The Glasgow Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) Management Project satisfies the first phase
of the Glasgow Surface Water Management Project. This is Glasgow City Council’s contribution to the
Transformation of Rural and Urban Spatial Structure (TRUST) project, one of the European Union’s (EU)
interregional (INTERREG IIIB) funded research projects. The remit of this EU project comprises also
other representative regions in Europe. The project shows also how SUDS can contribute to the overall
catchment dynamics of cities such as Glasgow, ultimately relieving stress on the current predominantly
combined sewer system. Fifty-seven sites within 46 areas of Glasgow were identified for investigation. A
detailed soil chemistry analysis, a preliminary SUDS feasibility assessment and a desk study relating to
historical planning issues that may be relevant for subsequent future development and regeneration options
were undertaken. Detailed design and management guidelines were then drafted for selected representative
demonstration areas (Belvidere Hospital and Celtic FC Stadium Areas) of high public and property
developers interest, and education value. A combination of infiltration trenches or swales with ponds
or underground storage were the most likely SUDS options for the majority of the demonstration areas.
Soil contamination issues were considered when selecting SUDS because heavy metals such as lead and
zinc can cause environmental health problems
