T h e  T o r r e n t
A newsletter of the Connecticut Department of  
Energy & Environmental Protection 
exploring floodplain management issues  
 
Volume 26, No. 1                                                                                                 Summer 2019
What the Flood!Whattheflood
Test your knowledge of flood insurance with  What the Flood!, an interactive online quiz, developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) as part of its #YourRiskIsReal Campaign, an ongoing effort to educate consumers about flood risks and the need to consider purchasing flood insurance.  The campaign educates consumers about flood risks and dispels dangerous misconceptions about flood insurance.  The short, interactive quiz presents complicated insurance concepts in easy-to-understand terms.
  
The 2019 hurricane season began on June 1 and runs until November 30.  The first hurricane of the 2019 season, Barry, arrived on Louisiana's shores with damaging winds and heavy rain.  In May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center issued its 2019 hurricane season prediction.  NOAA is predicting a near-normal hurricane season this year, with 9 to 15 named storms, of which 4 to 8 could become hurricanes, including 2 to 4 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5).  An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which 6 become hurricanes, including 3 major hurricanes.
   
In Connecticut, hurricanes normally reach their peak between late August and October.  The Connecticut Insurance Department issued a press release on July 19, 2019 urging residents to prepare for hurricane season with preventative measures and review their insurance policies and coverage.  A recent NAIC survey revealed that 41% of Americans agree or strongly agree that having flood insurance is important, yet only 15% say they have purchased flood insurance.  However, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates that only 3% of homeowners have flood insurance.  Flood insurance policies are available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and on the private market.    

60 Minutes:  Dutch Solutions to Mitigate FloodingDutch

On July 21, 2019, the CBS news program 60 Minutes aired a segment entitled "Henk Ovink and the Dutch Solution to Flooding", which explored the differing ways the Netherlands deals with flooding as opposed to the U.S. and how Dutch stormwater management practices could mitigate damage from hurricanes.  The world's only water ambassador, appointed by the Netherlands, says damage from hurricanes could be lessened with the help of Dutch-innovated stormwater management.  You can also check out the video "Rewind:  Venice's Project Moses" which originally aired in February 2001.    
New DEEP & CIRCA Online ResourcesDEEPOnline
To better understand how Connecticut's coastal area marshes and roads may respond to seal level rise, the Sea Level Affecting Marches Model (SLAMM) was applied to Connecticut's shoreline.  SLAMM is a widely adopted and effective model to predict the exposure of wetlands and infrastructure to long-term sea-level rise that has been applied in every coastal state in the U.S.  The Viewer is intended to be used as a screening-level tool to identify areas potentially well-suited to accommodate the upland migration of Connecticut's largest coastal marshes and the vulnerability of coastal area roads to regular tidal and episodic coastal storm flooding with sea level rise.
Important information describing intended uses and limitations of the data presented in the Viewer at http://cteco.uconn.edu/projects/slamm/info.htm#slamm should be reviewed before applying the data in marsh and road flooding management planning.
 


This new map viewer shows two different sea level rise projections (1 foot and 20 inches), above a Mean Higher High Water (MHHW) along the Connecticut coastline and the adjacent inland.  The Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation's report on Connecticut sea level rise provided the basis for these projections which was enacted into law as Public Act 18-82. 
To view the data, zoom in on the map to your area of interest. Use the layers menu widget at the bottom of the map window to select the data to display.  Different projections of sea level rise/storm surge scenarios will activate automatically at different scales.
 
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Limit of Moderate Wave Action (LiMWA) boundary delineating the Coastal AE Zone is also shown on this viewer as a continuous red line. The Coastal AE Zone is depicted on current effective flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs) with the landward limit of the zone labeled "Limit of Moderate Wave Action".  Any area seaward of the red LiMWA line is either coastal AE or VE zone and must meet new construction requirements outlined in the updated state building code effective October 1, 2018. 
 
This new online map displays Connecticut's Aquifer Protection Areas (APAs) using an interactive GIS mapping tool.  The map shows the towns included in the program and the APAs for which they are responsible.  The map contains layers that allow the user to zoom to view the APA mapped boundary and the parcels within that boundary.  The map may be viewed using base map, the imagery map with labels, the streets map, and the topographic map.  Each APA, when selected, provides a pop-up box containing information and data for that area.  The map is best viewed using Google Chrome or Firefox.  

The DEEP Document Online Search Portal was created to provide agency staff and the general public access to the agency's electronic records.  Currently, the Portal includes a limited collection of documents that were either electronically produced or digitally scanned.  DEEP continues its efforts to digitize its paper records to add to the list of currently available electronic documents.  The Portal is searchable by a variety of fields.  Please refer to the "More Information and FAQ's" link in the Portal for instructions and lists of what documents are currently available. 
Ocean at the Door:  New Homes and the Rising SeaClimateCentral

On July 31, 2019, Climate Central and Zillow issued the 2019 edition of "Ocean at the Door:  New Homes and the Rising Sea".  In November 2018, the first edition of the report produced the first nationwide analysis of the number of new homes in areas vulnerable to coastal flooding in all 24 coastal states and the District of Columbia.  This research projected how many homes will become exposed to on-average ocean flooding in the coming decades.  The 2019 report improves on those results by incorporating full home footprint data instead of point location estimates and also provides results for bigger floods, in addition to annual ones.  The new report found recent housing growth rates are faster in the ten-year flood risk zones in a third of all coastal states and that Connecticut is developing flood risk zones three times faster than safer locations.  The post-Sandy rebuilding highlighted in the report is a striking example of a broader national pattern.  Across the U.S., coastal communities have recently built tens of thousands of houses in areas at risk of future flooding driven by sea level rise.  The reasons are varied (disaster rebuilding, urban sprawl, second homes).  This puts property owners, renters and investors in potential danger of steep personal and financial losses in the years ahead.  While municipalities are increasingly developing plans to cope with sea level rise, the pattern of actual recent construction does not support these planning efforts.
OpenFEMA PlatformOpenFEMA

In June 2019,  FEMA published NFIP flood insurance policy and claims data via its OpenFEMA platform.  The datasets include more than 2 million claims records, dating back to 1978 and over 47 million policy records for transactions taking place over the past 10 years.  The published data is in a machine-readable format and allows analysis of how coverage has changed in a geographic area and where NFIP claims have been filed for more than 40 years.  The data includes fields such as:  state, census tract, zip code, year of loss, and amount paid on claims.  The data will be updated every 45 to 60 days and delivers the most specific amount of geographic data possible, while preserving policyholder anonymity.  The datasets can be downloaded as .csv files and are accompanies by a detailed metadata file.  Other data on the OpenFEMA platform includes disaster declaration information, public and individual assistance, and properties mitigated through FEMA's hazard mitigation grant programs.
Call for Presenters - CAFM Conference October 30, 2019NFIP

The Connecticut Association of Flood Managers (CAFM) 6th Annual Conference will once again be held at Water's Edge Resort & Spa in Westbrook, Connecticut on Wednesday, October 30, 2019.  

 

The Call for Presenters has been posted on the CAFM website.  Last year, presenters covered a broad range of topics.  CAFM membership has indicated interest in the following topics:  disaster training & agency coordination; site re-development issues and historic preservation; comprehensive hazard mitigation; building code/regulatory training and updates; climate change and resiliency; and historic flooding and post-disaster recovery.  All presentations will be accepted and considered regardless of topic. 

 

Presentations can run in length of 15 and 25 minutes.  An abstract of the presentation, 100-word biography, and presentation length are due by Thursday, September 5, 2019.  Please forward these materials to this email:  [email protected].  Proposers will be notified by September 20, 2019 if their presentation was selected.
Healthy Wetlands, Healthy Watersheds White PaperWetlands
The Association of State Wetlands Managers (ASWM) recently released a white paper entitled, " Healthy Wetlands, Healthy Watersheds:  Leveraging State Wetland Restoration and Protection Programs to Improve Watershed Health".  

This white paper captures and provides in-depth analyses of eight state program integration case studies as well as nine on-the-ground watershed projects to identify what worked, what did not work, what some of the barriers to success were, how those barriers were circumvented and lessons learned that can be shared.  ASWM hopes this study will result in an increase in state and tribal wetland program capacity to implement and support regional, state and local efforts to restore, enhance and create wetlands for the improvement of overall watershed health and increased resiliency.  The goal is that the public will benefit from the completion of more successful, cost-effective public and private wetland restoration, protection and hybrid green infrastructure projects, leading to improvements in aquatic and ecosystem resources.
Training OpportunitiesTrainings
WEBINARS

NFIP-related training webinars are available through STARR, a FEMA contractor.  Below is a list of upcoming webinars.  To register, go to the NFIP training website  and  click "Training Center" on the top bar, and then on the "Upcoming" tab.  When asked during registration what FEMA Region you are in, please reply "1".
  • August 14, 2019, 1:00pm - CRS:  Watershed Impact Adjustment Maps (Activity 450)
  • August 15, 2019, 1:00pm - NFIP Basics
  • August 20, 2019, 1:00pm - CRS:  Introduction to CRS
  • August 21, 2019, 2:00pm - PDM:  Introduction to Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grants
  • August 28, 2019, 1:00pm - PDM:  Planning Grant Application Development
  • September 5, 2019, 1:00pm - Tools for Determining Base Flood Elevations
  • September 11, 2019, 1:00pm - PDM:  Project Grant Application Development
  • September 12, 2019, 12:00pm - Floodplain Development Permit Review
  • September 12, 2019, 1:30pm - Inspecting Floodplain Development
  • September 17, 2019, 1:00pm - CRS:  Credit for Drainage System Maintenance (Act 540)
  • September 18, 2019, 1:00pm - CRS:  Preparing An Annual Recertification
  • September 18, 2019, 1:00pm - PDM:  Advanced Assistance Application Development
  • October 2, 2019, 1:00pm - PDM:  Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA) Basics for Projects 
  • October 15, 2019, 1:00pm - CRS:  Preparing for a Verification Visit
  • October 16, 2019, 1:00pm- CRS:  Watershed Impact Adjustment Maps (Activity 450)
  • November 19, 2019, 1:00pm - CRS:  Introduction to CRS
  • November 20, 2019, 1:00pm - CRS:  CRS and Coastal Hazards
  • December 17, 2019, 1:00pm - CRS:  Natural Floodplain Functions and CRS
  • December 18, 2019, 1:00pm - CRS:  Preparing an Annual Recertification

V IDEOS

H2O Partners offers short training videos on the following topics:
  • Demonstrating the Elevation Certificate
  • How the NFIP Works for the Floodplain Professional
  • Effects of Flood Map Changes
  • Role of the Elevation Certificate in Floodplain Management
   
 
WORKSHOPS THIS WEEK!!    ICE JAM WORKSHOPS   -   LIVING SHORELINE FIELD TOUR
   
Ice Jam Workshops, provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory and the National Weather Service, FREE and open to the public and town officials at the three locations listed below, for more information and to register . 

Wednesday, August 7, 2019:   Kent Fire Department, 28 Maple Street, Kent, CT, 1:00-3:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm

Thursday, August 8, 2019:   Haddam Volunteer Fire Department, 439 Saybrook Road (Route 154), Haddam, CT, 1:00-3:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm
 
Friday, August 9, 2019:   Guilford Fire Department, 390 Church Street, Guilford, CT, 1:00-3:00pm

Friday, August 9, 2019:  Soil and Water Conservation Society, Southern New England Chapter, Annual Summer Meeting, Living Shoreline & Restoration Guided Field Tour, Stratford Point, Connecticut Audubon, 1207 Prospect Drive, Stratford, CT, 9:00am-3:00pm, $35 SWCS Members and Government Staff or $50 Non-SWCS Members, lunch included,  https://swcssnec.org/.


CONFERENCES & WORKSHOPS

October 30, 2019:  Connecticut Association of Flood Managers (CAFM) 6th Annual Conference, Water's Edge Resort, Westbrook, CT, www.ctfloods.org.

November 20-22, 2019:   Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) National Disaster Resilience Conference , Clearwater Beach, FL,  www.flash.org.

November 23, 2019:  Connecticut Association of Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commisions(CACIWC) 42nd Annual Meeting and Environmental Conference, Cromwell, CT, www.caciwc.org.

June 7-11, 2020:  Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) Annual Conference, Fort Worth, TX, www.floods.org.

 

FEMA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE

The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is located at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Emergency Training Center (NETC) in Emmitsburg, Maryland.  EMI serves as the national center for emergency management training of federal, state and local government officials.  Tuition, housing, and all books and materials are provided at no cost.  Participants are responsible for the cost of a meal pass (approximately $120/week).  Below is a select list of floodplain management classes offered into September 2020.  A full list of training classes can be found at the EMI website.    

E172  HAZUS-MH for Flood - December 2-5, 2019, July 27-30, 2020
 E174  HAZUS-MH for Earthquake and Tsunami - August 10-13, 2020
E177  Advanced HAZUS - March 23-26, 2020
E179  Application of HAZUS-MH for Disaster Operations - April 14-17, July 20-23, August 31-September 3, 2020
E190  ArcGIS for Emergency Managers -  January 13-16, May 11-14, 2020
E212  Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program: Developing Quality Application Elements - June 22-25, 2020
E213 Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program: Application Review and Eval. - July 20-21, 2020 
E214  Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program:  Project Implementation and Programmatic Closeout - July 22-23, 2020
E246  Advanced Building Science - March 30-April 2, 2020
E273  Managing Floodplain Development through the NFIP - December 2-5, 2019, May 4-7, 2020, August 31-September 3, 2020
E276  Benefit-Cost Analysis:  Entry Level  - September 4-5, 2019, September 25-26, 2019, October 16-17, 2019, May 27-28, 2020, July 27-28, 2020
E278  Community Rating System (CRS) -  October 28-31, 2019, February 3-6, 2020, April 20-23, 2020, July 27-30, 2020
E279  Retrofitting Floodprone Residential Buildings - May 11-14, 2020
E282  Advanced Floodplain Management Concepts II - March 16-19, 2020
E284  Advanced Floodplain Management Concepts III - July 6-9, 2020
E312  Fundamentals of Building Science -    September 23-26, 2019, August 31-September 3, 2020, September 14-17, 2020
E313  Basic HAZUS-MH -  March 2-5, April 6-9, June 8-11, July 13-16, August 17-20, 2020
E317  Comprehensive Data Management for HAZUS-MH - September 16-19, 2019, June 15-18, 2020, September 21-24, 2020 
E386  Residential Coastal Construction -  September 21-24, 2020
 

EMI also offers free Independent Study courses on various aspects of the NFIP aimed at  community officials, surveyors, insurance agents, and claims adjusters.  These web-based courses are free and can be taken at your own pace. Below is a sample of courses available.  Independent study courses are also available for other topics in emergency management, hazard mitigation planning, disaster response and dam safety.    

IS-10.a     Animals in Disasters:  Awareness & Preparedness
IS-11.a     Animals in Disasters:  Community Planning
IS-30a      Mitigation eGrants for the Subgrant Applicant
IS-42       Social Media in Emergency Management
IS-111.a   Livestock in Disasters
IS-212.b   Introduction to Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA)
IS-276      Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) Fundamentals
IS-277      Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA):  Entry Level
IS-279.a   Introduction to Retrofitting Flood-prone Residential Structures
IS-284      Using the Substantial Damage Estimator 2.0 Tool
IS-366.a   Planning for the Needs of Children in Disasters
IS-386      Introduction to Residential Coastal Construction
IS-393.a   Introduction to Hazard Mitigation
IS-394.a   Protecting Your Home or Small Business From Disaster
IS-552      The Public Works Role in Emergency Management 
IS-554      Emergency Planning for Public Works
IS-556      Damage Assessment for Public Works
IS-558      Public Works and Disaster Recovery
IS-559      Local Damage Assessment
IS-634      Introduction to FEMA's Public Assistance Program
IS-1100.a  Increased Cost of Compliance
IS-1101     Basic Agent Tutorial
IS-1102     Theory of Elevation Rating
IS-1103     Elevation Certificate for Surveyors
IS-1104     NFIP Claims Review for Adjusters
IS-1105     EC Made Easy:  Elevation Certificate Overview
IS-1106     FEMA Mapping Changes
IS-1107     Adjuster Customer Service
IS-1108     Insuring Condominiums
IS-1109     Understanding Basement Coverage
IS-1110.a  Writing Commercial Exposures
IS-1111     Introduction to Commercial Claims
IS-1112     Introduction to Flood Claims
IS-1113     Coastal Barrier Resources Act
IS-1120     Letters of Map Revision
IS-2001     Threat and Hazard Identification Risk Assessment (THIRA)
Visit the DEEP website at www.ct.gov/deep.  Published by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Bureau of Water Protection and Land Reuse, Land and Water Resources Division.  Editor:  Diane Ifkovic, State National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Coordinator, email:  [email protected].
CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Please contact us at (860) 418-5910 or [email protected] if you; have a disability and need a communication aid or service; have limited proficiency in English and may need information in another language; or if you wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint.