revitalizing urban streams

Revitalizing Urban Streams

Mee Kam NG and the research team The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Contract research commissioned by

Drainage Services Department

Disclaimer • Research results of a commissioned research

• Views do not represent the Drainage Services Department

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Contents

• Review of existing international and Asian guidelines

• Case studies

• Suggested guidelines

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Six Sets of Guidelines Reviewed

Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Engineering Techniques

Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Key Findings: • Most of the guidelines were prepared in response to

deteriorating quality of water bodies negative impacts on sanitation and the riparian environment

• Importance of maintaining a holistic and whole river basin perspective

• Balanced rehabilitation and revitalization of urban streams to restoring the aquatic ecology and riparian biodiversity, managing storm-water discharge and enhancing the aesthetic, recreational and accessibility of waterfront area

• A thorough understanding of a water body and its surrounding territories, their ecological value and functions to the surrounding communities.

• Campaign to re-educate communities living around urban streams to appreciate and protect them

• Intra-governmental and between the government and the general public co-operation as early as possible

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

2005

Methodology

• Literature review

• Qualitative research: interviewed >30 stakeholders in 4 Asian cities (Seoul, New Taipei City, Taoyuan County, Singapore, Shenzhen)

• Interviewing local stakeholders including green groups, government officials, and consultants and engineers in government commissioned projects

• synthesizing all the research materials; and sharing in a seminar to collect feedback and criticisms

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Key Observations

• All case studies: historical urban rivers or drainage channels—generally heavily polluted

• Vision: either by the government or the civil society resulting in collaborative and creative planning and implementation mechanisms (among government departments and between government and civil society)

• A river basin or catchment approach to river revitalization

• Water quality critical—top priority to sewage interception or treatment

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Key Observations

• Stream functions: – Ecology and biodiversity

– Drainage and flood prevention functions

– Amenities

• Themed sections of the revitalized streams

• Widespread public or stakeholders engagement

• Taipei: Urban regeneration

• Projects in Taipei and Seoul gentrification

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Cheong Gye Cheon in Seoul

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Cheong Gye Cheon in Seoul

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Key Dates • 1937: Cheong Gye Cheon (CGC) was

covered by concrete structure and in 1961, the stream was fully covered and worked as an arterial roadway

• 1961-71: an elevated expressway was built

• 1991: a casual chat between an engineering and a history professor

• 1998: a Korean novelist and professors advocated the idea

• 2000: Informal research group on CGC by Prof. Noh

• 2002: CGC became Lee Myung Bak’s election issue

• 2003: CGC Restoration Project began

• 2005: CGC Restoration Project completed

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Cheong Gye Cheon area

• 60,000 enterprises

• 220,000 merchants

• Population of street vendors:

3,000

• 2002: Merchant Committee

• Basic principles: – No cash payments

– Indirect forms of financial support

– Relocation of merchant businesses—planned and undertaken by Government

– Assistance to stimulate business activities—reducing merchants’ parking fee, improving loading and unloading parking system

– Indirect funding—small business loans, debt relief, facilities improvement

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Objectives • Bring nature/ecosystem back to the heart of the city

through restoring the intrinsic functions (water utilization, flood control, environment preservation…) of the CGC

• Restore cultural and historical heritage of downtown Seoul

• Remove the concrete roadway structure and the overpass due to safety and environmental concerns

• Regional economic competitiveness: balanced development between old and new and the natural environment

• Hands-on eco experience to millions of citizens

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Combined sewage overflow box

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Intensive Stakeholder Involvement • Started by a bunch of professors…

• Before the project: a bridge design competition, a design competition for students, photograph and slogan competitions, a marathon and walking tours…

• “Saturday Open Discussions” led by Mayor Lee

• Citizens’ Committee: Prof. Noh invited people via Internet to join—over 136 members from different background joined (1/3 belonged to the research groups)

• 4,200 meetings of different kinds and scales, 2,304 specific field-survey visits, mass meetings with >2,500 participants

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Conflicts

• Merchants: desired cash compensation

• NGOs: environment, heritage and culture

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Key Lessons

• Initiated by a group of scholars

• A collaborative project between the people and the government

• Tripartite governance structure of the project

• Room for improvement – Comprehensive ecological restoration?

– A longer term perspective in restoring heritage and culture?

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Zhong Gang Main Drainage in New Tapei City

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Xinzhuang Second City Centre

Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Key Dates

• 2006: completion of the initial planning for New Taipei City Zhong Gang Main Drainage Pollution Alleviation and Riverine Environment Creation Project

• 2007: Lee Hong Yuan (Deputy County Head) chaired a cross-departmental unit County Affairs Implementation Unit

• 2008: Completion of design and planning

• 2009: trial operation

• 2012: Completion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Mode of Governance

• The County Affairs Implementation Group (government officials from various departments)

• Chaired by County Deputy

• Contractors monitored by Water Services Bureau (also responsible for daily operation and management)

• Activities: management and operation by relevant government departments

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Goals and Objectives

• Alleviate pollution problem

• Flood prevention

• Improve the quality of life

• Urban regeneration

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Stakeholder Involvement

• County Affairs Implementation Group—inter-governmental group; also for communication between the government and the public

• NGO: OURS (The Organization of Urban Re-s), was hired to facilitated community planning

• More than 100 activities: illustration meetings, seminars, workshops, opinion surveys, site visits, etc.

• A community newspaper

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Key Lessons

• Strong government to improve the environment in order to build a second city centre—urban regeneration

• Few objections—as the situation was extremely bad

• Operation and maintenance costs: burden

• Holistic rather than section by section improvement along the drain?

• Gentrification

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Lao Jie River in Taoyuan County

Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

General Administrative Structure

• Water Resources Bureau

• Urban and Rural Development Bureau

• Environmental Protection Bureau along with other bureaux such as the Department of Culture Affairs, Education Bureau, Agricultural Development Bureau and Zhongli and Pingzhen City Offices

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Longtan Township

Wu

lin R

ive

r

Nan

shi

Riv

er

Pingzhen City

Zhongli City

Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Key Dates

• Before 2006: The Taoyuan Airport MRT project

• 2009: Zhongli City Preliminary Regeneration Plan Scheme

• 2011: Commencement of Lao Jie River Revitalization Project

• 2013: Proposed completion date

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion


• Flood control

• Revitalization of the river

• Bringing people closer to the river

• Economic development

• Improving the living quality of the people

• Branding Taoyuan County: city regeneration and city re-modelling

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Water Quality Improvement Works • Sewage interception engineering works

• Comprehensive sewage and waste management of nearby industrial areas to reduce overall pollution

• Monitoring of illegal effluents by the Environmental Protection Bureau

• Construction of the new underground Contact Bed Treatment Facility within the redesigned Xinshi Park

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

• 60 sessions of public forums since 2012

• About 5,000 participants

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Key Lessons • A sustainable river revitalization method: natural

river, ecological cleaning

• Complete removal of the covered structure: strong government will

• Inter-government agency collaboration: 12 bureaux and agencies working collaboratively throughout the project

• Improvement for future implementation: more biodiversity, more bioengineering works to provide habitats for wildlife

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Kallang River @ Bishan— Ang Mo Kio Park in Singapore

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Government Agencies Involved

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Water Supply in Singapore: Four National Taps

• Imported water (from Johor): 40%

• Local catchment (reservoirs): 20%

• NEWater (recycled water): 30%

• Desalinated water: 10%

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(Deep Tunnel Sewage System)

Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Key Dates •2006: Launching of the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC)

Programme by National Waters Agency (PUB)

•2007-2008: Planning of the Kallang River @ Bishan Park Project

•2009: ABC Waters Design Guidelines launched by PUB

•2009: Construction of the Kallang River @ Bishan Park Project

•2011: ABC Waters Design Guidelines updated

•2011: Completion of construction for Kallang River @ Bishan Park Project

•2012: Re-opening of the Bishan Ang Mo Kio Park for public enjoyment

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Mode of Governance

• PUB and National Parks Board (NParks)

• The stretch of Kallang River under the management of PUB runs through the Bishan Ang Mo Kio Park under the management of NParks

• Steering Committee chaired by the directors of the two agencies—regular meetings before, during and after the project

• PUB and NParks service agreement— – NParks manages the horticulture in the park and within

25m to 40m from the Kallang River

– PUB focuses on the maintenance of the engineering works of the Kallang River channel and its hydrology

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion


• Integration of the Bishan Park and the Kallang River

• Integration between PUB and NParks

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Water Quality Improvement Works

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Stakeholder Involvement

• Pre-Project: community outreach and consultation – Grass root and school communities

– Community outreach programme

– Information to the public: overall park and a river design and the safety precautions, soil bioengineering techniques

• Post-project: – 3 P (People, Public, Private)

– Schools and communities are encouraged to adopt one of the ABC Waters Projects and take-up responsibilities for its up-keeping and basic management

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Key Lessons

• A ‘bottom-up’ idea: originated from Nature Society and was later adopted by PUB as one of the ABC Waters Projects

• Complete de-channelization of a concrete drainage into a meandering natural river

• A river basin and flood plain approach

• Inter-departmental agencies collaboration

• More riparian plants? Wildlife? And ecology!

• Good timing and sufficient land space reconstruction of the Bishan Ang Mo Kio Park—land use and land allocation is crucial to the success of any river restoration system

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Futian River in Shenzhen

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Key Dates • 2001: Completion of the feasibility study of fixing the problems of

Futian River

• 2002: Preliminary design

• 2004: Formulation of planning option

• 2007: Official approval of the landscape improvement work

• 2009: Construction commenced

• 2012: Project completion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Mode of Governance

• Water Affairs Bureau

• A committee headed by a Vice Mayor to coordinate works among government units

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Goal • A clear and clean River

• With appealing landscape

• Enhanced capacity to prevent the occurrence of flooding

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Drainage & River Channel Improvement Works

• Widening river floor

• Flap gates to regulate the water level

• Rainwater retention area in Bijiashan Park and the Central Park

• Existing concrete embankment and river bed were removed

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Ecology & Landscape Improvement Works

• Retaining old orchard and trees • Planting vegetation that blossoms in different seasons • Wetland lakes of different scales and diversities of water

plants • Matching facilities such as the platform and sculptures

with the surrounding environment • Incorporating Lingnan culture into the design • Flap gates at different levels to create variety of the river

course 74

Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Stakeholders Involved

• Questionnaire survey

• Exhibition of plans for public comments

• Workshops, public hearings, seminars

• Telephone and internet

• Site visit

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Key Lessons

• Sufficient land for river improvement work—800 m greenbelt serves as a buffer for the project work

• Few objections

• Support from higher level government

• Different methods of improving water quality would have their own limitations and demerits

• Capacity of sewage facilities and city growth

• Management: maintaining water quality

• Public needs to learn to treasure the river at their doorstep

• Accessibility of rivers

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Lessons Learned from All the Case Studies

• Water Treatment a Key to Success – To intercept sewage and pollute water through box

culverts for treatment

– Natural and creative methods, e.g. the underground contact bed treatment in Lao Jie River; cleansing biotope in Singapore

– Consider stream revitalization in a holistic manner with the consideration of the river basin as a whole

• Comprehensive Regeneration – Restoring nature and biodiversity

– For recreation, refreshment, meditation, learning and education

– Drainage system: to divert storm and flooding risk

– Urban regeneration

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion


• Governance: Collaboration within Government and Widespread Engagement with the Public – Tripartite partnership in Seoul

– Singapore: very clear division of labour

– Stakeholder engagement:

• Competition

• Walking tours

• Discussions (experts and information)

• NGOs to facilitate participation

• Opinion and questionnaire surveys

• Community newspaper

• Public hearings

• Exhibition

• Web sites

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion


• Theming the Streams in Context – Ecological corridors

– Cultural belts

– Water and lights

– Attachment to water

– Low Carbon lifestyle

– Education Centre

– Historical centre

• Financial Implications – High capital costs

– High maintenance costs

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Concluding Remark

“… in the long run, urban stream revitalization needs to be seen as just one part of a much bigger project of

making urban development more sustainable and environmentally friendly”

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Planning Processes

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Background research

Long-term vision & specific objectives

Mode of governance

Policy support

Legislative support

Resources

Engineering and design aspects

Planning process

Implementation, monitoring and management

Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Background Research: History & Support

Historical understanding & support

By whom?

• BUILDING UP OF A DATA-BASE • Local NGOs and schools etc. • District/local councils should

play an important role? • Very important for

building a sense of ownership

• Government • Local communities • Local stakeholders such as

scholars, schools, interested citizens

• Hydraulic history • Natural topography and

geomorphology • Land ownership patterns

• Experts • Government

85

Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Mode of Governance Mode By whom?

• Formal institutional set up • Specific government department to

oversee river works in urban and rural areas (Drainage and River Services Dept.?)

• District/local councils can serve as an important local actor—to build up LOCAL CAPACITY

• Project task force with experts and relevant stakeholders at the local level

• Government: specific department + related ones

• Experts • District/local councils

(Committee on Streams?) • Related stakeholders

• Informal institutional set up • Public education through e.g. schools • District/local council education • Involving the local community to use,

engage the rivers e.g. landscape design, installation art work, water sports, story telling…

• Studies by academics or community researchers

• Government • District/local councils • Green groups

• Researchers • General public

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Policy, Legislative and Resource Support Support By whom?

• Policy • River conservation & revitalization

policy? • Proper land use planning • Sustainable urban development policy

such as low impact development? • Enhanced sewage treatment policy • Interdepartmental cooperation

• Chief Executive in Council? • Chief Secretary? • Government bureaux and

departments

• Legislation, rules, standards • Mandatory ecological value

assessment? • Ordinance or regulations to conserve

vegetation and trees along urban rivers

• River revitalization standards

• Concerted efforts by different government departments

• Legislative council • Experts • Community

• Dedicated resources • Money, expertise, materials • Public engagement • Management and monitoring in

private land

• Government • Community efforts

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Long-term Vision

Long-term vision By whom?

• Converting concretized channels to re-naturalized channels?

• Concerted efforts by government departments, e.g. DSD, AFCD, CEDD, EPD, LCSD…

• Help by environmental NGOs • Experts esp. academics • Civil society

• Protection of freshwater biodiversity

• Restoration of the hydrological basin

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Specific Objectives Specific Objectives By whom?

• CASE BY CASE

• Flooding control • Concerted efforts by related government departments led by a new (renamed?) Drainage and River Services Department?

• Ecology • Experts

• Amenities including educational, recreational purposes and accessibility

• Local employment • Local identity

• Local council, communities + government (planners) + private sector

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Engineering and Design Aspects Engineering and Design By whom?

Baseline Study and Assessment • Ecological value of river system, including wildlife and

habitat survey • Regional and local context:

• Catchment of the drainage basin • Pressure and impact • Surrounding land uses & accessibility • Community characteristics • Heritage

• Government departments

• EXPERTS: consultants, academics, green groups

Physical Design Aspects: maximize soft engineering • Flood control capacity • Improving water quality (water treatment, sewage

interception, culvert construction, pumping, natural means?)

• Re-engineering the drainage and river channel and bed?

• Riparian environment • Interface between river and sea • Ecological/habitat enhancement, wildlife access routes

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Engineering and Design Aspects Engineering and Design By whom?

Urban Design Aspects • Landscape enhancement including

furniture, crossings, greening • Heritage • Transportation plans including

pedestrianization, cycling tracks… • Theming? • Safety design and measures

• EXPERTS: consultants, academics, green groups

• Local councils and communities

• Government departments

Information Management and Sharing? • Government • District/local council • Green groups

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Planning Process Planning Process By whom?

• Mode of governance • Representatives of local communities or stakeholders (interested parties)

• Engaging the general public EARLY ON and THROUGHOUT the process: • Visions • Specific objectives • Assessment • Urban design aspects • Access to information • Implementation, management,

monitoring… • Various activities: competitions, forums,

workshops, tours, educational activities, arts and culture…

• Government • District/local council • Consultant • Green groups • Schools • Any interested parties

• Conflict resolution mechanisms • Government, consultants • District/local councils • Local stakeholders

• Sharing of information

• Hotline 92

Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Implementation Process Implement., Management & Monitoring Process

By whom?

• Implementation • Inter-departmental responsibilities by the Government

• Communication and building mutual trust with local stakeholders

• Works agents (Government or consultants): liaison officers to communicate and organize meetings

• Community liaison group with regular meetings

• Green groups & local communities

• Evaluation • Physical dimensions • Community

dimensions

• Experts (with green groups) • District/local councils and local

stakeholders

• Management (litter & refuse, dredging, weed-cutting, bankside vegetation)

• Government • District/local councils

• Monitoring • Government • Independent experts • District/local councils and local

stakeholders 93

Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Concluding Remarks: Overall Approach • Drainage basin perspective: design with nature

o Other mega-policy support (outside DSD): planning, urban development, pollution control and sewage treatment

o Overall mindset change in Hong Kong: within and outside government

• Drainage Services Department Drainage and River Services Department? o Policy support especially river conservation and revitalization

policies, inter-departmental co-operation… o Legislative and standards development? o Resource implications

• Local community (district/local councils, schools, etc.) should play a more active role in understanding the historical background and rallying local support

• Tripartite partnership throughout the planning and design process: government departments, experts (including green groups) and local communities While the government plays an important coordinating role, it’s also a ‘walking on two legs’ approach: scientific/expert knowledge (within and outside government) + local wisdom

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Concluding Remarks: Engaging the community

Public education on the functions and values of rivers and their living environment urban streams as the source of life, creativity, culture, inspiration in the local community

• Engage the community creatively throughout the process – Within the mode of governance

– Sharing of information

– Facilitate community inputs in planning, design, implementation, management and monitoring

– Building trust

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Guidelines Review

Case Studies

Proposed Guidelines

Conclusion

Concluding Remarks: Other Considerations

• How to make the water accessible?

• Safety issues

• Dealing with the negative impacts of successful revitalization of rivers and regeneration of the local communities such as the escalation of rental costs that drives out tenants…

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Conclusion

THANK YOU!

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revitalizing urban streams

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