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Interpreting L-THIA's Results: Commercial to High Density Residential
Commerical land
use generates the highest amount of runoff due
to the high percentage of total area that is covered
by impervious surfaces. High density residential
areas, though generating higher runoff than several
other land uses, have a lower runoff rate as compared
to commerical land use.
Converting commercial
land use to high density residential results in
a decrease in the amount of runoff. This decrease
is due to the reduction in impervious surfaces
such as large parking lots and covered spaces
normally found in commercial areas. High density
residential areas have more open spaces in the
form of parks and gardens.
Commercial areas
are often abandoned due to market forces and other
factors. Often such areas are located in urban
areas and already have access to infrastructure
such as roads, sewer connections, and
water. Developing such areas in preference to
untouched forest or agricultural land reduces
long-term hydrologic impact of the development
and also has several economical and social benefits.
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