Date of Award

3-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Christopher M. Chini, PhD

Abstract

Climate change is resulting in rising sea levels and increased rainfall, posing new challenges to stormwater management, particularly along coastlines. The airfield stormwater systems of Tyndall Air Force Base discharge directly into an interior bay of the Gulf of Mexico through tidal canals and ditches, creating a risk of system inundation from high tidewater conditions from sea-level rise (SLR). This study explores the performance and consequences of an inundated stormwater system from SLR during rainfall events using the EPA’s Stormwater Management Model (SWMM). One hundred and fifty-three combinations of SLR and return year storms were applied to a model of an independent stormwater system servicing the Bravo taxiway, and analysis of the results indicate that SLR projections associated with 2065 under high emissions and 2100 under medium emissions will result in widespread flooding, surcharging, and capacity limitation in stormwater inlets and conduits adjacent to airfield pavements and proximate to the system outfall. The results of this model warrant future study and validation, while indicating that the Department of Defense needs to account for the dual threat of SLR and intensified rainfall in stormwater planning.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-MS-22-M-223

DTIC Accession Number

AD1174055

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