Prepared by Charles Pugh, P.E., CFM Samantha Keeven, P.E., CFM, Aff.M.ASCE and submitted to the Summer 2024 Currents
Every spring, the EWRI St. Louis Chapter and Saint Louis University Water Institute host an annual Spring Symposium, “Water, Water Everywhere.” The 2024 Symposium was held on Friday, March 8th at the Pere Marquette Gallery at DuBourg Hall.
The event included eight presentations from local and regional experts. Presenters came from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Missouri State Emergency Management Agency, Saint Louis University, the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, and several private consulting firms.
Presentations are summarized below. Presentations highlighted the importance of long-term planning and investing in flood resilience, environmental protection, and emerging technologies.
- Flooding to Renewal: Brentwood Bound Flood Mitigation by Elise Ibendahl of Jacobs dove into a recently constructed project in Brentwood, Missouri. Flooding had impacted the City of Brentwood, MO along Deer Creek between Hanley Road and South Brentwood Boulevard, with 26 floods since 1957. The Brentwood Bound Project is an integrated, comprehensive plan to renew the Manchester Road corridor via three main components: Deer Creek Flood Mitigation, Manchester Road Improvements, and Deer Creek Greenway Connector. The flood mitigation component of Brentwood Bound includes floodplain restoration and mitigation to reduce flood elevations, increase public safety, and provide environmental and recreational amenities.
- Small Facility BIG Lessons by Andrew Schranck and Colin Schroeder of Lochmueller Group highlighted a case study project for the design and construction of improvements to an 80,000 GPD average design flow extended aeration wastewater treatment plant. Numerous overlapping engineering, project management, and construction challenges were encountered and yielded valuable lessons learned. Andrew and Colin presented an overview of challenges faced on this project, how they were addressed, and suggested practices and insights for others facing similar design and construction challenges.
- 401/404 Permitting by Samantha Hollenberg and Chad LaMontagne of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gave a brief introduction of the USACE’s regulatory authorities under the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1889 and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Presenters discussed the changing definition of “Waters of the U.S.” and the status of the Corps’ guidance. Presenters took the audience through a case study of a proposed mixed-use development requiring a USACE permit.
- St. Louis County and City Regulatory Flood Product Updates by Sydney Roberts of Missouri SEMA and Stephen Noe of WSP explored the relationship between technical precision and societal dynamics, and the challenges encountered during map updates.
- Common Flood Misconceptions by Gene Rovak of Horner & Shifron Engineers highlighted mistaken beliefs even some engineers have about flooding. Gene discussed the relative benefit of storage in the upper watershed versus in the downstream channel, providing an example for the Meramec River. He also spoke about the misconception by some that green infrastructure will prevent flooding from large storm events.
- A National Levee Safety Guidelines presentation was given by Jamie McVicker of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Jamie provided an overview of the Guidelines, including how they incorporate information on climate change risks to levees, natural and nature-based solutions, and flood risk management equity.
- Machine Learning Tool for Evaluating Reservoir Capacity Loss due to Sedimentation by Amanda Cox of Saint Louis University showcased a project was to create a generalized method for estimating reservoir sedimentation rates using reservoir design information and watershed data. This predictive model could be used to evaluate the capacity loss of unmonitored reservoirs, forecast sedimentation rates under future climate conditions, and identify reservoirs with the highest risk of losing functionality.
- MSD Specification Update and Proposed Stormwater and Wastewater Rate by Brian Hoelscher and Michael Buechter of Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) presented revisions and updates to MSD’s standard specifications, affecting both sewer and channel projects. Presenters also explained two issues on the ballot for District residents. First, voters will decide how to fund wastewater rate increases. Second, voters will decide if a stormwater rate should be instituted based on both residential property taxes and non-residential impervious area. A new stormwater rate is needed for MSD to address flooding and erosion issues which continue to increase in frequency and severity due to climate change. The new MSD stormwater rate (Prop S) passed the next month.
Over 50 students and professionals attended from four government agencies, four universities, and around 20 civil engineering firms. Attendees received 6 professional development hours and got the added benefit of a networking opportunity with others in the field. The EWRI St. Louis Chapter 2024 Spring Symposium is proud to have brought together a diverse group of civil engineers and associated professionals.
The SLU Water Institute graciously cohosted the event on their campus at the beautiful Pere Marquette Gallery. The space was the original University library and includes a four-story hall flanked by stained glass and ornate features.
We'd like to give a special thanks to our presenters for sharing their knowledge and experiences with us and for the SLU Water Institute for cohosting the event. Lastly, thanks to our Spring Symposium Committee Samantha Keeven, Jiaman Xu, Azadeh Bloorchian-Verschuyl, Gary Moore, Gene Rovak, for their time and effort planning this successful symposium.