Crafting Resilient Spaces: Innovative Design Solutions for a Wetter Future

Students at Johns Hopkins University are taking on an important challenge: how to protect Baltimore’s Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant from rising sea levels and floods. As storms become more intense and frequent, this facility, which processes about 180 million gallons of wastewater daily, is at risk. If it fails, untreated waste could pollute the local environment, harming wildlife and public health.

Chris Overcash, an instructor in environmental engineering, emphasizes the importance of equipping students with practical skills. “Engineers worldwide are searching for resilient solutions for infrastructure under threat from climate change,” he said. The hands-on experience these students gain will be invaluable in their future careers.

A diverse team of students—Joey Stanley, Lalitha Aiyar, Emily Klaus, Ricardo Montiel, and CJ Cole—will present their project on April 29 during the Whiting School of Engineering’s Design Day. Their findings will also be reported to Baltimore’s Department of Public Works.

To address the flooding potential, the team proposes a mixed approach: creating wetlands to minimize erosion and building traditional barriers to fend off storm surges. This strategy balances natural methods with constructed solutions. “Wetlands can hold significant amounts of water and provide many benefits, including filtering contaminants and supporting wildlife,” Stanley highlighted. “However, for major storms, physical barriers are still necessary.”

During their research, the team visited the plant under various conditions. “When we saw it during a heavy rain, it was alarming how close the water level was to the facility,” Cole noted. This firsthand experience helped cement their commitment to developing effective strategies.

Another aspect worth noting is the historical context. Past storms have shown us just how vulnerable infrastructure can be when unchecked. Recent data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicates that sea levels are rising by about a foot per century, which adds urgency to their project. As the earth warms, communities must adapt their strategies and infrastructure to ensure long-term viability.

In summary, this project not only empowers students but also addresses a pressing issue for Baltimore. By merging nature with technology, they aim to create a resilient system that protects vital resources for both people and nature.

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