Green Infrastructure Stormwater Control Measures

Abstract

To mitigate the many problems created by excess stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces, various control measures have been developed, designed, and implemented. Stormwater management facilities have historically been designated as stormwater best management practices (simplified as BMPs), following the terminology originally developed for wastewater treatment. More recently, a report by the National Academies has suggested the more descriptive name of stormwater control measures (SCMs). Structural SCMs incorporate various unit processes for water quantity and quality management. Although many are not “green,” a number of nonvegetated SCMs are commonly included as part of the Green Infrastructure toolbox. Important to the hydrologic performance of all SCMs is the volumetric storage capacity of the SCM and the volumetric performance once this capacity is reached. A critical component to all SCMs is the drain or underdrain.