Overview: The CSC underwent a fourteen-month study to model flooding problems in the Sandy Run Watershed and prepare new floodplain maps for submission to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Flooding problems have seriously hampered economic development in the Fort Washington Office Park and the Borough of Ambler of Montgomery County, PA. Unless these problems are addressed and ameliorated, wise development of these areas will continue to languish.

SandyRun Watershed Hillshade

The study, funded by a $200,000 grant from FEMA, included the following outputs: hydrologic/hydraulic modeling and the preparation of new floodplain maps for the watershed areas; two-foot digital contour coverage for the watersheds and a Digital Elevation Map (DEM) based on aerial photography flown in 2005. The study also included and evaluation of existing stormwater management facilities in the areas and field verification of flood elevations and stream obstructions. An enginerring evaluation was also conducted of the transportation and water and sewer systems in the watershed areas and their impact on flooding.

Example of 2 ft contour created by the Center