Ellicott City, Maryland suffered its second damaging “1,000-year” flood in two years last month.
The city is in a vulnerable location at the foot of a hill where river branches meet the Patapsco River. Another factor, a lot of impermeable concrete, exacerbated the flood.
Ellicott City has thrived in recent years with robust development. About one-third of the watershed that feeds into the historic community is now covered by roads, rooftops, sidewalks, and other hard surfaces.
Since the first major flood in 2016, the county has designed and engineered more stormwater retention facilities, but these projects will take time to implement. Across most of the U.S, impermeable surfaces make up just 1% percent of the land. In many cities, though, hardscapes account for 40% or more of the land area, leaving them vulnerable to floods.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 23, 2021
ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force releases updated Building Readiness Guide
Includes flush calculations to reduce time and energy to clear contaminants between occupancy periods.
Codes and Standards | Feb 22, 2021
Preservation of Affordable Housing develops climate resilience strategy
Includes backup power for resident and staff “area of refuge”.
Codes and Standards | Feb 18, 2021
Construction industry moves toward comprehensive U.S. BIM standard
NIBS hosts roundtable to create coordinated program to advance collaboration.
Codes and Standards | Feb 17, 2021
Construction on international sports venues is ripe for corruption
Poor planning, complex contracting, a lack of accountability and high levels of collusion to blame.
Codes and Standards | Feb 16, 2021
Feds may fund removal of some urban highways
Senate bill proposes pilot program to reknit communities.
Codes and Standards | Feb 16, 2021
Bechtel joins international heat resilience organization
Experience designing resilience standards to aid effort to protect communities from extreme heat.
Codes and Standards | Feb 10, 2021
More than two-thirds of construction companies say COVID-19 has not impacted their ESOP
Half of survey respondents say 2020 project profitability decreased due to pandemic.
Codes and Standards | Feb 9, 2021
New Jersey approves new electric vehicle-ready home requirement
Homebuyers must be given option for charging station on new construction.
Codes and Standards | Feb 9, 2021
New California law removes barriers to residential development
Measure removes restrictions for ADUs in urban areas and master planned communities.
Codes and Standards | Feb 8, 2021
Alliance yields more accurate data for rating and certifying systems of construction materials
Crosswalk API offers trusted format to specify and procure healthier products.