Choosing a BMP

How do I know which systems/BMPs are the best choice for my property?

The BMP (Best Management Practices) Matrix indicates the effectiveness, sustainability, and cost of various options of practices according to the various needs and details of a property. The intent of the matrix is to help individuals quickly determine the trade-offs of the many choices for stormwater management in relation to the many factors that are unique to each individual’s property.

Once you have determined which practices work best for your property you can read more detailed reports on each BMP to learn more and make an informed decision. The BMP Matrix can be found in the supporting documents below.

Hiring a Professional vs. Completing the Project Yourself

Many of the practices can be implemented without having to hire a professional. On the BMP (Best Management Practices) Matrix, the need to hire a professional is indicated with a dash symbol next to the BMP ( - ). 

Time and Work Necessary for Implementation and Maintenance

Implementation varies significantly depending on which BMP (Best Management Practice) you choose as well as who is constructing the system. As a general rule, a BMP that does not require hired professionals (as indicated by a dash symbol ( - ) next to where the BMP is listed on the left of the matrix), will require less time and work to implement.

Similarly, the maintenance of BMPs varies a great deal depending on the type of system you implement. Information on the operation and maintenance needs are specific to the individual BMPs and can be found with the information on each option.

With both implementation and maintenance, we recommend you first use the BMP Matrix to know which practices work for your property then read about the construction, maintenance, and operation needs for those practices. 

Cost Estimates and Resources 

The BMP Matrix indicates cost in a scale from one dollar sign ( $ ) to indicate the cheapest systems to implement/maintain, to three dollar signs ( $$$ ) to indicate the most expensive systems.

• One dollar sign specifies the cost is anywhere under $500
• Two dollar signs specify the cost is anywhere from $501 to $2,500
• Three dollar signs specify the cost is anywhere from $2,501 or greater cost

Costs that vary depending on square feet are based upon a 1,660 square foot house (the average house size in Oregon), are indicated with a ( + ) on the matrix.

Coast Fork Willamette Watershed Council

Named after the Willamette River, the Coast Fork Willamette Watershed Council is a local nonprofit organization that strives to enhance and restore habitat for fish and wildlife, our community, and for future generations.

The group has many grants and other resources available to help you implement good stormwater management practices on your property.

Their website: https://www.coastfork.org/ 

Check out the documents below to learn more about different low impact development methods and figure out the best choice for you.