Benefit 2: Generates collaboration Working with multiple stormwater controls and BMPs requires significant understand- ing of each control and how it will interact with the others. Collaboration by the entire design-build team is needed to identify possible challenges and opportunities for storm- water solutions. By taking an integrated approach with multiple stormwater solutions, the entire team is likely to collaborate more consistently — because they have to. With the VMI facility referenced above, that collaboration was crucial to the project’s delivery. When working with numerous stormwater controls, it’s best to take the “more is more” approach with extensive communication, brainstorming sessions, and collabora- tion to ensure that all possible stormwater management solutions are well-thought out. One such collaboration resulted in the elevation of the facility above creek level to prevent future flood damage. Flood models, developed with input from the design-build team, helped guide that elevation. Furthermore, as a result of this collaboration, the design team recognized the need to utilize as much space as possible to mitigate flooding events and incorporated the parking structure under the building. Thus, if flooding occurs from a storm event greater than the 100-year storm, the parking structure serves as an overflow route for the facility, thereby not impacting the primary building space. Proactively insist on cooperation throughout the entire process through the installation of all controls. This ongoing communication pays off in the long run by both delivering more innovative stormwater controls and avoiding added expenses related to incorrectly installed or insufficient controls. Benefit 3: Helps secure permit approval As many engineers understand, constant regulatory changes from federal and state au- thorities can complicate the permit approval process. However, by addressing stormwater issues up front, the approval process can run more smoothly. Taking a multi-layered ap- proach is often the most effective solution when working to secure environmental ap- provals. With permit requirements becoming stricter, it’s important to take into account the pur- pose of all stormwater controls and how they will be managed during initial concept planning. One important tip to note related to permit approvals is to take a big-picture approach. Whether a public or private project, think beyond the project’s immediate boundaries to options on other lands. The result often provides more watershed benefits and volume controls than at the project site. For example, if your project is in a remote area, consider installing the required control, such as a bioretention basin, on other land you might control within the same watershed, such as next to a parking lot or public facility. This will likely provide more benefit through greater pollutant removal and volume reduction by addressing the parking lot rather than an undeveloped area. The best part is that this approach can still help you secure the necessary permits for a project to move forward. Benefit 4: Produces more creativity Multiple stormwater controls allow for more creativity when responding to site con- straints, cost savings, environmental implications, and more. Thinking holistically about how stormwater controls can provide multiple benefits to the project is always a great idea. With the new training facility at VMI, construction of traditional bioretention was chal- lenging because of the steep slopes on the site. Brainstorming ideas was vital to create a
Permeable pavers served multiple uses, including as a stormwater control measure.
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