Data from: Not always an amenity: Green stormwater infrastructure provides highly variable ecosystem services in both regulatory and voluntary contexts

Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) is advocated for its potential to
provide multiple ecosystem services, including stormwater runoff
mitigation, wildlife habitat, and aesthetic value. However, the provision
of these ecosystem services depends on both facility design and
maintenance, which may vary based on whether GSI was installed to fulfill
regulatory construction permit requirements or implemented voluntarily as
part of urban greening initiatives. We evaluated 76 GSI facilities
distributed across Baltimore, MD, USA, comprising 48 voluntary and 28
regulatory facilities. Each facility was scored on indicators related to
the provision of stormwater, habitat, and aesthetic ecosystem services, as
well as the presence of educational signage. Ecosystem service scores were
highly variable, reflecting a wide range of quality and condition, but we
found no significant differences between scores for regulatory and
voluntary GSI. However, voluntary GSI scores tended to be higher in areas
with greater socioeconomic status, while regulatory facilities showed an
inverse relationship. Only voluntary facilities included educational
signage. Our findings indicate that GSI facilities can degrade quickly,
and that official maintenance requirements for regulatory facilities do
not guarantee upkeep. Degraded GSI facilities may do more harm than good,
becoming both unsightly and ineffective at providing intended stormwater
or habitat benefits.