Engineering a Better Day at the Beach
Richly vegetated barriers of mature dunes serve as natural defenses and help protect ecosystems on barrier islands from storms and rising seas. A recent study by researchers at Texas A&M University looked into what makes a barrier island a “barrier.” Credit: Illustration by Kaitlyn Johnson/Texas A&M Engineering Barrier islands protect coastal communities and infrastructure — so what happens if they disappear? Driving through almost any coastal town, you’ll notice staples of being...
America’s First Glass Recycling Company for Coastal Restoration Opens New Facility in St. Bernard
From left to right: Patrice Cusimano, St. Bernard Parish Councilmember, Dist. A; Cindi Meyer, St. Bernard Parish Councilmember, Dist. C; Franziska Trautmann, Co-Founder & CEO, Glass Half Full; Max Steitz, Co-Founder & COO/CFO, Glass Half Full; Meaghan McCormack, CEO, St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation; Amanda Mones, St. Bernard Parish Councilmember, Dist. E; Josh Moran, St. Bernard Parish Councilmember, Dist. B; Ryan Randall, St. Bernard Parish Councilmember, Dist. D Glass Half...
Dead Sea Coastal Erosion Research May Help Protect Coastlines Worldwide
The shore of the Dead Sea is covered in gravels and other sediments of different sizes. Using the Signature1000 ADCP, the researchers unpacked the role the wave climate plays in longshore sediment sorting. (Photo: Nadav Lensky) Coastal erosion is reshaping our world, threatening homes, industries and culturally important places. By taking advantage of the unique conditions in the Dead Sea and leveraging modern ADCP technology, scientists in Israel are exploring how wind-driven waves and...
Understanding erosion of protective coastal dune systems
A series of instruments were placed on land and in the water immediately in front of the artificial dunes constructed by the researchers. This allowed the team to capture the waves as they moved from offshore toward the dunes. (Photo: TU Delft) As sea levels continue to rise and storms intensify, countries such as the Netherlands – where a third of land is below sea level – are becoming increasingly concerned about coastal erosion. The Dutch have embraced numerous techniques to...
Designing Sustainable Coastal Infrastructure as Sea Levels Rise
HDR Experts Share Insights on Adaptability, Aesthetics and Long-Term Planning Coastal communities confronting sea level rise, recurrent flooding and severe weather frequently turn to infrastructure such as seawalls to protect their communities. But determining the best approach to these structures and knowing how to plan for still-uncertain long term requires specialized expertise and knowledge. In the latest from HDR’s Experts Talk interview series, Brent Moore, P.E., and Adam Keen, PhD.,...
Nebraska Department of Natural Resources Selects Stantec to Develop Floodplain Modeling and Mapping
The project aims to improve resiliency in two of Nebraska’s most at-risk counties LINCOLN, NE TSX, NYSE:STN - The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NeDNR) has selected leading global design firm Stantec to conduct floodplain modeling and mapping for Box Butte and Sheridan Counties. The project aims to improve resiliency throughout both counties by arming stakeholders with an advanced level of understanding and analysis of regional flood risks to develop more informed and respons...
WSP USA and Mote Marine Laboratory Partner to Advance Coastal Restoration and Resilience
Alliance combines cutting-edge environmental and engineering design with innovative marine science and research to address climate change in the southeastern U.S. TALLAHASSEE, FL— Sarasota, Florida-based Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium has signed a memorandum of understanding with WSP USA, a leading engineering and professional services consultancy, to expand ongoing restoration and protection of coastlines and marine habitats in Florida and elsewhere in the southeastern U.S. The...
Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Communities to Spend Nearly $2 Billion Over Next Five Years Combating Coastal Damages from Climate Change
Survey respondents reported spending $878 million USD over past two years to respond to coastal challenges; Mayors urgently call on Congress to include needed funds in the upcoming infrastructure package. CHICAGO – A survey of 241 cities, villages and other jurisdictions along the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River shows that coastal damage from climate change will cost at least $1.94 billion over the next five years, with shoreline communities having already spent $878 million ove...
ANSI/AWWA C901 Update Heightens Standards For HDPE Water Service Pipes
IRVING, Texas - According to the Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI), the 2020 revision to the AWWA C901 standard provides specifiers and end-users with the best grade of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe for water service pipes. PPI is the major trade association representing the plastic pipe industry. Under this updated standard, HDPE pressure pipes and tubes from ¾ inch through three inches, produced under C901-20 must be manufactured from PE4710 compound and be SDR9 (PC 250). It als...
Great Lakes Commission and Historic Ford House Team up for Restoration of Lake St. Clair Shoreline and Wildlife Habitats
GROSSE POINTE SHORES, Michigan - Ford House, the historic estate of Edsel and Eleanor Ford, is teaming up with the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for a project to restore disappearing wildlife habitats along the shoreline of Ford Cove on Lake St. Clair -- part of Michigan’s Great Lakes waterway. Dubbed the Ford Cove Shoreline and Coastal Wetland Restoration Project, the goal is to transform Ford House’s lake shore back to its natural s...
Stormwater Interview with Robert Page, P.E., Vice President, HNTB
Santa Barbara County North Branch Jail Expansion
February Issue 2026
