Watershed Study and Mitigation Feasibility
Bethany Beach, Delaware
Survey, engineering and GIS
services were provided to determine the feasibility of a flood
mitigation dam on the Bethany Loop Canal. Hydraulic connections to
Indian River Bay and the Assawoman Canal were surveyed over an area of 2
square miles. Mapping identified a series of existing structures which
would also have to be repaired and/or retrofitted to function as desired
for the proposed flood control.
Tide elevations were surveyed within the Town and at the US Geological Survey station on the
Indian River Bay to establish baseline tidal information, and to map the
extent of tidal flood elevations. Detailed topographic maps were
integrated with wetlands delineations and flood zone areas using GIS to
evaluate the effect of normal tides within the Town, as well as the
impact of abnormally high tides associated coastal storms. A Federal
Emergency Management Agency benefit-cost analysis was conducted to
quantify the potential advantages to the Town from the combination of
new structures and renovations. |
