Key Factors for the Implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems in Iceland

• Main Author: Eyrún Pétursdóttir 1983-
• Other Authors: Háskóli Íslands
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: Umhverfisverkfræði; Loftslagsbreytingar; Frárennsli; Þétting byggðar; Vatnsmengun; Flóð; Iceland
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1946/24846

Urban densification increases the ratio of impermeable surfaces, putting extra pressure on the drainage systems. This, plus more frequent intensive rain events and rising sea levels, due to global warming, may cause additional pressure and increase the risk of flooding in urban areas in the future. Sustainable Drainage Solutions (SuDS) is a natural approach to managing surface water, slowing down the surface water flow and allowing natural processes to break down pollutants. SuDS has been implemented into one neighbourhood in Iceland, Urriðarholt and the Icelandic Planning Act and National Planning Strategy have set the base for the implementation of SuDS. Iceland, however, still lacks a comprehensive strategy to obtain the benefits of SuDS. The purpose of this study is to identify key factors for a successful implementation of SuDS in Iceland. National and local experiences from Sweden and England are reviewed, as both countries have substantial experience in the implementation of SuDS and projected onto the Icelandic environment. Feedback on key ideas and data has been sought from selected local stakeholders with formal interviews as well as informal communications. The study concludes that the key factors which need to be in place to successfully implement SuDS are the following: firstly, regulatory and policy framework for SuDS are needed to ensure a successful SuDS implementation. Secondly, SuDS needs to be incorporated throughout the municipal planning process from Municipal Planning to Site planning stages. Thirdly collaboration, roles and responsibilities must be clear and identified throughout the life cycle, from strategy planning and design, to construction, operation and maintenance. Fourthly, site specific meteorological, hydrological and geological data needs to be available and be strengthened in the following decade. Finally, general knowledge about SuDS amongst the key stakeholders in Iceland needs to be improved to promote SuDS. Aukin þétting byggðar eykur hlutfalls ógegndræps yfirborðs. Við ...