Palmer Engineering provides innovative stormwater management and water resources engineering solutions to help communities reduce flooding, improve water quality, and create long-term resilience.

One notable project was the Vaught Tributary of Lower Howards Creek stormwater model in Winchester, Kentucky. With the goal of reducing peak flood stages and improving water quality, Palmer developed and evaluated four alternatives against existing conditions at multiple analysis points along the stream.

Project Scope

Palmer’s responsibilities included:

• Extending and refining an existing hydrologic and hydraulic model (“Flood Study of Lower Howards Creek,” Palmer, 2008) to evaluate stormwater flooding in the Vaught Tributary

• Developing and testing alternative measures to reduce peak flood stages and improve water quality

• Comparing existing flood conditions with proposed solutions using advanced stormwater modeling

• Identifying the preferred alternative and preparing a planning-level cost estimate based on engineering judgment and recent bid prices

Preferred Solution: Biofiltration Basin

The selected alternative involved creating a biofiltration basin on the property of Robert D. Campbell Junior High School. The design included:

• A new outlet structure and modified drainage pipe

• Removal of ~7,000 cubic yards of material to increase storage capacity

• Stormwater modeling that demonstrated a 6-inch reduction in water surface elevation during a 100-year, 24-hour storm event

• Water quality benefits including sediment capture, pollutant removal through infiltration and plant uptake, velocity reduction, and decreased bank erosion downstream

• Native grass and wildflower plantings to support ecological health

This solution also created opportunities for outdoor learning spaces for students, blending stormwater engineering with educational value.