Comprehensive rehabilitation planning of deserted pits and the case study in plain area of Beijing, China

Deserted pits left from urban development and construction are degraded ecosystems which cause numerous environmental, ecological and landscape problems. The rehabilitation practices for individual deserted pit can be found in many sites. However, the discussion on comprehensive rehabilitation planning strategy from the point views of urban planning is still rare. A comprehensive rehabilitation planning process was developed in this study using the plain area of Beijing as a case study. A thorough investigation of deserted pits in the plain area of Beijing was conducted using remote sensing techniques and on-site surveys. Data on site features such as location, depth, areas, volume, soil composition, and current status were carefully analyzed. A classification index system was developed to group deserted pit sites into different rehabilitation planning categories based on their characteristics. Specific rehabilitation plan included soil modification, slope eco-engineering, vegetation re-establishment, and landscaping. Rehabilitation actions were designed for flood water retention, rainwater utilization, natural recovery, green space & public parks, and reserved lands. The benefits from rehabilitation were then evaluated including efficient flood control, rainwater utilization and groundwater replenishment, dust pollution reduction, as well as ecology and landscape improvement. The plan has been adopted by Beijing government to rehabilitate the desert pits. The comprehensive planning method can be applied to other locations.

Research highlights▶ A comprehensive rehabilitation planning process was developed. ▶ A classification index system was developed to group deserted pit sites into different rehabilitation planning categories. ▶ Rehabilitation actions were designed for flood water retention, rainwater utilization, natural recovery, green space & public parks, and reserved lands. ▶ The benefits from rehabilitation were evaluated.