Stormwater Management – A Discipline in Transition
Iin the September/October issue of Innovation Magazine, published by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Britsh Columbia (APEGBC), Jim Dumont presents the case that the engineering profession is at a crossroads: How will we apply a science-based understanding to truly achieve integrated solutions for protecting life, property and the aquatic environment? Jim Dumont is the Engineering Applications Authority for the Inter-Governmental Partnership that has developed the Water Balance Model powered by QUALYMHO.
“Over the past three decades, water and drainage engineers have witnessed a vast change in the practice, design methodologies and regulatory framework encompassing the discipline of stormwater management”, notes Jim Dumont in the opening statement of Stormwater Management – A Discipline in Transition, “Along with a change in the regulations governing design and performance standards are changes in public expectations regarding protection of the environment and protection of life and property from flooding.”
“Today’s society demands that the process of creating an urban setting pose no adverse impacts to the environment. The public also expects there will no longer be any flood-related damage to homes, businesses and transportation systems”, continues Jim Dumont, “As a result, the past decade has seen attempts to reduce the impact of land development on the aquatic environment through the creation of publications like Stormwater Planning: A Guidebook for British Columbia, which takes an entirely new approach to stormwater management.”
In the article, Jim Dumont presents the rationale for going “Beyond the Guidebook” by applying a runoff-based approach so that local governments can achieve desired urban stream health and environmental protection outcomes at a watershed scale.
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Acknowledgement:
As the official publication of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia, Innovation is circulated to over 24,000 BC-registered professional engineers and geoscientists as well as other professionals, industry and government representatives, educational institutions and the general public. Innovation is published six times per year on a bi-monthly basis.
Innovation strives to publish information that is interesting and relevant to professional engineers and geoscientists of all disciplines while showcasing the innovative work of APEGBC members.
In addition to providing information on APEGBC programs, policies, news and regulatory matters, the journal highlights engineering and geoscience activities through feature articles written by members or freelance writers. Also included are articles on business, legal and ethical issues affecting the professional practice of members.
Posted March 2008