Low Impact Development
Low Impact Development (LID) is a stormwater management practice that mimics nature by slowing down and treating runoff before entering a stream or storm sewer.
LID uses concepts such as:
- Tree preservation (trees capture a lot of rain)
- Stream buffer (edge) preservation
- Infiltration to allow water to soak in
- Filtration and biotreatment to treat captured water in natural soil and stone
- Evapotranspiration to reduce the volume of discharge
- Heat reduction
- Socially pleasing and blending into the environment
Free Low-Impact Development Resources
Many municipalities are including LID in their Land Development Codes as requirements to treat smaller more frequent storm events.
The most common LID practices you may see are:
Quality Assurance Inspections During Construction
The LID practices are highly dependent on being built to allow infiltration and drainage. Use of materials outside the specifications or improper construction technique can cause the LID practices to fail and not allow infiltration. Construction oversight will improve infiltration and performance and provides value benefit to the project.
I have the training and experience to be the Field Engineer on your project and can provide:
- Quality assurance oversight during construction
- Documentation and photographs of each phase of construction
- Maintenance procedures in easy to follow format
- Infiltration testing
Registered Inspector: San Antonio River Authority, LID Design and Construction Inspector Registration, I.D. 1002.
ICPI Trained Inspector: Interlocking Concrete Paver Institute, PICP Specialist for Construction of Permeable Pavements, November 2016
Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance
LID Practices, like the traditional detention ponds, need routine inspections and maintenance to keep them functioning and removing stormwater pollutants. They also should be tested annually to measure the infiltration rate that is occurring in the practice. Rain gardens should have an infiltration rate of at least 1-10 inches/hour and permeable pavers should be greater than 100 inches/hour.
See also: BMP Inspections, Testing and Reports
Elizabeth Arceneaux, P.E. provides LID practice inspections, testing, and reports.
Professional Credentials
- Texas licensed professional engineer in the environmental specialty
- In-depth understanding of city permitting and code guidelines
- Women-owned small business
- Affordable, dependable and guaranteed personal service.
Certified Inspector: San Antonio River Authority, LID Annual Inspection and Maintenance Certification, I.D. 1002.
Value for Your Business
- Standardized checklists that meet City’s requirements
- Infiltration testing to document performance
- Easy to follow photos showing maintenance and repairs needed
Local engineering solutions
Get qualified, reliable services for LID construction and inspection requirements.
Elizabeth Arceneaux, P.E.
Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas: #77102
TBPE Firm Registration No. F17865
HUB Certified: 1811443435200
Phone 512-644-1927
Engineering Services
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