What mitigation measures should an architect consider to protect watersheds, and more specifically aquifers, that may limit land development?
Are there official maps or resources that architects must review to determine when protection measures are triggered? For example, on one of our projects we weren’t allowed to build an underground detention pond, and instead had to use an above-ground catch basin in order to preserve aquifer water quality.
These are great questions that relate directly to the PA exam. Tying these concepts to your work experience is an awesome way to deeply understand the study material, so that you can apply your knowledge to exam scenarios too!
Here are some key mitigation measures to understand:
Above-ground detention: catch basins, vegetated swales; preferred in aquifer recharge zones
Low-Impact Development (LID): rain gardens, bioswales, permeable paving; align with sustainability and water quality protection
Zoning/environmental overlays: can limit impervious surfaces, ban septic or underground systems, or mandate conservation buffers
These are relevant maps and resources to know:
EPA Sole Source Aquifer (SSA) map: federally protected aquifers
Wellhead Protection Areas (WHPA): state/local overlays around wells.
Local zoning/DEQ/DEP maps: can trigger special site restrictions.
Hope this helps!
Kiara Galicinao, AIA, NCARB
Product Coordinator Black Spectacles