Town of Canton Hazard Mitigation Plan 2018 Update

TOWN OF CANTON HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN 2018 UPDATE

Prepared by: GCG Associates, Inc. 84 Main Street Wilmington, MA 01887

Adopted on May 29, 2018

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TOWN OF CANTON HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN 2017 UPDATE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND CREDITS

This plan was updated for the Town of Canton by GCG Associates, Inc.

Town of Canton Town Administrator: Charles Aspinwall

Town of Canton Fire Department/ Emergency Management Fire Chief: Charles E. Doody

Town of Canton Public Works Department Superintendent: Michael Trotta Town Engineer: James Donovan, P.E.

Town of Canton Building Department Building Commissioner: Edward Walsh

Town of Canton Planning Department Planner: Laura Smead

Town of Canton GIS GIS Analyst: Michael Ray

Town of Canton Police Police Chief: Kenneth Berkowitz

TABLE OF CONTENTS Section # Title Page

1. Executive Summary 8 1.1 Planning Process 8-9 1.2 Risk Assessment 9 1.3 Hazard Mitigation Goals 9-10 1.4 Hazard Mitigation Strategy 10 1.5 Plan Review and Update 10-11

2. Introduction 12 2.1 Planning Requirement Under Federal Disaster Mitigation Act 12 2.2 What is Hazard Mitigation 12 2.3 Previous Federal/State Disasters 12-14

3. Community Profile 15 3.1 Overview 15-16 3.2 Existing Land Use 16-17 3.3 Potential Future Land Use 17-18 3.4 New Recently Completed Development 18-19 3.5 Potential and Ongoing Development 19-20

4. Public Participation 21 4.1 The Local Multiple Hazard Community Planning Team 21 4.2 The Local Multiple Hazard Community Planning Team Meetings 21 4.3 Public Meetings 21-22 4.4 Hazard Mitigation Survey – Online 22 4.5 Local Stakeholder Involvement 22 4.6 Continuing Public Participation 23

5. Overview of Hazards and Vulnerabilities 24 5.1 Overview of Hazards and Impacts 24-26 5.2 Flood Hazards 26 5.3 Regionally Significant Storms 26-27 5.4 Repetitive Loss Properties 27-28 5.5 Wind Related Hazards 28-29 5.6 Winter – Related Hazards – Nor’easters 29-30 5.7 Fire – Related Hazards 30-31 5.8 Geologic Hazards 31 5.9 Earthquakes 31-32 5.10 Landslides 32

5.11 Overarching Impacts from Natural Hazards 33 5.12 Critical Facilities Infrastructure in Hazard Areas 33-41 5.13 Environmental Justice Population Map 41 5.14 Potential Damages to Existing Development 41 5.15 Introduction to HAZUS-MH 41-42 5.16 Estimated Damages from Hurricanes 42-43 5.17 Estimated Damages from Earthquakes 43-44 5.18 Estimated Damages from Flooding 45 5.19 Potential Impacts to Future Development 46

6. Hazards and Existing Mitigation Measures 47 6.1 Flood – Related Hazards 47 6.2 Overview of Town - Wide Flooding 47 6.3 Existing Mitigation for Flood Related Hazards and Compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program 48 6.4 Dam Failures 48-49 6.5 Existing Dam Failure Mitigation Measures 49 6.6 Site – Specific Flooding 49-51 6.7 Wind – Related Hazards 51 6.8 Existing Town – Wide Mitigation for Wind – Related Hazards 52 6.9 Winter – Related Hazards 52 6.10 Existing Town – Wide Mitigation for Winter – Related Hazards 52 6.11 Fire Hazards 52-53 6.12 Existing Town – Wide Mitigation for Fire – Related Hazards 53 6.13 Geologic Hazards 53 6.14 Earthquakes 54 6.15 Existing Town – Wide Mitigation 54 6.16 Landslides 54-55 6.17 Existing Town – Wide Mitigation for Landslide Hazards 55 6.18 Existing Multi – Hazard Mitigation Measures 55 6.19 Existing Town – Wide Mitigation for Multiple Hazards 55 6.20 Compilation of Existing Mitigation 55-58

7. Hazard Mitigation Goals and Measures 59

8. Mitigation Strategy 60 8.1 What is Hazard Mitigation 60 8.2 Impact of Potential Mitigation Measures 60-61 8.3 Priority of Potential Mitigation Measures 61-62 8.4 Cost Consideration for Potential Mitigation Measures 62-63

8.5 High Priority Mitigation Measures 63-64 8.6 Medium Priority Mitigation Measures 64-65 8.7 Measures to Ensure Continued Compliance with National Flood Insurance Program Requirements 65-66 8.8 Other Potential Mitigation Measures 66-71

9. Regional and Inter-Community Considerations 72 9.1 Regional Partners 72 9.2 Regional Facilities within Canton 72 9.3 Inter – Community Considerations 72-73

10. Plan Adoption and Maintenances 74 10.1 Plan Adoption 74 10.2 Plan Maintenance 74 10.3 Implementation Schedule 74-75 10.4 Integration of the Plans with Other Planning Initiatives 75

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1.1 Plan Review and Update……………………………………………………………………… 10-11 Table 2.1 Previous State/Federal Disaster Declarations………………………………………. 12-14 Table 3.1 Existing Land Use in Canton………………………………………………………………………. 17 Table 4.1 Attendance at the 2017 Board of Selectmen’s Meeting…………………………… 22 Table 5.1 Frequency and Severity of Natural Hazards in the State……………………………. 24 Table 5.2 Disaster and Emergency Declarations for Norfolk County………………………… 26 Table 5.3 Flood Insurance Policies and Claims in Canton………………………………………… 27 Table 5.4 Saffir Simpson Hurricane Scale………………………………………………………………… 28 Table 5.5 Nor’easter in Massachusetts…………………………………………………………………… 29 Table 5.6 Severe Winter Storm Records for Massachusetts……………………………………… 30 Table 5.7 Richter Magnitude Scale………………………………………………………….……………… 32 Table 5.8 Measure of Landslides…………………………………………………………………………..…. 32 Table 5.9 Relationship of Critical Facilities and Selected Hazard Types in Canton…………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………..34-40 Table 5.10 Estimated Damage in Canton from a Category 2 or 4 Hurricane…..………… 43 Table 5.11 Estimated Damage in Canton from a Magnitude 5.0 and 7.0 Earthquake… 44 Table 5.12 Estimated Damages from Flooding in Canton………………………………………… 45 Table 5.13 Relationship of Potential Development in Hazard Areas in Canton…………… 46 Table 6.1 Existing Natural Hazard Mitigation Measures in Canton……………………... 56-58 Table 8.1 Potential Mitigation Measures in Canton…………………………………………… 68-70

APPENDICES

Appendix A: Natural Hazards Maps 76-85 Appendix B: Meeting Agendas Local Multiple Hazard Community Planning Team 86-88 Appendix C: Online Survey Questionnaire 89-100 Appendix D: Documentation of the Public Meeting 101-103 Appendix E: Documentation of Plan Adoption by the Board of Selectmen 104 Appendix F: FEMA letter of plan approval 105

7 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Natural hazard mitigation planning is the process of determining how to reduce or eliminate the loss of life and property damage resulting from natural hazards such as floods, earthquakes and hurricanes. Hazard mitigation means to permanently reduce or alleviate the losses of life, injuries and property damage resulting from natural hazards through long-term strategies. These long-term strategies can include planning, policy changes, programs, projects and other activities

The Federal Disaster Mitigation Act, passed in 2000, requires that after November 1, 2004, all municipalities that wish to continue to be eligible to receive Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding for hazard mitigation grants, must adopt a local multi-hazard mitigation plan. This planning requirement does not affect disaster assistance funding.

1.1 Planning Process The planning process was composed of two distinct but related phases – data collection and technical review, and public input and planning. Identification of natural hazards impacting Canton was accomplished through review of available information from various sources. These included federal and state reports and datasets, existing plans, and in some cases engineering documents. An assessment of risks and vulnerabilities was performed primarily using geographic information systems (GIS) to identify the infrastructure (critical facilities, public buildings, roads, homes, businesses, etc.) at the highest risk for being damaged by hazards, particularly flooding. Local knowledge as provided by town officials, staff, and others was a critical element of this phase.

The second phase of the process was focused on outreach, public participation and input, and planning. This phase was critical to ensuring awareness of the planning process among a wide range of local officials, coordinating plan elements with other sectors of Canton, and providing opportunities for public comment and input from a representative base of residents and other stakeholders in each community. With this information in hand, the planning team was able to develop an informed and community-specific list of mitigation strategies for each participating town.

The Town of Canton’s current plan was approved by FEMA on December 9, 2010 and expired on December 9, 2015. The Town realize the importance of being prepared for Natural disasters and decided in January of 2017 to update the plan. Planning for the Hazard Mitigation Plan Update was coordinated by the Canton Hazard Mitigation Planning Team which consisted of various staff form different Town Departments. The local team met on February 24, 2017 to begin the process of updating the previously approved plan. The meeting involved discussions on where impacts form natural hazards most affect the Town, goals to address these areas, updates to the Towns mitigation plan to improve measures and alleviate damage, and new mitigation measures that would benefit the Town. Additional meetings were held on May 19, 2017, June 26, 2017 and July 25, 2017.

Participation in the process by the public is important for making town residents aware of the potential impacts of natural hazards. Also, involving the residents and stakeholders would build support to address these hazards and mitigate them. The Canton Hazard Mitigation Team held two 8 public hearings. The first hearing was on July 25, 2017 and the second hearing was on May 29, 2018. A survey was also posted on the Town Web Site to allow residents to be involved by answering questions and making suggestions. The draft plan was posted on the Town’s web site for public review. Town stakeholders and abutting communities were notified and invited to review the draft plan and submit comments.

The Canton Planning Board and Conservation Commission are Town agencies responsible for regulating development in town. Feedback to the Boards was ensured through the participation of the Conservation Agent, Town Planner and Town Administrator on the local hazard planning team. This ensured that during the development of the Canton Hazard Mitigation Plan, the operational policies and any mitigation strategies or identified hazards from various entities were incorporated.

1.2 Risk Assessment

The Canton Hazard Mitigation Plan assesses the potential impacts to the Town from flooding, high winds, winter storms, brush fire, geologic hazards, extreme temperatures, and drought. Flooding, driven by hurricanes, northeasters and other storms, clearly presents the greatest hazard to the Town. These are shown on the map series located Appendix A.

The Canton Relationship of Critical Facilities and Selected Hazard Types in Canton identified 32 Critical Facilities. These are also shown on the map series and listed in Table 5.9, identifying which facilities are located within the mapped hazard zones.

A HAZUS-MH analysis provided estimates of damages from Hurricanes of category 2 and 4 ($2.4 million to $32.7 million as well as earthquakes of magnitudes 5 and 7 ($580 million to $4.1 billion). Flood damage estimates range from $3.1 million to $15.8 million.

1.3 Hazard Mitigation Goals

The Canton Local Hazard Mitigation Planning Team identified the following hazard mitigation goals for the Town:

Goal 1: Prevent and reduce the loss of life, injury, public health impacts and property damages resulting from all identified natural hazards.

Goal 2: Build and enhance local mitigation capabilities to ensure individual safety, reduce damage to public and private property and ensure continuity of emergency services.

Goal 3: Increase cooperation and coordination among private entities, Town officials and Boards, State agencies and Federal agencies.

Goal 4: Increase awareness of the benefits of hazard mitigation through outreach and education.

Goal 5: Identify and seek funding for measures to mitigate or eliminate each known significant flood hazard area.

9 Goal 6: Integrate hazard mitigation planning as an integral factor in all relevant municipal departments, committees and boards.

Goal 7: Prevent and reduce the damage to public infrastructure resulting from all hazards.

Goal 8: Encourage the business community, major institutions and non-profits to work with the Town to develop, review and implement the hazard mitigation plan.

Goal 9: Work with surrounding communities to ensure regional cooperation and solutions for hazards affecting multiple communities.

Goal 10: Ensure that future development meets federal, state and local standards for preventing and reducing the impacts of natural hazards.

Goal 11: Take maximum advantage of resources from FEMA and MEMA to educate Town staff and the public about hazard mitigation.

1.4 Hazard Mitigation Strategy

The Canton Local Hazard Mitigation Planning Team identified several mitigation measures that would serve to reduce the Town's vulnerability to natural hazard events.

Overall, the hazard mitigation strategy recognizes that mitigating hazards for Canton will be an ongoing process as our understanding of natural hazards and the steps that can be taken to mitigate their damages changes over time. Global climate change and a variety of other factors impact the Town's vulnerability and in the future, and local officials will need to work together across municipal lines and with state and federal agencies to understand and address these changes. The Hazard Mitigation Strategy will be incorporated into the Town's other related plans and policies.

1.5 Plan Review and Update Process

Table 1.1 - Plan Review and Update Chapter Reviews and Updates IV-Public The Local Hazard Mitigation Planning Team placed an emphasis on Participation public participation for the update of the Hazard Mitigation Plan, discussing strategies to enhance participation opportunities at the first local committee meeting. During plan development, the plan was discussed at two public meetings hosted by the Team. The plan was also available on the Town's website for public comment.

IV-Overview of GCG gathered the most recently available hazard and land use data Hazards and and met with Town staff to identify changes in local hazard areas Vulnerabilities and development trends. Town staff reviewed critical infrastructure with GCG staff to create an up-to-date list. GCG also used the most recently available version of HAZUS and assessed the potential impacts of flooding using the latest data . VI - Goals The Hazard Mitigation Goals were reviewed and endorsed by the Canton Local Hazard Mitigation Planning Team.

VII - Existing The list of existing mitigation measures was updated to reflect Mitigation current mitigation activities in the Town. Measures X-Plan This section of the plan was updated with a new on-going plan Adoption& implementation review and five-year update process that will Maintenance assist the Town in incorporating hazard mitigation issues into other Town planning and regulatory review processes and better prepare the Town for the next comprehensive plan update.

As indicated on Section 8.1, Canton made some progress on implementing mitigation measures identified in the 2010 Hazard Mitigation Plan. Several projects have been completed including the Shepard’s Pond Dam, and the Bolivar Street Culvert. Moving forward into the next five-year plan implementation period there will be many more opportunities to incorporate hazard mitigation into the Town's decision-making processes. Though not formally done in the 2010 Plan, the Town will document any actions taken within this iteration of the Hazard Mitigation Plan on challenges met and actions successfully adopted as part of the ongoing plan maintenance to be conducted by the Canton Hazard Mitigation Implementation Team, as described in Section IX, Plan Adoption and Maintenance.

2. INTRODUCTION

2.1 Planning Requirements under the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act

The Federal Disaster Mitigation Act, passed in 2000, requires that after November 1 2004, all municipalities that wish to continue to be eligible to receive Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding for hazard mitigation grants, must adopt a local multi-hazard mitigation plan. This planning requirement does not affect disaster assistance funding.

Federal hazard mitigation planning and grant programs are administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in collaboration with the states. These programs are administered in Massachusetts by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

2.2 What is Hazard Mitigation?

Natural hazard mitigation planning is the process of figuring out how to reduce or eliminate the loss of life and property damage resulting from natural hazards such as floods, earthquakes and hurricanes. Hazard mitigation means to permanently reduce or alleviate the losses of life, injuries and property damage resulting from natural hazards through long-term strategies. These long-term strategies can include planning, policy changes, programs, projects and other activities

2.3 Previous Federal/State Disasters

The Town of Canton has experienced 21 natural hazards that triggered federal or state disaster declarations since 1991. These are listed in Table 2.1 below.

Table 2.1 - Previous Federal/State Disaster Declarations

DISASTER NAME TYPE OF FEDERAL ASSISTANCE (DATE OF EVENT) PROVIDED DECLARED AREAS IN MA

Hurricane Bob (August FEMA Public Assistance Project Counties of Barnstable, Bristol, 1991) Grants Dukes, Essex, Hampden, Middlesex, Plymouth, Nantucket, Norfolk, Suffolk Hazard Mitigation Grant Counties of Barnstable, Bristol, Program Dukes, Essex, Hampden, Middlesex, Plymouth, Nantucket, Norfolk, Suffolk (16 projects)

DISASTER NAME TYPE OF FEDERAL ASSISTANCE DECLARED AREAS IN MA (DATE OF EVENT) PROVIDED No-Name Storm (October FEMA Public Assistance Project Counties of Barnstable, Bristol, 1991) Grants Dukes, Essex, Middlesex, Plymouth, Nantucket, Norfolk, Suffolk

FEMA Individual Counties of Barnstable, Bristol, Household Program Dukes, Essex, Middlesex, Plymouth, Nantucket, Norfolk, Suffolk

Hazard Mitigation Grant Counties of Barnstable, Bristol, Program Dukes, Essex, Middlesex, Plymouth, Nantucket, Norfolk, Suffolk March Blizzard (March FEMA Public Assistance Project Statewide 1993) Grants January Blizzard FEMA Public Assistance Project Statewide (January 1996) Grants October Flood FEMA Public Assistance Project Counties of Essex, Middlesex, (October 1996) Grants Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk

FEMA Individual Counties of Essex, Middlesex, Household Program Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk

Hazard Mitigation Grant Counties of Essex, Middlesex, Program Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk (1997) Community Development Block Counties of Essex, Middlesex, Grant-HUD Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk June Flood (June FEMA Individual Counties of Bristol, Essex, 1998) Household Program Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Plymouth, Worcester Hazard Mitigation Grant Counties of Bristol, Essex, Program Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Plymouth, Worcester Community Development Block Counties of Bristol, Essex, Grant-HUD Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Plymouth, Worcester March Flood (March FEMA Individual Counties of Bristol, Essex, 2001) Household Program Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Plymouth, Worcester Hazard Mitigation Grant Counties of Bristol, Essex, Program Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Plymouth, Worcester

DISASTER NAME TYPE OF FEDERAL ASSISTANCE DECLARED AREAS IN MA (DATE OF EVENT) PROVIDED February Snowstorm (Feb FEMA Public Assistance Project Statewide 17-18, 2003) Grants January Blizzard (January FEMA Public Assistance Project Statewide 22, 2005) Grants Hurricane Katrina (August FEMA Public Assistance Project Statewide 29, 2005) Grants Rainstorm/ Flood (May 12- Hazard Mitigation Grant Statewide 23, 2006) Program April Nor’easter Hazard Mitigation Grant Statewide (April 15-27, 2007) Program Flooding (March, FEMA Public Assistance FEMA Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, 2010) Individuals and Suffolk, Norfolk, Plymouth, Households Program SBA Loan Worcester

Hazard Mitigation Grant Statewide Program Tropical Storm Irene August FEMA Public Assistance Statewide 27-28, 2011 Hurricane Sandy October FEMA Public Assistance Statewide 27-30, 2012 Severe snowstorm and FEMA Public Assistance; Hazard Statewide Flooding Mitigation Grant February 8-09, 2013 Program FEMA Public Assistance; Hazard Statewide Mitigation Grant Program

3. COMMUNITY PROFILE

3.1 Overview

The Town of Canton is a traditional New England residential community which has an open town meeting form of government, headed by a three-member Board of Selectmen and an Executive Secretary. Its residents enjoy a small town feeling while within a short commute of Boston's cultural and employment opportunities.

The Town of Canton is a primarily residential community conveniently situated 18 miles southwest of Boston. The town enjoys a prime location with easy and direct access to the state's major highways including Routes 128, I-95 and 24, and is served by major commuter and passenger rail.

The town has a rich and varied industrial heritage, serving as the location of Paul Revere's copper rolling mills in post-Colonial times, and as the site of rubber, chemical and woolen manufacturing in more recent days. Present commercial and industrial enterprises play a key role in the town's fiscal stability and are considered a major asset of the community. The prime commercial area is well located to allow direct highway access without affecting the community's small-town charm. Canton provides a high level of municipal services to its residents including an excellent library, school system and recreation programs. Many of the town’s lakes, ponds and wetlands have been protected and preserved for present enjoyment and future generations. Among the protected areas are the Eleanor Cabot Bradley Reservation, an 82-acre estate that blends open fields, woodlands and gardens in the shadow of Great Blue Hill and Pequitside Farm, a town-owned 38- acre conservation and recreation area that offers hiking, picnicking and cross-country skiing. Residents feel that the natural beauty of these areas combined with the numerous town sponsored spring and summer recreation programs make a very special statement about what Canton is like.

According to the 2010 U.S. Census the population was 21,561 people and there were 8,762 housing units.

Characteristics from 2010 Census

Population = 21,246 ● 7.5 % are under age 5 ● 17.7 % are over age 65

Number of Housing Units = 8,762 ● 25.0 % are renter-occupied housing units

Source: 2010 Census.

The town maintains a website at www.town.canton.ma.us

The Town of Canton has several unique characteristics to keep in mind while planning for natural hazards:

● A defining characteristic of the town is that the Neponset River, Massapoag Brook and Ponkapoag Brook converge in the town and are associated with a large amount of the floodplain ● Another defining characteristic of the town are the tree-lined streets. Although these trees are vulnerable to high winds and ice storms, they are a tradeoff the town is willing to have. ● The town has very proactive municipal officials that frequently share information and coordinate on a regular basis. ● Canton is home to historic structures and sites that are irreplaceable and bring economic value to the town. ● Canton contains several major roadways that provide emergency routes for evacuation and for routes to medical facilities. ● Canton has several bridge crossings and dams that could be at risk in the event of flooding. ● Canton would be a good candidate for flood-related grants due to the potential impact to property, transportation emergency routes, economic/historic resources, and the ability to solve the flooding problems through structural measures such as culvert upgrades, dam and bridge upgrades or flood proofing. The cost-benefit analysis would likely be in the town’s favor. ● Much of the critical infrastructure in the town is located in clusters, often near areas of floodplain. These facilities are therefore at higher risk during natural hazards.

3.2 Existing Land Use

The most recent land use statistics available from the state are from the town records. Table 3.1 breaks the town into 26 land use categories. The table shows the acreage of each land use category and the percentage of land area in Canton in each category. Open Land includes areas with abandoned agriculture, power lines or areas devoid of vegetation. Urban Open Land includes undeveloped land and protected green space.

16 Table 3.1 - Existing Land Use, Canton, 2017

% of Land Use Acres Town Brushland/Successional 15.50 0.12 Cemetery 74.57 0.60 Commercial 176.33 1.41 Cropland 100.18 0.80 Forest 4218.46 33.73 Forested Wetland 1432.68 11.46 Golf Course 487.55 3.90 Industrial 688.74 5.51 Junkyard 2.92 0.02 Low Density Residential 823.98 6.59 Medium Density Residential 1678.78 13.42 Mining 12.59 0.10 Multi-Family Residential 173.01 1.38 Non-Forested Wetland 1021.69 8.17 Open Land 98.72 0.79 Participation Recreation 121.01 0.97 Pasture 32.77 0.26 Powerline/Utility 24.47 0.20 Spectator Recreation 33.11 0.26 Transitional 37.65 0.30 Transportation 283.80 2.27 Urban Public/Institutional 284.57 2.28 Very Low Density Residential 217.58 1.74 Waste Disposal 0.10 0.00 Water 462.40 3.70 Water-Based Recreation 2.55 0.02 Total 12505.65 For more information on land use categories, see www.mass.gov/mgis/lus.htm.

3.3 Potential Future Land Use

The Town of Canton prepared a “Canton Housing Action Plan” in 2015 which assessed housing needs and potential future demands.

GCG consulted with town staff to provide a realistic picture of future development based on the town’s recent comprehensive planning efforts and current trends and projects. The potential future development and redevelopment areas are shown on Map 2, “ 17

3.4 New Recently Completed Development:

The Town of Canton currently makes use of available locally-controlled tools to mitigate the consequences of potential natural hazards which include, zoning regulations, planning, and physical improvements. Canton has most of the no-cost or low-cost hazard mitigation capabilities in place. Land use zoning, subdivision regulations and an array of specific policies and regulations that include hazard mitigation best practices, such as limitations on development in floodplains, stormwater management, tree maintenance, etc.… Canton also has appropriate staff dedicated to hazard mitigation-related work for a community of its size, including a Town Administrator, an Emergency Management Director, a professionally run Department of Public Works, and a Tree Warden. Canton has several relevant plans in place, including a Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, and Canton’s Master Plan which is currently being update and should be complete in 2020. Not only does Canton have these capabilities in place, but they are also deployed for hazard mitigation, as appropriate. The Town also has very committed and dedicated volunteers who serve on Boards, Commissions and Committees and in other volunteer positions. These tools, personnel and regulations were used to ensure that the development of recent residential and commercial projects listed in 3.4 and 3.5 were constructed and developed to prevent minimized vulnerabilities to natural hazards.

(A) The Preserve at Canton (“Turtle Creek”) – A 28 lot flexible development subdivision off Village Gate Road and Wayside Lane (Balancing Rock Road, Pulpit, and Sawmill Roads.) Constructed 2015-16 and all lots sold.

(B) Beaver Meadow – A 9 lot subdivision off Pleasant Street (Herman Paul Road); Constructed 2016 with lots selling.

(D) Acorn Estates Woods LLC – Horseshoe Lane and Saddleback Lane. A completed 25 lot subdivision in 2016 with lots selling.

(E) Orchard Cove – Del Pond Drive – a 45-unit senor apartments and assisted living housing (2015).

(F) Canton Point – Canton Point Rd, Kelly Way, and Iris Court – A 53 unit, aged 55+ senior townhouses and condos (2013-2015).

(G) Cornerstone at Canton – 175 Revere Street – An 86-unit senior assisted living facility completed in 2014.

(H) Brightview Canton – 125 Turnpike Street – A retirement community which opened in 2016. The community has 160 apartment homes: 95 independent living, 40 assisted living, and 25 dedicated to Alzheimer’s care

(I) Lamplighter Village – 1 Stagecoach Road – 81 one and two-bedroom apartment, designed for residents 62+; completed approximately 2009-2010.

18 (J) Indian Woods Condominiums – 16 Indian Woods Way – 56 two-bedroom condominiums; Completed approximately 2009-2010.

(K) Homewood Suites – 50 Royall Street – Hotel constructed in a Hotel Overlay district.

(L) Waterfall Hills – 243 condo style apartments for rent – 55 Waterfall Drive (completed approximately 2009-2010)

(M) Canton Ice House constructed 2015-16

(N) Canton Senior Center opened in 2015 at 500 Pleasant Street

(O) 725- 755 Dedham Street, Reiser Company – razed one of two existing buildings and constructed addition to other building. Approved in 2014, mostly constructed.

(P) 296 York Street subdivision, 3-lots (2015-16)

(Q) Evelyn Estates Subdivision, 7 lots definitive subdivision, near High Street and Tollman Street, completed approximately 2014.

(R) Otis Way subdivision – 4 lots

(S) Washington Commons – a 14 lot residential flexible subdivision, completed and all lots sold (2014)

(T) Cedarcrest Rd Extension/ Beatrice Way subdivision, 12 single family lots constructed 2011-12

(U) River Village Condominiums: Neponset and Walpole streets – A 56-unit condo development in a residential zone.

(V) Avalon – Blue Hills apartments – 276 units, completed approximately 2010-11

(W)Colts Crossing subdivision – 12 lot flexible development subdivision built between 2005 and 2010

3.5 Potential and Ongoing Development:

(A) Indian Way – 8 lot flexible development subdivision received Planning Board approval in 2017

(B) Potential second future hotel – on Royall Avenue, located in a Hotel Overlay District – approved 2015-16, construction not yet started

(C) 777 Dedham Street – former Cumberland Farms property – property currently being considered for mixed-use of hotel, restaurant, office buildings, and 1-2-bedroom apartment buildings. Recently went before Permit Advisory Committee (2017)

(D) Mariella Estates – An ongoing 3 lot subdivision (Hudson Road) off Dedham Street. Currently 19 under construction. Approved by the Planning Board in 2016.

(E) McKendry Grove – A 7 lot subdivision (4 lots done as Approval Not Required, 3 lots definitive subdivision) under construction off Greenlodge Street; Approved by the Planning Board in 2016.

(F) Paul Revere Heritage Site – also known as “Plymouth Rubber” – a 40-acre site at 104 Revere Street. Up to 272 units of townhouses, condos, and apartments. Site also contains two historic buildings, and will have at least one commercial use on site. Subdivision plans are approved. Construction of buildings yet to start. First residents are expected approximately 2018-19 with completion around 2019-2020.

(G) Stillwater Estates – A 90+ acre site, proposed 40-lot flexible development subdivision between Indian Lane and Industrial Drive. Currently before the Planning Board in 2017.

(H) Yorkshire Estates – A 17 lot flexible development subdivision off Stonewood Drive. Plans are approved by all boards 2017. Construction yet to begin.

(I) “Copperwood” 468-474 Neponset Street – A proposed 4-lot definitive subdivision currently before the Planning Board in 2017

(J) “Hotel & Auto Repair Facility” - 925 Turnpike Street – A proposed 100 room hotel with restaurant, and auto repair garage on the same parcel as a car wash/gas station currently before the Planning Board in 2017

(K) 20 to 25 single-family lot subdivision proposed off Grand Street; conceptual plan only presented to Town Planner in 2017, likely to go before the Planning Board Summer 2017

20 4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Public participation occurred primarily from the Canton Hazard Mitigation Planning Team (local committee). In addition, the town held one public meeting to present the plan and solicit input, conducted an online survey on the Towns website to solicit comments from residents and held three planning team meetings.

4.1 The Local Multiple Hazard Community Planning Team

GCG Associates worked with the local community representatives to organize a local Multiple Hazard Community Planning Team for Canton (local committee). GCG ASSOCIATES GCG Associates discussed the local representatives as to the desired composition of that team as well as the need for representation from the business community and citizens at large.

4.2 The Local Multiple Hazard Community Planning Team Meetings

On GCG ASSOCIATES February 27, 2017 conducted the first meeting of the Canton Local Committee. The meeting was organized by Charles Aspinwall, Town Administrator, and included the team as listed below.

Charles Aspinwall, Town Administrator James Donovan, Town Engineer Charles Doody, Emergency Management Director Laura Smead, Town Planner Michael Ray, GIS Michael Trotta, Superintendent DPW Edward Walsh, Building Commissioner Kenneth Berkowitz, Police Chief

The purpose of this meeting was to identify local areas of concern, and developable land within the town. Additional meetings were held on May 19 and June 26, 2017 to review existing mitigation measures, develop hazard mitigation goals and to begin the discussion of potential mitigation measures. The agendas for these meetings are included in Appendix B.

4.3 Public Meetings

The town held a public meeting on July 25,2017 at the Canton Town Hall to introduce the plan to the public. Notice of the meeting was posted at Town Hall and was publicized as a regular Selectmen’s meeting. The meeting was also carried on the local Canton public access television channel. GCG ASSOCIATES presented an overview of the planning process and priority mitigation strategies to attendees. GCG ASSOCIATES then edited the plan based on the comments at the meeting. The attendance list for the meeting is below.

21 Table 4.1 - Attendance at the July 25, 2017 Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

All members of the Board of Selectmen, Town Administrator, and residents of Town.

4.4 Hazard Mitigation Survey – Online

The Town of Canton posted an online survey for residents and businesses in the Town of Canton to participate in their understanding and concerns related to hazards throughout the Town. A sample of the survey and results of survey are located in Appendix C. Thirty-one responses to the survey were received during the period of June 13 to June 30, 2017. The result show that localized flooding during rain events appears to be an important issue on some streets of the individuals surveyed. This survey was posted on both the town’s Facebook page and web site.

4.5 Local Stakeholder Involvement

The local Hazard Mitigation Planning Team was encouraged to reach out to local stakeholders that might have an interest in the Hazard Mitigation Plan including neighboring communities, agencies, businesses, nonprofits, and other interested parties. Notice was sent to the following organizations and neighboring municipalities inviting them to review the Hazard Mitigation Plan in July of 2017 and submit comments to the Town:

Town of Norwood Town of Sharon Town of Dedham Town of Randolph Town of Dedham Town of Milton Town of Stoughton

No comments have been received from any town as of September 22, 2017. The draft Canton Hazard Mitigation Plan 2017 Update was posted on the Town’s website prior to the first public meeting. Members of the public could access the draft document and submit comments or questions on the plan. Notice was also sent out by the Town Planner to various town groups and placed on the towns Facebook page.

4.6 Continuing Public Participation

Following the adoption of the plan update, the planning team will continue to provide residents, businesses, and other stakeholders the opportunity to learn about the hazard mitigation planning process and to contribute information that will update the town’s understanding of local hazards. The Canton Emergency Management Coordinator will act as the coordinator for the Implementation Team. As updates and a review of the plan are conducted by the Hazard Mitigation Implementation Team, these will be placed on the Town’s web site, and any meetings of the Hazard Mitigation Implementation Team will be publicly noticed in accordance with town and state open meeting laws.

5. OVERVIEW OF HARZARD AND VULNERABILITIES

This section provides a general overview of how many natural hazards impact Canton. The next section provides more detail about impacts at specific locations and existing mitigation efforts.

5.1 Overview of Hazards and Impacts

The 2013 Massachusetts Hazard Mitigation Plan provides an overview of natural hazards in Massachusetts. It indicates that Massachusetts is subject to the following natural hazards (listed in order of frequency): floods, heavy rainstorms, nor’easters, coastal erosion, hurricanes, tornadoes, urban and wildfires, drought, ice jams and earthquakes.

Table 5.1 summarizes the hazard risks for the state and notes where risks in Canton differ from the state assessment. The state analysis considers the frequency of the hazard, historical records and variations in land use. An explanation of the definitions used can be found at the end of the table. Ice Jams are included in the Massachusetts State Hazard Mitigation Plan 2013, however the US Army Corps of Engineers Ice Engineering Group’s Ice Jam Database does not list any ice jams in Canton from the earliest records kept in 1913. Also, discussions with Town officials has confirmed the Canton is not subject to this hazard, thus ice jams are no included in this local plan. Table 5.2 lists those federal disaster and emergency declarations for Norfolk County.

Table 5.1 - Frequency and Severity of Natural Hazards in the State

Hazard Frequency Severity Massachusetts Canton Massachusetts Canton Flooding High Medium Serious Serious Dam failures Very Low Very Low Extensive Serious Coastal Hazards High NIA Serious NIA Hurricane/Trop Storm Medium Medium Serious Serious Tornadoes Medium Very Low Serious Serious Thunderstorms High High Minor Minor Nor'easter High High Minor Minor Winter-Blizzard/Snow High High Minor Minor Winter-Ice Storms Medium Medium Minor Minor Earthquakes Very Low Very Low Serious Serious Landslides Low Very Low Minor Minor Brush fires Medium Medium Minor Minor Extreme Temperatures Medium Medium Minor Minor Drought Low Low Minor Minor Ice Jams N/A N/A

Source: Massachusetts State Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2013, modified for Canton

Definitions used in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Hazard Mitigation Plan

Frequency

Very low frequency: events that occur less frequently than once in 100 years (less than 1% per year) Low frequency: events that occur from once in 50 years to once in 100 years (1% to 2% per year); Medium frequency: events that occur from once in 5 years to once in 50 years (2% to 20% per year); High frequency: events that occur more frequently than once in 5 years (Greater than 20% per year).

Severity

Minor: Limited and scattered property damage; limited damage to public infrastructure and essential services not interrupted; limited injuries or fatalities. Serious: Scattered major property damage; some minor infrastructure damage; essential services are briefly interrupted; some injuries and/or fatalities. Extensive: Widespread major property damage; major public infrastructure damage (up to several days for repairs); essential services are interrupted from several hours to several days; many injuries and/or fatalities. Catastrophic: Property and public infrastructure destroyed; essential services stopped; numerous injuries and fatalities.

25 Table 5.2 - Disaster and Emergency Declarations for Norfolk County

ID Number Type Date 4214 Blizzard of 2015 January 26-29, 2015 4110 Severe snowstorm and Flooding February 8 - 10, 2013 4097 Hurricane Sandy October 27-November 8, 2012 4028 Tropical Storm Irene August 27-28, 2011

1895 Flooding March 2010 1701 Severe Storms and Inland and April 15-25, 2007 Coastal Flooding 1642 Severe storms, flooding May 12, 2006 (continuing) 1614 Severe storms, flooding, October 7 - 16, 2005 landslides, mudslides 1512 Severe winter storms April 1, 2004 through April 30, 2004 3191 Snowstorm December 5 – 6, 2003 3175 Snowstorm February 17-18, 2003 3165 Blizzard March 2001 1364 Severe storms, flooding March 5, 2001 through April 16, 2001 1224 Heavy rain, flooding June 13 to July 6, 1998 1142 Heavy rain, flooding October 1996 1090 Blizzard January 1996 3103 Blizzard March 1993 920 Storm October 1991 914 Hurricane (Bob) August 1991 Sources: www.fema.gov and State Hazard Mitigation Plan, MEMA and DCR, October 2017.

5.2 Flood Hazards

The state plan indicates that Massachusetts is one of the 10 states that account for 76% of all repetitive loss buildings in the United States. Flooding and potential for brush fires were the most prevalent serious natural hazards identified by local officials in Canton. Flooding is caused by hurricanes, nor’easters, severe rainstorms and thunderstorms.

5.3 Regionally Significant Storms

There have been a number of major rain storms that have resulted in significant flooding in northeastern Massachusetts over the last fifty years. Significant storms include:

● Blizzard of 1979 (storm surge, heavy wet snow for a long duration. ● January 1979 ● April 1987 26 ● October 1991 (“The Perfect Storm”) ● October 1996 ● June 1998 ● March 2001 ● April 2004 May 2006 ● April 2007 ● March 2010 ● December 2010

The most severe recent flooding occurred during the major storms of March 2010, when a total of 14.83 inches of rainfall accumulation was officially recorded by the National Weather Service (NWS). The weather pattern that caused these floods consisted of early springtime prevailing westerly winds that moved three successive storms, combined with tropical moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, across New England. Torrential rainfall caused

One indication of the extent of flooding is the level of flow in the Neponset River during this record flood. The river at the USGS gage in East Branch exceeded flood stage of 8.18feet on March 15, 2010. All told, the river was above flood stage for most the end of March and beginning of April. March 2010 to be the wettest month on record. Through October 2017, Canton property owners filed a total of 34 losses with the National Flood Insurance Program. Of these, 25 have been paid for a total of just over$116.909. FEMA maintains a database on these flood insurance policies and claims, which can be found at https://www.fema.gov/policy-claim-statistics-flood-insurance. The following table provides further detail from the database:

Table 5.3 - Flood Insurance Policies and Claims in Canton (as of March 31, 2017)

Flood insurance policies in force 84 Coverage amount of flood insurance policies24323600 $24,323,600 Premiums paid $71,118 Total losses (all losses submitted regardless of the status) 34 Closed losses (Losses that have been paid) 25 Open losses (Losses that have not been paid in full) 0 CWOP losses (Losses that have been closed without payment) 9 Total payments (Total amount paid on losses)116909 $116,909

5.4 Repetitive Loss Properties

As defined by the Community Rating System (CRS) of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a repetitive loss property is any property which the NFIP has paid two or more flood claims of $1,000 or more in any given 10-year period since 1978. For more information on repetitive losses see http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/replps.shtm

There are two (2) repetitive loss properties in Canton; both of these are single family residences 27

located within the Neponset River watershed. These properties are southwest of Reservoir Pond and are shown on the maps in Appendix B. These properties had a total of four (4) losses between 1979 and 2005, totaling $24,313.

5.5 Wind-Related Hazards

Wind-related hazards include hurricanes and tornadoes as well as high winds during severe rainstorms and thunderstorms.

The region has been impacted by hurricanes throughout its history, starting with the Great Colonial Hurricane of 1635. The eye of one hurricane passed right through Boston in 1944. Between 1858 and 2000, Massachusetts has experienced approximately 32 tropical storms, nine Category 1 hurricanes, five Category 2 hurricanes and one Category 3 hurricane. This equates to a frequency of once every six years. Hurricanes that have occurred in the region include1:

1 Information on storms provided by Cambridge Emergency Management Department. It is assumed that these same storms affected eastern Massachusetts, including Canton.

Great New England Hurricane* September 21, 1938 Great Atlantic Hurricane* September 14-15, 1944 Hurricane Doug September 11-12, 1950 Hurricane Carol* August 31, 1954 Hurricane Edna* September 11, 1954 Hurricane Hazel October 15, 1954 Hurricane Diane August 17-19, 1955 Hurricane Donna September 12, 1960 Hurricane Gloria September 27, 1985 Hurricane Bob August 19, 1991 Hurricane Irene October 27, 2012 *Category 3.

Not included in this list is the Portland Gale of November 26-28, 1898, which may well have been the most damaging coastal storm in Massachusetts history.

Statistically, New England can be subject to major hurricanes as defined as a Category 3, 4 or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale as shown in Table 5.4.

Table 5.4 – Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale Category Wind Speeds Expected Storm Surge Category 1 74-95 mph 4-5 feet Category 2 96-110 mph 6-8 feet Category 3 111-129 mph 9-12 feet Category 4 130-156 mph 13-18 feet Category 5 >157 mph >18 feet

Winds during other storms also can cause damage. Downed trees and limbs can be a problem due to weather conditions such as strong wind or heavy snow and ice. Tree limbs can down power and communication lines and impact major roadways.

5.6 Winter-Related Hazards-Nor’easters A northeast coastal storm, known as a nor’easter, is typically a large counter-clockwise wind circulation around a low-pressure center often resulting in heavy snow, high winds, and rain. The storm radius is often as much as 1,000 miles, reaching from the Carolinas to the Gulf of Maine. These storms occur most often in late fall and early winter, occurring one to two times a year. These winter weather events are notorious for producing heavy rain or snow, depending on the temperature, and strong winds.

Sustained wind speeds of 20-40 mph are common during a nor’easter, with short-term wind speeds gusting up to 70 mph. Nor’easters may also sit stationary for several days, affecting multiple tide cycles and extended heavy precipitation

As expected, a number of public safety issues can arise during snow storms. Impassible streets are a challenge for emergency vehicles and affect residents and employers. Snow- covered sidewalks force people to walk in streets, which are already less safe due to snow, slush, puddles and ice. Large piles of snow can also block sight lines for drivers, particularly at intersections. Not all residents are able to clear their properties, especially the elderly. Refreezing of melting snow can cause dangerous roadway conditions.

Previous occurrences of Nor'easters include the following which are listed in the Massachusetts State Hazard Mitigation Plan 2013:

Table 5.5 - Nor’easters in Massachusetts

February 1978 Blizzard of 1978 October 1991 Severe Coastal Storm ("Perfect Storm") December 1992 Great Nor'easter of 1992 January 2005 Blizzard/ Nor’easter October 2005 Coastal Storm/Nor'easter April 2007 Severe Storms, Inland & Coastal Flooding/Nor'easter January 2011 Winter Storm/Nor'easter October 2011 Severe Storm/Nor'easter

The most significant winter storm in recent history was the “Blizzard of 1978,” which resulted in over 3 feet of snowfall and multiple day closures of roadways, businesses, and schools. In Canton blizzards and severe winter storms have occurred in the following years:

Table 5.6 - Severe Winter Storm Records for Massachusetts

Blizzard of 1978 February 1978 Blizzard March 1993 Blizzard January 1996 Severe Snow Storm March 2001 Severe Snow Storm December 2003 Severe Snow Storm January 2004 Severe Snow Storm January 2005 Severe Snow Storm April, 2007 Severe Snow Storm December 2010 Blizzard of 2013 February 2013 Blizzard of 2015 January 2015

Canton is vulnerable to both the wind and precipitation that accompanies nor’easters. High winds can cause damage to structures, fallen trees, and downed power lines leading to power outages. Intense rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems causing localized flooding of rivers and streams as well as urban stormwater ponding and localized flooding. Fallen tree limbs as well as heavy snow accumulation and intense rainfall can impede local transportation corridors, and block access for emergency vehicles.

The entire Town of Canton could be at risk from the wind, rain or snow impacts from a Nor’easter, depending on the track and radius of the storm, but due to its inland location the town would not be subject to coastal hazards.

Based on the record of previous occurrences, Nor’easters in Canton are high frequency events as defined by the 2013 Massachusetts State Hazard Mitigation Plan. This hazard may occur more frequently than once in 5 years (greater than 20% per year).

5.7 Fire-Related Hazards

Brush fires and drought fall under the category of fire-related natural hazards.

According to the State Plan, the most recent severe drought in the state occurred from 2001 to 2003 and other multi-year droughts occurred in 1879-83, 1908-12, 1929-32, 1939-44, 1961-69, and 1980- 83.

Recent wild fires in the state, according to the state plan, affected 2,600 acres in 2002, and 1,600 acres in 2003. Approximately 90% of wild fires in the past 10 years were caused by humans and 10% by lightning. In addition to obvious threats to humans and property, because wildfires burn ground vegetation and ground cover, subsequent rains can worsen erosion.

According to local officials, natural fires in Canton are not a significant issue. There are generally about 28 brush fires annually. Less than 2% result in any significant property damage and there have been

no deaths as a result of brush fires. The area with the highest incidence of brush fires is Blue Hills Reservation and the Wardwell Road wooded area. It is important, however, to remember that fire can also be a result of other events such as from the aftermath of an earthquake.

5.8 Geologic Hazards

Geologic hazards include earthquakes, landslides, sinkholes, subsidence, and unstable soils such as fill, peat and clay.

5.9 Earthquakes

According to the State Hazard Mitigation Plan, New England experiences an average of five earthquakes per year. From 1627 to 1989, 316 earthquakes were recorded in Massachusetts. Most have originated from the La Malbaie fault in Quebec or from the Cape Anne fault located off the coast of Rockport. The region has experienced larger earthquakes, of magnitude 6.0 to 6.5 in 1727 and 1755. Other notable earthquakes occurred here in 1638 and 1663 (Tufts University).

As shown on Map 4 in Appendix A, no earthquake epicenters have been recorded within Canton. Although new construction under the most recent building codes generally will be built to seismic standards, much of the development in the town pre-dates the most recent building code.

Earthquakes can result in many impacts beyond the obvious structural impacts. Buildings may suffer structural damage that is not readily apparent. Earthquakes can cause major damage to roadways, making emergency response difficult. Water lines and gas lines can break, causing flooding and fires. Equipment in buildings can be vulnerable. For example, a hospital may be structurally engineered to withstand an earthquake, but if the equipment inside the building is not properly secured, the operations at the hospital could be severely impacted during an earthquake. Earthquakes can also trigger landslides.

The State Plan includes a map of Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA). The Plan explains that: “PGA measures the strength of a potential earthquake in terms of the peak acceleration of ground movement. The potential damages due to an earthquake increase as the acceleration of ground movement increases.

Peak ground acceleration is expressed as a percentage of a known acceleration, the acceleration of gravity…Therefore, the geographic areas with the highest PGA have the highest potential for damages during an earthquake.”

The magnitude of an earthquake is measured using a Richter Scale as shown in Table 5.7, which measures the energy of and earthquake by determining the size of the greatest vibrations recorded on the seismogram. On this scale, one step in magnitude (from 5.0 to 6.0, for example) increases the energy by more than 30 times.

Table 5.7 – Richter Magnitude Scale Magnitude Description Typical Damage <2.0 Micro Micro earthquake, not felt 2.0-2.9 Generally not felt, but recorded 3.0-3.9 Minor Often felt, but rarely causes damage 4.0-4.9 Light Noticeable shaking of indoor items. Significant damage unlikely. 5.0-5.9 Moderate Can cause major damage to poorly constructed buildings over small regions. At most slight damage to well-designed buildings 6.0-6.9 Strong Can be destructive in areas up to approximately 160 kilometers across populated areas 7.0-7.9 Major Can cause serious damage over larger areas 8.0-8.9 Can cause serious damage several hundred kilometers across 9.0-9.9 Great Devastating in areas several thousand kilometers across

10.0+ Massive Never recorded, widespread devastation across very large areas.

5.10 Landslides

Landslides can result from human activities that destabilize an area or can occur as a secondary impact from another natural hazard such as flooding. In addition to structural damage to buildings and the blockage of transportation corridors, landslides can lead to sedimentation of water bodies.

There is no universally accepted measure of landslide extent but it has been represented as a measure of the destructiveness. The table below summarizes the estimated intensity for a range of landslides. For a given landslide volume, fast moving rock falls have the highest intensity while slow moving landslides have the lowest intensity.”

Table 5.8 Measure of Landslides Estimated Volume Expected Landslide Velocity (m3) Fast moving landslide Rapid moving landslide Slow moving landslide (Rock fall) (Debris flow) (Slide) <0.001 Slight intensity <0.5 Medium intensity >0.5 High intensity <500 High intensity Slight intensity 500-10,000 High intensity Medium intensity Slight intensity 10,000 – 50,000 Very high intensity High intensity Medium intensity >500,000 Very high intensity High intensity >>500,000 Very high intensity

The entire town of Canton has been classified as having a low risk for landslides.

5.11 Overarching Impacts from Natural Hazards

A number of impacts can occur from any of the above-mentioned natural hazards. Most common and most visible are electrical outages and closures of roadways. This can occur due to high winds that knock down wires and limbs, from heavy snow falls that take time to clear, or from a landslide that carries large boulders or soil onto a roadway. In addition to causing inconveniences, these impacts can result in economic losses to local businesses that cannot function without electricity, or their customers or employees cannot get to the business. Minimizing vulnerability to natural hazards can help to reduce these and other impacts to people’s safety, health, and overall economic viability.

5.12 Critical Facilities Infrastructure in Hazard Areas

Maps 1-8 in Appendix A and Table 5.6 list critical infrastructure in Canton. Critical infrastructure includes those facilities that perform an important function during a natural disaster such as shelters and emergency operation centers. Critical infrastructure also includes locations that house sensitive populations, such as schools or nursing homes.

There are other critical facilities and infrastructure that may not be mapped because the information was not available. These may include utilities, communication facilities, or transportation corridors. The purpose of mapping the natural hazards and critical facilities is to present an overview of hazards in the community and how they relate to critical facilities.

Much of the Critical infrastructure in Canton is clustered near the center of town and clustered in Southwest Canton. Both clusters are located in or near floodplain areas. Specifically, six facilities are located in the 500-year FEMA floodplain (X500), and 24 facilities are located within the 100-year floodplain (AE). 27 facilities are located within locally-identified areas of flooding.

Landslide risks within the town are low and the table below indicates which sites fall into either of those categories.

Most of the town has snow accumulation averages of 48-72 inches and therefore most critical infrastructure sites are classified as being at a high risk for annual snow accumulation in that range. Just 14 of the 89 sites identified on Map 2 in Appendix A are considered to be at low risk for heavy snow accumulation. However, all areas of town have average wind speeds which are uniform at 110 mph throughout the town, so all sites are classified at the same level of risk with regard to wind-related hazards.

Critical sites the town staff has emphasized that are particularly important and vulnerable include: ● Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) in or near flooding areas ● Sewer pump stations or water treatment plants in or near flooding areas (such as the Charles Drive and Forest Avenue water treatment plants) ● Fire Station / Police station vulnerable to earthquakes ● All bridges along Route 138 are critical assets for evacuation ● All bridges, particularly ones with weight restrictions that require detours

The breakdown of the critical sites and how they relate to selected hazards follows in Table 5.9. Table 5.9 - Relationship of Critical Facilities and Selected Hazard Types in Canton

FEMA Locally-Identified Landslide ID Name Type Flood Zone Flood Area Risk Critical Infrastructure: Water, Transit/Roadways, Critical Services (e.g. police, fire, medical), Energy, Communications Water

Randolph Street Water Tank Water Tank No No Low Indian Lane/ Spheroid Water Tank No No Low Water Tank Indian Lane Water Tank No No Low Stand Pipe Tolman Street Standpipe Water Tank No No Low Ponkapoag Stand Pipe Water Tank No No Low Shepard Pond Dam Washington Street at Dam AE Pond Street Low Rockland, Old Shepard Street Dam Mechanic and Dam AE Howard streets Low Bolivar Street Dam Dam AE Bolivar Street Low Washington Street, north of Pond Forge Pond Dam Dam AE Low Washington Street, Revere Street Dam north of Pond (Private) Dam No Low Spillway @ the Viaduct (MBTA) Dam AE No Low Reservoir Pond Dam Dam AE No Low

Ponkapoag Pond Dam Dam No No Low (DCR) James Moran WaterWater TreatmentNo No Low Treatment Facility Facility Edward Sullivan WaterWater TreatmentNo No Low Treatment Facility Facility Well #2 Well AE No Low

Well #3 Well AE No Low Water treatment facility - Charles Well #4 Well No Drive Low

Well #5 Well AE Town Forest Low Well # 7 Well X500 No Low

FEMA Locally-Identified Landslide ID Name Type Flood Zone Flood Area Risk Well #9 Well AE No Low Well #10 Well AE No Low Critical Infrastructure: Water, Transit/Roadways, Critical Services (e.g. police, fire, medical), Energy, Communications Water treatment facility - Charles Well #11 Well No Drive Low Water treatment facility - Charles Well #12 Well No Drive Low Well #13 Well AE Town Forest Low MWRA Water Connection Well X500 No Low Springdale Pump Station Well AE No Low Water Pump Storage Facility Station AE No Low Transit/Roadways

Canton Center Commuter Transit No No Low Rail Station Canton Junction Transit No No Low Commuter Rail Station All bridges along Route 138 Roadways Low

All bridges (with weight Roadways Low restrictions) Critical Services (Police, Fire, Medical)

Police Department (HQ) Police Station No No Low

EOC Fire HQ EOC No No Low Fire Department (HQ) Fire Station No No Low Fire Department Fire Station No No Low (Station 2) 7 Sassamon St. Massachusetts Hospital School (Pappus Rehab School No No Low Center) Massachusetts Hospital Building (Pappus Rehab Hospital No No Low Center) Energy

Electric Sub Station Substation No No Low (Walpole/Neponset)

ID Name Type FEMA Locally-Identified Landslide Flood Zone Flood Area Risk Solar Array Facility (Pine Large-scale No Q3 Flood zones border Low Street) Ground Mounted the parcel: AE, AE Photovoltaic Solar Floodway, and x500 Array Facility

Communications

Critical Infrastructure: Water, Transit/Roadways, Critical Services (e.g. police, fire, medical), Energy, Communications Communications Cell Tower (Ponkapoag) No No Low Communications Cell Tower No No Low Fire Communication Communications Tower No No Low Communications Cell Tower/s No No Low Communications Cell Tower/Flag Pole No No Low Communications Comcast Cable Tower No No Low Communication Tower Communications No No Low State Police Communications No Communication Tower Blue Hills Low No Reservation Low Critical Assets (Schools, Municipal services)

Schools

Rodman Education Center Preschool and No No Low School Administration Judge Rotenberg Educational Center (240 School No No Low & 250 Turnpike) Lt Peter Hanson School School No No Low Dean S Luce Elem School School No No Low John F Kennedy Elem. School School No No Low Saint John Elementary School No No Low William Galvin Middle School School No No Low Canton High School School No No Low Blue Hills Regional Vocational School School No No Low

ID Name Type FEMA Locally-Identified Landslide Flood Zone Flood Area Risk Massasoit Community College School No No Low Municipal Services

Department of Public Works DPW No No Low Canton Town Hall Municipal No No Low

Canton Main Library Municipal No No Low

Corrosion Control Facility Storage AE Town Forest Low

Senior Center Community No No Low Center Senior Center Community No No Low Center William J. Armando Community No No Low Center Center Pequitside Farms Board of Health No No Low

Vulnerable Population (affordable housing, senior housing, nursing homes, private daycares/preschools)Affordable Housing 60-86 Pequit Street Affordable No No Low Housing (26 units) Brayton Circle Affordable No No Low Housing (12 units) Concord Avenue Affordable No No Low Housing (2 units)

833 Washington/27 Affordable No No Low Howard Housing (5 units)

Blue Hills Village Affordable No No Low Housing (98 units) Canton Arboretum Affordable No No Low Housing (156 units) DDS Group Homes Group Housing ? ? Low (38 units)

Windsor Wood’s Way Affordable No No Low Housing (159 units)

FEMA Locally-identified Landslide Risk ID Name Type Flood Zone Flood Area Turtle Brook Way Affordable No No Low Housing (21 units) Blue Hill Commons Affordable No No Low Housing (7 units)

Stagecoach Village/Indian Affordable No No Low Woods Housing (14 units) Avalon Canton Affordable No No Low Housing (196 units) Elderly/ Newell S Hagan Court Affordable No No Low Housing (72 units) Elderly/ Julius Rubin Court CHA Affordable No No Low Housing (74 units) Elderly/ Hemenway Housing Affordable No No Low Housing (58 units) Elderly/Affordabl Canton Village e Housing (56 No No Low units) Elderly/Affordabl Lamplighter Village e Housing (81 No No Low units) Senior Housing Commons Residence Senior Housing/ No AE Floodzone @ Orchard Cove Assisted Living surrounds the site Low

Canton Point Senior Housing/ No AE Flood zone nearby Low Condos/ the site Townhouses Cornerstone at Canton Senior Housing/ No No Low Assisted Living Brightview Canton Senior Housing/ No No Low Independent and Assisted Living Nursing Homes Hellenic Nursing and Rehab Center Nursing Home No No Low

Tower Hill for Health and Rehab Nursing Home No No Low

ID Name Address Type FEMA Locally- Landslide Risk Flood Zone Identified Flood Area

Daycares and Preschools

Arrii’s Learning Academy 738 TurnpikePreschool No No Low Street Canton Community 1541 Kindergarten Washington Preschool No No Low Street Clarke School East 1 Whitman Day Care and Road Preschool for Hearing and Speech Impaired Cole-Harrington 611 Children’s Center Neponset Day Care andNo No Low Street Preschool Cole-Harrington Early 960 Learning Center Washington Preschool X500 No Low Street Cole-Harrington 605 Day Care Inf/Toddler Center Neponset Street ID Name Type FEMA Locally-Identified Landslide Risk Flood Zone Flood Area

Cole-Harrington School 55 Pecunit School Age Age Enrichment Program Street Enrichment No No Low

Fountain of Grace 427 Turnpike Day Care, Academy Street Preschool, No No Low School Age, Summer Camp, Enrichment June’s Preschool Garden 1508 Preschool No No Low Washington Street Kidsborough @ Luce 45 Before & Elementary School Independen AfterCare and No No Low ce Street Summer Program

ID Name Address Type FEMA Locally- Landslide Risk Flood Zone Identified Flood Area

Kindercare Learning 440 Turnpike Center/ Mulberry Child Street DayCare No No Low Care and Preschool and Preschool The Blue Hill Montessori 163 TurnpikePreschool No No Low School St The Learning Circle 3 Blue Hill Preschool No No Low Preschool River Road Yorkbrook Christian 214 York Preschool No No Low Preschool Street

Explanation of Columns in Table 5.9

Column 1: ID #: ID number which appears on the maps. See Appendix A.

Column 2: Site Name: Name of the site. If no name appears in this column, this information was not provided to GCG ASSOCIATES by the community.

Column 3: Site Type: Type of site.

Column 4: FEMA Flood Zone: Risk of flooding. No entry in this column means that the site is not within any of the mapped risk zones on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM). If there is an entry in this column, it indicates the type of flood zone as follows:

Zone A - Zone A is the flood insurance rate zone that corresponds to the 100-year floodplains that are determined in the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) by approximate methods. Because detailed hydraulic analyses are not performed for such areas, no BFEs (base flood elevations) or depths are shown within this zone. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply. Zone AE and A1-A30 - Zones AE and A1-A30 are the flood insurance rate zones that correspond to the 100- year floodplains that are determined in the FIS by detailed methods. In most instances, BFEs derived from the detailed hydraulic analyses are shown at selected intervals within this zone. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply.

Zones B, C, and X500 - Zones B, C, and X are the flood insurance rate zones that correspond to areas outside of the 100-year floodplains, areas of 100-year sheet flow flooding where average depths are less than 1 foot, areas of 100-year stream flooding where the contributing drainage area is less than 1 square mile, or areas protected from the 100-year flood by levees. No BFEs or depths are shown within this zone.

Zone VE - Zone VE is the flood insurance rate zone that corresponds to the 100-year coastal floodplains that have additional hazards associated with storm waves. BFEs derived from the detailed hydraulic analyses are shown at selected intervals within this zone. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply

Column 5: Locally-Identified Flood Area: Whether the site is located within an area that was identified by town officials and staff as a localized area of flooding. These areas may or may correspond with FEMA flood zones.

Column 6: Landslide Risk: The degree of landslide risk for that site. This information came from NESEC. The landslide information shows areas with moderate susceptibility to landslides based on mapping of geological formations. This mapping is highly general in nature. For more information, refer to http://pubs.usgs.gov/pp/p1183/pp1183.html. If there is no entry, it indicates that the site is located in an area with little or no risk of landslides. The other two risk categories, low and moderate, indicate higher degrees of risk.

5.13 Environmental Justice Population Map

5.14 Potential Damages to Existing Development

The purpose of the vulnerability assessment is to estimate the extent of potential damages from natural hazards of varying types and intensities. A vulnerability assessment and estimation of damages was performed for hurricanes, earthquakes and flooding. The methodology used for hurricanes and earthquakes was the HAZUS-MH software. The methodology for flooding was developed specifically to address the issue in many of the communities where flooding was not solely related to location within a floodplain.

5.15 Introduction to HAZUS-MH

HAZUS-MH is a tool to help estimate potential damages from certain types of natural hazards. We used HAZUS to estimate losses from a hurricane and earthquake. We did not use HAZUS to estimate flooding damages, for reasons explained below. The following overview of the HAZUS-MH is taken from the

FEMA website. For more information, go to http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/hazus/.

“HAZUS-MH is a nationally applicable standardized methodology and software program that contains models for estimating potential losses from earthquakes, floods, and hurricane winds. HAZUS-MH was developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under contract with the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS). Loss estimates produced by HAZUS-MH are based on current scientific and engineering knowledge of the effects of hurricane winds, floods and earthquakes. Estimating losses is essential to decision-making at all levels of government, providing a basis for developing and evaluating mitigation plans and policies as well as emergency preparedness, response and recovery planning.

HAZUS-MH uses state-of-the-art geographic information system (GIS) software to map and display and display hazard data and the results of damage and economic loss estimates for buildings and infrastructure. It also allows users to estimate the impacts of hurricane winds, floods and earthquakes on populations.”

There are three modules included with the HAZUS-MH software: hurricane wind, flooding, and earthquakes. There are also three levels at which HAZUS-MH can be run. Level 1 uses national baseline data and is the quickest way to begin the risk assessment process. The analysis that follows was completed using Level 1 data.

Level 1 relies upon default data on building types, utilities, transportation, etc. from national databases as well as census data. While the databases include a wealth of information on the communities that are a part of this study, it does not capture all relevant information. In fact, the HAZUS training manual notes that the default data is “subject to a great deal of uncertainty.”

However, for the purposes of this plan, the analysis is useful. This plan is attempting to only generally indicate the possible extent of damages due to certain types of natural disasters and allow for a comparison between different types of disasters. Therefore, this analysis should be considered a starting point to understanding potential damage from the hazard events. If interested, communities could build a more accurate database and further test disaster scenarios.

Table 5.10 displays damages from category 2 and 4 hurricanes. Table 5.11 displays damages if an historic earthquake were to occur today and if a stronger (7.0) earthquake were to occur.

5.16 Estimated Damages from Hurricanes

In order to assess damages from hurricanes, the HAZUS-MH hurricane module was used. For the purposes of this plan, Category 3 (Hurricane Gloria 1985) and a Category 4 (Hurricane Donna 1960) storms were chosen to illustrate damages. The reason is to prevent a “worst case scenario” that would help planners and emergency personnel evaluate the impacts of storms that might be more likely in the future as we enter a period of more intense and more frequent storms. According to the State Hazard Mitigation Plan, between 1858 and 2000, there were 15 hurricanes: 60% were Category 1, 33% were Category 2 and 7 % were Category 3.

Table 5.10 - Estimated Damage in Canton from a Category 2 or 4 Hurricane

Cat. 2 Cat 4* Building Characteristics Estimated total buildings 7571 Estimated total building replacement value $4,074,415,000 (Year 2010 $) General Building Damage # of buildings sustaining minor damage 14 614 # of buildings sustaining moderate damage 0 65 # of buildings sustaining severe damage 0 4 # of buildings destroyed 0 0

Population Needs # of households displaced 0 0 # of people seeking public shelter 0 0

Debris Building debris generated (tons) 93 2,550 Tree debris generated (tons) 915 9,691 # of truckloads to clear building debris 4 102

Value of Damages (Thousands of dollars) Total property damage $2,372 $32,650 Total business interruption loss $2,382 $34,546

*No category 4 or 5 hurricanes have been recorded in New England. However, a Category 4 hurricane was included to help the communities understand the impacts of a hurricane beyond what has historically occurred in New England.

5.17 Estimated Damages from Earthquakes

The HAZUS earthquake module allows users to define different types of earthquakes and to input various parameters. The module is more useful where there is a great deal of data available on earthquakes. In New England, defining the parameters of a potential earthquake is much more difficult because there is little historical data. The earthquake module does offer the user the opportunity to select a number of historical earthquakes that occurred in Massachusetts. For the purposes of this plan two earthquakes were selected: magnitude 5.0 and a magnitude 7.0 both with epicenters roughly in the center of the town.

Table 5.11 - Estimated Damage in Canton from a Magnitude 5.0 and 7.0 Earthquake

Magnitude 5.0 Magnitude 7.0

Building Characteristics Estimated total number of buildings 7,571 Estimated total building replacement value $4,074,415,000 (Year 2010 $)

Building Damages # of buildings sustaining slight damage 2167 236 # of buildings sustaining moderate damage 1233 1546 # of buildings sustaining extensive damage 366 2104 # of buildings completely damaged 93 3627

Population Needs # of households displaced 364 4759 # of people seeking public shelter 193 2526

Debris Building debris generated (tons) 148,500 1,011,080 # of truckloads to clear building debris 5,940 40,443

Value of Damages (Millions of dollars) Total property damage $580 $4,050 Total losses due to business interruption $27 $133

5.18 Estimated Damages from Flooding

GCG ASSOCIATES did not use HAZUS-MH to estimate flood damages in Canton. In addition to technical difficulties with the software, the riverine module is not a reliable indicator of flooding in areas where inadequate drainage systems, beaver activity, and increased impervious surfaces contribute to flooding even in areas outside of mapped flood zones. In lieu of using HAZUS, GCG ASSOCIATES developed a methodology to give a rough approximation of flood damages.

Canton is 19.55 square miles or 12,487 acres. Approximately 975 acres have been identified by local officials as areas of flooding. This amounts to 7.8% of the land area in Canton. The number of structures in each flood area was estimated by applying the percentage of the total land area to the number of structures (7,571) in Canton; the same number of structures used by HAZUS for the hurricane and earthquake calculations. In some cases (noted by an asterisk in Table 5.12).

Table 5.12 - Estimated Damages from Flooding in Canton

Approx % of Total Low Estimate High # of Replacement ID Flood Hazard Area Area Land Area in of Damages Estimate Struct. Value (Acres) Canton of Damages 6 Town Forest 138.93 1.1124 NA NA NA NA University Road and Dedham Street to 8 Neponset 88.253 0.7066 1 $538,160 $53,816 $269,080 9 Fowl Meadows 242.86 1.9446 NA NA NA NA Ponkapoag Pond near 10 Ponkapoag Golf Course 84.769 0.6787 NA NA NA NA Farnham-Connolly State 12 Park 277.64 2.2231 NA NA NA NA 13 Bolivar Street 6.025 0.0482 6 $3,228,960 $322,896 $1,614,480 Rockland, Mechanic and 14 Howard streets 26.574 0.2128 28 $15,068,480 $1,506,848 $7,534,240 Washington Street at 15 Pond Street 5.311 0.0425 4 $2,152,640 $215,264 $1,076,320 Washington Street, north 16 of Pond 9.869 0.0790 5 $2,690,800 $269,080 $1,345,400 Near York Street at 17 Huckleberry Lane 13.481 0.1079 3 $1,614,480 $161,448 $807,240 18 Woodcliff Road 4.264 0.0341 7 $3,767,120 $376,712 $1,883,560 19 749 Turnpike Street 40.320 0.3228 1 $538,160 $53,816 $269,080 Turnpike Street and 20 Pequot Way 5.239 0.0420 3 $1,614,480 $161,448 $807,240 Turnpike St. adjacent to 21 Bank of Canton 11.308 0.0905 1 $538,160 $53,816 $269,080 Ponkapoag Brook, 22 adjacent to golf course 19.913 0.1594 NA NA NA NA Total 974.75 7.80 59 $31,751,440 $3,175,144 $15,875,72 0

5.19 Potential Impacts to Future Development

The Town of Canton has identified a number of parcels where development has been proposed, is underway or is expected to occur in the future. Table 5.13 indicates where areas of likely future development may be located within or partially within a natural hazard area.

Table 5.13 - Relationship of Potential Development in Hazard Areas in Canton

Parcel Parcel ID Land Slide Risk Flood Zone

Indian Way 100_016_000, Low No 100_0162_000, 100_163_000, 100_164_000, 100_165_000 165

Royall Ave Hotel 069_011_000 Low No

777 Dedham Street 033_044_000 Low Q3 Flood Zone AE, Partially x500 Mariella Estates 044_083_000 Low No

McKendry Grove 066_143_000 Low No

Paul Revere Heritage Site 015_149_000 Low Partially x500, Partially AE Stillwater Estates 089_014_000; Low No 089_019_000; 089_028_000; 090_012_000; 090_013_000; 101_055_000; 101_080_000 Yorkshire Estates 110_032_000 Low No

20-25 Lots Grand 014_082_000 Low No

925 Turnpike 089_001_000 Low No

6. HAZARDS AND EXISTING MITIGATION MEASURES

6.1 Flood-Related Hazards

This section provides more detail on how certain natural hazards affect specific parts of Canton. Existing mitigation measures are discussed under each hazard heading and existing mitigation measures for all natural hazards are compiled in Table 6.1.

6.2 Overview of Town-Wide Flooding

As with most of eastern Massachusetts the natural hazard threat that is most prevalent in the town of Canton, and therefore the focus of most of the town’s hazard mitigation efforts is flooding.

The western edge of the town of Canton is roughly bordered by the eastern bank of the Neponset River, with Norwood, Westwood and Dedham separated from Canton by the river itself.

Many of the flood plain areas in the town are in close proximity to the Neponset River, but the river is not the sole source for water-related hazard areas in the town. Canton is also home to several large bodies of water, such as Ponkapoag Pond, Reservoir Pond, Glen Echo Pond and Bolivar Pond to name just a few, as well as several smaller brooks, creeks and streams that can also pose annual flood threats to the town.

Virtually all of the 100-year and 500-year flood zones in town are located near major bodies of water, including those named above. However, in many of those zones the flood frequency is greater than the 100-year flood event. Though the flood zones have not been properly studied as a system, town officials indicated that they believe that many of the town’s more frequent flooding problems are related to insufficient or inoperable flood management structures, such as culverts, dams and drain pipes that are not large enough to quickly transport flood waters away from town streets and neighborhoods and toward the nearby wetlands.

According to Public Works Director Mike Trotta, most of the town’s flood-related hazards are related to high rain events, such as heavy rainstorms, tropical storms or winter rain and snow storms.

In addition, the spring rainy season is a particularly hazardous time, as runoff from winter snowfalls, saturates much of the town’s wetlands and fills the town’s streams and brooks. A heavy or severe rain event at this time of year can often overwhelm the natural flood storage areas of the town and create flood hazards on streets and around residential and business areas in town. Combined with the watershed from its neighboring towns to the north and west, the Canton area can accumulate a great deal of water in a short amount of time during heavy rains, severe storms and in the spring season.

47 6.3 Existing Mitigation for Flood-Related Hazards and Compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program

Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) – FEMA maintains a database on flood insurance policies and claims. This database can be found on the FEMA website at http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/statistics/pcstat.shtm

Street sweeping – The Town of Canton owns one street sweeper and each street in town is swept two to three times per year. The Canton Business District is swept twice per month from May through September and poor draining streets are swept after most one- inch rainstorms.

Catch basin cleaning – The Town of Canton owns one catch basin truck. The truck is used three to five days per week, except during January and February. The town’s goal is to clean 900 to 1,100 catch basins per year.

Roadway treatments – The town uses a mixture of one-part sand to four parts salts for de- icing purposes. This is done to minimize the amount of sand that enters catch basins and streams.

Zoning Regulations – The town’s zoning regulations include a section on Subdivisions Rules and Regulations, which contain a number of requirements that address flood hazard mitigation. Some of these provisions also relate to other hazards. The zoning by-law also includes provisions for Flood Hazard Areas, Ground Water Protection Districts, Site Plan Approval and Open Space Requirements. The town also has a Wetlands protection regulation. Copies of all of the pertinent regulations are included in the appendices at the back of this plan.

6.4 Dam Failures

Bolivar Street Dam (MA 00807) Repairs to the Bolivar Dam were completed in 2007 and the dam is considered to be in good condition according to town officials.

Shepard Pond Dam (MA 01162) Repairs to the Shepard Pond Dam were completed in 2015 and the dam is considered to be in good condition.

Forge Pond Dam (MA 00806) Forge Pond Dam has been determined to be in satisfactory condition. Repairs were made in 2008 to control, stop logs and gate operation. Maintenance is ongoing.

Plymouth Rubber site (MA 03105) The East Branch of the Neponset River flows under the Plymouth Rubber site. River level is controlled by a current shaped dam. A flood control lever borders the west side of the site. The Dam is in satisfactory condition. Maintenance work was done in 2016 and 2017.

Vegetation removal along the levee and rip rap repair to channel slopes was done in 2016 and 2017. The site owner is seeking FEMA recertification and transferring ownership to the Town. 48 6.5 Existing Dam Failure Mitigation Measures

The Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan – The CEMP addresses dam safety. The Town is in the process of updating the CEMP.

Permits required for construction – State law requires a permit for the construction of any dam.

DCR dam safety regulations – All dams are subject to the Division of Conservation and Recreation’s dam safety regulations.

6.6 Site-Specific Flooding

The following areas were identified by Town staff as areas that have experienced more significant flooding in the past. The numbers in parentheses refer to the Areas of Concern on Map 8 in Appendix A.

Town Forest (6) The Town Forest is a natural wetlands area located in the southwest corner of the town. Bordered to the north by the East Branch of the Neponset River and to the west by the town of Sharon and Norwood, as well as a portion of I-95, this low-lying wetland area flood annually according to town officials.

The entire forest area is located within the 100-year Flood plain, but town officials confirm the area floods much more frequently than that. The town forest operates as a natural flood storage area in the spring and largely dries out enough to be passable during the summer months. The flooding here is low-impact and is largely ignored by the town since it poses no threat to public safety or private property. Town officials indicated that flood mitigation here would be a low priority, because the flood storage the Town Forest provides is of far greater benefit to the town and may likely reduce flooding impacts in other areas of town.

Farnham-Connolly State Park (7 & 12) This site is located due north from the Town Forest site and is separated from the Town Forest by Neponset Street and the East Branch of the Neponset River. Flooding here is virtually identical to the flooding in the Town Forest, both in terms of frequency and severity of impacts. Town officials similarly indicated a low priority for providing flood mitigation to this area of town.

Fowl Meadows (9) The parcels belonging to DCR, Trustees of Reservations and the Town of Canton have been rezoned to Parkland Open Space at the Annual Town Meeting 2017. This is another large area of undeveloped land. Fowl Meadows is located at the town’s northern most tip, bordered by the Neponset River to the north and west and by the I-95 and I-93 interchange to the south. The large tract of land is completely within the 100-year floodplain, but like other large flood plain areas in town, the land floods almost

annually during the spring season.

Also like the other large floodplains in town there is no impact to homes or roadways and the town considers the area a low priority for flood mitigation.

Ponkapoag Pond, near golf course (10 & 22) This section of town, coupled with land adjacent to Ponkapoag Brook, is of a moderate flood severity and frequency. The flood threat here is identified as two separate flood threats on the map. However, both typically flood in a similar way to the large wetlands areas previously discussed. However, the impacts from these flooding areas are greater. The land adjacent to Ponkapoag Pond and the golf course is a flood hazard the town would like to consider for mitigation. Flooding here annually cuts off travel along Cherokee Road, and local officials believe that the existing culverts at this spot are insufficient in size and capacity to handle the water that flows through there during the spring rainy season. Still, town officials acknowledge that there are more serious flood hazards in town and the mitigation work here would still be of a low priority.

Meanwhile, flooding along the land closer to the brook is less frequent, approximately every two or three years and impacts mostly the golf course parking lot during the months immediately preceding the golf season. Mitigation here is less important, as it does not impact the roadway and there are no homes nearby.

Rockland, Mechanic and Howard streets (14) Taken as one part of three sites with related flooding problems, flooding here is caused by inadequate culverts and an undersized-drainage system. The area, which is depicted as within the 100- and 500- year flood plains, floods almost annually, mostly in the spring. The crescent shaped impact area is framed on its southern point by the Old Shepard’s Pond Dam and to the north by Bolivar Street, just west of the Bolivar Dam.

Woodcliff Avenue (18) This problem is described as a low impact annual flooding issue related to backyard, nuisance flooding and some minor street flooding. Existing drainage and swales are reportedly too small and should be expanded (dredged and cleared) at an estimated cost of $500,000. However, the project is considered to be too low impact to be of a high priority and the town has settled on recommending better maintenance of the existing natural drainage system (creek/brook) that runs through the adjacent, undeveloped land.

Turnpike Street (19, 20 & 21) Turnpike Street has flooding issues at three localized areas and all seem to be mostly unrelated. The first is at 749 Turnpike Street. Though this section of town floods annually according to town officials, the severity of the flooding is considered low, because it affects no homes or roadways. Mostly, the area that floods is wetlands area. DPW officials some drainage at this site, but said it is in poor or insufficient. They suggested that the area would need to be studied, in order to figure out how to best alleviate the flooding.

However, they also indicated that the work required to properly drain the area could cost upwards of $2 million and the study could cost as much as $600,000. That study would likely include the two

flooding areas adjacent to this. The priority to do something in this area is considered moderate.

The second area of flooding is at Turnpike Street at Pequot Way. This area is also an annual flooding hazard, with low severity, because it does not impact homes or the roadway in the area. However, town officials indicated that there was no real existing mitigation in this section. Unlike the other flooding hazards along Turnpike Street this hazard is within the 100-year flood plain, and sits adjacent to Pequid Brook. The previously mentioned study would include this area as well.

Lastly, is at Turnpike Street at the Bank of Canton Headquarters. Flooding here is mostly wetlands area flooding that occurs annually and would need to be studied before any action should be taken. The flooding here does not pose any threat to the roadway or area businesses, but it does flood some of the parking lot at the bank headquarters. Priority is moderate.

York Street at Huckleberry Lane (17) This area is considered a low severity flooding area, with nuisance or street flooding occurring every other year or so. The flooding issues, which have not to this point affected any homes, are related to an undersized culvert under the roadway. Town officials estimate that the culvert could be enlarged at a cost of about $180,000. However, the project is considered to be a low priority, because of the relatively low impacts and the town’s financial inability to address the problem.

6.7 Wind-Related Hazards

As shown on Map 5 in Appendix A, one tropical storm has tracked through Canton. The hazard mapping also indicates that the 100-year wind speed is 110 miles per hour. No tornados have been recorded within the town.

Tree damage during high winds has the potential to be a significant hazard in Canton. Trees can knock out power lines and block major roadways, which hinders emergency response.

Canton does experience downed trees that have caused isolated power outages and roadway blockages, but Canton also takes prides in its tree-lined streets. Therefore, maintaining trees in a proactive fashion has been a trade-off for the tree amenities The Department of Public Works has an effective tree trimming and removal programs.

Canton has numerous outdoor summer programs and microbursts have been a problem on at least one occasion. A microburst was recorded in town during the late 1990s, which caused some damage to trees and homes across a swath of the town. However, since microbursts are associated with the leading edge of rain storms it is impossible to predict where they will strike in the future.

The town of Canton makes every effort to mitigate against damage due to high winds. Some of the specific actions are provided below.

6.8 Existing Town-Wide Mitigation for Wind-Related Hazards a) The Public Works Department has an effective tree trimming program in public areas and along Rights-of-Ways. They have a multi-year plan trimming program to go over their whole system. b) New developments must install buried utilities. c) The town currently has very little of its wires installed underground, and will plan to slowly retroactively bury wires where street work is underway for other purposes.

6.9 Winter-Related Hazards

Map 6 in Appendix A indicates that the average annual average snowfall in most of Canton is between 48.1 inches to 72 inches. The town provides standard snow plowing operations, and clearing snow has not posed any significant challenges. The town does make plowing of roads a priority near emergency routes.

The Emergency Management Coordinator stated that the loss of power during a blizzard poses a particular risk for the elderly population. Other winter issues include ice storms that can affect utilities and cause isolated power outages.

The town of Canton currently employs a number of measures to mitigate for winter storm events. These are described below.

6.10 Existing Town-Wide Mitigation for Winter-Related Hazards a) The Public Works Department provides standard snow plowing operations, including salting and sanding, but with a restricted salt policy. They also are in the process of using a brine solution. b) Overnight parking bans are in effect from November 1 – April 1. c) Public Education - Winter Maintenance information is available on the town website d) The town has a Snow and Ice Disposal bylaw that states no person shall put any snow or ice in any public place or upon any part of a public street or sidewalk. e) The Town provides public education to residents regarding roof collapses due to snow when conditions are dangerous. The town works with the Chamber of Commerce to get the word out, such as via email. In addition, new codes are more stringent to better guard against roof collapses. f) The town has sufficient snow storage – one site is the parking lot of Devol Field a local baseball field, which sits unused during the winter months.

6.11 Fire Hazards

The Canton Fire Department responds to approximately 28 brush fires annually. Less 2% of these fires result in significant property damage. There have been no deaths as a result of brush fires. There are several causes for these brush fires depending on the areas where they occur. The greatest brush fire hazard in town is the Blue Hills Reservation, a conservation area that is situated in several towns including Canton, Milton, Boston and Quincy. The shared jurisdiction makes fighting fires here easier,

but it also makes it more difficult to control the area as well.

In addition to the Blue Hills Reservation there are ten other areas of town that were locally identified as areas that are prone to brush of forest fires. Some areas, such as the grassy open space beside major highways and train tracks are most often ignited accidentally by carelessly discarded cigarettes or sparks thrown by train wheels.

Other areas, such as the Fowl Meadows, Town Forest and Farnham-Connolly State Park, are more likely to be ignited by accidental or purposeful actions of humans interacting with the open space.

Each of these areas also presents its own unique challenges to battling fires, once they’ve begun. For the most part, the Fire Department has all of the equipment it needs to fight brush fires and forest fires. There is a small pumper for off-road fire-fighting and a 4-wheel drive vehicle. The Fire Department also uses special forestry hoses which are lighter, single layer hoses.

Canton has also successfully worked with the District Four DCR Fire Department stationed at Borderland State Park in nearby Foxborough to earn the Firewise Community designation. Specifically, the community worked collectively on fire prevention measures, as well as creating a more complete firefighting and fire prevention response for the Lake Road and Indian Lane area of town, which had previously not had any water supply to fight a fire.

6.12 Existing Town-Wide Mitigation for Fire-Related Hazards a) Town bylaws allow controlled open burning in accordance with state regulations, but a permit is required from the Fire Chief for each day of intended burning. b) The Fire department reviews all subdivision and site plans for compliance with site access, water supply needs, and all other applicable regulations. c) The Fire Department is trained for protecting the Federal Wildlife Preserve and the National Park. d) The Canton Fire Department does have an ATV fire fighting vehicle, and a tanker truck that can store water for fighting fires in areas with no water service. e) The town provides public education and notices during “drought watches.” Canton is one of only two communities in the state to have successfully taken part in the nationally recognized Firewise Program, which in Massachusetts is operated through the DCR’s State Forest Fire Department.

6.13 Geologic Hazards

Geologic hazards include earthquakes, landslides, sinkholes, subsidence, and unstable soils such as fill, peat and clay.

6.14 Earthquakes

Most municipal officials acknowledged that earthquakes were the hazard for which their community was least prepared. There have been no recorded earthquake epicenters within Canton. Although new construction under the most recent building codes generally will be built to seismic standards, much of the development in the town predates the most recent building code.

The entire town is classified as having a low risk for landslides. Town officials did not identify any problems with areas of geologic instability such as sinkholes or subsidence.

Although new construction under the most recent building codes generally will be built to seismic standards, much of the development in the town predates the most recent building code. The Fire and Police Stations were built in the 1950s and renovated in the 1990s, but they are likely vulnerable to earthquakes as they were not structurally retrofitted to meet earthquake standards. The new Senior Center was constructed in 2015 and meets earthquake standards. Currently, historic buildings at 104 Revere Street (Rolling Mill and Barn) are being renovated to meet standards.

6.15 Existing Town-Wide Mitigation for Earthquake Hazards a) The town does have shelters and backup facilities (see multi-hazard mitigation below). b) Massachusetts State Building Code – The State Building Code contains a section on designing for earthquake loads (780 CMR 1612.0). Section 1612.1 states that the purpose of these provisions is “to minimize the hazard to life to occupants of all buildings and non- building structures, to increase the expected performance of higher occupancy structures as compared to ordinary structures, and to improve the capability of essential facilities to function during and after an earthquake”. This section goes on to state that due to the complexity of seismic design, the criteria presented are the minimum considered to be “prudent and economically justified” for the protection of life safety. The code also states that absolute safety and prevention of damage, even in an earthquake event with a reasonable probability of occurrence, cannot be achieved economically for most buildings.

c) Section 1612.2.5 sets up seismic hazard exposure groups and assigns all buildings to one of these groups according to a Table 1612.2.5. Group II includes buildings which have a substantial public hazard due to occupancy or use and Group III are those buildings having essential facilities which are required for post-earthquake recovery, including fire, rescue and police stations, emergency rooms, power-generating facilities, and communications facilities. The town does have an evacuation plan as specified in its Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP).

6.16 Landslides

Map 4 in Appendix A all of Canton is classified as low risk for landslides. There are not many steep slopes in the town and local officials state that landslides are not a major threat or occurrence in Canton. Rather, there are localized issues of erosion during construction, as a result of development, or as a result of clearing vegetation.

6.17 Existing Town-Wide Mitigation for Landslide Hazards a) The subdivision regulations do have maximum slope requirements for new roads.

6.18 Existing Multi-Hazard Mitigation Measures

There are several mitigation measures that impact more than one hazard. These include the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP), the Massachusetts State Building Code and participation in a local Emergency Planning Committee. Participation in the Emergency Management Planning Committee (REPC) Canton participates in the SRPEDD regional planning committee, through regional emergency training. The Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District includes towns in southeastern Massachusetts from Milton to Provincetown.

The following describes the measures that are in place to mitigate for multiple hazards:

6.19 Existing Town-Wide Mitigation for Multiple Hazards a) Multi-Department Review of Developments – Multiple departments, such as Planning, Zoning, Health, Public Works, Fire, Police, and Natural Resources, review all subdivision and site plans prior to approval. b) Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) – Every community in Massachusetts is required to have a Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. These plans address mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery from a variety of natural and man-made emergencies. These plans contain important information regarding flooding, dam failures and winter storms. Therefore, the CEMP is a mitigation measure that is relevant to many of the hazards discussed in this plan. c) Enforcement of the State Building Code – The Massachusetts State Building Code contains many detailed regulations regarding wind loads, earthquake resistant design, flood- proofing and snow loads. d) Regional Emergency Management Planning Committee (REPC) – The REPC consists of representatives from Public Works, Fire, Police, Health, School Transportation, Board of Selectmen, Emergency Management, and local businesses. e) Emergency Preparedness public education is available on the town’s website. f) The town has a reverse 911 system and names can be added to the database via the town’s website. g) The Police and Fire Stations both have backup generator that run on diesel fuel. h) The town has a Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) that provides training, supplies, and public education to neighborhoods.

6.20 Compilation of Existing Mitigation

The following table summarizes the many existing natural hazard mitigation measures already in place in Canton. Because of the number of entities, public and private, involved in natural hazard mitigation,

it is likely that this list is a starting point for a more comprehensive inventory of all measures. Please note that the numbers shown in parentheses correspond to the Hazard Areas of Concern included on the maps in Appendix A.

Table 6.1 - Existing Natural Hazard Mitigation Measures in Canton

Hazard Area Mitigation Measure

Flood- Town-Wide A) Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program Related B) Annual catch basin cleaning and annual street sweeping C) Drainage system maintenance is performed as needed, and under a general maintenance permit issued by the Natural Resources Commission D) Flood Plain Conservancy District E) Wetlands Protection By-Law F) Massachusetts Stormwater Policy G) Stormwater Requirements in Subdivision Regulations and Site Plan Review. Stormwater Bylaw and Stormwater Master Plan H) Open Space Residential Developments allowed I) Protected open space and proactive land preservation programs J) Public Education on stormwater through the NPDES Phase II program Town Forest (6) Natural wetlands area, acts a natural flood storage area.

Farnham-Connolly Another natural, wetlands and flood storage area. Sate Park (7) University Road at Completely within the 100-year flood plain, there is no existing Dedham Street (8) mitigation in place here. Fowl Meadows (9) Completely within the 100-year flood plain, area is a natural open resource, that typically floods during the spring.

Ponkapoag Pond Existing culverts under the road at Cherokee Road may be (10) and Ponkapoag insufficient to handle seasonal flooding. No other mitigation here. Brook (22) Bolivar Street (13) There are existing culverts under the roadway and an undersized spillway for the existing dam. Rockland, Mechanic Undersized culverts are contributing to the flooding caused by the and Howard streets location of this neighborhood within the 100-year flood plain. (14)

York Street at Existing culvert under the road, could be enlarged. Huckleberry Lane (17)

Woodcliff Road Existing drainage pipes and swales are most likely

Hazard Area Mitigation Measure (18) undersized and need to be enlarged. 749 Turnpike Some existing drainage here is in poor condition or is insufficient. Street (19) Town officials suggest a study of the entire area to determine the best way to alleviate the hazard. Turnpike Street at This area is within the 100-year flood plain and is not associated Pequot Way (20) with other areas of flooding along Turnpike Street. There is no mitigation at this spot. Turnpike Street at No existing mitigation in this wetlands area. Study of the entire Bank of Canton Turnpike Street region is suggested. Headquarters (21)

Dams Town-Wide A) DCR Dam Safety Regulations B) Construction permits required C) Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan addresses dam safety

Bolivar Street Dam Repairs completed in 2007 and dam is rated as being in good condition. Shepard Pond Dam Repairs completed in 2015 dam is rated in good condition.

Old Shepard Street Dam is in fair condition, but is in need of some work as well. Dam Forge Pond Dam Is in satisfactory condition. .

Plymouth Rubber Dam is in good condition, but is in need of maintenance, while the Levee and Neponset associated levee is in need of repair. Developer is making repairs Street Dam to dam and levee.

Wind- Town-Wide A) Tree Maintenance Program by Public Works Related B) Requirement for new developments to install underground utilities C) Town continually removing existing overhead wires and installing them underground

Winter- Town-Wide A) Standard snow operations, restricted salt Related B) Overnight parking ban November – April C) Public Education on snow operations and winter maintenance is on the town website D) Snow and Ice Disposal Bylaw E) Public Education on how to prevent roof collapses from snow loads F) Sufficient space for municipal snow storage

Hazard Area Mitigation Measure

Fire-Related Town-Wide A) Open burning permits required B) Fire Department reviews all development plans C) Fire Department provides public education on its website D) Fire Department is trained for fighting fires in forested areas E) Fire department operates ATV fire vehicle and tanker truck F) Town participates in Fire Wise program

Geologic - Town-Wide A) Shelters and backup facilities available Earthquake B) Evacuation plan in CEMP

Geologic - Town-Wide A) Maximum slopes for subdivision roads Landslides B) Earth Removal Bylaw

Multi-Hazard Town-Wide A) Multi-department review of developments B) Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) C) Enforcement of State Building Code D) Regional Emergency Management Planning Committee (REPC) in place through SRPEDD E) Emergency Preparedness public education on the town website F) Reverse 911 G) Police and Fire Stations have backup generators H) Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) I) Social Media - Communication

58 7. HAZARD MITIGATION GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The Canton Local Multiple Hazard Community Planning Team endorsed the following eight hazard mitigation goals at the June 26, 2017 team meeting:

Goal 1: Prevent and reduce the loss of life, injury, public health impacts and property damages resulting from all identified natural hazards.

Goal 2: Build and enhance local mitigation capabilities to ensure individual safety, reduce damage to public and private property and ensure continuity of emergency services.

Goal 3: Increase cooperation and coordination among private entities, Town officials and Boards, State agencies and Federal agencies.

Goal 4: Increase awareness of the benefits of hazard mitigation through outreach and education.

Goal 5: Identify and seek funding for measures to mitigate or eliminate each known significant flood hazard area.

Goal 6: Integrate hazard mitigation planning as an integral factor in all relevant municipal departments, committees and boards.

Goal 7: Prevent and reduce the damage to public infrastructure resulting from all hazards.

Goal 8: Encourage the business community, major institutions and non-profits to work with the Town to develop, review and implement the hazard mitigation plan.

Goal 9: Work with surrounding communities to ensure regional cooperation and solutions for hazards affecting multiple communities.

Goal 10: Ensure that future development meets federal, state and local standards for preventing and reducing the impacts of natural hazards.

Goal 11: Take maximum advantage of resources from FEMA and MEMA to educate Town staff and the public about hazard mitigation.

8. MITIGATION STRATEGY

8.1 What is Hazard Mitigation?

Hazard mitigation means to permanently reduce or alleviate the losses of life, injuries and property damage resulting from natural and human-made hazards through long-term strategies. These long- term strategies include planning, policy changes, programs, projects and other activities. FEMA currently has three mitigation grant programs: The Hazards Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), the Pre-Disaster Mitigation program (PDM), and the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program. See https://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-assistance for more information. Prior to developing a mitigation strategy and prioritization of future potential mitigations measures the previous potential mitigation measures identified in the 2010 Plan were reviewed to determine what was completed and if previous measures should remain on the list as potential measures. The list below represents items listed in the 2010 HMP which have been completed or are ongoing. The implementation of addressing these measures was completed by various departments within the Town.

• Repair of Old Shepard Street Dam (completed) • Bolivar Street Culvert (completed) • Bolivar Street Dam Spillway (completed) • Forge Dam Repairs (completed) • Backup sites for Emergency Operation (in place) • Open Space Protection (ongoing preservation of land) • Stormwater Management (ongoing through regulations)

The infrastructure repairs to culverts and dam were very effective in mitigating potential flooding. Preservation of open space through either purchasing property or using zoning regulations to create open space are an effective tool to reduce land disturbance. Ongoing storm water maintenance and compliance with MS4 Stormwater permits are measures which address or identify potential flooding. Incomplete actions from the previous plan were carried over into the current plan and are included in Table 8.1.

8.2 Impact of Potential Mitigation Measures

During the local hazard team meetings, officials in Canton determined possible mitigation measures for the various natural hazards that have impacted or could impact the town. In addition, GCG solicited suggestions for mitigation measures when it collected hazard information from town officials and from other town plans and studies. GCG compiled all suggested strategies into a matrix. Local officials then prioritized the measures using the matrix.

The hazard mitigation consideration of each strategy included an analysis of the mitigation impact each can provide, regardless of cost, political support, funding availability, and other constraints. The

intent of this step is to separately evaluate the theoretical potential benefit of each strategy to answer the question: if cost were no object, what strategies have the most benefit? Factors considered in this analysis include the number of hazards each strategy helps mitigate (more hazards equal higher impact), the estimated benefit of the strategy in reducing loss of life and property (more benefit equals higher impact) based on the relevant hazard(s) as assessed in Section 5, and the geographic extent of each strategy's benefits (other factors being equal, a larger area equals higher impact).

• High Impact - actions that help mitigate several hazards, substantially reduce loss of life and property (including critical facilities and infrastructure), and/or aid a relatively large portion of the community

• Medium Impact - actions that help mitigate multiple hazards, somewhat reduce loss of life and property (including critical facilities and infrastructure), and/or aid a sizeable portion of the community

• Low Impact - actions that help mitigate a single hazard, lead to little or no reduction in loss of life and property (including critical facilities and infrastructure), and/or aid a highly• localized area

STAPLEE, a checklist for evaluating social, technical, administrative, political, legal, economic and environmental issues. Prior to choosing mitigation priorities, participants reviewed the project goals and objectives as well as STAPLEE evaluation considerations.

8.3 Priority of Potential Mitigation Measures

After the ranking of each strategy for its mitigation impact, real world considerations were brought back into the analysis to inform the priority ranking process. Factors considered in this step include costs and cost effectiveness (including eligibility and suitability for outside funding), timing, political and public support, and local administrative burden. Costs and cost effectiveness - in order to maximize the effect of mitigation efforts using limited funds, priority is given to low-cost strategies. For example, regular tree maintenance is a relatively low-cost operational strategy that can significantly reduce the length of time of power outages during a winter storm. Strategies that have clear and viable potential funding streams, such as FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), are also given higher priority.

Time required for completion - Projects that are faster to implement, either due to short work duration, current or near-term availability of funds, and/or ease of permitting or other regulatory procedures, are given higher priority.

Political and public support - Strategies that have demonstrated political and/or public support through positive involvement by the public or prioritization in previous regional and local plans and initiatives that were locally initiated or adopted are given higher priority.

Administrative - Strategies that are realistically within the administrative capacity of the town are prioritized. Considerations include grant application requirements, grant administrative requirements (including audit requirements), procurement, and staff time to oversee projects.

• High Priority - strategies that have obvious mitigation impacts that clearly justify their costs and to a large degree can be funded, can be completed in a timely fashion, can be administered effectively, and are locally supported • Medium Priority- strategies that have some clear mitigation impacts that generally justify their costs and generally can be funded, can be completed in a timely fashion, can be administered effectively, and are locally supported • Low Priority - strategies that have relatively low mitigation impacts that do not necessarily justify their costs and that may have difficulty being funded, completed in a timely fashion, administered effectively, and locally supported

8.4 Cost Consideration for Potential Mitigation Measures

Each implementation strategy is provided with a rough cost estimate based on available third-party or internal estimates and past experience with similar projects. Each includes hard costs (construction and materials), soft costs (engineering design, permitting, etc....), and where appropriate Town staff time ($25/hour for grant applications, administration, etc). Projects that already have secured funding are noted. Detailed and current estimates were not generally available, so costs are summarized within the following ranges:

• Low less than $50,000 • Medium between $50,000-$100,000 • High over $100,000

Timeline Each strategy is provided with an estimated length of time it will take for implementation. Where funding has been secured for a project, a specific future date is provided for when completion is expected. However, most projects do not currently have funding and thus it is difficult to know exactly when they will be completed. For these projects, an estimate is provided for the amount of time it will take to complete the project once funding becomes available. Strategies are grouped by 1-2-year timeframe, 3-5-year timeframe, 5+ year timeframe, and ongoing items.

Strategy Types Mitigation strategies were broken into four broad categories to facilitate local implementation discussions, especially regarding budget considerations and roles/responsibilities:

Structure and Infrastructure Projects - Construct infrastructure and building improvements in order to eliminate or reduce hazard threats, or to mitigate the impacts of hazards. Examples include drainage system improvement, dam repair, and generator installation. Structure and infrastructure improvements tend to have the greatest level of support at the local level, but are

highly constrained by funding limits.

Preparedness, Coordination and Response Actions - Ensure that a framework exists to facilitate and coordinate the administration, enforcement and collaboration activities described in this plan. Integrate disaster prevention/mitigation and preparedness into every relevant aspect of town operations, including Police, Fire, EMD, EMS, DPW, Planning Board, Conservation Commission and Board of Selectmen; coordinate with neighboring communities where appropriate. Recommendations in this category tend toward standardizing and memorializing generally-practiced activities.

Education and Awareness Programs - Integrate education and outreach into the community to raise awareness of overall or hazard-specific risk and generate support for individual or community-wide efforts to reduce risk. Awareness and education seek to affect broad patterns of behavior, essentially altering a culture. Awareness-building activity tends to have a slow effect, although in the end it can provide extraordinary benefits with relatively little cash outlay.

Local Plans and Regulations - Review and propose updates to local bylaws, ordinances and regulations to protect vulnerable resources and prevent further risk to those resources. Formally adopt these updates into the local regulatory framework. Review the effectiveness of past mitigation projects, programs procedures and policies. Incorporate mitigation planning into master plans, open space plans, capital improvement plans, facility plans, etc. Consider the projected impacts of climate change on Canton, e.g. the likelihood of more frequent severe weather, high heat days, and drought conditions.

Planning and regulatory activity tends to provide extraordinary benefits with relatively little cash outlay. However, in smaller communities where planning activities are largely the purview of volunteers, outside assistance from the state or regional levels may be required to maximize its benefits. Political support may be difficult to achieve for some planning and regulatory measures, especially those that place new constraints on land use.

In addition to describing action items in each of these categories, for each strategy we also identify what hazard(s) it is intended to address, as described in Section 5 of this plan. Each strategy also identifies the lead organization who serves as the primary point of contact for coordinating efforts associated with that item and identifies potential funding sources for implementation. Potential funding sources are listed at the end of this section.

The breakdown of high and medium priority measures, along with all other possible measures is provided in the discussions below and summarized in Table 8.1.

8.5 High Priority Mitigation Measures

A) Repair Old Shepard Street Dam Work to repair the Old Shepard Street Dam will cost less than the work to repair the nearby Shepard Pond Dam, but will also greatly reduce the stress on the flood control structures near the

center of the town. A failure of the Old Shepard Street Dam would cause significant damage to homes and businesses in the center area and would likely put six- to seven-inches of water in the basements of nearby homes and businesses. The Old Shepard Street Dam controls the flow of water from a different source, Massapoag Brook, and thus repairs here are also of a high priority. As with the repairs to the Shepard Pond Dam, the town is investigating ways to pay for this dam and will likely apply for state and federal grants funds, as well as investigate bonding options and is currently under design.

B) Establish Town Water Service to Indian Lane and Lake Road This neighborhood was already the focus of a Fire Wise Community planning effort that led to improved firefighting capabilities within the neighborhood. However, the community process that helped to improve the situation here had also recommended that the town install town water service in the neighborhood, at a cost to the affected homeowners, but that project fell through, due to disagreements by the property owners over the need and extent for easements to accomplish the project. Bringing a dedicated water service to the neighborhood is still considered a high priority from a fire fighting perspective, especially considering the heavily wooded landscape surrounding the only access road to the neighborhood

C) Reservoir Pond and Dam The sluiceway for the dam is in need of repairs and improvements. Establish Ability to Have a Portable Generator for the Town Several critical town facilities do not have an adequate generator for use in the event of a power outage. A priority for the town is to have the ability to use a portable generator for the various critical facilities in need. This would require installing connections on the facilities and would require mounting a generator on a trailer.

8.6 Medium Priority Mitigation Measures

D) Complete Study of Turnpike Street Area Two of the three sites identified as flooding areas along Turnpike Street are in close proximity to one another, with only the flooding at Turnpike Street and Pequot Way standing alone. However, the flooding issues at all three sites are related to the neighboring wetlands that straddles Pequot Brook to the east side of Turnpike Street. All three areas are considered to be a moderate priority to be studied at a cost of approximately $600,000, since there is no existing manmade drainage in the area at all. At this time the almost annual flooding of these sites is considered low severity, as there are no homes affected by the flooding and the flooding near the Bank of Canton headquarters is largely contained to the parking lot and does not affect the building. However, as the town grows, development along Turnpike Street is a possibility and addressing the drainage issues here could provide valuable room for the town to expand in the future.

E) Update Hazardous Material Response Plan Canton is home to portions of I-93 and I-95, as well as Route 138, rail lines, and several other facilities that have the ability to release hazardous materials. Inclement weather could increase the chance of a chemical spill, which falls into the responsibility of the town’s public works and

64 emergency responders. The town already has a hazardous materials response plan that was updated in 2012.

F) Assessment of Historic Structure Natural Hazard Vulnerability Building upon the town’s database of historic structures, a complete analysis should be performed to determine the vulnerability of each structure to flooding, wind, snow, ice, earthquakes, and fire. Many of the buildings are located in flood zones, are not up to earthquake or fire codes, or are susceptible to damage from high wind events. Techniques for mitigation should be determined, such as flood proofing of structures.

G) Identify Potential back-up sites for Emergency Operations The town should identify potential backup sites for emergency operations in the event of an earthquake. These sites would need to accommodate services such as dispatching, communications and garaging of apparatuses. The areas would include County Dispatch building, and backup and emergency areas at Revere Street and the Police Station.

8.7 Measures to ensure continued compliance with National Flood Insurance Program requirements

H) Continuation of Open Space Protection and Land Acquisition Although Canton already has a significant amount of protected land, further protection of open space in the wake of development is important in order to ensure future development does not increase vulnerability to natural hazards, such as flooding. The town should continue its efforts for open space protection and purchases as prioritized in the Open Space and Recreation Plan (currently funded and being updated 2017-2018), Master Plan (updated 2017-2018), Open Space Plan (updated 2017), and Community Preservation Plan (updated annually).

I) Regulatory Revisions for Stormwater Management Subdivision rules and regulations were approved by the Planning Board in 2016 and should be filed in 2017 with updated stormwater management requirements to reflect more current trends to help prevent flooding from new development and redevelopment. In particular, the regulations including: ● Requirements for aggressive and legally-binding operation and maintenance agreements, with enforcement mechanisms, for private drainage facilities, including Stormwater Management Plans and Reports. ● Construction permits and environmental controls, with compliance with Canton By-Laws including the Stormwater Management bylaw (Article XXI) and Town of Canton Soil Erosion and Sediment Control By-Law (Article XX) ● Allowing for swales and other bioretention alongside roadways. ● Performance and design standards to use Low-Impact-Development techniques whenever conditions allow. ● Regulatory controls to encourage Low-Impact Development (LID) practices including: allowing 65

for compact-car spaces, parking reductions for mixed-use areas, permeable pavement and bioswales in off-street parking areas. ● Canton Stormwater Master Plan 2014 ● Canton Stormwater Bylaw 2008

J) Become Fully “Storm Ready” The town aims to become “storm ready” with respect to its alerting systems. One possible method that the town is currently investigating is notification via television. By subscribing to a service, the town would have the ability to overwrite any TV programming to alert residents of an impending emergency or bad weather. The Tilden House which is a historical house in town needs improvements to address potential storm issues.

8.8 Other Potential Mitigation Measures

A number of additional mitigation measures arose during the course of the project. These additional measures were either considered to be a low priority, a better alternative was deemed a medium or high priority, or they were not considered feasible. However, it is worth recording them in the plan, because they could be revisited in the future. They include:

K) Assessment of Municipal Structures for Susceptibly to Snow Loads The town owns structures that may not be able to withstand snow loads during extreme conditions. A priority for the town is to provide an assessment of those facilities that are at risk for collapses from snow loads, and what the best mitigation would be. In some cases, the solution may be a structural retrofit, but in other cases it may just be a matter of knowing which buildings to clear snow from the Potential Mitigation Summary Table

Potential Funding Sources – This column attempts to identify possible sources of funding for a specific measure. This information is preliminary and varies depending on a number of factors such as whether a mitigation measure has been studied, evaluated or designed or is still in the conceptual stages. Each grant program and agency have specific eligibility requirements that would need to be taken into consideration. In most instances, the measure will require a number of different funding sources. Identification of a potential funding source in this table does not guarantee that a project will be eligible for or selected for funding. Upon adoption of this plan, the local committee responsible for its implementation should begin to explore the funding sources in more detail. The best way to determine eligibility for a particular funding source is to review the project with the funding agency. The following websites provide an overview of programs and funding sources.

Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) – The website for the North Atlantic district office is http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/. The ACOE provides assistance for a number of types of projects including shoreline/streambank protection, flood damage reduction, flood plain management services and planning services.

FEMA – As noted earlier, see https://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-assistance for more information.

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) – The grants page http://www.mass.gov/dem/programs/mitigate/grants.htm has a useful table that compares eligible projects for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program.

United States Department of Agriculture – The USDA has programs by which communities can get grants for firefighting needs. See the link below for examples. http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/

Table 8.1 MITIGATION STRATEGY HAZARD RESPONSIBLE POTENTIAL PRIORITY IMPACT ESTIMATED TIMELINE ADDRESSED PARTY FUNDING COST SOURCE Description Agency Political and Mitigation High (>100K) Completion Economic Impact Med (50-100K) time Viability High/Med/Low Low (<50K) High/Med/Low A. Structure and infrastructure Strategies Repair Old Shepard Street Dam Public Works Town, FEMA High $480,000 Long Term

Establish Water Service to Indian Lane Fire Town, High Unkown Long Term and Lake Road Department/ Residents Public Works

Establish Ability to Have a Portable Emergency Town, High $25K - $75K Long Term Generator for the Town Management FEMA, Dep. (EMP) Public Safety Grants Complete Study of Turnpike Street Fire Town Medium $600,000 Long Term Department/ Public Works/Building B. Preparation, coordination and response action strategies Identify Options for Alternate Fire Town, FEMA High Town Staff Long Term Community Sheltering Department Time or $5 - $15K Consultant Update Hazardous Material Response Emergency Town Medium Town Staff or Short- Plan Management $5-$15k Term Dep. (EMP) consultant

Assessment of Historic Structures for Fire Town, FEMA Medium Town Staff or Short- Natural Hazard Vulnerability Department / $10k-20k Term Public Works / consultant Building

Canton High School Galvin Middle School Fire Town, FEMA Medium Town Staff or Short- Department / $5k-15k term Police consultant Department

MITIGATION STRATEGY HAZARD RESPONSIBLE POTENTIAL PRIORITY IMPACT ESTIMATED TIMELINE ADDRESSED PARTY FUNDING COST SOURCE Description Agency Political and Mitigation High (>100K) Completion Economic Impact Med (50-100K) time Viability High/Med/Low Low (<50K) High/Med/Low Purchase ATV Fire Vehicle, Enhance Fire Town, Other Uknown Short-term Wildland/Urban Interface programs Department Firewise, Public Safety grants C. Education & Awareness Develop educational and outreach tools BOH, Fire, Federal, Medium High Low 1-2 years to reach typically marginalized Police State, Local populations, particularly in designated environmental sensitive areas. Educate public on stormwater management best pactices.

Provide information to residents and Fire, WBWD Federal, Medium High Low Ongoing businesses on water conservation State, Local, through reduction in use, low-impact landscaping and other low-cost measures (in part to conserve water for firefighting)

Provide information to residents and Fire Federal, Medium High Low Ongoing businesses on lightning strikes and State, Local, wildfires with a focus on locations that have seen these hazards previously. Educate all segments of the community in All Federal, Medium High Low Ongoing order to combat complacency and foster State, Local, individual reasonability for mitigating disaster impacts. D. Local Planning strategies Continuation of Open Space Protection Natural Town, NFIP Varies from Ongoing and Land Acquisition. Encourate Resources / Community town staff "cluster" subdivision development, which Planning Preservation time to up to preserves open space if appropriate. Act Funds, $750k to Gifts

purchase land HAZARD RESPONSIBLE POTENTIAL PRIORITY IMPACT ESTIMATED TIMELINE MITIGATION STRATEGY ADDRESSED PARTY FUNDING COST SOURCE Description Agency Political and Mitigation High (>100K) Completion Economic Impact Med (50-100K) time Viability High/Med/Low Low (<50K) High/Med/Low Regulatory Revisions for Stormwater Planning / Town, MET, NFIP Town Staff or Short- Management Natural EOEA Smart $5k-10k Term Resources Growth consultant Grants Become Fully “Storm Ready” / TV alert Emergency Town or NFIP $5k-$15k Short- notification Management Public Safety Term Department Grants (EMP) Assessment of Municipal Structures for Public Works / Town, FEMA Other Town Staff or Short- Susceptibly to Snow Loads Building $2k-5k Term consultant Integrate disaster mitigation concerns All Town Federal, Medium High Low Ongoing into transportation projects (e.g. drainage Departments State, Local improvements, underground utilities, etc.) Maintain, improve and follow emergency DPW Local High High Low Ongoing plan for snow removal Integrate hazard mitigation concerns into All Town Local High High Low Ongoing subdivision, site plan review, 40B Departments reviews, and other zoning reviews. In particular, consideration of downstream flooding impacts Incorporate hazard mitigation actions All Town Local High High Low Ongoing into appropriate local and regional plans Departments – Master Plans currently being update (2020), land use, transportation, open space, and capital programming. Review and update local plans and All Town Local High Medium Low Ongoing development review process (planning, Departments zoning, storm water management, conservation, etc.) to ensure new construction will not be affected by hazards.

Abbreviations Used in Table 8.1

FEMA Mitigation Grants includes: FMA = Flood Mitigation Assistance Program. HMGP = Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. PDM = Pre- Disaster Mitigation Program

ACOE = Army Corps of Engineers. MHD = Massachusetts Highway Department. EOT = Executive Office of Transportation. DCR = Department of Conservation and Recreation DHS/EOPS = Department of Homeland Security/Emergency Operations EPA/DEP (SRF) = Environmental Protection Agency/Department of Environmental Protection (State Revolving Fund) USDA = United States Department of Agriculture

9. REGIONAL AND INTER-COMMUNITY CONSIDERATIONS

Some hazard mitigation issues are strictly local. The problem originates primarily within the municipality and can be solved at the municipal level. Other issues are inter- community and require cooperation between two or more municipalities. There is a third level of mitigation which is regional and may involve a state, regional or federal agency or three or more municipalities.

9.1 Regional Partners

In many communities, mitigating natural hazards is more than a local issue. The facilities that serve these communities are complex systems owned and operated by a wide array of agencies, government, and private entities. The planning, construction, operations and maintenance of these facilities are integral to the hazard mitigation efforts of communities. These agencies must be considered the communities’ regional partners in hazard mitigation. These agencies also operate under the same constraints as communities do, including budgetary and staffing constraints and numerous competing priorities. In the sections that follow, the plan includes recommendations for activities to be undertaken by these other agencies. Implementation of these recommendations will require that all parties work together to develop solutions. Two regional partners are Neponset River Watershed Association; Neponset Valley Transportation Management Association, Three-River Interlocal Council (TRIC) of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC);

9.2 Regional Facilities within Canton

Major facilities owned, operated and maintained by federal, state, regional or private entities in Canton include:

● Blue Hills Reservation (MA DCR) ● MBTA Commuter Rail with stops at Canton Junction and Canton Center (MBTA) ● Freight rail lines ● Routes I-93, I-95, 24, 138, (MassDOT) ● Algonquin Gas Transmission Lines ● Ponkapoag Pond (MA DCR) ● Neponset River and Trustees of Reservations (MA DCR) ● Blue Hills Regional Technical School ● Pappus Rehabilitation Center for Children ● Massasoit Community College

9.3 Inter-Community Considerations

Mitigation measures for the following regional issues should be considered as Canton develops its own local plan:

A) Coordinate and Review Developments on a Regional Basis

As Canton and the surrounding communities are undergoing development, it is vital that these communities communicate and provide input during the review processes. When addressing housing, transportation, and economic development projects, the impacts to neighbors must be addressed. The Westwood Station Development in Canton is a prime example of how one development has the potential to create impacts in Westwood, Norwood, Dedham and Canton. Phase I is complete, Phase II is under construction

B) Long-Term Regional Management Plan to Control Beaver Activity One regional issue of significance is the widespread effects of beaver dams in the area. Most streams, wetland areas, and ponds in the region have had some degree of beaver activity in the past several years. Much of the localized flooding that occurs is due to beaver activity. The towns will mitigate the problem temporarily by hiring trappers, removing dams, or installing pipes, but a long-term comprehensive approach should be considered. C) Dam Conditions and Emergency Plans Upstream of the Town of Canton Dams in upstream communities are frequently of concern to downstream communities. In the case of Canton, the dams along the Neponset River upstream in Norwood and Walpole have been the greatest concern, particularly in the past when the dams have been in poor condition. The communities should continue to coordinate with each other to address concerns of dam conditions and emergency response plans in the event of a hazardous storm event.

10. PLAN ADOPTION AND MAINTENANCE

10.1 Plan Adoption

The Canton Hazard Mitigation Plan was adopted by the Board of Selectmen on May 29, 2018. See Appendix D for documentation. The plan was approved by FEMA on ------, for a period of five years.

10.2 Plan Maintenance

Although several of the mitigation measures from the Town's previous Hazard Mitigation Plan have been implemented, since that plan was adopted there has not been an ongoing local process to guide implementation of the plan. Such a process is needed over the next five years for the implementation of this plan update, and will be structured as described below.

GCG Associates worked with the Canton Hazard Mitigation Planning Team to prepare this plan. After approval of the plan by FEMA, this group will meet on a regular basis to function as the Hazard Mitigation Implementation Team, with the Town Administrator designated as the coordinator. Additional members could be added to the local implementation team from businesses, non-profits and institutions.

The Town will encourage public participation during the next 5-year planning cycle. As updates and a review of the plan are conducted by the Hazard Mitigation Implementation Team, these will be placed on the Town’s web site, and any meetings of the Hazard Mitigation Implementation Team will be publicly noticed in accordance with town and state open meeting laws.

10.3 Implementation Schedule

Mid-Term Survey on Progress – The coordinator of the Hazard Mitigation Implementation Team (which the Town has identified as the Town Administrator) will prepare and distribute a survey in year three of the plan. The survey will be distributed to all the local implementation group members and other interested local stakeholders. The survey will poll the members on any changes or revisions to the plan that may be needed, progress and accomplishments for implementation, and any new hazards or problem areas that have been identified.

This information will be used to prepare a report or addendum to the local hazard mitigation plan in order to evaluate its effectiveness in meeting the plan’s goals and identify areas that need to be updated in the next plan. The Hazard Mitigation Implementation Team, coordinated by the Chief of Police, will have primary responsibility for tracking progress, evaluating, and updating the plan.

Begin to prepare for the next Plan Update – FEMA’s approval of this plan is valid for five years, by which time an updated plan must be approved by FEMA in order to maintain the town’s approved plan status and its eligibility for FEMA mitigation grants. Given the lead time needed to secure funding and conduct the planning process, the Hazard Mitigation Implementation Team will begin to prepare for an update of the plan in year three. This will help the Town avoid a lapse in its approved plan status

74 and grant eligibility when the current plan expires.

The Hazard Mitigation Implementation Team will use the information from the Mid- Term progress review to identify the needs and priorities for the plan update and seek funding for the plan update process. Potential sources of funding may include FEMA Pre- Disaster Mitigation grants and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Both grant programs can pay for 75% of a planning project, with a 25% local cost share required.

Prepare and Adopt an Updated Local Hazard Mitigation Plan – Once the resources have been secured to update the plan, the Hazard Mitigation Implementation Team may decide to undertake the update themselves, or to hire another consultant. However, the Hazard Mitigation Implementation Team decides to update the plan, the group will need to review the current FEMA hazard mitigation plan guidelines for any changes. The Canton Hazard Mitigation Plan 2017 Update will be forwarded to MEMA and DCR for review and to FEMA for approval.

10.4 Integration of the Plans with Other Planning Initiatives

Upon approval of the Canton Hazard Mitigation Plan 2017 Update by FEMA, the Local Hazard Mitigation Team will provide all interested parties and implementing departments with a copy of the plan and will initiate a discussion regarding how the plan can be Integrated into that department’s ongoing work.

At a minimum, the plan will be reviewed and discussed with the following departments:

● Fire ● Emergency Management ● Police ● Public Works ● Engineering ● Planning ● Forestry ● Health ● Building ● Parks and Recreation

Other groups that will be coordinated with include large institutions, Chambers of Commerce, land conservation organizations and watershed groups. The plans will also be posted on a community’s website with the caveat that local team coordinator will review the plan for sensitive information that would be inappropriate for public posting. The posting of the plan on a web site will include a mechanism for citizen feedback such as an e-mail address to send comments.

The Hazard Mitigation Plan will be integrated into other town plans and policies as they are updated and renewed, including the Canton Master Plan, Open Space Plan, Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, and Capital Investment Program.

APPENDIX A: NATURAL HAZARDS MAPS

The GCG ASSOCIATES GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Lab produced a series of maps for each community. Some of the data came from the Northeast States Emergency Consortium (NESEC). More information on NESEC can be found at http://www.serve.com/NESEC/. Due to the various sources for the data and varying levels of accuracy, the identification of an area as being in one of the hazard categories must be considered as a general classification that should always be supplemented with more local knowledge. The documentation for some of the hazard maps was incomplete as well.

The map series consists of four panels with two maps each plus one map taken from the State Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Map 1. Population Density Map 2. Developable Land Map 3. Flood Zones Map 4. Earthquakes and Landslides Map 5. Hurricanes and Tornadoes Map 6. Average Snowfall Map 7. Composite Natural Hazards Map 8. Hazard Areas

Map 1: Population Density – This map uses the US Census block data for 2010 and shows population density as the number of people per acre in seven categories with 60 or more people per acre representing the highest density areas.

Map 2: Developable Land – This map shows potential future developments, and critical infrastructure sites. The Town of Canton GIS department prepared this plan based upon review with town staff to determine areas that were likely to be developed or redeveloped in the future.

Map 3: Flood Zones – The map of flood zones used the FEMA Q3 Flood Zones as its source. For more information, refer to http://www.fema.gov/fhm/fq_q3.shtm.

Map 4: Earthquakes and Landslides – This information came from NESEC. For most communities, there was no data for earthquakes because only the epicenters of an earthquake are mapped.

The landslide information shows areas with either a low susceptibility or a moderate susceptibility to landslides based on mapping of geological formations. This mapping is highly general in nature. For more information on how landslide susceptibility was mapped, refer to http://pubs.usgs.gov/pp/p1183/pp1183.html.

Map 5: Hurricanes and Tornadoes – This map shows a number of different items. The map includes the storm tracks for both hurricanes and tropical storms. This information must be viewed in context. A

storm track only shows where the eye of the storm passed through. In most cases, the effects of the wind and rain from these storms were felt in other communities even if the track was not within that community. This map also shows the location of tornadoes with a classification as to the level of damages. What appears on the map varies by community since not all communities experience the same wind- related events. These maps also show the 100-year wind speed.

Map 6: Average Snowfall – This map shows the average snowfall across the community.

Map 7: Composite Natural Hazards - This map shows four categories of composite natural hazards for areas of existing development. The hazards included in this map are 100-year wind speeds of 110 mph or higher, low and moderate landslide risk, FEMA Q3 flood zones (100 year and 500 year) and hurricane surge inundation areas. Areas with only one hazard were considered to be low hazard areas. Moderate areas have two of the hazards present. High hazard areas have three hazards present and severe hazard areas have four hazards present.

Map 8: Hazard Areas – For each community, locally identified hazard areas are overlaid on an aerial photograph dated April 2005. The critical infrastructure sites and repetitive loss sites are also shown. The source of the aerial photograph is Mass GIS.

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t n î e v katawbut (! Unquity Road Chic Road A n to B n o a s C t o Blue Hill Avenue T n u P r n r o p v i k i d East Street DEDHAM Randolph Avenue e e n Rotary FEMA Hazard c e

East Street MILTON Mitigation Planning Grant

é (!î CANTON, MA WESTWOOD QUINCY Ev erett Map 1: Population Density Street Blue Hill Drive é d Hillside Street a î o (! R d n B a lue l Hill é p River Road Population Density î U (! Rail Stations 2010 Census Blocks - People/Acre Railway Ponkapoag University Avenue BRAINTREE 0 93 Trail Blue Star £¤1 Sc anl Interstate D on §¨¦ rive 1 - 2 Memorial Highway U.S. Highway 3 - 5

t State Route e e tr S 6 - 10 é d n

î o (! P Non-numbered Road NORWOOD 95 11 - 25 §¨¦ Wetland 26 - 50

Reed Street Water (From LU_2005) N ah at North Main Street 50+ an S é tr ee Waterways

(!î t High Street

Pendergast Circle RANDOLPH

Canton Street D e et d e tr h S 0 0.5 1 2 a t m u n S st t r e e h e C t Miles

Randolph Street Dean Street 90 §¨¦ 93 t ee tr Liberty §¨¦ S / n to Street ng hi as W

T u

r n

i k

e t s t S e e t West Street W e r Connector r e t S e t Warren Street õÅ138 Neponset Street é î (! Mazzeo Drive

Pleasant Street

49 5 £¤1 Sherm §¨¦ 95 an S treet §¨¦ é (!î The information depicted on this map is for planning purposes only. It is not adequate for legal boundary definition, regulatory interpretation, or parcel-level analysis

Lindelof Avenue Data is derrived from block-level polygons from the 2010 U.S. Census. These files are being made available as draft versions, and have not undergone extensive QA yet. Church The TIGER/Line Files are shapefiles and related database files (.dbf) that are an extract of selected geographic and Street cartographic information from the U.S. Census Bureau's Master Address File / Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing (MAF/TIGER) Database (MTDB). The MTDB represents a seamless national file with no overlaps or gaps between parts, however, each TIGER/Line File is designed to stand alone as an independent data set, or they can be combined WALPOLE to cover the entire nation. Census Blocks are statistical areas bounded on all sides by visible features, such as streets, roads, streams, and railroad tracks, and/or by nonvisible boundaries such as city, town, township, and county limits, and short line-of-sight extensions of streets and roads. Census blocks are relatively small in area; for example, a block in a city bounded by streets. However, census blocks in remote areas are often large and irregular and may even be many square miles in area. Census blocks cover all territory in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Island Areas (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Blocks are the SHARON STOUGHTON smallest geographic areas for which the Census Bureau publishes data from the decennial census. A block may consist of one or more faces. Page Street Primary Data Source: Massachusetts Geographic Information System (MassGIS) AVON United States Census Bureau

Norwood Street Produced by Town of Canton, Public Works Department Engineering B 801 Washington Street P o e õÅ139 d a w Canton, MA 02021 r e d l y S ll a a t o S r S B h e t R S a e r t r t e re o Central e e n t Date: 6/16/2017 t Street éé î (!(!î

é (!î

S prag ue BOSTON E

l t m Stre e

S t Rustcraft r Road e e é u e n t î e (! v Chickatawbut Road A Unquity Road n to B n a o C s t o

T n Blue Hill Avenue u P r n r o p v i k i d East Street DEDHAM Randolph Avenue e e n Rotary FEMA Hazard c e

East Street Mitigation Planning Grant MILTON é (!î CANTON, MA WESTWOOD QUINCY Ev erett Map 2: Developable Land Street Blue Hill Drive é Hillside Street d î a (! o R d B n lue é a Hill l River Road î p Land Use (2005) Commercial (! Rail Stations U High Density Industrial Railway Ponkapoag Residential University Avenue BRAINTREE 93 Trail Medium Density Agriculture Blue Star £¤1 Sc Interstate anl Residential D on §¨¦ rive Memorial Highway Low Density Undeveloped U.S. Highway Residential Wetland State Route t Non-Resident... e e tr Developed S é d n

î o Non-numbered Road (! P NORWOOD 95 §¨¦ Water (From LU_2005)

Reed Street Waterways N ah at North Main Street an S é tr ee

(!î t High Street

Pendergast Circle RANDOLPH

Canton Street D e et d e tr h S a t 0 0.5 1 2 m u n S t t s r e e h e C t Miles

Randolph Street Dean Street 90 93 t §¨¦ e re St Liberty §¨¦ n / to Street ng hi as W

T u

r n

i k

e t s t S e e t e WestStreet W r Connector r e t S e t Warren Street õÅ138 Neponset Street é î (! Mazzeo Drive

Pleasant Street

49 5 £¤1 She rman §¨¦ 95 S treet é §¨¦ (!î The information depicted on this map is for planning purposes only. It is not adequate for legal boundary definition, regulatory interpretation, or parcel-level analysis.

Lindelof Avenue This is a statewide, seamless digital dataset of land use / land cover for the State of Massachusetts derived using Church semi-automated methods and based on digital imagery captured in 2005 with 0.5 m pixel resolution. The land use classification Street scheme used for these data is based on a coding schema used in previous land use datasets in Massachusetts with some modifications for the 2005 classification. Plese see http://bit.ly/2egnVLM for reference.

WALPOLE The original land use classifications were generalized for this application in the following fashion: "High Density Residential"; 'Multi-Family Residential' "Medium Density Residential"; 'Medium Density Residential' "Low Density Residential"; 'Low Density Residential', "Very Low Density Residential' STOUGHTON "Non-Residential Developed"; 'Cemetery', 'Golf Course', 'Water-Based Recreation', 'Spectator Recreation', 'Urban Public/Institutional', 'Powerline/Utility', 'Transportation', 'Participation Recreation' SHARON "Commercial"; 'Commercial' "Industrial"; 'Industrial', 'Waste Disposal', 'Junkyard', 'Mining' Page Street "Agriculture"; 'Cropland', 'Pasture' "Undeveloped"; 'Transitional', 'Brushland/Successional', 'Forest', 'Open Land' AVON "Wetland"; 'Forested Wetland', 'Non-Forested Wetland'

Norwood Street Produced by Town of Canton, Public Works Department, Engineering 801 Washington Street B o Canton, MA 02021 P d e õÅ139 w a r e Primary Data Source: y l l d S l a a S t S Massachusetts Geographic Information System (MassGIS) B o h r t a e r R S r e e tr o t e e n Ce t e ntr Date: 6/20/2017 t al Street éé î (!(!î

é (!î

Sprague

E Street l BOSTON m

S t Rustcraft r Road e é e e u

t n î e v katawbut (! Unquity Road Chic Road A n to B n o a s C t o Blue Hill Avenue T n u P r n r o p v i k i d East Street DEDHAM Randolph Avenue e e n Rotary FEMA Hazard c e

East Street MILTON Mitigation Planning Grant

é (!î CANTON, MA WESTWOOD QUINCY Ev erett Map 3: Flood Zones Street Blue Hill Drive é d Hillside Street a î o (! R d n B a lue l Hill R é p iver Road AE U FEMA Q3 (!î Rail Stations Flood Zones Floodway

Ponkapoag AH Railway University Avenue BRAINTREE (from Paper 93 Trail Blue Star £¤1 Sc FIRMs, where AO anl Interstate D on §¨¦ rive Memorial Highway NFHL Data D Unavailable) U.S. Highway VE

t e Flood Zone State Route e tr S X500 é d n Designations

î o (! P Area Not Non-numbered Road NORWOOD 95 A §¨¦ Included Water (From LU_2005) AE

Reed Street N Waterways ah at North Main Street an S é tr ee

(!î t High Street

Pendergast Circle RANDOLPH

Canton Street D e et d e tr h S 0 0.5 1 2 a t m u n S st t r e e h e C t Miles

Randolph Street Dean Street 90 §¨¦ 93 t ee tr Liberty §¨¦ S / n to Street ng hi as W

T u

r n

i k

e t s t S e e t West Street W e r Connector r e t S e t Warren Street õÅ138 Neponset Street é î (! Mazzeo Drive

Pleasant Street

Lindelof Avenue These data represent a subset of the data available on the paper Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) as provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Q3 flood data were developed to support floodplain management and Church planning activities but do not replace the official paper FIRMs. These data are not suitable for engineering applications or site Street work nor can the data be used to determine absolute delineations of flood boundaries. Instead the data should be used to portray zones of uncertainty and possible risks associated with flooding. All counties except Franklin are available for Massachusetts. In ArcSDE the layer is named Q3FLOOD_POLY_NO_NFHL. The datalayer is managed by MassGIS but no WALPOLE effort has been or will be made to correct data discrepancies. FEMA does not recommend the alteration of the data. As a final reminder, these data do not replace the paper FIRMs which remain the official documents.Note that the dataset FEMA_NFHL_POLY, FEMA's National Flood Hazard Layer, represents newer flood zone data which is meant to replace the older data derived from the FIRMs and is available for much of Massachusetts. The data in this layer (Q3FLOOD_POLY_NO_NFHL) contains only the data in the older Q3FLOOD_POLY in areas where the NFHL data are SHARON STOUGHTON not available. Primary Data Source: Page Street Massachusetts Geographic Information System (MassGIS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) AVON Produced by Town of Canton, Public Works Department, Engineering 801 Washington Street Norwood Street Canton, MA 02021

B P o e õÅ139 d a w r e d l y S ll a a t o S r S B h e t R S a e r t r t e re o Central e Date: 6/20/2017 e n t t Street éé î (!(!î

é (!î

S prag ue BOSTON E

l t m Stre e

S t Rustcraft r Road e e é u e n t î e (! v Chickatawbut Road A Unquity Road n to B n a o C s t o

T n Blue Hill Avenue u P r n r o p v i k i d East Street DEDHAM Randolph Avenue e e n Rotary FEMA Hazard c e

East Street Mitigation Planning Grant MILTON é (!î CANTON, MA WESTWOOD QUINCY Ev erett Map 4: Earthquakes / Landslides Street Blue Hill Drive é Hillside Street d î a (! o R d B n lue é a Hill l River Road î p Earthquake Epicenter (! Rail Stations U ! Railway Ponkapoag Landslide Susceptibility University Avenue BRAINTREE 93 Trail Blue Star £¤1 Sc Interstate anl High incidence D on §¨¦ rive Memorial Highway U.S. Highway High susceptibility, moderate incidence State Route t High susceptibility, low incidence e e tr S é d n

î o Moderate incidence Non-numbered Road (! P NORWOOD 95 §¨¦ Moderate susceptibility, low incidence Water (From LU_2005)

Low incidence Reed Street Waterways N ah at North Main Street an S No data é tr ee

(!î t High Street

Pendergast Circle RANDOLPH

Canton Street D Low Incidence e et d e tr h S a t 0 0.5 1 2 m u n S t t s r e e h e C t Miles

Randolph Street Dean Street 90 93 t §¨¦ e re St Liberty §¨¦ n / to Street ng hi as W

T u

r n

i k

e t s t S e e t e WestStreet W r Connector r e t S e t Warren Street õÅ138 Neponset Street é î (! Mazzeo Drive

Pleasant Street

Lindelof Avenue This map delineate areas in the conterminous United States where large numbers of landslides have occurred and areas which Church are susceptible to landsliding. Landslide incidence and susceptibility polygons were digitized from the original stable-base Street manuscripts at 1:3,750,000 from U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1183. The data should be displayed and analyzed at scales appropriate for 1:4,000,000-scale data. They are unsuitable for local planning or actual site selection. For more information see: http://arcg.is/2pHbePJ WALPOLE Produced by Town of Canton, Public Works Department, Engineering 801 Washington Street Canton, MA 02021 Primary Data Source: STOUGHTON Massachusetts Geographic Information System (MassGIS) SHARON United States Geological Survey (USGS)

Page Street AVON

Norwood Street

B o P d e õÅ139 w a r e y l l d S l a a S t S B o h r t a e r R S r e e tr o t e e n Ce t e ntr Date: 6/20/2017 t al Street éé î (!(!î

é (!î

S prag ue BOSTON E

l t m Stre e

S t Rustcraft r Road e e é u e n t î e (! v Chickatawbut Road A Unquity Road n to B n a o C s t o

T n Blue Hill Avenue u P UNNAMED - 1876 r n r o p v i k i d East Street DEDHAM Randolph Avenue e e n Rotary FEMA Hazard c e

East Street Mitigation Planning Grant MILTON é (!î CANTON, MA WESTWOOD QUINCY Map 5: Hurricanes / Tornadoes E ve re St t re t e Blue Hill t Drive é Hillside Street d î a (! o R d B n lue é a Hill

R î l UNNAMED - 1915 iver Road p IBTrACS - Storms (! Rail Stations U UNNAMED - 1902 Railway Ponkapoag University Avenue BRAINTREE 93 Trail Blue Star £¤1 Sc Interstate anl D on §¨¦ rive Memorial Highway U.S. Highway HANNA - 2008 State Route t e e tr S é d n

î o Non-numbered Road (! P NORWOOD 95 §¨¦ Water (From LU_2005)

Reed Street Waterways N ah at North Main Street an S é tr ee

(!î t High Street

Pendergast Circle RANDOLPH

Canton Street D e et d e tr h S a t 0 0.5 1 2 m u n S t t s r e e h e C t Miles

Randolph Street Dean Street 90 93 t §¨¦ e re St Liberty §¨¦ n / to Street ng hi as W

T u

r n

i k

e t s t S e e t e WestStreet W r Connector r e t S e t Warren Street õÅ138 NOT NAMED - 1858 Neponset Street é

î UNNAMED - 1888 (! Mazzeo Drive

Pleasant Street

Lindelof Avenue Hurricane map data was provided by IBTrACS via National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Church UNNAMED - 1888 Street The intent of the IBTrACS project is to overcome data availability issues. This was achieved by working directly with all the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centers and other international centers and individuals to create a global best track dataset, merging storm information from multiple centers into one product and archiving the data for public use.

WALPOLE See: https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/ibtracs/index.php for more information.

Produced by Town of Canton, Public Works Department, Engineering 801 Washington Street STOUGHTON Canton, MA 02021 SHARON Primary Data Source: Page Street Massachusetts Geographic Information System (MassGIS) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) AVON

Norwood Street

B o P d e õÅ139 w a r e y l l d S l a a S t S B o h r t a e r R S r e e tr o t e e n Ce t e ntr Date: 6/20/2017 t al Street éé î (!(!î

é (!î

S prag ue BOSTON E

l t m Stre e

S t Rustcraft r Road e e é u e n t î e (! v Chickatawbut Road A Unquity Road n to B n a o C s t o

T n Blue Hill Avenue u P r n r o p v i k i d East Street DEDHAM Randolph Avenue e e n Rotary FEMA Hazard c e

East Street Mitigation Planning Grant MILTON é (!î CANTON, MA WESTWOOD QUINCY Ev erett Map 6: Average Snowfall Street Blue Hill Drive é Hillside Street d î a (! o R d B n lue é a Hill l River Road î p Average Snowfall 07-08 to 16-17 (! Rail Stations U Railway Ponkapoag 62.75" University Avenue BRAINTREE 93 Trail Blue Star £¤1 Sc Interstate anl D on §¨¦ rive Memorial Highway U.S. Highway State Route t e e tr S é d n

î o Non-numbered Road (! P NORWOOD 95 §¨¦ Water (From LU_2005)

Reed Street Waterways N ah at North Main Street an S é tr ee

(!î t High Street

Pendergast Circle RANDOLPH

Canton Street D e et d e tr h S a t 0 0.5 1 2 m u n S t t s r e e h e C t Miles

Randolph Street Dean Street 90 93 t §¨¦ e re St Liberty §¨¦ n / to Street ng hi as W

T u

r n

i k

e t s t S e e t e WestStreet W r Connector r e t S e t Warren Street õÅ138 Neponset Street é î (! Mazzeo Drive

Pleasant Street

Lindelof Avenue Produced by Town of Canton, Public Works Department, Engineering 801 Washington Street Church Canton, MA 02021 Street Primary Data Source: Massachusetts Geographic Information System (MassGIS) WALPOLE Town of Canton Department of Public Works

STOUGHTON SHARON

Page Street AVON

Norwood Street

B o P d e õÅ139 w a r e y l l d S l a a S t S B o h r t a e r R S r e e tr o t e e n Ce t e ntr Date: 6/20/2017 t al Street éé î (!(!î

é (!î

S prag ue BOSTON E

l t m Stre e

S t Rustcraft r Road e e é u e n t î e (! v Chickatawbut Road A Unquity Road n to B n a o C s t o

T n Blue Hill Avenue u P r n r o p v i k i d East Street DEDHAM Randolph Avenue e e n Rotary FEMA Hazard c e

East Street Mitigation Planning Grant MILTON é (!î CANTON, MA WESTWOOD QUINCY Ev erett Map 7: Composite Natural Hazards Street Blue Hill Drive é Hillside Street d î a (! o R d B n lue é a Hill l River Road î p (! Rail Stations U Composite Natural Hazards Railway Ponkapoag University Avenue BRAINTREE Low (2 Hazards) 93 Trail Blue Star £¤1 Sc Interstate anl D on §¨¦ rive Memorial Highway Moderate (3 Hazards) U.S. Highway State Route t e High (4 Hazards) e tr S é d n

î o Non-numbered Road (! P NORWOOD 95 Very High (5 Hazards) §¨¦ Water (From LU_2005) Composite natural hazards shown for areas of existing development. Reed Street Waterways N Hazards include: ah at North Main Street an S é tr • 100 year wind speed of 110 MPH or higher ee (!î t • Moderate landslide risk High Street • FEMA Q3 flood zones

Pendergast Circle RANDOLPH • Average snowfall of 36.1" or more • Hurricane surge innudation areas Canton Street D e et d e tr h S a t 0 0.5 1 2 m u n S t t s r e e h e C t Miles

Randolph Street Dean Street 90 93 t §¨¦ e re St Liberty §¨¦ n / to Street ng hi as W

T u

r n

i k

e t s t S e e t e WestStreet W r Connector r e t S e t Warren Street õÅ138 Neponset Street é î (! Mazzeo Drive

Pleasant Street

STOUGHTON SHARON

Page Street AVON

Norwood Street

B o P d e õÅ139 w a r e y l l d S l a a S t S B o h r t a e r R S r e e tr o t e e n Ce t e ntr Date: 6/20/2017 t al Street S prag ue BOSTON E

l t m Stre e

S t Rustcraft r Road e e u e n t ve ickatawbut R A Unquity Road Ch oad n to B n a o C s t o

T n Blue Hill Avenue u P r n r o p v i k i d East Street DEDHAM Randolph Avenue e e n Rotary FEMA Hazard c e

East Street Mitigation Planning Grant MILTON CANTON, MA WESTWOOD QUINCY Ev erett Map 8: Local Hazard Areas Street Blue Hill Drive

Hillside Street d a o R d B n lue é a Hill l River Road î p Potential (! Rail Stations U Development Railway Ponkapoag Sites University Avenue BRAINTREE 93 Trail Blue Star £¤1 Sc Interstate anl D on §¨¦ rive Critical Facilities Memorial Highway " U.S. Highway State Route t e e tr S d n o Non-numbered Road P NORWOOD 95 §¨¦ Water (From LU_2005)

Reed Street Waterways N ah at North Main Street an S tre

et High Street

Pendergast Circle RANDOLPH

Canton Street D e et d e tr h S a t 0 0.5 1 2 m u n S t t s r e e h e C t Miles

Randolph Street Dean Street 90 93 t §¨¦ e re St Liberty §¨¦ n / to Street ng hi as W

T u

r n

i k

e t s t S e e t e WestStreet W r Connector r e t S e t Warren Street õÅ138 Neponset Street

Mazzeo Drive

Pleasant Street

49 5 £¤1 She rman §¨¦ 95 S treet §¨¦ The information depicted on this map is for planning purposes only. It is not adequate for legal boundary definition, regulatory interpretation, or parcel-level analysis.

STOUGHTON SHARON

Page Street AVON

Norwood Street

B o P d e õÅ139 w a r e y l l d S l a a S t S B o h r t a Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe,e GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID,r IGN, and R S r e e tr o t e e n Ce t e the GIS User Community ntr Date: 6/20/2017 t al Street

APPENDIX B: MEETING AGENDAS FOR MITIGATION PLANING TEAM

Town of Canton February 27, 2017

First Meeting Agenda

1. Welcome and introductions

2. Review of grant scope of work and progress to date

3. Review aerial photograph a. Identify natural hazard areas i. Hazard type ii. Hazard severity iii. Hazard frequency iv. Existing mitigation measures v. Potential mitigation measures b. Identify future/potential development i. Type of development ii. Classify (existing, under construction, future, potential) iii. Zoning iv. Number of units/square feet v. Developer/owner vi. Potential adverse effects

4. Next steps 5. The following schedule was developed based upon the meeting. 6. Attendees: Charles Aspinwall – Town Administrator Michael Trotta – DPW Superintendent James Donovan- Town Engineer Edward Walsh – Building Commissioner Charles Doody – Fire Chief Laura Smead – Town Planner (added at meeting 1) Mike Ray - GIS

CANTON HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE TENTATIVE SCHEDULE.

Project Team: Charles Aspinwall – Town Administrator Michael Trotta – DPW Superintendent James Donovan- Town Engineer Edward Walsh – Building Commissioner Charles Doody – Fire Chief Laura Smead – Town Planner (added at meeting 1) Mike Ray - GIS

Team Meeting 1 – February 24, 2017

Document Distribution – April 24, 2017 GCG to email to the HMP with sections marked up with the appropriate person to review and update the section including comments from Meeting 1. This will be in word documents.

Document Review (2 weeks) – May 8, 2017 Each member of team to submit comments back to GCG in word document or other method for incorporation into plan.

Document Update GCG will incorporate comments into plan and update and send back to team members by May 15, 2017.

Team Meeting 2 – May 19th at 10:00 a.m. (Town of Canton) Review of draft plan with team.

Public Meeting/Outreach with stakeholders – May 31, 2017 Publish and advertise public meeting two weeks to meeting and engage abutting communities.

Team Meeting 3 – June 2, 2017 Discus and review comments from public hearing. Determine is a second meeting is necessary.

Document Update - June 9, 2017 GCG to update plan to incorporate public hearing and team meeting comments and submit to team for review.

Document Review (2 weeks) – June 23, 2017 Each member of team to submit comments back to GCG in word document or other method for incorporation into plan.

Public Hearing with Selectmen – July 25, 2017 GCG to finalize document and a public hearing with selectmen to review and approve submittal to MEMA.

Town of Canton May 19, 2017

Second Meeting Agenda

1. Welcome and introductions

2. Review of grant scope of work and progress to date. Reviewed various comments from department heads.

3. Review GIS plans a. Identify natural hazard areas i. Hazard type ii. Hazard severity iii. Hazard frequency iv. Existing mitigation measures v. Potential mitigation measures b. Identify future/potential development i. Type of development ii. Classify (existing, under construction, future, potential) iii. Zoning iv. Number of units/square feet v. Developer/owner vi. Potential adverse effects

4. Next steps 5. Attendees Charles Aspinwall – Town Administrator Michael Trotta – DPW Superintendent Charles Doody – Fire Chief Laura Smead – Town Planner Chief Ken Berkowitz – Police Mike Ray – GIS

APPENDIX C: ONLINE SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE

HAZARD MITIGATION SURVEY - CANTON Please take a moment to answer the questions below. The Town of Canton updating the Town’s Hazard Mitigation Plan which was previously approved on December 9, 2010 by FEMA. This existing hazard mitigation plan identifies natural and human caused hazards throughout the Town. It also presents an assessment of critical facilities vulnerable to these hazards. The new and updated plan will list potential actions needed to reduce risk and future damage. Although the plan enables the Town to be eligible for various assistance grants, the plan’s value really lies in the identification of hazards and helps the Town and its residents better prepare for disasters. The previously approved plan can be found on the Town’s web site at ------add link Your participation can make our community more resilient to a disaster.

Dear Resident or Community Member, Is your home or office building susceptible to damage from earthquakes, wildfires, or floods? Do you want to recover more quickly from disasters and prevent future damage from these and other hazards? Take this survey! Your input will help the local planning team to understand the community’s concerns, and your input will help guide discussions during the plan development process.

Attend public meetings. At least two public meetings will be held during the planning process in each participating community to discuss the plan's progress and content. Meeting notices and related documents will be posted on your community's website.

Thank you for your participation and input! This survey is open to residents and other stakeholders in participating communities, including business operators, property owners, local officials, and institutional or organizational partners. Please limit your response to ONE (1) per household, business or organizations.

1 Are you a resident or a business in Canton? Business Resident List Address (street) - Optional

2 Do you own or rent? Own Rent 3 What type of supplemental insurance do you have? (Check all that apply.) Earthquake Insurance Flood Insurance Neither Earthquake nor Flood Insurance 4 In your household has anyone done any of the following preparedness activities? (Check all that apply.)

Talked about what to do in case of an emergency or natural disaster. Prepared a family emergency plan. Attended a course dealing with emergency preparedness (e.g, CERT, First Aid, CPR). Made an emergency kit or assembled emergency supplies. 5 Do you think you are well informed about the dangers of the hazards affecting Canton? Yes No 6 What hazards are most likely to impact Canton? (Check all that apply.) Flooding Severe snowstorms/ice storms/nor’easter Severe thunderstorms/winds/tornadoes

Hurricane/tropical storms Wildfires/brush fires

Earthquakes Dam failures Drought 7. If you answered 'yes' to the previous question, please indicate the type(s) of disaster and the frequency with which you have experienced them in your community Once or a few times in my Multiple times each year About once a year Every few years lifetime

Flooding Multiple times Flooding About Flooding Every few Flooding Once or a few Flooding Flooding Never each year once a year years times in my lifetime

Severe Severe snowstorms/ Severe snowstorms/ Severe Severe snowstorms/ Severe snowstorms/ ice storms/ice storms/ nor'easters Multipicele storms/ nor'easters Aboutsnowstorms/ ice storms/ ice storms/ nor'easters Once orsnowstorms/ a ice storms/ nor'easters times each year once a year nor'easters Every few yearsfew times in my lifetime nor'easters Never

Severe Severe thunderstorms/ Severe Severe Severe thunderstorms/ Severe thunderstorms/ winds/winds/ tornadoes Multiple timesthunderstorms/ winds/ thunderstorms/ winds/ winds/ tornadoes Once or a fewthunderstorms/ winds/ tornadoes each year tornadoes About once a yeartornadoes Every few yearstimes in my lifetime tornadoes Never

Hurricanes/ tropical Hurricanes/ tropical Hurricanes/ tropical Hurricanes/ tropical Hurricanes/ tropical Hurricanes/ storms Once or a few times in my storms storms Multiple times each yearstorms About once a year storms Every few years tropical storms Never lifetime

Wildfires/ Wildfires/ Wildfires/ brush Wildfires/ Wildfires/ Wildfires/ brushfires Multiple times each brushfires Once or a few times in fires brushfires About once a yearbrushfires Every few years brushfires Never year my lifetime

Earthquakes Earthquakes Multiple Earthquakes About Earthquakes Every Earthquakes Once or a times each year once a year few years few times in my lifetime Earthquakes Never

Dam failures Dam failures Multiple Dam failures About Dam failures Every Dam failures Once or a Dam times each year once a year few years few times in my lifetime failures Never

Droughts Multiple Droughts About Droughts Every few Droughts Once or a Droughts Droughts Never times each year once a year years few times in my lifetime

8. Does your street, home or business flood regularly during significant rain events? Yes No If yes, please provide the street name and specific location(s) on the street

9. If your street, home or business floods regularly during significant rain events, how many times did it flood during the past 12 months? 1 time 2 times 3 times 4 times 5+ times 10. Is your home located in a designated floodplain or flood zone? Yes No I don't know

11 Would you attend public education classes dealing with hazard awareness & preparedness if they were offered? Yes No 12 What are the most effective ways for you to receive information about disaster preparedness? (Check all that apply.) Town Website e-Newsletter (e.g. Town Managers Weekly Update) Public Workshop/Class/Meeting Social Media (Facebook, Twitter) Other If other, type text here. 13 Are there any other issues regarding the reduction of risk and loss associated with natural hazards or disasters the city/town can implement that you think are important? (OPTIONAL)

14 THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION! The survey may be submitted anonymously. However, if you would like to receive information regarding upcoming public meetings for the hazard mitigation plan, please provide your name and contact information below. First Name: Last Name: Email: Phone: ext.

Canton Hazard Mitigation Survey – Summary Results Start Date: 6/13/17; End date: 6/30/17 Number of Responses: 31 Report Time: 7/3/2017 at 8:30AM 1. Are you a resident or a business in Canton?

2. Do you own or rent?

3. What type of supplemental insurance do you have?

4. In your household has anyone done any of the following prepardenss activities?

5. Do you think you are well informed about the dangers of the hazards affecting Canton?

6. What hazards are most likely to impact Canton? (check all that apply)

7. If you answered ‘yes’ to the previous question, please indicate the type(s) of disaster and the frequency with which you have experienced them in your community.

Category Response Count Percentage Flooding Multiple times each year 4 13.79 About once a year 8 27.59 Every few years 4 13.79 Once or a few times in my lifetime 7 24.14 Never 6 20.69 Severe snowstorms/ice Multiple times each year 16 51.61 storms/ nor’easters About once a year 9 29.03 Every few years 8 29.63 Once or a few times in my lifetime 0 0 Never 0 0 Severe Multiple times each year 8 29.63 thunderstorms/winds/tor nados About once a year 12 44.44 Every few years 6 22.22 Once or a few times in my lifetime 0 0 Never 1 3.70 Hurricanes/tropical Multiple times each year 1 3.33 storms About once a year 7 23.33 Every few years 15 50.00 Once or a few times in my lifetime 5 16.67 Never 2 6.67 Wildfires/brush fires Multiple times each year 0 0

About once a year 1 4.17 Every few years 4 16.67 Once or a few times in my lifetime 8 33.33 Never 11 45.83 Earthquakes Multiple times each year 0 0 About once a year 0 0 Every few years 0 0 Once or a few times in my lifetime 8 34.78 Never 15 65.22 Dam failures Multiple times each year 1 4.00 About once a year 1 4.00 Every few years 0 0 Once or a few times in my lifetime 2 8.00 Never 20 80.00 Droughts Multiple times each year 0 0 About once a year 5 17.24 Every few years 11 37.93 Once or a few times in my lifetime 12 41.38 Never 1 3.45

8. Does your street, home or business flood regularly during significant rain events?

If yes, please provide the street name and specific location(s) on the street

9. If your street, home or business floods regularly during significant rain events, how many times did it flood during the past 12 months?

10. Is your home or business located in a designated floodplain or flood zone in Canton?

11. Would you attend public education classes dealing with hazard awardness & prepardness if they were offered?

12. What are the most effective ways for you to receive information about disaster prepardness?

13. Are there any other issues regarding the reduction of risk and loss associated with natural hazards or disasters the city/town can implement that you think are important?

● Would the town consider repaving our road and creating additional drainage at the bottom of the hill?

● There is a gas pipeline at the end of my street. I don’t know what to do if there is an emergency – that’s the only way out of this street. ● Water contamination, extended loss of electricity, infection control

14. Thank you for your participation! The survey may be submitted anonymously. However, if you would like to receive information regarding upcoming public meetings for the hazard mitigation plan, please provide your name and contact information below.

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APPENDIX D: DOCUMENTATION OF PUBLIC MEETING

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103 CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION BOARD OF SELECTMEN TOWN OF CANTON, MASSACHUSETTS A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE TOWN OF CANTON HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN 2018 UPDATE

WHEREAS, the Town of Canton established a Committee to prepare the Town of Canton Hazard Mitigation Plan 2018 Update; and,

WHEREAS, the Town of Canton Hazard Mitigation Plan 2018 Update contains several potential future projects to mitigate potential impacts from natural hazards in the Town of Canton, and, WHEREAS, duly-noticed public meeting were held by the Board of Selectmen on July 25, 2017 and the Board of Selectmen on May 29, 2018, WHEREAS, the Town of Canton authorizes responsible departments and/or agencies to execute their responsibilities demonstrated in the plan,

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Of CantOCl BOARD OF SELECTMEN aCIOptS tll2 Town of Canton Hazard Mitigation Plan 2018 Update, in accordance with M.G.L. 40 §4 or the charter and bylaws of the Town of Canton.

ADOPTED AND SIGNED THIS TWENTY-NINTH DAY OF MAY, 2018:

Names)Titles) Signatures)

oh on olly Mark J

. (/li Kevin T. Feeney , Christopher J.

ThoFn~'s W. Thkodore

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APPENDIX F: FEMA LETTER OF APPROVAL

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