New or ongoing hydropower projects with vast environmental complexity or incomplete data can experience a prolonged licensing process, according to an Energy Department report. The report also notes that the US hydropower licensing and authorization process requires far more participation and engagement from federal agencies than it does in other countries.

Cities are increasingly networked and automated, but the new efficiencies come with security and privacy concerns, as recent reports have found significant vulnerabilities. Communities seeking the ideal balance between convenience and security may benefit from establishing standards.

Residents' convenience and needs should be foremost in mind as tech companies offer up smart urban transportation solutions, according to urban leaders. Participants in last week's Smart Cities Connect Fall Conference and Expo also discussed public-private partnerships, equity issues and the advantages of cities presenting their needs to tech companies.

In response to persistent water shortages throughout western states, a team at Arizona State University has created an interactive map that illustrates the state's water infrastructure and policies. The map offers more than 50 layers of information on water supplies and related subjects.

Mudslides, flooding and power outages were common across Northern California after a "bomb cyclone" struck the region late Sunday and early Monday. It was the most powerful storm the San Francisco Bay area in 26 years. Evacuations were ordered in San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties, amid fears of slides in areas left with wildfire burn scars.

An estimated 300 water recycling projects are now operating across the US and 635 more are planned, according to market intelligence firm Bluefield Research. Drought in western states is an obvious impetus, but "we're looking at factors that will be increasingly important beyond just drought and scarcity, things like resiliency for storms and floods, and redundancy for critical infrastructure," said Greg Goodwin, a Bluefield research consultant.

Engineers and bridge managers are increasingly turning to structural health monitoring systems to help evaluate the condition of the nation's bridges, most of which are near the end of their projected useful lives. Andrea Zampieri looks at state-of-the-art vibration-based systems, as well as objectives, methodologies and applications.

A massive project that added two million cubic tons of sand to protect the British coastline of North Norfolk appears to be paying off two years later. Much of the sand has moved, but the coastline and infrastructure have been protected.

Extensive development along the Southeast US coastline is whittling away at and endangering protective salt marshes, according to a McClatchy report. The problem is compounded by climate change, rising seas and laws that prevent coastal regulators from restricting development.

Hyperloop technology holds the potential to help transportation evolve, with pods hurtling through low-pressure tubes at airline speeds. An ASME video explores how engineers, companies and student competitions are advancing the technology, which remains in its early stages.