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Stormwater Management: Structural BMPs
Many so-called Structural BMPs are actually based on natural systems and rely upon vegetation and soil mechanisms in order to perform as intended. Others are considered more conventional “brick and mortar” techniques. The use of these mitigative techniques is not meant to replace the use of non-structural BMPs, but rather to work in tandem with these planning and design-based approaches to minimize unavoidable impacts.
The decision about which structural BMPs are most appropriate comes not ass a post construction fix, but rather as a result of the Site Design Procedure For Comprehensive Stormwater Management. More information about the process is found in the Planning section of the site(to Planning/ SWM Planning Procedure)
The PA DEP Stormwater BMP Manual contains details on some 21 Structural BMPs, several of which offer variations on a central theme. Like the Non-Structural BMPs presented in the Manual, the list of Structural BMPs is expected to grow as stormwater management practices continue to evolve and mature.
A detailed discussion of Structural BMPs can be found in Chapter 6 of the Stormwater BMP Manual.
6.7.1 Riparian buffer restoration
A riparian buffer is a permanent area of trees and shrubs
located adjacent to streams, lakes, ponds, and wetlands.
Riparian forests are the most beneficial type of buffer for
they provide ecological and water quality benefits.
Restoration of this ecologically sensitive habitat is a
responsive action to past activities that may have
eliminated any vegetation.
