harnessing the power of the people for effective 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement

although the phrase “information superhighway” was coined nearly three decades ago, this vast network of unending data streams has only increased in the intervening years — with no signs of slowing down. without a doubt, this daily bombardment of constant information has made it increasingly difficult to get the attention of others. everyone is busy. people manage work, family, school, and a myriad number of other responsibilities.

how can we possibly take the time to volunteer for a focus group on a matter that greatly concerns us? where do we find time to attend a 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 meeting on a school night? how do we decide what to pay attention to?

active and effective 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement leads to real-world thoughts and opinions from residents.

in the community 2022世界杯32强预选赛 world, these questions have made an effective 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement plan a considerable challenge. time and attention are limited resources, but at the same time, the need for quality 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 input has grown to become a key component of many civic 2022世界杯32强预选赛 efforts. from comprehensive plans and urban revitalization endeavors to infrastructure design and construction projects, active 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement plays a critical role in successful 2022世界杯32强预选赛 work.

the team of 2022世界杯32强预选赛 and design professionals at snyder & associates understands this crucial dynamic all too well. working at the forefront of 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 projects for several decades, we’ve fully embraced this shift for more active and inclusive 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 participation and have developed the tools necessary to reach the people in the most effective manner possible. whether you need smart content created to help market a project or a knowledgeable and polished team to present at 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 meetings, we’re able to help you fashion the best approach for reaching your goals.

our core strength, perhaps, lies in our commitment to our partnership with our clients. as true stewards of the community, our clients know their constituencies best. they know who the movers and shakers are, and they know which populations are underserved. as consultants, we possess the fundamental resources that allow us to act as a seamless extension of our client’s staff. our goal is to help them leverage our knowledge of 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement best practices and combine it with their knowledge of their communities. this strategy effectively fills in the 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement gaps, so together we can perform the most appropriate 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement process for the project at hand and achieve the best result for the community at large.

unquestionably, our motives are personal. with twelve office locations in five states, the communities our team members serve are the same places we proudly call home. as a result, we’re able to better understand and address the challenges our clients face. for us, it’s about building long-term relationships with the people who place so much trust in us — knowing that we’ll not only do our best to address their needs but also the needs of all community stakeholders.

critical role of an active 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement process

an effective 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement strategy helps in the 2022世界杯32强预选赛 process in several ways — by increasing accountability and transparency, as well as acting as a vehicle to build trust and a mutual understanding. when determining the process for 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement for any project, it’s important to understand the challenges you may face, the people you may encounter, and how much engagement is too much.

many community leaders are often left asking themselves, “what is the appropriate approach to educate residents on the crucial elements of a project so they can provide constructive feedback that helps our decision-making process?” or, “how can i reach our entire community when it seems like everyone is too busy to assist with our 2022世界杯32强预选赛 efforts?”

the elevate indianola campaign relied heavily on community input to guide the final report.

through our extensive experience, we’ve found a large percentage of residents in most communities do want to know what’s going on and, more importantly, would like to be part of the decision-making process. many simply don’t know how they can participate. oftentimes, certain factors play into people’s ability to attend typical 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 meetings or focus groups. these circumstances can encompass lack of childcare or transportation to the meeting location, communication barriers, or their work schedule conflicts with the meeting time. and some people are simply intimidated by a civic building setting or have a fear of speaking out in a 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 setting. our job as planners and designers is to recognize the roadblocks that keep these citizens home and work to mitigate them.

some groups may be harder to reach but they’re equally important in the decision-making process when decisions directly impact them. additionally, these groups may have different perceptions of the community’s strengths and weaknesses and different priorities for improvement. having a full understanding of the demographic helps to ensure you’re reaching everyone in the community in an equitable manner.

certain 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement efforts involve a steering or advisory committee to make decisions for the plan. a goal to consider when assembling this committee is to always attempt to reflect the unique demographics of your community. since steering and advisory committees are typically fewer than 20 people, creating additional ad-hoc subcommittees that report to the primary committee is one way to ensure more demographics have adequate representation. snyder & associates has the tools to help assist in designing an appropriately sized 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement process that has the capability of reaching audiences of varying sizes, up to and including your entire community.

improvements in consultative engagement approach & technology lead to better results

government employees know all too well that 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 participation is a requirement for most projects in their communities. in years past, a widely adopted 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 involvement process looked something like this:

• a 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 information meeting is held where a government representative presents the project.
• citizens in attendance ask questions and the representative answers those questions, and then the project moved forward.

in some instances, these informational meetings led to slight tweaks in the project to better meet the needs of those members of the 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 that attended the meeting — and were willing to speak up.

in recent years, however, communities are adopting (and expecting) a more robust process specifically tailored to each project. technology has expanded exponentially, thus allowing communities to reach broader audiences and to gain additional feedback as they move through the development phases of their projects. our team of planners has embraced these new tools that bring residents into the fold earlier in the project development process  and involve:

• marketing campaigns
• consultative approach
• involvement and collaboration efforts

snyder & associates prides itself on being on the cutting edge of new ideas and technology that have a positive impact on our work and our client communities. in our world, effective 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement should always be tailored to your specific project and the demographic you’re trying to reach. and while no two 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement campaigns will look the same, they should utilize established guidelines that promote the right approach for your project. contact our 2022世界杯32强预选赛 and design professionals today. let us help you explore how we can craft your next 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement campaign.

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pulling up stakes and moving anywhere in the country is a hallmark of the american lifestyle. people generally relocate for better employment prospects, a more temperate climate, or closeness to family. the communities that benefit from these shifting population trends know the importance of well-planned infrastructure for attracting those seeking greener pastures. near the top of the list is the need for access management (am) along their roads and highways to accommodate an influx of new residents and encourage healthy growth. roadways throughout our nation’s communities serve two primary purposes — mobility and access. while mobility deals with the efficient movement of people and goods, access allows those people and goods to reach specific destinations and properties along those roadways. a well-managed road designed to maximize mobility typically does so in part by effectively managing access to adjacent properties.

managing existing and newly constructed corridors has long been a significant concern in many states. as sections of rural land on the outskirts of expanding communities are developed, there’s pressure to add features such as commercial driveways, at-grade 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 road intersections, and traffic signals to arterial highway routes that should primarily serve high-speed traffic. these added features can diminish these roadways’ speed and traffic capacity and cause significant safety issues. this is where access management comes into play. properly implementing access management principles balances the competing needs of traffic mobility, safe access to adjacent properties, and supports future land development along a corridor. the traffic professionals with snyder & associates know the critical impacts of designing roadway networks while adhering to proper access management guidelines.

roadway classification affects level of access management

interstates are an example of a fully controlled access facility.

an overarching principle of access management is to limit the number of conflict points along a roadway by minimizing the number of driveways and median openings. however, the level of access management needed for any particular roadway depends greatly on what type of road it is. most roads can be placed on an access management spectrum that helps to determine the right balance of access and mobility. in iowa, a fully controlled access facility like a freeway or interstate sits on one end of this spectrum and is considered priority i highways.

carefully spaced interchanges significantly limit access, which promotes faster and better-flowing traffic. local residential streets are at the other end of the spectrum, where closely spaced ingresses, such as driveways, are expected. the other various road types are between these two extremes, each with its unique balance of access and mobility. it’s on these roads that a good access management policy can help improve the flow of traffic while still providing reasonable access to private property.

problems associated with too much direct access

the balancing act for most communities lies in allowing the proper amount of access for any particular road classification. allowing too much direct access to land from arterial roadways can generate several problems, including delays, congestion, and reduced travel speed for commuters and travelers. excessive direct access also leads to poor operational performance on major arterial roadways. additionally, air quality can suffer, and excessive energy consumption associated with increased “stop and go” traffic will increase. however, the most significant concern for drivers is the increased crash rates, injury rates, and costs associated with inadequate access management.

access management strategies promote safe mobility

roundabouts help reduce conflict points.

implementing an access management strategy promotes the safe and efficient use of the transportation network. effective access management programs typically encompass techniques state and local governments can use to control access to highways, major arterials, and other roadways. these techniques include:

• access spacing — increasing the distance between traffic signals and other access points improves the safety and flow of traffic on major arterials, reduces congestion, and improves air quality for heavily traveled corridors.
• driveway spacing — fewer driveways spaced further apart allow for more orderly traffic merging and present fewer challenges to drivers.
• safe turning lanes — dedicated left- and right-turns, indirect left-turns, u-turns, and roundabouts keep through traffic flowing. roundabouts represent an opportunity to reduce an intersection with many conflict points or a severe crash history to one that operates with fewer conflict points and less severe crashes.
• median treatments — two-way, left-turn lanes (twltl) and nontraversible, raised medians are the most effective means to regulate access and reduce crashes.
• access locations — locating access and side roads directly across from one another creates better visibility for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians, resulting in safer conditions for each mode of blended traffic.

expanding communities require sufficient access management in their transportation networks

in areas and communities experiencing rapid land development, jurisdictions need to develop access standards that balance property access and the functional integrity of the road system. multiple studies have shown that implementing access management provides increased roadway capacity, reduced crashes, and shortened travel times for motorists. these three benefits are essentially the result of minimizing or managing the number of conflict points along a corridor.

on the other hand, smaller communities that are expanding but at a much slower rate may not recognize the need for proper access management. this can, unfortunately, allow driveways and other access points to develop unabated, significantly impacting travel times and safety along corridors. this situation highlights that good access management can create an excellent functioning road, while poor access management can lead to traffic congestion and other issues. areas that do not practice effective access management face more rapid deterioration of the quality of traffic flow than those with a well-thought-out access management policy. access management calls for adequate ingress and egress to a facility, efficient spacing and design to preserve functional integrity, and the overall operational viability of street and road systems. snyder & associates knows these issues well and stands ready to help communities custom-tailor their transportation network for their unique situation.

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what is dam modification?

the dam modification process leaves a portion of the original structure in place at its current location, but design and/or river changes are made. modifications may include adjustments to the slope of the river bed, upstream pool, or scour pool on the downstream side of the dam. popular methods to modify a dam include partial removal, rock riffles, rock arch rapids, and rock ramps.

partial removal
removing only a section of a dam is a common modification practice to improve natural and aquatic resources along with increased safety for recreational river users. features that can be partially removed include gates and spillways. in some instances, like the hydroelectric dam in fort dodge, iowa, the original spillway was partially removed, leaving only a section that will be used as a drop feature for kayakers. the headwalls, powerhouse, and a portion of the tainter gate remained in place to provide bank protection and keep some of the structure’s historical integrity intact.

rock riffle
rock riffle consists of rows of boulders and rock slopes installed downstream of a dam to resemble natural rapids. instead of spilling over the dam in a steep vertical drop, water descends gradually over the rock riffle. the dam still holds water to maintain upstream pools. on the squaw creek project in ames, iowa, a water main located downstream was in danger of being exposed to erosion caused by recirculating dam currents. construction of a rock riffle and low-flow benches, along with stabilization of the streambanks rectified the erosion issue.

“squaw creek was intended to be a streambank stabilization and water main protection project,” snyder & associates civil engineer steve klocke says. “given low-head dam’s proximity to the project, fema insisted that it be addressed and doing so further enhanced the benefits of the project.”

rock arch rapids
another dam modification method is to scale down its height to reduce the recirculating water effect. a rock and boulder complex added upstream from a dam creates a rock arch rapids. caution and awareness are still required while traversing the rapids, but the hazard posed by the dam is no longer an issue.

rock ramps
similar to rock arch rapids, rock ramps are another cost-effective alternative to dam removal. to modify a dam in this manner, a rock and boulder complex is added to the scour pool on the downstream side of the dam. the additional rock fills in the scour to create a stable slope. the height of the dam may be lowered, as well, depending on the height of the structure.

spillway modifications improve environmental conditions

as a close relative to dams, spillways can also be modified to promote fish passage and prevent the spread of invasive species. for example, snyder & associates redesigned the spillway at easter lake, in iowa, to prevent invasive species from entering the lake during high water and flood events. managing invasive species is important both ecologically and economically. to help prevent the introduction of invasive species, a fish barrier was designed with a structural steel exclusion system built into the concrete portion of the spillway. this system works together with a vertical barrier component to keep desirable fish in and undesirable fish out. several u.s. waterbodies have been invaded by harmful invasive species, including zebra mussels (dreissena polymorpha), asian carp (cyprinus carpio), and hydrilla (hydrilla verticillata). they’re considered invasive for their tendency to:

• overrun native habitats
• deplete food resources for native species
• multiply quickly
• spread easily
• block sunlight
• deplete oxygen

“several invasive species tolerate winter temperatures and thrive during the summer,” explains nichoel church, environmental scientist with snyder & associates. “treatment and management options can be very expensive and perpetual.”

benefits of dam modification vs removal

there are circumstances when the benefits of modifying dams outweigh completing a full dam removal. typically, these occur when removal would cause socially unacceptable outcomes, such as the loss of flood protection for populated areas, the loss of wetlands created by the dam, or the loss of energy from a hydropower project. however, when warranted, modification can improve stream water quality, reintroduce aquatic species up and downstream from the site, and increase recreation while still maintaining some control of flows. dam modification is primarily practiced with low-head dams, as they pose the most significant safety risk. transforming the structure’s design reduces the risk of drowning by altering the water’s vertical drop and cyclical undercurrents. still, it can be applied to other dam varieties, depending on size, location, and overall condition.

dam modification cost and funding options

dam modification projects often take on a life of their own due to the unique combination of human and environmental contexts linked to each specific dam. this is why it’s imperative to work with professionals, like the team at snyder & associates, that understand the permitting and funding processes. funding options for dam modification projects come with pros and cons. modification projects typically result in lower overall project costs due to a portion of the original dam being left intact. however, while expenses may be lower, funding can be more challenging to obtain. it’s often easier to procure funding sources for full removals since this method has a greater connection with the waterway. “whether it’s full removal or modification, design, permitting, and construction are all there. each one of those is a component of both processes. the only difference is with modification, a portion of the dam remains in-stream,” shares church.

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two recently enacted pieces of federal legislation have opened the door for communities across the country to reap millions of dollars in federal funding to support infrastructure upgrades and improvements in their jurisdictions. the coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery funds (slfrf), a part of the american rescue plan (arp), went into effect in may of 2021 to help governments meet their immediate pandemic response needs. recent changes to arp have opened the door to more infrastructure-focused spending, including roadway construction and maintenance, water and sewer system investments, and stormwater management projects.

the more recently enacted bipartisan infrastructure law has earmarked over $1.2 trillion over five years for more widespread infrastructure improvements. this massive program will focus on improving the safety of our transportation system through repairing and rebuilding roads and bridges, creating healthy and sustainable 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 transportation options, modernizing and expanding passenger and freight rail efficiency and safety, and upgrading our nation’s airports, just to name a few. the professionals with snyder & associates are uniquely positioned to help your community get its share of these funds for critical infrastructure projects. since 1977, our team has been building trusted relationships with key community leaders and decision-makers at all levels of government across the midwest. we can assist your organization in laying the groundwork to secure the full benefits your community is entitled to.

american rescue plan (arp) funds expanded by slfrf

for most jurisdictions, slfrf funds can be used to replace lost 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 sector revenue due to the pandemic. recipients may opt for a standard allowance of up to $10 million or calculate their specific revenue loss using a formula provided by the treasury department. in addition to the previously mentioned roadway construction and maintenance project allowances, slfrf funds can be used to invest in water and sewer infrastructure, improve access to clean drinking water, and support vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure. eligible water and sewer projects include those allowed under the epa’s clean water state revolving fund (cwsrf), epa’s drinking water state revolving fund (dwsrf), and certain lead remediation projects, as well as aid for private wells and septic units.

nationwide allocation from bipartisan infrastructure law

at over $1.2 trillion over five years, the bipartisan infrastructure law is perhaps the largest commitment of federal funds for infrastructure spending in a generation. every state is slated to receive an allotment of these funds for roadway and bridge construction and repair and numerous other transportation-related projects, as previously mentioned. here are more detailed explanations of the funding share for iowa, wisconsin, nebraska, missouri, and south dakota.

in addition to the state-specific funds, state and local governments will be able to compete for these new & expanded competitive grant programs anticipated to launch over the next year:

• safe streets for all ($6b, new)
• rebuilding american infrastructure with sustainability and equity (raise) grants ($15b, expanded)
• infrastructure for rebuilding america (infra) grants ($14b, expanded)
• federal transit administration (fta) low and no emission bus programs ($5.6b, expanded)
• fta buses + bus facilities competitive program ($2.0b, expanded)
• capital investment grants (cig) program ($23b, expanded)
• federal aviation administration (faa) terminal program ($5b, new)
• mega projects ($15b, new)
• promoting resilient operations for transformative, efficient, and cost-saving transportation (protect) program ($8.7b, new)
• port infrastructure development program ($2.25b, expanded)
• federal highway administration (fhwa) competitive grants for nationally significant bridges and other bridges ($12.5b, new)
• fta all station accessibility program ($1.75b, new)
• charging and fueling infrastructure discretionary grants (up to $2.5b, new)
• reconnecting communities pilot program ($1b, new)
• strengthening mobility and revolutionizing transportation (smart) grant program ($1b, new)

with such vast funding opportunities available, now is the time to prioritize your “wish list” of infrastructure projects and position your community to receive and allocate its share. turn to the trusted professionals at snyder & associates to help guide your decision-making process and maximize the funding avenues for your most critical projects.

if you’re interested in discussing steps to better position your community for obtaining funding for infrastructure projects, please contact the snyder & associates office near you.

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with the use of a pavement management system, unwelcome expenses can be greatly reduced. pavement management is the process of 2022世界杯32强预选赛 the maintenance and repair work for an entire network of roadways to optimize pavement-related spending. this is accomplished by scheduling and performing preservation activities regularly. in short, a pavement management system helps to identify the pothole candidates, establish a plan to minimize their expansion, and improve the overall network. with a focus on keeping roads in good condition using reliable pavement preservation techniques, the team at snyder & associates is experienced in the development and implementation of fiscally responsible pavement management programs.

whether the pavement in question is rigid (pcc) or flexible (hma), snyder & associates has the experience to recommend long-term solutions to improve your pavement network. jerod gross, p.e., leed ap is an expert in the pavement preservation field related to pcc pavements and leads seminars around the country in conjunction with staff from the national concrete pavement technology center (cp tech center). laura lamberty, p.e. has over 30 years of experience in the field of hma pavements.

the professionals at snyder & associates are also able to determine the root cause of pavement failures to provide targeted solutions. these solutions may be as simple as using the proper pavement mix and thickness in the initial design, anticipating surface and subsurface drainage issues, or following proper construction practices. regardless, we should expect new pavements to last a long time — minimizing or eliminating stop-gap repairs down the road.

steps to pavement management 2022世界杯32强预选赛  

a pavement management system can be as simple or as complex as it needs to be. with years of experience working with communities of various sizes, we can determine the best approach for each particular municipality. regardless of size, however, gathering data and identifying pavement history is the first step that directly impacts potential solutions.

gather and document pavement history
at the outset, our team determines the proper data collection tools necessary based on the roadway network. whether the network requires a simple spreadsheet, or a dedicated software program like paver™, dtims®, or other data management tool, collecting the proper data is critical to developing an effective system. this information includes pavement age and type, current traffic levels, and preservation efforts that have already been applied. additionally, in-depth discussions must be held with 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 works and private utility personnel regarding the history of utility maintenance, as well as potential future utility improvements that impact the study area.

pavement assessment using the pavement condition index (pci)
after collecting the data, the entire pavement network is evaluated and the data is used to calculate the pavement condition index (pci). the pci is a standardized rating scale that ranks the pavements in the network based on specific types of distress and severity levels. customized preservation strategies are assigned depending on the pci ranking, level of distress, and classification (level of use). if a pavement section in the network has a “low” pci, it will be targeted for stopgap policies that aim to keep the road safe and schedule it for future reconstruction. if the pavement has a “fair” to “good” pci ranking, the appropriate, cost-effective preservation techniques are assigned to restore it to an “excellent” condition rating.

pavement management system chart showing pavement condition vs time

plan and budget pavement maintenance, rehabilitation, and reconstruction projects
most pavement management software programs can predict the future condition of a pavement network by applying different budget strategies. this allows you to review different scenarios based on how and when you assign budgeted funds. as a result, you can prioritize the proper preservation or reconstruction strategies and develop a capital improvement program that maximizes every dollar spent. in most cases, it’s more economical to spend money keeping good pavements in good condition through preservation practices while scheduling reconstruction for poor pavements. but the clear goal should always be to maximize the network pci to avoid letting minor deterioration turn into a complete street reconstruction.

how do communities benefit from pavement management?

the cost-saving benefits of a pavement management system aren’t the only advantages for a community. in some cases, general maintenance and preservation costs can be controlled and potentially reduced. when properly monitored, the pavement in a network lasts longer — protecting the initial investment. repairs are scheduled strategically with recommendations based on quantitative data. the engineering approach of this process leads to efficient spending with a focus on preservation. finally, it recognizes that pavement networks are assets that need to be protected. using a database that combines pavement condition inventory, geometry, location, and historical information, along with analysis tools and prediction models, snyder & associates can help you develop a long-term pavement management plan. this plan will better leverage your budget and guide the proper sustainable preservation techniques.

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the origins of land surveying date back thousands of years. while the fundamentals of measurement and mapping remain the same, technology is making it possible to acquire data more accurately, efficiently, and safely than ever before. “project success begins with land surveying, and advancements in survey technology play a crucial role,” explains eric miller, pls, survey business unit leader for snyder & associates. with survey projects spanning civil and structural engineering, unmanned aerial vehicles (uavs), hydrone survey boats, and leica laser scanners are among the most significant advancements in recent years. each technology has specific applications; for the most part, they’re all used to supplement traditional survey methods. however, in some instances, these advancements also open up entirely new avenues of important information. before recent advancements, there were occasions where assumptions had to be made due to the lack of limited information accessible by traditional survey equipment. technology allows data collection from hard-to-access locations with ease.

unmanned aerial vehicles improve efficiencies in surveying & construction activities

whether performing construction observation or capturing images of project sites, uavs can complete numerous aerial duties at a fraction of the cost of previous methods.

more commonly referred to as uavs in the survey industry, these remote-controlled aircraft provide an efficient way to conduct construction progress, observation, inspection, and monitoring. the high-resolution data from a uav has been found to rival traditional survey methods. they’re also helpful in capturing photos and videos of large or difficult-to-access project sites, including stockpiles or basin areas. in addition to projects with access or safety concerns, uavs are useful on projects centered on sprawling industrial plants or facilities, wind farms, or large, undeveloped tracts of agricultural land.

“the data we’re able to capture helps our clients make informed decisions early on during project development to keep things moving forward,” passionately shares miller. depending on project site size and weather conditions, among other factors, uav flights can be completed in an hour or less. however, a lot of work goes on in advance to prepare the flight path and ensure faa approvals are in place if required. after a flight occurs, technicians analyze and process the uav data to make it usable for survey and design applications.

hydrone boats capture underwater surface data in hard-to-access areas

before the hydrone survey boat, surveying mid-size lakes, streams, or near dams was extremely difficult. adding the hydrone allows our team to survey bodies of water that are too small for a full-size boat or unsafe to complete with waders due to depth and other factors. a hydrone is a remote-controlled catamaran explicitly developed for a bathymetric survey. it’s lightweight, wireless, and easily portable, making it ideal for project sites inaccessible by boat or

sonar-equipped hydrones are portable and easy to deploy. these features make them ideal for performing bathymetric surveys in small lakes and streams.

ground crews. only one person is needed to operate a hydrone, which is a benefit over a full-size survey boat that requires a three-person staff. it uses a sonar unit with a single-beam acoustic signal to gather depth and location information, providing engineers with a detailed understanding of underwater features and surfaces. the hydrone has proven particularly useful in comparing design elevations with current surface elevations to determine silt concerns, investigating underwater scouring, and comparing pre- and post-construction underwater surfaces for bridge projects.

scanner elevates transportation & vertical infrastructure projects

transportation projects pose a safety risk to surveyors in the field. using a scanner, the snyder & associates team can gather high-level survey data and reduce time on-site in less-than-ideal situations. this technology also allows our team to easily scan the interior of buildings and other vertical infrastructure projects. a scanner is an advanced piece of technology that rests on a tripod. the unit uses light detection and ranging (lidar) technology to generate a point cloud within the scanner’s field of view. the scanner can collect a point cloud of everything within its 360-degree line of sight. the point cloud allows for a very accurate and detailed site recreation in a digital format that can be used across many platforms. miller says the scanner is also helpful in assisting architects with remodeling and renovation projects because it enables the team to recreate plans that no longer exist essentially.

looking ahead: future advancements in land survey technology

regardless of project type, land survey plays a critical role in the meticulous civil and structural engineering world, and technology is an integral component. not long ago, surveyors measured distance using tape. since then, electric distancing equipment and computers have changed the landscape, making crews more productive and precise. “these [survey] technologies allow us to capture a mirror image of any site feature or structure with data points. using that information, surveyors and engineers can provide our clients with a solid design that guides construction success,” concludes miller. as he looks towards the future of land survey, miller says he’s excited to see what’s in store. uavs, hydrone boats, and scanners are quickly becoming commonplace, and as technology continues to advance, the ability to provide safe, efficient, and highly detailed survey information will follow.

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as we face growing concerns over the environment and climate change, protecting the world around us is more important than ever before. for over 40 years, section 404 of the clean water act has aimed to regulate the discharge of pollutants into rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands, which are a vital source of drinking water and an integral component of the environment. “section 404 aims to minimize impacts to waters of the u.s,” shares nichoel church, pws, environmental scientist for snyder & associates.

the u.s. army corps of engineers (usace) is responsible for enforcing section 404 of the clean water act, which requires a permit for any project that discharges fill or dredges material into the waters of the united states (wotus). generally speaking, church says permit applicants must demonstrate that discharge won’t significantly degrade the water it’s discharged into and review alternative options. if impacts are imminent and expected to exceed permit thresholds, compensatory mitigation is required. through mitigation, the applicant offsets the environmental impact by purchasing mitigation bank credit, in-lieu fee credit, or replacing what was lost through permittee-responsible mitigation.

pabst wetland & stream mitigation bank during construction.

mitigation might sound intimidating for landowners, developers, municipalities, and others, but it doesn’t have to be. as church points out, there’s a permitting process in place, and mitigation bank credits are available in many states to streamline mitigation requirements. “for example, in iowa, mitigation banks are designed specifically for the purpose of offsetting unavoidable impacts to emergent wetlands, forested wetlands, and streams,” she explains. “they provide the opportunity to quickly and efficiently mitigate permitted impacts and comply with the clean water act, so there’s no net loss to the environment.”

understanding basics of mitigation banking

a mitigation bank uses a credit and debit system to offset impacts to wotus in a specific service area. credits are improvements that are available for purchase. debits result from permitted impacts to wotus. mitigation banks are found in two forms or a combination of both:

• wetland mitigation bank — a property containing at least 25 acres of improved or created wetland. improvements include enhancing vegetation and restoring hydrology.
• stream mitigation bank — a segment of a stream that’s been improved to benefit the watershed. improvements include reshaping slopes for stabilization, adding in-stream structures such as bendway weirs, or removing dams and other obstructions.

the amount of credit available for purchase is determined by the level of functional lift an improvement will provide. the method used to determine credits varies by state. in iowa, the iowa mitigation banking guidance and iowa stream mitigation method (ismm) determine credits. in terms of size, the general rule of thumb is to use 25 acres or more for a wetland mitigation bank and 2,500 linear feet of stream for a stream mitigation bank.

the development of a mitigation bank

the individual or entity who owns the mitigation bank is known as the sponsor. the sponsor goes through an approval process with an interagency review team (irt) that includes the u.s. army corps of engineers (usace), u.s. environmental protection agency (epa), department of natural resources (dnr), u.s. fish and wildlife service, and other agencies to provide mitigation credits for purchase.

through the irt approval process, proposed improvements for a mitigation bank are extensively reviewed, and credit amounts are determined according to the level of anticipated environmental lift. once the approval process is complete, initial credits are released and available for purchase. after construction is finished, more credits are released according to a credit release schedule. any remaining credits are released after each successful year of monitoring and the irt’s review of the monitoring report.

bunker stream mitigation bank during the final walk-through with the contractor.

mitigation bank success is rewarded with credit releases. failures result in adaptive management, withheld credits, and the irt could ultimately terminate the mitigation bank. the approval and monitoring process requires 2022世界杯32强预选赛 , documentation, and foresight, so professional guidance is often helpful.

“we can help a sponsor navigate the approval process with the review team to keep things moving forward,” says church. “through our work with six successful mitigation banks along with numerous others currently pending in iowa and nebraska, we’ve developed a deep understanding of the mitigation bank process, standards, and requirements.”

the cost of a mitigation bank

wetland mitigation bank credits are generally sold on a per-acre basis. in iowa, an emergent wetland credit can range from $35,000- $75,000, while a forested wetland credit may cost between $45,000- $105,000. currently, stream mitigation credits sell for $35- $114 per credit in iowa. however, credit cost varies by state, impact activity, wetland function, and credit type. in addition, different states use different methods of determining the level of mitigation required for environmental loss. for example, in iowa, stream credits are determined using the iowa stream mitigation method calculator. missouri and several other states have their own method of determining mitigation for stream loss. minnesota and oregon utilize wetland function and value assessments, which can require additional mitigation.

steps towards purchasing credits

snyder & associates experts conducting a site walk at niebuhr stream mitigation bank.

if a jurisdictional stream or wetland will be permanently filled or altered, a section 404 permit is required under the clean water act. snyder & associates is often the authorized agent, which allows us to obtain section 404 permits on behalf of our clients. our client is called the permittee. the permittee is ultimately responsible for ensuring permit compliance. sponsor contact information and credit availability are located on a website called ribits, which stands for the regulatory in-lieu fee and banking tracking system. this website is owned and managed by the usace.

the permittee or authorized agent discusses mitigation requirements with the usace during the permitting process. the permittee is responsible for completing mitigation. if the purchase of mitigation bank credits is required, a mitigation bank application is filled out and payment is sent with the application. the mitigation bank sponsor receives the application, processes payment, debits the credits from their ledger, and sends the permittee a proof of purchase. the permittee forwards the proof of purchase to the usace, and the usace deducts the purchased credits in ribits to complete mitigation.

permittee-responsible mitigation

permittee-responsible mitigation allows a project owner to construct or enhance a wetland or improve a stream and monitor its success. this option is only available for projects that are outside of a mitigation bank service area. it requires applicants to submit a mitigation plan. then, permitting agencies and the applicant(s) come to an agreement on the location, construction requirements, and monitoring. monitoring may be required for up to 10 years. annual reports are submitted to the permitting agencies to prove the success of the mitigation site. if a mitigation site fails or is unsuccessful, it must be replaced or mitigated by purchasing bank credits.

benefits mitigation banking

• environmental stewardship — agency approval and ongoing monitoring ensure mitigation bank success of improvements and environmental lift techniques.
• mitigation efficiency —  purchasing mitigation bank credits is a fast, effective way to meet 404 permitting requirements while avoiding the need for costly maintenance and monitoring of permittee-responsible mitigation.
• maximize land use — permittee-responsible mitigation can slow development and change intended plans for land use. mitigation banks provide an opportunity to maximize land use while offsetting the impact in a nearby location.

navigating the path to mitigation banking success

there’s no way to be sure what mitigation needs your project may require without thorough review and analysis as well as early coordination with permitting agencies. whether you’re looking to realign a straightened stream or develop a piece of property near a wetland, professional expertise will help sort out the details. an onsite review such as a wetland delineation or stream assessment will identify the presence of u.s. waters in your project area. using the information that results, you can prepare and plan for mitigation to keep your project moving forward and within budget. “every project is different, and mitigation requirements vary by state,” says church. “we can help you gain an understanding of the level of mitigation your project will need and explore the credit opportunities available to you.”

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aerial drone imagery of u.s. 151 near anamosa complemented traditional survey methods.

survey technology is soaring to new heights with the addition of unmanned aerial vehicles (uav) or drones, as more commonly known. when fitted with gps technology and a high-resolution camera, these drones are often called unmanned aerial systems (uas). these remotely flown aircraft, equipped with a full package of software and hardware, offer a new approach to construction progress, observation, and monitoring, including photos, videos, and traffic studies.

in the land survey field, drones add an entirely new dimension with their ability to provide aerial photogrammetry, 3d site modeling, photo comparisons, and aerial video. they’ve even shown their value in determining stockpile, basin area/volumes, and infrastructure inspections. with a forward-looking approach to land survey and 2022世界杯美洲杯预选赛 design, the snyder & associates team is excited to provide their clients with a deeper bench of solutions using the eyes in the sky their drones offer. “all of the service offerings we provide will benefit from this technology and the data a uav provides,” shares snyder & associates surveyor ted jansen. ” we can swap different cameras, thermal imaging units, and other components to provide different project efficiencies for our clients.”

determining which project types benefit from a drone survey

every survey project begins with a discussion of the overall project needs to determine how the survey fits into the big picture and what survey methods are applicable. site accessibility, constraints, and project limits are essential for selecting an appropriate aerial flight. here are some common questions that help determine if an aerial survey would be beneficial.

an ortho-mosaic image of u.s. 151 was used to create a 3d model of the project site.

• what surrounds the project site?
• what are the ground cover conditions?
• what deliverables are needed, and when are they required?

every project is different, and not all sites are accessible for aerial services. realistic expectations need to be made, taking timing and weather into account. if the ground can’t be seen from the sky, the accuracy of an aerial survey is diminished. project sites within five miles of certain airports require faa authorization before an aerial flight can occur, which typically takes two days and two weeks to receive approval. evaluating the wide range of factors that influence site accessibility and your project needs and goals helps maximize the use of resources and project funds.

operating a drone for land survey 

this is a visual depiction of an autonomous flight program during work on iowa u.s. 75 near sioux center. the 3d modeling of the project corridor was instrumental in providing citizens with a first-hand view of the proposed project details before construction began.

the uav can be flown manually or fully autonomous with manual backup. a fully autonomous flight follows a predetermined plan designed by the flight team. during an autonomous flight, data is collected and processed using cloud-based processing software that transmits to a tablet. an faa part 107 certified uas pilot monitors the flight from the ground to ensure safe uav operation. the site’s existing topographic features determine the altitude of the flight, and the altitude determines the image resolution.

as altitude increases, resolution deteriorates, diminishing image clarity and the accuracy of the surface data. on the other hand, higher altitudes decrease survey flight time and data file size, decreasing costs and allowing a more efficient file size. the maximum altitude that a commercial uas is typically allowed to fly is 400 feet above ground level (agl). while it’s usually a breeze to fly a uav and gather data, more goes on behind the scenes to make that data usable. a uav provides a point cloud with georeferenced coordinates and elevations to create a surface at many locations. design technicians analyze and process the uav’s data to produce the desired deliverables.

best projects for drone use

drones can assist with a variety of 2022世界杯美洲杯预选赛 projects. however, there are specific instances where a drone may be recommended:

• safety — rough terrain, heights, and other circumstances that pose safety risks to survey and engineering staff
• level of detail — uavs can be flown at low altitudes to gather high-resolution data that rivals traditional survey methods
• project 2022世界杯32强预选赛 , progress, & closeout — uavs can help capture existing site data, which is valuable in assisting with land 2022世界杯32强预选赛 and phasing. in addition, as the project progresses, a uav can be used to track project milestones and provide aerial images of the result.

can drone surveying replace a traditional survey?

a uas will not eliminate the need for on-site surveyors or traditional survey methods. instead, it’s designed to enhance current survey methods by offering greater detail and better coverage of the information gathered. ted and his colleagues have determined that utilizing the uas increases the usable data available for design while reducing time in the field and increasing the team’s efficiency. regarding accuracy, the horizontal and vertical errors of the uas cannot be less than the site control points and the method by which these control points are obtained. control point placement on the project site, logging, and processes will determine the overall accuracy of the flight survey. boundary surveys, underground utility surveys, bathymetric surveys, and the need to verify and check aerial survey data will always be required and remain a common practice.

using uas technology on your next project

snyder & associates provides comprehensive services and utilizes various cutting-edge technologies to gather data efficiently and accurately. whether you have environmental disturbance or site access concerns or would just like to get a bird’ s-eye view of site topography, uas can be beneficial. contact eric miller to learn more about snyder & associates’ uas program and explore opportunities for uas technology on your next project.

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as communities face the burden and costs of increasingly stringent wastewater treatment standards, the need for sanitary sewer system maintenance and flow monitoring couldn’t be stronger. through regular observation, sewer system deterioration, defects, and flow issues can be identified. as a result, communities can take a proactive approach to keep their sanitary sewer system functioning properly and avoid unexpected costs. the wastewater experts at snyder & associates have been providing this critical service to our client communities for many years.

what is flow monitoring?

flow monitoring uses equipment to read and record flow depth and rate to determine if issues are resulting from inflow/infiltration (i/i), or both. using the data gathered, it’s possible to plan and design a sanitary sewer rehabilitation approach to correct (i/i) issues at targeted locations. once sewer rehab is complete, another round of flow monitoring is often beneficial to illustrate how effective the improvements are. in addition to i/i investigations, flow monitoring is also helpful for:

• signaling overflow alarms that alert wastewater facility staff to issues within the sewer network
• determining the capacity of an existing sanitary sewer system and whether upgrades are needed to accommodate new development
• billing for communities that pump their wastewater to another community for treatment

specialized flow monitoring equipment & methods

flow monitoring equipment consists of two parts — a monitor/logger and a sensor. the monitor/logger is installed below a specific manhole cover to record and store information gathered by the sensors that read the sewer flow. information can be downloaded in the field directly from a laptop or uploaded to the cloud via satellite or cellular connection for viewing on a desktop computer or a smartphone app. based on a community’s needs and constraints, there are four sensor types to choose from — three are in-flow and the other is a long-range sensor that doesn’t come in contact with wastewater.

in-flow sewer monitoring
the first type of in-flow sensor mounts on the bottom of a sewer pipe. velocity, depth, and temperature measurements are gathered as wastewater flows past the unit. an ultrasonic depth sensor within the unit bounces a radar beam off the water surface and back down to gain depth information. if the pipe is full due to surcharging, a surface isn’t available for the ultrasonic depth sensor to read. in these instances, a pressure-depth sensor can be used to read what’s going on in the pipe. using pressure-depth sensor results in the most accurate velocity reading because it averages velocity throughout the entire depth of the flow and accounts for surcharging. however, human entry is required for installation, which is a disadvantage. the sensor also requires a minimum flow depth to work and excessive debris can easily foul the sensor.

the third type of in-flow sensor mounts on top of the pipe. it shoots a beam down into the flow that bounces off the surface to measure velocity. not every sensor comes equipped to measure pressure, but it’s an option to measure surcharge conditions. because the sensor installs on the top of the pipe, it’s less susceptible to debris. however, human entry is still required for installation and these sensors are slightly more costly. additionally, velocity readings may not be as accurate as those provided by the bottom-mounted sensor because measurements come only from the surface.

long-range depth monitoring
mounted directly below a manhole lid, long-range depth monitors investigate the manhole invert below. they gather an accurate reading of flow depth, are the least costly, don’t require confined-space entry, and are a great option for operators that would like flow alarms. the inability to measure velocity makes them best suited for situations where depth is the primary concern. for flow rate estimation, the ideal manhole should have a uniform and well-formed invert at the bottom, so not all manholes are suited for this type of technology.

investigating inflow & infiltration (i/i) with sewer flow monitoring

proper flow monitoring can identify the presence, abundance, and type of i/i issues that exist within a community’s sewer system. specifically, it can help determine whether pipes are undersized at a specific location, which pipes require replacing, and where leaks might cause significant challenges. inflow and infiltration can often result in adverse environmental impacts, regulatory compliance issues, increased treatment costs, and overuse of your collection system. flow monitoring is the first step in identifying where problems are occurring and can empower communities to set up continuous, proactive flow monitoring programs.

flow data collection & analytics

a scatter graph measures depth versus velocity after flow metering.

recent flow monitoring advancements allow operators to rely on sensors and recording devices to automatically read and document flow depth and rate to determine if inflow and infiltration issues are occurring within a system. municipalities can glean important additional system information from the collected data. this includes determining whether the system is consistently operating in free-flow conditions, specifying the presence of sanitary sewer overflows (sso) and backwater conditions, and quantifying available capacity.

however, the amount of data collected and the frequency at which measurements occur can easily become overwhelming. one significant improvement to flow monitoring technology is how we can now collect, assemble, and share data. through software advancements, accumulated data can be displayed in a way that is easier to comprehend. typically, this is done through two types of graphs, a hydrograph or a scatter graph.

a hydrograph measures flows versus time in different conditions.

a hydrograph displays flow rate over time. this creates a trend of responses to rainfall events allowing for proactive mitigation. a scatter graph plots depth versus velocity within a system. when plotted, data points cluster together, highlighting outliers that could disrupt outcomes and, eventually, solutions. displaying data in these straightforward graphs can be valuable when presenting to the 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 to help illustrate how effective renovations were or to show potential problem sites where funding is necessary.

this wide range of information can be used to guide community improvement decisions and long-term goals. snyder & associates helps achieve these organizational goals by delivering data that can be used with confidence.

using flow monitoring to right-size treatment facility design

for communities that are looking to upgrade, expand, or replace their wastewater treatment facility, flow monitoring is also beneficial to the design and construction process. high flows from stormwater i/i means that any upgrades or changes to a community’s wastewater treatment system must be designed with that flow and capacity in mind. it’s also imperative to remember that with larger facilities comes greater 2022世界杯32强预选赛 , design, construction, operation, and maintenance costs. steve klocke, p.e., a seasoned civil engineer for snyder & associates points to the growing need for many communities to add disinfection to their wastewater treatment facility. he states that disinfecting not only the incoming wastewater but also any added stormwater or groundwater that’s diluting it, “can substantially increase the size of the infrastructure needed and the costs associated with it.”

taking steps to reduce i/i before the design and construction of wastewater treatment upgrades will save the community money in the long term because the facility will be appropriately sized. flow monitoring identifies where i/i issues exist and quantifies them, which empowers communities to make informed decisions. “budgets are always limited, so community infrastructure decisions need to be made with the big picture in mind,” shares klocke. “before making changes or upgrades to your wastewater treatment facility, it’s wise to investigate the sewer system leading to it because you can save money and avoid headaches later on.”

flow monitoring: our approach & what to expect

the first step of any flow monitoring project is to develop a plan that guides the investigation. for the team at snyder & associates, this process starts by dividing the system into catchments, or smaller regions of infrastructure that are the same age or material. this approach allows the engineering team to focus on areas that are relatively similar and help narrow down areas where i/i could be occurring. as far as investigating inflow and infiltration, flow monitoring studies can take anywhere from three to six months on average, with the weather playing an important role in the monitoring process. dry weather establishes base flows, while wet weather helps the engineering team understand when and where flows are surging. sharp increases during storms are likely from stormwater inflow, while long durations of increased flow after a storm indicate groundwater infiltration.

“if your community is experiencing backups, overflows, or 2022世界杯32强预选赛 any sort of treatment system upgrade, flow monitoring is a good place to start. it’ll help you understand where you are today, quantify the value of rehabilitation, and plan for the future,” concludes klocke.

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does it feel like every spring goes down as the wettest on record? does it seem that you’re always hearing about another 100-year flood event? it’s not your imagination — weather patterns are rapidly shifting due to the impact of global climate change. the amount of stormwater flooding is increasing. spring floods are becoming more severe. images of flood-damaged transportation infrastructure, commercial properties, and residential neighborhoods are all-to-familiar scenes in the daily news.

these unprecedented and transformative events have communities across the country asking themselves, “what can we do to better protect ourselves?” according to mark land, p.e., cfm, vice president of snyder & associates, building community resilience to flooding and other weather-related events begins with a comprehensive approach to 2022世界杯32强预选赛  and communication. “communities often reach out for help after horrific flooding has occurred, but 2022世界杯32强预选赛 in advance is possible,” he shares. “every day, we help communities understand the impacts that ever-increasing rainfalls will have and help them improve their resiliency before damage occurs.”

understanding your communities floodplains & flood risk

“the first step of mitigating flood risk is to have a good understanding of your floodplain,” shares land. “once you know how stormwater flows and what’s at risk, you can identify improvements and plan for them.” floodplains are low-lying areas that are more likely to flood when runoff volume exceeds the capacity of rivers, lakes, and streams. the closer you are to a floodplain, the higher your risk for flooding.

preserving floodplains, or developing them in ways that can endure floodings, such as implementing green infrastructure or flood-tolerant parks, can prevent unnecessary risk to people and help avoid costly damage to property and local infrastructure. floodplain maps are available through the federal emergency management agency (fema) but additional modeling information is often helpful for community 2022世界杯32强预选赛 and flood mitigation efforts. having confidence in stormwater conveyance systems can only be achieved by examining and simulating their performance under various conditions.

advanced floodplain mapping helps communities visualize impacts and engineers provide right-sized solutions.

that’s why our team utilizes advanced modeling software to help identify and optimize proposed drainage system improvements. one of the most common methods used by the snyder & associates team is hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, which provides a way to learn more about potential flood impacts and what’s at risk. “hydrologic modeling is a tool we use to help determine runoff volume,” explains land. “hydraulic modeling shows us how high water will flow and the path it may take.”

“when addressing issues of resilience, we want to know how a community can bounce back? how long will water be standing in neighborhoods? if we implement a specific solution, how quickly can we get the water down? stormwater modeling helps answer those questions,” states land. these systems were put to the test when the city of des moines reached out requesting watershed improvements near closes creek. to produce true-to-life flood elevations within streets and between homes, our team added local stormwater facilities such as storm sewers, reservoirs, culverts, as well as overland and bypass flow routes to the model. in the end, the information these models provide helps engineers and community leaders gain a deeper understanding of potential flood impacts and what’s potentially at risk to guide informed community decision-making.

reducing flood potential through stormwater infrastructure improvements

updating infrastructure like this shallow storm sewer box culvert helps communities create resiliency against flooding and reduce overall flood potential.

armed with a thorough knowledge of runoff volume and flow, our team then typically investigates opportunities to improve stormwater management infrastructure. this often begins with an analysis of all stormwater facilities and structures currently in place. according to u.s. environmental protection agency (epa), most of the existing water infrastructure was designed based on past hydrologic records without consideration for the notable changes in rainfall intensity and variability driven by climate change. that means that many of our current water and wastewater utility systems were not built for extreme rainfall or heat stresses, and without upgrades, it’s fair to expect more frequent failures.

comparing how stormwater flows and how the infrastructure is currently performing helps identify where there are shortfalls now and where others might occur in the future. systems most at risk are those with combined wastewater and stormwater pipes because sudden deluges could cause overflow, putting 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 health at risk. new infrastructure is calibrated to meet current and future demands. with larger pipes, upgraded technology, and increased capacity, communities are better prepared to face the continuing changes in our environment.

comprehensive 2022世界杯32强预选赛 key strategy in reducing flood risk

while helping communities understand the floodplain impacts of new land development or evaluating the efficacy of current infrastructure are both key pieces to becoming flood resilient, comprehensive 2022世界杯32强预选赛 is perhaps even more crucial for effective flood prevention. “we’re experiencing increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, and a comprehensive plan is necessary to help communities respond and adapt accordingly,” says land. comprehensive plans are regularly used to establish a vision for future land uses and to promote a more resilient community. directing development away from current and future growth areas that are susceptible to flood impacts promotes greater community resilience and can alleviate the impacts of floodwaters. similarly, these plans can be used to pinpoint valuable environments that lessen flood and erosion risks if left in their natural state.

in addition to directing development away from flood-prone areas, comprehensive plans can also incorporate more widespread goals and objectives that are complementary to flood reduction, such as promoting green infrastructure and personal stormwater reduction practices. though some of these objectives may seem individually insignificant, if combined with proactive 2022世界杯32强预选赛 , they can make a sizeable impact. proactive 2022世界杯32强预选赛 that sets strategic priorities allows a community to target limited recovery resources before the next disaster.

when disaster-related funds are available, this forethought allows communities to immediately begin allocations to areas that will maximize stormwater management, fulfill community objectives, and support community resilience. despite more data being gathered every year, effective 2022世界杯32强预选赛 involves more than what we already know. 2022世界杯32强预选赛 based solely on what’s occurred in the past doesn’t properly prepare communities for what’s ahead. “it’s about more than the data we have. to help communities brace for the impact of changing weather patterns, we need to think about what science is predicting. by doing that, we’re able to help communities empower themselves to think sustainably and plan with resilience in mind,” states land.

alternative strategies for managing flood-prone areas

as communities expand, larger infrastructure is required to meet stormwater demands. by upsizing their infrastructure, communities are better equipping their systems for the future.

floodplain mapping, infrastructure studies, and comprehensive 2022世界杯32强预选赛 efforts are critical tools for pinpointing the areas that could benefit from more focused flood prevention measures. as one example, they could help determine if an area’s drainage system is insufficient or too costly to upgrade. in this case, there are a variety of solutions that could improve stormwater management and strengthen community flood resilience, including:

property buyouts
in areas with high flood risk, a community may want to explore strategic buyouts of affected properties to help relieve the burden on residents. this option is often less expensive than infrastructure improvements, and it provides opportunities for additional stormwater detention basins or 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 space improvements.

green infrastructure
permeable pavers, rain gardens, green roofs, live walls, and other green infrastructure components help promote stormwater management and infiltration in urban environments.

native landscapes
in place of traditional grass and shrub landscaping, native plants are a smart alternative. the use of native plants helps promote stormwater infiltration due to robust root systems that create space within the ground. additional benefits of native landscapes include improved water quality, biodiversity, livability, and reduced maintenance.

flood control & infrastructure improvements
improving stormwater conveyance and storage capacity continues to provide the best solution to address rising floodwaters. a combination of stormwater wetlands and upsized culverts often create a dramatic shift in flood protection for the neighborhoods involved.

preventing future flooding through multi-faceted 2022世界杯32强预选赛 efforts

the combination of a comprehensive flood plan, advanced floodplain mapping, and updated stormwater infrastructure won’t stop the increasing climate events, like heavy rainfall, but they can certainly lessen the impacts. understanding what options are best suited for your community can be the real challenge. as we look towards the future, our team is fully aware that growing communities have concerns. while addressing the increase in runoff that results from land development, communities must also ensure that infrastructure is designed, built, and maintained to handle the uncertainty and intensity of the changing climate. when it comes to helping a community determine the right proactive solutions for their unique circumstances, we take a comprehensive approach that accounts for future forecasts because the actions we take today are essential to prepare us for what’s ahead.

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