Low Impact Development (LID)
Overall Site Environmental Design And Construction:
English Commons has been designed and constructed utilizing the most environmentally sensitive techniques available.
- Low Impact Development (LID) is an ecologically friendly approach to site development and stormwater management. English Commons is believed to be the first and maybe the only true LID in Massachusetts. LID designs aim to mimic natural hydrology and mitigate development impacts to land, water and air. This approach utilizes grassed swales, rain gardens and bioretention areas to naturally replenish groundwater and improve water quality. Conventional drainage designs use catch basins and piping which deposit contaminated surface and road runoff to a point discharge in wetland areas.
- Landscaping - Additionally, we have selected low water demand grasses and plantings in the landscape design, which are therefore less dependent on irrigation once established.
- Wastewater Treatment Plant - An on-site sewerage treatment plant by Waterloo Biofilter Systems has been incorporated into the wastewater system at English Commons. Waterloo Biofilters are sustainable septic systems that provide a permanent combination of biological treatment and physical filtration. The system allows for removal of 95% of the total suspended solids and 65% of total nitrogen before depositing clear water into the leachfield. This replenishes the groundwater with clean effluent and maximizes the life expectancy of the leachfield, helping reduce future maintenance costs and associated condominium fees.
- Recycled concrete fill - English Commons incorporated the use of recycled concrete materials from demolition projects. These products were used for structural fill under buildings and roadways. Concrete demolition materials are crushed to the appropriate size, then steel and foreign materials are removed, and the final material is delivered to the site for reuse. Not only is this material an excellent bearing material for buildings and roadways, it also helps the environment by reusing what normally would be disposed of in landfills.