LOW IMPACT STUDY FOR LONG-TERM CSO CONTROL PLAN

eDesign Dynamics conducted a study to assess the potential of incorporating low impact development (LID) systems as a means of minimizing combined sewer overflows (CSOs) in New York City.

Building from preliminary work in the Gowanus Canal Watershed, our firm examined the cost-effectiveness of LID systems such as green roofs, porous pavement, and rainwater harvesting and reuse systems.

An analytical method developed by eDesign Dynamics utilizes data on rainfall and CSO discharges to estimate the reductions achievable through phased introduction of LID into the sewershed. The study validated previous work with field infiltration testing, structural analysis of ten buildings to support green roofs, a public willingness to pay survey, and an assessment of actual LID installation costs at sites in the watershed. Stormwater Management Modeling was used to investigate various LID implementation scenarios in the pilot Brooklyn sewershed.