Senior Environmwntal Scientist Tetra Tech, New Jersey, United States
Abstract Submission: We present a novel approach to selecting and siting nature-based solutions for coastal protection from storm surge, waves, erosion, and sea level rise using a combination of risk and risk mitigation matching in different coastal areas using a fully automated workflow. Two examples of the approach will be demonstrated from coastal cities along the US eastern seaboard. The novelty of this approach is that it can be used to rapidly assess different types of shorelines given existing shoreline features and risk profiles for suitability of specific nature-based solutions before performing a more thorough benefit-cost analysis for actual solution design. The approach treats design elements of nature-based solutions such as wetland restoration, vegetation planting, biomimicking seawall panels, riprap, etc. as the building blocks of a much more comprehensive solution that can mitigate against coastal threats while not overengineering solutions that are more expensive than can be justified. The approach is unique in that it allows for highly detailed solutions to be generated during the scoping phase, thereby reducing expensive design and implementation phase time consumption.
Learning Objectives/Expected Outcome (Optional) : It is anticipated that the approach will allow both municipalities and independent property owners better evaluate their existing shoreline situation for optimal nature-based solution approaches. We also provide guidance on how to conduct stakeholder engagement to ensure that nature-based solutions such as living shorelines are implemented in a manner that can smoothen the permitting process. Lessons learned from these applications could be applied elsewhere for different ecosystems.
