SMAF Stormwater Rules

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Imagine a city where every drop of rain is accounted for – that’s the vision of the SMAF Stormwater Rules.

The SMAF (Stormwater Management Area Flow) rules are a component of The Auckland Unitary Plan, crafted to safeguard and improve Auckland’s streams and rivers, which are vital to the region’s freshwater biodiversity.

The SMAF framework categorises stormwater management into two distinct areas: SMAF 1 and SMAF 2. SMAF 1 areas are critical for catchments that lead to sensitive or high-value streams with low levels of impervious surfaces, hence more susceptible to stormwater flow changes. The primary aim is to preserve these fragile ecosystems from the impacts of urban development.

SMAF 2 areas, on the other hand, are concerned with catchments that lead to streams with moderate to high sensitivity to stormwater. These areas typically have a higher presence of impervious surfaces, which makes them more vulnerable to stormwater flow variations.

The SMAF rules are comprehensive, outlining specific measures that new developments must adhere to for effective stormwater management. These measures include:

• Runoff Control: Implementing strategies such as permeable surfaces, green roofs, and stormwater retention areas to manage runoff.
   
• Pollution Prevention: Installing natural filtration systems like bioswales and rain gardens to maintain water quality.
   
• Flood Mitigation: Creating natural solutions like floodplains and wetlands to manage excess water during heavy rains.
   
• Maintenance and Monitoring: Ensuring regular upkeep and functional checks of stormwater management systems.
   

Promax’s SMAF Calculator is a tool designed to aid in complying with these SMAF regulations. It simplifies the process of meeting Auckland’s stormwater detention and retention requirements, ensuring that projects align with environmental standards and promote sustainable practices. SMAF calculators help estimate the amount of stormwater that needs to be mitigated and provides an estimate of the correct minimum sizing for solutions designed to mitigate those stormwater volumes.

For those involved in urban development, it’s imperative to understand and implement the SMAF guidelines to not only comply with regulations but also contribute to the ecological well-being of our waterways.

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Request access to Promax’s SMAF Calculator.
 

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