Washington, D.C., is experiencing climate change. Increased intensity and frequency of rainfall and coastal storm patterns challenge the urban underground and above-ground infrastructure from stormwater runoff, the river flows, and coastal storm surges. The purpose of the project is to determine the most feasible level of protection for Buzzard Point and to seamlessly integrate a resilience layer and strategy into the existing plans, both for riverine and cloudburst flooding.

On behalf of the Department of Energy and Environment in Washington DC, Ramboll assisted with technical advice, financial analysis and training in the development of master plan, guidelines and pilot project for fire protection and stormwater protection using LAR, nature-based coastal protection and green infrastructure in an existing building at Buzzard Point.

Ramboll conducted a cost-benefit analysis for the currently proposed protection level and for a recommended higher protection level, to illustrate the value of increasing resilience compared to the current situation, both in terms of reduced risks, but also in terms of added value.

The riverine protection measures are proposed as a mix of grey infrastructure and BGI. Added value includes an extension of an existing Riverwalk trail, additional green space, living shoreline concept and increased access to the river.