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Low-impact development (LID) strategies are central to many sustainable infrastructure initiatives, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been promoting the benefits of these practices for years. ��In addition, EPA is expected to incorporate LID strategies and techniques in its new National Stormwater rulemaking when setting first-time standards for permanent stormwater controls to treat runoff from completed new development or redeveloped sites (aka, EPA’s post-construction rules, due out in proposed form in June 2013).�� To reduce some of the barriers to greater acceptance of these strategies, EPA has released a series of seven new fact sheets: “Low Impact Development (LID) Barrier Busters." In general, LID focuses on reducing the volume and velocity of rainwater (stormwater or urban runoff) that drains off streets, sidewalks, buildings, roads, farms, etc and into a wastewater system or directly into a waterway—often carrying with it litter and pollutants.�� Retention strategies are perhaps the most common and visible — where rainwater or stormwater produced during wet weather events is retained either for potential use (e.g., irrigation) or to promote natural or enhanced infiltration into the ground.�� Cisterns, rain gardens, bioswales and vegetated roofs are examples of LID strategies. EPA’s “LID Barrier Busters” fact sheets address concerns a local government may have with adoption of LID strategies such as cost, efficiency, and attractiveness.�� The fact sheets are listed below:

• - Challenges the perception that LID isn't worthwhile and provides general background information that outlines hydrologic and economic benefits provided by LID.
• ��- Addresses LID’s place in the jumble of terms for managing the environmental impacts of growth that coexist today and describes and distinguishes these terms.
• ��- Challenges the perception that LID is too expensive.
• - Challenges the perception that LID is unattractive.
• ��- Challenges the perception that LID doesn't work.
• ����- Challenges the perception that LID is too hard or costly to maintain.
• - Highlights incentive strategies to catalyze LID.

These and additional information and resources on and are on EPA’s website. For more information on EPA’s upcoming “post-construction rule,” contact Leah Pilconis at pilconisl@agc.org and to read the latest ��ѻ��ý’s Environmental Observer article.�� For more information on LID or green infrastructure, contact Melinda Tomaino at tomainom@agc.org.