Tiered Approach to Incorporating Sea Level Change into Planning and Engineering for a Resilient Coast

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, (USACE) has developed a robust approach to climate and sea level change that is flexible enough to incorporate new knowledge and changing conditions. Since the USACE is responsible for a very large body of water resources management projects, both existing and planned, careful decisions need to be applied in order to cost-effectively conduct the necessary analysis to assess these climate change impacts. The USACE approach to understanding and planning for sea level change utilizes a multiple scenario approach that includes both screening for sensitivity and more detailed technical considerations for USACE mission areas. The appropriate level of analysis is guided by a hierarchy of screening levels with various decision points. The review and decision points in the hierarchy require engineers and planners to reassess the required data and update the analysis approach. The three tiers include: (1) establishing a strategic decision context, (2) determining project area exposure and vulnerability, and (3) developing and evaluating alternatives for addressing sea level change at the project site. This paper describes the USACE approach to understanding sea level change and developing adaptation measures.