Development of sustainable and climate resilient urban storm water management systems for Nordic municipalities (LIFE UrbanStorm)

The main objective of the LIFE UrbanStorm project was to increase the climate resilience of Estonian municipalities, especially their ability to manage flash flooding caused by heavy rainfall. 

The project investigated and promoted nature based Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) suitable for Estonian conditions and tested selected solutions in Viimsi Municipality. Project activities also included development of climate change adaptation plans for Tallinn and Viimsi and a digital stormwater management system for Viimsi as well as various information and capacity building activities.

The main outcomes of the project are:

• climate change adaptation plans for Tallinn City and Viimsi Municipality;
• 3 publications about Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems:
  • a leaflet for the general public “A guide to sustainable stormwater systems” (in Estonian and English),
  • a slightly more detailed brochure “Stormwater management techniques suitable for Estonian climate conditions” (in Estonian and English), and,
  • a handbook for specialists on SUDS suitable for Estonian climate conditions (in Estonian only, entitled “Eesti kliimasse sobivate säästvate sademeveelahenduste käsiraamat”);
• SUDS pilot areas in Viimsi Municipality: parking lots with SUDS (permeable pavements, rain gardens, infiltration strips, greenery), and a renovated stormwater ditch and surrounding area in Viimsi Manor Park;
• SUDS construction design project for Trummi area in Tallinn;
• establishment of a smart stormwater e-monitoring and management system for Viimsi Municipality;seminars and trainings on SUDS for local government specialists, engineers, designers and planners;
• a toolbox for Estonian local governments containing guidance and information materials for development of climate change adaptation plans and application of SUDS;
• transfer and replication of results among other Estonian municipalities;
• SUDS study visits to Copenhagen, Malmö, Helsinki and Manchester;
• analysis of the strategies and legal acts related to the stormwater management in Estonia;
• a proposal for methodology for stormwater management fee for Tallinn City.