PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
According to climate projections, Estonia will face significant changes in terms of temperature, wind and rainfall by 2100. While in the period 1961-2012, annual precipitation increased by an average of 2.2 mm per year in Estonia, this figure will grow by 19% this century, with the highest growth expected in spring (24%) and winter (22%). The frequency of rainfall exceeding 30 mm per day is projected in the period 2021-2030 to increase by 99%, in 2031-2050 by 231%, and in 2051-2100 by 435%. As a result, storm water collection systems and wastewater treatment will increase their loads. Existing rainwater systems are already not able to cope with torrential rain and storm water drainage systems are experiencing drawbacks.
OBJECTIVES
The main objective of the LIFE UrbanStorm project was to increase the climate resilience of Estonian municipalities, especially their ability to manage flush flooding caused by heavy rainfall. It facilitated the development and implementation of integrated approaches for climate change adaptation strategies and action plans, at local, regional or national level, prioritising, where appropriate, ecosystem-based approaches. The project also focused on setting up an innovative complex storm water management system, which entailed storm water collection and re-use. The demonstration site was the focal point for engaging local inhabitants to promote the sustainable use of storm water and a change in water habits.
RESULTS
The LIFE Urban Storm project aimed to develop sustainable and climate-resilient storm water management systems, by increasing the capacity of Estonian municipalities to adapt to climate change, especially in managing the floods caused by torrential rains. More specifically, the project was setting the targets and measures on the local scale, in the area of municipalities of Tallinn and Viimsi, Estonia, by focusing on one aspect – the implementation of cost-effective and nature-based measures to mitigate floods caused by heavy rainstorms.
The main project results include the following:
- Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and Action Plans for Viimsi and Tallinn developed and entered into force;
- Cost-effective Viimsi storm water management system (incl. digitalised model and real-time monitoring) developed and launched;
- Four different nature-based sustainable drainage system (SuDS) solutions in two demo site locations in Viimsi implemented (36 000 m3 rainwater per year drained in demo sites; 18 ha of land turned flood resilient);
- Design project for SuDS demo site in Tallinn developed incl. 17 solutions for collecting and carrying away or draining storm water in the area of 368 131 m2);
- Four training sessions for training courses for water management specialists, engineers and stormwater management system designers (attendance – 146 experts).
