FEMA Flood Insurance Study

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FEMAFlood Insurance Study

• Wood County
• Scoping Meeting

May 6, 2008
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Meeting Agenda

• Introduction
• Purpose of Wood County Re-Study
• NFIP Overview
• FEMA Map Modernization
• FEMA Compliance
• National Service Provider (NSP)
• Scoping Activities
• Re-Study Process
• Community and FEMA Agreement Discussion (MOAs)

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Map Mod Roles FEMA Contractors

• FEMA Headquarters
• Set National Policy
• Budget Requests
• LOMR Approval Signature
• Congressional Liaison
• FEMA Region VI
• Administrate Policy
• Manage IDIQ Contract Task Orders
• Manage RMC Task Order
• Outreach Public Awareness

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Map Mod Roles FEMA Contractors

• National Service Provider - NSP
• Support FEMA Headquarters
• Procedure Memos
• GS
• Mapping Information Platform (MIP)
• LOMR Processing
• Library Data Storage
• Regional Management Center - RMC
• Support Region VI
• Issue Resolution (Engineering/GIS/Mapping)
• Receipt of Study Data
• Quality Assurance Audit
• Coordinate Project Management
• Post Preliminary Processing
• MIP Training and Data Entry
• Outreach and Public Awareness

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Study Contractor Task Orders

• Scoping Task Order
• Scoping Meeting
• Base Map Ortho vs. Vector
• Proposed Panel Scheme
• Scoping Meeting Report
• GIS Shape File Showing DFIRM Mapping Needs for
  the County
• DFIRM and Flood Insurance Study Task Order
• Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map
• Update Flood Insurance Study Text
• Address mapping needs up to limit of budget
• Update Community on study negotiated scope
• Update Community on progress of study

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FEMA Contact Information

• James Bennett, PE
• james.bennett_at_dhs.gov
• FEMA Region VI
• 800 North Loop 288
• Denton, TX 76201-3698
• [phone] Office
• [phone] Fax

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(No Transcript)
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Purpose of the Wood County Re-Study

• Update Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS) and
  Flood Data
• Produce GIS-based Digital FIRMs
• Provide Guidance For
• Development in Flood Prone Areas
• Emergency Response
• Planning and Design throughout the County

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NFIP Overview

• What Is It?
• Participating Communities Can Insure Against
  Flood Losses

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NFIP Overview

• Issue Permits
• Ensure that New Construction is Elevated to the
  Base Flood Elevation
• Prohibit Construction Within the Floodways
• Adopt the Flood Insurance Rate Map by the
  Community and Incorporate into Ordinance

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MapMod Paper to Digital Maps
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FEMA Map Modernization

• Nationwide
• 5-Year Plan
• 1 Billion Budget

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Texas Map Mod Counties
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Map Mod Study Process
Flood Mapping Project Phases
Preliminary DFIRM
Post Preliminary Processing
Project Scoping (2 phases)
Community Coordination Mapping
Needs Assessment
Topographic Data Acquisition
DFIRM Production
O U T R E A C H
30 Days
1-8 Months
12-18 Months
30 Days
9-12 Months
30-90 Days
Time frames given are approximate and will vary
from study to study
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Post-Preliminary Phase

• Communities receive DFIRMs and FIS Report
• CCO Meeting
• Notice of 90 day appeals period
• Two weeks later Second notification stating the
  90 day appeal period begun
• After appeals, a six month compliance period
  commences

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Post-Preliminary Phase (cont.)

• During the 6 month compliance period, communities
  must adopt a new floodplain ordinance that
  recognizes the new maps
• If a community has not passed the ordinance
  within the 6 month compliance period, the
  community will be suspended from the program.
• Maps become effective at the end of the 6 month
  compliance period.

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Flood Map Modernization Vision

• Network the nation using the MIP
• Leverage the use of Federal, State, Local
  Resources
• Reduce processing time and costs for map updates
• Increase partners, stakeholders, and users
  understanding of flood hazards and risks

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FEMA Compliance

• Mapping and Ordinance Adoption Process
• Community officials awareness of study process
• Meetings
• Final adoption and/or revision of Floodplain
  Management Ordinance

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FEMA Contacts

• Wood County FEMA Contact Denton, Texas
• James Bennett, PE [phone]
• James.Bennett_at_dhs.gov
• FEMA Map Mod Lead Engineer Denton, Texas
• Gary Zimmerer, PE, CFM [phone]
• Gary.Zimmerer_at_dhs.gov
• FEMA Outreach Coordinator Denton, Texas
• Susie Webb [phone]
• Susie.Webb_at_dhs.gov
• FEMA Compliance Specialist Denton, Texas
• Mayra Diaz [phone]

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NFIP Contacts

• Texas State NFIP Regional Representative
  
• TWDB Field Office/Mesquite, Texas
• J. Leon Curtis, CFM ph [phone]
• leon.curtis_at_twdb.state.tx.us
• NFIP Representatives (Flood Insurance/Agents
  Lenders) - Houston, Texas
• Dorothy Martinez, CFM [phone]

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RMC Contact Information

• Steve Altman, PE, CFM
• Steve.Altman_at_mapmodteam.com
• Michael Baker Jr., Inc.
• 101 S. Locust Street, Suite 300
• Denton, Texas 76201
• [phone] Office
• [phone] Fax

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National Service Provider (NSP)

• Michael Baker Jr., Inc.
• Overall Program Management
• Numerous partners (IBM, etc)

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Regional Management Center (RMC)

• Michael Baker Jr., Inc. in Denton, TX
• Support to the FEMA Region
• Project Management
• Map Needs Assessment
• Compliance
• Outreach / Public Awareness

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Halff Associates, Inc. Study Contractor

• Jessica D. Baker, EIT, CFM
• jbaker_at_halff.com
• Halff Associates, Inc.
• 1201 North Bowser Road
• Richardson, Texas 75081
• [phone] Office
• [phone] Fax

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TWDB Contact Leon CurtisMesquite
1-972-285-8078Leon.Curtis_at_twdb.state.tx.us
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Map Modernization 1834 Style(Pre-FIRM)
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Map Modernization 2004 Style DFIRM Product
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What Are We Scoping?

• Information Search
• Coordination / Outreach
• Assess Community Mapping Needs

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Scoping Activities
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Pertinent Data on Wood County

• 17 Existing FIRMs

• Average Panel Age
• Wood County 1977
• Alba 1975
• Mineola 1976

• Winnsboro 1982
• Yantis 1982

• Zone Types
• A 727.1 Miles
• AE 0 Miles
• Total 727.1 Miles
• LOMCs 0

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The Study Process

• Information Search
• Base Map and Terrain Data Acquisition
• Field Survey
• Hydrology
• Hydraulics
• Mapping
• Reporting (TSDN)
• Coordination /Outreach

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Base Mapping

• Local Provided Planimetrics
• USDA National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP)
• USGS Contours Supplemented with Local Data

Local High Resolution Data
USGS 7.5 Minute Quads
USGS DOQQ
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Terrain Information

• Terrain Map Sources
• Local Data Effective FIRMs
• USGS Contour Maps 30 M DEMs
• LCRA Wood River Corridor Contours

USGS 7.5 Minute Quads
Local High Resolution Data
USGS 30M DEM
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DATUM NAVD 88 / NAD 83

• The majority of existing FIRM panels vertical
  datums
• National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) 29
• Local Datum
• New DFIRM Panel vertical datum will be
  standardized to (North America Vertical Datum)
  NAVD 88 and NAD 83 (Horizontal

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Possible Mapping Products Available

• New Detailed Study
• Enhanced Approximate Study
• Redelineation of Existing Detailed Study
• Approximate Study (Zone A Refinement)
• Digital Conversion

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New Detailed Study

• Field Survey
• New Topo/Orthophoto
• Detailed Hydrologic and Hydraulic Modeling
• Floodway Computations
• Flood Profiles
• Calibrated to Historical Events
• Most Expensive Type of Study

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Field Surveys
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New Topography - LIDAR
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LIDAR Acquisition

• Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)
• Airborne Laser System
• Fixed Wing
• Helicopter
• Potential for High Level accuracy (1 foot range)

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Hydrology
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Hydraulics
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Floodplain Mapping
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Sample of Detail Study Stream

• Sample Detail Study Stream
• Cross-Sections, BFEs, Floodways

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Enhanced Approximate Study

• Limited Detailed Study
• No (or) Limited Structure Surveys
• No (or) Limited Floodways
• No (or) Limited Profiles
• Advantages
• Cost is Much Less Than Detailed Study
• More Streams Can Be Studied

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Redelineation Streams

• Applies to Existing Detailed Study Streams (Zone
  AE)
• Vertical Datum Update from 1929 to 1988
• Flood Boundaries Mapped to the Best Available
  Topography

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Zone AE Redelineation
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Zone AE Redelineation
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Approximate Study

• Zone A Refinement
• Automated HH Procedures
• Boundaries Mapped to Best Analyze Topography

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Sample of Existing Zone A
100-yr Boundary
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Zone A Refinement
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Zone A Refinement
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Digital Conversion

• Utilize the Existing Flood Zone Information
• Advantages Low Cost Solution
• Disadvantages
• Boundaries may not agree with the best available
  topographic data

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Incorporation of Engineering Studies by Others

• The study represents an improvement to the
  current effective study, but it is not a
  substitute for a LOMR.
• The study includes the 10-, 50-, 100-, and
  500-year flood frequencies and floodway for
  existing hydrology.
• The study includes complete and accurate
  technical documentation (topography, field
  surveys, horizontal and vertical datum, bridge
  data, as-built plans, digital workmaps, digital
  hydraulic and hydrologic models, LOMRs, etc.)
• The study incorporates all known LOMCs.
• Tie-ins between the effective and proposed
  mapping and profiles are seamless.

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Incorporation of Engineering Studies by Others

• The proposed mapping should be geo-referenced or
  easily referenced to a known coordinate system.
• The study is signed and sealed by a registered
  Professional Engineer.
• The community certifies in writing that the study
  information has been formally reviewed and
  approved.
• The study complies with all community ordinances.
• The study can be defended by the City during the
  appeals period, and shall assume financial
  responsibility, if necessary, that may arise as a
  result of including the study in the DFIRM.

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DFIRM Mapping
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DFIRM Database
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DFIRM Vector vs. Ortho Based
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DFIRM Vector vs. Ortho Based
Vector Based
Ortho Based
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Wood County Effective FIRM Panel Layout
17 Effective Panels
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Wood CountyProposed DFIRM Panel Layout
20 at 1 2000 4 at 1 1000
24 Proposed Panels
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Technical Support Data Notebooks (TSDNs)
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Technical Support Data Notebooks (TSDNs)

• Complete Documentation of Project
• All Data Collected
• All Analyses Assumptions

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FIS Report

• Countywide Flood Insurance Study
• Text
• Profiles
• Data Tables

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Community Partnering Agreement

• Community Partner Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
• Cooperative Technical Partners Program
  Partnership Agreement
• Flood Maps More Accurate Updated Faster
• Improved Hazard Identification and Risk
  Assessment
• Shared Best Practices

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Coordination/Outreach

• Scoping Meeting May 6, 2008
• Website www.halff-femastudy.com
• Hotline 1-877-HalffTX (425-3389)
• FEMA Compliance Toolkit
• Future Meetings

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RMC Public Awareness

• Keeping Public Informed
• Public Awareness Materials
• Publications
• Point of Contact for Public Awareness

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What Can the Communities Do?

• Continue to provide technical data
• Continue to support the FEMA effort
• Sign MOA if you have not already
• Timely review and comments on Preliminary Maps
• Start Adoption Process Now!

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For More Information

• www.fema.gov

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Halff FEMA Re-Study Website Hotline
www.halff-femastudy.com Hotline 1(877) HALFF-TX
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Levees Protection with Risk

• Levees are designed to provide specific level of
  protection
• They can be overtopped or fail in larger flood
  events
• They require regular maintenance and periodic
  upgrades to retain their level of protection
• FEMA urges people to understand their flooding
  risk involving levees

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Levee Ownership

• FEMA does not own, operate, maintain or certify
  any levees
• FEMA can accredit a levee certification provided
  by others
• The levee owner can certify the design,
  construction, operation and maintenance of a
  levee
• Community is benefiting from the levee

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FEMA Requirements

• FEMAs certification requirements for Levee
  Design, Construction, Operation and Maintenance
  to gain FEMA Accreditation.
• A. Certification Standard is 44 CFR 65.10
• Certification checklist is based on requirements
  from 44 CFR 65.10.
• Revised date is October 1, 1999.
• B. Procedure Memorandum No. 34 (PM
  34)-Certifcation Documents are available to
  submit within 30 days.
• Interim Guidance for Studies Including Levees
• August 22, 2005
• C. Procedure Memorandum No. 43 (PM 43)-Need time
  to gather certification documents-24 months
  allowed.
• Guidelines for Identifying Provisionally
  Accredited Levees
• September 25, 2006
• Revised March 16, 2007

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44 CFR 65.10 Highlights

• To be certifiable, the levee system must be owned
  and operated by a public entity
• The levee owner has the ultimate responsibility
  of certifying the levee
• Design and Construction requirements
• Freeboard, Foundation, etc.
• Operation and Maintenance requirements
• OM manual, maintenance records, etc.
• Federal Agency (USACE) who constructed levee can
  provide certification
• Levee must be certified/re-certified every time
  the map is changed

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44 CFR 65.10
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PM 34 Highlights

• Interim guidance to establish certification
  process (flowchart)
• Specifies that levee systems that are mapped by
  FEMA are designed, constructed, operated and
  maintained to standards (44 CFR 65.10)
• Requires obtaining verification that
  certification requirements are and continue to be
  met
• Requires that necessary certifications are
  provided by the responsible party

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PM 34
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PM 43 Highlights

• Created to prevent levee issues from holding up
  DFIRMs
• Allows 2 years to compile certification
  documentation
• Not allowed for any levee that requires any
  construction work to be done for certification
• Public versus Privately owned levees (PAL
  Scenario)
• PAL Agreement

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PM 43 and Guidance 25
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Levee Checklist
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FEMA Accreditation of Certification

• If adequate certification is provided and
  accepted, FEMA will accredit the levee as
  providing protection
• If levee certification is not provided, the area
  will be mapped with the levee NOT providing
  protection

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Ordinance Assistance

• Primary Resource TFMA
• FEMA Region VI
• Sample Model Ordinances
• Ordinance Checklist
• Suggestions for Higher Standards
• Application to join NFIP

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Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)

• Community Partner MOA
• Says that you know the study is occurring and
  will cooperate with FEMA
• This document is similar to the resolution that
  was originally signed by the community upon entry
  into the NFIP.

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Questions?
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FEMAFlood Insurance Study

• Wood County
• Scoping Meeting

May 6, 2008