When navigating New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP- an “Engineering ABC” in and of itself) stormwater rules, we often refer to “BMP’s”.
This stands for Best Management Practices – which refers to methods to manage stormwater management. There are “non-structural methods” such as swales, and grading and site design techniques which reduce runoff. We use these during our site design, but they typically are not recognizable post-construction. There are also “structural methods” which many of our clients may be more familiar with. A few examples include detention basins, bioretention basins and Manufactured Treatment Devices (MTD’s- yet another “Engineering ABC”). MTD’s have developed into their own industry and can include stormwater inlets with filters, tree grates which treat runoff, and many other devices.
Selecting these strategies is a balance between compliance and cost. At WJH Engineering, we always collaborate with our clients in selecting these devices so they are actively engaged in the process. Almost every project requires some sort of a BMP. If you have a project you’d like to consult with us on- please call or email and we will be sure to discuss BMP’s impact on your project!