Several factors are contributing to increased vulnerability to flooding in urban areas, according to The Growing Threat of Urban Flooding: A National Challenge, a new report by the University of Maryland and Texas A&M University.
As the nation experiences more intense rainfall events, many cities have inadequate infrastructure to cope, the report says. Adding to the problem has been rapid suburban and urban land development that has increased the amount of stormwater runoff.
With multiple government agencies at all levels having some responsibility for these issues, there is lack of collaboration and coordination needed to address technical and political challenges. For example, information on how property owners can reduce their flood risk is not accessible or well-articulated.
In addition, a significant number of areas vulnerable to urban flooding are not identified by FEMA National Flood Insurance Program maps. The reports’ authors made a series of recommendations including that Congress assign one federal agency to provide interim oversight of federal support of urban flood mitigation activities.
Related Stories
| May 10, 2012
Resilience should be considered a sustainability factor
Since a sustainable building is one you don't have to rebuild, some building sustainability experts believe adding points for "resilience" to storms and earthquakes to the LEED sustainability rating tool makes sense.
| May 10, 2012
University of Michigan research project pushes envelope on green design
A research project underway at the University of Michigan will test the potential of intelligent building envelopes that are capable of monitoring weather, daylight, and occupant use to manage heating, cooling, and lighting.
| May 10, 2012
Fire suppression agents go greener
Environmental sensitivity is helping to drive adoption of new fire suppression agents.
| May 10, 2012
Industry groups urge Congress to leave contracting decisions to agencies
An organization of several industry groups urged Congress to leave many contracting decisions to the discretion of individual agencies by avoiding blanket mandates.
| May 10, 2012
OSHA proposes new rule to have employers find and fix hazards
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed a new regulation, Injury and Illness Prevention Program, or I2P2, which would compel employers to find and fix safety hazards.
| May 3, 2012
Stay current on green codes at AGC Environmental Conference
Keep abreast of market trends such as 2012 changes to green standards and codes at the AGC Contractors Environmental Conference, June 7-8, 2012 in Arlington, Va.
| May 3, 2012
OSHA reduces fines in Cincinnati casino collapse
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has reduced the number of violations from four to two against four firms it cited earlier this month in the collapse of a casino under construction in Cincinnati.
| May 3, 2012
New York City implements controversial crane licensing requirements
New York City officials announced strict new licensing and testing requirements for all crane operators in New York City to raise safety standards.
| May 3, 2012
Green-roof requirement now includes industrial facilities in Toronto
A mandate that requires installation of green roofs on new commercial and residential buildings in Toronto has been expanded to include industrial facilities.
