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Oral

Planning and Management

Opportunities and Challenges of Crowdsourcing in Environmental and Water Resource Systems

Community-led Stormwater Infrastructure Maintenance Using Real Time and Technology-Enabled Solutions for Climate Resilience

Wednesday, May 24, 2023
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM PDT
Room: Del Sol

    Author(s)

  • AP

    Ahmad H. Payab

    Research Scientist
    Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University

    • Author (not presenting)(s)

  • Nikki Pearl (she/her/hers)

    Lab Manager
    Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University

  • Lu Bivona

    Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority

  • Timothy Feeney

    Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority

  • Bita Alizadehtazi

    Research Scientist
    Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University

  • FM

    Franco A. Montalto

    Professor
    Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University

    • Co-Author (not attending)(s)

  • Matina Shakya

    Research Scientist
    Drexel University

    • Co-Author(s)

  • Stefano Cadringher

    Research Intern
    Drexel University

Maintaining the functional capacity of stormwater infrastructure represents a major challenge for many local governments; given continued urban growth and a changing climate, the situation has only become more dire. Significant investments must be made to keep the network of sewers operational, and to convey larger, less predictable volumes of urban stormwater. In this study, we consider a technological approach coupled with community participation to enhance the resilience of stormwater infrastructure through real time removal of debris from storm drains and inlets. The study area includes vulnerable neighborhoods in Camden, NJ and involves the application of in situ smart solutions capable of detecting drain and inlet blockages in real time using flood sensors (installed in 20 different sites), development of a mobile application through stakeholder consultation, and engaging community and civic scientists in operation and in-time maintenance and debris removal from the system. The data from sensors are captured in a cloud platform as a Decision Support System to better predict flood risks. The mobile application will use this data as well as NOAA’s Applied Climate Information System web services to inform the community about the potential risks and opportunities associated with the clogged inlets. The study supports sustainable stormwater management and smart city planning, strengthen community engagement, and promote the application of Internet of Thinking (IoT) technology.