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61 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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TRUE/FALSE: PLANNING FOR SUSTAINABILITY STARTS IN THE PREDESIGN PHASE OF A PROJECT |
TRUE |
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TRUE/FALSE: EACH PROJECT DECISION STARTING WITH SELECTION OF THE SITE, SHOULD BE VIEWED AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO REDUCE CONSUMPTION, ELIMINATE WASTE, NURTURE HEALTHY ECOSYSTEMS, AND CONNECT PEOPLE WITH NATURE |
TRUE |
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NAME ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS WHEN DEVELOPING A SUSTAINABLE SITE AND WHY |
LOCATION. Itdetermines options to access existing infrastructure, utilize public transportation, restoredegraded ecosystems, and employ many other sustainable design practices. |
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How can Site design and planning consultants encourage sustainable outcomes? |
By prioritizing the selection of previously developed properties and avoiding environmentally sensitiveareas. Redevelopment of gray field and brown field sites provides an opportunity to not onlyprotect green fields but also restore and regenerate landscapes and the ecosystem servicesthey provide. In addition to finding a site that is suitable for the proposed program, consultants should also guide the client in understanding the larger environmental, social, and economic impacts of the development. |
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7 CHARACTERISTICS OF SITE SELECTION ACCORDING TO LAGRO |
1. Clarify the project purpose, goals, and requirements. 2. Determine the site selection criteria and factors such as access, utilities, and size. 3. Identify potential sites. 4. Evaluate the suitability of each site. Weigh the environmental, economic, and socialopportunities and constraints. 5. Rank and prioritize the selected sites. 6. Select the most suitable site and develop a site selection report to document theresults of the evaluation. The report is useful when project teams need to revisit decisions or select alternative properties. 7. Conduct feasibility studies to determine items such as market analysis, design con-cepts, and project costs. |
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TRUE/FALSE: A PROJECT'S COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY BEGINS WITH SITE SELECTION |
TRUE |
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NAME SITE CHARACTERISTICS THAT DETERMINE THE EXTENT TO WHICH SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES CAN BE ACHIEVED |
- PREVIOUS USE - LOCATION - ECOLOGICAL CONDITION - CONNECTION TO THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES |
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The following criteria for site selection can assist the designteam in achieving sustainable outcomes. |
- Include all appropriate consultants and stakeholders in the site selection process. - Locate development on grayfield and brownfield sites. Use development to heal damaged sites and restore ecosystem services. Look for opportunities to reuse existingstructures or hardscape. - Select sites within existing communities. - Locate development near public transportation access (e.g., 1⁄4 mile walk from bus stop or 1⁄2 mile from rapid transit). - Locate development near existing pedestrian and bicycle networks. - Avoid sites that are prime farmland, unique farmland, or farmland of local or state-wide importance. - Avoid sites that are habitat for threatened or endangered species. - Avoid development of sensitive ecological areas, such as wetlands, and provide ample buffers to protect the site features. - Avoid development of greenfield sites within the 100-year floodplain for waterwaysof all sizes. - Avoid development of greenfield sites whose topography and other natural characteristics are not well suited to the proposed development and will require significantsite disturbance and resource use. |
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LIST SITE TYPES THAT IMPACT SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES (8) |
- BROWNFIELDS - URBAN INFILL - GRAYFIELD - GREENFIELD - PRIME FARMLAND - FLOOD PLAINS - WETLANDS SITES WITH ENDANGERED OR THREATENED SPECIES HABITAT |
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BROWNFIELDS DEFINITION |
Brownfields are properties where the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may becomplicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. Brownfields include properties contaminated with petroleum,mine-scarred land, and former sites of methamphetamine laboratories (EPA 2010a). |
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BROWNFIELDS Authority and Regulations |
State environmental agencies in cooperation with the Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA) regulate the investigation and cleanup of brown field sites. Requirements can differ significantly between states. |
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BROWNFIELDS OPPORTUNITIES AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS |
Developing on brownfield properties has numerous environmental and economicbenefits for the community and surrounding area. Reinvesting in brownfield siteshas been shown to increase local tax bases, facilitate job growth, ameliorate public health risks, create community assets, and regenerate previously lost or disturbed ecosystem services. Brownfield redevelopments have varying remediationrequirements depending on the location, proposed reuse, contamination type, andextent of hazardous substances or pollutants. |
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URBAN INFILL DEFINITION |
Urban infill is the practice of developing vacant or underutilized properties within anexisting community. Infill sites are surrounded by older urban growth and are usuallyalready serviced by utilities. |
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URBAN INFILL AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS |
Urban infill, grayfield, and greenfield developments are primarily regulated bylocal governments or government entities. Communities can utilize comprehensive plans, tax benefits, and other incentives to promote development in desirablelocations.
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URBAN INFILL OPPORTUNITIES AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS |
Infill projects can play an important role in revitalizing neighborhoods, removing safety hazards, and preserving greenfields. Urban redevelopment reducessprawl and vehicle miles traveled, resulting in energy conservation and air qualitybenefits. Substantial energy and cost savings are also gained by the communityand developer when infill projects utilize existing infrastructure and municipal services. Infill development can assist communities in obtaining the thresholds nec-essary for amenities such as park space, community services, retail establishments,and affordable housing (Sustainable Cities Institute 2010). |
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GRAYFIELDS DEFINITION |
Grayfields are underutilized or abandoned retail and commercial sites located inurban and suburban areas. The sites are often characterized by large commercialbuildings surrounded by parking lots and little or no vegetation.
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GRAYFIELDS AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS |
Urban infill, grayfield, and greenfield developments are primarily regulated bylocal governments or government entities. Communities can utilize comprehensive plans, tax benefits, and other incentives to promote development in desirablelocations. |
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GRAYFIELD OPPORTUNITIES AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS |
Grayfield sites offer the opportunity to sustainably redevelop large tracts of landwithin existing communities. They are commonly available in many establishedareas, typically near public transit, and have the potential to be used for a varietyof retail and residential uses. Reinvesting in grayfield sites can provide avenues toincrease economic diversity, build the local tax base, and restore numerous ecosystem services. Redevelopment makes better use of existing infrastructure and publicservices such as schools, public safety, water, and sewer. Reuse of underutilized orabandoned sites reduces urban sprawl and the time, money, and energy associatedwith commuting, resulting in improved air quality and other benefits.
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GREENFIELD DEFINITION |
Greenfields are sites that have not been previously developed or extensively graded. Examples include agricultural fields, pastureland, park lands, and conservation areas.
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GREENFIELD AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS |
Urban infill, grayfield, and greenfield developments are primarily regulated bylocal governments or government entities. Communities can utilize comprehensive plans, tax benefits, and other incentives to promote development in desirablelocations. |
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GREENFIELD OPPORTUNITIES DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS |
Greenfield sites provide a variety of ecosystem services that are critical to thehealth, security, and prosperity of humans and other organisms. Services suchas air and water cleansing, climate regulation, food production, habitat, and enhanced cultural identity are all provided by green fields in various capacities inboth urban and rural locations. Development of this limited resource all too oftenresults in the degradation or complete loss of ecosystem services.
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PRIME FARMLAND |
is undeveloped farmland that has the best combination of physicaland chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, fiber, and oilseed crops. Primefarmland has the combination of soil properties, growing season, and moisture supplyneeded to produce sustained high yields of crops in an economic manner if treatedand managed according to acceptable farming methods (NRCS 2010a).
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UNIQUE FARMLAND |
is undeveloped farmland other than prime farmland that is used forthe production of specific high-value food and fiber crops. It has the special combination of soil quality, location, growing season, and moisture supply needed to economically produce sustained high quality and/or high yields of a specific crop whentreated and managed according to acceptable farming methods. Examples of suchcrops are citrus, tree nuts, olives, cranberries, fruit, and vegetables (NRCS 2010a). |
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FARMS OF STATEWIDE OR LOCAL IMPORTANCE |
is farmland defined by state agencies to be“important” for the production of food, feed, fiber, forage, and oilseed crops. Farmlands of statewide importance include those that are similar to prime farmland andthat economically produce high yields of crops when treated and managed accordingto acceptable farming methods. Some may produce yields as high as prime farmlandsif conditions are favorable (NRCS 2010a).
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PRIME FARMLAND, UNIQUE FARMLAND AND FARMLAND OF STATEWIDE OR LOCAL IMPORTANCE AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS |
The National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) identifies and inventoriesprime, unique, and farmland of statewide importance to inform the nation of theextent and location of the best land for producing food, feed, fiber, forage, andoilseed crops. The Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA) Subtitle I of Title XV,Section 1539-1549, is intended to “minimize the impact Federal programs have onthe unnecessary and irreversible conversion of farmland to nonagricultural uses.”Projects are subject to FPPA requirements if they are completed by a federalagency or with assistance from a federal agency and have the potential to irreversibly convert farmland, directly or indirectly, to nonagricultural use. |
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PRIME FARMLAND, UNIQUE FARMLAND AND FARMLAND OF STATEWIDE OR LOCAL IMPORTANCE OPPORTUNITIES AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS |
Prime, unique, and farmlands of statewide importance produce crops more efficiently than other soils, requiring fewer inputs such as fuel, water, and fertilizers. Development of these soils reduces the availability of food sources and forcesmarginal lands into food production. Loss of agricultural land due to urban development is an unnecessary and essentially irreversible loss of a critical resource.Over 10 million acres of prime farmland have been lost in the United States since1982 (NRCS 2010b). |
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FLOODPLAINS DEFINITION |
are the lowlands and relatively at areas adjoining inland and coastalwaters and other flood-prone areas, such as offshore islands. At a minimum, areasdefined as floodplains are subject to a 1 percent or greater chance of flooding in anygiven year.
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FLOODPLAINS AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS |
Through the Flood Plain Management Services Program, the U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers uses its floodplain management technical expertise to help those outside of the Corps deal with floods and floodplain-related matters. Section 206of the 1960 Flood Control Act (PL 86-645) directs the program to “foster public understanding of the options for dealing with flood hazards and to promoteprudent use and management of the Nation’s floodplains.” The Corps providestechnical assistance with regard to land subject to flooding from streams, lakes,and oceans. A range of “Special Services” is provided that involve all aspects of floodplain management including studies investigating the potential impacts ofland use changes on the physical, socioeconomic, and environmental conditionsof the floodplain. |
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FLOODPLAINS OPPORTUNITIES AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS |
Healthy, functioning floodplains provide valuable ecosystem services, such asreduced severity of floods, groundwater recharge, wildlife habitat, and pollutant lnfiltration. The development and alteration of floodplains has resulted in anincrease in the incidence of flooding, danger to humans, and loss of ecosystemservices.
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WETLANDS DEFINITION |
The Clean Water Act defines wetlands as “areas that are inundated or saturated bysurface or ground water at a frequency and duration suf cient to support, and thatunder normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adaptedfor life in saturated conditions.” Wetlands found in the United States fall into four general categories—marshes, swamps, bogs, and fens.
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WETLANDS AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS |
Wetlands are protected under the Clean Water Act (CWA), which is jointly administered by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and the EPA. The CWA is the foundation of surface water quality protection in the United States and strives to restoreand maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation’s watersin order that they may support “the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish,wildlife and recreation in and on the water.” Groundwater or water quantity issuesare not dealt with directly through the CWA. Program administration is handledby the Corps and the EPA provides program oversight. The agencies work under a“No-Net-Loss” policy that strives to maintain or increase the acreage of wetlandscurrently existing in the United States. The sequence process for permit reviewand issuance is described in the guidelines found in Section 404(b)(1) of the CleanWater Act.
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WETLANDS OPPORTUNITIES AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS |
Wetland ecosystems provide a range of valuable ecosystem services that contribute to human well-being, such as water cleansing, flood control, wildlife habitat,biological productivity, and recreation. Worldwide, wetlands are estimated to pro-vide $14.9 trillion of ecosystem services each year (Costanza et al. 1997). Land usechanges to support population growth and economic development have been theprimary reasons for degradation and loss of wetlands. Over half of the wetlands inthe United States have been drained or filled. Both urban and rural sites have theopportunity to protect and restore wetlands (EPA 2010b).
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SITES WITH ENDANGERED OR THREATENED SPECIES HABITAT - (DEFINE BOTH TYPES OF SPECIES) |
An endangered species is an animal or plant in danger of extinction within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. A threatened species is an animal or plant likely to become endangered within theforeseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. |
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SITES WITH ENDANGERED OR THREATENED SPECIES HABITAT AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS |
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) was established to protect and recover imperiled plant and animal species and the ecosystems upon which they depend. TheAct recognizes that endangered and threatened species of wildlife and plants “areof aesthetic, ecological, educational, historical, recreational and scientific value tothe Nation and its people.” The ESA is administered by the U.S. Fish and WildlifeService and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. State agenciesalso have programs for the management of threatened or endangered speciesand lists specific to their area. Many incentive-based strategies, such as candidateconservation agreements and “safe harbor” agreements, are available to land-owners. ESA Section 9 describes the activities which are prohibited in order toprotect species and their habitat. |
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SITES WITH ENDANGERED OR THREATENED SPECIES HABITAT OPPORTUNITIES AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS |
Ecosystems with a variety of life forms are better able to recover from natural andhuman-induced stresses. Destruction of habitat due to sprawling urban development, agriculture and invasive species are common drivers of species extinctions. |
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TRUE/FALSE: A broad knowledge and thorough understanding of the local ecology and culture is essential to the design and development of a sustainable site. Each site has a unique set of physical, biological, and cultural attributes that define the overall character of the landscape anddetermine the suitability for specific uses (LaGro 2008). When the context of a site is notwell understood, design decisions can unnecessarily and unknowingly lead to damagingenvironmental, social, and economic outcomes. Design teams should work with a full understanding of the living systems and communities that they are impacting. |
TRUE |
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SITE INVENTORIES - WHAT DO THEY COMMUNICATE? |
Site inventories communicate and map the physical, biological, and cultural components of a site and surrounding area. The initial reconnaissance provides the informationrequired to begin the design process, and as the project develops, additional information isgathered to inform design solutions. This inventory should not be an open-ended process of information gathering but rather a focused compilation of site conditions that is promptedby the requirements of the program plan and questions or concepts that arise in the designprocess. |
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SITE INVENTORY - REGIONAL CONTEXT SITE INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS |
- Identify the EPA Level III Ecoregion and major native plant communities and environmental conditions of the region.
- Research existing comprehensive community plans and zoning codes that may influence the site. - Study the surrounding area and identify adjacent site conditions and current uses.Determine whether the surrounding conditions will be bene ficial to the site or have anegative impact. Note any aesthetically pleasing visual qualities and stressful factors,such as excessive noise, odor, or pollution. - Determine the importance of the site to the wildlife of the region. - Identify areas ofhabitat, migratory routes, and wildlife corridors in the areas surrounding the site. - Identify potential for damage to the site from natural disasters such as hurricanes,wildfire, and floods. - Identify existing and planned public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian systems locatedwithin 0.25 miles of the site. |
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SITE INVENTORY - REGIONAL CONTEXT INFORMATION GATHERING |
- Locate the site’s region on the EPA Level III Ecoregion maps. Field check and compare descriptions to the actual site conditions - Contact local planning agencies and authorities. - Spend time exploring the area surrounding the site to become familiar with the localculture, amenities, and community resources. Interview neighbors, community leaders, and other project stakeholders. - Contact local wildlife authorities. Conduct a regional habitat inventory. Interviewneighbors, community leaders, and other project stakeholders. - Research the natural disasters history of the area. Interview community residents andlocal authorities. - Contact local and state transportation authorities. |
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SITE INVENTORY - REGIONAL CONTEXT DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS |
- Sites are part of a larger ecological and social community. It is important to understand the surrounding conditions and explore design options that mutually benefitthe site and surrounding area. Developing connections to the community and supporting the local character of a region enhances feelings of stewardship and sense ofplace. Understanding the local context also allows the project team to identify andmitigate any negative impacts from surrounding sites. - Thoughtful site selection, design, and management can reduce the risk and impactof natural disasters. Special attention should be given to building location, materials,and construction methods. - Mass transit and other alternative transportation options such as bicycles reduce thegeneration of greenhouse gases and improve air and water quality. Understandingthe local transportation systems provides opportunities for the site to connect withand encourage the use of public transit and nonmotorized transportation. |
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SITE INVENTORY - CLIMATE AND ENERGY SITE INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS |
Sustainable Sites Handbook : A Complete Guide to the Principles, Strategies, and Best Practices for Sustainable Landscapes 3 Determine the average annual and monthly precipitation, humidity, and temperatureof the site. 3 Identify onsite conditions that provide opportunities for renewable energy strategies,such as wind, solar, and geothermal. |
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SITE INVENTORY - CLIMATE AND ENERGY INFORMATION GATHERING |
Sustainable Sites Handbook : A Complete Guide to the Principles, Strategies, and Best Practices for Sustainable Landscapes Research historical weather data from local meteorologists, weather stations, anduniversities. |
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SITE INVENTORY - CLIMATE AND ENERGY DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS |
Sustainable Sites Handbook : A Complete Guide to the Principles, Strategies, and Best Practices for Sustainable Landscapes Sites that are designed to thrive within their natural climatic conditions require lessresources to sustain. Rainfall and temperatures affect design issues such as vegeta-tion and material selection, stormwater management, and site layout. 3 Renewable energy sources reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution fromfossil fuels. Consider the effects of existing vegetation, topography, and structuresthat may cast shadows or act as wind breaks or de ectors. |
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SITE INVENTORY - MICROCLIMATE SITE INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS |
Sustainable Sites Handbook : A Complete Guide to the Principles, Strategies, and Best Practices for Sustainable Landscapes Study the path of the sun. Determine shadow con gurations from trees, topography,and structures. Sustainable Sites Handbook : A Complete Guide to the Principles, Strategies, and Best Practices for Sustainable Landscapes Research ground-level prevailing wind direction in various seasons. Consider theeffects of site features such as topography, vegetation, and buildings. 3 Identify surfaces that heat or cool the site, such as bodies of water, dark pavements,or roofs. |
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SITE INVENTORY - MICROCLIMATE INFORMATION GATHERING |
Sustainable Sites Handbook : A Complete Guide to the Principles, Strategies, and Best Practices for Sustainable Landscapes Create a solar path diagram for the site to map the path of the sun through the dayand year. 3 Create or study existing wind rose diagrams. Research historical weather data fromlocal meteorologists, weather stations, and universities. 3 Field check locations and surface materials. Cross-reference ndings with wind direc-tion and shadow patterns to determine the effects on the microclimate. |
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SITE INVENTORY - MICROCLIMATE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS |
Sustainable Sites Handbook : A Complete Guide to the Principles, Strategies, and Best Practices for Sustainable Landscapes Sites often have unique microclimatic conditions that differ from regional weatherpatterns. Understanding the microclimate allows the design team to utilize and cre-ate site conditions that increase user comfort and reduce building energy use. Specialattention should be given to building orientation and the location of seating, outdoorgathering spaces, and plant selection. |
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SITE INVENTORY - HYDROLOGY SITE INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS |
Study the site topography. Map the natural overland water ow and areas of ponding. Sustainable Sites Handbook : A Complete Guide to the Principles, Strategies, and Best Practices for Sustainable Landscapes 3 Estimate the volume of rainwater or other nonpotable water sources, such as storm-water, graywater, and wastewater, available onsite for reuse. 3 Map the 100-year oodplain. 3 Map existing water bodies (e.g., lakes and streams) and their associated shorelinesor vegetated buffer zones. Describe existing conditions, such as habitat quality, bankstability, and arti cial modi cations. Note ecological restoration opportunities. 3 Locate and delineate existing wetlands and their associated buffers. 3 Identify water bodies onsite or downstream from the site that are listed as impairedby the state water-quality agency. Determine the speci c pollutants of concern forthe impaired water bodies. 3 Identify sources or potential sources of water pollution and health hazards existingonsite. 3 Determine seasonal groundwater elevations. |
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SITE INVENTORY - HYDROLOGY INFORMATION GATHERING |
Sustainable Sites Handbook : A Complete Guide to the Principles, Strategies, and Best Practices for Sustainable Landscapes Gather topographic maps derived from satellite imagery or physical surveys. Thetopographic detail required will depend on the size of the site and speci c designobjectives. 3 Work with building architects and engineers to understand the water use and waste-water ow of the building. Utility bills and records can be useful in establishing base-line data. Check local codes for model requirements—often TR-55 and other. 3 Consult Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) ood maps, state environ-mental agencies, or local studies to determine the 100-year oodplain. 3 Use aerial photos or site maps to locate existing water bodies. Ground truth the loca-tion and extent of vegetated buffer. Insert guidance on how to map, determine habi-tat quality, bank stability, or reference resource. 3 Check with local and regional governments on accepted methods to delineate wet-lands and buffer zones 3 Wetland delineations are regulated by many jurisdictions depending on the state orcounty. Research the delineation requirements associated with the state of the proj-ect to determine if special state or county conditions preside. 3 Research the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) list provided by the state water-qualityagency. 3 Research existing drainage infrastructure. Identify the water source, treatment loca-tion, and strategy. Field check and identify building, hardscape, and landscape materials, such as treated lumber or galvanized metal, that can be sources of pollut-ants. Interview the maintenance contractor or other individuals responsible for thesite’s care to identify potential pollution sources. 3 Landscape cues such as springs, seeps, and water-loving vegetation can indicateareas of shallow groundwater. Use groundwater monitoring wells or similar technol-ogy to accurately determine the groundwater depth across the site. |
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SITE INVENTORY - HYDROLOGY DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS |
Sustainable Sites Handbook : A Complete Guide to the Principles, Strategies, and Best Practices for Sustainable Landscapes Topography in uences many aspects of the site, such as the microclimate, distribu-tion of plant and animal species, water movement, and stormwater managementpractices. Consider options for minimizing disturbance and artfully incorporating theexisting topography into the design solution. 3 Sustainable sites treat all water as a resource and strive to promote water quality andsupport healthy hydrologic processes. Potable water requirements can be reduced oreliminated through design strategies such as rainwater harvesting, graywater reuse,or stormwater treatment trains. 3 Development of oodplains or alterations in oodplain topography can increase therisk of ooding and property damage. 3 Changes to water bodies and their associated buffers are often regulated by stateand federal authorities. Project teams should consider the impact of site design, con-struction, and maintenance decisions on the quality, habitat, aesthetics, and recre-ational value of the water bodies. 3 Wetlands are protected by state and federal authorities. Altering the site’s drainagepatterns, soil conditions, and groundwater levels can impact the health of wetlands.Existing natural wetlands should not be used for stormwater management or waste-water practices. 3 Through careful design and maintenance, sites can reduce pollutant sources and thevolume of stormwater runoff. Special attention should be given to the selection ofmaterials, onsite treatment of stormwater, and maintenance practices. 3 Building materials and maintenance practices can be pollution sources. Water-qualityimpacts should be considered when selecting materials and construction and mainte-nance strategies. 3 Groundwater elevations can impact the site’s hydrology and suitability for excavation,storm- and wastewater management, and other site features. Special considerationshould be given to site development and maintenance strategies to avoid the con-tamination of groundwater. |
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SITE INVENTORY - SOILS SITE INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS |
Sustainable Sites Handbook : A Complete Guide to the Principles, Strategies, and Best Practices for Sustainable Landscapes Research the site geology and subsoil conditions. 3 Determine soil type and document characteristics, such as texture, bulk density,pH, in ltration, drainage, erosion potential, and depth. Field check and map healthyand degraded soils. Determine the areas to be protected and those best suited fordevelopment. 3 Investigate the site to determine if any soils are categorized as prime farmland,unique farmland, or farmland of statewide importance by the NRCS. |
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SITE INVENTORY - SOILS INFORMATION GATHERING |
Sustainable Sites Handbook : A Complete Guide to the Principles, Strategies, and Best Practices for Sustainable Landscapes Obtain Natural Resource Conservation Service soil maps of the site. In areas wheremaps are not available, contact the local NRCS of ce for more information. Gradedareas will likely have missing or altered soil layers, typically A horizons. In areas wheresigni cant grading/cut and and ll has occurred, subsoil horizons may also be absentor severely disrupted. Field testing of site characteristics will be required. 3 In green eld areas where maps are not available, contact the local NRCS of ce formore information. In areas described as “Urban Land Complex” or known to havebeen graded, visit the site and determine areas of cut and ll by visual inspection.These general assessments should be followed by on site soil testing. Refer to “Soilsin the Site Assessment” in Chapter 5 for more detailed guidance. |
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SITE INVENTORY - SOILS DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS |
Geology in uences a site’s suitability for excavation, grading, wastewater dis-posal, stormwater management, pond construction, and other common landscapeamenities. 3 Healthy soils provide a variety of ecosystem services, such as water cleansing andstorage, carbon sequestration, and habitat. Protecting healthy soils reduces res-toration costs and improves plant performance. Areas of degraded soils shouldbe considered rst for design elements that require signi cant soil and vegetationdisturbance. 3 Prime farmland, unique farmland, and farmland with soils of statewide importanceproduce crops more ef ciently than other soils requiring fewer inputs such as fuel,water, and fertilizers. The development of these unique and high-quality soils shouldbe avoided. |
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SITE INVENTORY - VEGETATION SITE INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS |
Sustainable Sites Handbook : A Complete Guide to the Principles, Strategies, and Best Practices for Sustainable Landscapes Identify and map vegetative communities (i.e., woodland, tall grass prairie, riparian).Conduct a qualitative inventory to determine the health and quality of the commu-nity. Note wildlife species associated with the community. Record current mainte-nance and management practices. Identify areas to be protected or those suitable fordevelopment. 3 Investigate the site for habitat that may support plant or animal threatened andendangered species. 3 Survey existing site vegetation. Create a vegetative cover map that identi es (1) treesover 6“ dbh or as required by local ordinance, (2) heritage or special status trees, (3)invasive species, and (4) other signi cant vegetation. Sustainable Sites Handbook : A Complete Guide to the Principles, Strategies, and Best Practices for Sustainable Landscapes Identify areas to be protected and those suitable for development. In addition, gener-ate a general species list of dominant vegetation in the canopy, subcanopy, and her-baceous level. Include common and Latin names. 3 Estimate the frequency or percent cover.3 Note any unusual or unique vegetation. Determine whether the vegetation is native to the region. |
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SITE INVENTORY - VEGETATION INFORMATION GATHERING |
Sustainable Sites Handbook : A Complete Guide to the Principles, Strategies, and Best Practices for Sustainable Landscapes Conduct vegetative and wildlife surveys. Review aerial photos and satellite imagery.Local habitat mapping can often be found through the state system of higher educa-tion or regional “friends” groups that have collected and mapped habitat assemblies.Local state resources departments may also provide habitat feature information. 3 Research federal and state threatened or endangered species lists. Contact localstate agencies for guidelines on conducting species surveys and developmentrequirements. 3 Conduct vegetative surveys. Review aerial photos and satellite imagery.3 Map existing vegetation by parcels en masse, where possible by community. Note particular anomalies such as invasive species or prevalent old-growth species. 3 General species lists for the site or parcel can be developed using the time meanderapproach. An evaluation of species composition can be developed using randomquadrats. 3 Woody and herbaceous species are typically measured separately. |
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SITE INVENTORY - VEGETATION DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS |
Sustainable Sites Handbook : A Complete Guide to the Principles, Strategies, and Best Practices for Sustainable Landscapes Both urban and rural sites can provide a variety of plant and animal habitats. Look foropportunities to improve or restore habitat onsite or connect and extend surroundingareas of habitat. Avoid the development of threatened or endangered species habi-tat. Areas of low quality habitat should be considered rst for design elements thatrequire signi cant soil and vegetation disturbance 3 Incorporating existing vegetation into the site design provides a variety of environ-mental and economic bene ts. Look for opportunities to minimize disturbance andartfully incorporate existing vegetation into the design solution. Areas of degradedvegetation or invasive species should be considered rst for design elements thatrequire signi cant soil and vegetation disturbance. |
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SITE INVENTORY - MATERIALS SITE INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS |
Sustainable Sites Handbook : A Complete Guide to the Principles, Strategies, and Best Practices for Sustainable Landscapes Identify and map existing buildings and landscape materials, such as outdoor struc-tures, roads, and pathways. Note the materials size, condition, and potential for reuseor recycling. 3 Identify sources of locally extracted, manufactured, and/or processed and distributedconstruction materials |
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SITE INVENTORY - MATERIALS INFORMATION GATHERING |
Sustainable Sites Handbook : A Complete Guide to the Principles, Strategies, and Best Practices for Sustainable Landscapes See site surveys and aerial and satellite imagery. Field check all surfaces and materi-als to determine conditions. 3 A site and building deconstruction inventory will include: a list of the structures orcomponents to be removed; material types, quantities, and dimensions; removalnotes; existing nish and refurbishing actions required. 3 Information on location of raw material extraction, manufacture, and processing isimportant to obtain. Many materials or products that are locally distributed may actu-ally be produced far from a project site. |
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SITE INVENTORY - MATERIALS DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS |
Sustainable Sites Handbook : A Complete Guide to the Principles, Strategies, and Best Practices for Sustainable Landscapes Reusing and recycling materials reduces the use of virgin natural resources, whichin turn minimizes habitat destruction, waste generation, and air and water pollution.Throughout the design and construction processes, explore opportunities to reuse orrecycle onsite materials. 3 Use of locally extracted and manufactured materials can reduce transportationresource use and the associated pollution impacts. |
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SITE INVENTORY - CULTURAL INVENTORY SITE INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS |
Sustainable Sites Handbook : A Complete Guide to the Principles, Strategies, and Best Practices for Sustainable Landscapes Research the site’s history and prior uses.3 Determine the locations of existing public infrastructure such as roads and utility networks. 3 Identify project stakeholders. 3 Document existing site uses and their associated user groups. 3 Identify and map historical or cultural landscape features. 3 Map characteristic site features that are unique or memorable such as rock outcrop-pings or view corridors. 3 Identify potential or existing odors, noise pollution, or unsightly features that may beconsidered an annoyance |
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SITE INVENTORY - CULTURAL INVENTORY INFORMATION GATHERING |
Sustainable Sites Handbook : A Complete Guide to the Principles, Strategies, and Best Practices for Sustainable Landscapes Interview property owners and neighbors. Research city and county records andhistoric aerial photos. Survey the site for indicators of previous use. Test soils for pos-sible contamination. 3 Contact local utility and transportation agencies and authorities.3 Work with neighborhood leaders and other local “experts” to identify individuals and groups that need to be involved in the design process. 3 Observe the site during various times of the day. 3 Interview neighbors, community leaders, and other project stakeholders. Contact his-torical commissions and associations. Sustainable Sites Handbook : A Complete Guide to the Principles, Strategies, and Best Practices for Sustainable Landscapes Determine the source of any odor and direction of prevailing winds. Use a soundlevel meter to measure the level of noises. Follow ASTM E1014-08, Standard Guidefor Measurement of Outdoor A-Weighted Sound Levels, or similar standard noisemeasurements. |
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SITE INVENTORY - CULTURAL INVENTORY DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS |
Sustainable Sites Handbook : A Complete Guide to the Principles, Strategies, and Best Practices for Sustainable Landscapes Understanding the site history and prior use is helpful in identifying conditions thatmay not be obvious or are unforeseen. 3 Existing public infrastructure can in uence the placement of items such as buildingsand site entrance and egress locations. 3 Site users and other stakeholders can provide unique insight and become activestewards of the site. 3 Locations with a unique sense of place connect the community to the site andencourage stewardship. Look for opportunities to get project stakeholders involvedin the design process and provide feedback on the site conditions and amenities theyvalue. 3 Existing landscape features that are loud or unsightly can have negative impacts onthe site user’s experience. Special attention should be given to the location of existingand planned equipment, such as HVAC systems. Locate design components, such asbuildings or vegetation, to screen or block unwanted views and sounds. |
