Tuesday, August 23, 2011

My Ten Favorite SMPs

by Marley Bice, MCRP '12

SMP = Stormwater Management Practice
noun (ess-emm-pee) meaning any man-made structure that is designed or constructed to convey, store or otherwise control stormwater runoff, quality, rate or quantity

Now how many of those can there be? A lot! But I have ten favorite ones and here's why:
  1. GREEN ROOFS: because they create public space, wildlife habitat, decrease HVAC costs, extend the life of the roof and manage stormwater (why not!?)
  2. PERMEABLE PAVERS: because they are versatile and attractive
  3. SWALES: because there are so many applications that bring stormwater conveyance to the surface and increase public awareness of stormwater management issues
  4. RAINFALL CAPTURE AND REUSE features can also be used to create sustainable water features
  5. FLOW-THROUGH PLANTERS: because there are so many different options and they are applicable to urban, space-constrained sites
  6. BERMS AND RETENTIVE GRADING: because this techniques uses attractive landscaping and topography to manage stormwater and decrease erosion
  7. FILTER STRIPS: because they offer pretreatment benefits without taking up much space
  8. BUMPOUTS: because they can also calm traffic and increase pedestrian safety
  9. STREET EDGE ALTERNATIVES such as curbless streets and bioretention swales are a great way to beautify residential neighborhoods
  10. PAVEMENT DISCONNECT: because it increases infiltration on-site and creates opportunities for use of salvaged materials in the landscaping

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