Fundamentals of Low Impact Development (LID) for Stormwater Management in Urban Land Developments

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Evaluate the suitability of Low Impact Development (LID) practices for stormwater management objectives in urban development projects.
• Apply regulatory requirements and industry guidance to support compliant LID planning and design decisions.
• Select appropriate LID technologies based on site conditions, performance objectives, and project constraints.
• Assess key hydrologic, hydrogeologic, and water quality factors that influence LID system performance.
• Use the LID Treatment Train Tool to support preliminary stormwater management planning and conceptual design.

Description

Managing stormwater in urban environments has become increasingly challenging as development intensifies and regulatory expectations continue to evolve. Conventional stormwater systems are often limited in their ability to address runoff volume, water quality impacts, erosion, and the loss of natural hydrologic function. As a result, engineers and environmental professionals are increasingly expected to incorporate Low Impact Development (LID) practices into planning and design processes.

Effective LID implementation requires an understanding of watershed processes, regulatory requirements, site constraints, and the performance characteristics of a wide range of treatment measures. Selecting the right combination of LID practices can significantly improve stormwater performance while supporting sustainable, resilient, and cost-effective development outcomes.

This course provides a practical introduction to the principles, regulatory framework, and conceptual design of LID systems. Through real-world examples and applied discussion, you will explore commonly used LID practices, evaluate factors that influence design and performance, and learn how to use Ontario's LID Treatment Train Tool to support stormwater management planning and preliminary design decisions. The principles and design approaches are broadly applicable across Canada.

Who This Course Is For

This course is designed for:

• Civil engineers involved in land development and municipal infrastructure projects
• Hydrogeologists, hydrologists, and stormwater management professionals
• Environmental consultants and environmental engineers
• Urban planners and land development professionals
• Construction project managers
• Architects and landscape architects
• Early-career to experienced practitioners seeking practical knowledge of LID planning and design

Syllabus

Session 1

Basic Concepts in Hydrogeology, Hydrology and Stormwater Management Planning

• Runoff and infiltration
• Water balance calculation in land development
• Conventional Stormwater Management
• Water quality considerations

Stormwater Management Regulatory Framework

LID Regulatory Frameworks and Guidelines

• Toronto Region Conservation Authority
• Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
• Greater Vancouver Regional District
• International Erosion & Sediment Control Association
• Erosion and Sediment Control Association of BC

Environmental Protection ESC Regulatory Framework

• Why ESC Matters
• Fisheries Act Sections 35 & 36

Session 2

Types of LID

• Source Control Practices
• Green Roof
• Drywells
• Rainwater Harvesting & Reuse
• Rain Barrels
• Cisterns
• Ponds
• Surface Infiltration & Treatment Practices
• Roof Downspout Disconnection
• Bioretention
• Enhanced Swales
• Vegetated Filter Strip
• Permeable Pavements
• Porous Asphalt
• Underground Infiltration Practices
• Soakaways
• Infiltration Trench
• Infiltration Chamber
• Silva Cells

BMPs for ESC

• Runoff Controls
• Erosion Controls
• Sediment Controls

Session 3

Design Principles of LID Systems

• Design Principles and Requirements
• Soil and groundwater conditions
• Water infiltration, retention and applicable discharge policies
• Infiltration rate and infiltration rate testing
• Water quality and contaminant removal (Nitrate, Phosphate, TSS and others)

ESC Design Principles

• Design for Compliance
• Site Assessment
• Inspection & Adaptive Management

Session 4

Introduction to LID Treatment Train Tool

• Water budget information: surface evapotranspiration, surface runoff, and infiltration to soil
• Estimates of water quality improvements

Introduction to Water Balance Model Tool

• Water budget information: surface evapotranspiration, surface runoff, and infiltration to soil
• Estimates of water quality improvements

Example Application: Conceptual Design of LID & WBM

Case Study / Worked Example

Lessons Learned & Common Pitfalls