Which BMP category is noted for higher initial costs?

Which BMP category is noted for higher initial costs?

• A. Structural BMPs
• B. Behavior changes
• C. Rain gardens
• D. Pervious pavement

Answer: (A)

Structural BMPs involve building physical facilities to manage runoff, such as basins, infiltration systems, or permeable pavements. Because these require design, engineering, excavation, materials, permitting, and construction, the upfront investment tends to be much higher. In contrast, non-structural approaches focus on changing practices, education, or management plans, which generally have lower initial costs since they rely more on planning and behavior rather than large-scale construction. Rain gardens and permeable pavement are kinds of structural BMPs, illustrating that this category in general carries the higher upfront cost due to the need for concrete infrastructure and site work.

Structural BMPs involve building physical facilities to manage runoff, such as basins, infiltration systems, or permeable pavements. Because these require design, engineering, excavation, materials, permitting, and construction, the upfront investment tends to be much higher. In contrast, non-structural approaches focus on changing practices, education, or management plans, which generally have lower initial costs since they rely more on planning and behavior rather than large-scale construction. Rain gardens and permeable pavement are kinds of structural BMPs, illustrating that this category in general carries the higher upfront cost due to the need for concrete infrastructure and site work.