A conceptual approach for evaluating the multiple benefits of urban flood management practices

This paper focuses on the spatial distribution of the dominant and relevant benefits of urban flood management based on context and location specific evaluations. We explore the conceptual rationale and describe a detailed methodology for assessing the benefit profile, benefit intensity, and comment on benefit dependencies arising from urban flood management practices which utilise green infrastructure. A case study is described which demonstrates the application of the concepts in Portland, Oregon. A GIS approach is developed to evaluate some of the multiple benefits of the East Lents Floodplain Restoration Project. Results are presented in the form of a comparative benefit profile, and a spatially distributed benefit intensity. The paper concludes with the implications of the methodology for future multiple benefit evaluation of urban drainage and flood management systems. These data were collected as part of an interdisciplinary project undertaken by the Blue-Green Cities Research Consortium with the Portland-Vancouver ULTRA (Urban Long-term Research Area) project, as part of the “Clean Water for All” initiative.