LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT (LID)
WHERE RIVERS RUN CLEAR AGAIN
Low Impact Development (LID). It’s a bit off-topic for OwlVoices, but slots in with the climate solutions we write about that use basic biological processes and common sense approaches.
It is exactly what the name implies. The same goes for Sustainable Urban Drainage solutions (SUD), which is called in Europe.
You’re driving on a scenic road, a sparkling river sparkling flowing alongside. Typically, more than 90% of
pollutants from the road are flowing unchecked into that river from storm drains, including oil, heavy metals, bacteria, and PCBs.
The solution can be as simple as slowing the runoff and filtering it through a root system. That’s LID.
It’s also about using tools like permeable pavers, rain gardens, and other vegetation at strategic spots, trenching, and green roofs.
Ground, and ultimately, water pollution is all about that runoff, which comes from humanmade, permeable surfaces. All of our structures and paved roads and driveways add up to a big, often ignored, impact.
Your home’s roof is constantly shedding contaminants it collects from air pollution, acid rain, materials used in its construction and bird feces, which likely contain bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Rain barrels that collect roof runoff have been linked to disease outbreaks. But most of us aren’t collecting rainwater, which means we should focus either on planted roofs that soak up water or being accountable for contaminated runoff.
Why is LID not a part of every construction plan? It’s such a no-brainer. Landscape design should always consider more than curb appeal. Research has shown that a remarkable amount of contaminates are filtered by tree and shrub roots, without harming the vegetation itself.
Here’s a lesson learned. Wastewater (sewage) treatment plants are built next to rivers so that the resulting clean effluent can be easily released. It’s extensively tested and probably cleaner than what comes out of our taps. So, how did one river section (at least one we know about) test high for contaminates like E. coli?
You guessed it. Runoff.
The theory was that trucks bringing septic system pump-outs to the plant were leaving “tips” behind on the paved driveway when hooking up to the facility. Not a lot, but it doesn’t take much. The plan was to filter runoff with a little engineered soil (layers of gravel, sand, and dirt) and blueberry bushes. It was a win all around. The river quickly cleared up, and birds and plant workers enjoyed healthy snacks.
If the “ick factor” is kicking in for you here, read what our innovative friends at SoMaxHTC have to say about it.
LID models nature. That should be “enough said.”
It’s a solution everyone can easily have a hand in. No excuses. There is no need to wait for regulations or new tech. Imagine the difference it would make if it simply became the norm. It fits right in as a piece of the puzzle and mirrors the approach our innovators take to create small circles of sustainability that ripple outward.
