Stormwater Best Management Practices: Green Infra-structure in Rural Communities

Abstract

Drainage systems in the US are largely characterized by complex systems of underground pipes, like combined sewage systems designed to collect both stormwater runoff and domestic waste products, and other structural features. Not only have such systems been demonstrated to be economically inefficient, combined sewage overflows significantly jeopardize the ecological integrity of the surrounding environments. As climate change catalyzes more frequent extreme weather events, periods of heavy rainfall will continue to overwhelm rural drainage systems, thus compromising water quality. Since the passing of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System in 1972, rural areas across the US have been taking a more integrated approach to the stormwater problem: best management practices. When utilized in combination with structural features, green infrastructure, a method that integrates the natural and built environments, is a promising alternative to current strategies. The goal of this paper is to synthesize the extant literature into a comprehensive reference for those interested in sustainable, smart solutions to widespread stormwater issues throughout the US.