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GSI & Post-construction Stormwater Management

Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) and Low Impact Development (LID)

EPA NPDES

Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) is a method of sustainable stormwater management that focuses on treating stormwater runoff prior to it entering waterways by mimicking and working with living, natural systems. Low Impact Development (LID) refers to design and development practices that reduce the stormwater runoff volume generated on site. Together they improve stormwater quality and reduce flooding impacts related to post-construction runoff, helping to protect the Santa Fe River and our community. Some benefits of GSI/LID include:

  • Mitigating stormwater quality impacts
  • Encouraging water conservation
  • Reducing urban heat island and climate change impacts
  • Increasing tree canopy and improved air quality
  • Creating wildlife habitat
  • Providing traffic calming
  • Improving physical and mental health outcomes
  • Addressing environmental justice
  • Increasing aesthetics