Masters Thesis

Analysis of barriers to low impact development in the North Coast Redwood Region, Calfornia

Stormwater runoff from development degrades receiving water bodies and alters their capacity to support life. Environmental planners are tasked with managing impacts from human land uses on ecosystem functions in order to meet water quality goals. However, conventional stormwater management practices aggravate development impacts, raising the need for a paradigm shift in stormwater management. Low Impact Development (LID) approaches to stormwater management can minimize impacts from runoff, and protect water quality and stream ecosystems by mimicking pre-development hydrology. Barriers to adoption, needs, and opportunities for LID on the North Coast of California were assessed through a comparative analysis of the North Coast and four other regions in the United States currently implementing LID. The analysis was based on literature review and on interviews with stormwater professionals in the five regions. The most significant barriers to LID found on the North Coast were institutionalized conventional practices, budget and staff constraints, and challenging local site conditions. The most significant regional needs identified to promote a shift toward LID were economic incentives, education and research, and regulatory and policy reform. Growing "regulatory-will" from the state and local level, and significant existing human capital may provide opportunities to help spur LID uptake locally. Recommendations based on my study are that LID policy language be included in General Plans, codes, and ordinances. Standards and requirements for LID should be developed to be consistent on a regional scale. Additionally, local governments should take greater advantage of partnerships with local watershed groups, and universities to create LID educational opportunities.

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