Tidal flooding in calm weather has moved beyond being an occasional nuisance to a common occurrence in several communities along the East and Gulf Coasts.
Among the areas coping with flooding due to sea level rise are Norfolk, Va., Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Charleston, S.C., and Tybee Island, Georgia. Flooding ranges from a few inches to several feet deep, but these events have significant impacts including halting traffic, preventing drainage runoff, submerging lawns, cars, and basements, and fouling fresh water wells with salt and other contaminants. A recent New York Times article notes that land in Norfolk, Va., is slowly sinking, worsening floods there.
Local officials have turned to state and federal governments for guidance and help. Some have asked for billions to pay for flood walls, pumps, and road improvements. To date, Congress has done little to aid vulnerable communities.
The article notes that leading scientists have repeatedly updated their projections on the amount of sea level rise stemming from global warming. In 2013, there was consensus that three feet was the highest plausible rise by the year 2100, but now some researchers say that six or seven feet may be possible.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 22, 2020
New version of IAPMO’s Water Demand Calculator is available
Enhanced features include selection between single- and multifamily buildings.
Codes and Standards | Jul 22, 2020
Mobile app calculates sound transmission for wood-framed assemblies
American Wood Council tool for floor-ceiling assemblies.
Codes and Standards | Jul 22, 2020
Architecture billings remain in negative territory, begin to stabilize
Fewer architecture firms report declining billings this month.
Codes and Standards | Jul 20, 2020
N.Y. construction firm to pay $1.5 million to settle sexual harassment claim
Managers said to demand sex for pay and OT opportunities.
Codes and Standards | Jul 16, 2020
Tips to make optimal use of salvaged materials
Integrated teams, staging warehouse, and looking early and often, among recommendations.
Codes and Standards | Jul 15, 2020
Georgia gives the go-ahead for tall mass timber construction
Standards review scheduled to be completed by July 2021.
Codes and Standards | Jul 15, 2020
Softwood-lumber duties boost expenses amid COVID-19 outbreak
Little hope this year for resolution of trade dispute with Canada.
Codes and Standards | Jul 14, 2020
Metal Construction Assn. releases three EPD updates
Pertain to Metal Composite Materials, Insulated Metal Panels, and Roll Formed Aluminum and Steel Cladding.
Codes and Standards | Jul 13, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: July 13, 2020
4 technologies for improving building sanitation and tech's ever-evolving impact on the multifamily space.
Codes and Standards | Jul 9, 2020
Funding opportunity for field validation of high-impact building technologies
Dept. of Energy program targets dynamic interactions with electric grid.