Public Perception of Green Stormwater Infrastructure: A Case Study on Bioretention Cells in a Park Space

Abstract:

Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) has increased in popularity in the last few decades, due in part to increasing environmental pressures of climate change and the need for better stormwater control measures. While implementation has increased, large barriers to implementation remain, including the need for increased stakeholder engagement. In a socio-hydrology context, public participation has been widely studied for water resources management but not enough for GSI implementation to become widespread. Barriers to GSI implementation, both technical and non-technical, are not largely understood, but public support and involvement have been shown to be advantageous to the success of public projects, demonstrating more trust in local governance and aiding in collaborative communication and partnerships between stakeholders. This case study seeks to measure the social influences of GSI implementation by using a mixed-methods approach to surveying local stakeholders on the construction of two bioretention cells in the south Oak Cliff area of Dallas, Texas, located in a highly flood prone sub-watershed. Pre- and post- construction surveys will take place to gauge opinions on GSI, flooding, and water quality to assess their perceptions of existing environmental conditions as well as their perception on the purpose and usefulness of various GSI best management practices. This study uses online questionnaires for local stakeholders including students of the local high school, residents in nearby single-family homes and apartments, and professionals from an adjacent healthcare facility, as well as listening sessions for local community groups. This study also seeks to understand what residents perceive as important ecosystem services such as visual attractiveness, stormwater retention, water quality, and recreation. This study gauges public perception for future green infrastructure projects and potential community involvement.