2. Paradigm shifts prior to GAEP

2.1 Collective infrastructures

Over the last few decades, stormwater management for collective infrastructures has undergone a significant paradigm shift. Traditionally, stormwater management focused on the rapid evacuation of runoff to prevent urban flooding. This was achieved mainly through the construction of conventional drainage systems, mostly consisting of underground pipes and retention basins.

This approach came to have several limitations, including the risk of overloading wastewater treatment systems, polluting waterways with untreated runoff, and degrading aquatic ecosystems. The new stormwater management paradigm is moving towards more sustainable solutions, adopting an integrated, multifunctional approach. This evolution is based on a number of...