New EPA Fact Sheets On Smart Growth And Stormwater Best Management Practices

Over 6,000 cities, counties and townships are in the midst of writing new rules to prevent flooding and lessen the effects of stormwater runoff. Polluted runoff is among the top environmental threats across the country and local flooding is an increasing concern along smaller creeks and streams. The degree of damage is often related to how and where development takes place.

Low Impact Development (LID) and other green building techniques are emerging as best management practices, or BMPs. However, strategies to also address development patterns are emerging to reduce overall watershed imperviousness and identify key areas to naturally handle stormwater. These new Fact Sheets, in particular the Fact Sheets on Development Districts and Low Impact Development, look at a non-traditional array of water resource practices.