Communities along the southern shorelines of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River have an immediate need for measures to protect at-risk businesses, critical infrastructure, facilities and private residences from flood risks. As a measure to address these challenges, Ramboll was awarded a New York State Office of General Services (NYSGOS) flood resiliency contract earlier this year as part of a long-term Department of Environmental Conservation integrated stormwater initiative. The first order of our three-year, $3 million contract was to develop a resiliency and economic development initiative (REDI) plan document and participate in community meetings for each affected region.
The Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River shorelines span more than 500 miles, tying together urban, suburban and rural communities. The region is diverse and complex, containing a wide array of interacting infrastructural and natural systems, thousands of acres of coastal marshes, numerous barrier bars, and more than 15 miles of dune systems that protect communities and are home to dozens of rare, threatened and endangered species. Our document provides a comprehensive approach to integrated, nature-based resiliency solutions along the affected shorelines and the ongoing dredging needs for Lake Ontario’s harbour navigation channels.
A truly collaborative effort, leveraging global knowledge with local expertise, an Americas team of Water and Environment & Health professionals supports the REDI, with assistance from our Climate Adaptation team in Europe.