August 21st, 2025 by WCBC Radio

West Virginia communities are looking to increase nature to reduce flood risks. More than 90% of the state can be considered “Special Flood Hazard Areas,” according to Mark Buchanan with Marshall University’s Brownfields Assistance Center. He says over-urbanized land strips natural buffers impacting how fast water reaches homes…

   

“When we’re looking at around 75 to 100% impervious cover, a lot of roads, roofs, parking lots – all those types of settings that really alters the hydrology, 55% becomes runoff.”