Low Impact Development Integration, St. Mary’s River Watershed, Maryland, USA

Problem

The St. Mary's River watershed in southern Maryland is experiencing tremendous growth. Over 17,000 additional residents are anticipated in the watershed over the next 10-15 years. If the development is not constructed to minimize its impact on the river, this relatively healthy ecosystem will be greatly impacted. Despite Maryland having Low Impact Development (LID) stormwater regulations, most of the development in St. Mary's County will occur under older the older regulations that these subdivisions were permitted.

Solution

The St. Mary’s River Watershed can be protected by engaging in low impact development. This can be achieved by working with the development community and homeowners. Developers can minimize construction impacts including sediment runoff and increased impermeable surfaces. Creating and marketing Low Impact Development (LID) products that honors attractive design elements and functions can also help homeowners to safeguard the river.

Implementation

St. Mary’s River Watershed Association (SMRWA) and Ridge to Reefs have partnered with the two most active developers in the watershed to more fully integrate LID/green infrastructure practices and educational aspects into two model homes. Using additional Chesapeake Bay Trust funds we have worked with home builders to determine the barriers and benefits to the integration of LID/green infrastructure. Using a survey instrument we have measured the perceptions and receptiveness of homebuyers to LID and low input lawn care practices, as well as their willingness to pay for LID and the barriers and benefits that homebuyers see for themselves.  This portion of the project was assisted by social psychologists who specialize in behavior change, surveying attitudes and behaviors, and marketing from St. Mary’s College and University of Illinois.

Outcomes

We determined the type and extent of LID practices ideal to install, homeowner’s willingness to pay, factors that affect uptake of LID practices, and best messaging and marketing approaches for developers and realtors to utilize within target neighborhoods. We also learned key lessons on best construction practices for LID working with  developers to integrate these practices during the construction process.

In the next phase of the project, we propose to: 1) work with Marrick Homes on a redesign and cost/ benefit analysis of LID integration, 2) refine marketing techniques and plan for the full integration of LID into a development in the Elizabeth Hills subdivision, 3) Work with Marrick Homes on the integration of LID practices into a next phase of development.