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St. Louis, MO  63102
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BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Best Management Practices (BMPs) can be physical structures or the implementation of programs designed to control or reduce the quality and quantity of stormwater runoff on a site.  Structural BMPs are physical features designed to delay, capture, store, filter or treat stormwater runoff at either the point of generation or the point of discharge.  Nonstructural BMPs are preventative actions designed to the reduce the amount of stormwater and pollution.

The contents of this section are for information purposes only.  We do not support or endorse any one of these techniques or control measures over another.

AQUATIC BUFFERS

An aquatic buffer is an area along a shoreline, wetland or stream where development is restricted or prohibited. The primary function of aquatic buffers is to physically protect and separate a stream, lake or wetland from future land use development. Buffers serve as natural boundaries between waterways and existing and future development.

Aquatic Buffers Overview and Model Ordinance

EFFECTIVE EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL AT CONSTRUCTION SITES

These are construction site methods to help reduce erosion at construction sites which will help to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff and to trap and hold eroded sediments on site. The links below further explain these measures.

Erosion Control for the Home Builder by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources

• Construction Site Storm Water Erosion Control Best Management Practices
   
• Stabilize Exposed Soil
• Chemical Stabilization
• Mulching
• Permanent Seeding
• Sodding
• Soil Roughening
   
• Protect Steep Slopes
• Geotextiles
• Gradient Terraces
• Soil Retention
• Temporary Slope Drain
   
• Minimize Clearing
• Land Grading
• Permanent Diversions
• Preserving Natural Vegetation
• Construction Entrances
   
• Stabilize Drainage Ways
• Check Dams
• Filter Berms
• Grass-lined Channels
• Riprap

STORMWATER TREATMENT PRACTICES

Stormwater treatment practices involve construction of on-site facilities or the implementation of nonstructural programs designed to maintain the quality and quantity of stormwater runoff on a site to pre-development levels. Structural Best Management Practices (BMPs) are physical features designed to delay, capture, store, filter or treat stormwater runoff. The controls can treat stormwater runoff at either the point of generation or the point of discharge. Structural BMPs can be designed, built and operated by the public sector or the private sector. Nonstructural Best Management Practices (BMPs) are preventative actions designed to reduce the amount of stormwater and pollution.  They can limit the conversion of rainfall to runoff and prevent pollutants from entering runoff.  The pollution prevention and management practices include: education and outreach; source controls; and government programs, policies and ordinances. Nonstructural BMPs can be focused on the activities of residents, government, business and industry.

• Post-Construction Storm Water Best Management Practices in New Development and Redevelopment
   
• Structural Best Management Practices
• Ponds
• Dry Extended Detention Ponds
• Wet Ponds
• Infiltration Practices
• Infiltration Basin
• Infiltration Trench
• Porous Pavement
• Filtration Practices
• Bioretention
• Sand and Organic Filters
• Vegetative Practices
• Stormwater Wetland
• Grassed Swales
• Grassed Filter Strip
• Runoff Pretreatment Practices
• Catch Basins/Catch Basins Insert
• In-Line Storage
• Manufactured Products for Storm Water Inlets
   
• Nonstructural Best Management Practices
• Experimental Practices - Alum Injection
• On-Lot Treatment
   
• Additional Information Stormwater Technology Fact Sheets from USEPA
• Bioretention (256KB pdf file)
• Hydrodynamic Separators (70.7KB pdf file)
• Infiltration Drainfields (78.7KB pdf file)
• Infiltration Trench (103KB pdf file)
• Modular Treatment System (153KB pdf)
• Porous Pavement (1.34MB pdf)
• Sand Filters (105KB pdf)
• Storm Water Wetlands (3.59MB pdf)
• Vegetated Swales (82KB pdf)
• Water Quality Inlets (76.5KB pdf)
• Wet Detention Ponds (79.9KB pdf)

BETTER SITE DESIGN

Better site design includes a variety of methods which are designed  to reduce impervious cover, promote conservation of natural areas and encourage effective stormwater management and treatment at its source. These design techniques are focused on new residential and commercial development. The links below give further insight into these methods:

• Low Impact Development
• Low Impact Development Public Outreach
• Better Site Design Fact Sheets:
• Buffer Zones
• Open Space Design
• Urban Forestry
• Conservation Easement
• Infrastructure Planning
• Narrower Residential Streets
• Eliminating Curbs and Gutters
• Green Parking
• Alternative Turnarounds
• Alternative Pavers
• BMP Inspection and Maintenance
• Ordinances for Postconstruction Runoff
• Zoning

CONTROL OF NON-STORMWATER DISCHARGES

Materials dumped in inappropriate places such as storm drains, streams or rivers can contaminate wells and surface waters.  Water in a stormwater inlet often times goes directly to streams or rivers without any kind of treatment.   In addition, failing septic systems can have a negative impact on water quality in streams and ground water.

• Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Best Management Practices
   
• Failing Septic Systems
• Industrial/Business Connections
• Recreational Sewage
• Sanitary Sewer Overflows
• Identifying Illicit Connections
• Wastewater Connections to the Storm Drain System
• Illegal Dumping