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 29, No. 2
Autumn 2022
In This Issue
  • New Climate Resilience Fund
  • Flood Risk Property Disclosure
  • Climate Central Sinking Tax Base
  • Sandy 10 Year Anniversary
  • Levees in Risk Rating 2.0
  • Flood Guidance Historic Buildings
  • Updated Technical Bulletin 7
  • Training Opportunities
New DEEP Climate Resilience Fund
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has developed a new Climate Resilience Fund which provides grants to communities to initiate planning and develop projects to address the effects of climate change. The Fund is intended to support climate resilience planning at the regional, municipal, and neighborhood levels, and to finance resilience project scoping and development. This investment into climate resilience was established by Executive Order 21-3 (EO 21-3) in December 2021 and was one of 61 recommendations from the Governor’s Council on Climate Change (GC3).

A primary outcome of this new program is to help Connecticut communities develop a climate resilience project pipeline that can win competitive federal grant funding to substantially fund those projects’ implementation and construction. A total of $10 million in state bond funding will be available in this first round in two application tracks:

  • Track 1: Planning - Applicants can seek up to $250,000 to fund climate resilience planning that addresses the impacts of climate-related hazards, including how climate change increases weather-related risks. Applications due November 10, 2022.

  • Track 2: Project Development - Applicants can seek funds to advance resilience project scoping and development that leads to federal funding for implementation. While there is no cap on the amount of funding that can be requested, DEEP expects to fund most project development grant application requests in a range of $300,000 to $700,000. Applications due December 1, 2022.

All grantees are required to develop a local match funding strategy to meet the non-federal match requirements of federal funding opportunities. The local match strategy may include using the stormwater authority and climate resilience board expansions authorized under Public Act 21-115.

Eligible applicants include municipalities, Councils of Government, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and private sector entities. At least 40% of the funding will be prioritized for vulnerable communities, including environmental justice communities. Program deadlines, application materials, detailed information and assistance can be found at the CTDEEP Climate Resilience Fund webpage.
FEMA Flood Risk Disclosure Reports
On July 11, 2022, FEMA issued a new report, Flood Risk Disclosure - Model State Requirements for Disclosing Flood Risk During Real Estate Transactions. Disclosing flood risk information during real estate transactions is a timely and effective way to enable homeowners to make better risk-informed investment decisions. Currently, no federal statutes require property sellers to disclose information about flood risk or prior flood damage. The publication discusses the 35 states which have enacted some form of legal or regulatory mechanism requiring property sellers to disclose factors related to flood risk about their property. This guide identifies states with the strongest flood risk disclosure requirements and provides a selection of their laws and disclosure forms as models for use in introducing or strengthening a state’s real estate disclosure requirements. Connecticut is rated as providing "minimal" flood risk disclosure through its Residential Property Condition Report as required by Connecticut General Statutes Section 20-327b.

Other resources on this topic include:

On September 2, 2022, FEMA also issued a new, complimentary report, Flood Risk Disclosure - Local Best Practices for Disclosing Flood Risk During Real Estate Transactions. This guide offers ideas and examples to assist community officials and real estate professionals make flood risk information about properties conveniently available and easy to understand before and during real estate transactions.
Climate Central - Sinking Tax Base Report
In September 2022, Climate Central issued a new report entitled Sinking Tax Base - Land & Property at Risk from Rising Seas, providing an assessment of the impact of sea level rise on the tax base of hundreds of coastal U.S. counties—specifically, the potential loss of taxable properties caused by shifting tidal boundaries.

Coastal flooding caused by sea level rise is shifting the tide lines that many coastal states use to delineate boundaries between public and private property. In Connecticut this is referred to as the Public Trust. Changes in property boundaries can have significant implications for both property owners and local property tax revenues—a primary source of funding for schools and services provided by local governments. The analysis takes into account the state-specific boundary definitions, allowing for a clearer assessment of the potential loss of private (taxable) property in the coastal U.S. Coastal flooding can be devastating to homeowners, particularly where homes represent a significant fraction of their net worth. As sea level rise accelerates the increase in coastal floods, property values are impacted– exposing homeowners and businesses to financial risk from eroding property values. That risk extends to the cities, counties, and school systems that rely on property taxes for funding.

Individual county data reports can be generated from the data compiled in the national report. Data for all four coastal Connecticut counties is available (Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex and New London counties). This report was also highlighted on a recent PBS News Hour segment (6:28) and a Climate Central panel discussion (1:02:51). The impacts to the state of New Jersey were highlighted in this recent article.
Superstorm Sandy 10 Year Anniversary
Superstorm Sandy hit Connecticut ten years ago on October 29, 2012 causing coastal flooding, power outages and taking five lives.

NBC 30 took a look back at Sandy with a video retrospective, photo montage, meteorologist Q&A, damage videos from Groton, Old Saybrook, New York and New Jersey, and what Sandy taught us about our climate future.

The Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) held an anniversary event focusing on what has been done to make the state more resilient in the last ten years and what more needs to be done in the future.
Levees in Risk Rating 2.0
In February 2022, FEMA issued a new publication entitled Levees in Risk Rating 2.0 to outline how levees will be factored into the new premium pricing methodology. FEMA partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to identify and use credible and consistently available information and methods to account for the level of risk reduction levees provide to the buildings located behind them.

A levee reduces, but does not eliminate, flood risk. The limitations of a levee system, in both its capacity to reduce flooding in leveed areas (overtopping frequency) and its ability to perform adequately during flood events (levee performance) are fundamental to developing a graduated risk approach for Risk Rating 2.0.

All levees identified in the National Levee Database (NLD) as of March 2020 were considered in Risk Rating 2.0 premium calculation. Key levee data considered in Risk Rating 2.0 include geospatial data (levee alignment centerline, crest profile, leveed area, river class) and levee performance data (overtopping frequency, levee quality, performance). This data will be used in catastrophic models and an actuarial rating process to set premiums.

Risk Rating 2.0 will apply the same rate setting methodology to all levees, both accredited and non-accredited by FEMA. There are no proposed changes to the levee accreditation criteria contained in 44 CFR 65.10. Mandatory flood insurance requirements have also not changed. If a structure is located behind an accredited levee, flood insurance associated with a mortgage will still not be required.
Flood Adaptation Guide for Historic Properties
Guidelines on Flood Adaptation for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings was published by the National Parks Service (NPS) in response to requests for technical preservation guidance specific to historic properties at risk of flooding.

The guide was a collaborative effort between the NPS and many preservation partners, including State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPO), the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The guide covers such topics as temporary protective measures, dry and wet floodproofing, filling a basement, and protecting utilities, as well as providing case studies, pictures and graphics. The publication is a timely and important source to help protect America's treasured historic buildings in the age of climate change.

FEMA has produced a related publication, Floodplain Management Bulletin - Historic Structures (FEMA P-467-2). More information can also be found on the Connecticut Department of Community and Economic Development historic preservation webpage, the Connecticut SHPO webpage, and the SHPO Resiliency and Hazard Mitigation Planning webpage.
Updated Technical Bulletin 7 - Wet Floodproofing
In May 2022, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released an updated version of Technical Bulletin 7, Wet Floodproofing Requirements and Limitations for Buildings and Structures Located in the Special Flood Hazard Area in Accordance with the National Flood Insurance Program.

Last published in 1993, the updated TB 7 provides guidance on the NFIP floodplain management requirements for the design and construction of wet floodproofed buildings and structures. It also discusses limitations on the use of wet floodproofing and how to evaluate the feasibility of using wet floodproofing measures for historic structures, agricultural structures and functionally dependent uses. The bulletin also discusses NFIP regulations and how building design criteria apply to new construction, substantial improvement and substantial damage. TB 7 includes:

  • Updated to be consistent with the requirements of FEMA Policy #104-008-03, Floodplain Management Requirements for Agricultural Structures and Accessory Structures, and FEMA P-2140, Floodplain Management Bulletin, Floodplain Management Requirements for Agricultural Structures and Accessory Structures.
  • Expanded discussion on best practices and measures to reduce flood damage when NFIP compliance is not required.
  • Clarification of when wet floodproofing measures that require human intervention can be used.

To learn more about the eleven NFIP Technical Bulletins, visit the FEMA National Flood Insurance Technical Bulletins webpage.
Training Opportunities
NFIP & Community Rating System (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 and begin at 1:00pm EST.
 
  • November 15, 2022 - CRS: FEMA's Elevation Certificate
  • November 16, 2022 - CRS: CRS and Floodplain Species Assessment


FLOOD INSURANCE & RISK RATING 2.0 WEBINARS & VIDEOS
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. This 6 minute video can give you a brief introduction to the new Risk Rating 2.0 pricing methodology. This 1:15 minute video will discuss how Risk Rating 2.0 defines a property's unique flood risk. This 25 minute video of a 2022 Hurricane Season webinar for insurance agents is also available.

Training webinars are listed below:




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. 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.  

Two upcoming webinars on November 11, 2022 are listed below:



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. 

  • NFIP 101 Training Course - This on-demand nine unit course covers flood maps and studies, flood regulations, compliance, flood insurance, substantial improvement/substantial damage, and pre/post disaster floodplain management. The combined course duration for all nine units is approximately 14-17 hours to complete. There is a twenty question exam at the end of the course with unlimited retakes. The course can be completed at your own pace.

AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION (APA)
Recordings of previous Planning Information Exchange (PIE) webinars can be found here.


CENTER FOR LAND USE EDUCATION & RESEARCH (CLEAR)


RESILIENT NATION PARTNERSHIP NETWORK (RNPN)
FEMA's Resilient Nation Partnership Network (RNPN) brings together a diverse network of stakeholders committed to help communities act and become more resilient toward natural disasters and climate-related events.


VIDEOS
On August 8th, 2022, FEMA Region 1 hosted a two-hour Flood Mapping 101 Skill-Share Virtual Workshop for state and local floodplain management and permitting officials in New England. Topics covered included: history of the flood mapping program, overview of flood insurance rate maps and flood insurance studies, Map Service Center tutorial, how to read flood maps and how different flood zones affect local communities, the flood mapping development process, and Letters of Map Change.

Section 1206 of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA) authorizes FEMA to reimburse communities that participate in the NFIP for the resources needed to effectively administer and enforce building codes and floodplain management regulations following a major disaster declaration. This creates new eligible activities through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Program to carry out required post-disaster activities. FEMA has developed a 6 minute video on DRRA 1206 to educate floodplain administrators, emergency managers, elected officials, and other stakeholders in the recovery process with the information needed for successful reimbursement of these new eligible activities.

This eight-video training series provides guidance on how to complete each section of a elevation certificate as per requirements of the Community Rating System (CRS) program. The series also covers general issues that are commonly encountered and how to correct an elevation certificate that was filled out incorrectly.  

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 National Association of Wetland Managers (NAWM) 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

  • Floodplain Design, Construction & Impacts on Flood Insurance - November 16, 2022 at 3:00pm
  • Designing Passive Floodproofing Solutions Using Floodproof Windows and Wall Systems - November 30, 2022 at 3:00pm


CONFERENCES


November 15, 2022: Connecticut Association of Flood Managers (CAFM) 9th Annual Conference, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT.



April 1-4, 2023: 2023 National Planning Conference, American Planning Association (APA), Philadelphia, PA.

April 4-6, 2023: Ocean Visions Biennial Summit 2023, Atlanta, GA.

April 18-20, 2023: New York State Floodplain and Stormwater Managers Association (NYSFSMA) 22nd Annual Conference, Syracuse, NY. Call for Abstracts until December 21, 2022.


July 9-12, 2023: 48th Annual Natural Hazards Research and Applications Workshop, Natural Hazards Center.


FEMA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE (EMI)
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 $150/week).  EMI continues to monitor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 guidance and will provide regular updates to students on masking, testing and vaccination requirements. Below is a select list of floodplain management classes offered into 2023.  A full list of training classes and how to apply for admission can be found at the EMI website.    

E101 Foundations of Emergency Management - January 23-27, June 12-16, 2023.
E102 Science of Disaster - December 7-9, 2022, March 8-10, July 12-14, 2023.
E190 Arc GIS for Emergency Managers - March 13-16, June 12-15, 2023.
E202 Debris Management Planning for State, Tribal, Territorial and Local Officials - January 9-12, 2023
E210 Recovery from Disaster: The Local Community Role - December 12-15, 2022.
E212 Hazard Mitigation Assistance: Developing Quality Application Elements - April 24-27, 2023.
E213 Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program: Application Review & Evaluation- July 24-25, 2023.
E214 Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program: Project Implementation and Programmatic Closeout - July 26-27, 2023.
E273 Managing Floodplain Development through the NFIP - December 5-8, 2022, February 13-16, 2023, May 1-4, 2023, August 28-31, 2023.
E278 Community Rating System (CRS) -  April 3-6, 2023.
E279 Retrofitting Flood-prone Residential Buildings - May 1-4, September 11-14, 2023.
E312 Fundamentals of Building Science - September 25-28, 2023.
E386 Residential Coastal Construction -  February 27-March 2, 2023.
E528 Mitigation for Tribal Governments - July 24-27, 2023.
E2461 Advanced Building Science Series I: Strategies for Maximizing Floodproofing Success - March 27-29, 2023.
E2462 Advanced Building Science Series I: Critical Building Performance for Wind - March 30-31, 2023.
   

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.