STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Stormwater management is the control of runoff as close as possible to its point of origin. The purpose is to provide for infiltration and prevent the worsening of downstream flooding. The subject of stormwater management has historically included detention basins. In addition, stormwater programs have focused on new development as opposed to modifications to existing development. In the Delaware River Basin, state and local governments are responsible for stormwater management.
There are many techniques for stormwater management, including natural landscaping, eliminating lawn mowing in flood plains and stream buffers, diverting gutter downspouts to lawns instead of driveways, and use of porous paving. The objective is to slow runoff and allow maximum time for infiltration. The retrofitting of stormwater controls in urban areas is an especially difficult problem, since many areas are nearly 100% impervious.
Stormwater programs are the most important feature in preventing additional flood damage due to new development and can serve to reduce flood damage if applied to existing development. Stormwater management has additional benefits for water quality control and enhancement of infiltration to groundwater.
At the July 18, 2007 DRBC meeting, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to mark the completion of the first phase of the DRBC Stormwater Demonstration Project, an ongoing effort to demonstrate how an older site can be transformed (or retrofitted) to properly handle stormwater. Click here to view the press release, as well as some before and after photos.
OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:
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Voice
(609) 883 - 9500 FAX
(609) 883 - 9522 
clarke.rupert@drbc.state.nj.us
