C2, C3W, C4, C5, and C6 Watersheds Flood Protection Level of Service Assessment

ChenMoore served as the prime consultant for a Flood Protection Level of Service (FPLOS) assessment of the C2, C3W, C4, C5, and C6 watersheds in central Miami-Dade County. Using an integrated groundwater and surface water modeling approach, the project evaluated flood protection performance under existing conditions and future sea level rise scenarios. The study provides critical information to support long-term water management planning, infrastructure investment, and resilience initiatives throughout the region.

The South Florida Water Management District retained ChenMoore to prepare a comprehensive Flood Protection Level of Service (FPLOS) assessment for the C2, C3W, C4, C5, and C6 watersheds in central Miami-Dade County. The study evaluated the performance of the regional water management system under both existing and future sea level rise conditions while accounting for the complex hydrologic and hydraulic interactions throughout the interconnected canal network.

ChenMoore led the development of an integrated modeling framework encompassing approximately 200 square miles. The project began with selection of the modeling approach and collection of available hydrologic, hydraulic, groundwater, topographic, and infrastructure data. The team developed a sophisticated groundwater-surface water modeling tool utilizing MIKE-SHE software and completed extensive calibration and validation efforts to accurately represent watershed conditions and system performance.

The FPLOS assessment included simulation of design storm events under existing conditions to evaluate current flood protection levels and identify areas susceptible to flooding. Additional analyses simulated future sea level rise scenarios to determine impacts on system performance and identify locations where modifications to the design, operation, construction, or upgrade of water management facilities may be required. The resulting information provides local governments, the South Florida Water Management District, and state and federal agencies with valuable planning tools for future resilience and infrastructure investment decisions.

ChenMoore maintained a rigorous quality management process throughout the project, including principal-level technical reviews of model development, calibration results, and report documentation. The team coordinated bi-weekly meetings with District modeling staff during calibration and validation activities, monthly project meetings with District stakeholders, and regular coordination with the District Project Manager to ensure project objectives were met. Due to the significance of the findings and the success of the FPLOS program, project results were presented at multiple professional conferences in 2023.

Project Highlight

• Served as prime consultant for the FPLOS assessment of the C2, C3W, C4, C5, and C6 watersheds.
• Evaluated flood protection performance across approximately 200 square miles of central Miami-Dade County.
• Developed an integrated groundwater and surface water modeling platform using MIKE-SHE.
• Assessed hydrologic and hydraulic interactions throughout an interconnected regional canal network.
• Performed comprehensive model calibration and validation for existing watershed conditions.
• Simulated design storm events to determine current Flood Protection Level of Service (FPLOS).
• Evaluated future sea level rise scenarios and their impacts on flood protection performance.
• Identified areas requiring potential design, operational, construction, or infrastructure upgrades.
• Supported long-term resilience planning and water management decision-making for local, state, and federal agencies.
• Presented findings at the Greater Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Conference, Florida Stormwater Association Annual Conference, ASCE Florida Section Annual Conference, and AWRA National Conference.