This document discusses 13 lessons learned about implementing green infrastructure. It begins by describing proposed changes to New Jersey regulations that would require non-structural stormwater management strategies and minimum standards for recharge, runoff quality and quantity to be met using green infrastructure for major developments disturbing over 1 acre of land. It then provides lessons such as locating green infrastructure strategically, maintaining it long-term, using engineered soil, capturing water from all areas, and how green infrastructure can benefit and engage communities. The overall message is that green infrastructure is an effective approach for managing stormwater and achieving regulatory goals while creating aesthetic and ecological benefits.

1. Green Infrastructure
13 Lessons Learned
(sometimes the hard way)
Michele Adams, PE LEED AP
Principal
Meliora Design
michelea@melioradesign.com
Tavis Dockwiller, RLA
Principal
Viridian Landscape Studio
TavisD@ViridianLS.com

2. REMOVED:
Identify non-structural stormwater management strategies and
require that they be incorporated into the design of major
development to the “maximum extent practicable”
N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.3
ADDED:
Minimum Standards for groundwater recharge, stormwater runoff
quality, and stormwater runoff quantity shall be met using green
infrastructure.
Updating definitions, minor changes, and cross-references
KEY PROPOSED CHANGES FOR MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS

3. APPLICABLE TO MAJOR DEVELOPMENT
MAJOR DEVELOPMENT
• Disturbing 1 or more acres of land or
• Increasing Impervious by one quarter acre or more
• One-quarter acre or more of “regulated motor vehicle surfaces”
• Government projects included

4. MODIFIED AND ADDED DEFINITIONS
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
Manages Stormwater close to its source by:
1. Treating stormwater runoff through infiltration into subsoil
2. Treating stormwater runoff through filtration by vegetation or soil
3. Storing stormwater runoff for reuse

5. Porous Paving
Conventional
Paving
“The use of Green Infrastructure BMPs such as Pervious
Paving, Infiltration Basins, and Bioretention Systems will
more effectively achieve the Department’s goals under
existing rules.”

6. 1. Location, location, location

7. Wilmington Acme
2. Plastic Bags, Shopping Carts, Vehicles

8. 3. Who will maintain GI?
Befor
Before
After

9. Porous Paving
Conventional
Paving
Porous Pavement
4. Do whatever it takes to help your client

10. 5. Visible and Accessible
…with an Overflow for big
storms

11. 6. More grasses, less mulch
…keep it simple, and

12. …less lawn

13. 7. “Degrees of Wildness”
It has to look like someone takes care of it.

14. 8. Not every site should infiltrate but you
can still manage volume

15. 9. Engineered soil is NOT Topsoil

16. Tree Evaporation

17. 10. Capture water even when
the engineer isn’t looking
Fairleigh Dickinson University

18. @vibrantvisionsintl instagram
11. Talk about a Green Infrastructure Utility
Fairleigh Dickinson University

19. 12. Listen (especially to kids)
Greenfield School Philadelphia

20. Passyunk and 61st Philadelphia
13. GI can change communities

21. 16. GI can change communities
It heals ecological systems while making beautiful places for people

22. THANK YOU