Charleston Unveils Bold New Flood Risk Management Plan for a Watery Future
The charming city of Charleston has long held a unique relationship with water, ever since those early European settlers decided to build Charles Towne in the 1680s. From the beginning, it was clear that dealing with rising tides and flooding would be an ongoing challenge. Fast forward to today, and city officials have announced an ambitious plan to tackle the threat of flooding head-on, with a fresh city-wide flood risk management plan aimed at steering Charleston into a more resilient future.
A Journey Back in Time
Charleston’s historical struggle against water is nothing new. In fact, it began with the establishment of sea walls and the creation of Murray Boulevard to counteract flooding around what is known today as White Point Gardens. Then-mayor Robert Goodwyn Rhett had plans for an extensive sea wall back in 1909, but those were never realized. Flooding concerns have persisted over the years, leading to various initiatives to mitigate water risks in recent times.
A Collaborative City Effort
Recently, Charleston’s new Mayor, William Cogswell, along with other officials, rolled out this new water management plan at City Hall. The mayor shared, “The concepts … are aspirational, and they are informative. I am confident they will help us as a community better understand what it means to live with water.” The new plan reflects a comprehensive evaluation of the city’s water management strategies and seeks solutions that will affect generations to come.
Looking Ahead
The plan reflects a deep awareness of the environmental risks posed by climate change and rising sea levels. As preservationist Christina Rae Butler pointed out, this city finds itself in a complex situation shaped by over 300 years of human intervention. She notes that examining past efforts is key to paving the way forward. “Looking to the past is key in understanding what worked, what didn’t,” Butler stated, emphasizing the importance of learning from history.
Andy Sternad, an architect involved in crafting the plan, highlighted that it builds on previous reports and proposals for better water management. It not only targets the flood risks posed by storms and unchecked rainfall but also anticipates sea levels rising by up to 14 inches by 2050 and between 2 to 4 feet by 2070. Sternad emphasized that these projections assist in outlining what Charleston must do to safeguard its future.
Two Key Steps Forward
While the plan is robust, it does require two essential steps to bring it to fruition. First, a comprehensive stormwater model needs to be established. As Sternad puts it, “To calculate the cost of a project versus the value in savings a model is needed to quantify the benefits.” Currently, pieces of this model exist, but a full city analysis is necessary to assess possible projects thoroughly.
Second, Charleston intends to introduce new zoning rules. These rules aim to utilize high ground effectively while allowing low-lying areas to serve as space for future marsh migration, creating a balance between development and nature. Sternad urged city leaders to remain flexible, adapting strategies as required over time, while also focusing on areas sensitive to ecological changes.
A Regional Approach
In addition to internal strategies, city leaders acknowledge that flooding is not just a Charleston issue; it’s a regional one. Councilman Keith Waring made a point to note that the city has worked well together when tackling major infrastructure projects, but flood control is often ignored. Cogswell aptly noted, “We need money to flow like water,” highlighting the importance of dedicated revenue streams for drainage solutions.
Understanding Our Drainage Basins
Notably, the plan divides Charleston into 18 distinct drainage basins, identifying where water flows into major rivers and creeks. The new approach encourages residents to think beyond their individual neighborhoods and to recognize their role within these basins. Mayor Cogswell emphasized the importance of fostering community engagement around these new concepts, which could lead to better-informed public discourse on flooding issues.
Keeping the Momentum Going
Groundwell’s Susan Lyons highlighted the growing concerns surrounding flooding, noting the significant rise in community awareness since Hurricane Irma. Efforts are underway to connect existing water control projects with this new strategy, providing an interconnected response to Charleston’s water challenges. As one of the ideas under consideration aims to build a barrier along the peninsula, there’s hope that Charleston may finally see action on long-discussed plans from over a century ago.
All in all, Charleston’s new flood management plan is a big step in the right direction. With its blend of historical insight, community involvement, and regional focus, the city is paving a path to a sustainable and resilient future, well-prepared for living with water.
