Links to Other Great LID Websites
Center for Watershed Protection
The premier source for in-depth research on and design manuals for low-impact development. CWP's Better Site Design process is making a difference across the country as it helps municipalities and local governments revise local ordinances to remove barriers and provide incentives for low-impact development.
Stormwater Managers Resource Center
A CWP creation "designed specifically for stormwater practitioners, local government officials and others that need technical assistance on stormwater management issues." The Center's Slideshows (particularly the one titled "Introduction to Better Site Design") and its Fact Sheets and Ordinances provide invaluable assistance to government officials and others who seek to incorporate low-impact development into local ordinances.
Conservation Design Forum
A midwestern ecological design firm on the cutting edge of conservation development. CDF's Portfolio and Resources
pages provide fascinating reading.
The Low Impact Development Center
A good source for those researching LID techniques and design manuals (click on "LID Publications"). The Center's Green Streets pages include some great pictures on LID stormwater management techniques applied to streets (go to "Green Streets Practice Examples").
Southeast Watershed Assistance Network (SWAN)
A hodgepodge of information on green watershed developments in the southeastern states.
Other interesting documents and projects found on the web include:
Reducing Stormwater Costs through Low Impact Development (LID) Strategies and Practices U.S. EPA, December 2007. EPA analyzes 17 case studies from across North America that demonstrate the economic viability of conservation development practices. Almost all of the case studies showed that environmental site design and low-impact development strategies saved developers money. Total capital savings ranged from 15 to 80 percent.
The Economics of Low Impact Development: A Literature Review ECONorthwest, November 2007. The economic analysts at ECONorthwest show that LID can offer cost savings when compared to conventional storm water controls while providing additional valuable ecosystem services, such as water filtration and purification.
Changing Cost Perceptions: An Analysis of Conservation Development Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission, February 2005. This study compares costs of conservation development strategies with those of conventional stormwater management techniques. It includes a literature review, an analysis of built case studies, and a cost analysis of hypothetical conventional and conservation design templates.
Using Smart Growth Techniques as Stormwater Best Management Practices
Portland Green Streets Program
Seattle Street Edge Alternatives Project
City of Chicago Guide to Stormwater BMPs
City of Chicago Green Alleys Handbook