EPA Releases Four New Smart Growth Publications

"EPA has released the following four new smart growth publications:

-- Protecting Water Resources with Higher-Density Development

-- Using Smart Growth Techniques as Stormwater Best Management Practices

-- Growing Toward More Efficient Water Use: Linking Development, Infrastructure, and Drinking Water Policies

-- Parking Spaces / Community Places: Finding the Balance through Smart Growth Solutions"

"Protecting Water Resources with Higher-Density Development...The U.S. Census Bureau projects that U.S. population will grow by 50 million people, or approximately 18 percent, between 2000 and 2020. This study intends to help communities better understand the impacts of higher and lower density on water resources..."

"Using Smart Growth Techniques as Stormwater Best Management Practices...reviews nine common smart growth techniques and examines how they can be used to prevent or manage stormwater runoff. This publication will help communities encourage smart growth and meet the new regulatory requirements..."

"Growing Toward More Efficient Water Use: Linking Development, Infrastructure, and Drinking Water Policies...This publication focuses on the relationship between development patterns, water use, and the cost of water delivery. It reviews literature that shows how large-lot, dispersed development patterns cost more to serve because of the length of pipe required, pumping costs, and other factors..."

"Parking Spaces / Community Places: Finding the Balance through Smart Growth Solutions...This report highlights proven approaches that balance parking with broader community goals. Current codes typically apply inflexible minimums that ignore community and developer priorities including environmental quality and human health..."

Press releases discussing all four publications can be found on the EPA website.