The City of Boston experiences flooding during large storm events when stormwater runoff exceeds the capacity of the stormwater drainage system. Historic rainfall data indicates that the intensity of extreme rainfall events is increasing due to climate change, which will put further stress on BWSC’s stormwater system infrastructure. Through this Stormwater Detention Study, BC worked with BWSC to develop conceptual designs for 10 stormwater detention sites in the City of Boston. The Conceptual Designs, when implemented, could help to mitigate flooding by temporarily storing stormwater runoff in open space and reduce the rate and volume of stormwater discharging to the stormwater system and downstream combined system during large storms. While originally conceived for flood mitigation, these stormwater detention sites provide multiple co-benefits that can make an important contribution to the environment and the quality of life of the people in Boston.
Resilient flood management through stormwater detention in open spaces
