This document profiles green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) case studies from Metro Vancouver and Victoria, BC. It begins with an introduction to GSI and its benefits over traditional "grey" stormwater infrastructure. The document then describes two case studies of GSI implementation in streetscapes: a bioswale along a highway in Coquitlam that improved water quality, and a network of rain gardens in North Vancouver that captured stormwater and enhanced public spaces. It concludes by discussing GSI opportunities in residential communities as the population grows.
Pinelands Regional Municipal Leaders Green Infrastructure WorkshopNew Jersey Future
This document summarizes a workshop on green infrastructure for municipal leaders in the Pinelands region. It discusses the impacts of increased stormwater runoff from development, including water quality issues and flooding. Regulations that address stormwater management for new development are outlined. The benefits of green infrastructure approaches are presented, including cost savings, aesthetics, and environmental protection. Challenges municipalities face with stormwater are discussed and funding opportunities for green infrastructure projects are mentioned.
Urban Stormwater Conditions and the Multiple Benefits of Green Infrastructure...RI_FMA
This document discusses urban stormwater issues in Providence, Rhode Island and the benefits of green infrastructure solutions. Providence faces challenges from aging infrastructure, high percentages of impervious surfaces, and industrial contamination near waterways. Green infrastructure approaches like rain gardens, swales, green roofs, and depaving lots can help address stormwater while providing community benefits like recreation, health, habitat, and economic development. Providence is pursuing green infrastructure projects in parks and vacant lots to manage stormwater and provide multiple benefits. Challenges remain around long-term maintenance of green infrastructure sites and further incentivizing private property owners.
The document discusses stormwater management from a municipal perspective. It summarizes Richmond Hill's efforts to manage stormwater through collaborative initiatives, updating infrastructure, and adopting low impact development practices. Challenges include integrating stormwater management into municipal programs, obtaining public acceptance, and funding maintenance and upgrades, especially with climate change increasing storm intensities.
Blue and Green Cities The Role of Blue-Green Infrastructure in Managing Urban...Robert Brears
This book offers new research on urban policy innovations that promote the application of blue-green infrastructure in managing water resources sustainably. The author argues that urban water managers have traditionally relied on grey infrastructural solutions to mitigate risks with numerous economic and environmental consequences. Brears explores the role urban water managers have in implementing blue-green infrastructure to reduce ecological damage and mitigate risk. The case studies in this book illustrate how cities, of differing climates, lifestyles and income-levels, have implemented policy innovations that promote the application of blue-green infrastructure in managing water, wastewater and stormwater sustainably to reduce environmental degradation and enhance resilience to climate change. This new research on urban policy innovations that promote the application of blue-green infrastructure in managing water resources sustainably will be of interest to those working on water conservation and policy.
This presentation notes that in economic terms flooding is the major natural disaster experience in Trinidad and discusses the lack of sustainability of the current approach to drainage and flood mitigation and proposes some solutions such as storm water management at source as a possible solution to flooding
NY: A Green Infrastructure Approach - Onondaga Creek Water QualitySotirakou964
This document summarizes a report on improving water quality in Onondaga Creek through green infrastructure approaches. It provides background on combined sewer overflows polluting the creek and discusses planning efforts to reduce stormwater runoff volumes. The report selects a site for modeling green infrastructure techniques, including bioswales, curb cuts, rain gardens, blue roofs, and permeable surfaces. It analyzes costs and recommends the designed approaches as sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to traditional sewer infrastructure expansion.
Pinelands Regional Municipal Leaders Green Infrastructure WorkshopNew Jersey Future
This document summarizes a workshop on green infrastructure for municipal leaders in the Pinelands region. It discusses the impacts of increased stormwater runoff from development, including water quality issues and flooding. Regulations that address stormwater management for new development are outlined. The benefits of green infrastructure approaches are presented, including cost savings, aesthetics, and environmental protection. Challenges municipalities face with stormwater are discussed and funding opportunities for green infrastructure projects are mentioned.
Urban Stormwater Conditions and the Multiple Benefits of Green Infrastructure...RI_FMA
This document discusses urban stormwater issues in Providence, Rhode Island and the benefits of green infrastructure solutions. Providence faces challenges from aging infrastructure, high percentages of impervious surfaces, and industrial contamination near waterways. Green infrastructure approaches like rain gardens, swales, green roofs, and depaving lots can help address stormwater while providing community benefits like recreation, health, habitat, and economic development. Providence is pursuing green infrastructure projects in parks and vacant lots to manage stormwater and provide multiple benefits. Challenges remain around long-term maintenance of green infrastructure sites and further incentivizing private property owners.
The document discusses stormwater management from a municipal perspective. It summarizes Richmond Hill's efforts to manage stormwater through collaborative initiatives, updating infrastructure, and adopting low impact development practices. Challenges include integrating stormwater management into municipal programs, obtaining public acceptance, and funding maintenance and upgrades, especially with climate change increasing storm intensities.
Blue and Green Cities The Role of Blue-Green Infrastructure in Managing Urban...Robert Brears
This book offers new research on urban policy innovations that promote the application of blue-green infrastructure in managing water resources sustainably. The author argues that urban water managers have traditionally relied on grey infrastructural solutions to mitigate risks with numerous economic and environmental consequences. Brears explores the role urban water managers have in implementing blue-green infrastructure to reduce ecological damage and mitigate risk. The case studies in this book illustrate how cities, of differing climates, lifestyles and income-levels, have implemented policy innovations that promote the application of blue-green infrastructure in managing water, wastewater and stormwater sustainably to reduce environmental degradation and enhance resilience to climate change. This new research on urban policy innovations that promote the application of blue-green infrastructure in managing water resources sustainably will be of interest to those working on water conservation and policy.
This presentation notes that in economic terms flooding is the major natural disaster experience in Trinidad and discusses the lack of sustainability of the current approach to drainage and flood mitigation and proposes some solutions such as storm water management at source as a possible solution to flooding
NY: A Green Infrastructure Approach - Onondaga Creek Water QualitySotirakou964
This document summarizes a report on improving water quality in Onondaga Creek through green infrastructure approaches. It provides background on combined sewer overflows polluting the creek and discusses planning efforts to reduce stormwater runoff volumes. The report selects a site for modeling green infrastructure techniques, including bioswales, curb cuts, rain gardens, blue roofs, and permeable surfaces. It analyzes costs and recommends the designed approaches as sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to traditional sewer infrastructure expansion.
The document discusses changing stormwater regulations in Connecticut. Municipalities are increasingly requiring low impact development (LID) techniques to reduce stormwater pollution from development. LID aims to reduce impervious surfaces and runoff volumes to lower pollutant loads through techniques like bioretention basins, narrower roads, and permeable pavement. The document provides examples of LID projects and maintenance best practices to meet water quality goals and comply with new regulations.
The document summarizes a presentation on the need for and benefits of a stormwater management bylaw in Sterling, MA. It discusses how typical post-development conditions increase runoff and reduce infiltration, harming water resources. A bylaw is needed to require stormwater permits and low impact development techniques to minimize these impacts. The Sterling bylaw aims to protect water quality, maintain pre-development hydrology, and ensure stormwater structures function properly. It encourages simple, non-structural methods and exempts small residential projects.
My well, my water can citizens become stewards of groundwaterbiometrust
Citizens in Bengaluru are increasingly dependent on groundwater as the city's population grows and groundwater levels decline. A participatory aquifer mapping project is working to engage citizens to become stewards of their local groundwater. The project hypothesizes that by involving citizens in collecting and sharing well data, and understanding the aquifer science, citizens will become more water literate and self-regulate practices like rainwater harvesting to sustainably manage groundwater. Initial engagement is helping address issues like treated wastewater disposal and facilitating citizen-institution dialog. The project aims to demonstrate how citizen stewardship can form a groundwater management response and provide lessons for urban water policy.
The communication strategy for the Citarum River restoration program in Indonesia aims to enhance information sharing and raise awareness among stakeholders and the public. It seeks to support the roadmap's vision of improving the river's health through partnership between government and communities. The strategy uses various approaches like media campaigns, coordination meetings, and tailored messaging for different groups to promote participation and contributions towards achieving the common goal of a healthier Citarum River. It also recognizes the need for paradigm shifts and evolving strategies as the restoration program progresses through different stages.
IRJET- Study of Floods Risks using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information ...IRJET Journal
This document discusses a study that used remote sensing and GIS to analyze flood risks in Omdurman, Sudan. It finds that rapid urbanization has increased flooding by covering the ground with impermeable surfaces, removing vegetation, and forcing many poor residents to live in flood-prone areas. The study analyzed land use changes over the past century in Khartoum State and how they have raised runoff and flooding in streams and the White Nile River. It concludes that areas where annual rainfall exceeds 415.5 mm are prone to floods that can destroy buildings. Remote sensing and GIS were used to process satellite data and identify flood risk zones in the study area.
This document provides an overview of sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS). SUDS are a natural approach to managing drainage in developed areas that aims to mitigate the environmental impacts of conventional drainage systems. The key points covered are:
- SUDS work by slowing water runoff to allow natural processes to break down pollutants through techniques like retention ponds and permeable pavements.
- Conventional drainage causes issues like increased flooding and water pollution, while SUDS seek to maintain natural water cycles and protect water quality.
- Proper design of SUDS considers factors like maintenance needs, constraints of the site, and treating runoff through a "treatment train" approach with controls at different scales.
-
Sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) provide a natural approach to managing drainage around developments. SUDS slow and hold back rainwater and runoff from impervious surfaces like roads and buildings. This allows the water to be purified as it is held in wetland environments on site. The purified water is then slowly released into local waterways to prevent contamination. SUDS also increase biodiversity by creating habitats like ponds and wetlands that attract various wildlife.
Restoring Natural Drainage System of DelhiIram Aziz
This document discusses the benefits of restoring natural drainage systems in Delhi and the impacts of degrading streams. It provides examples of restoring drainage systems in other cities like San Antonio, Texas and Seoul, South Korea. The Cheong Gye Cheon river restoration project in Seoul is highlighted, which uncovered a buried river and created a public park. The document argues for restoring Delhi's drainage channels by daylighting streams and treating wastewater to create linear parks. It outlines policy principles and a strategy for protecting stormwater channels through a Watershed Management Plan and Urban Drainage Master Plan.
Bridging the gap through participatory aquifer mappingv2biometrust
The greatest challenge of groundwater management is therefore the need to
embed management responses in the practices of this universe of dispersed actors. Yet our
understanding of Aquifers, the logical “unit” for groundwater management is very poor. While
administrative boundaries help us organize our governance on the surface, aquifers under our
feet don‟t necessarily follow any of these boundaries. How, then, do we evolve a way of
understanding our aquifers and enabling aquifer management responses based on this
understanding? This report details the process of participatory aquifer mapping in Yamalur watershed, in Bangalore.
20100407 kostelec green_infrastructure_webTranspo Group
This document summarizes a conference on integrating green infrastructure into regional planning. It discusses defining green infrastructure to include both natural and built environments. It provides examples of green infrastructure networks and policies to support them. Speakers discussed state-of-the-practice techniques, assessing green infrastructure at a regional scale, and impacts of stormwater. Street connectivity was presented as a green infrastructure practice, and metrics like route directness index were discussed to measure connectivity.
This document analyzes and evaluates Minnesota drainage law. It outlines the project purpose of legally analyzing drainage laws to balance costs, benefits, and environmental impacts while protecting property rights. It then describes the legal analysis and critical issues, such as conservation drainage and updating how benefits and damages are determined. Several demonstration scenarios are presented, including a scenario combining conservation and drainage improvements in a rural agricultural area. The document concludes with recommendations related to providing drainage authorities more tools and resources for watershed planning and projects with integrated benefits.
The document discusses the transfer of water and sewer utility regulation in Texas from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) in 2013-2015. It outlines the PUC's mission and provides details on the new regulatory classifications and requirements for investor-owned utilities under the PUC, including more stringent filing requirements for larger Class A utilities. It also notes trends in the regulated water/sewer industry around infrastructure needs, sales of utilities, and conservation rate structures.
The document discusses transboundary rivers between China and neighboring countries. It notes that China shares transboundary rivers with 13 countries and the water flowing from China represents over 30 times the amount flowing into China. It then outlines China's contributions to neighboring countries through development of hydropower resources on transboundary rivers while ensuring environmental protection. Effective cooperation mechanisms have been established with various countries. Prospects include continued cooperation and sharing of China's experiences to enhance regional water, energy and food security.
This document provides background on the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway project and summarizes a study focused on integrating sustainable stormwater management along West Street in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The study developed conceptual stormwater designs for West Street in phases, obtaining input from city agencies and the community. The designs aim to incorporate trees, plants and soil to provide stormwater infrastructure within the public right-of-way to reduce combined sewer overflows and regulate temperatures while creating an attractive streetscape. The full report details the study methodology, existing conditions, conceptual designs, and next steps.
Cities like Philadelphia are implementing initiatives to address environmental issues and promote more sustainable development. Greenworks Philadelphia is a six-year plan that aims to increase tree coverage to 30% and improve air quality. Green infrastructure can help achieve these goals while also reducing stormwater runoff. Government policies and regulations influence the construction of green infrastructure projects. Regulations under the Clean Water Act require stormwater management practices. Financial incentives, public education on stormwater issues, and pilot projects can further encourage green infrastructure development.
Green infrastructure is an interconnected network of open spaces and natural areas that manages stormwater runoff. In cities, it can be extended through features like rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavement. Several cities have implemented green infrastructure pilot projects and regulations to improve water quality, reduce flooding risks, and provide other community benefits. Common elements of successful green infrastructure programs include integrating practices into public and private spaces, transportation plans, and engaging residents.
The document discusses changing stormwater regulations in Connecticut. Municipalities are increasingly requiring low impact development (LID) techniques to reduce stormwater pollution from development. LID aims to reduce impervious surfaces and runoff volumes to lower pollutant loads through techniques like bioretention basins, narrower roads, and permeable pavement. The document provides examples of LID projects and maintenance best practices to meet water quality goals and comply with new regulations.
The document summarizes a presentation on the need for and benefits of a stormwater management bylaw in Sterling, MA. It discusses how typical post-development conditions increase runoff and reduce infiltration, harming water resources. A bylaw is needed to require stormwater permits and low impact development techniques to minimize these impacts. The Sterling bylaw aims to protect water quality, maintain pre-development hydrology, and ensure stormwater structures function properly. It encourages simple, non-structural methods and exempts small residential projects.
My well, my water can citizens become stewards of groundwaterbiometrust
Citizens in Bengaluru are increasingly dependent on groundwater as the city's population grows and groundwater levels decline. A participatory aquifer mapping project is working to engage citizens to become stewards of their local groundwater. The project hypothesizes that by involving citizens in collecting and sharing well data, and understanding the aquifer science, citizens will become more water literate and self-regulate practices like rainwater harvesting to sustainably manage groundwater. Initial engagement is helping address issues like treated wastewater disposal and facilitating citizen-institution dialog. The project aims to demonstrate how citizen stewardship can form a groundwater management response and provide lessons for urban water policy.
The communication strategy for the Citarum River restoration program in Indonesia aims to enhance information sharing and raise awareness among stakeholders and the public. It seeks to support the roadmap's vision of improving the river's health through partnership between government and communities. The strategy uses various approaches like media campaigns, coordination meetings, and tailored messaging for different groups to promote participation and contributions towards achieving the common goal of a healthier Citarum River. It also recognizes the need for paradigm shifts and evolving strategies as the restoration program progresses through different stages.
IRJET- Study of Floods Risks using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information ...IRJET Journal
This document discusses a study that used remote sensing and GIS to analyze flood risks in Omdurman, Sudan. It finds that rapid urbanization has increased flooding by covering the ground with impermeable surfaces, removing vegetation, and forcing many poor residents to live in flood-prone areas. The study analyzed land use changes over the past century in Khartoum State and how they have raised runoff and flooding in streams and the White Nile River. It concludes that areas where annual rainfall exceeds 415.5 mm are prone to floods that can destroy buildings. Remote sensing and GIS were used to process satellite data and identify flood risk zones in the study area.
This document provides an overview of sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS). SUDS are a natural approach to managing drainage in developed areas that aims to mitigate the environmental impacts of conventional drainage systems. The key points covered are:
- SUDS work by slowing water runoff to allow natural processes to break down pollutants through techniques like retention ponds and permeable pavements.
- Conventional drainage causes issues like increased flooding and water pollution, while SUDS seek to maintain natural water cycles and protect water quality.
- Proper design of SUDS considers factors like maintenance needs, constraints of the site, and treating runoff through a "treatment train" approach with controls at different scales.
-
Sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) provide a natural approach to managing drainage around developments. SUDS slow and hold back rainwater and runoff from impervious surfaces like roads and buildings. This allows the water to be purified as it is held in wetland environments on site. The purified water is then slowly released into local waterways to prevent contamination. SUDS also increase biodiversity by creating habitats like ponds and wetlands that attract various wildlife.
Restoring Natural Drainage System of DelhiIram Aziz
This document discusses the benefits of restoring natural drainage systems in Delhi and the impacts of degrading streams. It provides examples of restoring drainage systems in other cities like San Antonio, Texas and Seoul, South Korea. The Cheong Gye Cheon river restoration project in Seoul is highlighted, which uncovered a buried river and created a public park. The document argues for restoring Delhi's drainage channels by daylighting streams and treating wastewater to create linear parks. It outlines policy principles and a strategy for protecting stormwater channels through a Watershed Management Plan and Urban Drainage Master Plan.
Bridging the gap through participatory aquifer mappingv2biometrust
The greatest challenge of groundwater management is therefore the need to
embed management responses in the practices of this universe of dispersed actors. Yet our
understanding of Aquifers, the logical “unit” for groundwater management is very poor. While
administrative boundaries help us organize our governance on the surface, aquifers under our
feet don‟t necessarily follow any of these boundaries. How, then, do we evolve a way of
understanding our aquifers and enabling aquifer management responses based on this
understanding? This report details the process of participatory aquifer mapping in Yamalur watershed, in Bangalore.
20100407 kostelec green_infrastructure_webTranspo Group
This document summarizes a conference on integrating green infrastructure into regional planning. It discusses defining green infrastructure to include both natural and built environments. It provides examples of green infrastructure networks and policies to support them. Speakers discussed state-of-the-practice techniques, assessing green infrastructure at a regional scale, and impacts of stormwater. Street connectivity was presented as a green infrastructure practice, and metrics like route directness index were discussed to measure connectivity.
This document analyzes and evaluates Minnesota drainage law. It outlines the project purpose of legally analyzing drainage laws to balance costs, benefits, and environmental impacts while protecting property rights. It then describes the legal analysis and critical issues, such as conservation drainage and updating how benefits and damages are determined. Several demonstration scenarios are presented, including a scenario combining conservation and drainage improvements in a rural agricultural area. The document concludes with recommendations related to providing drainage authorities more tools and resources for watershed planning and projects with integrated benefits.
The document discusses the transfer of water and sewer utility regulation in Texas from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) in 2013-2015. It outlines the PUC's mission and provides details on the new regulatory classifications and requirements for investor-owned utilities under the PUC, including more stringent filing requirements for larger Class A utilities. It also notes trends in the regulated water/sewer industry around infrastructure needs, sales of utilities, and conservation rate structures.
The document discusses transboundary rivers between China and neighboring countries. It notes that China shares transboundary rivers with 13 countries and the water flowing from China represents over 30 times the amount flowing into China. It then outlines China's contributions to neighboring countries through development of hydropower resources on transboundary rivers while ensuring environmental protection. Effective cooperation mechanisms have been established with various countries. Prospects include continued cooperation and sharing of China's experiences to enhance regional water, energy and food security.
This document provides background on the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway project and summarizes a study focused on integrating sustainable stormwater management along West Street in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The study developed conceptual stormwater designs for West Street in phases, obtaining input from city agencies and the community. The designs aim to incorporate trees, plants and soil to provide stormwater infrastructure within the public right-of-way to reduce combined sewer overflows and regulate temperatures while creating an attractive streetscape. The full report details the study methodology, existing conditions, conceptual designs, and next steps.
Cities like Philadelphia are implementing initiatives to address environmental issues and promote more sustainable development. Greenworks Philadelphia is a six-year plan that aims to increase tree coverage to 30% and improve air quality. Green infrastructure can help achieve these goals while also reducing stormwater runoff. Government policies and regulations influence the construction of green infrastructure projects. Regulations under the Clean Water Act require stormwater management practices. Financial incentives, public education on stormwater issues, and pilot projects can further encourage green infrastructure development.
Green infrastructure is an interconnected network of open spaces and natural areas that manages stormwater runoff. In cities, it can be extended through features like rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavement. Several cities have implemented green infrastructure pilot projects and regulations to improve water quality, reduce flooding risks, and provide other community benefits. Common elements of successful green infrastructure programs include integrating practices into public and private spaces, transportation plans, and engaging residents.
Case Study No. 9-Philippines’ Integrated Stormwater Managementharoldtaylor1113
The document discusses stormwater management in the Philippines. It begins by defining stormwater and explaining how stormwater runoff can cause pollution and flooding issues in urban areas without proper management. It then discusses stormwater harvesting, which involves collecting, treating, storing and distributing stormwater for reuse. The key aspects of stormwater harvesting systems are collection, treatment, storage and distribution. Twelve principles for integrating effective stormwater practices into the urban landscape are also outlined. Poor stormwater management can lead to downstream flooding, erosion, turbid waters, habitat destruction and contaminated streams/rivers. The Philippines faces challenges with fragmented water agencies, depletion of water resources, and inadequate infrastructure for managing increasing urbanization pressures.
FACED WITH CLIMATE change and environmental degradation many cities are turning to Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) solutions to enhance climate resilience as well as restore the health of ecosystems.
A watershed is the area of land that drains into a body of water such as a river or lake. Watershed management involves implementing land and water practices to protect water quality and other natural resources within the watershed. The key steps in watershed management planning are to familiarize yourself with the watershed boundaries and resources, build local partnerships among stakeholders, and determine priorities for action to reduce pollution and address environmental issues.
Jersey Water Works Green Infrastructure Training at NJ Society of Municipal E...New Jersey Future
The Green Infrastructure Committee of Jersey Water Works presented to the New Jersey Society of Municipal Engineers about green infrastructure on September 14, 2016.
about how to establish a program to make that a reality. Learn about tools like the Green Infrastructure Portfolio Standard, how to set a measurable goal and implement your project, and address challenges in financing.
Learn about tools like the Green Infrastructure Portfolio Standard, how to set a measurable goal and implement your project, and address challenges in financing.
The document discusses barriers to adopting Low Impact Development (LID) practices in municipal codes in Bay Area cities. It analyzed the codes of San Jose, Hayward, San Rafael, San Mateo, and Pleasanton and found opportunities to better incorporate LID. Key barriers included standards that require excessive impervious surfaces and lack flexibility. Adopting LID practices like minimizing pavement and clustering development could help cities improve stormwater management and water quality as required by regulations.
This document provides guidelines for assessing and implementing green infrastructure projects in Providence, Rhode Island. It outlines the research, analysis and recommendations conducted by a team of interns over the summer of 2015. The interns focused on a neighborhood in Providence's West End, collecting data on flooding, impervious surfaces, tree cover and other factors to identify target areas. They canvassed the neighborhood to assess resident support for green infrastructure and documented existing flooding. The aim was to streamline the process for future groups seeking to expand green infrastructure in Providence.
This document summarizes a paper presented at the UDG Autumn Conference & Exhibition evaluating the multiple benefits of a Blue-Green approach to urban surface water management. It discusses the development of a Blue-Green Vision for Newcastle, UK through a Learning and Action Alliance involving stakeholders. A hypothetical future scenario was modeled where all pavements and back-alleyways had permeable paving and gardens were greenspace. Modeling showed this Blue-Green infrastructure provided temporary storage and helped alleviate pressure on subsurface drainage systems during heavy rainfall.
This document provides an overview of sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) for managing stormwater runoff. It discusses the key principles of SuDS design, various components like permeable pavements and rain gardens, benefits like flood reduction and water quality improvement. The document also explores planning considerations, case studies of successful projects, the importance of stakeholder involvement, policies to support SuDS, and funding mechanisms. The conclusion emphasizes advancing SuDS as a holistic approach to sustainable water management.
The document discusses integrated risk management as the first priority for municipal water management. It notes that while municipal water management involves managing many risks, these risks are typically not addressed within a coordinated structure. This can reduce opportunities to most effectively mitigate and manage risks. The document advocates for more strategic approaches to risk management that consider both operational and strategic risks and involve stakeholders beyond local water utilities. It provides an example of how the City of Calgary is working to adopt a more integrated enterprise risk management framework to create value from risk.
This document provides details about a final project analyzing the potential reduction of combined sewer overflows (CSOs) in the Gowanus Canal watershed in Brooklyn through the installation of green infrastructure. It discusses how green infrastructure like bioswales, rain gardens, and green roofs can help capture stormwater runoff and reduce CSO events. The document analyzes the impact of incremental increases in green roof coverage on a city block, finding that a 25% increase would capture the first inch of rainfall and a 35% increase would reduce peak discharge by 5.86%, though the cost may not justify the benefits.
How to plan an effective and reliable strategy to mitigate the effects of flo...Hydro International
Managing flood risk is one of the most urgent tasks facing engineers today, and one that requires significant expertise to guarantee success.
This presentation introduces guidance and tips on how to design, implement, and operate a water management project that will effectively mitigate flood risk.
This document provides a climate change risk assessment for the municipal assets of the Town of Hartland, NB. It identifies vulnerabilities and ranks key assets for further analysis. It assesses the storm water and wastewater systems, developing mitigation strategies. For stormwater, it proposes a management system and use of low-impact designs. For wastewater, it recommends a removable floodwall or berm/wall for the lagoon and separating storm and wastewater lines. It provides cost-benefit analysis and recommends phased implementation of stormwater management, protective barriers, line separation and continued low-impact designs.
Green Strategies for Controlling Stormwater and Sewer OverflowSotirakou964
This document discusses the growing problem of urban stormwater and combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and promotes green infrastructure as an effective solution. It contains the following key points:
1. Impervious surfaces in urban areas have increased runoff and pollution, threatening water quality. Green infrastructure like trees and permeable pavement intercepts rainfall and reduces runoff at its source.
2. Case studies show green infrastructure can cost-effectively control stormwater and CSOs while providing additional benefits like improved air and water quality. Cities have established programs using techniques like green roofs, rain gardens, swales, and downspout disconnection.
3. Wider adoption of green infrastructure faces obstacles
Urbanization has significantly increased the amount of impervious surfaces like roads and buildings, altering the natural water cycle. Over 100 million acres in the US are now developed. This causes more stormwater runoff, carrying pollutants directly into waterways. Current stormwater infrastructure is inadequate, as it was designed only to convey runoff efficiently rather than treat pollution. As a result, stormwater is the top pollution source for over half of ocean shorelines and a third of estuaries. Combined sewer overflows also introduce untreated sewage during heavy rains. New approaches are needed to manage stormwater sustainably.
Similar to GreenStormwaterInfrastructure_CaseStudyReport_LR (20)
1. INSIDE
1.0 Summary and Highlights 1
1.1 Case Study Location Map 2
Green Stormwater Infrastructure Case Studies
2.0 Streetscapes 4
3.0 Residential Communities 7
4.0 Instititutional Sites 11
5.0 Towards a Comprehensive GSI Network: 15
Lessons from Implementation
Contact Us 18
METRO VANCOUVER VICTORIA, BC
Showcasing Successful Green
Stormwater Infrastructure –
Lessons from Implementation
MAY 2016
2. Acknowledgements
This case study report is part of a larger research project undertaken
by the Fraser Basin Council to identify key challenges and
opportunities to implementing Green Stormwater Infrastructure in
BC communities. Support for this research project was provided by
the Environment Canada Science Horizons Internship Program, Sitka
Foundation, Keurig Canada and Salmon-Safe BC.
Valuable information to support this research was collected during
numerous interviews with municipal and regional government
staff along with water management practitioners, urban design
professionals and related community groups. We gratefully
acknowledge their contributions, which were essential to identifying
success factors and challenges encountered in planning,
implementing and maintaining green stormwater infrastructure.
Additional documentation, including stormwater management plans,
environmental policies and neighbourhood plans provided further
details to inform the case study research.
This report was prepared by:
Naomi Robert
Project Coordinator, Watersheds and Water Resources Program
Amy Greenwood
Assistant Manager, Watersheds and Water Resources Program
Cover Photo Credits
Top: ‘Vancouver waterfront panorama’, Flickr CC by Maciek Lulko under
an Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 license. https://creativecommons.
org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/legalcode
Insert Left: Rain garden at Sunshine Hills Elementary, North Delta, BC.
Photo credit: Corporation of Delta
Insert Right: Green roof at MEC Head Office Vancouver, BC.
Photo credit: Fraser Basin Council
3. Throughout the 20th century, urban design and development
practices have relied on “grey” stormwater infrastructure.
This management approach conveys stormwater, generated
from rain falling on impervious surfaces, away from urban
areas as quickly as possible with a network of curbs, gutters
and underground pipe systems - often discharging directly
into nearby watercourses. Although this traditional pipe-and-
convey approach to stormwater management has protected
urban property from surface flooding during rain events, it
has led to a range of unintended, yet significant impacts to
receiving watercourses - including water pollution, stream-
bank erosion and loss of fish habitat1,2
.
Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) is an alternative
approach to stormwater management that includes a network
of decentralized infrastructure to capture, detain and infiltrate
rainwater as close as possible to where it falls. In this way,
GSI decreases the amount of surface runoff generated from
rainfall events within urban areas. GSI includes a range
of features such as bioswales, rain gardens, green roofs,
pervious paving and infiltration trenches. By capturing and
infiltrating rainfall, GSI slows and reduces stormwater entering
the traditional piped system while also removing pollutants.
As such, GSI has proven to be an appropriate tool to improve
water quality and stream health in urban watercourses3, 4
.
In addition to these benefits, GSI has been identified as a
method of increasing the resilience of urban communities to
climate change. Moving into the 21st century, communities
in BC’s South Coast are expected to face an increase in the
frequency and intensity of winter storms5,6
. Such a trend
increases in the risk of flooding from overwhelmed, aging
urban drainage systems and receiving stream channels. If GSI
is implemented across the urban watershed, the cumulative
reduction of stormwater entering the piped drainage system
can reduce the burden on receiving streams and aging storm
sewer systems – thereby reducing the risk of flooding and
increasing the resilience of communities to the impacts of a
changing climate7
.
When appropriately designed and maintained, GSI effectively
manages rainwater at various scales, from individual
properties to streetscapes, and entire neighbourhoods8
.
This report profiles the successful implementation of green
stormwater infrastructure across three urban land use types:
• Streetscapes,
• Residential Communities, and
• Institutional Sites
While there are many examples of successfully implemented
GSI projects within BC communities, this report emphasizes
the local context by profiling examples primarily from
Metro Vancouver. Case studies were selected based on
the availability of information related to project design,
implementation and maintenance and, where possible,
monitoring data. Selected case studies were verified during
an interview with the project manager, planner, or engineer
involved in GSI design and implementation.
1.0 Introduction
Highlights
1
4. 1
North
Vancouver
West
Vancouver
Vancouver
Richmond
Victoria
Vancouver
Delta
White Rock
Surrey
Delta School
Rain Gardens
Local Government
House
East
Clayton
Hampstead
Development
Lougheed
Bioswale
UniverCity
MEC
Head Office
City of North Vancouver
Rain Gardens
Langley
Burnaby
Port
Moody
Coquitlam
Port
Coquitlam
Pitt Meadows
Maple RidgeNew
Westminster
7
6
2
1
4
5
3
8
N
Map Showing GSI Case Study Locations
Metro Vancouver and Victoria, BC.
Photos: 1 – Lougheed Bioswale, Coquitlam | 2 – Rain Garden Network, North Vancouver | 3 – Hampstead Development, Maple Ridge
4 – UniverCity, Burnaby | 5 – MEC Head Office, Vancouver | 6 – Local Government House, Victoria (shown on inset map)
7 – Delta School Rain Garden Network, Delta | 8 – East Clayton, Surrey
1
5
2
6
3
7
4
8
2
5. The research identified the following aspects – or enabling factors - that are
needed to expand the implementation of GSI, and support the transition to
a more comprehensive GSI network in our urban communities:
• Maintaining and strengthening municipal leadership and commitment to
GSI.
• Building public awareness and support for the broad benefits of GSI.
• Establishing effective development requirements and bylaws to
incentivize GSI across different land use types.
• Clearly defining ownership and maintenance responsibilities for green
stormwater infrastructure
In addition to the enabling factors outlined above, it is important to note
that each case study example profiled in this report had at least one, if not
multiple, GSI champions within the staff team or the planning-design team.
The role of these champions in facilitating the inclusion of GSI to improve
environmental and broader community outcomes is an important factor in
the successful implementation of GSI. Another observation is that, while
the ecological, social and financial benefits of GSI are well documented;
there are few incentives in place that encourage or reward property
developers to go beyond the industry standard or baseline regulatory
requirements for stormwater management. Incentive programs, including
rebates, fast-tracking, and third party certifications, will help support
compliance with existing bylaws and regulations while mainstreaming the
use of GSI across private and public sites, resulting in improved water
management and better environmental outcomes.
Each case-study includes the following details:
• Snapshot – Summary information including land use type, location, type
of development, GSI features and their key benefits.
• Description – An outline of the project location and highlights.
• Driving Force – Key enabling factors, including policies, tools,
partnerships and incentives that led to the inclusion of GSI within project
planning, design and implementation.
• GSI Features Benefits – An overview of the GSI features and
beneficial outcomes.
• Maintenance Responsibility –
Overview of specific maintenance
considerations including responsible
groups and management challenges
if any were identified.
By showcasing successful examples of
GSI in the BC context and identifying
key factors that strengthen and enable
GSI implementation, this case study
report confirms that GSI is a viable
alternative to traditional stormwater
management practices. We hope
the examples showcased here
inspire further, and more consistent,
implementation of GSI to address
stormwater challenges in communities
across BC.
Completed rain garden captures and infiltrates
runoff from nearby impervious surfaces, Brook
Elementary, North Delta, BC.
Photo credit: Corporation of Delta
3
6. 2.0 Green Stormwater
Infrastructure in
Streetscapes
GSI is becoming more common within streetscapes across Metro
Vancouver and other regions of BC as municipalities recognize
the multiple benefits of using green infrastructure to manage
stormwater in public spaces and rights of way. Municipalities
recognize that GSI improves public space by enhancing urban
biodiversity, improving streetscape aesthetics and helping to
increase community resilience to the impacts of climate change.
Including GSI in streetscapes is particularly beneficial as sidewalks
and streets are significant generators of stormwater runoff and, in
many communities, cover 30% of the urban landscape9
. Stormwater
flowing across these highly impervious surfaces transports
contaminants including hydrocarbons, metals and sediment- all of
which can have significant negative impacts of water quality and
stream health10
. GSI in streetscapes can effectively capture and filter
contaminated stormwater runoff while improving roadside aesthetic
and supporting biodiversity within urban spaces.
Clearly defining GSI ownership and maintenance responsibility
helps ensure the long term functioning and success of these
features. Commonly, municipal bylaws assign maintenance
responsibilities of boulevard space fronting private property to
the property owner. However, GSI can require a different type
of maintenance than periodic boulevard mowing or weeding.
To address this, alternate approaches -such as local service
area agreements - have been used to better secure long-term
maintenance of GSI fronting private property. Additionally, clearly
defining the optimal division of maintenance responsibilities
between local government departments is equally important.
This is particularly true when GSI includes landscape features,
often the responsibility of parks departments, as well as rainwater
management functions, often the responsibility of engineering or
drainage departments.
The following case studies demonstrate the benefits of GSI within
streetscapes and highlight how municipalities are enhancing their
communities by implementing GSI within this land-use type.
Roads designed with curb-cuts allow
stormwater runoff to enter a rain garden
and slowly infiltrate into the soil.
Photo credit: Flickr CC by Center for Neighbourhood
Technology under an Attribution-ShareALike 2.0
license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-
sa/2.0/legalcode)
Research from Washington
State University tested the
effectiveness of soil-based GSI
in removing toxins and pollutants
from highway runoff. The study
found that nearly all of the
juvenile Coho salmon survived
when exposed to stormwater
collected from a densely used
four - lane highway when the
runoff was filtered through an
amended soil, similar to that
used within a rain garden or
swale. On the other hand, 100%
of the juvenile Coho exposed to
the untreated stormwater died in
less than 12hrs11
.
Enhancing Water Quality
Juvenile Coho salmon
Photo credit: USFWS Paul Kaiser, CC Flickr,
under Attribution 2.0 license
4
7. Using GSI to manage contaminated runoff from a busy
arterial corridor
Description
A linear 400m x 4m vegetated swale installed in the median strip along a
central portion of the Lougheed Highway collects and treats stormwater
runoff from approximately 4000m2
of impervious road surface.
Driving Force
The City of Coquitlam’s Rainwater Management requirements for City
streets and roadways informed the design and construction of the
bioswale, with an overarching goal to protect water quality in surrounding
watercourses. Additionally, the construction of the bioswale was used as
a pilot project to test the effectiveness of engineered soils in infiltrating
and removing pollutants from highway runoff. The City of Coquitlam’s
Integrated Stormwater Management Plans set out specific requirements and
expectations for rainwater management on public and private property.
GSI Overview Benefits
The bioswale includes trees, shrubs, perennials and engineered soils to filter
pollutants and improve the quality of water discharged into Como Creek. The
bioswale protects fish habitat in nearby waterways and enhances roadway
aesthetic along a busy transportation corridor. In order to manage rainfall
from large storm events, the swale includes an overflow connected to the
storm sewer network. A 2013 water quality monitoring assessment evaluated
the effectiveness of the bioswale and identified significant improvements in
water quality, with pollutant reductions ranging from 75-90%. (Table 1 below).
Maintenance Responsibility
The City’s Operations Department cleans hard infrastructure in the bioswale,
such as catchbasins and lawnbasins, annually, while the Parks Department
services the bioswale three times a year to maintain vegetation and
landscaped features12
.
Snapshot
Land Use Type: Streetscape
Location: Coquitlam, BC
Type of Development: Retrofit
GSI Features: Vegetated
bioswale
GSI Benefits: Improves water
quality in Como Creek, enhances
roadway aesthetic.
Photos (Top) | Vegetated bioswale
in median of Lougheed Highway,
Coquitlam, BC. (Bottom) Water Quality
testing at the Lougheed Hwy bioswale.
Photo credit City of Coquitlam, BC
2.1 Streetscapes: Lougheed Highway Bioswale, Coquitlam, BC
Table 1. Percent reduction in key urban stormwater pollutants in
bioswale effluent relative to roadway runoff13
.
Pollutant Reduction
Nitrate 92%
Zinc 83%
Copper 81%
Nitrogen (Organic) 86%
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) 77%
Total Suspended Solids 89%
5
8. Rain gardens bring multiple benefits to streetscapes and public
spaces
Description
The City of North Vancouver is creating a rain garden network in
streetscapes and rights of way throughout major transportation corridors
and side streets. The City has constructed approximately 50 rain gardens
in a number of public spaces, including the intersection of Keith Road
and 13th
Street and in bus bulges along the Lonsdale corridor. These
gardens enhance the aesthetic value within streetscapes while capturing
and infiltrating stormwater runoff from impermeable surfaces, including
sidewalks and roads.
Driving Force
A guiding principle for the City of North Vancouver is to ensure that
rainwater is managed on site across both public and private lands. This
is implemented through development requirements that make rainwater
management with GSI a standard for streetscape re-development14
.
Rain gardens are included within capital projects such as major
transportation upgrades and streetscape improvements15
and the City
is preparing Integrated Stormwater Management Plans for creeks within
the City. These plans will identify current and potential opportunities for
expanding the use of GSI, including rain gardens to manage rainfall.
GSI Overview Benefits
In addition to slowing and infiltrating surface runoff, the rain garden network
also improves safety for pedestrians on the busy Lonsdale corridor by
reducing crossing distances at bus bulges16
. Water that infiltrates into
the rain gardens supports growth and survival of street trees, which also
contribute to the GSI network by intercepting and evaporating rainfall17
. To
complement rainwater management on public lands and meet infiltration
and water quality objectives on private property, the City has established
development guidelines that require on-site GSI for all new development.
In addition, water volume and quality monitoring programs are required
for larger new developments, providing valuable data to the City to inform
effectiveness of GSI features and future rainwater management policies18
.
Maintenance Responsibility
Maintenance requirements vary with the design and sizing of each rain
garden. To better manage maintenance efforts with existing resource,
the City adjusts the extent of vegetation depending on location. More
vegetated rain gardens, which are more maintenance intensive, are installed
in higher profile, publicly accessed areas while un-vegetated rain gardens
are installed in less publicly accessed locations. The City has found
that ensuring proper design and siting prior to construction minimizes
maintenance requirements as rain gardens that are incorrectly sized – i.e.
too small for their catchment areas – require a significantly higher level of
maintenance to ensure their effectiveness19
.
Snapshot
Land Use Type: Streetscape
Location: City of North
Vancouver, BC
Type of Development: Retrofit
GSI Features: Rain gardens
GSI Benefits: Reduces roadway
flooding, improves water
quality and fish habitat in North
Vancouver streams, improves
pedestrian safety by narrowing
crossing distance
Photos: (Top) Vegetated and
(Bottom) un-vegetated rain gardens in
streetscapes, City of North Vancouver.
Photo Credit: City of North Vancouver, BC
2.2 Streetscapes: Rain Garden Network, City of North Vancouver, BC
6
9. 3.0 Green Stormwater
Infrastructure in
Residential Communities
Like many large urban centers, Metro Vancouver’s population is
growing, and an additional 1 million residents are expected to
be living in the region by 204020
. Population growth leads to an
expansion of housing, including single-family homes as well as
multi-family units like townhouses and apartments. In general,
growth in housing increases the area of impervious surface as
there are more rooftops, driveways and streets – all of which
can generate a significant amount of stormwater runoff. As our
communities grow, GSI will be essential to managing stormwater in
a way that minimizes the impacts of urban growth on watercourses
in the region.
In Metro Vancouver, residential land use represents approximately
35% of the urban land area21
. By incorporating GSI to better
infiltrate rainwater where it falls, municipalities and residential
developers can significantly reduce the stormwater burden on
existing grey infrastructure while also improving conditions in
urban streams and receiving waters.
There are challenges facing the effectiveness and implementation
of GSI, especially within smaller land parcels often dedicated
to single-family housing. Size constraints and conflicts with the
building code - such as minimum front and side lot setbacks -
have been identified as barriers to integrating GSI on residential
properties. In addition, the large surface area often required by
above-ground GSI features, such as raingardens or swales, may
make them less attractive options to property developers, who
generally seek to maximize the buildable area. Some municipalities
have addressed this by working collaboratively with developers to
allow the use of boulevards and rights of way in GSI construction22
.
The following case studies provide three examples from the
Metro Vancouver region that demonstrate the effective design
and implementation of green stormwater infrastructure within
residential development.
Rain garden in a multi-family
residential community infiltrates and
cleans stormwater collected from
surrounding impermeable surfaces.
Photo credit: A Greenwood
7
10. Pioneering GSI in high density community development
Description
The community of East Clayton, located in northeast Surrey, is home to
approximately 13,000 residents23
. The East Clayton Neighbourhood Plan,
approved by the City of Surrey in 2000, has received numerous awards
for its innovative approach to sustainable community planning. The Plan
integrates a compact neighbourhood layout that includes a GSI network
designed to mimic natural drainage patterns. The East Clayton community
includes a variety of residential, commercial, recreational and educational
land uses across approximately 200 hectares24
.
Driving Force
The City of Surrey recognized the need and opportunity to implement
new approaches to urban development servicing in order to reduce the
environmental impact of increased urban density and the associated
impervious surfaces. The planning and successful construction of the East
Clayton Community clearly demonstrated that GSI can protect watershed
health and prevent downstream flooding within a high-density development.
As such, lessons learned from the East Clayton Community have resulted in
a more progressive urban design based on an understanding of the land-
water connection and the importance of protecting urban watercourses with
innovation in the built environment25, 26
.
GSI Overview Benefits
The GSI measures incorporated at East Clayton manage rainwater at both
the individual property and neighbourhood scales. Systems such as dry
wells, infiltration trenches and disconnected downspouts are used at the
property scale. In the road right of ways, curb-cuts allow street runoff to
reach roadside infiltration trenches. At the neighbourhood scale, bioretention
ponds capture and filter runoff from larger rain events before discharging
slowly into local streams and watercourses. Other GSI features incorporated
across the site include27
:
• Topsoil depth of 300mm to increase infiltration capacity, support plant
growth and reduce irrigation demand.
• Narrowed streets and driveways to reduce impermeable surface area.
• Paving stones as an alternative to asphalt to increase permeability and
reduce runoff.
Although the East Clayton community was developed more than a decade
ago, the GSI features continue to function well to meet the stormwater
management goal of capturing and infiltrating 90% of annual rainfall across
the site. A decade of monitoring in North Creek, which receives stormwater
discharged from the East Clayton detention ponds, shows that the GSI
measures have effectively reduced peak flows in winter while helping to
sustain minimum summer streamflow by increasing groundwater reserves
during the wet season28, 29
.
Maintenance Responsibility
Initially 75% of the GSI features implemented at East Clayton did not
perform to the intended design, largely due to a lack of proper maintenance
or regular inspection following rain events. However, improving maintenance
management and designing more underground GSI features – such as
infiltration trenches and dry wells - increased the success rate to almost
100%. This experience further illustrates the importance of proper
maintenance to ensure the long-term effectiveness of GSI30
.
Snapshot
Land Use Type: Mixed-use
Residential and Streetscapes
Location: Surrey, BC
Type of Development:
New mixed-use community
development
GSI Features: Bioretention
ponds, roadside swales,
permeable pavement, rain
garden, dry wells
GSI Benefits: Enhances
community livability and
aesthetic, protects water quality
and fish habitat in the Nicomekl
and Serpentine Rivers.
Photos: GSI features at East Clayton
Community, Surrey, BC including (Top)
lawn basin for underground infiltration
tank and (Bottom) bioretention
pond vegetation filters runoff before
it is slowly released into nearby
watercourse.
Photo credit: (Top) Kerr Wood Leidal
Associates, Ltd. (Bottom) City of Surrey
3.1 Mixed-Use Residential: East Clayton Community, Surrey, BC
8
11. GSI supports habitat conservation and improves
stormwater management
Description
The Hampstead development includes 84 single-family lots and 6 duplex-
style units located in Silver Valley, northeast Maple Ridge21
. The forested
hillsides host a network of creeks and streams and offer some of the highest
quality salmon habitat in the Lower Mainland31
. In order to protect riparian
habitat and to prevent erosion and sediment from entering the watercourses,
the development design condensed housing units into groups on slopes
less than 20%, ensuring steeper slopes remained forested. Housing clusters
are surrounded by open space and connect to the community by single
local roads. The clustered design protects sensitive natural areas, providing
wildlife corridors while also minimizing site-grading requirements32
.
Driving Force
Numerous municipal policies promoted GSI implementation at Hampstead,
including:
• The Silver Valley Area Plan, which outlines stormwater management
goals, such as limiting total impervious area to 15% and maintaining pre-
development hydrology33
.
• The Watercourse Protection Bylaw, which requires stormwater
management plans for all new development sites to demonstrate
how GSI will manage rainfall events of varying sizes. GSI designs are
required to comply with provincial34
, regional35
and municipal stormwater
requirements36
.
• Streamside Protection Regulations, which, given Hampstead’s proximity
to sensitive forested and aquatic ecosystems, prioritized the protection of
habitat and riparian environments37
.
GSI Overview Benefits
Over 30% of the site is dedicated as open park space, with runoff from
impermeable surfaces minimized through38
:
• Clustering housing units on low gradient slopes to protect adjacent
sensitive natural areas.
• Parkettes incorporated into frontage of housing units as infiltration zones
that also provide habitat.
Runoff generated by impermeable surfaces is captured, infiltrated and
treated by:
• Rockpits on individual properties
• Rain gardens
• Permeable paving where possible
• Enhanced topsoil amendments (minimum 300mm)
• Roadside bioswales
• Central bioretention ponds in parkettes fronting housing units
Maintenance Responsibility
A Local Area Service Agreement requires Hampstead residents to pay
annual dues for GSI maintenance, which is performed by the municipality
and private contractors. This service agreement has been applied within
other communities across Maple Ridge for 5-6 years with increasing
effectiveness. A key lesson learned is that clear communication with
residents about the purpose of the annual dues is essential to ensuring
success and maintaining ongoing support39
.
Snapshot
Land Use Type: Residential and
Streetscapes
Location: Maple Ridge, BC
Type of Development: New
Development
GSI Features: Bioretention
ponds, protected natural
landscapes, rock pits, rain
gardens, top soil, roadside
bioswales, permeable paving
GSI Benefits: Protects fish
habitat and stream health,
enhances neighbourhood
aesthetic, preserves habitat in
sensitive ecosystems
Photos: (Top) Parkettes fronting
residences and (Bottom) condensed
housing cluster layout at Hampstead
Development, Maple Ridge, BC.
Photo Credit: Portrait Homes
3.2 Residential: Hampstead Development, Maple Ridge, BC
9
12. Integrated stormwater management at the community level
Description
The mixed-use UniverCity community, located on Simon Fraser University
property on Burnaby Mountain, is positioned within the ecologically
sensitive Brunette Basin. In order to accommodate an expected 10,000
residents within 160 acres, UniverCity applied sustainable urban design
principles within a high-density residential community to minimize
environmental impacts on the surrounding watercourses and sensitive
ecosystems40, 41
.
Driving Force
Stormwater runoff from Simon Fraser University drains to Eagle and
Stoney Creeks near the headwaters of the Brunette Basin, which provides
important habitat for many species of native fish including salmon. Given
the environmental impact of past development in the Basin’s headwaters,
the UniverCity community was designed to minimize further impact and
to improve the existing hydrological conditions. As part of the effort to
restore pre-development hydrology in surrounding watercourses, the
natural forested conditions were used as the baseline to determine targets
for runoff quality, volume and peak flow rates42
.
GSI Overview Benefits
The UniverCity development guidelines require GSI to be implemented at
the individual lot, streetscape and neighbourhood scale. At the site level,
below-ground cisterns capture runoff from impermeable surfaces such
as roofs, driveways and paved walkways. The cisterns release water into
bioswales and infiltration trenches along streets. These filter and infiltrate
water as it is conveyed into one of three vegetated detention ponds. The
ponds detain and filter runoff at the neighbourhood scale, which is then
released into tributaries at pre-development rates. In addition, permeable
paving is used in all parking bays43
.
Six monitoring stations provide data to evaluate the effectiveness of
GSI features and inform an adaptive management program. In response
to elevated peak runoff rates from the detention ponds, development
standards have been updated to enhance on-site infiltration using
landscaped areas. Long-term water quality monitoring demonstrates
that a decentralized network of GSI applied at various scales can meet
or exceed water quality guidelines for contaminants including nutrients,
metals and hydrocarbons44
.
Snapshot
Land Use Type: Residential,
Commercial and Streetscapes
Location: Simon Fraser
University, Burnaby, BC
Type of Development: Re-
development (65%) and new
development (35%)
GSI Features: Rainwater
detention in underground
cisterns, rain gardens, roadside
bioswales, infiltration trenches/
galleries, permeable paving,
bioretention ponds
GSI Benefits: Protects stream
health and fish habitat in Brunette
Basin, enhances neighbourhood
aesthetic and access to green
space.
Photos: (Top) Green roof and (Bottom)
infiltration trench construction and
UniverCity Community Development,
Burnaby, BC.
Photo Credit: SFU Community Trust
3.3 Mixed-Use Residential: UniverCity Community Development, Burnaby, BC
The system mimics nature by returning nearly 100%
of stormwater to the ground instead of diverting large
amounts into conventional drainage pipes or storm
sewers. Our objective is to create pre-development water
conditions, so that a salmon swimming in a stream at the
bottom of Burnaby Mountain would have no clue that a
thriving urban community exists at the top.
Director, Development, SFU Community Trust.
“ “
10
13. 4.0 Green Stormwater
Infrastructure on
Institutional Sites
Institutional sites provide a diverse range of services and
activities for public, private and corporate users. Examples of
institutional sites include university campuses, libraries, hospitals
and public schools along with publicly owned land that may be
leased for private or commercial use.
Institutional sites, which represent approximately 5% of Metro
Vancouver’s urban land area46
, and often cover a relatively
large area that includes landscaped areas, buildings, vehicle
access, parking and other hard infrastructure. As institutional
sites are often accessed frequently by members of the public,
they present a unique opportunity to raise the profile of GSI
and enhance urban aesthetics while improving stormwater
management. As with other land-use types, incorporating
various GSI features to manage rainwater onsite helps to reduce
burden on traditional stormwater infrastructure, leading to
potential future cost savings, as aging grey infrastructure may
avoid replacement with larger pipes.
Rain garden on an institutional property captures and infiltrates
runoff from adjacent parking lot and other impervious surfaces.
Photo Credit: A. Greenwood
Maintenance Responsibility
Landscaped GSI features on individual lots are
maintained according to strata landscaping protocols.
Rights of way are serviced by the City of Burnaby,
with City crews maintaining vegetation in swales on
an annual basis. In order to maintain capacity and
effectiveness, stormwater ponds are drained every
4 years for sediment trap cleaning and vegetation
control45
.
Photo: Stormwater bioretention pond at UniverCity
Community Development, Burnaby, BC.
Photo Credit: SFU Community Trust
11
14. GSI helping to cultivate the next generation of
environmental stewards
Description
To capture and infiltrate stormwater from impervious surfaces on
school property, the Corporation of Delta has worked collaboratively
with local community groups and the School District to install
rain gardens in 12 of 14 elementary schools in North Delta. The
Municipality designs and constructs the gardens and the school
community assists with the planting, offering students a sense of
ownership, responsibility and pride for their school rain garden. Rain
gardens will be installed at the remaining two schools in 201647
.
Driving Force
The local Cougar Creek Streamkeepers group was the initial driving
force behind Delta’s school rain garden program - catalyzing the first
rain garden as a pilot project at Cougar Canyon Elementary School in
2006. This rain garden extends the length of the school parking lot and
allowed for the decommissioning of two storm sewers. The program’s
continued success is built upon a lasting partnership between
Delta’s Engineering Department, the Delta School District and local
streamkeepers. Recognizing the importance of improved stormwater
infrastructure to water quality and fish habitat, the Pacific Salmon
Foundation has provided funding assistance for many of the school
rain gardens.
GSI Overview Benefits
Each rain garden collects, infiltrates and
cleans stormwater runoff generated from
impervious surfaces, such as school
parking lots and driveways. This improves
water quality and reduces peak flow in
local streams during periods of heavy
rainfall and storm events. In some cases,
school curriculum has been developed
to include the school rain gardens as an
outdoor classroom for lessons in science
and environmental stewardship. Interactive
lessons engage students with nature and improve their understanding
of the connection between land use and the health of surrounding
watercourses. The rain gardens have also enhanced the landscape
aesthetics of school grounds and along public rights of way, while
fostering community involvement and education.
Maintenance Responsibility
Once the municipality completes construction, the rain gardens are
maintained by local streamkeeping groups.
Snapshot
Land Use Type: Institutional on
public land
Location: Delta, BC
Type of Development: Retrofit
GSI Features: Rain garden
GSI Benefits: Captures and
infiltrates stormwater runoff
to improve water quality and
stream health, provides science
education opportunities for
students.
Photos: (Top) Completed rain garden
at Brooke Elementary, Delta, BC.
(Bottom) Before and after rain garden
at Chalmers Elementary School, North
Delta.
Photo Credit: (Top) Corporation of Delta (Bottom)
D. Jones
4.1 Institutional: Delta School Rain Garden Program, Delta, BC
afterbefore
12
15. Integrating innovation in building and landscape design
Description
The Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) Head Office, completed in 2014, is
located on a former industrial site on the edge of Vancouver’s False Creek
Flats industrial area. The site includes a number of GSI features to manage
rainwater on site and recently became the first urban site in BC to achieve
Salmon-Safe certification.
Driving Force
MEC prides itself on its commitment to sustainability and progressive
Corporate Social Responsibility mandate. Maintaining this leadership role
was an important driver behind the site’s energy efficiency and water-centric
design. The landscape architecture team included well renowned experts in
GSI and regenerative landscape design, ensuring water quality protection with
various GSI features and reduced water demand with rainwater harvesting.
GSI Overview Benefits
A network of landscape features work together to reduce stormwater runoff,
enhance water quality and minimize water leaving the site. Rainwater is
captured from the “blue-roof”, which covers about ½ the building footprint.
This rainwater is stored in a 35, 000L underground cistern and is reused for
non-potable purposes including toilet flushing and irrigation of the green-
roof, which covers the remaining rooftop area and is accessible to MEC staff.
Rainwater harvesting significantly reduces non-potable water use by nearly
55%, while landscaping with drought-tolerant native plants reduces irrigation
requirements.
Stormwater from the parking lot is directed into a central bioswale, which
filters pollutants and reduces the volume of water entering the storm sewer
system. All landscaping is managed without the use of synthetic fertilizers or
herbicides, helping to protect the quality of water leaving the site.
Maintenance Responsibility
A private landscape contractor maintains the GSI features at MEC Head
Office. As this is a relatively new facility, there have been few requirements
for maintenance of the GSI features, other than seasonal vegetation
maintenance. To date the GSI features are functioning as designed.
Snapshot
Land Use Type: Institutional on
private land
Location: City of Vancouver, BC
Type of Development: Re-
development
GSI Features: Rain water
harvesting and re-use, rain
garden, green roof and bioswale
GSI Benefits: Reduces on-site
water use and dependence on
municipal water supply, reduces
stormwater volume and improves
quality of runoff leaving site.
Photos: (Top) Stormwater captured from
the green roof and adjacent impervious
surfaces is infiltrated within the roadside
bioswale. (Bottom) Central vegetated
bioswale captures runoff from parking
lot surface at MEC Head Office in
Vancouver, BC.
Photo Credit: (Top) R. Sharp. (Bottom) Fraser
Basin Council
4.2 Institutional: Mountain Equipment Co-op Head Office, Vancouver, BC
In 2015, MEC Head Office became
the first urban site in BC to achieve
“Salmon-Safe” certification. Salmon-
Safe is a site specific certification
program that requires improved
water quality and environmental
benefits from urban development.
Photos: (Top) MEC HEad Office
Building in Vancouver, BC. (Left) Wall
signage posted at the front entrance
recognizes the MEC Head Office as a
Salmon-Safe certified site.
Photo Credit: (Top) Fraser Basin Council
(Bottom) V. Oviedo
13
16. Incorporating GSI designs from the outset
Description
Local Government House in Victoria BC, constructed on the site of a
former parking lot, is home to the Union of BC Municipalities. The building
was designed to LEED gold standards and includes an integrated network
of green stormwater infrastructure among other progressive green
building features.
Driving Force
The land for the Local Government House was gifted by the Province of
British Columbia with the condition that the constructed building seek
LEED certification. As a result, LEED standards for energy efficiency
and onsite management of stormwater where incorporated into the
initial planning and design stages, which helped to ensure they were
streamlined into the construction process48
.
GSI Overview Benefits
A network of above and below-ground GSI features work together to
reduce stormwater volume, improve water quality and reduce on-site
water consumption.
The green roof is equipped with a substrate designed to absorb and
infiltrate rainfall and planted with drought-tolerant species. Any rainwater
that is not absorbed by the green-roof is directed to below-ground
cisterns and is stored for landscape irrigation during the summer months.
The cisterns were designed with sufficient capacity to meet all irrigation
needs for the site, significantly reducing potable water demand. Low-flow
fixtures and appliances inside the building further reduce demand on the
municipal water supply.
A rain garden captures and infiltrates overflow from the underground
cisterns, along with stormwater from the building sump, and any excess
runoff from the permeable pavers along the driveway and walkway.
Finally, redundancy is built into the system so that any rainwater volume
that exceeds the combined capacity of the green-roof, cisterns and rain
garden is diverted to the municipal stormwater sewer49
.
Maintenance Responsibility
The maintenance of GSI within the Local Government House site
is contracted to a local landscaping company and no significant
maintenance challenges have been reported.
Snapshot
Land Use Type: Institutional on
public land
Location: City of Victoria, BC
Type of Development:
Re-development
GSI Features: Rain water
harvesting and re-use, rain
garden, permeable paving
GSI Benefits: reduces quantity
and improves quality of
runoff reaching storm sewers,
reduces on-site water use and
dependence on municipal water
supply.
Photos: (Top) Green roof and (Bottom)
underground cisterns at UBCM Local
Government House in Victoria, BC.
Photo Credit: Local Government House, UBCM
4.3 Institutional: Local Government House, Victoria, BC
14
17. 5.0 Towards a Comprehensive
GSI Network: Lessons from
Implementation
The BC case studies profiled in this report clearly
demonstrate that GSI has been effectively applied across
different land-use types to manage rainfall, improve
water quality and reduce or eliminate stormwater run-
off while enhancing overall environmental health. The
examples included here offer insight into how GSI has
been successfully planned, constructed and maintained
at different scales and across different land use types.
It was found that, although there is general acceptance
of GSI as an effective way to manage rainwater, a
number of enabling factors are required to get beyond
GSI “pilot-projects” and support the creation of a more
comprehensive GSI network. These enabling factors
include:
Maintain and strengthen municipal
leadership commitment to GSI
Municipalities have tremendous influence on the built
environment and how it affects or enhances surrounding
watercourses and the broader community. Because municipalities are
largely responsible for land use planning and stormwater management
in urban communities they have shown leadership in by implementing
GSI technologies at various scales and continuing to require higher
development standards for on-site infiltration and stormwater
management. While it was not a main focus of this research, the
development and implementation of Integrated Stormwater Management
Plans presents a significant opportunity for Metro Vancouver’s member
municipalities to strengthen their leadership role in GSI implementation.
Setting infiltration targets, maximum impervious areas objectives,
guidelines for new development and including GSI within streetscape
development or upgrades are just a few examples that local governments
are using to expand GSI throughout their municipalities.
Build public awareness support for the broad benefits of GSI
While local government action is important, public awareness and
understanding is also a key element to broaden the acceptance and
implementation of GSI at various scales. In many instances, urban
development and streetscape design is informed and enhanced by public
participation in the planning process.
Therefore, an increased public understanding and support for the multiple
benefits that GSI offers is a key step in ensuring the built environment
– on both public and private land - includes innovative stormwater
management practices. In addition, public involvement in planning,
planting and maintaining GSI features is an effective way to increase
support and educate the community more broadly about the benefits of
GSI and the connections between land use and watershed health.
Stream restoration project helps
improve runnoff water quality before
entering Burrard Inlet while providing
valuable urban habitat and green space,
Creekway Park, Vancouver, BC.
Photo credit: S. Primeau
15
18. Establish effective development requirements and bylaws to incentivize
GSI across different land use types
Stormwater bylaws and development standards that clearly define infiltration and
stormwater retention goals along with the suite of GSI measures to meet these goals
are essential to improving stormwater management at the site and community scale.
These can be strengthened by incentives or rebate programs, such as building permit
fast-tracking, fee reductions and density bonusing for designs that meet or exceed
on-site rainwater retention and infiltration goals. Encouraging third party certification
that prioritizes innovative water management, such as Salmon-Safe or Sustainable
SITES certifications, demonstrates compliance with stormwater management best
practices and raises public awareness of actions that improve water quality and protect
watershed health.
Clearly define GSI ownership and maintenance responsibilities
The case study research confirmed the importance of clearly defining the roles and
responsibilities of site-owners, operators, contractors and municipalities at an early
stage in the GSI planning process to ensure proper maintenance and functioning of GSI
features. In many cases, collaborative partnerships create ongoing benefits and ensure
multiple groups take an active role in sustaining GSI features.
With ongoing leadership and support for the implementation of GSI to manage
stormwater in a more holistic way, communities across Metro Vancouver and other
regions of BC will continue to benefit from improved environmental health, enhanced
community livability and greater resilience to the impacts of climate change.
Rain garden at Sunshine Hills Elementary, North Delta, BC
Photo credit: Corporation of Delta
16
19. 1 Re-Inventing Rainwater Management: A
Strategy to Protect Health and Restore
Nature in the Capital Region by Gordon
McGuire, Neil Wyper, Michelle Chan,
Adam Campbell and Scott Bernstein, J. V.
(2010). Environmental Law Clinic, University
of Victoria, Victoria BC. Retrieved in
December 2015 from http://www.elc.uvic.ca/
publications/stormwater-report/
2 Advancing Low Impact Development
as a Smart Solution for Stormwater
Management, Credit Valley Conservation.
(2013). Retrieved November 2015 from
http://www.creditvalleyca.ca/wp-content/
uploads/2015/07/Advancing-Low-Impact-
Development-as-a-Smart-Solution-for-
Stormwater-Management-v1.pdf
3 Stormwater Planning: A Guidebook for British
Columbia, Ministry of Water, Land and Air
Protection. Primary authors: Kim A. Stephens,
Patrick Graham, David Reid. (2002).
4 Advancing Low Impact Development as a
Smart Solution for Stormwater Management,
Credit Valley Conservation. (2013). See 2 for
link.
5 Plan2Adapt Summary of Climate Changes for
Greater Vancouver, Pacific Climate Impacts
Consortium. (2012). Retrieved in December
2015 from http://www.plan2adapt.ca.
6 Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, City
of Vancouver. Retrieved 2015 from http://
vancouver.ca/files/cov/Vancouver-Climate-
Change-Adaptation-Strategy-2012-11-07.pdf
7 Flood Loss Avoidance Benefits of Green
Infrastructure for Stormwater Management,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2015)
Retrieved May 2016 from https://www.epa.
gov/green-infrastructure/manage-flood-risk
8 Innovative Stormwater Management:
Translating Science into Actions, Dr.
Hans Schreier and the Canadian Water
Network.(2014). Retrieved December
2015 from http://www.cwn-rce.ca/assets/
Uploads/Schreier-Innovative-Stormwater-
Management-Full-Report-2014.pdf
9 Metro Vancouver’s 2006 Generalized Land
Use by Municipality, by Metro Vancouver
Policy and Planning Department. (2008).
Retrieved February 2016 from http://www.
metrovancouver.org/services/regional-
planning/PlanningPublications/KeyFacts-
LandusebyMunicipality-2006.pdf
Urban land excludes Agricultural, Harvesting
and Research, Protected Watershed and
Recreation Protected Natural Area land
uses. Approximate total urban land area =
107,000 ha).
10 Control of Toxic Chemicals in Puget
Sound, Phase 2: Improved Estimates of
Toxic Chemical Loadings to Puget Sound
from Surface Runoff and Roadways
by EnviroVision Corporation; Herrera
Environmental Consultants, Inc.; Washington
Department of Ecology (2008). Olympia,
Washington. Ecology Publication Number
08-10-084. Retrieved May 2016 from
https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/
documents/0810084.pdf
11 Soil bioretention protects juvenile salmon
and their prey from the toxic impacts of
urban stormwater runoff by McIntyre, J.
K., Davis, J. W. Hinman, C., Macneale,
K. H., Anulacion, B. F., Scholz, N. L.,
Stark, J. D. (2015). Chemosphere, 132,
213–219. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.
chemosphere.2014.12.052
12 Interview Respondent, City of Coquitlam
pers. comm., 2016.
13 Stormwater Quality Improvement: Lougheed
Highway Bioswale, Coquitlam Cascade
Stormwater Treatment and Infiltration Report.
(2013), and Interview Respondent, City of
Coquitlam pers. comm. March 2016
14 Rainwater Management Rain Gardens:
Creating the Future in the City of North
Vancouver, by the Partnership for Water
Sustainability in BC. (2014). Retrieved in
November 2015 from http://waterbucket.
ca/rm/files/2014/10/City-of-North-Van_
Rainwater-Management-Rain-Gardens_
October2014.pdf
15 Ibid.
16 Interview Respondent, City of North
Vancouver pers. comm., Dec 2015.
17 Rainwater Management Rain Gardens:
Creating the Future in the City of North
Vancouver, by the Partnership for Water
Sustainability in BC. (2014). See 14 for link.
18 Stormwater Management for 3 Unit
Development or Greater, Version October
2014, City of North Vancouver Engineering,
Parks Environment Department.
19 Interview Respondent, City of North
Vancouver Engineering, Parks and
Environment Department, pers. comm.,
December 2015.
20 Metro Vancouver 2040 Regional Growth
Strategy Bylaw No. 1136. (2010).
Retrieved in January 2016 from http://
www.metrovancouver.org/services/
regional-planning/PlanningPublications/
RGSAdoptedbyGVRDBoard.pdf
21 Metro Vancouver’s 2006 Generalized Land
Use by Municipality, by Metro Vancouver
Policy and Planning Department. (2008). See
9 for link.
22 Interview Respondent, City of North
Vancouver pers. comm., Dec 2015.
23 The Headwaters Project: A Sustainable
Community Development in Surrey, B.C.,
Phase E: Final Report. (2003). Retrieved in
March 2016 from https://fcm.ca/Documents/
reports/ACT/The_Headwaters_Project_A_
Sustainable_Community_Development_In_
Surrey_BC_Rept_EN.pdf
24 Sustainability You: A Guide to Public
Involvement| East Clayton Community,
Surrey, BC. City of Surrey Culture, Surrey
Parks Recreation and Culture from Interview
Respondent, City of Surrey January 2016.
25 Interview Respondent, City of Surrey pers.
comm., February 2016.
26 Showcasing Innovation in the City of Surrey,
by the Partnership for Water Sustainability
in BC. (2006). Retrieved in February 2016
from http://waterbucket.ca/gi/2006/12/11/
showcasing-innovation-in-the-city-of-surrey/
27 Sustainability You: A Guide to Public
Involvement| East Clayton Community,
Surrey, BC. City of Surrey Culture, Surrey
Parks Recreation and Culture from Interview
Respondent, City of Surrey January 2016.
28 Interview Respondent, City of Surrey pers.
comm., February 2016.
29 Analysis of Streamflow, Water Quality, and
Benthic Community Changes in North Creek
(1999-2009), by N. Page and P. Lilley. (2010).
Unpublished report prepared for City of Surrey
Engineering Department. 50pp. + appendices.
30 Interview Respondent, City of Surrey pers.
comm., February 2016.
31 Silver Valley Area Plan, Maple Ridge Official
Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014.
Retrieved February 2016 from https://www.
mapleridge.ca/DocumentCenter/View/747
32 Hampstead Site Summary, from Interview
Respondent, City of Maple Ridge, pers.
comm., February 2016.
33 Silver Valley Area Plan, Maple Ridge Official
Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014. See
31 for link.
34 Stormwater Planning: A Guidebook for British
Columbia, Ministry of Water, Land and Air
Protection. Primary authors: Kim A. Stephens,
Patrick Graham, David Reid. (2002).
35 Stormwater Source Control Design
Guidelines, Metro Vancouver. (2012).
36 Stormwater Management Plan Guidelines,
from Interview Respondent, City of Maple
Ridge, pers. comm., February 2016.
37 Interview Respondent, City of Maple Ridge,
pers. comm., February 2016.
38 Hampstead Site Summary, from Interview
Respondent, City of Maple Ridge ,pers.
comm., February 2016.
39 Interview Respondent, City of Maple Ridge,
pers. comm., February 2016.
40 Connecting the Dots Regional Green
Infrastructure Network Resource
Guide, Metro Vancouver. (2015).
Retrieved in January 2016 from http://
www.metrovancouver.org/services/
regional-planning/PlanningPublications/
ConnectintheDots.pdf
41 Stormwater Management, SFU Community
Trust. Retrieved in February 2016 from http://
univercity.ca/
42 UniverCity East Neighbourhood Stormwater
Management Plan, SFU Community Trust,
Update March 2011.
43 Interview Respondent, SFU Community Trust
pers. comm., March 2016.
44 24th Interim Environmental Monitoring
Report Phase 1 to 4 Development April 1st
to September 30. (2014), from Interview
Respondent, SFU Community Trust pers.
comm., March 2016.
45 Interview Respondent, SFU Community Trust
pers. comm., March 2016.
46 Metro Vancouver’s 2006 Generalized Land Use
by Municipality, by Metro Vancouver Policy and
Planning Department. (2008). See 9 for link.
47 Interview Respondent, Corporation of Delta
Department of Engineering pers. comm., Nov
2015.
48 Interview Respondent, UBCM Victoria, pers.
comm., November 2015.
49 Storm Water Management, Union of BC
Municipalities. Retrieved November 2015 from
http://www.ubcm.ca/EN/main/about/general-
information/lg-house/storm-water.html
References
17
20. Contact Us
Amy Greenwood, Assistant Manager,
Watersheds Water Resources Program
T 604 488-5367 | E agreenwood@fraserbasin.bc.ca
www.fraserbasin.ca