RFPs: Integrating Nature-based Solutions & Gray Infrastructure to Optimize Treatment Performance

Project Objectives

• Summarize and advance the state of practice of integrating nature-based solutions with conventional/gray infrastructure treatment trains across different water matrices.
• Assess water quality performance capabilities of mixed treatment trains using existing datasets, published literature values, and/or advanced tools such as simulation models.
• Identify socio-technical opportunities and barriers for better integration, and evaluate proposed solutions for energy, chemical, and/or other operation and maintenance cost savings.
• Perform a triple bottom line (or similar) analysis to holistically evaluate the tradeoffs of mixed treatment trains vs. full conventional/gray or full nature-based.

Budget

• Applicants may request up to $225,000 in WRF funds for this project
• Project Duration: The anticipated period of performance for this project is 24 months from the contract start date. The submission of one open access peer-reviewed journal paper can go beyond the project end date.

Expected Deliverables

• A stand-alone comprehensive literature synthesis document that summarizes the state of practice of integrating nature-based solutions with conventional/gray infrastructure treatment trains across different water matrices
• A user-friendly utility-facing guidance document and catalog of options outlining how nature-based solutions and conventional/gray processes can fit together
  • Summary of analysis of triple bottom line (economic, social, and environmental) considerations for a spectrum of treatment process trains (gray infrastructure to nature based solutions)
  • Summary of detailed case studies and examples of successful (or unsuccessful) integration of nature-based solutions and conventional/gray treatment processes
  • A list of research needs and proposed preliminary research concepts for future consideration
• A utility-focused invitation-only virtual workshop for peer-to-peer information exchange and identification of future research needs, along with workshop planning and all supporting materials (e.g., agenda, presentations, meeting notes, and workshop summary)
• Broader outreach:
  • Conduct webcasts and deliver public outreach materials such as conference presentations
  • Submit one open access peer-reviewed journal paper and additional outreach products as applicable.

Eligibility Criteria

• Proposals will be accepted from both U.S.-based and non-U.S.-based entities, including educational institutions, research organizations, governmental agencies, and consultants or other for-profit entities.
• Researchers who are late on any ongoing WRF-sponsored studies without approved no-cost extensions are not eligible to be named participants in any proposals.
• WRF encourages participation from water utilities and other organizations in WRF research. Participation can occur in a variety of ways, including direct participation, in-kind contributions, or in-kind services.

For more information, visit WRF.