Best Management Practices (BMPs)
by Bony Dawood, PE


We have learned that nearly every project requires stormwater management ponds to satisfy local ordinances and mitigate the impacts to downstream property owners. In 2004 Pennsylvania endured one of the wettest years on record and land development has been recognized as one of the major causes of stormwater problems in developing watersheds.  

For a number of years, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has been developing new stormwater management policies to address water quality issues, promote groundwater recharge, minimize watershed flooding and prevent stream bank erosion. DEP published a Draft Pennsylvania Stormwater Management Manual in January 2005 to implement the proposed changes. Municipal ordinances will require updating to incorporate design guidelines and goals required by the stormwater management manual.

The traditional method of constructing a detention pond (dry pond) at the low point of your project and discharging it over an extended period of time to mitigate downstream impact will change. For all construction activities involving disturbances of 1 acre or more, DEP requires that the total volume of runoff for up to the 2- year storm is not increased. It was determined by DEP that the everincreasing volume of stormwater runoff not previously regulated has contributed to flooding conditions, stream impacts, and loss of groundwater recharge.  

To meet these requirements stormwater management requirements will have to be integrated into the initial stages of site planning processes. Terminology such as “non structural BMPs” and “structural BMPs” will become common in project planning processes. “Non structural BMPs” refer to the reduction of impervious cover, clustering of uses, and conservation of natural resources. “Structural BMPs” involve infiltration basins, porous pavements, rain gardens, and numerous other features that will need to be incorporated on a comprehensive basis with project development. These new concepts may provide economic benefits due to reduced infrastructure, earth disturbance and preservation of natural resources.  

Developers, design consultants, municipal engineers, and municipal governing bodies will have to give new consideration to changing traditional site design techniques. Innovative design and flexibility in Ordinances will be necessary to meet the new DEP requirements within the land development process.  

Bony R. Dawood, P.E., is principal of DAWOOD ENGINEERING, INC. Founded in 1992, DAWOOD offers services to the public and private sector including civil and structural engineering, geotechnical, environmental and surveying. Headquartered in Enola, Pennsylvania, along the growing I-81 Corridor, the company, named one of the “Fifty Fastest Growing Companies in Central Pennsylvania,” employs 65 at three locations including a regional office in Pittsburgh.

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