Ellicott City, Maryland suffered its second damaging “1,000-year” flood in two years last month.
The city is in a vulnerable location at the foot of a hill where river branches meet the Patapsco River. Another factor, a lot of impermeable concrete, exacerbated the flood.
Ellicott City has thrived in recent years with robust development. About one-third of the watershed that feeds into the historic community is now covered by roads, rooftops, sidewalks, and other hard surfaces.
Since the first major flood in 2016, the county has designed and engineered more stormwater retention facilities, but these projects will take time to implement. Across most of the U.S, impermeable surfaces make up just 1% percent of the land. In many cities, though, hardscapes account for 40% or more of the land area, leaving them vulnerable to floods.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 3, 2021
Conversion of large office buildings to residential will require revamped regulations
Post-1960 offices present ventilation, daylighting, and other challenges.
Codes and Standards | Jun 2, 2021
Dept. of Energy releases EnergyPlus and OpenStudio updates
New features include Python Plugin features and additional tabular reporting options.
Codes and Standards | Jun 1, 2021
Federal plan to double Canadian lumber tariffs draws intense criticism
Builders advised to stock up to deal with shortages.
Codes and Standards | Jun 1, 2021
Passive House standards proving their worth in multifamily sector
Energy performance beats conventionally built by 32% to 58%.
Codes and Standards | May 27, 2021
Pittsburgh combats construction fraud
Crackdown on tax, insurance, and workers’ comp malfeasance.
Codes and Standards | May 26, 2021
Proposal to add photovoltaic panels to the R2 Standard for electronics recycling
Hundreds of facilities in 33 countries could begin recycling PVs.
Codes and Standards | May 25, 2021
International Energy Agency lays out roadmap to net zero
Focus is on energy generation, but building efficiency also plays a role.
Codes and Standards | May 24, 2021
Biden Administration will make new investments in building energy efficiency
Focus on grid-interactive buildings; Energy Star expansion; new targets for energy, water reduction.
Codes and Standards | May 20, 2021
Solar panel trade group issues guidelines to rid use of components built with forced labor
Growing concern that PV industry is dependent on work camps in China.
Codes and Standards | May 19, 2021
Smart electric panels can aid transition to renewable energy
Allow customers better control of circuits; utilities can better manage demand.
