2025 ACEC-NH & NHDOT Technical Exchange Conference

Session 4A: Using UAVs for Environmental Resource Surveys, Planning, and Construction
Speakers: Brian Easler, NHDOT; Jason Leavitt, NHDOT; Jennifer Riordan, GM2
- This presentation shows how a UAV was utilized for a bat bridge assessment in Rhode Island. The Washington Bridge carries I-195 over the Seekonk River between Providence and East Providence. An assessment to identify the potential presence of bats was required as part of the NEPA documentation and permitting process. This large bridge has multiple spans over both land and water which made access difficult. A small drone fitted with a camera was used to inspect areas that could not be easily viewed with binoculars.

This presentation shows how a UAV was utilized to collect storm damage to New Hampshire’s sea wall. New Hampshire’s coastline has approximately 4.5 miles of earthen seawall that was damaged in a winter storm event. A drone fitted with a LiDAR sensor was used to collect data that was used to create a virtual model of the damaged seawall. That data was then used to developed cross sections of the damaged seawall that could be compared to the original construction plans and cross sections to determine the extent of the damages and to quantify the material missing that would need to be replaced to repair the seawall.

Session 4B: Stormwater Treatment Basin I-pad Inspection for use in Design
Speaker: Mark Hemmerlein, NHDOT
- This presentation reviews the NHDOT’s Stormwater Treatment Facilities inspection program. These facilities, like any other roadway related infrastructure, require periodic inspections and maintenance to prolong their functional integrity, longevity and treatment performance. The program is part of the NHDOT’s Asset Management initiatives to rely on
preventative maintenance and avoid or minimize larger maintenance or corrective actions that
may result from deferred action. The all-electronic inspection tool facilitated by the used of ERSI software load on an iPad. The condition rating: good, fair, or poor, are assessed for six conditions related to 1) Sediment accumulation, 2) Trash, 3) Erosion, 4) Structure condition, 5) Flow, and 6) Vegetation. The field information including pictures can be upload via data cell service and viewed in various desktop applications and dashboard.

Session 4C: Incorporating Stakeholder Input: Multi-Benefit Stream Crossing Prioritization Modeling Updates
Speakers: Polly Crocker, NHDOE; Koorosh Asadifakhr, UNH Civil & Environmental Engineering Dept.
- This presentation reviews the pilot UNH Stream Crossing Prioritization Model, intended to help state, local, and engineering communities prioritize replacement projects with multiple benefits. It covers the stakeholder engagement process and how stakeholder feedback shaped the model. NDHES will outline its plan for incorporating the model into a data-driven stream crossing prioritization program. The project empowers NH transportation, wildlife, and environmental stakeholders to continually develop a robust, efficient, and multi-benefit pipeline of crossing projects. By streamlining this process with quality data, flexible tools, intuitive training, and programmatic capacity, this project will contribute to the functioning and growth of a resilient NH.