A new ADC report has been released on the challenge military installations are facing with stormwater systems that are under increasing duress and provides possible long-term solutions for solving the issue.
The report, “Flooded Out: How Stormwater Threatens the Resilience of Our Installations…and What Can Be Done About it,” notes that of 79 installations identified earlier this year in DOD’s Report on Effects of a Changing Climate, more than two-thirds face recurrent flooding as their most serious weather-related challenge.
Featuring several case studies and photos revealing the severity and extent of stormwater system failure on many installations, the report provides an informative overview of the impacts on installations and the consequences of allowing systems to degrade while under increasing pressure. It also discusses the disruption to installation resilience and readiness as vulnerable systems can become more inundated from extreme weather events.
The report focuses on how the existing utility privatization (UP) authority offers a potentially effective tool for improving the management of installation stormwater systems.
“Utility privatization of stormwater infrastructure is a forward-looking response to this growing threat to installation resiliency,” the report proposes. “Private partners have the expertise to address increasing threats and provide the resiliency that installations expect.”
The report also proposes that DOD currently has the authority to implement UP as a forward-looking solution toward effectively modernizing and maintaining installations’ stressed stormwater systems.
“The Defense Department and the services should leverage existing legislative authorities, the value of competition and the expertise of private sector partners to modernize stormwater infrastructure in a proactive approach,” it adds.
Ultimately, the report is intended to prompt effective management of installation stormwater systems. Without a proactive solution to address future extreme weather events, systems will continue to fail and leave installations subject to greater disruption and degradation.
“Installation readiness and resiliency demands forward-looking solutions and expertise that will deliver real stability and reliable performance,” the report emphasizes.