> Short-Term Storage of Flood Water on Farmland
>
> A colleague is developing and examining the idea that the benefits of short-term
> storage and management of flood water on farmland may be much greater than the
> associated costs. This storage would supplement the storage that is already
> available in COE and Small Watershed structures. If large amounts of flood
> water could be stored on farmland, the effective operation of all these
> activities should be closely coordinated. I include a summary of the idea and a
> request.
>
> Summary
>
> Short-term storage of flood waters by the temporary plugging of ditches and
> drainage systems and holding water on farmland with berms around the edge of
> fields and other actions could reduce the social and environmental cost
> associated with downstream flood impacts. In return, farmers would be paid an
> amount that would cover the opportunity cost of the land for the period of
> runoff storage including crop loss and any other related costs. Additionally,
> there could be cost sharing of installing berms and risers to store water on the
> surface, gates to retain water in drainage ditches, and modifications to
> drainage systems to temporarily store water in drainage pipes and the soil.