Analysis of Alternatives for Sustainable Stormwater Management in Small Developments of Polish Urban Catchments

Stormwater reuse for water-sensitive city - Integrated analysis of urban hydrology for efficient alternatives of Amaravati city, India

In the present study, Amaravati, a proposed city of Andhra Pradesh, India, is identified for stormwater reuse analysis and for various efficient options for reuse. Peak runoff from the entire catchment is determined for the management of stormwater using different models such as soil and water assessment tool (SWAT), stormwater management model, and intensity-duration-frequency curves by the log Pearson Type III method. Further, the bio-retention cell low-impact development option with 60% impervious area, 60% zero depression impervious area, bio-retention cell for 40% area for each sub-catchment, and the underground stormwater network system, for part of peak runoff reduction, remaining peak runoff is considered for reuse. The remaining peak runoff is proposed to be reused for irrigation purposes (option 1), and storage retention ponds as extended detention ponds (option 2). Also, in situ storage/percolation is recommended for unaccounted stormwater within or around each premise. The findings can help to propose, implement, and maintain various stormwater reuse measures and/or practices for any city.

Assessment of the Impact of Loss-of-Retention Fees on Green Infrastructure Investments

Urbanization leads to the growth of impervious surfaces, which increases surface runoff, causing pluvial and flash flood phenomena. Furthermore, it significantly limits the infiltration of stormwater into the ground; this, in turn, reduces groundwater supply, ultimately intensifying drought effects. In order to adapt urbanized areas to climate change, the objective is to stop these unfavorable processes and strive for recreating the natural water cycle through developing decentralized stormwater management practices on private properties. An important management instrument that motivates property owners to invest is economic incentives, such as stormwater or impact fees associated with a system of rebates/discounts that depend on the applied stormwater runoff reduction solutions. Herein, we analyze a new economic instrument—a fee for reducing natural field retention—which is planned to be introduced in Poland. We assessed the incentive and funding (income-generating) function of the fee based on the example of the Sudół river catchment in Krakow, Poland. The research involved conducting simulation calculations and assessing the incentive impact through calculating investment Net Present Value (NPV), which is the investor’s response to the proposed economic incentives included in the structure of the fee and the rebate system. This study demonstrated errors and loopholes in the suggested fee rules—too low rates that prevent achieving profitability (negative NPV) for small-scale stormwater retention practices, and incorrect conditions that enable obtaining discounted fees. We also estimated the fee rate that ensures investment profitability.

Urban stormwater management for sustainable and resilient measures and practices: a review

Stormwater drainage in urban areas has become a challenge due to the rapid and random growth of urban areas, removal of vegetation, reduction in the effectiveness of drainage infrastructure, and climate change. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS), Low Impact Development (LID), Best Management Practices (BMP), Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) and the Sponge City Programme (SCP) are various aspects for urban stormwater management in a few parts of the world. Urban hydrology plays a vital role in the urban stormwater management system. However, optimal results can only be possible when the combined effect of climate change, land use patterns, reuse, treatment, ecology, and societal aspects are considered. There is a need to provide sustainable and resilient urban drainage systems to manage stormwater more efficiently. The present review has thoroughly discussed various features related to urban stormwater management, highlighted key drivers, identified knowledge gaps in each of the measures and/or practices, recommended future research needs of urban stormwater management to become sustainable and resilient. Integrated modelling approaches considering various key drivers including reuse and real time governance enables stormwater management to be sustainable and resilient in urban environments.

Urban Green Infrastructure and Sustainable Development: A Review

Urban green infrastructure (UGI) can alleviate many of the problems that the growing urban population is facing. This study performed a literature review about UGI and sustainable development (SD) using the Web of Science (WoS) and the software VOSviewer. Of 195 papers selected, 89 are qualitative, focusing on theoretical approaches and design; equally, 89 are quantitative, dealing with metrics and spatial analysis and 17 combined both approaches. A high connectivity between “green infrastructure”, “ecosystem services”, “urban planning” and “sustainable development” was observed. Only 39 of the documents embrace environmental, social and economic aspects. Most of the papers are related to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, “to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable” and SDG 15, “protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems”. Further research integrating the three pillars of sustainability and relating UGI to all the SDGs is recommended.