Holistic Water Resource Management Workshop

SNEP FDC Workshop: On September 29, EPA- SNEP hosted a workshop on Holistic Watershed Management to discuss results of an EPA Region 1 applied research project designed to investigate the utility of stormwater flow duration curves (FDC) and demonstrate and communicate the impacts of impervious cover at the watershed and site-scales. Stormwater managers can use the FDC approach to identify ways to restore a watershed to its predevelopment hydrology. Doing this can help to reduce flooding and improve water quality and build community resiliency against the impacts of land development and climate change.

Background: The FDC project is a 'proof of concept' demonstration: The development and use of flow duration curves (FDC) for low-order and/or headwater stream segments as a watershed optimization management tool for quantifying the impacts from impervious cover development (IC conversion) and the benefits of next generation stormwater management and conservation strategies. FDCs will be used to assess development impacts and inform potential stormwater management decisions considering both existing and future climate. This includes understanding how different levels of stormwater management influence flood risk (flooding frequency and duration), stream-channel stability, changes to water quality and increased pollutant export, reduced stream base flow and changes in groundwater recharge as it relates to ecohydrological function and hydrogeomorphology. A core element of next generation stormwater management is maintaining both predevelopment hydrology and pollutant load for watershed protection and resiliency.

For more information, please reference the General Project Description and Project Website.

Agenda:

10:00-10:05 | Introduction

10:05-10:25 | Project Background and Objectives

Ray Cody, EPA Region 1, Boston

10:25–10:55 | Technical Introduction and Implication for the Use of FDCs for Stormwater Management

Mark Voorhees, EPA Region 1, Boston

10:55-11:00 | Break

11:00-11:45 | Modeling and Development of the FDC: Phases 1 and 2

Khalid Alvi, Paradigm, Inc.

11:45-12:40 | Application of Next Generation Stormwater Management at the Site-Scale

Robert Roseen, Waterstone Engineering

12:40-12:45 | Break

12:45- 1:05 | Recommendations for Municipal Bylaws

Julie LaBranche, Planning Consultant

1:05-1:15 | Outreach Materials

Michelle Vuto, EPA Region 1, Boston

1:15-1:50 | Discussion / Q&A

1:50–2:00 | Wrap up and closing / Next Steps

Workshop Products:

Workshop Video:

Holistic Water Resource Management Workshop

Southeast New England Program