What is a primary goal of BMPs in stormwater management?

What is a primary goal of BMPs in stormwater management?

• A. Reduce pollution in runoff
• B. Increase urban lighting
• C. Boost traffic flow
• D. Lower air humidity

Answer: (A)

Best management practices in stormwater management are aimed at protecting water quality by cutting pollution carried by rainfall runoff. When rain flows over streets, lawns, and construction sites, it can pick up sediment, nutrients, metals, oil and grease, pesticides, and bacteria. BMPs work by intercepting, filtering, infiltrating, or detaining this runoff so contaminants are removed before water reaches streams and lakes. Examples include rain gardens and wetlands that filter water, vegetated swales that slow and clean runoff, permeable pavements that promote infiltration, detention basins that trap sediments, and street cleaning to reduce debris at the source. While these practices can also help reduce overall runoff volume and peak flow, their main purpose is to reduce pollutants in runoff. The other options don’t relate to stormwater quality management.

Best management practices in stormwater management are aimed at protecting water quality by cutting pollution carried by rainfall runoff. When rain flows over streets, lawns, and construction sites, it can pick up sediment, nutrients, metals, oil and grease, pesticides, and bacteria. BMPs work by intercepting, filtering, infiltrating, or detaining this runoff so contaminants are removed before water reaches streams and lakes. Examples include rain gardens and wetlands that filter water, vegetated swales that slow and clean runoff, permeable pavements that promote infiltration, detention basins that trap sediments, and street cleaning to reduce debris at the source. While these practices can also help reduce overall runoff volume and peak flow, their main purpose is to reduce pollutants in runoff. The other options don’t relate to stormwater quality management.