Classic Optimization Techniques Applied to Stormwater and Nonpoint Source Pollution Management at the Watershed Scale
Publication: Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 139, Issue 5
Abstract
Linear and dynamic programming formulations are introduced for optimizing the placement of distributed best management practices (BMPs) at the watershed scale. The results of linear programming optimization of infiltration-based stormwater management BMPs are compared with the results of genetic algorithm (GA)optimization using a nonlinear distributed model. Additionally, linear and dynamic programming optimization of sediment-trapping BMPs are compared with GA optimization using a nonlinear distributed model. The results indicate that the solution to stormwater peak-flow reduction is influenced primarily by distributed-flow arrival time, and a linear programming analog to a nonlinear optimization model can efficiently reproduce much of the same solution structure. Linear and dynamic programming solutions to the storm sediment-management problem indicate natural sediment trapping is an important consideration, and a solution to the sediment-management-optimization problem can be efficiently found using a dynamic programming formulation.
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Acknowledgments
We would like to thank Professor Stephen Levine of Tufts University for his helpful insights. The work described here was funded in large part by a U.S. EPA STAR grant (R830654). We are grateful for the research opportunity the grant has provided. Since this work has not received the U.S. EPA’s required peer and policy review, it does not necessarily reflect their views, and no endorsement should be inferred.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 139 • Issue 5 • September 2013
Pages: 486 - 491
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 17, 2011
Accepted: Feb 14, 2013
Published online: Aug 15, 2013
Published in print: Sep 1, 2013
Discussion open until: Jan 15, 2014
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