Opti-SITE

Opti-SITE aims to develop a methodology for identifying suitable areas for implementing nature-based stormwater solutions in urban environments using high-resolution radar data and AI. The goal is to identify the most effective infrastructure scenarios, considering location and scale, to maximise stormwater management while minimising adaptation costs.

Urbanisation and climate change have led to increased stormwater volumes in cities, causing flooding, overloaded wastewater treatment plants, and discharges of untreated wastewater. Many cities face an urgent need to find sustainable solutions for their overburdened stormwater systems.

Replacing existing traditional stormwater systems, which rely on underground pipe networks, is prohibitively expensive and not a realistic option.

As a result, the implementation of detention structures has become increasingly important due to their potential to reduce the hydraulic load on existing pipeline infrastructure. Nature-based detention structures also contribute significantly to climate adaptation by reducing risks associated with urban flooding and combined sewer overflows.

The Opti-SITE project aims to develop a methodology to identify suitable areas for implementing nature-based stormwater solutions in cities. By leveraging high-resolution radar data and AI, the project will identify key characteristics of such areas and integrate these into machine learning models combined with multi-objective optimisation algorithms. The objective is to determine the most efficient infrastructure scenarios, considering location and scale, to maximise stormwater management capabilities with minimal adaptation costs.

Landskrona and a selected area of Copenhagen serve as case studies for developing and testing these methods. The project is expected to result in a prototype module integrated into an existing digital platform. This tool will support decision-makers and consultants in identifying the optimal locations for well-designed and effective nature-based solutions.

In addition to the planning tool, Opti-SITE offers a nowcasting system that can both optimise sewer system operations to minimise flooding and overflows and predict the likelihood of such events in different parts of the city. For example, the system can issue warnings about deteriorating bathing water quality before a discharge from combined sewer systems occurs, rather than reacting after the fact. It can also be used to close roads in advance, preventing vehicles from being stranded in high water flows. By acting proactively, accidents and damages can be avoided rather than dealt with retrospectively.

Opti-SITE represents a critical step in developing a climate-adapted and sustainable urban stormwater infrastructure.

The project is funded by Interreg Öresund-Kattegat-Skagerrak.