What is a stormwater management plan designed to achieve?

A stormwater management plan is primarily designed to manage runoff and prevent flooding. These plans are essential for addressing the concerns related to excessive precipitation and urban development, where natural drainage patterns can be altered by impervious surfaces such as roads and buildings. By implementing strategies such as retention basins, permeable pavements, and green roofs, a stormwater management plan effectively reduces the volume and rate of runoff entering storm sewers and nearby water bodies.

This approach helps to prevent localized flooding during heavy rain events, protects water quality by filtering pollutants from stormwater before they reach aquatic environments, and supports groundwater recharge. The focus is not just on immediate drainage but also on sustainable practices that balance development needs with environmental protection.

The other options do not align with the primary objectives of a stormwater management plan. Eliminating all water bodies is not a practical or desirable goal, as water bodies play a crucial role in ecosystems. A narrow focus on urban development overlooks areas outside urban settings that also contribute to stormwater runoff. Increasing industrial water usage does not address the core issue of stormwater management and could exacerbate water resource challenges rather than mitigate them.