Floodplain Studies
Floodplain analysis is often times an integral component of a stream restoration or enhancement design project. As an example, one objective in restoring an incised or entrenched stream reach is to reconstruct the channel so that flood flows can again access the natural floodplain areas, thereby naturally dissipating the high energies of these extreme events. In urbanized or developed areas, however, structures or other amenities have been built on the natural floodplain areas. Therefore, the design process incorporates the analysis required to demonstrate that no increase in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) defined flood elevations will occur. Additionally, compliance with all state and local floodplain regulations must also be demonstrated. The technical analysis performed by the Environmental Engineering Services Group ranges from detailed HEC-RAS computer modeling to other simplified desktop calculations as necessary to satisfy necessary permitting requirements.
