Flood Control and Storm Water Issues and the Law

This event qualifies for 1.5 AICP

Storm water and flooding comprise major and growing risks to cities, transportation systems, people, and the environment.

Flooding has long been the major cause of property damage, and recent catastrophes such as hurricanes Matthew, Sandy and Katrina have exacerbated the total losses and created chain effects in the economy. While storm water control was considered a drainage issue in the past, it has expanded to include regulation under the Clean Water Act, and new fees have caused conflicts in many local areas. Laws governing storm water and flooding are evolving from simple doctrines to more complex sets of statutes and cases to respond to a growing nation under threats of climate change, sea level rise, and added regulations. The Federal Flood Insurance Program has operated for 40 years and is being revamped to overcome losses from recent catastrophic events. Local governments are faced with many responsibilities, which must be financed by ratepayers. Homeowners are often left in quandaries as to how to protect themselves against risk and losses. These realities of storm water and flooding create an environment of need for programs and professional services for individuals, governments and businesses.

You will learn basic concepts of storm water and flooding, and how risks are increased by decisions of individuals, businesses and governments. The legal aspects of storm water and flooding will be explained through doctrines, statutes, and cases. How governments organize responses and programs will be explained, and you will be alerted to trends and issues to be faced in the near future.

Learning Objectives

You will be able to discuss responsibilities and liabilities for damage prevention.
You will be able to explain storm water, land development, and low impact development (LID).
You will be able to explain storm water, flooding and transportation systems.
You will be able to identify flood science, models and predictions.

Speaker and Presenter Information

Professor Neil S. Grigg

Colorado State University

Professor and former head of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Colorado State University
Has directed state water research institutes in Colorado and North Carolina
Completed research projects on storm water, flood control, surviving disasters, risk assessment and water utility management
Has been a state regulator of water resources and quality as director of environmental management, State of North Carolina
Chaired Corps of Engineers flood assessment committee for Missouri River flooding in 2011
Has been expert witness for flood lawsuits and urban consultant for storm water programs
Teaches graduate courses at Colorado State University on pipeline engineering and hydraulics, water resources management and infrastructure management
Writer of Water and Sewer Infrastructure Management (second edition) and about a dozen other books on water and infrastructure engineering and management
Was co-founder and principal of Sellards & Grigg Inc., a Denver firm and participated in urban projects involving water supply, storm water and public works
Life member and fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers, life member of the American Water Works Association and American Public Works Association (board of directors, 1992 to 1995) and former president of Fort Collins Water Board
Appointed by U.S. Supreme Court as River Master of the Pecos River (1988 to present)
Ph.D. degree in hydraulic engineering, Colorado State; M.S. degree in hydraulic/structural engineering, Auburn University; B.S. degree in engineering, U.S. Military Academy
Can be contacted at 970-491-3369 or [email protected]