Low Impact Development (LID) allows as much stormwater as possible to soak into the ground at or near where the rain falls by mimicking the natural water cycle. It is an innovative way to manage stormwater that enhances water quality in rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands.
LID reduces polluted stormwater runoff by reducing and disconnecting impervious surfaces so water can soak into the ground, restoring the ability of soils to soak up stormwater, and incorporating small landscape features that hold and filter stormwater. Low Impact Development can be applied to open spaces, rooftops, parking lots, sidewalks, and medians. With proper planning and construction, LID can be implemented on a community-wide scale for new development or redevelopment projects.
Low Impact Development Demonstration Projects in Dakota County
The
Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization contributes toward establishing Low Impact Development (LID) projects along the Vermillion River.
Demonstrating how to reduce stormwater runoff was an important goal of the Empire Wastewater Treatment Plant
expansion project.
Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District coordinates research and helps cities, developers, and homeowners to design and construct projects that demonstrate effective LID stormwater management practices.