Toxic Flooding: A New Resource for the Galveston Bay Area

The Galveston Bay area faces a significant threat: toxic flooding. This occurs when floodwaters carry harmful chemicals from nearby industrial facilities, posing risks to the environment, public health, and infrastructure.

 

A new website provides valuable insights into toxic flooding vulnerabilities in the region. Developed through the collaboration between the Environmental Defense Fund, the Galveston Bay Foundation, and Texas A&M University, the website utilizes GIS flood mapping to offer detailed information on potential risks.

 

By analyzing over 100 indicators, the research team developed a comprehensive understanding of the vulnerabilities in the area. The website proposes nature-based solutions as potential additions to current mitigation strategies. Case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of these solutions in reducing flooding and improving drainage. Green spaces, retention ponds, and restored wetlands are among the nature-based solutions that can be incorporated into urban planning and development.

 

The website offers a valuable resource for community leaders, planners, and residents. Click here to visit the website and learn more.

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shaina

Shaina Shay is an accomplished water professional with over a decade of experience in water policy, management, conservation, and community outreach. Her passion for pragmatic information sharing drives her work across the U.S. and Australia, where she has held roles with investor-owned utilities and as a senior water market specialist. Shaina's commitment to the field is reflected in her leadership positions within the American Water Works Association (AWWA), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and the Southern Arizona Water Users Association (SAWUA).