Online tool helps property owners devise BMPs

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency has created a GIS-based online tool that allows property owners and contractors to design BMPs.

It is available online for free.

It was created because of the dwindling funds for on-site best management practices evaluations.

To use the BMP Designer, property owners should have knowledge of the following:

• The direction water flows on the property;
• Where utilities are located;
• Proximity to a stream environment zones or seasonal high groundwater;
• Locations of existing BMPs;
• Existing vegetation, lawns, planter bed/boxes, trees, rock outcroppings, retaining walls;
• Flat or depressed areas for use as possible infiltration basins;
• Driveway shape and varying slopes;
• Gutter and downspout locations;
• Photos and other information about the property.

TRPA staff will be available to provide instructions on using the BMP Designer at the TRPA offices in Stateline on Wednesdays between 9am-noon and 1-4pm through Dec. 18. Call (775) 589.5202 or email bmp@trpa.org for an appointment.