Integrating Stormwater Management with Coastal Flood Protection

Located in southeastern Virginia, the City of Norfolk faces complex challenges from coastal flooding that are increasing with sea level rise. Norfolk is ranked #2 city in the United States in terms of the number of people threatened by rising sea levels. As such, the City is determined to lead the charge to define innovative resiliency and adaptation by reinventing itself as the model coastal city of the future.This presentation will focus on stormwater management within the flood protection boundaries. stormwater management approaches have continued to be refined, starting with the grant application, through detailed design. We will discuss our approach to using green infrastructure in the project area and the limitations to siting and design, including those limitations that are more unique to the coastal plain setting. Part of the challenge within the design area is the need to develop new drainage paths to prevent excessive flooding at the toe of the flood protection. This presentation will also discuss the use of floating tide gates that will allow for continued wetland function behind parts of the flood protection.