Stormwater management ...


Stormwater Planning

Traditional stormwater planning emphasizes removal of stormwater from sites as quickly and efficiently as possible, using ponds and other detention structures to minimize erosion and flooding effects on receiving streams.  We at ATR Associates can design and implement such measures, but we prefer to treat stormwater as a resource.  We first look for ways to use stormwater for uses such as irrigation, grey-water, and even potable water through rain-water harvesting.  We then use more traditional measures to manage the runoff that cannot otherwise be used. We prepare comprehensive stormwater management plans that benefit the developer, the residents, and the ecosystem.



Low Impact Development

Low impact development, or LID, doesn't mean 'no' impact development.  How-ever, the adverse effects of development can be minimized by effective manage-ment of stormwater.  We at ATR Associates design stormwater management measures (sometimes known as Best Management Practices, or BMPs - and some-times known as Integrated Management Practices, or IMPs) based on hydrologic goals.  That is, we develop design storms based on land use and soil types in addition to the traditional design storms based on erosion and flood control.  We base our outfall designs on the characteristics of the receiving streams, so that the habitat is protected to the extent possible.  This approach maintains the ecological character of the watershed, and reduces the need for subsequent stream restoration.



Typical Projects