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Storm drainage is a critical factor for site selection. Development
and construction can lead to uncontrolled stormwater runoff,
degraded water and soil quality, destruction of habitat, and
depletion of water, soil, and valuable vegetated areas.
Select selection with respect to storm drainage should show
preference to a site with the following characteristics:
- Ability to tolerate the stormwater conditions of the proposed
development using natural topography of the sites’ low point to
design system based on gravity.
- Ability to tolerate the increased stormwater flow caused by the
impervious surfaces of the building(s) and its infrastructure.
- Damage to existing soil, water, and flora/fauna can be minimized,
thereby lowering construction costs.
- Existing natural features available for capturing water for
re-use, and abundant stands of native plants adapted to harsh
conditions such as extreme heat or cold and low water.
As a strict rule do not select a site for development where:
- The elevation is lower than 5 feet above the elevation of the
100-year flood and land within 50 ft of these areas which functions
as a buffer zone.
- Within 100ft. of wetlands as defined by the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR)
- Within 50ft. of a water body (lakes, seas, rivers, etc.)
Avoid selecting sites whose natural features and functions are
particularly valuable to the larger community. Also avoid
development on sites where soil, water, and flora/fauna indicators
are in a fragile condition because of surrounding development or the
natural state of the site.
Determination of soil type, soil structure, and limitations of soil
through a detailed geotechnical analysis of the soil will support
site selection efforts. The pre-development discharge rate will need
to be calculated as a complex equation that results in a discharge
rate and quantity for one and two year, 24 hour storms. This will
ultimately be a critical piece of a stormwater management plan to
garner LEED points for the future development.
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