Eastern Branch Meeting
COST: $15 Public Sector; $25 Members; $30 Non-Members
TOPIC: Peninsula Flood Barrier Project
The Charleston Peninsula Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Project is a joint effort between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the City of Charleston, designed to protect the peninsula from coastal storm surge flooding. Initiated in 2018, the project completed its feasibility phase in 2022 and is now preparing to enter the Preconstruction, Engineering, and Design (PED) phase. The central feature of the project is a perimeter storm surge wall, strategically planned around the peninsula to reduce storm surge inundation. The design includes various wall types—such as T-walls on land and combination walls in marsh areas—chosen to minimize impacts on environmental and historic resources. In addition to structural protection, the project proposes nonstructural measures for neighborhoods where walls are not feasible. These measures include home elevation and floodproofing to reduce risk while maintaining community character. The project team has made a concerted effort to address environmental and cultural concerns, including adjustments to wall alignment to reduce wetland impacts and coordination with local preservation groups to protect historic views and properties.
Lindsey Ann LaRocque, PhD, PE
Lindsey Ann LaRocque, Ph.D., PE is a Hydraulic and Hydrologic Engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Charleston District, where she provides technical expertise in flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, and resilience planning. She leads multiple interdisciplinary efforts as the Coordinator for South Carolina Silver Jackets, Regional Sediment Management (RSM), Floodplain Management Services (FPMS), and the Science & Technology (S&T) Working Group, facilitating collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies to develop innovative water resource solutions. She also represents the Charleston District in Hydrology, Hydraulics, and Coastal (HHC) Chiefs meetings, ensuring alignment with national priorities and policies.
As the Engineering Technical Lead (ETL) for major Civil Works projects—including the Waccamaw River Flood Risk Management Study, Peninsula Study, Polk Swamp Ecosystem Restoration, and Eagle Creek CAP (Continuing Authorities Program) 205 Flood Risk Management Project—Dr. LaRocque integrates advanced hydrologic and hydraulic modeling with strategic planning to address complex water resource challenges. Her ability to foster stakeholder engagement, streamline project workflows, and leverage interagency partnerships has led to significant cost-saving efficiencies and improved project outcomes.
Dr. LaRocque earned her Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of South Carolina, where she conducted groundbreaking research on dam break and levee breach flows. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, securing grants from the National Science Foundation and presenting her work at international conferences in New Zealand, Belgium, Egypt, and Puerto Rico. Her contributions to the field have been widely recognized, including her selection as the Enterprise 2024 Resilience Role Model, an honor reflecting her leadership in advancing resilience and sustainability within USACE.
Dedicated to the Corps’ mission, Dr. LaRocque continuously seeks opportunities to apply her technical expertise and leadership to the nation’s most pressing water resource challenges. Whether through engineering solutions, stakeholder engagement, or policy alignment, she remains committed to enhancing flood resilience, supporting community-driven initiatives, and driving innovation in water management practices.
*We are expecting a large crowd for our final meeting of this semester. If possible please register and pay online prior to the meting!
Swain Boating Center, The Citadel's campus.