“Transforming Our Coasts: How Coral Reef Restoration Fights Pollution and Safeguards Coastal Ecosystems” – Communications Earth & Environment

Overview of Methodology

Our study assesses the risks and impacts of flooding in coastal areas of Florida, specifically focusing on counties like Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and the Florida Keys. We built our methodology around expected damage functions using an interdisciplinary risk framework. This approach integrates high-resolution flood models to gauge potential damage over storm return intervals.

Data Sources and Infrastructure

We collected data from five geospatial datasets, focusing on three critical infrastructure types: petroleum storage tanks (pSTs), onsite sewage treatment systems (OSTDSs), and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).

For pSTs, we analyzed both underground and aboveground tanks. We emphasized the risk of flooding on these tanks, especially smaller units that can still cause significant environmental damage if damaged. Stored petroleum-derived products include various gasoline types, diesel, aviation fuels, and petroleum-based oils.

Data was sourced from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and included information on tank volumes and contents. We also examined septic systems, estimating their capacity based on housing data in the counties studied.

WWTPs were evaluated under regulations from the Domestic Wastewater Program and were mapped using data from the FDEP. The capacities of these water treatment facilities varied significantly, impacting our overall risk assessments.

Flood Scenarios and Coral Reef Restoration

We modeled flood scenarios using existing and potential coral reef restoration states. Historical models evaluated how restored reefs could mitigate flooding compared to currently existing reefs. Restoration techniques include outplanting mature corals or constructing structures with juvenile corals.

Risk Assessment of Infrastructure

We used quantitative geospatial analysis to determine how many pSTs, OSTDSs, and WWTPs are at risk from floods. Each infrastructure location was carefully verified using satellite imagery and official data.

Petroleum Storage Tanks

We verified the locations of each pST and used spatial analysis tools to identify which were at risk of flooding across different scenarios. If a tank was located above the second floor, we considered it safe from flood risk.

Onsite Sewage Treatment Systems

For OSTDSs, we measured how much of a property was flooded to evaluate whether the sewage systems were potentially compromised. A cutoff of 20% flooding was used to assess the risk of system malfunction or spillage.

Wastewater Treatment Plants

The analysis of WWTPs followed a similar approach, identifying the extent of flooding based on location data and official project documentation. We also used the 20% flooding rule to assess potential damage.

Damage Scenario Modeling

We examined how flooding impacts the infrastructure economically. This involved assessing damages from wave-driven coastal flooding, including remediation costs after spills. Interviews with experts informed our understanding of potential damage scenarios.

For each component (pSTs, OSTDSs, and WWTPs), we developed damage trees that outline possible incident outcomes and associated costs based on the likelihood of floods.

Economic Impact Analysis

Using Monte Carlo simulations, we calculated expected economic damages and benefits from coral reef restoration efforts. Through iterations, we assessed the economic value at different scales, including total study area impacts.

The models factor in annual storm probabilities, potential flooding impacts, and the role of preserved coral reefs in disaster mitigation. By analyzing these elements, we could present estimates for future infrastructure protection due to reef restoration.

Conclusion and Considerations

Our findings illustrate the importance of reef restoration for protecting coastal infrastructure. While we considered average conditions over a projected timeline, future climate impacts may alter these projections. There are still uncertainties, particularly regarding storm frequency and infrastructure resilience. However, our study underscores the potential for mitigation strategies like coral restoration to greatly decrease flood-related damages.