PADEP Levees Indefinite Delivery Contract
Location
Various Locations, PA
Client
AMEC Earth & Environmental
Services Provided
Data Review
Field Inspection
Evaluation Scoping Study
Geotechnical Site Inspection
Project Overview
Schnabel is providing geotechnical engineering services as part of a team awarded a four-year indefinite delivery contract for FEMA’s transition to the Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) system. The effort is funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP), and will culminate in the evaluation of over 40 flood protection systems (FPS) that are comprised of earthen levees, concrete floodwalls, and various types of closure structures. The FPS within Pennsylvania are evaluated for Certification according to Title 44 CFR 65.10 and US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) technical standards.
Schnabel’s scope follows a phased work execution that includes an initial Phase 1 file review and an assessment of available data to determine the likelihood that a levee will meet the requirements for Certification. A field inspection is also performed according to USACE protocols, including evaluation of levee maintenance; condition of concrete floodwalls; observations of encroachments, animal burrows, vegetation; and evidence of erosion, settlement, seepage, piping, sloughs, or other forms of instability.
Schnabel performs a geotechnical evaluation that is incorporated into a final levee inspection report. If the levee is considered likely to be certified, a detailed Certification Evaluation Scoping Study (Phase 2) is developed and executed based on the file review and levee inspection. The Phase 2 Study includes additional geotechnical field exploration (if necessary) and engineering analyses to determine the adequacy of the FPS under the base flood event. If the analyses support certification, the Phase 2 geotechnical results are incorporated into a Certification Determination Letter to FEMA. If deficiencies are identified, Flood Protection Design Improvements are developed and evaluated by the Sponsor and PADEP.