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08:49
Vegetated Treatment Systems for Removing Contaminants Associated with Surface Water Toxicity in Agriculture and Urban Runoff
Published on: May 15, 2017
A GIS-based methodology for selecting stormwater disconnection opportunities.
S L Moore1, V R Stovin, M Wall
1Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield S1 3JD, UK. s.moore@sheffield.ac.uk
Summary
A new GIS tool helps identify areas for retrofitting sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) in large catchments. This tool aids in selecting appropriate SuDS techniques to reduce combined sewer overflow (CSO) spills and improve water quality.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Urban Hydrology
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Background:
- Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) significantly impact urban water quality.
- Retrofitting sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) offers a viable solution for mitigating CSO events.
- Large catchments (>100 ha) present complex challenges for SuDS implementation planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce a GIS-based decision support tool for identifying retrofit SuDS opportunities in large catchments.
- Enable discrimination between suitable SuDS techniques based on feasibility and effectiveness.
- Support urban water management strategies aimed at reducing CSO spill frequency and volume.
Main Methods:
- Development of a GIS-based decision support tool.
- Application of the tool to a case study catchment in London, UK.
- Utilisation of a disconnection hierarchy for assessing retrofit SuDS feasibility.
- Preliminary InfoWorks CS modelling to evaluate CSO reduction potential.
Main Results:
- The tool facilitates rapid assessment of retrofit SuDS potential in large catchments.
- Preliminary modelling indicated that removing 50% of impervious area could reduce CSO spill volume by 55-78%.
- The study assessed the feasibility of retrofit SuDS deployment within the case study area.
Conclusions:
- The GIS tool effectively guides the selection of areas and techniques for retrofit SuDS implementation.
- The approach aids in directing attention to sites with the greatest potential for SuDS retrofitting.
- The findings support enhanced receiving water quality through reduced CSO impacts.
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