Nichols, Kari

Kari Nichols is a licensed professional civil engineer experienced in hydrologic and hydraulic computations, stormwater drainage design, flood risk reduction and green stormwater infrastructure. She is familiar with state and federal codes and regulations pertaining to water resources protection. Kari keeps current with the municipal industry through her involvement in various professional organizations. She is an experienced project manager, leading multidisciplinary teams for various infrastructure improvement projects. Kari leads a team of water professionals in the Pacific Northwest. If a raindrop falls on the project, Kari gets involved to find a stormwater management solution. “I believe in dedication and follow-through,” she says. “Deciphering regulatory language and developing workable design solutions helps me connect with clients and colleagues.” Kari has a taste for adventure and a passion for sustainability, which she satisfies by exploring natural and urban environments.

Titles from this speaker

Combating Environmental Racism Through Stormwater Retrofit Project Prioritization

Abstract

Stormwater retrofits that include green infrastructure are important tools in creating more equitable and environmentally-enhanced cities for communities experiencing environmental racism. Underserved communities within large municipalities often have denser populations and fewer open spaces. Due to aging infrastructure, these areas can also be more prone to flooding and sewer overflows. This leaves these populations more vulnerable to the ill effects of the environment than more affluent populations. Stormwater retrofits incorporating green infrastructure replicate natural systems by creating open, green spaces. These types of projects, particularly when project prioritization informed by environmental equity is incorporated, work to correct environmental inequity, improve water quality, reduce flooding, promote health, and increase community interaction and cohesion within these underserved communities. Stormwater practitioners are in an ideal position to invite change and promote innovation that benefits those impacted by environmental racism.

Stormwater retrofits that include green infrastructure can create equitable cities. Underserved communities often have denser populations, fewer open spaces, and more prone to flooding and sewer overflows. Environmental racism is when underserved populations are disproportionately exposed to ill environmental effects. Stormwater retrofits create green spaces, improve water quality, reduce flooding, promote health, and increase community interaction and cohesion addressing environmental inequity.

SpeakerNichols, Kari

Presentation time

10:30:00

10:50:00

Session time

10:30:00

12:00:00

SessionLeveraging Stormwater Infrastructure to Build a Better Community

Session locationRoom S403b - Level 4

TopicDiversity, Equity & Inclusion, Intermediate Level, Public Communication and Outreach, Stormwater and Green Infrastructure

Author(s)

Nichols, Kari