Low Impact Development (LID) refers to techniques that help manage stormwater runoff and protect the public water supply. The Town of Woodbridge updated its Plan of Conservation and Development in 2016 with a chapter devoted to Sustainability and a sub-section devoted to Water Quality and Conservation. This sub-section includes information addressing the importance of Low Impact Development to minimize the effect of land development on the water supply. As home to many acres of watershed land, Woodbridge has maintained a special relationship with water quality efforts since the precursor companies to the Regional Water Authority acquired Woodbridge land in the late 1800s.
The Beecher Road School Bioswale projects, located in the north parking lot and along the perimeter of the First Grade wing are LID Demonstration Projects that help educate the students and greater Beecher community on the importance of sustainability efforts regarding stormwater management. The photo above shows the Bioswale in the north parking lot.
LID Brochure Available
A LID Brochure is available on the Town website (click here for PDF) and printed copies are also available on display in the Land Use Office at Town Hall. This brochure aims to disseminate information and educational material for further review by anyone who would like to implement LID best-practices on their property in Woodbridge.
Additional Resources Available Online
UConn, Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR), "the State of Low Impact Development in Connecticut"
UConn, Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR), "UConn Green Infrastructure Virtual Tour"
CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, "2004 Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual"
Trinkaus Engineering, LCC, "Morris Low Impact Sustainable Development and Stormwater Management Design Manual"
US Global Change Research Program, "National Climate Assessment, Northeast Chapter"
American Society of Landscape Architects, “Green Infrastructure”
US Environmental Protection Agency, “Benefits of Green Infrastructure”
Georgetown Climate Center, “Green Infrastructure Toolkit"
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Habitat Conservation, “Living Shorelines”
US Environmental Protection Agency, Green Infrastructure Wizard
Living Shorelines Academy
CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, “Municipal Outreach for Green Infrastructure and Low Impact Development”
Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District & North Central Conservation District, "How to Create a Streamside Buffer Garden"