Making a Business Case for LID Treatment Methods

Over the past decade, ports have faced the implementation of low-impact development (LID) regulations to manage storm water on development/redevelopment projects. Much of this regulation does not consider the unique conditions found at port facilities. In response, the Port of Los Angeles (POLA) has developed a strategic plan for storm water management based on a business analysis of their storm water management program. This paper discusses the strategic plan, which demonstrates the best method to manage storm water at port facilities where LID is infeasible. This paper briefly analyzes the costs, impacts, and benefits of both LID and traditional treatment methods for application at marine container terminals. This paper also analyzes the business aspects of POLA's storm water management program with a stakeholder analysis, a strength, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT) analysis, and a business model canvas. The stakeholder analysis looks at all parties that can influence or be impacted by a storm water program and determines what steps need to be taken to gain their support. The SWOT analysis looks at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to developing and implementing a storm water management program in order to give direction and help develop goals and objectives. Finally, the business model canvas is a strategic management tool which helps to visualize the strategy for developing a storm water management program. The resulting strategic plan will allow POLA, and other ports, to work with regulators to ensure that a reasonable option is provided for port facilities in upcoming regulations.