Authors: Mohamed Askar, Matthew Roberts, Jeremy Matney, Andrew Larsen, Edwin Cansaya Sanchez
Mentors: Mohamed Askar, Matthew Roberts
Insitution: Southern Utah University
Stormwater infrastructures in the U.S. are aging and deteriorating, with most municipalities historically treating stormwater runoff or drainage problems during an emergency or structural failure. What if we could address such issues before they became problematic? Our main objective is to help decision-makers deal effectively with long-term control measures of the budget-limited, ambiguous, and inconsistently applied operation and maintenance of stormwater infrastructures. To this end, an innovative Five-Dimensional Assessment Model (5D-SAM) for the operation and maintenance of stormwater control measures will be developed and tested in the economically disadvantaged rural community of Cedar City, Utah. The model’s strategic approach will employ a prioritized list to create innovative green stormwater infrastructure solutions (clean-energy technologies) for sustainable urban development. The proposed 5D-SAM model includes research on its broader impacts, with a theoretical focus on the nexus of stormwater control measures and design to enhance urban sustainability and resilience. This focus is on the translational and transdisciplinary link between the operation and maintenance of stormwater research outcomes in Cedar City. Performance indicators of the stormwater system will be designed to assess five conditions: assets, functionality, time-effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and environmental and social impact. 5D-SAM will calculate the performance/health index of the stormwater infrastructure, predict the future state, manage the quantity, and improve stormwater runoff quality. The built-in GIS database will aim to preserve the natural features and functions of stormwater infrastructures while providing a list of cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives if a distressed stormwater system is better off demolished, repaired, rehabilitated, or retrofitted. The model benefits society as it applies to other water infrastructure systems, including groundwater wells, dams, reservoirs, treatment facilities, sewer lines, flood prevention, and hydropower. Finally, the proposed research is a valuable and growing resource for students, faculty, urban researchers/practitioners worldwide, and the general public.