The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released a new report, "Reducing Storm Water Costs Through Low-Impact Development (LID) Strategies and Practices," which comprises 17 case studies from across North America that show the economic viability of LID practices.

Using these practices in construction projects can lower costs while improving environmental results. LID practices are innovative in managing urban storm water runoff at its source. The goal is to mimic the way water moved through an area before it was developed by using design techniques that infiltrate, evapotranspirate and reuse runoff close to its source.

LID practices increasingly are used by communities across the country to help protect and restore water quality. Some common practices include rain gardens, grassed swales, cisterns, rain barrels, permeable pavements and green roofs.

The report highlights examples that, in most cases, reduce project costs while improving environmental performance. Total capital savings ranged from 15 to 80 percent with a few exceptions in which LID project costs were higher than conventional storm water management costs. As LID practices become more common, it is likely they will become cheaper to use.

To view a copy of the report, visit http://epa.gov/owow/nps/lid/costs07/.

Source: U.S. EPA