Storm Resiliency

In the Northeast and throughout the world, extreme storm events are growing in frequency and force. Hurricanes and blizzards threaten the operation of wastewater infrastructure and in some cases the infrastructure itself. Consequently wastewater facilities should be made more resilient though preparedness planning and physical upgrades.

Resiliency is an ongoing concern at meetings of our governing Commission and of our Climate Change Workgroup.

We have incorporated resiliency in the face of weather and flooding into the latest revision of our design guide for wastewater treatment works, and we periodically sponsor conferences about storm resiliency for practitioners and policy makers.

The professional training we offer to current and aspiring wastewater treatment plant operators includes classes about anticipating extreme weather.

2013 Storm Resiliency Workshop

Extreme weather events, as well as warmer temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, increasing ocean acidity, and rising sea level are expected to intensify as climate change continues. Historic floods, extreme weather events, and even drought illustrate natures force and what can continue to be expected in a changing climate. To weather the variability inherent in the future climate, states need to plan and prepare for a wide range of possible impacts to ensure that communities remain resilient in the face of a changing climate. NEIWPCC is working with our member states to coordinate and enhance their storm resiliency approaches.

• Workshop Agenda
• Attendee List

Presentations:

• Maine – Cold Weather/Snow Operations at Wastewater Treatment Plants
• Vermont – Establishing Standards for River Management During Flood Response
• New Hampshire – Dam Safety
• Massachusetts – Emergency Declaration Legislation and Regulations
• New York City – NYC DEP Resiliency Study
• Connecticut – Power Restoration Prioritization at Drinking Water Facilities
• Rhode Island – Septic System Repair/Replacement Decision Strategy
• NEIWPCC/Lake Champlain Basin Program – 2011Floods and Flood Resiliency Report
• EPA Region 1 – Advancing Resiliency