ESD in Practice: Comparison of Environmental Site Design Regulations Using Example Application

Stormwater authorities are revising their regulations to allow and require the use of Low Impact Development (LID) design techniques. The slow transition to regulations that encourage environmental site design has challenged designers endeavoring to create more sustainable sites. Maryland and Virginia are two states that have recently undertaken the arduous process of revising their stormwater regulations to encourage the use of LID. Although these states are contiguous and have similar climate, geography, and development conditions, they have each enacted very different regulations. Maryland's new regulations are based on the theory of Environmental Site Design (ESD) and using LID practices to the Maximum Extent Practical (MEP). Virginia's regulations use the Runoff Reduction Method to advance the use of design techniques that promote stormwater infiltration. Although Maryland and Virginia's systems have similar theories and goals, the practical application varies significantly. Using a single site, this paper will compare and contrast the requirements of two different stormwater regulation systems. Two different stormwater solutions will be created for the site. One to meet the requirements of Maryland's stormwater regulations; the second will comply with the proposed stormwater regulations of Virginia. The new regulations' affect on the design process will be analyzed to determine the advantages and challenges of each system. Environmental site design techniques challenge design engineers to alter their design methods and techniques. Lessons will be investigated to assist engineers in identifying the best solutions to meet the needs of their client while complying with the new regulations in each state.