Successful LID design practice takes into consideration lessons learned from operations and maintenance of LID already in the ground. Often LID designers are experienced in planning, design, and construction oversight, but removed from long-term operations and maintenance tasks. Strengthening connections between LID designers and O & M staff for LID facilities and understanding the level, frequency, and type of maintenance that will be provided for LID, during the design phase improves the likelihood that LID practices will function properly and meet community aesthetics for their intended lifespan. Often simply placing a maintenance task list and schedule in the designs or specifications is not enough to ensure that LID facilities will be maintained properly; an acknowledgement of the maintenance capabilities of the city, agency, or other LID owner is critical for proper LID design. Case studies from Northeast Ohio will be presented to demonstrate how designs influence the long-term performance of BMPs, specific attempts by an LID installer/owner to reduce maintenance costs through minor upgrades to existing structures, and how to plan for the realistic level of maintenance that a site will receive.

Learning from the present: Improving LID design by considering O&M challenges

The International Low Impact Development Conference highlights interdisciplinary practice, research, and implementation of Low Impact Development (LID), Green Infrastructure (GI), Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) and Water Sensitive Urban Designs (WSUD). The focus of this conference was on using our past and present understanding of LID to tune management programs, design practice, and operation and maintenance into the future.



NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this conference was held virtually. The proceedings have been published to provide readers access to the information that was presented.

[Paper Proceedings](https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784483114)

Conference DOI: https://doi.org/10.26226/m.6317827c362f600015b4eb73