June 2019
Orleans Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
PREPARED BY: PREPARED FOR: Woods Hole Group, Inc. Town of Orleans A CLS Company 19 School Road 107 Waterhouse Road Orleans, MA 02653 Bourne, MA 02532 USA
Orleans Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
June 2019
Prepared for: Town of Orleans 19 School Road Orleans, MA 02653
Prepared by: Woods Hole Group 107 Waterhouse Road Bourne, MA 02532 (508) 540-8080
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction ...... 1-1 1.1 Purpose of the Plan ...... 1-2 1.2 The Planning Process ...... 1-2 1.3 Plan Description ...... 1-5 1.4 Previous Federal/ State Disasters ...... 1-5 Chapter 2 Local Profile...... 2-1 2.1 Overview ...... 2-2 2.2 Geography ...... 2-2 2.3 Climate ...... 2-2 2.4 Natural Environment ...... 2-2 2.5 Land Use ...... 2-2 2.6 transportation ...... 2-5 2.9 Critical Facilities ...... 2-7 2.10 Historic Properties ...... 2-9 Chapter 3 Hazard Identification ...... 3-1 3.1 Flooding ...... 3-3 3.2 Coastal Erosion ...... 3-8 3.3 Sea-Level Rise...... 3-15 3.4 Shoaling ...... 3-22 3.5 Hurricanes and Tropical Storms ...... 3-25 3.6 Nor’easters ...... 3-31 3.7 Severe Winter Event...... 3-33 3.8 Severe Weather ...... 3-36 3.8.1 Thunderstorms & Lightning ...... 3-36 3.8.2 High Wind ...... 3-39 3.8.3 Drought ...... 3-44 3.8.4 Extreme Temperature...... 3-47 3.8.5 Tornado ...... 3-50 3.9 Fire ...... 3-53 3.10 Dam/Culvert Failure ...... 3-57 3.11 Earthquake ...... 3-60 3.12 Tsunami ...... 3-63 3.13 Summary of Hazards ...... 3-64
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Chapter 4 Vulnerability Assessment ...... 4-1 4.1 Methodology ...... 4-2 4.2 Results ...... 4-5 4.3 Vulnerable Properties & Critical Facilities ...... 4-24 4.4 Vulnerable Populations ...... 4-26 Chapter 5 Mitigation Measures ...... 5-1 5.1 Mitigation Goals and Objectives ...... 5-2 5.2 Existing Capabilities ...... 5-3 5.3 Progress Determination on Mitigation Actions Since 2004 ...... 5-6 5.4 Proposed Mitigation ...... 5-10 5.4.1 Planning Process ...... 5-10 5.4.2 Proposed Mitigation Actions ...... 5-10 Chapter 6 Plan Maintenance Process...... 6-1 6.1 Plan Monitoring, Evaluation and Updates ...... 6-2 6.2 Incorporation of Mitigation Strategies ...... 6-2 6.3 Continued Public Involvement ...... 6-3 Chapter 7 Plan Adoption ...... 7-1
Appendix A: Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide ...... A-1 Appendix B: Planning Process and Public Outreach ...... B-1 Appendix C: Critical Facilities and Vulnerability ...... C-1
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List of Figures
Figure 2-1. Land Use in Orleans (based on the 2018 Assessor’s parcel dataset)...... 2-5 Figure 2-2. Emergency evacuation routes in Orleans...... 2-6 Figure 2-3. Nauset Regional Middle School...... 2-7 Figure 2-4. Critical infrastructure locations in Orleans...... 2-8 Figure 2-5. French Cable Station Museum ...... 2-9 Figure 3-1. Flooding in the Rock Harbor area of Orleans as a result of the March 2, 2018 nor’easter...... 3-5 Figure 3-2. FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas in Orleans (Effective 2014)...... 3-6 Figure 3-3. Significant coastal erosion occurred during the March 2, 2018 nor’easter...... 3-10 Figure 3-4. CZM Shoreline Change Project data from 1848 to 2008 in Orleans...... 3-11 Figure 3-5. CZM Shoreline Change Project data from 1978 to 2008 in Orleans...... 3-12 Figure 3-6. Long term (1868-2015) and recent (1994-2015) shoreline change rates for Nauset Beach...... 3-13 Figure 3-7. Local sea-level rise magnifies the risks of storm surge and high tides...... 3-15 Figure 3-8. Projected inundation given varying degrees of sea-level rise (relative to MHHW; data from Cape Cod Commission)...... 3-17 Figure 3-9. Probability of inundation in 2030 given assuming a high sea-level rise scenario .. 3-18 Figure 3-10. Probability of inundation in 2050 given assuming a high sea-level rise scenario 3-19 Figure 3-11. Sea-level rise trend from Boston, Massachusetts ...... 3-20 Figure 3-12. Sea-level rise projections from the National Climate Assessment...... 3-21 Figure 3-13. Patterns of historical shoaling in Nauset Estuary channels...... 3-23 Figure 3-14. Approximate location of Rock Harbor dredging footprint...... 3-24 Figure 3-15. Schematic image of a storm surge and storm tide affecting a shoreline ...... 3-26 Figure 3-16. Hurricane and tropical storm tracks in the within 100 miles of Orleans between 1950 and 2017...... 3-27 Figure 3-17. SLOSH categories for Orleans...... 3-28 Figure 3-18. Normal annual snowfall from 1981 to 2010...... 3-33 Figure 3-19. Annual number of thunderstorms...... 3-36 Figure 3-20. Large tree blown down during March 2, 2018 nor'easter...... 3-39 Figure 3-21. Mean wind speed (mph) at 30 meters above the surface...... 3-40 Figure 3-22. Average wind (blue) and gust (red) speed per day from 2008-2018 from the Chatham Municipal Airport Weather Station...... 3-41 Figure 3-23. NWS’s Heat Index...... 3-48 Figure 3-24. NOAA’s Wind Chill Chart...... 3-48 Figure 3-25. Recorded tornado events in Massachusetts between 1951 and 2016...... 3-50 Figure 3-26. Town of Orleans Wildfire Risk Map from the Barnstable County Wildfire Preparedness Plan...... 3-54 Figure 3-27. Locations of dams and culverts of concern in Orleans...... 3-59 Figure 3-28. Earthquake occurrences within 100 miles of Orleans...... 3-61 Figure 4-1. Vulnerability of evacuation routes to the flooding from 100-year storm event...... 4-22 Figure 4-2. Vulnerability of evacuation routes to the flooding from hurricane storm surge. .... 4-23 Figure 4-3. Locations of vulnerable populations in Orleans...... 4-27
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List of Tables
Table 1-1. Disaster declarations for the Town of Orleans since 2004...... 1-6 Table 2-1. Land Use Summary for Orleans (based on the 2018 Assessor’s parcel dataset)...... 2-3 Table 3-1. Average shoreline change rates (CEC 2015)...... 3-9 Table 3-2. Relative mean sea level (feet NAVD88)...... 3-16 Table 3-3. Massachusetts hurricanes since 1938...... 3-27 Table 3-4. Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (NHC 2016b)...... 3-29 Table 3-5. Major winter storms in New England (2008-2018)...... 3-34 Table 3-6. NOAA's Northeast Snowfall Impact Scale (NESIS)...... 3-34 Table 3-7. Summary of high wind incidences from Chatham Municipal Airport Weather Station between 2008 and 2018...... 3-42 Table 3-8. Summary of the Cape Cod & Islands Region rainfall from DCR Hydrologic Conditions Reports (2017-2018)...... 3-44 Table 3-9. Drought indices from the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan...... 3-45 Table 3-10. Drought dates and levels from Massachusetts DCR for the Cape Cod & Islands Region since 2014...... 3-46 Table 3-11. Characteristics of tornadoes occurring in Barnstable County since 1951...... 3-51 Table 3-12. Fujita Tornado Damage Scale...... 3-51 Table 3-13. Forest fire types...... 3-55 Table 3-14. Richter Scale...... 3-61 Table 3-15. Earthquake occurrences within 100 miles of Orleans, as reported by the USGS. . 3-62 Table 3-16. Relative Risk of Hazards in Orleans ...... 3-65 Table 4-1. Orleans Land Use Classification Based on Massachusetts Codes ...... 4-4 Table 4-2. Critical Facility Vulnerability Assessment...... 4-5 Table 4-3. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to Flooding in the VE Zone...... 4-7 Table 4-4. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to Flooding in the AE Zone...... 4-8 Table 4-5. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to Flooding in Other Flood Zones (AO; A)...... 4-9 Table 4-6. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to a Sea-Level Rise of 1 Foot ...... 4-10 Table 4-7. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to a Sea-Level Rise of 2 Feet ...... 4-11 Table 4-8. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to a Sea-Level Rise of 3 Feet...... 4-12 Table 4-9. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to a Sea-Level Rise of 4 Feet...... 4-13 Table 4-10. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to a Sea-Level Rise of 5 Feet ...... 4-14 Table 4-11. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to a Sea-Level Rise of 6 Feet ...... 4-15 Table 4-12. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to a Category 1 Hurricane (SLOSH 1)...... 4-16 Table 4-13. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to a Category 2 Hurricane (SLOSH 2)...... 4-17 Table 4-14. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to a Category 3 Hurricane (SLOSH 3)...... 4-18 Table 4-15. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to a Category 4 Hurricane (SLOSH 4)...... 4-19 Table 4-16. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to Wild Fire at a High or Extreme Risk Level. 4-20 Table 4-17. List of roads in isolated coastal communities...... 4-28 Table 4-18. Hotels, Inns and Bed and Breakfasts in Orleans...... 4-29 Table 5-1. Status of 2004 Proposed Mitigation Action Items...... 5-7
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Virtually every type of weather has been and will be experienced on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. From freezing temperatures and blizzard conditions in the winter to heat and humidity in the summer, Orleans must plan for the worst. The old adage of “if you don’t like the weather, wait a minute” certainly applies.
In addition to potentially severe weather, Orleans’ position between both the Atlantic coast and Cape Cod Bay exposes the Town to wave energy capable of causing coastal erosion, flooding, and property damage to multiple sections of Town. Orleans has approximately 53 miles of
Introduction marine shoreline open to the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Cod Bay.
Natural hazards of all kinds can result in injury, loss of life, damage to buildings and infrastructure, which can have significant adverse impacts on the Town’s economic, social and environmental resources. Through the development and implementation of this Mutli-Hazard Mitigation Plan, the Town of Orleans is proactively trying to prepare for and mitigate potential impacts from the various natural hazards. Chapter 1
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Chapter 1 Introduction
Preparation of this Multi-Hazard Mitigation 1.1 PURPOSE OF THE PLAN Plan Update before a major disaster occurs will help the community prevent property The Federal Emergency Management damage and loss of life associated with Agency (FEMA) defines hazard mitigation natural hazards, save money by instituting as “any sustained action taken to reduce or mitigation measures to protect against eliminate the long-term risk to human life natural hazards, allow funding through and property from (natural) hazards”, such FEMA for post-disaster remediation, and as floods, hurricanes, winter storms, expedite disaster recovery. The Plan will tornadoes, earthquakes, etc. Hazard also help to reduce or eliminate repetitive mitigation may include both structural flood losses. measures, such as flood control structures, and nonstructural measures, such as regulations and bylaws, to prevent flooding. What is a Hazard Local planning and mitigation efforts allow Mitigation Plan? communities to reduce or eliminate the loss of life and property damage resulting from Natural hazard mitigation natural hazards. The Town of Orleans produced this updated Multi-Hazard planning is the process of Mitigation Plan for the entire Town with the reducing or eliminating the loss goal of providing sustained actions to reduce of life and property damage or eliminate risk to human life and property resulting from natural hazards damage from a natural hazard event. such as floods, earthquakes, and Objectives of this plan are as follows: hurricanes through long-term strategies, including planning, • Describe the planning process; policy changes, programs, • Identify relevant background projects, and other activities. information about the Town, including geography, climate, land use, and infrastructure; 1.2 THE PLANNING A1.a • Identify natural hazard risks and A1.e areas in town most likely to be PROCESS impacted; Public participation is a central component • Complete a risk assessment to profile of this planning process, providing critical hazard events, inventory assets, and information about the local occurrence of estimate potential losses; hazards while also serving as a means to • Identify existing disaster mitigation build a base of support for hazard mitigation measures already in place; activities. Additionally, the most successful • Develop proposed mitigation mitigation plans are developed after measures and a mitigation strategy participation by a wide range of stakeholders based on the risk assessment; and who play a role in identifying and • Design a mechanism to keep the plan implementing mitigation actions. During updated to reflect current conditions preparation of this Multi-Hazard Mitigation and establish a schedule for Plan Update, the planning process included monitoring, evaluating, and updating the following: the plan.
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Chapter 1 Introduction
• A public online survey to assess the workshop in conjunction with the MHMP community’s experience with local update, the Town could utilize funding and natural hazards and its perception of resources as efficiently as possible to the Town’s risk to natural hazards; achieve both results simultaneously. • An opportunity for the public to In addition to the LPT input, public comment on the plan during draft participation in the hazard mitigation stages and prior to final approval; planning process is also important, both for • An opportunity for local and regional plan development and for implementation of agencies and organizations, the plan. Residents, business owners, and neighboring communities and private other community members are an excellent industries to be involved in the source for information on the historic and planning process; and potential impacts of natural hazard events • A review and incorporation of and particular vulnerabilities the community existing plans, studies, reports and may face from these hazards. Their data. participation in this planning process also builds understanding about the hazard A1.b This Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (MHMP) mitigation process and potentially creates update is the second iteration of hazard support for future mitigation actions. To mitigation planning for the Town of gather this information and educate residents Orleans; the previous plan was completed on hazard mitigation, the Town hosted three and approved by FEMA in 2004. The Local public meetings: Planning Team (LPT), which had a large role in this Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan • Meeting #1: December 11, 2018 update, consisted of various Town officials • Meeting #2 (MVP Workshop): and was able to provide critical local February 8, 2019 knowledge about the community to facilitate • Meeting #3 (in conjunction with the the update of this Plan. MVP Public Listening Session): May 22, 2019 A1.c The LPT was formed by the Town Planner, A1.d and included the Town Administrator, Chiefs of the Police and Fire Departments, Copies of the announcements and A1.c the Natural Resources Manager, the attendance lists from these meetings, as well A2.a Conservation Agent, the DPW Director and as a master list of LPT members are A2.b representatives from the Water Department. provided in Appendix B. These materials A2.c Additional input was sought and obtained provide a foundation for understanding the A3.a from Shannon Jarbeau, the CRS Coordinator planning process and major decisions made A3.b from Barnstable County Cooperative along the way, and can help provide crucial Extension. The LPT met for 5 working background information the next time the meetings during the Plan update process. LPT meets to review and update the Plan. The 2019 MHMP update was largely funded A public online survey was also through the Executive Office of Energy and administered to assess the community’s Environmental Affairs’ (EEA) Municipal experience with local natural hazards and Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program. their perception of the risk, and to reach a Because many of the data collection tasks wider demographic that may not be and major components of both processes available to attend public meetings in overlap, by completing the MVP Planning
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Chapter 1 Introduction person. The results of this online public Police Department and the DPW office. The survey are including in Appendix B. Cape Cod Chronicle also ran an article advertising the event. A copy of both the The following steps were taken during the flyer and the Chronicle article are included planning process: in Appendix B. The draft plan was posted 1) Develop a LPT responsible for on the website for 30 days prior to updating this Plan; finalization. No additional comments were 2) Define the potential natural hazards received during this time. that could affect Orleans; The draft Plan was also sent to Town 3) Determine high hazard locations and A2.a Planners in Chatham, Harwich, Brewster critical infrastructure potentially and Eastham, as well as the Cape Cod affected; Commission (CCC) for review and 4) Conduct a vulnerability assessment comment. A copy of the email sent to these of buildings and infrastructure; neighboring towns and regional planning 5) Outline existing hazard mitigation bodies soliciting their feedback on the Plan measures and document progress on is also provided in Appendix B. the previous Plan’s actions; 6) Determine gaps in hazard mitigation During preparation of this Plan, several A4.a preparedness; existing studies and documents related to A4.b 7) Define proposed hazard mitigation Orleans and the surrounding area were measures to fill these gaps; and reviewed. Preparation of this Plan borrowed 8) Evaluate the feasibility of and from the following plans and documents prioritize mitigation measures. where appropriate:
• Massachusetts State Hazard The above steps will allow implementation Mitigation Plan (2013); of proposed mitigation measures with a goal • Orleans Comprehensive Plan (2006); of reducing damage and improving public safety during a natural disaster. To solicit • Barnstable County Multi-Hazard public comment, the draft Plan was posted Mitigation Plan (March 19, 2010); & on the Town of Orleans’ website, with a • Local bylaws and regulations. notification on the Town’s homepage, a direct link to the plan, and directions for In 2013, the State Hazard Mitigation Team, how to submit questions or comments. A comprised of staff from the MEMA and screenshot documenting the website posting Department of Conservation and Recreation, is provided in Appendix B. The draft Plan updated its existing Commonwealth of was also presented on May 22, 2019 at a Massachusetts State Hazard Mitigation Plan. public meeting in conjunction with a Public This was the plan’s seventh revision from its Listening Session as part of the MVP initial preparation in 1986. The planning program to gather additional public input. team worked with a number of state and Comments received during the meeting are federal agencies to develop a plan outlining included in Appendix B. A flyer advertising actions that should be taken by federal, state, the Public Listening Session to elicit public local governments and the general public to feedback on both this document and the manage the risks of natural hazards. MVP Summary and Findings Report was The Orleans Comprehensive Plan was posted at Town Hall, the Council on Aging, updated in 2006 to document planning goals Snow Library, the Fire Department, the for land use, natural resources, economic
1-4 Orleans Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 1 Introduction
development, community facilities, health, 2. Help develop mitigation actions; transportation, housing, open space and 3. Provide recent data on various recreation, and historic preservation and hazards and their impacts; and community character. 4. Ensure that mitigation actions in this In 2010, the Cape Cod Commission plan were consistent with current completed a Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan state and local activities and plans. for Barnstable County. The Commission worked with all 15 communities, including Orleans, to assess hazards, evaluate 1.3 PLAN DESCRIPTION vulnerable areas, and recommend planning FEMA developed a “Local Mitigation A1.d and infrastructure improvements. Although Review Guide” (Guide) to ensure Local A2.b this 2010 Barnstable County Plan has not Hazard Mitigation Plans meet the require- yet been approved by FEMA, it does ments of the Stafford Act and Title 44 Code provide a great deal of background of Federal Regulations (CFR) 201.6. This information about local hazards and Guide was used as a tool in developing this assessing vulnerability. Plan. For ease of assessment, when the text Various town departments and boards have addresses an element of the Guide, it is implemented and updated bylaws and identified in a colored box in the margin. regulations as necessary to control development and ensure safe construction 1.4 PREVIOUS FEDERAL/ methods that adhere to current best STATE DISASTERS management practices. Technical infor- mation from the plans, regulations and The Town of Orleans has experienced 6 bylaws described above was incorporated natural hazards that triggered federal or state into the Orleans Multi-Hazard Mitigation disaster declarations since 2004 (FEMA Plan in a number of ways, including: 2019). These are listed in Table 1-1 below. The vast majority of these events involved 1. Guide the planning process; flooding.
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Table 1-1. Disaster declarations for the Town of Orleans since 2004. Disaster Name Type of Assistance Declared Areas Counties of Barnstable, Berkshire, Dukes, FEMA Public Assistance Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, April Nor’easter Project Grants and Plymouth (April 15-27, 2007) Hazard Mitigation Grant All 14 MA Counties Program FEMA Public Assistance Counties of Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Tropical Storm Irene and Hazard Mitigation Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Norfolk, (August 27-29, 2011) Grant Program and Plymouth FEMA Public Assistance Counties of Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Hurricane Sandy and Hazard Mitigation Nantucket, Plymouth and Suffolk (Oct 27 – Nov 8, 2012) Grant Program FEMA Public Assistance All 14 MA Counties Severe Winter Storm and Hazard Mitigation (February 8-10, 2013) Grant Program FEMA Public Assistance Counties of Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Severe Winter Storm and Hazard Mitigation Essex, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, (January 26-29, 2015) Grant Program Plymouth, Suffolk and Worcester Severe Winter Storm FEMA Public & Counties of Barnstable, Plymouth, Bristol, (March 2-3, 2018 Individual Assistance Nantucket, Norfolk and Essex
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One of the first steps in hazard mitigation planning is to identify and define the Town’s assets. Without a detailed and accurate understanding of the infrastructural, societal and environmental
Local Profile resources present within the Town, it is impossible to develop a plan to protect them. The goal of this chapter is to provide a local profile, detailing the community’s assets, the Town’s geography and climate, an overview of the Town’s environmental resources, the Town’s land use
and demographic patterns, the locations of major infrastructure and critical facilities, and historical locations throughout Town.
Although all community assets may be affected by natural hazards at times, some assets and infrastructure are more vulnerable because of their physical characteristics, location, or socioeconomic uses. This asset inventory will help support the vulnerability analysis conducted in Chapter 4, which will identify specific vulnerable assets within the Town of Orleans. Chapter 2
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Chapter 2 Local Profile
and warmer in the winter relative to other 2.1 OVERVIEW nearby inland communities at the same The Town of Orleans is located on Cape latitude. Cod, in Barnstable County, Massachusetts. As popular summer tourist destination, this 2.4 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT coastal community, with a population of Orleans’ natural environment and natural about 6,300 people, grows to over 25,000 in resources are important to the Town’s the summer months. The town has a identity and quality of life. In fact, one of traditional New England government the most important factors in why people structure with a five-member Board of move to and visit Orleans is its natural Selectmen, a Town Administrator, and an environment and coastal features. Natural open town meeting. Among the basic resources, including water bodies, beaches, services provided to residents are public forests, wetlands and others, support the safety, schools, water and sewer, recreation, economy through tourism and recreation, in a public library, a senior center, and a addition to a variety of other ecosystem transfer station. services, such as clean air and water. The The town maintains a website at natural environment also increases resiliency https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/. and reduces hazard impacts, through flood attenuation as wetland areas absorb flood 2.2 GEOGRAPHY waters, through stormwater management as rainwater drains through the soil, and The Town of Orleans is located just above through erosion control as vegetation the elbow of Cape Cod’s bent arm shape. secures soil along coastal banks and dunes. Orleans is 27 miles south of Provincetown, 22 miles east of Barnstable, 36 miles east of the Sagamore Bridge, and 90 miles 2.5 LAND USE southeast of Boston. It is approximately 14 The early European settlers established square miles in area. Orleans is bordered on several villages around which subsequent the north by the town of Eastham, on the development focused. Orleans consists of west by Brewster, and on the south by historically concentrated village centers, Harwich and Chatham, and has coastlines on beachside summer colonies, and residential both Cape Cod Bay to the west and the areas near coastal areas or forests. Overall Atlantic Ocean to the east. As such, it is a density is low, with many tree lined country coastal community with many beaches, ways offering access to waterfront locations. marshes, and tidal waterways. There are several neighborhoods located in defined areas, each with its own character 2.3 CLIMATE and sense of place. Among the most prominent areas are Rock Harbor, Skaket, Orleans averages 45 inches of rain per year Nauset Heights, East Orleans, Barley Neck, with an average annual snowfall of 25 Pochet, and the several residential areas of inches. Average temperatures range from South Orleans. highs in the upper 70’s (Fahrenheit) during the summer months to lows in the low to Development is influenced by the mid 20’s during winter months. Orleans’ availability of appropriate infrastructure. location along the Atlantic Ocean generally Water service is available to 97% of all keeps temperatures cooler in the summer homes and businesses. Orleans relies on a
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Chapter 2 Local Profile
sole-source aquifer for all of its drinking economic hub for the Lower Cape, certain water, whether provided by the public water establishments already exist which draw system or private wells. Specifically, persons from outside of town boundaries for Orleans obtains its water from the Monomoy business and commerce. Located at the lens, one of six groundwater lenses on Cape intersection of Route 6A and West Road is a Cod that are hydrologically separate from shopping plaza with a supermarket and other one another. There are no public sewers in retail stores. In addition, a supermarket and Orleans. All sewage disposal is by a department store are located on Route 6A, individual septic systems, which has had an south of the Orleans Rotary. Many of the impact on the intensity of development in communities on the Lower Cape do not have the Village Center and the entire downtown these types of establishments and are area. therefore reliant upon these larger commercial centers. Throughout town there are parcels of land protected to some degree by various means, Figure 2-1 shows the major land use including public and private ownership for breakdown for the Town of Orleans. The conservation purposes, conservation numbers of parcels and areas within each restrictions, and agricultural tax incentives. land use category are summarized in Table The largest tracts of protected land lie within 2-1. The majority of Orleans’ area is the boundary of the Cape Cod National residential, with almost 13,000 acres. The Seashore on the eastern edge of the town next largest categories by acreage are and in the town-owned watershed area in the exempt properties (including state/federally southwest. owned parcels, nonprofits, education facilities, etc.) and commercial properties. Commercial development in Orleans is primarily located in the northwest area of With the exception of the Village Center, all town. The largest concentrated commercial sections of the Town contain tracts of development is located along Route 6A from undeveloped land that could be subdivided exit twelve of Route 6 to the Orleans Rotary. for residential development. However, new There are several concentrated areas of development is most likely to occur as infill regional commercial activity, largely due to housing within existing subdivisions. The Orleans’ proximity to Route 6, Route 6A infill development of these areas will and Route 28. These areas contain increase the residential density and commercial establishments that typically inevitably result in a reduction of the semi- have a wider service area. Although it has rural character of the community. been expressed in the community that some residents do not wish Orleans to serve as the Table 2-1. Land Use Summary for Orleans (based on the 2018 Assessor’s parcel dataset). Land Use Category # of Parcels Total Acres Multiple Use 88 308 Residential 4,855 12,911 Commercial 440 486 Industrial 13 37 Forest/Agriculture/Recreation 23 276 Exempt Property 447 2,571 Vacant – Developable Lands 297 364
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Vacant – Undevelopable Lands 175 270
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Chapter 2 Local Profile
Figure 2-1. Land Use in Orleans (based on the 2018 Assessor’s parcel dataset). may be imposed if roads are not properly 2.6 TRANSPORTATION maintained in accordance with the bylaw. Orleans has 58 miles of town roadways. The There is also a network of State roads Orleans Highway Department is responsible (Route 6, Route 6A, and Route 28), which for maintenance of all local public roads. converge at the rotary on the Eastham Approximately 50% of the public streets are border. historic ways which were improved by the Town over the years without benefit of a Major roadways in Town also function as formal layout. Without a layout, the Town evacuation routes during an emergency. owns only the extent of the paved road. This Figure 2-2 highlights the Town’s current situation creates management difficulties for evacuation routes in red. These evacuation the Highway Department when repairs are routes include the following roads: Davis necessary and makes it difficult to add Road, Quansett Road, Route 28 (Orleans- safety features such as bike lanes and Chatham Road), Rock Harbor Road, Pochet sidewalks. Road, Brick Hill Road, Tonset Road, Route 6A (Old King’s Highway), and Route 6 More than half of the roadway miles in the (Mid-Cape Highway). Residents are then Town are private roads. In general, private directed to travel north to the Regional roads are owned by the abutters. It is the Emergency Shelter located at Nauset High responsibility of the owners to maintain the School or west along Route 6 to leave Cape road. In Orleans, no public funds are Cod. expended to maintain private roads. For instance, snow removal for private ways is There are a variety of public transportation the responsibility of the property owners. facilities available to Orleans residents. These facilities, however, are underutilized. The Town has enacted an Emergency Most connections to air, rail, and ferry Access Bylaw, Chapter 90 of the general services are provided by private companies, code, requiring private roads to have a including the Plymouth and Brockton bus minimum clearance of fourteen feet high line. There is also a bus line that runs and fourteen feet wide, to allow for passage between Hyannis and Orleans, called H2O. by emergency vehicles. This bylaw provides Finally, the new Flex Route bus line service for the protection of the general public by is expected to serve a wide area of Orleans insuring safe and adequate access over all and enhance mobility options of residents ways within the town for oversized year round. This new service runs a fixed emergency vehicles for the purpose of route between Harwich and Provincetown providing emergency medical, law but also has the ability to deviate up to a enforcement and/or fire protection services. mile from its route to pick up riders. The Fire Chief inspects roads and penalties
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Figure 2-2. Emergency evacuation routes in Orleans.
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floodplains. However, due to the importance 2.9 CRITICAL FACILITIES of these facilities, special care must be taken Critical facilities are those that are essential to ensure continued operation even during to the health and welfare of the Town and disaster events. In addition to the direct those that are especially important for impacts to critical facilities from the natural response and recovery following hazard hazards themselves, any hazard that events. Critical facilities include buildings produces flood conditions in or around a and infrastructure such as emergency critical facilities may also result in the loss operations centers, critical municipal of potable water supply, as the water buildings, water and wastewater facilities, department may have to at least temporarily schools, churches, marinas, etc. The LPT shut valves to protect the rest of the Town’s developed a list of critical facilities, which is drinking water supply. provided in Appendix C. The critical facilities in Orleans are shown in Figure 2-4. A portion of these critical facilities are located within high hazard areas, such as
Figure 2-3. Nauset Regional Middle School
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Figure 2-4. Critical infrastructure locations in Orleans.
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2.10 HISTORIC PROPERTIES 2.11 REPETITIVE LOSS B4.a There is one registered historic district in PROPERTIES Orleans: the Old King’s Highway Regional Repetitive Loss Properties are those for Historic District (OKHRHD). The which two or more losses of at least $1,000 OKHRHD provides a means of preserving each have been paid under the National the original small village atmosphere and Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) within any style of all Cape Cod towns along Route 6A. ten year period since 1978. As of 2019, the This area, fronting on Cape Cod Bay, was Town of Orleans has 7 Repetitive Loss the original location of settlement. Orleans Properties, none of which are Severe has chosen to be a part of this district. Repetitive Loss (SRL) properties. Six are In addition to the registered Historic residential, while one is commercial. District, Orleans also has 2 individual Most of the Repetitive Loss Properties in properties on the National Register of Orleans are located along the coast of Historic Places. They are: Pleasant Bay, a tidal waterway. One 1. Meeting House Museum: built in Repetitive Loss Property is located along the 1833 and located at the corner of coast in Town Cove, the upper portion of Main Street and River Road. Nauset Estuary. In almost all cases, the Currently the home of the Orleans flooding has been caused by storm surge. Historical Society and Museum. Storm surge is a temporary increase in the elevation of the water level caused by a 2. French Cable Station Museum: storm, which can cause extreme flooding in located on Route 28 in the Orleans coastal areas particularly when the storm Village Center. From 1890 to 1959, surge coincides with a normal high tide. it received and sent messages from Approximately half of these repetitive loss and to Brest, France, via the cable structures are located within a FEMA laid upon the Atlantic Ocean floor. velocity zone (VE), which makes them There is one additional registered site on the particularly susceptible to the hazards of State Register of Historic Places: the Oak storm surge, coastal flooding and wave Ridge prehistoric Site. action. Low-lying Repetitive Loss Areas with-in a VE Zone that contain clusters of Repetitive Loss Properties. Typically, Repetitive Loss “Areas” can be delineated around clusters of Repetitive Loss Properties. Placing an emphasis on Repetitive Loss Areas highlights larger areas of likely risk. While locating specific Repetitive Loss Properties is important for some purposes, these properties only appear on FEMA’s list because the structure had flood insurance and received two or more claims of at least $1,000 during any ten-year
period. Other nearby structures may have Figure 2-5. French Cable Station Museum been uninsured during the floods, may have only had one flood insurance claim, or may
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have had multiple claims under different policies. The properties that are listed by FEMA as Repetitive Loss Properties simply represent a sampling of Orleans’ repetitive flooding problem, and are a good indication of the Town’s vulnerable and repetitively flooded areas. Because the seven (7) Repetitive Loss Properties in Orleans are widely scattered, the LPT chose not to define Repetitive Loss Areas.
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Orleans is vulnerable to a wide range of natural hazards that can threaten the people, the economy, the infrastructure and the natural resources of the Town. As suggested under FEMA planning guidance, the Town of Orleans reviewed the full range of natural hazards identified in the most recent Massachusetts State Hazards Plan (2013), which included: Hazard Identification 1) Flooding 6) Severe Weather (thunder-storms,
2) Coastal Erosion wind, drought, extreme temperatures, 3) Hurricanes and Tropical Storms and tornadoes) 4) Shoaling 7) Fire 5) Severe Nor’easters 8) Dam/Culvert Failure 5) Severe Winter Weather (snow, 9) Landslide blizzards, and ice storms) 10) Earthquake 11) Tsunami
Chapter 3 In addition to the hazards above, the Town of Orleans also included Sea-Level Rise and Shoaling as additional hazards. This chapter provides a description of each hazard, the location(s) within Orleans that are impacted by each hazard, previous occurrences of each hazard, the possible magnitude of each hazard, the probability of each hazard occurring in a given year, and some of the impacts that can happen in the event that hazard occurs.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification
FEMA defines a hazard as an act or 4) Severe Winter Weather (including B1.a phenomenon that has the potential to snow, blizzards, and ice storms) produce harm or other undesirable 5) Severe Weather (including consequences to a person or thing. All thunderstorms, high wind, drought, natural disasters pose hazards to property, extreme temperatures, and tornadoes) loss of human life, and have the ability to 6) Fire limit access to power, communication 7) Dam Failure services, water, wastewater/collection/ 8) Landslide treatment and transportation. Downed trees 9) Earthquake and limbs also limit emergency access and 10) Tsunami complicate cleanup efforts. Through the development and continued update of this As suggested under FEMA planning Plan, Orleans is taking steps to protect its guidance (FEMA 2011), the Town of infrastructure from natural disasters as much Orleans reviewed the full range of natural as possible, such that essential utilities and hazards identified in the most recent services continue when most needed. Massachusetts State Hazards Plan (2013). Hazards associated with natural disasters Also, because Orleans is a coastal typically encountered in Orleans include community, bordering both the Atlantic high winds, heavy rains, and coastal Ocean and Cape Cod Bay, sea-level rise and flooding and erosion. Natural disasters shoaling were also considered as additional occurring less frequently, such as tornadoes, hazards in this plan. Additionally, given earthquakes or brush/forest fires, pose less some particularly problematic culverts in the frequent but unique challenges to residents Town, and the potential risk associated with and community officials. their failure, culvert failure was also evaluated along with dam failure. The Local The 2013 Massachusetts State Hazard Plan Planning Team (LPT) did not believe the B1.b identifies 11 natural hazards that could have topography in Orleans would be able to an impact or have a history of impacting produce landslides, and as such, this hazard communities in the Commonwealth of was not addressed directly in this plan. In Massachusetts. addition to the 2013 Massachusetts State These hazards are: Hazard Mitigation Plan, other resources 1) Flooding consulted during the drafting of this plan 1) Coastal Erosion included news articles and other media 2) Hurricanes and Tropical Storms sources, and local knowledge from LPT 3) Severe Nor’easters members. All resources are referenced in the text of each hazard profile.
Hazards Addressed in Detail in the Orleans Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
1. Flooding 7. Severe Winter Weather 12. Tornado 2. Coastal Erosion 8. Thunderstorm 13. Fire 3. Sea-Level Rise 9. High Wind 14. Dam/Culvert Failure 4. Shoaling 10. Drought 15. Earthquake 5. Hurricane/ Tropical Storm 11. Extreme Temperature 16. Tsunami 6. Nor’easter 3-2 Orleans Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 3 Hazard Identification - Flooding
this type of flooding is contained within 3.1 FLOODING existing wetland areas, reinforcing the need to protect and maintain these areas as a OVERVIEW mitigation measure. High tides and coastal Flooding was one of the most prevalent flooding can prevent water from draining natural hazards identified by the LPT in out of the streams and stormwater Orleans. Flooding can be caused by conveyance systems. This can result in hurricanes, nor’easters, severe rainstorms, flooding that occurs well away from coastal and thunderstorms. Sea-level rise also has areas. the potential to exacerbate these flooding Flooding due to storm run-off that issues in the future. overwhelms the carrying capacity of storm The Town of Orleans is subject to two kinds water infrastructure can be exacerbated by of flooding: coastal flooding where wind, poor design or poor maintenance. Flooding tides, waves and storm surge lead to from blocked drainage occurs in flat or flooding low lying coastal areas, and inland depressional areas where runoff or rain flooding where heavy precipitation collects, but cannot drain out. Drainage overwhelms the capacity of natural and systems are made up of ditches, storm structured drainage systems to convey water sewers, retention ponds and other away from roads and other areas of concern, infrastructure designed to transport storm causing it to overflow the system. These two water away from roadways and parking lots, types of flooding are often related as inland to receiving streams, bays, and/or the ocean. flooding is prevented from draining by wind Large storms can overwhelm these systems, and tide driven coastal water. Both types of and blocked or clogged drainage ditches and flooding can be caused by major storms, culverts can inhibit the flow of water, such as nor’easters and hurricanes. resulting in back-ups and ponding. Water Nor’easters can occur at any time of the year will remain in an area until it infiltrates into but they are most common in winter. the soil, evaporates, the blockage is cleared, Hurricanes are most common in the summer or the water is actively pumped out. and early fall. Due to Orleans’ geographic Coastal flooding results from storm surge, position on the outer arm of Cape Cod, the which occurs when water is pushed onshore Town is particularly vulnerable to both types during powerful storms, such as hurricanes of storms. Nor’easters tend to cover a larger and nor’easters, which can raise the water area than hurricanes although the winds are level by several feet. Storm surges are generally not as high. They also generally easily capable of inundating low-lying areas, last a lot long longer, resulting in storm and waves associated with coastal storms conditions coinciding with at least one high can be highly destructive as they move tide – a combination that results in the most inland, battering buildings, structures, and severe flooding. Large rain storms or infrastructure in their path. However, the snowfalls can also lead to inland flooding. magnitude of flooding is strongly influenced See later sections for more specific details by the tides; storm surge that occurs during a on these other natural hazards. high tide will inundate a larger area than if Most of the Town’s rivers and waterways the same surge occurs at low tide. A storm remain tidally influenced for their entire surge coinciding with a high tide event can length such that inland flooding is closely devastate coastal features such as piers, tied to coastal flooding conditions. Much of floats, docks, and boats.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification - Flooding
HAZARD LOCATION spreading snow and winds across Cape Cod, B1.c and resulting in coastal flooding. B2.a Figure 3-2 shows the 2016 FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Orleans. June 22, 2009: An unusually strong coastal These areas represent the risk of flooding storm resulted in coastal flooding and strong from a 100-year storm. This map depicts the winds across coastal Massachusetts. areas of Orleans in VE, AE, and A zones October 30, 2011: A rare and historic and within the 0.2% flood area (an area October Nor'easter brought damaging winds expected to be inundated during a 500-year to Cape Cod and the islands with wind gusts storm event). up to 70 mph and minor to moderate coastal In addition to the risk of flooding from a flooding during the high tide. 100-year storm presented in Figure 3-2, June 3, 2012: High spring astronomical tides there are also isolated areas within the Town combined with a low pressure system off the of Orleans that flood during less severe east coast of Massachusetts to produce storms. These areas include portions of coastal flooding lasting through multiple Route 28 and the Rock Harbor area. tide cycles. October 29, 2012: Sandy, a hybrid storm PREVIOUS OCCURRENCES & EXTENT B1.c with both tropical and extra-tropical B2.a Below is a list of major flooding events that characteristics, brought high winds and B2.c have occurred in Orleans from between coastal flooding to southern New England. 2004 and 2018, from NOAA’s NCDC Storm The storm surge was generally 2.5 to 4.5 Events Database (NOAA 2018), which lists feet along the east coast of Massachusetts. In a number of specific flooding incidents for Orleans, both Nauset Beach and Route 28 Orleans: were closed due to flooding and unsafe January 31, 2006: Gale force winds conditions. combined with an already high astronomical February 9, 2013 (Blizzard of 2013): An tide produced widespread minor to moderate historic winter storm deposited tremendous coastal flooding along the eastern amounts of snow over all of southern New Massachusetts coastline. England. Moderate to major coastal flooding April 17, 2007: An unusually strong and occurred, most notably during the time of slow moving coastal storm produced the high tide with the storm surge reaching 3 significant coastal flooding with the evening to 4 feet along much of the east coast. high tide, forcing the closure of many shore January 3, 2014: A significant, rapidly roads. Rainfall over the 2 day storm totaled developing coastal storm brought heavy 3-5 inches in some locations, exacerbating snow, bitter cold temperatures, coastal flooding issues. flooding, and strong winds. November 3, 2017: The remnants of November 2, 2014: An intensifying coastal Tropical Storm Noel impacted coastal low pressure system brought strong to Massachusetts with high winds and coastal damaging winds and coastal flooding. flooding. Coastal flooding closed several January 27, 2015: The Blizzard of January streets across coastal Massachusetts. 2015 produced very strong winds and January 28, 2008: A low pressure center significant coastal flooding. Route 28 was gathered strength off the mid-Atlantic coast flooded with ocean water near Pleasant Bay and became a powerful ocean storm, Road.
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February 15, 2015: A low pressure system Moderate to major coastal flooding brought heavy snow, blizzard conditions and occurred. Cove Road and an adjacent coastal flooding. parking lot were flooded, Rock Harbor Road and Bridge Road were flooded and January 4, 2018: A low pressure system impassable, and buildings at Nauset Beach brought heavy snow and damaging winds, as were destroyed. well as coastal flooding.
March 2, 2018: A nor’easter brought heavy rain, strong winds, and coastal flooding.
Figure 3-1. Flooding in the Rock Harbor area of Orleans as a result of the March 2, 2018 nor’easter.
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Figure 3-2. FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas in Orleans (Effective 2014).
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B2.b PROBABILITY • Buildings: Moving water associated Based on the frequency of past flooding with floods can damage buildings occurrences described above, it is highly and other structures. Building likely (near 100% probability in the next foundations on or near the beach can year) that flooding of some type will occur be undermined by the velocity of in Orleans. floodwaters. Debris carried by flood waters can act as battering rams and B3.a IMPACT damage buildings. Buildings can Below is a list of possible impacts for a float off their foundations if not flooding event in Orleans: anchored properly. Basements can flood or can collapse due to external • People: People can be knocked water pressure. down or washed off their feet while walking in floodwaters. Injury or • Economy: Communication and death can result from people being infrastructure systems damaged trapped in their vehicles during a during floods can disrupt economic flood event. People can be displaced activities and close businesses. from their homes due to post-flood Roadway disruptions due to flooding safety and health hazards. Also, can reduce customer base. There can intrusion of water into households be economic losses associated with can lead to health and respiratory reduced value on coastal properties issues caused by the development of damaged by flooding. mold and mildew issues. • Natural Systems: Floods can • Emergency Response: Flooded deposit sediment and debris onto roadways can inhibit emergency parks, beaches, marshes, and response access. estuaries.
• Infrastructure: Flooding causes • Transportation: Floods can wash debris and sediment deposits on out bridges and culverts. Debris town infrastructure and roads. Storm lodged in culverts can inhibit flow, surges and associated waves can causing additional flooding on the damage utility poles, roadways, upstream side. There can be major water mains, sewer pipes and other disruptions to transit or ferry town infrastructure. Potential loss of services. potable drinking water in flooded areas due to the need to shut valves to protect the Town’s drinking water supply.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Coastal Erosion
and to allow the public to view the data 3.2 COASTAL EROSION using the online tool.
OVERVIEW Figure 3-4 displays the long-term shoreline B2.a change data in Orleans from CZM’s Coastal shorelines—especially beaches, Shoreline Change Project. Long-term data dunes and banks—change constantly in ranges from 1851 to 2009 on the Cape Cod response to winds, waves, tides and other Bay shoreline to 1868 to 2009 on the factors including seasonal variations, sea Atlantic Ocean shoreline. Rates shown in level rise and human alterations to the Figure 3-4 are in feet per year, where shoreline system. Every day, winds, waves negative values indicate erosion and positive and currents move sand, pebbles and other values indicate accretion. From these data, materials along the shore or out to sea. This it is evident that the majority of the Town’s dynamic and continuous process of erosion, Atlantic coastline (95%) has been sediment transport and accretion shapes the experiencing some level of coastal erosion coastal shoreline. Shorelines change over the long-term (1868 to 2009). The seasonally, tending to accrete gradually “inner” shoreline of the southern Nauset during the summer months when sediments spit, however, has either remained stable or are deposited by relatively low energy accreted over the same period, indicating waves, and erode dramatically during the that the entire barrier beach is either winter when sediments are moved offshore narrowing or migrating landward. Minor to by high energy storm waves and currents, moderate erosion has also been evident such as those generated by nor’easters. along Orleans’ Cape Cod Bay shoreline as The Town of Orleans has more than 7 miles well. As shown in Figure 3-4, based on of ocean-facing shoreline (along the Atlantic CZM’s Shoreline Change Project data, coast), more than 1 mile of shoreline on coastal erosion has been occurring along the Cape Cod bay, and many miles of tidal entire outer Orleans coastline since at least shoreline within the Nauset Estuary and the 1800s. However, this erosion is often Pleasant Bay systems. As such, there is a episodic, as a result of significant storm great deal of area within the Town of flooding and wave impacts, rather than Orleans that is potentially susceptible to continuous erosion. coastal erosion. The more recent rates of shoreline change, between 1978 and 2008, are shown in Figure B1.c HAZARD LOCATION 3-5. The erosion rate in the last few decades The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone has increased along the central and northern Management (CZM) has documented the portions of Nauset Beach, with annual rates rate of change of all ocean-facing shorelines of erosion greater than 15 ft/yr in the of Massachusetts through their Shoreline northern part of the beach. While barrier Change Project (Thieler, et al. 2013). beaches are expected to undergo more Shorelines were delineated and evaluated to dramatic changes due to their high level of demonstrate trends from the mid-1800s to exposure, significant erosion has also 2009. These data were then incorporated occurred at the Nauset Public Beach. into MORIS, the Massachusetts Ocean The Report of the Massachusetts Coastal Resource Information System, to provide Erosion Commission tabulated the average better access to the shoreline change data shoreline change rate, in feet/year, for all coastal communities (CEC 2015). The
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Coastal Erosion Commission calculated • The width of the coastal dune in multiple erosion rates for the Town of 2015 in front of the Nauset Beach Orleans: a Town-wide average, an average support buildings (administration based on the Cape Cod Bay shoreline and an offices, restrooms, and snack bar) average based on the Atlantic Ocean shoreline. These values are summarized in was approximately 80 ft. The report Table 3-1. Bolded values with asterisks predicted that at current rates of indicate that the rate is one of the top 20 erosion, the dune width in front of short- and long-term erosion rates observed the buildings will be reduced to 20 ft among Massachusetts coastal communities. by 2020 (as of this writing in 2019, That both coastlines for both time periods the dune there is less than 20 feet within the Town of Orleans fall within this “top 20” category is indicative of the wide). significant risk of erosion in Orleans. • The threshold for action by the Town Table 3-1. Average shoreline change rates has already been reached, both in the (CEC 2015). form of adaptations that can make Region Average Average Nauset Beach more resilient to storm Short-Term Long-Term damage and the effects of climate Rate (ft/yr) Rate (ft/yr) change, and in the form of long- Entire town -5.3 -2.2 range planning. CCB *-1.7 *-2.8 OCC *-5.7 *-2.1 • Strategies to reduce risk were identified, including alteration of Due to extreme erosion experienced at existing pedestrian and essential Nauset Beach, the Town of Orleans vehicle access, dune restoration, and commissioned a study (WHG 2016a) to a multi-phase retreat of beach evaluate the ongoing erosion and inform facilities from the site. future management of the public beach and The linear regression rates of shoreline natural resources. Key findings of this study change calculated in this study were updated included: through 2016 and are presented in Figure 3- • Long-term data indicate a steady 6. In general, all time periods analyzed show increase in wave events (storminess) a trend of erosion across the entire study since the early 1990s. area. The one notable exception is in the area north of the ORV access, which shows • Rates of shoreline erosion have significant accretion in the long-term increased dramatically over the past shoreline change rate. This is due to two decades. historical infilling in that area of the 1938 tidal inlet to Nauset Estuary. • Rates of long-term dune erosion are comparable to the rates of shoreline It is clear from Figure 3-6 that short-term change. erosion rates from 1994 to 2015 are higher than they were in the long-term (i.e., the
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green line is farther to the left, more Most notably, during a single severe negative, across the entire study area). The nor’easter on March 2, 2018, more than 60 average long-term shoreline erosion rate for feet of dune was lost. This resulted in the entire study area was -4.1 ft/yr (1868 to Liam’s Snack Shack being completely 2015), as compared with the short-term undermined. Following the storm, the Board average of -12.1 ft/yr (1994-2015). of Selectmen appropriated money to have the building removed and to put down 3,000 B1.c PREVIOUS OCCURRENCES & EXTENT cubic yards of sand to try to protect the B2.a As shown in Figure 3-4, coastal erosion has adjacent beach administration building B2.c been occurring in Orleans for more than a (Figure 3-3). century. However, particular areas of Town,
such as Nauset Beach, are experiencing erosion at a much higher rate than other locations.
Figure 3-3. Significant coastal erosion occurred during the March 2, 2018 nor’easter.
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Figure 3-4. CZM Shoreline Change Project data from 1848 to 2008 in Orleans.
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Figure 3-5. CZM Shoreline Change Project data from 1978 to 2008 in Orleans.
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Figure 3-6. Long term (1868-2015) and recent (1994-2015) shoreline change rates for Nauset Beach.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Sea-Level Rise
anyone forced to move to avoid PROBABILITY B2.b coastal erosion impacts. Based on the coastal erosion rates documented in the Massachusetts CZM • Natural Systems: If engineered Shoreline Change Project, it is highly likely structures are used to stabilize (near 100% probability in the next year) that shorelines, the natural process of coastal erosion will occur in Orleans. erosion is altered, changing the amount of sediment available and the B3.a IMPACT erosion rates at adjacent areas. The Below is a list of possible impacts that could town’s natural ecosystem attractions result from coastal erosion: (i.e. beaches, dunes, salt marshes and estuaries) would also be threatened • People: Public safety is jeopardized as sand sources that supply and when buildings and structures sustain them are eliminated. collapse due to coastal erosion. • Transportation: Roadways can • Emergency Response: Erosion can become damaged through erosion. collapse or damage roadways, which would reduce the response time of emergency vehicles.
• Infrastructure: Erosion can expose septic systems, and break sewer pipes and water mains. Accreting sand can block outfall pipes, causing drainage issues and exacerbating flooding.
• Buildings: Erosion can undermine the foundations of buildings, making them more susceptible to settlement, lateral movement, or overturning. Buildings and debris from buildings that are damaged due to coastal erosion can be swept out to sea. Seawalls and other hard structures installed to reduce the effect of coastal erosion in one location can cause sediment losses at a downdrift area, affecting additional properties.
• Economy: Coastal erosion can adversely impact businesses if a business’s building is damaged by erosion. Relocation costs would be an additional economic burden to
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Sea-Level Rise
3.3 SEA-LEVEL RISE Because sea level sets a baseline for storm surge, sea-level rise will exacerbate already existing coastal flood issues. As local sea VERVIEW O level rises, it allows coastal storm surge to Sea-level rise refers to the increase in mean extend farther inland. With the higher sea sea level over time. Global mean sea level levels predicted in 2030, 2050 and 2070, (MSL) has been rising since the end of the areas much farther inland will be at risk of last ice age approximately 11,000 years ago. being flooded. Although sea-level rise plays However, when a more recent time period is a substantial role, local flooding also considered, sea-level rise (SLR) rates have depends on tides, natural and artificial accelerated, with unprecedented rates along barriers, and the contours of the land along the northeastern U.S. since the late 19th the coast (Figure 3-7). century (Kemp et al., 2011). Global sea- level rise is driven by a number of factors, HAZARD LOCATION B1.c including thermal expansion of ocean water B2.a and freshwater inputs from melting glaciers The entire coast of Orleans is vulnerable to and ice fields. Local relative sea-level rise is sea level rise. Figures 3-8 and 3-9 present a combination of two phenomena: the probability of inundation risk using two different methodologies. Figure 3-8 presents • Eustatic changes: Global scale potential areas of inundation based on changes, including thermal elevation data for Orleans, adjusted to Mean expansion of sea water as it warms Higher High Water (MHHW), produced by and the addition of water volume the Cape Cod Commission. The sea-level from melting glacial ice sheets. rise is shown as a simple representation of a • Isostatic changes: Localized changes change in water elevation, commonly in land surface elevations, such as referred to as a “bathtub” model, without subsidence or uplift. accounting for the effects of velocity and resulting erosion caused by wave action.
Figure 3-7. Local sea-level rise magnifies the risks of storm surge and high tides (UCS 2015).
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However, the true threat from sea-level rise summarize the expected relative mean sea will actually be caused by effects of a higher level elevations for various out-years under mean sea level combined with waves and the High sea-level rise scenario chosen by storm surge. Figures 3-9 and 3-10 present MassDOT as inputs to the MC-FRM; these the probability of inundation in 2030 and values also correspond with the 2050, respectively, given projected future Massachusetts CZM recommendations for sea-level rise in conjunction with projected assessing sea-level rise. Note that the values future storm conditions. These results were in Table 3-2 are elevations of the projected developed through the Massachusetts Coast mean sea level at various times relative to a Flood Risk Model (MC-FRM) developed for vertical datum of NAVD88, not the the Massachusetts Department of Trans- magnitude of change in elevation. For portation (MassDOT) (Bosma, et al. 2019). comparison, the baseline (i.e., year 2000) The MC-FRM incorporates a full suite of mean sea level elevation, is -0.30 feet processes that affect coastal water levels, (NAVD88) for the Atlantic Ocean shoreline including tides, waves, winds, storm surge, and -0.21 feet (NAVD88) for the Cape Cod sea level rise, and wave set-up at a fine Bay shoreline. enough resolution to identify site-specific Table 3-2. Relative mean sea level (feet locations that may require adaptation alternatives. The spatial resolution of the NAVD88). model is 10 meters or less between nodal 2030 2050 2070 2100 points, and sometimes as low as 2-3 meters CCB 1.2 2.4 4.2 7.6 to capture important changes in topography and physical processes related to storm Atlantic 1.2 2.5 4.3 7.8 dynamics. The MC-FRM is also superior to a more rudimentary “bathtub” approach, since the latter does not account for critical The results of the probabilistic flood risk physical processes that occur during a storm maps produced by the MC-FRM for 2030 event, including waves and winds, nor can it and 2050 are presented in Figures 3-9 and 3- determine the limited volume of water that 10. Note that at the time this Plan was being may be able to enter certain areas, updated, the MC-FRM simulations were still particularly those with narrow entry points. in process; results were only available for 2030 and 2050 from the Atlantic Ocean The 19-year tidal-epoch with a mid-point shoreline. The color-coded results in Figures year of 2000 (i.e., 1991-2009) was used to 3-9 and 3-10 represent the percent chance of calculate a “starting” elevation for mean sea flooding in any given year due to the level as part of the MC-FRM study. Based combined impact of sea-level rise and storm on this methodology, the mean sea level in surge. For example, areas shaded light Orleans in the year 2000 was at an elevation purple have a 5-10% chance of flooding. In of -0.30 feet (NAVD88) for the Atlantic other words, these areas will flood in a 10 to Ocean shoreline and -0.21 feet (NAVD88) 20-year storm event. Similarly, areas shaded for the Cape Cod Bay shoreline. These in yellow have a 0.2-0.5% chance of starting elevations from 2000 can then be flooding (i.e., will flood in a 200 to 500-year used to compare to projected relative mean storm event). sea-level elevations at future years under various scenarios. The data in Table 3-2
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Figure 3-8. Projected inundation given varying degrees of sea-level rise (relative to MHHW; data from Cape Cod Commission).
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Figure 3-9. Probability of inundation in 2030 given assuming a high sea-level rise scenario (data from MC-FRM).
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Figure 3-10. Probability of inundation in 2050 given assuming a high sea-level rise scenario (data from MC-FRM).
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Sea-Level Rise
PROBABILITY PREVIOUS OCCURRENCES & EXTENT B2.b B1.c Based on the sea-level rise trend B2.a According to the National Academy of documented by NOAA (Figure 3-11), it is B2.c Sciences, the Earth's surface temperature has highly likely (near 100% probability in the risen by about 1° Fahrenheit in the past next year) that sea-level rise will occur in century, with accelerated warming during Orleans. the past two decades. As average temperatures increase, sea level is expected There is still some uncertainty, however, to rise as freshwater inputs from glacier and about the magnitude of future sea-level rise. ice sheet melting occurs. The National Projections of increase in global sea-level by Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 2100 range from an additional 0.2 m (0.7 ft) (NOAA) Center for Operational to 2.0 m (6.6 ft) (Figure 3-12). A Oceanographic Products and Services consortium of government agencies has maintains a series of tide gages along the completed a National Climate Assessment coast of Massachusetts. Records from (Parris et al., 2012) that provides guidance NOAA’s Boston tide gage indicate that our on the appropriate selection of sea-level rise relative sea level has risen at a rate of 2.81 (SLR) scenarios. Under this guidance, four mm/yr, resulting in a change of (4) projected rates of sea-level rise (highest, approximately 11 inches in 100 years intermediate-high, intermediate-low, and (Figure 3-11). As sea level rises, low-lying low) have been developed. coastal areas will be particularly vulnerable to coastal storm hazards such as erosion and flooding. While some low-lying areas may be permanently inundated, other inland areas not currently subject to coastal storm impacts may be impacted by storm surge and other flooding events.
Figure 3-11. Sea-level rise trend from Boston, Massachusetts (NOAA 2016). 3-20 Orleans Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Sea-Level Rise
Given the range of uncertainty in future IMPACT B3.a global SLR, using multiple scenarios encourages experts, planners and decision As relative sea level rises, high tide lines makers to consider a range of future will move landward, coastal shorelines will conditions and to develop multiple response retreat, and low‐lying areas will be options. The highest scenario from Parris et increasingly exposed to erosion, tidal al. (2012) combines thermal expansion inundation, and coastal storm flooding. estimates from Intergovernmental Panel on Developed parts of the coast are especially Climate Change (IPCC) SLR projections vulnerable because of the presence of with the maximum possible glacier and ice infrastructure that can be damaged or sheet loss by the end of the century, and is destroyed by coastal storms. In addition, therefore useful to consider in situations development often impedes the ability of where there is little tolerance for risk. A natural coastal systems to buffer inland areas recent article by Bamber and Aspinall from storm damage, further exacerbating the (2013) supports using a high sea-level rise problem. Many coastal habitats are also projection based on the likely impact of vulnerable to rising sea levels, including salt glacier ice sheet melting. Various marshes, beaches, and dune systems, Commonwealth of Massachusetts agencies, because they are generally at or within a few such as the Office of Coastal Zone feet of existing sea level.. These areas Management (CZM), Massachusetts provide significant environmental benefits, Department of Transportation (MassDOT) including habitat value, filtering of and Massport also rely on the projections pollutants for improved water quality, produced by Parris et al. (2012). The SLR protection of inland areas from flooding and scenarios presented by Parris et al. (2012) storm surge, and extensive recreational for the U.S. National Climate Assessment opportunities. are presented in Figure 3-12.
Figure 3-12. Sea-level rise projections from the National Climate Assessment (Parris et al. 2012).
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Shoaling
PREVIOUS OCCURRENCES & EXTENT 3.4 SHOALING B1.c Historic shoaling activity in Nauset Estuary B2.a B2.c OVERVIEW was evaluated during a 2016 study (WHG 2016b). The main channel in Nauset Estuary A shoal is a natural submerged ridge, bank, that runs along the west side of the barrier or bar that consists of sand or other beach is the most dynamic part of the system unconsolidated material. The increased and is subject to shoaling from inlet elevation of shoals relative to the processes, barrier formation, and storm surrounding bathymetry means that they generated overwash. However, channel often rise near enough to the surface of a areas further inside the estuary are subject to body of water as to constitute a danger to shoaling as well. A qualitative assessment navigation. Shoals are also known as of channel shoaling was conducted using sandbanks, sandbars, or gravel bars. historical aerial photos from 1972 to the present. Areas of major shoaling were One of the largest dangers presented by identified on the photos, digitized within a shoals is not necessarily their presence, but geographic information system (GIS), and rather that in a dynamic coastal environ- then compared over time. ment, particularly in or near a tidal inlet, these shoals tend to continuously reform and Results of the historical shoaling analysis shift location. The fluidity of these shoals are compared with shoal areas identified can significantly disrupt navigation from a recent bathymetric survey conducted channels, lead to potentially dangers in November 2015 (Figure 3-13). The data navigation situations, and create the need for show significant variability in channel constant dredging to manage these features. shoaling immediately west of the barrier beach, caused by inlet and barrier migration B1.c HAZARD LOCATION and storm overwash processes. Patterns of B2.a Nauset Inlet is a dynamic coastal feature, channel shoaling are also evident further subject to seasonal tidal cycles, weather inside the estuary where the geometry patterns and episodic storm events. changes from a narrow constricted channel Significant shoaling has resulted in major to a wider configuration. This is consistent changes to the channel and mooring areas, with typical flow dynamics where sediment restricting navigation in some areas is to moving with the higher velocity currents in several hours on either side of high tide. the narrower channels, drops out of Commercial fishing boats must moor in suspension when the channels widen and the deeper areas of the channel immediately current velocities decrease. behind the barrier beach, and offload their catch and crew to nearby landings via skiff. Shoaling also occurs in Rock Harbor. This is a less efficient alternative to prior Dredging was most recently performed there practices, which allowed the fleet to moor in 2005, during which more than 21,000 directly offshore Snow Shore, Priscilla and cubic yards of sediment was removed, and Goose Hummock landings. in 2014, when approximately 40,000 cubic yards of sediment was removed from areas The entrance to Rock Harbor Creek is in both Eastham and Orleans (21,899 cubic subject to sediment deposition over time, yards from Orleans and 17,509 cubic yards reducing the depth of its navigation channel. from Eastham). The Rock Harbor dredge footprint is shown in Figure 3-14.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Shoaling
Figure 3-13. Patterns of historical shoaling in Nauset Estuary channels (WHG 2016b).
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Shoaling
Economy: Shoals can restrict vessel B2.b PROBABILITY traffic from safely entering and exiting through the Nauset Inlet, as Based on the historical shoal data and Rock well as restrict the ability of vessels Harbor dredge records, it is likely (between to access certain docking facilities. 10 and 100% probability in the next year) These restrictions can have an that shoaling will occur in Orleans. adverse impact on the commercial fishery in the area, as vessels can B3.a IMPACT safely travel only during high tides Below is a list of possible impacts that could and fishermen are often required to result from shoaling: moor in deeper water areas and offload their catch and crew to • People: Public safety is jeopardized nearby landings via skiff. when navigational channels are impacted by shoals. This is especially true at low tide when a • Natural Systems: Although vessel is more likely to make contact shoaling is a natural process, with shallow bottom areas. excessive shoaling can reduce the tidal exchange between an estuary • Emergency Response: Shoaling can and the open ocean. Reduced tidal restrict or block navigation channels, exchange can exacerbate water which can reduce the response time quality issues, potentially resulting in of emergency vessels, or block adverse impacts to fish and other access entirely. estuarine organisms.
• Transportation: Shoaling can make boat navigation difficult and dangerous during certain tides.
Figure 3-14. Approximate location of Rock Harbor dredging footprint.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Hurricanes & Tropical Storms
HAZARD LOCATION B1.c 3.5 HURRICANES AND The entire Town of Orleans is vulnerable to B2.a TROPICAL STORMS hurricanes and tropical storms. Coastal areas are extremely susceptible to damage due to a OVERVIEW combination of wind and storm surge. However, even inland areas can be affected A tropical cyclone is a rotating, organized by the flooding, strong winds and heavy system of clouds and thunderstorms that rains associated with tropical cyclones. originates over tropical or subtropical waters. The hurricane season for the Storm surge happens when water is pushed Atlantic Ocean extends from June 1st to towards shore by the force of storm November 30th, with the peak from mid- generated winds. An advancing storm surge August to late October. However, deadly combines with the water elevation of the hurricanes can occur anytime during the normal tides to create a hurricane storm tide, hurricane season. Tropical cyclones are which can substantially increase water classified as follows (NHC 2016a), levels. In addition, wind generated waves depending on their intensity: are superimposed on the storm surge. This rise in water level can cause severe flooding • Tropical Depression: A tropical in coastal areas, especially when a storm cyclone with maximum sustained surge coincides with a high tide. A general winds of 38 mph (33 knots) or less. schematic showing the components of storm • Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone surge is displayed in Figure 3-15. with maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph (34 to 63 knots). The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) • Hurricane: A tropical cyclone with New England Division, in cooperation with maximum sustained winds of 74 FEMA, prepared Sea, Lake and Overland mph (64 knots) or higher. In the Surge from Hurricanes (SLOSH) inundation western North Pacific, hurricanes are maps. SLOSH maps show the extent of called typhoons; similar storms in potential flooding from worst-case the Indian Ocean and South Pacific combinations of hurricane direction, forward Ocean are called cyclones. speed, landfall point, and high astronomical • Major Hurricane: A tropical tide. However, the model considers only cyclone with maximum sustained storm surge height and does not consider the winds of 111 mph (96 knots) or effects of waves. When selecting model higher, corresponding to a Category parameters, the USACE considered the 3, 4 or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson highest wind speed for each category, the Hurricane Wind Scale. highest surge level, and the worst-case forward motion of the storm to develop a Hurricanes are typically fast-moving storms “worst case” scenario. The resulting (typically lasting 6 to 12 hours) with high inundation areas are grouped in Category 1, winds in excess of 74 miles per hour and Category 2, Category 3, and Category 4. torrential rains averaging 6 to 8 inches, but Figure 3-17 shows the SLOSH results for possibly dropping as much as 15 to 20 Orleans. inches of rainfall during a single event.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Hurricanes & Tropical Storms
Figure 3-15. Schematic image of a storm surge and storm tide affecting a shoreline (NHC 2016c)
B1.c PREVIOUS OCCURRENCES & EXTENT reaching effects of storm surge, even storms that don’t make landfall in New England can B2.a A hurricane has not made landfall in B2.c have significant hazard impacts on Massachusetts for more than 25 years, and it Massachusetts, and on Orleans. To illustrate has been more than 60 years since a major the frequency of these storms, Figure 3-16 hurricane (Category 3 or higher) has shows all hurricanes and tropical storms that occurred. Smaller tropical storms and have passed within 100 miles of Orleans depressions have affected the area, generally between 1950 and 2017. Note that although inflicting minor damage, such as downed major hurricanes occur approximately once tree limbs, power outages, and limited every ten or twenty years in Massachusetts damage to boating-related infrastructure. (Table 3-3), tropical storms and tropical Table 3-3 provides a summary of historic depressions (represented by the green and hurricanes that have impacted the blue lines in Figure 3-16) are relatively Massachusetts. common, occurring every few years. However, due to the large diameter of many hurricanes and tropical storms, and the far
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Hurricanes & Tropical Storms
Table 3-3. Massachusetts hurricanes since 1938. Date Name Intensity (in MA) August 19, 1991 Hurricane Bob Category 2 September 27, 1985 Hurricane Gloria Category 1 September 12, 1960 Hurricane Donna Category 2 September 11, 1954 Hurricane Edna Category 1 August 31, 1954 Hurricane Carol Category 3 September 15, 1944 Great Atlantic Hurricane Category 3 September 21, 1938 Great New England Hurricane Category 3
Figure 3-16. Hurricane and tropical storm tracks in the within 100 miles of Orleans between 1950 and 2017.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Hurricanes & Tropical Storms
Figure 3-17. SLOSH categories for Orleans.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Hurricanes & Tropical Storms
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is property damage. Hurricanes classified as a often used to classify tropical cyclones. The Category 3 or higher are considered major Saffir-Simpson Scale, described in Table 3- hurricanes due to their potential for 4, outlines a rating system from 1 to 5 based devastating or catastrophic damage and loss on the hurricane’s sustained wind speed. of life. This scale is then used to estimate potential
Table 3-4. Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (NHC 2016b). Category Sustained Winds Types of Damage Due to Hurricane Winds Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, 75-95 mph shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will 1 64-82 kt snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive 119-153 km/h damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and 96-110 mph siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped 2 83-95 kt or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss 154-177 km/h is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks. Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal 111-129 mph 3 of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or 96-112 kt (major) uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will 178-208 km/h be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes. Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss 130-156 mph of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. 4 113-136 kt Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles (major) 209-251 km/h downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months. Catastrophic damage will occur: 157 mph or higher A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with 5 137 kt or higher total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power (major) 252 km/h or poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for higher weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Hurricanes & Tropical Storms
as drinking water and communi- B2.b PROBABILITY cations, and limited transportation.
Based on the hurricane and tropical storm frequency documented in this section, it is • Buildings: High coastal winds and likely (between 10 and 100% probability in storm surge can cause substantial the next year) that a hurricane or tropical damage to homes and businesses, storm will impact Orleans. and devastate coastal infrastructure such as marinas. B3.a IMPACT • Economy: Hurricanes and/or Below is a list of possible impacts that could tropical storms can adversely impact result from a hurricane or tropical storm: businesses if a business’s building is • People: Public safety is jeopardized damaged by the storm, or if utilities when buildings and structures col- or road access are affected. lapse due to coastal erosion, downed trees land on buildings or cars, or • Natural Systems: Storm surge and emergency response is blocked by wave action often associated with flooded roadways. hurricanes and tropical storms can
cause coastal erosion, potentially • Emergency Response: Heavy rains harming the town’s natural and flooding associated with ecosystem attractions (i.e. beaches, hurricanes and tropical storms, as dunes, barrier beaches, salt marshes well as downed trees and branches and estuaries). Over time, coastal caused by the high winds, can reduce erosion can reduce the ability of the response time of emergency coastal landforms to provide storm vehicles, or block access entirely. damage and flooding protection.
• Infrastructure: High winds, heavy • Transportation: Roadways can rains and coastal storm surge can become damaged through shoreline cause widespread power outages, erosion or be made impassible due to limited access to other utilities such flooding.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Nor’easters
to 50 inches where precipitation was entirely 3.6 NOR’EASTERS snow. Boston received a mix of snow and rain creating up to nine inches of slush. The OVERVIEW Blizzard of 1978 resulted in 24 to 38 inches Snow storms and blizzards are common of snow across New England, immobilizing events in New England. A nor’easter is a the infrastructure and blocking major particular kind of cyclonic winter storm that highways, and causing thousands of moves along the east coast of North motorists to abandon their cars on the road. America, from south to north; once these Two weeks were required to remove the storms reach New England, they often snow. The blizzard of 1978 resulted in a intensify. It is called a nor’easter because federal disaster declaration for many the winds associated with the storm blow counties in Massachusetts. A large from a northeasterly direction. Sustained nor’easter occurring in late October/early wind speeds of 20 to 40 mph are common November in 1991 became known as the during a nor’easter, with gusting often “Perfect Storm” after joining with Hurricane reaching 50 to 60 mph. In some cases the Grace and strengthening in intensity. wind speed may actually meet or exceed During that nor’easter, winds measured over hurricane force. The storm radius of a 80 mph with offshore waves over 30 feet nor’easter can be as much as 1,000 miles, high. The 1991 nor’easter resulted in a and the storm is often accompanied with federal disaster declaration for many heavy rain and/or snow, depending on counties in Massachusetts. More recent temperature. Most nor’easters bring both blizzards and snowstorms occurred in March storm surge and high winds to the coast of 1993, February 1996, March 2001, January Massachusetts, making the coastline 2005, February 2013 (Winter Storm Nemo) particularly vulnerable to erosion and and January 2015 (Winter Storm Juno). flooding. Winter Storm Juno, in January 2015 was a powerful nor’easter that impacted the northeast. A state of Emergency was B1.c HAZARD LOCATION declared in Massachusetts and travel bans Coastal areas of Orleans are particularly were issued in preparation for the storm. susceptible to damages from wind, snow and The storm produced winds that gusted to 75 storm surge during a nor’easter. However, it mph, a rain/snow mix that resulted in 15 to is also important to note that nor’easters can 18 inches of snowfall, coastal flooding that also bring heavy snow and/or flooding to the caused erosion in many areas across the entire Town. state, and multi-day loss of electricity for many properties. This nor’easter resulted in B1.c PREVIOUS OCCURRENCES & EXTENT a federal disaster declaration for many B2.a Nor’easters have the potential to inflict more counties in Massachusetts, including B2.c damage than many hurricanes because the Barnstable County (FEMA DR-4214). high storm surge and high winds can last B2.b anywhere from 12 hours to 3 days, while PROBABILITY hurricanes usually last for a much shorter New England generally experiences at least period of time. The most severe winter one or two nor’easters each year with storm to ever hit New England was the varying degrees of intensity. Therefore, it is Blizzard of 1888, which occurred in March highly likely (near 100% probability in the of that year. Snow accumulations reached 30
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Nor’easters
next year) that a nor’easter will occur in Orleans.
B3.a IMPACT • People: Nor’easters often produce a significant amount of flooding, and the impacts are similar to that of the flooding impacts.
• Emergency Response: Snow and trees felled by high winds can reduce emergency vehicle response time.
• Infrastructure: Water infrastructure can be damaged (i.e. frozen and burst pipes). Utility outages can result from nor’easters.
• Buildings: Wind and flooding from storm surge can damage buildings. Also, because nor’easters often produce a significant amount of flooding, and the impacts are similar to that of the flooding impacts.
• Economy: Utility outages and damaged buildings can result in loss of business function. Roads blocked by snow and trees downed by high winds can reduce the potential customer base.
• Natural Systems: Snow and ice accumulation can negatively impact vegetation and natural habitat. Trees and tree limbs can be knocked down by the weight of accumulated snow, by high winds, or both. Beaches, coastlines and inlets can be reshaped by waves and storm surge associated with nor’easters.
• Transportation: Roadways can become impassable from storm surge, debris, and accumulated snow.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Severe Winter Event
shows that the Orleans area averaged 20 to 3.7 SEVERE WINTER EVENT 40 inches of snowfall annually between 1981 and 2010. OVERVIEW Snow storms and blizzards are common events in New England. These storms are often high duration events with significant winds and heavy snowfall. The majority of blizzards and ice storms in the region cause more inconvenience than they do serious property damage, injuries, or deaths. Sleet and ice storms result when temperatures are appropriate for precipitation to fall as frozen or mostly frozen raindrops, or liquid rain that freezes upon contact with structures and objects on the ground. Travel is often limited and disruptions to power and other utility delivery are a high potential. Coastal flooding can occur during these events, Figure 3-18. Normal annual snowfall from especially with westerly winds. However, 1981 to 2010 (from 2013 MA periodically, a storm will occur which is a State Hazard Plan). true disaster, and necessitates intense large- scale emergency response. On average Orleans receives 25 inches of snow per year. PREVIOUS OCCURRENCES & EXTENT In addition to many of the same hazards B1.c posed by other natural disasters, winter Winter storms occur quite frequently, but B2.a storms have the added hazard associated due to preparation by the town and its B2.c with cold weather for prolonged periods of residents, typically amount to no more than time. Unlike disasters occurring during the a minor inconvenience. School delays and summer months such as hurricanes, power slow travel occur but crippling winter storms outages may result in extended periods of no are a rarity. However, they do occur. Table heat. Prolonged contact with low 3-5 below provides a list of major winter temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and storms from 2008 to 2018. burst, damaging homes and businesses. Winter storms pose additional health The Northeast Snowfall Impact Scale problems with the added strain of exposure (NESIS) was developed by the National to freezing temperatures, especially for the Weather Service to characterize and rank elderly. high-impact Northeast snowstorms. A “High-impact” snowstorm is one that HAZARD LOCATION produces large areas of 10 inch snowfall B1.c accumulations or greater. B2.a The entire Town of Orleans is at risk from
snow, blizzards and ice. The Northeast Regional Climate Center has compiled 30- year annual snow totals in New England and the eastern United States. Figure 3-18
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Severe Winter Event
Table 3-5. Major winter storms in New The NESIS has five categories: Notable, England (2008-2018). Significant, Major, Crippling, and Extreme Date NESIS Cat Description (Table 3-6). This index differs from other meteorological indices, however, because it Mar 1-3, 2009 1.59 1 Notable uses population information in additional to Dec 18-21, 2009 3.99 2 Significant meteorological measurements; the NESIS Feb 4-7, 2010 4.38 3 Major gives a ranking to the societal impacts of a Feb 9-11, 2010 4.1 3 Major storm. NESIS values are a function of the Feb 23-28, 2010 5.46 3 Major area affected by the snowstorm, the amount Dec 24-28, 2010 4.92 3 Major of snow, and the number of people living in Jan 9-13, 2011 5.31 3 Major the path of the storm. The largest NESIS values result from storms producing heavy Jan 26-27, 2011 2.17 1 Notable snowfall over large areas that include Feb 1-3, 2011 5.3 3 Major metropolitan centers. These values are then Oct 29-30, 2011 1.75 1 Notable converted into one of the five NESIS Feb 7-10, 2013 4.35 3 Major categories (NOAA 2019). Mar 4-9, 2013 3.05 2 Significant Table 3-6. NOAA's Northeast Snowfall Dec 13-16, 2013 2.95 2 Significant Impact Scale (NESIS). Dec 30, 2013 - 3.31 2 Significant Category NESIS Description Jan 3, 2014 Value Jan 20-24, 2014 1.26 1 Notable 1 1 – 2.499 Notable Jan 29-Feb 4, 4.08 3 Major 2 2.5 – 3.99 Significant 2014 3 4 – 5.99 Major Feb 11-14, 2014 5.28 3 Major 4 6 – 9.99 Crippling Nov 26-28, 1.56 1 Notable 5 10+ Extreme 2014 Dec 9-14, 2014 1.49 1 Notable Jan 25-28, 2015 2.62 2 Significant PROBABILITY B2.b Jan 29-Feb 3, 5.42 3 Major Based on the snow frequency of occurrence 2015 recorded from past events, it is highly likely Feb 8-10, 2015 1.32 1 Notable (near 100% probability in the next year) that Jan 22-24, 2016 7.66 4 Crippling snow will occur in Orleans. Mar 12-15, 5.03 3 Major 2017 Jan 3-5, 2018 1.71 1 Notable Mar 5-8, 2018 3.45 2 Significant
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Severe Winter Event
B3.a IMPACT • Buildings: Buildings and roofs can experience structural failure as a • People: Walking and driving can result of heavy snow loads. become extremely dangerous due to icy roads and sidewalks, snow • Economy: Poor driving conditions accumulation, and low visibility. and closed roads prohibit businesses Poor driving conditions often require from opening and people from going people to shelter in place, and loss of to work. Heavy snowfalls result in utility function can result in increased cost to the Town for dangerous conditions during extreme plowing, snow removal, and cold temperatures associated with treatment of roads. snow events. Injury is also possible from slipping on ice, overexertion • Transportation: Roadways can from shoveling, and frostbite. become extremely dangerous due to
icy conditions, snow accumulation, • Emergency Response: Snow, icy and low visibility. Public roads, and trees felled by storm transportation is also occasionally conditions can reduce emergency shutdown as a result of heavy vehicle response time. snowfall.
• Infrastructure: Culverts and roads can be washed out during a heavy flow after a snowmelt. Ice and heavy snowfall can impact and cut off utilities, such as heating, power, and communication services, for several hours or days. Water pipes can burst due to extreme cold temperatures.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Thunderstorm/Lightning
eventually grows upward into areas where 3.8 SEVERE WEATHER the temperature is below freezing. Some of the water vapor turns to ice, and some of it turns into water droplets. Both have 3.8.1 THUNDERSTORMS & electrical charges. Ice particles usually have LIGHTNING positive charges, and rain droplets usually have negative charges. When the charges OVERVIEW build up enough, they are discharged in a While less severe than the other types of bolt of lightning, which causes the sound hazards discussed, thunderstorms can lead to waves we hear as thunder. localized damage for communities. A thunderstorm is a storm that produces HAZARD LOCATION B1.c lightning and thunder and is usually The entire Town of Orleans is at risk from accompanied by gusty winds, heavy rain, thunderstorms. NOAA has compiled data and sometimes hail. The National Weather about the annual number of thunderstorms Service defines a severe thunderstorm as one across the United States. Figure 3-19 shows that produces a tornado, winds of at least 58 the annual number of thunderstorms in the mph (50 knots or ~93 km/h), and/or hail at northeastern United States. The arrow least 1 inch in diameter. Structural wind shows that all of eastern Massachusetts, damage may imply the occurrence of a including Orleans, falls in the darker blue severe thunderstorm. A thunderstorm wind area, which receives, on average, 10-20 equal to or greater than 40 mph (35 knots or thunderstorms per year. ~64 km/h) and/or hail of at least ½ inch is defined as approaching severe. Lightning is one of the most dangerous aspects of a thunderstorm, and it can strike up to 10 miles away from the main thunderstorm location; however, because lightning occurs during every thunderstorm, its presence does not indicate a “severe” thunderstorm. Three basic ingredients are required for a thunderstorm to form: moisture, rising unstable air (air that keeps rising when given a nudge), and a lifting mechanism. The sun heats the surface of the earth, which warms the air above it. If this warm surface air is forced to rise—by hills or mountains, or areas where warm/cold or wet/dry air bump together—it will continue to rise as long as it weighs less and stays warmer than the air around it. As the air rises, it transfers heat from the surface of the earth to the upper levels of the atmosphere (the process of convection). The water vapor it contains begins to cool, releasing the heat; and it Figure 3-19. Annual number of condenses into a cloud. The cloud thunderstorms.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Thunderstorm/Lightning
rain. These storms tend to pass B1.c PREVIOUS OCCURRENCES & EXTENT quickly and are less likely to produce B2.a NOAA’s National Center for Environmental tornadoes than supercells. A squall B2.c Information maintains a Storm Events line can be hundreds of miles long, Database. In the last 10 years, 59 lightning but tend to only be 10-20 miles wide. and/or thunderstorm wind events were • A supercell is a highly organized, reported for Barnstable County (NOAA long-lived storm fueled by an updraft 2018). Three of the recorded events were that is tilting and rotating. These listed with Orleans as their specific location: tilting and rotating updrafts can August 19, 2008: A cold front produced produce severe tornadoes. severe thunderstorms and a strong microburst, resulting in large hail and damaging winds across Cape Cod and in the PROBABILITY B2.b waters off the Cape. Based on the annual number of July 1, 2009: A stationary front produced thunderstorm occurrences in Figure 3-10, it thunderstorms, heavy rain and flooding, and is highly likely (near 100% probability in one man was killed when he was struck by the next year) that thunderstorms will occur lightning while digging for clams in the tidal in Orleans. flats of Little Pleasant Bay near Orleans. August 9, 2018: A cold front brought IMPACT B3.a thunderstorms and downpours, with up to Below is a list of possible impacts that could 4.5 inches of rain in some locations and result from thunderstorms: resulting in a number of large toppled trees. • People: Thunderstorms can result in There are a variety of types of power outages, leaving people thunderstorms: without heat or other utilities. • Single-cell thunderstorms, which are Lightning may cause injury or death small, brief, weak storms that can to people who are outdoors during develop and then dissipate within an the onset of a thunderstorm, if they hour. They are typically produced are unable to seek shelter. by heating on a summer afternoon. Single-cell storms produce brief, • Emergency Response: Trees and heavy rain and lightning. power lines felled by high winds • Multi-cell storms form along the and/or lightning can impede leading edge of rain-cooled air. emergency vehicles. Although individual cells that comprise the multi-cell storm can • Infrastructure: Lightning and high only last 30-60 minutes, the entire winds can result in downed power multi-cell storm system can persist lines. Heavy rains associated with for many hours. Multi-cell storms thunderstorms can result in flooded may produce hail, strong winds, brief roads and overwhelm drainage tornadoes and flooding. systems. • A squall line is a group of storms arranged in line, often associated • Buildings: Wind and wind-born with “squalls” of heavy wind and debris can damage roofs, windows and other portions of houses and
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Thunderstorm/Lightning
buildings. Heavy rains and flooding • Economy: Power outages can force can damage properties. Lightning businesses to close temporarily. strikes can start fires, which can threaten buildings and structures. • Natural Systems: Heavy winds can bring down trees and branches
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – High Wind
HAZARD LOCATION 3.8.2 HIGH WIND In their effort to research potential sites for B1.c wind energy facilities, the Executive Office B2.a OVERVIEW of Energy and Environmental Affairs Major wind events in coastal Massachusetts (EOEEA) put considerable effort into are hurricanes and nor’easters. Tornadoes measuring wind velocities in Massachusetts. are extremely rare in Massachusetts, These efforts produced four sets of data, although they do occur. Water spouts have representing mean wind speed at different been seen in Cape Cod Bay. Thunderstorms, elevations above the land’s surface: 30, 50, especially in the summer months, do occur 70 and 100 meters. The mean wind speed, and can bring localized damage due to wind, in miles per hour, at 30 meters above the especially to summer cottages of poorer land’s surface is shown for Orleans in construction and old or rotted tree limbs. Figure 3-21.
Figure 3-20. Large tree blown down during March 2, 2018 nor'easter.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – High Wind
Figure 3-21. Mean wind speed (mph) at 30 meters above the surface.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – High Wind
although it is these maximum wind gusts B1.c PREVIOUS OCCURRENCES AND that can cause the most damage). B2.a EXTENT The graphs below, however, represent daily B2.c Wind speeds are recorded continuously at averages, but each day of the year may have the Chatham Municipal Airport. Hourly had winds of much higher or lower wind data from January 1st, 2008 to velocities. In general, the average wind November 1st, 2018 was compiled from this speed begins decreasing around April station. The maximum average wind speed reaching its lowest points in August (Figure between 2008 and 2018 was 39.1 mph 3-22). The average speed then picks up with (representing a more sustained condition), the onset of fall, peaking in the winter. The while the maximum reported gust speed average wind gusts follow the same trend. during the same time period was 72.5 mph
(which was likely a shorter-term condition,
Figure 3-22. Average wind (blue) and gust (red) speed per day from 2008-2018 from the Chatham Municipal Airport Weather Station.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – High Wind
A summary of the high wind incidences at the Chatham Municipal Airport weather • Hurricane Watch: Issued when a station is provided in Table 3-7. Note that tropical cyclone containing winds of each “incidence” represents a data point 74 mph or higher poses a possible from each 1-hour interval within the 10-year threat, generally within 48 hours. dataset. Therefore, incidences are not directly related to the number of individual • Hurricane Warning: Issued when weather events. For example, if a high wind sustained winds of 74 mph or higher event lasted for several hours, it would be associated with a tropical cyclone are recorded as several incidences. expected in 36 hours or less. Table 3-7. Summary of high wind incidences from Chatham Municipal • Wind Advisory: Issued when the following conditions are expected for Airport Weather Station between 3 hours or longer – sustained winds 2008 and 2018. of 31 to 39 mph and/or wind gusts of Number of Number of 46 to 57 mph. Wind Incidences the Incidences the Speed Maximum Average Wind • Extreme Wind Warning: Issued for (mph) Wind Speed Speed Was: surface winds of 115 mph or greater Was: associated with non-convective, ≥ 30.0 86 4750 downslope, derecho (not associated ≥ 35.0 7 1858 with tornado), or sustained hurricane ≥ 40.0 0 658 winds are expected to occur within one hour. ≥ 45.0 0 158
≥ 50.0 0 57 • Small Craft Advisory: Issued when ≥ 55.0 0 16 one or all of the following conditions ≥ 60.0 0 4 are expected to occur within 36 hours – sustained winds of 18 to 33 knots or frequent gusts (with a The National Weather Service issues a duration of 2 hours or more) between variety of warnings related to wind hazards. 18 to 33 knots or waves of 4 feet or They are: higher.
• High Wind Watch: Issued when the • Gale Warning: Issued when one or following conditions are possible – both of the following conditions are sustained winds of 40 mph or higher expected to occur within 36 hours for one hour or more, or wind gusts and is not directly associated with a of 58 mph for one hour or more. tropical cyclone – sustained winds of 34 to 47 knots or frequent gusts • High Wind Warning: Issued when (with a duration of 2 hours or more) the following conditions are between 34 to 47 knots. occurring or imminent – sustained winds of 40 mph or higher for one • Storm Warning: Issued when one or hour or more, or wind gusts of 58 both of the following conditions are mph for one hour or more. expected to occur within 36 hours
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – High Wind
and is not directly associated with a IMPACT B3.a tropical cyclone – sustained winds of 48 to 63 knots or frequent gusts Below is a list of possible impacts that could (with a duration of 2 hours or more) result from wind: between 48 to 63 knots. • People: High wind events can result in power outages, leaving people • Hurricane Force Wind Warning: without heat or other utilities. Issued when one or both of the following conditions are expected to • Emergency Response: Trees and occur within 36 hours and is not power lines felled by high winds can directly associated with a tropical impede emergency vehicles. cyclone – sustained winds of 64 knots or greater or frequent gusts • Infrastructure: Lightning and high (with a duration of 2 hours or more) winds can result in downed power between 64 knots or greater. lines. High wind events can generate significant waves which can damage B2.b PROBABILITY coastal infrastructure and moored/ Based on the frequency of occurrence seen docked vessels. in the Chatham Municipal Airport wind dataset, it is highly likely (near 100% • Buildings: Wind and wind-born probability in the next year) that wind debris can damage roofs, windows hazards will occur in Orleans. and other portions of houses and buildings.
• Economy: Power outages can force businesses to close temporarily.
• Natural Systems: Heavy winds can bring down trees and branches.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Drought
Table 3-8. Summary of the Cape Cod & 3.8.3 DROUGHT Islands Region rainfall from DCR Hydrologic Conditions OVERVIEW Reports (2017-2018) Departure Drought is an extended period of time where Total Rainfall Month-Year from normal a region experiences a notable reduction in (inches) available water supply typically caused by a (inches) lack of precipitation. Drought can affect Oct 2017 7.37 3.52 either surface water or groundwater sources. Nov 2017 2.46 -1.86 Though most droughts in Massachusetts last Dec 2017 2.65 -1.51 only a matter of months, it is possible for Jan 2018 5.02 1.13 drought conditions to extend over a period of years due to reduced rainfall and snowfall Feb 2018 7.30 3.79 accumulations contributing to lower Mar 2018 8.36 4.11 groundwater and surface water levels. Apr 2018 4.59 0.54 May 2018 2.10 -1.47 B1.c HAZARD LOCATION Jun 2018 3.37 0.01 The entire Town of Orleans is equally Jul 2018 1.25 -1.67 vulnerable to drought. Aug 2018 2.69 -1.30 Sep 2018 3.09 -0.71 Total 50.25 4.58 B1.c PREVIOUS OCCURRENCES & EXTENT
B2.a Significant periods of drought have occurred
B2.c in Barnstable County, and Orleans specifically, in the past. The Massachusetts There are five levels of drought that have Department of Conservation and Recreation been developed to characterize the severity (DCR) compiles monthly water conditions of the event: reports, summarizing the rainfall and its 1) Normal diversion from average conditions for each 2) Advisory of the 6 regions in the state (Cape Cod and 3) Watch Islands, Central, Connecticut River, 4) Warning Northeast, Southeast, and Western). Data 5) Emergency for the Cape Cod and Islands region from a
recent twelve (12) month period (DCR These levels are based on the regional 2018) is summarized in Table 3-8. conditions and are designed to provide Although a significant drought is relatively information about the current status of water uncommon in Orleans, and the total rainfall resources. A drought advisory calls for a from the twelve (12) months in Table 3-8 is heightened level of vigilance and increased 4.58 inches above average, droughts do data collection as conditions begin to deviate occur and have occurred in Orleans in the from normal. During a drought watch, past. In fact, from August 2016 through increased assessment would continue, in April 2017, Orleans, as well as much of addition to proactive public education about Massachusetts, was in a state of drought. water conservation. Water restrictions might become necessary during the watch or warning stage, depending on the capacity
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Drought
and condition of each water supply system. Energy and Environmental Affairs has A drought warning is issued during a severe compiled information about past drought situation and the possibility of a drought declarations at a regional level. Drought emergency may be issued. Finally, a drought declarations from 2013 to 2018 for the Cape emergency often requires mandatory water Cod and Islands Region are detailed in restrictions and/or the use of emergency Table 3-10. There was a relatively long water supplies (EOEEA 2013). These drought from July 2016 to April 2017, categories and their associated charact- ranging in severity from an Advisory to a eristics are summarized in Table 3-9. Watch (Table 3-10). Based on the categories outlined in Table 3- 9, the Massachusetts Executive Office of
Table 3-9. Drought indices from the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan (EOEEA 2013). Drought Precipitation Groundwater Streamflow Reservoir Level 1 month below normal 2 consecutive 1 month below Reservoir levels at Normal months below normal** or near normal for normal** time of year 2 month cumulative 3 consecutive At least 2 out Small index total below 65% of months below of 3 reservoirs below Advisory normal normal** consecutive normal months below normal** 1 of the following: 4-5 At least 4 out Medium index 3 month cum. <65%; or consecutive of 5 reservoirs below Watch 6 month cum. <70%; or months below consecutive normal 12 month cum. <70% normal** months below normal** 1 of the following: 6-7 At least 6 out Large index 3 month cum. <65% and consecutive of 7 reservoirs below 6 month cum <65%; or months below consecutive normal Warning 6 month cum. <65% and normal** months below 12 month cum. <65%; or normal** 3 month cum. <65% and 12 month cum. <65% Same Warning and >8 months >7 months Continuation of Emergency previous month was below below previous month’s Warning or Emergency normal** normal** conditions
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Drought
PROBABILITY B2.b • Economy: Farmers experience Based on the data summarized above about financial losses if a drought destroys past drought conditions in Orleans, the their crops. Finances may need to be probability that a drought will occur in diverted to provide additional Orleans in the future is possible (between irrigation or drill new wells. 1% and 10% probability in the next year, or Businesses that depend on farming at least one chance in the next 100 years). may lose business. Food costs may increase. B3.a IMPACT • People: Drought conditions can • Natural Systems: Loss of fish increase conflicts between water habitat as streams, rivers, and ponds users. Water conservation actions dry up. Lack of food and drinking may impact users’ activities. water for wildlife. Wildlife may be Reduction in drinking water supply. forced to migrate to find adequate Health related issues may arise due resources. Wildfires may become to dust inhalation. more common.
• Infrastructure: Droughts can result in lower water levels in reservoirs.
Table 3-10. Drought dates and levels from Massachusetts DCR for the Cape Cod & Islands Region since 2014. Year Begin Date End Date Cape & Islands Drought Status 2014 10/1/2014 11/30/2014 Advisory 2016 7/1/2016 7/31/2016 Advisory 2016 8/1/2016 9/30/2016 Watch 2016-2017 10/1/2016 3/31/2017 Advisory 2018 8/1/2018 9/30/2018 Advisory
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Extreme Temperature
types of events for the past 10 years returned 3.8.4 EXTREME TEMPERATURE three occurrences of extreme temperature: 1) July 6, 2010: Temperatures neared OVERVIEW 100°F with a high percent of relative There is no defined cut-off for what defines humidity. Heat index values ranged extreme temperatures. Instead, extreme from 100 to 106 for most of Southern temperatures are considered relative to the New England. Heat index values at usual weather in a region based on long- the Chatham Municipal Airport term climatic averages. According to the ranged between 100 and 102. Massachusetts State Hazard Mitigation Plan, extreme heat for this region is usually 2) July 22, 2011: High temperatures defined as a period of three or more and high humidity levels brought the consecutive days with temperatures above heat index above 105 for several 90°F. However, more generally it can be hours. Both the Coast Guard Air thought of as a prolonged period of Station Cape Cod near Falmouth and excessively hot weather, which is often the weather station at the accompanied by high humidity. Similarly, Provincetown Municipal Airport extreme cold is also relative to normal recorded similar heat indexes, as climatic lows in the region. Temperatures well. that drop well below normal, especially when accompanied by high winds can 3) February 14, 2016: An arctic high produce dangerous wind-chill factors. The pressure system brought strong wind-chill is the perceived decrease in air northwest winds and extremely cold temperature felt by the body on exposed wind chills to southern New skin due to the flow of air. England. Wind chills as low as -32°F were reported in Falmouth and Since extreme temperatures are defined Hyannis County. relative to normal conditions, it is important to know the average temperatures for the region for a particular season. The average NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) winter temperature (Dec-Feb) for has developed a Heat Index (NWS 2016a), Massachusetts is 27.5°F, while the average which measures how hot it feels when summer temperature (Jun-Aug) is 68.2°F. relative humidity is considered along with the actual air temperature (Figure 3-23). B1.c HAZARD LOCATION Relative humidity is the amount of atmospheric moisture present relative to the The entire Town of Orleans is equally amount that would be present if the air were vulnerable to extreme temperature hazards. fully saturated. For example, a 90°F day with 80% humidity would have a heat index B1.c PREVIOUS OCCURRENCES & EXTENT of 113°F, and there is a dangerous B2.a NOAA’s National Centers for likelihood of heat disorders with prolonged B2.c Environmental Information houses a Storm exposure or strenuous activity. The NWS Events Database (NOAA 2018), which issues alerts when the Heat Index is includes accounts of Cold/Wind Chill, expected to exceed 105-110°F (depending Extreme Cold/Wind Chill, Heat, and on local climate) for at least 2 consecutive Excessive Heat. Querying the data for these days. Wind chill temperature indicates how
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Extreme Temperature
cold it feels outside, based on the rate of calculating the dangers from extreme cold heat loss from exposed skin caused by the temperatures and winter winds, and the combination of wind and cold. Because amount of time exposed skin will take to get wind draws heat from the body, reducing frostbite (Figure 3-24). According to the skin temperature, as well as internal body chart in Figure 3-24, if it is 0°F with a 15 temperature, the wind actually makes it feel mph, the wind chill temperature would be - colder than the absolute temperature would 19°F and it would take exposed skin 30 indicate. Frostbite is the result of body minutes to get frostbite. The index calculates tissue (i.e. skin) freezing. The most wind speed at an average height of 5 feet vulnerable parts of the body are the fingers, above the ground’s surface, the typical toes, ears and nose. The National Weather height of a person’s face, from the measured Service’s Wind chill Temperature Index wind data collected from standard 33-foot (NWS 2016b) provides a useful method for high anemometers.
Figure 3-23. NWS’s Heat Index.
Figure 3-24. NOAA’s Wind Chill Chart.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Extreme Temperature
B2.b PROBABILITY Based on the data summarized above about past extreme temperature conditions in Barnstable County, the probability that extreme temperatures will occur in Orleans in the future is likely (between 10% and 100% probability in the next year, or at least one chance in the next 10 years).
B3.a IMPACT Below is a list of possible impacts that could result from extreme hot or cold temperatures: • People: Excessive heat poses serious health risks, including death.
• Emergency Response: Stress will be placed on the cooling systems of emergency vehicles in extreme heat.
• Infrastructure: Highways and roads can be damaged by excessive heat as asphalt softens. Both extreme heat and extreme cold can put significant strain on power utilities, as users’ energy needs increase to run air conditioners or heaters.
• Economy: Transported refrigerated goods experience a higher degree of spoilage during excessive heat conditions. Agriculture and livestock can be adversely impacted by extreme heat.
• Natural Systems: Extreme heat can reduce water levels in natural ponds and reservoirs, as well as increase surface water temperatures to dangerous levels. Both can have an adverse impact on fish and wildlife.
3-49 Orleans Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Tornado
Massachusetts, tornadoes occur most 3.8.5 TORNADO frequently in and around Worcester County, however they may occur wherever OVERVIEW conditions are right. According to NOAA, Tornadoes are a vortex of rapidly rotating Barnstable County is located in an area of air moving along the ground. Tornadoes very low probability of occurrence, with less typically occur during the spring, summer than one tornado expected to occur every and fall months, usually during the five years. afternoon. Tornadoes may occur in unusually severe thunderstorms, bringing HAZARD LOCATION B1.c hazards such as very high wind speeds NOAA’s National Weather Service B2.a (typically anywhere from 100 to 300 miles maintains a database of tornado information per hour) along a localized area, localized in the United States. The data include heavy rainfall and flooding, frequent information on date, start and end location, lightning and damaging hail. number of injuries and fatalities, and Tornadoes may be anywhere from less than categories of property loss values from each 250 feet to over two miles in diameter. storm. There have been 176 tornadoes Typically, tornadoes dissipate after no more documented in Massachusetts since 1951 than a couple miles on the ground; however (Figure 3-25); of these, none have occurred they have been known to stay on the ground in Orleans, and only 2 have occurred within for dozens of miles, causing substantial all of Barnstable County. damage along the way. Although not common in the northeast, tornadoes have occurred in every state of the U.S. In
Figure 3-25. Recorded tornado events in Massachusetts between 1951 and 2016.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Tornado
B1.c PREVIOUS OCCURRENCES AND EXTENT B2.a Although no tornado has touched down and fatalities, and the size of each of the B2.c within Orleans since at least 1951, as noted tornadoes. Table 3-12 describes the Fujita above, 2 tornadoes have occurred within Tornado Damage Scale developed by Dr. T. Barnstable County during the same time Theodore Fujita for winds, including period. Table 3-11 documents the tornadoes, which relates the degree of characteristics of the 2 Barnstable County damage to the intensity of the wind, as well tornadoes; this table documents the F-scale as the number of injuries and fatalities, and (see description of the Fujita Tornado the value of any property loss associated Damage Scale below), number of injuries with the event.
Table 3-11. Characteristics of tornadoes occurring in Barnstable County since 1951. Length Width Date Town F-scale Injuries Fatalities (miles) (yards) 8/9/1968 Barnstable 1 0 0 0.1 10 8/22/1977 Barnstable 1 2 0 0.1 10
Table 3-12. Fujita Tornado Damage Scale. Wind Estimate Scale Typical Damage (mph) Light damage: some damage to chimneys; branches broken off trees; F0 < 73 shallow-rooted trees pushed over; sign boards damaged Moderate damage: peels surface off roads; mobile homes pushed off F1 73-112 foundations or overturned; moving autos blown off roads. Considerable damage: roofs torn off frame houses; mobile homes F2 113-157 demolished; boxcars overturned; large trees snapped or uprooted; light-object missiles generated; cars lifted off ground Severe damage: roofs and some walls torn off well-constructed F3 158-206 houses; trains overturned; most trees in forest uprooted; heavy cars lifted off the ground and thrown. Devastating damage: well-constructed houses level; structures with F4 207-260 weak foundations moved; cars thrown; large missiles generated. Incredible damage: strong frame houses leveled off foundations and F5 261-318 swept away; automobile-sized missiles fly through the air in excess of 100 meters; trees debarked; incredible phenomena will occur.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Tornado
B2.b PROBABILITY IMPACT B3.a Although tornadoes have not been recorded Below is a list of possible impacts that could in Orleans since NOAA’s records began in result from tornadoes: 1951, relatively small scale tornadoes do • People: Airborne debris can cause occur throughout Massachusetts on a regular injury or death. Hazardous driving basis. As such, it is possible (between 1 and conditions can result from blocked 10% probability in the next year) that a roadways. Tornadoes can cause tornado will occur in Orleans. water contamination, which can affect drinking water quality and human health.
• Infrastructure: Tornadoes can damage power lines and other utility infrastructure, and can damage roads. Downed power lines can also cause electrical hazards.
• Buildings: Tornadoes that pass through highly developed areas can cause significant property damage, breaking windows, blowing off roofs, and in severe cases, leveling houses.
• Economy: Tornadoes can destroy farms and agricultural fields.
• Natural Systems: High winds associated with a tornado can break branches and snap or uproot trees. Wildlife can be killed or injured.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Fire
HAZARD LOCATION 3.9 FIRE B1.c Wildfire has played a role in shaping the OVERVIEW Barnstable County landscape for thousands Fire events can be broken into two major of years. As a result, there are an abundance categories: urban fires and wildfires. Urban of fire-adapted ecosystems in the region. fires are the result of buildings and Orleans’ forests are primarily composed of structures catching fire, with the potential pitch pine, mixed conifer, oak, and oak for the fire to spread to neighboring mixed forests, which are considered by the properties. These events have a higher State fire officials to be the forest types at chance of spreading more rapidly in areas highest risk for wildfires. The Orleans Fire where residential and commercial buildings Department responds to very few wood, are clustered closely together. Urban fires brush, and grass fires of varying sizes tend to occur more frequently than wildfires, annually (typically less than 20 per year, and and often result from everyday activities often with very little property damage). such as cooking, smoking, or appliance malfunction. The low wildfire frequency and minimal property damage values are the result of fuel A wildfire is an unplanned, unwanted fire reduction activities and the creation of burning in a natural area, such as a forest, access roads through heavily wooded area of scrubland, or grassy area. Wildfires and Town done by the DPW Water Department. forest fires are naturally occurring events, The following areas of Town were identified and part of a normal, healthy ecosystem. as having the highest potential for brush Naturally occurring fires help keep forest fires based on the Barnstable County floors free of excessive debris buildup, thin Wildfire Preparedness Plan (Sullivan and crowded trees, encourage growth of new Carlson 2012) (Figure 3-26): vegetation, and recycle nutrients into the soil. Forest fires may occur at any time of • Area 1: Barley Neck Road & Payson year, however typically occur during hot, Lane area; dry summer months, or during windy • Area 2: An area south of Meeting conditions during the spring and fall. House Pond; and Natural ignition most frequently occurs as the result of a lightning strike. • Area 3: An area outside Lonnie’s Pond. In Massachusetts, wildfires are typically caused by lightning or human activity (i.e. Other high risk areas include much of South discarded cigarettes, unattended camp fires, Orleans and the southern portion of Nauset downed power lines, etc.). The Bureau of barrier beach (Figure 3-26). Fire Control estimates that nearly 98% of fires in Massachusetts are started by human carelessness.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Fire
2
3 1
Figure 3-26. Town of Orleans Wildfire Risk Map from the Barnstable County Wildfire Preparedness Plan.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Fire
PREVIOUS OCCURRENCES & EXTENT PROBABILITY B2.b B1.c Forest fires vary in size, however thanks to The 2013 Massachusetts Hazard Mitigation B2.a modern detection and firefighting equipment Plan identifies Cape Cod as susceptible to B2.c methods, fires are typically kept to a wildfires due to the availability of fuel, reasonably small area. The Bureau of Fire impacts from offshore winds, and increasing Control estimates that the average fire 100 development within wooded areas. years ago consumed approximately 34 acres, Therefore, it is possible (1 – 10% probability while today the average fire burns only 1.2 in the next year) that a wildfire will occur in acres. However, large fires have occurred Orleans. nearby in the past, such as the 1957 fire in Myles Standish State Forest which burned over 18,000 acres, stopping only when it reached the ocean. Table 3-13. Wildfire types. Fortunately, most fires are quickly identified Type Location Typical Fuel and suppressed, or extinguish themselves Ground At or below Underground naturally due to wet weather conditions. ground roots, buried The majority of wildfires occur in the surface leaves or other spring, before “green-up”, or in late organic matter summer, following periods of drought. Surface Ground Surface leaves, Smaller fires are more common and are surface grass, low lying generally addressed quickly by the Orleans vegetation, Fire Department. The Fire Department underbrush classifies incidents by type. Between Ladder Between Underbrush, January 1, 2008 and December 20, 2018 the surface downed logs, there were 138 brush fire incidents. Below is and canopy vines and small a list of incident types and the number of trees each that occurred within that time frame: Canopy In the tree Tall trees, vines • Brush or brush/grass mixture fire: 72 canopy and branches • Natural vegetation fire (other): 47 • Forest, woods or wildland fire: 13 • Grass fire: 6 Once a fire starts, location of the fire and the type of fuel consumed determines how severe the fire will be. There are four types of wildfires (Table 3-13). These fire types range from ground fires, which tend to travel relatively slowly and are easier to control, to canopy fires, in which flames can jump from tree to tree through the canopy relatively quickly. These are the most difficult to control and extinguish.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Fire
B3.a IMPACT Below is a list of possible impacts that could result from fires: • People: Death or injury can result if people are trapped by urban or wildfires. Smoke inhalation can cause health issues.
• Infrastructure: Utility services may be disrupted. Roads may become impassible and transportation may be disrupted.
• Buildings: Buildings and structures can be damaged or destroyed, either by the fire directly, or through ignition from flying sparks and embers.
• Economy: Indirect economic losses can result from lost tourism due to a major fire. Disrupted utilities may halt businesses and other economic activities.
• Natural Systems: Extensive areas of forests and other natural areas can be burned. Wildfires can strip slopes of vegetation, increasing the potential for runoff and erosion.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Dam/Culvert Failure
Office of Dam Safety. This dam, located in 3.10 DAM/CULVERT FAILURE just north of Route 6A by the Brewster town line, is privately owned. OVERVIEW While all culverts could cause some damage A dam is any artificial barrier and/or any if they failed, there are 3 culverts of controlling structure that can or does particular concern in Orleans: impound or divert water. There are 2,901 • Small culvert under Rock Harbor public and privately owned dams in Road, which connects a small Massachusetts. Only one of these is located ponded area to the larger Rock in Orleans (Figure 3-27). Harbor Creek Marsh. Dam failure is any sudden, uncontrolled • Jeremiah’s Gutter, a large culvert release of impounded water due to structural that collects and drains stormwater deficiencies in a dam. Dams can fail for a from Route 6A, Old County Road variety of reasons, including the dam being and the Stop & Shop parking lot; a overtopped by floods that exceed its catastrophic failure could result in capacity, structural failure of the dam flooding across a large economically construction materials or the foundation important area. supporting the dam, and inadequate maintenance and repair. • South Orleans Road (Route 28), just north of the Chatham Town line. The hazards associated with a failing dam This culvert is state owned, but does can also occur from culverts that act like flood over regularly during dams during flooding events. A culvert is a significant storm surge events, structural opening under a roadway that adversely affecting transportation allows water to pass from one side of the and emergency response. road to the other. They are typically made of concrete, steel or aluminum, and their These locations are also indicated in Figure size is calculated based on the location- 3-27. specific volume of water expected to pass through that location. The primary function PREVIOUS OCCURRENCES & EXTENT B1.c of a culvert is to prevent flooding during There have been no previous occurrences of B2.a normal and extreme weather conditions and dam or culvert failure in the Town of B2.c to provide proper road drainage. Culverts Orleans. But aging infrastructure, increased can fail due to the pipe becoming occluded storm intensity and rising sea levels may by debris or improper maintenance, the pipe produce such incidents in the future. caving in due to structural deficiencies, or from a buildup of flood waters exceeding The Massachusetts Office of Dam Safety, the capacity of the culvert. within the Department of Conservation and Recreation, maintains a database of all the dams in Massachusetts, classified by their B1.c HAZARD LOCATION hazard potential. This database divides dams Hazards associated with dam failure are into three categories: confined to the areas around existing dams. High Hazard Potential Dam: A dam There are no High Hazard Dams located located where failure will likely cause within Orleans. However, the one dam that loss of life and serious damage to homes, does occur in Orleans is unclassified by the industrial or commercial facilities,
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Dam/Culvert Failure
important public utilities, main IMPACT B3.a highways, or railroads. Below is a list of possible impacts that could Significant Hazard Potential Dam: A result from dam or culvert failure: dam located where failure may cause • People: People could become loss of life and damage to homes, trapped by blocked or flooded roads. industrial or commercial facilities, secondary highways, or railroads, or • Infrastructure: Utilities may be cause interruption of use or service of disrupted due to damaged pipes or relatively important facilities. power lines near the dam or culvert.
Low Hazard Potential Dam: A dam located where failure may cause minimal • Buildings: May be damaged by property damage to others, and loss of flooding caused by a failed dam or life is not expected. blocked culvert.
• Economy: Businesses could experience economic losses due to B2.b PROBABILITY flooded or blocked roads prohibiting The 2013 Massachusetts Hazard Mitigation employees and or customers from Plan identifies dam failure in Massachusetts accessing certain areas of town. as having a very low frequency of occurrence. Although that statement did not account for the possibility of culvert failure, • Natural Systems: Dam and culvert this event likely has a similar probability. failures can result in bank erosion. Therefore, dam or culvert failure in Orleans Debris and other materials can be is possible (1-10% probability in the next deposited in natural systems. year).
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Dam/Culvert Failure
Figure 3-27. Locations of dams and culverts of concern in Orleans.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Earthquake
as the plate is slowly squeezed by the global 3.11 EARTHQUAKE movement of other plates.
OVERVIEW HAZARD LOCATION B1.c B2.a An earthquake is a sudden, intense shaking Due to the configuration of the tectonic of the Earth’s surface caused by the move- plates, the greatest threat from earthquakes ment of large portions of the Earth’s crust. in the United States occurs along the fault These movements tend to occur along faults, lines on the west coast. While earthquakes which are fractures in the Earth’s crust along do occur in the eastern United States, they which two plates of crust can move against tend to be less frequent and less intense. each other. Earthquakes can occur suddenly Figure 3-28 shows earthquakes within 100 at any time, with virtually no warning. miles of the Town of Orleans since the 1970s as reported by USGS. This data set Earthquakes can occur at focal depths. A only includes events with magnitudes 2.5 or focal depth of less than 43.5 miles is greater. considered to be a shallow earthquake; the majority of earthquakes fall into this PREVIOUS OCCURRENCES & EXTENT category. Earthquakes originating at focal B1.c depths of 43.5 to 186 miles are considered Although there are no recorded earthquakes B2.a intermediate. However, focal depths of within Orleans itself, there have been 32 B2.c earthquakes can reach depths of more than occurrences of earthquakes since the 1970s 435 miles. The epicenter of an earthquake is within 100 miles of Orleans. The epicenter the location on the Earth’s surface directly locations of these earthquakes are shown in above the focal point of an earthquake. Figure 3-28, and the date and magnitude of each event is detailed in Table 3-15. The New England is located in the middle of the Richter magnitude of these 32 events ranged North American tectonic plate; the western from 2.5 to 3.5, which as described below, edge of this plate is along the west coast can often be felt, but only cause minor where it is pushing up against the Pacific damage. Ocean Plate, and the eastern edge is in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean where it is The Richter Scale (Table 3-14) is frequently spreading away from the European and used to measure the magnitude of African plates. Because New England is earthquakes. It measures the maximum located a considerable distance from either recorded amplitude of a seismic wave, edge of the North American plate, most which quantifies the ground motion and the earthquakes that occur here are due to the energy released at the source of an cracking of crustal rocks due to compression earthquake.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Earthquake
Figure 3-28. Earthquake occurrences within 100 miles of Orleans.
Table 3-14. Richter Scale. Richter Earthquake Effects Magnitude Not felt or felt mildly near the epicenter, 2.5 or less but can be recorded by seismographs 2.5 to 5.4 Often felt, but only causes minor damage Slight damage to buildings and other 5.5 to 6.0 structures May cause a lot of damage in very 6.1 to 6.9 populated areas 7.0 to 7.9 Major earthquake; serious damage Great earthquake; can totally destroy 8.0 or greater communities near the epicenter
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Earthquake
Table 3-15. Earthquake occurrences IMPACT within 100 miles of Orleans, as B3.a Below is a list of possible impacts that could reported by the USGS. result from an earthquake: Date Mag. Town, State 1974-10-01 2.5 RHODE ISLAND • People: Damage caused to buildings 1976-03-11 3.5 RHODE ISLAND and other structures during an 1976-03-14 3 CHATHAM, MA earthquake can lead to injury or loss 1976-05-10 2.7 DARTMOUTH, MA of life. 1977-12-20 3.1 CARVER, MA 1978-09-03 2.8 ATLANTIC OCEAN • Emergency Response: Downed 1980-11-23 2.5 CHELMSFORD, MA trees and power lines, as well as 1981-04-03 2.7 RHODE ISLAND, MA damaged roads caused by an 1982-01-27 3 LAKEVILLE, MA earthquake can impede emergency 1982-10-27 2.8 ATLANTIC OCEAN vehicles. 1982-11-01 2.6 ATLANTIC OCEAN 1985-10-15 3 BOXBOROUGH, MA • Infrastructure: Earthquakes can 1986-04-16 2.6 AMESBURY, MA cause utility poles to fall and live 1989-08-24 3 ATLANTIC OCEAN wires to become exposed or to start 1990-01-23 2.5 HARVARD, MA fires. The shaking caused by an 1990-10-11 2.7 PLYMOUTH, MA earthquake can also rupture gas lines 1996-03-22 3.1 RHODE ISLAND and cause the release of flammable 1996-04-22 2.6 DARTMOUTH, MA substances. 1998-01-08 2.9 ATLANTIC OCEAN 1999-01-10 3 MERRIMAC, MA • Buildings: Earthquakes can damage 1999-01-10 3.1 MERRIMAC, MA foundations and buildings; most 1999-10-13 2.7 WESTFORD, MA property damage is caused by the 2002-03-12 3 ATLANTIC OCEAN failure and collapse of structures 2002-06-07 2.5 MILFORD, MA during ground shaking. Concrete and 2003-07-22 2.98 ATLANTIC OCEAN masonry structures are brittle and 2005-11-17 2.5 PLYMOUTH, MA thus more susceptible to damage and 2007-10-19 2.5 LITTLETON, MA collapse. 2008-03-09 2.8 ATLANTIC OCEAN 2010-06-07 2.9 ATLANTIC OCEAN • Natural Systems: Earthquakes can 2015-01-12 3.3 CONNECTICUT cause landslides and slope failure; 2015-01-13 2.6 CONNECTICUT this could have hazardous impacts on 2018-02-15 2.7 NEW HAMPSHIRE areas with steep slopes, such as coastal banks. B2.b PROBABILITY Given that earthquakes have occurred in Massachusetts and in Barnstable County specifically in recent years, it is possible (1- 10% probability in the next year) that an earthquake could occur in Orleans.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Tsunami
3.12 TSUNAMI IMPACT B3.a OVERVIEW Below is a list of possible impacts that could A tsunami is a series of ocean waves result from a tsunami: generated by earthquakes, a sudden displacement of the ocean floor, underwater • People: The forces of a tsunami landslides or volcanic activity. In the deep wave itself can injure people or lead ocean, a tsunami wave may only be a few to death. Floating debris can inches high. However, as the wave nears endanger human lives, and the shore, tsunamis generate a devastating effects of a tsunami may leave onshore surge of water. Major tsunamis are people without food or fuel. produced by large (greater than 7 on the Richter scale), shallow focal depth (< 30km) • Emergency Response: Flooded earthquakes associated with continental roads and deposited debris may plate movement. The waves associated with block emergency response. a tsunami move hundreds of miles per hour in the open ocean and can come ashore with • Infrastructure: Tsunami waves and wave heights of 100 feet or more. However, floating debris can damage coastal even waves that are 10 to 20 feet high can be infrastructure, breakwaters and piers. extremely destructive. Ruptured utility pipes and storage containers can release oil and gas, B1.c HAZARD LOCATION resulting in fire hazards. Although tsunamis most commonly occur in the Pacific Ocean, where dense oceanic • Buildings: The force of the tsunami plates slide under lighter continental plates, wave can destroy buildings, and they can occur in the Atlantic as well. floating debris can damage structures. Also, the scouring action B1.c PREVIOUS OCCURRENCES & EXTENT of moving water can sweep away B2.a Although there are no records of a tsunami buildings. B2.c occurring in Orleans, there are six (6) reported tsunamis for the United States • Economy: Utilities can be damaged Atlantic coast and Gulf coast states in the and roadways can be blocked, which last 200 years. can adversely impact economic activities. Coastal systems impacted B2.b PROBABILITY by tsunamis can also adversely affect the fishing industry. There is no record of tsunamis ever occurring in Orleans, and only six occurring along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the • Natural Systems: Tsunamis can United States. Therefore, it is unlikely (less uproot trees and plants. Land than a 1% probability over the next 100 animals can be killed by drowning, years) that a tsunami hazard will occur in and marine life can be killed by Orleans. pollution if toxic chemicals are washed into the ocean.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Summary
3.13 SUMMARY OF HAZARDS As suggested by the FEMA planning The LPT selected only a subset of hazards guidance, the Local Planning Team (LPT) from Table 3-16 to consider during the reviewed the full range of natural hazards location-specific vulnerability analysis in identified in the 2013 Massachusetts State Chapter 4. This selection was based on: Hazards Plan and identified natural hazards • Area of influence: If a hazard is that could impact Orleans in the future, or expected to impact the entire town that have impacted the Town in the past equally, all properties and critical (Chapter 3). The 16 individual hazards facilities are equally vulnerable to discussed in Chapter 3 are evaluated below this hazard and no specific in Table 3-16 based on the likelihood of vulnerability assessment is needed. occurrence, severity and area. Likelihoods Examples of this include severe for each hazard, as described in Chapter 3, winter weather, extreme temperature are scored from 1 (unlikely) to 4 (highly and earthquake. likely). The severity of the hazard was scored on a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 being • Lack of data: If spatial information minor and 4 being catastrophic. Finally, about the likelihood of a hazard is whether the hazard was likely to have not available, conducting a site- isolated impacts or a town wide effect was specific vulnerability assessment is scored as 1 or 2 respectively. For both not possible. Examples of this severity and area, an “X” was used in Table include thunderstorm and tornado. 3-16 to indicate the most likely severity, • Low estimated cumulative risk: If while a “P” indicates the anticipated severity the estimated cumulative risk from a of a worst case scenario (i.e., a “potential” particular hazard is low, fully scenario). The value associated with the developing a vulnerability assess- “X”, rather than the “P”, was used to ment to address it may be un- calculate the estimated cumulative risk from necessary. An example of this is the that hazard. These determinations were tsunami hazard. made using local expertise from LPT members, data from the 2013 Massachusetts The hazards that were selected for site- State Hazards Plan and other resources. specific vulnerability assessments are indicated in Table 3-16 in bold font with
asterisks. Additional detail as to what data will be used to evaluate these selected hazards in the vulnerability assessment is provided in Section 4.1.
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Chapter 3 Hazard Identification – Summary
Table 3-16. Relative Risk of Hazards in Orleans Likelihood Severity Area
Estimated
Cumulative Risk† ly Likely Likely Minor Serious Isolated Unlikely Possible Extensive Town Wide Town High Catastrophic Score (1) (2) (3) (4) (1) (2) (3) (4) (1) (2) Nor’easter X X P X 16 Severe Winter Weather X X P X 16 Flooding* X X X 12 Hurricane & Tropical Storm* X X P X 12 High Wind X X P X P 12 Sea-Level Rise* X X P X 8 Coastal Erosion X X P X 8 Shoaling X X X 6 Extreme Temperature X X X 6 Earthquake X X P X 4 Thunderstorm X X X P 4 Drought X X X 4 Fire* X X P X 4 Dam/Culvert Failure X X X 4 Tornado X X X 2 Tsunami X X P X 1 X indicates the believed value, while P indicates an extreme potential. *These bolded hazards were selected for specific vulnerability analyses in Chapter 4. † This value is based on the formula Likelihood*Severity*Area. The Likelihood of the hazard is based on a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 being unlikely and 4 being highly likely. The Severity of the hazard was based on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 being minor and 4 being catastrophic. Area was given a value of 1 for isolated and 2 for town wide. The “P”s were not incorporated into the Estimated Cumulative Risk value.
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Risk analyses involve evaluating vulnerable assets, describing potential impacts, and estimating the loss from each hazard. Chapter 2 of the Orleans Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan profiled the local assets and amenities, such as the natural resources, infrastructure and critical facilities, to Vulnerability Assessment Vulnerability document assets within the Town. Chapter 3 detailed the various natural hazards that have impacted or could impact the Town in the future. Chapter 4 combines the hazard descriptions
and asset inventories to conduct an exposure analysis, that quantifies the number, type, and value of properties and critical facilities located in identified hazard areas.
This vulnerability assessment provides a foundation for the rest of the mitigation planning process, which is focused on identifying and prioritizing actions to reduce risks to hazards. In addition to informing the mitigation strategy, the vulnerability assessment also facilitates the establishment of emergency preparedness and response priorities, land use and comprehensive planning, and decision making by elected officials, city and county departments, businesses, and
Chapter 4 organizations in the community.
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Chapter 4 Vulnerability Assessment - Methodology
1) Flooding: FEMA Flood Hazard Maps 4.1 METHODOLOGY (Effective 2014) (see Figure 3-1). This report includes three separate vulnerability assessments: 2) Coastal Erosion: Although rates of erosion are available from MassCZM 1) Vulnerability assessment of parcels for the ocean facing shorelines, the and buildings; LPT chose not to perform a detailed 2) Exposure assessment of critical vulnerability assessment for this facilities; and hazard since this data is largely only 3) Evaluation of evacuation routes provided for the barrier beaches, where very few public or private To estimate the total number of parcels, as assets exist. Additionally, it is well as both the value of the buildings on the assumed that any waterfront parcel property and the total property value (total has a risk of erosion. property value is the sum of the value of the buildings, other structures, and the land 3) Sea-level Rise: Because the MC- itself within a given parcel), the planning FRM results do not yet extend to team utilized the most current Assessor’s Cape Cod Bay, the sea-level rise risk Parcel dataset for the Town of Orleans for the Town of Orleans was (2018). The dataset provides information evaluated using the sea-level rise about parcel size, land use type, assessed layers developed by the Cape Cod value, and building characteristics. Commission (CCC) (Figure 3-8). The This large dataset was first classified into CCC data takes into account sea-level various land use types based on the rise impacts only, and does not Massachusetts Property Type Classification account for the combined flooding Codes (DLS 2016). The outcome of this effects of future sea-level rise classification was presented in Table 2-1 combined with storm surge. where the number of parcels and total acreage within each land use category were 4) Shoaling: Location specific data is quantified. Table 4-1 details the not available for this hazard. A Massachusetts Property Type Classification detailed vulnerability assessment Codes that are encompassed by each land could not be completed at this time. use type used in this report. Examples of the types of properties included within each Land Use classification are also shown in 5) Hurricanes and Tropical Storms: Table 4-1. The extent of storm surge and flooding during a hurricane was To determine each parcel’s vulnerability, a estimated using the SLOSH model GIS analysis was conducted by overlaying (Figure 3-16). extent maps for a subset of the hazards discussed in Chapter 3 with the parcel data. Below is a list of the hazard types selected 6) Nor’easters: Location specific data for this vulnerability analysis, and a within Orleans is not available for description of the data used for the this hazard. Therefore, a detailed evaluation if available (see also Table 3-16): vulnerability assessment could not be completed at this time.
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Chapter 4 Vulnerability Assessment - Methodology
7) Severe Winter Weather: Location property value associated with each parcel. specific data is not available for this In this way, the percent of the Town’s hazard. A detailed vulnerability parcels and the percent of the Town’s assessment could not be completed at property value potentially affected by each this time. type of hazard were quantified. These parcel totals and property values also represent the potential impact from 8) Severe Weather (including thun- secondary issues associated with each derstorms, high wind, drought, hazard (i.e. mold, mildew and other water extreme temperatures, and tor- damage impacts associated with flood nadoes): Location specific data hazard events). Note, because these total within Orleans is not available for include all parcels and structures in Town, severe weather hazards. Therefore, a these numbers also encompass all buildings detailed vulnerability assessment within the listed as Repetitive Loss could not be completed for Properties in Orleans. These results are thunderstorms, high wind, drought, summarized in Tables 4-3 to 4-16. extreme temperatures or tornadoes at
this time. To assess the vulnerabilities of Orleans’
critical infrastructure, the LPT first 9) Wildfire: The Wildfire Risk Map developed a list of the critical facilities and from the Barnstable County Wildfire structures (see Chapter 2). Each location Preparedness Plan (Figure 3-26) was was mapped in GIS as a polygon used for a wildfire vulnerability representing the important structure(s) on analysis. that property (for ease of visualization, these
features are shown as point locations in 10) Dam/Culvert Failure: Location Figure 2-4). specific data for areas that would be The same hazards that were mapped and impacted by a failure of one of these applied to the parcel vulnerability structures is not available. Therefore, assessment were again overlaid on the map a detailed vulnerability assessment of critical infrastructure (i.e. flooding, sea- could not be completed at this time. level rise, hurricanes, and wildfire). If a
critical facility was located in a hazard area, 11) Earthquake: Location specific data that particular facility was considered to be is not available for this hazard. A exposed, and therefore vulnerable, to that detailed vulnerability assessment particular hazard. could not be completed at this time.
12) Tsunami: Location specific data is not available for this hazard. A detailed vulnerability assessment could not be completed at this time.
Once the parcels affected by each hazard type were identified, the number of parcels in each land use category was totaled, as well as the value of the buildings and total
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Chapter 4 Vulnerability Assessment - Methodology
Table 4-1. Orleans Land Use Classification Based on Massachusetts Codes Land Use Type Land Use Codes Description Multiple Use 0100, 0300 Residential and commercial mixed-use Residential 1010, 1020, 1021, 1040, 1050, Residential single family lots, 1060, 1090, 1110, 1120 multi-family units, apartments, condos, etc. Commercial 3010, 3020, 3040, 3160, 3180, Motels, stores and shopping 3210, 3220, 3230, 3240, 3250, centers, restaurants, gas stations, 3260, 3300, 3310, 3320, 3330, banks, medical facilities, daycares, 3340, 3350, 3370, 3380, 3400, marinas, funeral homes, etc. 3410, 3420, 3430, 3440, 3450, 3520, 3550, 3560, 3610, 3700, 3840, 3880 Industrial 4000, 4010, 4220, 4230, 4240, Manufacturing, warehouses, 4300, 4310, 4500, 5010, 5020, electrical plants and substations, 5040, 5050, 5080 utilities, etc. Forest/Agriculture/ 6000, 7000, 8000 Forested land, agricultural land, Recreation and recreational land Exempt 9000, 9100, 9210, 9240, 9300, State and federal land, 9310, 9320, 9340, 9350, 9390, conservation, nonprofits, 9410, 9470, 9500, 9530, 9540, cemeteries, educational facilities, 9560, 9570, 9580, 9590, 9600, churches, housing authority, etc. 9610, 9820, 9700, 9730 Developable Lands 1300, 3900, 4400 Vacant developable land Undevelopable Lands 1320, 3920, 4420 Vacant undevelopable land
Results from the vulnerability analysis for evacuation routes are shown in Figures 4-1 critical facilities are summarized in Table 4- and 4-2. 2, as well as at the bottom of each of the hazard table (Tables 4-2 to 4-16). Finally, an evaluation of the Town’s evacuation routes was conducted to determine whether any of the current evacuation pathways were susceptible to inundation due to flooding or sea-level rise. Although other hazards may impact these areas, the LPT determined that inundated roadways posed the largest threat to the safe and effective utilization of emergency evacuation routes. To address this, the extents of these hazard areas were overlain on the existing evacuation routes, and vulnerable areas were identified. Impacts to
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Chapter 4 Vulnerability Assessment - Results
4.2 RESULTS
Table 4-2. Critical Facility Vulnerability Assessment. Min SLR Min Hurricane Within FEMA (ft) That Category That High Fire ID Name Address Category Flood Will Affect Will Affect Hazard Zone Facility Facility Areas 1 Lake Farm Kennel 53 Finlay Rd. Emergency Animal 2 Orleans Animal Hospital 65 Finlay Rd. Shelters 3 Church of the Holy Spirit 204 Monument Rd. 4 Community of Jesus 11 Bay View Dr. Emergency Facilities AE 6 ft 3 5 Emergency Operations 58 Eldredge Pkwy / Shelters Center (Fire Department) 6 Federated Church/Meeting 162 Main St. House Preschool Group Day Care Facilities 7 The Learning Garden, Inc. 63 Hopkins Ln. 8 Orleans Disposal Area 51 Lots Hollow Rd. Hazardous Materials Sites 9 Areys Pond Boat Yard Areys Ln. AE 2 ft 2 YES 10 Gander Marine Old County Rd. VE 5 ft 3 11 Goose Hummock Marina 15 Rte. 6A AE 6 ft 3 Marinas / Boat Yards 12 Nauset Marine 45 Rte. 6A 13 Nauset Marine East 235 Main St. AE 3 ft 2 14 Rock Harbor Fuel Depot Rock Harbor Rd. VE 4 ft 3 15 Terraces Orleans 60 Daley Terrace Nursing Homes 16 Police Station 99 Eldredge Pkwy. Public Safety Facilities 17 Nauset Reg. Middle School 70 Rte. 28 18 Orleans Elementary School 46 Eldredge Pkwy Schools 19 Partnership School 17 Nells Way
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Table 4-2 (cont). Critical Facility Vulnerability Assessment. Min SLR Min Hurricane Within FEMA (ft) That Category That High Fire ID Name Address Category Flood Will Affect Will Affect Hazard Zone Facility Facility Areas 20 Charles Moore Ice Rink O'Connor Way Senior / Youth / 21 Orleans Senior Center 150 Rock Harbor Rd Recreation Centers AE 4 22 Highway Department Cold 22 Bay Ridge Ln. Storage 23 New DPW/Natural 40 Giddiah Hill Town Government Resources Headquarters Road Facilities 24 Parks & Beaches Cold 18 Bay Ridge Ln. Storage 25 Snow Library 67 Main St. 26 Town Hall 19 School St. 27 Water Tank T-1 32 Lots Hollow Rd. 28 Water Tank T-2 350 S Orleans Rd. 29 Water Treatment Plant 350 S Orleans Rd. 30 Well 1 350 S Orleans Rd. 31 Well 2 350 S Orleans Rd. Water Infrastructure
32 Well 3 350 S Orleans Rd.
33 Well 4 350 S Orleans Rd. 34 Well 5 350 S Orleans Rd. YES 35 Well 6 350 S Orleans Rd. 36 Well 7 70 Quanset Rd. YES 37 Well 8 350 S Orleans Rd.
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Chapter 4 Vulnerability Assessment - Results
Table 4-3. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to Flooding in the VE Zone. Number of Parcels Value of Buildings Value of Total Property Land Use Total Total in % in Total Value Total Value in % Value Total Value Total Value in % Value Hazard Hazard Hazard in Hazard in Hazard Hazard Multiple Use 88 9 10% $22,886,400 $2,973,800 13% $65,160,240 $24,789,140 38% Residential 4,855 373 8% $1,572,063,400 $167,298,400 11% $3,509,866,200 $555,915,800 16% Commercial 440 16 4% $127,487,100 $3,090,700 2% $214,215,600 $5,964,700 3% Industrial 13 0 0% $1,607,800 $- 0% $6,242,200 $- 0% Forest/ 23 10 43% $- $- NA $5,679,250 $663,690 12% Agriculture/ Recreation Exempt 447 63 14% $62,497,800 $14,687,500 24% $245,321,500 $71,788,000 29% Developable 297 16 5% $418,900 $48,000 11% $117,688,300 $17,263,900 15% Lands Undevelopable 175 41 23% $- $- NA $2,450,500 $811,700 33% Lands Total 6,338 528 8% $1,786,961,400 $188,098,400 11% $4,166,623,790 $677,196,930 16%
The only critical facility that is vulnerable to flooding in the VE flood zone is Gander Marine, located on Old County Road.
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Chapter 4 Vulnerability Assessment - Results
Table 4-4. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to Flooding in the AE Zone. Number of Parcels Value of Buildings Value of Total Property Land Use Total Total in % in Total Value Total Value in % Value Total Value Total Value in % Value Hazard Hazard Hazard in Hazard in Hazard Hazard Multiple Use 88 7 8% $22,886,400 $1,936,100 8% $65,160,240 $5,050,310 8% Residential 4,855 699 14% $1,572,063,400 $279,901,000 18% $3,509,866,200 $749,384,000 21% Commercial 440 32 7% $127,487,100 $17,955,400 14% $214,215,600 $33,731,200 16% Industrial 13 1 8% $1,607,800 $63,200 4% $6,242,200 $384,800 6% Forest/ 23 8 35% $- $- NA $5,679,250 $2,812,880 50% Agriculture/ Recreation Exempt 447 131 29% $62,497,800 $4,998,600 8% $245,321,500 $57,991,400 24% Developable 297 57 19% $418,900 $- 0% $117,688,300 $29,032,900 25% Lands Undevelopable 175 59 34% $- $- NA $2,450,500 $963,200 39% Lands Total 6,338 994 16% $1,786,961,400 $304,854,300 17% $4,166,623,790 $879,350,690 21%
Critical facilities that are vulnerable to flooding in the AE flood zone include many of the other marinas (Areys Pond Boat Yard, Goose Hummock Marina, Nauset Marine East), the Community of Jesus on Bay View Drive, which serves as an emergency shelter facility, and The Orleans Senior Center on Rock Harbor Road.
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Table 4-5. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to Flooding in Other Flood Zones (AO; A). Number of Parcels Value of Buildings Value of Total Property Land Use Total Total in % in Total Value Total Value % Value Total Value Total Value in % Value Hazard Hazard in Hazard in Hazard in Hazard Hazard Multiple Use 88 0 0% $22,886,400 $- 0% $65,160,240 $- 0% Residential 4,855 14 0% $1,572,063,400 $2,958,200 0% $3,509,866,200 $7,909,200 0% Commercial 440 0 0% $127,487,100 $- 0% $214,215,600 $- 0% Industrial 13 0 0% $1,607,800 $- 0% $6,242,200 $- 0% Forest/ 23 0 0% $- $- NA $5,679,250 $- 0% Agriculture/ Recreation Exempt 447 7 2% $62,497,800 $- 0% $245,321,500 $2,996,300 1% Developable 297 0 0% $418,900 $- 0% $117,688,300 $- 0% Lands Undevelopable 175 2 1% $- $- NA $2,450,500 $60,200 2% Lands Total 6,338 23 0% $1,786,961,400 $2,958,200 0% $4,166,623,790 $10,965,700 0%
There are no critical facilities vulnerable to flooding in the AO or A zones.
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Table 4-6. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to a Sea-Level Rise of 1 Foot (Based on CCC Sea-Level Rise Overlay). Number of Parcels Value of Buildings Value of Total Property Land Use Total Total in % in Total Value Total Value in % Value Total Value Total Value in % Value Hazard Hazard Hazard in Hazard in Hazard Hazard Multiple Use 88 11 13% $22,886,400 $3,099,700 14% $65,160,240 $26,807,880 41% Residential 4,855 723 15% $1,572,063,400 $329,782,000 21% $3,509,866,200 $1,005,625,400 29% Commercial 440 25 6% $127,487,100 $14,038,500 11% $214,215,600 $25,009,300 12% Industrial 13 1 8% $1,607,800 $63,200 4% $6,242,200 $384,800 6% Forest/ 23 15 65% $- $- NA $5,679,250 $2,806,920 49% Agriculture/ Recreation Exempt 447 137 31% $62,497,800 $16,653,500 27% $245,321,500 $99,775,500 41% Developable 297 43 14% $418,900 $48,000 11% $117,688,300 $37,897,700 32% Lands Undevelopable 175 72 41% $- $- NA $2,450,500 $1,488,000 61% Lands Total 6,338 1027 16% $1,786,961,400 $363,684,900 20% $4,166,623,790 $1,199,795,500 29%
There are no critical facilities that are vulnerable to inundation due to a 1-foot rise in sea level.
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Table 4-7. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to a Sea-Level Rise of 2 Feet (Based on CCC Sea-Level Rise Overlay). Number of Parcels Value of Buildings Value of Total Property Land Use Total Total in % in Total Value Total Value in % Value Total Value Total Value in % Value Hazard Hazard Hazard in Hazard in Hazard Hazard Multiple Use 88 12 14% $22,886,400 $3,609,200 16% $65,160,240 $27,709,050 43% Residential 4,855 785 16% $1,572,063,400 $352,605,400 22% $3,509,866,200 $1,070,637,000 31% Commercial 440 27 6% $127,487,100 $14,437,400 11% $214,215,600 $25,768,800 12% Industrial 13 1 8% $1,607,800 $63,200 4% $6,242,200 $384,800 6% Forest/ 23 16 70% $- $- NA $5,679,250 $3,173,010 56% Agriculture/ Recreation Exempt 447 150 34% $62,497,800 $16,684,900 27% $245,321,500 $106,334,400 43% Developable 297 48 16% $418,900 $48,000 11% $117,688,300 $39,667,300 34% Lands Undevelopable 175 81 46% $- $- NA $2,450,500 $1,579,900 64% Lands Total 6,338 1120 18% $1,786,961,400 $387,448,100 22% $4,166,623,790 $1,275,254,260 31%
The only critical facility that are vulnerable to a sea-level rise of 2 is Arey’s Pond Boat Yard.
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Table 4-8. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to a Sea-Level Rise of 3 Feet (Based on CCC Sea-Level Rise Overlay). Number of Parcels Value of Buildings Value of Total Property Land Use Total Total in % in Total Value Total Value in % Value Total Value Total Value in % Value Hazard Hazard Hazard in Hazard in Hazard Hazard Multiple Use 88 13 15% $22,886,400 $3,693,200 16% $65,160,240 $27,902,550 43% Residential 4,855 853 18% $1,572,063,400 $379,363,800 24% $3,509,866,200 $1,132,035,500 32% Commercial 440 33 8% $127,487,100 $17,231,200 14% $214,215,600 $31,314,400 15% Industrial 13 1 8% $1,607,800 $63,200 4% $6,242,200 $384,800 6% Forest/ 23 16 70% $- $- NA $5,679,250 $3,173,010 56% Agriculture/ Recreation Exempt 447 170 38% $62,497,800 $17,574,300 28% $245,321,500 $115,368,100 47% Developable 297 57 19% $418,900 $48,000 11% $117,688,300 $41,418,800 35% Lands Undevelopable 175 87 50% $- $- NA $2,450,500 $1,656,700 68% Lands Total 6,338 1230 19% $1,786,961,400 $417,973,700 23% $4,166,623,790 $1,353,253,860 32%
Critical facilities that are vulnerable to a sea-level rise of 3 feet include the critical facility listed as vulnerable to a sea-level rise of 2 feet, as well as Nauset Marine East.
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Table 4-9. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to a Sea-Level Rise of 4 Feet (Based on CCC Sea-Level Rise Overlay). Number of Parcels Value of Buildings Value of Total Property Land Use Total Total in % in Total Value Total Value in % Value Total Value Total Value in % Value Hazard Hazard Hazard in Hazard in Hazard Hazard Multiple Use 88 14 16% $22,886,400 $3,949,000 17% $65,160,240 $28,386,650 44% Residential 4,855 907 19% $1,572,063,400 $394,528,500 25% $3,509,866,200 $1,168,964,800 33% Commercial 440 34 8% $127,487,100 $17,743,200 14% $214,215,600 $32,183,000 15% Industrial 13 1 8% $1,607,800 $63,200 4% $6,242,200 $384,800 6% Forest/ 23 16 70% $- $- NA $5,679,250 $3,173,010 56% Agriculture/ Recreation Exempt 447 181 40% $62,497,800 $18,180,500 29% $245,321,500 $122,494,500 50% Developable 297 71 24% $418,900 $48,000 11% $117,688,300 $46,283,800 39% Lands Undevelopabl 175 92 53% $- $- NA $2,450,500 $1,725,700 70% e Lands Total 6,338 1316 21% $1,786,961,400 $434,512,400 24% $4,166,623,790 $1,403,596,260 34%
There are no additional critical facilities that are vulnerable to a sea-level rise of 3 to 4 feet that were not already listed as vulnerable to a sea-level rise of 3 feet or less.
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Table 4-10. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to a Sea-Level Rise of 5 Feet (Based on CCC Sea-Level Rise Overlay). Number of Parcels Value of Buildings Value of Total Property Land Use Total Total in % in Total Value Total Value in % Value Total Value Total Value in % Value Hazard Hazard Hazard in Hazard in Hazard Hazard Multiple Use 88 14 16% $22,886,400 $3,949,000 17% $65,160,240 $28,386,650 44% Residential 4,855 976 20% $1,572,063,400 $415,223,300 26% $3,509,866,200 $1,220,871,200 35% Commercial 440 41 9% $127,487,100 $19,215,500 15% $214,215,600 $34,836,900 16% Industrial 13 1 8% $1,607,800 $63,200 4% $6,242,200 $384,800 6% Forest/ 23 17 74% $- $- NA $5,679,250 $3,539,100 62% Agriculture/ Recreation Exempt 447 193 43% $62,497,800 $19,107,900 31% $245,321,500 $126,853,200 52% Developable 297 74 25% $418,900 $48,000 11% $117,688,300 $47,106,100 40% Lands Undevelopabl 175 100 57% $- $- NA $2,450,500 $1,768,000 72% e Lands Total 6,338 1416 22% $1,786,961,400 $457,606,900 26% $4,166,623,790 $1,463,745,950 35%
Critical facilities that are vulnerable to a sea-level rise of 5 feet include all critical facilities listed as vulnerable to a sea-level rise of 4 feet or less, as well as Gander Marine.
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Table 4-11. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to a Sea-Level Rise of 6 Feet (Based on CCC Sea-Level Rise Overlay). Number of Parcels Value of Buildings Value of Total Property Land Use Total Total in % in Total Value Total Value in % Value Total Value Total Value in % Value Hazard Hazard Hazard in Hazard in Hazard Hazard Multiple Use 88 14 16% $22,886,400 $3,949,000 17% $65,160,240 $28,386,650 44% Residential 4,855 1048 22% $1,572,063,400 $441,762,100 28% $3,509,866,200 $1,277,069,800 36% Commercial 440 44 10% $127,487,100 $20,288,700 16% $214,215,600 $37,442,100 17% Industrial 13 1 8% $1,607,800 $63,200 4% $6,242,200 $384,800 6% Forest/ 23 18 78% $- $- NA $5,679,250 $3,666,350 65% Agriculture/ Recreation Exempt 447 199 45% $62,497,800 $19,107,900 31% $245,321,500 $128,092,800 52% Developable 297 75 25% $418,900 $48,000 11% $117,688,300 $47,357,300 40% Lands Undevelopable 175 102 58% $- $- NA $2,450,500 $1,833,600 75% Lands Total 6,338 1501 24% $1,786,961,400 $485,218,900 27% $4,166,623,790 $1,524,233,400 37%
Critical facilities that are vulnerable to a sea-level rise of 6 feet include all critical facilities listed as vulnerable to a sea-level rise of 5 feet or less, as well as the Community of Jesus on Bay View Drive and Goose Hummock Marina.
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Table 4-12. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to a Category 1 Hurricane (SLOSH 1). Number of Parcels Value of Buildings Value of Total Property Land Use Total Total in % in Total Value Total Value in % Value Total Value Total Value in % Value Hazard Hazard Hazard in Hazard in Hazard Hazard Multiple Use 88 10 11% $22,886,400 $2,333,300 10% $65,160,240 $25,492,480 39% Residential 4,855 647 13% $1,572,063,400 $305,874,400 19% $3,509,866,200 $948,277,800 27% Commercial 440 16 4% $127,487,100 $2,968,800 2% $214,215,600 $7,631,100 4% Industrial 13 0 0% $1,607,800 $- 0% $6,242,200 $- 0% Forest/ 23 14 61% $- $- NA $5,679,250 $2,786,260 49% Agriculture/ Recreation Exempt 447 117 26% $62,497,800 $981,900 2% $245,321,500 $73,737,600 30% Developable 297 31 10% $418,900 $48,000 11% $117,688,300 $33,715,500 29% Lands Undevelopable 175 56 32% $- $- NA $2,450,500 $1,100,600 45% Lands Total 6,338 891 14% $1,786,961,400 $312,206,400 17% $4,166,623,790 $1,092,741,340 26%
There are no critical facilities that are vulnerable to flooding during a Category 1 hurricane.
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Table 4-13. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to a Category 2 Hurricane (SLOSH 2). Number of Parcels Value of Buildings Value of Total Property Land Use Total Total in % in Total Value Total Value in % Value Total Value Total Value in % Value Hazard Hazard Hazard in Hazard in Hazard Hazard Multiple Use 88 12 14% $22,886,400 $2,926,800 13% $65,160,240 $26,587,150 41% Residential 4,855 770 16% $1,572,063,400 $354,895,400 23% $3,509,866,200 $1,070,876,400 31% Commercial 440 18 4% $127,487,100 $3,109,400 2% $214,215,600 $7,829,300 4% Industrial 13 0 0% $1,607,800 $- 0% $6,242,200 $- 0% Forest/ 23 15 65% $- $- NA $5,679,250 $2,806,920 49% Agriculture/ Recreation Exempt 447 132 30% $62,497,800 $15,637,500 25% $245,321,500 $95,757,700 39% Developable 297 38 13% $418,900 $48,000 11% $117,688,300 $36,057,800 31% Lands Undevelopable 175 63 36% $- $- NA $2,450,500 $1,277,300 52% Lands Total 6,338 1048 17% $1,786,961,400 $376,617,100 21% $4,166,623,790 $1,241,192,570 30%
Critical facilities that are vulnerable to flooding during a Category 2 hurricane include Arey’s Pond Boat Yard and Nauset Marine East.
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Table 4-14. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to a Category 3 Hurricane (SLOSH 3). Number of Parcels Value of Buildings Value of Total Property Land Use Total Total in % in Total Value Total Value in % Value Total Value Total Value in % Value Hazard Hazard Hazard in Hazard in Hazard Hazard Multiple Use 88 13 15% $22,886,400 $3,693,200 16% $65,160,240 $27,902,550 43% Residential 4,855 970 20% $1,572,063,400 $417,137,500 27% $3,509,866,200 $1,214,880,000 35% Commercial 440 27 6% $127,487,100 $5,896,100 5% $214,215,600 $12,834,100 6% Industrial 13 0 0% $1,607,800 $- 0% $6,242,200 $- 0% Forest/ 23 17 74% $- $- NA $5,679,250 $3,300,260 58% Agriculture/ Recreation Exempt 447 166 37% $62,497,800 $16,680,200 27% $245,321,500 $104,158,000 42% Developable 297 52 18% $418,900 $48,000 11% $117,688,300 $40,778,600 35% Lands Undevelopable 175 87 50% $- $- NA $2,450,500 $1,592,500 65% Lands Total 6,338 1332 21% $1,786,961,400 $443,455,000 25% $4,166,623,790 $1,405,446,010 34%
Critical facilities that are vulnerable to flooding during a Category 3 hurricane include all critical facilities listed as vulnerable to a Category 2 hurricane, as well as Gander Marine, Goose Hummock Marina and the Community of Jesus.
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Table 4-15. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to a Category 4 Hurricane (SLOSH 4). Number of Parcels Value of Buildings Value of Total Property Land Use Total Total in % in Total Value Total Value in % Value Total Value Total Value in % Value Hazard Hazard Hazard in Hazard in Hazard Hazard Multiple Use 88 16 18% $22,886,400 $4,909,900 21% $65,160,240 $29,839,450 46% Residential 4,855 1106 23% $1,572,063,400 $461,010,300 29% $3,509,866,200 $1,328,314,800 38% Commercial 440 48 11% $127,487,100 $21,046,100 17% $214,215,600 $39,695,900 19% Industrial 13 1 8% $1,607,800 $63,200 4% $6,242,200 $384,800 6% Forest/ 23 18 78% $- $- NA $5,679,250 $3,476,570 61% Agriculture/ Recreation Exempt 447 195 44% $62,497,800 $19,784,900 32% $245,321,500 $130,036,600 53% Developable 297 73 25% $418,900 $48,000 11% $117,688,300 $46,282,000 39% Lands Undevelopable 175 99 57% $- $- NA $2,450,500 $1,773,300 72% Lands Total 6,338 1556 25% $1,786,961,400 $506,862,400 28% $4,166,623,790 $1,579,803,420 38%
Critical facilities that are vulnerable to flooding during a Category 4 hurricane include all critical facilities listed as vulnerable to a Category 2 or 3 hurricane, as well as the Orleans Senior Center.
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Table 4-16. Parcels and Buildings Vulnerable to Wild Fire at a High or Extreme Risk Level. Number of Parcels Value of Buildings Value of Total Property Land Use Total Total in % in Total Value Total Value in % Value Total Value Total Value in % Value Hazard Hazard Hazard in Hazard in Hazard Hazard Multiple Use 88 14 16% $22,886,400 $3,988,200 17% $65,160,240 $27,850,950 43% Residential 4,855 1563 32% $1,572,063,400 $612,626,300 39% $3,509,866,200 $1,464,630,700 42% Commercial 440 4 1% $127,487,100 $1,466,000 1% $214,215,600 $4,087,700 2% Industrial 13 0 0% $1,607,800 $- 0% $6,242,200 $- 0% Forest/ 23 20 87% $- $- NA $5,679,250 $5,355,030 94% Agriculture/ Recreation Exempt 447 179 40% $62,497,800 $5,627,600 9% $245,321,500 $75,199,400 31% Developable 297 116 39% $418,900 $82,100 20% $117,688,300 $56,151,900 48% Lands Undevelopable 175 74 42% $- $- NA $2,450,500 $1,073,200 44% Lands Total 6,338 1970 31% $1,786,961,400 $623,790,200 35% $4,166,623,790 $1,634,348,880 39%
Critical facilities that have a high or extreme risk of wildfire include Areys Pond Boat Yard and Wells #5 and #7.
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The results of the evacuation route 28) near the Chatham town line. This area is evaluation indicate that current evacuation situated between VE zones (Elevation 16 routes are not vulnerable to flooding due to a and 18) and an AE zone (Elevation 13), 100-year storm event (Figure 4-1) or indicating that it would also flood during a hurricane storm surge, even up to a Category 100-year event (Figure 4-1), as well as 4 hurricane (Figure 4-2). during a Category 2 or stronger hurricane (Figure 4-2). Although the designated evacuation routes are not directly vulnerable to flooding Although this assessment indicates that the during these natural hazards, there are a designated evacuation routes in Town are couple major roadways that would be not vulnerable to flooding, some additional affected. One example of this is the evaluation may be necessary for other major northeastern portion of Route 6 to the transportation routes. This is particularly Orleans rotary, which is in an AE zone true due to the disconnected nature of the (Elevation 12), indicating that it would flood currently designated evacuation routes. during a 100-year event (Figure 4-1), as well Also, supplemental evacuation routes could as during a 3- or 4-category hurricane be designated to direct traffic away from (Figure 4-2). A second vulnerable location is potentially inundated areas. the southern part of S. Orleans Road (Route
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Figure 4-1. Vulnerability of evacuation routes to the flooding from 100-year storm event.
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Figure 4-2. Vulnerability of evacuation routes to the flooding from hurricane storm surge.
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damage to hurricanes, this does not account B3.b 4.3 VULNERABLE for the Town-wide impacts that hurricanes PROPERTIES & CRITICAL can produce from heavy rains and high FACILITIES winds; these additional forces would likely make the financial impacts of a Category 2 Although the tables in Section 4.2 provide a hurricane much more substantial than would detailed summary of the potential impacts be expected with flooding alone. from each type and magnitude of risk analyzed, this section will summarize the Most of the critical facilities likely to be main findings from this analysis. The impacted by flooding are marinas, including findings include hazards that have the Gander Marine located in a VE flood zone potential to harm the most properties or cost and Areys Pond Boat Yard, Goose the most economic damage, critical facilities Hummock Marine and Nauset Marine East that are impacted by the most hazards, and located within AE flood zones. Other critical vulnerabilities of the highest concern to the facilities within the SFHA include the Town. This summary will also be used to Community of Jesus and the Orleans Senior direct the development of mitigation actions. Center. Additionally, the current Natural Resources Department office located at the Tables 4-3, 4-4, and 4-5 summarize the end of Portanimicut Road is in a VE zone, number of parcels that overlap with the VE, but this building was not considered as part AE, or other types of flood zones, of the critical facilities vulnerability respectively. Although individual parcels assessment because these services will be may overlap with more than one flood zone, relocated to the new DPW/Natural because the risk to each parcel was noted as Resources building being built at Giddiah the highest hazard flood type, the values in Hill Road, which was included in the Tables 4-3, 4-4, and 4-5 are additive. For vulnerability assessment and is outside the example, a single property can contain both SFHA. a VE and an AE zone, but would only be listed in the VE zone risk table. Therefore, It is also worth acknowledging the by summing the total values from those breakdown of land use types impacted by three tables, the total value of all structures these hazards. The inundation projected and property at risk from flooding is from a Category 2 hurricane will impact approximately $1.5 billion. Additionally, primarily residential properties (770 parcels because flooding often causes more out of a total of 6,338 residential parcels in permanent damage to structures than to the Orleans), which represents 16% of that land- land itself, it is worth noting that the total use category. However, although only 132 value of buildings within the SFHA in Exempt parcels are projected to be Orleans is approximately $496 million. At a inundated, this number represents 30% of similar magnitude of financial impact, the that land use category. surge inundation (i.e. flooding) that would Although sea-level rise impacts were result from a Category 2 hurricane would considered in two ways in Chapter 3, impact properties valuing approximately because only the CCC sea-level rise data $1.2 billion, with the structures and covered the entire Town, this data was used buildings on those properties valuing $377 for the quantitative vulnerability assessment. million (Table 4-13). Finally, although These results are presented as magnitudes of based on the mapping criteria alone, it sea-level rise; depending on which sea-level appears that flooding will cause similar rise scenario the Town considers for future
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planning purposes, these increases can be with the highest potential for brush fires, the roughly correlated to dates based on Figure entire Town is at some risk to wildfire. 3-12. For example, 1 foot of sea-level rise is However, this discussion will focus on the projected to occur by approximately 2030 parts of Town within these areas of higher according to a High sea-level rise scenario, risk (those labeled as “High” and “Extreme” but not until approximately 2075 under an risks in Figure 3-26). There are 1,970 Intermediate-Low scenario. Similarly, 3 feet parcels within these high risk areas, with a of sea-level rise is projected to occur by combined total value of approximately $1.6 approximately 2065 under a High sea-level billion (Table 4-16). The majority of parcels rise scenario, but not until approximately within high fire risk areas are classified as 2080 under an Intermediate-High scenario. residential; these 1,563 parcels represent Six feet of sea-level rise is only projected to 32% of that category. Although there are occur by 2100 under the High scenario. only 20, 74, and 179 parcels from Forest/Agriculture/Recreation, Undevelop- Below, impacts from 3 feet and 6 feet of able Lands, and Exempt land use categories, sea-level rise will be considered in further respectively, these parcels all represent more detail. With 3 feet of sea-level rise above than 40% of the parcels within each of those today’s MHHW, 1,230 parcels (19% of the land use categories. Critical facilities in high total parcels in Orleans) with total property fire risk area include the Areys Pond Boat values totaling more than $1.3 billion would Yard and two of the Town wells. experience some additional inundation, particularly during high tide (Table 4-8). The majority of these parcels are residential (853). As mentioned above, this would be expected to occur by approximately 2065 under a High sea-level rise scenario, but not until approximately 2080 under an Intermediate-High scenario. With 6 feet of sea-level rise, these numbers increase to 1,501 total parcels (24% of all the parcels in Orleans) with property values totaling approximately $1.5 billion (Table 4-11). However, the real hazard lies in the combination of sea-level rise and all of the hazards discussed so far (i.e. flooding, hurricanes and coastal erosion); these hazards will all be exacerbated by sea-level rise as time goes on. Although not quantified on a parcel-by-parcel basis, Figures 3-9 and 3-10 provide the probabilities of inundation in 2030 and 2050, respectively, given a high sea-level rise scenario combined with storm impacts. In terms of risk from wildfire, it is worth noting that based on Figure 3-26, which shows the areas within the Town of Orleans
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B3.b 4.4 VULNERABLE CONCENTRATIONS OF ELDERLY OR POPULATIONS DISABLED PEOPLE Orleans has a number of vulnerable Orleans has only one nursing home, The populations, including residents of isolated Terraces Orleans. This location would need coastal communities, areas with a high special attention during emergencies or if concentration of elderly residents, and evacuations become necessary. This location centers of tourism and visitor lodging. is also shown in Figure 4-3 in green. There are also two Housing Authority ISOLATED COASTAL COMMUNITIES complexes, which are both age-restricted, As an oceanfront community, Orleans is an affordable housing developments with 100 attractive place to live for both year-round apartments: Tonset Woods and Rock Harbor and summer residents. For many, their Village. These locations are shown in Figure enjoyment of the coastline is contingent on 4-3 in blue. their proximity to the shore. However, due There are also other elderly or disabled to the Town’s topography, many of these individuals who live in Orleans. While some coastal neighborhoods become “isolated” of these individuals may reside in senior during a storm event or similar flood care and nursing facilities, it is likely that occurrence. During flood events, numerous there are also many disabled residents roads can become submerged, leaving no residing in residential homes throughout means of access to particular neighborhoods. Town. Disabled residents may need In addition, as sea-level rise progress, some additional help to exit buildings during an of these roads will start to become isolated emergency. on a daily basis, particularly around high tide. Table 4-17 lists 92 roads that will ISITOR OURIST ENTERS become isolated due to different magnitudes V /T C of sea-level rise. Roads that will be isolated Orleans contains 14 hotels, inns and bed and due to 1 to 6 feet of sea-level rise are breakfasts. Table 4-18 lists the addresses of colored maroon, red and orange. Note, not the two hotels. These locations are also all areas shown in red will actually flood. shown in Figure 4-3 in pink. Although only Some roads and neighborhoods may be dry, one of these facilities is located in a flood but inaccessible due to flooding of zone (Orleans Waterfront Inn & Restaurant), surrounding access ways. these locations still represent vulnerable populations as visitors to Orleans may not have the same support system, transportation ability, etc. in the event that a natural hazard occurs while they are in Town, and they may need additional assistance.
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Figure 4-3. Locations of vulnerable populations in Orleans.
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Table 4-17. List of roads in isolated coastal communities. Roads first impacted by 1 foot of SLR Cedar Pond Road Ewing Drive South Orleans Road Whites Lane Chestnut Drive Smugglers Path Sparrowhawk Road
Roads first impacted by 2 feet of SLR Areys Lane Cove Road Kingsbury Lane Weston Taylors Lane Bay View Drive Crowes Lane Naequoit Road Whipporwill Lane Cedar Cove Road Fernwood Drive Old Field Road Cheney Drive Fox Lane Tides End Lane
Roads first impacted by 3 feet of SLR Alewife Way Cygnet Way Keziahs Lane Pershing Lane Andre Lane Dromara Lane Kidd Way Rohmer's Road Aspinet Road Franz Road Linnell Lane Sandbar Lane Barley Neck Road Herring Brook Way Mayflower Circle Thayer Lane Blue Heron Way Higgins Way Mill Pond Road Willie Atwood Road Broman Place Kenneth Lane Old County Road Brooks Way Kescayogansett Road Peck's Way
Roads first impacted by 4 feet of SLR Anchor Drive Defiance Lane Loomis Lane Rock Harbor Road Asas Landing Doane Road Penny Lane Sea Breeze Lane Bonnell Lane Grandview Drive Pochet Road Skaket Circle Causeway Road Gull Lane Portanimicut Road Cranberry Cove Plaza Longstreet Lane Quanset Road
Roads first impacted by 5 feet of SLR Beach Plum Lane Captain Linnell Road Knowles Way Smith Brothers Way Blueberry Island Road Captain's Row Marshwind Lane Surf Boat Lane Bridge Road Hammatt Road River Road Susan's Lane Bufflehead Lane High Tide Lane Skaket Beach Road The Lane Captain Doanes Way Hofe Road Skymeadow Drive Wildflower Lane
Roads first impacted by 6 feet of SLR Honeysuckle Lane Judah's Way Payson Lane Zion Way Indian Fort Hill Lane Nichols Road Snowshore Road
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Table 4-18. Hotels, Inns and Bed and Breakfasts in Orleans. # Age Restricted Communities Address 1 The Rodeway Inn 48 Cranberry Highway (Rt 6A) 2 The Cove Motel 13 S. Orleans Road (Rt 28) 3 Orleans Waterfront Inn & Restaurant 3 Old County Road (Rt 6A) 4 Governor Prence Inn of Orleans 66 Rt 6A 5 Olde Tavern Motel & Inn 151 Rt 6A 6 Skaket Beach Motel 203 Cranberry Highway (Rt 6A) 7 Seashore Park Inn 24 Canal Road 8 Nauset Knoll Motor Lodge 237 Beach Road 9 Little Inn on Pleasant Bay 654 S. Orleans Road (Rt 28) 10 Ridgewood Motel & Cottages 10 Quanset Road 11 Parsonage Inn 202 Main Street 12 The Nauset House Inn 143 Beach Road 13 Ship's Knees Inn 186 Beach Road 14 Holly Tree Cottages by Nauset Beach on Cape Cod 219 Beach Road
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Mitigation Measures Mitigation The earlier sections of this plan discuss the potential hazards that could occur in Orleans and some of the potential losses and vulnerabilities associated with each of these hazards. An
important next step in hazard mitigation planning is to develop specific strategies and actions that will help mitigate or minimize the risk to these natural hazards. A mitigation action is a specific action, project, activity, or process taken to reduce or eliminate short- or long-term risks to people and property from hazards and their impacts. Implementing mitigation actions helps achieve the plan’s mission and goals. These mitigation strategies are the heart of the mitigation plan. They describe how Orleans will accomplish its mitigation goals. This chapter documents Orleans’ mitigation goals and existing and ongoing mitigation actions, as well as its proposed mitigation actions. The purpose, responsibility, priority and timeline are Chapter 5 detailed for each of the proposed mitigation actions.
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The central component of a hazard 5.1 MITIGATION GOALS AND mitigation plan is the strategy for reducing the community’s vulnerability to natural OBJECTIVES hazard events. Responding to the analysis of During planning team meetings for this risk, vulnerabilities, potential impacts, and update of the plan, the LPT reviewed the C3.a anticipated future development, the process 2004 hazard mitigation goals. Minor C3.b for developing this strategy is one of setting changes were made to the goals to reflect D3.a goals, understanding what actions the updated concerns in Town, particularly community is already taking that contribute concerning accessibility for emergency to mitigating the effects of natural hazards responders. These goals are meant to reduce and assessing where more action is needed impacts and losses due to hazards associated to complement or modify existing measures. with natural disasters, and to minimize the The following sections include descriptions impacts of natural disasters on residents, of the Town’s mitigation goals, existing businesses and infrastructure. The five capabilities and ongoing mitigation actions, Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan goals a status update on mitigation measures endorsed by the LPT for inclusion in this identified in previous plans, and descriptions version are highlighted in the box below. of proposed new mitigation measures. All mitigation measures are evaluated by their benefits and potential costs to arrive at a prioritized list of action items.
Orleans Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Goals:
1) Protect life, safety and property by reducing, where possible, the potential adverse impacts caused by storms and other natural hazard events; 2) Safeguard Orleans’ most vulnerable populations, critical facilities, and buildings through the implementation of cost effective and technically feasible hazard mitigation projects and adaptation measures; 3) Educate the public on hazard-prone areas to minimize damage and losses where possible; 4) Maintain accessibility for emergency responders, in both the Town’s roads and waterways, during and after natural hazard events; and 5) Qualify for grant funding when possible for both pre-disaster mitigation and post-disaster relief.
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Many of the existing Town policies and C1.a 5.2 EXISTING CAPABILITIES ordinances also provide an effective means C6 Orleans has a unique set of existing of mitigating hazards. Orleans has Zoning, capabilities, including Town plans, policies, Subdivision, and Floodplain ordinances. staff, funding, and other resources available to accomplish mitigation and reduce short- TOWN STAFF and long-term vulnerability. These The Town of Orleans has a very capable capabilities are summarized here. staff that includes an Emergency Manager, a Town Planner, and a Chief Engineer. TOWN PLANS AND POLICIES Together these staff allow the Town to Orleans has a series of planning documents effectively plan for and implement specific that address natural hazards. In some case, mitigation actions. In addition, the Town these documents include measures has a Local Planning Board, which is associated hazard mitigation and or means instrumental in developing and coordinating related to executing mitigations actions. mitigation actions. Through the implementation of these plans, Orleans can guide and manage growth and FINANCIAL CAPABILITIES development within the Town, with the goal of reducing hazard vulnerability. These Financial capabilities are the resources that a plans include: Town has to fund mitigation actions. The 1. Orleans Comprehensive Plan costs to implement mitigation activities vary (updated 2006); which includes from relatively low cost to relatively high topics such as land use and growth cost activities. Low cost actions include management, economic develop- building assessment or outreach efforts, ment, community facilities and which require little to no costs other than services, and transportation planning. staff time and existing operating budgets. Alternatively, higher cost actions, such as 2. Orleans Police Department All the acquisition of flood-prone properties, Hazards Plan (updated 2016); which could require a substantial monetary includes policies for being prepared commitment from local, state, and federal for and responding to natural or funding sources. manmade disasters. The Town’s annual revenue from taxes can 3. Orleans Conservation, Recreation be used to fund some mitigation actions, but and Open Space Plan (2016); which other larger actions may need additional includes a discussion of environ- outside funding, such as from state and mental challenges (e.g., erosion and federal grant programs. sedimentation, flooding, etc.) and a prioritization of needs related to the EXISTING MITIGATION MEASURES protection of wellheads, coastal D2.a lands, and other natural resources. The following are existing and ongoing mitigation measure performed by the Town 4. Orleans Watershed Management of Orleans: Plan (updated 2013); which outlines guidelines for protecting the 1. Comprehensive Emergency Man- production of potable water while agement Plan (CEMP): Every also allowing for passive recreation. community in Massachusetts is
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required to have a Comprehensive 5. Massachusetts State Building Emergency Management Plan. These Code: The Massachusetts State plans address mitigation, prepared- Building Code contains many ness, response and recovery from a detailed regulations regarding wind variety of natural and man-made loads, earthquake resistant design, emergencies. These plans contain flood-proofing, and snow loads. important information regarding 6. Public Information & Outreach: flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, dam The Town provides information to failures, earthquakes, and winter residents and business owners storms. It also provides an overall relating to a range of potential framework for integration and coor- natural hazards, most especially with dination of emergency management regard to flooding. and response activities and facilitates coordinated response to any 7. Public Works Operations/ emergency. Therefore, the CEMP is Maintenance Activities: The Public relevant to all of the hazards Works Department actively discussed in this plan. maintains the Town’s storm drain system. Specific activities include 2. Wildland Fire Protection and street sweeping, catch basin cleaning Preparedness Plan for Orleans and roadway treatments. Watershed Lands: The pitch pine and oak vegetation of Cape Cod is 8. Tree Trimming Program: The considered one of the most fire prone electric and telephone utilities trim ecosystems in the northeastern U.S. branches near the electric lines while This document outlines activities for Town staff maintains trees in other prevention, early detection and areas. suppression of wildfires. 9. Snow Disposal: The town conducts 3. Orleans Outer Beach Management general snow removal operations Plan: Ongoing erosion, exacerbated with its own equipment and by climate change and sea-level rise, generally has adequate space for currently threatens the Town of snow storage. Orleans Nauset Beach facilities. This 10. Floodplain Zoning District: Zoning plan provides a phased plan of retreat is intended to protect the public of the beach facilities, including the health and safety through the parking lot and buildings, along with regulation of land use. The Orleans recommendations for maintaining Zoning Bylaw (Chapter 164) and restoring the natural resources. includes a Floodplain District F 4. Emergency Power Generators: (164-19). The purposes of this Emergency power generators can be district are: found in a number of Town a. Ensure public safety through buildings, and have recently been reducing the threats to life upgraded at the new Emergency and personal injury; Operations Center. These generators serve to protect government b. Eliminate new hazards to functionality during and immediately emergency response officials; after a natural hazard event.
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c. Prevent the occurrence of Orleans receives a ladder company public emergencies resulting from one neighbor and an engine from water quality contamin- company from another neighbor ation, and pollution due to automatically with any reported fire. flooding; Given the narrow geography and limited resources this system works d. Eliminate costs associated incredibly well to reduce multiple with the response and alarm fires. cleanup of flood conditions; and PARTICIPATION IN THE NATIONAL e. Reduce damage to public and C2.a FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM private property resulting from flooding waters. (NFIP) The Floodplain District is an overlay Orleans currently participates in FEMA’s district, defined by the 100-year NFIP. Per FEMA’s Local Multi-Hazard floodplain as designated by FEMA. Mitigation Planning Guidance document, the NFIP has three basic aspects: 11. Rules and Regulations Governing 1) Floodplain identification and the Subdivision of Land: The mapping – adopt flood maps depict- Orleans Subdivision Rules and ing hazards; Regulations contain provisions 2) Floodplain management – adopt and intended to reduce flood damage and enforce floodplain management erosion. regulations; and 12. Wetlands Protection Bylaw: The 3) Flood insurance – require property purpose of the Orleans Wetlands owners to purchase insurance in Protection By-Law (Chapter 160) is exchange for floodplain management to protect the wetlands, related water regulations that reduce future flood resources and adjoining land areas. damages. The by-law reinforces the State Flood Hazard Boundary Maps (FHBMs) Wetlands Protection Act. were first established in 1979, with flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs) following in 13. Barnstable County Mutual Aid: 1981. The most recent FEMA Flood The Orleans Fire Department is part Insurance Study became effective on July of the Barnstable County mutual aid 16, 2014. system coordinated through the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office. Loss statistics for January 1, 1978 through It is a modern, fully supported September 30, 2018 for the Town of Orleans system, and the mutual aid run cards include 74 total losses. 52 cases were closed are updated regularly, and as needed, with payment and 2 remain open, however, and are under constant scrutiny. The 20 cases were closed without payment. Of Outer Cape area has specific run the 52 cases that did receive payment, the cards, which reflect the difficult total payments amounted to $1,016,174.80. staffing and smaller agencies in this area. The first alarm assignments are As part of ongoing NFIP requirements, incredibly robust and include Orleans regulates new development within automatic responses from the the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). adjoining towns. Specifically, The Town follows NFIP regulations and
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guidelines for all new construction, as well as substantial improvements to existing 5.3 PROGRESS structures, within the flood plain. DETERMINATION ON
Orleans also works with nearby MITIGATION ACTIONS SINCE communities to establish mutual aid 2004 agreements to address administration of the Before identifying new Mitigation Actions NFIP following a major storm. D1.a for the 2019 Hazard Plan, the LPT discussed D2.a the status of the mitigation actions identified The NFIP also has a Community Rating in the 2004 Local Pre-Disaster Hazard System (CRS), which recognizes Mitigation Plan for the Town of Orleans. community efforts beyond those minimum One of the following status determinations standards by reducing flood insurance was given to each mitigation action premiums for the community’s property identified from the 2004 plan: owners. CRS discounts on flood insurance premiums range from 5% (for a rate class of • 9) up to 45% (for a rate class of 1) (FEMA Complete: The project was 2015). The Town of Orleans is currently implemented and completed. part of the CRS program, and has a rate • Existing Capability: The project class of 7, which affords a 15% insurance was implemented and completed, discount. and it will continue to be implemented on an annual basis. • In Progress: the project was started between 2004 and 2019, but is still in progress. • Deferred: The project is important, but it was deferred because there was no funding available or it was not feasible to complete the project in this timeframe. • Deleted: The project is no longer relevant to the community. In 2004, the LPT identified 10 specific action items. During this plan update, the LPT assessed the Town’s progress on all 10 actions (Table 5-1).
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Table 5-1. Status of 2004 Proposed Mitigation Action Items. Hazard(s) to Action Item and Description Status (Explanation) Mitigate Flood 1. Increase floodplain protection by Complete. New zoning regulations enhancing floodplain management were passed in 2015. Completed CRS activities in Orleans: Review existing process with the Orleans Building floodplain bylaw and amend to Department in 2017. strengthen or clarify if necessary. All 2. Collect educational material on Existing Capability. Two brochures preparedness/mitigation measures were developed and are now available for individual property owners, for to the public through the Orleans display and distribution at Town Building Department, including a Hall, Library and Council on Aging “Protect Our Flood Plains” brochure offices: FEMA, the Massachusetts and a Q&A sheet on purchasing Emergency Management Agency coastal property. (MEMA), the National Weather Service and other agencies can provide information brochures and pamphlets on property protection measures at no cost to local governments. Flood, 3. Continue to acquire and preserve In Progress. The Town of Orleans has Erosion, and parcels of land subject to repetitive successfully acquired a number of Sea Level flooding from willing and voluntary parcels, including an agricultural Rise property owners: Land acquisition is parcel, 60 acres of salt marsh, and an effective mitigation technique to multiple single family lots. The Town permanently eliminate the potential plans to continue this process in the for damages from future flood events. future. All 4. Analyze the Town’s most at-risk Completed. The following updates locations identified in the were completed: Drainage was Vulnerability Analysis, and evaluate corrected at Goose Hummock in 2008, the potential mitigation techniques the sewage treatment plant was for protecting each location to the removed from its vulnerable location, maximum extent possible: Critical the Rock Harbor parking lot was facilities at risk in Orleans should be reconstructed, and substantial dune mitigated via cost-effective techniques nourishment has been completed at when funding becomes available. Nauset Beach. All 5. Monitor the Town’s emergency In Progress. Emergency response response services to identify needs services have been regularly or shortfalls in terms of personnel, evaluated; this will continue in the equipment or required resources: future. As shortfalls are identified, Any identified shortfall should be they are addressed. For example, a documented and result in specific new EOC has been built, fire station recommendations to the Selectmen for generators have been upgraded and the emergency service enhancements. DPW facility was relocated.
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Table 5-1 (continued). Status of 2004 Proposed Mitigation Action Items.
Hazard(s) to Action Item and Description Status (Explanation) Mitigate Flood 6. Develop an educational material Complete. Educational material has targeting NFIP policyholders on the been developed. The “Protect Our Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) Flood Plains” brochure and a Q&A coverage, to be disseminated sheet on purchasing coastal property following a flood event that results are available at the Building in substantial damage determin- Department. ations by the Town: Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) under the NFIP provides for the payment of a claim to help pay for the cost to comply with State or community floodplain management laws or ordinances from a flood event in which a building has been declared substantially damaged. When an insured building is damaged by a flood and the State or community declares the building to be substantially damaged, ICC will help pay for the cost to elevate, flood proof, demolish or relocate the building up to $20,000. This coverage is in addition to the building coverage for the repair of actual physical damages from the flood. Wind, 7. Promote the inspection and Complete. The Town completed a Snow & Ice management of hazardous trees GIS-based tree inventory. The Town throughout Town properties: A has also sporadically increased tree significant amount of municipal removal funding. Recently the Town property damage during high wind has worked closely with Eversource, events results from tree failure. Trees who know does much of the tree that fall into utility lines have removal and replacement. additional serious consequences such as causing power outages, surges, fires and other damage. The Town’s ability to recognize and prevent hazardous tree conditions (through inspection, pruning or removal) is the best defense against problems and coastal damages results from tree failure.
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Table 5-1 (continued). Status of 2004 Proposed Mitigation Action Items.
Hazard(s) to Action Item and Description Status (Explanation) Mitigate Fire 8. Continue participation in Complete. The Town did receive a Barnstable County’s Cooperative number of grants through Barnstable Extension Service’s grant program County’s Cooperative Extension for wildfire fuel reduction Service’s grant program for wildfire programs: Town owned parcels of fuel reduction. Activities funded by conservation and recreation lands are this program include a controlled burn potential sources of wildfires in areas in 2014, and removal of understory with proximity to residentially brush and widening of fire roads in developed areas. The Town has 2008 and 2010. submitted a grant proposal for the Town Watershed. Erosion, 9. Regular maintenance dredging of Complete. Maintenance dredging has Sea Level Rock Harbor: In order to protect been done in Rock Harbor. Since Rise economic and recreational interests by 2004, it was completed in 2005 keeping this vital waterway (21,000 cy) and in 2014 (40,000 cy). connection with Cape Cod Bay viable for navigation purposes. Flood, 10. Continue to participate in marsh Complete. The Town has completed a Fire, restoration projects that improve number of projects that restore tidal Erosion, tidal flushing: Several tidally flushing to salt marshes, including the Sea Level influenced water bodies in Orleans are repair of the Skaket culvert in 2004 Rise physically restricted in their ability to and the Namskaket Creek culvert in exchange water freely during tidal 2012. cycles. Reducing or removing these restrictions provide hazard mitigation benefits including increased flood storage capacity and reduced wildfire fuel potential from invasive species growth (i.e., Phragmites) resulting from limited flushing.
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5.4 PROPOSED MITIGATION During the planning meetings where potential mitigation measures were discussed and prioritized, a number of LANNING ROCESS C4.a 5.4.1 P P proposed actions were dismissed from the C5.a To identify, evaluate and prioritize specific final Plan. These actions are documented in C5.b mitigation actions and projects to reduce the Appendix C, along with an explanation for effects of a natural disaster, the LPT used a dismissal. prioritization method focusing on four key themes as follows, and as provided in 5.4.2 PROPOSED MITIGATION Appendix C: ACTIONS • Benefits: Determine whether the The final proposed mitigation actions C4.a proposed mitigation measure will developed during the planning process are improve property protection, natural C4.b summarized in this section. A total of 26 C4.c resource protection, technical actions were developed. These actions C5.c capacity, public awareness, or post- address risks due to flooding, coastal hazard emergency response; erosion, shoaling, sea-level rise, wind, and • Feasibility: Determine whether the fire, as well as more general public outreach proposed mitigation measure is and mitigation actions. Specific actions feasible in terms of Town staffing, range from public education to actions that public and Town support, and involve the modifications of existing whether it is technically feasible; buildings or infrastructure to protect them from a hazard or removal from the hazard • Economic: Evaluate each mitigation area, to actions developed to increase public measure in terms of estimated cost education and awareness. and potential funding sources; and For each action identified below, a brief • Regulatory: Evaluate each mitiga- description is provided, as well as the tion measure for consistency with responsible department(s), potential funding local, state and federal permitting/ sources, priority, and anticipated timeline. regulatory requirements and goals. To help tie the recommended actions to the Each proposed mitigation action presented Town’s hazard mitigation goals listed in in Section 5.4.2 was given a score based on Section 5.1, the numbers associated with the 13 subcategories within these four larger goal(s) each action addresses are also listed. categories documented above (i.e. Benefits, Feasibility, Economic, Regulatory). For each of these subcategories, the proposed action was given a score of 3 if the action was thought to be a “good” fit with a particular category (likely to provide the benefit under consideration, required little additional training or funding, feasible, etc.), 2 if it was “average”, or 1 if it was “poor” (did not provide the benefit under consideration, difficult to permit, costly, etc.). For a detailed overview of how each action was scored, please see Appendix C.
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Mitigation Action #1: Continue to acquire and preserve parcels of land at high risk of flooding HAZARD ADDRESSED Flooding PURPOSE Land acquisition is an effective mitigation technique to permanently eliminate the potential for damages from future flood events. RESPONSIBILITY Open Space Committee POTENTIAL FUNDING Community Preservation Act (CPA), Grants, Donations SOURCES PRIORITY Medium TIMELINE Long-term GOAL(S) ADDRESSED 1, 5
Mitigation Action #2: Reconstruct sheet pile bulkhead at the Town property at Goose Hummock Landing HAZARD ADDRESSED Flooding PURPOSE The Town-owned bulkhead at Goose Hummock Landing is currently in disrepair. Reconstruction of the bulkhead will provide continued flood protection to a crucial marine access point and ensure continued use of the site. RESPONSIBILITY Department of Public Works and Natural Resources POTENTIAL FUNDING Grants, Town Meeting Article SOURCES PRIORITY Medium TIMELINE Within 5 years GOAL(S) ADDRESSED 1, 2, 4, 5
Mitigation Action #3: Reconstruct sheet pile bulkhead at the Town property at Rock Harbor Landing HAZARD ADDRESSED Flooding PURPOSE The Town-owned bulkhead at Rock Harbor Landing is currently in disrepair. Reconstruction of the bulkhead will provide continued flood protection to a crucial marine access point and ensure continued use of the site. RESPONSIBILITY Department of Public Works and Natural Resources POTENTIAL FUNDING Grants, Town Meeting Article SOURCES PRIORITY Medium TIMELINE Within 5 years GOAL(S) ADDRESSED 1, 2, 4, 5
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Mitigation Action #4: Address inadequate drainage basins HAZARD ADDRESSED Flooding PURPOSE A number of key roadway areas in Town experience significant flooding during heavy rainfall events due to stormwater systems that are inadequately sized to handle the volume of precipitation produced by these large rain events. This results in impassible roadways, inaccessible parking lots and businesses, and stranded vehicles. RESPONSIBILITY Department of Public Works and Natural Resources POTENTIAL FUNDING Grants, Town Meeting Article SOURCES PRIORITY Medium TIMELINE Within 2 years, and ongoing GOAL(S) ADDRESSED 1, 2, 4, 5
Mitigation Action #5: Conduct a vulnerability assessment of coastal fuel depots & implement spill prevention measures HAZARD ADDRESSED Flooding PURPOSE Marine fuel storage facilities at local marinas and landings are currently vulnerable to flooding, sea-level rise and storm surge. Completing a vulnerability assessment would determine what actions are needed to mitigate risk from these potential pollution sources during a flood hazard event. RESPONSIBILITY Department of Public Works and Natural Resources POTENTIAL FUNDING Grants, Town Meeting Article SOURCES PRIORITY High TIMELINE Within 3 years GOAL(S) ADDRESSED 1, 2, 5
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Mitigation Action #6: Evaluate and address flood risks to low lying roads HAZARD ADDRESSED Flooding PURPOSE Coastal flooding (e.g., standing flood waters, storm surge, and the resulting erosion) presents a major threat to the Town’s low-lying coastal roadways, including Herring Brook Way, Main Street, River Road, Rock Harbor Road, Bridge Road, Quanset Road and Route 28 along Pleasant Bay. Flooded roadways can isolate neighborhoods and prohibit emergency access. RESPONSIBILITY Planning and GIS Department POTENTIAL FUNDING Grants, Town Meeting Article SOURCES PRIORITY Low TIMELINE Within 5 years GOAL(S) ADDRESSED 2, 4, 5
Mitigation Action #7: Conduct outreach/education to the owners/managers of private critical facilities to inform them of their risks and potential mitigation options HAZARD ADDRESSED Flooding PURPOSE Most of the critical facilities found to be at risk to flood related hazards in the vulnerability assessment presented in Chapter 4 are privately owned and managed. Although the Town is not responsible for mitigating risks to private facilities, these facilities are still considered critical to the functioning of the Town. As such, it would be beneficial to educate owners of these facilities (especially marina owners and the Community of Jesus). RESPONSIBILITY Fire Department and Emergency Management POTENTIAL FUNDING Operating Budget SOURCES PRIORITY Medium TIMELINE Within 3 years GOAL(S) ADDRESSED 3
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Mitigation Action #8: Address access issues to/from the Senior Center on Rock Harbor Rd. during a flood event HAZARD ADDRESSED Flooding PURPOSE Rock Harbor Road is at a relatively low elevation and access to/from the Senior Center is often blocked during a flood event. The remedy may include culvert fixes and/or elevating the road. RESPONSIBILITY Department of Public Works and Natural Resources POTENTIAL FUNDING Grants, Town Meeting Article SOURCES PRIORITY Low TIMELINE Within 5 years GOAL(S) ADDRESSED 1, 4, 5
Mitigation Action #9: Replace undersized and/or failing culverts HAZARD ADDRESSED Flooding PURPOSE A number of culverts throughout Town (e.g., Quanset Road culvert and others) are not adequately sized or are not adequately maintained to allow effective water transport. RESPONSIBILITY Department of Public Works and Natural Resources POTENTIAL FUNDING Grants, Town Meeting Article SOURCES PRIORITY Low TIMELINE Ongoing GOAL(S) ADDRESSED 1, 2, 4, 5
Mitigation Action #10: Implement the Phased Nauset Beach Retreat Plan HAZARD ADDRESSED Coastal Erosion PURPOSE The Town recently developed a phased retreat plan to address the recent and ongoing erosion at Nauset Beach, which was threatening the beach facilities and parking lot. Implementation of the plan may include, but is not limited to, dune nourishment, land acquisition for future parking and facilities locations, design, permitting and construction of various aspects of the project, and generally enhancing the overall resiliency of the barrier system. RESPONSIBILITY Department of Public Works and Natural Resources POTENTIAL FUNDING Grants, Town Meeting Article SOURCES PRIORITY Medium TIMELINE Ongoing GOAL(S) ADDRESSED 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
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Mitigation Action #11: Create educational signage for Nauset Beach to inform visitors about retreat project HAZARD ADDRESSED Coastal Erosion PURPOSE With the major changes occurring at Nauset Beach due to the implementation of the phased retreat plan, it is important to educate visitors and the public about the need for this project and what the major components of the phased retreat will be. RESPONSIBILITY Department of Public Works and Natural Resources POTENTIAL FUNDING Grants, Town Meeting Article, Operating Budget SOURCES PRIORITY Medium TIMELINE Within 3 years GOAL(S) ADDRESSED 3
Mitigation Action #12: Address erosion at Town landings HAZARD ADDRESSED Coastal Erosion PURPOSE Ongoing erosion at Town landings, including Mill Pond Road, Sparrowhawk, Tonset Road, and Priscilla Landings, has begun to impact the use of these sites in terms of parking and access. Addressing the erosion will ensure continued use of these vital Town assets. RESPONSIBILITY Department of Public Works and Natural Resources POTENTIAL FUNDING Grants, Town Meeting Article SOURCES PRIORITY Medium TIMELINE Within 3 years GOAL(S) ADDRESSED 1, 4, 5
Mitigation Action #13: Continue annual nourishment of Skaket Beach to maintain profile HAZARD ADDRESSED Coastal Erosion PURPOSE The Town plans to continue nourishing Skaket Beach to address the ongoing coastal erosion that is occurring in that area. RESPONSIBILITY Department of Public Works and Natural Resources POTENTIAL FUNDING Grants, Town Meeting Article SOURCES PRIORITY Medium TIMELINE Annually GOAL(S) ADDRESSED 2, 5
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Mitigation Action #14: Obtain permits for dredging in Pleasant Bay and Nauset Estuary and implement work HAZARD ADDRESSED Shoaling PURPOSE Shifting inlets and excessive shoaling in Orleans’ large estuaries (Nauset Estuary and Pleasant Bay) have made marine travel dangerous, and in some locations, impossible at certain tides. A regular dredging program would help to maintain consistent and safe access for fishermen, recreation, and emergency response. RESPONSIBILITY Board of Selectmen POTENTIAL FUNDING Grants, Town Meeting Article SOURCES PRIORITY Low TIMELINE Within 5 years GOAL(S) ADDRESSED 1, 4, 5
Mitigation Action #15: Monitor Town landings outside the current program for future dredging needs HAZARD ADDRESSED Shoaling PURPOSE Given the shifting nature of the shoals within Orleans’ estuaries, monitoring should be done regularly even at locations outside the currently proposed dredge footprint to ensure continued and safe access at all the Town’s landings. RESPONSIBILITY Board of Selectmen POTENTIAL FUNDING Operating Budget SOURCES PRIORITY Low TIMELINE Ongoing GOAL(S) ADDRESSED 1, 4
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Mitigation Action #16: Continue regular dredging the Rock Harbor channel HAZARD ADDRESSED Shoaling PURPOSE Continue regular dredging in the Rock Harbor inlet channel, as needed, to ensure continued access. Consideration could also be given to whether there is a need to dredge the "outer" channel. Beneficial reuse (i.e., beach nourishment with compatible sand) should be considered for all dredging activities. RESPONSIBILITY Board of Selectmen POTENTIAL FUNDING Operating Budget, Town Meeting Article SOURCES PRIORITY Medium TIMELINE Ongoing GOAL(S) ADDRESSED 1, 4
Mitigation Action #17: Monitor the potential of salt water intrusion to Well #7 HAZARD ADDRESSED Sea Level Rise PURPOSE The Town has a large watershed management area, which contains a wellfield that provides residents in the Town with drinking water. Well #7 is at the lowest elevation, and would be the most likely to experience salt water intrusion as sea-level rises. Baseline data was collected during a baseline saltwater intrusion study completed in 1999 by Talkington Edson Environmental Management. RESPONSIBILITY Water Department POTENTIAL FUNDING Operating Budget SOURCES PRIORITY Low TIMELINE Ongoing GOAL(S) ADDRESSED 1, 2
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Mitigation Action #18: Prepare educational materials and conduct outreach to vulnerable residences concerning sea level rise risks HAZARD ADDRESSED Sea Level Rise PURPOSE The vulnerability assessment included in Chapter 4 found that although very few Town-owned critical facilities are be vulnerable to sea level rise, a considerable number of private residences are. It is important that residents understand their current and future flood risks. RESPONSIBILITY Fire Department and Emergency Management POTENTIAL FUNDING Operating Budget, Grants SOURCES PRIORITY Medium TIMELINE Within 2 years, and ongoing GOAL(S) ADDRESSED 3, 5
Mitigation Action #19: Identify, prune and/or remove at risk trees HAZARD ADDRESSED Wind PURPOSE Mature trees and overhanging limbs along roadways can bring down power lines and block transportation if they are felled by high winds. RESPONSIBILITY Department of Public Works and Natural Resources POTENTIAL FUNDING Operating Budget SOURCES PRIORITY High TIMELINE Annually GOAL(S) ADDRESSED 2
Mitigation Action #20: Construct a cold storage facility to store snow removal and other offseason equipment HAZARD ADDRESSED Nor’easter / Snow / Ice (Winter Weather) PURPOSE A cold storage facility would provide a storage location for snow removal and other offseason equipment. Storing equipment inside both reduces and facilitates maintenance, ensuring proper functioning at all times. RESPONSIBILITY Department of Public Works and Natural Resources POTENTIAL FUNDING Grants, Town Meeting Article SOURCES PRIORITY Medium TIMELINE Within 3 years GOAL(S) ADDRESSED 1, 2, 4, 5
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Mitigation Action #21: Continue fuel reduction efforts to reduce wild fire risk HAZARD ADDRESSED Wild Fire PURPOSE The pitch pine and oak vegetation of Cape Cod is considered one of the most fire prone ecosystems in the northeastern U.S. Regular controlled burns, reduction of fuel supply, and clearing fire breaks and access roads can help eliminate a serious wild fire in the future. RESPONSIBILITY Water Department and Fire Department POTENTIAL FUNDING Grants, Operating Budget, Town Meeting Article SOURCES PRIORITY Medium TIMELINE Ongoing GOAL(S) ADDRESSED 1, 2, 5
Mitigation Action #22: Identify vulnerable populations to aid in emergency response HAZARD ADDRESSED Multi-Hazard / Non-Specific PURPOSE If the location and specific needs of vulnerable populations are not known, adequate response may not be provided in the event of a natural hazard event. Generating a spatial database of people requiring additional assistance during an emergency would improve response. RESPONSIBILITY Fire Department and Police Department POTENTIAL FUNDING Grants, Operating Budget, Town Meeting Article SOURCES PRIORITY Low TIMELINE Within 5 years GOAL(S) ADDRESSED 2, 5
Mitigation Action #23: Work on getting generators for areas of concentrated housing HAZARD ADDRESSED Multi-Hazard / Non-Specific PURPOSE Providing generators to densely concentrated neighborhoods, such as Rock Harbor Village, Tonset Woods and Old Colony, would reduce the adverse impacts experienced by the vulnerable populations in these areas in the event of a power outage. RESPONSIBILITY Fire Department and Police Department POTENTIAL FUNDING Grants, Town Meeting Article SOURCES PRIORITY Low TIMELINE Within 5 years GOAL(S) ADDRESSED 1, 2, 5
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Mitigation Action #24: Revisit the countywide EMS plan to address sub-regional needs HAZARD ADDRESSED Multi-Hazard / Non-Specific PURPOSE The Town should open a dialogue with regional EMS staff to revisit the countywide EMS plan to address sub-regional needs, including standardizing communications and instituting post-storm action reporting. RESPONSIBILITY Fire Department and Police Department POTENTIAL FUNDING Operating Budget SOURCES PRIORITY High TIMELINE Within 2 years GOAL(S) ADDRESSED 1, 2, 4
Mitigation Action #25: Improve public education about emergency preparedness and response HAZARD ADDRESSED Multi-Hazard / Non-Specific PURPOSE Information about emergency preparedness and response is either not available or difficult to find on the Town’s website. Developing targeted materials and performing updates to the website could greatly improve public education. RESPONSIBILITY Fire Department and Police Department POTENTIAL FUNDING Operating Budget SOURCES PRIORITY High TIMELINE Within 2 years GOAL(S) ADDRESSED 2, 3
Mitigation Action #26: Investigate off the grid energy alternatives to decrease reliance on major suppliers and provide backup during power outage HAZARD ADDRESSED Multi-Hazard / Non-Specific PURPOSE Loss of power during a natural hazard event can have dramatic adverse impacts on life, safety and property. Alternative energy sources could help mitigate the effects of a power outage from a major electricity supplier. RESPONSIBILITY Renewable Energy Committee POTENTIAL FUNDING Operating Budget SOURCES PRIORITY Low TIMELINE Within 5 years GOAL(S) ADDRESSED 1
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Plan Maintenance Process Maintenance Plan The Orleans Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan is not meant to be a static document. As conditions change, new information becomes available, or mitigation actions progress or are completed
over the life of the plan, adjustments and updates may be necessary to maintain its relevance. This chapter describes how the Plan will be tracked, updated and enhanced in the coming years. The plan must be fully reviewed and revised as necessary at least once every five years. Keeping the plan up-to-date also means continuing to provide opportunities for public involvement and comment on the plan and its implementation.
Chapter 6
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Chapter 6 Plan Maintenance Process
As required by FEMA, this Plan must Evaluations and updates will take place in outline a maintenance process to ensure the much the same way this updated plan was Plan remains active and relevant to the developed. The process will include current conditions of the Town. The process meetings of the LPT, review of goals and must identify the following items: objectives, updating the community profile, review and modification of potential hazards • Plan Monitoring, Evaluation and and hazard related data, review of existing Updates – Method and schedule for hazard-prone areas and the addition of any monitoring, evaluating and updating new areas, updating existing and planned the plan once every five years; hazard mitigation measures, and an evaluation as to the effectiveness of the plan • Incorporation of Mitigation Stra- to date. The next update will begin in year 4 tegies – Explanation of how local of this plan, to ensure that the subsequent governments will incorporate update is ready within the required 5 year mitigation strategies into existing window. mechanisms; and • Continued Public Involvement – 6.2 INCORPORATION OF Requirements that public par- ticipation continue throughout the MITIGATION plan maintenance process. STRATEGIES This section details how Orleans will meet Mitigation strategies outlined in this Plan these Plan maintenance requirements. will be incorporated into existing plans, bylaws and regulations as feasible. During A6 6.1 PLAN MONITORING, Plan updates, existing and proposed mitigation actions will be evaluated for EVALUATION AND effectiveness, level of completion, and UPDATES continued appropriateness.
As required by FEMA, the written plan will Upon approval of this plan, the LPT will be evaluated and updated at least once every provide all interested parties and five years by relevant Town departments, implementing departments with a copy of boards, and agencies. In the interim, select the plan and will initiate a discussion members of the LPT will conduct annual regarding how the plan can be integrated reviews of the progress of mitigation actions into that department’s ongoing work. At a and update as necessary. If a major disaster minimum, the plan will be reviewed and occurs in the interim, the plan may be discussed with the following departments: evaluated or updated if Town personnel feel
that the plan failed in some way, or • imminent changes are required to better Fire / Emergency Management respond to future disasters. As necessary, • Police LPT members and/or departments may be • Public Works / Highway added or removed from the LPT to obtain • Engineering the most accurate and applicable • Planning information possible. • Conservation • Water
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Chapter 6 Plan Maintenance Process
A5 6.3 CONTINUED PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT During the periodic five year update process, the LPT will hold at least one public workshop or similar meeting to solicit feedback from the general public on the progress made to date. Concerned citizens will also be invited to review the revised Plan and submit any additional comments or recommendations for improving the Plan. All events will be publicly advertised in the local newspaper and/or similar method. Copies of the Plan will be provided in public places such as the Town Hall and/or the Snow Library. The Plan will also be made available to the general public via the Town’s website.
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Chapter 6 Plan Maintenance Process
Once the draft of the Orleans Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan was reviewed by the Local Planning Team, stakeholders and the general public, the plan was submitted to Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for review and approval. If approved by MEMA and FEMA, the plan will be brought before the Orleans Board of Selectmen for adoption, and the Plan will enter into the five year “maintenance” phase. This chapter describes the process of plan adoption.
Plan Adoption
Chapter 7
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Chapter 7 Plan Adoption
E1.a At the conclusion of planning efforts conducted by the Local Planning Team (LPT), the final Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan was reviewed and informally approved by all applicable Town departments, boards, and other agencies identified as members of the LPT. The Plan was then sent to the State Hazard Mitigation Officer (SHMO) of the Massachusetts Department of Resource Conservation, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the FEMA for review and approval. Upon receiving final approval from MEMA and FEMA, the Plan will then enter into the five year “maintenance” phase, and will be brought before the Orleans Board of Selectmen for adoption. Proof of plan adoption will be included at the front of this report.
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National Hurricane Center. 2016c. Storm Surge Overview. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/surge/
National Weather Service. 2016a. Heat Index. http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/heat/heat_index.shtml
National Weather Service. 2016b. Wind Chill/Temperature Index. http://www.weather.gov/oun/safety-winter-windchill
R-1 Orleans Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
References
NOAA. 2016. Mean Sea Level Trend 8443970 Boston Massachusetts. https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/sltrends/sltrends_station.shtml?stnid=8443970
NOAA. 2018. Storm Events Database. https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/
NOAA. 2019. The Northest Snowfall Impact Scale (NESIS). https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/snow- and-ice/rsi/nesis
Orleans, Town of. 2004. Local Pre-Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan. Adopted November 17, 2004.
Orleans, Town of. 2006. Orleans Comprehensive Plan.
Orleans, Town of. 2018. Town of Orleans Website. https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/
Parris, A. P. Bromirski, V. Burkett, D. Cayan, M. Culver, J. Hall, R. Horton, K. Knuuti, R. Moss, J. Obeysekera, A. Sallender, and J. Weiss. 2012. Global Sea Level Rise Scenarios for the United States National Climate Assessment. December 2012. NOAA Technical Report OAR CPO-1.
Sullivan, K. and J. R. Carlson, 2012. Barnstable CountyWildfire Preparedness Plan. Barnstable, Massachusetts: Cape Cod Cooperative Extension.
Tetra Tech. 2013. Massachusetts State Hazard Mitigation Plan. 2013. Prepared by Tetra Tech for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. September 2013.
Thieler, E.R, T.L. Smith, J.M. Knisel, and D.W. Sampson. 2013. Massachusetts Shoreline Change Mapping and Analysis Project, 2013 Update. Open File Report 2002-1189.
UCS. 2015. Causes of Sea Level Rise Fact Sheet. www.ucsusa.org/sealevelrisescience
Woods Hole Group. 2016a. Orleans Outer Beach Management Plan, Orleans, MA. Prepared for the Town of Orleans.
Woods Hole Group. 2016b. Nauset Estuary Dredging Feasilibity Assessment. Prepared for the Town of Orleans.
R-2 Orleans Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Appendix A Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide
Appendix A: Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide
1. Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide
A-1 Orleans Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide October 1, 2011
Local Mitigation Plan Review Guid 4.1 ELEMENT A: PLANNING PROCESS Requirement An open public involvement process is essential to the development §201.6(b) of an effective plan. In order to develop a more comprehensive approach to reducing the effects of natural disasters, the planning process shall include:
§201.6(b)(1) (1) An opportunity for the public to comment on the plan during the drafting stage and prior to plan approval;
§201.6(b)(2) (2) An opportunity for neighboring communities, local and regional agencies involved in hazard mitigation activities, and agencies that have the authority to regulate development, as well as businesses, academia and other private and non‐profit interests to be involved in the planning process; and
§201.6(b)(3) (3) Review and incorporation, if appropriate, of existing plans, studies, reports, and technical information.
§201.6(c)(1) [The plan shall document] the planning process used to develop the plan, including how it was prepared, who was involved in the process, and how the public was involved.
§201.6(c)(4)(i) [The plan maintenance process shall include a] section describing the method and schedule of monitoring, evaluating, and updating the mitigation plan within a five‐year cycle.
§201.6(c)(4)(iii) [The plan maintenance process shall include a] discussion on how the community will continue public participation in the plan maintenance process.
Overall Intent. The planning process is as important as the plan itself. Any successful planning activity, such as developing a comprehensive plan or local land use plan, involves a cross‐section of stakeholders and the public to reach consensus on desired outcomes or to resolve a community problem. The result is a common set of community values and widespread support for directing financial, technical, and human resources to an agreed upon course of action, usually identified in a plan. The same is true for mitigation planning. An effective and open planning process helps ensure that citizens understand risks and vulnerability, and they can work with the jurisdiction to support policies, actions, and tools that over the long‐term will lead to a reduction in future losses.
Leadership, staffing, and in‐house knowledge in local government may fluctuate over time. Therefore, the description of the planning process serves as a permanent record that explains how decisions were reached and who involved. FEMA will accept the planning process as defined by the community, as long as the mitigation plan includes a narrative
14 Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide description of the process used to develop the mitigation plan—a systematic account about how the mitigation plan evolved from the formation of a planning team, to how the public participated, to how each section of the plan was developed, to what plans or studies were incorporated into the plan, to how it will be implemented. Documentation of a current planning process is required for both new and updated plans.
ELEMENT REQUIREMENTS
A1. Does the Plan document the a. Documentation of how the plan was prepared must include the planning process, including how it schedule or timeframe and activities that made up the plan’s was prepared and who was development as well as who was involved. Documentation involved in the process for each typically is met with a narrative description, but may also include, jurisdiction? for example, other documentation such as copies of meeting 44 CFR 201.6(c)(1) minutes, sign‐in sheets, or newspaper articles.
Intent: To inform the public and Document means provide the factual evidence for how the other readers about the overall jurisdictions developed the plan. approach to the plan’s development and serve as a permanent record of b. The plan must list the jurisdiction(s) participating in the plan that how decisions were made and who seek approval. was involved. This record also is useful for the next plan update. c. The plan must identify who represented each jurisdiction. The Plan must provide, at a minimum, the jurisdiction represented and the person’s position or title and agency within the jurisdiction.
d. For each jurisdiction seeking plan approval, the plan must document how they were involved in the planning process. For example, the plan may document meetings attended, data provided, or stakeholder and public involvement activities offered. Jurisdictions that adopt the plan without documenting how they participated in the planning process will not be approved.
Involved in the process means engaged as participants and given the chance to provide input to affect the plan’s content. This is more than simply being invited (See “opportunity to be involved in the planning process” in A2 below) or only adopting the plan.
e. Plan updates must include documentation of the current planning process undertaken to update the plan.
A2. Does the Plan document an a. The plan must identify all stakeholders involved or given an opportunity for neighboring opportunity to be involved in the planning process. At a communities, local and regional minimum, stakeholders must include: agencies involved in hazard 1) Local and regional agencies involved in hazard mitigation mitigation activities, agencies that activities; have the authority to regulate 2) Agencies that have the authority to regulate development; and development as well as other 3) Neighboring communities. interests to be involved in the planning process? 44 CFR An opportunity to be involved in the planning process means that 201.6(b)(2) the stakeholders are engaged or invited as participants and given the chance to provide input to affect the plan’s content.
Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide 15 ELEMENT REQUIREMENTS
Intent: To demonstrate a b. The Plan must provide the agency or organization represented deliberative planning process that and the person’s position or title within the agency. involves stakeholders with the data and expertise needed to develop the c. The plan must identify how the stakeholders were invited to plan, with responsibility or authority participate in the process. to implement hazard mitigation activities, and who will be most Examples of stakeholders include, but are not limited to: affected by the plan’s outcomes. Local and regional agencies involved in hazard mitigation include public works, zoning, emergency management, local floodplain administrators, special districts, and GIS departments. Agencies that have the authority to regulate development include planning and community development departments, building officials, planning commissions, or other elected officials. Neighboring communities include adjacent counties and municipalities, such as those that are affected by similar hazard events or may be partners in hazard mitigation and response activities. Other interests may be defined by each jurisdiction and will vary with each one. These include, but are not limited to, business, academia, and other private and non‐profit interests depending on the unique characteristics of the community.
A3. Does the Plan document how a. The plan must document how the public was given the the public was involved in the opportunity to be involved in the planning process and how their planning process during the feedback was incorporated into the plan. Examples include, but drafting stage? are not limited to, sign‐in sheets from open meetings, interactive 44 CFR 201.6(b)(1) and 201.6(c)(1) websites with drafts for public review and comment, questionnaires or surveys, or booths at popular community Intent: To ensure citizens events. understand what the community is doing on their behalf, and to provide b. The opportunity for participation must occur during the plan a chance for input on community development, which is prior to the comment period on the final vulnerabilities and mitigation plan and prior to the plan approval / adoption. activities that will inform the plan’s content. Public involvement is also an opportunity to educate the public about hazards and risks in the community, types of activities to mitigate those risks, and how these impact them.
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A4. Does the Plan document the a. The plan must document what existing plans, studies, reports, and review and incorporation of technical information were reviewed. Examples of the types of existing plans, studies, reports, and existing sources reviewed include, but are not limited to, the state technical information? 44 CFR hazard mitigation plan, local comprehensive plans, hazard specific 201.6(b)(3) reports, and flood insurance studies.
Intent: To identify existing data and b. The plan must document how relevant information was information, shared objectives, and incorporated into the mitigation plan. past and ongoing activities that can help inform the mitigation plan. It Incorporate means to reference or include information from other also helps identify the existing existing sources to form the content of the mitigation plan. capabilities and planning mechanisms to implement the mitigation strategy.
A5. Is there discussion on how the a. The plan must describe how the jurisdiction(s) will continue to community(ies) will continue public seek public participation after the plan has been approved and participation in the plan during the plan’s implementation, monitoring and evaluation. maintenance process? 44 CFR 201.6(c)(4)(iii) Participation means engaged and given the chance to provide feedback. Examples include, but are not limited to, periodic Intent: To identify how the public presentations on the plan’s progress to elected officials, schools or will continue to have an opportunity other community groups, annual questionnaires or surveys, public to participate in the plan’s meetings, postings on social media and interactive websites. maintenance and implementation over time.
A6. Is there a description of the a. The plan must identify how, when, and by whom the plan will be method and schedule for keeping monitored. Monitoring means tracking the implementation of the the plan current (monitoring, plan over time. For example, monitoring may include a system for evaluating and updating the tracking the status of the identified hazard mitigation actions. mitigation plan within a 5‐year cycle)? 44 CFR 201.6(c)(4)(i) b. The plan must identify how, when, and by whom the plan will be evaluated. Evaluating means assessing the effectiveness of the Intent: To establish a process for plan at achieving its stated purpose and goals. jurisdictions to track the progress of the plan’s implementation. This also c. The plan must identify how, when, and by whom the plan will be serves as the basis of the next plan updated. Updating means reviewing and revising the plan at least update. once every five years.
d. The plan must include the title of the individual or name of the department/ agency responsible for leading each of these efforts.
Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide 17 4.2 ELEMENT B. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND RISK ASSESSMENT Requirement [The risk assessment shall include a] description of the type, location §201.6(c)(2)(i) and extent of all natural hazards that can affect the jurisdiction. The plan shall include information on previous occurrences of hazard events and on the probability of future hazard events.
§201.6(c)(2)(ii) [The risk assessment shall include a] description of the jurisdiction’s vulnerability to the hazards described in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section. This description shall include an overall summary of each hazard and its impact on the community. All plans approved after October 1, 2008 must also address NFIP insured structures that have been repetitively damaged by floods. The plan should describe vulnerability in terms of:
§201.6(c)(2)(ii)(A) (A) The types and numbers of existing and future buildings, infrastructure, and critical facilities located in the identified hazard areas;
§201.6(c)(2)(ii)(B) (B) An estimate of the potential dollar losses to vulnerable structures identified in … this section and a description of the methodology used to prepare the estimate.
§201.6(c)(2)(ii)(C) (C) Providing a general description of land uses and development trends within the community so that mitigation options can be considered in future land use decisions.
§201.6(c)(2)(iii) For multi‐jurisdictional plans, the risk assessment section must assess each jurisdiction’s risks where they vary from the risks facing the entire planning area.
Overall Intent. The risk assessment provides the factual basis for activities proposed in the strategy that will reduce losses from identified hazards. A quality risk assessments makes a clear connection between the community’s vulnerability and the hazard mitigation actions. In other words, it provides sufficient information to enable the jurisdiction(s) to identify and prioritize appropriate hazard mitigation actions.
Local risk assessments do not need to be based on the most sophisticated technology, but do need to be accurate, current, and relevant. During a plan update, local jurisdictions assess current and expected future vulnerability to all hazards and integrate new hazard data such as recent hazard events and new flood studies. In the mitigation plan review, FEMA looks at the quality of the information in the risk assessment, not the quantity of information in the risk assessment.
18 Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide The Mitigation Planning regulation includes several “optional” requirements for the vulnerability assessment. These are easily recognizable with the use of the term “should” in the requirement (See §201.6(c)(2)(ii)(A‐C)). Although not required, these are strongly recommended to be included in the plan. However, their absence will not cause FEMA to disapprove the plan. These “optional” requirements were originally intended to meet the overall vulnerability assessment, and this analysis can assist with identifying mitigation actions.
ELEMENT REQUIREMENTS
B1. Does the Plan include a a. The plan must include a description of the natural hazards that description of the type, location, can affect the jurisdiction(s) in the planning area. and extent of all natural hazards A natural hazard is a source of harm or difficulty created by a that can affect each jurisdiction? 3 44 CFR 201.6(c)(2)(i) and 44 CFR meteorological, environmental, or geological event . The plan 201.6(c)(2)(iii) must address natural hazards. Manmade or human‐caused hazards may be included in the document, but these are not Intent: To understand the potential required and will not be reviewed to meet the requirements for and chronic hazards affecting the natural hazards. In addition, FEMA will not require the removal of planning area in order to identify this extra information prior to plan approval. which hazard risks are most b. The plan must provide the rationale for the omission of any significant and which jurisdictions or natural hazards that are commonly recognized to affect the locations are most adversely jurisdiction(s) in the planning area. affected. c. The description, or profile, must include information on location, extent, previous occurrences, and future probability for each hazard. Previous occurrences and future probability are addressed in sub‐element B2.
The information does not necessarily need to be described or presented separately for location, extent, previous occurrences, and future probability. For example, for some hazards, one map with explanatory text could provide information on location, extent, and future probability.
Location means the geographic areas in the planning area that are affected by the hazard. For many hazards, maps are the best way to illustrate location. However, location may be described in other formats. For example, if a geographically‐specific location cannot be identified for a hazard, such as tornados, the plan may state that the entire planning area is equally at risk to that hazard.
Extent means the strength or magnitude of the hazard. For example, extent could be described in terms of the specific measurement of an occurrence on a scientific scale (for example, Enhanced Fujita Scale, Saffir‐Simpson Hurricane Scale, Richter Scale, flood depth grids) and/or other hazard factors, such as duration and speed of onset. Extent is not the same as impacts, which are described in sub‐element B3.
3 DHS Risk Lexicon, 2010 Edition. http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/dhs‐risk‐lexicon‐2010.pdf
Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide 19 ELEMENT REQUIREMENTS
d. For participating jurisdictions in a multi‐jurisdictional plan, the plan must describe any hazards that are unique and/or varied from those affecting the overall planning area.
B2. Does the Plan include a. The plan must include the history of previous hazard events for information on previous each of the identified hazards. occurrences of hazard events and on the probability of future hazard b. The plan must include the probability of future events for each events for each jurisdiction? 44 CFR identified hazard. 201.6(c)(2)(i) Probability means the likelihood of the hazard occurring and may Intent: To understand potential be defined in terms of general descriptors (for example, unlikely, impacts to the community based on likely, highly likely), historical frequencies, statistical probabilities information on the hazard events (for example: 1% chance of occurrence in any given year), and/or that have occurred in the past and hazard probability maps. If general descriptors are used, then they the likelihood they will occur in the must be defined in the plan. For example, “highly likely” could be future. defined as equals near 100% chance of occurrence next year or happens every year.
c. Plan updates must include hazard events that have occurred since the last plan was developed.
B3. Is there a description of each a. For each participating jurisdiction, the plan must describe the identified hazard’s impact on the potential impacts of each of the identified hazards on the community as well as an overall community. summary of the community’s vulnerability for each jurisdiction? Impact means the consequence or effect of the hazard on the 44 CFR 201.6(c)(2)(ii) community and its assets. Assets are determined by the community and include, for example, people, structures, facilities, Intent: For each jurisdiction to systems, capabilities, and/or activities that have value to the consider their community as a whole community. For example, impacts could be described by and analyze the potential impacts of referencing historical disaster impacts and/or an estimate of future hazard events and the potential future losses (such as percent damage of total vulnerabilities that could be reduced exposure). through hazard mitigation actions. b. The plan must provide an overall summary of each jurisdiction’s vulnerability to the identified hazards. The overall summary of vulnerability identifies structures, systems, populations or other community assets as defined by the community that are susceptible to damage and loss from hazard events. A plan will meet this sub‐element by addressing the requirements described in §201.6(c)(2)(ii)(A‐C).
Vulnerable assets and potential losses is more than a list of the total exposure of population, structures, and critical facilities in the planning area. An example of an overall summary is a list of key issues or problem statements that clearly describes the community’s greatest vulnerabilities and that will be addressed in the mitigation strategy.
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B4. Does the Plan address NFIP a. The plan must describe the types (residential, commercial, insured structures within each institutional, etc.) and estimate the numbers of repetitive loss jurisdiction that have been properties located in identified flood hazard areas. repetitively damaged by floods? 44 CFR 201.6(c)(2)(ii) Repetitive loss properties are those for which two or more losses of at least $1,000 each have been paid under the National Flood Intent: To inform hazard mitigation Insurance Program (NFIP) within any 10‐year period since 1978. actions for properties that have suffered repetitive damage due to Severe repetitive loss properties are residential properties that flooding, particularly problem areas have at least four NFIP payments over $5,000 each and the that may not be apparent on cumulative amount of such claims exceeds $20,000, or at least two floodplain maps. Information on separate claims payments with the cumulative amount exceeding repetitive loss properties helps the market value of the building. inform FEMA hazard mitigation assistance programs under the Use of flood insurance claim and disaster assistance information is National Flood Insurance Act. subject to The Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, which prohibits public release of the names of policy holders or recipients of financial assistance and the amount of the claim payment or assistance. However, maps showing general areas where claims have been paid can be made public. If a plan includes the names of policy holders or recipients of financial assistance and the amount of the claim payment or assistance, the plan cannot be approved until this Privacy Act covered information is removed from the plan.
Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide 21 4.3 ELEMENT C. MITIGATION STRATEGY Requirement [The plan shall include the following:] A mitigation strategy that §201.6(c)(3) provides the jurisdiction’s blueprint for reducing the potential losses identified in the risk assessment, based on existing authorities, policies, programs, and resources, and its ability to expand on and improve these existing tools. §201.6(c)(3)(i) [The hazard mitigation strategy shall include a] description of mitigation goals to reduce or avoid long‐term vulnerabilities to the identified hazards. §201.6(c)(3)(ii) [The hazard mitigation strategy shall include a] section that identifies and analyzes a comprehensive range of specific mitigation actions and projects being considered to reduce the effects of each hazard, with particular emphasis on new and existing buildings and infrastructure. All plans approved by FEMA after October 1, 2008, must also address the jurisdiction’s participation in the NFIP, and continued compliance with NFIP requirements, as appropriate. §201.6(c)(3)(iii) [The hazard mitigation strategy shall include an] action plan, describing how the action identified in paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this section will be prioritized, implemented, and administered by the local jurisdiction. Prioritization shall include a special emphasis on the extent to which benefits are maximized according to a cost benefit review of the proposed projects and their associated costs. §201.6(c)(3)(iv) For multi‐jurisdictional plans, there must be identifiable action items specific to the jurisdiction requesting FEMA approval or credit of the §201.6(c)(4)(ii) plan.
[The plan shall include a] process by which local governments incorporate the requirements of the mitigation plan into other planning mechanisms such as comprehensive or capital improvements, when appropriate.
Overall Intent. The mitigation strategy serves as the long‐term blueprint for reducing the potential losses identified in the risk assessment. The Stafford Act directs Local Mitigation Plans to describe hazard mitigation actions and establish a strategy to implement those actions.4 Therefore, all other requirements for a Local Mitigation Plan lead to and support the mitigation strategy.
4 Section 322(b), Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act), as amended, 42 U.S.C. 5165.
22 Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide The mitigation strategy includes the development of goals and prioritized hazard mitigation actions. Goals are long‐term policy statements and global visions that support the mitigation strategy. A critical step in the development of specific hazard mitigation actions and projects is assessing the community’s existing authorities, policies, programs, and resources and its capability to use or modify local tools to reduce losses and vulnerability from profiled hazards.
In the plan update, goals and actions are either reaffirmed or updated based on current conditions, including the completion of hazard mitigation initiatives, an updated or new risk assessment, or changes in State or local priorities.
ELEMENT REQUIREMENTS
C1. Does the plan document each a. The plan must describe each jurisdiction’s existing authorities, jurisdiction’s existing authorities, policies, programs and resources available to accomplish hazard policies, programs and resources, mitigation. and its ability to expand on and improve these existing policies and Examples include, but are not limited to: staff involved in local programs? 44 CFR 201.6(c)(3) planning activities, public works, and emergency management; funding through taxing authority, and annual budgets; or Intent: To ensure that each regulatory authorities for comprehensive planning, building codes, jurisdiction evaluates its capabilities and ordinances. to accomplish hazard mitigation actions, through existing mechanisms. This is especially useful for multi‐jurisdictional plans where local capability varies widely.
C2. Does the Plan address each a. The plan must describe each jurisdiction’s participation in the NFIP jurisdiction’s participation in the and describe their floodplain management program for continued NFIP and continued compliance compliance. Simply stating “The community will continue to with NFIP requirements, as comply with NFIP,” will not meet this requirement. The appropriate? 44 CFR 201.6(c)(3)(ii) description could include, but is not limited to:
Intent: To demonstrate flood hazard Adoption and enforcement of floodplain management mitigation efforts by the community requirements, including regulating new construction in through NFIP activities. Where FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs); is the official administering Federal Floodplain identification and mapping, including any local agency of the NFIP, participation in requests for map updates; or the program is a basic community Description of community assistance and monitoring capability and resource for flood activities. hazard mitigation activities. Jurisdictions that are currently not participating in the NFIP and where an FHBM or FIRM has been issued may meet this requirement by describing the reasons why the community does not participate.
Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide 23 ELEMENT REQUIREMENTS
C3. Does the Plan include goals to a. The plan must include general hazard mitigation goals that reduce/avoid long‐term represent what the jurisdiction(s) seeks to accomplish through vulnerabilities to the identified mitigation plan implementation. hazards? 44 CFR 201.6(c)(3)(i) Goals are broad policy statements that explain what is to be Intent: To guide the development achieved. and implementation of hazard mitigation actions for the b. The goals must be consistent with the hazards identified in the community(ies). Goals are plan. statements of the community’s visions for the future.
C4. Does the Plan identify and a. The plan must include a mitigation strategy that 1) analyzes analyze a comprehensive range of actions and/or projects that the jurisdiction considered to reduce specific mitigation actions and the impacts of hazards identified in the risk assessment, and 2) projects for each jurisdiction being identifies the actions and/or projects that the jurisdiction intends considered to reduce the effects of to implement. hazards, with emphasis on new and existing buildings and Mitigation actions and projects means a hazard mitigation action, infrastructure? 44 CFR activity or process (for example, adopting a building code) or it 201.6(c)(3)(ii) and 44 CFR can be a physical project (for example, elevating structures or 201.6(c)(3)(iv) retrofitting critical infrastructure) designed to reduce or eliminate the long term risks from hazards. This sub‐element can be met Intent: To ensure the hazard with either actions or projects, or a combination of actions and mitigation actions are based on the projects. identified hazard vulnerabilities, are within the capability of each The mitigation plan may include non‐mitigation actions, such as jurisdiction, and reduce or avoid actions that are emergency response or operational preparedness future losses. This is the heart of the in nature. These will not be accepted as hazard mitigation actions, mitigation plan, and is essential to but neither will FEMA require these to be removed from the plan leading communities to reduce their prior to approval. risk. Communities, not FEMA, “own” the hazard mitigation actions in the A comprehensive range consists of different hazard mitigation strategy. alternatives that address the vulnerabilities to the hazards that the jurisdiction(s) determine are most important.
b. Each jurisdiction participating in the plan must have mitigation actions specific to that jurisdiction that are based on the community’s risk and vulnerabilities, as well as community priorities.
c. The action plan must reduce risk to existing buildings and infrastructure as well as limit any risk to new development and redevelopment. With emphasis on new and existing building and infrastructure means that the action plan includes a consideration of actions that address the built environment.
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C5. Does the Plan contain an action a. The plan must describe the criteria used for prioritizing plan that describes how the actions implementation of the actions. identified will be prioritized (including cost benefit review), b. The plan must demonstrate when prioritizing hazard mitigation implemented, and administered by actions that the local jurisdictions considered the benefits that each jurisdiction? 44 CFR would result from the hazard mitigation actions versus the cost of 201.6(c)(3)(iii) and 44 CFR (c)(3)(iv) those actions. The requirement is met as long as the economic considerations are summarized in the plan as part of the Intent: To identify how the plan will community’s analysis. A complete benefic‐cost analysis is not directly lead to implementation of required. Qualitative benefits (for example, quality of life, natural the hazard mitigation actions. As and beneficial values, or other “benefits”) can also be included in opportunities arise for actions or how actions will be prioritized. projects to be implemented, the responsible entity will be able to c. The plan must identify the position, office, department, or agency take action towards completion of responsible for implementing and administering the action (for the activities. each jurisdiction), and identify potential funding sources and expected timeframes for completion.
C6. Does the Plan describe a a. The plan must describe the community’s process to integrate the process by which local governments data, information, and hazard mitigation goals and actions into will integrate the requirements of other planning mechanisms. the mitigation plan into other planning mechanisms, such as b. The plan must identify the local planning mechanisms where comprehensive or capital hazard mitigation information and/or actions may be improvement plans, when incorporated. appropriate? 44 CFR 201.6(c)(4)(ii) Planning mechanisms means governance structures that are used Intent: To assist communities in to manage local land use development and community decision‐ capitalizing on all available making, such as comprehensive plans, capital improvement plans, mechanisms that they have at their or other long‐range plans. disposal to accomplish hazard mitigation and reduce risk. c. A multi‐jurisdictional plan must describe each participating jurisdiction’s individual process for integrating hazard mitigation actions applicable to their community into other planning mechanisms.
d. The updated plan must explain how the jurisdiction(s) incorporated the mitigation plan, when appropriate, into other planning mechanisms as a demonstration of progress in local hazard mitigation efforts.
e. The updated plan must continue to describe how the mitigation strategy, including the goals and hazard mitigation actions will be incorporated into other planning mechanisms.
Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide 25 4.4 ELEMENT D. PLAN REVIEW, EVALUATION, AND IMPLEMENTATION (Plan Updates Only) Requirement A local jurisdiction must review and revise its plan to reflect changes §201.6(d)(3) in development, progress in local mitigation efforts, and changes in priorities, and resubmit if for approval within 5 years in order to continue to be eligible for mitigation project grant funding.
Overall Intent. In order to continue to be an effective representation of the jurisdiction’s overall strategy for reducing its risks from natural hazards, the mitigation plan must reflect current conditions. This will require an assessment of the current development patterns and development pressures as well as an evaluation of any new hazard or risk information. The plan update is an opportunity for the jurisdiction to assess its previous goals and action plan, evaluate progress in implementing hazard mitigation actions, and adjust its actions to address the current realities.
Where conditions of growth and revisions in priorities may have changed very little in a community, much of the text in the updated plan may be unchanged. This is acceptable as long as it still fits the priorities of their community, and it reflects current conditions. The key for plan readers to recognize a good plan update is documentation of the community’s progress or changes in their hazard mitigation program, along with the community’s continued engagement in the mitigation planning process.
ELEMENT REQUIREMENTS
D1. Was the plan revised to reflect a. The plan must describe changes in development that have changes in development? 44 CFR occurred in hazard prone areas and increased or decreased the 201.6(d)(3) vulnerability of each jurisdiction since the last plan was approved. If no changes in development impacted the jurisdiction’s overall Intent: To ensure that the vulnerability, plan updates may validate the information in the mitigation strategy continues to previously approved plan. address the risk and vulnerabilities to existing and potential Changes in development means recent development (for development, and takes into example, construction completed since the last plan was consideration possible future approved), potential development (for example, development conditions that can impact the planned or under consideration by the jurisdiction), or conditions vulnerability of the community. that may affect the risks and vulnerabilities of the jurisdictions (for example, climate variability, declining populations or projected increases in population, or foreclosures). Not all development will affect a jurisdiction’s vulnerability.
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D2. Was the plan revised to reflect a. The plan must describe the status of hazard mitigation actions in progress in local mitigation efforts? the previous plan by identifying those that have been completed 44 CFR 201.6(d)(3) or not completed. For actions that have not been completed, the plan must either describe whether the action is no longer relevant Intent: To evaluate and or be included as part of the updated action plan. demonstrate progress made in the past five years in achieving goals and implementing actions outlined in their mitigation strategy.
D3. Was the plan revised to reflect a. The plan must describe if and how any priorities changed since the changes in priorities? 44 CFR plan was previously approved. 201.6(d)(3) If no changes in priorities are necessary, plan updates may Intent: To ensure the plan reflects validate the information in the previously approved plan. current conditions, including financial, legal, and political realities as well as post‐disaster conditions.
Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide 27 4.5 ELEMENT E. PLAN ADOPTION Requirement [The plan shall include…] Documentation that the plan has been §201.6(c)(5) formally adopted by the governing body of the jurisdiction requesting approval of the plan (e.g., City Council, County commissioner, Tribal Council). For multi‐jurisdictional plans, each jurisdiction requesting approval of the plan must document that it has been formally adopted.
Overall Intent. Adoption by the local governing body demonstrates the jurisdiction’s commitment to fulfilling the hazard mitigation goals and actions outlined in the plan. Adoption legitimizes the plan and authorizes responsible agencies to execute their responsibilities. Updated plans also are adopted anew to demonstrate community recognition of the current planning process, changes that have occurred within the previous five years, and validate community priorities for hazard mitigation actions.
ELEMENT REQUIREMENTS
E1. Does the Plan include a. The plan must include documentation of plan adoption, usually a documentation that the plan has resolution by the governing body or other authority. been formally adopted by the governing body of the jurisdiction If the local jurisdiction has not passed a formal resolution, or used requesting approval? 44 CFR some other documentation of adoption, the clerk or city attorney 201.6(c)(5) must provide written confirmation that the action meets their community’s legal requirements for official adoption and/or the Intent: To demonstrate the highest elected official or their designee must submit written jurisdiction’s commitment to proof of the adoption. The signature of one of these officials is fulfilling the hazard mitigation goals required with the explanation or other proof of adoption. outlined in the plan, and to authorize responsible agencies to Minutes of a council or other meeting during which the plan is execute their responsibilities. adopted will be sufficient if local law allows meeting records to be submitted as documentation of adoption. The clerk of the governing body, or city attorney, must provide a copy of the law and a brief, written explanation such as, “in accordance with section ___ of the city code/ordinance, this constitutes formal adoption of the measure,” with an official signature.
If adopted after FEMA review, adoption must take place within one calendar year of receipt of FEMA’s “Approval Pending Adoption.” See Section 5, Plan Review Procedure for more information on “Approvable Pending Adoption.”
28 Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide ELEMENT REQUIREMENTS
E2. For multi‐jurisdictional plans, a. Each jurisdiction that is included in the plan must have its has each jurisdiction requesting governing body adopt the plan prior to FEMA approval, even approval of the plan documented when a regional agency has the authority to prepare such plans. formal plan adoption? 44 CFR 201.6(c)(5) As with single jurisdictional plans, in order for FEMA to give approval to a multi‐jurisdictional plan, at least one participating Intent: To demonstrate the jurisdiction must formally adopt the plan within one calendar year jurisdiction’s commitment to of FEMA’s designation of the plan as “Approvable Pending fulfilling the hazard mitigation goals Adoption.” See Section 5, Plan Review Procedure for more outlined in the plan, and to information on “Approvable Pending Adoption.” authorize responsible agencies to execute their responsibilities.
Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide 29 Appendix B Planning Process and Public Outreach
Appendix B: Planning Process and Public Outreach
1. Local Planning Team Member List 2. Online Public Survey Results 3. Meeting Agendas 4. Copy of Various Public Announcements 5. Screenshot of Town Homepage with Link to Draft Report 6. Email Sent to Neighboring Towns 7. Comment Response Document
B-1 Orleans Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Town of Orleans Local Planning Team (LPT) Master List
Name Department/Affiliation Email 1 George Meservey Director of Planning [email protected] 2 John Jannell Conservation Agent [email protected] 3 Nate Sears Natural Resources Manager [email protected] 4 Tom Daley DPW Director [email protected] 5 Scott MacDonald Chief of Police [email protected] 6 Tony Pike Fire Chief [email protected] 7 Susan Brown Assistant Water Superintendent [email protected] 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 Orleans Natural Hazard Mitigation Public Opinion Survey | Orleans MA https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/planning-department/webforms/orleans-...
Contact Us
About Orleans Departments Boards & Committees Minutes & Agendas Services A - Z
Beach Road Sidewalk Project Home ›› Departments ›› Planning Cape Cod Commission
Cape Cod Cooperative Extension Flooding Website
Committees Supported by the Planning Department This survey is to gauge public perceptions and opinions regarding natural hazards in Orleans. In addition, we would like information regarding the Community Indicators, 2017 methods and techniques you prefer for reducing the risks and losses asso- Downtown Planning ciated with these hazards. The information you provide will be used to help improve coordination, mitigation and risk reduction efforts in Town. The sur- FEMA Flood Map Information vey should take less than 10 minutes to complete. Please complete this sur- Forms & Fee Schedule vey by November 30.
GIS Mapping If you have any questions regarding this survey or would like to learn more Massachusetts State Website ways you can participate in the update of the Orleans Multi-Hazard Mitiga- tion Plan, please contact George Meservey at (508) 240-3700 x 335 or at Orleans Comprehensive Plan [email protected]. Orleans Natural Hazard Mitigation Public Opinion Survey Have you experienced a weather-related disaster while living, working or visiting Orleans? Orleans Parking and Circulation Yes Study, January 2018 No Reports
Rt. 28 & Rt. 39 Intersection Study In your opinion, which of the following natural hazards are you most concerned about? Underground Utility Study, 2015, (Choose up to 3 answers) Cape Cod Commission Flood Village Center Planning Coastal Erosion
Zoning Bylaws & Regulations Sea-Level Rise
Shoaling
Hurricane & Tropical Storms Phone: Nor'easter (508) 240-3700 x 435
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Fax: Severe Winter Weather (e.g., Snow, Blizzard, Ice Storm) (508) 240-3388 Fire (wildfire or structural) Address: Thunderstorm/Lightning Orleans Town Hall 19 School Road Isolated Heavy Rain Event Orleans, MA 02653 High Wind United States See map: Google Maps Tornado
Drought
Extreme Temperature
Culvert Failure
Earthquake
Landslide
Tsunami
Which of the following natural hazards have you experienced while in Orleans? (You can select more than 1 answer) Flood
Coastal Erosion
Sea-Level Rise
Shoaling
Hurricane & Tropical Storms
Nor'easter
Severe Winter Weather (e.g., Snow, Blizzard, Ice Storm)
Fire (wildfire or structural)
Thunderstorm/Lightning
Isolated Heavy Rain Event
High Wind
Tornado
Drought
Extreme Temperature
Culvert Failure
Earthquake
Landslide
Tsunami
How concerned are you about the possibility of any natural hazards
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impacting Orleans? Extremely Concerned
Somewhat Concerned
Not Concerned
What specific community assets are most important to you? (You can select more than 1 answer) Council on Aging
Schools
Police & Fire Stations
Bridges (please specify bridge(s) of importance below)
Historical buildings or sites (please specify site(s) of importance below)
Beaches (please specify location(s) of importance below)
Town Hall
Snow Library
Water distribution and treatment plant
Other (please specify below)
If you selected Bridges, Historical Buildings, Beaches or Other above, please specify the particular asset(s) of interest.
Which of the following actions have you taken to be more hazard re- sistant? (You can select more than 1 answer) Purchased flood insurance
Participated in educational activities and trainings about hazard and emer- gency preparedness Removed debris and hazardous materials from my property
Pruned trees on or near my property
Obtained an emergency response kit
Other (please specify below)
If you selected Other above, please specify the additional action(s) you have taken to be more resilient.
What is the most effective way to engage you in hazard planning and emergency preparedness activities? (You can select more than 1 answer) Local newspaper (Cape Codder and/or Cape Cod Times)
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Public Television
Radio Advertising
Internet (Facebook and Town website)
Public Workshops and/or meetings
School meetings
Other (please specify below)
If you selected Other above, please specify additional ways to effec- tively engage you in this process.
What steps can your local government take to reduce its risk from nat- ural hazards and protect the buildings and people of Orleans? (You can select more than 1 answer) Improve the alert/warning/notification system
Develop climate change adaptation plans and implement them
Continue to improve the regional emergency shelter (Nauset High School)
Remove debris and hazardous materials as well as prune trees on town property Improve drainage on area roads
Educate the public on evacuation methods
Apply for funding to reduce Orleans’ risk to natural hazards
Perform detailed risk assessments
Educate the public on the science of natural hazards and emergency pre- paredness Amend or update the Orleans Zoning Bylaws as they relate to Flooding
Continue to work with regional partners to prepare for and recover from natural hazards Dredge shoals in Nauset Bay, Pleasant Bay and/or Rock Harbor to reduce the risk of boating hazards Other (please specify below)
If you selected Other above, please specify the additional action(s) you think the Town should take to reduce its risk from natural hazards.
Please tell us about yourself. (Select all that apply to you)
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Year-round resident
Part-time resident
I own a home in Orleans
I rent a home in Orleans
I am not a resident of Orleans, but I am employed in Orleans
I am a business owner in Orleans
I am a frequent visitor to Orleans
Other (please specify below)
If you would like to be more involved in the hazard plan- ning process, please provide your name, email and/or al- ternate contact information.
Name (optional)
Email (optional)
Alternate Contact Information (optional)
Submit
Town of Orleans, 19 School Road, Orleans, MA 02653 Phone (508) 240-3700 Fax (508) 240-3388 Website Disclaimer Government Websites by CivicPlus ® Login
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Orleans Natural Hazard Mitigation Public Opinion Survey
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This page shows analysis of submitted data, such as the number of submissions per component value, calculations, and averages. Additional components may be added under the "Add analysis components" fieldset.
Have you experienced a weather-related disaster while living, working or visiting Orleans?
Yes 129 No 72
In your opinion, which of the following natural hazards are you most concerned about?
Flood 37 Coastal Erosion 89 Sea-Level Rise 46 Shoaling 8 Hurricane & Tropical Storms 115 Nor'easter 121 Severe Winter Weather (e.g., Snow, Blizzard, Ice Storm) 116 Fire (wildfire or structural) 10 Thunderstorm/Lightning 11 Isolated Heavy Rain Event 28 High Wind 87 Tornado 6 Drought 3 Extreme Temperature 8 Culvert Failure 2 Earthquake 2 Landslide 2 Tsunami 4
https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/node/117193/webform-results/analysis 1/5 11/30/2018 Orleans Natural Hazard Mitigation Public Opinion Survey | Orleans MA
Which of the following natural hazards have you experienced while in Orleans?
Flood 43 Coastal Erosion 105 Sea-Level Rise 39 Shoaling 18 Hurricane & Tropical Storms 114 Nor'easter 177 Severe Winter Weather (e.g., Snow, Blizzard, Ice Storm) 157 Fire (wildfire or structural) 3 Thunderstorm/Lightning 82 Isolated Heavy Rain Event 107 High Wind 137 Tornado 4 Drought 18 Extreme Temperature 23 Culvert Failure 1 Earthquake 3 Tsunami 1
How concerned are you about the possibility of any natural hazards impacting Orleans?
Extremely Concerned 66 Somewhat Concerned 126 Not Concerned 13
What specific community assets are most important to you?
Council on Aging 54 Schools 70 Police & Fire Stations 156 Bridges (please specify bridge(s) of importance below) 28 Historical buildings or sites (please specify site(s) of importance below) 25 Beaches (please specify location(s) of importance below) 142 Town Hall 29 Snow Library 74 Water distribution and treatment plant 114 Other (please specify below) 9
https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/node/117193/webform-results/analysis 2/5 11/30/2018 Orleans Natural Hazard Mitigation Public Opinion Survey | Orleans MA
If you selected Bridges, Historical Buildings, Beaches or Other above, please specify the particular asset(s) of interest.
Left Blank 77 User entered value 132 Average submission length in words (ex blanks) 4.42
Which of the following actions have you taken to be more hazard resistant?
Purchased flood insurance 21 Participated in educational activities and trainings about hazard and emergency preparedness 44 Removed debris and hazardous materials from my property 124 Pruned trees on or near my property 153 Obtained an emergency response kit 31 Other (please specify below) 23
If you selected Other above, please specify the additional action(s) you have taken to be more resilient.
Left Blank 174 User entered value 35 Average submission length in words (ex blanks) 6.97
What is the most effective way to engage you in hazard planning and emergency preparedness activities?
Local newspaper (Cape Codder and/or Cape Cod Times) 103 Public Television 30 Radio Advertising 17 Internet (Facebook and Town website) 108 Email 164 Mail 47 Public Workshops and/or meetings 63 School meetings 8 Other (please specify below) 10
https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/node/117193/webform-results/analysis 3/5 11/30/2018 Orleans Natural Hazard Mitigation Public Opinion Survey | Orleans MA
If you selected Other above, please specify additional ways to effectively engage you in this process.
Left Blank 188 User entered value 21 Average submission length in words (ex blanks) 5.14
What steps can your local government take to reduce its risk from natural hazards and protect the buildings and people of Orleans?
Improve the alert/warning/notification system 103 Develop climate change adaptation plans and implement them 82 Continue to improve the regional emergency shelter (Nauset High School) 65 Remove debris and hazardous materials as well as prune trees on town property 126 Improve drainage on area roads 125 Educate the public on evacuation methods 47 Apply for funding to reduce Orleans’ risk to natural hazards 77 Perform detailed risk assessments 52 Educate the public on the science of natural hazards and emergency preparedness 48 Amend or update the Orleans Zoning Bylaws as they relate to Flooding 30 Continue to work with regional partners to prepare for and recover from natural hazards 83 Dredge shoals in Nauset Bay, Pleasant Bay and/or Rock Harbor to reduce the risk of boating hazards 77 Other (please specify below) 23
If you selected Other above, please specify the additional action(s) you think the Town should take to reduce its risk from natural hazards.
Left Blank 176 User entered value 33 Average submission length in words (ex blanks) 9.76
Please tell us about yourself.
Year-round resident 131 Part-time resident 48 I own a home in Orleans 144 I rent a home in Orleans 3 I am not a resident of Orleans, but I am employed in Orleans 11 I am a business owner in Orleans 14 I am a frequent visitor to Orleans 9 Other (please specify below) 5 https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/node/117193/webform-results/analysis 4/5 11/30/2018 Orleans Natural Hazard Mitigation Public Opinion Survey | Orleans MA
Please Specify
Left Blank 201 User entered value 8 Average submission length in words (ex blanks) 14.25
Name (optional)
Left Blank 175 User entered value 34 Average submission length in words (ex blanks) 2.50
Email (optional)
Left Blank 176 User entered value 33 Average submission length in words (ex blanks) 3.21
Alternate Contact Information (optional)
Left Blank 198 User entered value 11 Average submission length in words (ex blanks) 1.55
Add analysis components
Update analysis display
https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/node/117193/webform-results/analysis 5/5
Town of Orleans Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program & Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Kick-off Meeting
Location: Town Hall Time 11:00 AM October 4, 2018
Attendees: John Kelly, Town Administrator Scott MacDonald, Chief of Police George Meservey, Director of Planning Tony Pike, Fire Chief John Jannell, Conservation Agent Todd Bunzick, Water Superintendent Nate Sears, Natural Resources Manager Elise Leduc, Woods Hole Group Tom Daley, DPW Director Brittany Hoffnagle, Woods Hole Group
Agenda Items:
1. Welcome and Introductions 2. MVP vs. MHMP 3. Overview of the MVP Process a. Review scope of work (highlight Town responsibilities) b. Discuss draft workshop agenda c. Schedule & Planning • Select workshop day/location (consider parking); reservations? • Development and finalization of stakeholder/invitee list (30-40 people) • Send invites – we will provide draft invite language, intro materials and pre-survey questions, which can serve as registration • Volunteers to act as scribes (~5) • Listening session 4. Overview of the MHMP Update Process a. Review scope of work (highlight Town responsibilities) b. Review of Hazards c. Discussion of Public Outreach Strategy 5. Data Requirements/Review a. Current assessor’s parcel database – ArcGIS format b. Any newly available hazard related data since 2004? c. State issued climate change projections/modeling d. Mitigation measures completed since 2004 e. Relevant Town plans/reports
Town of Orleans Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program & Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Working Meeting 1
Location: Town Hall Time 3:00 PM November 13, 2018
Attendees: John Kelly, Town Administrator Scott MacDonald, Chief of Police George Meservey, Director of Planning Tony Pike, Fire Chief John Jannell, Conservation Agent Todd Bunzick, Water Superintendent Nate Sears, Natural Resources Manager Susan Brown, Assistant Water Superintendent Tom Daley, DPW Director Elise Leduc, Woods Hole Group
Agenda Items:
1. Review outstanding tasks from previous meeting
2. Discussion of Hazard Profiles a. Discuss/approve data to be used b. Advise WHG of additional data sources to consider
3. Review/revise Critical Facilities list a. Any to remove? b. Any to be added?
4. Town Capabilities Assessment a. FEMA’s Capabilities Assessment Questionnaire will help identify and document Town capabilities
5. Online Public Survey – Review and Approve
6. MVP Workshop Planning a. Select workshop day/location (consider parking); reservations? b. Development and finalization of stakeholder/invitee list (30-40 people) c. Send invites – we will provide draft invite language, intro materials and pre-survey questions, which can serve as registration d. Volunteers to act as scribes (~5)
Town of Orleans Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program & Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Working Meeting 2
Location: Town Hall Time 3:00 PM December 11, 2018
Attendees: John Kelly, Town Administrator Scott MacDonald, Chief of Police George Meservey, Director of Planning Tony Pike, Fire Chief John Jannell, Conservation Agent Todd Bunzick, Water Superintendent Nate Sears, Natural Resources Manager Susan Brown, Assistant Water Superintendent Tom Daley, DPW Director Elise Leduc, Woods Hole Group
Agenda Items:
1. Review outstanding tasks from previous meeting
2. Review of Hazard Profiles a. Hazard maps b. Data gaps (ex: Rep Loss Properties, SLR, dredging records) c. Review hazard screening/ranking process
3. Review/Finalize Critical Facilities list - Opportunity to revise and comment a. Still need proposed building location at 40 Giddiah Hill Road (Tom Daly)
4. Review/update 2004 Hazard Mitigation Plan goals
5. Review public outreach efforts a. Results of online public survey b. Other targeted outreach?
6. MVP Workshop Planning a. Confirm workshop day/location; other logistics for the day (food, A/V equipment, etc) b. Review stakeholder/invitee list (target 30-40 attendees) c. Send invites – we will provide draft invite language, intro materials and pre-survey questions, which can serve as registration d. Volunteers to act as scribes (~5)
Town of Orleans Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program & Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Working Meeting 3
Location: Town Hall Time: 9:00 AM March 8, 2019
Attendees: George Meservey, Director of Planning Scott MacDonald, Chief of Police John Jannell, Conservation Agent Tony Pike, Fire Chief Nate Sears, Natural Resources Manager Susan Brown, Assistant Water Superintendent Tom Daley, DPW Director Elise Leduc, Woods Hole Group
Agenda Items:
1. Review and Summary of MVP workshop a. Top Actions b. DRAFT Summary and Findings Report • Send revisions to Elise by March 29 c. Next Steps – Listing Session d. Information to carry over into MHMP? • Additional features to add as critical facilities? • Housing Authority properties to add to vulnerable populations map?
2. Review Vulnerability Assessment Results We will discuss the results of the vulnerability assessment of the critical facilities and Town parcels related to the specific hazards previously discussed (FEMA Flood Zones, Sea Level Rise (in 1 ft increments), SLOSH Hurricane impacts, and Fire. These results will help develop targeted hazard mitigation actions for the updated plan.
3. Review 2004 Proposed Mitigation Actions – Determine status of each
Town of Orleans Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program & Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Working Meeting 4
Location: Town Hall Time: 11:00 AM April 4, 2019
Attendees: George Meservey, Director of Planning Scott MacDonald, Chief of Police John Jannell, Conservation Agent Tony Pike, Fire Chief Nate Sears, Natural Resources Manager Susan Brown, Assistant Water Superintendent Tom Daley, DPW Director Elise Leduc, Woods Hole Group
Agenda Items:
1. Discuss addition MVP Action - Address flooding and coastal erosion at town landings. Ongoing coastal erosion at Mill Pond Road landing is currently undermining the roadway, water main and other infrastructure. Additionally, the low existing elevation at both Mill Pond Road and Sparrowhawk Road landings results in frequent flooding of these assets, prohibiting use during certain tides.
2. Review Draft Mitigation Actions
3. Review Initial Prioritization for Mitigation Actions
4. Discuss Additional Details for Each Mitigation Action Retained (See Example Below)
5. Planning for Public Listening Session
Template for mitigation action information:
Mitigation Action #1:
ORLEANS TOWN CLERK t1 ASgSq
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9p 19 JAN 9 11: 02AM aAA E,D
ORLEANS PLANNING BOARD DECEMBER 11, 2018- Minutes
A meeting of the Orleans Planning Board was called to order at 7: 00 p.m. in the Nauset Meeting Room at the Orleans Town Hall. Present: Chairman: Andrea Reed; Vice-Chairman: Chet Crabtree; Clerk: Richard Hartmann. Regular Members: Charles Bechtold and Debra Oakes. Associate: Brian Sosner. Planning Department Staff: George Meservey; and Secretary: Karen Sharpless. Also Present: Board of Selectmen Liaison: Kevin Galligan.
PROMOTION OF DEBRA OAKES
Chairman Reed congratulated Debra Oakes on her promotion to Regular Planning Board Member.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no public comments at this point in the meeting.
MUNICIPAL VULNERABILITY PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM ( MVP) & MULTI- HAZARD MITIGATION
PLAN ( MHMP) UPDATE
Elise Leduc and Brittany Hoffnagle( Woods Hole Group) gave a Powerpoint presentation showing comparisons in the goals of the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program and the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. As noted in the presentation, the overall goal is to identify vulnerabilities and develop mitigation strategies to reduce the town' s vulnerability to hazards in the future through the following steps:
1. Identify and describe hazards 2. Identify community assets and critical infrastructure 3. Analyze/evaluate risk 4. Develop mitigation actions
DEFINITIVE SUBDIVISION- POLLY LEONARD KEENER. CATHERINE L. KEENER, GRETCHEN E.
TANZER & WILLIAM L. ROMEY- NAUSET HEIGHTS ROAD
Meservey explained that an e-mail was received from Philip Scholomiti( Ryder& Wilcox) as representative of the applicants requesting a continuance to the Planning Board meeting on January 8, 2019 at 7: 00 p.m. in order for Conservation Commission to address concerns regarding construction within the wetland buffer.
Planning Board Minutes- December 11, 2018 Page 1 of 4 All information discussed at Planning Board meetings is kept on file in the Planning Department. MOTION TO CONTINUE:
MOTION: On a motion by Charles Bechtold, seconded by Richard Hartmann, the Board voted to approve the request to continue the Definitive Subdivision Plan presentation to 7: 00 p.m. at the Planning Board meeting on January 8, 2019
VOTE: 5- 0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
MOTION FOR CHAIRMAN TO ENDORSE EXTENSION FORM
MOTION: On a motion by Richard Hartmann, seconded by Charles Bechtold, the Board voted to authorize the Planning Board Chairman to endorse the Definitive Subdivision Extension Request for Polly Leonard Keener, Catherine L. Keener, Gretchen E. Tanzer& William L. Romey
VOTE: 5- 0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
DEFINITIVE SUBDIVISION— ROBERT B. WILCOX& LAWRENCE E. WILCOX—MAIN
STREET/MONUMENT ROAD
Chairman Reed openedpublic hearing and Hartmann read the legal into the record.
PhilipP Scholomiti( Ryder&Y Wilcox) escribed a 3- lot Definitive Subdivision located in the Residence zoning district located on the southerly side of Main Street and Monument Road. The property is not located in a Groundwater Protection District and wetland buffers affect both proposed building lots. Lot 1 is proposed as a panhandle lot, and waivers for frontage requirements of two lots on a subdivision plan of land is allowed in the Residential District under zoning§ 164-22 A( 5), with requirements. Lot 2 contains an existing dwelling and meets the building upland and street frontage requirements of zoning. Lot 3 is not a buildable lot, and is to be combined with the adjacent parcel owned by Laurence E. and Mildred G. Wilcox. A note to that effect appears on the plan. The parcel to be combined already supports a dwelling. Scholomiti updated Planning Board members on the proposed 14' x 14' gravel driveway and noted that a Stormwater Drainage Plan has been submitted.
Galligan noted there is no Conservation Commission wetland delineation on file.
Josh Stewart( abutter) expressed concern with the number of panhandle lots in town and stated his opinion that they could result in a loss of community character.
MOTION TO APPROVE WAIVERS:
MOTION: On a motion by Charles Bechtold, seconded by Chet Crabtree, the Board voted to waive the street frontage requirements for Lot 1 and allow panhandle frontage. The lots meet the requirements for Panhandle Lots in the Zoning Bylaw, Section 164- 22 A. (5), and it is in the public interest to limit new impervious paving to create required street frontage.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously
Planning Board Minutes—December 11, 2018 Page 2 of 4 NI information discussed at Planning Board meetings is kept on file in the Planning Department. MOTION TO APPROVE:
MOTION: On a motion by Charles Bechtold, seconded by Chet Crabtree, the Board voted to approve the Definitive Subdivision Plan prepared for Robert B. Wilcox and Laurence E. Wilcox, dated October 31, 2018, scale 1"= 50', for land located at 6 Monument Road, subject to the following conditions: 1. Stormwater runoff shall be contained on the site and shall not enter Main Street. 2. Lot 1 as a panhandle lot is limited to one single family dwelling. 3. Town water must be available to Lot 1. 4. When the subdivision is developed, all of the requirements of Title 5 and the Orleans Board of Health Regulations for Subsurface Sewage Disposal must be met. 5. Per the requirements of Title 5, the septic system serving the existing dwelling on proposed Lot 2 must be inspected. If it is determined that the septic system consists ofcesspools or otherwise fails the inspection, the septic system must be upgraded to meet the requirements of Title 5 and the Orleans Board ofHealth Subsurface Sewage Disposal Regulations.
VOTE: 5- 0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
SHORT-TERM RENTAL SIGNS
Crabtree recused himselffrom discussion and voting on this issue due to business conflicts.
Planning Board members discussed Section 164-35 Signs portion ofthe Orleans Zoning Bylaws and agreed to review a draft bylaw at the Planning Board meeting on January 8, 2019.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Community Preservation.Committee( Brian Sosnerl
Sosner reported that 10- 12 Community Preservation Committee applications have been received for
review.
CORRESPONDENCE Memorandum to John Kelly( Town Administrator) entitled," Zoning Bylaw Task Force Charge" Zoning Board of Appeals Public Hearing Notice: December 19, 2018
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: November 27. 2018
MOTION: On a motion by Charles Bechtold, seconded by Debra Oakes, the Board voted to approve the Planning Board minutes for November 27, 2018.
VOTE: 4- 0-1 The motion passed by a majority. ( Chet Crabtree abstained).
Page 3 of 4 Planning Board Minutes— December 11, 2018 All information discussed at Planning Baird meetings is kept on file in the Manning Department. PLANNING BOARD MEETING CANCELLATION
MOTION: On a motion by Richard Hartmann, seconded by Debra Oakes, the Board voted not to hold a Planning Board meeting on December 25, 2018, due to the Christmas Holiday.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: On a motion by Charles Bechtold, seconded by Chet Crabtree, the Board voted to adjourn the Planning Board meeting at 8:30 p.m.
VOTE: 5- 0- 0 The motion passed unanimously.
SIGNED: tar DATE: - 5 -7v r,.' ic" rdHart a• nn, Clerk)
LIST OF HANDOUTS:
DEFINITIVE SUBDIVISION PUBLIC HEARING- POLLY LEONARD KEENER. CATHERINE L. KEENER. GRETCHEN E. TANZER& WILLIAM L. ROMEY- NAUSET HEIGHTS ROAD Definitive Plan Application Time Extension Request
Legal Ad Application for Approval of Definitive Plan
DEFINITIVE SUBDIVISION PUBLIC HEARING- ROBERT B. WILCOX& LAWRENCE E. WILCOX- MAIN STREET/ MONUMENT ROAD
Legal Ad Application for Approval of Definitive Plan Letter from Philip Scholomiti( Ryder& Wilcox), dated October 31, 2018 Shape Factor Calculations Planning Department Memorandum, dated December 5, 2018 Board of Health Memorandum, dated November 19, 2018 Driveway Plan and Profile
ZONING DISCUSSION. SHORT-TERM RENTAL SIGNS Orleans Zoning Bylaw, Chapter 164-35, Signs
CORRESPONDENCE Memorandum to John Kelly( Town Administrator) entitled," Zoning Bylaw Task Force Charge", dated November 29, 2018 Zoning Board of Appeals Public Hearing Notice: December 19, 2018
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Planning Board minutes for November 27, 2018
Planning Board Minutes— December 11, 2018 Page 4 of 4 All information discussed at Planning Board meetings is kept on file in the Planning Department Town of Orleans
Participate in Orleans’ Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program
On behalf of the Town of Orleans, I would like to personally invite you to join me at a Community Resilience Building Workshop focused on preparing and protecting Orleans from natural and climate-related hazards now, and in the future.
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program Workshop Friday, February 8, 2019 8:30am – 4:30pm Orleans Town Hall, 19 School Rd A light continental breakfast and lunch will be provided
Recent events like Hurricane Irene in 2011, the snowstorms of 2015, the drought of 2016, and back-to-back nor’easters in March 2018 have highlighted an era of unpredictable and severe weather that can potentially cause damage to our community.
The Town of Orleans is collaborating with the Commonwealth to offer this timely workshop to help clarify and advance an integrated approach to planning, hazard mitigation, and climate preparedness efforts at the local level. Together, workshop participants will identify and prioritize actions to reduce risk and improve the resilience of the infrastructural, societal, and environmental components of our community. The objectives of the workshop are to:
• Define natural and climate-related hazards of concern and the connection with local planning/mitigation efforts. • Identify existing and future strengths and vulnerabilities • Develop prioritized actions for the community • Identify immediate opportunities to advance actions to increase resilience
We would appreciate your participation in a brief 4-question survey at https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/planning-department/webforms/pre-workshop-hazards-survey prior to the first workshop. Please complete the survey by January 31 to ensure your responses are counted and you are registered to attend.
If you have any questions about the workshop, please contact George Meservey, Town Planner [(508) 240-3700 x 335; [email protected]]. We look forward to seeing you or a designee at this workshop. Thank you for your involvement on this important initiative!
Sincerely,
George Meservey Planning Director
Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program Workshop, Town of Orleans
Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP)
Public Listening Session
The Town of Orleans received an MVP planning grant to continue the Town’s efforts to proactively plan for potential impacts from natural and climate-related hazards. The Listening Session will review, discuss and build upon the ideas generated by town staff and members of the community who attended a February 8, 2019 MVP workshop, as well as review the recently updated Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. A draft version of both the Summary and Findings Report from the MVP Workshop and the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan are available on the Town website for review.
We look forward to your participation as the Town of Orleans plans for a more resilient future! Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at 6:30 PM Nauset Room at Orleans Town Hall A poster session will be held from 6:30 - 7 pm The main presentation will begin at 7pm
Orleans Town News - News - Wicked Local Orleans - Orleans, MA https://orleans.wickedlocal.com/article/20190510/NEWS/190519816
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Orleans MVP Listening Session and MHMP Final Presentation (May 22, 2019) Public Comments
A public meeting on May 22, 2019 served as both the MVP Listening Session, as well as the final public presentation for the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (MHMP) process.
Questions specifically related to the MHMP included:
Question 1: Is this version of the MHMP the first hazard mitigation plan for the Town of Orleans or if it was an update? Answer 1: This 2019 MHMP is an update from the existing 2004 plan. Due to lack of funding, the 5-year update was not performed in 2009. Available funding, as well as new State requirements for Hazard Mitigation Plans were driving factors to complete this current update.
Question 2: Does the MHMP update break down each hazard individually? Answer 2: Yes. The MHMP contains a separate section for 16 different hazards.
Question 3: Are the land use categories listed in the tables in Chapter 4 defined for the average reader? Answer 3: Yes. Table 4-1 on page 4-4 provides a description of what types of parcels are included in each land use category.
Question 4: Was “loss of life” one of the criteria for prioritization of the mitigation actions? Answer 4: Although there was no specific evaluation criterion called “loss of life”, there was a criterion related to improving protection of the public. This criterion was intended to determine whether a particular action would provide improvements to protection of the people within the Town and/or improvements to emergency response that would help ensure public safety during and immediately after a hazard event.
Comments specifically related to the MHMP included:
• One participant suggested that another column to be added the Tropical Storm/Nor’easter/ Hurricane Table to indicate storm duration, noting that some storms blow by quickly, and some hang over an area for a longer period of time. This addition would be an interesting comparison and provoke thoughts regarding the amount of damage caused in relation to the storm duration. The duration of the storm can make all the difference when considering how quickly a town can respond or recover.
Questions specifically related to the MVP Summary and Findings report:
Question 1: What are the benefits of completing the MVP process as part of a regional strategy (i.e., Wellfleet and Truro)? Answer 1: This approach makes sense if towns already share resources (e.g., schools, emergency response, etc.) and are impacted by similar hazards. In that case, neighboring communities could pool resources and develop a more regional strategy.
Question 2: Do the climate change projections used in the MVP presentations assume that there is no chance of reversal of CO2 emissions? Answer 2: The climate change projections presented were based on two different modeled scenarios: RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. These are two of four main Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) that represent a range of greenhouse gas emissions
scenarios. RCP 2.6 assumes that global annual GHG emissions (measured in CO2- equivalents) peak between 2010–2020, with emissions declining substantially thereafter. Emissions in RCP 4.5 peak around 2040, then decline. In RCP 6, emissions peak around 2080, then decline. In RCP 8.5, emissions continue to rise throughout the 21st century. So, the two scenarios presented provide both a scenario where emissions are reduced following 2040 (RCP 4.5), as well as a scenario where emissions continue to increase (RCP 8.5).
Question 3: Is the 10 feet of projected sea level rise in the “high” scenario a projection for the state or is it specific to Cape Cod? Answer 3: The values presented in the graph were predictions specific to Boston, but the magnitude of relative mean sea level rise change is very similar for other parts of the state, including Cape Cod, for the high sea level rise projection.
Comments specifically related to the MVP Summary and Findings report:
• On the discussion of emergency response on the town level and some of the outcomes of the workshop, one participant commented that it might not make sense for every town on Cape to have individualized emergency response or shelters because of the size of Cape Cod towns and their demographics. • The slight increase in annual projected rainfall doesn’t mean we won’t have severe periods of drought. That is significant when linking increased temperatures and drought in terms of what people need to have to survive. • In regards to sea level rise and flooding, one participant voiced concerns over the Rock Harbor and Orleans Rotary areas. Specifically, the Orleans Rotary is the access point to regional emergency facilities and the main exit point of everyone on the outer Cape. This will become even more complicated with sea level rise. Another area of concern is Bridge road. Historically, this area was navigable, but the bridge has not been raised. Flooding may prohibit people from being able to evacuate. • Cape Cod was traditionally a place for summer cottages, but now many of these are being converting to year-round houses. To protect these homes from flooding (including “sunny day flooding”), there are a lot of resources being used to lift these coastal cottages up in order to respond to FEMA flood zone designations. • One participant suggested that MVP Action grants should be sought in the future to address the public safety of two bulkheads located at Rock Harbor and Goose Hummock, both of which have fuel depots. • One commenter mentioned that they weren’t sure if current residents even know where the shelter is in Town. This comes down to education and disseminating information to Orleans residents. This comment sparked a conversation about the knowledge gap in residents, during which a number of different potential education and outreach methods were discussed: o The Orleans Pond Coalition has an event called Celebrate Our Waters. This could be a good platform to provide information regarding shelters and emergency services to residents. o Host a table at the Block party to provide emergency response information? o Consider targeting specific groups (e.g., faith based organizations) to help get the information out. o For residents in communities vulnerable to isolation due to flooding, potentially utilize technology or sensors tied to predictive models that can notify residents about flooding risks before they occur, so they can evacuate in time. Essentially, could a pre-flooding alert system be put in place? • One commenter identified inter-agency collaboration as an important conversation to be had. For example, the loss of electric utility services like National Grid can have a large direct impact to us as a town. The Town is severely impacted if we lose power. National Grid is already implementing their own resiliency projects. We need to collaborate on a much larger scale than what we are doing currently. The Town has our own priorities, National Grid as theirs, and the State have their commitments but we need to stop wasting time and resources working individually. We need to create a better platform to work together. • In regards to the way that actions were ranked in the MVP report, one commenter was concerned that the bulkheads will get the highest priority but the ability to evacuate and actions that take a large capital investment and time for planning will be pushed further down the list. • One commenter noted that updating building standards, regulations, zoning and bylaws was ranked as a medium priority action, and was concerned that there would be a reluctance to go after these regulation changes because they can be difficult to pass. But stressed that we need to increase our resiliency because we have high density housing in areas that are vulnerable. • One commenter noted that the rotary is really in Eastham and reiterated its vulnerability. The rotary and the implications of climate change to the rotary are prime examples of where the two towns will have to work together. The rotary is a multi-stakeholder project and would require the involvement of Orleans, Eastham, MassDOT, and the state. • The area surrounding Willow St was noted as an area of major concern. This road is highly used and needs to be considered. There are rumors that the state highway department is considering some plans. It does not seem to be a priority, but it needs immediate action. • One participant commented that current stormwater standards and designs are inadequate. We are seeing 100-year rain events every 4 to 5 years.
Following the Public Listening Session, no additional comments were received by the Town. Appendix C Critical Facilities and Vulnerability
Appendix C: Critical Facilities and Vulnerability
1. Critical Facilities List w/Vulnerabilities 2. Mitigation Actions Prioritization 3. Removed Mitigation Actions
C-1 Orleans Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Orleans Critical Facilities ‐ Vulnerability Assessment Results
Min SLR (ft) Min Hurricane Within High FEMA Flood ID Name Address Category That Will Category That Will Fire Hazard Zone Affect Facility Affect Facility Areas
1 Lake Farm Boarding Kennel 53 Finlay Rd. Designated Emergency Animal 2 Orleans Animal Hospital 65 Finlay Rd. Shelters 3 Church of the Holy Spirit 204 Monument Rd. 4 Community of Jesus 11 Bay View Dr.Emergency Facilities / Shelters AE 6 ft 3 5 Emergency Operations Center (Fire Department) 58 Eldredge Pkwy 6 Federated Church/Meeting House Preschool 162 Main St. Group Day Care Facilities 7 The Learning Garden, Inc. 63 Hopkins Ln. 8 Orleans Disposal Area 51 Lots Hollow Rd. Hazardous Materials Sites 9 Areys Pond Boat Yard Areys Ln. AE 2 ft 2 YES 10 Gander Marine Old County Rd. VE 5 ft 3 11 Goose Hummock Marina 15 Rte. 6A AE 6 ft 3 Marinas / Boat Yards 12 Nauset Marine 45 Rte. 6A 13 Nauset Marine East 235 Main St. AE 3 ft 2 14 Rock Harbor Fuel Depot Rock Harbor Road VE 4 ft 3 15 Terraces Orleans, Orleans Retirement Center 60 Daley Terrace Nursing Homes / Elderly Housing 16 Police Station 99 Eldredge Pkwy. Public Safety Facilities 17 Nauset Regional Middle School 70 Rte. 28 18 Orleans Elementary School 46 Eldredge Pkwy Schools 19 Partnership School 17 Nells Way 20 Charles Moore Ice Rink O'Connor Way Senior / Youth / Recreation 21 Orleans Senior Center, formerly Council on Aging 150 Rock Harbor Rd.Centers AE 4 22 Highway Department Cold Storage 22 Bay Ridge Ln. 23 New DPW/Natural Resources Headquarters 40 Giddiah Hill Road 24 Parks & Beaches Cold Storage 18 Bay Ridge Ln. Town Government Facilities 25 Snow Library 67 Main St. 26 Town Hall 19 School St. 27 Water Tank T‐132 Lots Hollow Rd. 28 Water Tank T‐2 350 S Orleans Rd. 29 Water Treatment Plant 350 S Orleans Rd. 30 Well 1 350 S Orleans Rd. 31 Well 2 350 S Orleans Rd. 32 Well 3 350 S Orleans Rd. Water Infrastructure 33 Well 4 350 S Orleans Rd. 34 Well 5 350 S Orleans Rd. YES 35 Well 6 350 S Orleans Rd. 36 Well 770 Quanset Rd. YES 37 Well 8 350 S Orleans Rd.
*Blank cells indicate no risk from that hazard 3=Best/Most Benefit/Least Cost/Easy or no permitting; 2=Some benefit/Moderate Cost/Some potential permitting complications; 1=Little to no benefit/Expensive/Complicated permitting required Benefits Feasibility Economic Regulatory
Low 23‐28 etc)
Med 29 32
‐ or Federal
& High 33‐36 Emergency
Structures
an Feasibility Regulations,
State,
Response
Available
Attainable and Improvement
/
After
Resources Awareness
Local,
Support
Staffing
Feasible with
Evaluations, Emergency Public
Natural Properties Available
Support Protection
Total Hazard Type and Potential Mitigation Actions Score Goals Permitting/Regulatory Consistent Town/Political Cost Funding Technically Public Appropriate Public Improves Improves Technical/Capacity (Training, Protects Protects Flooding 1 Continue to acquire and preserve parcels of land at high risk of flooding 3311133231233 29 2 Reconstruct sheet pile bulkhead at Goose Hummock Landing (town property only) 3111133232333 29 3 Reconstruct sheet pile bulkhead at Rock Harbor Landing (town property only) 3111133232333 29 4 Address inadequate drainage basins 3111333332333 32 5 Conduct a vulnerability assessment of coastal fuel depots & implement spill prevention measures 3233323332333 36 6 Evaluate and Address Flood Risks to Low Lying Roads 3112322331222 27 Conduct outreach/education to the owners/managers of private critical facilities to inform them of their risks 7 and potential mitigation options 2123123223333 30 8 Address flood risk access to Senior Center on Rock Harbor Road 2121323221223 26 9 Culvert redesign (e.g., Quanset Road culvert, and others) 2321323221223 28 Coastal Erosion 10 Implement the Phased Nauset Beach Retreat Plan 3313223331233 32 11 Create educational signage for Nauset Beach to inform visitors about retreat project 1113133333333 31 12 Address erosion at town landings 3212123332333 31 13 Continue annual nourishment of Skaket Beach to maintain profile 3322113332213 29
Shoaling 14 Obtain permits for dredging in Pleasant Bay and Nauset Estuary and implement work 1121322331212 24 15 Monitor town landings outside the current program for future dredging needs 3312323222112 27 16 Continue regular dredging the Rock Harbor channel 3322312331222 29
Sea Level Rise 17 Monitor the potential of salt water intrusion to Well #7 2311122223233 27 18 Prepare educational materials and conduct outreach to vulnerable residences 1133233223333 32
Wind 19 Identifying and prune/remove at risk trees 3212333332233 33
Nor'easter/Snow/Ice (Winter Weather) 20 Construct cold storage facility to store snow removal and other offseason equipment 3131323221233 29
Wild Fire 21 Continue fuel reduction efforts to reduce wild fire risk 2211333332333 32
Multi‐Hazard / Non‐specific 22 Identify vulnerable populations to aid in emergency response 1131322223232 27 23 Work on getting generators for areas of concentrated housing 1111333232233 28 Revisit the countywide EMS plan to address sub‐regional needs, including standardized communications and 24 instituting a post‐storm action report. 1133333333333 35
25 Improve public education about emergency preparedness and response (website updates) 1133233333333 34 Investigate off the grid energy alternatives to decrease reliance on major suppliers and provide backup during 26 power outage 3131212111133 23 Actions considered for inclusion in the Orleans Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, but ultimately not selected for retention:
1. Update local building codes to ensure they are appropriate to address existing and future wind conditions? o It was determined that the state building codes, which currently apply, are adequate. 2. Revise local building and design standards to provide increased resiliency under future SLR o Given the 5-year planning horizon for this document, the Local Planning Team determined the state building codes, which currently apply, are adequate. 3. Ensure adequate snow removal equipment and snow disposal space. o It was determined that the Town already has adequate snow removal equipment and disposal space – this is an existing capability. 4. Ensure adequate signs/blockades/etc. to safely close roads during floods/ice/tree down conditions. o It was determine that the Town already has adequate means to close roads and reroute traffic when conditions require this to ensure public safety.