Introduction:

Low Impact Development (LID) is a sustainable stormwater management strategy designed to mimic natural hydrological processes and minimize environmental impact in urban and rural developments. This 5-day training course will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of LID principles and techniques aimed at managing stormwater, reducing runoff, and enhancing water quality while promoting environmental sustainability. The course will cover key LID strategies such as green infrastructure, rainwater harvesting, permeable pavements, bio-retention, and vegetative systems, providing participants with the knowledge to incorporate LID into development projects to achieve sustainable and resilient urban landscapes.

Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Understand the core principles and benefits of Low Impact Development (LID).
2. Learn about stormwater management techniques and their role in sustainable urban development.
3. Gain knowledge of LID practices, including permeable pavements, green roofs, rain gardens, and bioswales.
4. Understand the design and implementation of LID systems to improve water quality and reduce runoff.
5. Learn about regulatory requirements and incentives for implementing LID techniques.
6. Be able to integrate LID strategies into new developments, redevelopment projects, and existing infrastructure.
7. Understand monitoring, maintenance, and performance evaluation of LID systems.

Who Should Attend:

This course is designed for professionals involved in land development, urban planning, environmental engineering, and sustainability practices, including:

• Civil Engineers and Environmental Engineers
• Urban Planners and Landscape Architects
• Stormwater Management Specialists
• Project Managers and Consultants
• Developers and Contractors
• Policy Makers and Regulators
• Students and Professionals Interested in Sustainable Development Practices

Course Outline:

Day 1: Introduction to Low Impact Development (LID)

• Session 1: Overview of LID
  • What is Low Impact Development (LID)? Core Principles and Concepts
  • Historical Context: Stormwater Management Evolution and Challenges
  • Benefits of LID: Environmental, Economic, and Social Advantages
  • The Role of LID in Climate Change Mitigation and Resilience
• Session 2: Hydrology and Stormwater Management
  • Understanding the Water Cycle: Runoff, Infiltration, and Evaporation
  • How Traditional Stormwater Systems Differ from LID Techniques
  • Impacts of Urbanization on Hydrological Systems
  • LID’s Role in Managing Peak Flows, Erosion, and Pollution
• Session 3: Key LID Techniques and Strategies
  • Overview of Common LID Strategies: Bio-retention, Rain Gardens, Green Roofs, Permeable Pavement, and Vegetative Swales
  • Design Considerations for Each LID Technique
  • Case Studies: Successful Applications of LID in Urban and Rural Environments
• Activity: Group Discussion – Evaluating the Potential Benefits of LID in Your Region

Day 2: Permeable Pavement and Green Roofs

• Session 1: Permeable Pavement Systems
  • Types of Permeable Pavements: Pavers, Concrete Grid, Porous Asphalt, and Gravel
  • Benefits of Permeable Pavement: Reducing Surface Runoff, Improving Infiltration, and Enhancing Water Quality
  • Design and Installation Considerations for Permeable Pavement
  • Maintenance Requirements and Longevity of Permeable Pavements
• Session 2: Green Roofs and Vegetative Systems
  • Introduction to Green Roofs: Types (Extensive, Intensive), Components, and Benefits
  • Environmental Benefits of Green Roofs: Stormwater Management, Heat Island Mitigation, and Energy Efficiency
  • Design and Installation Considerations for Green Roofs
  • Maintenance and Long-Term Performance of Green Roof Systems
• Session 3: Integrating Green Roofs and Permeable Pavements into LID Projects
  • How to Combine Green Roofs and Permeable Pavements for Maximum Stormwater Control
  • Design Challenges and Solutions
  • Case Studies of Urban Developments Using Both Techniques
• Activity: Hands-on Exercise – Designing a Green Roof or Permeable Pavement for a Sample Building

Day 3: Rain Gardens, Bioswales, and Bio-retention Systems

• Session 1: Rain Gardens and Bio-retention Systems
  • What is a Rain Garden? Design Principles and Benefits
  • Key Elements of Bio-retention Systems: Soil Media, Plants, and Drainage
  • Plant Selection and Maintenance for Bio-retention and Rain Gardens
  • Functionality in Stormwater Treatment: Filtering Pollutants and Increasing Infiltration
• Session 2: Bioswales and Vegetative Swales
  • Introduction to Bioswales: What They Are and How They Work
  • Types of Bioswales: Dry, Wet, and Linear Bioswales
  • Designing Effective Bioswales for Stormwater Treatment and Management
  • Vegetative Systems and Their Role in Filtration and Erosion Control
• Session 3: Implementing Rain Gardens and Bioswales in Urban Planning
  • Integrating Rain Gardens and Bioswales into Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Projects
  • Multi-Functionality: Enhancing Aesthetics, Habitat, and Public Spaces
  • Maintenance Considerations and Long-Term Sustainability
• Activity: Site Walkthrough or Virtual Tour – Identifying Potential Locations for Rain Gardens or Bioswales

Day 4: Regulatory Considerations, Design Guidelines, and Incentives

• Session 1: Regulatory Frameworks for LID
  • Understanding Local, Regional, and National LID Regulations
  • LID as Part of Stormwater Management Plans and Permitting
  • Key Guidelines and Standards for Designing LID Systems
  • Integrating LID into Zoning and Land Use Policies
• Session 2: Cost-Effectiveness of LID
  • Economic Benefits of LID: Reduced Infrastructure Costs, Enhanced Property Values, and Resilience
  • Analyzing the Life Cycle Costs of LID Techniques
  • Funding and Incentive Programs for LID Projects (Grants, Tax Incentives, Subsidies)
• Session 3: LID Design Considerations
  • Site Analysis: Identifying Opportunities for LID Integration
  • Key Design Considerations: Soil Properties, Hydrology, Space Constraints, and Aesthetic Needs
  • Collaborative Design: Working with Planners, Engineers, and Local Authorities
• Activity: Group Workshop – Evaluating Site Conditions and Designing an LID System for a Proposed Development

Day 5: Maintenance, Monitoring, and Future Trends in LID

• Session 1: Maintenance and Long-Term Performance of LID Systems
  • Routine Maintenance Needs for LID Systems: Inspection, Cleaning, and Plant Care
  • Monitoring Performance: Evaluating Water Quality and Quantity Post-Implementation
  • Common Challenges in LID Maintenance: Clogging, Soil Compaction, and Vegetation Management
• Session 2: Monitoring LID Performance
  • Methods for Assessing LID Effectiveness: Water Quality Monitoring, Flow Monitoring, and Site Inspections
  • Use of Data and Technology for Monitoring LID Systems (Sensors, GIS, Remote Sensing)
  • Adaptive Management: Adjusting LID Systems Based on Performance Feedback
• Session 3: Future Trends in Low Impact Development
  • Innovations in LID Technology: Smart Materials, Advanced Soil Media, and Biotechnologies
  • Role of LID in Climate Change Adaptation and Green Infrastructure Networks
  • The Growing Demand for LID in Urban Sustainability and Resilience Planning
• Activity: Group Discussion – Future Opportunities for LID in Responding to Urban Growth and Climate Change

Course Delivery:

• Interactive Lectures: Detailed presentations on LID principles, techniques, and case studies.
• Hands-on Design Exercises: Practical application of LID techniques through site-specific design tasks and simulations.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples of LID applications in urban planning, development projects, and stormwater management.
• Field Visits (Optional): If feasible, visits to existing LID projects such as green roofs, rain gardens, and bioswales.
• Group Activities: Collaborative problem-solving and design projects to reinforce learning.