What does "stormwater retrofit" refer to?

The term "stormwater retrofit" specifically refers to the process of modifying existing sites to enhance their stormwater management capabilities. This approach often involves retrofitting older developments with new best management practices (BMPs) or systems that were not originally designed to effectively manage stormwater runoff. The goal of retrofitting is to improve water quality and reduce flood risks by integrating these modern techniques into existing infrastructures.

For instance, an older parking lot could be retrofitted with permeable pavement or bioretention areas to capture and treat runoff more efficiently, effectively addressing issues such as erosion and pollution. This is a critical strategy in urban areas where space is limited, and existing sites already contribute to stormwater runoff problems.

The other choices reference concepts that are not directly aligned with the definition of a retrofit. Constructing new stormwater treatment facilities pertains to new development projects rather than modifications. The removal of stormwater systems does not contribute to improved performance but rather eliminates existing systems completely. Finally, preparing new Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) is related to planning and compliance rather than the physical adaptation of built sites.