The approach
The LID approach protects the natural ability of the site to capture precipitation, keep it clean, and allow it to recharge the local water table. This is achieved by applying a suite of tools including:
- Planning: preserve the site's natural features such as wetlands, native vegetation, flood plains, woodlands and soils to the greatest extent possible;
- Landscaping: plant native vegetation in buffer strips and in rain gardens (small planted depressions that can trap and filter runoff);
- Prevention: use vegetated areas to slow down runoff; maximizing infiltration and reducing contact with paved surfaces;
- Innovating: reduce impervious surfaces wherever possible through alternative street design, such as omission of curbs and use of narrower streets, and through use of shared parking areas.
Visual
