Evaluation of Low Impact Development Best Practices for Residential Developments – Mosaik Homes, Glenway Subdivision, Newmarket
This project is one of the first in Ontario to demonstrate and evaluate widespread application of Low Impact Development techniques on the scale of a medium density residential subdivision. The design aims to provide 25 mm on-site runoff retention through infiltration and evapotranspiration, which is roughly equivalent to 90% of annual runoff. The lower runoff volumes will translate into a significant reduction in phosphorus loading and help reduce stream erosion, protect downstream infrastructure and prevent degradation of downstream aquatic habitat.
The practices evaluated in this project include rain gardens, vegetated biofilters, an innovative underground exfiltration system and best practices for the management of soils in landscaped areas. The project documents their individual and combined effectiveness in cleaning and managing stormwater, and assesses their financial and technical feasibility from a construction and maintenance perspective.
Construction of the project was initiated in 2014 and was completed in 2017. The monitoring evaluation began shortly construction completion and will continue through 2018.