Asset Protection – Stream Encroachment
September 18 | 2:20-3:05 PM | Francis Scott Key E/F
Megan Welling and Lindsay Nicoll, McCormick Taylor
Ed May, Pepco Holdings, Inc.
This topic will discuss asset protection for underground utilities and structure foundations impacted by the fluvial dynamics of waterways. Pipelines, as well as underground and overhead power lines, often cross or run parallel to streams and rivers. Waterways are natural systems that sometimes change dramatically and in relatively short periods of time due to storm events and cover changes within their watersheds. Erosion of the banks, meander, and incising of channels often leads to asset exposure and compromise.
The presentation will focus on soft and hard engineering techniques used to address active erosion and how we work cooperatively with reviewing agencies to expedite permitting and design-build effective protection measures while minimizing adverse effects to the downstream environment. Challenges include developing accurate modeling to enable design and permit approval in an often unstable and rapidly changing watershed, gaining efficient construction access, right-of-way limitations, selecting appropriate stabilization techniques based on site-specific hydrology and hydraulics, the need for specialized equipment and expertise, and minimizing the need for future maintenance and costs.
