219: Resilient Flood Protection for Bay County Fire Rescue Station

Florida is grappling with climate change, facing rising sea levels, stronger storms and significant environmental threats. Homeowner insurance premiums average $3,600 yearly, with much of the state’s $145 billion in property at risk from flooding and coastal erosion. Meanwhile, the $15 billion fishing industry is shrinking and saltwater intrusion pollutes drinking water. As climate-related disasters become more frequent, Florida requires advanced infrastructure and precise predictions to mitigate these threats.

We pursued three goals for our sponsor, the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). First, we used data on past sea level rise and tidal patterns in St. Andrews Bay to predict future coastal inundation; the highest projection indicates high tides will reach 5 ft above current levels by 2086. We then conducted flooding and storm surge risk analysis of the bay area’s infrastructure sites.

After considering a bay-wide flood management system, we focused on the vulnerable Bay County Fire Rescue Station 1. Using Civil 3D, we evaluated multiple design alternatives for a 100-year design storm. We selected a concrete cantilever wall as a permanent storm surge barrier, a mechanical floodgate for vehicular access, and a comprehensive drainage system. We also widened the driveway to accommodate another entrance’s closure, ensuring maintained functionality and protection against rising sea levels.