Green Infrastructure & Stormwater Management

CORE Environmental Consultants offers full-service planning, design, and compliance support for green infrastructure and stormwater management systems. Our team integrates sustainable practices with regulatory requirements to help reduce runoff, improve water quality, and meet NYSDEC, NYCDEP, and local MS4 stormwater mandates. Whether incorporated into a new development or retrofit, our designs mitigate flooding risks, filter pollutants, and contribute to LEED and Envision credits.

We serve private developers, municipalities, and institutions seeking smarter, code-compliant drainage strategies that align with evolving climate resilience goals.

What Is Green Infrastructure?

Green infrastructure refers to stormwater practices that manage rainwater where it falls—using vegetation, soil, and engineered systems to mimic natural hydrology. These systems reduce runoff volume, improve infiltration, and remove pollutants before discharge to receiving waters.

Common green infrastructure elements include:

• Bioretention systems and rain gardens
• Permeable pavement systems
• Green roofs
• Vegetated swales and filter strips
• Stormwater planters and tree pits
• Subsurface infiltration galleries

These features are often required—or incentivized—by local codes and state stormwater programs.

Our Stormwater Design Services

CORE provides full lifecycle support for:

• Green infrastructure feasibility studies
• Hydrologic modeling (TR-55, HydroCAD, etc.)
• Preliminary and final design of stormwater controls
• NYSDEC Stormwater Management Design Manual compliance
• NYCDEP Unified Stormwater Rule (USWR) compliance
• Integration with SWPPP, SPDES, and MS4 permitting
• Maintenance planning and O&M documentation
• LEED/SITES documentation and certification support

We tailor solutions to site layout, soil conditions, pollutant loads, and regulatory frameworks.

Our Process

1. Site Assessment and Runoff Evaluation
   We evaluate grading, soil infiltration rates, drainage areas, and existing infrastructure to identify suitable green infrastructure practices.
2. Hydrologic and Hydraulic Modeling
   Using modeling tools like TR-55, HydroCAD, and PCSWMM, we quantify pre- and post-development runoff rates, water quality volumes, and system sizing needs.
3. System Selection and Conceptual Design
   CORE selects appropriate practices—bioretention, permeable pavers, cisterns, etc.—based on project constraints, drainage goals, and client priorities.
4. Construction Drawings and Specifications
   Our final deliverables include layout drawings, grading plans, planting schedules, cross-sections, construction notes, and detailed design calculations.
5. Regulatory Submissions and Agency Coordination
   We coordinate with NYSDEC, NYCDEP, and MS4 coordinators to ensure acceptance of design and proper integration into permit applications (e.g., SWPPP, SPDES).
6. Post-Construction Support
   We assist with system inspection, maintenance guidance, and periodic reporting to satisfy permit conditions or certification checklists.

Regulatory Context

Our stormwater designs comply with:

• NYSDEC Stormwater Management Design Manual
• SPDES General Permit for Construction Activities (GP-0-25-001)
• NYCDEP Unified Stormwater Rule (USWR)
• MS4 and local drainage codes
• Green infrastructure requirements under CEQR and E-Designation
• Public grant and incentive programs for green stormwater infrastructure (GSI)

We also support clients seeking LEED, WELL, or Envision certification through stormwater credits.

✅ Why CORE?

✔ Fully Integrated Design
We coordinate seamlessly with civil engineers, landscape architects, and site planners to ensure stormwater solutions enhance rather than disrupt the site.

✔ Regulatory and Municipal Insight
Our team understands both the letter and intent of local, state, and federal stormwater rules—ensuring faster approvals and lasting compliance.

✔ Practical and Sustainable Solutions
We prioritize designs that balance performance with cost, constructability, and long-term maintenance ease.

✔ Strong Support for Public Funding
CORE supports grant submittals and compliance for projects funded under programs like NYS GIGP, DEC WQIP, and DEP Green Infrastructure Grant Program.