Speaking

Removing dams presents opportunities for both watershed managers and planners to achieve substantial improvements in water quality and watershed, floodplain, and stream functionality. Within the constructed environment, these projects can provide benefits that reduce burden on existing infrastructure using green design techniques. To maximize the benefits of dam removal, it is important to gain an understanding of the dam’s place in the watershed so that the project can properly consider options for restoration and improvements. We will present the pre-design considerations during the decision-making process, the investigative and design elements of the project once the decision has been made to proceed, and the elements of permitting, funding acquisition, and project execution. In addition, we will discuss some of the unique opportunities for funding dam removals that might provide benefits for stormwater management, with several case studies highlighting the variability of the types of benefits and outcomes of dam removal projects. 

Climate and weather patterns are predicted to become more extreme and more intense as we move into the next few decades. However, we are currently designing infrastructure (streams, wetlands, bridges, sewers, etc.) using historic records as our design criteria. Engineers and scientists need to begin designing infrastructure that will continue to function as intended over the next decades despite a changing climate. There are three broad approaches we can take to achieve this, each with challenges, costs, and constraints. The first is to simply size modern infrastructure to suit anticipated design storms. The second is to design a system that is modular and can be steadily expanded over time to meet additional pressures. The third is to design a system that can progressively self-adapt to change its function to match the change in climate. This presentation explores the use, benefits, and drawbacks of each potential approach.

Stormwater management requirements vary by state, with some state requirements being more stringent than others. Drawing on Burgess & Niple’s (B&N’s) nationwide stormwater expertise, Mike Mills, PE and John Swartzbaugh, PE will discuss case study stormwater management projects in Ohio, Kentucky and Florida to reduce sewer overflow and improve water quality. Each project uses a unique approach to stormwater management, including above and below ground basins, and rain gardens at the surface water line. The case studies will go over the advantages and disadvantages of each strategy, when to use them, design considerations, and the overall project results compared to its state requirements. 

Learn more about the state and federal programs that provide funding for restoration and resilience projects including: 1) ODNR’s H2Ohio grant program; (2) Ohio EPA and Ohio Department of Development grant programs; (3) FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance and BRIC programs; and 4) the status of pending state and federal legislation offering additional grant opportunities.  

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) became effective in 1970. Federal agencies are required to meet NEPA requirements when issuing federal funds or requiring a federal action (permit). This presentation will discuss the basics of NEPA, requirements for documenting and permitting of the action to comply with federal requirements and satisfy the requirements to obtain the funding or permits for stormwater projects.