Spotlight on Nonstructural Flood Risk Management Measures

Marco Ciarla, USACE Baltimore District’s Planning Division project manager, provided an overview of types of nonstructural flood risk management measures during a North Atlantic Division Nonstructural Workshop yesterday.

Image source: USACE

The event, held at Baltimore District’s Headquarters, was focused on policy and guidance, planning and implementation of nonstructural measures.

Nonstructural measures include dry and wet flood proofing, elevation of properties, flood warning/evacuation procedures, raising utilities, debris barriers and relocation.

Flood proofing is focused on reducing flood damages, not on preventing the water from coming.

For Corps flood risk management studies, it is required that a nonstructural plan be evaluated alongside structural solutions like the construction of floodwalls and levees.