Multi-criteria site selection and hydraulic modeling of green flood retention measures in a highly urbanized basin in Costa Rica

Abstract

Green flood retention measures (GFRMs) are nature-based solutions applied to. mitigate floods by slowing and storing floodwater. This study employed a hydraulic, model developed in HEC-RAS to analyze the effects of GFRMs in the Quebrada Seca-Burío basin in Costa Rica. A multi-criteria methodology was developed to select. suitable sites for implementing the measures. A baseline representing the status quo, scenarios with individually assessed measures implemented at different sites, and a scenario with all measures combined were compared concerning their flood retention. potential. Twelve suitable sites capable of providing multiple socio-ecological benefits. were identified, of which three were implemented in the model to evaluate their. hydraulic performance. The results indicate that all scenarios are effective in reducing. peak flow, volume, and inundation areas, but to varying degrees. The combination of. all measures presented the most effective results, with peak flow reductions of 5.6 –15.3% and flood volume reductions of 3.6 – 9.9%.