Sea Level Rise is no longer an abstract spinoff of Climate Change, but rather an ever-increasing reality which is a growing threat to low lying coastal communities around the world. Ironically, the increased water and flooding in the streets during high tides, even on cloudless days, is sending a message to governments that something must be done. Populations may be seriously threatened with continuous deterioration in quality of life, ranging from property damage, storm water/wastewater treatment issues, reduced movement, and reductions in viable drinking water sources. As we tackle these matters, we must not only be resilient in our thought process, but also innovative. We first discuss potential property damage, and one method to reduce this by establishing Living Shorelines versus Coastal Structures. Living shorelines are a green – softer stabilization technique implemented along estuaries, bays and sheltered shorelines that has a footprint that is made up mostly of native material and thus has the benefit of providing, and assisting, in maintaining habitat for native floral and faunal species, in addition to is protective nature.

Integrating living systems into engineered stabilization structures will help create resilient coastal communities that can adapt to changing climatic conditions. Miller Legg is extremely experienced and qualified in providing Planning, Environmental and Engineering Services for living shorelines.

Should you have questions about resiliency and or grant opportunities for Municipalities please contact Jeff Marcus, PhD or William Mohler at 1-800-980-0073. Or via email at jmarcus@millerlegg.com or wmohler@millerlegg.com. Our in-house resiliency professionals are here to help.