At ISG, we are problem solvers. Our team of planners, architects, engineers, and scientists are committed to partnering with you to help address your water management challenges. Through expert insights, project success stories, and resources, your water quality goals can be achieved, resulting in a healthier community, economy, and environment.
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Positive Imprint: ISG Case Studies |
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Natural disasters can influence all aspects of life, from resource availability and ecosystem health to social and economic wellbeing. In 2024, as of September 10, there have been 20 confirmed weather or climate disaster events in the United States with losses exceeding $1 billion each, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information.
Read on to learn how ISG has helped mitigate and proactively address natural disasters through recent climate resiliency projects, connecting communities to data-backed solutions and funding.
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| City of Saint Peter Stormwater Resiliency Plan
Saint Peter, MN
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ISG first developed a Multipurpose Drainage Management (MDM) plan for the City of Saint Peter to reduce flood risk and prevent nitrate contamination of groundwater. This involved:
- Hydrologic and hydraulic modeling using InfoWorks ICM
- Analysis of nutrient reduction for the practices identified in the MDM
- Stakeholder meetings to prioritize solutions
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Creation of a decision matrix that evaluated Best Management Practices (BMPs) based on factors like nitrate removal, cost, flooding control, and landowner cooperation
The Plan now serves as a guide for stormwater resiliency projects, including data-backed recommendations and corresponding grant opportunities for funding. The highest scoring BMPs included storage ponds, saturated buffers, two-stage ditches, and wetlands.
Funds Secured: $57,000
Source: Planning Grant for Stormwater, Wastewater, and Community Resilience through Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)
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City of Eagle Lake Stormwater + Community Resiliency Study
Eagle Lake, MN
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In 2024, ISG and the City of Eagle Lake partnered to submit a successful climate and community resilience grant application to migrate the City's XPSWMM model to an ICM format, integrate new development, and model future precipitation and climate scenarios. The effort includes an evaluation of community asset resilience and a compost facility feasibility study.
The project is well underway, with the new 1D/2D ICM model complete and climate prediction model outcomes being evaluated. Community asset assessments for public green space and buildings are also complete. Currently in the community engagement phase, ISG is utilizing Social Pinpoint to help identify local concerns regarding climate resilience and needs in the event of a
natural disaster.
In the next phase, ISG will work with an advisory committee to evaluate the assessment and community input to develop a resilience plan that addresses stormwater, flooding, yard waste, community assets, and
emergency assistance.
Funds Secured: $48,680
Source: Planning Grant for Stormwater, Wastewater, and Community Resilience through MPCA
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Main Street + Joy Avenue Flood Mitigation
Madelia, MN
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The City of Madelia, in partnership with Watonwan County, is evaluating opportunities to improve infrastructure along Main Street and Joy Avenue to address flooding, reduce stormwater impacts, and enhance climate resiliency. ISG has partnered to:
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Conduct InfoWorks ICM 1D and 2D hydrologic and hydraulic modeling
- Gather climate trend data
- Facilitate stakeholder engagement to gather community
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Integrate modeling, climate, and stakeholder data into a feasibility study that provides alternative analysis
The final report recommends improvements and funding options that prioritize clean water by protecting the Watonwan River from stormwater runoff, fostering environmental and public health benefits.
Funds Secured: $59,750
Source: Planning Grant for Stormwater, Wastewater, and Community Resilience through MPCA
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Leveraging Applied Technology |
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Advanced Watershed Modeling
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Utilizing state-of-the-art software and an analytical approach, ISG's water resources team ensures in-depth accuracy to help clients with watershed management planning. Paired with knowledge of industry best management practices and insight from in-house environmental specialists, our services ensure comprehensive solutions that protect the resources of communities, local landowners, and the surrounding natural landscape.
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- Localized 2D flooding visualizations
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Overland flow visualizations for large storm events and floods
- Utilization of HSPF water quantity and quality model
- 1D and 2D hydrologic and hydraulic modeling (InfoWorks ICM, XPSWMM, HEC-RAS, HydroCAD)
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3D visualizations of flood models
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Advanced Watershed Modeling With InfoWorks ICM
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Practicing a system-wide modeling approach, ISG's water resources team ensure in-depth accuracy with InfoWorks ICM software. ICM’s advanced modeling features can enhance a master drainage plan from a traditional, 1D model to a sophisticated 1D or 2D model with 3D visualization. This modeling gives the community a detailed analysis and deeper understanding of expected conditions under modeled scenarios.
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Sharing Technology Trends With 12,000+
Design Professionals
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ISG's collaborative culture is rooted in our understanding that shared knowledge fosters innovation and positive change. Water Resources Practice Group Leader, Jacob Rischmiller, will make an impact by sharing the latest urban stormwater modeling capabilities related to climate resilience at Autodesk University—an event that attracts over 12,000 design professionals—during the following:
- October 15 panel discussion at the water industry summit focused on
data management. -
October 16 presentation with Mel Meng, Senior Product Support Representative at Autodesk, sharing expertise in navigating climate resiliency and funding to develop 1D and 2D modeling.
- October 17 presentation covering Infoworks ICM modeling, and how this software was crucial to revising the proposed Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Maps for the City of Brookings to more accurately represent floodplain boundaries.
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In The Know: Funding Opportunities |
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Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) |
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Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) |
Climate Resilience Funds - NEW!
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Planning Grants for Stormwater, Wastewater, and Community Resilience
Application Due: November 14, 2024 at 4:00 PM- Funding for Minnesota communities to assess and plan for climate change in three areas:
- How to increase resilience to stormwater and reduce localized flood risk.
- How to improve the resilience of wastewater systems.
- How to reduce human health effects and adapt community services, ordinances, and public spaces to the changing climate.
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Eligible Applicants: tribal nationals, cities, counties, towns/townships, soil and water conservation districts, water management organizations, and
watershed districts. - Apply online through the SWIFT portal.
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Questions on this opportunity must be submitted to grants.pca@state.mn.us, not individual MPCA employees.
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship's Water Quality Initiative Urban Conservation Projects
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Pre-Application Due: November 22, 2024
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- Local Climate Action Grants: Early Fall 2024
- Implementation Grants for Community Resilience: Fall 2024
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Small Communities Planning Grants for Stormwater, Wastewater, and Community Resilience: Fall 2024
- Implementation Grants for Stormwater Resilience: Late Fall 2024
Contact us to start planning your grant application today!
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Let's Connect: Upcoming Events |
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October 30–31, 2024
IStorm Conference in Ankeny, IA
Exhibiting: Julie Blackburn, CFM and Caleb Rasmussen, PE
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December 4–6, 2024
Minnesota Watersheds in Nisswa, MN
Exhibiting: Julie Blackburn, CFM, Jacob Rischmiller, PE, and Paul Marston, CFM
Speaking: Julie Blackburn, CFM and Jacob Rischmiller, PE
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| December 9–11, 2024
AMC Annual Conference in Bloomington, MN
Exhibiting, Hosting Social Event, and Speaking: Chuck Brandel, PE
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Mississippi River Watershed Partnership Workshop
June 25–27, 2024
St. Louis, MO
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ISG Water Business Unit Leader Julie Blackburn attended the Mississippi River Watershed Partnership Workshop this past summer, where over 100 leaders and scientists from 21 states and the District of Columbia gathered to strengthen partnership relationships and explore ways to address challenges in the Mississippi River Watershed. Representatives from eight federal agencies, 13 state agencies, 27 non-governmental organizations, 7 corporations, and 5 academic institutions attended. Extensive experience and diverse perspectives were shared in discussions on watershed problem areas, the work being done on local and national levels, and goals for the future.
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| A Career in Water Quality + Ecological Diversity
Jacob Rischmiller, PE
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With a career centered on advancing water quality and promoting ecological diversity, Jacob is passionate about creating sustainable
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solutions that benefit both communities and natural ecosystems. In his role, he leads a team of engineers, emphasizing critical thinking and strategic project design, while focusing on maximizing the ecological impact of
every project.
From ditch bank stabilization to wetland restoration, Jacob’s expertise spans a range of water resource solutions. He leverages cutting-edge hydraulic and hydrology modeling software, including InfoWorks ICM and XPSWMM, to deliver tailored and innovative designs. Jacob’s ability to translate complex watershed models into visuals that are easily understood by diverse audiences sets him apart, helping communities engage with the vital work of protecting
water resources.
“I’m driven by the challenge of simplifying complex modeling data so that communities can clearly understand how we’re impacting their water resources. It’s exciting to see new advancements in modeling software help us communicate important environmental insights in a more intuitive way.”
A frequent speaker at national conferences, including the Autodesk University sessions noted above, Jacob continues to lead industry discussions on the importance of water quality and ecological diversity in shaping the future of infrastructure and environmental planning
See where Jacob is presenting next and connect with him on LinkedIn!
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| Join Our Team!
Urban Stormwater Lead
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Architecture + Engineering + Environmental + Planning
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