Sea Level Rise Impacts on Groundwater Levels and Water Quality: A Vulnerability and Planning Study in Durham, New Hampshire

This plan was developed through the collaborative efforts of numerous project management team meetings and conference calls between the Strafford Regional Planning Commission (SRPC), JFK Environmental LLC, University of New Hampshire, and New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (Watershed Assistance Section, Wastewater Engineering Bureau, and the Coastal Program), hereunto referred to as the project management team. Staff from partnering organizations, such as the Climate Adaptation Workgroup (CAW), Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership (PREP), and NH Sea Grant were often consulted during the project for their expertise and feedback. In addition, a local steering committee made up of select members of Durham’s Leadership Committee, including the Town Administrator, Public Works Director, Town Planner, Town Engineer, and Code Enforcement Officer were responsible for providing technical input, localized data, and overall guidance throughout the length of the project.

The goal of this project, as explained in the Plan, is to improve Durham’s understanding of future groundwater rise vulnerabilities, build off and expand UNH’s ongoing research on the impacts of sea-level rise on groundwater, and ultimately enable Durham decision-makers to better plan for future conditions so that the Town can continue to improve water quality in the Great Bay Estuary.