Integrated modelling of stormwater treatment systems uptake. (1st October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Castonguay, A.C.; Iftekhar, M.S.; Urich, C.; Bach, P.M.; Deletic, A.
• Is Part Of: Water research. Volume 142(2018)
• Page Start: 301
• Page End: 312
• Publication Date: 2018-10-01
• Subjects: Agent-based modelling -- Cost-benefit analysis -- Exploratory modelling -- Urban water management -- Water infrastructure planning -- Water sensitive urban design; Water -- Pollution -- Research -- Periodicals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.05.037
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0043-1354

Abstract

Abstract: Nature-based solutions provide a variety of benefits in growing cities, ranging from stormwater treatment to amenity provision such as aesthetics. However, the decision-making process involved in the installation of such green infrastructure is not straightforward, as much uncertainty around the location, size, costs and benefits impedes systematic decision-making. We developed a model to simulate decision rules used by local municipalities to install nature-based stormwater treatment systems, namely constructed wetlands, ponds/basins and raingardens. The model was used to test twenty-four scenarios of policy-making, by combining four asset selection, two location selection and three budget constraint decision rules. Based on the case study of a local municipality in Metropolitan Melbourne, Australia, the modelled uptake of stormwater treatment systems was compared with attributes of real-world systems for the simulation period. Results show that the actual budgeted funding is not reliable to predict systems' uptake and that policy-makers are more likely to plan expenditures based on installation costs. The model was able to replicate the cumulative treatment capacity and the location of systems. As such, it offers a novel approach to investigate the impact of using different decision rules to provide environmental services considering biophysical and economic factors. Graphical abstract: Highlights: A model was developed to simulate the uptake of stormwater treatment systems. Location choice, budget measure and WSUD selection were assessed as decision rules. The model performance was evaluated in a suburb of Melbourne, Australia. The robustness of each decision rule was determined through uncertainty assessment.