Guntlow & Associates, Inc. consistently employs Low Impact Development techniques into our site and drainage designs. With LEED certification becoming a growing trend, we are constantly striving to find innovative solutions for not only stormwater management, but also energy conservation and water efficiency.
In stormwater management projects, the goal is to manage stormwater through methods which reduce impervious areas, disperse run-off and encourage infiltration in order to maintain natural hydrologic funtions of the site upon completion of project construction. Typically, proposed stormwater management systems become a hybrid stormwater system composed of conventional detention basins in combination with innovative LID features including:
- Raingardens
- Bioretention Planter Boxes
- Bioretention Cell
- Porous Pavement
- Bioretention Swales
- Grass Swales
- Micropools
A typical rain graden consists of a plant bed whose surface is lowered to collect water. The garden is planted with native plant species in a bioretention soil. The soil encourages infiltration of stormwater back into the ground. Plants survive on the temporary puddling that occurs. Typically, an overflow structure is placed within the garden so that when the water reaches a certain level, it enters site storm drain system. Rain gardens look like typical plant beds, but offer an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional stormwater management techniques.
We are also looking at ways to reuse collected rainwater for irrigation, landscape features and even plumbing which does not require a potable water source.
With most clients, building “green” has become a priority. Through our site plans, we encourage them to consider solar orientation and the use of geothermal wells to assist in long term energy efficiency.