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LID opportunities on residential land (view source)
Revision as of 19:07, 24 October 2017
, 6 years agoCreated page with "<h3>'''Take a look at a typical home. What opportunities exist to implement LID?'''</h3> On residential lands, hard surfaces such as the roof, patio, walkways and drivewa..."
<h3>'''[[Take a look at a typical home. What opportunities exist to implement LID?]]'''</h3>
On residential lands, hard surfaces such as the roof, patio,
walkways and driveways can all be targeted to collect, treat,
and infiltrate runoff. The practices you choose will vary
depending on neighbourhood and site constraints (Chapter
4) and landscape ideals identified during market research
(Chapter 5).
This chapter will provide examples of residential landscape
alternatives and LID retrofits that are options for a municipal
program. For a good “how to” resource for homeowner
LID installation, see TRCA’s Greening Your Grounds: A
Homeowners Guide to Stormwater Landscaping Projects,
available for purchase at TRCA.on.ca.
For more technical information and design guidance on LID
practices, see the Low Impact Development Stormwater
Management Planning and Design Guide, available at bealeader.ca
<h3>'''[[Landscape alternatives]]'''</h3>
Landscape alternatives capture rainfall in leafy green foliage.
This allows for infiltration, filtration, and evapotranspiration
of rainfall and runoff. Landscape alternatives can be
designed to require little maintenance and less irrigation
after establishment than sod lawns. They are a great water
conservation tool.
Landscape alternatives allow homeowners to customize
their property’s landscape to their liking. A guiding principal
when designing landscape alternatives is “the right plant for
the right place”. Use of both native and non-native plants is
acceptable as long as the non-native plants are not invasive
and do not require frequent watering.<br>
There are various landscape alternatives available, including:
* Fusion Landscaping®
* Xeriscaping
* Tree Clusters
<h4><span style="color:blue">Fusion Landscaping®</span></h4>
A great example of a landscape alternative is the Region of
Peel’s Fusion Landscaping® program. Fusion Landscaping®
combines the lush splendour of traditional gardens with
modern, eco-friendly plants. This program uses local market
research and social marketing to promote behavioural change,
address residents’ unique needs, and reduce outdoor water use.
<h4><span style="color:blue">Xeriscaping</span></h4>
Xeriscaping refers to landscaping, plantings and gardening
practices that reduce or eliminate the need for watering.
Synonymous with terms such as water-conservative,
xeriscaping was originally promoted in areas with perennial
water shortages.
With xeriscaping, plants are selected based on their ability to
survive with little water. Additional benefits include reducing
water bills, lower maintenance requirements, better plant
survival and aesthetics during drought periods. Xeriscaping
can be used alone or it can be combined with a larger
residential LID program.
<h4><span style="color:blue">Tree clusters</span></h4>
Tree clusters are another residential landscape alternative.
They provide some of the function of forested areas by
intercepting rainfall and allowing for evapotranspiration and
infiltration of stormwater runoff.
Tree clusters improve water quality, generate organic soils,
absorb greenhouse gases, and provide shade for homes. Tree
clusters require larger lot sizes and preferably no overhead
wires. They can be planted as a standalone feature or part of
a larger residential LID landscape.
<h3><span style="color:brown">Rain gardens</span></h3>
On the outside, rain gardens look like a typical garden.
However, their function is much greater than a normal garden.
Rain gardens are landscaped areas that include a surface
depression of approximately 150 mm (6 inches) that allows
runoff from residential property to collect and easily absorb
into the ground. Within the rain garden a special type of soil,
referred to as bioretention soil media, can be used to improve
the amount of water that gets absorbed by the garden and
infiltrated into the native soils.
Location is very important to a functioning rain garden. When
looking at potential locations, look for low areas where runoff
can be easily be directed into the garden.
Rain gardens are a great option for residential LID retrofits
because homeowners can customize the garden to suit their
desired style. They can be planted with a variety of vegetation
including shrubs, grasses and flowers.
A well-designed rain garden can be maintained with minimal
care which is a great marketing point for homeowners.
In the first two years, the plants will need watering to ensure
they become established. After this establishment period, the
garden should only need simple maitenance such as weeding.
<h3><span style="color:brown">Permeable pavement</span></h3>
Permeable pavement are surfaces that encourage infiltration.
They can be used in place of conventional asphalt or concrete
pavement. These alternatives contain pores, spaces or joints
that allow stormwater to pass through to a stone base where
it is infiltrated into the underlying native soil or temporarily
detained. Types of permeable pavement include:
* Pervious concrete
* Porous asphalt
* Permeable interlocking concrete pavers (PICP, or just permeable pavers)
Permeable pavement can be used for both driveways and
walkways. When infiltrating driveway runoff, confirm whether
your residential neighbourhood is in a wellhead protection
area. Driveway runoff should not be infiltrated if in a wellhead
protection area due to the risk of groundwater contamination.
Contact your local Conservation Authority for more information
on wellhead protection areas.<br>
Focus on aesthetic appeal when marketing permeable pavers
to homeowners. They come in a variety of colours and shapes,
and can be laid out to form patterns or designs that enhance
the landscape of residential properties.<br>
Permeable pavement may also appeal to homeowners
because it typically has a longer life span that traditional
asphalt. As well, light coloured pavers typically require less
winter maintenance. Water and snow generally seep through
the joints of the pavers before ice can form. This reduces the
amount of salt homeowners need to use on their driveways,
walkways or patios.
<h3><span style="color:brown">Soakaways and infiltration trenches</span></h3>
Soakaways, also known as infiltration galleries and dry wells,
are excavations in native soil that are filled with geotextile
fabric and clean granular stone. Soakaways are typically
designed with a perforated pipe inlet from a relatively clean
water source, such as a roof or pedestrian area. When
possible, soakaways should be installed in areas where native
soils allow for infiltration. If poorly draining soils are present,
an underdrain can be installed to remove standing water.<br>
Soakaways can be designed in many shapes and sizes. Larger
pits can be used on residential lots with lots of available
space.Where lot size is a constraint, a linear variation known
as an infiltration trench can be used. This technique may be
appropriate for sites where retrofit space is limited to long
strips between buildings or along property lines.
<h3><span style="color:brown">Rainwater harvesting</span></h3>
Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting and storing
rainwater for future use. Harvested water can be used for a
variety of indoor and outdoor non-potable uses with minimal
treatment. Rainwater harvesting provides an easy and lowcost
option for homeowners to reduce the volume of runoff
conveyed from their properties to the municipal storm sewer
system.
<h4><span style="color:blue">Rainwater harvesting systems</span></h4>
Rainwater harvesting systems collect rainwater from roof
runoff and store it until it is needed. These systems are typically
used for irrigation, however with additional equipment and
proper treatment this water can be used for indoor purposes
like toilet flushing and laundry. By using rainwater around
the home residents can reduce their water bills while also reducing the amount of stormwater runoff entering the storm
sewer system.
Rainwater storage tanks come in a variety of dimensions and
shapes to accommodate both the size and desired aesthetics
of residential properties. They can fit unobtrusively against the
home, buried underground, or even placed below a deck.
<h4><span style="color:blue">Rain barrels</span></h4>
While they provide similar functions to rainwater harvesting
systems, rain barrels have much more limited storage space.
Rain barrels are installed at the outlet of downspouts and
intercept water draining down roofs. Water collected in rain barrels can be used for irrigation.
Rain barrels come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles.
Residents can choose a style of rain barrel that is best suited
to their home and personal tastes. For example, rain barrels
can be decorated to create garden art.
On residential lands, hard surfaces such as the roof, patio,
walkways and driveways can all be targeted to collect, treat,
and infiltrate runoff. The practices you choose will vary
depending on neighbourhood and site constraints (Chapter
4) and landscape ideals identified during market research
(Chapter 5).
This chapter will provide examples of residential landscape
alternatives and LID retrofits that are options for a municipal
program. For a good “how to” resource for homeowner
LID installation, see TRCA’s Greening Your Grounds: A
Homeowners Guide to Stormwater Landscaping Projects,
available for purchase at TRCA.on.ca.
For more technical information and design guidance on LID
practices, see the Low Impact Development Stormwater
Management Planning and Design Guide, available at bealeader.ca
<h3>'''[[Landscape alternatives]]'''</h3>
Landscape alternatives capture rainfall in leafy green foliage.
This allows for infiltration, filtration, and evapotranspiration
of rainfall and runoff. Landscape alternatives can be
designed to require little maintenance and less irrigation
after establishment than sod lawns. They are a great water
conservation tool.
Landscape alternatives allow homeowners to customize
their property’s landscape to their liking. A guiding principal
when designing landscape alternatives is “the right plant for
the right place”. Use of both native and non-native plants is
acceptable as long as the non-native plants are not invasive
and do not require frequent watering.<br>
There are various landscape alternatives available, including:
* Fusion Landscaping®
* Xeriscaping
* Tree Clusters
<h4><span style="color:blue">Fusion Landscaping®</span></h4>
A great example of a landscape alternative is the Region of
Peel’s Fusion Landscaping® program. Fusion Landscaping®
combines the lush splendour of traditional gardens with
modern, eco-friendly plants. This program uses local market
research and social marketing to promote behavioural change,
address residents’ unique needs, and reduce outdoor water use.
<h4><span style="color:blue">Xeriscaping</span></h4>
Xeriscaping refers to landscaping, plantings and gardening
practices that reduce or eliminate the need for watering.
Synonymous with terms such as water-conservative,
xeriscaping was originally promoted in areas with perennial
water shortages.
With xeriscaping, plants are selected based on their ability to
survive with little water. Additional benefits include reducing
water bills, lower maintenance requirements, better plant
survival and aesthetics during drought periods. Xeriscaping
can be used alone or it can be combined with a larger
residential LID program.
<h4><span style="color:blue">Tree clusters</span></h4>
Tree clusters are another residential landscape alternative.
They provide some of the function of forested areas by
intercepting rainfall and allowing for evapotranspiration and
infiltration of stormwater runoff.
Tree clusters improve water quality, generate organic soils,
absorb greenhouse gases, and provide shade for homes. Tree
clusters require larger lot sizes and preferably no overhead
wires. They can be planted as a standalone feature or part of
a larger residential LID landscape.
<h3><span style="color:brown">Rain gardens</span></h3>
On the outside, rain gardens look like a typical garden.
However, their function is much greater than a normal garden.
Rain gardens are landscaped areas that include a surface
depression of approximately 150 mm (6 inches) that allows
runoff from residential property to collect and easily absorb
into the ground. Within the rain garden a special type of soil,
referred to as bioretention soil media, can be used to improve
the amount of water that gets absorbed by the garden and
infiltrated into the native soils.
Location is very important to a functioning rain garden. When
looking at potential locations, look for low areas where runoff
can be easily be directed into the garden.
Rain gardens are a great option for residential LID retrofits
because homeowners can customize the garden to suit their
desired style. They can be planted with a variety of vegetation
including shrubs, grasses and flowers.
A well-designed rain garden can be maintained with minimal
care which is a great marketing point for homeowners.
In the first two years, the plants will need watering to ensure
they become established. After this establishment period, the
garden should only need simple maitenance such as weeding.
<h3><span style="color:brown">Permeable pavement</span></h3>
Permeable pavement are surfaces that encourage infiltration.
They can be used in place of conventional asphalt or concrete
pavement. These alternatives contain pores, spaces or joints
that allow stormwater to pass through to a stone base where
it is infiltrated into the underlying native soil or temporarily
detained. Types of permeable pavement include:
* Pervious concrete
* Porous asphalt
* Permeable interlocking concrete pavers (PICP, or just permeable pavers)
Permeable pavement can be used for both driveways and
walkways. When infiltrating driveway runoff, confirm whether
your residential neighbourhood is in a wellhead protection
area. Driveway runoff should not be infiltrated if in a wellhead
protection area due to the risk of groundwater contamination.
Contact your local Conservation Authority for more information
on wellhead protection areas.<br>
Focus on aesthetic appeal when marketing permeable pavers
to homeowners. They come in a variety of colours and shapes,
and can be laid out to form patterns or designs that enhance
the landscape of residential properties.<br>
Permeable pavement may also appeal to homeowners
because it typically has a longer life span that traditional
asphalt. As well, light coloured pavers typically require less
winter maintenance. Water and snow generally seep through
the joints of the pavers before ice can form. This reduces the
amount of salt homeowners need to use on their driveways,
walkways or patios.
<h3><span style="color:brown">Soakaways and infiltration trenches</span></h3>
Soakaways, also known as infiltration galleries and dry wells,
are excavations in native soil that are filled with geotextile
fabric and clean granular stone. Soakaways are typically
designed with a perforated pipe inlet from a relatively clean
water source, such as a roof or pedestrian area. When
possible, soakaways should be installed in areas where native
soils allow for infiltration. If poorly draining soils are present,
an underdrain can be installed to remove standing water.<br>
Soakaways can be designed in many shapes and sizes. Larger
pits can be used on residential lots with lots of available
space.Where lot size is a constraint, a linear variation known
as an infiltration trench can be used. This technique may be
appropriate for sites where retrofit space is limited to long
strips between buildings or along property lines.
<h3><span style="color:brown">Rainwater harvesting</span></h3>
Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting and storing
rainwater for future use. Harvested water can be used for a
variety of indoor and outdoor non-potable uses with minimal
treatment. Rainwater harvesting provides an easy and lowcost
option for homeowners to reduce the volume of runoff
conveyed from their properties to the municipal storm sewer
system.
<h4><span style="color:blue">Rainwater harvesting systems</span></h4>
Rainwater harvesting systems collect rainwater from roof
runoff and store it until it is needed. These systems are typically
used for irrigation, however with additional equipment and
proper treatment this water can be used for indoor purposes
like toilet flushing and laundry. By using rainwater around
the home residents can reduce their water bills while also reducing the amount of stormwater runoff entering the storm
sewer system.
Rainwater storage tanks come in a variety of dimensions and
shapes to accommodate both the size and desired aesthetics
of residential properties. They can fit unobtrusively against the
home, buried underground, or even placed below a deck.
<h4><span style="color:blue">Rain barrels</span></h4>
While they provide similar functions to rainwater harvesting
systems, rain barrels have much more limited storage space.
Rain barrels are installed at the outlet of downspouts and
intercept water draining down roofs. Water collected in rain barrels can be used for irrigation.
Rain barrels come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles.
Residents can choose a style of rain barrel that is best suited
to their home and personal tastes. For example, rain barrels
can be decorated to create garden art.