An Approach to the Integrated Solution of the Problem of Storm and Snow-Melt Run-Off Treatment in Urban Areas of Ukraine

Abstract

Collecting and treatment of storm and snow-melt run-off from urban areas and industrial agglomerates have been being a topical issue. Despite some climatic variations the problems are still the same: stormwater discharge is not under control, shifts in river hydrology, chemistry and biology, river pollution etc. In order to solve these problems one should enable integrated and multidisciplinary approaches taking into account environmental and ecological technologies along with architectural and land planning solutions, and demands concerning sustainable development of urban areas. To meet the requirements of these approaches and satisfy these demands it is necessary to reach minimal pollutant loading and ensure river hydrology, chemistry and biotic components much closer to natural regime. Taking this in mind it is suggested to apply specially developed systems of collecting ponds and constructed wetlands in floodplains and ox-bow lakes of urban rivers as well as intermittent watercourses like gullies and ravines. The mentioned measures will permit to strengthen structural (axial) and environmental roles of rivers in urban areas. Within urban areas these territories can and must be used for recreation, then as green bridges among developed sites providing the following important environmental functions like efficient natural purification, bio-passages (eco-corridors) in ecological network, and habitats for local flora and fauna. It is assumed that all said above could be a decisive step towards some changes in existing approaches and prevalent principles in land planning, land use, urban development and understanding the role of rivers in contemporary urban and industrial areas, more ecological compatibility taking into account more holistic landscape vision with a glance to greater sustainability.