion of what happens to streams in developed areas when it rains.

The second presentation, Stormwater Management for Traditional Neighborhoods, discusses how developers and homeowners can meet stormwater regulations in urban areas using innovative stormwater best management practices (BMPs). These practices include rain gardens, green roofs, underground storage, cisterns, planters, and porous pavement.

In addition to stormwater techniques for traditional neighborhoods, a discussion of the benefits of Low-Impact Development can be found in Low-Impact Development and Stormwater Management.

F. X. Browne, Inc. can assist with designing Low-Impact Developments and stormwater BMPs. Contact us at info@fxbrowne.com for more information.