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- Info
Reducing the impacts of stormwater runoff from new development
| Author: |
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation |
| Date: |
1992 |
| Periodical: |
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Water, Bureau of Water Quality Management |
| Abstract: |
While most local governments in New York State require drainage plans as part of their site-plan review procedures and subdivision regulations, few have undertaken stormwater management planning to achieve multiple purposes and objectives such as flood control, erosion and sediment control, water quality management, and ground water replenishment. The principal reason for this is that technical information and guidance on emerging stormwater management principles and practices have not been readily available. This manual is intended to close this informational gap by providing local planning officials, building inspectors, and developers and their consultants with guidance on reducing flooding and water quality impacts from new development through stormwater management and erosion and sediment control. In addition, the manual illustrates how creative and imaginative use of stormwater management facilities can actually enhance the appearance of a specific development and, in turn, the community.
The traditional approach of stormwater management has been to get stormwater off-site as quickly as possible through the installation of drainage systems that steer excess water to the nearest ditch, stream, river, wetland or lake, which simply transfers drainage problems problem from one location to another. Decades of dealing with stormwater runoff in this manner have had a major impact on water resources throughout New York State. Water quality degradation and an increase in downstream flooding are the inevitable results of the traditional approach to handling stormwater. The economic, environmental and social costs have been significant to the state and to communities in particular. New approaches to stormwater management will: reduce the volume and rate of runoff from land development projects, alleviating the threat of flooding associated with such projects, and prevent degradation of water quality in waterbodies receiving stormwater runoff. Local officials should note that stormwater management is an eligible activity under the Community Rating System (CRS) of the National Flood Insurance Program. Under CSR, a community which implements an approved stormwater management program can achieve credit to help reduce flood insurance premiums for its residents. The guidance in this manual and the Model Stormwater Management and Erosion Control Ordinance, or provisions thereof, in Appendix A, have been designed to enable a community to receive credit for stormwater management under CRS. Improving water quality and controlling flooding are long-range goals for New York State. Better management of stormwater runoff is a major way of achieving this goal. We hope this manual will guide you in reviewing plans for new development at the regional, county and local level. Better stormwater management will benefit everyone.
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