Urban stormwater BMPs can save trout by cooling runoff temperatures.
Urban stormwater runoff can heat up coldwater streams, harming sensitive trout populations. Researchers in North Carolina studied how different stormwater management systems affect runoff temperature. They found that certain designs can reduce the heat in runoff, like using buried pipes and modifying outlet structures. Shading within these systems also helps lower temperatures. Understanding these methods can help engineers design better systems to protect aquatic ecosystems from the harmful effects of warm runoff.