Setback Levees: Hydraulic, Ecologic and Economic Benefits
Tony Melone, PhD, PE, CFM
2011 ASFPM National Conference
Presentation Overview Levee setback concepts Multi-disciplinary approach: going beyond
flood benefits Ecosystem services: putting $$ values to
environmental enhancement Residual risk: planning for extreme events.
180th to 200th Street Levee Setback Study
Soldiers Home Levee Setback Improvement Project
New Setback LeveeFloodplain Reconnectedto River
Levee Setback Concepts
Levee Setback Concepts
Channelized River Channel
Levee Setback Corridor
Ecosystem Services
SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
GREEN RIVERSIDE CHANNEL
POND
GREEN RIVER WETLANDFORESTEDFLOODPLAIN
SIDE CHANNEL LEVEE
LEVEE
GREEN RIVER
LEVEE
A.
B.
C.
A.
B.
C.
TYPICAL SECTION - MINIMUMCORRIDORWIDTH
TYPICAL SECTION - MULTIPLE HABITAT FOOTPRINTS
TYPICAL SECTION - MULTIPLE HABITAT FOOTPRINTS
TYPICAL PLAN - MULTIPLE HABITAT FOOTPRINTS
Ecosystem Benefits - Wetlands
Value = $36,000 per acre per year
Ecosystem Benefits
Floodplain Inundation – 14,500 cfs
Floodplain Inundation – 22,600 cfs
Flood Damage
Avoided Annual Damage
Closing Statement Multi-disciplinary evaluation of levee options
identifies the dollar value of benefits to a community: Flood protection benefits – Avoided damage losses Ecosystem service benefits