Stormwater Infiltration Feasibility Study
Type of initiative
FCM Green Municipal Fund - Plans, Studies, Pilots
Sector
Water
Project value$470,000
Project Type
Feasibility Study
Sub Sector
Stormwater Management
Grant amount$100,000
Program type
GMF
Municipality
Township of Langley, BC
Status
Fully Disbursed
Population
132,603
Project timeline
2003 - 2011
Project number
3392
Description
This study aims at changing the way developers approach storm water management at new sites. By updatingengineering design criteria and working with developers, local stream stewardship groups and the community, the“effective impervious area (EIA)” could be limited to 25 to 35 per cent after development, rather than the current 60 to 75per cent. This would allow restoration of the natural water balance to near pre-development conditions. The pilot project -at a subdivision in the Yorkson Neighbourhood area - is innovative with respect to scale and uses a practical approach todetermine if these innovative storm water management techniques meet drainage goals, reduce environmental impactson streams and groundwater and are economically feasible. Formalizing infiltration approaches through sitedevelopment regulations will enable the Township to create a level playing field for future site developments, increasingboth environmental and economic sustainability potential. The updated design criteria will be applicable across theTownship and should provide guidelines for a number of other municipalities throughout the Lower Mainland of BritishColumbia, among others.
Applicant
Township of Langley, BC