Brandywine Flood Study
The Brandywine Flood Study is a collaborative initiative launched by the Brandywine Conservancy, the Chester County Water Resources Authority, and the University of Delaware Water Resources Center. Its primary goal is to analyze and mitigate flooding along the Brandywine Creek in Pennsylvania and Delaware, particularly in response to severe events like Hurricane Ida in 2021.
The study focuses on identifying chronic flood sites, developing hydrologic and hydraulic watershed models, and recommending both structural and nonstructural flood solutions. It covers the main stem of the Brandywine Creek from Honey Brook, PA, to Wilmington, DE, including key tributaries. The project is expected to be completed by early 2025, with subsequent efforts aimed at implementing the study's recommendations to better protect communities from future severe flooding events.
Public involvement is a crucial component of the study, with several public meetings scheduled throughout the process to gather input and share progress. Residents are encouraged to participate in surveys and contribute to an interactive flood study map to provide valuable data on local flooding experiences.
Funding for the study is provided in part by grants from Chester County Government and Delaware County Council. The collaborative nature of the project, involving multiple partners and community engagement, aims to ensure that the watershed and its residents are better prepared, protected, and equipped to rebound from future severe flooding events.