|
Best Management Practices (BMPs) are generally accepted methods
for stormwater management and offer a means of managing dispersed
pollution. Once a BMP has been established, it is assumed to be
performing satisfactorily if it has been constructed and maintained
correctly.
- Good operation and maintenance BMPs capture pollutants before
they are washed into the stormwater drainage system. Examples
include creating and enforcing animal waste control bylaws, cleaning
catchbasins regularly, and sweeping streets.
FIGURE 2.07 Hydrovac truck cleaning out
sediment from stormwater catch basin
(City of Calgary)
- Runoff reduction BMPs reduce the amount of impervious surface
in the urban area, thus reducing the erosive impact on receiving
streams and increasing groundwater replenishment. Examples include
using lot grading standards and infiltration systems, as well
as reducing road width and the area of other hard surfaces. Reducing
the volume of runoff results in a corresponding reduction in the
amount of pollutants being discharged into receiving water bodies.
- Erosion and sediment control BMPs either prevent the occurrence
of soil erosion or capture soil that is washed off. Examples include
using silt fence barriers and sediment ponds and quickly re-vegetating
exposed areas after earthmoving operations.
- Pollution control BMPs reduce the total pollutant load before
runoff is released to natural streams and rivers. Examples include
detention ponds and wetlands, as well as mechanical systems such
as oil-grit-water separators. When properly designed, these measures
can result in a significant reduction in the pollutant load.
- Education and awareness BMPs increase public understanding of
stormwater quality issues. Making people aware of the effects
of their choices can result in an immediate reduction in the pollution
of stormwater runoff.
FIGURE 2.08 Students being educated
at Elbow Valley
Constructed Wetland (Bernie Amell)
An example is mail-outs that explain the harmful impact of overusing
fertilizers and pesticides and dumping waste chemicals and used
motor oil into the stormwater drainage system.
A detailed discussion of stormwater BMPs and examples of their
use in the Bow River Basin can be found in Best
Management Practices.
Return to top
|
