Integrated Approach for Environmental Flood Protection for Northern Suburbs of Athens, Greece

In this paper some general design considerations and principles for flood protection and related stormwater design, based on an integrated environmental approach, involving less technical works and preservation of the physical condition of streams and creeks are presented. Sediment control through check dams and the selection of design return period are discussed. The design period should be selected depending on the specific location, the associated design of the receiving stream or water body, and considering the consequences of a bigger flood than the one used for the design. The application of the above mentioned considerations is illustrated in two specific case studies (introductory study for Kifisia and the preliminary study for northern suburbs), carried out by Hydroexygiantiki for areas in the northern suburbs of Athens on behalf of EYDAP, a public company responsible for the water supply and sewage system of the Athens Metropolitan area. The proposed design in each case took into account the special problems and the views of the local authorities in order to ensure that the proposed design is a viable one. Of course it should be always kept in mind that the selected design should be implemented starting from the downstream end and special care should be used in main road crossings.