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 28, No. 2
Autumn 2021
In This Issue
  • New LiMWA/Coastal AE Viewer
  • Hurricane Ida Disaster Declaration
  • FEMA Seeks Public Comment
  • New Flood Insurance Videos
  • FEMA Tech Bulletin 9 Updated
  • New Adapt CT Training Video
  • Digital CFM Exam Now Available
  • Training Opportunities
New LiMWA Viewer Developed by FEMA R1
The FEMA Region 1 Risk Analysis Branch has released a new Limit of Moderate Wave Action (LiMWA) Viewer for the New England states, including Connecticut.

This tool is designed to supplement the flood insurance rate maps (FIRM) and the National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) available on the FEMA Map Service Center in order to reduce confusion for anyone trying to make a determination if a property is located in a Coastal AE zone/LiMWA area. The LiMWA line delineates Coastal AE flood zones, that portion of an AE zone lying directly behind a VE zone with wave heights between 3.0 feet and 1.5 feet (see graphic above).

As of October 1, 2018, the Connecticut State Building Code began recognizing Coastal AE zones through the adoption of the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC), Section R322. The construction requirements in a Coastal AE zone are the same as a VE zone, requiring the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member elevated to the base flood elevation (BFE) plus one foot, structure built on a pile foundation and breakaway walls with flood vents.

Identifying the location of the LiMWA line on the FIRM and NFHL can be problematic as the line can appear to be hidden if it coincides with another flood boundary line. The LiMWA line is a continuous line running along the length of the shoreline. This new viewer contains only two elements: the NFHL and the unbroken LiMWA line (shown as a yellow line) from FEMA's digital FIRMs. 

The images below show an example of how the unbroken LiMWA line can reduce confusion. The top image shows the LiMWA line as a black line with triangles but the line "disappears" when it coincides with another flood boundary line. The bottom image shows the continuous, unbroken LiMWA line in yellow. Anything seaward of the yellow line is located within either the LiMWA area/Coastal AE zone or VE zone. A FIRM map must also be utilized in conjunction with this viewer to determine the flood zone.

This viewer is publicly available. However, this is an informal tool to assist with LiMWA interpretation. Any official determinations must be made in conjunction with the FIRM. The tool can be found at this link: Region 1 LiMWA Viewer (arcgis.com) 
Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Ida
On October 30, 2021, FEMA announced a federal disaster declaration for the remnants of Hurricane Ida that caused flooding in Connecticut on September 1-2, 2021 (DR-4629-CT). Governor Lamont submitted a formal request for federal assistance on October 22, 2021.

Individuals and property owners affected by flooding in Fairfield and New London Counties, including the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribal Nation, can now apply for disaster assistance under the Individual Assistance (IA) program, which includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Apply for disaster assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling (800) 621-3362, or by using the FEMA mobile app.
FEMA Seeking Public Comment on the NFIP
On October 12, 2021 and October 28, 2021, FEMA published Request for Information notices in the Federal Register seeking public comment on the update of the National Flood Insurance Program’s minimum floodplain standards to help communities become safer, stronger and more resilient. The notice also requests comments on how the program could better promote the conservation of threatened and endangered species and their habitats consistent with the Endangered Species Act, Section 7(a)(1).

A public meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 15, 2021 at 3:30-5:00pm. During registration, a participant may indicate a desire to provide verbal comment during the public meeting. Verbal comments from stakeholders will be limited to 3 minutes and will become part of the official record. The meeting capacity is limited to 1,000 registered participants. Depending on the number of speakers, the meetings may end before the time indicated after the last call for comments. The public meetings will be held via web conference.

The type of feedback that is most useful to FEMA includes comments that:
  • Identify opportunities for FEMA to improve the minimum floodplain management standards for land management and use.
  • Identify specific program components that promote conservation of threatened and endangered species and their habitats.
  • Refer to specific barriers to community participation.
  • Align the program with the improved understanding of flood risk and flood risk reduction approaches.
  • Identify better incentives for communities and policyholders, particularly for Endangered Species Act-listed species and critical habitats.
  • Offer actionable data.
  • Specify viable alternatives to existing approaches that meet statutory obligations.

In addition to providing verbal comments at the public meeting, written comments to the Federal Register notice can be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal using Docket ID: FEMA-2021-2024. Click on the “Comment” button and complete the form. The written comment period is open until December 13, 2021.
New Flood Insurance Misconception Videos
The FEMA Office of the Flood Insurance Advocate has produced four new YouTube educational videos highlighting common misconceptions on flood insurance:

Updated FEMA Technical Bulletin 9
Technical Bulletin 9 provides guidance on National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements for the design and construction of breakaway walls that are used to create enclosures below the lowest floor of elevated structures in coastal high hazard areas (VE and Coastal AE Zones). The major updates in Technical Bulletin 9 include:

  • Updated prescriptive, simplified and performance-based design methods for breakaway walls.
  • Updated terminology (ultimate load versus allowable load) to align with the current state-of-the-practice in wind design based on American Society of Civil Engineers 7, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures, while still maintaining consistency with 44 CFR 60.3(e)(5).
  • Expanded guidance on partial height breakaway walls.

Technical Bulletin 9 also discusses NFIP regulations and how, in addition to complying with NFIP requirements, all new construction, substantial improvements, and repair of substantial damage must comply with applicable building codes and standards that states and communities have adopted. All of the FEMA Technical Bulletins can be found on the FEMA Building Science webpage.
New Adapt CT Training Video - Legal Issues
Adapt CT has completed a new 18 minute educational video entitled Drowning in Liability: Reducing Climate Change Impacts through Municipal Planning and Zoning, aimed at helping viewers recognize the planning and zoning interests related to flooding, describing actions that can reduce liability related to planning and zoning decisions, and identifying key resources for further information.

Municipal planning and zoning boards are on the frontline of decision-making. Given the changing conditions posed by changing climate, good planning and regulatory practices will become even more critical as communities plan and prepare for the future. The video encourages boards and commissions to be proactive and make decisions based on good legal practice. The video provides local examples of what can be done to protect residents, property, and natural resources, while supporting community resilience. The video explores legal concepts, such as "takings", with a resilience lens, providing the viewer with a broader context and best practices to consider in planning, policy development, and decision-making.
Digital Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) Exam
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been very difficult to schedule in-person opportunities to take the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) Exam. In the summer of 2021, ASFPM introduced two new digital exam options administered by Scantron. Digital exams are available at Scantron testing sites across the U.S. In Connecticut, Scantron testing sites are located in New Haven, Newington, Southington (Plantsville), Stamford, and Woodbridge. Test sites are also located in neighboring Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island. Scantron can also provide a Live Online-Proctored (LOP) exam where test administration includes a live proctor who monitors the entire examination process via web camera. With this LOP exam option, candidates can take the exam from the comfort of their own home. Traditional in-person (paper) exams will continue to be offered, however these two new digital exam options allow for much more flexibility and convenience to the exam taker.

To take a digital CFM exam, you must complete and submit the Digital CFM Exam Registration package and include the appropriate exam fee. On the registration form indicate if you will be taking the exam at a Scantron testing site or the online exam. You will receive a "Notice to Schedule" email from Scantron, then select your exam type and schedule the date/time that works best for you. Scantron will then send a confirmation email with additional information about your exam. If you need to reschedule or cancel your exam, Scantron will provide additional instructions, however additional fees may be applied for a rescheduled or canceled exam.

Test preparation materials are available on the ASFPM website. Exam takers can also prepare by taking the following Emergency Management Institute (EMI) Independent Study courses listed below. See the Training Opportunities section at the end of this newsletter on how to register for these courses.

IS-212.b  Introduction to Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA)
IS-273   How to Read a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)
IS-274   How to Read a Flood Insurance Study (FIS)
IS-386   Introduction to Residential Coastal Construction
IS-1105.a EC Made Easy: Elevation Certificate Overview
IS-1106.a FEMA Mapping Changes
IS-1112  Introduction to Flood Claims
IS-1113  Coastal Barrier Resources Act
IS-1119   Letters of Map Amendment (LOMA) & Letters of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F)
IS-1120    Letters of Map Revision (LOMR)
Training Opportunities
NFIP & CRS 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 on the "Upcoming" tab. When asked during registration what FEMA Region you are in, please reply "1". All webinars are one hour in length.
 
  • November 16, 2021, 1:00pm - CRS: Substantial Damage Properties Mgmt Plans
  • November 17, 2021, 1:00pm - CRS: Watershed Master Planning


RISK RATING 2.0 WEBINARS & VIDEOS

Risk Rating 2.0 Training Video
Watch this 2 hour video of a training session recorded on June 8, 2021 for insurance agents to learn more about Risk Rating 2.0.

Risk Rating 2.0: Equity in Action Webinars
This two-hour webinar is geared toward insurance agents but anyone can attend who wants to learn more about the Risk Rating 2.0 program changes. Continuing education credits are offered to insurance agents attending this webinar. These webinars are free. Register here for the dates listed below.

  • November 9, 2021, 3:00pm-5:00pm
  • November 10, 2021, 3:00pm-5:00pm
  • November 16, 2021, 3:00pm-5:00pm
  • November 18, 2021, 11:00am-1:00pm
  • November 22, 2021, 3:00pm-5:00pm
  • November 23, 2021, 3:00pm-5:00pm
  • November 30, 2021, 3:00pm-5:00pm

Introduction to Risk Rating 2.0 - FEMA Region 5 Webinars
FEMA Region 5 is conducting a 2.5 hour introductory webinar on Risk Rating 2.0. Topics include an overview of the legacy and new pricing methodologies, new pricing rating variables, and premium mitigation credits. Time will also be allotted for questions and answers. These webinars are free. Register at the links below.


Risk Rating 2.0 - FEMA 4-Part Webinar Series
FEMA is conducting a four-part webinar series to introduce Risk Rating 2.0 from November 10 to December 8 at 1:00-3:00pm. Up to 8 ASFPM CFM CECs are available by attending all four parts. The four training sessions are listed below, each offering 2 CFM CECs upon completion.

  • November 10 - Risk Rating 2.0 Fundamentals 
  • November 17 - Rating Methodology 1—Premium calculation variables 
  • December 1 - Rating Methodology 2—Mitigation credits and other variables 
  • December 8 - Rating Methodology 3—Transition of policies, use cases, examples

You can attend these webinars at this link:
Meeting ID: 161-1208-9704
Passcode: 127630

There is no registration requirement for these training sessions, but the room size is limited to the first 350 participants for each session. 


SOAK UP THE RAIN NEW ENGLAND WEBINAR SERIES
Soak Up the Rain is a U.S. EPA stormwater public outreach and education program to raise awareness about the costly impacts of polluted stormwater runoff and encourage compliance with stormwater rules and requirements through nature-based solutions such as green infrastructure and low impact development. Click on the link below to register. To view watch recordings of past webinars, visit their webinar archive.



NATURAL HAZARDS CENTER
The Natural Hazards Center, posts past webinar recordings on its website.  


EXPLORING CLIMATE SOLUTIONS WEBINAR SERIES
Past webinar recordings are posted on the CTDEEP Climate Change website.


ASSOCIATION OF STATE FLOODPLAIN MANAGERS (ASFPM)
The ASFPM Training and Knowledge Center offers webinars and an online university as a professional development resource for floodplain management professionals. 


CENTER FOR LAND USE EDUCATION & RESEARCH (CLEAR)


VIDEOS
This 15 minute educational video from Adapt CT highlights flooding scenarios within our state along with the social and economic impacts of flooding, and opportunities for mitigation. The video aims to increase the knowledge base of municipal officials to make informed decisions and effective choices supporting resilience. The general public and other stakeholders will also find the video valuable. 

This 13 minute educational video from Adapt CT highlights the effects of climate change in our state. The video aims to increase the knowledge base of municipal officials to make informed decisions and effective choices supporting resilience. The general public and other stakeholders will also find the video valuable.

This 18 minute educational video from Adapt CT, entitled Drowning in Liability: Reducing climate change impacts through municipal planning and zoning, aims to help viewers recognize the planning and zoning interests related to flooding, describes actions that can reduce liability related to planning and zoning decisions, and identifies key resources for further information. The video illustrates the causes of flooding and what has and can been done to protect Connecticut residents, property, and natural resources from its devastating impacts. The video also discusses “takings” and identifies multiple court cases to enhance understanding.

This 7 minute video from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, "Rising Waters" series, discusses high tide flooding, also known as sunny day or nuisance flooding, that is occurring as a result of sea level rise.  Sea level rise is often spoken of in future terms, including projections for impacts we're likely to see by the end of the century. But in many communities in the U.S., sea level rise is already a factor in people's lives in the form of high-tide flooding.  The video visits Annapolis, Maryland that has seen a dramatic increase in floods in recent years. Waters sometimes breach flood walls, or more often, back up through storm sewers to flood nearby streets. 

This 5 minute video highlights how the U.S. Naval Submarine Base is an outstanding example of preparedness and shows some of the actions they have taken include elevating equipment and materials, using floodgates and having a plan of action in order to be more flood resistant.

This 5 minute video highlights a local full-service marina and boat repair business which has implemented a variety of actions to protect the environment and be more flood resistant, including a daily walk-through and connecting with local emergency responders. 

This 25 minute video will show how to make your business resilient to natural hazards, reduce property damage, environmental contamination and liability. This video will help businesses that use chemicals in their process, sell chemicals and store hazardous waste onsite, including retail stores and service providers. It offers steps businesses can take to reduce risks and keep your business operating, especially those in flood prone areas.  This video is also available as a training course.


COASTAL STATES ORGANIZATION (CSO)
Past webinar recordings can be found by clicking here. You can also sign up for their newsletter.


ENVIRONMENTAL BUSINESS COUNCIL (EBC) NEW ENGLAND


CTDEEP AQUIFER PROTECTION AREA PROGRAM TRAINING
This free, online course assists municipal aquifer protection agencies and their staff with meeting the training requirements under the Connecticut Aquifer Protection Act. The course can be completed at your own place, but must be completed within 60 days once started. It is estimated that the course will take approximately 8 hours to complete. There are 13 modules with text, videos, interactive activities, and practice quizzes. The course provides an overview of the regulatory requirements for local implementation, instructs agency members and staff responsible for knowing the law, and assists them in complying with the law. Register here for the training program.


TRAINING FOR MUNICIPAL INLAND WETLAND AGENTS
Visit the CTDEEP inland wetlands agents training webpage to access the comprehensive online training program, continuing education workshops, archived training material, training videos, and newsletter for municipal inland wetland agents. Also visit the Association of State Wetland Managers (ASWM) webpage for past and upcoming webinars and trainings.


NOAA DIGITAL COAST VIRTUAL LEARNING
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Digital Coast has a suite of recorded webinars, trainings, and educational videos on various coastal zone management topics which are great for virtual learning. Also check out their training calendar for online instructor-led training offerings and webinars.


FLOODPROOFING.COM

  • November 16, 2021 - National Flood Insurance Outreach: Cut Your Insurance Costs
  • November 17, 2021- Floodplain Design, Construction & Impacts on Flood Insurance
  • December 7, 2021 - Designing Passive Floodproofing Solutions Using Floodproof Windows and Wall Systems
  • December 8, 2021 - Floodplain Design, Construction & Impacts on Flood Insurance
  • December 9, 2021 - Surveyor Flood Training 
  • December 10, 2021 -Active and Passive Floodproofing for Non-Residential Building in the Special Flood Hazard Area


CONFERENCES



September 17-20, 2022: Northeastern Transportation and Wildlife Virtual Conference, Atlantic City, NJ.



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).  Please note all employees, contractors, visitors and students, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask inside all EMI buildings. EMI continues to monitor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 guidance and will provide regular updates to students. Below is a select list of floodplain management classes offered into mid-2022.  A full list of training classes and how to apply for admission can be found at the EMI website.    

E190 ArcGIS for Emergency Managers - January 24-27, June 13-16
E212 Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program: Developing Quality Application Elements - April 11-14
E213 Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program: Application Review & Evaluation- July 18-19
E214 Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program: Project Implementation and Programmatic Closeout - July 20-21
E273 Managing Floodplain Development through the NFIP - January 10-13, April 4-7, June 27-30, July 25-28
E278 Community Rating System (CRS) -  February 28-March 3, August 22-25
E279 Retrofitting Flood-prone Residential Buildings - May 9-12
E312 Fundamentals of Building Science - July 11-14
E386 Residential Coastal Construction -  April 25-28
   
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 offered at no cost 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-21.21  Civil Rights and FEMA Disaster Assistance
IS-30.b   Mitigation eGrants System for the Subgrant Applicant
IS-42    Social Media in Emergency Management
IS-111.a  Livestock in Disasters
IS-158 Hazard Mitigation Flood Insurance in Disaster Operations
IS-162 Hazard Mitigation Floodplain Management in Disaster Operations
IS-212.b  Introduction to Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA)
IS-230.d  Fundamentals of Emergency Management
IS-251.a  Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) for Alerting Administrators 
IS-271.a  Anticipating Hazardous Weather and Community Risk
IS-273   How to Read a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)
IS-274   How to Read a Flood Insurance Study (FIS)
IS-276.a  Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) Fundamentals
IS-277.a  Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA): Entry Level
IS-279.a  Introduction to Retrofitting Flood-prone Residential Structures
IS-280   Overview: Engineering Principles & Practices for Retrofitting Flood-prone Residential Structures
IS-284.a  Using the Substantial Damage Estimator 3.0 Tool
IS-285   Substantial Damage Estimator for the Floodplain Administrator
IS-318   Mitigation Planning for Local and Tribal Communities
IS-324.a  Community Hurricane Preparedness
IS-366.a  Planning for the Needs of Children in Disasters
IS-386   Introduction to Residential Coastal Construction
IS-393.b  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-632a  Introduction to Debris Operations
IS-633   Debris Management Plan Development
IS-634   Introduction to FEMA's Public Assistance Program
IS-727   Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands
IS-815 ABCs of Temporary Emergency Power
IS-870.a Dam Sector: Crisis Management
IS-871.a Dam Sector: Security Awareness
IS-872.a Dam Sector: Protective Measures
IS-922.a   Applications of GIS for Emergency Management
IS-1100.a Increased Cost of Compliance
IS-1101.b Basic Agent Tutorial
IS-1102  Theory of Elevation Rating
IS-1103.a Elevation Certificate for Surveyors
IS-1104    NFIP Claims Review for Adjusters
IS-1105.a EC Made Easy: Elevation Certificate Overview
IS-1106.a FEMA Mapping Changes
IS-1107    Adjuster Customer Service
IS-1108  Insuring Condominiums
IS-1109.a  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-1117   Severe Repetitive Loss for Agents
IS-1119   Letters of Map Amendment (LOMA) & Letters of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F)
IS-1120    Letters of Map Revision (LOMR)
IS-2001   Threat and Hazard Identification Risk Assessment (THIRA)
IS-2901   Introduction to Community Lifelines
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: diane.ifkovic@ct.gov. View past issues of The Torrent, and other DEEP newsletters at the DEEP newsletter archive webpage or subscribe to other DEEP newsletters and publications.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you are seeking a communication aid or service, have limited proficiency in English, wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint, or require some other accommodation, including equipment to facilitate virtual participation, please contact the DEEP Office of Diversity and Equity at (860) 418-5910 or by email at deep.accommodations@ct.gov. Any person needing an accommodation for hearing impairment may call the State of Connecticut relay number - 711. In order to facilitate efforts to provide an accommodation, please request all accommodations as soon as possible following notice of any agency hearing, meeting, program or event.