Forensic Hydrology
Forensic hydrology is relating to or dealing with the application of scientific knowledge of storm water to legal resolutions. Hydrologists evaluate and document damage caused by water and prepares information for presentation in court.
Forensic Hydrologist
Attorneys seek the assistance of forensic hydrologists to determine the cause of the damage and the source of the water that caused the damage. Forensic hydrologists investigate the property where the damage occurred and perform a detailed analysis that involves collecting site specific data, analyzing topography maps, performing calculations, other hydrological modeling.
Professional Hydrologists (PH) are certified through the American Institute of Hydrology. Forensic hydrologists are highly qualified and trained in the field of water issue causation, report preparation, depositions and testifying in court. They are also very familiar with the federal, state and local laws and regulations of the Clean Water Act.
Types of Storm Water Problems
Professional Hydrologists at Atlanta Engineering Services, Inc. identify and evaluate problems concerning:
- Flooding
- Improper storm drainage
- Undersized storm water conveyance channels such as pipes and ditches
- Clogged or inadequately maintained storm drains
- Malfunctioning detention ponds
- Contaminated drinking water supplies
- Damaged habitats in streams
- Sink holes
- Siltation of streams, lakes and waterways
- Improperly functioning roadway gutters
- Improper or lack of BMPs such as silt fence, rip rap, temporary sediment basins, etc.
Litigation Support
Whether it is the need to evaluate the size of a storm water piping system, a detention pond system or a diversion ditch channel, forensic hydrologists have the skills and expertise to determine the source of the problem and to explain forensic hydrology to the judge and jury.
Atlanta Engineering Services provides litigation support in hydrology and hydraulic matters for clients in court cases involving flooding, property damage caused by storm water and improper release of storm water.
Land Development
Unimproved property which is developed into impervious areas such as parking lots and buildings increases the amount of storm water runoff and also increases the rate of runoff of the storm water. Rain water that once soaked into the undeveloped wooded terrain now races across streets and parking lots at a much faster rate.
The increase in the volume and the rate of runoff must be routed into impounding detention structures for release of the water at pre-development rates. An improperly designed or constructed storm water system causes damage to downstream property owners.
The methodology used in forensic hydrology is essential in determining design and construction defects.
The Federal Government promulgated The Clean Water Rules and Regulations to address the quantity of storm water discharge and also the quality of the storm water released onto adjacent property.
Local governments have further enacted laws to regulate the discharge of storm water from newly developed sites. These laws are intended to protect downstream property owners as well as downstream lakes, rivers and streams.
Storm Water Runoff Evaluation
Professional hydrologists and engineers design storm water systems to safely convey storm water to its discharge point and release the storm water in a nondestructive manner.
Forensic hydrologists advise property owners in the analysis of all types of storm water damage cases. Upon the occurrence of storm water damage, the forensic hydrologist makes a determination of the cause of the damage.
Erosion & Sediment Pollution
Engineers and hydrologists are also certified as erosion and sediment control specialists and provide expert testimony in the release of erosion and siltation from construction sites. Because of the erosion and sedimentation regulations, states have produced erosion control manuals used to implement Best Management Practices (BMP) for soil disturbance construction activities. These BMPs are specified by engineers and hydrologists are used by contractors to minimize release of siltation during construction.
Atlanta Engineering Services, Inc.
Elvin Aycock, PE, PH, PLS, ACTAR is a forensic hydrologist with Atlanta Engineering Services. He is also a professional engineer, a professional land surveyor and is ACTAR certified. He provides expert testimony involving storm water damage. He can be reached at 678-297-2565 or ela@atlantaeng.com.
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Atlanta Engineering Services, Inc. | 185 Thompson Street | Alpharetta, GA 30009