As critical as Sustainable Site Design and Comprehensive Stormwater Management solutions are for every site, Cahill Associates (CA) has realized that understanding the overall system and larger planning realities - from the hydrology of watershed systems to the political process of municipalities, counties and states - is of equal importance.
In so many cases, the cumulative effects of land development mount in ways that become not only quantitatively greater, but even qualitatively more problematic. Watershed issues range from depleted groundwater contributions acre by acre, which ultimately translates into streams deprived of essential baseflow. Eventually, groundwater depletion causes elimination of all stream flow during dry periods, and the demise of the biota reliant on this stream flow.
The other side of the same coin, increased volumes of runoff, accumulate downstream and create worsened flooding to damage life and property. This increased volume worsens bankfull flows that play havoc with stream systems and the aquatic biota. Understanding how the larger system works is critical! Once that understanding is achieved, the second crucial step is to maintain balance in that system, as much as possible. This defines our approach to sustainability on this more macro level.
CA's Environmental Planning strategies have been applied in a variety of contexts across the country, from Pennsylvania's Act 167 Storm Water Management Plan program, where a comprehensive total volume control/peak rate control/water quality control program has been at the heart of the environmental planning.
Also in Pennsylvania, a variety of River Conservation Plans have been developed for different clients in both developing and highly urbanized watersheds. Cahill staff has also participated in a variety of federal and state Environmental Impact Statements and assessments, involving proposed actions from rail and transportation corridors to development of wastewater treatment systems to specific housing and other facility development.
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