Regional Floodplain and Stormwater Management Symposium

Stormwater management techniques that seek to capitalize on the opportunities offered by the site’s natural features (i.e. landform, vegetation, etc.) were among the many discussion items presented at the CNY RPDB-sponsored Floodplain and Stormwater Management Symposium.

The Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board (CNY RPDB) co-hosted the recent Central New York Regional Floodplain and Stormwater Management Symposium, held on November 16, 2001 at Onondaga Community College's Applied Technology Center. Planned in conjunction with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) -Region 7, and the New York State Floodplain and Stormwater Managers Association, the event highlighted regional and local issues and approaches to stormwater and floodplain management.

In recent years, people and property have experienced floods in increasing frequency and severity. Land use has changed, affecting runoff patterns. More people have moved into flood prone areas. Meanwhile, water quality is hindered by pollutants carried by stormwater runoff. These issues are linked to poor stormwater management, which increases the severity and frequency of flooding, while degrading the quality of receiving waters. Flooding, in turn, creates its own water quality problems.

The Central New York Regional Floodplain and Stormwater Management Symposium presented ways to develop and manage land to minimize the risks and damages of floods and poor stormwater management. Information about National Flood Insurance Program requirements and the latest on state and federal stormwater management rules and techniques was presented. Various presentations and breakout sessions were geared to local elected officials, planners, highway departments, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, engineers, surveyors, building and code enforcement inspectors, floodplain administrators, developers and builders, insurance agents and lenders, environmental and watershed groups, and emergency management officials.

The CNY RPDB's planning and coordination of the Central New York Regional Floodplain and Stormwater Management Symposium was an activity conducted under its Regional Water Resources Assistance Program. Other regional councils throughout New York State in conjunction with the NYSDEC and the New York State Floodplain and Stormwater Managers Association have held similar regional symposiums.

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