The Urban Drainage Problem

The Effects of New Development/Redevelopment on Local Hydrology

Aaron Shaffer Dept. of Geography and Regional Planning Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Introduction
As regions become more developed, urbanization has a drastic impact on local hydrology
Consequences often go unnoticed for years before the severity of development is made apparent

The growth of impervious surface has been identified as a primary contributor to urban flooding in areas of recent or expanding construction and urban expansion New urban development causes storm water to run off at a higher velocity, often causing a significant decrease in streams capacity to carry floodwaters The causes behind urban flooding involve several factors, both direct and indirect Goal : Apply a conceptual model to compare data from urban and rural streams and the correlation to new development/re-development through a literature review

Example of Watershed Drainage

Discharge The volume of water passing through a specific section dependent on the width of the stream Velocity Distance vs. Time Competence Maximum particle size a stream can carry Capacity Total amount of particles a stream can carry Topography Shape and features on the surface of the earth Watershed A region that collects water which eventually ends up in a certain drainage network Drainage divide The separation of a watershed by a ridge or high plateau

Influences
Direct
Vegetation Removal Erosion Soil Degradation Sedimentation Flooding Straightening of a stream channel Inadequate storm water systems

Indirect
Dams and reservoirs cause a regional increase in rainfall Increase in surface area Seasonal snow melt Variations in weather patterns i.e. Hurricanes Changes in upstream environment Budget cuts in environmental funding to manage flood control

Stream flow velocity data from the United States Geologic Surveys data loggers show an increase in velocity for streams that had recently been modified or in areas where new construction had taken place

Urban VS Rural Stream Velocities

From 1960 to 2000, the maximum annual discharge increased in Mercer Creek as the area was developed into an urban environment. During the same period of time, nearby rural stream Newaukum Creek remained relatively unchanged

Flash Floods
Flash Flood
Rapidly rising water level caused by heavy rainfall in a short period of time Can also be caused by the failure of a dam Most commonly characterized by a wall of rushing water and debris Strikes with little warning and can cause severe damage

Soil, forest, vegetation and wetlands replaced by concrete, asphalt and other impermeable surfaces during construction Stream beds are often re-routed to accommodate new structures, further limiting their ability to carry floodwaters Increased surface runoff from rain events get funneled into a storm drain system, increasing velocity and reflected in the outflow in which it is deposited

Historical Cases
Most of the recent damage caused by flooding in western Pennsylvania is directly related to flash floods
Flooding in western Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh Geologic Society

Johnstown Flood 31 May, 1889

Heavy rains over already saturated ground - 8 inches of rain/hour ~2200 killed
$17 million in damage

Big Thompson Canyon, CO 31 July, 1976

Severe thunderstorm over the Rocky Mountains 8 inches of rain/hour ~145 killed Over 550 homes damaged or destroyed $40 million in damage

Mississippi and Missouri Rivers July 1993

Heavy period of rainfall lasting from early Spring to late July ~50 killed - 55,000 homes destroyed $12 billion in damage

Case Study - KCAC

Storm event Thursday, 26 July, 2012 Flash flooding caused by only 3.3 inches of rain Chuck Kelly, Indiana Fire Association chief said
"We had areas we pumped that we never pumped beforeNear the (Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex), it was like a river. We had reports of manholes (covers) blowing off the sewer system.

KCAC Facts
Before

The Kovalchick Complex

Opened in March of 2011

Encompasses 1,437,500 ft2 land area Approx. 200,000 ft2 is comprised of impervious surface Increase in runs off from new After impervious surfaces and open area

KCAC Facts
Before After

Results Point to Further Research Questions

Including Data Collection
Primary Cause of Flash Flooding:
Historical trend of overall increases in regional rainfall for a short period of time Combined with an increase in runoff from new urban development breaching the capacity of the storm water drainage system

Suggestion of current research and literature:

Since construction of the KCAC, potentially permanent increase in flash flooding in the area?

Current stream flow data from the USGS provides a base of scientific research proving that there is a general increase in the size and frequency of flooding due to urbanization

Community at a higher risk for flood hazards and damage?

Prospect of Future Research

Install data logger, record stream velocity measurements and compare to existing USGS site at rural Two Lick Creek at Graceton, Pa

Sources
Chorley, Richard Introduction to Geographical Hydrology Gibson, Christine Out 10 Greatest Natural Disasters Konrad, Christopher Effects of Urban Development on Floods Hossain, Faisal Large Dams Can Affect Local Climates, says new study Jurries, Dennis Biofilters for Storm Water Discharge Pollution Removal Williamson, Jamie Dams Can Trigger More Frequent Fierce Storms Http://eros.usgs.gov/ http://www.kovalchickcomplex.com http://nwis.waterdata.usgs.gov ESRI ArcGIS - ArcMap