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 27, No. 3                                                                                                          Winter 2021
The Last House Standing new documentary filmHouseStanding
The Last House Standing, a new documentary film by Move The World Films, explores why we continue to place cost over safety, while the technology exists to build homes capable of withstanding hurricanes, wildfires, and tornadoes. The goal of the film is to educate and inform the public about the safety and security of building homes the right way.  Watch the movie trailer and sign up for a newsletter that will let you know when the film will be aired on a public television channel near you.  The movie is also currently available for rent at $3.99.
Updated FEMA Technical Bulletins 3 and 6TechBulletins
In January 2021, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released updated versions of Technical Bulletin 3, Requirements for the Design and Certification of Dry Floodproofed Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Buildings, and Technical Bulletin 6, Requirements for Dry Floodproofing Below-Grade Parking Areas Under Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Buildings.  
FEMA Technical Bulletins provide guidance on how to comply with the National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) minimum floodplain management requirements for building performance.  

Technical Bulletin 3, last published in 1993, provides guidance on the NFIP requirements for the design and certification of dry floodproofing of non-residential and mixed-use buildings.  This new updated publication includes:
  • Discussion of the factors and planning considerations that influence the decision-making process when determining the feasibility of dry floodproofing a structure.
  • Step-by-step instructions regarding dry floodproofing design requirements.
  • Example seepage calculation that illustrates how to determine if the structure can be considered substantially impermeable.
  • Instructions for the NFIP Floodproofing Certificate for Non-Residential Structures (FEMA Form 086-0-34).



Technical Bulletin 6, last published in 1993, provides guidance on the NFIP requirements for the design and certification of dry floodproofed below-grade parking areas.  This new updated publication includes:
  • Identification of issues specific to dry floodproofing below-grade parking areas.
  • References to newly revised Technical Bulletin 3 for extensive guidance on design requirements.
  • Updated discussion on design considerations such as protecting points of entry, managing internal flow of seepage and equalization of flood loads vertically in multi-level below grade parking areas.


These two updated Technical Bulletins will include information from the latest International Codes (I-Codes) and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Standards.  They will also have information about best practices and input from stakeholders about a variety of issues.  

There are eleven FEMA Technical Bulletins covering a variety of NFIP-related topics.  They are primarily for use by state and local officials responsible for interpreting and enforcing building codes and NFIP regulations.  They are also helpful to design professionals, builders and homeowners.  
 
In Connecticut, only non-residential structures can be dry floodproofed.  To receive a favorable flood insurance rating, dry floodproofing must be implemented at least to the base flood elevation (BFE) plus 1 foot elevation.  Additionally, a floodproofing certificate, elevation certificate, photographs, flood emergency plan, and inspection and maintenance plan must be prepared and submitted to the insurance agent.  See the FEMA flood insurance manual, Section 3 - How to Write A Policy, E. Floodproofing, pages 69-70 for full dry floodproofing insurance criteria.  
Governor's Council on Climate Change Phase 1 ReportGC3
In January 2021, the Governor's Council on Climate Change (GC3) released its final Phase 1 Report entitled Taking Action on Climate Change and Building a More Resilient Connecticut for All.  It contains near-term action recommendations to address both the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the threats of climate change and sea level rise.  

The public comment period on the draft report closed on January 6, 2021.  Any comments gathered were incorporated into the final report.  The draft report received over 180 public comments which are posted on the GC3 website.  Following the presentation of the near-term recommendations, the GC3 will discuss implementation actions being taken to address the recommendations and discuss the next steps to continue the GC3 Phase 2 planning process in 2021.  The GC3 will deliver all near and long-term recommendations for climate action to the Governor by December 31, 2021.  The latest CTDEEP Sound Outlook newsletter explains the outcome of the Phase 1 report in greater detail.

The GC3 was originally established in 2015 by Governor Dan Malloy through Executive Order No. 46, and focused on policies and regulations related to greenhouse gas emissions.  On September 3, 2019, Governor Ned Lamont issued Executive Order No. 3, re-establishing and expanding the membership and responsibilities of the GC3. In addition to continuing to address mitigation strategies to reduce greenhouse gases, the newly expanded GC3 will also consider adaptation and resilience in the face of climate change impacts.
Pew Trusts - How States Can Pay for Natural DisastersPewTrust
In September 2020, The Pew Charitable Trusts released a brief entitled How States Can Manage the Challenge of Paying for Natural Disasters.  

Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and more severe throughout the U.S.  Ensuring that public funding is available to respond to, recover from, mitigate against, and prepare for these catastrophic events involves a complex relationship across all levels of government. The rising cost and frequency of disasters are putting pressure on budgets, fueling debates that could affect the intergovernmental dynamics of the disaster funding system. This changing landscape has brought the critical but understudied role of states to the forefront.

Research by The Pew Charitable Trusts has uncovered three actions that state policymakers can take to improve their understanding of the fiscal impact of natural disasters on state budgets and assess how resources might be better allocated for the long term.


* Comprehensive tracking - States should track their spending on disasters
 across all of the agencies and disaster phases-response, recovery, mitigation, and preparedness. 

* Budgeting mechanism assessments - States should examine the budgeting methods they use to pay for disasters to determine if those approaches are meeting their needs.

* Mitigation integration - States should consider how their spending and budgeting practices incorporate investments in disaster mitigation-efforts undertaken to reduce harm from future disasters.  Every mitigation dollar spent can save an average of $6 in post-disaster recovery costs.
Building Codes Save:  A Nationwide StudyBuildingCodesSave
In November 2020, FEMA released a new study entitled Building Codes Save:  A Nationwide Study, analyzing the losses avoided as a result of adopting hazard-resistant building codes.  FEMA's modeling of the 18.1 million buildings constructed in the U.S. since 2000 has found that the nation has benefited from $1.6 billion in savings each year from the cumulative losses avoided from property damage associated with using the International Codes or similar building codes during floods, hurricane, and earthquakes.  

FEMA projects that by the year 2040, the nation will save $3.2 billion annually.  This adds up to approximately $133 billion in total losses avoided from 2000 to 2040.  These dollar values represent a tangible financial reasons for communities to proactively adopt and enforce hazard-resistant building codes.  

The appendices to the study describe the data and methodologies used to compile the report.  FEMA has also developed outreach materials, such as a brochure and fact sheet, along with a powerpoint presentation, that will help convey the study's results to state and local governments.  Visit FEMA's Building Science webpage for more information.
Low Income Homes Face Triple Flood Risk by 2050LowIncomeHomes
In November 2020, a new analysis conducted by researchers at Climate Central and the National Housing Trust and published in Environmental Research Letters highlights the equity implications of climate change and the threat to affordable housing in coastal states from sea level rise.  The study adds to a growing body of research showing the disproportionate impacts climate change is having on low-income, disadvantaged and minority communities across the country.

The number of affordable housing units at risk from coastal flooding and sea level rise is expected to more than triple over the next 30 years.  By 2050, virtually every coastal state is expected to have at least some affordable housing exposed to more than one coastal flooding event per year, up from about half of the coastal states in the year 2000.  

New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts have the largest share of affordable housing stock and number of units at risk.  Projections for New York City, Atlantic City, and Boston show that each city could have thousands of units exposed to chronic coastal flooding by 2050.  The study found that the Pacific and Gulf Coast regions, including low-lying parts of Louisiana, Texas, California and Washington, will also see elevated risk of coastal flooding among affordable housing units. 

Climate Central has also introduced a new interactive online mapping tool showing the vulnerability of affordable housing to coastal flood risk now and in the future.  An executive summary, summary report, key concepts, and one hour video of a workshop entitled "The Sea Level Rise Threat to Affordable Housing" are also available.
Disaster Declaration Approved For Tropical Storm IsaiasTSIsaias
On January 12, 2021, a major federal disaster declaration was approved for Connecticut for Tropical Storm Isaias (FEMA-4580-DR-CT) which hit the state on August 4, 2020 with high winds.  Notice of the disaster declaration was posted in the Federal Register on February 18, 2021.  

FEMA Public Assistance (PA) funds will be available for all eight Connecticut counties and the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribal Nations.  This allows municipalities, state agencies and the two tribal nations the ability to receive federal reimbursement for 75 percent of all eligible costs associated with emergency work and the repair of public infrastructure damaged by the storm.  No Individual Assistance (IA) for individual property owners or households was requested.  

It is estimated that approximately $3 million will be available in Connecticut for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to implement future mitigation projects that can reduce or eliminate long-term risk to life and property from other natural disasters.  Both PA and HMGP are managed by the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.  
Training OpportunitiesTrainings
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".  
  • March 16, 2021, 1:00pm - CRS:  Preparing for a Verification Visit
  • March 17, 2021, 1:00pm - CRS:  CRS Credit for Conservation and Recovery of                                                                        Threatened and Endangered Species
  • March 18, 2021, 12:00pm - Floodplain Development Permit Review
  • March 18, 2021, 1:30pm - Inspecting Floodplain Development
  • April 13, 2021, 1:00pm - CRS:  Preparing an Annual Recertification
  • April 14, 2021, 1:00pm - CRS:  Watershed Master Planning
  • May 18, 2021, 12:00pm - CRS:  Introduction to CRS
  • May 19, 2021, 1;30pm - CRS: CRS & Substantial Damage Properties Management Plans
  • June 15, 2021, 1:00pm - CRS:  Changes in CRS, 2021 Addendum to CRS Manual
  • June 16, 2021, 1:00pm - CRS:  CRS Credit for Conservation and Recovery of                                                                        Threatened and Endangered Species

NATURAL HAZARDS CENTER
The Natural Hazards Center, in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is pleased to present the 
Making Mitigation Work Webinar Series
.  These free, one-hour webinars feature innovative speakers and highlight recent progress in mitigation policy, practice, and research.  Past webinar recordings can also be accessed.  Check back for the topics on upcoming webinars scheduled for April 13, May 11, June 8 and August 10, 2021.
  • March 9, 1:00pm - Climate Change Research from Mitigation Matters Award Recipients

CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF FLOOD MANAGERS (CAFM)
CAFM is pleased to host two coastal training webinars offered by CTDEEP staff.  These webinars are free, click here for webinar information and how to register.  Continuing education credits are available for AICP Planners and Certified Floodplain Managers (CFMs).

March 24, 2021, 10:00am - An Introduction to Shoreline Protection in Connecticut (1 hour)
March 31, 2021, 10:00am - Coastal Permitting and Enforcement (2 hours)


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. 


UCONN CENTER FOR LAND USE EDUCATION AND RESEARCH (CLEAR)

Upcoming Webinar:

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 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 NEW ENGLAND


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.


RESTORATION WEBINAR SERIES
The  Restoration Webinar Series, hosted by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is a venue for disseminating new approaches, best management practices and innovative restoration techniques to some of our nation's greatest restoration challenges. The series covers a broad spectrum of topics including implementing restoration projects, project monitoring and evaluation, permitting, and regional restoration planning.  Click on the link above to see topics for one-hour webinars scheduled for February 25, March 18, April 15, May 13 and June 17.  All webinars start at 2:00pm and are free.


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.


UCONN COASTAL PERSPECTIVES LECTURE SERIES
All webinars begin at 7:30pm and are free and open to the public, click here to register.
  • February 23 - The Struggle to Reclaim Connecticut's Coastal Commons
  • March 9 - The Hudson River Eel Project
  • March 23 - Ancient Tsunamis in the Mediterranean
  • April 6 - Confronting Issues of (In)Justice in Environmental & Resource Governance
  • April 20 - Rousing Ecological Imagination Through Poetry

FLOODPROOFING.COM
All webinars are free and begin at 3:00pm, click here to view 2021 annual calendar and register.
  • National Flood Insurance Outreach: Cut Your Insurance Costs! (June 14, November 16)
  • Helping Realtors Sell Homes in Flood Zones (March 10, April 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, August 11, September 8, October 13, November 10)
  • Surveyor Flood Training (August 23)
  • Floodplain Design, Construction and Impacts on Flood Insurance (March 9 Midwest Exclusive, March 17, March 25 New England Exclusive, April 13 Texas Exclusive, April 21, April 29 West Coast Exclusive, May 6 Georgia & Tennessee Exclusive, May 19, May 25 Gulf Coast Exclusive, June 8 Delaware, Maryland, Virginia Exclusive, June 16, July 13 Tri-State Exclusive, July 21, August 12 Ohio River Valley Exclusive, August 18, September 15, October 20, November 17)
  • The Advancements of Window Systems and Specialty Oversized Impact and Fire Rated Windows and Skylights (February 24, March 24, April 28, May 26, June 23, July 28, August 25, September 22, October 27)
  • Active and Passive Floodproofing for Non-Residential Building in the Special Flood Hazard Area (February 25, June 24, September 23)
CONFERENCES
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.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person training has been suspended until further notice.  Please consult the EMI website for current status of when in person classes will resume.    
   
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-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.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-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-922      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
S-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:  [email protected].  View past issues of The Torrent, and other DEEP newsletters at the DEEP newsletter archive webpage or subscribe to other DEEP newsletters and publications.
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