Integrated Storm Water Management (iSWM™): Changing the Way We Develop in North Central Texas

With the continued need to protect human life, property, and natural resources, development projects in Texas need to change how storm water is integrated into the planning and design process. The predominant approach to storm water management in North Texas has been quantity based to address peak runoff from new development. Storm water regulations, quality of life issues, and environmental stewardship are driving municipalities and other entities to use better practices for management of storm water.In simple terms, iSWM™ is a new way of managing storm water in North Central Texas. The iSWM™ program is intended to help communities within NCTCOG's planning region move toward a comprehensive approach to storm water management planning and design that integrates storm water quantity and quality objectives. The goal of iSWM™ is to develop an effective methodology for storm water management that provides consistency and uniformity across jurisdictional boundaries. This goal complements NCTCOG's vision to provide sustainable environmental excellence through water resources and green space planning which will create safe, clean and green regional environmental corridors.The three fundamental objectives of the iSWM™ management approach are to address storm water quality, streambank protection, and flood control in an integrated approach through the planning and design of a project. By implementing a development process that places an emphasis on storm water at the earliest phases of development, the three fundamental goals can be addressed in an integrated approach. This paper will focus on the iSWM™ Site Plan, the iSWM™ Development Process, and the iSWM™ Planning and Design Approach. The iSWM™ Site Plan includes the use of the integrated Site Design Practices and integrated Storm Water Controls being recommended for North Texas. This paper discusses the core of the iSWM™ Design Manual for Site Development that has been released in North Texas, effective March 2006.