Description

1) Keeping Pace With Development in Riverine Floodplains
Marc Gold, PE, CFM, ATM, a Geosyntec Company, mgold@appliedtm.com
Co-presenters: Fran Way, fway@appliedtm.com

Abstract: Due to increasing population growth and development, acres of undeveloped land are being bought with plans for development. Many of these areas, although inland from the coast, are located along rivers or streams which can pose a significant flood risk during a 100-year storm. FEMA’s riverine flood studies are not always updated at the same time their coastal studies and updated maps are released, ~every 10 years. As a result, many of the FEMA floodmaps in inland areas with riverine flood hazards are based on models/data which can be several decades old and do not reflect physical changes and development that has occurred in the area over time. With increasing pressure by developers, new issues and conflicts in these areas are becoming more common but are still beyond the normal scope of operations of floodplain managers. Technical and regulatory guidelines and ordinances that cover development within FEMA-designated riverine floodplains are crucial for regulating best-practice construction in a riverine floodplain and ensuring favorable NFIP Community Rating System (CRS) eligibility. Often times, state and local codes and procedures cannot predict or consider every scenario, and issues concerning outdated models are becoming a more frequent challenge as development continues to spread to areas that have previously been given less attention from a flood risk mapping standpoint. This presentation will explore such scenarios, specific regulatory codes, technical guidelines, and legal and procedural items/issues that may affect municipal floodplain managers. An experienced engineer will provide perspective through several case studies of these scenarios throughout North and South Carolina as well as the outcomes.

2) Respect the hazard – tools for floodplain managers in uncertain times
Dennis Dixon, CFM, Pierce County Planning & Public Works, dennis.dixon@piercecountywa.gov
Co-presenters: None

Abstract: Building a case for comprehensive floodplain management in a world of increasing uncertainty. From the perspective of 25 years as a local floodplain manager, this talk will explore ways to discuss uncertainty and design life to the skeptical applicant and identify local policies that can help manage development expectations. The current development process hierarchy ( Zoning and Comprehensive Plan review / Plat, and Boundary Line Adjustment review / Health Department (OSS/Well) Plan review / Development (Site) Plan review / Building Plans review / Elevation Certificate review) often brings the floodplain manager in at the last step. Community decisions made at all the previous review levels have led to an outcome of a new structure in the flood hazard and expecting the floodplain manager to make this last step rectify the previous neglect. Respecting the hazard is about making floodplain management a primary concern that is addressed at every level of planning and review. This talk will help floodplain managers identify leverage points so they can be involved earlier in the development hierarchy and have a greater impact on developing a resilient community.

3) How a regional authority ensures effective floodplain management in Metro-Atlanta
Kevin Osbey, Clayton County Water Authority, kevin.osbey@ccwa.us
Co-presenters: Ann Houseman, PE, Hazen and Sawyer, ahouseman@hazenandsawyer.com

Abstract: Clayton County is located south of Atlanta and includes the cities of Forest Park, Riverdale, Morrow, Jonesboro, Lake City, and Lovejoy. Clayton County Water Authority (CCWA) entered into intergovernmental agreements to support floodplain management on behalf of these communities and unincorporated Clayton County. This presentation demonstrates CCWA’s approach to the development and implementation of a comprehensive floodplain management program that is responsible for providing top-quality service across multiple jurisdictions. As part of its floodplain management program, CCWA conducts compliance activities focusing on community collaboration, program comprehensiveness, and risk management. First, CCWA coordinated with the communities to ensure the most recent model floodplain ordinances from the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District had been implemented. The coordination helped communities understand which parties are responsible for floodplain management procedures. To further develop the program, CCWA developed a Floodplain Management SOP to provide internal staff with a functional understanding of floodplain management and guidance to support the communities with their floodplain management needs. The ongoing flood warning and response plan project led by CCWA is also helping create a more comprehensive floodplain management program. This project will create a common resource for Clayton County communities to use as a guide to prepare for and respond to flooding at critical facilities and roadways. Improved awareness of critical facilities and infrastructure at risk of flooding will promote proactive planning for and response to flooding emergencies. Collaboration among various departments and jurisdictions will also be paramount to the success of the project. In addition to flood protection and risk management, these projects provide a pathway for communities in the CRS program to improve their CRS scores. Communities that are not part of the CRS program but wish to join in the future will have systems in place to join and increase their CRS score.