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Watershed Plan: a case study approach to incorporating multiple benefits into green stormwater infrastructure planning
Abstract

In this Watershed Plan, we demonstrate an approach for assessing potential co-benefits—the additional services and amenities that are provided beyond the intended benefit—in the Islais Creek Watershed in southeast San Francisco. In this case study, we first identify opportunity areas for green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) that result in stormwater runoff and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) reductions. We then use these scenarios to assess the potential for those projects to provide co-benefits of biodiversity, tree canopy access, and urban heat mitigation. Using this approach, we were able to identify hotspots within the Islais Creek Watershed that would most benefit from GSI installations based on the total benefit provided. Urban spaces are crowded and complex, making the planning for multiple benefits important for achieving the often multiple goals of municipalities including resilience, biodiversity support, pollution reduction, and community needs.

Preferred Citation
Avellaneda, PM; Stoneburner, L; Foley, MM. 2024. Watershed Plan: a case study approach to incorporating multiple benefits into green stormwater infrastructure planning. SFEI Contribution No. 1278. San Francisco Estuary Institute: Richmond, CA. p. 61.
Published Document
Attachment Size
Watershed Plan for Islais Creek 11.65 MB
Type of Work
Report
Date Published
04/2024
ISSN Number
1278
Programs and Focus Areas
Resilient Landscapes Program
Clean Water Program
Environmental Informatics Program
Urban Nature
Benefits of Urban Nature
Green Infrastructure