Adapting Wastewater Collection System Infrastructure to Changing Flood Vulnerabilities: Southeastern Massachusetts Case Studies

Collection systems and treatment facilities serve as an important environmental line of defense against wastewater contamination of groundwater and coastal embayments. With more intense and frequent storm events and rising sea levels, many communities are facing an increased risk from flooding and storm damage affecting critical wastewater infrastructure. The risk to wastewater infrastructure, which is typically located in vulnerable low-lying areas, is seen in both coastal and inland environments. This paper will focus on how several communities are incorporating accommodations for projected changes in storm intensity and frequency into flood resilience evaluation, design, and construction.