Minnesota watershed studies how to adapt its stormwater system for climate change

May 10, 2012 -- The Minnehaha Creek watershed is preparing for extreme weather events associated with climate change by studying how the changing climate impacts the capacity of stormwater infrastructure and how communities can use that information to adapt.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)-funded study, conducted by a team of partners including Syntectic International, LLC (Portland, OR), Antioch University New England (AUNE, Keene, NH), and the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (Deephaven, MN), is the fourth in a series of studies by the project team. Previous studies at other sites found that portions of existing drainage systems are already undersized as a result of changed rainfall patterns, but adaptation can be both practical and affordable.

A central focus of this project is managing uncertainty from long-term climate projections, using results of previous work. This project differs from predecessors by studying two sites: Minneapolis, which is fully developed and a major metropolitan area, and Victoria, which is still developing.

Climate research, current weather patterns, and projected trends show a significant increase in the frequency and severity of rainfall events across Minnesota. This study will examine how these events affect flooding potential, local water bodies, and stormwater infrastructure, and how existing methods can be used to adapt. In addition to engineering, scientific, and construction cost analyses, the project also includes a participatory planning process to help local decision makers create effective stormwater adaptation plans for their communities.

"The participatory planning approach relies heavily on stakeholder and public engagement," said Latham Stack, CEO of Syntectic International. "Community members who have knowledge to bring to the project, or may be affected by outcomes, are being assembled to ensure the study addresses local needs."

Working with community leaders across the Minnehaha Creek watershed, the study will:

* Examine rainfall and land use trends within the watershed,
* Use that information to evaluate existing stormwater management systems,
* Identify strategies and costs for adapting these systems to climate change, and
* Facilitate a community-led planning process to help develop local stormwater adaptation plans.

According to Michael Simpson, Chairperson of AUNE's Department of Environmental Studies, "Project outcomes will contribute to protecting the community from damage caused by extreme weather events that are increasingly occurring in the upper Midwest." He added that, "Many communities already are at increased risk, however effective and affordable solutions are available. The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, and the two Cities, are to be commended for taking a proactive approach to reducing the region's risk."

Funded by NOAA's Climate Program Office, the interdisciplinary research team includes Latham Stack of Syntectic International; Michael Simpson and Jim Gruber of Antioch University New England; John Gulliver, John Nieber, Bruce Wilson and Trisha Moore of the University of Minnesota; and Joel Smith of Stratus Consulting in Boulder, Colorado.

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