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Local Research: Studies & Evaluations Demonstrating the Benefits of GI/LID

Discover the benefits of Green Infrastructure/Low Impact Development with studies showing positive impacts like flood mitigation, water quality improvement, and enhanced livability. Explore principles, case studies, challenges, and research needs in advancing sustainable water management practices.

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Local Research: Studies & Evaluations Demonstrating the Benefits of GI/LID

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  1. Local Research: Studies & Evaluations Demonstrating the Benefits of GI/LID

  2. What is Green Infrastructure? “…is an approach to water management that protects, restores, or mimics the natural water cycle” ~ American Rivers Courtesy of Vecteezy.com

  3. What is Low Impact Development? “is a sustainable approach to stormwater management that utilizes the landscape to absorb storm runoff, reducing offsite flows that can contribute to flooding and infrastructure costs.” ~ Mesa/Glendale LID Toolkit From: Greater Phoenix Metro GI Handbook

  4. Benefits of GI/LID • Collects sediment, reduces pollutants, reduces erosion • Non-point source • Conform with local first-flush requirements • Helps meet policy/regulatory requirements • MS4 and general permit requirements • Sustainability/GI goals • Helps mitigate flooding by reducing stormwater peak flows & volume • Manages stormwater at the source • Reduces reliance on potable water Courtesy of ADEQ

  5. Benefits of GI/LID • Improves livability and quality of life • Increases vegetation and shade, reducing the heat-island effect • Contributes to green space, which is linked to improved mental and physical health • Improves air quality • Traffic calming • Increases aesthetics, property values • Scalable • Suitable for new and retrofit projects • Can reduce costs/impacts of traditional gray infrastructure Stormwater is recognized as a resource, not a nuisance!

  6. GI/LID Principles & Approaches • Decentralize stormwater management • Treat stormwater at its source • Reduce/disconnect impervious surfaces • Mimic predevelopment hydrology • Slow, spread, and sink • Minimize land disturbance • Incorporate natural features in development • Gray vs. green or “gray/green” Source: University of Arkansas Community Design Center

  7. Durango Campus WC Retrofit Master Plan completed in 2017 Goals and objectives: • Water conservation • Alternative stormwater management • Educational showcase

  8. Durango Campus WC Retrofit Three demonstration areas have been installed • O&M Building • Main Building Visitor Entrance • Parking median

  9. Durango Campus WC Retrofit • Basins and bioswales • Curb cutsand sediment traps • Disconnected downspouts • Decorative drain • Stabilized dg • Native plants • Organic mulch • Terracing

  10. Durango Campus WC Retrofit • Feasibility and Costing Assessment, 2019 • S.T.I.R. Application and monitoring • Next Steps: detailed design and funding

  11. ASU Hydro-GI Lab Test Basins • Installed in 2018 at FCD Native Tree Nursery • Nine (9) test basins, study compares effectiveness of three (3) basin types • Standard bioswale/basin • Organic mulch layer • Bioretention with engineered soil media

  12. ASU Hydro-GI Lab Test Basins • Collecting data on soil moisture, infiltration rates, volume, plant health/establishment • Simulated rainfall events under semi-controlled environment • Early observations/future testing

  13. Bureau of Reclamation • Grade control structure installation and monitoring in small washes • Reclamation, USGS, Boy Scouts of America • Soil moisture • Infiltration • Sediment transport, erosion control • Weather stations, soil moisture sensors, sediment chains, field camera Courtesy of Bureau of Reclamation

  14. Other Studies and Collaborations • LID Study -- Identifying Key Areas in the City of Phoenix for Infiltration and Retention using Low Impact Development • Bureau of Reclamation w/ The Nature Conservancy • Select an urban catchment and model GI/LID features for multiple benefits • Greater Phoenix Metro GI Handbook, 2019 • City of Scottsdale w/ ASU’s SCN Member Communities • 10 technical standard details, specifications, and landscape guidelines

  15. Challenges • Lack of an integrated water management approach • Slow ‘cultural’ shift from gray -> green (and blue) • Existing policies and funding issues as barriers • “Proof positive” – more demo projects WITH testing/monitoring • Need better cost/benefit analysis • Show “multiple benefits for multiple agencies” to build a collaborative approach • Maintenance and functionality concerns over long term • Lack of standards in design and construction

  16. Research and Data Needs • Quantify stormwater retention benefits • Storm flow models and ‘real world’ calibration • Quantify WQ, air quality, heat reduction benefits • Determine functionality over time (increase, decrease) • Long term assessment on maintenance costs • Water budget and plant materials placement within feature • How do landscape elements enhance GI/LID feature function?

  17. Harry R. Cooper, PLA Landscape Architecture and Water Conservation Branch Manager Flood Control District of Maricopa County harry.cooper@maricopa.gov 602-506-2956

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