Challenges Impacts of Development Climate Change
Strategies Land Conservation Buffers Low Impact Development Stormwater Utilities Land Use Regulations

Impacts of Development: Impervious Surface

Impervious surfaces are those in which development—such as rooftops, parking lots, and roads—or compacted earth prevent rainfall from infiltrating into the ground. If stormwater is not properly managed, the increased volume and velocity of runoff from impervious surfaces results in the degradation of water quality and aquatic habitat as well as an increase in erosion and flooding. There is a strong relationship between the increase in impervious surfaces and the decline in water quality and aquatic habitats. There are many regulatory, planning, and site design techniques that can reduce the negative impacts of impervious surfaces and balance the need for social and economic development with the protection of natural resources.

Resources

• Local Government Commission: clearinghouse for information and resources related to the co-management of land and water resources: http://water.lgc.org/resource-tools
• Impervious Surface Analysis Tool (ISAT) from the NOAA Coastal Services Center and UCONN NEMO: www.csc.noaa.gov/crs/cwq/isat.html
• “Effects of Urbanization on Stream Quality at Selected Sites in the Seacoast Region in New Hampshire”: http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2005/5103/
• Impervious Surface Mapping in Coastal New Hampshire: http://www.nhep.unh.edu/resources/maps.htm