Dan Bradway, PMP, CFM March 20, 2019 Middle and Upper Rappahannock river Basin Gauge Installation Project Update Dan Bradway, PMP, CFM March 20, 2019
Agenda Background Project Update Task Status IFLOWS Assessment Study DHS Science and Technology Project Proposal
Background 2013 USACE report identified need for hydrologic data along the Upper and Middle Rappahannock River Basin Over 50 potential gauge sites identified, 12 determined feasible The project seeks to improve emergency preparedness by installing rain and stream gauges in vulnerable areas Cost Share between VDEM and RRBC Cost share between VDEM and RRBC GF appropriations of $42,750 to VDEM Fredericksburg, Stafford, Culpeper, Fauquier, Rappahannock each contributed $12,214 ($61,070 total)
Background (cont.) 2 sites installed: Motts Run (RG) in Spotsylvania Battle Run (RG) in Rappahannock Project lost momentum with agency personnel turnover
Project Updates Considering comprehensive costs, expected project cost exceed previous estimate Negotiating firm fixed price contract We are limited to 5-6 rain/stream gauge sites Priority installation list established Sole source procurement request approved Contractor ready to perform the work
Task Tracker As of 18 Mar 2019 Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 Path Analysis Path Analysis Site Evaluations FCC Licenses Land Use Equipment Purchase Gauge Installation Network Node Installation System Testing Notes Rapidan River near Lignum RG/SG, Culpeper Working on permit w/ VDOT Recommended site Mountain Run RG/SG, Culpeper Sperryville RG/SG, Rappahannock Motts Run RG, Spotsylvania COMPLETE Kelly's Ford RG/SG, Culpeper Recommended site Orlean RG/SG, Fauquier Rixleyville (Hazel River) RG, Culpeper USGS site being re-located USGS reports that this site is not operational; they are working with VDOT to re-establish. RG could be included depending on the final decided location. Raccoon Ford RG, Culpeper Need VDEQ Approval Waterloo RG/SG, Culpeper Need VDOT Approval Po River near Spotsylvania RG, Spotsylvania North Anna near Partlow RG, Spotsylvania Need USGS Approval USGS advises that this site is not suitable for a RG Battle Run, Rappahannock Remington RG, Fauquier Route 365 RG/SG, Rappahannock As of 18 Mar 2019
As of 18 Mar 2019 Recommended Locations Locations may be feasible but are not recommended Recommended Locations Locations are not feasible or recommended Installations are complete As of 18 Mar 2019
IFLOWS Assessment Study VDEM commissioned IFLOWS study in Dec 2018 to assess system performance, diagnose issues and recommend improvements Preliminary findings suggest communications interference is primary cause of outages and poor data quality Final study report will be available May 2019
DHS Low-Cost Flood Inundation Sensors Pilot Program DHS Science & Technology (S&T) Directorate is testing inexpensive, deployable flood inundation sensors that uses cutting-edge technology S&T requested VDEM participation in the pilot program Sensors have been tested by several jurisdictions (alpha model) The Rappahannock River Installation Project area may be a suitable for pilot testing Beta model sensors will be available June 2019
Pilot Program Participation Benefits DHS provides new, technologically advanced sensors at no cost to VDEM or RRBC Each sensor can monitor rain and stream levels Can use cost savings to invest in improved telemetry (cellular, satellite, iridium) DHS and manufacturer will assist in project planning, implementation and troubleshooting DHS is vested in project success Can provide a model for the upgrade of the entire IFLOWS network
Pilot Program Participation Risks Sensors are relatively untested Higher density of gauges can make O&M cost prohibitive Our contractor has no experience installing, maintaining or repairing these gauges Unknown if gauges can be upgraded to measure flow data Prolonged timeline means project will go into hurricane season 2019
Response and Recovery Division Contact Information Dan Bradway, PMP, CFM Response and Recovery Division Daniel.bradway@vdem.virginia.gov Office: (804) 897-9974 Cell: (804) 774-0519