WTS-NH is pleased to welcome Diane Mas, Ph.D., RS/REHS, CC-P, for our next Lunch n’ Learn, “Design in a Changing Climate: How Climate Resilience is Shaping Transportation,” on Wednesday, October 20 at noon.
How does climate change impact transportation planning and design? Does it mean that stream crossings such as culverts and bridges should be sized differently? Does it mean that conditions for access and egress that exist today may be different in 20 years? Does the vulnerability of the community to climate-related hazards influence the consideration of design alternatives? Does it drive the necessity for transportation planning that also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and provides co-benefits like reducing urban heat? The answer to all these questions is “yes.”
Considerations that were not at the forefront or even a consideration in the planning, design, and permitting process as recently as five years ago are now key elements in transportation projects. Funding, public outreach and engagement, and even the consideration of design conditions are now all influenced and impacted by climate change and the impetus to build resilience into transportation projects. Using examples from Fuss & O’Neill’s work in New England as a starting point, we explore the intersection of climate and transportation including:
- Incorporating climate projections into design and how that relates to standard of care.
- Transportation assets as opportunities for flood resilience.
- Integrating transportation considerations into managed retreat.
Registration is free for all. 1 PDH hour is awarded for attendance. Register using the registration button to the right.
Meet our Presenter:
Diane Mas, PhD, REHS/RS, CC-P is a Water Resources Engineer, Sanitarian, and Chief Resilience Officer at Fuss & O’Neill, and a founding member of the company’s environmental impact assessment practice. She has spent nearly 25 years working in the areas of water quality modeling, watershed management, and environmental impact assessment. Her current areas of water resources practice focus on climate change resilience and adaptation for water resources; water quality assessment, modeling, and watershed management; harmful algal bloom impacts to drinking and recreational waters; and the relationship between water quality and public health. Dr. Mas brings her two decades of experience in water resources and climate modeling, environmental health, and environmental impact assessment combined with her training and certification as a climate change professional (CC-P) through the Association of Climate Change Officers to support all of Fuss & O’Neill’s engineers, scientists, and planners with integrating climate resilience into the firm’s projects.