Advanced Drainage Concepts Using Green Solutions for CSO Control — The KC Approach

Advanced design concepts such as Low Impact Development (LID) and Green Solutions (or upland runoff control techniques) are currently being encouraged by the U.S.EPA (EPA) as a management practice to contain and control stormwater at the lot or upland residential parcel level. These controls have shown that when implemented and maintained properly, they can increase retention at the runoff source — decreasing the runoff volume entering the drainage system and the demand on a drainage system. Both developed storm and combined sewersheds can benefit from the added storage from areas retrofitted with bioretention cells or rain gardens and other management, e.g., catchbasin retrofits or curb-cuts with tree planting. This paper documents an effort by the U.S. EPA to demonstrate the efficacy of implementing integrated, green infrastructure-based solutions to wet- weather flow pollution problems in and urban core neighborhood within a combined sewer system. The project involves local and regional efforts to provide the basis for success of the implementation of green infrastructure and stormwater management at the neighborhood, watershed, and regional levels. Specifically, the project will demonstrate the strategy and methodology for where and how attainment of Green Solutions will be implemented, including model support, within Kansas City, Missouri.