New Jersey Future, New Jersey Builders Association release updated Developers Green Infrastructure Guide

June 5th, 2020 by Kandyce Perry

New Jersey Future, in partnership with the New Jersey Builders Association, released the Developers Green Infrastructure Guide 2.0. The guide, specifically designed for the real estate sector including developers, builders, and their professional teams of engineers, landscape architects, planners, and architects, features detailed information and guidance on New Jersey’s amended stormwater rules.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection updated its stormwater rules, which take effect in March 2021, to mandate the use of green infrastructure practices to meet standards for water quality, groundwater recharge, and stormwater volume control. This new approach is a paradigm shift in New Jersey stormwater management. Developers, long frustrated by a subjective “maximum extent practicable” design standard, now have an objective standard that replaces pipes and storage basins with landscaping techniques that create multiple infiltration points, mimicking how nature deals with stormwater.

The changes to the stormwater rule represent a new phase in development and stormwater management, and the Developers Green Infrastructure Guide 2.0 was designed for just this reason. Specifically, developers can take advantage of the following features in the guide:

An overview of the NJDEP’s amended Stormwater Rules
Side-by-side comparisons that show how project design is affected pre-rule change and post-rule change.
An interactive decision-making tool to help developers choose the most appropriate GI best management practices for their sites.
Tips for overcoming challenging design conditions
Case studies to gain insights into decision-making, project value, competitive advantage, challenges, and keys to success.
A discussion of financial, community, and environmental benefits for developers
Frequently asked questions about green infrastructure maintenance and cost

The Developers Green Infrastructure Guide 2.0 was launched with a webinar in May, a recording of which can be viewed here; the slides are available here. The webinar walks viewers through the new stormwater rules, solutions to incorporating green infrastructure under challenging site conditions, and answers viewers’ questions. The guide is available online at developersguide.njfuture.org where a printable version is also available. A limited number of printed copies will be available at the Atlantic Builders Convention in Atlantic City, September 29 to October 1, 2020. Visit the Developers Green Infrastructure Task Force exhibit. The task force is a partnership between New Jersey Builders Association and New Jersey Future. To stay informed of future green infrastructure updates, connect with us here.