1. Dan Bradway, PMP, CFM March 20, 2019
Middle and Upper Rappahannock river Basin Gauge Installation Project Update
Dan Bradway, PMP, CFM
March 20, 2019

2. Agenda Background Project Update Task Status IFLOWS Assessment Study
DHS Science and Technology Project Proposal

3. 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)

4. Background (cont.) 2 sites installed:
Motts Run (RG) in Spotsylvania
Battle Run (RG) in Rappahannock
Project lost momentum with agency personnel turnover

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Response and Recovery Division
Contact Information
Dan Bradway, PMP, CFM
Response and Recovery Division
Office: (804)
Cell: (804)