Last update
2026
Summary
In Veneto, Italy, floods, landslides, and erosion have significantly affected the region. Municipalities face increased flood risks due to rising land consumption, more in northern Italy. Santorso and Marano Vicentino, in Vincenza's north, use sponge measures to counter pluvial flooding and improve rainwater management.
Position
Latitude
45.3438889
Longitude
11.955833333333333
Project
SpongeScapes
Transboundary
0
Photo gallery
Location of the project
The Agripolis site (see also related case studies "Municipality of Santorso sites, Italy" and "Timonchio site, Italy") is located near the Venetian Pre-Alps, crossed by the Leogra and the Timonchio rivers and artificial channels. These waterways have played an essential role in the historical development of manufacturing processes and industrialisation, and are still used today for irrigation and runoff control. The history of the region has had a significant influence on the landscape (mix of agricultural, industrial and residential areas).
Project's objectives
The main objective of these case studies is to analyse the impacts of the widespread adoption of the sponge measures in such a heterogeneous, anthropised environment. The co-benefits and trade-offs associated with these interventions will also be analysed, taking into account their economic implications for local stakeholders.
Involved Partners
| Authority type | Authority name | Role | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
Project area
0.0002 km²
Area specifications
In 2011, two experimental rain gardens, with a circular area of about 10% and 20% of the drainage area, have been realized at the campus of Agripolis (University of Padova) to study their functionality in the climatic context of the Venetian Plane. This case is linked with case 9 to provide additional detailed process information (especially from the vegetation dynamics point of view) useful in the stakeholders' involvement (providing information about a correct design of a rain garden) and in the modeling actions.
Financing authorities
Policy context
The sponge measures include various types of natural water retention measures, such as rain gardens, bioretention, grassed swales, pervious pavement or infiltration trenches. In addition, the water retention basin built in a rural area (municipality of Schio) allows water to be stored for irrigation, reducing drought damage to two neighbouring farms and enabling farmers to produce more profitable crops. It also offers ancillary benefits in terms of biodiversity and new recreational services. The implementation of these small, simple but effective solutions has solved some hydraulic problems and prevented flooding in residential and agricultural areas.
Community involvment
No
Design consultation activity
| Activity stage | Name | Key issues | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
Policy target
| Target purpose |
|---|
Policy pressure
| Pressure directive | Relevant pressure |
|---|---|
Policy impact
| Impact directive | Relevant impact |
|---|---|
Requirement directive
| Requirement directive | Specification |
|---|---|
Contractual arrangements
0
| Arrangement type | Responsibility | Role | Name | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Part of wider plan
0
Wider plan type
| Wider plan type | Wider plan focus | Name | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
Data recorded: 2015-present (rainfall, water levels and flows).
Success factor(s)
| Success factor type | Success factor role | Comments | Order |
|---|---|---|---|
Driver
| Driver type | Driver role | Comments | Order |
|---|---|---|---|
English