City of Green Bay: City-Wide Green Stormwater Infrastructure Plan
2026 Engineering Excellence State Finalist
Entering Firm: AQUALIS
Client: City of Green Bay
Like many highly urbanized Lake Michigan communities, the City of Green Bay faces challenges related to dense development, extensive impervious surfaces, and recurring flooding and water-quality concerns. To address these issues, engineers developed a City-Wide Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Plan aimed at managing stormwater where it falls, mimicking natural hydrology to capture, store, treat, and gradually release runoff. This approach reduces peak flows, improves water quality, and lessens the burden on the City’s stormwater system and receiving waters.
Engineers created a new plan that will streamline stormwater infrastructure development for all Green Bay.
AQUALIS played a central role in analyzing watershed conditions and identifying areas where GSI would have the greatest impact. The plan evaluated the cost-effectiveness of various strategies and provided City decision-makers with a clear, data-driven roadmap for reducing flood risk, improving surface-water health, and enhancing quality of life for residents.
The final report detailed priority subbasins, identified 30 public and 20 private GSI opportunities, and incorporated water-quality and water-quantity modeling to support recommendations. Engineers also developed an analysis method using GIS-based mapping tools, a feasibility evaluation process for right-of-way projects, and design, maintenance and operations guidance to support long-term success.
Since adoption, City staff have actively used the study and guidance to evaluate GSI in municipal projects, demonstrating the plan's immediate value and its role in shaping project design and a more resilient, sustainable Green Bay.