While manually controlled flood mitigation infrastructure can be effective, its function requires operators to diligently monitor water levels and make real time decisions to implement mitigation strategies. Woodard & Curran offers a more streamlined approach. Our experts have tailored successful solutions for many clients using real-time data and automated controls to optimize the performance of flood mitigation, water quality, and water quantity control infrastructure. We leverage Continuous Monitoring and Adaptive Control (CMAC) that works with sensors and data analytics to continuously monitor water levels, weather conditions, and other relevant parameters and respond by adjusting control structures, such as tide gates or stormwater detention basins. This adaptive approach efficiently manages water flow and storage, while allowing for more precise and timely responses to changing conditions. The outcome is reduced flooding risk, minimized peak flows in drainage networks, increased water quality, and more resilient infrastructure.
Successful implementation of CMAC
The Duck Slough Watershed, which spans 14 square miles in southwest Pasco County, Florida, experiences periodic flooding that impacts seven residential communities. There were numerous structures manually operated to manage the east-to-west drainage flow and mitigate flood risk. Woodard & Curran was brought in to install actuators, electrical and fiber-optic services and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), and communications to automate eight existing flood control gates. Since this project’s implementation, Pasco County has seen improvement in response times during storm events. County staff found it more efficient to manage the flow of stormwater through the watershed to alleviate flooding.
