FEMA Region X Discovery



Project Name:FEMA Region X DiscoveryMeeting:Island County Coastal Areas, Discovery MeetingDate and Time:Thursday, February 17, 2011, 9 am – 4 pmPlace:Oak Harbor Public Works Building, 1400 NE 16th Ave, Oak Harbor, WADiscovery Meeting NotesAttendeesAndy Griffin, Island County FPA/Building OfficialSteve Powers, City of Oak Harbor Development Services DirectorEric Johnston, City of Oak Harbor City EngineerMelissa Sartorius, City of Oak Harbor Associate PlannerDavid Anderson, City of Oak Harbor FPA/Building OfficialJerry Franklin, Washington NFIP CoordinatorKristen Meyers, FEMA RX Discovery Mitigation PlannerDavid Ratte, FEMA RX Discovery EngineerKaren Wood-McGuiness, FEMA RX Floodplain Management SpecialistKen Jones, STARR Project ManagerKatie Dopierala, STARR Sr. ScientistMichael Brewer, STARR GIS AnalystIntroductionsDavid Ratte opened the meeting and all attendees introduced themselves. A pre-populated sign-in sheet was distributed for attendees to initial their attendance and check and correct contact information. Mr. Ratte described the RiskMAP program and objectives.Coastal Risk MAP and Discovery ProductsKen Jones provided an overview on the coastal updates and methodologies set forth in the draft FEMA guidelines emphasizing that digital data is essential in development of the coastal models. Discussion moved to Standard Risk MAP Products such as the Changes Since Last Map, Contributing Flood Hazard Factors map, and depth grids. For coastal areas, it was explained that typically only a 1-percent-annual-chance analysis for a Base Flood Elevation (BFE) is conducted in coastal studies. If additional frequencies are of use to the local jurisdictions, FEMA could consider developing additional frequencies as an Enhanced Risk MAP Product. Mr. Jones also discussed the role of HAZUS for evaluating potential damage assessments. Steve Powers inquired about the ambiguities of how the program objectives correlate with what FEMA can do for the city or county? Mr. Ratté replied that one important aspect of this meeting and discussions are to determine if FEMA can develop additional non-regulatory products that allow local stakeholders to better identify risks and develop plans and projects to address those risks. This comment led into the last slide highlighting key discussion points.The group inquired about including sea level rise aspects in the coastal analysis as this related to USACE requirements for shoreline projects. Both Mr. Jones and Mr. Ratté replied that the coastal analysis for the regulatory products, the FIRM and FIS, would not factor in future conditions such as sea level rise. However, if this information would be useful for the communities in terms of planning, setting land use policy, or mitigation projects, then a non-regulatory set could potentially be developed with this type of analysis. Local officials may consider updating their ordinances for inclusion of a freeboard requirement accounting for sea level rise.Mr. Ratté inquired about the available data indicating that FEMA’s inventory shows countywide LiDAR coverage from 2001. Mr. Griffin said that more current LiDAR data was flown around 2009 and is available from the GIS contact provided during the interview.Island County Watershed Conversations – Oak HarborMichael Brewer displayed the GIS data, focusing first on the City of Oak Harbor. Mr. Jones inquired about concerns with the current maps and the flood hazards. Dave Anderson noted that it is difficult to identify building footprints on the paper maps. Mr. Powers indicated that most of the city’s coastlines were natural and in the public domain; therefore, there are few high risk areas. One area of concern is the Fred Marsh area discussed during the interview. A dike built by a former property owner has breached in the past. The level of protection is unknown; however, there is only a little development pressure. Jerry Franklin inquired if this dike should be treated as a structure or a topographical feature. Mr. Jones and Mr. Franklin suggested that it more likely represents a topographical feature.Mr. Ratté inquired if the City of Oak Harbor had assessed a BFE for the coastal Zone V or Zone A. Mr. Powers answered that they have had limited need for a BFE given the natural characteristics of the shoreline as well as low development pressure due to the area being city-owned. He did indicate that there was some private lands that can be flooded through the marsh on the backside of the public waterfront. Some discussion evolved that the floodplain extents of the Zone V may encroach further landward. However, Mr. Powers concluded that only the Fred Marsh area requires a new VE study.Mr. Powers also questioned why the marina is mapped as a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) given that structures over the water are not permissible. Any structures in the marina will float. The response was that in some jurisdictions structures are allowed, so as a result, the SFHA designation was added. The marina area could benefit from a new Zone VE study.Mr. Ratté indicated that a rough timeline for this study is as follows: funded this spring/summer, study commences this summer, preliminary products likely available in about early 2012, and effective maps likely final in spring of 2013. In addition, it was clarified that studies in any given watershed are not guaranteed – they are subject to priorities, funding, and schedule. Mr. Franklin inquired about the discrepancy with severe repetitive loss data as well as number of declarations in the county for wildfires. The City responded that numerous claims had been filed but residents were not applying for building permits and notifying officials of the claims. Additionally, discussions included the ongoing efforts to update the Shoreline Master Plan (SMP) by both the County and City. Melissa Sartorius noted that the City contracted with AHBF to work on the SMP Update and can provide preliminary information. Kristen Meyers informed the group that the County Multi-Jurisdictional All Hazard Plan is due for an update in January 2013. This effort will parallel the development and completion of the flood study.Eric Johnston stated that another area of interest is at the City’s wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), located in the floodplain just north of Midway Blvd near the Naval Air Station. The City plans to relocate the wastewater plant out of the floodplain, and is currently trying to identify potential locations for a new plant. If eligible, the city would be interested in a federal grant to support this project, as well as a new detailed VE study. In addition to the FEMA HMGP, which has a cap on the federal share, there may be other programs to evaluate. Mr. Johnston also noted that along West Beach Road in an area known as Swantown, rain runoff drains from a large area including portions of the City and collects behind a tide gate that becomes affected by high tides and results in ponding, south of Joseph Whidbey State Park. Additionally, the road, which is the only evacuation route, becomes overtopped with waves about once every five years and driftwood crashed into windows of some homes. This may be a possible mitigation effort to relieve the ponding and flood damage that occurs, as well as a new detailed VE study to show the actual flooding that occurs.Island County Watershed Conversations – Unincorporated AreasUnincorporated Areas outside of Oak HarborThe shoreline of Ault Field, northwest of Oak Harbor, experiences storm surge flooding and requires new a new VE study. North of Ault Field along Moran Beach are some developments on sand dunes that could also benefit from a new VE study. The sand dunes will require that the primary frontal dune aspects of the coastal guidelines be considered. Mariner’s Cove, in Dugualla Bay on FIRM Panel 0145, is a small man-made inlet off the open sound where AE zones are present along the canals. Some development exists near the coast in this area that has experienced historical flooding that should be restudied as Zone VE.South of Swantown along West Beach Road is an area that contains only pockets of development or potential thereof, suggesting that the current maps are sufficient for this area. West Beach Rd. is an emergency evacuation route. There are new building issues along this stretch. Some minor development exists north of Fort Ebey State Park and could represent a new VE Study area. Whidbey Island Areas of ConcernAttention turned to the unincorporated areas of Island County starting with Sandy Hook on Whidbey Island. According to Andy Griffin, in 2003-2004 FEMA established a BFE for the coastal Zone A along the hook on the east side of Cultus Bay. That elevation is 9.91 NGVD 29. A community meeting with FEMA was held to discuss flood risks in this area; however, the documentation of this BFE and any supporting analysis is not available. The County desires a new VE study be performed on the east side of Cultus Bay (Sandy Hook) to accurately portray the flooding. In addition, the west side of Cultus Bay contains numerous LOMAs that could be resolved with a new V study (Cultus Bay).At Deer Lagoon within Useless Bay, two levees are shown on the FIRM. One is owned by the County and the other is owned by one of the several diking districts (unknown which one). Zone AE is mapped with the lagoon between the two levees, Zone A is mapped outside (east and west) of the two levees, and Zone AH is delineated in the area. This is clearly an area of concern as the effects of the levees are unknown, and the County desires a new VE study be performed. Mutiny Bay, located west of Useless Bay, is an area of existing development and multiple claims, indicating a potential new V study area.At Bush Point on FIRM Panel 0315, the USACE established a BFE of 26 (NAVD) for a proposed bulkhead in part due to heavy ship traffic. Waves from the ships cause flooding at Bush Point, indicating a possible new VE restudy area. North of Bush Point towards Lagoon Point on FIRM Panel 0305, the shoreline consists of mostly bluffs with some isolated areas where homes are present below. Lagoon Point contains an area of moderate interest, as it is a man-made feature that contains homes within the currently mapped floodplain, indicating a desired detailed VE study area. Following the shoreline even further north to Admiralty Bay near Crockett Lake are areas of development within the mapped VE zone that should be restudied via detailed methods. In addition, near Fort Casey State Park, a ferry terminal exists below the existing BFE.On FIRM Panel 0310, Mr. Griffin highlighted Hidden Beach as an area of concern. In 1950s this area was hydrologically mined and homes have been built upon the accumulated sand near the beach. It’s a Zone A that should be studied as a Zone VE. Further south at Honeymoon Bay and Beverly Beach, Mr. Griffin noted that structures are portrayed over open water suggesting delineation errors (currently mapped Zone V with small portions of Zone A), indicating the need for new VE studies at Holmes Harbor.In the absence of the Town of Coupeville and City of Langley, Mr. Ratté inquired if Mr. Griffin had any knowledge of concerns. Mr. Griffin had no known concerns. East of Langley, Mr. Griffin indicated that homes are at Sandy Point; however, the topography prevents road access to the homes suggesting that evacuation becomes difficult. In the landslide-prone area north of Clinton, upland drainage and saturation conditions are predominant factors affecting the steep slopes rather than wave action. The landslides typically do not impact many buildings and is identified as a low priority area.Mr. Ratté then asked about public perception of the flood risks citing the Mr. Griffin’s quote in the interview as noting the public would be skeptical in Sandy Hook. Mr. Griffin added that for the entire county public outreach for the flood study would be an “uphill battle”.Camano Island Areas of ConcernOn the northeast end of Camano Island, Washington Department of Transportation (WDOT) replaced a bridge along SR 532 and is preparing for additional highway improvements on the island. The highway has a history of closures due to wave overtopping resulting in evacuation issues where boats to Coupeville become the source of transportation for emergency services. The County requested that WDOT develop a BFE for use in the design. WDOT committed to assess the flood risk; however, timelines are unclear. Camano Fire may have photos of the floods that occurred at the bridge and in neighborhood areas along the coast westward. The County desires that BFE be determined and the highway and bridge be raised above the BFE.Triangle Cove is a moderately populated area that has experienced historical flooding, particularly in 1997. It is currently mapped as a Zone AE that should be restudied as a Zone VE. The County pointed out that some development exists at the Camano Country Club area located south of Triangle Cove, currently mapped Zone A; however, it is not a high priority concern and could benefit from a new VE study. The Tyee Beach area is heavily developed and is currently mapped as Zone AE. The County desires this area be restudied as Zone VE. At Indian Beach near Camano State Park, FEMA developed a BFE for a project to rebuild cabins. Mr. Griffin thought that the BFE was about 11.65 (NGVD 29), but it was not added to the FIRM.Maple Grove, an old fishing community located in the northwest corner of Camano Island, has experienced moderate to high levels of re-development where fishing shacks are being replaced with larger homes. The current Zone V area extends approximately 3 blocks inland and is incorrectly mapped, resulting in several LOMAs. This is a high priority new detailed VE study area. Other areas of low to moderate development exist along high bluffs on the shoreline near the Town of Camano, indicating the need for a new V study.Summary of Desired Mitigation ProjectsOak Harbor WWTP: The City desires to relocate the City’s wastewater treatment plant out of the floodplain. The City is currently identifying possible locations and is seeking funding.Oak Harbor – West Beach Road-North: The City desires to resolve the tide gate issue south of Joseph Whidbey State Park that blocks drainage from the Swantown area to the Puget Sound, which results in riverine flooding upstream of the tide gate.Camano Island – SR 532: The County desires that a BFE be determined at the SR 532 bridge and that the highway be raised above the BFE. This is a high priority area that can flood and block emergency evacuation routes from the island.Summary of Mapping NeedsSome areas were identified as needing a detailed coastal study or approximate study. These locations are generally described below, grouped by region, and are shown on the Final Discovery Map starting in Oak Harbor and following the coastline to the east.Oak HarborFred Marsh: new VE study for 0.43 miles along 400 Ave SW and SW Dillard Lane near the City Beach ParkMarina: new VE study for 0.23 miles near the marina, along SE Catalina DriveWWTP: new VE study for 0.67 miles near the wastewater treatment plant, north of Midway Blvd and east of Torpedo RoadUnincorporated Areas of Island County near Oak HarborMariner’s Cove: new VE study for 0.57 miles at Mariner’s Cove, east of Oak HarborMoran Beach: new VE study for 1.10 miles along Moran Beach, located just north of the Ault Field Navy StationAult Field: new VE study for 2.04 miles at the Ault Field Navy StationWest Beach Road-North: new VE study for 0.85 miles along the shoreline south of Joseph Whidbey State Park West Beach Road-South: new VE study for 1.83 miles along the coast north of Fort Ebey State ParkUnincorporated Areas of Island County on Whidbey IslandAdmiralty Bay: new VE for 2.87 miles along Admiralty BayLagoon Point: new VE for 1.38miles along Lagoon PointBush Point: new VE for 0.54 miles along Bush PointMutiny Bay: new VE for 3.42 miles in the Mutiny Bay area from South Bay Road, north along South Mutiny Bay Road, to around South Shore Meadow RoadUseless Bay: new VE study for 0.76 miles near the levees in Deer Lagoon of Useless BayCultus Bay: new VE study for 0.48 miles along the west side of Cultus Bay in the area of Driftwood DriveSandy Hook: new VE for 1.06 miles along the residential area from Sandy Hook Drive south to Lovely RoadBeverly Beach: new VE study for 2.60 miles along Honeymoon Bay, east side of Holmes HarbourHoneymoon Bay: new VE study for 2.76 miles along Honeymoon Bay, west side of Holmes HarbourHidden Beach: new VE study for 0.92 miles along Hidden Beach Unincorporated Areas of Island County on Camano IslandTyee Beach: new VE study for 3.56 miles along Sunny Shore Acres and Tyee BeachCamano Country Club: new V study for 0.87 miles near the Country Club property, located south of Triangle CoveTriangle Cove: new VE study for 1.48 miles at Triangle CoveLivingston Bay-West: new VE study for 1.46 miles of coast west of Livingston Bay Livingston Bay-East: new VE study for 0.83 miles of coast located east of Livingston Bay SR 532: new VE study to determine BFE at highwayMaple Grove: new VE study for 5.34 miles at the northwest corner of the island Camano: new VE study for 2.51 miles near the Town of CamanoIndian Beach: determine the process by which the FEMA-determined BFE was developed, or restudy VE zone for 2.28 miles at Indian BeachCommunication StrategiesMr. Ratté followed up inquiring about a ‘local champion’ for the flood study. Mr. Griffin indicated that the Planning Director is urging Council to participate in the CRS program and may be a key contact for public outreach support. Mr. Ratté noted that with this effort there will be additional meetings during the process as products are developed to keep local stakeholders informed.Project CharterAs the meeting prepared to close, Mr. Ratté inquired about methods to keep the City and County informed, specifically regarding frequency of status updates or level of involvement with the development of the final scope and early study work. Mr. Jones added that STARR would develop study recommendations based on the results of this meeting and provide them to FEMA. FEMA then funds the study, if possible, amending the scope based on funding and objectives. Once the contract is finalized, the scope will be shared with local stakeholders. Then STARR will conduct field reconnaissance by walking all the shorelines where detailed studies are proposed. The County and City are more than welcome to be involved during the field recon. If the field recon indicates a need for changes in scope, then FEMA and STARR reassess and inform the local stakeholders of any changes.Next StepsMeeting notes will be prepared, a draft Discovery Map showing the identified mapping needs, contact information, and outreach materials to the group within two weeks of the meeting date. An example Project Charter will be sent to the communities. The final customized Project Charter will be developed once FEMA RX determines the final scope of work for a project and obtains funding. ................
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