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Article
Prioritizing Suitable Locations for Green Stormwater Infrastructure Based on Social Factors in Philadelphia
Land
  • Zachary Christman, Rowan University
  • Mahbubur Meenar, Rowan University
  • Lynn Mandarano
  • Kyle Hearing
Document Type
Article
Version Deposited
Published Version
Publication Date
11-26-2018
DOI
10.3390/land7040145
Abstract

Municipalities across the United States are prioritizing green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) projects due to their potential to concurrently optimize the social, economic, and environmental benefits of the “triple bottom line”. While placement of these features is often based on biophysical variables regarding the natural and built environments, highly urbanized areas often exhibit either limited data or minimal variability in these characteristics. Using a case study of Philadelphia and building on previous work to prioritize GSI features in disadvantaged communities, this study addresses the dual concerns of the inequitable benefits of distribution and suitable site placement of GSI using a model to evaluate and integrate social variables to support decision making regarding GSI implementation. Results of this study indicate locations both suitable and optimal for the implementation of four types of GSI features: tree trenches, pervious pavement, rain gardens, and green roofs. Considerations of block-level site placement assets and liabilities are discussed, with recommendations for use of this analysis for future GSI programs.

Comments

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited (CC BY 4.0).

Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
Citation Information

Christman, Z., Meenar, M., Mandarano, L., & Hearing, K. (2018). Prioritizing Suitable Locations for Green Stormwater Infrastructure Based on Social Factors in Philadelphia. Land 7(4), 1 - 17.