Fall 2024 Newsletter
At ISG, we are problem solvers. Our team of planners, architects, engineers, and scientists are committed to partnering with you to help address your water management challenges. Through expert insights, project success stories, and resources, your water quality goals can be achieved, resulting in a healthier community, economy, and environment.?
POSITIVE IMPRINT: ISG CASE STUDIES
Natural disasters can influence all aspects of life, from resource availability and ecosystem health to social and economic wellbeing. In 2024, as of September 10, there have been 20 confirmed weather or climate disaster events in the United States with losses exceeding $1 billion each, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information.??
Read on to learn how ISG has helped mitigate and proactively address natural disasters through recent climate resiliency projects, connecting communities to data-backed solutions and funding.??
City of Saint Peter Stormwater Resiliency Plan | Saint Peter, MN
ISG first developed a Multipurpose Drainage Management (MDM) plan for the City of Saint Peter to?reduce flood risk and prevent nitrate contamination of groundwater.?This involved:??
The Plan now serves as a guide for stormwater resiliency projects, including data-backed recommendations and corresponding grant opportunities for funding. The highest scoring BMPs included storage ponds, saturated buffers, two-stage ditches, and wetlands.?
Funds Secured:?$57,000
Source:?Planning Grant for Stormwater, Wastewater, and Community Resilience through Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)?
City of Eagle Lake Stormwater + Community Resiliency Study | Eagle Lake, MN
In 2024, ISG and the City of Eagle Lake partnered to submit a successful climate and community resilience grant application to migrate the City's XPSWMM model to an ICM format, integrate new development, and model future precipitation and climate scenarios. The effort includes an evaluation of community asset resilience and a compost facility feasibility study.
The project is well underway, with the new 1D/2D ICM model complete and climate prediction model outcomes being evaluated. Community asset assessments for public green space and buildings are also complete. Currently in the community engagement phase, ISG is utilizing Social Pinpoint to help identify local concerns regarding climate resilience and needs in the event of a natural disaster.
In the next phase, ISG will work with an advisory committee to evaluate the assessment and community input to develop a resilience plan that addresses stormwater, flooding, yard waste, community assets, and emergency assistance.??
Funds Secured:?$48,680??
Source:?Planning Grant for Stormwater, Wastewater, and Community Resilience through MPCA
Main Street + Joy Avenue Flood Mitigation | Madelia, MN
The City of Madelia, in partnership with Watonwan County, is evaluating opportunities to improve infrastructure along Main Street and Joy Avenue to address flooding, reduce stormwater impacts, and enhance climate resiliency. ISG has partnered to:??
The final report recommends improvements and funding options that prioritize clean water by protecting the Watonwan River from stormwater runoff, fostering environmental and public health benefits.??
Funds Secured:?$59,750??
Source:?Planning Grant for?Stormwater, Wastewater,?and Community Resilience?through MPCA??
LEVERAGING APPLIED TECHNOLOGY
Advanced Watershed Modeling
Utilizing state-of-the-art software and an analytical approach, ISG's water resources team ensures in-depth accuracy to help clients with watershed management planning. Paired with knowledge of industry best management practices and insight from in-house environmental specialists, our services ensure comprehensive solutions that protect the resources of communities, local landowners, and the surrounding natural landscape.??
In-House Technology
Advanced Watershed Modeling With InfoWorks ICM
Practicing a system-wide modeling approach, ISG's water resources team ensure in-depth accuracy with InfoWorks ICM software. ICM’s advanced modeling features can enhance a master drainage plan from a traditional, 1D model to a sophisticated 1D or 2D model with 3D visualization. This modeling gives the community a detailed analysis and deeper understanding of expected conditions under modeled scenarios.?
Sharing Technology Trends With 12,000+ Design Professionals
ISG's collaborative culture is rooted in our understanding that shared knowledge fosters innovation and positive change. Water Resources Practice Group Leader, Jacob Rischmiller, will make an impact by sharing the latest urban stormwater modeling capabilities related to climate resilience at Autodesk University—an event that attracts over 12,000 design professionals—during the following:?
领英推荐
IN THE KNOW: FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR)
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)
Coming Soon!
Contact us to start planning your grant application today!
Let's Connect: Upcoming Events
October 15–16, 2024 | Minnesota Water Resources Conference in St. Paul, MN?| Speakers and Exhibiting: Julie Blackburn, CFM and Spencer Pech, PE?
October 16, 2024 | Eastern South Dakota Water Conference in Brookings, SD | Speakers and Exhibiting: Kyle Werning and Chuck Brandel, PE?
October 30–31, 2024 | IStorm Conference in Ankeny, IA | Exhibiting: Julie Blackburn, CFM and Caleb Rasmussen, PE
November 5–8, 2024 | 2024 North American Lake Management Society in South Lake Tahoe, NV | Speakers: Julie Blackburn, CFM and Paul Marston, CFM?
November 13–14, 2024 | 2024 Minnesota Association of Floodplain Managers (AFPM) Conference in Austin, MN
December 2–4, 2024 | 2024 Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD) Convention in Bloomington, MN | Exhibiting: Julie Blackburn, CFM, Bailey Bocchino, PE, and Paul Marston, CFM
December 4–6, 2024 | Minnesota Watersheds in Nisswa, MN | Exhibiting: Julie Blackburn, CFM, Jacob Rischmiller, PE, and Paul Marston, CFM
Speaking: Julie Blackburn, CFM and Jacob Rischmiller, PE
December 9–11, 2024 | AMC Annual Conference in Bloomington, MN | Exhibiting, Hosting Social Event, and Speaking: Chuck Brandel, PE?
EVENT RECAPS
Mississippi River Watershed Partnership Workshop | June 25–27, 2024 St. Louis, MO
ISG Water Business Unit Leader Julie Blackburn attended the Mississippi River Watershed Partnership Workshop this past summer, where over 100 leaders and scientists from 21 states and the District of Columbia gathered to strengthen partnership relationships and explore ways to address challenges in the Mississippi River Watershed. Representatives from eight federal agencies, 13 state agencies, 27 non-governmental organizations, 7 corporations, and 5 academic institutions attended. Extensive experience and diverse perspectives were shared in discussions on watershed problem areas, the work being done on local and national levels, and goals for the future.
ISG HAPPENINGS
A Career in Water Quality + Ecological Diversity | Jacob Rischmiller, PE
With a career centered on advancing water quality and promoting ecological diversity, Jacob is passionate about creating sustainable solutions that benefit both communities and natural ecosystems. In his role, he leads a team of engineers, emphasizing critical thinking and strategic project design, while focusing on maximizing the ecological impact of every project.?
From ditch bank stabilization to wetland restoration, Jacob’s expertise spans a range of water resource solutions. He leverages cutting-edge hydraulic and hydrology modeling software, including InfoWorks ICM and XPSWMM, to deliver tailored and innovative designs. Jacob’s ability to translate complex watershed models into visuals that are easily understood by diverse audiences sets him apart, helping communities engage with the vital work of protecting water resources.?
“I’m driven by the challenge of simplifying complex modeling data so that communities can clearly understand how we’re impacting their water resources. It’s exciting to see new advancements in modeling software help us communicate important environmental insights in a more intuitive way.”??
A frequent speaker at national conferences, including the Autodesk University sessions noted above, Jacob continues to lead industry discussions on the importance of water quality and ecological diversity in shaping the future of infrastructure and environmental planning
See where Jacob is presenting next and connect with him on?LinkedIn!?