LID Performance Monitoring Challenges and Results for Infiltrating BMPs: Bioretention Cells, Raingardens, and Porous Pavements

The object of Low Impact Development (LID) is to mimic the hydrologic cycle, to handle and infiltrate stormwater on-site and to minimize the impact of development. A good way to accomplish this is through infiltration practices. This paper discusses seven sites located in Massachusetts where infiltration practices, including bioretention cells, raingardens, and porous pavements, have been designed and installed and provides design information and performance monitoring/infiltration results and challenges for each site. The results indicate that when properly designed, constructed, and maintained, infiltration practices can be a practical and effective method of stormwater management.