Greenbelt Homes, Inc. (GHI) has been chosen as the pilot study community for a study of flooding impacts in Maryland administered by the University of Maryland, according to GHI’s Stormwater Management Task Force (SWMTF). GHI member Beth Olsen, Ph.D., is the lead scientist for the study. Olsen is a visiting assistant research scientist with the Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center at the University of Maryland. Knowing the need in GHI for assistance with addressing flooding issues and with the approval of the GHI board of directors, Olsen applied for a grant for the study on behalf of GHI.
The University of Maryland recently received the grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to assess non-tidal flooding impacts in Maryland. Non-tidal flooding refers to flooding that is not related to tides along the coast. Such flooding can occur in streams as well as in roads and yards due to heavy rains.
The goal of the study is to provide information needed by small communities to better understand their flooding issues and the resources available to assist them in developing a plan for addressing their problem. The study, a collaboration between GHI and the University researchers, aims to produce a document called Development of a Community Guide to Assessing Non-Tidal Flood Impacts in Maryland. The Community Guide will provide specific tools and resources for local government officials, planners and engineers to use in addressing their flooding issues. The intended audience for the Community Guide is small incorporated cities, towns, villages and homeowner associations. However, the Guide will also be useful for state, county and Baltimore City planners in developing their own plans.
The GHI SWMTF addresses stormwater runoff within GHI, recommends policy changes and improvements to minimize flooding in GHI, and promotes best practices for reducing stormwater runoff and soil erosion. Results of the GHI pilot study will help the SWMTF fulfill its mission and increase its ability to obtain funding for future stormwater-related projects.
GHI members who experience flooding in their yard or court are encouraged to contact the GHI Technical Services project manager via phone at 301-474-4161, extension 1141. Providing the project manager with observations, photos and, if possible, a journal of flooding events in the yard or court will enable GHI to better address the court’s flooding issues. The SWMTF will work closely with GHI management to prioritize stormwater issues that need attention.