PROJECTS

SFWMD C-8 and C-9 Watersheds Flood Protection Level of Service Adaptation Planning and Mitigation Projects Study

Project Details
Services

Taylor Engineering conducted a comprehensive assessment of the regional water management infrastructure within the C-8 and C-9 Watersheds to assess the Flood Protection Level of Service (FPLOS) provided by the existing infrastructure under both current and future conditions. The study considered factors like sea level rise, increased rainfall, future groundwater elevations, land use changes, and planned mitigation and adaptation strategies. Using MIKE SHE and MIKE HYDRO models, we assessed FPLOS under sea level rise scenarios of +1, 2, and 3 feet through six performance metrics that focus on maximum canal stage, conveyance capacity of the tidal structure and canal, and depth and duration of flooding. Simulations of current conditions revealed significant deficiencies in FPLOS, highlighting locations that failed multiple performance measures. Future condition simulations projected how much these deficiencies would worsen and identified potential new vulnerabilities. This enabled communities, local governments, water management districts, and other state and federal agencies to identify areas where improvements to the design, construction, operation, or upgrades of water management facilities and infrastructure are wanted or needed. Taylor Engineering also analyzed the economic impact of proposed mitigation projects, calculating expected annual damage avoidance and comparing costs to assess economic benefits. The study concluded that the existing infrastructure no longer provides the intended level of flood protection and that even with planned improvements, the infrastructure remains vulnerable to sea level rise and increased rainfall. This study highlighted the need for ongoing enhancements and adaptive management to mitigate future flood risks and improve resilience, providing a foundation for future planning and emphasizing the need for infrastructure upgrades and comprehensive flood management strategies.

Photos