Comprehensive Stormwater Management Site Planning and Design Procedure

When it comes to stormwater management, an ounce of prevention truly is worth a pound of cure—and prevention comes from planning ahead. The PA DEP Stormwater BMP Manual describes a variety of non-structural and structural best management practices (BMPs) that can be used to achieve comprehensive stormwater management goals.

Because of the intimidating size of the Manual, it has been suggested that one may be tempted to merely “cherry pick” from the menu of BMPs, based on cost, aesthetics, or some other element that holds particular appeal. Obviously, not all BMPs are applicable for all land development activities, nor are they all appropriate for every site, so random selection just doesn’t make sense.

So, how does one go about selecting the most appropriate suite of BMPs? What is the optimal mix of Non-Structural and Structural BMPs? How can stormwater management be integrated into the planning process?

This flow chart depicts the Site Design Procedure For Comprehensive Stormwater Management as set forth in the BMP Manual.

The Procedure begins with a background assessment of the site, its natural systems, and the local regulations that must be met. It then examines opportunities for incorporating Non-Structural (preventive) BMPs into the site design and considers which structural (mitigative) BMPs can be integrated to achieve the peak rate/volume control/water quality goals. The intent is that through an iterative series of feedback loops, a comprehensive stormwater management plan is formulated.

This summary checklist accompanies the Procedure as a step by step guide.

A detailed discussion can be found in Chapter 4 of the Stormwater BMP Manual.