Beginning Stormwater Management: Principles and BMP Design

Managing runoff is a critical requirement for modern site development, yet navigating regulations and design calculations can feel overwhelming. This course provides a clear, step-by-step introduction to the core principles of hydrology and stormwater engineering. You will learn how to analyze a site, calculate runoff volumes, and select the right solutions to manage water flow and quality. By the end of this course, you will understand how to design and size standard Best Management Practices (BMPs) that meet modern environmental standards. What you'll learn: - Understand core hydrological concepts, including the water cycle, runoff coefficients, and watershed behavior - Calculate peak runoff rates using the Rational Method and other standard engineering formulas - Design common stormwater BMPs such as bioretention cells, swales, and detention basins - Analyze soil characteristics and infiltration rates to select the best management strategies for a site - Apply modern low-impact development (LID) principles to minimize environmental disruption - Navigate standard regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements for site development This text-based curriculum begins with essential terminology and fundamental hydrological concepts before moving into practical calculation methods. You will then explore detailed design steps for various BMPs, supported by clear, written scenarios and step-by-step mathematical examples. Designed specifically for beginners, this course requires no prior background in civil engineering or hydrology. Start reading today to build a solid foundation in modern stormwater management.