Flood Hazard Mitigation Assessments

As part of ongoing services with the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY), Greeley and Hansen executed multiple concurrent flood mitigation studies and conceptual resiliency designs throughout New York City, utilizing multi-disciplinary engineering resources. Six sanitation facilities were involved in the planning and conceptual design work. Design flood elevations were determined for each facility, utilizing information from the FEMA Flood Hazard Data. Equipment-specific flood mitigation measures were developed, such as elevation of equipment, flood-proofing equipment, use of submersible equipment and installation of backup power, and space protection measures, including sealing of buildings and installation of barriers.

To complete these assessments, the project team utilized FEMA flood hazard data to determine the design flood elevation. Each facility was visited to determine which critical rooms contained equipment that needed to be elevated and explored alternatives for flood protection. Flood hazard mitigation design options were then summarized in an assessment report with recommendations along with design and construction cost estimates for implementation. In addition, the project team developed schematic-level drawings to outline architectural elements for recommended flood mitigation strategies. 

Project Highlights: 

• Flood mitigation studies 

• Conceptual designs for resilient facilities 

• Evaluated the potential for flood waters to infiltrate through the existing wall material and waterproofing solutions 

• Investigated critical mechanical, electrical, plumbing and heating and ventilation equipment within the facilities and determine its potential flood hazard risk and steps to protect to elevate the equipment from future flooding damage