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Creating and Implementing Aquatic Connectivity Policies for WisDOT Administered Projects
January 30 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am CST
Location: Frisco 3, 4, 5
Speaker: Ed Lilla, P.E. – WisDOT
Presentation Description:
After over 10 years of discussions and an ad hoc project by project approach to addressing Aquatic Connectivity (also known as Aquatic Organism Passage or AOP), in 2021 the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued an attachment to their Cooperative Agreement to address Aquatic Connectivity needs on projects. While AOP for road-stream crossing design has become common practice for coastal states to address the seasonal migration of anadromous fish species, it has been slower to be implemented in midwestern states. This presentation discusses the challenges in creating and implementing AOP policies and standards at Wisconsin DOT. Inclusive in the discussion will be how AOP designs have increased the use of large diameter precast pipe and some of the unique challenges related to construction.
Speaker Bio:
Ed serves as one of Wisconsin DOT’s statewide drainage engineers in its Central Office Bureau of Project Development where he has worked the last 7 seven years. His responsibilities include development of WisDOT’s policies, specifications, and guidelines that relate to all things drainage apart from bridges. Prior to coming to WisDOT, Ed worked primarily as a consultant specializing in municipal and environmental engineering. Ed lives in the driftless area of southwest Wisconsin with his wife and family.
