Skip to main content
Article
Planning for watershed-wide flood-mitigation and stormwater management using an environmental justice framework
Environmental Practice (2018)
  • Mahbubur Meenar, Rowan University
  • Richard Fromuth, Temple University Ambler
  • Manahel Soro, Temple University Ambler
Abstract
This article describes how a sustainable watershed-level planning approach is used to develop a flood-mitigation and stormwater management plan for an 11 km2 watershed in southeastern Pennsylvania, USA. West Ambler is an Environmental Justice (EJ) community located in the downstream portion of the watershed with socioeconomically vulnerable residents facing unequal distribution of environmental risks. This study uses a methodological framework based on the three dimensions of EJ (i.e., Distribution, Procedure/Participation, and Recognition) to address watershed concerns while managing risks within the EJ community. Although the project is scientifically grounded by a GIS-based watershed assessment and hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, all project components are influenced by one or more EJ dimensions, with an emphasis on community engagement and multi-municipal collaboration. Flood-mitigation suggestions are based on the evaluation of hundreds of stormwater management facilities throughout the watershed. This article explains the process of using an EJ framework in watershed-wide planning and management.
Keywords
  • Brownfields,
  • community engagement,
  • environmental justice,
  • flood-mitigation,
  • stormwater management plan,
  • watershed-wide planning
Publication Date
September 24, 2018
DOI
10.1080/14660466.2018.1507366
Citation Information
Mahbubur Meenar, Richard Fromuth and Manahel Soro. "Planning for watershed-wide flood-mitigation and stormwater management using an environmental justice framework" Environmental Practice Vol. 20 (2018) p. 55 - 67
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/mahbubur-meenar/68/