What is the primary purpose of a stormwater management plan?

The primary purpose of a stormwater management plan is to manage the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff. This is essential because stormwater can carry pollutants and debris from urban or rural landscapes into nearby water bodies, leading to water quality degradation and increased flooding. Effective stormwater management minimizes the negative impacts of runoff on the environment by implementing techniques to either slow the flow of water, capture stormwater for reuse, or treat it to remove contaminants before it enters natural ecosystems. This approach helps prevent erosion of soil, protect water resources, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

While other options may relate to environmental or aesthetic considerations, they do not address the central function of a stormwater management plan, which is to handle stormwater in a way that protects both water quality and surrounding infrastructure.