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A whimsical sculpture doubles as a scupper to direct rooftop runoff into a flow-through planter.
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Those who do not fit neatly into any of the stakeholder groups suggested on this site, or who choose to act outside of the channels available through professional ties or affiliations, can still support and encourage the implementation of stormwater best management practices (BMPs).
There is a whole host of groups that are involved with stormwater management, each with a role to play and a voice that can be heard over the cries of "we've never done it that way before" and "you can't do that here." Be confident in your desire to protect water resources and preserve the natural environment. You may be in the minority now, but the trend towards BMP implementation is spreading fast and this is a prime time to lend your voice to those in other areas to promote the use of sustainable practices.
Bright Lights
Often, the push towards greater implementation of stormwater BMPs and a more holistic approach to stormwater management is brought about by the action of a single individual or small group of devoted individuals. These bright lights can act as catalysts for change, driving the use of sustainable practices with their commitment to preserving and protecting water resources and environmental function.
Any person in any occupation or role can become a bright light and encourage the use of stormwater BMPs. Whether you are a homeowner who decides to install pavers instead of an asphalt or concrete driveway or a contractor who places trash cans on development sites to reduce the amount of trash carried to storm sewers, you can make a difference and your actions can impact the actions of others.
The Power of Public Involvement
The public plays a vital role in deciding how a community will look and function. Local citizens and community organizations with a vested interest in protecting water resources and increasing community amenities have many options for encouraging the use of stormwater BMPs.
- Develop local projects using sustainable stormwater practices
- Share the benefits of BMP implementation with local officials, other residents, developers, and local utilities
- Participate in public meetings, communicate your desire to see water treated as a resource, and encourage holistic site management
Other Municipal Players
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Low-maintenance landscaping reduces water and fertilizer inputs and lowers long-term costs.
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Any municipal department or organization responsible for developing, rehabilitating, or purchasing land has an opportunity to get involved with stormwater management, not just the department charged with maintaining traditional stormwater infrastructure. These groups, operating independently or in partnership with the stormwater management department, can provide valuable support and direction to encourage the use of sustainable stormwater management practices. Goals of multiple departments can often be met with multi-functional installations or projects, such as open space and stormwater management goals. Options for involvement include:
- Partnering with municipal stormwater managers to create multi-functional projects to address multiple programmatic goals
- Contributing knowledge and expertise in related areas to support the development of stormwater management projects (i.e., watershed management, habitat restoration, community development)
- Selectively employing engineers and designers who take a holistic approach to stormwater management and have experience implementing best management practices
- Enlisting the support of stormwater managers when embarking on development projects
- Finding creative ways to support the implementation of stormwater best management practices by pooling resources (staff, funding sources, equipment) with other departments to meet project needs
Site Owners and Developers
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The notches in this brick wall prevent skateboarders from "grinding" on the edge.
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The need for effective stormwater management affects every development (or redevelopment) project. Site owners and developers can encourage the use of green practices and stormwater best management practices in a way that fits any budget and adds amenity and value to installations. With the decision-making power inherent in the position (and, presumably, control over project resources), it is possible to manage the project throughout all stages of development, making choices that support the use of sustainable stormwater practices. The following list presents several strategies:
- Be clear about your desire to protect water resources and take a holistic approach to stormwater management and site design
- Chose your design team based on past experience with BMPs and site designs involving holistic water management
- Find an owner's representative or site manager that supports your interests and who will carry them through the development project
- Be a present and active participant in design and build phases to ensure that your needs and requests are met
- Check to ensure that both the short- and long-term needs of the installation are met and that maintenance and evaluation are built into the project plan
Site Managers and Contractors
Site managers and contractors can have a direct impact on stormwater management practices employed during the construction phase of project development. From this access point, it is possible to:
- Present options for implementing BMPs to the client and designers
- Manage the work of your subcontractors to make sure they follow on-site best management practices
- Practice stormwater best management practices throughout the construction phase of development (e.g., runoff, sediment and erosion controls)
- Understand federal, state, and local regulations to ensure adherence to requirements and determine when BMPs are supported or encouraged
- Follow general "best practices" during construction, such as addressing problems or concerns in a timely way and building to specifications to ensure accurate functioning of designed components (including BMPs)
Independent Researchers
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Lush landscaping enhances the streetscape while it treats stormwater.
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Those in the business of investigating and researching the ways in which stormwater management practices impact water quality, community development, ecological function, or any other sociological, technological, or environmental influences of stormwater can play a vital role in supporting the use of sustainable stormwater practices. These groups provide independent, unbiased information about stormwater practices and disseminate that knowledge to local practitioners. Some of the ways researchers can support the use of stormwater BMPs include:
- Researching and studying new and innovative methods of managing stormwater
- Providing hard data regarding cost and effectiveness of various practices
- Determining materials and design parameters most appropriate for local conditions
- Creating demonstration projects that show how BMPs can be implemented in different environments
- Quantifying some of the more elusive benefits of BMP implementation, such as community amenity.
Next Steps
Take a look at some of the case studies to see how different groups interacted to implement projects in other areas. Think about how you might be able to bring such changes to your own projects. The toolbox page provides links to many resources to help you encourage the use of sustainable stormwater practices. Additional information can be found in the resource links section.
The following resources may be of particular interest:
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