Construction of roads, parking lots, buildings, and other typically impermeable structures creates an unnatural barrier for rainwater that would naturally fall onto the ground surface and be absorbed to a certain extent. Some of the main ramifications associated with instead directing this water through pipes and into streams are as follows:

1) Flows are more concentrated and streams can be inundated causing flooding, erosion, and loss of habitat;

2) The runoff that originates from paved surfaces etc. and enters streams more directly can be warmer than it would have been prior to development; and

3) Contaminants including dirt, brake dust, oils etc. tend to accumulate on paved surfaces and during rains they are flushed into sensitive ecosystems.

Our hydrologists work with biologists and ecologists to develop solutions to mitigate the effects of development of the hydrological cycle. These include stream rehabilitation, systems to remove contaminants, reduce impermeable surfaces, attenuate runoff, and exfiltrate rainwater back into the ground. Additionally our team evaluates flood construction levels and can assist with determining where to safely site a development.