Incorporating ecology into stormwater management solutions

Urbanization modifies hydrologic processes and contributes to contaminant loads in stormwater runoff. These relationships are well established and have been documented by numerous studies. However, most studies relate stormwater runoff volume and water quality to bulk measures of urbanization such as broad land-use categories (e.g., urban/undeveloped) or percent impervious cover (Dougherty et al. 2006). These bulk measures do not adequately reflect the complex structure of urban catchments that may influence stormwater runoff (Groffman et al. 2004, Carle et al. 2005, Walsh et al. 2005). Further, most stormwater studies have addressed conditions in the more mesic eastern United States (and other countries) that may differ from the unique monsoon storms of the arid Southwest. Thus, complex dynamics among catchment characteristics, storm attributes, and runoff in highly urbanized settings of the Southwest are poorly understood. A better understanding of the complex relationships between urban development patterns and stormwater runoff that are specific to the arid Southwest is essential to meet these challenges and to manage stormwater runoff effectively.

CAP-LTER Project DetailsIncorporating ecology into stormwater management solutions
Personnel:
Nancy Grimm (Principal Investigator)
Rebecca Hale (Graduate Research Assistant)

Project Begin: 2008