STORMWATER BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES NEW YORK CITY’S SUSTAINABLE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN

eDesign Dynamics worked with the New York City Economic Development Corporation and HDR, Inc. to develop a database of best management practices (BMPs) for New York City’s sustainable stormwater plan.

Our firm conducted a literature review of “fast track” BMPs as identified by the Mayor’s Office of Long Term Planning and Sustainability. Literature reviews included peer reviewed published sources found using Web of Science and other high level academic/engineering search engines. The seven BMPs targeted included vegetated streets, tree pits, continuous trenches, permeable pavement, blue roofs, green roofs and rainwater harvesting.

Our research focused on three key attributes: applicability; stormwater performance; and non-stormwater management and benefits. Performance data from existing BMP installations and publications were interpreted specifically for adaptation to the types of street geometry, climate, and density of infrastructure prevalent in New York City. Our findings were used to assist in developing the 2008 PLANYC Sustainable Stormwater Management Plan.