Using the Visual Quality Management/Manual (VQM) Process to Include Permanent Stormwater Facilities

Visual impacts from linear projects must be considered during the development phase. The assessment process must address visual impacts for those that travel through the final developed project and those who live near. It seems clear that when visual impacts are addressed early in the design process unnecessary delays in project delivery are avoided.
National Environmental Policy Act mandates a visual impact assessment (VIA). There too many moving parts to address in this abstract. However, environment justice shortcomings are increasingly added to the discussion where clear disparities between stormwater as an amenity or nuisance depends where you live. Visual quality is a (1) process that identifies opportunities/commitments and explores alternatives and optional methods for keeping the commitments, and (2) a manual that identifies preferred solutions for implementing these opportunities and keeping the commitments. The word value is used: value associated with natural harmony, cultural order, and project coherence. While the value of stormwater has been missed in visual quality (remember no SWQ treatment may exist within the proposed area of impact), great opportunities exist to add NPDES permit compliance and other environmental assessment commitments required in SWPPP design early in the project development process where money has not yet limited or eliminated decisions.
Many VIA/VQM practices are also suggested in complete streets and green infrastructure and might provide a direct link to storm water treatment (volume and pollutant load reduction) if addressed early.
This case study will explore how permanent storm water features can be included as a visual quality element in project manual development or included in a manner where the benefits are incorporated, but not seen as anything new or different. Simple examples of enhanced vegetated swales to rain gardens, to more complex vegetated riprap, landscaped infiltration basins to parking, pavements and plazas with incorporated stormwater treatment systems.