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Gem Lake News Page 5 of 8 <br /> <br /> The Importance of Stormwater Management, Part Two <br />Jim Lindner, Gem Lake City Council (portions of this article were generated by AI) <br /> <br />Flood Prevention and Control <br /> <br />In the last newsletter, you were introduced to a new <br />series covering topics related to the importance of storm <br />water management in Gem Lake. Part two of the series <br />will delve into the subject of flood prevention and <br />control. <br /> <br />In Spring, 2019, flooding occurred along Scheuneman <br />Road in Gem Lake due to excessive snowfall and <br />sudden warm temperatures. Given the relatively flat <br />topography of that area, flooding could happen again. <br /> <br />Some examples of the 2019 flooding along <br />Scheuneman Road can be seen below: <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Here’s more on flood prevention and how storm water <br />infrastructure can help. <br /> <br />Flood Prevention and Control <br />Urbanization increases the volume and speed of <br />stormwater runoff, often exceeding the capacity of natural <br />and man-made drainage systems. This can result in <br />localized flooding, property damage, and even loss of life. <br />Stormwater management strategies are essential for <br />mitigating these risks. <br /> <br />Infrastructure Protection <br />Properly designed stormwater systems, including storm <br />drains, retention basins, and detention ponds, help <br />control the flow and volume of runoff. These systems are <br />engineered to handle significant rainfall events, reducing <br />the likelihood of overwhelmed infrastructure and <br />subsequent flooding. By directing stormwater away from <br />vulnerable areas, these systems protect roads, buildings, <br />and other critical infrastructure from water damage. <br /> <br />Climate Resilience <br />With the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme <br />weather events due to climate change, stormwater <br />management has become even more vital. Climate- <br />resilient infrastructure takes into account future climate <br />scenarios, incorporating adaptive measures to manage <br />stormwater effectively. This proactive approach ensures <br />that communities are better prepared to face the <br />challenges posed by a changing climate. <br /> <br />Stay tuned for Part Three on Economic Benefits in the <br />next newsletter. <br /> <br /> <br /> Flood waters along Minnesota River, May 2022 Photo by author <br />