A new manual describing Low Impact Development (LID) techniques that uses basic principles modeled after nature to protect the environment and manage storm water runoff for land development in Michigan is now available. The manual, titled Low Impact Development Manual for Michigan: A Design Guide for Implementers and Reviewers was developed by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) through a grant provided by the Department of Environmental Quality and funded with federal money.

The manual includes approximately 500 pages of technical and policy guidance for implementing LID specific to Michigan's climate, geology, and native plant species. Valuable assistance and input to develop the manual were provided by a committee of statewide experts in storm water control and LID.

LID addresses storm water control through small, cost-effective landscape features located at the site level instead of large, costly, end-of-pipe facilities located at the bottom of drainage areas. LID attempts to control storm water runoff as if the development never occurred, through techniques that infiltrate, filter, store, evaporate, and detain runoff close to its source.

The benefits of LID go well beyond storm water management. Incorporating LID enhances community character, assists in restoring urban fisheries and meeting regulatory obligations, protects sensitive habitat, and integrates developments into local greenways initiatives.

The manual may be downloaded by individual chapters through a link from the DEQ's Web site at http://www.michigan.gov/deqwater under the Spotlight banner. Supplemental documents, reference guides, and a series of one-page brochures are also available for download from this link. The brochures are targeted toward developers, local units of government, and homeowners. They provide each user group with basic information about LID to increase the general knowledge about the extensive benefits of using LID techniques on every new development or redevelopment project.

Editor's note: DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"