Low Impact Design

Water quality is important to all of us.  Protecting our lakes, rivers, and streams is critical to preserving the natural character of our rural areas, and maintaining a high quality of life in our villages and cities.

Lately, we are seeing more innovative design techniques employed in Washtenaw County that serve to better protect our waters.  Low Impact Development, or LID, is a more environmentally friendly approach to land development and stormwater runoff management, which balances growth with environmental integrity.

Many examples of Low impact Design have been constructed here in Washtenaw County.  These Fact Sheets compile information about these practices in a format that I hope you will find convenient and useful.

	Vegetated Swales Fact Sheet  Other Resources: USEPA Storm Water Fact Sheets  Low Impact Development Center  Cahill Associates Environmental Planning  International Storm Water Best Management Practices Database
	Bioretention Islands Fact Sheet  Other Resources: Center for Watershed Studies  Low Impact Development Center  Low Impact Development Center-Watershed Benefits  Center For Watershed Protection  Center For Water and Watershed Studies  Prince Georges County, Maryland  USEPA Storm Water Management Fact Sheet
	Native Landscaping Fact Sheet  Other Resources: Wild Ones  USEPA  Buhr Park Childrens Wet Meadow  International Storm Water Best Management Practices Database  Michigan Native Plant Producers Association Plants and Seeds Source Guide (for Native Plant Material Resources)
	Porous Pavement Fact Sheet  Other Resources: Low Impact Development Center  USEPA Storm Water Fact Sheets  Michigan Department Of Environmental Quality  Sustainable Building Sourcebook US Department Of Transportation International Stormwater Best Management Practices Database
	Engineered Systems Fact Sheet  Other Resources: USEPA Storm Water Fact Sheets  International Storm Water Best Management Practices Database  Stormwater Magazine