May 2025 Across Lawrence, a dedicated team of engineers, modelers, and technical experts is working to better understand and improve the city’s stormwater and sewer systems. Using cutting-edge modeling tools, real-time data, and strong community partnerships, these efforts aim to reduce flooding, enhance water quality, and support smarter infrastructure investments. This page highlights key milestones and ongoing work that will help shape a more resilient and sustainable future for all residents.

Wilder Byrne – H&H Modeler

I am a part of the Task 6 – Combined Sewer and Separated Storm Sewer Modeling team. My primary role has been to develop the PCSWMM model, using hydrologic and hydraulic data provided by the city, the subcontractor, and our engineering judgment, with direction and oversight from technical leads.

• Part of the team modeling the city’s sewer and stormwater systems south of the Merrimack River using PCSWMM.
• Builds a detailed, functioning model using city data and engineering judgment under guidance from technical leads.
• Enthusiastic about the model’s ability to forecast flooding hours in advance to protect the community.
• Especially interested in the real-time calibration with actual data to enhance accuracy and usefulness.

Shawn Kenney – Green Stormwater Infrastructure Task Lead

I am working with a team of engineers to scan the City of Lawrence for project sites where the City could construct infrastructure that would benefit the community by improving water quality in their rivers, reducing flooding, and improving efficiencies at their local wastewater treatment plant.

• Leading a team to identify project sites in Lawrence for stormwater improvements.
• Aims to improve river water quality, reduce flooding, and enhance wastewater plant efficiency.
• Uses data, tech tools, and partnerships (with the City and Groundwork Lawrence) to develop investable infrastructure concepts.
• Excited by the project’s long-term potential to positively impact all residents through enhanced water systems.

Boris Minot – Hydrologic & Hydraulic (H&H) Model Task Lead

I’ve been overseeing the development of a hydrologic and hydraulic model that integrates the City of Lawrence’s sewer and stormwater collection systems. The model is able to simulate the impacts that intense rainfall events can have throughout the City.

• Oversees the creation of an integrated model of Lawrence’s sewer and stormwater systems.
• Simulates impacts of heavy rainfall, including street flooding and sewer overflows into the Merrimack River.
• Uses the model to pinpoint opportunities for green stormwater infrastructure and to support emergency preparedness.
• Finds the citywide scope technically challenging but rewarding due to the system interconnections and future decision-making potential.

Hannah Shulz – H&H Modeler

I am working with our team to model Lawrence’s combined sewer and stormwater pipes in a software called PCSWMM. I think it is so cool that we are able to use Smart Covers and rain gage data to calibrate the flows in our models. I’m also very excited to see the future projects that this model helps inform and plan for.

• Helps build and refine the PCSWMM model of Lawrence’s sewer/stormwater systems.
• Identifies and updates subcatchment areas to accurately simulate how stormwater moves through and over the city.
• Enhances the model’s accuracy using real data (Smart Covers, rain gauges) to predict combined sewer overflows.
• Excited by the model’s potential to guide future infrastructure projects and improve water quality across New England.