Implementing Sustainability: The Use of Natural Channel Design and Artificial Wetlands for Stormwater Management

Authors

L. Graham Smith, The University of Western Ontario
Thomas J. Carlisle, The University of Western Ontario
Sonya N. Meek, Canada and Metropolitan Toronto Region Conservation Authority Downsview

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-1993

Volume

37

Issue

4

Journal

Journal of Environmental Management

First Page

241

Last Page

257

URL with Digital Object Identifier

http://dx.doi.org/10.1006/jema.1993.1020

Abstract

Sustainability is a concept that has been widely embraced both politically and intellectually but has not been addressed in terms of practical application. In most resource sectors, the features of a sustainable future remain unclear and there are few examples that give practical expression to sustainability. This is especially true in the case of water resources management which has been conspicuous in its absence from the majority of the literature. This paper attempts to address this deficiency on two counts. First, it provides a discussion of sustainability and the application of the concept to the management of water resources. Second, the paper illustrates how the concept can be utilized for the management and planning of urban stormwater. The paper concludes by offering research opportunities to investigate the feasibility of adopting natural channel design and artificial wetlands for sustainable stormwater management.