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==Small-scale and large-scale projects==
The scale of your LID project will largely determine how to proceed. While you can usually complete small-scale LID projects with in-house expertise and resources, large-scale projects require external support from consultants and contractors.
===Small-scale projects===
[[File:Example4.jpg|thumb|A [[no-mow]] zone is a landscape alternative that does not require construction activities. (Source: Aquafor Beech)]]
Starting with small-scale projects is a good strategy to increase public interest in LID practices, gauge municipal support, and gain retrofit experience. Small-scale projects include retrofitting your site with landscape alternatives, rain barrels, enhancements of existing swales, or using pollution prevention strategies and practices.
Small-scale projects require fewer resources and a smaller project budget:
*They do not require integration into capital works projects
*Engineering consultants are not required
*Contractors may not be not required
*External approvals are not required
*Consultation with the public is limited
Due to less financial commitment, it can be easier to build colleague support and to gain supervisor approval for small-scale projects. However, small-scale projects like landscape alternatives and pollution prevention may not be easily identified as LID practices by the public. Your project team should consider establishing educational signage to inform the public.
===Large-scale projects===
[[File:Example5.jpg|thumb|When installing new parks equipment, consider whether the LID practices can be integrated into the design. Here a bioswale has been built into the landscape between a playground and sidewalk. (Source: CVC)]]
Large-scale projects require significantly more effort, budget and staff than small-scale projects. Large-scale LID practices include:
* [[Bioretention]]
* [[Enhanced grass swales]]
* [[Bioswales]]
* Perforated pipe systems
* [[Permeable paving|Permeable pavement]]
* [[Soakaways, Infiltration Trenches and Infiltration Chambers Guide|Soakaways]]
* [[Infiltration chambers]]
* [[Rainwater harvesting]]
* Prefabricated modules
* [[Green roofs]]
Consider a large-scale project if your municipality, school or place of worship would like to be a leader in sustainability. Large-scale projects are often highly visible and attract more public attention. Large-scale projects may also be the only solution to site-specific challenges. For example, if the parking lot on your site does not have existing stormwater controls, small-scale projects are not likely to fully achieve compliance with water quality and quantity objectives. Consider using an infiltration chamber or bioswale project to meet those objectives.
Before starting a large-scale retrofit project, consider the following distinctions that set these retrofits apart from small-scale projects.
====Integration with capital works programs====
Most large-scale LID retrofits must function with existing site infrastructure, such as storm sewers, catch basins, and pavement systems. The construction of large-scale LID practices often requires these systems to be removed, exposed, or replaced. The best time for this type of project to occur is when an infrastructure replacement or rehabilitation project is already planned.
When LID retrofits are worked into other construction projects, such as parking lot repaving, or grading or drainage improvements, there can be substantial cost savings. Whether big or small, every municipality spends relatively large sums of money and substantial time planning for major capital projects. This includes redevelopment of public building and spaces. Many communities who have undertaken retrofits recognize that even if a relatively small portion of the project funds goes towards LID retrofits, they can retrofit large impervious surfaces and avoid new stormwater management infrastructure projects.
Municipal facility rehabilitation is typically forecast well in advance of the project. Parking lot paving is typically worked into municipal budgets based on expected life cycle and observed wear. As such, funds may be set aside prior to the project planning phases. Long-term forecast budgets may also be available for site revitalizations or expansions. These budget forecasts provide opportunities to compare the capital and life-cycle costs and benefits of the conventional construction project and LID retrofit.
====Regulatory compliance====
The objectives, technologies, and standard practices associated with stormwater management are constantly evolving. It is unlikely that the stormwater management practices on your site meet modern industry standards. When you are making changes to your site, it is important to stay ahead of the regulations. Your school may not be required to improve on-site stormwater management infrastructure, but those retrofits can be beneficial and save money and time over the long term. Consider both current and future water regulations which may affect your property. Consulting with your municipality will help you determine if LID retrofits can reduce taxes or prevent costly upgrades required at a later date.
====Involvement of consultants and contractors====
Consultants are required for large-scale retrofit projects, specifically for the final screening of options, pre-design, detailed design, tender and contract documents, construction supervision and administration, and assumption and verification. Site contractors are also required for large-scale LID retrofits.
Ideally, contractors should be pre-qualified based on previous experience with similar LID projects.
====Intensive public consultation====
Stakeholders must be closely involved in the retrofit process for large-scale LID projects. These projects have longer construction windows, may have significant impacts on long term public use patterns of the site and will have significantly higher costs. Gaining public insight before LID implementation can help address public concerns and information gaps, as well as identify public supporters and champions. Public consultation can help designers tailor the project to address community concerns and values.
====External approvals====
Large-scale retrofits may require a variety of approvals at the municipal, watershed, provincial, and/or federal level. Since LID is still relatively new, you may encounter policies or bylaws that present barriers to LID retrofit projects. Alternatively, the municipality may have to amend or enforce some policies and bylaws to facilitate the implementation of LID projects on your site.
==Parks==
==Parks==