History of International Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP) Database

The International Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP) Database is a repository of field study data, query and analysis tools, performance summaries, monitoring guidance and other study-related publications. The overall purpose of the project is to provide scientifically sound information to improve the design, selection, and performance of BMPs. The continued population of the database and assessment of its data will ultimately lead to a better understanding of factors influencing BMP performance and help to promote improvements in BMP design, selection and implementation.

The project began in 1996 under a cooperative agreement between the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). In 2004, the project transitioned to a more broadly supported coalition of partners now led by the Water Research Foundation (WRF) with funding support from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Environmental and Water Resources Institute (EWRI) of ASCE.  Other organizations such as the American Public Works Association (APWA) and the Mile High Flood District in Denver, CO have also provided funding.

State DOT Portal

This study was conducted for the AASHTO Committee on Environment and Sustainability, with funding provided through the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Project 25-25, Task 119, Enhancing the International Stormwater BMP Database to Serve as a Highway Specific BMP Database.  NCHRP Project 25-25, Task 92, Transferability of Post-Construction Stormwater Quality BMP Effectiveness Studies identified the International Stormwater BMP Database (BMPDB) as the most comprehensive, actively maintained clearinghouse for stormwater BMP design and performance data. NCHRP Project 25-25(92) also identified additional data and structural enhancements that would make the BMPDB an even more effective tool for state DOTs. As such, this project (NCHRP 25-25 Task 119) aimed to enhance the BMPDB and create a state DOT-specific portal as a more efficient means of delivering BMP design information, monitoring data, and performance summaries for BMP studies that are the most relevant to state DOTs and other transportation agencies.

The NCHRP is supported by annual voluntary contributions from state DOTs. Project 25-25 is intended to fund quick response studies on behalf of the Committee on Environment and Sustainability.  The State DOT Portal and associated BMPDB updates completed as part of this study were led by Geosyntec Consultants in partnership with Wright Water Engineers. The work was guided by a technical working group that included:

  • William Fletcher, Oregon DOT (retired)
  • Fred Noble, Florida DOT
  • Greg Granato, U.S. Geological Survey
  • Melissa Scheperle, Missouri DOT
  • Brandon Slone, Washington State DOT
  • Scott Crafton, Virginia DOT
  • Scott McGowen, Michael Baker International
  • Susan Jones, Federal Highway Administration (Liason)
  • Melissa Savage, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (Liason)

The project was managed by Ann Hartell NCHRP Senior Program Officer.

Disclaimer for the State DOT Portal

The opinions and conclusions expressed or implied are those of the research agency that performed the research and are not necessarily those of the Transportation Research Board or its sponsoring agencies. This website has not been reviewed or accepted by the Transportation Research Board Executive Committee or the Governing Board of the National Research Council.

The National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) produces ready-to-implement solutions to the challenges facing transportation professionals. NCHRP is sponsored by the individual state departments of transportation of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). NCHRP is administered by the Transportation Research Board (TRB), part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 

SPECIAL NOTE:  This website IS NOT an official publication of the National Cooperative Highway Research Program, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, or The National Academies.