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Featured: One (1) Hour Campfire Discussion

Erosion and Sediment Control

Erosion in a Changing Climate

Thursday, February 27, 2025

2:40 PM – 3:40 PM ET

Location: E10A

CE: 1 PDH

Level of Presentation: Intermediate

Moderator(s)

Christopher Koslin, CPESC, CISEC, CESSWI, GA stormwater Instructor
Division Practice Leader
Apex Companies, LLC
Graham, Washington, United States

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Audience Participation: High Climate change presents a major challenge to traditional practices of erosion and sediment control, as well as stormwater management. Previously dry areas are now inundated with rain, while traditionally wet areas are drying up. This change has been slow to make it into best management practices for local, state, and federal stormwater manuals. This presentation is designed to open up the conversation more of how stormwater and erosion control experts can help shape the future.

Full Abstract: Complete Proposal for Your Session: Many scientists talk about our climate changing focused more on things like sea level rise and changes to our western patterns. These changes have far reaching effects for stormwater, erosion control, and sediment control. Areas that were previously dry, have best management practices in place that are designed for an arid climate. Similarly, traditionally wet areas have BMPs designed for a rainy climate. Climate change presents a problem as our weather patterns begin to shift and the dry areas, such as Southern California, are being hammered with atmospheric river events. Having seen the after effects of these rains in person, it became evident that we need to rethink our stormwater management and erosion control practices. Similarly areas that were previously wet climates are experiencing longer and longer droughts. This leads to a high amount of dust in the air and sediment easily leaving a site. Municipalities, engineers, and stormwater professionals need to work together to update our manuals and begin researching how to keep the ground where we want it. Just today the main road between Jackson Wyoming and Victor has been reported and washing out. The images are dramatic. What was once a beautiful road trip road between two popular tourist areas is now a giant hole in the ground. We have seen this repeated again and again. Last time it was the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park that washed away. Whether someone believes in climate change or not, the fact is the weather is changing and becoming more unpredictable. As stormwater professionals, we must be just as quick to change our methods and draw on help from other areas.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this presentation, attendees will:
Understand the effects of a changing climate on stormwater management and erosion/ sediment control.
Identify what best management practices are most in danger from a changing climate.
Know where to find information needed on best management practices of other regions/ climates.