Micro-scale Modeling of Low Impact Development

Low Impact Development (LID) is an innovative micro-scale runoff control strategy for WWF management issues. This technology is based on a combined strategy of conservation to reduce hydrologic impacts and the incorporation of distributed micro-scale Best Management Practices (BMP's) throughout the subcatchment. This site-based approach has a goal of maintaining the pre-development hydrologic regime of the project site. Because this is a volume-based approach to management of runoff, there is great potential to reduce the runoff volume, sediment loads, and floatables that can reach receiving waters. In order to fully understand the effects of reduced runoff volume and timing, as well as the full implementation of this technology within the catchment, modifications to existing models and new models must be developed. This paper will explore the potential and limitations of existing models to evaluate the effectiveness of this design approach.