Beyond Rainfall: Advanced Modeling for Resilient Stormwater Solutions in Aberdeen Gardens
Aberdeen Gardens is a residential neighborhood and National Historic District located in Hampton, VA with a history of flooding given its proximity to both Aberdeen Creek, which bisects the neighborhood, and Newmarket Creek which abuts the southern end of the neighborhood. Many of the homes were built near both tidally influenced creeks and within the 100-year floodplain thus putting many of the residences at risk of flooding. Additionally, given the neighborhood’s age approaching 100 years, much of the original stormwater infrastructure is inadequate given today’s increased precipitation and revised design standards since the neighborhood’s initial construction.
The purpose of this watershed study was to identify areas of significant flooding and inadequate capacity issues via a 2D PCSWMM model and to cross check these results with reported flooding data collected by the City and other entities. With this information, the study identified flood mitigation strategies, including grey and green infrastructure, that improve flooding conditions and provide water quality benefits where feasible. The recommended improvements were analyzed using a 2D PCSWMM model and prioritized using a Hazen-developed Power BI tool. This watershed study provides details on the projects identified, benefits provided by the projects, and details on the project prioritization process.
Improvements identified in the watershed study were being developed in collaboration with Wetlands Watch who have completed a Community Resilience Profile of the neighborhood and have an ongoing relationship with the neighborhood civic leagues. The recommended improvements consist of additional stormwater infrastructure, upsized pipes, restored streams, and various green infrastructure strategies.
This presentation will showcase the process the team used to develop the 2D PCSWMM model for the existing and proposed conditions and review details of the flood improvement projects. Efforts between the design team, City departments, neighborhood civic leagues, and other organizations will be highlighted to explain the collaboration required to develop the recommended improvements.