Sustainable Stormwater Management Approach: Optimal Implementation of Low Impact Development Systems

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Urban flooding in Canada accounted for more than $20 billion in damage between 2003 and 2012, despite the massive public investment in stormwater best management practices over the last decades. The most used management practices are mainly end-of-pipe infrastructures, aiming to divert stormwater runoff away from the built environment by delivering it to the nearest receiving waterbody. Recently, low-impact-development (LID) technologies (e.g., bioswales, rain gardens, green roofs and permeable pavement) have gained popularity and adopted by many Canadian cities. LID practices aim to manage runoff close to its source, mimicking natural or predevelopment hydrological processes such as infiltration and retention. However, mainly due to the scarcity of reliable observed data and the decentralized nature of these practices, there remains uncertainty as to their long-term functionality, performance, maintenance, placement, and their collective impact on large-scale watershed stormwater management. With robust and efficient stormwater management models, availability of rainfall data series and advances in data analysis tools, there is an opportunity to fill this gap. The overarching objective is to develop a framework that can assist in implementing sustainable stormwater management (LID) in Canadian urban areas under climate change and rapid urban development. The short-term objectives are to 1) develop a new set of reliable analytical probabilistic runoff quantity and quality models and LID modules, 2) assess the uncertainties associated with the developed models and climate change, and 3) create a comprehensive and efficient framework for optimal implementation LID systems at a neighbourhood level, incorporating the developed stormwater management models, uncertainty quantification models and climate change and neighbourhood and LID characteristics. The long-term objective is to extend the framework for the watershed level, incorporating Canada's ecosystem-focused initiatives. The generated knowledge will improve our understanding of the performance and maintenance of stormwater management systems. It will also ensure the resilience and sustainability of Canadian communities under extreme rainfall events, climate change and urban growth for generations to come. This research program will help train highly qualified personnel in stormwater management, data analysis and modelling techniques. The proposed models and tools will facilitate the implementation of optimal, efficient and resilient LID practices geared towards Canadian cities to lessen urban runoff impacts and prevent billions of dollars in damages.