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Low Impact Development (LID) Resources

 

• Green Infrastructure Master Plan - This study assesses the potential impact of green infrastructure in the combined sewer area, including the identification of possible sites and pilot projects
• Nashville’s Virtual LID Tour - An interactive map of local LID sites
  If you do not have JavaScript, use this link: maps.nashville.gov/LID_Sites
• Building Green: A Success Storm in Philadelphia
• Green Infrastructure Design - Using Low Impact Development
• Development Services Green Building Page
  • includes information on green building standards, Metro’s green initiatives, and Codes' new green building permits.
• Using Rainwater to Grow Livable Communities
  • Sustainable Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs)
  • This site provides LID implementation information and case studies from around the country
• US EPA Low Impact Development Resources:
  • Low Impact Development
  • Reduce Runoff: Slow It Down, Spread It Out, Soak It In
  • Managing Wet Weather with Green Infrastructure
  • GreenScapes Program
  • Green Scene: GreenScaping Tips for Fall - EPA GreenScapes Program Manager, Jean Schwab, discusses environmentally-friendly lawn and garden tips for fall at EPA's GreenScapes exhibit at the National Botanic Garden.
  • Handbook: Managing Wet Weather with Green Infrastructure
  • Water Efficient Landscaping
• National Low Impact Development Clearinghouse
  • This site provides a wealth of information regarding low impact development and is sponsored by a Cooperative Assistance Agreement under the US EPA Office of Water 104b(3) Program. Also features user forums.
• Low Impact Development Center
  • This group conducts research and training on LID.  Site resources include publications and pictures
• Natural Infrastructure For Nashville and Davidson County
  • A PowerPoint presentation discussing why natural infrastructure, such as rain gardens, is a viable option in managing stormwater runoff.
• Rain Gardens
  • A do-it-yourself guide for Middle Tennessee homeowners

Demonstration sites in Nashville and Tennessee

• McCabe Green Roof: Video tour of the new green roof at the McCabe Community Center and a great summary of all its benefits.
• Richard H. Fulton Complex Low Impact Development Parking Lot
  • Features: Bioretention and permeable asphalt with underdrain system.
• Ellington Agricultural Center
  • Features: Bioretention, porous paving, stream bank re-shaping, forest restoration, stream buffer restoration, wetland enhancement, invasive/exotic plant removal, native grasses, and native meadows.
• Building Outside the Box, Nashville and Middle Tennessee
  • Features: Porous paving, infiltration trench, and rain garden.
• Hill Center Belle Meade
  • Features: Bioretention, a cistern, and increased greenspace.
• Public Square
  • Features: Green roof and rainwater harvesting.
• Pinnacle
  • Features: Green roof and rainwater harvesting.
• Tennessee Association of Realtors
  • Features: Rain gardens and porous paving
• The Natural Side of Henry Horton State Park
  • Features: Native grass and meadow restoration (replaced high runoff and high maintenance lawns)

Examples of Rain Gardens and Bioretention Uses Around The Country

• Rain Gardens for Nashville - Making a Difference One Garden at a Time! - Download an instructional manual, research different plants, or register your rain garden.
• Rain Garden Design Templates Provides detailed design templates for a range of rain gardens
• Stormwater Guideline for Green, Dense Redevelopment Guideline for bioretention, water harvesting, and reductions in impervious surfaces by the City of Emeryville, CA
• The BAE Stormwater Engineering Group Southern Examples from NC State
• Burnsville Rain Gardens Case Study: Retrofitting for Water Quality & Costs
• Prairie Stone Corporate Site Example near Chicago
• Natural Drainage Systems Overview Best Public Works example from Seattle
• Bioretention Design Examples Good Technical Guidelines from Pugent Sound
• Maryland Bioretention Manual Good Technical Guideline
• Barr Rain Gardens An urban transformation—Rainwater gardens unify a neighborhood
• USGS Conventional vs. LID Comparison Study in Wisconsin
• USGS Effects of Rain Gardens on Water Quality in Minneapolis

Rain Barrels

• What is a rain barrel and how to purchase a Systern barrel through Metro
• Rain barrels can be purchased locally from the Cumberland River Compact. More Information.
• How To Make Your Own Rain Barrel A simple and inexpensive way to catch and store rainwater that can later be used to water your lawns and gardens during dry periods.

Special thanks to Dodd Galbreath of TN Department of Agriculture (Ellington Agricultural Center) for all of his helpful suggestions and information for this page.