Online BMP Designer Tool Now Available for Lake Tahoe Homeowners

Lake Tahoe property owners and contractors can now design their own residential BMPs (Best Management Practices) with a free online tool provided by the TRPA.

BMP Designer is a GIS based tool found on the agency's Stormwater Management Program's website.

In order to utilize the BMP Designer, users should have knowledge of their property’s physical characteristics including:

• The direction water flows on the property
• Where utilities are located (always call 811 prior to digging)
• Proximity to a stream environment zones (SEZ) 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 (conduct a garden hose test to verify)
• Gutter and downspout locations (if installed)
• Photos & other information about the property

The BMP Designer includes links to helpful information from the BMP Handbook. TRPA Stormwater Management staff will be available to provide instructions on using the BMP Designer at the TRPA offices in Stateline on Wednesdays between 9am and 12pm and 1pm and 4pm through December 18, 2013. Call 775-589-5202 or email bmp@trpa.org for an appointment.