2019 HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE – SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI

2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Town of South Kingstown, Rhode Island

PREPARED FOR

Town of South Kingstown Town Hall 180 High Street Wakefield, RI 02879 401-789-9331

PREPARED BY

1 Cedar Street Suite 400 Providence, RI 02903 401-272-8100

January 2, 2019

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RESOLUTION NO. XXXX-XX

A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF SOUTH KINGSTOWN AUTHORIZING THE ADOPTION OF THE 2019 SOUTH KINGSTOWN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE

WHEREAS, the Town of South Kingstown recognizes exposure to natural hazards that increase the risk to life, property, environment, within our community; and

WHEREAS; pro-active mitigation of known hazards before a disaster event can reduce or eliminate long-term risk to life and property; and

WHEREAS, The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-390) established new requirements for pre and post disaster hazard mitigation programs; and

WHEREAS; the 2019 Plan identifies mitigation goals and actions to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property in South Kingstown from impacts of future hazards and disasters; and

WHEREAS, adoption by the Town Council demonstrates their commitment to hazard mitigation and achieving goals outlined in the 2018 South Kingstown Hazard Mitigation Plan Update.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of South Kingstown

1) Adopts in its entirety, the 2019 South Kingstown Hazard Mitigation Plan Update (the “Plan”) as the jurisdiction’s Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan and resolves to execute the actions identified in the Plan that pertain to this jurisdiction.

2) Will use the adopted and approved portions of the Plan to guide pre- and post-disaster mitigation of the hazards identified. 3) Will coordinate the strategies identified in the Plan with other planning programs and mechanisms under its jurisdictional authority. 4) Will continue its support of the Hazard Mitigation Committee as described within the Plan. 5) Will help to promote and support the mitigation successes of all participants in this Plan. 6) Will incorporate mitigation planning as an integral component of government and partner operations. 7) Will provide an update of the Plan every five years.

PASSED AND ADOPTED on [insert date]

______, Town Council President, Town of South Kingstown

ATTEST: ______Dale S. Holberton, Town Clerk, Town of South Kingstown

Resolution 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Table of Contents

Executive Summary ...... 1

Introduction ...... 3 Plan Purpose ...... 3 Hazard Mitigation and its Benefits ...... 3 Goals...... 5 Background ...... 6 History ...... 8 Demographics ...... 9 Government ...... 12 Land Use Patterns ...... 12 Law Enforcement ...... 14 Emergency Management Agency ...... 14 Emergency Medical Services ...... 14 Roads and Bridges ...... 15 Dams ...... 15 Utilities ...... 15 Forest and Open Space ...... 15 Water Resources ...... 16 Cultural and Historic Resources ...... 18 Development Trends Since the 2011 Plan ...... 19

Planning Process ...... 20 Overview ...... 20 South Kingstown Hazard Mitigation Committee ...... 20 The Planning Process ...... 21 Public Input...... 24

Natural Hazards ...... 26 Hazards of Concern ...... 26 Hurricanes (Tropical Cyclones) ...... 31 Nor’easters ...... 36 Flooding (Coastal) ...... 38 Flooding (Ground Saturation) ...... 41 Flooding (Riverine) ...... 41 Coastal Erosion ...... 43 High Winds ...... 46 Snow Storm ...... 48 Ice Storm ...... 54 Extreme Temperatures ...... 56

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Sea Level Rise ...... 58 Brushfire ...... 59 Drought ...... 61 Dam Failure ...... 64 Earthquake ...... 66 Hail ...... 70 Lightning/Thunderstorms ...... 74 Tornadoes ...... 72 Rail Hazards ...... 74 Marine Hazardous Materials Release ...... 77 Hazardous Materials Release Onshore ...... 78 Groundwater and Soil Contamination ...... 79 Climate Change...... 80

Risk Assessment ...... 81 Facilities/Resources Inventory ...... 81 Hazard Mitigation Mapping ...... 82 Fiscal Impact Analysis ...... 82 Built Environment ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Population Impact Analysis ...... 88 Natural Environment ...... 89 Vulnerability of Future Structures ...... 90 Future Vulnerability ...... 90 Community Assets Matrix ...... 95

Programmatic Capabilities ...... 104 Purpose ...... 104

Mitigation Actions ...... 116 Mission Statement ...... 116 Mitigation Goals ...... 116 Status of Proposed 2009 Actions...... 117 Mitigation Actions ...... 120

Implementation and Adoption ...... 160 Prioritization of Mitigation Actions ...... 160 Implementing the Plan ...... 160 Monitoring ...... 161 Evaluation ...... 161 Revisions ...... 161 Adoption ...... 162

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List of Tables

Table No. Description Page

Table 1 Media Age (1980 to 2016) ...... 9 Table 2 Demographic Changes ...... 10 Table 3 Committee Meetings ...... 23 Table 4 Hazards Identified by the South Kingstown Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee..... 26 Table 5 Hazards Ranked ...... 29 Table 6 Saffir/Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale ...... 32 Table 7 Nor'easter History ...... 37 Table 8 History of Coastal Flooding in South Kingstown Since 2000...... 40 Table 8 History of Riverine Flooding in South Kingstown Since 2000...... 42 Table 9 History of High Winds in Washington County ...... 48 Table 10 History of Blizzard and Winter Storm Events In and Near South Kingstown...... 50 Table 11: Extreme Temperatures (Excessive Heat, and Extreme Cold/Wind Chill) at Nearby Airports ...... 57 Table 12: Drought Severity ...... 62 Table 13: History of Droughts ...... 64 Table 14: Dams of South Kingstown ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 15: History of Dam Failure ...... 66 Table 16: Mercalli Scale ...... 67 Table 17: Historic Seismic Activity in/near Rhode Island ...... 69 Table 18: Hail Size ...... 70 Table 19: Recent History of Hail in South Kingstown ...... 71 Table 20: Fujita Scale ...... 73 Table 21: Recent Tornado Events in Rhode Island ...... 74 Table 22 HAZUS-MH Scenarios for South Kingstown, RI ...... 85 Table 23 Property Values in Special Flood Hazard Areas ...... 87 Table 24 Flood Insurance Information ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 25 South Kingstown Critical Infrastructure/Community Assets ...... 96 Table 26 Status of Proposed 2012 Actions ...... 117

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List of Figures

Figure No. Description Page

Figure 1: Locus Map ...... 6 Figure 2: Population Density (2010 data) ...... 11 Figure 3: Land Use (2011 data) ...... 13 Figure 4 Water Resources in South Kingstown ...... 17 Figure 5 Beaufort Scale ...... 46 Figure 6 SPIA Index ...... 55 Figure 7 Hurricane Carol Path ...... 86 Figure 8 Population Density of South Kingstown ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.

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Executive Summary

This Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) is a product of the South Kingstown Hazard Mitigation Committee (HMC), with input from theSouth Kingstown Planning Board. It has been approved by the South Kingstown Town Council, the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000.

The HMC’s overview of past natural hazard occurrences verifies that the Town is vulnerable to diverse events including hurricanes, Nor’easters, coastal erosion, flooding, snow storms, and high winds. The discussion puts the likelihood of these events into historical perspective and recognizes that although the probability of thunderstorms and lightning events may be higher; the intensity and potential impacts from less likely events such as hurricanes can be far greater.

The risk assessment portion of the plan confirms that the Town has much to lose from these events. The identified vulnerabilities include flood prone drainage systems, bridges, water supply systems, dams, critical municipal hazard response facilities, special populations, businesses, schools, and recreation facilities.

To address these risks the 2019 HMP put forth a clear mission, a distinct set of goals and 38 specific mitigation actions. The Town’s hazard mitigation mission is to enhance our community’s quality of life, protecting the property of citizens, and preserving the natural resources of South Kingstown.

To implement the plan, important goals must be met. The Town must assist residents and visitors in preparing for the risks of natural hazards, including education about risks and the various appropriate mitigation strategies that can be taken. The Town must protect municipal properties and infrastructure from the impacts of natural hazards and climate change and help to further the resilience of the Town’s natural environment. In addition, the Town should continue to manage development to minimize impacts and loses, including directing new growth to areas of Town that are less vulnerable.

1 Executive Summary 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

2 Executive Summary 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

1 Introduction

Plan Purpose

The purpose of the South Kingstown Hazard Mitigation Plan Update is to set forth guidelines for undertaking short-term and long-term actions, which will reduce the actual or potential loss of life or property from natural hazardous events such as hurricanes, Nor’easters, snow storms, and flooding, and high wind. This plan was constructed using input from a variety of municipal and private stakeholders and the general public involved in the planning process. This plan serves as guidance to help the Town reduce their losses and vulnerabilities relating to natural hazards, as well as a few human-caused hazardous material incidents and infrastructure failure.

Hazard Mitigation and its Benefits

The purpose of hazard mitigation planning is to determine a series of actions to protect public health, safety, and welfare and permanently reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from identified hazards. Determining which actions are appropriate requires identification of specific areas that are vulnerable to natural and human-caused hazards, coordinating available resources and identifying community policies, actions, and tools for implementation that will reduce risk and the potential for future losses town-wide. The process of natural hazard mitigation planning sets clear goals, identifies appropriate actions, and produces an effective mitigation strategy that can be updated and revised to keep the plan current. In short, ‘it’s where we were, where we are and where we’re going’ relative to long-term resiliency.

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States and communities across the country A Natural Hazard is defined as an extreme are slowly, but increasingly, realizing that natural event. Natural Disasters occur when simply responding to natural disasters, these extreme natural events come into without addressing ways to minimize their contact with people and property. potential effect, is no longer an adequate role for government. Striving to prevent Natural hazard mitigation is any sustained unnecessary damage from natural disasters action taken to permanently reduce or through proactive planning that characterizes eliminate long-term risk to people and their the hazard, assesses the community's property from the effects of natural hazards. vulnerability, and designs appropriate land- Natural Hazard mitigation planning is a use policies and building code requirements process undertaken by a community to is a more effective and fiscally sound approach to achieving public safety goals analyze the risk from natural disasters, related to natural hazards. coordinate available resources, and implement actions to minimize the damage In the past, Federal legislation has provided to property, and injury or loss of life of its funding for disaster relief, recovery, and some citizens before disaster occurs. hazard mitigation planning. The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) is the latest federal legislation to improve this planning process. It reinforces the importance of natural hazard mitigation planning and establishes a pre-disaster hazard mitigation program and new requirements for the national post-disaster Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) or other annual funding opportunities. Section 322 of the Act specifically addresses mitigation planning at the state and municipal levels of government. It identifies new requirements that allow HMGP funds to be used for planning activities. As a result of this Act, states and communities must now have a FEMA-approved natural Hazard Mitigation Plan in place prior to receiving post-disaster HMGP funds. In the event of a natural disaster; municipalities that do not have an approved natural Hazard Mitigation Plan will not be eligible to receive post-disaster HMGP funding.

The purpose of this Plan is to recommend actions and policies for the Town of South Kingstown to minimize the social and economic loss of hardships resulting from natural hazards. These hardships include the loss of life, destruction of property, damage to critical infrastructure and critical facilities, loss/interruption of jobs, loss/damage to businesses, and loss/damage to significant historical structures. To protect present and future structures, infrastructure and assets and to minimize the social and economic hardships, the Town of South Kingstown currently implements some hazard mitigation elements through: › Revisions to the Town’s Comprehensive Plan › Incorporation of hazard mitigation into the permit review process › Local building code review › Public education/outreach The Town of South Kingstown also recognizes the important benefits associated with hazard mitigation, its interaction with municipal land use and infrastructure planning, and the need for a comprehensive planning approach, which

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accommodates these interdependencies. The Town’s Comprehensive Community Plan (2014) addresses natural and cultural resources, land use, housing, services and facilities, traffic circulation, open space and recreation, economic development, and the University of Rhode Island. While the entire Hazard Mitigation Plan will not be formally incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan, certain, applicable mitigation actions will be incorporated during the update process. The Town recognizes coordination between the HMP and the Comprehensive Plan to be of benefit because it will ensure a unified planning approach into the future and ensure that risk reduction remains a critical element of municipal planning. This is also in alignment with current goals of the Rhode Island Statewide Planning.

A second benefit of hazard mitigation planning is that it allows for a careful selection of risk reduction actions through an enhanced collaborative network of stakeholders whose interests might be affected by hazard losses. Working side by side with this broad range of stakeholders can forge partnerships that pool skills, expertise, and experience to achieve a common goal. Proceeding in this manner will help the Town ensure that the most appropriate and equitable mitigation projects are undertaken.

A third benefit of hazard mitigation planning is that it endorses a proactive planning approach focused on sustainability, whereby the Town of South Kingstown can minimize the social and economic hardships that have resulted from the occurrence of previous natural disasters. These social and economic hardships include: the loss of life/injuries, destruction of property, interruption of jobs, damage to businesses, and the loss of historically significant structures and facilities. This proactive planning approach would look for ways to combine policies, programs, and design solutions to bring about multiple objectives and seek to address and integrate social and environmental concerns. Linking sustainability and loss reduction to other goals can provide a framework within the state and local governments that will bring the comprehensive planning process full circle.

Lastly, participation in the hazard mitigation planning process establishes funding priorities. The formal adoption and implementation of this plan will allow the Town of South Kingstown and its residents to become more involved in several programs offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) including: the Community Rating System Program (CRS); the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Assistance Program (PDM); the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program; and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). Money spent today on preventative measures can significantly reduce the cost of post-disaster cleanup tomorrow.

Mission Statement and Goals: In developing this Plan, it is the mission of the Town of South Kingstown to prepare for the impacts of natural hazards and a changing climate. Preparation and mitigation must include upgrades and enhancements to existing infrastructure, improved community services and coordination, more informed land use planning, and a comprehensive strategy for communication and outreach regarding potential impacts. This work must consider impacts to residents, business and property

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owners, students of the University of Rhode Island, visitors and tourists, and must also be cognizant of the high quality of life offered in South Kingstown, maintaining the Town’s long-term fiscal responsibility, and the importance of the natural resources that exist within our borders.

To effectuate this mission, the Town establishes the following hazard mitigation goals, toward which all action must reach:

1. South Kingstown’s residents, including students at the University of Rhode Island, businesses, property owners, visitors, and tourists will be prepared for the risks of natural hazards and climate change.

2. South Kingstown’s municipal properties and infrastructure will be protected from the impacts of natural hazards and climate change.

3. South Kingstown’s development regulations will direct new growth to areas of Town that are less vulnerable to the impacts of natural hazards and climate change.

4. South Kingstown’s natural environment will be resilient to natural hazards and climate change, and will be used to assist in mitigating negative impacts.

Background Figure 1: Locus Map

South Kingstown is the second largest municipality in Rhode Island with a total land area (including land and water) of approximately 62.3 square miles. The population, according to the 2017 American Community Survey1, was estimated to be 30,712. The Town has a population density of 492 persons/sq. mi., significantly less dense than the statewide average of 1,010. A major portion of the population resides in the central core comprised of the villages of Kingston, Wakefield and Peace Dale. The western half of Town is predominantly rural with considerably less development.

1 2013-2017 American Community Survey https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=CF

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South Kingstown is a coastal community with approximately 10 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The southern border of the town includes a barrier beach/coastal pond system which provides natural protection to areas located landward of the ponds. The eastern border of the town, shared with Narragansett, is defined by the Pettaquamscutt River in the north and Point Judith Pond in the south. The Town is bordered on the west by Charlestown and Richmond and on the north by Exeter and North Kingstown.

South Kingstown’s coastal setting provides a major tourist attraction, and the town has grown to depend on the tourist trade as a major source of income. Unfortunately, this causes the town to be all the more vulnerable to natural hazards. During the summer, which also corresponds with the hurricane season, vacationers flock to the shore, significantly increasing the population at risk. Since the last major hurricane, Hurricane Carol in 1954, many summer cottages have been converted to permanent residences, many of which are located in flood zones. Hurricane Sandy in 2012 certainly left its mark. Although not as strong as Carol, the high winds, heavy rain, and devastating storm surge from Sandy crippled South Kingstown.

South Kingstown soils, like those of much of Southern New England, are derived from glacial deposits (till), and as such are suitable for crop cultivation, which is consistent with the town’s coastal farming heritage. While also suitable for residential and commercial development, these soils often limit development because of very slow or very high permeability rates, leading to poor drainage and special on-site septic treatment concerns. Wetlands comprise approximately 12% of the total land area of town. Despite these constraints, and like many communities in southern Rhode Island, South Kingstown has seen a growing shift from farming to residential development in recent years. However, unlike most communities in Rhode Island, as of August 2018, approximately 32.0% of the Town’s land mass, or 11,639.9 acres, is held in permanent conservation.

Winters are cold and summers are warm in South Kingstown. The town however enjoys the moderating effect of the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay, so temperature extremes are rare. The average daily minimum/maximum temperatures range from a low of 20 degrees Fahrenheit in winter to a high of 80 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. Precipitation amounts average 45 inches of rainfall and 21 inches of snowfall annually.2 Humidity averages 55% and the prevailing winds are from the southwest. South Kingstown, as all of southern New England, is exposed to severe weather coming up from the south during the summer months and experiences damaging Nor’easters in the winter months.

2 www.intellicast.com

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History

Prior to the arrival of European settlers in the mid-1600s, the Narragansett Tribe of Native Americans occupied the coastal and forested areas. A portion of what is now South Kingstown was first settled as early as 1657 as part of the Pettaquamscutt Purchase. The Town of South Kingstown was officially founded in 1723 when the town of Kings Towne was divided. It wasn’t until the 18th century that large tracts of land were bought for commercial plantations. In the 19th century, the predominant industry moved from agriculture to industry as mills and village centers began to take shape.3

According to the Comprehensive Community Plan, “Throughout the first half of the 20th century the “village” settlement pattern became firmly entrenched, characterized by a concentration of developed village centers surrounded by less intensive, more sparsely populated peripheral areas. The build-up of the shore accelerated during this period especially with the new access permitted by the automobile. Matunuck Beach became densely populated with summer cottages and a few hotels were constructed as well. Green Hill continued to be developed as a popular seaside community and a new high-density summer community was established at Carpenter's Beach. The growth along the shore coupled with the access afforded by the automobile continued to spur development in other rural areas. Summer homes were built north and west of Post Road near inland ponds, in wooded areas, and on hilltops. Many narrow and dirt roads were improved, paved, and widened. Kingston, the State college grew steadily. In 1909 the College became known as Rhode Island State College (now the University of Rhode Island) and numerous buildings were added between that year and 1937.”

After World War II (1945), the population of South Kingstown grew substantially. “The automobile, in large measure, hastened the flight from the cities and facilitated the movement of people to the suburbs. Roadway improvements were an important part of South Kingstown’s growth. The road network between Providence and South County underwent major improvements in this period. Route 1 was upgraded, and Route 95 and Route 401 were newly constructed. These changes made the Town more accessible to non-residents and employment centers (i.e., Providence) to the north within reach of local commuters.”4

“Over the years, commercial uses have expanded; eastward along Tower Hill Road connecting with Route 1, southerly along Route 108 to Route 1, and northerly along Route 108. The establishment of ‘special management districts’ has facilitated the

3 Rhode Island Historic Preservation Commission, Historic and Architectural Resources of South Kingstown, Rhode Island: A Preliminary Report, p. 135, 1984. http://www.preservation.ri.gov/pdfs_zips_downloads/survey_pdfs/south_kingstown.pdf 4 The Town of South Kingstown, RI Comprehensive Community Plan, p. Intro-8, 2014

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development of a planned mixed-use center along Kingstown Road/Route 108, while South County Commons/Route 1 offers traditional village-style development in the form of commercial enterprises supported by age-restricted residential. These special management districts reinforce the Town’s commitment to sustainable growth management that is tied to infrastructure limits and constraints.”5

Demographics

The Town of South Kingstown is a residential coastal community with a population of 30,7126. According to the data, 5,473 of the then 30,712 residents were living in “non-institutionalized group quarters,” which can be roughly equated to the student population living on-campus at URI. The University of Rhode Island's presence in South Kingstown creates a population that is, on the average, younger than other Rhode Island communities. Median age is 36.4 years, which is slightly lower than the state average of 40.2.

Table 1 Median Age (1980 to 2016)7

Year South Kingstown Washington County Rhode Island 2017 (est.) 36.4 44.1 39.9

2016 37.7 43.9 39.9

2010 35.7 41.4 39.5

2000 33.6 37.4 36.7

1990 27.7 34.0 34.0

1980 24.3 28.5 31.7

5 The Town of South Kingstown, RI Comprehensive Community Plan, Introduction Page 8, 2014 6 2013-2017 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=CF 7 2013-2017 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=CF ; The Town of South Kingstown, RI Comprehensive Community Plan, 2014

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The population in South Kingstown is generally clustered at the University of Rhode Island, Wakefield, and Peace Dale. Other pockets of residents include the area near Green Hill Pond (southwestern corner of town), and Snug Harbor (southeastern corner of town). The 2010 Census population data was used in Figure 2 to estimate the most densely populated areas based on the best available mapping data.

Currently, about 57% of the 12,999 housing units in South Kingstown are owner- occupied (compared to 53% for the state), and median family income ($105,292) is a significant 33% higher than the value for Rhode Island as a whole.8

Table 2 Demographic Changes

2010 20179 % Change Population 30,639 30,712 +0.2% Housing Units 13,218 12,999 -1.7% Occupied housing 10,316 10,278 -0.4% units Owner-occupied 7,486 7,390 -1.3% housing units Renter-occupied 2,830 2,888 +2% housing units

8 2013-2017 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 9 2013-2017 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

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Figure 2: Population Density (2010 data)

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Government

The Town of South Kingstown is governed by an elected Town Council with five members, elected every two years. Day to day operation of the Town is delegated to an appointed Town Manager who is head of the administrative branch of government.

Land Use Patterns

“The village-centered pattern of development in South Kingstown, particularly in Wakefield, Peace Dale, and Kingston, has defined the historic pattern of development in the community. The Town has committed to preserving and reinforcing this pattern of development through its future sewer service area map, through the development of village specific plans, and through the designation of special management districts. Residential development within these villages is within walking distance of small shops and services and bike paths connect open space and community facilities. Commercial infill within villages is encouraged to both protect outlying rural areas from development and to provide the range of goods and services required within walking or biking distance of village residents. The importance of providing an appropriate density of residential development within villages is critical to providing affordable housing for low and moderate incomes, including modest starter homes on small lots, cottage communities, two-family housing/duplexes, and multifamily apartments.”10

The University of Rhode Island continues to be a center of growth, and partner to the community for economic development and employment opportunities. The latest (2011) depiction of land use throughout town can be seen in Figure 3: South Kingstown Land Use 2011.

10 The Town of South Kingstown, RI Comprehensive Community Plan, 2014

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Figure 3: Land Use (2011 data)

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Law Enforcement

The South Kingstown Police Department consists of about 54 sworn police personnel including 3 Captains, 7 Detectives, and 2 School Resources Officers. The Department operates twenty-four hours a day and responds to all criminal complaints and Town-wide emergencies. The Department is located at 1790 Kingstown Road.

South Kingstown businesses and residents are protected from fires and other emergencies by the Union Fire District and the Kingston Fire District. The Union Fire District, established in 1883, is comprised of eight stations throughout town: Peace Dale, Wakefield, Forest Fire, Snug Harbor, Tower Hill, Matunuck, Tuckertown, and West Kingston. The Kingston Fire District, established in 1923, provides heavy rescue, fire emergency service and fire code enforcement for the University of Rhode Island and the immediate surrounding village of Kingston. The Station and the Chief's Office is located at 35 Bills Rd in Kingston, RI. Both fire districts are volunteer.

Emergency Management Agency

The South Kingstown Emergency Management Agency (SKEMA) consists of the Town Manager (as the Director) and members of the Police and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) departments.

The permanently established Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is located in the Captain Brown Conference Room at the Public Safety Complex located at 1790 Kingstown Road. The SKEMA coordinates preparation and response activities to local emergencies with Town departments, the two local fire departments, neighboring towns, the University of Rhode Island and the State EMA.

The town is fortunate to have three Red Cross designated disaster/emergency shelters which include:

• South Kingstown High School • Broad Rock Middle School • Curtis Corner Middle School

The primary shelters are also designated as regional shelters with Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) in place with the neighboring towns of Narragansett and North Kingstown. The South Kingstown Senior Center is also Red Cross Shelter eligible.

Emergency Medical Services

The South Kingstown Emergency Services Department provides pre-hospital emergency medical services to South Kingstown businesses, residents and visitors. The Department has a location at the Public Safety Complex on Kingstown Road, and an ambulance at the Public Services building on Commodore Perry Highway.

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Roads and Bridges

There are approximately 166 miles of Town roads, 60 miles of state roads, and 75 miles of private roads in South Kingstown. The major arteries include Routes 138 which runs east-west, and Route 1 which runs north-south.

There are no large suspension bridges in South Kingstown however there are numerous roads that span rivers, including: Middlebridge, Bridgetown Road, Succotash Road, Dugway Bridge, Silver Lake Avenue, Columbia Street, and Spring Street.

Dams

In 2016 the Department of High Hazard Dam- where failure or Environmental Management (DEM) misoperation will result in probable identified 24 dams in the Town of South loss of human life Kingstown. Four of the 24 dams are classified as high hazard dams and 3 Significant Hazard Dam- where dams are identified as significant hazard failure or misoperation will result in no dams. The remainder are considered probable loss of human life but can low hazard. cause major economic loss, disruption of lifeline facilities or impact other Utilities concerns detrimental to the public’s Approximately 80% of Town residents health, safety or welfare. get their drinking water from private Low Hazard Dam- where failure or wells. The remaining 20% receive water misoperation will result in no probable from either South Kingstown South loss of human life and low economic Shore, SUEZ Rhode Island, Kingston losses Water, or URI. These areas are generally higher density, commercial, or industrial.

Most of South Kingstown is serviced by on-site wastewater treatment systems (OWTS). However, 10% of the land area (40% of the number of dwellings) is serviced by public sewers. The sewered areas are serviced by the Town-owned system and the State University of Rhode Island (URI) system. Combined South Kingstown and URI sewage is pumped to the South Kingstown wastewater treatment plant in Narragansett, near the South Kingstown border.

The South Kingstown communication equipment is located throughout town as well as on a communication tower in Narragansett. Cellular towers are located throughout the town.

Forest and Open Space

As stated earlier, approximately 32.0% of the Town’s land mass, or 11,639.9 acres, is held in permanent conservation. Conservation and open space lands, managed by

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the Town, the State, land trusts, conservation organizations and private entities, such as homeowner’s associations, contribute to the preservation of South Kingstown’s character. South Kingstown’s recreation, conservation, and open space areas are used regionally by local residents as well as those in neighboring towns in Rhode Island and nearby Connecticut.

In addition to the iconic beaches, South Kingstown’s diverse natural resources include scenic forests, rural farmland, and critical habitat to threatened and endangered species. Most of the public open space can be classified into one of the following categories: public/private land and water resources which provide outdoor recreation opportunities, unique natural areas, or open space which supports community conservation and development objectives.

One of the largest contiguous, permanently conserved open space, consisting of over 3,830 acres, lies to the north and west of Worden’s Pond. Land within this area is owned and/or managed by the State of Rhode Island (the Great Swamp Wildlife Management Area), the South Kingstown Land Trust, the Girls Scouts of Rhode Island, The Nature Conservancy, and the Town of South Kingstown. South Kingstown is also home to the Federal Trustom Pond and John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuges. Water Resources.

The Town of South Kingstown is bordered by water on nearly 2 sides, sharing a border with Narragansett to the east, North Kingstown and Exeter to the north; and Richmond and Charlestown to the west. The Narrow River, Pettaquamscutt Cove, and Point Judith Pond line the eastern border. A strip of land about 1.25 miles long between Upper Pond and Pettaquamscutt Cove makes a land-based connection between South Kingstown and Narragansett.

The Town of South Kingstown has abundant salt and freshwater resources including beaches, salt ponds, freshwater ponds and lakes, estuaries, streams, and wetlands.

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Figure 4 Water Resources in South Kingstown

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Cultural and Historic Resources

Historic resources in South Kingstown include early farms and farmhouses; important summer houses, historic industrial and commercial buildings, and several historic districts. “The Town of South Kingstown contains many smaller, historically unique villages and hamlets. Each has its own traditional character reflecting the resources available at that location. The majority of the villages were founded around commercial or industrial ventures. Dwellings for workers followed, as did churches, schools, and commercial establishments to support the resident population.”11

According to the State of Rhode Island Historic Preservation & Heritage Commission, South Kingstown has 26 historic properties and 6 historic districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and numerous historic candidate sites12.

National Register Historic Sites

• Theatre-by-the-Sea, Card Ponds Road (7/10/80)

• Hale House, 2625A Commander Oliver Hazard Perry Highway

• Willow Dell, 2700 Commander Oliver Hazard Perry Highway (11/21/96)

• R.R. Gardner House, 700 Curtis Corner Road (11/21/96)

• Fernwood Cemetery, (RI-702), Kingstown Road (9/12/85)

• Kingstown Railroad Station, Kingstown Road (4/26/78)

• Lambda Chi Site, (RI-704), Kingstown Road (11/1/84)

• Shadow Farm, Kingstown Road (2/7/86)

• Isaac Peace Rodman House, 1789 Kingstown Road (4/23/90)

• Washington County Courthouse, 3481 Kingstown Road (11/5/92)

• William Davis Miller House, 130 Main Street (3/21/85)

• Kenyon's Department Store, 344 Main Street (11/5/92)

• Admiral Dewey Inn/Dewey Cottage, 668 Matunuck Beach Road (5/7/92)

• Jireh Bull Blockhouse Historic Site, (RI-926), Middlebridge Road (11/2/83)

• Ministerial Road Archaeological Site, (RI-781), Ministerial Road (11/15/84)

• Perry/Carpenter Gristmill, Moonstone Beach Road (3/9/90)

• Tootell House, 1747 Mooresfield Road (5/26/00)

11 The Town of South Kingstown, RI Comprehensive Community Plan, 2014 12 State of Rhode Island Historic Preservation & Heritage Commission website, http://www.preservation.ri.gov Accessed 2/22/17

18 Planning Process 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

• Henry Eldred Farm, 368 Old North Road (11/18/91)

• Kingston Hill Farm, 549 Old North Road (5/7/93)

• Commodore Perry Farm, 184 Post Road (8/26/82)

• Red House, 2403 Post Road (11/21/96)

• Henry Marchant Farm, South County Trail (8/16/79)

• Bouchard Site, (RI-1025), Usquepaugh Road (11/1/84)

• Fayerweather Blacksmith Site, (RI-701), Usquepaugh Road (11/29/84)

• Tappan Site, (RI-795), Usquepaugh Road (11/1/84)

• Cottrell House, 500 Waites Corner Road (11/21/96)

National Register Historic Districts

• Browning's Beach Historic District

• Kingston Village Historic District (5/1/74)

• Peace Dale Historic District (10/30/87)

• Usquepaugh Road Historic District (10/30/87)

• Potter Pond Archaeological District (12/10/87)

• University of Rhode Island Historic District (11/9/2017)

• Wakefield Historic District (5/30/96)

The Wakefield Historic District is also designated as a historic zoning overlay district within the South Kingstown Zoning Ordinance. This designation is accompanied by standards for the construction or rehabilitation of structures within its boundaries, which are implemented by the South Kingstown Historic District Commission.

Development Trends Since the 2011 Plan

The map on the following page illustrates the Town’s changing development pattern since 2004. The Town’s central villages of Wakefield, Peace Dale and Kingston are portrayed as the “Future Sewer Service Area,” which derives from the Town’s Comprehensive Community Plan. This map highlights the ongoing development trend of new buildings outside of the central villages.

Between 2011 and 2017, the Building & Zoning Department issued 6,874 building permits representing a total construction value of approximately $240.95M. This averages to approximately 982 building permits and an associated total construction value of $34.42M per year.

19 Planning Process Project: South Kingstown Hazard Mitigaiton Plan Updata File: \\vhb\gis\proj\Providence\72925.00\gis\Output\SK Development.mxd Last Updated Date & Revisions: CMills 12/28/2018 Date: 12/28/2018

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !! Legend ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!! !!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! !! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! 2004 buildings ! !!!!!!!!!!! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! !!!!!!!!! !!! ! Additional 2009 buildings ! !! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! Additional 2018 buildings

Future Sewer Service Area

Scale DEVELOPMENT CHANGES: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS H South Kingstown, Rhode Island 0 0.5 1

1 inch = 7,500 feet Miles

THIS DOCUMENT IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL PLANNING & INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. ALL MEASUREMENTS & LOCATIONS ARE APPROXIMATE 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

2 Planning Process

Overview

The Town of South Kingstown initiated the hazard mitigation planning effort in January 2018 at the recommendation of the South Kingstown Town Manager. This Hazard Mitigation Plan Update is the result of a dedicated group of individuals working for nine months identifying natural hazards and proposing ways to improve South Kingstown’s resiliency.

South Kingstown Hazard Mitigation Committee

This updated Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) is a product of the South Kingstown Hazard Mitigation Committee (HMC). Committee members include:

• Robert Zarnetske* Town Manager/EMA Director • Chelsea Siefert* Planning Director • Nathan Barrington* Kingston Fire District • Karen Beck University of Rhode Island • John Blessing* Union Fire District • Rich Bourbonnais Town Engineer

20 Planning Process 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

• Maryanne Crawford South Kingstown School District • Robert Dunning* South County Hospital • Janet Freedman Coastal Resource Management Council • Joseph Geaber Jr.* Police Chief • Mark Healy* Police Department • Theresa Murphy* Director of Leisure Services • Wayne Pimental Building Official • Aimee Reiner* Director of Administrative Services • Jon Schock Public Services Director • Craig Stanley EMS Director • Lance Whaley* Fire Alarm Superintendent

* denotes South Kingstown resident

The Planning Process

This 2019 HMP update is the result of a 7-step process that was initiated in January 2018 with the establishment of the HMC. Membership of the HMC consisted of Town staff and positions that participated in the development of the previous Hazard Mitigation Plan completed in 2011, by invitation from the South Kingstown Planning Director. The Town hired a consultant to assist with this planning effort.

Step two started the plan development process and included the first meeting of the HMC on January 24, 2018. The HMC met monthly at the South Kingstown Town Hall.

The Town’s previous plan was dated 2011, so the first meeting focused on re- ranking hazards and discussing the process for updating the plan. At this initial meeting, the group reviewed a set of questions to be included in an online public survey. The purpose of the survey was to capture the local residents’ perception of natural hazards.

The link to the survey was widely distributed on social media and on the Town’s website. Over 170 people responded to the survey. See Appendix A for survey results.

Step three began with the HMC meeting on March 22, 2018. After reviewing the hazards of concerns and survey results, the HMC identified critical infrastructure and community assets within the town. Seventeen areas of vulnerability were identified: flood prone or erosion prone drainage systems/streets; bridges spanning rivers; wastewater; water supply; electric utilities; trash services; communication towers; dams; marinas/docks; critical municipal hazard response facilities; populations; buildings; businesses; schools; natural resources; recreational facilities; and historic resources.

21 Planning Process 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

During this early phase, the Town’s consultant reviewed the existing Comprehensive Plan, local ordinances, and gathered information on current infrastructure projects going on within the Town.

Throughout this planning process, key components were brought before the Planning Board to get their input. On April 10, 2018 the Planning Board discussed which sea level rise and storm surge scenario should drive the identification of vulnerable areas. It was decided for the purpose of this 5-year Hazard Mitigation Plan that the narrative look at 3 feet of expected sea level rise (or the sea level rise expected within 30 years, whichever is higher) with the storm surge of a 1% annual chance storm. This scenario aligns well with the design life of many transportation and building projects.

Current Town capabilities were discussed at the meeting on April 26, 2018. Many different departments, committees, and programs already engage in activities that help South Kingstown become more resilient to a variety of hazards. It is important to highlight these capabilities and show how they support the Town’s hazard mitigation efforts.

Step four was creating an updated list of mitigation actions to reduce the impact to the identified vulnerable areas. At the May 25, 2018 meeting, the HMC reviewed goals and mitigation items that were proposed in the 2011 plan. Status updates were given for all the previous actions. The incomplete actions that were still important were rolled into the list of actions for this 2019 plan update.

Step five begun at the June 28, 2018 meeting, where the group reviewed the sea level rise maps and vulnerabilities before brainstorming additional mitigation actions. Included in this step was proposing new actions, establishing action timelines, costs, and identifying responsible parties.

On August 16, 2018, the Planning Board was consulted about identifying certain planning areas that might be better suited for protection, adaptation, or retreat. The Planning Board felt that delineating areas for these different approaches was too premature and that instead, discussed developing a framework under which policies and actions could be assessed to determine which approach is appropriate. The Board developed an outline of important considerations relative to this, andwould like to continue discussions on this topic.

On August 23, 2018 the Committee continued to develop new mitigation actions.

Step six focused on the prioritization of the mitigation actions. On September 6, 2018, the HMC met as a group to prioritize their proposed actions and confirm additional action details. After this meeting the consultant finished the draft of the plan for committee review.

Step seven furthered the public input and review process with the Town Council, the Planning Board, and the general public for review and comment. The plan was posted on the Town’s website, a link to the plan was emailed to Town Board and Commission members and provided on Facebook, information was sent via email and/or text message to persons who had previously subscribed for Planning

22 Planning Process 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Department and general Town updates through the Town website, and hard copies were made available at Town Hall and Peace Dale Library for public review. The Hazard Mitigation Plan was also emailed to Emergency Management Directors in the neighboring towns of Charlestown, Richmond, Exeter, North Kingstown, and Narragansett for their review and comments. [enter info if comments were received. Prior to the Town Council meeting on XXX, there were a few suggested edits to the plan which were incorporated. See the end of Appendix A.

Table 3 below provides a summary of the Committee’s meeting dates and the activities that they conducted:

Table 3 Committee Meetings

Date Meeting Summary 01/24/2018 Kick off meeting with new contractor, VHB. HMC discussed the plan purpose and hazards of concern. Reviewed survey questions. Hazards survey posted online. 03/22/2018 The HMC reviewed the hazards of concern and listed critical infrastructure and community assets. 04/10/2018 Planning Board meeting to discuss sea level rise and storm surge scenarios. 05/25/2018 Review of community assets and discussion of current capabilities. Review status of 2009 actions. 06/28/2018 Discussed the status/need for actions from the 2009 plan. Brainstormed new mitigation actions 08/16/2018 Planning Board consulted about protect, adopt, retreat strategies. 09/06/2018 Finalized mitigation actions and discussed prioritization 10/11/2018 Draft plan sent to HMC for review Draft of 2019 HMP posted for public comment and promoted through social media and on the Town’s website. 2019 HMP was emailed to neighboring Emergency Management Directors for review. 2019 HMP was presented to Town Council and public Town’s consultant made document changes as per public comments and final edits. Sent to RIEMA for review. Comments received from RIEMA. Edits made to draft plan by Town’s consultant under the guidance of the South Kingstown Planning Director Sent to FEMA for review Edits made to draft plan by Town’s consultant under the guidance of the Planning Director Plan approved and adopted by Town Council

23 Planning Process 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Public Input

This Hazard Mitigation Plan benefits from various distinct types of public input strategies that were utilized by the HMC during the drafting process and prior to its adoption by the Town Council. Public input for the updated South Kingstown Hazard Mitigation Plan was primarily collected through a public survey, public meetings and an invitation to comment.

Early in the planning process, the HMC promoted and distributed a “Hazard Perceptions” survey online. The purpose of the anonymous survey was to hear from residents the hazards and neighborhoods they are most concerns about. Over 170 individuals participated in the survey. Not surprisingly, most were concerned about hurricanes/tropical storms, Nor’easters, snow/blizzards, ice storms, and high winds. The survey also provided the HMC with a list of problematic areas that are susceptible to flooding. The HMC used the input from the survey to focus their mitigation planning efforts.

The 2019 HMC included town residents and employees from URI and South County Hospital. The HMC’s roles focused on reviewing the content of the risk assessment matrix to ensure proper classification of problems and estimates of potential impacts; formulation of mitigation actions and sequencing of primary tasks; and identification of feasible implementation methods and schedules. Their comments were incorporated into the final 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Prior to public release of the 2019 HMP, the HMC drafted the plan through a series of committee meetings. While these meetings did not rise to the level of public hearings, they were posted on the Secretary of State’s website and were open to the public. Local interest groups and businesses did occasionally attend when invited.

Another public input strategy was geared toward the general public as opposed to specific stakeholders. During the draft review portion of the plan development, an electronic copy of the draft 2019 HMP was posted to the Town’s website. The public was informed of both the webpage posting and the public hearing. See Appendix B. They were encouraged to review the document and provide written comments on the HMP and/or attend the meeting to give testimony. Notice of the public hearing was also posted as an agenda item on the Town’s website in accordance with state law. During the public review period, a few comments were received suggesting ways to make the Town and residents better prepared to withstand storms. See the end of Appendix A. On XXXX, the Town Council held a discussion on the HMP as part of their regular public meeting. At the Town Council meeting, suggested edits and further clarification requested by Council Members. These were subsequently incorporated into the plan. [insert comments]

Review and comments from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency were also incorporated prior to adoption by the Town Council.

Before the HMC began meeting regularly, the Town was working on updating their Comprehensive Plan which includes discussions on floodplains, resource protection

24 Planning Process 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

districts, and development trends, and will include goals, policies and actions relative to planning for natural hazards and climate change. Members of the HMC are involved in the Comprehensive Plan update and will be incorporating elements of this document into the other plan.

25 Planning Process 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

3 Natural Hazards

Hazards of Concern

The Rhode Island 2016 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment and 2009 South Kingstown Hazard Mitigation Plan were used as a starting point for identifying hazards that pose the largest threat to the Town. The following table summarizes the hazards identified by the South Kingstown Hazard Mitigation Committee.

Table 4 Hazards Identified by the South Kingstown Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee

Identified by Natural Hazards Identified the SKHM Notes by the State Committee Severe Winter Weather Ice Storm  Snow  Flood Riverine  Coastal  Flash - Conditions not present Urban/Street - Ground Saturation  Not part of the State’s HIRA High Wind 

26 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Identified by Natural Hazards Identified the SKHM Notes by the State Committee Extreme Heat  Hurricane and Tropical

Storms Nor’easter  Included with coastal Storm Surge  flooding Extreme Cold  Thunderstorm Hail  Lightning  Dam Failure  Fire Urban - Focus on natural hazards Wildfire  Sea Level Rise  Epidemic - Not a concern Drought  Earthquake  Tornado  Human-Caused Hazards Notes Not covered by this natural - Cyber Security hazard plan Chemical Incident

• Marine hazardous material release • Hazardous material  release onshore

• Groundwater and soil contamination

• Rail hazards Not covered by this natural - Terrorism hazard plan Biological Incident - See also “Chemical Incident” Not covered by this natural - Radiological Incident hazard plan

27 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Identified by Natural Hazards Identified the SKHM Notes by the State Committee Not covered by this natural - Civil Unrest hazard plan Technological Hazards Notes Infrastructure Failure  As it relates to rail hazards

During the beginning phases of the planning process, the Hazard Mitigation Committee participated in an exercise that captured the frequency of various hazards, their potential damage extent, and their impacts (i.e. to populations, infrastructure, natural environment, etc.). The following scales were used during the analysis:

Probability of Future Occurrence Highly likely: near 100% probability within the next year; Likely: between 10% and 100% probability within the next year or at least one chance in next 10 years; Possible: between 1% and 10% probability within the next year or at least one chance in next 100 years; Unlikely: less than 1% probability in next 100 years

Damage Extent Low: some local property damage not town wide, minor injuries/ loss of life Medium: 50% of property could be damaged and possible injuries/ loss of life High: major town wide property damage, injuries and loss of life

Level of Concern/Risk Rank Developed by the HMC to rank the various hazards based on frequency and damage potential. Low - Not expected to occur with any frequency, damages will be limited. Medium - Will occur within the next 10 years but the Town has resources to reduce risks. High - Expected to occur within the next 5 years and is a major concern for the Town. Town-wide impacts

Based on a combination of probability of future occurrence, damage extent and impacts, the team assigned each hazard a Level of Concern. The table below summarizes the hazards of concern for the Town of South Kingstown, ranked from a high concern to low concern.

28 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Table 5 Hazards Ranked

Hazard Level of Concern/Risk Rank Hurricane High Nor’easter High Flooding (Coastal) High Flooding (Saturation) High Flooding (Riverine) High Coastal Erosion High High Winds High Snow Storm High Rail Hazards High HazMat Release Offshore High Groundwater and Soil High Contamination Ice Storm Medium Flooding (Street) Medium Extreme Heat and Cold Medium Sea Level Rise Medium Brushfire Medium HazMat Release Onshore Medium Dam Failure Low Earthquake Low Hail Low Lightning Low Flooding (Flash) Low Tornado Low

In this hazard mitigation plan, climate change is treated as an ongoing amplifier to the identified natural hazards. According to the State of Rhode Island Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, “[c]limate change is both a present threat and an ongoing hazard that is expected to have a significant impact on municipalities, including those in Rhode Island. It acts as an amplifier for existing natural hazards.13 Extreme weather events have become more frequent during the past half-century,

13 The Copenhagen Diagnosis, 2009: Updating the World on the Latest Climate Science. I. Allison, N.L. Bindoff, R.A. Bindschadler, P.M. Cox, N. de Noblet, M.H. England, J.E. Francis, N. Gruber, A.M. Haywood, D.J. Karoly, G. Kaser, C. Le Quéré, T.M. Lenton, M.E. Mann, B.I. McNeil, A.J. Pitman, S. Rahmstorf, E. Rignot, H.J. Schellnhuber, S.H. Schneider, S.C. Sherwood, R.C.J. Somerville, K. Steffen, E.J. Steig, M. Visbeck, A.J. Weaver. The University of New South Wales Climate Change Research Centre (CCRC), Sydney, Australia, 60pp.http://www.copenhagendiagnosis.com/

29 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

and this trend is projected to continue.14 For instance, more frequent intense precipitation events may translate into more frequent flash flooding episodes. The National Climate Assessment and Development Committee has documented that the average temperature across the United States has increased 1.5°F since 1895, with the majority of the increase since 1980. Weather events have and will continue to become more intense and frequent and will result in health and livelihood related impacts; such as water supply, agriculture, transportation, and energy. The impact of dynamic storm events includes, but is not limited to, more frequent and intense heat waves, increases in ocean and freshwater temperatures, frost-free-days, heavy downpours, floods, sea level rising, droughts, and wildfires.15” 16

Climate change impacts will be mentioned for each hazard.

The following sub-sections are organized by the level of risk as identified in the table above.

14 IPCC, 2012 - Field, C.B., V. Barros, T.F. Stocker, D. Qin, D.J. Dokken, K.L. Ebi, M.D. Mastrandrea, K.J. Mach, G.-K. Plattner, S.K. Allen, M. Tignor, and P.M. Midgley (Eds.) Available from Cambridge University Press, The Edinburgh Building, Shaftesbury Road, Cambridge CB2 8RU ENGLAND, 582 pp.

15 National Climate Assessment and Development Advisory Committee (NCADAC) January 2013 Draft Climate Assessment Report. http://ncadac.globalchange.gov/ 16 RI Emergency Management Agency, State of Rhode Island Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment. November 2016

30 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Hurricanes (Tropical Cyclones)

Description

Tropical cyclones, a general term for tropical storms and hurricanes, are low pressure systems that usually form over the tropics. These storms are referred to as “cyclones” due to their rotation. Tropical cyclones are among the most powerful and destructive meteorological systems on earth. Their destructive phenomena include very high winds, heavy rain, lightning, tornadoes, and storm surge. As tropical storms move inland, they can cause severe flooding, downed trees and power lines, and structural damage (Rhode Island State Hazard Mitigation Plan 2014).

There are three categories of tropical cyclones:

1. Tropical Depression: maximum sustained surface wind speed is less than 39 mph

2. Tropical Storm: maximum sustained surface wind speed from 39-73 mph

3. Hurricane: maximum sustained surface wind speed exceeds 73 mph

Once a tropical cyclone no longer has tropical characteristics it is classified as an extratropical system (Rhode Island State Hazard Mitigation Plan 2014).

Most Atlantic tropical cyclones begin as atmospheric “easterly waves” that propagate off the coast of Africa and cross the tropical North Atlantic and Caribbean Sea. When a storm starts to move toward the north, it begins to leave the area where the easterly trade winds prevail and enters the temperate latitudes where the westerly winds dominate. This situation produces the eastward curving pattern of most tropical storms that pass through the Mid-Atlantic region. When the westerly steering winds are strong, it is easier to predict where a hurricane will go. When the steering winds become weak, the storm follows an erratic path that makes forecasting very difficult (Rhode Island State Hazard Mitigation Plan 2014).

Hurricanes are categorized according to the Saffir/Simpson scale (Table 6) with ratings determined by wind speed and central barometric pressure. Hurricane categories range from one (1) through five (5), with Category 5 being the strongest (winds greater than 155 mph). A hurricane watch is issued when hurricane conditions could occur within the next 36 hours. A hurricane warning indicates that sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 24 hours or sooner (Rhode Island State Hazard Mitigation Plan 2014).

The Saffir-Simpson scale below is based primarily on wind speeds and includes estimates of barometric pressure and storm surge associated with each of the five categories. It is used to give an estimate of the potential property damage and flooding expected along the coast from a hurricane landfall.”

31 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Table 6 Saffir/Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale17

Wind Speed Typical Effects Category 1 – Weak Minimal Damage: Damage is primarily to shrubbery, trees, foliage, and unanchored mobile homes. No real damage occurs in building structures. Some damage is done to poorly constructed signs. 74-95 MPH (64-82kt) Category 2 – Moderate Moderate Damage: Considerable damage is done to shrubbery and tree foliage; some trees are blown down. Major structural damage occurs to exposed mobile homes. Extensive damage occurs to 96-110 MPH poorly constructed signs. Some damage is done to roofing (83-95kt) materials, windows, and doors; no major damage occurs to the building integrity of structures. Category 3– Strong Extensive damage: Foliage torn from trees and shrubbery; large trees blown down. Practically all poorly constructed signs are blown down. Some damage to roofing materials of buildings occurs, with 111-130 MPH some window and door damage. Some structural damage occurs to (96-113kt) small buildings, residences and utility buildings. Mobile homes are destroyed. There is a minor amount of failure of curtain walls (in framed buildings). Category 4 – Very Strong Extreme Damage: Shrubs and trees are blown down; all signs are down. Extensive roofing material and window and door damage occurs. Complete failure of roofs on many small residences occurs, 131-155 MPH and there is complete destruction of mobile homes. Some curtain (114-135kt) walls experience failure. Category 5 – Devastating Catastrophic Damage: Shrubs and trees are blown down; all signs are down. Considerable damage to roofs of buildings. Very severe and extensive window and door damage occurs. Complete failure Greater than of roof structures occurs on many residences and industrial 155 MPH (135kt) buildings, and extensive shattering of glass in windows and doors occurs. Some complete buildings fail. Small buildings are overturned or blown away. Complete destruction of mobile homes occurs.

Storm surge is the abnormal rise in water level caused by the wind and pressure forces of a hurricane or nor’easter (Rhode Island State Hazard Mitigation Plan 2014). Nationally, storm surge flooding has caused billions of dollars in damage and hundreds of deaths. Given today’s ever-increasing population densities in coastal communities, the need for information about the potential for flooding from storm surge has become even more important.

Location

The Town’s close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean renders it particularly susceptible to hurricanes and the resulting loss of human life and property.

17 National Weather Service, National Hurricane Center

32 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Probability of Future Occurrence

Likely.

Extent (Event Magnitude)

Hurricanes that most frequently make it up to Rhode Island are usually weak (Category 1) or downgraded tropical systems. The wind speeds may be less but the storms can still bring a lot of rain which can cause widespread flooding. It is worth nothing that every year, Rhode Island has a 1% chance of experiencing a major hurricane like the ones that hit in 1938 and 1954. These “major” hurricanes are characterized by rapid forward speed and landfall to our west, so that we are in the right front quadrant (highest winds and surge levels).18

Impact and Damage Extent

South Kingstown is a coastal community. Hurricane strength storms can cause coastal flooding, dangerous storm surge, and widespread inland flooding. The rain and storm surge alone could damage homes, roads, and cripple the Town. The high winds could down power lines and trees, and damage mobile homes or older structures. During extremely dangerous conditions, the Town may elect to open shelters which can easily become stressed during the tourism season. Damages to roofs and basement flooding could also put a halt to the real estate market. Damage extent is dependent upon the size and timing of the storm. A slow-moving storm may bring more rain to the area than a fast-moving storm.

Climate Change Impacts

Warming global air and water temperatures may increase the frequency and intensity of hurricanes that travel along the Atlantic Coast.

History

The unforeseen Great New England Hurricane of 1938 is the most catastrophic weather event in Rhode Island history. The event occurred slightly before high tide and brought with it winds upward of 120 mph.

In South Kingstown, houses were swept from their foundations, elm trees were uprooted in Kingston, and entire families were swept out to sea in a huge tidal wave. “South Kingstown recorded a storm surge high of 11.5 feet. The heavy surf of the storm hit the fishing village of Jerusalem, causing great damage to the fishing fleet as well as nearby homes. At the western boundary of the village, dunes as high as 25 feet were flattened. In nearby Matunuck the wind and water undermined many of

18 Personal communication with CRMC Staff on 11/2/2018

33 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

the cottages. Upper Point Judith Pond also sustained serious damages. Boats from Hanson’s yard were found 200 yards inland of the pond, scattered among the roofs of toppled houses. On the South Kingstown side of Narrow River flooding reached the bottom of Torrey Hill. In Green Hill every structure was destroyed. Unfortunately, many people invested more money into these high-risk areas as they started rebuilding along the shore as fast as they could clear the wreckage.”19 A Category 1 hurricane struck Rhode Island in August 1954 (Carol). “Though the storm was almost equal in severity, improvements in the warning and evacuation systems greatly reduced loss of life. The storm East Matunuck after Hurricane Carol (1954). surge was slightly Photo credit: Michael Delaney, Providence Journal higher than that of ’38, reaching a maximum of 11.6 feet. In both Green Hill and Jerusalem, structures were washed off the barrier beaches. The Potter Pond Bridge on Succotash Road washed out early in the storm leaving more than 100 people stranded on the East Matunuck side. Many of the homes in Jerusalem were located on filled marshes, only two to three feet above mean high water. These low-lying houses sustained extensive damage, in fact some were completely demolished by the storm. Only pilings were left of the docks in Snug Harbor. Abandoned by their owners, boats were ripped from their slips and moorings and strewn across the small fishing village.”20

In October 1991, Hurricane Bob hit Rhode Island as a Category 2 storm. “The tidal surge was thought to have damaged the Potter Pond Bridge causing it to close for several days. Fourteen boats were grounded in South Kingstown waters, with area

19 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Strategy Plan. Strategies for Reducing Risks from Natural Hazards in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. 2011. 20 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Strategy Plan. Strategies for Reducing Risks from Natural Hazards in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. 2011.

34 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

marinas reporting $100,000 worth of damage. Nine roads were closed for a period of several days following the storm because of debris and fallen trees.”

In 2011, Hurricane Irene hit South Kingstown as a tropical storm. Despite the relatively low wind speeds, sustained winds over a 6- to 12-hour long duration resulted in widespread tree damage and resulted in power outages to roughly half a million customers throughout the state. Numerous trees, poles, and wires were downed throughout South Kingstown. Local roads were also flooded. Collective effects throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island resulted in 1 fatality, no injuries, and $127.3 million in property damage.21

In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy severely impacted coastal Rhode Island as it came ashore with Tropical Storm strength winds. South Kingstown was mainly impacted by waves and high winds. Tree damage was widespread. The water main at East Matunuck barrier beach was damaged, as were steps at Matunuck Point. About 600 feet of Charlestown Beach Road was washed away and the Building Official condemned the privately owned Green Hill Beach Club which was also damaged.

“Roy Carpenter's Beach in South Kingstown - On a beach that previously had a wide expanse of sand, 50 feet of beach grass, a parking lot, and a road between the Atlantic and a beach cottage community, cottages are now being threatened by waves. Three cottages were washed off their foundations and one was left teetering on its foundation. Others slid into Roy Carpenter’s Beach (2012) post Sandy. the water where the beach had been completely eroded. Dozens of other cottages were damaged. As much as 50 feet of beach were destroyed or eroded away.”22

Green Hill Beach in South Kingstown - All the sand dunes on Green Hill Beach were washed away. The ground level of the Green Hill Beach Club was completely washed away, with only pillars left to hold the second floor up.”23

21 NOAA Storm Event Database (accessed September 2018). 22 NOAA Storm Event Database for flood events in Washington County. https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/ 23 NOAA Storm Event Database for flood events in Washington County. https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/

35 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Nor’easters

Description

A strong low-pressure system along the Mid-Atlantic and New England, which can form over land or over coastal waters. The storm radius is often as large as 1,000 miles, and the horizontal storm speed is about 25 miles per hour, traveling up the eastern United States coast. Sustained wind speeds of 10-40 MPH are common during a nor’easter, with short term wind speeds gusting up to 70 MPH. Typically a winter weather event, Nor’easters are known to produce heavy snow, rain and heavy waves along the coast. Unlike hurricanes and tropical storms, nor’easters can sit off shore, wreaking damage for days.

Also called East Coast Winter Storms, Nor’easters are characterized by: › A closed circulation. › Located within the quadrilateral bounded at 45N by 65W and 70W, and at 30N by 85W and 75W. › Show a general movement from the south-southwest to the north-northeast. › Counterclockwise rotation causes winds to blow in from the northeast. › Contain winds greater than 23 mph. › The above conditions must persist for at least a 12-hour period24. The magnitude or severity of a severe winter storm or Nor'easter depends on several factors including a region’s climatological susceptibility to snowstorms, snowfall amounts, snowfall rates, wind speeds, temperatures, visibility, storm duration, topography, tidal cycle, and time of occurrence during the day (e.g., weekday versus weekend), and season.

The extent of a severe winter storm (including Nor’easters that produce snow) can be classified by meteorological measurements and by evaluating its combined impacts. For measuring wind effects, the Beaufort Wind Scale is a system that relates wind speed to observed conditions at sea or on land (See Figure 5). The snow impact of a Nor’easter can be measured using NOAA’s Regional Snowfall Index (See the section Snow Storm).

Location

The Town’s close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean renders it particularly susceptible to Nor’easters and the resulting loss of human life and property.

Probability of Future Occurrence

Highly Likely.

24 Hersher, et al. An East Coast Winter Storm Climatology. Northeast Regional Climate Center, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 2001.

36 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Extent (Event Magnitude)

On average, South Kingstown experiences or is threatened by a Nor’easter every couple of years. In 2018 South Kingstown, and the rest of Rhode Island experienced a rare outbreak of three Nor’easters within a matter of weeks. The ones in early March produced rain, the later one produced snow in parts of Rhode Island.

Impact and Damage Extent

South Kingstown is a coastal community; most damage experienced from Nor’easters is related to utilities, roads, stormwater infrastructure, personal property, trees, and snow loads on roofs. Expected damages are similar to those from a hurricane, including erosion of the coastal shoreline. The Blizzard of 1978 was the largest Nor’easter on record. Many people in Rhode Island were without heat, food, and electricity for over a week.

Climate Change Impacts

Similar to hurricanes, changes in air and water temperatures may lead to stronger Nor’easters along the Atlantic Ocean. South Kingstown should expect stronger and more frequent severe storms. Higher sea levels will also result in higher storm surges over time.

History

Table 7 Nor'easter History25

Date Comments 02/10/1969 Up to 20 inches of snow in parts of Rhode Island. 02/07/1978 27 inches of snow in Providence. State of emergency declared in RI and in nearby CT. 02/24/1998 The second powerful nor'easter to affect the region in less than a week brought heavy rainfall and strong northeast winds to much of Rhode Island. An extremely intense low pressure system moving to the northeast and passing just to the southeast of Nantucket had a central barometric pressure just under 29 inches of mercury. Rainfall totals for this storm exceeded 2 inches over the eastern and northern part of the state. Strong northeast winds gusted to 40 to 56 mph across the state. Nearby Charlestown experienced wind gusts of 52 mph. 03/21/1998 A strong very early Spring nor'easter brought a mixture of snow, sleet, and rain to Rhode Island. Peak wind gusts were 35-49 mph. 10/25/2005 A strong coastal storm (i.e. a nor'easter) entrained with energy and moisture from the remnants of Wilma brought

25 NOAA Storm Event Database for flood events in Washington County. https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/

37 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Date Comments rainfall amounts between 2 and 2.5 inches and damaging winds to portions of Rhode Island. The high winds brought down limbs, trees, and wires, resulting in scattered power outages in nearby Exeter. 01/12/2011 A developing nor'easter coastal storm dumped nearly two feet of snow across portions of Rhode Island in a 24-hour period. Ten to eleven inches of snow fell across Washington County. 03/02/2018 Nor’easter #1. Wind gusts >70 mph. Two to four inches of rain across the region. Coastal flooding. Widespread power outages and tree damage. This was a rain and wind event.26 03/07/2018 Nor’easter #2. Two to four inches of rain across Washington County. Wind gusts >60 mph. 03/13/2018 Nor’easter #3. Wind gusts about 50 mph in coastal Rhode Island. Thousands without power in Rhode Island. Blizzard conditions brought up to a foot of snow. This was a heavy snow and wind event.2728

Flooding

For the purpose of this plan, the South Kingstown Hazard Mitigation Committee decided to identify three types of flooding they experience: Coastal, Ground Saturating Events, and Riverine. They three types are described below.

Flooding (Coastal)

Description

Simply put, coastal flooding occurs when seawater inundates the land. Because of development pressures and population increases in the coast, a greater number of structures are at risk to flooding. According to the Rhode Island 2014 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, “Flooding is a localized hazard that is generally the result of excessive precipitation. Flooding is the most commonly occurring natural hazard, due to the widespread geographical distribution of river valleys and coastal areas, and the attraction of human settlements to these areas. Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss.”

“A flood, which can be slow or fast rising but generally develops over a period of days, is defined by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as:

26 WPRI. March 20, 2018 https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/march-of-the-noreasters-each-storm-different-from-the- last/1082557076 27 Newport Daily News. March 14, 2018 http://www.newportri.com/da9d9382-475d-5911-8cd2-1fc8cfbb3c1a.html 28 NOAA Storm Event Database for flood events in Washington County. https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/

38 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

› A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties from: overflow of inland or tidal waters; unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source; or a mudflow; or › The collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood as defined above.” FEMA maintains regulatory flood maps called Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM). Insurance companies refer to these when providing coverage to homeowners. These maps are available for viewing at Town Hall and online at The FEMA Map Service Center https://msc.fema.gov. Please note that there is a process for the public to request a change in the flood zone designation for their property.

Location

Low-lying coastal areas are the most vulnerable.

Probability of Future Occurrence

Coastal flooding is highly likely.

Extent (Event Magnitude)

Localized flooding can be expected to occur on an annual basis.

Impact and Damage Extent

Along the South Kingstown coast, hurricanes and other storms accompanied by heavy winds and rain make the Town vulnerable to personal, property and environmental damage occasioned by coastal flooding. Storm surge, coupled with large fast moving waves can scour beaches and building foundations. Coastal storms that occur during the summer have the likelihood of catching visitors and seasonal residents off guard without a plan.

Salt water intrusion into freshwater systems is another concern. Large storms will push the seawater up into the rivers and estuaries causing flooding. This can also impact the freshwater drinking resources. The timing of these storms around high tide could impact the extent of the damages.

Vulnerable structures include stormwater infrastructure, dams, residential homes, marinas, water supply lines, and roads.

Climate Change Impacts

Changing climate conditions are likely to bring stronger coastal events to South Kingstown. More intense storms will stress the natural floodplains and stormwater infrastructure. In coastal areas where storm drains empty into the ocean, rising tides and storm surge may further exacerbate flooding during heavy rain events.

History

39 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Table 8 History of Coastal Flooding in South Kingstown Since 2000.29

Date Comments Low pressure system brought high winds to the area. Wind gusts were estimated near 60 mph on Block Island. About 10,200 customers were 10/28/2006 left without power throughout the state, as reported by the media. Coastal flooding occurred on Boston Neck Road in neighboring Narragansett. This storm brought a variety of impacts, including damaging winds in excess of 60 mph, widespread river and stream flooding, and significant coastal flooding through several high tide cycles. East to northeast winds gusted as high as 60 mph. There were widespread reports of downed trees, large branches, and power lines, especially in 04/15/2007 southern Rhode Island. Along the South Coast, the worst coastal flooding occurred with the morning high tide on the 16th, where flood waters and debris closed several shore roads. Large boulders that washed ashore had to be removed with snow plows, according to media reports. In coastal areas, high astronomical tides combined with rough seas and storm surge to produce minor coastal flooding. The beach in 03/08/2008 neighboring Narragansett was under water with surge 5 feet away from the beach parking lot. High swells churned up by Hurricane Bill (now a tropical depression) resulted in high surf and coastal flooding along portions of the Southern New England shoreline. Minor coastal flooding occurred in 08/22/2009 neighboring Narragansett at Scarborough Beach and in Charlestown. Ocean waters reached the base of the boardwalk at Scarborough Beach. In Charlestown, several driveways on Charlestown Beach Road were flooded with ocean waters. Hurricane Sandy. The entire Rhode Island shoreline experienced moderate to major coastal flooding. Major coastal flooding struck the Rhode Island ocean exposed south coast during the Monday evening high tide. This storm tide, especially destructive across shorelines in Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingston, Narragansett, and Block Island, rivaled the impact from Hurricane Bob in 1991. Along the Rhode Island south coast, the damaging coastal flooding was fueled by a storm 10/29/2012 surge around 5 feet and waves of 30+ feet that propagated on a long fetch into Block Island and Rhode Island Sounds. Three cottages were washed off their foundations and one was left teetering on its foundation. Others slid into the water where the beach had been completely eroded. Dozens of other cottages were damaged. As much as 50 feet of beach were destroyed or eroded away. The ground level of the Green Hill Beach Club was completely washed away, with only pillars left to hold the second floor up. Storm brought heavy snow and gusty winds along the coast. Local 02/09/2016 coastal roads experienced some flooding.

29 NOAA Storm Event Database for flood events in Washington County, specifically The Town of South Kingstown. https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/

40 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Flooding (Ground Saturation)

Description

Ground saturation, groundwater flooding, or pluvial flooding tends to occur after prolonged periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt as the water table rises above its normal depth below the ground surface. In low-lying areas, the groundwater can even seep to the surface. These areas are not necessarily associated with surface water features such as rivers or streams. This is more of a function of the geology and aquifer locations. This type of flooding may increase the amount of water entering the rivers.

Location

Low-lying areas town-wide. See Appendix C, Map C5.

Probability of Future Occurrence

Ground saturation is highly likely.

Extent (Event Magnitude)

Localized

Impact and Damage Extent

Ground saturation can flood roads and make travel difficult for motorists. During particularly heavy rainstorms, building roofs can leak and basements can flood.

Climate Change Impacts

Changing weather patterns may lead to more severe rain events.

History

The heavy rainfall in the spring of 2010 resulted in riverine flooding as well as ground saturation flooding.

Flooding (Riverine)

Description

Riverine flooding occurs when heavy rainfall or snow melt causes the water in rivers and streams to flow over their banks. The severity of the flood depends on the saturation of the surrounding ground, the amount of precipitation, and duration of the event. In South Kingstown, coastal waters can also be so high that the rivers are unable to drain, thereby causing inland flooding. Riverine flooding is most likely to occur in the early and late spring due to snow melt and spring rainfalls.

Location

During the March 2010 flood events several roads were unpassable. Low-lying roads, as well Peace Dale, Wakefield, and Saugatucket Road are the most vulnerable. See Appendix C, Map C5.

41 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Probability of Future Occurrence

Riverine flooding is highly likely.

Extent (Event Magnitude)

Localized flooding can be expected to occur on an annual basis. The flood event which occurred in March 2010 was a 250 year +/- event with about 5 ½ inches of rain in a short period of time.

Impact and Damage Extent

Damages are localized but can be serious. The Chipuxet River overflows onto Route 138. In 2010, overflows from the Saugatucket River closed down nearby roads. Also of particular concern is the Peace Dale Office Building.

Bridges along the flooded rivers can be compromised as waters rise and scour away at the foundations.

Climate Change Impacts

Changing climate conditions are likely to bring more rainfall events to South Kingstown and fewer snow storms. More intense storms will stress the natural floodplains and stormwater infrastructure. In coastal areas where storm drains empty into the ocean, rising tides and storm surge may further exacerbate flooding during heavy rain events.

History

Table 8 History of Riverine Flooding in South Kingstown Since 2000.30

Date Comments Low pressure system brought 3-4 inches of rain resulting in poor 03/28/2005 drainage flooding. In South Kingstown, flooding affected several roadways on the URI campus. Between 2.5 and 4.5 inches of rain in Rhode Island. Many roads were 10/15/2005 closed throughout the region. Between 3 and 6 inches of rain fell in the area resulting in flooded 03/14/2010 basements and yards. Neighboring Narragansett and Richmond had reports of structural damages and road closures.

30 NOAA Storm Event Database for flood events in Washington County, specifically The Town of South Kingstown. https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/

42 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Coastal Erosion

Description

Coastal erosion is the gradual wearing away of land. Although this can happen along rivers and streams, for the purpose of this Hazard Mitigation Plan, erosion will focus on coastal erosion as a hazard.

Strong storms, rising sea level, flooding, and ocean waves can wear away beaches swiftly or over time. During storms it is swift, and can result in tens of feet of bluff erosion in a severe storm. Overtime this causes the shoreline to migrate inland. Erosion at Matunuck Beach after Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The beaches erode during Photo Credit: Rhode Island Coastal Resource Management storms but usually have post- Council storm recovery where there is actually sand accretion to reform a berm. This erosion reduces the amount of protective buffer between the ocean and the built environment. The ocean becomes closer to homes, businesses, and Town infrastructure, thereby putting the structures at greater and greater risk of being unusable or uninhabitable.31

Location

The 10 miles of the South Kingstown coastline are susceptible to erosion. Some areas are more fortified than others and can withstand some wave impacts. These areas are not immune to long term sea level rise and larger storm waves.

Probability of Future Occurrence

Highly likely.

31 The H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics and the Environment. Evaluation of Erosion Hazards. April 2000. https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1553-20490-1159/hz_erosn.pdf

43 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Extent (Event Magnitude)

Over the next 50 years, coastal erosion may contribute to the loss of 1 in 4 of the houses within 500 feet of the shore. The average rate of erosion along the Atlantic Ocean is 2-3 feet.32

The Matunuck Headland (southwest of Matunuck Beach Road), depending on point of measurement, lost 200 to nearly 300 feet of shoreline between 1951 and 2014. When these rates are annualized they average about 4 to 4.5 feet of shoreline a year.33 Just east, in front of the Ocean Mist, the shoreline is retreating at an average annualized rate of 3.2 feet per year.34 It should be noted that erosion is episodic. Tens of feet of shoreline can be lost in a single storm followed by no losses for months to years. Matunuck Headland is particularly susceptible to erosion because the sediment forming the coastal bluff is easily erodible silt. Unlike sand, which forms offshore bars that weld back onto the beaches during fair weather, silt rapidly moves offshore not to return.

Impact and Damage Extent

Locally, erosion has already shown to remove beaches fronting or adjacent to hardened shorelines, expose on-site wastewater treatment systems, compromise road beds, and undermine coastal homes. Bringing the saltwater barrier further inland also promotes saltwater intrusion into the freshwater drinking systems.

In addition to narrowing the beaches, important coastal habitats can be destroyed through erosion.

Unfortunately, local FEMA maps do not reflect the risk of erosion in their Flood Insurance Rate Maps. People are often caught unaware of the real risk of living along the coast.

Climate Change Impacts

South Kingstown expects erosion to be a growing concern as storms become more intense and sea levels rise. The Shoreline Change Special Area Management Plan identifies an erosion multiplier to estimate accelerated rates of erosion that result from sea level rise.35

32 The H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics and the Environment. Evaluation of Erosion Hazards. April 2000. https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1553-20490-1159/hz_erosn.pdf 33 Coastal Resource Management Council (CRMC) Shoreline Change Map from 1939 to 2014. http://www.crmc.ri.gov/maps/shorechange/South-Kingstown_Matunuck-Headland.pdf 34 Coastal Resource Management Council (CRMC) Shoreline Change Map from 1939 to 2014. http://www.crmc.ri.gov/maps/shorechange/South-Kingstown_Matunuck-Headland.pdf 35 Coastal Resource Management Council (CRMC) Shoreline Change Special area Management Plan http://www.beachsamp.org/wp- content/uploads/2018/07/BeachSAMP_CH5_CRMCCoastalApp_061218_CRMCApproval.pdf

44 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

History

The 1938 Hurricane and Hurricane Carol in 1954 flattened dunes and ripped apart the South Kingstown coast.

During Superstorm Sandy in 2012, the southerly coastline of South Kingstown suffered considerable damage due to coastal erosion. The erosion of about 50 feet of beach at Roy Carpenter’s Beach sent homes into the water. The Town’s East Matunuck barrier beach water main, which was the sole means of potable water conveyance from the easterly to the westerly side of the water system was breached due to coastal erosion. The water main was subsequently repaired to ensure continuous potable water and fire protection for water users west of Potters Pond.

During the same storm, the shoreline between the Ocean Mist and Town beach suffered severe erosion including significant beachhead and dune loss. There was significant sand overwash onto the roadway and the “Vanilla Bean” coastal pond just to the east to the South Kingstown Town Beach.

Further, approximately 700 feet of Charlestown Beach Road, including substantial seaward dunes, were consumed by the ocean, thereby eliminating vehicle access to eight homes. The portion of the Charlestown Beach Road that was lost was subsequently reconstructed by the Town’s excavating subcontractor.

Charlestown Beach Road after Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Photo Credit: Town of South Kingstown

45 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

High Winds

Description

Wind is the movement of air caused by a difference in pressure from one place to another. Local wind systems are created by the immediate geographic features in a given area such as mountains, valleys, or large bodies of water. National climatic events such as high gale winds, tropical storms, thunderstorms, nor’easters, hurricanes, and low-pressure systems produce wind events in Rhode Island. Wind effects can include blowing debris, interruptions in elevated power and communications utilities, and intensification of the effects of other hazards related to winter weather and severe storms.

Figure 5 Beaufort Scale

The Beaufort Wind Scale is a 17-level scale used to describe wind speed and observed wind conditions at sea and on land. A wind classification of 0 has wind speeds of less than 1 mile per hour are considered calm. On the other end, a classification of 10 with wind speeds reaching 63 miles an hour will blow down trees and cause considerable damage.

46 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Location

Wind events are expected throughout the year in South Kingstown.

Probability of Future Occurrence

Highly likely.

Extent (Event Magnitude)

The windier part of the year lasts for 6.2 months, from October 13 to April 21, with average wind speeds of more than 8.1 miles per hour. On average, the windiest day of the year is January 13, with an average hourly wind speed of 10.3 miles per hour.36

The record wind speed of 69 mph was measured in nearby Westerly during Hurricane Sandy in October 2012.

Impact and Damage Extent

Strong wind gusts of 40 miles an hour (Beaufort Scale of 8) can blow twigs and small branches from trees. Occasional gusts and sustained winds at this speed (and above) are of concern to the Town. Damages from wind events range from power outages, property damage to vehicles and buildings and fallen trees/limbs. Wind events in South Kingstown Tree down on the South County Bike Path at the have resulted primarily in power intersection with Route 108 after a storm outages and downed tree limbs with minimal property damage. It is important that the Town of South Kingstown maintain their public tree trimming program that will reduce the likelihood of fallen trees/limbs from disrupting transportation routes and/or taking down power lines.

Climate Change Impacts

Changes in atmospheric circulation are predicted to occur. See “Hurricanes” and “Nor’easters”.

36 WeatherSpark https://weatherspark.com/y/26126/Average-Weather-in-South-Kingstown-Rhode-Island-United-States-Year-Round accessed 9/19/2018

47 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

History37

Table 9 History of High Winds in Washington County

Magnitude Date Comments (kts) Hurricane Sandy. A Citizens Weather Observing Program observer in Westerly reported sustained winds 10/29/2012 75 kts. of 64 mph and a wind gust of 86 mph. The Automated Surface Observing System at Westerly State Airport recorded wind gusts of 69 mph. Amateur radio operators in Westerly and South Kingstown reported wind gusts to 56 and 55 mph, 01/31/2013 50 kts. respectively, on their home weather stations. In Richmond, a tree was downed near Richmond Elementary School on Kingston Road. An amateur radio operator recorded a wind gust of 59 mph on their home weather station in South Kingstown. A utility pole was downed onto Route 102 in Exeter. A 11/27/2013 51 kts. tree and wires were downed in Kingston, temporarily disrupting Amtrak train service. A large tree was downed onto a house in North Kingstown. Winds gusted as high as 58 mph at the Weatherflow 02/16/2016 50 kts. mesonet stations at Ninigret Pond and at Point Judith. Trees and wires were blown down in South Kingstown. A tree and wires were brought down on Yawgoo Valley Road, Partridge Drive, and Mail Road in Exeter; trees and wires were brought down on Gardiner Road and multiple trees were brought down on Lewiston Avenue, both in Richmond; a tree and wires were down on 10/29/2017 60 kts. Hundred Acre Road in the West Kingston section of South Kingstown; a tree and wires were down on Spring Street in the Hope Valley section of Hopkinton. An amateur radio operator in Westerly reported a sustained wind of 49 mph; another operator in Charlestown reported a wind gust to 69 mph. An amateur radio operator at Charlestown reported 03/02/2018 61 kts a wind gust to 70 mph.

Snow Storm

Description

The majority of Rhode Island lies outside the heavy snow and ice regions of the northeast. Due to its maritime climate, Rhode Island generally experiences cooler summers and warmer winters than inland areas. However, snow and ice do occur

37 National Climate Data Center (2017)

48 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

and can be more than an inconvenience and cause extensive damage. The two major threats from these hazards are loss of power due to ice on electrical lines and snow loading on rooftops. Additionally, loss of power could mean loss of heat for many residents.

Winter storms vary in size and strength and Saugatucket River Pedestrian Bridge can be accompanied by strong winds that create blizzard conditions and dangerous wind chill. There are three categories of winter storms. A blizzard is the most dangerous of the winter storms. It consists of low temperatures, heavy snowfall, and winds of at least 35 miles per hour. A heavy snow storm is one which drops four or more inches of snow in a twelve-hour period. An ice storm occurs when moisture falls and freezes immediately upon impact.

Location

A severe winter storm could have a serious impact in private, and public structures, as well as the general population throughout South Kingstown.

Probability of Future Occurrence

Highly likely.

Extent (Event Magnitude)

On average, South Kingstown receives 30 inches of snow throughout the year. The average winter temperature (December-February) in South Kingstown is 42.3 degrees Fahrenheit.38

Impact and Damage Extent

The combination of wind, ice, and snow can have a crippling effect on the Town. Wind and ice impacts are described in their respective sections of this plan. Heavy and/or excessive snowfall amounts can stress roofs and slow plowing efforts.

38 Intellicast http://www.intellicast.com/Local/History.aspx?location=USRI9981

49 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Climate Change Impacts

South Kingstown may likely see less snowfall over the winter season but may see more intense blizzards when they do occur.

History

South Kingstown has been subjected to annual snowstorms and Nor’easters. The Great Blizzard of 1978 blanketed South Kingstown with 27 inches of snow and closed businesses for several days. In February 2013, Winter Storm Nemo temporarily crippled the town. Power lines were downed, and road crews had a tough time keeping up with keeping the roads passable.

Table 10 History of Blizzard and Winter Storm Events in and Near South Kingstown Since 2010

Date Inches Comments A developing nor'easter coastal storm dumped nearly two feet of snow across portions of Rhode Island in a 24-hour period. This was the second major storm of an above average winter of snowfall. The first occurred December 26 and 27, with several other relatively minor snowfalls in the month of January, and a third major storm February 1 and 2. With only a brief thaw 01/12/2011 10-11 in between the December storm and the January storm, snow piled up across southern New England resulting in numerous roof collapses, towns seeking permission to dump excess snow in area rivers and bays, and numerous disruptions to transportation. Ten to eleven inches of snow fell across Washington County. A strong low pressure system moved up the coast and southeast of Nantucket 01/26/2011 9-11 producing up to a foot of snow across Rhode Island. Nine to eleven inches of snow fell across Washington County. A weak low pressure system moved southeast of southern New England, bringing snow to much of southern New England. While most of the area received at least an inch of snow, a mesoscale band set up along the south coast of Massachusetts 01/21/2012 6-12 and Rhode Island resulting in incredible snowfall rates. Eight to twelve inches of snow fell along the coast with five to eight inches falling on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Amateur Radio operator reported 6 to 12 inches of snow on the ground. A rapidly intensifying low moved out of the mid-Atlantic, passing southeast of Southern New England. This spread heavy snow across much of Southern New 12/29/2012 6-8 England, resulting in six to twelve inches of snow across the area. Snowfall totals between six and eight inches were reported in Washington County.

50 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Date Inches Comments An historic winter storm deposited tremendous amounts of snow over all of southern New England, mainly from the mid-afternoon on Friday, February 8 and lasting into the daylight hours of Saturday, February 9. The Blizzard of 2013 also produced a prolonged period of very strong winds Friday night along the MA and RI coasts. Gusts exceeded hurricane force (74 mph) at a few locations. Gale force gusts (to 50 mph) continued on the MA coast through Saturday afternoon. The strong winds, combined with a wet snow, led to extensive power outages from downed trees and wires in southeast coastal MA and in southern RI. Elsewhere, farther inland, the snow became drier and did not cling to trees like it did along the south and southeast coast of New England. Some wind gusts included: 76 mph at Logan International Airport (Boston, MA), 75 mph at 02/08/2013 19-20 Bedford, MA, 77 mph at Hyannis, MA and 68 mph in Jamestown, RI. Damaging gusts to 60 mph were recorded as far west as Worcester County, MA. Wind gusts of 35 to 50 mph were common elsewhere in southern New England. Minor tidal flooding occurred along the south coasts of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island during times of high tide Friday night and Saturday morning. The Providence Journal reported that almost 170 people sought treatment for storm-related heart attacks, falls, and other injuries related to the storm at Lifespan network hospitals (which includes 4 major Rhode Island hospitals). In addition, 10 people were hospitalized with carbon monoxide poisoning. No further information was available. Nineteen to twenty inches of snow fell across Washington County. A significant, rapidly developing coastal storm moved southeast of Southern New England bringing heavy snow, bitter cold temperatures, and strong winds to all of 01/02/2014 7-8 the region. Seven to eight inches of snow fell across Washington County. Low pressure moved off the DelMarVa peninsula and moved northeastward passing southeast of southern New England. This brought strong winds and heavy 02/15/2014 6-9 snow to the southern portions of the region. Six to nine inches of snow fell across Washington County.

51 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Date Inches Comments An historic winter storm brought heavy snow to southern New England with blizzard conditions to much of Rhode Island and eastern Massachusetts, beginning during the day on Monday, January 26 and lasting into the early morning hours of Tuesday, January 27. The highest snowfall totals, averaging two to three feet, extended from extreme northeast Connecticut and northwest Rhode Island into much of central and northeast Massachusetts, including greater Boston. Some of the highest totals reported include Hudson, MA (36 inches), Acton, MA (34 inches), Thompson, CT (33.5 inches), and Methuen, MA (31.5 inches). Much of southeast Massachusetts and the rest of Rhode Island received one to two feet of snow. Totals dropped off dramatically west of the Connecticut River Valley where totals of 4 to 8 inches were observed. The Blizzard of January 2015 produced very strong winds late Monday into Tuesday near the Massachusetts and Rhode Island coasts where gusts of 50 to 65 mph were common. Gusts reached hurricane force at a few locations in Massachusetts including Nantucket (78 mph), Chatham (75 mph), Humarock (74 01/26/2015 12-21 mph), and Aquinnah (74 mph). The Governor of Rhode Island declared a state-wide travel ban beginning at midnight on January 27th and continuing through 8 pm. The few cars/drivers who did not obey the travel ban became stuck. A RI Department of Transportation vehicle flipped over during the storm as well. Several fatalities occurred as a result of the storm. These included: a 68 year-old male outdoors shoveling snow on 1/27/15 and a 57 year-old male outdoors shoveling snow on 1/28/15. President Obama issued a federal disaster declaration for the state of Rhode Island for this storm, allowing federal assistance for emergency work and repairs to facilities damaged by the storm. Blizzard conditions occurred at Westerly State Airport from approximately 5 am to 10 am. Outside this time frame, near blizzard conditions occurred with gusty winds and limited visibilities. Twelve to twenty-one inches of snow fell across Washington County. An historic winter storm brought heavy snow to southern New England with blizzard conditions to much of Rhode Island and eastern Massachusetts, beginning during the day on Monday, January 26 and lasting into the early morning hours of Tuesday, January 27. The Governor of Rhode Island declared a state wide travel ban beginning at midnight on January 27th and continuing through 8 pm. The few cars/drivers who did not obey the travel ban became stuck. A RI Department of Transportation vehicle flipped over during the storm as well. Several fatalities occurred as a result of the storm. These included: a 68 year-old 01/26/2015 12-21 male outdoors shoveling snow on 1/27/15 and a 57 year-old male outdoors shoveling snow on 1/28/15. President Obama issued a federal disaster declaration for the state of Rhode Island for this storm, allowing federal assistance for emergency work and repairs to facilities damaged by the storm. Blizzard conditions occurred at Westerly State Airport from approximately 5 am to 10 am. Outside this time frame, near blizzard conditions occurred with gusty winds and limited visibilities. Twelve to twenty-one inches of snow fell across Washington County.

52 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Date Inches Comments Low pressure off the Delmarva peninsula intensified rapidly as it moved northeastward. Its path just southeast of Nantucket brought heavy snow to all of southern New England and blizzard conditions and coastal flooding to coastal 02/14/2015 5-9 areas. A 56 year-old female custodian was injured when she fell through a skylight while clearing the snow from the roof of Smithfield High School on February 18th. Five to nine inches of snow fell across Washington County. A fast moving low pressure system skirted the south coasts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, bringing accumulating snow to much of southern New England. The 03/01/2015 4-8 greatest snow amounts fell in these areas, though snow overspread much of the region. Four to eight inches of snow fell across Washington County. Low pressure moved along a cold front stalled south of southern New England, bringing accumulating snow to much of the region. Snow was focused along the 03/05/2015 8-12 south coasts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including Cape Cod and the islands. Eight to twelve inches of snow fell across Washington County. Low pressure intensified as it moved off the coast of North Carolina and tracked northeastward, passing south of southern New England. This brought accumulating snow to areas south of Interstate 90 in Massachusetts, including Connecticut and Rhode Island. In addition, strong, damaging winds accompanied the snow. With 01/23/2016 5-12 bare trees, there was remarkably little damage associated with winds that gusted near hurricane force at times. Five to twelve inches of snow fell across Washington County. Snow was difficult to measure because strong, gusty winds occurred simultaneously, resulting in blowing and drifting of snow. Low pressure traveling along a cold front stalled south of southern New England brought heavy rain, which changed over to heavy snow as temperatures dropped. 02/05/2016 4-8 This snow was extraordinarily wet and heavy, bringing down trees and wires across portions of southern New England. Four to eight inches of snow fell across Washington County. A very powerful low pressure system tracked up the east coast, passing southeast of Southern New England. This storm brought heavy snow and gusty winds, 02/08/2016 5-8 resulting in blizzard conditions along the Massachusetts east coast. Five to eight inches of snow fell across Washington County. Low pressure, the second in three days, developed along the coast of the Carolinas the night of January 6 and moved up the coast to bring snow and wind to 01/07/2017 11-16 Southern New England on January 7. Eleven to sixteen inches of snow fell on Washington County during the day and evening. A cold front moving through New England on March 9 brought colder air to Rhode Island. Low pressure moved up along the cold front on March 10 and passed south 03/10/2017 5-6 of the region, but close enough to bring snow especially on the South Coast. Trained spotters measured 5 to 6 inches of snow accumulation.

53 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Ice Storm

Description

An ice storm occurs when moisture falls and freezes immediately upon impact. The term ice storm is used to describe occasions when damaging accumulations of ice are expected during freezing rain situations. Freezing rain most commonly occurs in a narrow band within a winter storm that is also producing heavy amounts of snow and sleet in other locations. If extreme cold Ice Storm. Source: NOAA. conditions are combined with low or no snow cover, the cold can better penetrate downward through the ground and potentially create problems for underground infrastructure, as well. When utilities are affected and heating systems are compromised or do not work, water and sewer pipes can freeze and even rupture.

Location

All of South Kingstown is susceptible to ice storms.

Probability of Future Occurrence

Likely.

Extent (Event Magnitude)

Ice storms can be the most devastating winter weather phenomena and are often the cause of automobile accidents, power and communication system outages, personal injury, and death. Moreover, they can hinder the delivery of emergency services needed in response to these catastrophes and endanger the responders. Ice storms accompanied by wind gusts cause the most damage.

The Sperry–Piltz Ice Accumulation (SPIA) Index is a scale for rating ice storm intensity, based on the expected storm size, ice accumulation, and damages on structures, especially exposed overhead utility systems. The SPIA Index uses forecast information to rate an upcoming ice storm's impact from 0 (little impact) to 5 (catastrophic damage to exposed utility systems).

South Kingstown expects at least a Level 1 accumulation every year, with isolated or localized utility interruptions due to ice.

54 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Figure 6 SPIA Index

Impact and Damage Extent

The South Kingstown Hazard Mitigation Committee is most concerned about ice taking down trees throughout the heavily forested town. Falling trees have taken out power lines, damaged buildings, and essentially shut down the town. Flash freezes and icy roads can also cause dangerous driving conditions.

Climate Change Impacts

Warming temperatures may mean less snowfall but if there is enough moisture in the atmosphere, it may fall as freezing rain, coating everything in ice. South Kingstown should expect more ice events.

History

Due to the unique weather in New England, ice storms are usually part of larger snow events. The winter storm event that crippled the state in February 1978 did include a FEMA disaster declaration for snow and ice. Subsequent storms have included ice warnings when there are rapidly warming and cooling temperatures. Rhode Island was spared the brunt of the 2008 ice storm which affected more than a million people across New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, and New York.

55 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Extreme Temperatures

Description

Extreme cold may accompany winter storms, be left in their wake, or can occur without storm activity. Extreme cold can lead to hypothermia and frostbite, which are both serious medical conditions. The definition of an excessively cold temperature varies according to the normal climate of a region. In areas unaccustomed to winter weather, near freezing temperatures are considered “extreme cold.” In Rhode Island, extreme cold usually involves temperatures below zero degrees Fahrenheit (Rhode Island State Hazard Mitigation Plan 2014).

The wind chill index attempts to quantify the cooling effect of wind with the actual outside air temperature to determine a wind chill temperature that represents how cold people and animals feel, based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin. A wind chill index of -5 indicates that the effects of wind and temperature on exposed flesh are the same as if the air temperature alone were five (5) degrees below zero (0), even though the actual temperature could be much higher. The NWS issues a wind chill advisory when wind chill temperatures are potentially hazardous and a wind chill warning when the situation can be life-threatening (Rhode Island State Hazard Mitigation Plan 2014).

The National Weather Service issues extreme (or excessive) heat warnings when the maximum heat index is expected to be 105o F or higher for at least 2 consecutive days and night time air temperatures are not expected to fall below 75o. In the northeast, these criteria are generally modified to a heat index of 92o for higher for 2 consecutive days.

Location

An extreme heat or cold event would be a regional issue affecting South Kingstown and significant portions of Southern New England. Extreme temperatures could have a serious impact on private and public structures, as well as the general population throughout South Kingstown. Those most at risk to extreme temperatures are the elderly and those who work outside.

Probability of Future Occurrence

Highly likely.

Extent (Event Magnitude)

In 2010, nearby Westerly reported heat indexes of 105 to 106.

Wind chills of 32 below zero were reported at T.F. Green Airport in 2016.

56 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Impact and Damage Extent

Personal exposure to dangerous heat conditions may lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. These are especially important to monitor in children, elderly, and vulnerable populations that are not able to move to cooler conditions.

Extreme cold conditions may occur during, after, or without any connection to a winter storm. Exposure to extreme cold can lead to hypothermia and frostbite.

Climate Change Impacts

Over the coming century, extremely hot days (over 90 degrees F) is projected to increase in New England.39

“Extreme cold in Rhode Island is projected to continue as extreme weather events experience an upswing due to climate change. The specific likelihood of extreme cold is unpredictable, as days of frigid, arctic air and below freezing temperatures may be followed by days of mild temperatures in the 40s or 50s.”40

History41

NOAA’s Storm Events Database does not have any records specifically for South Kingstown, nor does the Town keep records. The following were reported at nearby airports, consistent airport data was not recorded with NOAA.

Table 11: Extreme Temperatures (Excessive Heat, and Extreme Cold/Wind Chill) at Nearby Airports42

Date Temperature Comments Heat index values at the Westerly State Airport (KWST) Automated Surface Observing System were 105 to 07/06/2010 105-106 106 degrees. The Automated Surface Observation Station at nearby Newport State Airport (KUUU) recorded 02/16/2011 -26 wind chills as low as 26 below zero. Wind chills as low as 26 below zero were reported 02/16/2015 -26 at nearby Warwick Airport. Wind chills as low as 32 below zero were reported 02/14/2016 -32 at nearby Warwick Airport.

The following South Kingstown temperature records are provided by Intellicast, which is owned by the same company as the Weather Channel.

39 Confronting Climate Change in the Northeast, by the Northeast Climate Impacts Assessment Group, July 2007 40 RI Emergency Management Agency, State of Rhode Island Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment. November 2016 41 Intellicast http://www.intellicast.com/Local/History.aspx?month=2 42 National Climate Data Center (2018)

57 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

› January 11, 1942: record low of -23 degrees › August 2, 1975: record high of 100 degrees

Sea Level Rise

Description

As South Kingstown expects to see changes in the climate within the next 100 years, the Town is concerned about the slow, gradual effects of sea level rise. “Sea level rise is the level of the sea’s surface related to the level of the continental crust. Relative sea level changes can be caused by absolute changes of the sea level and/or by absolute movements of the continental crust. Sea level rise (SLR) presents a hazard that should be considered in long-term land use, development, and critical infrastructure planning. Rhode Island has large exposure to the potential impacts of SLR, with approximately 400 miles of shoreline, 21 coastal communities, and significant areas of low elevation. Climate change, including the continued increase in global temperature, is projected to result in an acceleration of observed rates of SLR. Projections of global increases in sea level rise by 2100 range from one to two feet up to 6.6 feet.”

“Although SLR is a gradual process, impacts may be experienced in the short term. Some examples include increased frequency of low-level inundation, exacerbated flood elevations during storm events, increased rates of coastal erosion, and increased saltwater intrusion into groundwater.”43

Location

Coastal areas.

Probability of Future Occurrence

Highly likely.

Extent (Event Magnitude)

Sea levels are rising, caused by rising sea temperatures, which causes thermal expansion, and rising air temperatures, which causes melting glaciers and ice sheets. Sea levels have risen, both in Rhode Island and around the world. In Rhode Island, sea levels have risen over 10 inches (0.25 meters) since 1930, as measured at the Newport tide gauge.44

As of the drafting of this plan, South Kingstown is expecting about 9 feet of sea level rise by 2100. This won’t be uniform throughout the coast, but it can give the Town

43 RI Emergency Management Agency, State of Rhode Island Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment. November 2016 44 Coastal Resources Management Council, Shoreline Change SAMP Volume 1, June 2018.

58 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

an estimate to plan towards. In the shorter term, the Town would like to plan for 3 feet of sea level rise within the next 30 years.

Impact and Damage Extent

Sea level rise will affect the terrestrial and marine environments. “Future increases in relative sea level will displace coastal populations, threaten infrastructure, intensify coastal flooding and ultimately lead to the loss of recreation areas, public space, and coastal wetlands. Coastal infrastructure will become increasingly susceptible to complications from rising sea levels, as the upward trend continues. Residential and commercial structures, roads, and bridges will be more prone to flooding.”45

Climate Change Impacts

Over the coming century as oceans warm, South Kingstown expects sea levels to rise.

History Tide gauges in Newport have already documented an average of one inch per decade since 1930. Over the past half century, sea levels in the Northeast have been increasing at rates faster than the global average rate, resulting in a six-inch rise since 1970.46

Brushfire

Description

Brushfires are fueled by natural cover, including native and non-native species of trees, brush and grasses, and crops along with weather conditions and topography. While available fuel, topography, and weather provide the conditions that allow wildfires to spread, most wildfires are caused by people through criminal or accidental misuse of fire.

Brushfires pose serious threats to human safety and property in rural and suburban areas. They can destroy crops, timber resources, recreation areas, and habitat for wildlife. Wildfires are commonly perceived as hazards in the western part of the country; however, smaller brushfires are a growing problem in the wildland/urban interface of the eastern United States, including Rhode Island.

Brushfires are dependent upon the quantity and quality of available fuels. Fuel quantity is the mass per unit area. Fuel quality is determined by a number of factors, including fuel density, chemistry, and arrangement. Arrangement influences the availability of oxygen. Another important aspect of fuel quality is the total surface

45 RI Emergency Management Agency, State of Rhode Island Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment. November 2016 46 RI Emergency Management Agency, State of Rhode Island Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment. November 2016

59 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

exposed to heat and air. Fuels with large area-to-volume ratios, such as grasses, leaves, bark and twigs, are easily ignited when dry.

Climatic and meteorological conditions that influence wildfires include solar insulation, atmospheric humidity, and precipitation, all of which determine the moisture content of wood and leaf litter. Dry spells, heat, low humidity, and wind increase the susceptibility of vegetation to fire. In Rhode Island, common factors leading to large fires include short-term drought, humidity below 20%, and fuel type.

Various natural and human agents can be responsible for igniting brushfires. Natural agents include lightning, sparks generated by rocks rolling down a slope, friction produced by branches rubbing together in the wind, and spontaneous combustion.

Human-caused brushfires are typically worse than those caused by natural agents. Arson and accidental fires usually start along roads, trails, streams, or at dwellings that are generally on lower slopes or bottoms of hills and valleys. Nurtured by updrafts, these fires can spread quickly uphill. Arson fires are often set deliberately at times when factors such as wind, temperature, and dryness contribute to the fires’ spread.

The humid coastal climate in South Kingstown is not set up to endure long periods of drought that lead to widespread vegetation loss. Destructive lightning fires in remote locations are rare but there is always a risk of fires from arson or careless fire use.

Location

The open fields, forested areas, and grassy areas throughout town are most at risk.

Probability of Future Occurrence

Highly likely.

The potential for wildfires is on the rise in South Kingstown due to the following factors: significant number of trees damaged in storms, minimal forestry plans, construction close to woodlands, and a potential reduction in controlled burns on federal lands due to staffing concerns.

Extent (Event Magnitude)

Brushfires average about twice per year with a burn area of generally less than five acres. The extent has decreased over the years due to better response equipment, faster response time, and the widespread use of cell phones used to report fires. However, the built/wildland interface is growing, potentially putting more infrastructure and lives at risk.

Impact and Damage Extent

Individual buildings may be more or less vulnerable to damage from brushfires based on factors such as the clear distance around the structure and the structure’s

60 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

construction materials. Brushfires primarily impacts timber and forest ecosystems, although the threat to nearby buildings is always present.

The likelihood of brushfires occurring and having widespread impacts has decreased over the years as fields and wooded areas are taken over by development.

Climate Change Impacts

Longer dry periods and droughts may increase the probability of brushfires but their extent has diminished over the years due to advances in detecting and firefighting technologies.

History

There have been no significant brushfires in the past 25 years in South Kingstown.

Drought

Description

Drought is characterized as a continuous period of time in which rainfall is significantly below the norm for a particular area over a multi-year period. The American Meteorology Society defines drought as a period of abnormally dry weather sufficiently long enough to cause a serious hydrological imbalance. Drought differs from other natural hazards in that they occur suddenly. Rather, a drought evolves Drought in nearby Connecticut. over months or even years and, while Source: Bob Luckey Jr./ Hearst Connecticut Media causing very little structural damage, can have profound economic, environmental, and social impacts.

There are four different ways that a drought can be defined:

1. Meteorological – A measure of departure of precipitation from normal. Due to climatic differences, what is considered a drought in one location may not be a drought in another location.

2. Agricultural – refers to a situation when the amount of moisture in the soil no longer meets the needs of a particular crop.

3. Hydrological- occurs when surface and subsurface water supplies are below normal.

4. Socioeconomic- refers to the situation that occurs when physical water shortage begins to effect people.

Characteristics and impacts of drought differ in many ways, so it is difficult to quantify drought. An existing index called the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI)

61 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

that used temperature and precipitation levels to determine dryness, measuring a departure from the normal rainfall in a given area. The advantage of the PDSI is that it is standardized to local climate, so it can be applied to any part of the country to demonstrate relative drought or rainfall conditions. A monthly PDSI value below -2.0 indicates moderate drought, and a value below -3.0 indicates severe drought.

The U.S. Drought Monitor tracks drought conditions in Rhode Island and in the rest of the nation. They create maps based on climate data, hydrologic and soil conditions, as well as reported impacts and observations from over 350 contributors nationwide.

Table 12: Drought Severity 47

PDSI Drought Severity Index Possible Impacts Level Value Exceptional Drought -5 or less Emergency Widespread crop/pasture losses, shortages of water creating water emergencies. Extreme Drought -4 to -4.9 Warning Major crop/pasture losses, widespread water shortages or restrictions. Severe Drought -3 to -3.9 Watch Crop or pasture losses likely, water shortages common, water restrictions imposed. Moderate Drought -2 to -2.9 Advisory Some damage to crops/pastures, developing water shortages, voluntary water-use restrictions requested. Mild -1 to -1.9 Normal Short term dryness slowing Drought/Abnormally planting or crop growth. Dry Incipient Dry Spell -0.9 or - - less

Rhode Island, as with most states within the United States, uses both the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) and the Crop Moisture Index (CMI) as indices for a drought occurrence. The CMI (a derivative of the PDSI) provides information on the short-term or current status of purely agricultural drought or moisture surplus. The PDSI is most effective for determining long-term drought conditions, while the CMI is effective at helping determine short-term drought.

The RI Drought Steering Committee assigns drought levels for the seven designated drought regions in the state, based on hydrological indices such as precipitation,

47 http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/AboutUs/ClassificationScheme.aspx

62 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

groundwater, stream flow, and the PDSI, as well as on local supply indices such as static groundwater levels and reservoir levels. The Normal, Advisory, and Watch levels are issued statewide. The Warning and Emergency levels are issued on a regional basis and consider local conditions, source of water supply, and water storage capacity issues.

Location

According to the Rhode Island Water Resource Board the annual chance of a drought occurring in Rhode Island about 9% every year. Although temporary drought conditions may occasionally exist in Rhode Island, affecting South Kingstown, devastating long term drought conditions are not indicative of this temperate region.

Probability of Future Occurrence

Likely.

Extent (Event Magnitude)

According to The National Weather Service, Rhode Island receives on average 39” to 54” of rain annually. Notwithstanding the same, the State experiences extended periods of dry weather. Some type of drought in Rhode Island occurs approximately once every 11 years.

Impact and Damage Extent

The main impacts of meteorological drought are periods of very high fire danger and low drinking water supplies. South Kingstown’s drinking water is supplied by groundwater resources. Changes in water levels can impact not only the quantity of available water but also the quality.

Drought conditions have been known to trigger the rapid increase of the gypsy moth populations in the region. The extended period of dry weather (specifically in May and June) slows the fungus that usually keeps the gypsy moth caterpillars at bay. Denuded trees can have cascading effects on the local ecosystem.

Drought conditions can also cause farmers to lose livestock or crops, or invest more money in alternate water sources.

Climate Change Impacts

Even though rain events may intensify due to climate change, the periods between them may be longer. Rhode Island expects longer periods of drought. According to the 2016 Rhode Island Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, “Recent climate

63 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

change studies48 have indicated that although precipitation is projected to increase throughout this century, it will be in the form of short duration, intense, and less frequent events. In addition, it is projected by the Northeast Climate Impacts Assessment Group (NECIA) and the New York City Panel on Climate Change (NPCC) that most of this increased precipitation may occur during colder times of the year, such as winter, in the form of snow or ice. Furthermore, it is projected that the frequency and intensity of both long-term and short-term droughts throughout the Northeast will increase throughout the century with the impacts beginning to occur with a greater degree of frequency beginning in the mid-century (2050s).”

History

Extended droughts are rare in Rhode Island with a record of six major droughts (those lasting for more than one year) since 1929 (Table 13; USGS: Rhode Island Floods and Droughts). The longest and most severe drought occurred in 1963-67 and affected most of the northeast (USGS: Rhode Island Floods and Droughts). Water shortages affected most communities in Rhode Island and several municipal- supply wells were drilled to augment declining public supplies (USGS: Rhode Island Floods and Droughts).

Table 13: History of Droughts

Date Area Affected Remarks 1930-31 Statewide Stream flow of 70% normal. 1941-45 Statewide Stream flow of 70% normal in Blackstone and Pawtuxet Rivers. 1949-50 Statewide Stream flow of 70% normal. 1963-67 Statewide Water restrictions/well replacements common. 1980-81 Statewide Groundwater deficient in eastern part of state. Considerable crop damage. 1987-88 Southern part of the State $25 million crop damage. 1998-99 Statewide Spring through summer the State experienced 75% of normal flow. 2012 Statewide January –April 2012. Meteorological drought due to precipitation levels one half of normal. 2016 Statewide Drought Advisory.

Dam Failure

Description

Dams are classified as high hazard, significant hazard or low hazard. The classification is not based on whether a dam is deemed safe or unsafe. Each dam’s

48 Information derived from two recent studies: Confronting Climate Change in the Northeast, by the Northeast Climate Impacts Assessment Group, July 2007, and Climate Risk Information, by the New York City Panel on Climate Change, 2/17/09.

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hazard classification determines the frequency of inspection. The higher the classification, the more frequently the inspection is conducted.

A High Hazard dam is one whose failure or misoperation will result in a probable loss of human life.

A Significant Hazard dam is one whose failure or misoperation results in no probable loss of human life but may cause major economic loss, disruption of lifeline facilities or impact other concerns detrimental to the public’s health, safety or welfare.

A Low Hazard dam is one whose failure or misoperation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic losses.

In 2016, RIDEM identified 24 dams in the Town of South Kingstown. Four of the 24 dams are classified as high hazard dams and 3 dams are identified as a significant hazard dams. The remainder are considered low hazard.

Table 14: Dams of South Kingstown

Dam # Name Hazard Class Ownership

236 Glen Rock Significant Town Reservoir/Usquepaugh

425 Wakefield Pond/Masland High Town Pond

426 Peace Dale/California Jim’s High Town

525 Hefler Farm/Browning Pond High Unknown

549 Asa High Town

573 Indian Run Significant Town

579 Rocky Brook Significant Unknown

As part of each Rhode Island Department of Emergency Management (RIDEM) inspection, the major components of the dam are subjectively rated as good, fair or poor. The major components are the embankment, the spillway and the low-level outlet. Good means the dam meets the minimum Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) guidelines. Fair means the dam has one or more components that require maintenance. Poor means a component of a dam has deteriorated beyond maintenance and is in need of repair. Flood events call into question the structural integrity of dams that would affect South Kingstown. .

Location

The dams in South Kingstown were built during the Industrial Revolution to power the mills. See Appendix C, Map C1 for the locations of various dams in South Kingstown.

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Probability of Future Occurrence

Possible.

Extent (Event Magnitude)

All three dam hazard classifications are represented in South Kingstown. The extent of a failure would vary. The South Kingstown Hazard Mitigation Committee has identified failure as a break in the dam, sending water downstream.

Impact and Damage Extent

The South Kingstown Hazard Mitigation Committee recognizes that a dam failure is not a natural hazard in itself but several of the hazards listed in the hazard list could bring dam failure upon the Town of South Kingstown. Severe winter storms, flooding, and a hurricane could all bring enough rain and or snowfall to cause a dam failure. The age of these dams also poses a risk to the structural integrity of these dams. A failure of the earth or masonry construction materials could cause loss of lives, property, the natural environment, and economy.

Climate Change Impacts

Related to flooding, more intense rain events may stress the structural integrity of dams which would lead to failure.

History

There have been dam failures in recent memory in South Kingstown.

Table 15: History of Dam Failure

Year Name Damages

1998 Peace Dale Dam (a.k.a. Downstream flooding in the Peace California Jim’s) Dale Flats commercial area.

2010 Glen Rock Reservoir Damages to dam required reconstruction by private dam owner. Route 138 bridge, downstream of the dam may have been impacted.

2010 Factory Pond (low hazard) Deposition of earthen materials in downstream channel had to be removed.

Earthquake

An earthquake (also known as a quake, tremor or temblor) is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. The seismicity or

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seismic activity of an area refers to the frequency, type and size of earthquakes experienced over a period of time. Earthquakes are measured with a seismometer. The size or magnitude is recorded on a device known as a seismograph. Earthquakes with a magnitude 3 or lower are mostly imperceptible (too low to recognize) and magnitude 7 earthquakes cause serious damage over large areas.

Although earthquakes are not considered to be a major problem in the Northeast United States, they are more prevalent than one might expect. Table 14 presents historical seismic activity for Rhode Island. It highlights the earthquake epicenter, the Richter magnitude at the epicenter, and the Mercalli Intensity Level. Richter magnitudes are technical quantitatively based calculations that measure the amplitude of the largest seismic wave recorded. Richter magnitudes are based on a logarithmic scale and are commonly scaled from 1 to 8. See the graphic below. The higher the magnitude on the Richter Scale, the more severe the earthquake. Mercalli intensity levels are based on qualitative criteria that use the observations of the people who have experienced the earthquake to estimate the intensity level. The Mercalli scale ranges from I to XII. The higher the intensity level on the scale, the closer the person is to the epicenter.

Table 16: Mercalli Scale

Modified Mercalli Description of Intensity Level Intensity I Not felt except by a very few under especially favorable circumstances. Felt only by a few persons at rest, especially on upper floors of buildings. II Delicately suspended objects may swing. Felt quite noticeably by persons indoors, especially on upper floors of buildings. III Many people do not recognize it as an earthquake. Standing motor cars may rock slightly. Vibration similar to the passing of a truck. Duration estimated. Felt indoors by many, outdoors by few during the day. At night, some awakened. IV Dishes, windows, doors disturbed; walls make cracking sound. Sensation like heavy truck striking building. Standing motor cars rocked noticeably. Felt by nearly everyone; many awakened. Some dishes, windows broken. Unstable V objects overturned. Pendulum clocks may stop. Felt by all; many frightened. Some heavy furniture moved; a few instances of fallen VI plaster. Damage slight.

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Modified Mercalli Description of Intensity Level Intensity Damage negligible in building of good design and construction; slight to moderate in well-built ordinary structures; considerable damage in poorly built or VII badly designed structures; some chimneys broken. Noticed by persons driving motorcars. Damage slight in specially designed structures; considerable in ordinary substantial buildings with partial collapse. Damage great in poorly built structures. VIII Fall of chimneys, factory stacks, columns, monuments, walls. Heavy furniture overturned. Damage considerable in specially designed structures; well-designed frame IX structures thrown out of plumb. Damage great in substantial buildings, with partial collapse. Buildings shifted off foundations. Some well-built wooden structures destroyed; most masonry and frame structures X destroyed with foundations. Rails bent. Few, if any (masonry) structures remain standing. Bridges destroyed. Rails bent XI greatly. XII Damage total. Lines of sight and level distorted. Objects thrown into the air.

Despite the low probability of a high impact earthquake, physical characteristics in Rhode Island may increase earthquake vulnerability: › Hard Rock: Due to the geological makeup of New England’s base rock, seismic energy is conducted on a greater scale (four (4)-10 times that of an equivalent Richter magnitude earthquake in California). › Soft Soil: Many coastal regions of New England are made up of soft soils. These soils can magnify an earthquake as much as two times. › Structures: The New England region, being one (1) of the first settled areas of the United States, has an abundance of older, unreinforced masonry structures that are inherently brittle and very vulnerable to seismic forces. › Low Public Awareness of Vulnerability: Little public recognition of earthquake threat, and no established system of educating or informing the public of the threat or how to prepare for or respond during an earthquake. Therefore, higher losses will occur here than in other regions of the country.

Location

Rhode Island is located in the North Atlantic tectonic plate and is in a region of historically low seismicity. Only three (3) or four (4) earthquakes of Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (MMI) V or greater have been centered in Rhode Island, including the 1951 South Kingstown earthquake of magnitude 4.6 on the Richter scale. However, Narragansett Bay has many inactive faults.

Probability of Future Occurrence

Possible.

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Extent (Event Magnitude)

Damaging earthquakes do not normally occur in this region. Rhode Island is located in an area of “moderate” seismicity and “high” risk. Seismic risk applies to the seismic hazard, location demographics, and regional economics to the vulnerabilities of the structure or lifeline on the site. Seismologists have estimated that there is about a 50% probability of a very damaging magnitude 5.0 earthquake occurring anywhere in New England, in a 50-year period.49 However, based on past occurrences, current geologic makeup and future climate changes, the Town of South Kingstown is not anticipating any disturbances higher than a Class IV intensity.

Impact and Damage Extent

The committee recognizes that the potential for an earthquake to strike the Town of South Kingstown is low but the hazard could afflict town wide damage, causing power outages, building collapses, water main breaks, dam failures, gas leaks, fires and injuries or deaths. Buildings that are most at risk from earthquakes are the historic structures.

Climate Change Impacts

It is uncertain how climate change will affect earthquake magnitude in and around South Kingstown.

History

See Table 17.

Table 17: Historic Seismic Activity in/near Rhode Island50

Epicenter Date Epicenter Mercalli Intensity Level Magnitude Intensity level V. Centered a few miles south of Westerly, RI, and it was felt across Connecticut, Rhode Island and 06/10/1951 South Kingstown 4.6 the south coast of Massachusetts to Cape Cod. Some dishes were knocked from shelves and plaster was reported cracked in a few buildings in Newport, RI Caused some cracked plaster (Intensity level V) at 10/16/1963 Coastal MA 4.5 Chepachet, Rhode Island. The intensities in Rhode Island were IV at Charlestown and 6/14/1973 Western Maine unknown I-III at Bristol, East Providence, Harmony, and Providence. Intensity level VI shock effects felt throughout Southern 03/11/1976 Near Newport, RI 3.5 New England. This earthquake has the distinction of being the largest earthquake to originate in Rhode Island.

49 RI Emergency Management Agency, State of Rhode Island Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment. November 2016 50 United States Geologic Survey http//neic.usgs.gov/neis/states/rhode_island/rhode_island_history.html and Earthquake Hazards Program “Did You Feel It” Archives; and 2016 State of Rhode Island Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment.

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Epicenter Date Epicenter Mercalli Intensity Level Magnitude Intensity level II to III shock effects felt throughout Rhode 04/20/2002 Plattsburgh, NY 5.2 Island. 03/11/2008 Central Connecticut 2.9 No data reported for Rhode Island. 06/23/2010 Ontario-Quebec 5.0 Felt throughout Rhode Island. 2011 (specific dates Rhode Island 0.9 Felt locally. unknown) 2012 (specific dates Rhode Island 1 Felt locally. unknown) 2013 (specific dates Kingston, RI Unknown Felt locally. unknown) 04/04/2013 Hope Valley, RI 1.8 Felt locally.

Hail

Description

Hail is formed in towering cumulonimbus clouds (thunderheads) when strong updrafts carry water droplets to a height at which they freeze. Eventually, these ice particles become too heavy for the updraft to hold up, and they fall to the ground at speeds of up to 120 mph. Hail falls along paths called swaths, which can vary from a few square acres to up to 10 miles wide and 100 miles long. Hail larger than 0.75 inch in diameter can do great damage to both property and crops, and some storms produce hail over two inches in diameter. Hail causes about $1 billion in damages annually in the U.S. (Rhode Island State Hazard Mitigation Plan 2014).

Table 18: Hail Size

Hail Diameter Size Description 1/4" Pea Size 1/2" Mothball Size 3/4" Penny Size 7/8" Nickel Size 1" (Severe Criteria) Quarter Size 1 1/4" Half Dollar Size 1 1/2" Walnut or Ping Pong Ball Size 1 3/4" Golf Ball Size 2" Hen Egg Size

70 Natural Hazards 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Hail Diameter Size Description 2 1/2" Tennis Ball Size 2 3/4" Baseball Size 3" Teacup Size 4" Grapefruit Size 4 1/2" Softball Size

Location

All of South Kingstown is susceptible to hail.

Probability of Future Occurrence

Possible.

Extent (Event Magnitude)

The hail in South Kingstown is usually 1-inch or smaller.

Impact and Damage Extent

Structure vulnerability to hail is determined mainly by construction and exposure. Metal siding and roofing is better able to stand up to the damages of a hailstorm than many other materials, although it may also be damaged by denting. Exposed windows and vehicles are also susceptible to damage. Crops are extremely susceptible to hailstorm damage, as even the smallest hail stones can rip apart unsheltered vegetation.

Human vulnerability is largely determined by the availability and reception of early warnings for the approach of severe storms, and by the availability of nearby shelter. Early warnings of severe storms are also vital for aircraft flying through the area.

Climate Change Impacts

There is uncertainty about the effects of climate change on hail storms in South Kingstown. It is likely that the changes in weather patterns may bring more severe hail events.

History

Table 19: Recent History of Hail in South Kingstown51

Date Type Comments 05/25/2014 1” Hail An upper level disturbance moved through Southern New England, igniting showers and thunderstorms

51 National Climate Data Center, 2018

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Date Type Comments across the area. Many of these storms produced small to large size hail thanks to very cold temperatures aloft. 07/28/2015 ½ to 1” A strong upper level disturbance sparked showers and Hail thunderstorms across much of southern New England. A few of these storms became severe, producing damaging winds. Others produced heavy rain that resulted in flooding. Half an inch to quarter size hail fell in Narragansett

Tornadoes

Description

A tornado is a violent windstorm with a twisting, funnel-shaped cloud. They are often spawned by thunderstorms or hurricanes. Tornadoes are produced when cool air overrides a layer of warm air, forcing the warm air to rise rapidly. The damage from a tornado is a result of the high wind velocity and wind-blown debris. Tornado season is generally March through August, although tornadoes can occur at any time of year. Over 80 percent of all tornadoes strike between noon and midnight. During an average year, about 1,000 tornadoes are reported across the United States, resulting in 80 deaths and over 1,500 injuries. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph or more. Damage paths can be in excess of one-mile-wide and 50 miles long.

Tornadoes are categorized according to the damage they produce using the Fujita Scale (F-scale). Below is the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale and the Old Fujita (F) Scale. An F0 tornado causes the least amount of damage, while an F5 tornado causes the most amount of damage. Relatively speaking, the size of a tornado is not necessarily an indication of its intensity. On August 7th, 1986, a rare outbreak of seven tornadoes occurred in New England. One such tornado, rated F2 on the Fujita Scale, carved its way through Cranston, RI, and Providence, RI, causing twenty injuries and $2,500,000 in damages. Table 21 highlights more tornado events that have affected, Rhode Island.

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Table 20: Fujita Scale

Fujita Scale Enhanced Fujita Scale F Fastest ¼ 3 Second EF 3 Second Damage Scale Number mile (MPH) Gust (MPH) Number Gust (MPH) 0 40-72 45-78 0 65-85 Light damage. Some damage to chimneys; branches broken off trees; shallow-rooted trees pushed over; sign boards damaged. 1 73-112 79-117 1 86-110 Moderate damage. Peels surface off roofs; mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned; moving autos blown off roads. 2 113-157 118-161 2 111-135 Considerable damage. Roofs torn off frame houses; mobile homes demolished; boxcars overturned; large trees snapped or uprooted; light-object missiles generated; cars lifted off ground. 3 158-207 162-209 3 136-165 Severe damage. Roofs and some walls torn off well-constructed houses; trains overturned; most trees in forest uprooted; heavy cars lifted off the ground and thrown. 4 208-260 210-261 4 166-200 Devastating damage. Well- constructed houses leveled; structures with weak foundations blown away some distance; cars thrown and large missiles generated. 5 261-318 262-317 5 Over 200 Incredible damage. Strong frame houses leveled off foundations and swept away; automobile- sized missiles fly through the air in excess of 100 meters (109 yds); trees debarked; incredible phenomena will occur.

Probability of Future Occurrence

Possible.

Location

The Hazard Mitigation Committee recognizes that the risk of tornadoes is low for the State of Rhode Island and Town of South Kingstown but with the recent changing weather patterns and touchdowns of tornadoes, it would be unwise not to consider them a possible hazard.

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Extent (Event Magnitude)

Historically, South Kingstown isn’t known to be a hotbed of tornado activity. It is expected that future tornadoes will be 0 or 1 on the F-Scale of magnitude.

Impact and Damage Extent

Tornadoes can cause significant damage to structures, trees and utility lines. Flying debris can cause injuries to residents. Mobile homes are generally more vulnerable to damage than steel framed structures. The town has two year-round mobile or manufactured home parks/neighborhoods within its borders- Village at Worden’s Pond, and South Shore Village and Country Club. Due to the lower housing quality, these types of structures are more susceptible to tornado damages than a traditional house.

Climate Change Impacts

It is uncertain how climate change will affect tornado outbreaks in South Kingstown.

History

Table 21: Recent Tornado Events in Rhode Island52

Date F-Scale Injuries Damage Location 8/16/2000 - 0 $0 Providence County 8/7/2004 - 0 $0 Kent County 7/23/2008 1 0 $47,987 Bristol County 8/10/2012 - 0 $50,000 Washington County

Lightning/Thunderstorms

Description

Thunderstorms are formed when the right atmospheric conditions combine to provide moisture, lift, and warm unstable air that can rise rapidly. Thunderstorms occur any time of the day and in all months of the year but are most common during summer afternoons and evenings and in conjunction with frontal boundaries. The National Weather Service (NWS) classifies a thunderstorm as severe if it produces hail at least one inch in diameter, winds of 58 MPH or greater, or a tornado. About 10 percent of the estimated 100,000 annual thunderstorms that occur nationwide are considered severe. Thunderstorms affect a smaller area compared with winter storms or hurricanes, but they can be dangerous and destructive for a number of reasons. Storms can form in less than 30 minutes, giving

52 Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA), Rhode Island 2014 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. There have been no reported tornadoes in South Kingstown.

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very little warning; they have the potential to produce lightning, hail, tornadoes, powerful straight-line winds, and heavy rains that produce localized flooding.

All thunderstorms contain lightning. Thunderstorms can occur singly, in clusters, or in lines. Therefore, it is possible for several thunderstorms to affect one location over the course of a few hours. Thunderstorms usually bring heavy rains (which can cause localized floods), strong winds, hail, lightning, and tornadoes. Lightning is caused by the attraction between positive and negative charges in the atmosphere, resulting in the buildup and discharge of electrical energy. Lightning is one of the most underrated severe weather hazards yet ranks as the second-leading weather killer in the United States. “Hundreds of people across the nation are injured annually by lightning, most commonly when they are moving to a safe place but have waited too long to seek shelter. Lightning strike victims often suffer long-term effects such as memory loss, sleep disorders, weakness and fatigue, chronic pain, depression and muscle spasms. Lightning has the potential to start both house fires and wildfires. Lightning causes an average of 55-60 fatalities, 400 injuries, and over $1 billion in insured losses annually nationwide.” Lightning often strikes as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.

Location

All of South Kingstown is susceptible to lightning/thunderstorms.

Probability of Future Occurrence

Highly likely.

Extent (Event Magnitude)

There is no universally accepted standard for measuring the strength or magnitude of a lightning storm. Similar to modern tornado characterizations, lightning events are often measured by the damage they produce. Building construction, location, and nearby trees or other tall structures will have a large impact on how vulnerable an individual facility is to a lightning strike. A rough estimate of a structure’s likelihood of being struck by lightning can be calculated using the structure’s ground surface area, height, and striking distance between the downward-moving tip of the stepped leader (negatively charged channel jumping from cloud to earth) and the object. In general, buildings are more likely to be struck by lightning if they are located on high ground or if they have tall protrusions such as steeples or poles which the stepped leader can jump to.

Impact and Damage Extent

Lightning can strike buildings and accessory structures, often causing structure fires. Electrical and communications utilities are also vulnerable to direct lightning strikes. Damage to these lines has the potential to cause power and communication outages for businesses, residencies, and critical facilities.

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Electrical and communications utilities are also vulnerable to direct lightning strikes. Damage to these lines has the potential to cause power and communication outages for businesses, residencies, and critical facilities.

Human vulnerability is largely determined by the availability and reception of early warnings for the approach of severe storms, and by the availability of nearby shelter. Swimming, boating, and fishing are particularly dangerous during periods of frequent lightning strikes, which can also cause power outages, topple trees, and spark fires. Individuals who immediately seek shelter in a sturdy building or metal- roofed vehicle are much safer than those who remain outdoors. Like hail, early warnings of severe storms are also vital for aircraft flying through the area.

Climate Change Impacts

Changing weather patterns may lead to more severe thunder and lightning storms.

History

There has been no reported loss of human life in South Kingstown in the past 50 years due to lightning. On June 25, 2012, lightning strikes hit trees, houses and transformers. Lightning also struck the Champagne Heights housing complex in South Kingstown setting several units on fire. On September 1, 2013, lightning struck a barn in nearby Hopkinton setting it on fire.

Rail Hazards

Description

High-speed and traditional trains carrying both passengers and freight regularly run through the village of Kingston. These rails are part of the busy Northeast Corridor which connects the major cities of Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. The Kingston train station is located on the western side of South Kingstown, near the University of Rhode Island.

Acela trains travel through the town at 150-170 miles per hour, and there are commercial freight trains that run in the middle of the night. An accident on the tracks could cause significant damage.

Probability of Future Occurrence

Possible.

Location

Western part of South Kingstown along the Amtrak railroad tracks.

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Extent (Event Magnitude)

Variable. An accident or intentional activity that occurs along the train tracks could have a wide spread effect.

Impact and Damage Extent

An incident on the tracks could cause injuries, fires, the shutdown of a regional transportation corridor, groundwater contamination, or the loss of life. Fortunately, there aren’t many homes near the tracks in South Kingstown but that also makes the tracks more difficult to access during an emergency. Depending on the incident, the impact could be very localized or regional.

History

In 2015 a personal vehicle illegally crossed the railroad tracks and got stuck, holding up the oncoming train two miles from the station.

Marine Hazardous Materials Release

Description

With so many important resources along the coast, South Kingstown is at risk for the unregulated release of hazardous materials which affect human health and the environment. Incident types can range from a boat fire that can be contained within a few hours to a more complex event requiring regional and national resources.

Probability of Future Occurrence

Possible.

Location

Coastal and offshore areas of South Kingstown.

Extent (Event Magnitude)

Variable. An accident or intentional release of a hazardous material in the marine environment could me minor enough to be contained or it could have widespread impacts throughout the state.

Impact and Damage Extent

Impacts of particular concern are those to people, the natural environment, aquiculture, tourism, and coastal structures.

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History

In January 1996, a North Cape Barge ran aground off Moonstone Beach in South Kingstown. The wreck spilled 828,000 gallons of home heating oil into the water, killing thousands of shorebirds and ocean life.

Photo Credit: NOAA

Hazardous Materials Release Onshore

Description

There are known contaminated sites in the State which pose a direct and/or potential threat to human health and the environment. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management maintains a list of permitted hazardous waste transporters and hazardous substance sites in the State.

Probability of Future Occurrence

Possible.

Location

Throughout the Town of South Kingstown.

Extent (Event Magnitude)

Variable. An accident or intentional release of a hazardous material could me minor enough to be contained or it could have widespread impacts throughout the state.

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Impact and Damage Extent

Impacts of particular concern are those to people, the natural environment, and drinking water.

History

There has been no large-scale onshore hazardous release event in South Kingstown.

Groundwater and Soil Contamination

Description

All residents of South Kingstown rely on groundwater as their primary source of drinking water; whether through private wells or from waters suppliers. These resources are highly vulnerable to contamination.53 Threats to groundwater include improperly planned development, hazardous materials, and heavy nutrient sources such as septic systems and fertilizers.

In addition to a sudden hazardous release spill, soil contamination can be a slow process to discover. Leaking underground storage tanks or byproducts from industries can contaminate soils.

Probability of Future Occurrence

Possible.

Location

Throughout the Town of South Kingstown. Based on land features such as extensive impermeable areas and existing water quality, the Kingston Water and University of Rhode Island groundwater supplies are more susceptible to contamination than the South Kingstown Water District and SUEZ Rhode Island.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management maintains a list of active soil contamination sites, which indicates the presence of 16 sites within South Kingstown with active contamination. Other sites may exist that have not yet been identified.

Extent (Event Magnitude)

Variable. An accident or intentional release of a hazardous material could me minor enough to be contained or it could have widespread impacts throughout the town.

53 Rhode Island Department of Health, Protect Your Drinking Water. http://health.ri.gov/publications/assessments/SouthKingstown.pdf

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Impact and Damage Extent

Impacts of particular concern are those to people, the natural environment, and drinking water.

History

A multiple day boil-water advisory was issued for the portions of South Kingstown serviced by the Town of South Kingstown and Suez Water water systems on Labor Day weekend 2018. E-Coli bacteria was found in the water supply.

In neighboring Richmond, a mill built in 1848 is undergoing remediation to clean up soil contaminated with oil and heavy metals.

Climate Change

Changing climate patterns globally and in Rhode Island will worsen the effects of natural hazards and affect future planning and mitigation efforts. Changes are already being observed and documented. Long-term climate change is likely to cause the following impacts in South Kingstown: › More flooding from higher tides and storm surge › Heavier, more frequent precipitation events, which may cause more riverine flooding and flash flooding events. › Longer periods of drought which may affect water availability and increase the threat for wildfires. › Increasing air and water temperatures. › More frequent high heat days and heat waves. How rapidly these changes will be felt is debatable but there is certainty within the state that municipalities need to be prepared. The Town aims to become more adaptable/resilient to the changing conditions.

Summary

Through the exercise of creating this plan, the Town of South Kingstown is exploring ways to reduce their long and short-term risks to a variety of hazards. Any storm that comes up the eastern seaboard will likely impact this coastal town. As climate conditions intensify, the HMC is prepared to update this plan accordingly.

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4 Risk Assessment

For the purpose of hazard mitigation planning, risk is the potential for damage or loss created by the interaction of natural hazards with assets, such as people, buildings, infrastructure, and/or natural and cultural resources. The risk assessment is a process by which the hazard mitigation planning team determines which hazards are of concern and assesses the potential impacts of those hazards on a town-wide scale. The risk assessment helps communicate vulnerabilities, develop priorities, and inform decision-making, both for the hazard mitigation plan and for other emergency management efforts.54

Facilities/Resources Inventory

The first step in the assessment process was to create the inventory of facilities and resources of special concern to the Town. The HMC identified the following as community assets: › Flood and erosion prone drainage systems, and streets › Bridges spanning rivers › Wastewater facilities › Water supply systems › Electric facilities

54 FEMA, State Mitigation Planning Key Topics Bulletins: Risk Assessment, June 2016.

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› Trash facilities › Communication towers › Dams › Marinas/docks › Critical municipal hazard response facilities › Populations › Buildings › Businesses › Schools › Natural resources › Recreational facilities › Historic resources During the review of these assets, the HMC came to the conclusion that not all of these are so vulnerable they require a new mitigation action within the next 5 years. For some, assets, the Town will continue with ongoing actions. As infrastructure ages, and climate conditions change, the HMC will update this plan accordingly.

These most vulnerable assets are identified in the Community Assets Matrix located at the end of this section.

Hazard Mitigation Mapping

The Town’s Geographic Information Systm (GIS) database, including parcel data, latest NOAA sea level rise predictions, orthophotography and FEMA flood zone information, and community resources were utilized to complete the risk assessment. The use of this GIS system allowed the HMC to estimate potential fiscal and population impacts for individual parcels (see Sections 4.3 and 4.4 for results) and the Town as a whole.

The final output of this mapping exercise is the Town of South Kingstown Resources map in Appendix C, Map C1. The focus of the maps is not to duplicate all of the spatial information generated through the inventorying process but rather to present the location of the identified risks as they relate to the Town’s response facilities.

Built Environment According to HAZUS-MH, South Kingstown has over an estimated 12,000 buildings with a total replacement value (excluding contents) of $5,337 million (2010 dollars). Approximately 91% of the buildings and 67% of the value are associated with residential housing.

Using the Rhode Island GIS e911 structure file, and the Town’s GIS, it was determined that there are total of 1,442 non-accessory structures within Town’s

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Special Flood Hazard Areas (1 is a campground, 43 are commercial buildings, 1 is industrial, 12 are public structures, and 1,385 are residential structures.

There are 484 flood insurance policies in place for a town that has 1,442 non- accessory buildings in the regulatory floodplain (A and V-zones). In the lower risk X-zones, 352 policies are in place. These polices are more affordable than those in the A and V-zones.

Table 24 Flood Insurance Information55

Total Number of Policies 836 Total Premiums $1,399,759 Insurance in Force $221,141,800 Total Number of Closed Paid Losses 314 $ of Closed Paid Losses $7,216,648.02 Repetitive Loss Properties 25 Severe Repetitive Loss Properties 0 Number of Policies in Each Zone Zone Policies A-Zone 426 V-Zone 58 X-Zone (Standard) 115 X-Zone (Preferred)* 237 * Preferred Risk Policies (PRP) are more affordable policies covering structures that were built in an X zone but due to new mapping, are now located in a Special Flood Hazard Area.

Development in many of the at-risk areas has continued in prior years causing an increase in the at-risk population. Areas that once contained summer cottages are now year-round residential neighborhoods, causing some high-risk areas to be vulnerable throughout the year. The Town has been encouraging development in less risky areas but most of this development predates recent regulations requiring flood proofing, leaving many vulnerable areas unprepared to face a storm of any significance.

The HMC has identified the critical infrastructure listed in the Community Asset Matrix (Table 25). The list includes: flood prone drainage systems, streets or infrastructure; bridges; wastewater; water supply; services/utility facilities; communication towners; dams; marinas/docks; critical municipal hazard response facilities; populations; businesses; schools; recreational facilities; and historic resources. All of these important community resources have the potential to be

55 As per the State Floodplain Manager September 25, 2018

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affected by natural disasters. The magnitude of the losses would be dependent upon the type, location, and extent of each unique hazard.

The Town’s zoning laws help dictate future development while maintaining South Kingstown’s unique character. Continued enforcement of Rhode Island State building codes and new regulations as required will lessen potential damage caused by a natural hazard event. The codes adopted by the Town of South Kingstown range from building codes and design standards, to zoning regulations.

Some of the developed parts of South Kingstown are particularly susceptible to flooding. The base flood is an event that has a 1% chance of occurring annually and is the storm event used to identify the flood zones which impact zoning and building requirements throughout the Town. See Appendix C, Map 1.

Fiscal Impact Analysis

The economy of South Kingstown centers primarily around the University of Rhode Island, South County Hospital, and tourism. Major planned capital improvement projects include passive recreation fields and open space programs, town and beach marine improvements, general municipal improvements, and school improvements.

Flooding is one of the hazards that affects both inland and coastal populations. The Town of South Kingstown’s parcel data and FEMA’s 1% annual chance floodplain data were utilized to generate estimates of potential fiscal impacts from natural hazard events, such as flooding. The information utilized from the tax assessor’s database and GIS included the improvement values, land usage, and unit counts. The analysis showed that South Kingstown is comprised of 36,544 acres of land, with about 6,775 acres (18%) in the regulatory floodplain. These 6,775 acres are mainly located along the shorelines, and Great Swamp area.

HAZUS-MH was used to further understand the potential risk from a large hurricane. HAZUS-MH is a software tool that contains models for estimating potential losses from earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes. For the purpose of this plan, a scenario was run that captured the town’s risk from hurricane damage. The table below summarizes some of the potential damages. The hurricane scenario model uses the same path as Hurricane Carol which tracked west of South Kingstown.

In 1954 Hurricane Carol (Category 1, peak gusts at 94 mph) tore through Southern New England, causing extensive damage throughout Rhode Island. If this same storm were to strike again today, it would cause nearly $65.1 million dollars in total economic losses (property damage and business interruption loss) in South Kingstown.56 About 247 buildings are expected to be at least moderately damaged, 13 of which would be total destroyed.

56 2010 dollars

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HAZUS Qualitative Damage Description No Damage or Very Minor Damage Little or no visible damage from the outside. No broken windows, or failed roof deck. Minimal loss of roof cover, with no or very limited water penetration. Minor Damage Maximum of one broken window, door or garage door. Moderate roof cover loss that can be covered to prevent additional water entering the building. Marks or dents on walls requiring painting or patching for repair. Moderate Damage Major roof cover damage, moderate window breakage. Minor roof sheathing failure. Some resulting damage to interior of building from water Severe Damage Major window damage or roof sheathing loss. Major roof cover loss. Extensive damage to interior from water. Destruction Complete roof failure and/or, failure of wall frame. Loss of more than 50% of roof sheathing.

Table 22 HAZUS-MH Scenarios for South Kingstown, RI

1954 Hurricane Carol Scenario- If It Happened Today Estimated Damage Amount Debris generated 30,981 tons Buildings destroyed 13 Buildings at least moderately 247 damaged Displaced households 6 households may be displaced. 1 person out of a population of 30,639 will seek temporary shelter in public shelters. Essential Facility Damage (fire, police, 20 would expect to be non- schools) operational for less than a day. Residential Property (capital stock) $50,977,000 Business interruptions $3,389,000

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Figure 7 Hurricane Carol Path57

During non-cyclone events, flooding can still impact the Town. Table 23 displays potential damage estimates of property values of buildings within the Town’s Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), or regulatory floodplain. The parcel information, using the best available data, provides the number of parcels in the SFHA, and values of the buildings on each property. Land value was not considered for this exercise. The values provided are an estimate considering some properties are located in more than one sub-watershed. This percentage was calculated in order to assist with identifying which areas are at greater risk. According to Table 23, the

57 NOAA https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/outreach/history/#carol

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town-wide total potential building damages for these floodplain areas are over $166,000,000.

Approximately 76% of South Kingstown’s revenue is generated from property taxes.58 Should any of the properties forming the tax base be destroyed by a hazardous event, a causal effect would be those property owners whose parcels remain intact would carry and increased financial burden with regards to property taxes. It is an important course of action for the Town to protect both lives and property from natural disasters. However, as South Kingstown’s population grows, the burden of protecting lives and property grows.

Using data from the RI Geographic Information System (RIGIS) and information from the South Kingstown 2017 Tax Assessment, the following table summarizes the value of the insurable buildings that are located within the Special Flood Hazard Areas. Accessory buildings such as sheds located in the SFHA were not included in the summaries.

Table 23 Property Values in Special Flood Hazard Areas59

Zone # of Parcels Estimate Building Values A 66 $56,287,200 AE 572 $122,566,500 VE 210 $78,216,800 TOTAL 848 $257,070,500

Most of the NFIP insured properties are located in Matunuck, Snug Harbor, and in the area around Worden Pond. Several low-lying commercial and residential areas are threatened by coastal storms, including Green Hill, Matunuck, East Matunuck, Snug Harbor, Upper Point Judith Pond, and Middlebridge. A large portion of the southwestern corner of the town lies in the V- zone, placing Green Hill at high risk to coastal storms. Most of Green Green Hill Beach Club structure (2012) after Sandy.

58 Town of South Kingstown, Rhode Island, Town Council Adopted Budget 2017-2018 Fiscal Year 59 Based on RIFIS e911 Sites, FEMA 2014 Flood Insurance Rate Maps, and 2017 parcel information from the Town. Parcels were selected that had structures located in a SFHA. This data is to be used for planning purposes only to prove estimate values.

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Hill is also classified by CRMC as land Developed Beyond Carrying Capacity. CRMC defines these areas as “developed at densities of one residential or commercial unit on parcels of less than 80,000 square feet, and frequently at higher densities of 10,000 square feet or 20,000 square feet”. This dense residential development combined with the high risk of flooding makes Green Hill a particularly vulnerable area of South Kingstown.

Population Impact Analysis

Of primary concern during a hazard event is protecting the health and safety of South Kingstown residents. In addition to knowing the total population, it’s also important to estimate how many people would be impacted by loss of service or need to evacuate. According to the 2016 U.S. Census, there are 13,056 housing units in South Kingstown supporting an estimated population of 30,639. The population is not spread evenly throughout the town. The more densely populated areas are in the Kingston, West Kingston, Peace Dale and Wakefield areas.

Each village of South Kingstown is unique. The Town recognizes the strengths and importance of the residents.

• Wakefield is a vibrant village which serves as a hub for business and cultural activity. The Saugatucket River provides a centerpiece to the historic village but also creates floodplain areas.

• The Peace Dale neighborhood supports a diversity of historic buildings and new developments. Also connected by the tributaries of the Saugatucket River, low areas such as the Neighborhood Guild are prone to flooding.

• Located in a rural setting, the village of Kingston is home to the University of Rhode Island. The safety and well-being of the student population is largely managed by the University during a disaster. However, many students rent off campus houses throughout the rest of the Town.

• Though small in area, the residential neighborhoods of West Kingston are generally higher density than the outlying rural areas. West Kingston also supports the Town’s primary industrial district, and Kingston Station, which provides Amtrak service to Boston, New York City, and points beyond.

• After Memorial Day, the summer colonies come to life and more people are clustered in coastal areas. Popular summer residential hot spots include Middlebridge along the Narrow River, Indian Lake, Snug Harbor/East Matunuck, Matunuck and the Matunuck Hills, and Green Hill Pond. Seasonal and permanent residents of these communities come for the beaches, forests, and coastal areas which are also vulnerable to storm damages.

• The Western part of South Kingstown is generally rural with pockets of industry, turf farms, and residential development. The Town recognizes that

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certain populations may become isolated during a heavy snow storm or widespread power outage.

Seasonal residents, visitors, and employees from out of town represent a segment of the vulnerable population. These non-residents may be unfamiliar with evacuation routes, or flood risks.

Residents in group homes, nursing homes, assisted living, of subsidized housing may not have the resources to shelter in place or evacuate. Improving emergency response and making accommodation for these populations is important to the Town.

A significant hazard can significantly cripple the Town. In addition to direct damage to personal property, impacts can include the disruption of vital services, the loss of utilities, and the emotional strain from financial and physical losses. This is especially jarring when residents are forced to evacuate their homes.

“Another component of the social vulnerability includes the long-standing ‘sense of place’ or cultural traditions associated with the Matunuck area as a traditional New England summer colony. The Town Beach and Deep Hole Fishing Area provide both active and passive recreational opportunities and serve as regional destinations. The few remaining commercial establishments not only provide a place for residents, visitors and college students to eat and drink, but offer musical venues throughout the year, and are synonymous with Matunuck’s ‘sense of place’.”60

Due to their non-residential nature, at-risk population estimates could not be developed for historic resources, critical municipal hazard response facilities, and recreational facilities.

Natural Environment

The South Kingstown 2014 Comprehensive Plan identifies the following critical natural resources: › Beaches › Salt Ponds › Surface water body systems and watersheds › Groundwater resources › Freshwater and shoreline ecosystems and habitats › Wetlands › Forests › Farmland

60 Multi-hazard Mitigation Strategy Plan, Strategies for Reducing Risks from Natural Hazards in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, 2011.

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The biggest threats to the natural environment are non-point source pollution, point source pollution, leaking underground storage tanks, sea level rise, erosion, and development pressures.

When the natural environment is impacted there are both direct and indirect costs. Some of the directs costs may include: erosion of recreational beaches; loss of buffering dunes and upland property; destruction of agricultural crops due to flooding; and loss of urban landscaping and community forest resources due to high winds. Indirect costs include: the widespread distribution of debris; accidental fuel spills; release of sewage, industrial waste and household chemicals onto the land or into the marine environment.61

Impacts of severe weather events to the natural environment include loss of habitat, salinization of land/ groundwater, threats to ecosystems/ species, and contamination of potable water supply.

Vulnerability of Future Structures

There is considerable potential for additional development. However, growth should only occur when there is an available capacity for municipal services to absorb the growth, and there is a fiscal ability and community agreement to the expanded infrastructure required for growth. The Town has several concerns regarding increasing development within the coastal areas due to the increasing threat of erosion and flooding.

South Kingstown’s vulnerability to natural hazards is not expected to change dramatically over the next five years due to increased development. Enforcement of current building codes will ensure that development will be stronger and more resilient than some of the older structures in South Kingstown.

Future Vulnerability

As climate conditions change, sea level rise (SLR) and storm surge will continue to be a serious threat for the sustainability of the coastal property and infrastructure in South Kingstown. Roads will flood more often and may eventually become unusable. Drainage infrastructure may be overwhelmed more often. Fire hydrants, pump stations, and sewer and water lines will be stressed or inaccessible by the rising tides. Areas that have not previously experienced flooding may see flood waters inch closer to their property.

The South Kingstown Planning Board has decided it is appropriate for the HMP to plan for the impact of 3 feet of sea level rise (or the expected sea level within 30

61 H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics and the Environment, (1999). The Hidden Cost of Coastal Hazards, p. 105

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years, whichever is greater) coupled with storm surge from a 1% annual chance storm. This scenario was chosen as it is comparable to the design or financial life of buildings, roadways, and bridges. Most homes carry a 30-year mortgage, the standard road design life is about 30 years, and the standard bridge design life is 50 years.

3 feet of Sea Level Rise Currently the Town has about 1,442 non-accessory structures62 in the regulatory floodplain. All other things remaining equal, 3 feet of sea level rise would permanently inundate about 157 of those structures.

Storm Surge Currently about 1,225 non-accessory structures may be affected by storm surge from a 1% annual chance storm. The same storm in a future scenario where there is 3 feet of sea level rise may affect an additional 506 buildings.

Property Values

As sea levels rise and storm surge boundaries move inland, more and more properties will be impacted by coastal flooding. If all things remain the same, 2017 tax assessment data estimates that over $5.5 billion worth of properties are vulnerable to flooding of up to 3 feet of sea level rise and storm surge. That figure only includes the present day building and land values, not utilities and other services. As sea levels rise, coastal land values may decrease as more areas are permanently flooded.

62 Does not include detached garages and sheds.

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Table 24 Property Values of Parcels Whose Structures are Susceptible to Impacts from Up to 3 Feet of SLR and Storm Surge from a 1% Annual Chance Storm63

Total Property Building Values Values Up to 3 Feet SLR $19,646,600 $57,514,100 3 Feet SLR + storm surge $193,305,800 $5,586,252,900

Some properties will be more severely impacted than others. Using current parcel data, it is estimated that 552 parcels will have at least 50% of their area inundated by the future scenario of 3 feet of SLR plus storm surge from a 1% annual chance storm. Appendix C, Map C2. It is worth noting that approximately 435 of those 552 parcels contain buildings as mapped by the RIGIS e911 database.

Road Infrastructure

In addition to the properties that will be impacted, the Hazard Mitigation Committee analyzes the impacts that 3 feet of sea level rise and storm surge from a 1% annual chance storm will have on local and state roads. Flood damaged roads would not only need to be repaired but they could isolate properties along the coast.

The first analysis identified which local and state roads would be impacted by the future scenario. Each identified road was then determined to critical or non-critical. For the purpose of this exercise, critical roads are those which have at least one of the following characteristics:

• Classified by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation as being a locally important or connector road; • Part of the Town’s evacuation route; • Contain a water line; • Contain a sewer line; • Contain stormwater infrastructure; or • Were within a commercial or industrial zone

This narrowed the initial list down to 77 critical roads (about 13 linear miles of roadway) owned by the Town or the State (parts of Route 1A) that are vulnerable to the proposed sea level rise scenario. Some roads have only a few feet that would be inundated, and other roads such as Middlebridge Road and Succotash Road will be largely inundated during a storm surge event on top of 3 feet of sea level rise. See Appendix C, Map C3 .

63 Methodology: Value of the structures (according to the RIGIS e911 file and 2017 tax assessor database) that will be inundated by up to 3 feet of sea level rise.

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Should these roads become destroyed, the HMC was also interested in estimating how much it would cost to rebuild them. For the purpose of this brief exercise relocating or elevating the roads were not considered. A future planning study is recommended to fully explore the best adaptation techniques for each vulnerable road.

Matunuck School House Road which is 2 lanes of asphalt road, 24 feet wide, with no drainage infrastructure, Roadway repairs sidewalks, or traffic signals was used as a typical road could cost nearly example for the cost estimate for critical road segments. $20 billion. Two repair scenarios are presented in Table 25. The mill and overlay scenario involves grinding off the top 4 inches of asphalt and replacing it with a new surface. The full reconstruction scenario includes earth excavation, laying down a gravel subbase, and full reconstruction of the road surface.

A very high level analysis estimates the 13 linear miles of critical roadway could cost $12 to $20 million to repair.

Table 25: Estimate Cost (per linear mile) of Repairing a Typical 2-lane Road

Repair Technique Reconstruction Items Included in Mill and Full Estimate Overlay Reconstruction Roadway Construction Mobilization (the movement of people, equipment and resources) $930,000 per $1,520,000 per Traffic Protection linear mile linear mile Engineering and Construction Contingency Police Detail

The repair of more substantial roads such as Route 1A, stormwater management and other roadway infrastructure would significantly increase these costs.

Isolated Properties

Permanently flooded roads could isolate entire neighborhoods. For this next analysis, the HMC identified structures that would be isolated should 3 feet of sea level rise permanently flood access roads. Since storm surge produces temporary flooding, it was not considered in this analysis. Reviewing the RIGIS e911 structure data, an estimated 366 structures will be isolated if their access roads are flooded under the 3 feet of sea level rise scenario. See Appendix C, Map 4. Cluster of homes/businesses that may be isolated are:

• around the northern section of Green Hill Pond, • along Prospect Road, • along the southern portion of Succotash Road,

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• off of Winchester Drive, and • along the Narrow River.

Planning for the Future

It is worth nothing that although some buildings and roads may be past their design life by the time the 3 feet of sea level rise impacts them, current planning efforts can better safeguard future developments. Although not expected to impact this 5-year planning cycle, the HMC has proposed mitigation actions to help reduce future impacts. As noted in Action 34, the Town would like to develop a policy that would guide the use of the following techniques:

PROTECT

Employing barriers (permanent or temporary) to hold back seawater from inundating development; manmade barrier to prevent erosion.

ADAPT or ACCOMMODATE

Allowing inundation to occur but make infrastructure resilient.

Photo Credit: Rhode Island Sea Grant

RETREAT

Managed withdrawal from the high hazard coastal area; when protect and adapt are no longer feasible.

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A property may go through all three techniques as the flooding risk becomes greater with time. However, additional policy needs to happen for the criteria and process by which people are notified by the Town when their area is moving from one strategy to another.

Community Assets Matrix

The matrix (Table 25): Critical Infrastructure/Community Assets is the final product and culmination of the risk assessment process. Its purpose is to gather all the pertinent results in one place for ease of presentation and to serve as a starting point for discussion of specific mitigation actions. It not only lists the specific areas of concern, but provides detailed location information, summarizes the applicable hazard, problem, and mitigation benefits.

Refer to Chapter 6 for additional details on each mitigation action in the matrix.

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Table 26 South Kingstown Critical Infrastructure/Community Assets

At Risk Location Hazard/Problem Mitigation Actions Flood Prone • Card’s Pond Rd. beginning at Moonstone Beach Flooding due to 1. Phase 2 of hard armor shoreline along Drainage Rd., thence easterly for approximately 4500 feet. ground saturation, Matunuck Beach Road. Systems/Streets, • Beach Dr. ** from Maple Dr. south to terminus and coastal 2. Develop a property acquisition plan. and • Charlestown Beach Road flooding. Infrastructure • Green Hill Ocean Drive Storm surge and 3. Look at Army Corps Assessment • Kingstown Road at Chipuxet SLR (Pawcatuck River Coastal Storm Risk • Matunuck Beach Rd. ** from Card’s Pond south to Management Study) for floodproofing and Ocean Ave. elevation opportunities. • Middlebridge Rd. contiguous properties along 4. Investigate options for funding future eastern side of road are within 100-year floodplain repairs and/or relocation of • Ministerial Rd. three segments along roadway damaged/vulnerable infrastructure. within Zone ‘A’ • Moonstone Beach Rd. from southerly end of 5. Incorporate higher flood design Matunuck School House Rd. to terminus standard into stormwater infrastructure • Moorsefield Rd. various segments between Broad standards within the Subdivision and Land Rock Rd. and Rt. 1 Development Regulations where • Prospect Road at Potters Pond culvert appropriate. • Quagnut Rd. 6. Relocation of coastal Charlestown Beach • Saugatucket Road- Saugatucket River Culvert Road and Matunuck Beach Road. • Succotash Rd. ** from Stedman Rd. southerly to terminus • Succotash and Victoria – Localized flooding • Winchester Dr. from Quagnut Dr. southerly to terminus • Worden’s Pond Rd. ¾ mile section proximal to Worden Pond • Private Roads **roadways designated by RIEMA and Town of South Kingstown as hurricane evacuation routes Bridges Middlebridge Road High wind 7. Request that RIDOT incorporate Bridgetown Road Emergency Water resiliency into bridge projects, especially Succotash Road Supply Line those included in the STIP

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At Risk Location Hazard/Problem Mitigation Actions Silver Lake Avenue Evacuation Routes 8. Reduce Spring/Columbia flooding. Columbia Street Spring Street Storm surge and Dugway Bridge SLR Wastewater Middlebridge pump station Loss of power from 9. Expand sewered area. Silver Lake pump stations severe storms 10. Incorporate vulnerability of OWTS into Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS) sewer feasibility study criteria. 11. Elevate and /or protect the pre-cast concrete pump station at Middlebridge from flooding. 12. Require new pump stations to be elevated above BFE, floodproofed, or located outside of vulnerable area. Water Supply South Shore/Middlebridge Water: Ocean Ridge, Perryville, Drought 13. Maintain and protect public water Systems Green Hill, Matunuck, East Matunuck, Snug Harbor, and Hazardous material distribution system. Middlebridge contamination Middlebridge Road @ Narrow River (elevation restraints) Loss of power from Potter Pond Bridge in Snug Harbor and East Matunuck other hazards Water main between East Matunuck State Beach and Ocean Extreme Avenue is 4’ below existing barrier beach temperatures Kingston Water District: Kingston and portions of West Kingston

SUEZ Rhode Island: Peace Dale and center of Wakefield

URI Water District Water main along Matunuck Beach Road is connected w Suez, Kingston Electric Utilities National Grid substations (3) High winds, 37. Develop Community Forest Asset URI substation owned by State hurricane Management Plan. Solar power Trash Services Rose Hill Transfer Station Rose Hill Power outages 14. Purchase and install a generator for due to fallen trees Rose Hill Transfer Station. and tree limbs.

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At Risk Location Hazard/Problem Mitigation Actions Communication Communication Towers Wind 15. Migrate to microwave links from Towers • 430 Chestnut Hill (Teft Hill) Lightning copper wire lines to reduce holes in • 1790 Kingstown Road telephone communication network and • Matunuck Road water tank make it more redundant. • Victoria Lane water tank 16. Migrate to a multi-site simulcast • Liberty Lane Tower system. • 509 Commodore O.H. Perry Highway (Route 1), public services building • Flagg Road AT&T Tower Transcontinental cable to Portugal Dams Asa Pond (high hazard- Town) Severe storms- 17. Complete Glen Rock Dam EAP. Glen Rock Reservoir (significant hazard- Private) flooding upstream Hefler Farm Pond (high hazard- Private) and downstream 18. Map inundation areas for low hazard Indian Run Reservoir (significant hazard-Town) dams and restrict development in Peace Dale Pond (high hazard-Private) inundation areas. Rocky Brook Reservoir (significant hazard- Town) Wakefield Pond (high hazard- Town) Reservoir +17 Low Hazard Dams Marinas/Docks 13 Marinas Storm surge, 19. Identify alternate take out locations 2 yacht clubs coastal flooding (Marina Park parking lot storage) by boat 421 private docks and erosion types. 151 private moorings 20. Rehabilitate Marina Park boat ramp. 189 public moorings (leased by Town) Harbor of Refuge- boats coming inshore. 21. Update Harbor Management Plan. Salt Pond Road Marinas and businesses Snug Harbor Pond Street E. Matunuck Marina Park Ramp Critical Municipal South County Hospital All hazards. 22. Improve communication with URI for Hazard Response Town Hall, 180 High Street sheltering needs/capabilities. Facilities South Kingstown High School (Red Cross Shelter)

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At Risk Location Hazard/Problem Mitigation Actions Broad Rock Middle School (Red Cross Shelter) 23. Develop a Long-Term Recovery Plan Curtis Corner Middle School (Red Cross Shelter) 24. Develop a CERT team South Kingstown Senior Center (Red Cross Shelter eligible) University of Rhode Island (URI) 25. Conduct a fire response assessment. Matunuck Elementary for MEDPods 26. Create a list of vendors for Police Departments dismountable solar panels. • URI Public Safety, 85 Briar Lane • South Kingstown Police Department, 1790 Kingstown 27. Bring Union Fire District station on Rd. Matunuck School House Road up to code • Washington County Sheriff’s Office, 4800 Tower Hill on wind load requirements. Road 28. Install radio tower at Tower Hill Fire • EMS North and South Station Station.

Fire Stations • West Kingston Fire Department, 390 Fairgrounds Rd. • Kingston Fire District, 35 Bills Rd. • Tower Hill Fire Department, 4124 Tower Hill Road- building renovations soon (check timing) • Peace Dale Fire Department, 460 High Street • South Kingstown Forest Fire Department, 36 School Street • Wakefield Fire Department, 197 Robinson Street • Tuckertown Fire Department, 1116 Ministerial Road • Snug Harbor Volunteer Fire Department, 17 Bliss Road • Matunuck Volunteer Fire Department, 49 Matunuck School House Road- Union Fire not up to wind loads- build new DPW garage at Asa Pond Transfer Station on Rose Hill Rd. Funeral Home privately owned, Hospital

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At Risk Location Hazard/Problem Mitigation Actions Populations All residents All hazards 29. Build participation in Special Needs Registry. Tourists 30. Enroll and participate in the National Evacuees Flood Insurance Program Community Students Rating System. 2nd Home Owners

Older communities 31. Distribute public information and Wheelchair ramps outreach for builders, homeowners, Low-Income residents realtors, rental agencies, and hotels. Residents in SFHA 32. Crosstrain Town employees and South of Route 1 volunteers to run MEDPODS. Middlebridge Area Pond Street 33. Prepare for managing different needs Usquepaugh- remote and aged populations during and immediately after Peace Dale an event. Wakefield 34. Increase and promote resiliency in new Chupuxet River areas and existing developments Wardens Pond Road Saugatucket River areas

Group Homes -MHRH -Welcome House -Stonehenge -South Road -Liberty Lane -Moonstone -Peaked Rock Rd. -Route 108

Nursing Homes -Scallop Shell

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At Risk Location Hazard/Problem Mitigation Actions -SK Nursing and Rehab -South Bay Manor

Assisted Living -Brightview AL and NH

Public/Subsidized Housing -LaCassa -Champagne Heights -Fournier Estates -Meadowbrook -Garden Village -Town wide Section 8

Shelters South Kingstown High School (Red Cross Shelter) Broad Rock Middle School (Red Cross Shelter) Senior Center as a backup shelter Library and Guild open only during regular hours

Schools URI Hazard School South Kingstown HS Broad Rock MS Curtis Corner MS

West Kingston Elementary Wakefield Elementary Matunuck Elementary Peace Dale Elementary

Compass School

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At Risk Location Hazard/Problem Mitigation Actions Kingston Hill Academy Prout School Monsignor Clark School Bradley School Immaculate Conception Academy

Campgrounds Wardens Pond Camp Fuller Camp Hoffman Jorie Aquapog Kingston’s Camp (day) Tent city behind Old Mountain Field Buildings Town-wide All hazards 2. Develop a property acquisition plan. Businesses Rocky Brook/Route 108 Severe Storms 2. Develop a property acquisition plan. Saugatucket River /Main Street Blizzards 35. Consider lease language for Salt Pond Salt Pond Road Wind businesses. Matunuck Beach Road Succotash Road Commercial Area 31. Distribute public information and East of Gooseberry Road on Point Judith Pond outreach for builders, homeowners, South County Commons realtors, rental agencies, and hotels.

Mill buildings- Peace Dale Technical Industries- hazmat on Saugatuck River Kingston Emporium South County Ortho RiverBend Spa Mosaic (429 Main St) Peace Dale Office Building Whalers Liberty Rental Peace Dale rotary businesses Marina businesses

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At Risk Location Hazard/Problem Mitigation Actions Schools (See above Populations) Severe Storms South Kingstown High School (Red Cross Shelter) Blizzards Broad Rock Middle School (Red Cross Shelter) Wind University of Rhode Island Extreme Heat Recreation 4 public boat launching facilities Erosion 36. Improve recreation field safety during Facilities Private facilities Severe storms bad weather. (See Town list of recreational facilities in Appendix D)

Natural Various. 37. Develop Community Forest Asset Resources › Beaches Management Plan. › Salt Ponds 38. Develop a Town Open Space › Surface water body systems and watersheds Management Plan. › Groundwater resources › Freshwater and shoreline ecosystems and habitats › Wetlands › Forests › Farmland Historic Potter Pond Archeological District (SFHA) Wind, Severe 30. Distribute public information and Resources Brownings Beach Historic District (SFHA) Storms outreach to builders and homeowners. Peace Dale Historic District (SFHA) Wakefield Historic District (SFHA) Henry Marchand Farm (SFHA) Dewey Cottage Kingston Village- wind driven fire Municipal Buildings Neighborhood Guild Mills - Peace Dale and Palisades Libraries Tappan Site- Usquepaugh Road Bouchard Site- Usquepaugh Road Kenyon’s Department Store

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5 Programmatic Capabilities

Purpose

This capability assessment examines the existing studies, plans, programs, and policies that have incorporated hazard mitigation and other proactive tools into the Town system. The purpose of the capability assessment is to highlight successes, identify shortcomings, and to lay the groundwork for possible improvement. South Kingstown recognizes that the inclusion of mitigation initiatives not only benefits the community by reducing human suffering, damages and the costs of recovery, but also helps build and maintain the sustainability and economic health of the Town. This section details the Town’s existing relevant plans, programs, and policies that were reviewed during the drafting of this plan.

Primary Plans, Regulations, and Departments

PLANS AND PROGRAMS

Capital Improvement Program The Town maintains a five-year plan for sustaining and improving the community’s infrastructure- those owned by the municipality or schools. The list of projects includes property acquisition, major improvements to existing facilities, and new building construction. The plan is reviewed and updated annually.

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Dam Emergency Action Plans The Town has on file, Emergency Action Plans for all publicly owned significant and high hazard dams. More recently the Glen Rock Dam (also identified as Glen Rock Reservoir by RIDEM) has been added to the RIDEM’s list of dams with a ‘Significant’ hazard risk. This occurred immediately following the floods of 2010 as a result of adjacent state road(s) being washed out.

Debris Management Plan The Town of South Kingstown is included in the 2018 Southern Rhode Island Debris Management Plan. The primary objective of the planning effort was to further debris management planning in Southern Rhode Island (specifically Washington County) through the identification, assessment, and coordination of debris management resources. The basic plan provides general information and procedures that support debris management operations for the entire county of individual communities. The temporary debris storage and reduction sites in South Kingstown are:

Rose Hill Bulky Waste Area Matunuck Town Beach Parking Lot (sand only) East Matunuck Town Beach Parking Lot (sand only) South Kingstown Town Garage (tree, construction, and demolition debris) University of Rhode Island East Farm (tree debris only)

Emergency Evacuation Plan/Routes The Town maintains an emergency evacuation plan as well as marked hurricane evacuation routes. The map available online has routes to shelters as well as routes that take people out of town and away from the coast. The Town is currently reviewing proposals for LED street light conversion with smart controls. The rabbit pulse feature would light the streetlights in a specific pattern to direct people during an evacuation.

Harbor Management Plan The 2011 Harbor Management Plan provides guidance for the Town to manage water quality, moorings, commercial and residential development, commercial and recreational fishing, public access, boating safety, natural hazard mitigation/storm preparedness, and enforcement issues. The goal is to protect coastal areas through proactive planning.

Land Development and Subdivision Regulations These regulations, last revised in 2017, protect existing natural and built environments and mitigate the significant negative impacts of proposed development on those environments, among other things. The regulations promote design of land developments and subdivisions which are well-integrated with the surrounding neighborhoods and concentrate development in areas which can best

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support intensive use by reason of natural characteristics and existing infrastructure. Of note, the regulations do not allow creation or extension of public or private streets in Special Flood Hazard Areas.

MEDS-POD (Medical Emergency Distribution System- Point of Dispensing) The MEDS-POD Plan outlines the processes to enact a mass antibiotic or vaccine dispensing campaign within the jurisdiction. The general objective of the plan is to provide necessary framework to administer medical countermeasures to the entire targeted South Kingstown populations within 48 hours of notification from the RI Department of Health or the RI Emergency Management Agency.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) The Town of South Kingstown is an active and compliant member of the National Flood Insurance Program since 1984. As such, South Kingstown residents are able to purchase flood insurance to protect their property against flood losses. The Town of South Kingstown has adopted the most recent (October 16, 2013) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS). The Town has designated the Building Official as the NFIP Coordinator to manage the program. Chapter 21 of the Code of Ordinances is dedicated to floodplain management.

Onsite Wastewater Management Plan Properties in the Town of South Kingstown rely on either the municipal wastewater system or onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) for sanitary waste disposal. The Town owned municipal wastewater system serves the "dense" core of Town and is governed by the Wastewater Management Ordinance and Wastewater Facilities Plan. Properties relying on an OWTS are regulated by the Onsite Wastewater Management Ordinance, which requires periodic OWTS inspection and repair of failed systems.

Soil Erosion, Runoff and Sediment Control (SERSC) Ordinance The South Kingstown Soil Erosion, Run Off and Sediment Control (SERSC) ordinance is maintained by the Town to prevent soil erosion and sedimentation from occurring as a result of nonagricultural uses such as storage/filling, housing developments, commercial construction, industrial areas, recreational facilities, and roads. The Town requires proper provisions for stormwater disposal and soil erosion during and after construction, in order to promote the safety, public health and general welfare of the town. The aim of these regulations is to manage sediment which clogs storm sewers, road ditches and muddies streams, leaves deposits of silt in ponds and reservoirs and is considered a major water pollutant.64

64 Town of South Kingstown Code of Ordinances, Chapter 20 Stormwater Management, Article II.- Soil Erosion, Runoff and Sediment Control

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Solar Ordinance South Kingstown regulates principal and accessary solar energy systems with limitations in different zoning districts based on lot size and lot coverage. Providing a permit process and standards for construction, operation, and/or repair of solar energy systems can help provide for public safety, and minimize impacts to the scenic, natural, and historic resources. The Zoning Ordinance does not allow ground- mounted solar energy systems in Special Flood Hazard Areas, and specifically requires the preparation of emergency response plans for large-scale systems.

South Kingstown Comprehensive Plan The South Kingstown Comprehensive Plan 2014 discusses current community conditions, expected future trends, and new initiatives, challenges, and opportunities. It provides a vision for future community development by identifying updated goals, policies, and implementation actions. It is expected that new revisions (likely to be adopted late 2018) will include elements of hazard mitigation and climate change, using this document as a reference.

StormReady Community South Kingstown is a StormReady Community having demonstrated necessary communication and safety procedures needed to save lives and property before and during a storm event. There is an existing notification network, and weather radios and lightning detection devices are distributed throughout town. The Town has adopted Standard Operating Procedures to provide guidance in preparing for and dealing with the effects of hazardous weather conditions. If the South Kingstown EMA Director is unable to be reached, responders are encouraged to monitor weather activity through WebEOC, National Weather Service Alerts, and Code Red. The local and Rhode Island State Police provide National Weather Service Alerts over the Openfox Messenger Service.

Stormwater Management Plan

The Stormwater Management Ordinance prohibits the discharge into the municipal separate storm sewer system or watercourses of any pollutant or non-stormwater discharge unless as allowed as a non-stormwater discharge. It also prohibits the construction, use, maintenance or continued existence of illicit connections to the municipal separate storm sewer system.

Zoning Ordinance

Among other things, the Zoning Ordinance of the Town of South Kingstown aims to provide guidance to promote safety from fire, flood and other natural or man-made disasters; Provide for the protection of public investment in transportation, water, stormwater management systems, sewage treatment and disposal, solid waste treatment and disposal, schools, recreation, public facilities, open space, and other public requirements; Provide for the protection of the natural, historic, cultural, and scenic character of the Town or areas therein; provide orderly growth and manage the development of neighborhoods based on current environmental design

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standards.65 A High Flood Danger (HFD) Overlay District is established within the Ordinance, and on the official Zoning Map, to control and limit development in the most vulnerable areas of the community.

DEPARTMENTS Building Inspection

The Building Official & Zoning Enforcement Officer, Assistant Building Inspector, Building Inspector, Electrical Inspector, Plumbing/Mechanical Inspector and Administrative Associate make up the South Kingstown Building Inspection & Zoning Department. The Department provides guidance to residents, realtors, contractors, and attorneys on compliance with the State Building Code and the Town’s Zoning Ordinance.

South County Chamber of Commerce

A non-profit organization established to enhance and connect the business community to foster growth and development of the businesses. The Chamber is situated to help the community after a disaster for distribution of information to businesses.

Emergency Management (EM)

The primary mission of the South Kingstown Emergency Management Agency (SKEMA) is to protect life and property in the event of a disaster or crises situation, through a program of mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. The South Kingstown Emergency Management department does not have any staff dedicated only to emergency management but rather is staffed by the Town Manager (EM Director) and members of the Police and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Departments.

The permanently established Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is located at Public Safety Building located at 1790 Kingstown Road. The EOC has 1 diesel generator servicing the entire building.

South Kingstown uses the CodeRED emergency telephone notification system to provide important emergency information to citizens. The Town will continue to promote participation in CodeRED to residents and employees.

65 South Kingstown Zoning Ordinance, 1992

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Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department

The EMS Department operates a community-based emergency medical services program by providing pre-hospital emergency medical treatment and transport of the injured to the hospital. The Department operates from the Public Safety Complex on Kingstown Road as well as at the South Station building on Commodore Perry Highway.

Fire Departments

South Kingstown businesses and residents are protected from fires and other emergencies by the Kingston Fire District and the Union Fire District. Both of these are volunteer departments.

The Kingston Fire District is equipped with: • 2 class A Pumpers • 1 heavy duty platform aerial/mobile SCBA filling • 1 heavy rescue • Utility/brush truck • 13-foot boat • Multi passenger van • 3 command vehicles • Cache of portable radios Union Fire District’s 9 stations are equipped with: • 10 Pumpers • 1 aerial ladder • 2 tanker trucks • 4 brush trucks • 1 special hazards truck • 1 heavy rescue • 1 pickup truck • 10 command/ administration vehicles • 1 ATV • 1 tractor • 5 rescue boats with trailers Planning Department

The Planning Department serves many functions related to the physical development of the community. The department, staffed by 5 people, is responsible

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for carrying out the Council’s vision of the future through land use regulations, managed growth, community sustainability, and environmental preservation. The Department is currently managing efforts to update the Comprehensive Plan and the Subdivision and Land Development Regulations.

The Senior Planner led the recent Hazard Mitigation Plan update process. It is likely that they will retain that role in the future.

Planning Board

The Planning Board is responsible for reviewing and approving all subdivisions, land development projects, and development plan applications, and makes recommendations to the Town Council regarding zone change amendments. The Planning Board is the lead for reviewing and updating the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision and Land Development Regulations, and the Comprehensive Community Plan.

Police Department

The primary responsibility and mission of The South Kingstown Police Department is to provide total community service. Although preservation of peace and protection of lives and property are the principle duties of a police officer, South Kingstown Public Safety Personnel, both sworn and civilian, also function as public service officers responsible for identifying and responding to service needs of all our citizens. The South Kingstown Police Department consists of 54 sworn police officers, 8 dispatchers, and 10 civilian support staff. The Department operates twenty-four hours a day and responds to all criminal complaints, calls for service and Town-wide emergencies. The Department is located at 1790 Kingstown Road and has the following equipment:

• 18 Patrol cars and 11 Detective or administrative cars • 2 4x4 pickup trucks • Two Harbor Patrol boats • 3 Variable Message Highway Signage trailers • 1 Cargo Trailer

Public Services Department

The mission of the Department of Public Services is to provide a responsive and high quality public service to all South Kingstown residents in the maintenance and improvement of Town-owned property and infrastructure through positive interaction, interdepartmental relationships, and cost-effective management. Public

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Services includes the following divisions: engineering, Highway, Wastewater, and Water Division.

The Public Services Department offices are located at 509 Commodore Perry Highway in the village of Wakefield. The Highway Division garage is located at 134 Asa Pond Road; this property houses all the Town’s public works maintenance equipment, vehicle repair facilities, sand and salt storage, and fueling facilities.

The Town Engineer oversees preparation and enforcement of technical standards for transportation, storm water and utilities as related to private and public improvement projects. Additionally, they oversee Public Services capital improvement projects and are responsible for departmental regulatory compliance, including Phase 2 storm water management. They supervise land and construction surveys and oversee, coordinate and resolve right-of-way complaints which require corrective design resolution, including but not limited to hazard mitigation and storm water drainage.

Public Services maintains the following ongoing mitigation strategies: snow plowing, ice management, storm drain and culvert maintenance, administering the stormwater and soil erosion program, Town vehicle repair, road repairs, street sweeping, and tree trimming (in partnership with the utility companies).

There are four water utilities in Town: Middlebridge, South Shore, Suez, and Kingston. URI has a separate water utility.

The Public Services department helps the Town improve resiliency and reduce damages and cost from hazards by reviewing every site that is proposed for new development and/or redevelopment to ensure the sewer, water and stormwater regulations are followed during the design, construction and the final acceptance of the site.

School Department

The South Kingstown School District’s Maintenance Department, is responsible for organizing the maintenance and security of the Town’s schools. The School Department has the resources in-house to keep entrances, roofs, and sidewalks free of snow and ice.

In addition to being able to utilize the Town’s CodeRed system, the School Department has in internal communication network for emergencies. They coordinate their storm response efforts through the South Kingstown Public Services and Police Departments.

Sustainability Committee

The Sustainability Committee, created in 2017, is charged with advising the Town Council on ways to help South Kingstown become more sustainable. The Sustainability Committee is primed to take a lead role in community education relative to natural hazard impacts and resiliency.

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Town Council and Town Manager

The Town Council is made up of five elected members committed to providing an effective and efficient government for residents and businesses. The Town Council approves the local Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Town Council also reviews and approves goals and objectives for public safety, and adopts the Comprehensive Community Plan.

The Town Manager provides for general administrative management, policy direction, and oversight of municipal operations. The Town Manager is the Director of Emergency Management.

Zoning Board of Review

The South Kingstown Zoning Board of Review authorizes variances, hears and decides appeals against the Historic District Commission or the Planning Board, and enforces the interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance.

STATE PROGRAMS

Rhode Island Coastal Resource Management Council

The Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) is a management agency with regulatory functions. Its primary responsibility is for the preservation, protection, development and where possible the restoration of the coastal areas of the state via the implementation of its integrated and comprehensive coastal management plans and the issuance of permits for work with the coastal zone of the state.

Rhode Island Enhanced 9-1-1 Telephone System

South Kingstown utilizes the state’s E-911 system which provides 24-hour public safety communication services from one answering point in North Scituate. Each call is routed to the appropriate response team. The system processes both landline and wireless 9-1-1 calls.

Rhode Island State Building Code

All municipalities within the State of Rhode Island share a single building code (RIGL 23-27.3-100 et. al.). The Code itself (which incorporates the International Building Code) was last amended in 2012 and provides comprehensive construction requirements designed to mitigate the impacts from natural hazards, such as high wind events. The Code is enforced by the South Kingstown Building Department and provides an additional layer of regulatory control to those discussed above.

Rhode Island State Fire Code Regulations

South Kingstown has adopted the RI Fire Safety Codes to safeguard life and property from the hazards of fire and explosives in accordance with safe practice.

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The Code is enforced by the South Kingstown Fire Departments and provides reasonable minimum requirements for fire prevention and protection.

Rhode Island State Dam Safety Program

The Town of South Kingstown participates in the State Dam Safety Program because of the high hazard and significant hazard dams in the town. The State Dam Safety Program was created to facilitate the enforcement of the primary dam inspection law (RIGL 46-19, Inspection of Dams and Reservoirs). RIGL 46-19 states that dam owners are responsible for the safe operation, maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation of a dam, which are the essential elements in preventing dam failure; furthermore, dam owners are liable for the consequences of accidents or failures of their dams. According to the State of Rhode Island 2015 Dam Safety Program Report, the following have been identified as program limitations: unclear ownership of numerous high hazard dams, construction of buildings within inundation areas below dams, lack of funding to repair of remove privately owned dams, inadequate spillway capacities and engineering analyses, lack of Emergency Action Plans across the state, inadequate staffing, increase in rainstorm intensities. Of the 7 high and significant hazard dams in South Kingstown, 6 have Emergency Action Plans on file. The Town is currently creating the Glen Rock Reservoir dam EAPs.

Rhode Island DEM Division of Law Enforcement

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Division of Law Enforcement serves to protect the natural resources and ensure compliance with all environmental conservation laws through law enforcement and education.

Rhode Island DEM Wetland Regulations

Rhode Island DEM is responsible for regulating alterations of the freshwater wetlands throughout the State. Since many floodplains are also wetlands, appropriately managing these resources help maintain proper floodplain function. These regulations ensure that actions in this plan which will alter the physical landscape will not do so at the expense of wetlands.

Rhode Island Department of Health

The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH), not only strives to prevent disease and increase health and safety, but they also promote the Special Needs Emergency Registry. By voluntarily enrolling in this list, local police, fire, and other local first responders can better prepare for and respond to an individual’s needs during a disaster.

Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) is the State agency assigned to reduce the loss of life and property for the whole community while

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ensuring that as a state we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all natural, human-caused, and technological hazards. RIEMA is also the pass-through agency for FEMA mitigation funding.

OTHER

Amtrak at Kingston Station

The AMTRAK train station in Kingston usually runs trains along the Northeast Regional route between Boston and the Washington D.C. area. These trains may also be used to evacuate large numbers of people during an emergency.

South County Hospital

Located at 100 Kenyon Avenue in Wakefield, the South County Hospital serves the medical needs of patients in the area. Among other documented procedures, the hospital has its own ingress plan as well as an emergency evacuation plan.

University of Rhode Island

Located in the rural Kingston area of South Kingstown, the University of Rhode Island enrolls about 18,000 students annually. The University has their own Sustainability Plan (2017), Stormwater Plan (2017), Traffic and Parking Plan (2018), Landscape Master Plan (2017), Emergency Management Department.

The University of Rhode Island employs three full-time Office of Emergency Management (OEM) staff under the Department of Public Safety. OEM maintains an institution-wide Emergency Operations Plan, along with associated scenario-specific plans (such as Power Outage, Campus Disturbance, and Severe Weather) and functional annexes (Interoperable Communications, Emergency Public Information and Warning, and soon an Emergency Sheltering and Evacuation plan.) The University's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is located in the Public Safety building at 44 Lower College Road adjacent to the 24/7 Public Safety Dispatch Center. OEM also has two emergency response vehicles, a mobile command trailer, and a cache of emergency communications equipment. The University's emergency management program is guided by the Campus Emergency Management Advisory Council (CEMAC) which meets monthly and includes representation from key areas of the institution (Administration, Academic Affairs, Facilities, Police, Health Services, Housing, etc.)

FEDERAL PROGRAMS

Federal Emergency Management Agency

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, coordinates disaster response when local and

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state resources are maxed out. The agency also provides grant funding for pre-and post-disaster mitigation projects.

United States Army Corps of Engineers

Pond Judith Pond is the only federally maintained channel in South Kingstown. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for the maintenance of the 15-foot deep navigation channel. A 2007 dredging project deposited dredge material in off shore areas for the purpose of replenishing beaches along the Matunuck area shoreline.66

United States Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed, all-volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard. Members conduct waterborne patrols in southern Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound, run public education classes, and conduct free vessel examinations. The Town of South Kingstown supports the efforts of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. During storm events, emergency on-the-water requests will be forwarded to the nearest Coast Guard Station. The local station is at Point Judith.

United States Fish and Wildlife Service

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has offices in neighboring Charlestown and properties in South Kingstown. Trustom Pond and Card Pond in South Kingstown are part of the USFWS management program. Since 1974 the freshwater ponds are breached periodically as a management proactive but are able to naturally close to the sea. Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge and the John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge are under the jurisdiction of the USFWS.

66 South Kingstown Harbor Management Plan, September 2010

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6 Mitigation Actions

Mission Statement The Town of South Kingstown is preparing for the impacts of natural hazards and a changing climate. Preparation and mitigation must include upgrades and enhancements to existing infrastructure, improved community services and coordination, more informed land use planning, and a comprehensive strategy for communication and outreach regarding potential impacts. This work must consider impacts to residents, business and property owners, students of the University of Rhode Island, visitors and tourists, and must also be cognizant of the high quality of life offered in South Kingstown, maintaining the Town’s long-term fiscal responsibility, and the importance of the natural resources that exist within our borders.

Mitigation Goals To effectuate the mission statement, the Town establishes the following hazard mitigation goals, toward which all action must reach:

1. South Kingstown’s residents, including students at the University of Rhode Island, businesses, property owners, visitors, and tourists will be prepared for the risks of natural hazards and climate change.

2. South Kingstown’s municipal properties and infrastructure will be protected from the impacts of natural hazards and climate change.

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3. South Kingstown’s development regulations will direct new growth to areas of Town that are less vulnerable to the impacts of natural hazards and climate change.

4. South Kingstown’s natural environment will be resilient to natural hazards and climate change, and will be used to assist in mitigating negative impacts.

Status of Proposed 2011 Actions

Table 27 Status of Proposed 2011 Actions

Reason why it is not Action Status complete (shift in Other comments focus, funding, etc.) Close water main in East Matunuck/Matunuck during Ongoing capability storms Relocation of water main between Matunuck and East Done Matunuck Work with CRMC to evaluate the most appropriate hard-armor No funding for shoreline protection structure, Phase 1 is done (1 construction of Phase 2, and seek funding to design, section 180ft). from current western

permit and install, to mitigate the Phase 2 to be terminus approx. 300ft. long- term coastal completed Design is funded, no $ for erosion/damage to Matunuck construction. Beach Road. The Police Department will distribute information on town evacuation routes and emergency shelters to hotels, bed and breakfasts, real estate Partially. Social Education and Outreach agencies dealing with seasonal Evac on Town website Program for real estate media. rentals, and other facilities and and hotel- 2019 events hosting tourists and out of town visitors in the event of a natural hazard or other emergency.

Beach and dune replenishment Ongoing beach Moved pavilion but new landscape did not warrant project replenishment replenishment. Pavilion Facility Relocation Done Create an educational display Sign was about fish Promote MyCoast documenting historical flood Partial ladder, not flooding damage GIS Map/StormTools

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Reason why it is not Action Status complete (shift in Other comments focus, funding, etc.) Develop shoreline management Statewide effort Deferred to State plan underway Army Corps assessment/elevation May have be worked out project on the horizon. Develop retrofit (dry/wet through FEMA map Not Completed There have been floodproof, elevation) program updates and updates to programmatic changes bldg. code. but not a large overall plan. Low Impact Development DEM requirements in new techniques in local subdivision stormwater manuals. Done regulations and neighborhood CRMC 100% stormwater development plans mgmt. on site Develop list of priority lots for Roll into 2019. acquisition to provide public Not Completed access of that have experienced SLAMM maps. New Comp Plan prioritizes those areas. flood damage Business continuity strategies State is working on a Small Not Completed Business resiliency project with Chamber of Commerce with SK as a pilot Participation in CRS Program Not Completed Shift in Town focus Develop Volunteer Disaster No CERT team in place. Not Completed Assistance Program Roll into 2019. Overwash sand removal plan Ongoing Recovery and reconstruction Shift in focus, not as Not Completed applicable as written. Long term Recovery Plan ordinance Plan might be better. Close beaches during major Ongoing storms Public information, outreach, and Roll into 2019. incentive program for builders Not Completed and homeowners Homewowners’ guide Town doesn’t have Detailed dam inspections with DEM inspects significant Not Completed authority for low hazard necessary repairs and high hazard dams dams. Provide dam safety information Ongoing to dam owners Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Glen Rock dam- added Done after initial plans were compliance (update dam info) written Installation of switches on OWTS All as applicable pumps allowing them to be Information on IA pumps have switches turned off and on. Provide website. pamphlet to homeowners.

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Reason why it is not Action Status complete (shift in Other comments focus, funding, etc.) Engineering/Planning study to TMDL- yes Not much to be done identify issues and mitigation Flooding- no with elevations strategies in Middlebridge area State inspects every span Middlebridge monitoring effort over 20 feet every 2 years, Town inspects bridges, w RIDOT reserve funds for maintenance Culvert and river Study to identify issues and design to widen Funding has been develop strategies for the road, not allocated but study has Saugatucket Road areas increase hydraulic not been completed. capacity. Bridge inspection of Potter Pond Done State Done in 2016 Channel bridge Need to improve effort 2018. Need more Tree maintenance Ongoing preventative maintenance. Forestry Management Plan Past events have not The Town leases 213 Boat ramp demand needs No longer shown the need. Day in moorings. assessment relevant and day out use, not moorings Evacuation route and storm surge elevation signs and Done informational material Fire response assessment Not Completed Move to 2019 Underground storage tank risk No Town-owned USTs Not Completed except for Highway assessment Division fueling facility. Pedestrian ramp maintenance at Ongoing Ocean Ave. Roll into 2019. List of Use solar panel lighting for vendors, MOU, recreational fields in the event of Some replaced Bring portable lighting. Contingency contracts. a power outage and the fields are with LEDs Solar for parking lots Recreational fields not used as a staging area. identified as staging areas. Dismountable solar panels.

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Updated Mitigation Actions

The South Kingstown Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee decided to propose actions that addressed certain vulnerabilities that were identified earlier in the planning process. See Chapter 4.

The text following the table below summarizes the specific problem and proposed possible solution, details the primary tasks to be undertaken, identifies an appropriate lead and anticipates financing options. Each action was given a priority ranking of low, medium, or high as determined by the Committee. This helps to generally prioritize needs when funding becomes available or budgeted. Funding and staff time will be the determining factors on when various actions are completed. The Committee understands that implementation of many of these proposed actions require the Town to secure external funding.

There are necessary planning elements that need to be completed before additional mitigation actions can be considered. The Committee has identified a range of actions below, some of which are planning activities. However, there is a mitigation action identified for each vulnerable area where applicable.

Priority Level

High: Reduces the greatest risks, is important to accomplish first

Medium: May need other actions to be completed first

Low: Less of an impact on safety and property

Time Frame (from date of plan adoption)

Short Term: within 1-3 years

Medium Term: within 3-5 years

Long Term: greater than 5 years

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VULNERABLE AREA: Flood Prone Drainage Systems/Streets ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS ☒ ☐ ☒ 1. Phase 2 of hard armor shoreline ☐Local Plans and Regulations 1 3 High along Matunuck Beach Road. ☒Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☐4 ☐Medium ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low

☐Education and Awareness RESPONSE ACTION TYPE STATUS

☒ Protect 2011 Action ☐ Adapt ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Sole source access. Location of water main and fire main.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Maintain emergency access and critical Funding, regulatory permits. infrastructure. LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Public services POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Private funds Construction cost ☐Short Term (0-3 years) Town Operating Budget $4M ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) Resiliency Grants ☐Long Term (> 5 years) ☒TBD- short but needs funding

OTHER NOTES 80% design drawings are done. CRMC Ascent was expected Fall 2018 No funding available for construction.

Phase 1 Complete

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VULNERABLE AREA: Flood Prone Drainage Systems/Streets ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 2. Develop a property acquisition ☐Local Plans and Regulations ☐1 ☒3 ☐High plan ☒Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☐4 ☒Medium a) Identify short-term and ☒Natural Systems Protection ☐Low long-term flood-impacted ☐Education and Awareness neighborhoods. RESPONSE ACTION b) Conduct public interest TYPE STATUS meetings. c) Secure funding sources ☐ Protect 2011 Action such as FEMA Hazard ☒ Adapt Mitigation Grant Program. ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Reduce the number of repetitive loss properties in the Town.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Increase the amount of dedicated open space in flood-prone areas. LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Planning POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Planning Operational budget Staff time ☒Short Term (0-3 years) ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) ☐Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES Start with FEMA Repetitive Loss and Severe Repetitive Loss database available through FEMA or the State.

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VULNERABLE AREA: Flood Prone Drainage Systems/Streets/Structures ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 3. Look at Army Corps Assessment ☐Local Plans and Regulations ☒1 ☐3 ☐High (Pawcatuck River Coastal Storm ☒Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☐4 ☒Medium Risk Management Feasibility ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low Study) for flood-proofing and ☐Education and Awareness elevation opportunities for RESPONSE ACTION structures within South TYPE STATUS Kingstown. ☐ Protect 2011 Action ☒ Adapt ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Protect existing structures from future damages associated with flooding and storm surge.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Resilient structures Identifying who is responsible, funding LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT CRMC/Army Corps Planning/Public Services POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Review of Assessment: Town Planning Budget Staff time ☒Short Term (0-3 years) Flood-proofing projects: Army Corps of Engineers, For projects: ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) and FEMA HMGP grants unknown ☐Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES

Tentative Selected Plan (TSP) consists of elevating the first floor of 172 structures. First floors will be elevated to a height corresponding to the FEMA designated Base Flood Elevation (BFE), ranging from +11 feet North Atlantic Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD88) to +17 feet NAVD88, plus 1 additional foot in accordance with state building code and another 0.37 feet to account for historic sea level rise over the next 50 years.

Study out for public comment as of September 2018.

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VULNERABLE AREA: Flood Prone Drainage Systems/Streets ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 4. Investigate options for funding ☒Local Plans and Regulations ☒1 ☐3 ☒High future repairs and/or relocation ☐Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☐4 ☐Medium of damaged/vulnerable Town ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low infrastructure. ☐Education and Awareness RESPONSE ACTION TYPE STATUS

☐ Protect New ☒ Adapt ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Funding for regular repairs is easier to find than funding for improvements to protect infrastructure from future damages.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Continuity of services and maintain road access. LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Town Manager URI Marine Affairs, Roger Williams, CRC POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Town Planning Operations Budget Staff time ☐Short Term (0-3 years) ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) ☐Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES Ongoing project

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VULNERABLE AREA: Flood Prone Drainage Systems/Streets ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 5. Incorporate higher flood design ☒Local Plans and Regulations ☐1 ☒3 ☒High standard into stormwater ☐Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☐4 ☐Medium infrastructure standards within ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low the Subdivision and Land ☐Education and Awareness Development Regulations RESPONSE ACTION where appropriate. TYPE STATUS

☐ Protect New ☒ Adapt ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Higher standards will protect the subdivision and surrounding area from nuisance flooding events.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES More resilient development Developers LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Planning/Public Services Planning/Public Services POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Town Operating Budget Staff time ☐Short Term (0-3 years) ☒Medium Term (3-5 years) ☐Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES

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VULNERABLE AREA: Flood Prone Drainage Systems/Streets ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 6. Relocation of coastal ☐Local Plans and Regulations ☒1 ☐3 ☒High Charlestown Beach Road and ☒Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☐4 ☐Medium Matunuck Beach Road. ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low • Relocation of road from ☐Education and Awareness public to private land, or RESPONSE ACTION • Move to private ownership TYPE STATUS

☐ Protect New ☒ Adapt ☒ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

The road is in vulnerable areas susceptible to storm surge, SLR, and erosion. Much of this Town road was lost during Sandy.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Maintain and protect critical infrastructure, as well Need easements, funding, regulatory permitting, as egress for evacuation and emergency response. Private owner support and collaboration. LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Town, CRMC, Private Property Owners Planning/Public Services, DEM POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Town Capital Improvement Budget Millions of dollars ☐Short Term (0-3 years) State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) for Matunuck Beach Road ☒Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES

Moving the road north of the dwellings I serves will require a community of interest from all property owners to do so since the road would transition from a Town right-of-way to a private road.

127 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Bridges Spanning Rivers ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 7. Request that RIDOT incorporate ☐Local Plans and Regulations ☒1 ☐3 ☐High resiliency into bridge projects, ☒Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☐4 ☒Medium especially those included in the ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low State Transportation ☐Education and Awareness Improvement Plan (STIP). RESPONSE ACTION TYPE STATUS

☐ Protect New ☒ Adapt ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

The State owns some bridges in South Kingstown that are used by residents. Future SLR and increased rain events/flooding could compromise those bridges.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Infrastructure resilience. Priorities of the State LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Planning RIDOT, Public Services, Transportation and Traffic Review Committee POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Town Planning Budget Staff time ☒Short Term (0-3 years) ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) ☐Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES

Isolation valves and break away water mains were incorporated into Middlebridge and Succotash Road bridges.

128 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Bridges Spanning Rivers ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 8. Address Spring/Columbia Street ☐Local Plans and Regulations ☒1 ☐3 ☐High flooding ☒Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☐4 ☒Medium a) Assess solutions such as the ☒Natural Systems Protection ☐Low floodproofing of structures ☐Education and Awareness (i.e., Town owned Peace Dale RESPONSE ACTION office buildings). TYPE STATUS b) Encourage RIDEM to initiate development of the ☒ Protect New Saugatucket Watershed ☒ Adapt Plan. ☐ Retreat

RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

This low-lying area segmented by a stream experience nuisance flooding. Certain efforts can be explored to protect the buildings but it’s a larger watershed issue that may need addressing. RIDEM is in the process of completing watershed level plans for all of the state’s watersheds, and can be encouraged to take on the Saugatucket River watershed as a priority.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Reduce flood damages. Hydraulic restrictions downstream, impervious areas upstream. May be very difficult/expensive to accomplish. LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Town Public Facilities Parks and Recreation POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE For 8a and 8b: Public Facilities Operating Budget 1) Staff time ☒Short Term (0-3 years) For floodproofing systems: Capital Improvement 2) Staff time ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) through enterprise fund (Peace Dale Office ☐Long Term (> 5 years) Building).

OTHER NOTES Maybe look at watershed level stream maintenance. Work w RIDEM. Dredging may not increase the capacity enough to reduce flooding. Hydraulic restrictions on bridges, impervious areas upstream. Systemic problem. Backwater from impoundments downstream. Increase diameter of pipes or widening bridges but still is an issue downstream.

129 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Wastewater ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 9. Expand sewered areas ☐Local Plans and Regulations ☒1 ☐3 ☐High • Pond Street south of Route 1 ☒Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☐4 ☒Medium • Winchester Drive ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low ☐Education and Awareness RESPONSE ACTION TYPE STATUS

☐ Protect New ☒ Adapt ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

These streets are on a peninsula that is susceptible to storm surge and eventual SLR. Expanding sewer service into these areas with high water tables reduce the chances of contamination from failing OWTS systems. During a power outage, sewered systems can still function by removing waste.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Resiliency, environmental protection Short term solution for an area that may be washed out more frequently in the future. LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Public Services POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Public Services budget Undetermined at ☐Short Term (0-3 years) this time. ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) Historically ☒Long Term (> 5 years) dependent on development pressures. OTHER NOTES May be a larger priority if impacting Water

130 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Wastewater ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 10. Incorporate (SLR and Storm ☒Local Plans and Regulations ☒1 ☒3 ☐High Surge) vulnerability of OWTS ☐Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☒4 ☒Medium into Sewer Feasibility Study ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low Criteria. ☐Education and Awareness RESPONSE ACTION TYPE STATUS

☐ Protect New ☒ Adapt ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Forward thinking of OWTS requirements in coastal areas to reduce vulnerability.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Reduced environmental contamination. None LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Public Services POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Town Public Services budget Staff time ☒Short Term (0-3 years) ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) ☐Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES Sustainability is already a criterion but need to include SLR and Storm Surge.

131 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Wastewater ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 11. Elevate and/or protect the pre- ☐Local Plans and Regulations ☒1 ☐3 ☒High cast concrete pump station at ☒Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☐4 ☐Medium Middlebridge from flooding ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low events. ☐Education and Awareness RESPONSE ACTION TYPE STATUS

☒ Protect New ☐ Adapt ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Identified by RIDEM as a future flood risk.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Protects integrity and insures functionality of Permitting, funding pump station during critical flood events. LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Public Services POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE User Wastewater Enterprise Fund $2M ☐Short Term (0-3 years) Grants ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) ☒Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES

132 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Wastewater ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 12. Require new pump stations to ☒Local Plans and Regulations ☐1 ☒3 ☐High be elevated above BFE, flood- ☐Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☐4 ☒Medium proofed or located outside of ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low vulnerable area. ☐Education and Awareness a) Encourage existing RESPONSE ACTION systems to be protected TYPE STATUS from flood waters. ☐ Protect New ☒ Adapt ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Better resiliency practices drive the sustainability of future services.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Maintaining essential services operations during and after a flood event. LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Public Services POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Staff time ☒Short Term (0-3 years) ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) ☐Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES Implement this for public and private projects in vulnerable areas.

133 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Water Supply Systems

ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 13. Maintain and protect public water ☐Local Plans and Regulations ☒1 ☐3 ☒High distribution system: ☒Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☐4 ☐Medium a) Upgrade waterlines as ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low necessary during routine inspections/replacement of ☐Education and Awareness components integral to the RESPONSE ACTION public distribution system. TYPE STATUS b) Develop a response plan for water quality notifications to ☐ Protect New satisfy RIDOH requirements. ☒ Adapt ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Maintain uninterrupted delivery of high quality water for public use and consumption.

The Town needs to be better coordinated to deal with a drinking water disaster to effectively notify customers.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Customer health and safety Having enough phones and personnel for notifying customers of emergency. LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT EMA Director POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Town EMA Budget Staff time ☒Short Term (0-3 years) ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) ☐Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES

134 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Trash Services ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 14. Purchase and install a generator ☐Local Plans and Regulations ☒1 ☐3 ☐High for Rose Hill Transfer Station. ☒Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☐4 ☒Medium ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low ☐Education and Awareness RESPONSE ACTION TYPE STATUS

☐ Protect New ☒ Adapt (Underway) ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Currently they facility does not have the capacity to process debris and trash if the power were to go out. Having a secondary power source will allow them prevent trash and post-storm debris from building up.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Human health, maintain services. LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Public Services POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Privatization contracts $6,000 ☒Short Term (0-3 years) ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) ☐Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES

Add the cost when it is time for contract renewal.

135 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Communication Towers ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 15. Migrate to microwave links from ☐Local Plans and Regulations ☒1 ☐3 ☒High copper wire lines. ☒Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☐4 ☐Medium ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low ☐Education and Awareness RESPONSE ACTION TYPE STATUS

☐ Protect New ☒ Adapt ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

More reliable and complete network. Reduce holes in telephone communication network and make it more redundant.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Redundancy in public safety communication Lack of funding, need a stakeholder group to keep network this moving, needs coordination. LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Town Manager Police Department, Union Fire District, Town Communications POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Capital Improvement Plan $300,000 to $2-3M ☒Short Term (0-3 years) FEMA Emergency Management Grants Depends on scope ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) ☐Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES

Have a Town-wide system in 2-4 years.

136 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Communication Towers ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 16. Migrate to a multi-site simulcast ☐Local Plans and Regulations ☒1 ☐3 ☒High system. ☒Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☐4 ☐Medium ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low ☐Education and Awareness RESPONSE ACTION TYPE STATUS

☐ Protect New ☒ Adapt ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Need a more efficient frequency system with better coverage and full capacity.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES More reliable and complete network. This will Funding unify police, fire, EMS radio communication systems. LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Town Manager and Police Department Stakeholder Group POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Capital Improvement Plan $2-3 Million ☐Short Term (0-3 years) FEMA Emergency Management Grants ☒Medium Term (3-5 years) ☐Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES

Want to have a Town-wide system in about 4 years.

137 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Dams ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 17. Complete Glen Rock Dam ☒Local Plans and Regulations ☒1 ☐3 ☒High Emergency Action Plan (EAP). ☐Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☒4 ☐Medium ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low ☐Education and Awareness RESPONSE ACTION TYPE STATUS

☐ Protect New ☒ Adapt ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

The State requires EAPs for all high hazard dams.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Notification procedures to safeguard property and the lives of citizens living, working, schooling, and recreating within the dam inundation area. LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Town EMA Engineering, Department of Public Services POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Town EMA budget Staff Time ☒Short Term (0-3 years) ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) ☐Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES

See RIEMA’s template here: http://www.riema.ri.gov/resources/emergencymanager/RIDEM_RIEMA_Dam%20EAP%20Template_2016.pd f

138 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Dams ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 18. Low hazard dams: ☒Local Plans and Regulations ☐1 ☒3 ☐High a) Map surrounding ☐Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☐4 ☒Medium inundation areas. ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low b) As new development is ☐Education and Awareness proposed, enact restrictions RESPONSE ACTION on subdivisions in TYPE STATUS inundation areas. ☐ Protect New ☒ Adapt ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

There are no inundation maps for low hazard dams. Mapping the inundation area can help keep it a low hazard dam by restricting development that could be in harm’s way.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Preparedness for increased rain events and development pressures. LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT EMA Planning POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Town Operating Budget Staff time ☐Short Term (0-3 years) ☒Medium Term (3-5 years)- #1 ☒Long Term (> 5 years)- #2 OTHER NOTES

139 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Marinas and Docks ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 19. Identify alternative take out ☒Local Plans and Regulations ☒1 ☐3 ☐High locations (Marina Park parking ☐Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☐4 ☒Medium lot storage) by boat types. ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low Work with marinas and Town ☐Education and Awareness mooring holders to promote the RESPONSE ACTION use of these locations. TYPE STATUS

☐ Protect New ☒ Adapt ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

By having an area to swiftly take out boats, they have less of a chance of becoming destructive debris during a storm.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Preventing further damage from boats that are left in the water. LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Harbor Master Recreation Department POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Town Planning operational budget Staff time. ☒Short Term (0-3 years) ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) ☐Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES

140 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Marinas and Docks ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 20. Rehabilitate Marina Park boat ☐Local Plans and Regulations ☒1 ☐3 ☐High ramp to ensure availability of ☒Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☐4 ☒Medium launch site during critical ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low events.. ☐Education and Awareness

RESPONSE ACTION TYPE STATUS

☐ Protect New ☒ Adapt ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

By having an area to swiftly take out boats, they have less of a chance of becoming destructive debris during a storm.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Preventing further damage from boats that are Funding left in the water. LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Parks & Recreation Department POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Town, Federal, State $300k-$500k ☒Short Term (0-3 years) DEM Recreation Acquisition ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) USFWS ☐Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES Taking out boats is in the Town’s Capital Plan.

141 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Marinas and Docks ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 21. Update Harbor Management ☒Local Plans and Regulations ☒1 ☐3 ☒High Plan. ☐Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☐4 ☐Medium ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low ☐Education and Awareness RESPONSE ACTION TYPE STATUS

☐ Protect New ☒ Adapt ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Related to boat removal prior to a storm, this plan will outline available boat ramps and procedures to notify boat owners.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Staff time LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Planning Harbor Master, Recreation, Public Services POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Staff time and grant funding $20k - $30k ☒Short Term (0-3 years) ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) ☐Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES

142 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Critical Municipal Hazard Response Facilities ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 22. Improve communication with ☒Local Plans and Regulations ☐1 ☐3 ☒High the University of Rhode Island ☐Structure and Infrastructure ☒2 ☐4 ☐Medium (URI) regarding sheltering needs ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low and plans. ☐Education and Awareness

RESPONSE ACTION TYPE STATUS

☐ Protect New ☒ Adapt ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

URI has their own set of staff and procedures for emergencies that are not dependent on the Town.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Area-wide coordination and understanding of capabilities. Campus projects may lead to mutually beneficial sheltering capabilities. LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT EMS Director URI Office of Emergency Management POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Town EMS budget Staff time ☒Short Term (0-3 years) ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) ☐Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES

143 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Critical Municipal Hazard Response Facilities ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 23. Develop a Long-Term Recovery ☒Local Plans and Regulations ☒1 ☐3 ☒High Plan. ☐Structure and Infrastructure ☒2 ☒4 ☐Medium ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low ☐Education and Awareness RESPONSE ACTION TYPE STATUS

☐ Protect New ☒ Adapt ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

A disaster will impact South Kingstown at some point in the future. This LTRP will help the Town to establish a community-based, post-disaster vision and identifying projects and project funding strategies best suited to achieve that vision, and employing a mechanism to implement those projects.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Guided recovery post-disaster. LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT EMS Director Town Manager POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant funding $150,000 ☐Short Term (0-3 years) ☒Medium Term (3-5 years) ☐Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES

144 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Critical Municipal Hazard Response Facilities ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 24. Develop a Citizen Emergency ☒Local Plans and Regulations ☒1 ☐3 ☒High Response Team (CERT). ☐Structure and Infrastructure ☒2 ☐4 ☐Medium ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low ☐Education and Awareness RESPONSE ACTION TYPE STATUS

☐ Protect 2011 Action ☒ Adapt ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

The Town does not have a group of trained volunteers to help during a hazard event.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Community buy-in and increased manpower Time, recruiting volunteers LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT EMS Director POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Local EMS budget, forming a 501(c)3 organization $5,000 ☒Short Term (0-3 years) for non-profit status, FEMA USFA CERT grants. ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) ☐Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES

145 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Critical Municipal Hazard Response Facilities ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 25. Conduct a fire response ☒Local Plans and Regulations ☒1 ☐3 ☒High assessment. ☐Structure and Infrastructure ☒2 ☐4 ☐Medium ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low ☐Education and Awareness RESPONSE ACTION TYPE STATUS

☐ Protect 2011 Action ☒ Adapt ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

To analyze if department resources match the risk levels in hazards in South Kingstown,

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Reduce firefighter injury and death, civilian injury and death, and property loss. LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Fire Districts POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE FEMA Fire Grants $20,000 ☒Short Term (0-3 years) • Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) Response (SAFER), ☐Long Term (> 5 years) • Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG)

OTHER NOTES Concerns about recruitment and retention. Create an incentive for volunteer housing?

146 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Critical Municipal Hazard Response Facilities ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 26. Develop a list with pricing of ☐Local Plans and Regulations ☒1 ☐3 ☐High vendors for portable solar ☒Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☐4 ☐Medium panels. ☐Natural Systems Protection ☒Low • Consider MOUs ☐Education and Awareness RESPONSE ACTION TYPE STATUS

☐ Protect 2011 Action ☒ Adapt ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Lighting for fields and staging areas during an emergency.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Does the technology exist? LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Public Services Fire Department POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Public Services budget Staff time ☒Short Term (0-3 years) ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) ☐Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES

147 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Critical Municipal Hazard Response Facilities ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 27. Bring Union Fire District station ☐Local Plans and Regulations ☒1 ☐3 ☐High on Matunuck School House ☒Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☐4 ☒Medium Road up to code on wind load ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low requirements. ☐Education and Awareness

RESPONSE ACTION TYPE STATUS

☐ Protect New ☒ Adapt ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

BENEFITS OBSTACLES FUNDING LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Union Fire District POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Capital projects $2-3M for new ☐Short Term (0-3 years) Loan financing station ☒Medium Term (3-5 years) ☐Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES Or build a new station.

148 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Critical Municipal Hazard Response Facilities ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 28. Install a radio tower at Tower ☐Local Plans and Regulations ☒1 ☐3 ☐High Hill Fire Station. ☒Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☐4 ☒Medium ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low ☐Education and Awareness RESPONSE ACTION TYPE STATUS

☐ Protect New ☒ Adapt ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Radio communications are currently running off a Narragansett tower. Should be on South Kingstown owned property.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Town ownership of communication infrastructure. Approvals for FCC, FAA, funding LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Union Fire District POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Town Capital Projects $750,000 ☐Short Term (0-3 years) ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) ☒Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES

149 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Populations ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 29. Build participation in Special ☒Local Plans and Regulations ☐1 ☐3 ☒High Needs Registry to improve ☐Structure and Infrastructure ☒2 ☐4 ☐Medium wellness checks. ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low a) Reach out pre-storm or ☒Education and Awareness during emergency to those RESPONSE ACTION on Special Needs Registry TYPE STATUS and other list developed in previous action. ☐ Protect New b) Print a hard copy of Special ☒ Adapt Needs Registry for offline ☐ Retreat usage.

RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Info regarding welfare check-ins, distribution of water, etc.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Improved citizen safety. LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT EMS, Senior Services POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE EMS Budget Staff time ☒Short Term (0-3 years) ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) ☐Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES Use HOA, Senior Center, FD call list, wheelchair ramp applications, and Elderly Tax Abatement to request opt-in.

150 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Populations ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 30. Enroll and participate in the ☒Local Plans and Regulations ☒1 ☒3 ☒High National Flood Insurance ☒Structure and Infrastructure ☒2 ☒4 ☐Medium Program Community Rating ☒Natural Systems Protection ☐Low System (CRS). ☒Education and Awareness RESPONSE ACTION TYPE STATUS

☒ Protect New ☒ Adapt ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Under the Community Rating System (CRS), communities can be rewarded for doing more than simply regulating construction of new buildings to the minimum national standards. Under the CRS, the flood insurance premiums of a community’s residents and businesses are discounted to reflect that community’s work to reduce flood damage to existing buildings, manage development in areas not mapped by the NFIP, protect new buildings beyond the minimum NFIP protection level, preserve and/or restore natural functions of floodplains, help insurance agents obtain flood data, and help people obtain flood insurance.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Lower flood insurance premiums for residents. Flood loss reduction in South Kingstown.

LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Town Planning Departments Town EMA

POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Town Budget Staff time ☒Short Term (0-3 years) ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) ☐Long Term (> 5 years) OTHER NOTES

151 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Populations ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 31. Distribute public information ☐Local Plans and Regulations ☐1 ☐3 ☒High and outreach for: ☐Structure and Infrastructure ☒2 ☐4 ☐Medium a) Builders, homeowners, and ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low realtors. ☒Education and Awareness • Promote MyCoast and RESPONSE ACTION GIS Map/StormTools. TYPE STATUS • Education info for owners of older/historic ☐ Protect 2011 Action homes. ☒ Adapt b) Rental agencies and hotels ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Given the hazards identified, the Town would like to increase resiliency and educate homeowners on the level of risk they may face. Preserve historic character of a structure.

The tourism population increases considerably in the summer months. Visitors may not know evacuation routes or ways to stay safe during a hurricane.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Education/Outreach actions enhance the town’s ranking in the Community Rating System (CRS) a) Better construction and best management practices can reduce damages from flooding, high winds, or other hazards. b) Increases awareness during emergency situations and extreme weather events. LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Building and Planning Departments RI Historic Preservation Commission Homeowners and Realtors (Planning) Coastal Resource Center Town EMA POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Town Budget Staff time ☒Short Term (0-3 years) ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) ☐Long Term (> 5 years) OTHER NOTES FEMA regulations, resiliency info, best practices. Community sessions for homeowners. Distribute at time of building permit application. Post to website. Review evacuation routes and make them widely accessible. See FEMA’s www.Ready.gov/publications website for free publications and materials.

152 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Populations ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 32. Crosstrain Town employees and ☐Local Plans and Regulations ☐1 ☐3 ☐High volunteers to run MEDPODS. ☐Structure and Infrastructure ☒2 ☐4 ☒Medium ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low ☒Education and Awareness RESPONSE ACTION TYPE STATUS

☐ Protect New ☒ Adapt ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

There are only a limited number of volunteers that have been trained to run MEDPODS.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES More trained volunteers can sustain a MEDPODS Costs, overtime, contractual issues. operation and avoid burnout. LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT EMA/EMS POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE EMS budget Staff time ☒Short Term (0-3 years) ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) ☐Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES

153 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Populations ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 33. Prepare for managing different ☐Local Plans and Regulations ☒1 ☐3 ☒High needs populations during and ☒Structure and Infrastructure ☒2 ☐4 ☐Medium immediately after an event. ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low a) Increase generator capacity ☒Education and Awareness for high school shelter RESPONSE ACTION especially when there are TYPE STATUS different needs populations which need separate rooms. ☐ Protect New b) Make arrangements for ☒ Adapt portable generator in the ☐ Retreat meantime. c) Foster relationships w appropriate special needs service providers and others in advance of a situation.

RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

There are currently no accommodations in place to consider the unique sheltering needs of some populations.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Evacuee safety and comfort. LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT EMA, School Superintendent South County Hospital and trained providers POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE FEMA grants 1) $30-100k ☒Short Term (0-3 years) 2018/2019 Housing Aid Application 2) Staff time ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) 2) Staff time ☐Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES a) Part of current Housing Aid application. c): Hospital and providers can bring in trained personnel during an emergency.

154 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Buildings ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 34. Increase and promote resiliency ☒Local Plans and Regulations ☐1 ☒3 ☒High in new and existing ☐Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☐4 ☐Medium developments ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low a) Develop standards for ☐Education and Awareness construction and design RESPONSE ACTION for properties within TYPE STATUS flood zones. b) Develop a framework for ☒ Protect New assessing land use in ☒ Adapt vulnerable areas to ☒ Retreat include: Protect, Adapt, and Retreat.

RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Various parts of coastal South Kingstown have been identified as more susceptible to damages from sea level rise and storm surge. Maintaining the built environment as status quo is not sustainable.

Some coastal, non-water dependent businesses may be encouraged to re-locate in the future due to rising sea levels and storm surge.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES A proactive approach can help the Town regulate Residents/Tax base development in these areas as neighborhoods Developers become closer to harm’s way. Allow businesses and residents to stay in town. LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Planning Department Economic Development Council Town GIS POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Planning Department Budget Staff Time ☒Short Term (0-3 years) Item a ☒Medium Term (3-5 years) Item b ☐Long Term (> 5 years) OTHER NOTES Already beginning to brainstorm ideas.

155 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Businesses ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 35. Consider lease language for Salt ☒Local Plans and Regulations ☒1 ☒3 ☐High Pond businesses. ☐Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☐4 ☒Medium • Incorporate fail safe ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low language to include ☐Education and Awareness protocol for weather events RESPONSE ACTION and plan for various TYPE STATUS hazards. ☐ Protect New ☒ Adapt ☐ Retreat RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

It’s unknown if the businesses that are located on the water have plans for staff or their property in the event of a hurricane.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES To make sure the coastal businesses are prepared for seasonal and longer-term hazards. LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Parks & Recreation with support from Town Solicitor POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Parks & Recreation Operating Budget Staff Time ☒Short Term (0-3 years) ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) ☐Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES Include during lease renewal.

156 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Recreation Facilities ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 36. Improve recreation field safety ☒Local Plans and Regulations ☐1 ☐3 ☒High during bad weather. ☐Structure and Infrastructure ☒2 ☐4 ☐Medium a) Purchase and have available ☐Natural Systems Protection ☐Low weather radios and ☒Education and Awareness lightning detectors for RESPONSE ACTION recreation fields. TYPE STATUS b) Promote CodeRed enrollment to visiting ☐ Protect New coaches ☒ Adapt c) Add a disclaimer on field ☐ Retreat use permit about signing up for Code Red. RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Many youth and adult recreation teams use the Town fields.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Player and spectator safety LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Leisure Services Fire and EMA and Police, Sports assoc. POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Town General Operating Budget under $5,000 ☒Short Term (0-3 years) ☐Medium Term (3-5 years) ☐Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES

157 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Natural Resources ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 37. Develop a “Community Forest” ☐Local Plans and Regulations ☐1 ☐3 ☒High asset to include: ☐Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☒4 ☐Medium a) Develop a Tree ☒Natural Systems Protection ☐Low Thinning/Removal Plan with ☐Education and Awareness the utility companies to RESPONSE ACTION remove dead trees and TYPE STATUS dangerous limbs. b) Develop a Tree ☒ Protect 2011 Action Maintenance Program that ☒ Adapt focuses on planting new ☐ Retreat trees and managing older ones. c) Develop Forestry Management Plan which focuses on the larger forest and open space areas, including trees on private property. RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

There are a lot of dead trees throughout town. Removing some of them can reduce overhead utility damage. 60% of the tree cover is oak. Of that, 20% is dead. South Kingstown has the largest coastal forested area between New Jersey and Maine.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Wildfire prevention, High winds, ecosystem health LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Removal- Department of Public Services (DPS) Recreation Tree Management and Forest Management- Planning Recreation Department Tree Board/Conservation Commission POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE USDA Grants Tree Plan- staff ☐Short Term (0-3 years) Capital Improvement Plan for purchase of forest Forestry Plan- ☒Medium Term (3-5 years) land, not to write the plan. consultant ☐Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES

158 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

VULNERABLE AREA: Natural Resources ALIGNMENT ACTION MITIGATION ACTION MITIGATION TYPE WITH PLAN PRIORITY GOALS 38. Develop an Town-wide Open ☒Local Plans and Regulations ☐1 ☒3 ☒High Space Management Plan ☐Structure and Infrastructure ☐2 ☒4 ☐Medium a) Require open space ☒Natural Systems Protection ☐Low management plans for all ☐Education and Awareness open space created RESPONSE ACTION through the TYPE STATUS subdivision/land development project ☒ Protect New process ☒ Adapt b) Use CRMC’s SLAMM maps ☐ Retreat to determine priority areas for conservation given impending wetland migration

RATIONALE- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Managing growth and protecting natural resources aligns with the Open Space and Recreation component of the 2014 Comprehensive Plan.

BENEFITS OBSTACLES Protecting land from development, maintain the character of the community, protect natural resources, provide potential passive recreational use. LEAD/CHAMPION SUPPORT Planning Department Recreation Economic Development Commission POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ESTIMATED COST TIMELINE Grants Tree Plan- staff ☐Short Term (0-3 years) Capital Improvement Plan for purchase of forest Forestry Plan- ☒Medium Term (3-5 years) land, not to write the plan. consultant ☐Long Term (> 5 years)

OTHER NOTES Use SKLT Management Plans as a reference.

159 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

7 Implementation and Adoption

Prioritization of Mitigation Actions

Implementing the Plan

The Town of South Kingstown and the South Kingstown Hazard Mitigation Committee realize that successful hazard mitigation is an ongoing process that requires implementation, evaluation, and updates to this plan. The Town also understands the importance of integrating appropriate sections of the plan into the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, Emergency Operations Plan, and site plan review process. It is intended that this plan and the ongoing efforts of the HMC will preserve and enhance the quality of life, property, and resources for the Town of South Kingstown.

Adoption of this mitigation plan increases South Kingstown’s eligibility for federal hazard mitigation grants. These grants originate from FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA), Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) and post-disaster Hazard Mitigation Grant (HMGP) Programs. (Refer to Appendix E for further information.)

160 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Monitoring

The HMC, under the leadership of the Town’s Planning Director, will meet annually (or more frequently if necessary), to monitor and evaluate the actions contained in the plan. At each meeting, the committee members will discuss the actions assigned to them to ensure continual progress with mitigation efforts. The status of each mitigation action will be documented, and minutes recorded for the record. The HMC will also continue to re-evaluate membership on the committee to ensure effective engagement of the appropriate parties. New members may be invited to serve on the HMC as priorities shift.

Evaluation

At the annual meetings, the HMC will evaluate both the actions and the planning process. The HMC will base its evaluation on whether or not the actions have met the following criteria: increased public awareness/education, reduction in hazard damage, actions being implemented in the designated time frames, and actions staying within the cost estimate. The committee will document and report its findings to the Planning Board and Town Council. The HMC will involve the public in the action evaluation process by holding an annual advertised public meeting in order to review the evaluation and solicit input.

During the annual evaluation process, the plan will be promoted online, in the local library, at Town Hall, and the Community Center for public review. Comments and suggestions can be sent directly to the Planning Director or brought up at the advertised public meeting.

Revisions

Recognizing that this is a living document, the HMC will make changes to it after each annual revision or a disaster, as conditions warrant. These revisions will also reflect changes to priorities and funding strategies that may have been implemented.

A full revision of the plan will commence a year in advance of the current plan expiration date in order to ensure the Town always has an approved plan. The update will be completed every five years and will incorporate a formalized process for prioritizing actions and weighing the cost/benefit of such actions. All updates or revisions to the plan will be submitted to the RIEMA. The Town Council will involve the public in the plan revision process by holding an annual advertised public meeting to present recommended revisions and solicit input. Revised plans will also be sent to the neighboring communities for comment.

All future meetings will again be open to the public and it is the hope of the HMC Committee that once the public education and outreach actions begin, public involvement in the Plan will increase and will be reflected in future revisions. The HMC will involve the public in the annual meeting by posting it on the website, in the local library, and in the local newspaper to encourage involvement.

161 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Adoption

After each evaluation cycle (every 5 years), the South Kingstown Hazard Mitigation Plan will be presented to and adopted by the Town Council. The associated ordinance documentation will be kept as part of this plan.

162 Implementation and Adoption 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Appendices

A Survey Results B Public Notices C Maps C1: Community Assets C2: Sea Level Rise and Storm Surge Inundation C3: Roads Impacted by Sea Level Rise and Storm Surge C4: Areas Isolated by Sea Level Rise C5: Inland Flooding D Recreational Facilities E Additional Resources

163 Appendices 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Appendix A: Survey Results

164 Appendices South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q1 How long have you lived in South Kingstown, Rhode Island?

Answered: 173 Skipped: 2

Less than a year

1 to 5 years

6-9 years

10-19 years

20 years or more

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Less than a year 1.73% 3

1 to 5 years 8.09% 14

6-9 years 10.98% 19

10-19 years 19.08% 33

20 years or more 60.12% 104 TOTAL 173

1 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q2 What neighborhood do you live in?

Answered: 164 Skipped: 11

Green Hill

Indian Lake

Kingston

Matunuck

Middlebridge

Peace Dale

Perryville

Snug Harbor

Wakefield

West Kingston

Usquepaugh

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Green Hill 4.88% 8

Indian Lake 1.83% 3

Kingston 6.71% 11

Matunuck 9.15% 15

Middlebridge 1.22% 2

Peace Dale 14.63% 24

Perryville 4.27% 7

Snug Harbor 5.49% 9

Wakefield 45.73% 75

West Kingston 5.49% 9

Usquepaugh 0.61% 1 TOTAL 164

2 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q3 What is your primary connection to South Kingstown

Answered: 174 Skipped: 1

Resident

Business Owner

Resident and Business Owner

Non-Resident Property Owner

Local Employee

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Resident 84.48% 147

Business Owner 0.00% 0

Resident and Business Owner 11.49% 20

Non-Resident Property Owner 2.30% 4

Local Employee 1.72% 3 TOTAL 174

3 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q4 Have you ever experienced or been impacted by a natural disaster in South Kingstown?

Answered: 174 Skipped: 1

Yes

No

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Yes 73.56% 128

No 26.44% 46 TOTAL 174

4 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q5 If yes, what types of disaster? Check all that apply.

Answered: 112 Skipped: 63

Tornado

Earthquake

Wildfire

Drought

Hail

Riverine Flooding

Extreme Heat

Coastal Erosion

Coastal Flooding

Lightning

Extreme Cold

Ice Storm

Street Flooding fro...

High Winds

Nor'easter

Snow/Blizzard

Hurricane/Tropi cal Storm

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Tornado 0.00% 0

0.00% 0 Earthquake

Wildfire 0.89% 1

Drought 7.14% 8

Hail 9.82% 11

Riverine Flooding 17.86% 20

Extreme Heat 17.86% 20

Coastal Erosion 18.75% 21

Coastal Flooding 20.54% 23

Lightning 20.54% 23

Extreme Cold 30.36% 34

Ice Storm 35.71% 40

Street Flooding from Heavy Rain 44.64% 50

High Winds 69.64% 78

Nor'easter 77.68% 87

Snow/Blizzard 83.93% 94

Hurricane/Tropical Storm 85.71% 96

5 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q6 When was the last time you experienced a natural disaster in South Kingstown?

Answered: 92 Skipped: 83

3/4/2018- Nor’easter Riley January 2018 high winds December -January 2018 extreme cold Heavy snow winter 2017/2018 October 2017 high wind February 2017 Winter 2016/2017 Flooding a few years ago Winter 2015 Winter Storm Nemo February 2013 Ongoing beach erosion 2013 Hurricane Sandy 2012 Hurricane Irene 2011 2010 Flooding 2006 2005 Severe rain Dam breach at California Jim’s 1998 Hurricane Bob in 1991

7 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q7 How prepared do you feel that you are for probable impacts of natural hazards?

Answered: 155 Skipped: 20

Not Prepared- no need

Not Prepared- never though...

Somewhat prepared for...

Prepared for most events

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Not Prepared- no need 0.65% 1

Not Prepared- never thought about it 0.65% 1

Somewhat prepared for some events 54.19% 84

Prepared for most events 44.52% 69 TOTAL 155

8 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q8 What have you done to prepare for a natural disaster?

Answered: 155 Skipped: 20

Gathered information ...

Talked with family membe...

Developed a “Household...

Prepared a “Disaster...

Received training in...

Discussed a utility shut...

Installed a back-up...

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

HAVE PLAN NOT UNSURE HOW TOTAL WEIGHTED DONE TO DO DONE TO DO AVERAGE Gathered information on natural hazards or 69.48% 12.34% 14.94% 3.25% emergency preparedness. 107 19 23 5 154 1.52

Talked with family members about what to do in case 73.20% 11.11% 14.38% 1.31% of a natural disaster. 112 17 22 2 153 1.44

Developed a “Household Emergency Plan.” 47.71% 21.57% 28.76% 1.96% 73 33 44 3 153 1.85

Prepared a “Disaster Supply Kit.” 34.67% 34.00% 30.00% 1.33% 52 51 45 2 150 1.98

Received training in first aid or CPR in the last year. 42.48% 11.76% 44.44% 1.31% 65 18 68 2 153 2.05

Discussed a utility shutoff procedure in the event of a 40.52% 11.76% 39.22% 8.50% natural disaster. 62 18 60 13 153 2.16

Installed a back-up generator or have a generator for 41.83% 15.69% 40.52% 1.96% temporary power. 64 24 62 3 153 2.03

9 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q9 Click and drag the each hazard so that the one that you are most concerned about is in the #1 spot at the top.

Answered: 123 Skipped: 52

Hurricane/Tropi cal Storm

Nor'easter

Snow/Blizzard

Ice Storm

High Winds

Lightning

Extreme Cold

Street Flooding

Coastal Flooding

Coastal Erosion

Riverine Flooding

Hail

Tornado

Wildfire

Extreme Heat

Drought

Earthquake

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Hurricane/Tropical 62.50% 11.61% 10.71% 4.46% 6.25% 0.00% 1.79% 0.89% 0.89% 0.00% 0.89% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% Storm 70 13 12 5 7 0 2 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 Nor'easter 14.15% 41.51% 15.09% 14.15% 5.66% 1.89% 2.83% 2.83% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.89% 15 44 16 15 6 2 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 Snow/Blizzard 13.86% 20.79% 32.67% 8.91% 10.89% 3.96% 0.00% 3.96% 0.99% 0.99% 0.00% 1.98% 0.99% 0.00% 14 21 33 9 11 4 0 4 1 1 0 2 1 0 Ice Storm 3.30% 7.69% 13.19% 27.47% 19.78% 6.59% 9.89% 2.20% 5.49% 1.10% 2.20% 1.10% 0.00% 0.00% 3 7 12 25 18 6 9 2 5 1 2 1 0 0 High Winds 6.25% 3.13% 11.46% 20.83% 19.79% 16.67% 6.25% 3.13% 4.17% 3.13% 2.08% 1.04% 0.00% 0.00% 6 3 11 20 19 16 6 3 4 3 2 1 0 0 Lightning 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.28% 6.41% 16.67% 20.51% 10.26% 15.38% 5.13% 3.85% 3.85% 3.85% 2.56% 0 0 0 1 5 13 16 8 12 4 3 3 3 2 Extreme Cold 0.00% 3.53% 4.71% 9.41% 12.94% 12.94% 12.94% 8.24% 7.06% 7.06% 8.24% 1.18% 3.53% 1.18% 0 3 4 8 11 11 11 7 6 6 7 1 3 1 Street Flooding 1.22% 7.32% 2.44% 3.66% 2.44% 18.29% 7.32% 19.51% 14.63% 7.32% 9.76% 1.22% 0.00% 3.66% 1 6 2 3 2 15 6 16 12 6 8 1 0 3 Coastal Flooding 2.35% 10.59% 1.18% 5.88% 4.71% 5.88% 10.59% 8.24% 18.82% 10.59% 5.88% 1.18% 2.35% 1.18% 2 9 1 5 4 5 9 7 16 9 5 1 2 1 Coastal Erosion 2.33% 3.49% 9.30% 2.33% 2.33% 5.81% 8.14% 9.30% 6.98% 19.77% 9.30% 6.98% 1.16% 4.65% 2 3 8 2 2 5 7 8 6 17 8 6 1 4 Riverine Flooding 1.25% 0.00% 5.00% 0.00% 6.25% 3.75% 3.75% 3.75% 5.00% 7.50% 20.00% 12.50% 12.50% 3.75% 1 0 4 0 5 3 3 3 4 6 16 10 10 3

10 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Hail 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.32% 3.95% 3.95% 5.26% 10.53% 7.89% 30.26% 18.42% 9.21% 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 3 4 8 6 23 14 7 Tornado 2.53% 1.27% 0.00% 2.53% 0.00% 1.27% 2.53% 10.13% 1.27% 5.06% 2.53% 7.59% 24.05% 11.39% 2 1 0 2 0 1 2 8 1 4 2 6 19 9 Wildfire 0.00% 2.60% 2.60% 0.00% 1.30% 1.30% 0.00% 1.30% 0.00% 2.60% 2.60% 5.19% 7.79% 37.66% 0 2 2 0 1 1 0 1 0 2 2 4 6 29 Extreme Heat 1.30% 0.00% 1.30% 2.60% 0.00% 1.30% 3.90% 5.19% 2.60% 9.09% 5.19% 11.69% 7.79% 10.39% 1 0 1 2 0 1 3 4 2 7 4 9 6 8 Drought 1.27% 0.00% 2.53% 2.53% 1.27% 2.53% 2.53% 2.53% 3.80% 5.06% 10.13% 6.33% 11.39% 6.33% 1 0 2 2 1 2 2 2 3 4 8 5 9 5 Earthquake 1.30% 0.00% 1.30% 1.30% 1.30% 0.00% 1.30% 1.30% 1.30% 0.00% 1.30% 2.60% 2.60% 2.60% 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 2 2 2

11 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q10 What is the one (1) hazard you are most concerned about, and why?

Answered: 113 Skipped: 62

12 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q11 Looking back over the past 5 years, which statement about South Kingstown weather do you believe to be true?

Answered: 136 Skipped: 39

The weather is much worse...

The weather is somewhat worse.

I haven't noticed a...

The weather is somewhat bet...

The weather is much better...

I don't know / I haven't pa...

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

The weather is much worse (more storms). 12.50% 17

The weather is somewhat worse. 33.09% 45

I haven't noticed a difference. 41.18% 56

The weather is somewhat better than usual (fewer storms). 8.82% 12

The weather is much better than usual. 2.94% 4

I don't know / I haven't paid attention. 1.47% 2 TOTAL 136

13 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q12 Does your street flood when it rains?

Answered: 136 Skipped: 39

Always

Sometimes

No

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Always 7.35% 10

Sometimes 33.82% 46

No 58.82% 80 TOTAL 136

14 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q13 If yes, please provide the street name and nearest cross street. Or tell us of a place you know that floods.

Answered: 39 Skipped: 136 138 broad rock, sagatucket broad rock area, broad rock dry creek area 500 block of post road. moastly in front of 562 post rd Allen Avenue - just runs downhill dragging debris along the way @ cross street is Rodman (4 Bliss Rd Bow st Port Cleveland st, in the low spot between school and hazard Cleveland St. in front of house number 109 Columbia street and church street corners) Curtis Corner at street drains Dam Street/Tri Pond Court/Rt. 108 Dry Creek and Broad Road Edwards Ave Middlebridge Emmett lane and north rd Emmett Lane Peace Dale High street Holly rd at Birch st always flooded Kingstown Rd. - shallow flooding in parts between East Farm and Police Station. Deeper flooding Kingstown Road near Village Green 2/13/2018 8:51 PM Lake and orchard. Ledgewood Rd and Springdale Main Street and Johnson Place Marine and point but flooding has always been light and passable Matunuck Beach Rd. and Matunuck Schoolhouse mautucket rd Ministerial Rd., near where Curtis Corner meets it. Ministerial Road at the Mink Brook culvert near Old Mountain Field. North Road and Kersey near Lily Pads Paul Ave Quagnut Drive Winchester River Street. Bottom of the hill drains through my yard into river Rose Hill/saugatucket road area Southern end rose hill road Connecting saughtucket Tucker Ave at the bottom - crosses off High St. Tuckertown road at the sharp corner. Upper Broad Rock Road Waites Corner road between fairgrounds and rt2 Winchester Dr. Winchester Drive and Quagnut Drive Woodruff avenue and lake street

15 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q14 How many times has that street flooded in the last 12 months?

Answered: 52 Skipped: 123

0

1

2

3

4

5+

I don’t know

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

0 5.77% 3

1 7.69% 4

2 19.23% 10

3 5.77% 3

4 5.77% 3

5+ 26.92% 14

I don’t know 28.85% 15 TOTAL 52

16 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q15 Is your home/business located in a floodplain?

Answered: 134 Skipped: 41

Yes (home)

Yes (business)

Yes, both my home and my...

No

I don't know

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Yes (home) 8.96% 12

Yes (business) 2.99% 4

Yes, both my home and my business 1.49% 2

No 74.63% 100

I don't know 11.94% 16 TOTAL 134

17 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q16 Do you currently have flood insurance on your house/business?

Answered: 134 Skipped: 41

Yes

No

I don't know.

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Yes 12.69% 17

No 83.58% 112

I don't know. 3.73% 5 TOTAL 134

18 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q17 If you don't have flood insurance, please indicate why.

Answered: 106 Skipped: 69

Never really considered it.

It never floods

Not located in a floodplain

Too expensive

My house is elevated or...

I'm not required to ...

Other (please specify)

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Never really considered it. 5.66% 6

It never floods 14.15% 15

Not located in a floodplain 61.32% 65

Too expensive 18.87% 20

My house is elevated or otherwise protected from floodwaters 26.42% 28

I'm not required to do so (I don't have a federally backed mortgage) 19.81% 21

Other (please specify) 2.83% 3 Total Respondents: 106

19 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q18 Have you taken any actions to make your home, business or neighborhood more resistant to natural hazards?

Answered: 134 Skipped: 41

Yes

No

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Yes 62.69% 84

No 37.31% 50 TOTAL 134

20 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q19 If yes, please explain.

Answered: 59 Skipped: 116

Generator 21 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q20 Are you interested in ways to make your home, business or neighborhood more resilient (better protected from storms associated with events)?

Answered: 121 Skipped: 54

Yes

No

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Yes 79.34% 96

No 20.66% 25 TOTAL 121

22 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q21 How do you prefer to receive information about how to better protect your home, business, or neighborhood? Check all that apply. (Don't worry, we aren't adding you to a list.)

Answered: 119 Skipped: 56

Town website

Email

Social Media posts...

Local newspaper

Public workshops/me...

Direct mailings

Phone call from “Code R...

Television (news storie...

Information on utility bills

Information at the public...

Radio

Roadside message boar...

School meetings and...

Local Town Cable Channel

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Town website 52.10% 62

Email 52.10% 62

Social Media posts (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) 43.70% 52

Local newspaper 42.02% 50

Public workshops/meetings 34.45% 41

Direct mailings 32.77% 39

Phone call from “Code Red” Systems 29.41% 35

Television (news stories, Public Service Announcements) 21.85% 26

Information on utility bills 13.45% 16

Information at the public library 12.61% 15

Radio 9.24% 11

Roadside message boards or billboards 7.56% 9

School meetings and messages 6.72% 8

Local Town Cable Channel 5.88% 7 Total Respondents: 119

23 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q22 How do you currently receive weather alerts?Check all that apply.

Answered: 123 Skipped: 52

Television

Radio

Code Red (reverse 911)

NOAA Weather Radio

Cell Phone

Email

Social Media (Facebook,...

Other (please specify)

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Television 60.16% 74

Radio 34.96% 43

Code Red (reverse 911) 19.51% 24

NOAA Weather Radio 17.07% 21

Cell Phone 65.85% 81

Email 30.89% 38

Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) 39.84% 49

Other (please specify) 11.38% 14 Total Respondents: 123

Weather.gov, shortwave radio, weather apps on phone, Weather Channel website, EMS alerts, Weather Underground App, NOAA website, AccuWeather alerts, fee based weather website, local weather website, none

24 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q23 There are many ways South Kingstown can reduce the risk from natural hazards. Overall, these actions fall into one of the five categories. Please indicate how important each one is for your neighborhood.

Answered: 123 Skipped: 52

LOCAL PLANS AND...

STRUCTURE AND INFRASTRUCTU...

COASTAL/NATURAL SYSTEMS...

EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND...

EDUCATION AND AWARENESS:...

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Very Important Somewhat Important Not Important

VERY SOMEWHAT NOT TOTAL IMPORTANT IMPORTANT IMPORTANT LOCAL PLANS AND REGULATIONS: Policies to reduce the impact of hazards 59.50% 32.23% 8.26% such as zoning, planning, and building codes. 72 39 10 121 STRUCTURE AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS: Modifications of existing 52.03% 39.02% 8.94% homes and buildings to protect them from hazards, such as elevation of 64 48 11 123 electrical equipment.

COASTAL/NATURAL SYSTEMS PROTECTION: Actions that not only reduce 78.69% 17.21% 4.10% the impact of hazards but also preserve and restore natural habitats. Examples 96 21 5 122 include open space preservation and wetland restoration. Examples include open space preservation and wetland restoration.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND SERVICES: Actions that protect people and 78.86% 17.07% 4.07% property during or immediately after a disaster or hazardous event. Examples 97 21 5 123 include Code Red emergency warning systems, and emergency response training.

EDUCATION AND AWARENESS: Citizen preparedness seminars, direct 59.84% 35.25% 4.92% mailings, public meetings, public service announcements, Q&A sessions. 73 43 6 122

25 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q24 Mitigation actions to reduce vulnerability to natural hazards fall into three (3) general categories: accommodate, protect, and retreat (described below). Please indicate your interest in the Town pursuing strategies within each category.

Answered: 116 Skipped: 59

VERY NEUTRAL NOT TOTAL WEIGHTED INTERESTED INTEREST INTERESTED AVERAGE ACCOMMODATE (Increasing size and design of 49.14% 38.79% 12.07% infrastructure elements to reduce impact) 57 45 14 116 1.63 PROTECT (hardening infrastructure in place to protect 54.31% 38.79% 6.90% investments in place) 63 45 8 116 1.53 RETREAT (moving people and infrastructure out of harm’s 42.61% 38.26% 19.13% way) 49 44 22 115 1.77

26 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q25 Are you in favor of spending tax dollars on mitigation projects for the benefit of the entire community?

Answered: 117 Skipped: 58

Yes

No

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Yes 79.49% 93

No 20.51% 24 TOTAL 117

27 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q26 Town-funded resilience projects are paid for through the Town Budget. The Town’s General Fund budget for Fiscal Year 2017-2018 was $23,787,355. The average annual residential tax bill, for a home assessed at $320,214, was approximately $1,345.Based upon the information above, please indicate what increase in the average annual residential tax bill you would support to fund such projects?

Answered: 113 Skipped: 62

$1 to $4 per year ($12,25...

$4 to $7 per year ($49,00...

$7 to $10 per year ($85,70...

$10 to $13 per year ($122,4...

$13 to $16 per year ($159,2...

More than $16 ($196,000+)

Unsure

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

$1 to $4 per year ($12,250 to $49,000 provided annually within the Town Budget for mitigation projects) 28.32% 32

$4 to $7 per year ($49,000 to $85,700) 6.19% 7

$7 to $10 per year ($85,700 to $122,450) 6.19% 7

$10 to $13 per year ($122,450 to $159,250) 10.62% 12

$13 to $16 per year ($159,250 to $196,000) 4.42% 5

More than $16 ($196,000+) 15.04% 17

Unsure 29.20% 33 TOTAL 113

28 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q27 Are you in favor of spending tax dollars on mitigation projects for the benefit of specific vulnerable neighborhoods?

Answered: 116 Skipped: 59

Yes

No

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Yes 58.62% 68

No 41.38% 48 TOTAL 116

29 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q28 What increase in the average residential tax bill would you support to increase resilience for specific vulnerable neighborhoods?

Answered: 111 Skipped: 64

$1 to $4 per year ($12,25...

$4 to $7 per year ($49,00...

$7 to $10 per year ($85,70...

$10 to $13 per year ($122,4...

$13 to $16 per year ($159,2...

More than $16 ($196,000+)

Unsure

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

$1 to $4 per year ($12,250 to $49,000 provided annually within the Town Budget for mitigation projects) 32.43% 36

$4 to $7 per year ($49,000 to $85,700) 5.41% 6

$7 to $10 per year ($85,700 to $122,450) 9.01% 10

$10 to $13 per year ($122,450 to $159,250) 3.60% 4

$13 to $16 per year ($159,250 to $196,000) 3.60% 4

More than $16 ($196,000+) 7.21% 8

Unsure 38.74% 43 TOTAL 111

30 / 31 South Kingstown, RI Public Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Q29 Additional thoughts on how South Kingstown can better prepare for the next disaster. Please include additional hazards (man-made or natural) that you are concerned about.

Answered: 82 Skipped: 93

31 / 31 Q29 Additional thoughts on how South Kingstown can better prepare for the next disaster. Please include additional hazards (man-made or natural) that you are concerned about. more information and education on evacuation plans for flooding etc; ensure flood plains (like the one at the town beach which helped with flooding in the last storm) are protected from future development and retained. expand more natural protections like food plains and flood gates. ensure parking lots at the town beach are NOT paved - paving increases run off - educate people on how to best protect their properties - work with experts from Amsterdam on how to protect our coastlines and fisheries Need to consider plans to reduce damage by moving homes and roads away from the coastline. This may require low cost loans for some but more restrictive zoning for most. Additional funds should not be used to say put structures on stilts. Funds should be saved/used to clean up what debris will eventually end up in the ocean and bay. Continue hazardous tree removal coupled with an aggressive new tree planting program. Stop building seawalls and start moving roads/utilities. Maintain natural areas, don’t try to keep the line where it is. do not spend money on areas that will inevitably be lost, retreat and return them to the environment The above questions depend on specific infrastructure project. On coastal erosion projects, infrastructure will never win, it will only delay the inevitable. I think it is better to bite the bullet and plan for that, rather than kicking the decision down the road to the next generation. get out of my way, state and local government, so that I can make choices to protect my own property as well as tax money to protect others Firearm attack at schools, sporting events, beach Shoreline Erosion Beach erosion dune regeneration, flood walls, road drainage for flooding (street and river) sea level rise why isn't "Zero" an option for an answer on questions 21 & 23...seems like the survey is biased in favor of spending money Provide a list of preparations to all residents Storm drains cleared on a regular basis Push national grid to secure power better. Test their DR plans. Stop fooling around with wall near ocean mist help them build it or get out of the way. Stop caving in to fishing dragger lobby and install some off shore artificial reefs look how helpful they’ve been in Florida. And see about getting the center wall repaired high waves crash over it This town needs to hire an emergency management director who can work solely on that job and not handle multiple things such as police and EMS. We miss out on lots of opportunities for funding, training, education and volunteers by not having a designated EMD. There are currently limited drains available for rainfall runoff Bury power lines Need more education to make a decision. Electrical lines, how costly would it be to convert some areas to underground utilities? Coastal flooding and storms, do we have adequate shelters to accommodate the growing population? Hurricanes and nor'easters do we have adequate access to necessary supplies needed to protect our property with recent store closings? rethink priorities for turning on electricity....hospitals, etc. first and then any who, when no electricity, also don't have WATER I don’t have any ideas, but I’m glad this is being studied. Consider town wide efforts to increase open space and reduce paved areas

12 Specific neighborhoods depends on the economic values. For example, beach front versus a moderately priced. Trim and remove trees from power lines! Stop increasing tax bills on outskirts of town and grandfathering in residences that are in-town, which ironically have more services such as town water, snow plowing, less power outage issues, etc. and more accessible resources during emergencies. The power goes out much and stays out longer more frequently these days, it seems that the infrastructure for the electrical service needs to be updated. additional rip-wrap along coastal property in upper pt. judith pond

There is a lot of street flooding in my neighborhood, a simple regrading of the road ways and adding adequate drainage would fix them problem all I can think of are covered in this survey Require homes accessed via vulnerable infrastructure to pay into a fund to repair/replace such infrastructure in the event it is damaged. Again the tree line along our roadways is getting out of hand. Better tree removal after storms Hurricanes Continuing to make sure mature trees are trimmed to protect power lines. Dead and diseased trees next to roads should be removed. Letting you do what you know is best Making sure tree limbs/trees are cut down around electrical lines. My house is valued at $350k and my taxes are over $5000. I do not support projects in the “flood plain” as these are mostly vacation homes and zoning has done a poor job in creating such a coastal cluster Any but prioritize There are a LOT of trees either right on the road or that have large branches overhanging the roads. Many are oddly shaped due to utility cutting practices. If you can't take down the trees, ask utility companies to remove the large branches hanging over the roads to lessen them falling during a storm There needs to be a fair and equitable approach to the distribution of funds, resources and equipment. Main Street needs to have better crosswalks. Cars speed so quickly down Main Street, especially at either ends by Smithco and by Purple Cow. The cross walks should all have flags and should be the kind that light up and flash when someone is in it. prevent new development and expansion in vulnerable areas Town Public Works Dept. is the definition of useless. It's management is either inept or incompetent. I have had to go to the Town Council to voice my concerns because Public Works has NEVER responded to ANY of my concerns. Not simply never addressed my concern(s), but refused to communicate with me, in any fashion. Any money spent on projects they manage is wasted because of their ineptitude. Working with National grid to implement microgrids to mitigate large scale power outages. Street flooding and freezing Don't build in risky areas. Don't build in coastal flood areas or erosion zones. Don't bail out idiots who do build in those areas, especially if they are wealthy. Be open minded New wall on Matunuck Beach Rd. cost a crazy sum of money and will not protect anything. Yet the Town refused to listen. My biggest complaint is lack of tree maintenance on roads such as South road. Cut down offending trees, increase tree warden budget. Working with utility companies over time to bury power and cable/telephone lines. 13 Well stocked and prepared shelter along with associated requirements. Town needs a full time emergency medical director to assume the duties of planning for and running a shelter. Should not be the responsibility of the police department as is currently the situation. National grid is not prepared for a regional wide event. Conn. nuclear power plant is up wind of SK and is old and ready for issues. You need to address the dams in town. Environmental impacts, flooding and other related issues to catastrophic failure if they break. I believe most should be removed. Questions 18-23 were somewhat confusing for someone new to SK with little background on the area and this issue. I'm interested in being involved/participating; however, it would have been helpful to include links with additional information so I can give more informed feedback. Preventive tree trimming Something needs to be down about coastal erosion. The town and those other agencies need to leave their passion at the door and come together for the good of all. Keep the attorneys out of it. Yes Matunuck. Disappointing what has gone on in the last ten years. Hopefully a new town manager will have an open mind and facilitate positive change. If I do not support tax dollars being spent on these things why do questions 24&26 only allow for increased taxes? Environmental restoration to help absorb impacts of storms and flooding, make sure our infrastructure and utilities are able to withstand impacts of storms and flooding. Make sure all residents are prepared or know what the towns emergency plans are, especially those the low income communities. There is no selection for a $0 increase in taxes. If anything you should be cutting taxes you thieves. I'm concerned about lack of open spaces and wildlife encroachment due to building projects. Tree overgrowth all over town. We should NOT be bailing out waterfront properties or providing them with resources. Do not allow people to build so close to shore! I am always concerned for folks when cooling/warming locations are only open during regular business hours. What are those in need supposed to do after 5pm? If you want to elevate homes near the water fine; but the homeowner needs to pay for this themselves. After all, they live there. The property taxes can't continue to go up or we are gone from RI. Social Security is not keeping pace with all the school demands, etc. Especially from a low performing school with lower student enrollment. Trust me 46% efficient is a D.

14 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Appendix B: Public Notices

165 Appendices 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Appendix C: Maps

166 Appendices Project: South Kingstown Hazard Mitigaiton Plan Updata File: \\vhb\gis\proj\Providence\72925.00\gis\Output\SK Resources.mxd Last Updated Date & Revisions: CMills 12/7/2018 Date: 12/7/2018

(!

(!

(!

(! (! (!(!

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*# (! (! *# *#

*# (!

(!

*#(! (!

Legend !( Police Stations Schools !( Fire Stations nm Public (! (! GF EMS Facilities nm Private ¬! Sewer Pump Station Streams & Rivers *# Other Town Facilities Designated Scenic Roadways (! National Register Historic Properties National Register Historic Districts Parks FEMA Flood Zones Dams 3 Feet of SLR 3 Feet of SLR + Storm Surge Û High Hazard Dam ÛÚ Significant Hazard Dam

Scale C1: COMMUNITY ASSETS H South Kingstown, Rhode Island 0 2.5 5

1 inch = 7,500 feet Miles

THIS DOCUMENT IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL PLANNING & INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. ALL MEASUREMENTS & LOCATIONS ARE APPROXIMATE Project: South Kingstown Hazard Mitigaiton Plan Updata File: \\vhb\gis\proj\Providence\72925.00\gis\Output\SK 50P Parcels.mxd Last Updated Date & Revisions: CMills 12/12/2018 Date: 12/12/2018

Legend 552 Impacted Parcels

Scale C2: PARCELS INUNDATED AT LEAST 50% BY 3 FEET SLR PLUS STORM SURGE H South Kingstown, Rhode Island 0 0.5 1 2

1 inch = 7,500 feet Miles

THIS DOCUMENT IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL PLANNING & INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. ALL MEASUREMENTS & LOCATIONS ARE APPROXIMATE Project: South Kingstown Hazard Mitigaiton Plan Updata File: \\vhb\gis\proj\Providence\72925.00\gis\Output\SK Roads.mxd Last Updated Date & Revisions: CMills 12/10/2018 Date: 12/10/2018

Legend Inundated Roads State Critical Roads

Local Critical Roads

3 Feet of SLR & Storm Surge Critical Roads: locally important or connector (RIDOT), evacuation routes, commercial or industrial zones, carry water, sewer, or stormwater pipes

Scale C3: ROADS IMPACTED BY 3 FEET OF SLR AND STORM SURGE FROM 1% ANNUAL CHANCE STORM H South Kingstown, Rhode Island 0 0.5 1

1 inch = 4,583 feet Miles

THIS DOCUMENT IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL PLANNING & INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. ALL MEASUREMENTS & LOCATIONS ARE APPROXIMATE Project: South Kingstown Hazard Mitigaiton Plan Updata File: \\vhb\gis\proj\Providence\72925.00\gis\Output\SK Roads.mxd Last Updated Date & Revisions: CMills 12/10/2018 Date: 12/10/2018

Legend Inundated Roads State Critical Roads

Local Critical Roads

3 Feet of SLR & Storm Surge Critical Roads: locally important or connector (RIDOT), evacuation routes, commercial or industrial zones, carry water, sewer, or stormwater pipes

Scale C3: ROADS IMPACTED BY 3 FEET OF SLR AND STORM SURGE FROM 1% ANNUAL CHANCE STORM H South Kingstown, Rhode Island 0 0.5 1

1 inch = 3,333 feet Miles

THIS DOCUMENT IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL PLANNING & INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. ALL MEASUREMENTS & LOCATIONS ARE APPROXIMATE Project: South Kingstown Hazard Mitigaiton Plan Updata File: \\vhb\gis\proj\Providence\72925.00\gis\Output\SK Roads.mxd Last Updated Date & Revisions: CMills 12/10/2018 Date: 12/10/2018

Legend Inundated Roads State Critical Roads

Local Critical Roads

3 Feet of SLR & Storm Surge Critical Roads: locally important or connector (RIDOT), evacuation routes, commercial or industrial zones, carry water, sewer, or stormwater pipes

Scale C3: ROADS IMPACTED BY 3 FEET OF SLR AND STORM SURGE FROM 1% ANNUAL CHANCE STORM H South Kingstown, Rhode Island 0 0.5 1

1 inch = 3,333 feet Miles

THIS DOCUMENT IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL PLANNING & INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. ALL MEASUREMENTS & LOCATIONS ARE APPROXIMATE Project: South Kingstown Hazard Mitigaiton Plan Updata File: \\vhb\gis\proj\Providence\72925.00\gis\Output\SK Isolation.mxd Last Updated Date & Revisions: CMills 12/5/2018 Date: 12/5/2018

Legend (Middlebridge) Isolated Structures

Roads Inundated by 3 feet SLR

3 Feet of SLR

Building Value: $3,276,600

Total Property Value: $8,335,900

Scale C4: PROPERTIES THAT WILL BE ISOLATED BY ROADS INUNDATED BY 3 FEET OF SEA LEVEL RISE H South Kingstown, Rhode Island 0 0.25 0.5

1 inch = 1,011 feet Miles

THIS DOCUMENT IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL PLANNING & INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. ALL MEASUREMENTS & LOCATIONS ARE APPROXIMATE Project: South Kingstown Hazard Mitigaiton Plan Updata File: \\vhb\gis\proj\Providence\72925.00\gis\Output\SK Isolation.mxd Last Updated Date & Revisions: CMills 12/5/2018 Date: 12/5/2018

Legend (Narrows) Isolated Structures

Roads Inundated by 3 feet SLR

3 Feet of SLR

Building Value: $6,175,600

Total Property Value: $23,297,700

Scale C4: PROPERTIES THAT WILL BE ISOLATED BY ROADS INUNDATED BY 3 FEET OF SEA LEVEL RISE H South Kingstown, Rhode Island 0 0.25 0.5

1 inch = 1,011 feet Miles

THIS DOCUMENT IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL PLANNING & INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. ALL MEASUREMENTS & LOCATIONS ARE APPROXIMATE Project: South Kingstown Hazard Mitigaiton Plan Updata File: \\vhb\gis\proj\Providence\72925.00\gis\Output\SK Isolation.mxd Last Updated Date & Revisions: CMills 12/5/2018 Date: 12/5/2018

Legend (Succotash) Isolated Structures

Roads Inundated by 3 feet SLR

3 Feet of SLR

Building Value: $9,996,900

Total Property Value: $22,645,500

Scale C4: PROPERTIES THAT WILL BE ISOLATED BY ROADS INUNDATED BY 3 FEET OF SEA LEVEL RISE H South Kingstown, Rhode Island 0 0.25 0.5

1 inch = 1,011 feet Miles

THIS DOCUMENT IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL PLANNING & INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. ALL MEASUREMENTS & LOCATIONS ARE APPROXIMATE Project: South Kingstown Hazard Mitigaiton Plan Updata File: \\vhb\gis\proj\Providence\72925.00\gis\Output\SK Isolation.mxd Last Updated Date & Revisions: CMills 12/5/2018 Date: 12/5/2018

Legend (Matunuck) Isolated Structures

Roads Inundated by 3 feet SLR

3 Feet of SLR

Building Value: $4,087,600

Total Property Value: $13,028,300

Scale C4: PROPERTIES THAT WILL BE ISOLATED BY ROADS INUNDATED BY 3 FEET OF SEA LEVEL RISE H South Kingstown, Rhode Island 0 0.25 0.5

1 inch = 1,011 feet Miles

THIS DOCUMENT IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL PLANNING & INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. ALL MEASUREMENTS & LOCATIONS ARE APPROXIMATE Project: South Kingstown Hazard Mitigaiton Plan Updata File: \\vhb\gis\proj\Providence\72925.00\gis\Output\SK Isolation.mxd Last Updated Date & Revisions: CMills 12/5/2018 Date: 12/5/2018

Legend (Card Ponds) Isolated Structures

Roads Inundated by 3 feet SLR

3 Feet of SLR

Building Value: $1,536,600

Total Property Value: $4,537,800

Scale C4: PROPERTIES THAT WILL BE ISOLATED BY ROADS INUNDATED BY 3 FEET OF SEA LEVEL RISE H South Kingstown, Rhode Island 0 0.25 0.5

1 inch = 1,011 feet Miles

THIS DOCUMENT IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL PLANNING & INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. ALL MEASUREMENTS & LOCATIONS ARE APPROXIMATE Project: South Kingstown Hazard Mitigaiton Plan Updata File: \\vhb\gis\proj\Providence\72925.00\gis\Output\SK Isolation.mxd Last Updated Date & Revisions: CMills 12/5/2018 Date: 12/5/2018

Legend (Green Hill) Isolated Structures

Roads Inundated by 3 feet SLR

3 Feet of SLR

Building Value: $8,223,200

Total Property Value: $34,503,000

Scale C4: PROPERTIES THAT WILL BE ISOLATED BY ROADS INUNDATED BY 3 FEET OF SEA LEVEL RISE H South Kingstown, Rhode Island 0 0.25 0.5

1 inch = 1,011 feet Miles

THIS DOCUMENT IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL PLANNING & INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. ALL MEASUREMENTS & LOCATIONS ARE APPROXIMATE Project: South Kingstown Hazard Mitigaiton Plan Updata File: \\vhb\gis\proj\Providence\72925.00\gis\Output\Inland Flooding.mxd Last Updated Date & Revisions: CMills 12/5/2018 Date: 12/5/2018

Legend (NW) Streams & Rivers Impacted Parcels FEMA Flood Zones

Scale C5: PARCELS WHOSE STRUCTURES ARE IMPACTED BY INLAND FLOODING FROM 1% ANNUAL CHANGE STORM H South Kingstown, Rhode Island 0 1 2

1 inch = 4,583 feet Miles

THIS DOCUMENT IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL PLANNING & INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. ALL MEASUREMENTS & LOCATIONS ARE APPROXIMATE Project: South Kingstown Hazard Mitigaiton Plan Updata File: \\vhb\gis\proj\Providence\72925.00\gis\Output\Inland Flooding.mxd Last Updated Date & Revisions: CMills 12/5/2018 Date: 12/5/2018

Legend (NE) Streams & Rivers Impacted Parcels FEMA Flood Zones

Scale C5: PARCELS WHOSE STRUCTURES ARE IMPACTED BY INLAND FLOODING FROM 1% ANNUAL CHANGE STORM H South Kingstown, Rhode Island 0 1 2

1 inch = 4,583 feet Miles

THIS DOCUMENT IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL PLANNING & INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. ALL MEASUREMENTS & LOCATIONS ARE APPROXIMATE Project: South Kingstown Hazard Mitigaiton Plan Updata File: \\vhb\gis\proj\Providence\72925.00\gis\Output\Inland Flooding.mxd Last Updated Date & Revisions: CMills 12/5/2018 Date: 12/5/2018

Legend (SE) Streams & Rivers Impacted Parcels FEMA Flood Zones

Scale C5: PARCELS WHOSE STRUCTURES ARE IMPACTED BY INLAND FLOODING FROM 1% ANNUAL CHANGE STORM H South Kingstown, Rhode Island 0 1 2

1 inch = 3,333 feet Miles

THIS DOCUMENT IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL PLANNING & INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. ALL MEASUREMENTS & LOCATIONS ARE APPROXIMATE Project: South Kingstown Hazard Mitigaiton Plan Updata File: \\vhb\gis\proj\Providence\72925.00\gis\Output\Inland Flooding.mxd Last Updated Date & Revisions: CMills 12/5/2018 Date: 12/5/2018

Legend (SW) Streams & Rivers Impacted Parcels FEMA Flood Zones

Scale C5: PARCELS WHOSE STRUCTURES ARE IMPACTED BY INLAND FLOODING FROM 1% ANNUAL CHANGE STORM H South Kingstown, Rhode Island 0 1 2

1 inch = 3,333 feet Miles

THIS DOCUMENT IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL PLANNING & INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. ALL MEASUREMENTS & LOCATIONS ARE APPROXIMATE 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Appendix D: Recreational Facilities

Visit https://www.southkingstownri.com/273/Healthy-Places-Map for a Healthy Places Map.

167 Appendices 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Appendix E: Additional Resources

Technical and Financial Assistance for Mitigation State Resources

Coastal Resources Center Rhode Island Department of Business University of Rhode Island Regulations Narragansett Bay Campus 233 Richmond Street Narragansett, RI 02882 Providence, RI 02903 (401) 874-6224 (401) 222-2246

Coastal Resources Management Council Rhode Island Emergency Management Stedman Government Center Agency 4808 Tower Hill Road 645 New London Avenue Wakefield, RI 02879 Cranston, RI 02920 (401) 222-2476 (401) 946-9996

Department of Administration/Division of Public Utilities Commission Planning 100 Orange Street One Capitol Hill Providence, RI 02903 Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-3500 Ext. 153 (401) 222-6478 State Fire Marshal’s Office Department of Environmental 272 West Exchange Street Management Providence, RI 02903 235 Promenade Street (401) 222-2335 Providence, RI 02908 State of Rhode Island Building Committee (401) 222-6800 Office Rhode Island Banking Building Commissioner’s Office Commission/Associate Director 560 Jefferson Boulevard, 2nd Floor 233 Richmond Street Suite 204 Providence, RI 02903 Warwick, RI 02886 (401) 222-2405 (401) 889-5550

Rhode Island Builders Association Terry Lane Gloucester, RI 02814 (401) 568-8006

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Technical and Financial Assistance for Mitigation Federal Resources

Economic Development Administration U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Philadelphia Regional Office Development The Curtis Center Community Development Block Grants 601 Walnut Street, Suite 140 South Region I – O’Neill Federal Building Philadelphia, PA 19106-3323 10 Causeway Street (215) 597-8822 Boston, MA 02222 (617) 565-5354 Federal Emergency Management Agency Mitigation Division U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service Mitigation Division Rivers and Trails Conservation Program Region I Office 99 High Street Regional Office Boston, MA 15 State Street Boston, MA 02109 (617) 223-9561 (617) 223-5203 Small Business Administration U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 10 Causeway Street Region I Offices Room 265 5 Post Office Square - Suite 100 Boston, MA 02222 Boston, MA 02109-3912 (617) 565-5590 (617) 565 3400

U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Natural Resources Conservation Service Northeast Regional Office 451 West Street U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Amherst, MA 01002 300 Westgate Center Drive (413) 253-4362 Hadley, MA 01035-9587 (413) 253-8200 U.S. Department of Commerce National Weather Service Forecast Office 445 Myles Standish Boulevard Taunton, MA 02780 (508) 823-2262

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Other Resources

National/Regional Resources

The Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) http://www.floods.org

A professional association with a membership of almost 1,000 state employees that, assists communities with the NFIP. ASFPM has developed a series of technical and topical research papers and a series of proceedings from their annual conferences. Many mitigation “success stories” have been documented through these resources and provide a good starting point for planning.

The Rhode Island Flood Mitigation Association (RIFMA): http://www.riflood.org

The goal of the organization is to form a network of associates who could bring their ideas and experiences to a forum for people to share and learn from. The result of the Association is a network of floodplain managers who can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of all aspects of floodplain management in the State of Rhode Island. RIFMA regularly provides training opportunities and an annual floodplain conference.

Natural Hazards Center at the University of Colorado, Boulder Tel: (303) 494-6818 http://www.colorado.edu/hazards

The Natural Hazards Center is an international/national information center that provides information on natural hazards and human adjustments to hazards and disasters, by providing information dissemination, free library and referral services, research, and an annual workshop.

Flood Relief Funds After a disaster, local businesses, residents, and out-of-town groups often donate money to local relief funds. They may be managed by the local government, or by one or more churches. No government disaster declaration is needed. Local officials should recommend that the finds be held until an applicant exhaust all sources of public disaster assistance. Doing so allows the funds to be used for mitigation and other projects that cannot be funded elsewhere.

Volunteer Organizations Organizations, such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Interfaith, and the Mennonite Disaster Service, are often available to help after disasters. Service organizations, such as the Lions, Elks, and VFW are also available. These organizations have helped others with food shelter, clothing, money, etc. Habitat for Humanity and the Mennonite Disaster Service provide skilled labor to help rebuild damaged buildings incorporating mitigation or flood proofing concepts. The offices of individual organizations can be contacted directly, or the FEMA Regional Office may be able to assist.

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New England States Emergency Consortium (NESEC) Lakeside Office Park http://www.serve.com/NESEC

NESEC conducts public awareness and education programs on natural disaster and emergency management activities throughout New England. Brochures and videotapes are available on such topics as earthquake preparedness, mitigation, and hurricane safety tips.

Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) http://www.ibhs.org

An insurance industry-sponsored, nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing losses-deaths, injuries, and property damage-resulting from natural hazards. IBHS efforts are directed at five specific hazards: floods, windstorms, hail, earthquakes, and wildfires. Through its public education efforts and information center, IBHS communicates the results of its research and statistical gathering, as well as mitigation information, to a broad audience.

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