IRIS Research Scientist Holly Yaryan Hall and Director Brian Bledsoe recently published a technical paper in ASCE Open: Multidisciplinary Journal of Civil Engineering, describing the importance of systems engineering in implementation of natural infrastructure projects and nature-based solutions. The paper reviews the complex challenges faced by surface water management, especially in urban riverscapes, focusing specifically on flooding, water quality, fragmented management techniques and concerns of environmental justice and equity.

The authors use a spatial multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) approach in collaboration with the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. The group looked at data on flood risk, water quality, ecosystem support, amenity access and environmental justice from various stakeholders and water managers and worked to develop an urban stream prioritization framework of risk ratios and exposure areas. This framework can be used to inform not only management strategies, but may be useful for broader implementation in advancing environmental justice by providing greater information on the scope of vulnerability to flooding and water quality risks.

“The spatial analysis revealed synergies and identified hotspots to begin conversations with neighborhoods and communities as part of structured decision-making: problem definitions, knowledge coproduction, and opportunity identification leading to community-based solutions.” (Hall and Bledsoe, 2023)

Check out the full paper here.

Photo of Charlotte, North Carolina by John Hill via Pexels.