Description

1) The Olympics of Levee Setbacks: Qualifying Times, Hurdles, and Relays
Randall Behm, PE, CFM, BEHM Hazard Mitigation, LLC, floodfighter@q.com
Co-presenters: None

Abstract: Flood risk management in the United States, primarily along rivers and streams, has historically been conducted through the construction of levees to control flooding. In recent decades climate change has continued to evolve into dynamic weather patterns resulting in disastrous flooding from coast to coast. Just as traditional an action for constructing levees is for trying to control flooding, is the process of repeatedly repairing damaged levees to their pre-flood condition, only to repeat the process. During this presentation, Mr. Randall Behm will discuss why levee setbacks should be incorporated into the national satchel of techniques for reducing flood damage, increasing resiliency, and supporting environmental functions. This presentation will provide the audience with information regarding why levee setbacks are vital to current US policies for managing flood risk. The flood damage reduction benefits, environmental benefits, and reduction in reconstruction costs associated with setting at risk levees back from the river are critical to improving flood risk management policies which are archaic in their current status. This presentation encourages consideration of potential legislative language which requires the identification of and documentation of at-risk levee systems through significant flood damage and reconstruction costs, as well as opportunities for federal agencies to collaborate on the planning processes for implementation of future levee setbacks.

2) Greenways in the Floodway: Design Solutions for Flooding Trails in Urban Areas
Andrew Martin, PE (NC, SC, PA), CFM, ESP Associates, amartin@espassociates.com
Co-presenters: Gina Straga, gstraga@espassociates.com; Robert Billings, robert.billings@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Abstract: This presentation will focus on the benefits and challenges associated with building greenways adjacent to creeks. It will explore a case study of the existing Little Sugar Creek Greenway in urban Charlotte, North Carolina. A portion of the existing greenway is built through an existing culvert that experiences frequent flooding due to quick rising water levels in the area. Sediment build-up in the culvert barrels and the delayed reopening of the trail after rain have caused an increase in maintenance activities and a negative user experience. This presentation will explore a solution to help reduce the frequency of flooding on the greenway while balancing flood risk and meeting the requirements of the NFIP. The presentation will also explore collaborative opportunities between recreation uses and floodplain managers to reach mutually beneficial solutions.

3) The Multiple Benefits of Floodplain Easements: An Assessment of Demand for Floodplain Easements in the Upper Mississippi River Basin
Olivia Dorothy, American Rivers, odorothy@americanrivers.org
Co-presenters: None

Abstract: American Rivers’ recent report “The Multiple Benefits of Floodplain Easements” assesses the demand for floodplain easements in the Upper Mississippi River Basin and how USDA conservation easement programs often miss flood-prone acres. The Secretary of Agriculture has declared flood-related agricultural disasters annually across the five Upper Mississippi River Basin states, yet funding for the USDA floodplain easement program has only been open to enrollment twice in the region. Our study found that significant new investments are needed in the Upper Mississippi River Basin to reduce agricultural damages from flooding. In the five Upper Mississippi River Basin states – Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin – flooding is the most frequent and widespread cause of crop damage. Over the past decade, flood-related agricultural damages in the five Upper Mississippi River Basin states have exceeded $8 billion, while flood prevention funding over that same time was only $267 million. The Report links escalating flood damages and costs to climate change driven changes in precipitation and documents a clear need and desire for greater investments in flood prevention programs, like the USDA floodplain easement program. To reduce agricultural flood damages, Congress needs to open the floodplain easement program for annual enrollment and make other resources available for farmers to prevent flood damages.