Implementation plan

The next step after defining the scope and goals of the intervention in the response strategy is the implementation plan. The implementation plan defines how the responses will be implemented in detail. This can be done by answering a range of basic implementation questions for different areas.

The areas are emergency needs assessment, targeting, partnership, monitoring and evaluation, reporting, logistics and security. Examples for implementation questions in the area partnership: What partnerships are needed to make the plan work? What will the role of these partners be? After deciding on the best course of action, attention turns to organizing the specifics of how it will be carried out (Choularton, 2007).

The role of the disaster management authority (DMA)

When the city council approves a detailed zoning plan, the DMA’s task is raising awareness among city planners and politicians to make the right decision, resulting in a more resilient city. There are different hazards in different parts of the municipality, therefore it is important to make the correct necessary precautions. The DMA is responsible for making sure that the different risks and hazards are accounted for and identified. Flood risk is one of the most important ones (Trondheim kommune, 2021).

Regarding Brattøra the DMA can be responsible for informing city planners about the need for safe spaces, or making sure there is enough free space to do a proper emergency evacuation. The DMA can also suggest or inform about preventative measures such as the mentioned storm drain catch basins, green roofs and blue green infrastructure. Every detailed zone plan is required to include risk and vulnerability assessment, which is a systematic evaluation of potential risks and vulnerabilities that a city or urban area may face. It involves identifying and analyzing various hazards. The DMA is responsible for making sure the assessment is handed in to the municipality correctly as the assessment serves at the foundation for informed decision-making. In this way city planners, policymakers, and stakeholders can prioritize investments, allocate resources, and develop resilient and sustainable urban areas (Trondheim kommune, 2021).

The DMA will also be, in collaberation with others, be responsible for the evacuation plan, community response plan and the flood education plan for Brattøra.

Short-term planning (0-5 years)

Community response plan

The identified stakeholders at Brattøra will need to be informed about the hazards following a flood, and they need to know how to respond to a flood. Information posters in visible places will inform the public on what to do in case of a flood, location of evacuation routes and temporary shelters. Having a dialogue with the stakeholders can help to build a sense of community, and arranging meetings will encourage them to make mitigating measures on their properties to make the buildings withstand the damaging effects of a flood.

Evacuation plan

An evacuation plan is necessary to ensure safe evacuation in case of a flood. The existing disaster management authority will ensure that an evacuation plan is in place and goes according to plan. The procedure needs to be clear and effective, and evacuation zones should be established for registration of those evacuated. Trondheim Red Cross, Norwegian People’s Aid and Trøndelag Fire and Rescue Department can be responsible for the evacuation, while The Civil Defense will aid with temporary shelter and rations. Providing housing is not highly relevant for this scenario since there are no residents, except for hotel guests that may be affected. However, a plan for providing temporary housing may become relevant in the future if the area is developed for housing.

Medium-term planning (5-10 years)

Change zoning plans and policies for new buildings

Proposing to change policies for new buildings and municipal plans can be another measure to make Brattøra more flood resilient. The municipality already has different plans and guidelines on making the city resilient against climate change, and how structures and urban areas should be developed to adapt to climate change. The most important one is the municipality master plan which sets the premises for zoning plans (Trondheim kommune, 2023), shown in Figure 25. The existing zoning plans for Brattøra should be updated and focus more on climate change.

Hence, the group suggests a new zoning plan which proposes mixed land-use objectives including residential zones. Establishing residential housing in the area can aid in building a community. The new plans should also contain measures for heavy rain and floods, in addition to other natural hazards. Permeable surfaces which absorb surface water can be one measure.

Today, a large portion of Brattøra consists of parking spaces and concrete, with non-permeable surfaces. A step towards planning and making a more climate friendly part of the city is to find alternative locations for the current activities, and eventually approve zone plans for mixed used commercial and residential housing. The plans should also be updated for future extreme weather conditions with heavy rain, storm surges and water level rise similar to what was done in the sub-plan for Nyhavna (Trondheim kommune, 2016).

The group also proposes to change policies for new buildings and demand that buildings and infrastructure are constructed to be more robust. The plan should also set requirements for developers regarding risk reducing measures such as green roofs, green walls and natural based infrastructure on their properties.

The new plan should also have a strategy for handling surface water, and the most suited areas for storing surface water and for waterways should be identified. Where it is necessary, property owners will be responsible for handling and collecting surface water on their own properties. The developers and landowners should be required to redirect surface water from their properties towards the fjord which will create blue/green corridors. It should be able to connect natural based infrastructure on public spaces to the private ones, which can be done through a municipal master plan. Slowing down and storing water, in addition to increased filtration, will stop water from potentially damaging buildings and infrastructure or cause capacity issues in the sewage system.

Pir II architects concept of natural based solutions in figure 26 shows a strategy on how Trondheim should develop towards 2050. Strategies like this can be a useful tool for planning a future master sub-plan for Brattøra.

Rainwater gardens and blue/green structures

Brattøra, located in Trondheim, faces the challenge of managing stormwater runoff due to its extensive impervious road surfaces. To address this issue, we propose implementing rain gardens, as illustrated in figure 27, as a cost-effective solution. By utilizing the existing road medians and roadside green spaces, we can create a network of rain gardens that will help infiltrate and manage the rainfall effectively.

The impervious road surfaces exacerbate the problem of stormwater runoff in Brattøra. However, by converting road medians and roadside green spaces into rain gardens, we can harness the potential of these areas to capture and retain rainwater. The existing green spaces provide a valuable opportunity to integrate green infrastructure seamlessly into the urban landscape, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.

In addition to their environmental benefits, rain gardens offer a cost-effective solution for managing stormwater runoff in Brattøra. Compared to traditional stormwater management systems, such as constructing larger underground storage tanks or expanding the existing sanitary infrastructure, rain gardens prove to be a more affordable alternative. By harnessing the natural infiltration capacity of the soil and carefully selecting appropriate plant species, we can achieve effective stormwater management at a fraction of the cost.

Moreover, rain gardens provide a sustainable approach that integrates with the existing landscape and infrastructure. Instead of costly and extensive construction projects, rain gardens utilize the natural properties of the soil and vegetation to capture, filter, and absorb stormwater runoff. This approach not only reduces the financial burden but also enhances the visual appeal and ecological value of the area.

Rain gardens offer numerous advantages in mitigating stormwater runoff. Firstly, they promote natural infiltration, allowing rainwater to percolate into the ground rather than overwhelming the existing sanitary system. This reduces the strain on the system during heavy rainfall events. Moreover, rain gardens act as natural filtration systems, removing pollutants and improving water quality before it reaches local water bodies.

To optimize cost-effectiveness, the excess water from the rain gardens can be efficiently managed by connecting extension pipes to the existing sanitary line . This ensures that any surplus water flows into the sanitary system, preventing overwhelming the rain gardens during heavy rainfall events. By making use of the existing infrastructure, we can maximize the efficiency of stormwater management while minimizing additional expenses.

Community involvement creating rain gardens

Involving the local community in this initiative is crucial for its success. By engaging residents and organizations, we can create a sense of ownership and environmental stewardship. Community involvement can range from participating in the planning and design process to volunteering for maintenance activities. As most people go there for work, different programs such as free swimming day at Brattøra for volunteers could be arranged to involve the community. This collaborative approach fosters a strong connection between the community and the rain gardens, leading to long-term sustainability and appreciation for the benefits they provide.

A local flood education plan can be developed for Brattøra, which could be managed by a local flood education committee consisting of both experts and the community. Considering the stakeholder analysis, it is important that all groups are represented, owners and renters, as well as all sub-groups.

Flood education activities regarding post-flood learnings could also help the community to be better prepared for floods. Surveys and focus groups could map the effectiveness of the measures and how they can be improved, learnings from disaster debriefs can improve systems and agency competencies, and community debrief meetings can identify problems and possible improvements in the preparation, response and recovery.

Long-term planning (10-25 years)

Future development

By implementing rain gardens in Brattøra, we can address the challenge of stormwater runoff effectively, while also providing an opportunity for the local community to contribute to the improvement of their environment. Through cost-effective measures, such as rain gardens, we can create a resilient and sustainable stormwater management system that enhances the beauty and functionality of Brattøra.

Flood education and flood awareness

Learnings from the approach to community flood education in Australia can be implemented in the contingency plan for Brattøra. By involving the community and improving their knowledge, their preparedness for future floods will be raised. Volunteers from the community can aid in setting up flood barriers in the event of a flood. The approach can help build a flood resilient community at Brattøra.

Several functions from the approach can be implemented, such as training volunteers to help educate their local communities and community leaders, developing and maintaining ongoing community discussion about floods and how to cope, and reviews of preventative and coping systems by public meetings or focus groups.

Since Trondheim is expected to grow rapidly in population by 2050 (Trondheim kommune, n.d.-b), the area of Brattøra is most likely a highly relevant area for future development of housing and services because of its close location to the city center and public transport connections. Since the area is prone to floods due to heavy rain, measures should be implemented if the area is developed further. In addition, developers must ensure that new housing is built at least 4 meters above sea level, such as the requirements for future housing at Nyhavna which is next to our site. This can help both for heavy rain and for storm surges.