Design of dual-purpose detention systems using dynamic programming

Stormwater detention basins are increasingly being used to control both urban flooding and nonpoint urban pollution. In order to design such systems effectively some type of design algorithm is needed. Two different dynamic programming formulations are examined for use in the development of a general design algorithm for dual purpose detention systems. Both formulations can be used to determine the locations and required storage for each detention basin as well as the required dimensions of the basin and the associated outlet works. Importantly, the proposed formulations allow the inclusion of pollutant loads and associated constraints into the overall stormwater management problem.