Evaluation of Costs and Efficiencies of Urban Low Impact Development (LID) Practices on Stormwater Runoff and Soil Erosion in an Urban Watershed Using the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) Model

Storm events and soil erosion can adversely impact flood control, conservation, water quality, the recreation economy, ecosystem biodiversity in urban systems. Urban Low Impact Development practices (LIDs) manage stormwater runoff, control losses, improve quality. The Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model has been widely applied to assess responses of hydrology losses conservation agricultural forested areas. This research study is first calibrate WEPP simulate streamflow discharge Brentwood watershed Austin, Texas apply calibrated impacts LIDs. costs various LID scenarios on annual balance, monthly average, daily runoff volumes, sediment at hillslopes outlet were quantified compared. identified that native planting Critically Eroding Areas (CEAs), all suitable areas, CEAs with detention ponds, areas ponds could reduce predicted average by 20–24% 86–94% outlet, loss rates hillslope profiles sub-watersheds 86–87% lowest (USD 2991/yr–USD 5257/yr). Watershed/field characteristics, locations, costs, effectiveness essential choosing scenarios. These results help guide decision-making selection implementation most economical strengthen climate resilience environmental sustainability