HomeMy WebLinkAboutFlood Hazard Mitigation Plan
Augusta Richmond GA
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City of Augusta
Georgia
Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan
INFORMA nON ONLY - September 2003
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City of Augusta
Georgia
Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan
INFORMATtON ONl'f - September 2003
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Table of Contents
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Executive Summary .......................................................,.......................... v
Resolution of Adoption,........ ............ ........... ..,............ .......... .................. ..ix
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Part 1.
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.3,1
1.3,2
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
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Part 2.
2,1
2,2
2.3
2,3,1
2.3,2
2,3,3
2.3.4
2.4
2,5
2.6
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Part 3.
3,1
3,2
3.3
3.4
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Part 4.
4.1
4,2
4,2,1
4,3
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Introduction
Introduction", "".. "'" """.""""",'."."., ".."",. ,......, ,... ..........., ....., ,...' ...'.' '" I-I
Authority... ....................... .................................. .................. .........., ....,..,.., I-I
Planning Area ,........,....,...."...............,......................,......,.........,........,...,..1-1
Geography and Climate ............,....,...........................................................1-2
Population and Growth .........,................,...............................................,..,1-2
Planning Committee Membership ........................................................,....1-6
Acknowledgments ."",'..','.. .,'.."...."..,..""",...... ,.... ",......""".......... ".", ",. 1-6
Key Terms """,'...'",'.'"".,.,.,.,.,."".".",."",.".,.""""".""".""",.".,...,..".,. 1- 7
Acronyms.,....... ..,... ..". .,..".. "" ..,.. '........'...,.., .......... ......., ,'....'.... ....', '....,..', 1-8
References""".",.."",.."",..."""..."...,....... ......,.,.........,........'..........'....'..... 1-8
Introduction to Mitigation Planning
Introduction.".,.""....,....". ..."..",..",..,..",.,..",.."'..','..'"""".,.........."....,..,, 2-1
The Mitigation Planning Process ......................................,........................ 2-2
Public Involvement in Mitigation Planning ..............................................,2-4
Public Meeting - Introduction ..................................................................., 2-4
Public Questionnaire""..,.............".,...",..""",......, .....' .........",..",.., ,....,..,,2-5
Final Public Meeting...........,..."....,.,..",.,.. ...,......,....,..........,...,.......""",..,,2-5
Public Sessions of Commission .............................................................,.. 2-6
Augusta's 1998 Mitigation Plan ...........................,.................:............,......2-6
The State Mitigation Plan ........,.....................................,.....,....,................2-7
Federal Mitigation Planning Requirements ,..,................................,..........2-8
Mitigation Goal Statements
Introduction...,............."..,.....,.".,....,........,........."..... '....,..'..,.,..............,.,. 3-1
Augusta's Mitigation Goal..............................................................,..........3-1
Georgia's Mitigation Goals ........,............,......................................."..,...... 3-2
FEMA's Mitigation Goal..................,............,.........................................., 3-3
Hazards in Augusta
Introduction..,."".,....,...."...,...",..."."..,..."""".."....."......"..."."""...,."..., 4-1
Overview of Risks ..,................,..................,............,.............,....,..............4-1
Weather-Related Deaths .............................,..,.......................,....,.............' 4-1
Public Awareness of Flood Hazards .......,.............................,..,................. 4-2
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ICily of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Information Only 9/03)
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4.4
4,5
4,6
Part 5.
5,1
5,1.1
5,1.2
5,1,3
5,1.4
5,1,5
5,2
5,3
5.4
5,5
5,6
5,7
5,8
Part 6.
6,1
6,2
6,2,1
6,2,2
6,2,3
6,2.4
6,3
6.4
6,5
6,6
6,7
6,8
6,9
Part 7.
7,1
7,2
7,3
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Overview of Augusta's Natural Hazards History ...................................... 4-4
Losses Due to Major Disasters................................................................... 4-5
Hazards Other than Flood ..,......".............,..,....,..............................,........., 4-6
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Flood Hazards in Augusta
Flood Hazards: Overview.......................,.............................................,.. 5-1
Defining Flood Hazards ..,........,........,....................................,....,............,' 5-1
Savannah River .....,... ............,..,.., ......., ..... ........... ...., ,.. .............., .......... ...., 5-3
Urban Watersheds... ............... ............ .....' ...., ...... ,............, ..,................, ...., 5-9
Rural Watersheds .......,..........,.........................,............,.................,....,.... 5-10
Dams and Flooding ,................................,................................,............... 5-11
Flood Risks - Buildings.............................................,............................, 5-13
Flood Risks - Public Properties ....................................,..............,........... 5-17
Flood Risks - Utilities .........................,.................................................. 5-22
Flood Risks - Roads ..............................................................................., 5-24
Flood Risks - Local Drainage...............,..,..........................,..,................. 5-27
Flood Risks - Hazardous Materials ...................................,.....................5-28
Summary: Exposure to Flood Risks........................................................ 5-29
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Augusta Capability to Address Flood Hazards
The City's Government Structure........,....,................................................. 6-1
How the City Plans and Grows...............,..,............................,.........,........ 6-2
Planning for the Future ........,.............................................,......................, 6-3
Regulating Development (General) ......,..............................................,....,6-5
Building Permits and Inspections ..,..........................,.............................. 6-10
Regulating Flood Hazard Areas........,......................................,..,............ 6-12
Emergency Management ... ........................ ,..... ...... ...........,........' ............' 6-16
Public Works & Engineering...............,........................,................,........,6-17
Other Departments & Programs........,.............,.................................,......6-19
Communicating about Flood Hazards........,..................,.......................... 6-21
Post-Flood Actions .............. .........., ...........,..""...... ..... ..... ..,.... ......,.,......, 6-22
Continued Compliance with the NFlP ................................,....................6-23
Natural Resources .... ......, .......... .........,.................., ....... ........, ...........,...... 6-26
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Flood Mitigation Initiatives
Introduction."",..""...."",.."."..."..",.."...""".".",...."....""""""......""""" 7-1
Augusta Levee ...,..,........ ........,.........,....,....."....,............................,...."...., 7-1
Other Flood Reduction Projects................................................,................ 7-2
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Table of Contents I
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7.3.1
7,3,2
7,3,3
7,3.4
7.4
7.4,1
7.4,2
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Part 8.
8,1
8,2
8,2.1
8,3
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Part 9.
9,1
9.2
9,3
9.4
9,5
9,6
9,7
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Part 10.
10.1
10,2
10,3
10.4
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Appendices
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A,
B,
Floodplain Acquisitions .................,....,.............................................,..,...., 7-3
Rae's Creek Improvement '.......,..........,......,............................................... 7-4
Oates Creek Project ........,..,......,..,.......................,..................................,.. 7-4
Georgia DOT and Cranes Creek,......................................................,........ 7-5
Flood Mitigaton Studies...,..................,..,...,.............................................., 7-7
Corps of Engineers: Flood Reduction Study............................................, 7-8
Rae's Creek Hydrology Study (2001) ....,................................................... 7-9
Mitigation Actions
Identifying Priority Actions ............................,.......................................... 8-1
Mitigation Actions .........,..,........,...............................,............................... 8-1
Implementation of Actions ,.....,..,........'.....,............................................... 8-8
Links to Mitigation Goal Statement......................................................... 8-11
State Agencies & FEMA Programs
Overview",... ,.,.."",'..'"""",..,..,..'"",...'" ..."""..,.""..",...."",.",....."""....,9-1
Georgia Emergency Management Agency................................................ 9-1
Georgia Department of Natural Resources ................................................ 9-3
Georgia Department of Community Affairs .............................................. 9-4
Georgia Department of Transportation ..............................................,..,.... 9-5
FEMA National Flood Insurance Program ....................,................,.........,9-5
FEMA Mitigation Grant Programs .......................,......,............................. 9-6
1m plementation
Distribution ....,.... ...... ...... .......,...." .......,......., ................................... ......., 10-1
Implementation ..", ..', ,,'.. .,...,........,...,.., ,...,......,..........,'........'"",.....".."", 1 0-1
Monitoring & Progress Reports ..............,................................................10-1
Revisions",..........",.......".,....,."",.,.......,...".,.."""...".",..............,....,...... 1 0-2
Planning Committee Meeting Minutes ....................,.........................,......A-I
Public Outreach Materials.........................................................,.............,' 8-1
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D,
C. Savannah River Public Facility Summary ................................................ C-1
Annual Progress Reports..............,........".................................................. D-1
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I City of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Information Only 9/03)
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Population Trends (1980-2000) .......................................,....................,.. 1-3
Number of Land Parcels .............,...........,.................................................1-4
Weather Related Deaths and Injuries (1950-2003) ..................,................,4-2
Selected Recent floods and Declared Disasters .............................,..........4-4
Waterways on Augusta's fIRM ...........................................................,.....5-3
Estimates of Damage Potential: Rocky Creek (1998)............................. 5-10
High Hazard Dams Affecting Augusta ..................,.......,......................... 5-13
Floodplain Buildings, by Commission District........................................5-14
Flood-Prone Roads ..............,...............................,..,........................,....... 5-25
Permit & Inspection Activity: (2001,2002) .................,............,...........,6-12
Floodplain Approvals (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003) .....................................6-13
Status of Augusta's Greenspace (2003)....................................................6-27
Floodplain Acquisition Grants (as of mid-2003) .............,.,....................... 7-3
Mitigation Actions: Time Period FY2004 - FY2009 ..................,............. 8-9
Linking Mitigation Goals & Actions ...........,.......................,...................8-12
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Tables
1-1
1-2
4-1
4-2
5-1
5-2
5-3
5-4
5-5
6-1
6-2
6-3
7-1
8-1
8-2
Maps
5-1
5-2
5-3
5-4
Figures
1-1
1-2
5-2
7-1
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Mapped Flood Hazards .."........................................,....,..........,................. 5-5
NFIP Policies, Claims, Repetitive Losses..................,.............,................. 5-7
High Hazard Dams (and watersheds).........................,..,.............,............ 5-12
Public Buildings and Public Lands .........................................................' 5-19
Vicinity Map: State of Georgia................................................................. 1,2
City of Augusta: Commission Districts ......,.............................................1,2
Rainfall Affects Treatment Costs..,.......................................................,.. 5-24
USGS Savannah River Gage at Augusta ......................,....,......................, 7-2
Table of contents.
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Executive Summary
Augusta, Georgia, undertook development of this Flood Hazard
Mitigation Plan ("the Plan") because of increasing awareness that flood
hazards may affect many people and properties in the area. The Plan is a
requirement associated with receipt of certain federal mitigation grant
program funds administered by the Georgia Emergency Management
Agency, In addition, the Plan is a pre-qualification of eligibility for other
mitigation funds.
The Plan was prepared by City staff representing the Augusta-Richmond
County Planning Commission, License & Inspection, Public Works &
Engineering, Emergency Management, the Fire Department, Augusta
Utilities, Housing & Neighborhood Development, Recreation & Parks,
Information Technology, and the Finance Department. State and federal
agencies were notified and invited to attend.
Augusta has experienced a number of flood events with increased
frequency and severity in recent years. Although not generally resulting
in damage to buildings, drainage problems often result in water on major
roads and present risks to the traveling public, Flood hazard areas are
found along all waterways, including the Savannah River and urban
streams. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates flood controls on
the Savannah River, but there remains a low probability of significant
flooding, Downtown Augusta is protected by the Augusta Levee which
provides protection along the Savannah River from the boundary with
Columbia County downstream to the New Savannah Lock and Dam.
The urban streams where flooding has caused the most damage include
Rae's Creek, Cranes Creek, Rock Creek, Augusta Canal, Rocky Creek,
and Oates Creek. In the rural parts of the City, less development has
encroached into floodplains, The City has some expansive flood-prone
areas on the City's eastern side, notably the Phinizy Swamp and below
the Savannah Lock and Dam where the Savannah River floodplain is no
longer modified by the Levee.
. City of Augusta. GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Information Only 9/03)
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Executive Summary.
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This Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan sets the stage for long-term disaster
resistance through identification of actions that will, over time, reduce the
exposure of people and property to natural hazards. Sections of the Plan:
. Provide overviews of the flood hazards that threaten the City,
. Characterize the people and property that are exposed to some risk due
to flood hazards,
· Outline the planning process,
. Describe how flood hazards are recognized in the City's normal
processes and functions, and
· Identify priority mitigation action items,
Using the City's Geographic Information System data on buildings and
comparing that data to the most recent flood hazard maps prepared by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency, about 3,700 buildings are
exposed to some degree of flood hazard. Generally, in recent years,
flooding has resulted from localized and intense storms that do not affect
all waterways. Some areas have flooded repetitively in the past ten years.
Unfortunately, as ofmid-2003, fewer than 20% of buildings that are in
flood hazard areas are covered by flood insurance,
The City of Augusta recognizes that long-term flood hazard avoidance
begins with sound land use management. Prior to consolidation, the City
and Richmond County adopted floodplain management ordinances. In
response to flood events, the ordinance was modified significantly in
1991 and 2000, most recently to increase freeboard and strengthen
grading and "no rise" requirements. The City emphasizes guiding
development away from floodways and that portion of the flood fringe
that is defined as the "lower floodway fringe." With respect to existing
flood-prone development, the City has received mitigation grant funds to
support acquisition and demolition of22 homes in the most flood-prone
areas. The initiative is expected to continue as funding becomes
available.
To address the identified hazards and flood-related impacts on citizens,
public safety, and the City's infrastructure, eleven actions are identified in
the Plan. The citizens of Augusta will benefit as progress is made toward
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the City's mitigation goal over the next 5-10 years. The priority actions
are related to:
· Drainage and Stormwater Management
· Flood Warning
· Public Awareness Initiative
· Flood Hazard Map Revisions and Updates
· Flood Mitigation Projects
· Soil Erosion and Sediment Control
· Flood Mitigation Staffing
· NFIP Community Rating System
· Sewer Line Infiltration & Inflow
· Savannah River Flood Protection & Awareness
· Dam Safety
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Two public meetings on consecutive nights were held near the beginning
of the mitigation planning process to introduce the concept of mitigation
planning and to invite public comment. The final draft plan was
scheduled to be presented at another public meeting and was made
available for comment on the City's web site, in the Augusta-Richmond
County Planning Commission's office, and in the Main Branch of the
Public Library located on Greene Street. Notices of all public meetings
were sent by mail or e-mail to adjacent communities, federal and state
agencies, and numerous neighborhood associations. Public notices were
placed in the Augusta Chronicle and posted on the City's web site.
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The [mal Plan was presented and adopted at a public meeting of the
Augusta Commission on _ 2003.
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. City of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Information Only 9/03)
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Resolution of Adoption
Resolution of Adoption (page 1)
Copy of executed resolution provided after adoption
I City of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Information Only 9/03)
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_: Resolution of Adoption I
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Resolution of Adoption (page 2)
Copy of executed resolution provided after adoption
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Part 1
Introduction
1.1 Introduction
The City of Augusta, GA undertook development of this Flood Hazard
Mitigation Plan ("the Plan") because of increasing awareness that natural
and man-made hazards, especially flood hazards, may affect many people
and property in the area. The Plan is a requirement associated with
receipt of certain federal mitigation grant program funds administered by
the Georgia Emergency Management Agency. In addition, the Plan is a
pre-qualification of eligibility for other mitigation funds.
1,2 Authority
The Augusta Emergency Management Agency and the Augusta-
Richmond County Planning Commission were designated by the Mayor
and the Augusta Commission to coordinate with other appropriate
departments and agencies to facilitate the development of the Plan in
conformance with state and federal guidelines.
The Plan was prepared pursuant to the Flood Mitigation Assistance
Program (44 CFR 78.6) and the process outlined in materials prepared by
the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the Community Rating
System of the National Flood Insurance Program.
1,3 Planning Area
In 1996, the City of Augusta and Richmond County consolidated
governments and is now known as the City of Augusta, located in central
eastern Georgia (Figure 1-1). The Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan is
prepared for the entire City (Figure 1-2), but excludes the cities of
Hephzibah and Blythe, both located in the southwestern quadrant. Also
excluded is Fort Gordon, a federal military installation.
Augusta is a central city in the Augusta-Aiken, GA-SC Metropolitan
Statistical Area. Other counties in the MSA are Columbia and McDuffie
in Georgia, and Aiken and Edgefield in South Carolina.
Today, the City of Augusta comprises 152,072 acres (the former City was
13,108 acres and the former County was 139,964 acres). The total area is
. City of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Information Only 9/03)
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Part 1: Introduction I
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210,029 acres (includes Blyth with 695 acres, Hephzibah with 11,976
acres, and Fort Gordon with 44,286 acres).
Slate of Georgia
Augusta Richmond County
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Figure 1-1. Vicinity Map: State of Georgia.
LComml~!Q-'l..Qi.~rict;l-:::J
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<:'III,,*-.I,n D.vlt.
CQMlelg
0'
0'
0'
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B:
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Figure 1-2, City of Augusta: Commission Districts,
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1.3.1 Geography and Climate
The topography of the Augusta-Richmond County area consists chiefly of
rolling hills, with occasional steep hills. The soils within the watersheds
and floodplains are composed of highly erodible, coarse sands.
Elevations of the terrain vary from approximately 110 feet in the swampy
areas adjacent to the Savannah River to a maximum of approximately 520
feet in the headwaters.
In the east portion of Georgia, large storms that produce flooding are
usually of the frontal type, lasting 2 to 4 days and affecting large areas.
Summer thunderstorms with high rainfall intensities may result in local
flooding, The City is vulnerable to storms associated with hurricanes and
tropical storms that move through the area, primarily in late summer and
early fall.
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1.3,2 Population and Growth
Augusta's population and household characteristics reflect those of an
older city that has merged with new suburbs (see Table 1-1). Compared
to other counties in the MSA and the rest of the state, the City's growth
rate between 1990 and 2000 is relatively low at 4.4% (even slower than
for the period 1980-1990). The state as a whole has experienced a 26.4%
growth in population,
Table 1-1
Population Trends (1980-2000),
1980 1990 2000 Growth for
1990-2000
Richmond County 132,280 142,314 195,182 4.4%
City of Augusta 47,532 44,639
Ave Household Size 2,61 2.44 2,55
Based on the results of the 2000 census, the City estimates a total of
72,307 households (up from 67,752 in 1990). Historically, development
was concentrated around the Savannah River and trading routes. Modern
transportation, especially railroads, spurred growth to the south and west.
In the twentieth century, the City annexed incorporated places and
I City of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Information Only 9/03)
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unincorporated areas. Rural patterns characterized most of Richmond
County until about the 1940s. Suburban development began in earnest
following World War II and continued to the present. The character, age
and condition of the housing stock reflects these trends and the expansion
of commercial and industrial facilities that accompanied that growth.
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The total number of parcels of land changes regularly, especially when
subdivisions are created, However, as ofmid-2003, a total of75,281
parcels were platted in the land records (and available in the City's
computer mapping, see Section 5.1). At this time limitations of the
database do not allow determination of the number of vacant parcels,
which is only one indication of growth potential.
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Table 1-2
Number of Land Parcels,
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Commission Total Parcels
District
District 1 11 ,438
District 2 10,243
District 3 8,067
District 4 8,279
District 5 8,585
District 6 8,502
District 7 9,008
District 8 11 ,159
Total 75,281
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In 1992, a survey of land uses indicated that for the County as a whole
(including Hephzibah and Blyth, but excluding Fort Gordon):
· 14% was residential;
· 3% commercial;
· 3% industrial;
· 16% other uses; and
· 70% was farming, forestry, and undeveloped.
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Part 1: Introduction I
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Residential land uses cover approximately 28,000 acres, including:
· A mix of 1- and 2-fami1y family, site-built homes at various densities
(68.6% of all housing units);
· Multi-family buildings, including apartments (22.3%);
· Manufactured housing (9.2%); and
· Boats, RVs, other (0.1 %).
The bulk of housing units were built before 1979 (66%). This is notable
because the City (urban district) began managing mapped floodplain
areas in 1978 and the County (suburban district) began in 1980. Thus, it
is expected that the majority of homes in flood hazard areas pre-date
publication of flood hazard maps and application of floodplain
regulations. In 2000, the median value of owner-occupied housing units
was $76,800.
Augusta has a diversified economy, with the approximately 75% of
employment in the service, retail trade and manufacturing sectors.
Manufacturing facilities produce textiles, paper products, chemicals,
transportation equipment, and food products. Retail is concentrated
downtown and in shopping centers on major roads, with some individual
sites. The large commercial Augusta Mall and Augusta Exchange draw
customers from throughout the region.
Major employers in the service sector include health care and related
facilities, educational institutions, and service businesses. Eight hospitals
and numerous ancillary facilities provide a wide range of jobs. Major
educational institutions providing employment include the Medical
College of Georgia, Pane College, Augusta State University, Augusta
Technical College, and the Richmond Board of Education.
Fort Gordon is the home of the U.S. Army Signal Center, the world's
largest training facility for communications and electronics. The Fort
accounts for employment of about 17,000 area residents, 10,000 of whom
live off base. The Savannah River Site, located in South Carolina, is a
key Department of Energy nuclear installation that draws employees from
throughout the area, including approximately 1,600 residents of Augusta.
I City of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Information Only 9/03)
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1.4 Planning Committee Membership
The formal Mitigation Planning Committee is composed of:
· Tommy Boyles, Commissioner
· Andy Cheek, Commissioner
· Fredrick Russell, Assistant County Administrator
· Chief Howard Willis, Emergency Management
· George Patty, Executive Director, Planning Commission
· Terri 1. Turner, Assistant Zoning & Development Administrator,
Planning Commission
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The following County departments and offices are tasked to support the
Mitigation Planning Committee:
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· Planning Commission
· License & Inspection
· Public Works & Engineering
· Emergency Management/Fire
Department
· Augusta Utilities
· Housing & Neighborhood
Development
· Recreation & Parks
· Information Technology
· Finance Department
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The following agencies were notified, invited to participate, and asked to
review and comment on the Plan:
· Georgia Emergency Management Agency
. Georgia Department of Natural Resources, NFIP State Coordinating
Office
· Georgia Department of Transportation
. Federal Emergency Management Agency - Region IV
· Natural Resources Conservation Service - Augusta
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1.5 Acknowledgments
The Plan was supported by a planning grant provided by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency and administered by the Georgia
Emergency Management Agency. The City of Augusta appreciates the
advice and encouragement of both agencies.
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Part 1: Introduction I
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The City of Augusta's Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan was facilitated by
Rebecca C. Quinn, CFM, of RCQuinn Consulting, Inc., Annapolis, MD.
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1.6 Key Terms
For the most part, terms used in the Plan have the meanings that are
commonly associated with them:
· Disaster means the occurrence of widespread or severe damage, injury,
loss oflife or property, or such severe economic or social disruption
that supplemental disaster relief assistance is necessary for the affected
political jurisdiction(s) to recover and to alleviate the damage, loss,
hardship, or suffering caused thereby.
· Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) coordinates the
federal government's efforts to plan for, respond to, recover from, and
mitigate the effects of natural and man-made hazards.
· Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) is prepared by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency to show Special Flood Hazard Areas;
this map is the basis for regulating development.
· Floodplain. See "Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)" below
· Hazard is defined as the natural or technological phenomenon, event,
or physical condition that has the potential to cause property damage,
infrastructure damage, other physical losses, and injuries and fatalities.
· Mitigation is defined as actions taken to reduce or eliminate the long-
term risk to life and property from hazards. Mitigation actions are
intended to reduce the need for emergency response - as opposed to
improving the ability to respond. Also see Section 2.5 for the State's
de:flllition.
· National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), located within FEMA, is
charged with preparing FIRMs, developing regulations to guide
development, and providing insurance for flood damage.
· Risk is defined as the potential losses associated with a hazard.
Ideally, risk is defined in terms of expected probability and frequency
of the hazard occurring, people and property exposed, and potential
consequences.
· Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) or Floodplain is the area
adjoining a river, stream, shoreline, or other body of water that is
subject to partial or complete inundation. The SFHA is the area
predicted to flood during the I % annual chance flood, commonly
called the" 1 OO-year" flood.
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Part 1: Introduction I
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1.7 Acronyms
The following acronyms are used in the document:
· CRS - Community Rating System (NFIP)
· FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
· FIRM - Flood Insurance Rate Map
· FIS - Flood Insurance Study
· FMA - Flood Mitigation Assistance (FEMA)
· GEMA - Georgia Emergency Management Agency
· GIS - Geographic Information System
· HMGP - Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (FEMA)
· NFIP - National Flood Insurance Program (FEMA)
. PDM - Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program (FEMA)
· SFHA - Special Flood Hazard Area
1.8 References
Augusta Development Documents. Online at
http://www.augustaga.gov/departments/planning_zoning!default.htm
(accessed June 2003).
Augusta-Richmond County Hazard Mitigation Plan. May 1998.
Centers for Disease Control. Flood-Related Mortality - Georgia, July 4-
14,1994. MMWR 1994; 43(29); 526-530. Online at
http://www.cdc.gov/epo/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtmV00032058.htm
(accessed July 2003).
Cooperative Extension Service, University of Georgia, College of
Agricultural & Environmental Service. Online at http://www.ces.uga.edu
(accessed August 2003).
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Flood Insurance Study and
Flood Insurance Rate Maps (various panel dates). Washington, DC.
[Available for public review at the Augusta Planning Commission]
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Georgia Emergency Management Agency. Georgia Hazard Mitigation
Strategy (2000). Atlanta, GA.
National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, National
Climatic Data Center (U.S. Local Storm Reports). Online at
http://lwf.ncdc.noaa. gov / oa/ climate/ severeweather/ extremes .html.
Accessed July, 2003.
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. City of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Information Only 9/03)
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Part 2
Introduction to Mitigation Planning
2.1 Introduction
An important step in the lengthy process of improving resistance to
hazards is the development of a hazard mitigation plan. The City of
Augusta's Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan was prepared in accordance
with the guidelines provided by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, advice from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency
(GEMA), and steps outlined in guidance documents for the National
Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Community Rating System (see
Section 2.4).
The Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan serves several purposes. It sets the
stage for long-term resistance to flooding through identification of actions
that will, over time, reduce the exposure of people and property. In
addition, the City may seek recognition under the NFIP's Community
Rating System, and the Plan will provide additional credit. Further, the
Plan will be the basis on which the City develops a multi-hazard
mitigation plan in order to establish eligibility for certain mitigation grant
funds.
Sections of the Plan provide overviews of the flood hazards that threaten
the City, the people and property exposed to flood hazards, the planning
process, how flood hazards are recognized in the City's normal processes
and functions, and priority mitigation action items. The hazard summary
and disaster history help to characterize future hazards. When the
magnitude of past events, the number of people and properties affected,
and the severity of damage, flood hazards clearly are the most significant
natural hazard to threaten Augusta.
This Plan acknowledges that many buildings were built before the
adoption of regulations for development in floodplains in both the City
and Richmond County prior to consolidation. Current regulations require
new development to recognize anticipated flood hazards. Older
buildings, then, may reasonably be expected to sustain more property
damage than new buildings.
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2.2 The Mitigation Planning Process
The City of Augusta followed a well-established planning process to
develop this Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan and to fulfill multiple
requirements. Four meetings of the Mitigation Planning Committee were
held (summary notes from meetings are in Appendix A):
· June 23, 2003. Overview of the mitigation planning process, prevalent
natural hazards, losses and costs associated with recent events,
discussion of opportunities for public comment, introduction to
examples of mitigation actions.
· June 27, 2003. Review generally what is known about flood hazards
(estimate based on GIS mapping), roles and responsibilities of each
department with respect to flood hazards, ongoing Corps of Engineers
studies (especially Rae's Creek and Rocky Creek) and focus on
non structural alternatives, report on the Levee closing exercise,
discussion on ways the City communicates with the public, a first-draft
goal statement, discussion on possible mitigation actions, and ways the
City communicates with the public.
· August 12, 2003. Finalize the mitigation goal statement; review and
revise potential mitigation actions, agree on the mitigation goal
statement, review risk information, comment on Draft Plan.
· August 27,2003. Review public comments; revisit mitigation actions
and assign priorities; designate lead agencies, effectiveness statements,
barriers and limitations; approve Draft Plan and forward it to the
Augusta Commission, GEMA, and FEMA.
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The overall mitigation planning process, summarized below, was
facilitated by a mitigation planning consultant:
· Get Organized. Augusta's Planning Commission and the Emergency
Management Agency were charged with coordinating a committee
comprised of City departments that are responsible for permits,
subdivision approvals, neighborhood and community development,
recreation parks, utilities, and public works.
· Coordinate. Prior to the first Committee meeting, the following
agencies were notified of the planning activity and invited to
participate:
- Georgia Emergency Management Agency, Georgia Department of Natural
Resources (NFIP State Coordinator), Georgia Department of Transportation.
- FEMA Region IV, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Savannah District, and
the Natural Resource Conservation Service.
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Part 2: Introduction to Mitigation Planning I
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· Identify Hazards. Interviews were conducted with City department
representatives to understand how members of the Committee perceive
the impacts past events have had and how hazards are incorporated into
routine responsibilities (detailed notes on the interviews are on file in
the Planning Commission). Flood maps prepared by FEMA can be
used to show flood-prone areas, although some areas not shown are
known problem areas. A number of dams are located within the City
and on waterways that drain though the City. Hazardous materials are
generally confined to fixed facilities or within defined transportation
corridors.
· Review How Flood Hazards are Addressed. During interviews, the
roles of each program were described with respect to whether and how
flood hazards are included in routine functions. The results are
summarized in Section 6.
· Assess Risks. For the purpose of this Plan, site-specific and detailed
risk assessments were not prepared. The available floodplain mapping
is the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (panels are dated February 1987,
January 1995, and March 1999). The City's GIS uses the digital
version of the FIRM (Q3 Flood Data). The U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers is developing new floodplain mapping for four watersheds
(see Section 7.4.1) and FEMA has indicated that revision of the City's
maps is a high priority under the Map Modernization program recently
funded by the U.S. Congress.
· Create Goal Statement. The mitigation goal statement was discussed
during the second meeting, approved at the third meeting, and
confirmed in the final meeting.
· Review Mitigation Actions. A list of tentative mitigation actions was
prepared based on meetings and interviews as well as knowledge of
successful actions implemented in other communities. The list was
distributed to staff and discussed in detail during the third meeting.
Changes were made and a revised list was distributed for member to
indicate priorities (Drop, No Opinion, Low, Medium, High) based on
their program's functions and priorities, The priorities were compiled
into the list shown in Part 8.
· Draft Action Plan. Information collected and notes from meeting
discussions were compiled into a format designed to fulfill various
planning requirements. The draft was circulated to Mitigation Planning
Committee members and staff and electronic copies were provided to
adjacent communities and pertinent state and federal agencies.
Comments were collected and incorporated and a final draft was
circulated.
· Hold Public Meetings. On June 23 and 24, 2003, two public meetings
were held to introduce the planning process to interested citizens. A
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notice of availability of the Public Review Draft Plan was published in
the Augusta Chronicle on August 14. 2003. The Plan was presented at
the public meeting held on August 26, 2003. Additional detail is
provided in Section 2.2.
· Adopt Plan. A copy of the resolution of adoption is bound into this
Plan.
2.3 Public
Involvement in
Mitigation
Planning
Consistent with the City's
standard practice to inform
and provide citizens the
opportunity comment, and to
fulfill the public involvement
requirements of the mitigation
planning programs, the City
solicited input and notified
and invited residents to review
the Plan and attend a public
meeting. On May 20,2003, a
letter advising that the City
was initiating the planning
process, including a public
meeting, was sent to selected state and federal government agencies,
neighborhood associations and other interested and related organizations,
and citizens who have contacted the Planning Commission regarding
flooding problems.
'. --------.--- _.- "
6A1Nation & World Thursday, June 19. 2003 .~~
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Public Notice
AugustalRlchmond Count)' Flood Huard ;>'UtIgation Plan
Four public nleelinj;s will be hdd lun~ ~; and June 24.2003. between 6:00 :lnd 8:00 p.m.
to pn:~~l\I :10 uvcrvit:w of n pl;'lnlling prt:t:~...~ rec.:cmly 5tartcd by Augu!tUl.. G.~. The pn-..:css
willl~ad to a pJ:ln uf actiun lO I\.-uuc.:c the long.-Ierm impacts of flooding fm the Cily and its
dtiz:n\. )'icmbers of!th:: publk arc encouraged (Q attend. especially those \\ilh property
loca:ed in flood-prone ar~a:i.
All meetings will he hdd in Room 803 of the Municipal Building. 830 Gre~nc Street,
Augu:-;ta. GA.
~tonduy June 2Jrd 6.7 p.m, Tuesday June 24th 6.7 p.m.
Crone:,> Cr\:e.k Rocky Creek
Rile's C~ek arens Oates Creek
Phinizy Swamp nreus
~nJ1(by Jun~ 1~nJ 7.M p.m. TucsdJY June 24th 7.g p.r.t,
Rock C roek Buller Creek
Augusta Canal Spirit Creek
Lake Olm:'itcad Little Spirit Creek areas
S",,'annah Ri\'cr aret\.<;;
_0.- ,- ...
2.3.1 Public Meeting - Introduction
The first public meetings on June 23 and 24, 2003, were advertised in The
Augusta Chronicle, on the City's Comcast public access channel, and by
a number of local news media. Notices were posted at the City
Commission Chambers, the front door of the municipal building, and the
front door of the Planning Commission office. Detailed notes of the
meetings, including citizen comments, are in Appendix B. Also included
Part 2: Introduction to Mitigation Planning
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is a copy of the questionnaire that was distributed and a summary of
citizen responses. Examples of comments include:
· Past channel work and drainage maintenance has been negated by
build-up of sediment.
· Several houses have been abandoned or have been vacant since 1999
due to repetitive flooding.
· Georgia DOT work and big commercial developments have increased
runoff and amount of sediment in the channel.
· Lakes are filling with sediment, pushing water into yards more
frequently.
· Need public access along Cranes Creek and Rae's Creek so that
citizens can monitor the waterways
· Parts of the City are in great need of greater preservation of greenspace.
· Who makes decisions on buyouts? What are the criteria? Is a list of
eligible property owners maintained?
· Flood insurance is too expensive.
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2.3.2 Public Questionnaire
A questionnaire was prepared to solicit input from citizens about flood
hazards and mitigation ideas. The questionnaire (Appendix B) was
posted on the City's web page and distributed during the public meeting.
A summary of responses is included in Appendix B; highlights include:
· Many waterways are clogged with sediment, causing them to overflow
more frequently.
· Dredge creeks and Lake Olmstead (where bar of sand has built up).
· Buyout more of the damaged homes and allow the land to be wet and
Greenspace.
· One side of the creek is 3-4' lower; even out the height of strearnbanks.
· Improve drainage from roads to ditches; keep ditches cleaned of debris
and heavy grass.
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2.3.3 Final Public Meeting
The City of Augusta's Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Public Review
Draft) was scheduled for presentation to the public at a meeting on
August 26,2003. Notice of the meeting was published in the August 14
edition of the Augusta Chronicle. Prior to the meeting, copies of the
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Public Review Draft were made available to
the public in Planning Commission's office,
at the Main Library on Greene Street, and
posted on the City's webpage. A notification
letter was sent to adjacent communities,
federal and state agencies, and neighborhood
associations. Despite these efforts, members
of the public did not attend the meeting.
Insert scan of newspaper notice of availability
of Public Review Draft and public meeting.
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2.3.4 Public Sessions of the
Commission
The "Information Only" version of the Flood
Hazard Mitigation Plan was on the
September 8, 2003, agenda of the
Engineering Services Committee of the
Augusta Commission. XX summarize discussion. At its September 16,
2003 meeting, the Augusta Commission discussed the Plan and _XX
summarize discussion.
Part 2: Introduction to Mitigation Planning ,
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The Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan was presented for adoption during the
_XX, 2003 public session of the Augusta Commission and adopted
effective _XX, 2003. The Augusta Emergency Management Agency,
with support from the Planning Commission, was directed to forward the
Plan to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency for appropriate
action.
2.4 Augusta's 1998 Mitigation Plan
The Hazard Mitigation Plan (May 1998) was prepared following
guidelines and a template offered by the Georgia Emergency
Management Agency. It does not satisfy planning requirements in effect
as of 2003 because it was not prepared in a manner consistent with the
process outlined in recent FEMA programs.
The plan provides an overview of mitigation and how it "fits" in the
emergency management cycle: mitigation, preparedness, response, and
recovery. The purpose of the plan were stated: evaluate hazards;
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describe local programs and capabilities; establish goals and objectives;
identify mitigation strategies, programs and actions; and institute a
method to implement, monitor, evaluate and update the plan.
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The plan includes a table that lists significant events that resulted in
damage and 12 hazards are briefly described. Other than a review of past
events, no other evidence of the people and property that are exposed to
those hazards is provided. The hazards were qualitatively ranked,
reflecting the "level and likelihood of impact," and resulted in the
following order: hazardous materials; flood; storms/lightning; tornadoes;
airplane crash; severe winter storm; hurricane; agricultural drought;
wildfire; earthquake; dam failure; and subsidence.
A standardized format "capabilities assessment questionnaire" was
completed. The results are a listing of general information, titles and
dates of documents and regulations, and lists of facilities. Potential areas
of opportunity for improvement were identified:
· The EOP partially addresses people with special needs;
· SOPs for hazardous materials and/or radiological incidents need
improvement;
· Only 70-84% of the population can be alerted within 30 minutes; and
· Insufficient radiological equipment.
Ten projects were listed as "planned," ranging from channel
improvements, detention basins, weather monitoring, shelter-in-place kit
pilot project; outreach on chemical preparedness; and drainage
improvements.
2.5 The State Mitigation Plan
The State of Georgia has long been aware that it is exposed to a variety of
natural hazards. Of particular concern are flood hazards associated with
thunderstorms, northeasters, hurricanes, and tropical storms. Other
hazards are listed: tornadoes; drought; wildfire; severe winter storms;
earthquakes and subsidence; and dam failure. The Georgia Hazard
Mitigation Strategy - 2000 (which is an update to the 1999 Hazard
Mitigation Plan) was reviewed and highlights are described (below).
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Originally prepared by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency to
fulfill the requirements set forth by Congress in the Stafford Act (Section
409), the State's Hazard Mitigation Plan is being reviewed and revised to
satisfy planning requirements prompted by the Disaster Mitigation Act of
2000.
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The Strategy is intended to provide a framework for hazard mitigation
strategies and actions undertaken by local and state government. Goals
(see Section 3.2), objectives and recornmendations will be used to initiate
the development of long-range, comprehensive, multi-hazard mitigation
activities to be administered by GEMA. A structure through which
GEMA will pursue the additional funding made available through the
Stafford Act amendments of 2000 is set forth.
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As described in the Strategy, GEMA considers that mitigation refers to
activities that reduce or eliminate the threat, occurrence, or the effects of
natural hazard events or disasters. Mitigation activities serve to protect
public health and property, and help to break the damage-repair cycle of
rebuilding in hazardous areas. Several broad approaches to mitigation are
listed:
. Emphasizing the use of non-structural methods such as acquisition of
floodplain structures and rigorous enforcement oflocal floodplain
ordinances.
. Preventing or limiting development in vulnerable and hazardous areas.
. Altering the design or construction of development or redevelopment
to make it less vulnerable to known hazards.
· Utilizing structural measures to protect life and property.
. Educating the population via public information, training, exercises,
and advanced warning and communications in order to reduce the
impact of hazard events.
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Consistent with the State's mitigation goals and objectives, GEMA
identifies three distinct areas for action and specific measures are listed:
. Increasing coordination between GEMA and other state agencies in
order to promote hazard mitigation;
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Part 2: Introduction to Mitigation Planning
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· Increasing the warning and communication capabilities for both state
and local jurisdictions to cover at least 98% of the population at risk to
the various hazards; and
· Identifying mitigation projects at the local level.
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The Strategy provides a brief summary of several state agencies and
programs that have bearing on mitigation (see Section 2.5), including the
Georgia Emergency Management Agency, Department of Natural
Resources, Department of Community Affairs and the Forestry
Commission. Nine federal agencies that may have bearing on mitigation
activities are described briefly: Federal Emergency Management
Agency, US Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Agriculture,
Conservation Service, Department of Transportation, Highway
Administration, Department of Agriculture, Farmers Home
Administration. Small Business Administration, Department of Housing
and Urban Development, US Geological Survey, Department of
Commerce (National Weather Service, National Oceanographic &
Atmospheric Administration), and National Park Service.
2.6 Federal Mitigation Planning
Requirements
Requirements for mitigation planning are set forth in four programs
administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. These are
described below. Although slightly different, all programs outline the
same basic planning process (described in Section 2.1). The City of
Augusta's Plan is intended to satisfy the basic requirements for the Flood
Mitigation Assistance Program while laying the groundwork for future
revisions to satisfy other requirements:
· Flood Mitigation Assistance Program. To qualify to receive grant
funds to implement proj ects such as acquisition or elevation of flood-
prone homes, local jurisdictions must prepare a mitigation plan. The
plan must include specific elements and be prepared following the
process outlined in the NFIP's Community Rating System.
· Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. By November 2004, to qualify
for post-disaster mitigation funds, local jurisdictions must adopt a
mitigation plan that is approved by FEMA.
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. Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program. By November 2003, to
qualify for pre-disaster mitigation funds, local jurisdictions must adopt
a mitigation plan that is approved by FEMA.
. NFIP's Community Rating System (CRS). The CRS offers
recognition to communities that exceed minimum requirements of the
National Flood Insurance Program. Recognition comes in the form of
discounts on flood insurance policies purchased by citizens. The CRS
offers credit for mitigation plans that are prepared according to a multi-
step process.
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...
Part 2: Introduction to Mitigation Planning I
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Part 3
Mitigation Goal Statements
3.1 Introduction
State and federal guidance and regulations pertaining to mitigation
planning require the development of mitigation goals to reduce or avoid
long-term vulnerabilities to identified hazards. Mitigation goals have
been established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the
Georgia Emergency Management Agency, and the City of Augusta.
3.2 Augusta's Mitigation Goal
State and federal guidance and regulations pertaining to mitigation
planning require the development of a mitigation goal statement that is
consistent with other goals, mission statements and vision statements.
The Mitigation Planning Committee reviewed FEMA's national
mitigation goals, several examples of goal statements from other states
and communities, and the Georgia State Mitigation Goal. The committee
also considered information about natural hazards that may occur in the
City and their potential consequences and losses. The final mitigation
goal statement is as follows:
The City of Augusta Mitigation Goal Statement
It is the goal of the City of Augusta, Georgia, to
protect public health, safety and welfare and to
reduce losses due to flood hazards:
· By identifying flood hazards and drainage
problems;
· By guiding development away from flood hazard
areas to support preservation of greens pace and
sensitive areas;
· By identifying and pursuing mitigation measures
to reduce exposure of citizens and property to
flood hazards; and
· By increasing the public's awareness of their
obligations and responsibilities for personal
planning, preparedness and recovery.
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The Mitigation Planning Committee discussed the value of making goal
statement broad to allow for comprehensive interpretation of its phrasing,
for example:
· "Protect health, safety, and welfare" is broad enough to include the
concept of applying development controls (permits) to avoid
development in floodplains and, if avoidance is not feasible, to build
according to regulations that reduce the potential for damage. The
phrase is also broad enough to include undertaking projects intended to
deal with specific properties, such as administering grants for
acquisition, protecting park buildings, or working with others if a
structural flood control project is deemed appropriate.
· The statement clearly distinguishes between new and existing
development. The second bullet is focused on new development while
the third bullet is specific to dealing with existing people and property
that are exposed to flood hazards; in this statement "property" includes
private property and public property and infrastructure.
· The last bullet is distinctly different in that it is directly related to what
citizens can do - mitigation is a partnership. Citizens have obligations
to comply with rules, for example, to dispose of yard waste properly
rather than dump in drainageways and to obtain permits. Citizens have
responsibilities to take reasonable preventive actions to protect
themselves and their property and to facilitate their own recovery. In
this context, "responsibilities" apply to safety (such as not driving
through flooded roads); property protection (such as modifying
buildings or how flood-prone space is used); and financial protection
(buying flood insurance).
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3.3 Georgia's Mitigation Goals
The Georgia Hazard Mitigation Plan (409 Plan) was revised and
approved in 1999; the Georgia Hazard Mitigation Strategy - 2000 was
prepared as an update to incorporate additional disasters. The documents
were prepared pursuant to Section 409 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Public Law 93-288, as amended).
As ofmid-2003, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency is revising
the plan to address new requirements.]
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Part 3: Mitigation Goal Statements I
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Georgia State Mitigation Goals
The State established three complementary
mitigation goals:
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· Protect public health and safety;
· Reduce the property and infrastructure losses
and damage from disasters; and
· Lessen citizen, community and the State of
Georgia's overall exposure to natural hazard
events.
Georgia Hazard Mitigation Strategy (2000)
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These goals are supported by four primary objectives for implementation;
in addition, the Plan lists a series of tasks under each objective:
· Increase coordination between local, state, and Federal agencies in pre-
disaster planning and post-disaster recovery to include continuous
hazard mitigation implementation.
· Increase awareness of hazard mitigation among local government and
state government agencies, municipalities, businesses, private
organizations and the general public.
· Implement a broad range of programs and projects that promote the
state's comprehensive mitigation strategy.
· Improve the state's comprehensive mitigation strategy by periodic
analysis to determine effectiveness of program management, local and
state mitigation projects, planning and initiatives.
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3.4 FEMA's Mitigation Goal
FEMA's mitigation strategy is set forth in a document originally prepared
in the late 1990s. This strategy is the basis on which FEMA implements
mitigation programs authorized and funded by the U.S. Congress. The
national mitigation goal statement is as follows:
· To engender fundamental changes in perception so that the public
demands safer environments in which to live and work; and
· To reduce, by at least half, the loss of life, injuries, economic costs, and
destruction of natural and cultural resources that result from natural
disasters.
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Part 4
Hazards in Augusta
4.1 Introduction
Between 1965 and 2003, the State of Georgia has experienced 21 natural
hazard events that were of sufficient magnitude that they were declared
major disasters by the President: 9 were for tornadoes (some including
flooding impacts); 6 for flood; 4 for winter storms; 1 hurricane; and 1
dam failure. Of those declared events, only 2 flood disasters included the
City of Augusta. Major disaster declarations are only one measure of a
community's hazards and risks.
The following subsections provide an overview of past hazard events and
associated losses. Natural hazards other than flood hazards are not
addressed, and risks associated with those hazards are not estimated.
However, it is apparent that flooding poses the most significant risk in
Augusta. Part 5 outlines flood hazards, past flood events, and summaries
of the people and property that are at-risk.
4.2 Overview of Risks
Damage and losses (including physical damage, indirect and economic
losses, and injuries and deaths) that are associated with hazards result
when an event affects the areas where people and improved property are
located. After hazards are identified then estimates of the degree to
which people and property are exposed (how "at-risk") can be prepared,
especially if the hazards can be characterized by areas on a map.
When the full range of possible natural hazards is reviewed, it becomes
apparent that some events occur frequently and some are extremely rare.
Some hazards impact large numbers of people to a limited degree (e.g.,
winter storms), while others may cause very localized but very significant
damage (e.g., tornadoes). As described in Part 5, there is ample evidence
floods have historically affected more people and caused more property
damage than caused by other natural hazards.
4.2.1 Weather-Related Deaths
The National Climatic Data Center, an agency of the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration, maintains records of reported weather
events, including floods, tornados, thunderstorm winds, severe winter
I City of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Information Only 9/03)
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Table 4-1
Weather-Related Deaths and Injuries (1950-2003).
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storms, and lightning. The database extends back to 1950, although many
more records are available for the last two decades. This is due to
increased density of observation stations and population increases which
result in more people exposed to weather events. The database is online
at http://www .ncdc.noaa. gov loaf clima tel severewea ther/extremes.htrnl
(under "Local Storm Events"). A summary of deaths and injuries in the
State of Georgia and Augusta/Richmond County is shown in Table 4-1.
Augusta &
State of Georgia Richmond County
Hazard (# of reported
events) Deaths Injuries Deaths Injuries
Flood (513) 29 16 0 0
Tornado/winds (371) 129 2,843 1 21
lightning (410) 14 146 0 1
4.3 Public Awareness of Flood Hazards
The Augusta Chronicle, with region-wide distribution, has covered stories
about flooding and drainage problems for years. Over 100 such stories
have been printed since 1997; most were related to the floods in 1998 and
2000. Stories have focused on:
· Local flooding in numerous watersheds;
· Flood-prone roads and related incidents;
· The City's efforts to regulate flood-prone areas;
· Funding shortfalls to accomplish drainage projects;
· Federal flood insurance; and
. The City's plans and implementation of projects to buyout flood-
damaged homes.
"""
Even when media coverage of floods is extensive, many flood victims
tend to discount the likelihood that flooding will occur again. This
tendency is attributed to a general lack of understanding of probability
(see Comparing Risks, below). All too often, people interpret the phrase
"lOa-year storm" to mean that it only occurs once every 100 years, rather
...
Part 4: Hazards in Augusta I
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than that such an event has a 1-in-100 chance of happening each year.
FEMA reports that, based on insurance statistics, a building in the
floodplain is five times more likely to be damaged by flood that to sustain
major damage by fire.
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The public becomes aware of local hazards in a number of ways. For
example, public awareness of flood hazards is enhanced during the
following activities:
· Buying property in a floodplain triggers the federal requirement to
obtain flood insurance when obtaining a federally insured and
regulated mortgage. Federally insured and regulated mortgage lenders
are required to make homebuyers purchase flood insurance if the
building is located in a mapped flood hazard area. Buyers are
supposed to be notified well in advance of closing.
· Applying for permits may lead to a determination that the property or
construction site is within a mapped floodplain and therefore subject to
the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
· The City's Emergency Management Agency routinely coordinates with
local media through emails, telephone calls and facsimile
transmissions. EMA can request a "crawl line" on local television
stations to alert the public of pending flood conditions.
· Flood warnings reach the public as regional warnings from the
National Weather Service.
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Comparing Risks
What's the chance that in the next year, a person
whose house is in the floodplain will:
· Be involved car accident? 3 chances in 100
· Be in 100- year jl ood? 1 chance in 100
· Have a car stolen? 1 chance in 300
· Be a victim of robbery? 1 chance in 1,000
· Have a residentialfire? 4 chances in 10,000
www.floodsafety.com
a project of the Texas Environmental Center
. City of Augusta. GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Information Only 9/03)
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4.4 Overview of Augusta's Natural Hazards
History
Numerous federal agencies maintain a variety of records regarding losses
associated with natural hazards. Unfortunately, no single source is
considered to offer a definitive accounting of all losses. The Federal
Emergency Management Agency maintains records on federal
expenditures associated with declared major disasters. The U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers and the Natural Resources Conservation Service
collect data on losses during the course of some of their ongoing projects
and studies. Additionally, the National Climatic Data Center of the
National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Administration collects and
maintains certain data in summary format, indicating injuries, deaths, and
costs. The basis of the cost estimates, however, is not identified.
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In the absence of definitive data on some of the natural hazards that may
occur in Augusta, illustrative examples are useful. Drawing on several
sources of data, Table 4-2 provides brief descriptions of particularly
significant natural hazard events occurring in the City's recent history.
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Data on Presidential Disaster Declarations characterize some natural
disasters that have affected the area. In 1965, the federal government
began to maintain records of events determined to be significant enough
to warrant declaration of a major disaster by the President of the United
States. Only two major disasters have been declared in Augusta and are
identified in Table 4-2.
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Table 4-2
Selected Recent Floods and Declared Disasters.*
Date & Disaster (DR) Nature of Event
October, 1990 Flood: Flooding caused by convergence of Tropical Storms
(DR 880) Klaus and Marco, causing two days of rain, with amounts as
much as 15" measured in places. Estimates of damage
exceeded $150 million.
October, 1990 Flood: Local rainfall exceeded 8.5 inches, producing flooding
characterized as the 1 OO-year flood.
August, 1992 Flood: Intense rain caused rapid local flooding of homes and
numerous roads, resulting in evacuations in the Hollywood
Subdivision.
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Part 4: Hazards in Augusta I
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Table 4-2
Selected Recent Floods and Declared Disasters. *
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Date & Disaster (DR) Nature of Event
August, 1994 Flood: The Weather Bureau reported 4.2 inches in a 24-hour
period.
September, 1995 Flood: 3.75 inches of rain, characterized as a 10-year storm,
caused flooding, resulting in evacuations of 12 families in the
Hollywood Subdivision and traffic accidents along Rocky Creek.
March, 1996 Flood: Thunderstorms in the Augusta area send several
streams over their banks and into homes, including the
Hollywood Subdivision. The flash flooding also closed several
major highways which were under water. Rainfall amounts of 2-4
inches occurred in a six to nine hour period over south em
Columbia and northern Richmond counties.
December, 1997 Flood: Flash flooding along several creeks flooded several
highways including Richmond Hill road.
March, 1998 Flood: Rae's Creek flooded low lying areas and approached
some homes but no flooding in homes was reported.
March, 1998 Flood and Winter Storm: More than 3-inches of rain fell on
(DR 1209) saturated ground, resulting in approximately 1 O-year flooding;
residential and road flooding in the Rocky Creek area.
September, 1998 Flood: EPD reported 8.5 inches of rain from Tropical Storm Eart
over a 14-hour period caused flash flooding along several
streams. About 50 people were evacuated from two
subdivisions, several streets were closed, and one shelter was
opened to house 82 people.
June,2000 Flood: After a prolonged dry period, more than 3 to 5 inches of
rain fell over the area, flooding 1-20 and other streets, forcing
sewage backups; and inundating many homes along Rocky
Creek and Rae's Creek.
May, 2002 Flood: The Augusta Emergency Operations Center reported
several streams flooding with water covering roadways and
stranding cars. Water was 3 to 4 deep in some areas.
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. Sources: NCDC Online (1950-2003; some data gaps and few descriptions); NWS Local
Climatological Data; City's 1998 Mitigation Plan; FEMA records
4.5 Losses Due to Major Disasters
No definitive record exists of all losses - public and private - due to
disasters for Augusta/Richmond County. For the United States as a
whole, estimates of the total public and private costs of natural hazards
range from $2 billion to over $6 billion per year. Most of those costs can
only be estimated. In most declared major disasters, the federal
government reimburses 75% of the costs of cleanup and recovery, with
the remaining 25% covered by the state and affected local jurisdictions.
For events of all magnitudes, states and local jurisdictions are responsible
for all or a portion of costs associated with:
. City of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Information Only 9/03)
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· Public assistance for debris removal, emergency works, roads and
bridges, flood control facilities, public buildings and equipment, public
utilities, and parks and recreational facilities;
· Assistance paid out for individual and family grants, emergency food
and shelter, and other assistance to individuals; and
· Funds set aside to support hazard mitigation grants.
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Although detailed records are not available, staff report that the City of
Augusta and Richmond County received payments to pay for repair of
public infrastructure and public buildings; debris removal and staff
overtime. GEMA reports that the City and County received public
assistance funds totaling $3.7 million for the flood disaster in October
1990.
4.6 Hazards Other than Flood
The City of Augusta experiences hazards other than flood hazards,
although the severity of other hazards and consequences are significantly
less. Other known and possible natural hazards that may affect the City
include: high winds and tornadoes; extreme heat; drought; wildfire;
winter storm; and seismic/earthquakes.
Man-made or technological hazards that are addressed in other
emergency plans include: hazardous materials; radiological incidents;
and terrorism.
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Part 4: Hazards in Augusta I
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Part 5
Flood Hazards in Augusta
5.1 Flood Hazards: Overview
Floods have been and continue to be the most frequent, destructive, and
costly natural hazard facing the State of Georgia. Most of the State's
damage reported for major disasters is associated with floods.
Since 1990 Augusta has been impacted by significant flood events,
although not all qualified for major disaster declarations. Localized
flooding causes concern among citizens because it affects homes, yards
and streets.
The City's floodplain maps have been prepared by FEMA in a basic
digital format known as "FEMA Q3 Flood Data." Using the City's
Geographic Information System (GIS) and available data layers and
databases, the City has the ability to develop specific information about
flood-prone buildings. GIS is a computer software application that relates
physical features on the ground in mapping applications and analyses.
The Augusta Information Technology Department is manages the GIS
functions.
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5.1.1 Defining Flood Hazards
When rainfall runoff collects in rivers, creeks, and streams and exceeds
the capacity of channels, floodwaters overflow onto adjacent lands.
Floods result from rain events, whether short and intense or long and
gentle. In recent years, most flooding in Augusta has been associated
with large regional storms, some that originate as hurricanes and tropical
storms that subsequently move inland. Flood hazards are categorized as
follows:
· Flash floods not only occur suddenly, but also involve forceful flows
that can destroy buildings and bridges, uproot trees, and scour out new
channels. Most flash flooding is caused by slow-moving
thunderstorms, repeated thunderstorms in a local area, or heavy rains
from hurricanes and tropical storms. Although flash flooding occurs
often along mountain streams, it is also common in urban areas, where
much of the ground is covered by impervious surfaces and
drainageways are designed for smaller flows. Flood Insurance Rate
Maps typically show the 1 %-annual-chance (lOO-year) floodplain for
waterways with at least 1 square mile of drainage area. The flood
. City of Augusta. GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Information Only 9/03)
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hazard area for waterways with less than one square mile of drainage
area typically are not shown,
· Riverine floods are a function of precipitation levels and water runoff
volumes, and occur when water rises out of the banks of the waterway.
Flooding along waterways that drain larger watersheds often can be
predicted in advance, especially where it takes 24 hours or more for the
flood crest (maximum depth of flooding) to pass. In Augusta, riverine
flooding is caused by large rainfall systems and thunderstorm activity
associated with seasonal cold fronts. These systems can take as long as
a day to pass, giving ample opportunity for large amounts ofrain to fall
over large areas. The Flood Insurance Rate Maps show the 1 %-annual-
chance floodplains.
. Urban drainage flooding occurs where development has altered
hydrology through changes in the ground surface and modification of
natural drainageways. Urbanization increases the magnitude and
frequency of floods by increasing impervious surfaces, increasing the
speed of drainage collection, reducing the carrying capacity of the land,
and, occasionally, overwhelming sewer systems. Localized urban
flooding is not usually shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps in
areas with less than one square mile of contributing drainage area.
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The Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) prepared by FEMA offer the
best overview of flood risks. FIRMs are used to regulate new
development and to control the substantial improvement and repair of
substantially damaged buildings. The City's revised Flood Insurance
Study (FIS), dated March 23, 1999, is a combination ofFIS and maps
prepared separately for the City of Augusta and Richmond County prior
to consolidation of governments in 1996.
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Map 5-1* shows the extent of mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas (i.e.,
the100-year floodplain) in the City of Augusta. At 58.77 square miles,
the SFHA makes up 24.8% of the City's total land area of239.89 square
miles. Much of the land predicted to flood is on the east side of the City
and includes the extensive wetlands of the Phiziny Swamp. FEMA's
maps for the City of Augusta show four types of flood zones:
. AE Zones along rivers and streams for which detailed engineering
methods were used to determine Base Flood Elevations. AE Zones (or
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. Maps included in this Plan are available for viewing at the Augusta-Richmond County
Planning Commission. The scale required for hardcopy maps does not allow sufficient
detail to show all of the elements described in this section.
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Part 5: Flood Hazards in Augusta I
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Al-30 Zones) are shaded in gray. Waterways that are mapped using
detailed methods that result in designated floodways are listed in Table
5-1.
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· A Zones are "approximate" flood zones, where detailed information
has not been developed. Waterways that are shown with A Zones are
listed in Table 5-1.
· B Zones and Shaded X Zones, which are areas of "moderate" flood
hazard, typically associated with the 500-year flood (or 0,2% annual
chance).
· C Zones and Unshaded X Zones are areas of "minimal" flood hazard,
typically considered to be "out of the floodplain." Although local
drainage problems and ponding may still occur, these minor flood
problems typically are not shown on the FIRM. It is notable that many
smaller streams are shown but do not have mapped flood hazard areas.
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Table 5-1
Waterways on Augusta's FIRM.
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Detailed Methods Approximate Methods
Savannah River Little Spirit Creek
Butler Creek and Tribs No.1, 2 Rock Creek
Rocky Creek and Tribs No. 1-11 Augusta Power Canal
Beaver Dam Ditch McBean Creek
Spirit Creek and Trib No. 1 -
No Name Creek -
Oates Creek and Trib No. 1 -
Horsepen Branch -
Cranes Creek -
Rae's Creek and Tribs. 1-3 -
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5.1.2 Savannah River
Discharges on the Savannah River are controlled by three flood control
dams that create the J. Strom Thurmond (Clarks Hill) Reservoir, the
Hartwell Reservoir, and the and Richard B. Russell Reservoir. The urban
center of the City of Augusta is protected from Savannah River flooding
by the Augusta Levee, described in Section 7.2. Development on the
river side of the Levee remains exposed to flood hazards, especially
. City of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Infonnation Only 9/03)
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extreme flooding that occurs more rarely than the 1 %-annual chance
flood (lOa-year flood). The 1999 revision of the FEMA flood map
lowered the predicted water elevations for the lOa-year flood:
· Approximately 50 houses in the Water's Edge community (upstream of
13th Street) all appear to be out of the lOa-year floodplain, although the
water level predicted for the 500-year flood is likely to be under the
buildings.
· For the most part, the buildings on Prep PhillipslRiverfront Drive
appear to be subject to water depths ranging from 3 feet to 4 feet above
the ground due to the 100-year flood. Property owners include the
City, the Augusta-Richmond County Port Authority, and the
Georgia Department of TransportationIPorts Authority. One or two
privately-owned buildings appear to be located on City-owned
property .
· The 48+ townhouses on Riverfront Drive and River Bend Drive
(Goodale Landing, just east of Sand Bar Ferry Road) are all within the
lOa-year floodplain and the sites appear to be subject to several feet of
flooding.
· The vacant lots and improved lots with 12+ homes on Albec1auss (8
are in the F100dway) appear to be subject to from 2-feet to 7-feet of
water.
· On both sides of Sand Bar Ferry Road there are several clusters of
buildings that appear to be in areas where flood depths are likely to
be 2- to 6-feet deep.
· Below the downstream limit of the Augusta Levee, at the confluence of
Butler Creek at New Savannah Bluff, the floodplain of the Savannah
River is extensive, ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 feet wide. For the
most part, there is little development in this area and there are no NFIP
flood insurance policies in-force (see Map 5-2).
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Part 5: Flood Hazards in Augusta I
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5.1.3 Urban Watersheds
The urban district of the City, including Butler Creek and northward,
encompasses the former City and surrounding areas. Much of the area is
densely developed, with the notable exception of the Phinizy Swamp on
the eastern side. As shown on Map 5-2, most of the City's flood
insurance policies are for buildings in the urban watersheds, with most of
them constructed before the City began to regulate flood hazard areas.
Table 5-1 lists the urban waterways, all of which have been studied using
detailed methods (Rock Creek, upper reaches of other streams, and small
tributaries were evaluated using approximate methods). As part of a
study underway by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (see Section 7.4.1),
the FIRMs may be revised; preliminary results indicate that the areas
subject to flooding will increase in many places. Generally, the
floodplains of these streams can be described as follows:
· Rock Creek - 200-400 feet wide (restudied by the Corps of Engineers);
· Rae's Creek - 200-500 feet wide (restudied by the Corps of Engineers;
see Section 7.3.2 for City's project);
· Cranes Creek, a major tributary to Rae's Creek - 100-300 feet wide;
· Oates Creek - highly modified (see Section 7.3.3), 100-500 feet wide,
with a number of ponding areas;
· Upper and Lower Rocky Creek - 100-200 feet wide and 500-2,000 feet
wide, respectively (restudied by the Corps of Engineers); and
· Butler Creek - 500-700 feet wide.
The Augusta Canal is a source of the City's potable water. It also is the
"collector" into which the other urban streams drain (except Butler
Creek). From the Columbia County boundary, the Canal and its
floodplain follow the Augusta Levee. At its juncture with Rae's Creek, a
gate allows flows to discharge to the Savannah River (the mechanical
gate is closed if high water is predicted on the River). The Canal is
included in waterways that are being restudied by the Corps of Engineers;
preliminary maps indicate that areas prone to flooding are more extensive
than shown on the FIRM.
. City of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Infonnation Only 9/03)
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The extensive flood-prone areas are found on Augusta's east side are
associated with Butler Creek, Rocky Creek, and drainage from all streams
in the urban district (former City). The area, also known as Phinizy
Swamp, is generally flat and is predicted to experience relatively shallow
flooding. There are few buildings that encroach into the floodplain,
although a number of industries have built on fill and there are a number
of active clay mining sites.
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The Rocky Creek watershed was the focus on research conducted by the
Public Works and Engineering Department in 1998, as supporting
documentation for mitigation grant funds (see Section 7.3.1). Based on
newspaper accounts, local climatological reports, and personal
interviews, the estimates in Table 5-2 were developed. It is notable that
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has independently developed a
preliminary estimate (see Section 7.4.1) of average annual damages in
Rocky Creek of $1,450,000 (not including industrial).
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Table 5-2
Estimates of Damage Potential: Rocky Creek
(1998)*.
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Flood Estimated Number of Estimated
Magnitude Affected Structures Damages
5-year :t20 residential $ 286,000
10-year :t25 residential $ 357,500
50-year :t168 residential $2,402,00
:t10 commercial $1,484,000
100-year :t200 residential $2,860,000
:t20 commercial $3,2566.50
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. Augusta EMA letter to GEMA, June 29, 1998.
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5.1.4 Rural Watersheds
The southern half of the City, below Butler Creek, is rural in character
with dispersed development. As shown on Map 5-2, few flood insurance
policies are in-force in this area, primarily because floodplains are
relatively narrow and easily avoided.
...
Part 5: Flood Hazards in Augusta.
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Most of the streams shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map have been
evaluated using approximate methods to delineate the flood hazard area,
including: Little Spirit Creek, McBean Creek along the southern border,
tributaries to Spirit Creek, and various other streams. The extent of flood
hazard areas is limited (watershed boundaries are shown on Figure 5-1):
· Upper Spirit Creek and Johnson Branch - 200-400 feet wide;
· Lower Spirit Creek - 600-800 feet wide;
· Little Spirit Creek and Boggy Branch - 200-600 feet wide;
· McBean Creek - 500-1,000 feet wide;
· Tributaries to McBean - 100-300 feet wide; and
· Many small streams and tributaries do not have mapped floodplains.
5.1.5 Dams and Flooding
FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintain the National
Inventory of Dams (1998), a database of high and significant hazard
dams. For the most part, data are provided by state agencies responsible
for regulation and inspection of dams or by the Corps of Engineers. Map
5-3 is based on that inventory and shows that 7 high hazard dams (and 3
significant hazard dams) are located in Augusta and one high hazard dam
is are located outside the City in the upper portion of Spirit Creek. High
hazard dams are those that of specific height or volume of impounded
water that, if failure occurred, that would be a high likelihood of loss of
life and substantial property damage. Table 5-3 lists information on the
high hazard dams. There is no requirement for owners to develop
emergency action or maintenance plans, although high hazard dams are
required to be brought up to state specifications to protect public safety
and property.
The Augusta Emergency Management Agency reports that the only high
hazard dams for which response plans are on-file are the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers dams on the Savannah River. The Corps's Savannah
District operates the dams, monitors flood conditions, and notifies EMA
if flooding is predicted. A Levee Closing plan is on-file (see Section 7.2).
. City of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Infonnation Only 9/03)
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Part 5: Flood Hazards in Augusta I
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8Miles
Map 5-3
High Hazard Dams (and watersheds). Source: National Inventory of
Dams (1998)
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Table 5-3
High Hazard Dams Affecting Augusta.
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Dam Name NID# Year Built Emergency
Owner Waterway Primary Purpose Action
Plan
Erin's Place Lake Dam 224 1965 Not required
(Helen Huffman Lake) Spirit Creek Recreation
Elijah Lightfoot, Jr.
Gordon Lake Dam 1722 1986 Not listed
Fort Gordon (000) Spirit Creek Recreation
Goshen Lake Dam 2111 1950 Not required
Goshen Plantation Country Spirit Creek Recreation
Club
Carroll's Lake Dam 2121 1969 Not required
Carroll Spirit Creek Recreation
Lake Aumond Dam 2129 (not listed) Not required
Augusta-Richmond County Rae's Creek Recreation
Richmond Vc- Tech 4940 1979 Not required
Detention Not listed Recreation
Augusta-Richmond County
Wrightsboro Rd Detention 5233 1992 Not required
Augusta-Richmond County Rae's Creek Flood Control
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5.2 Flood Risks - Buildings
The City's Information Technology Department coordinates and
maintains the Geographic Information System (GIS). The system allows
City staff in many departments to access numerous digital map products
and electronic data files. Among the data and maps is a digital map of the
floodplain prepared as an overlay for the property parcel maps (derived
from the Flood Insurance Rate Maps). Other GIS layers include City
boundaries, waterways and watershed boundaries, and ground contours
and building footprints from aerial photography data acquired in 2002,
parcel boundaries, and National Wetlands Inventory data, from which a
wide variety of maps and analyses can be prepared.
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There are a number of ways to characterize buildings and potential
development that is subject to flooding:
· Using GIS to compare the flood map with the locations of buildings
yields an estimate that 3,755 buildings (greater than 400 square feet in
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. City of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Information Only 9/03)
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footprint) are located "in" the City's mapped floodplains. It is
important to recognize that this number underestimates the total
number of flood-prone buildings, as evidenced by recent flood damage
and the fact that nearly half of the buildings with flood insurance
policies are shown to be "out" of the mapped flood hazard area
· U.S. Census data are used to develop a median value for residential
buildings ($76,800), yielding estimates of the total value of buildings
that plot within the mapped floodplain (Table 5-4). It is notable that
there are several clusters of non-residential buildings; those higher-
values are not reflected in Table 5-4. Use of the median value to
characterize risk is not intended to imply that every flood-prone
building is likely to be a "total loss" due to flooding. At this time
database limitations do not allow identification of vacant parcels in
floodplain, which would represent development potential.
. The addresses of buildings that have flood insurance policies and for
which flood claims have been filed, shown on Map 5-2, can be used to
identify buildings in mapped floodplains (where lenders require
insurance) and where flooding has occurred (where owners are
sufficiently concerned that they purchase flood insurance even if not
required). This characterization of flood risk is described in the
following text.
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Table 5-4
Floodplain Buildings, by Commission District
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Commission Buildings Estimate
District "in" the Value**
Floodplain* (millions)
District 1 381 $29.26
District 2 1,646 $126.41
District 3 283 $21.96
District 4 28 $2.15
District 5 178 $13.67
District 6 44 $3.38
District 7 735 $56.45
District 8 460 $35.33
Total 3.755 $288.61
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.Excludes buildings known to be flood-prone, but outside the mapped floodplain.
..Assumes all residential; based on City-wide median value of $76,800
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Part 5: Flood Hazards in Augusta I;
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NFIP Policies In-Force. Data provided by FEMA's National Flood
Insurance Program in mid-2003 indicate that federal flood insurance
policies were in-force on 913 buildings in Augusta. This represents a
total face value of insurable property of $1.05 billion. The locations of
buildings with flood insurance are shown on Map 5-2. The majority of
insured buildings are located in Commission District 2 and District 7.
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It is notable that nearly half of the insured buildings geocode as being
"out" of the floodplain. For the most part, two factors prompt people to
purchase flood insurance: when mortgage lenders require it, and when
actual flood damage makes it clear that a building is, indeed, located in a
flood-prone area. Thus, the number and distribution of flood insurance
policies is one way to characterize potential risk throughout the City.
This is an indication of two important conclusions:
· That many homeowners outside the mapped floodplain are aware of the
flooding risks throughout the area and have chosen to carry flood
insurance even though it is not required by mortgage lenders.
· Augusta's Flood Insurance Rate Maps do not reasonably reflect areas
that experience frequent flooding; this conclusion in part supports the
City's expectation that revision of its FIS and FIRMs is a high priority
with the State and FEMA Region IV.
Summary of Floodplain Buildings & Insurance
· 3,755 buildings are "in" Augusta's mappedjlood
hazard areas
· About 500 of them (only 13%) havejlood
insurance.
· Nearly 450 buildings havejlood insurance but are
nit "in" the mapped flood hazard area.
As shown on Map 5-2, there are a number of clusters ofNFIP policies
and claims, and a number of areas without data points. A review of this
map yields the following observations:
· The majority of policies are in the urban district (former City),
especially along Rae's Creek and Rocky Creek.
. City of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Information Only 9/03)
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. Several clusters outside of the mapped floodplain warrant
consideration, especially north of Laney Walker Boulevard (east of Ft.
Gordon Highway) and south of the Canal (along Walton Way).
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NFIP Claims Paid. Data provided by FEMA indicate that nearly 200
claims were paid 1978 and December 31, 2002. Just over half appear to
have been paid for claims on properties that geocode as being "out" of the
mapped floodplain. It appears that the majority of these claims were for
residential properties. The locations of properties that received claim
payments are Map 5-2. Total amount of claims paid for building and
contents payments exceeds $2.5 million.
NFIP Repetitive Loss Properties. Map 5-2 also shows the locations of
"repetitive loss properties" in Augusta. In recent years, FEMA has
focused considerable attention on this subset of insured buildings. These
properties have received two or more claim payments of at least $1,000
over a ten-year period. FEMA's database identifies 48 properties as
"repetitive loss properties." As with policies and claims, a large number
of these properties geocode as being "out" of the mapped floodplain.
The claims amounts attributed to these properties was not disclosed, there
fore no conclusions can be drawn regarding whether specific mitigation
measures would be effective. For example, a property that has received a
number of claim payments not much higher than $1,000 would be
considered an unlikely candidate for mitigation using public funds. It
may, however, be an excellent candidate for damage-reduction actions
taken by the owner.
Manufactured Housing. Manufactured housing units are known to be
highly vulnerable to flood damage. The same amount of water inside a
site-built home causes considerably less damage (as a percent of total
value of the home). One cluster of manufactured homes and three
manufactured housing parks are affected by mapped flood hazards and
some damage has been reported in the local press:
. Some units along Kissingbower Road and Haynie Drive, north of
Cherokee Plaza, are in the floodplain fringe of Rocky Creek.
11II:
Part 5: Flood Hazards in Augusta I
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. Durand Trailer Court, south of Gordon Highway on Wylds Road just
below the confluence with Tributary No.7, was affected in June 2000.
The City's GIS maps indicate that one parcel of the property is
marginally affected, but another parcel has perhaps 10 units shown
within the mapped floodplain.
. Gaskins Trailer Park, north of Gordon Highway on private roads
(between Sibley Road and Wheeless Road) was flooded by Tributary
No.6 in June 2000. A newspaper account indicated that some units
were shifted off their foundations. Because the FEMA mapped
floodplain area was artificially terminated in this area, only 6-8 units
are in the mapped floodplain. However, it is apparent that many other
units are similarly flood-prone.
. Gibbs Park, south ofWrightsboro Road near Maddox Drive, has a
portion of the site within the floodplain of Rae's Creek, but the units
are shown as out.
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Historic Resources. The Historic District Commission, staffed by the
Planning Commission, evaluates activities that impact historic properties.
There are no known reports of flood damage sustained by designated
historic properties. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as part of its
flood reduction study (see Section 7.4.1), identified a small number of
flood-prone historic structures in selected watersheds (other watersheds
not examined):
. Augusta Canal. In addition to the Canal itself, 13 National Register
individually listed buildings, 3 historic districts, and 12 archaeological
sites have been identified. The extent to which specific buildings are
at-risk has not been determined.
. Rae's Creek. Fruitlands (Augusta National Golf Club) is the only
listed property affected; 7 archeological sites have been identified.
. Rocky Creek. No nationally listed properties are affected by flooding;
7 archaeological sites may be in the floodplain, primarily where the
creek merges with Phinizy Swamp.
. Phinizy Swamp. No nationally listed properties, but there is a
recognized high potential for prehistoric and archeological resources in
flood-prone areas.
5.3 Flood Risks - Public Properties
The City of Augusta and the Board of Education owns 137 buildings and
structures, and the City owns over 500 individual parcels of land in
various locations throughout the City. City facilities and public schools
City of Augusta. GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Infonnation Only 9/03)
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that are identified below as being located in the mapped flood hazard area
are shown on Map 5-4 with letter/number annotations (additional
information and photographs of selected buildings along the Savannah
River is in Appendix C). Given the low degree of exposure, there is little
potential for damage. Several City-owned buildings are located on the
riverside of the Levee. Using only the digital topography available in the
GIS and the Base Flood Elevation (lOa-year), predicted flood depths at
these buildings ranges from 3.5-feet to as much as 8-feet. While most of
the buildings would be unlikely to sustain major damage at that depth, the
actual damage may be more related to velocity (which is not
approximated). Contents damage may be more significant in terms of
financial impacts on the occupants. Some City-owned buildings are
occupied by private entities.
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Part 5: Flood Hazards in Augusta I
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The Mitigation Planning Committee requested that appropriate offices
determine if any facilities were in the mapped floodplain (most City
offices have access to the Geographic Information System which includes
a floodplain layer). This exercise not only identifies vulnerable facilities,
but ensures that facility managers are aware that specific buildings are not
flood-prone. Although not part of City, the Augusta Board of Education
and all telephone, electric and gas utility providers were included in the
request:
· The Board of Education reported no public schools in the floodplain;
one building has experienced drainage problems.
· Georgia Power Company reported that no buildings or electric
substations are in the floodplain (other utilities did not respond).
City Buildings. City buildings and facilities have sustained limited
damage due to flooding in the past and, for the most part, are unlikely to
experience significant future damage. The following statements of
potential flooding are based on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps and
ground elevations interpolated from the City's topographic maps:
· The Traffic Engineering building, located on the river side of the
Augusta Levee, may have 3-5 feet of water during the lOa-year flood.
· The Boat Storage building on Prep Phillips may have 3-5 feet of water
during the 100-year flood.
.. The Augusta Marina building _XX
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Recreation & Parks Facilities. The Augusta Recreation and Parks
Department is responsible for numerous facilities throughout the City,
shown on Map 5-4 including: 7 community centers, 15 neighborhood
parks, a soccer complex, skate park, BMX track, tennis center, and the
municipal golf course. The Department coordinates many programs,
including: community athletics, aquatics, boating and fishing, after
school, and summer day camps.
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The Department uses many factors when selecting sites for new park
facilities, primarily population and demand. The presence of mapped
floodplain is a factor in site selection, although acceptable if there is
sufficient land for the facility. The Diamond Lakes Regional Park, built
in 1997, includes wetlands and floodplain areas. The site plan required
avoidance of the floodplain and all improvements are on high ground.
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With respect to floodplains and flood hazards, the Department reports the
following:
· New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam Park is owned by the Corps of
Engineers and leased to the City. The City is responsible for buildings,
including maintenance and repair. The entire 50-acre site is flat and
has flooded 5-6 times since the initial lease. Damage to grounds
includes erosion and debris; costs incurred to clear debris and for
stabilization. Due to topography, that is no land outside the flood-
prone area. The wood playground equipment was damaged and
removed; the replacement equipment will use flood-resistant materials.
· City parkland on Lake Olmstead is flood-prone although the buildings
are on high ground. Damage due to the flood in 1990 included picnic
tables and trails. The master plan proposes new playground equipment
in the floodplain that will be flood-resistant materials.
· Julian Smith pavilion, located above the Lake Olmstead floodplain,
sustained water damage in 1999; the 2000 flood caused less damage
due to the way the water was managed.
· The Boathouse Community Center is on the bank of the Savannah
River. Because the main level of the building is elevated, it is not
expected to be flooded during the lOa-year event. However, the lower
level is more susceptible; it is used for boat storage and a portion is
flllished space overlooking the river.
· Other parklands are located in flood-prone areas, but have not
experienced flood-related damage.
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. City of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Infonnation Only 9/03)
11II
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5.4 Flood Risks - Utilities
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Augusta Utilities is responsible for the City's potable water and
wastewater treatment services. The department provides project
management, construction inspection and land acquisition services for
water and wastewater projects associated with commercial developments,
some subdivisions, Georgia DOT projects, and the City's Capital
Improvement Program. To facilitate its workload, the department is
establishing a computerized maintenance management and work order
system for both the wastewater collection system and the water
distribution system.
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Part 5: Flood Hazards in Augusta I
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Potable Water Service. The Utility provides potable water to 67,500
customers (including 6,000 commercial/industrial users). The system
includes 1,100 miles of water distribution lines. The Raw Water
Pumping Station withdraws water from the Savannah River to provide
75% of City's potable water. The remaining capacity is provided by the
Highland Avenue Surface Water Treatment Plant and three groundwater
treatment plants. The City is phasing out groundwater withdrawal due to
available surface water capacity (groundwater sources will be maintained
for drought contingency). The New Tobacco Road Surface Water
Treatment Plant is expected to come online sometime after 2005.
Wastewater Service. The Utility provides wastewater collection and
treatment services for 40,000 customers. The system includes 650 miles
of wastewater collection lines; many more miles of private lines feed the
system. Treatment is provided at the Spirit Creek Plant and the lB.
Messerly Plant where constructed wetlands at the Phinizy Swamp Nature
Park provide effluent treatment prior to discharge to Butler Creek.
Using the City's GIS, the Augusta Utilities Department compared the
physical location of its assets with the floodplain map and determined the
following:
· Wastewater treatment plants: the City's two plants, JB Messerly and
Spirit Creek, are not within the floodplain.
· Sewage lift stations: the department is acquiring the GPS locations of
the City's 24 lift stations. At this time the specific location within
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mapped floodplains is undetermined; however there is no record of
flood damage or outages associated with flooding.
· Sewer manholes: 1,265 manholes plot within the mapped floodplain,
an expected outcome given that many sewer lines follow waterways to
take advantage of gravity flow.
· Water wells: of the 24 wells, three are located close to areas delineated
as approximate floodplain (along Boggy Branch, a tributary to Little
Spirit Creek).
· Water storage tanks: by the nature of their function, water tanks
typically are located on high ground; the City's 12 ground level and 13
elevated water tanks are not located within the floodplain.
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With respect to flooding and flood impacts, Augusta Utilities reports the
following:
· The Department is responsible for operation and maintenance of the
control gates for the Augusta Canal and the Augusta Levee (see
Section 7.2),
· The preferred construction method for water and sewer lines that run
under creeks is jack and bore; there are some aerial crossings mounted
on bridges.
· Wastewater treatment flow volumes (and consequently treatment costs)
increase during storms and flooding due to infiltration through joints in
the collectors and inflow through manholes (Figure 5-1). It is
estimated that 70% of the problem is on private property and illegal
connections of roof drains. Private property owners are responsible for
installing sewer lines from building to the right-of-way.
· Through the waste distribution system backflow prevention program
the department enforces current requirements for new construction.
· The department addresses backflow problems by educating the public
and by planning installations for residential customers and any non-
residential customers that are to install backflow devices.
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. City of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Infonnation Only 9/03)
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Messerly WPCP Flow Data Jan 03 - Jun 03.xls
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Part 5: Flood Hazards in Augusta I
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~Fl<::J,NtMGD) -....enlOt' Flow Cl.lmuLabve......nnl R&lnratl~lrll~ne-s) . RmfaU Eve-nt,InCh"i I
Figure 5-1. Rainfall Affects Treatment Costs.
5.5 Flood Risks - Roads
With respect to roads and flood risks there are two important aspects:
· Nationwide, flooded roads pose the greatest threat to people during
floods - most of the more than 200 people who die in floods each year
are lost when they try to drive across flooded roads.
. Flood-damaged roads require expenditures of local, state and federal
funds for repair and replacement, and traffic flow can be disrupted
during the time required to design and construct new crossings.
Based on the roads data contained in Augusta's GIS combined with the
floodplain map layer indicates that there is a total of 1,392 miles of road
in Augusta: Interstate highways (43 mi), state roads (85 mi), major
county roads (196 mi), and other roads (1,067 mi). With 206 miles
falling within mapped flood hazard areas, approximately 15% of all roads
in the City are subject to some degree of flooding. This statement is not
intended to imply that such flood-prone roads are likely to be damaged or
pose significant risk to the public.
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The City does not have a definitive list of list of flood-prone roads. Table
5-5 was compiled from three sources: press accounts; citizen reports; and
the Flood Insurance Study (profile sheets).
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The City owns and maintains the majority of road miles within its
bounds. Factors that are considered for upgrading roads include safety,
traffic loads and capacity. While drainage is rarely a primary factor that
prompts an upgrade, drainage improvements often are included in
designs. State aid supports some road improvement projects, which may
include drainage improvements; this aid is sought on a project-by-project
basis.
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Various flood events have damaged roads throughout the City, primarily
causing erosion. The most significant recent damage includes:
· Willis Foreman Road on Spirit Creek washed out in June 1998;
· One lane of Front age Road near Bobby Jones Highway washed out in
June 1998;
· Barton Chapel Road at Glen Hills Road, damaged by Rocky Creek in
July 1998;
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Table 5-5
Flood-Prone Roads.
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Flood-Prone Roads:
Press Accounts
Peach Orchard Rd Wheeler Rd Old Savannah Rd
Ft. Gordon Hwy Boy Scout Rd East Boundary
Bobby Jones @ Berckmans Rd Olive Rd
Walker Blvd Milledgeville Rd Deans Bridge Rd
Walton Way (ponding) Wheeless Rd Meadowbrook Rd
Flood-Prone Roads:
Citizen Reports
Aumond @ Willow Cr Clark Dr Rozella Dr
Bobby Jones @ East Boundary Sheffield Circle
Wheeler Rd
Boy Scout Road East & West Vineland Weathers Terrace
Butler Place Ft. Gordon Hwy Wrightsboro Rd @ 1-20
Central Ave @ Daniel Ingleside Dr
Chelsea Dr Milledgeville Rd
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. City of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Infonnation Only 9/03)
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Table 5-5
Flood-Prone Roads.
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Flood-Prone Roads:
Predicted Flood Depths from FIS (rounded up)
Spirit Creek Oates Creek
Goshen Rd 1 New Savannah Rd 2
Windsor Spring Rd 2 Boykin St 1
Willis Forman Rd 2 Grant Blvd 1
Birdwell Rd 5 Dyer St 1
Spirit Creek Tributary 1 Milledgeville Rd 1
Willis Forman Rd 2 Rae's Creek
Cranes Creek Boy Scout Rd 3
Warren Rd (d/s 1-20) 1 Scotts Way 2
Pleasant Home Rd 3 Ramsgate Rd 1
Rocky Creek Courts ide Dr 2
Barton Chapel Rd 4 Jackson Rd 2
Rocky Creek Tributaries Marks Church Rd 1
Nixon Rd (Trib 2) 1 Wrightsboro Rd 1
Lumpkin Rd (Trib 4) 2 Maddox Rd 1
Kings Grant Dr (Trib 4) 2
Durham Ct (Trib 4) 2
Virginia Ave (Trib 5) 1
Coleman Ave (Trib 5) 1
Peach Orchard (Trib 5) 1
Wylds Rd (Trib 7) 2
North Leg Rd (Trib 7) 1
Sharon Rd (Trib 7) 2
Barton Chapel Rd (Trib 8) 1
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When designing new state roads or upgrading existing roads, the Georgia
Department of Transportation considers the NFIP's floodplain and
floodway requirements to evaluate the impact of new and replacement
structures. The Department inspects state bridges for structural integrity
and to determine if erosion is a risk, in which case stabilization measures
are put into place.
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Part 5: Flood Hazards in AUgUsta.
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The City considers floodplain and floodway impacts in its planning and
design for City roads. Developers must satisfy the City's drainage
criteria and other aspects of road designs in order for the City to accept
ownership.
When weather conditions suggestion that road flooding is likely, the
Emergency Management Agency and other City personnel monitor
access routes for that are prone to ponding and flooding and that are
critical for fire and emergency medical response requirements, such as
Walton Way at 13th and 15th Streets.
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5.6 Flood Risks - Local Drainage
Experience shows that many local drainage problems in Augusta are not
dramatic or life-threatening, yet contribute to the frequency of flooding,
increase maintenance costs, and are perceived to adversely affect the
quality of life in some neighborhoods. Many ofthese areas are not shown
on the City's Flood Insurance Rate Maps. One measure of the magnitude
of this problem is the evidence that nearly half of flood insurance policies
in-force on buildings appear to be outside of the mapped floodplain
(Section 5.2).
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Many areas and streets experience accumulations of rainfall that are slow
to drain away, which may cause disruption of normal traffic, soil erosion,
and water quality problems. Drainage problems are associated with
deteriorated culverts and undersized culverts (most older culverts were
probably sized using "rule of thumb" rather than sized for specific
discharge conditions). Areas that have experienced drainage problems
include:
· Along Augusta Canal, ponded water has affected City police cars
· Parking areas around the Medical Center Hospital experience more
than a foot of ponded water.
As part of the Mayor's online State of The City (Feb 3, 2003), Public
Works and Engineering was reported to have completed 92% of the work
requests filed for mowing, pothole repairs, evictions, vacant lot cleanups,
and drainage problems, while at the same time completing important
drainage and road construction projects included in the sales tax program.
. City of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Information Only 9/03)
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5.7 Flood Risks - Hazardous Materials
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The risk of hazardous materials accidents in Augusta is significant, given
the number of industrial users in the area and the number and length of
major highways and railroad lines that cross the City. Many people could
be exposed to consequences, depending on the location and type of
material involved. Hazardous materials are substances that are harmful to
the health and safety of people and property.
Extensive flood-prone areas are found on Augusta's east side (see Map 5-
1) and are associated with Butler Creek, Rocky Creek, and drainage from
all streams in the urban district (former City). The area, also known as
Phinizy Swamp, is generally flat and is predicted to experience relatively
shallow flooding. Industries in the area are familiar with flood hazards
and containment areas (around chemical storage tanks) that are located in
floodplain areas are sized to protect against flooding up to the predicted
level of the base flood (lOa-year).
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Part 5: Flood Hazards in Augusta.
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As ofmid-2003, the reports on hazardous materials submitted by handlers
and maintained by the Local Emergency Planning Committee (see
Section 6.3) are not a format that facilitates determining whether sites are
in flood hazard areas. The Augusta Emergency Management Agency
inquired through the Local Emergency Planning Committee regarding
flood-related impacts. None were reported.
5.8 Summary: Exposure to Flood Risks
As described in Section 5.3, digital maps of the floodplain are used for
flood hazard identification and assessments of risk. The data, combined
with the building footprints and other infrastructure asset information,
allow estimations of what is "at risk" only by identifying whether such
assets are "in" or "out" of the flood hazard area. No other
characterization of flood risk can be made, i.e., depth of flooding or
whether houses are in the floodway or the flood fringe.
As reported by various City departments and evidenced by plotting the
locations of City buildings and facilities, no buildings of critical use and
importance are exposed to significant risk of future flood damage.
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Part 6 Augusta's
Capability to Address Flood Hazards
6.1 The City's Government Structure
In 1996, the City of Augusta and Richmond County consolidated to form
one government - Augusta, GA. The consolidated government consists
of the mayor and the Augusta-Richmond County Commission. The
Commission is composed of ten members: eight members are elected by
district; two members are elected by "super district" (each composed of
half the districts). Figure 1-2 illustrates the district boundaries.
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The Augusta Commission is authorized by Home Rule Provision of the
Constitution of the State of Georgia of 1983 to: establish planning
commissions; provide for the preparation and amendment of overall plans
for the orderly growth and development of municipalities and counties;
provide for the regulation of structures on mapped streets, public building
sites, and public open spaces; repeal conflicting laws; and for other
purposes.
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The City's daily operations are handled by the City Administrator who
reports to the Commission and oversees the Operations Portfolio. Two
Deputy Administrators oversee the operations in the Public Safety
Portfolio and the Administrative Services Portfolio. An Assistant to the
City Administrator is the Public Information Officer and communications
specialist. The City employs 2,600 people. The departments and offices
included in the three portfolios:
· Administration Portfolio. Board of Elections; Extension Service;
Finance; Human Relations; Human Resources; Information
Technology; Law; Library; Purchasing; Tax Assessor; Tax
Commissioner
· Operations Portfolio. Augusta Regional Airport; Housing &
Neighborhood Development; License & Inspection; Planning &
Zoning; Public Works & Engineering; Recreation & Parks; Riverwalk;
Soil Conservation; Transit; Utilities
· Public Safety Portfolio. 911; Animal Control; Fire; RCCI; Civil
Magistrate Court; Clerk of Superior Court; Coroner; District Attorney;
EMA; Forestry; Jury Clerk; Juvenile Court; Marshal; Probate Court;
Sheriff; Solicitor-State Court; State Court; Superior Court
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The Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission, a l2-member
appointed body, was created and organized under the Home Rule
Provision to "make such careful and comprehensive surveys and studies
of existing conditions and probable future developments and to prepare
such plans for physical, social and economic growth as will best promote
the public health, safety, morals, convenience, prosperity, or the general
welfare as well as efficiency and economy in the development of' the
City.
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The Planning Commission is a recommending body - it makes written
recommendation to the Augusta Commission on matters such as rezoning
petitions, Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations amendments,
and Final Plat approvals. In particular, the Planning Commission has the
power and duty to:
· Prepare a Master Plan (Comprehensive Plan) or parts thereof for the
development of Augusta;
. Prepare and recommend for adoption a Zoning Ordinance and map or
maps; and
· Prepare and recommend for adoption regulations for the subdivision of
land within its political jurisdiction.
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The Planning Commission employs a staff of administrative personnel,
professional planners, and technical support personnel who are charged
with certain planning and development review functions, including:
. Coordinating the City's established coordinated process for the review
of applications and plans by various City departments and agencies to
ensure conformance with all applicable development documents. The
process recognizes three types of development: subdivisions; small
subdivisions; and single lot developments,
. Preparing transportation plans, maintaining an information bank,
developing the Greenspace program, coordinating activities that impact
historic resources, and pursuing grants.
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6.2 How the City Plans and Grows
Augusta City department directors and others were interviewed to gain an
understanding of awareness of hazards and how they are addressed, and
to gather information about damage associated with past hazard events.
Notes from the interviews are on file in the Planning Commission and
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Part 6: Augusta's Capability to Address Flood Hazards
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minutes of committee meetings are in Appendix A. Ordinances, plans,
studies, and other documents were reviewed to identify specific
provisions pertinent to flood hazards (detailed report on file with the
Planning Commission).
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6.2.1 Planning for the Future
The City of Augusta uses the comprehensive planning process and land
use zoning procedures to set the stage for its future. These documents,
prepared according to state requirements and subject to extensive public
review, establish policies that guide development and redevelopment.
Comprehensive Plan (Draft July, 2003). Augusta's Comprehensive
Plan is a long-range plan for managing and guiding development over a
20-year period. It examines existing conditions affecting development,
enumerates the needs and goals for the future, and spells out the strategy
for addressing the needs and achieving the goals. The Plan serves as the
basis for local decision-making and a general resource for information
about the present and future condition of the City.
The three-step process outlined by the State was followed and included:
conduct inventory and assessment; develop a statement of needs and
goals; and develop an implementation strategy. The City's webpage
includes a section explaining the comprehensive planning process and
outlining several questions and answers, a summary of the benefits of
planning, and a brief statement about what the comprehensive plan does -
and what it does not do. Meetings where held with major stakeholders
(neighborhood associations, development organizations, realtors,
builders, utilities, environmental organizations, the school board, and
interested private citizens) and more than 20 public meetings were held
throughout the process.
The planning elements addressed are: population; housing; economic
development; transportation; community facilities and services; historic
resources, natural resources and greenspace; and land use. The
Implementation Strategy is outlined, listing goals, needs and strategies for
each plan element. The Short Term Work Program identifies specific
projects, including estimated cost and responsible entities, to be
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undertaken 2003-2006. Selected goals, objectives and strategies that are
pertinent to reducing flood hazards include:
· Promote a land use pattern that accommodates growth and
revitalization while protecting established residential areas and natural
resources, by accommodating additional residential, commercial and
industrial development in the areas designated on the Future Land Use
map.
· Provide public facilities and services that meet the needs of residents
and businesses, enhance the quality of life, and protect natural
resources, by:
- Making improvements to roads and bridges that enhance safety, reduce
congestion and respond to expected growth patterns.
- Providing and maintaining recreation and park facilities that meet the needs
of residents and visitors, contribute to economic development, and help
protect natural resources.
- Making the Greenspace Plan an integral part of the city's land use plan.
· Protect natural resources and use them as appropriate to provide
recreation opportunities, educate the public and increase tourism, by:
- Preserving and enhancing water quality in the Savannah River and along
creeks and tributaries
- Protecting floodplains and wetlands
- Reducing soil erosion
- Reducing non-point source pollution of groundwater and surface water
sources
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- Assessing the health of local watersheds and develop procedures to maintain
the water quality in the Savannah River and local creeks and tributaries
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Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (revised Aprill, 2003). The
Comprehensive Zoning Plan, consisting of maps and regulations, was
originally adopted in 1963 (the former City began to zone in the 1930s).
The most recent amendments were approved in April 2003 (adopted by
reference at 98-1-1). The Ordinance sets forth the legal uses ofland
within each of the various districts, which are illustrated on the official
Zoning Map. Generally, land uses are categorized as agricultural,
residential, professional, commercial, or industrial. Augusta utilizes a
"pyramidal" zoning system, where with some exceptions, land uses
permitted in more restrictive zones are also permitted in less restrictive
zones.
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The purpose of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance is to promote
health, safety, morals and the general welfare of the people of Augusta. It
is intended to guide and accomplish coordinated, adjusted, and
harmonious development to meet a variety goals. Among those goals are
drainage, adequate public utilities, recreation, conservation and
development of the State's natural resources, and lessening traffic and
other hazards to life, limb, and health.
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Provisions specific to managing floodplains are included in the following:
· Planned Development Riverfront Zone, along the Savannah River, is
recognized as an economic, historic and visual resource that also is of
critical and sensitive concern. A wide variety of uses are permitted,
including residential uses. The ordinance provides for the orderly and
aesthetic development or redevelopment, including oversight by the
Riverfront Development Review Board:
- Applications for development in the zone must provide for public access to
any areas designated as floodplain;
- The floodway of the Savannah River and access easement must be dedicated
to the Augusta-Richmond County Commission; and
- Buildings and site planning are to comply with the floodplain ordinance.
· Savannah River Corridor Protection District, defined as all areas within
lOa-feet horizontally from the river bank, is to remain in undisturbed
vegetative buffer.
· Manufactured Home Regulations, specifically those pertaining to
Manufactured Home Parks, specify that no park "shall be so located as
to be subjected to hazards of flood, poor soil conditions, poor drainage,
or other hazardous conditions."
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6.2.2 Regulating Development (General)
The City of Augusta has developed a suite of coordinated documents that
pertain to the regulation of land uses and development in order to protect
against the potential negative impacts of converting land from its natural
state to urban land uses. Negative impacts include poorly constructed
streets, water systems and sewers, soil erosion, flooding, and reduction of
property value are only a few examples of the health, safety and welfare
issues that compel the regulation of development.
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Augusta's Development Regulations Guide provides an overview of the
various regulatory documents that have been adopted by the City. Along
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with an easy-to-read overview, it is made available to the public on the
City's web page, along with most of the development documents.
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Provisions of development documents that pertain to managing flood
hazard areas are summarized below. The Flood Damage Prevention
Ordinance and related materials is summarized in Section 6.2.4. Because
they related to managing natural resources, three documents are
summarized in Section 6.8: Greenspace Program, Tree Ordinance, and
Groundwater Recharge Area Protection.
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JLand Subdivision Regulations. The Land Subdivision Regulations
(adopted by reference at 98-3-1) regulate the subdivision ofland by
providing a process for the approval of plats and by providing general
infrastructure construction standards. The former City first adopted
subdivision rules in the 1950s, while Richmond County's rules dated to
1971. The stated purposes of the current regulations include, among
others: to protect natural, economic and scenic resources; to encourage
public open spaces; to ensure proper consideration of drainage; to
promote a safe and healthy environment and control the spread of blight;
and to encourage wise development in harmony with the Comprehensive
Plan.
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Extensive and detailed specifications for site plans and final plats are
listed and include information necessary to review drainage and
floodplain impacts. With respect to managing flood hazards, applicants
are required to:
. Show the outline of the lOa-year floodplain boundary and notes; a note
is required if the property is not affected by the floodplain.
. Note on each lot to identify the minimum fmished floor elevation that
must be 3-feet above the base flood elevation; this requirement also
applies to those lots that are impinged by the floodplain but the
building footprint is not within the hazard area.
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The Planning Commission coordinates the City's subdivision reviews,
including coordination with state agencies. The City Engineer inspects
and approves certain required improvements before the City accepts
easements, improvements, and dedications.
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Part 6: Augusta's Capability to Address Flood Hazards
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Site Plan Regulations. These regulations (adopted by reference at 98-8-
1) require site plan approval for construction or expanding a structure
(other than a single family home and certain other exempted activities).
The site plan is an accurately scaled plan and supporting documentation
that illustrates the existing conditions and the details of proposed
developments.
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Procedures for site plan approvals are outlined and the Planning
Commission coordinates reviews by all appropriate City offices. The
requirements for site plans are specified. With respect to managing flood
hazards, applicants are required to:
· Define the acreage of all on-site and off-site drainage areas
contributing flow through the site.
· Specify the stormwater management plan, including hydrology studies.
· Show the outline of the 100-year floodplain boundary and notes; a note
is required if the property is not affected by the floodplain.
· Note on each lot to identify the minimum finished floor elevation that
must be 2-feet above the base flood elevation; administratively, this
requirement is applied to sites that are impinged by the floodplain but
the building footprint is not within the hazard area.
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Stormwater Management. The Stormwater Management Ordinance
(adopted by reference at 95-1-1) is administered by the Public Works &
Engineering Department. It provides minimum requirements regarding
the design and construction of public/private stormwater management
facilities. Provisions outline the acquisition, design, standards and
guidelines, operation and maintenance, and inspection of stormwater
management facilities. Water quality controls are required of all
developments. Facilities are:
· Privately-owned and maintained, if serving single lot developments or
commercial/industrial development; or
· City-owned and maintained, if accepted by the City (primarily in
subdivisions ).
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Stormwater Management Plan Technical Manual. Adopted by
reference at 95-6-1, the Stormwater Management Plan Technical Manual
establishes minimum requirements for the design and construction of
individual and collective stormwater management systems. It is written
to provide engineers, developers, land planners, and others with the
technical information necessary to design and construct stormwater
management systems that minimize the increase in volume and intensity
of stormwater due to development activity. This is necessary to protect
adjacent property owners, public infrastructure, and waterways when land
is developed.
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A stormwater management plan required for site plans (single lot) and
subdivision development plans. Certain exemptions are allowed in the in
the urban district, where there will be no increase in runoff, if the site is
less than 1 acre and the increase in runoff is less than 1 cfs for the 50-year
storm. Hydrologylhydraulics reports are required to establish the pre- and
post-development rainfall-runoff relationships. The analyses are required
to consider the 2-,5-,25-,50-, and lOa-year return frequency storms (and
use of the 24-hour storm is required if the drainage area is more than 100
acres). Design specifics:
· Storm drains are designed for the 25-year return frequency storm and
applicants must evaluate the "overall storm drainage system in the
event of a lOa-year return frequency storm."
. Open channels are designed for the 25-year return frequency storm;
additional capacity may be required if damage to surrounding
properties could occur; erosion protection may be required.
· Culverts are designed for the 25-year return frequency storm;
backwater elevations are not to rise higher than 6-inches below the
shoulder of the roadway; minimum velocities are specified to minimize
sediment build-up.
. Detention basins are generally required and designs must manage post-
development runoff at pre-development rates for the 2-, 5-, 25- and 50-
year return frequency storms; provision for conveying the lOO-year
flood flows is required, and detention facilities not allowed in the
FEMA-mapped floodplain
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Part 6: Augusta's Capability to Address Flood Hazards
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Special Basin Restrictions. Due to past damage to property and
infrastructure, additional stormwater management facility design
considerations are required in: Rae's Creek; Rocky Creek; and Rock
Creek. The requirements include:
· For sites less than 10 acres, no fill or detention facilities in the
floodplain;
· Stormwater management is required for all developments; and
· Release of stormwater associated with the 50-year frequency storm
shall be limited to 90% of the pre-developed rates.
Design Rainfall Events
For the Augusta/Richmond County area, the 24-
hour design rainfalls (not adjusted annually):
· 100-year rainfall = 8.0"
· 1 O-year rainfall = 5.6"
· 2-year rainfall = 3.75 "
Street and Road Design Technical Manual. The Technical Manual
(adopted by reference at 97-3-60) establishes minimum requirements for
the design and construction of streets, roads, and appurtenant structures,
including drainage, culverts and bridges. It provides engineers,
developers, land planners, and others with the technical information
necessary to design and construct streets and roads within subdivisions
and in some cases within individual commercial or industrial sites. For
major works, the Georgia Department of Transportation Standards &
Specifications are referenced.
Soil Erosion/Sediment Control Ordinance. The Soil Erosion and
Sedimentation Control Ordinance (adopted by reference at 97-3-31)
provides minimum guidelines for measures and practices as applied to
development, including street and utility installations, drainage facilities
and other temporary and permanent improvements. "Land disturbing
activities" include clearing, dredging, grading, excavating, transporting,
and filling (certain other activities and types of projects are exempt).
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Appropriate measures per Best Management Practices are to be installed
to prevent or control erosion and sedimentation pollution during all stages
of any land-disturbing activity.
Individual sediment and erosion control plans are to be prepared in
accordance with the Manual for Erosion and Sediment Control in
Georgia, prepared by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Plan content includes delineation of waterways, drainage, wetlands, and
lOa-year floodplains. The City is designated as the Issuing Authority,
and Soil Conservation provides the technical review of pains.
Grading Ordinance. Adopted by reference at S7-3-40, the Grading
Ordinance regulates excavation, filling, and grading activities to address
erosion and sediment deposition that causes pollution and damage to
domestic, agricultural, recreational, fish and wildlife, and other resource
uses. Grading plans and permits are required, except for specifically
exempted activities. For site activities involving land disturbances
greater than 1.1 acres, a must show grading provisions and a separate
grading permit is required. Plan requirements are specified; designers
must show the outline of the laO-year floodplain boundary and notes or
not that the property is not affected by the floodplain.
Utilities Department Design Standards. Sections specify design and
construction standards for potable water distribution systems (including
tire hydrants and fire lines) and for sanitary sewer system construction.
Plan submittals must show, among other requirements, creek crossing
details and backflow prevention devices. The requirement for backflow
prevention devices is coordinated with the Site Plan Regulations and
Subdivision Regulations.
6.2.3 Building Permits and Inspections
The License and Inspection Department administers and enforces codes
related to building construction, property maintenance, business licenses
and alcohol licenses. The current building code is the International
Building Code and the International Residential Code, both adopted by
the State under the cover of the Standard Building Code. Although the
code contains building-specific provisions for flood resistance that are
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consistent with the NFIP, the City relies on the floodplain management
ordinance.
In 1998, the City received a Building Code Effectiveness Grading System
evaluation by the Insurance Services Organization, Inc. The evaluation
examines codes, staffing, training, and inspections, and the results affects
property insurance rates. The City received a Class 6 for
commercial/industrial construction and a Class 6 for 1- and 2- family
residential construction.
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The department includes 13 professional staff who perform plans reviews
and inspections. All staff meet or exceed State requirements for
certification in their trade/specialty, either through the model code
organization or the Georgia State Construction Licensing Board and most
staff hold multiple certifications. To maintain qualifications, staff attend
training offered by the International Code Council (includes SBCCI),
Georgia Power, Georgia Natural Gas, the Soil Conservation Service, and
commercial providers.
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The number of permits issued and inspections conducted in 2001 and
2002 are summarized in Table 6-1. In recent years, very few permits
have been issued for buildings located in the mapped flood hazard areas.
Processing of such permits includes these steps:
· Standard intake procedures includes a GIS check to identify several
factors that are maintained in the related databases, including whether
any portion of the property is located in the floodplain, which prompts
a requirement that applicants first obtain approval from the Planning
Commission. .
· The standard intake procedures apply to applications for work in
existing buildings; if determined to be in a floodplain, Planning
Commission approval is required before a building permit is processed.
· For all building permits issued in floodplains, the Department reiterates
the floodplain elevation requirement and the requirement to submit
Elevation Certificates. Builders typically shoot elevations when
foundations are finished and the Elevation Certificate must be
submitted prior to release of the Certificate of Occupancy.
· If field inspectors see any work for which they do not have a permit file
(whether in or out of the floodplain), they investigate the activity using
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office and computer resources; citations are issued for working without
penmts
Table 6-1
Permit & Inspection Activity (2001, 2002).
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Calendar Calendar
Year 2001 Year 2002
New single-family, detached 356 460
New single-family, attached 161 100
Multi-family (2 or more) 22 30
Non-residential (all types) 75 68
Residential (additions, alterations, repairs) 1,930 2,261
Non-residential (add's, alt's, repairs) 415 425
Demolition 200 222
Relocation 1 1
Other (mechanical, plumbing, electrical) 6,005 5,891
Mobile home (penmanentltemporary) 298 267
All inspections (charged fee) 6,119 6,597
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6.2.4 Regulating Flood Hazard Areas
The City of Augusta administers a suite of regulations and ordinances that
combine to comprehensively regulate flood hazard areas to minimize
exposure of people and property. Section 6.2.2 outlines the pertinent
other documents, with specific emphasis on their flood-related provisions.
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The Planning Commission coordinates reviews of permits and plan
approvals, including individual lot development and single family homes
submitted for building permits if the License & Inspection Department
determines that the parcels are affected by the mapped floodplain. Table
6-2 reports on the number of floodplain approvals issued in 2001 and
2002. It is notable that the City processes as "floodplain" all applications
for parcels that are touched by mapped floodplain areas, even if the
proposed development is not "in" the flood hazard area.
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Table 6-2
Floodplain Approvals (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003).
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Calendar Calendar Calendar Calendar
Year Year Year Year
2000 2001 2002 2003*
Buildings and additions "in" the
mapped flood hazard area (includes 8 19 27 13
improvements, repairs, MFH
installation)
Other activity "in" the mapped flood
hazard area (includes pipelines, 2 8 3 1
utility work, grading, signs,
Permitted activity "out" of flood
hazard area, but on parcel that is 88 8 8 9
affected by mapped flood hazard
area
* Through July 2003
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The purpose of the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (adopted by
reference at S 8-1-1) is to provide regulations for land development and
construction in flood prone areas. The Ordinance is accompanied by the
Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Maps that delineate
areas susceptible to flooding during the lOa-year and 500-year design
floods. For the most part, the maps are based studies conducted by the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on behalf of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA). The maps are the basis for determining
which areas are regulated, what development can occur on a specific lot
or tract, and what protective or remedial measure should be taken to
support development. The Planning Commission administers the
Ordinance and the maps are available to the public in its office.
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Anyone who proposes to construct a structure, or to grade, fill or develop
in a flood-prone area is required to obtain a Flood Development Permit
before initiating any work. Applicants are required to disclose existing
topography site and proposed structures, grading, drainage facilities, and
contours. Depending on the nature of the project, the permit may be
obtained as part of a site plan, subdivision development plan, or as a
separate permit. An Elevation Certificate must be filed for each building
to document that the lowest floor is no lower then required by the
Ordinance before a certificate of occupancy is approved by the License
and Inspection Department.
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The Ordinance is amended periodically to conform to new Federal
regulations, to correct deficiencies, and to address new issues. The maps
may be revised by FEMA if substantial modification to a drainage basin
or a waterway occurs, and site-specific map amendments may be
approved by FEMA on the basis of engineering data supplied by a
property owner. Variances may be considered by the Board of Zoning
Appeals, but are rarely granted due to the criteria outlined in Federal
regulations.
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A statement of findings of fact that, along with the statement of purpose,
sets the framework for the City's regulation of flood hazard areas:
. The flood hazard areas of Augusta, Georgia are subject to periodic
inundation which results in loss of life and property, health and safety
hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services,
extraordinary public expenditures for flood relief and protection, and
impairment of the tax base, all of which adversely affect the public
health, safety and general welfare.
. These flood losses are caused by the occupancy of flood hazard areas
of uses vulnerable to floods, which are inadequately elevated, flood-
proofed, or otherwise unprotected from flood damages, and by the
cumulative effect of obstructions in floodplains causing increases in
flood heights and velocities.
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The Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance is largely consistent with the
regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program, with several notable
exceptions that exceed the minimum federal requirements. Those
exceptions, listed below, facilitate the City's objective of guiding
development away from flood hazard areas:
. Floodway Fringe. Dividing the area that is landward of the floodway,
yet within the floodplain, into the "lower floodway fringe" and the
"upper floodway fringe" is a unique and effective provision. It allows
the City to regulate the areas adjacent to mapped floodways as
floodways, recognizing that such areas are artificially delineated on a
map without full recognition of the likelihood that floodwaters will be
fast flowing and relatively deeper.
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· Cumulative Substantial Improvement. The ordinance specifies that
any combination of repairs, reconstruction, alteration, or improvements
to a building that take place during a five-year period count towards the
50% of market value trigger for substantial improvement.
· Unmapped Flood Hazard Areas. Areas known to have flooded
historically or that are defined by engineering practices but not yet
incorporated into the Flood Insurance Study are included in the area
regulated.
· Freeboard above Base Flood Elevation. The lowest floors (including
basement) of new construction (including manufactured homes) and
substantial improvements are required to be elevated no lower than
three feet above the base flood elevation shown on the FIRM.
· Elevation Certificates. Procedurally, the City applies the requirement
to submit surveyed evidence that the lowest floor is at or above the
required elevation on all buildings if any portion of the lot is touched
by the mapped flood hazard area.
· Large Tracts. Tracts of land larger than I acre on which any portion
is affected by mapped floodplain are treated as flood-prone and, if
entirely within the floodplain, are treated as lower floodway fringe,
effectively providing a tool to guide development activities away from
low areas.
· Equivalent Floodways in A Zones. For flood hazard areas for which
base flood elevations have not been determined (A Zones), the
ordinance, in effect, defines a floodway. As measured from the top of
the stream bank, the area that is "equal to five (5) times the width of the
stream or twenty (2) feet, whichever is greater" is treated as a
floodway.
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Flood Hazard Area Development Permit Application Form &
Information. The Augusta Planning Commission has developed a form
to summarize the information that is required to be shown on plans. It
specifically requires elevations in relation to mean sea level and advises
the following are information is required:
· Elevation of lowest floor (including basement) of all structures;
· Elevation of the floodproofng measures used for non-residential
structures;
· A certificate that floodproofing designs meet the ordinance
requirements; and
· Description of watercourse alterations.
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A 5-page information handout (dated July 2000) is provided to applicants
for floodplain development. It includes a brief background on flooding in
Augusta, flood warning and flood safety, flood insurance, property
protection measures, permit requirements, substantial improvement
requirements, drainage system maintenance advice, a brief statement
regarding the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains, and
references for more information on flooding.
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Substantial Damage/Improvement Packet (undated). The packet was
prepared after a flood that caused considerable damage and prompted an
awareness of the importance of having materials to provide property
owners. It is used by the Flood Assessment Team (see Section 6.7) and
includes:
. Notice to property owners to provide the information about the "50%
rule" (pertaining to substantial improvement and repair of substantial
damage);
. Application for review (so that a determination can be made as to
whether a Development Permit and/or a building permit are required);
· Affidavits for the Owner and the Contractor; and
. List of items required and worksheet for estimating the cost of
reco nstructi on! improvements.
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6.3 Emergency Management
The City's Emergency Services Department is responsible for preparing
and coordinating all emergency support functions to prevent, minimize
and repair injury and damage resulting from emergencies and disasters,
whether natural or man-made. Hazards that are addressed include:
structural fire; police/public safety services; medical and health services;
rescue; warning services; communications; defense from radiological,
chemical and special weapons; and other functions related to civilian
protection.
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Due to the types and quantities used by local industries and the presence
of major transportation routes and railroads, the most significant threat to
the citizens of Augusta is exposure to hazardous materials. The
Emergency Management Agency coordinates the Local Emergency
Planning Committee, which is very active and primarily focused on
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Part 6: Augusta's Capability to Address Flood Hazards
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"community right to know" regarding hazardous materials and chemical
accidents. The committee consists of 24 representatives from the City,
community groups, and local industries. It sponsors community
meetings, open houses, industry tours, shelter-in-place training, and risk
management seminars. Augusta enjoys significant industry-to-industry
cooperation, with hazardous materials handlers cooperating on a
notification system and citizen education and outreach.
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The EMA also coordinates the Community Awareness Emergency
Response which started in 1984 when Richmond County's hazardous
materials program began. The quarterly meetings focus on
communications between citizens and industry and are well-attended.
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EMA's current initiatives include:
· Improving public education and information on all hazards, including
flood, hurricanes, tornadoes, heat and hazardous materials. This
accomplished through numerous presentations to citizens groups,
neighborhood associations, church groups, and tours of the 911
Communications Center. A pending proposal will create a short-term
grant-funded position to establish the outreach initiative.
· Developing the "911 Message" system through Calling Post, Inc., a
computerized, auto-alert system that can be set up with groups of
numbers for specific purposes or specific geographic areas. EMA can
tailor messages for each incident or area alerted. The system has the
capability to examine call logs to determine if the message was
received live, by recording, or not answered.
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6.4 Public Works & Engineering
The Department is composed of six divisions: Engineering, Maintenance,
Facilities Maintenance, Solid Waste, Trees & Landscapes, and
Administration). Funding for public works projects is largely derived
from a 1 % sales tax that provides for citywide capital projects, including
roads, drainage, parks, fire stations, and other public buildings. The
Capital Improvement Program is revised every 5 years based on pre-
determined priorities and documented needs. At present, the Department
represents the City on the Corps of Engineers' Flood Reduction Study
(see Section 7.4.1).
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. City of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Infonnation Only 9/03)
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Generally, the department's responsibilities include:
. Engineering Division includes four sections (County Engineering,
Preconstruction Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Traffic
Engineering). The County Engineering Section reviews proposals for
privately developed roads, drainage and stormwater management
designs, and is responsible for subdivision plan reviews, subdivision
inspection, utility permits and inspection, and erosion control. The
Environmental Engineering Section is responsible for National
Pollution Discharge Elimination permits, underground storage tanks,
environmental permitting; and Brownfields. Preconstruction
Engineering manages certain capital projects.
. Infrastructure Maintenance Division is responsible for right-of-way
maintenance, paving, vacant lot cleanings, community cleanups,
drainage maintenance (storm drains, ditches, detention/retention
ponds).
· Solid Waste Division is an enterprise fund and is responsible for
compo sting, landfill operations, and recycling.
. Urban Forestry Division develops programs to enhance sound
management and stewardship, provides in-house fire control training,
supports fire prevention programs (schools, civic clubs and private
organizations), and advises residents on shade trees.
. Facilities Management Division is responsible for maintenance of
City buildings and construction new of City buildings.
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The Department is establishing a database-driven system to maintain a
wide variety of records and work orders. Referred to as the "GBA
system," installation will begin in 2003. A component of the system will
be designed to centralize recording of citizen complaints regardless of the
office that fields a call. The system will facilitate documentation of
repetitive complaints, repetitive repairs and document costs. One benefit
will be to help prioritize the benefits and costs of drainage improvements
or other modifications.
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Maintenance of Lake Olmstead and Lake Aumond is among the
Department's responsibilities. As funding allows, work includes
vegetation maintenance and dredging, although the latter is a very
expensive endeavor. Both lakes are "flow through" and do not have
operable inlet and outlet structures. Many years ago, flooding washed out
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Part 6: Augusta's Capability to Address Flood Hazards
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Walton Way at Lake Aumond; the reconstruction was accomplished to
function as a dam and emergency spillway.
As identified in agreements with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
among the City Engineer's responsibilities is inspection of certain flood
control works, including the Augusta Levee and Oates Creek Flood
Control Projects. These inspections are conducted with the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers. Modifications to the Oates Creek project will be
managed by the Preconstruction Engineering Section.
Inspection and maintenance of the stormwater system, especially drainage
ditches and the 250+ detention basins that are in City ownership, are
major Public Works responsibilities. The basins are those associated with
subdivisions (basins on single lot developments generally stay in private
ownership) and those constructed by the City. Maintenance is necessary
to ensure proper functioning to provide the appropriate management of
runoff. The City's Wrightsboro facility on Rae's Creek was developed to
help reduce existing drainage problems.
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Flooding has damaged several privately-owned ponds:
· A pond above Sand Ridge Subdivision failed in May 2003, most likely
due to deterioration of the spillway pipe
· Harrison Sears pond has been damaged by high water more than once.
· Richmond Factory Pond failed in 1990 and was rebuilt.
· XX _ [pond damaged July 31 that contributed to downstream
damage]
6.5 Other Departments & Programs
In addition to the City department described in other sections, two other
City departments and programs have minor or related responsibilities
related to flood hazards.
Housing and Neighborhood Development. The Department's mission
is to provide decent housing, suitable living environment and expand
economic opportunities, principally for low and moderate-income persons
and neighborhoods. Among its current goals are the following:
. City of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Information Only 9/03)
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· Develop and implement comprehensive neighborhood revitalization
strategies for distressed areas;
· Collaborate with community housing development organizations; and
. Provide technical and fInancial assistance and information to
entrepreneurs and small business owners,
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The Augusta-Richmond County is a HUD entitlement jurisdiction that
receives and administers federal funds from the U.S. Department of
Housing and Community Development. Annual allocations are $2.9
million in Community Development Block Grants, $1.4 million in
HOME Investment Partnerships Programs, and $100,000 in Emergency
Shelter grants. These programs support:
. Housing rehabilitation and home repairs required to bring clearly
substandard homes into compliance with building codes;
. Private non-profit organizations and other developers that build new
housing and renovate existing housing for low- and moderate-income
persons
. Demolition and rebuild for households occupying severely deteriorated
units.
. Demolition and clearance of deteriorated structures, with vacated lots
made available for construction of affordable housing.
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Improving Housing in Augusta
Recently, the Augusta HND worked with a client to
demolish and rebuild a dilapidated, flood-prone
home. All code requirements were satisfied.
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The Augusta-Richmond County Extension Service. The Extension
Service is a unit of the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural &
Environmental Sciences that offers a number of programs in order to:
. Respond to citizen needs and interests in agriculture, the environment,
families, and 4-H;
· Promote conservation of natural resources; and
. Promote increased agricultural profitability and pest management
practices.
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Part 6: Augusta's Capability to Address Flood Hazards
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On the Cooperative Extension Service's homepage
(http://www.ces.uga.edu) a number of publications related to disasters are
available, primarily dealing with emotional reactions and adjustments.
6.6 Communicating about Flood Hazards
As ofmid-2003, the City's website featured a special page for "Flood
Plain Information." It identifies heavy rain as the primary cause of
flooding and points out that citizens can learn more by referencing the
Flood Insurance Rate Maps prepared by FEMA and on file with the
Planning Commission. Citizens are advised to heed warnings, to tune to
media for alerts, and about basic family safety and driver safety
information. Warnings about turning off utilities and the hazards of enter
buildings after damage are outlined.
The webpage explains flood insurance, with emphasis on the fact that
property insurance policies do not cover flood damage. The 30-day
warning period is highlighted, and citizens are advised not to wait until a
flood warning is posted to seek fmancial protection.
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The Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission offers to check the
official Flood Insurance Rate Map and tell property owners if their land
and/or buildings are in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Advice on the
permit requirements for new construction and substantial renovations or
repairs of damage is offered.
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The webpage outlines a number of property protection measures to
reduce flood damage, including:
· Temporary (emergency) measures such include relocating possessions
to the highest floor and placing sandbags or similar barriers to keep
water away from buildings;
· Retrofitting, more permanent means, include elevating existing
buildings; and
· Floodproofmg with wall coatings to make the building walls and floor
watertight.
Webpage viewers are advised to check with the Planning Commission
before building on, altering, re-grading or placing fill on property because
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a Flood Plain Development Permit may be required. A separate section
outlines the substantial improvement requirement and identifies the
License and Inspections Department as responsible for enforcement.
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The importance of drainage systems maintenance is highlighted as an
important flood prevention effort that depends on citizen cooperation and
assistance. Causes of drainage blockage are described so that citizens
understand that plugged drainage channels, catch basins, ditches,
detention ponds and drainage pipes cannot carry water.
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Additional information is listed:
· Links to selected FEMA publications about disaster assistance and
flood insurance;
· Insurance companies selling federal flood insurance;
· FEMA contact information for flood maps; and
· Frequently Asked Questions.
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6.7 Post-Flood Actions
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In response to flooding in 2000, the City created the Flood Assessment
Team. The Team is composed of staff from the Planning Commission,
License & Inspections, Emergency Management, and the Construction
Advisory Board, and is responsible for assessing flood damage and
making substantial damage determinations.
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The Public Works & Engineering Department inspects reported drainage
problems, stormwater management facilities, and road culverts affected
by flooding.
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The Augusta Utilities Department manages increased wastewater inflows
associated with increased infiltration and inflows due to rainfall and high
water events. Reports of outages or damage to water lines or sewer lines
are investigated and repairs are made, as appropriate.
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The Emergency Management Agency coordinates with the Georgia
Emergency Management Agency after major events; GEMA coordinates
state personnel if required to assist with preliminary damage assessments.
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Part 6: Augusta's Capability to Address Flood Hazards
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6.8 Continued Compliance with the NFIP
The City of Augusta is firmly committed to continued compliance with
the NFIP as evidenced by the commitment to regulating development and
redevelopment, by adoption of provisions that exceed the minimum NFIP
requirements, and by active pursuit of mitigation opportunities.
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The City of Augusta satisfied requirements for initial participation in the
NFIP in 1978 and Richmond County joined the NFIP in 1980. The
effective Flood Insurance Rate Maps have been revised a number of times
to reflect more detailed information and changes to the floodplain, and is
used as the minimum flood hazard area within which development must
conform to floodplain management requirements.
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Regulations Review. A review of the City's floodplain regulations and
subdivision standards was prepared and City staff were interviewed. The
review, on file with the Planning Commission, was performed to ensure
continued compliance with the NFIP and to identify opportunities to
clarify regulatory language. The regulations are consistent with the
NFIP. A number of opportunities for improved consistency and
clarification were identified.
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Community Assistance Visit -1990. The NFIP State Coordinating
Office (Georgia DNR) met with staff of the Augusta/Richmond County
Planning Commission. Staff were described as having "a fair
understanding" of the NFIP and federal regulations. The resulting report
identified some concerns and the City undertook followup immediately:
· No problems with the floodplain management ordinance;
· Minor concerns with administrative and enforcement procedures;
· Minor concerns with flood maps;
· Serious concerns with NFIP Biennial Report data; and
· Potential violations were identified: field reconnaissance identified a
number of number of structures that were built in the floodplain and
copies of development permits and elevation certificates for nine
buildings were requested.
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. City of Augusta. GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Infonnatlon Only 9/03)
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Community Assistance Visit - 2000. The NFIP State Coordinating
Office (Georgia DNR) and a FEMA Region IV representative met with
staff of the Augusta/Richmond County Planning Commission. In part
due to mid-year flooding, the floodplain ordinance and certain procedures
were modified. The report acknowledged the merits of adopting more
restrictive ordinance provisions, establishing a "Flood Assessment Team"
to assess damage and make substantial damage determinations, and
providing Flood Information Packets to residents. The report outlined
additional results:
. Recommendation that in addition to requiring floodplain boundaries be
delineated on site plans, that the preparer note the map panel number
and date.
. Possible encroachment of fill into a floodway (subsequent investigation
indicated it is not in the floodway).
. Height of foundation openings/flood vents higher than 12" above grade
(subsequent investigation indicated the non-conforming openings are
on the same side as the crawlspace door which has sufficient open
area).
. Elevation certificates required for buildings in the floodplain and errors
in flood zone designations on some certificates (corrected elevation
certificates were provided).
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In response to the report, in the City conveyed to all engineers and land
surveyors a requirement that all Plot Plans, Site Plans, Development
Plans, Final Plats, and all other plats submitted for approval must have a
note regarding flood hazard areas, including identification of the map
panel number and date. This requirement requires the note is to be placed
on all documents, even ifthere is no floodplain affecting the site or ifthe
building footprint is out of the floodplain. The requirement was
subsequently incorporated into the appropriate ordinances.
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The Community Rating System. The City has identified a number of its
actions that may qualify for credit under the NFIP's Community Rating
System (CRS). The CRS is intended to recognize and encourage
management of flood hazard areas above the minimum requirements of
the NFIP. Discounts on the cost of federal flood insurance are provided
to those citizens who reside within recognized communities. The City of
Augusta anticipates considering applying for the CRS.
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Part 6: Augusta's Capability to Address Flood Hazards
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Nationwide, the average NFIP premium for $100,000 in coverage
property in A Zones and AE Zones is on the order of $500. Thus, in
communities with a 5% CRS discount, policyholders see, on average,
annual savings of$25. The cost of the average B, C, and X Zone policy
is $150; thus policyholder savings in these zones outside of the lOa-year
floodplain would be only $7.50 per year. Regardless of the CRS discount
available in A and AE Zones, which goes up in 5-percent increments, the
discount on B, C, and X Zones is capped at 5%.
For Augusta residents, cost savings due to the CRS discount can be
estimated. Because nearly half of policies appear to be on buildings that
are "out" of the mapped floodplain, for the purpose of this estimate a
CRS discount of only 5% is assumed to apply to all policies. The total
premium paid is approximately $397,000; thus a 5% discount would yield
a total savings for property owners of about $19,800 each year.
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An independent report identifying possible points based on the City's
current program, as well as a number of reasonable and feasible
additional activities that may qualify for CRS points, is on file with the
Planning Commission. The following are the key opportunities:
· Floodplain ordinance requires the lowest floor, including basement, to
be elevated at least 3-feet above the Base Flood Elevation.
· The requirement that lowest floors be at least 3-feet above the BFE is
imposed on buildings located on lots that touch the floodplain even if
the building is "out"
· The City regulates a portion of the flood fringe as floodway.
· Stormwater management for most new development in Rae's Creek,
Rocky Creek, and Rock Creek watersheds is required to meet higher
standards to provide over-management.
· Significant efforts related to drainage maintenance and improvements
are underway.
· 22 homes have been acquired and demolished (or are in the process) to
provide open space.
· Significant public information efforts provide opportunities to continue
to reach out to residents about flood hazards, mitigating damage, and
flood insurance.
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· The City has prepared this Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan.
. Efforts are made to expand the Greenspace program through fee simple
acquisition of streamside areas and easement donations.
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6.9 Natural Resources
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The importance of protecting natural resources is recognized in several of
the City's development documents, including the Comprehensive Plan
and Zoning Ordinance that set the framework for long-term development.
Regulations pertaining to specific proposals for land development require
that wetlands, waterways and sensitive areas be delineated. This serves
dual purposes: to encourage avoidance of those areas, and to more
readily allow City staff to review potential impacts. Activity proposed
within wetland areas must be approved by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers under the authority of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
Sediment and erosion control plans are required for most developments.
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Natural resources are recognized and certain protections are provided in
other regulations:
· Land Subdivision Regulations:
- Individual sewerage disposal systems (if applicable), per current Health
Department regulations.
_ Delineation of wetlands per the National Inventory of Wetlands and, if
subject to federal permit requirements, certain other submittals.
· Site Plan Regulations:
- Delineation of wetlands per the National Wetlands Inventory.
- Descriptive note describing permanent or temporary best management
practices used to impact or target water quality.
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Greenspace Program. The purpose of Augusta's Greenspace Program
Plan is the permanent protection of undeveloped greenspace. It sets forth
policies and specific proposals for long-term and short-term greenspace
preservation and recognizes that funds for that purpose may come from
several sources. The ultimate goal is the preservation of 20% of the
City's land area (including approximately 20,000 acres of flood-prone
lands). The most environmentally sensitive lands are targeted:
floodplains of the Savannah River, major tributaries, and Phinizy Swamp;
and land along the Augusta Canal. The plan received broad public
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Part 6: Augusta's Capability to Address Flood Hazards
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support as evidenced by input received at public meetings. The Savannah
River Land Trust monitors the City's Greenspace Program and lands.
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Since November 2000, nearly 800 acres have been permanently
protected. These acquisitions, supported in part by a state grant of $1.2
million, move the City towards a continuous greenbelt around the
developed areas, beginning at the Columbia County line (and connecting
to that county's trail system), and extending along the Levee to Phinizy
Swamp and linking along Butler Creek to Fort Gordon. Table 6-3
identifies all Greenspace parcels, including those owned by the City and
those owned by others that may not yet fully qualify under the State's
definition.
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Table 6-3
Status of Augusta's Greenspace (2003).
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City Ownership (permanently Other Ownership (not yet permanently
protected) protected)
Greenspace Site Size Greenspace Site Size
(acres) (acres)
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park 234.0 Phinizy Swamp wetlands mitigation site 1,540
Butler Creek - Boy Scout Tract 75.0 (owned by GDOT and leased to GDNR via
Butler Creek - Parham Tract 3.5 a 50-year management agreement).
Butler Creek - Sibley Tract 50.0 Several City-owned parcels between 479i:
Butler Creek - Spence Tract 25.5 downtown and New Savannah Lock and
Dam (some parcels may be needed for
future development; surveys are required
for further delineation).
Butler Creek - Woodlake 120 Spirit Creek Educational Forest (owned by 570
Subdivision the Georgia Forestry Commission).
Rae's Creek - above golf course 4 Phinizy Swamp near New Savannah Lock 616i:
Spirit Creek - S Specialties Tract 36.0 and Dam (within 1,500 acres owned by the
City, including sewerage treatment facilities
and the Phinizy Swamp Nature Park).
Savannah River Islands 10.0
Savannah River/Augusta Canal 215.0
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The City proposes several mechanisms to expand greenspace, including:
revisions to the Zoning Ordinance to promote greenspace in
developments; a greenspace element in the Comprehensive Plan; pursuit
of donations of land; fee simple purchase or placement of conservation
easements on compatible; and placement of conservation easements over
certain City-owned properties. Barriers to achieving the goal are
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identified: lack of funding; insufficient tax incentives to encourage
donations; and long-term maintenance concerns with taking title to a
myriad of scattered tracts.
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The Greenspace Plan describes the City's physical characteristics, rapid
growth areas, population, and future land use. Areas that are significant
natural areas that are protected and additional proposed areas for
greenspace protection are described:
· Properties located on or adjacent to the Savannah River and the
Augusta Canal are a mixture of floodplains and other buffer lands.
· Phinizy Swamp was created by ancient shifts in the Savannah River;
some of it is farmed, some has been or is being mined, most has been
timbered. It includes natural areas that are unique and most of it is
within the floodplain.
. Butler Creek has seen aggressive pursuit of easements and fee simple
acquisition of floodplain and buffer areas; this area will continue to be
the City's first priority.
· Rae's Creek flows through a heavily urbanized area. The cost of land
and easements has proven an obstacle to acquiring greenspace, even
floodplain areas. The upper reach, in the Bel Air area, where there is
less existing development.
· Rock Creek, Rocky Creek, Spirit Creek and McBean Creek are lower
priority, but the City will encourage donations of easements and
property, especially where there are significant environmental
resources or opportunity to achieve connectivity with other public
areas.
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The Augusta Greenspace Plan details provisions of the City's Flood
Damage Prevention Ordinance that "make it very difficult to develop
property lying within the lOa-year floodplains." In part, it is anticipated
that these restrictions will help to encourage owners to grant easements or
to make donations to the City or the Savannah River Land Trust (thereby
qualifying for tax benefits). These provisions serve to temporarily protect
the floodplain as Greenspace:
· Limitations on grading; no fill to be brought into the floodplain;
· Lower floodway fringe to be treated as floodway;
· Stringent "no rise" certification requirements; and
· Three-foot freeboard above the Base Flood Elevation.
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Part 6: Augusta's Capability to Address Flood Hazards
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Tree Ordinance. The Tree Ordinance (adopted by reference at 98-4-1)
provides standards for the protection of public trees, designates landmark
trees, and provides landscaping standards for the development of private
property (except single-family residential development). Where a site
plan is required, a Greenspace Plan must include a landscape element, a
tree protection element, and a tree establishment element. The Tree
Ordinance Illustrated Guide gives technical specifications for developing
greenspace plans and other purposes, The Greenspace Plan is reviewed
by the staff of the Planning Commission along with the rest of the site
plan and it is subject to administrative approval by the staff or approval
by the Augusta Tree Commission.
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Groundwater Recharge Area Protection. The purpose of the
Groundwater Recharge Area Protection Ordinance (codified as 98-6-1) is
to manage land use within certain defined areas to ensure that the threat
of groundwater pollution is minimized. The Ordinance sets standards that
apply to waste disposal facilities, agricultural impoundments, hazardous
material handling facilities, waste water basins, stormwater basins,
wastewater spray and sludge operations, and homes or other land uses
served by septic tank/drain systems. Minimum lot size are specified if
septic tanks are used, based on pollution susceptibility, soil group, and
slope, and are considerably larger than if public sewerage is available.
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. City of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Information Only 9/03)
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Part 7
Flood Mitigation Initiatives
7.1 Introduction
Augusta's experience with flooding goes back to its earliest years when
the Savannah River periodically rose out of its banks. While the River's
impacts have been mitigated by construction and operation of three major
flood control dams and the Augusta Levee, it has been only in recent
years that flooding has impacted smaller watershed to the extent that it
has prompted attention and action.
7.2 Augusta Levee
The Augusta Levee is about Il.S miles long, running from the high
ground on the south side of Rae's Creek to the high ground at New
Savannah Bluff just south of Butler Creek. There are 5 gate structures; 2
railroad crossings, 1 road crossing, 2 combined road/rail crossings, and
several road ramps, and one section of sheet pile wall.
Started in 1908 and completed between 1914 and 1916, the Flood of 1929
damaged certain sections that were rebuilt to "stand up against greater
floods." In 1936, the U.S. Congress authorized improvements by the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers, which completed work in 1941. Initially, the
Levee was designed to have two-feet of freeboard under a design
discharge of 5S0,000 cubic feet per second (measured at the 5th Street
Bridge, which is not operational).
The Clarks Hill Dam and Lake project began impounding water in
December 1951 and continues to control the Savannah River. Analyses
in the early '80s suggested the Levee would overtop during flows greater
than 55,000 cfs, which had a stage of 30-feet on the Butler Creek gage
and 51. 8- feet at the 5th Street gage. At the time, this was characterized as
the 0.2% annual chance flood (SOO-year). However, as shown in Figure
7-1, USGS measurements at Gage 02197000 (Savannah River at
Augusta), discharges on this well-regulated river have exceeded SO,OOO
cfs only 5 times since 1950.
. City of Augusta. GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Information Only 9/03)
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USGS 02197000 SAVAMNAH RIVER AT AUGUSTA, GA
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200000
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: 150000
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1950
1960 1970 1980 1990
DATES: 07/08/1941 to 06/14/2001
2000
Figure 7-1. USGS Savannah River Gage at Augusta.
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The City of Augusta is the local sponsor and owns, operates, and
maintains the Levee. The Operations and Maintenance Manual, prepared
in 1984 by the Corps of Engineers, acknowledges that the effectiveness of
the levee depends on people in three key ways, each is addressed in
detail: routine maintenance; inspection and periodic reporting; and
operations and flood fight.
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With respect to permanent development on the Levee, the Corps did not
have the authority (under then-current legislation) to approve permanent
modifications. General criteria for encroachments are set forth and a
procedure is outlined, including a requirement that the City Engineer
certify that the design of any encroachment "does not affect the levee
integrity or impair his ability to operate or maintain the levee and perform
flood fights."
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7.3 Other Flood Reduction Projects
The City of Augusta has experienced flooding throughout its history, with
the primary focus on the Savannah River in the early part of the 20th
Century. In the last 20 years, flooding along the smaller waterways has
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gained attention, in part due to the apparent increase in severity and
frequency of flooding and damage.
7.3.1 Floodplain Acquisitions
Prompted by significant flooding in 1998, which resulted in Presidential
Declaration DR 1209, the City began to consider seeking federal grants
funds for the of a number of flood-damaged homes. There were many
more damaged homes than available funding; for the most part the
selection was driven by federal and state emphasis and the limited amount
of available funds.
A federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program grant of$687,700 (to cover
75% of eligible costs) was awarded through the Georgia Emergency
Management Agency for the acquisition and removal of 12 substantially
damaged and repetitive loss properties (8 were in FEMA's "repetitive
loss target group"). Although homes were located in several places
(green circles on Map 5-4) many were concentrated in the Hollywood
subdivision. The State provided 15% and the City provided 10% towards
the 25% non-federal match (Table 7-1). The last home in this group was
demolished in late 2002.
Floods in 2002, although not qualifying as a major disaster declaration,
caused extensive damage in Augusta. As a result, the City applied for
and received grant funds to pursue additional homes. A third grant was
approved in late August, bringing the total to 22 homes (Table 7-1).
Table 7-1
Floodplain Acquisition Grants (as of mid-2003).
Federal Local Share Total Project
(75%) & (10%) Cost
State (15%)
Phase 1: Original $618.928 $68,770 $687,698
Application (12 homes)
Phase 2: Dominion Way (4 $301,612 $33,512 $335,124
homes)
Phase 3: Approved late $303,509 $33,729 $337,298
August 2003 (6 homes)
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As a condition of the mitigation grants, the acquired lands must be
retained as open space. As shown on Map 5-3, the locations of these lots
are in several locations, which complicates re-use for recreational
purposes or other compatible open space purposes. The Hollywood area,
where some homes have been acquired and several others have been
abandoned due to repetitive flood damage, may be a suitable site for
wetlands. If buildings can be removed from a large, contiguous area, the
land would likely readily revert to wetlands, given the frequency of
flooding.
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7.3.2 Rae's Creek Improvements
Prompted by repeated flooding in the early 1990s, the City undertook a
$1.4 million stream improvement project on Rae's Creek. From Lake
Olmstead upstream to about Wrightsville Road, the stream was cleaned
and widened. To reduce streambank erosion, riprap was placed on the
banks.
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7.3.3 Oates Creek Project
In 1986, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers prepared the Oates Creek
Flood Control Project design. The project, constructed in the late 1980s,
was expected to provide an average annual flood damage reduction
benefit of $1. 78 million (1979 dollars). The project is designed to carry
discharges for the 1 a-year to 25-year floods, but is expected to reduce or
eliminate flooding of 218 homes by the 1 %-annual chance flood (100-
year). The channel improvement project modified the Oates Creek
mainstream and Tributary No.1 and consisted of several components:
· Realignment of the waterway from its confluence with Beaver Darn
Ditch upstream to the New Savannah Road Bridge;
· Just over a mile of rectangular cross-section, concrete-lined channel,
ranging from 30- to 40-feed wide;
. Over 6,600 feet of grass-lined channel with sloped sides and bottom
widths of 10- to 60- feet;
. A low earth levee on the south bank downstream of Central of Georgia
Railroad crossing, extending 1,800 feet long and ranging from 4- to 9-
feet high; and
· Modifications to a bridge and utilities.
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Richmond County was the original non-federal sponsor and project
owner. As part of the consolidation of governments, the City of Augusta
became the project owner. The City, in conjunction with the Corps of
Engineers, inspects the project twice a year. Reportedly, "high flood
control efficiency" is achieved, but modifications are planned to reduce
excessive annual maintenance requirements and costs. To concentrate
low flows and to minimize sediment deposition, the bottom of the upper
portion of earthen channel will be regraded and concrete pilot channel
will be constructed in the lower portion of earthen channel. Rip-rap will
be placed on channel slopes and at other locations to reduce erosion,
Construction is expected to begin in October 2003 and be completed
within 12 months.
7.3.4 Georgia DOT and Cranes Creek
Georgia Department of Transportation is designing two projects in the
Cranes Creek watershed that are anticipated to provide some flood relief,
although the degree of relief has not yet been determined due to on-going
design factors:
· The I-20/Cranes Creek project to prevent flooding ofInterstate 20 at
Cranes Creek; and
· The 1-2011-520 Interchange project with stormwater detention ponds
Two other DOT projects in Cranes Creek are in the design phase; both
will include stormwater management measures to manage runoff
increases associated with the project only:
· The Davis Road Widening project; and
· The Interstate 20 Widening project from Bel Air Road to the Augusta
Canal.
Background. A significant flooding event occurred on June 20, 2000,
when Cranes Creek overtopped Interstate 20, Interstate 20 is a major
hurricane evacuation route for this area of Georgia and South Carolina.
Many homes in the area were also flooded. These homes have had
repetitive flood losses and several are abandoned as a result of the June
20, 2000 flooding.
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Elevating 1-20 at Cranes Creek. In last spring of2003, the concept for
the final alternative and the environmental document were approved by
the Georgia Department of Transportation and FHW A in late spring of
2003.
Leading up to the concept approval, hydrologic and hydraulic analyses
were performed to updated the current Flood Insurance Study (PIS) for
Cranes Creek which is based on modeling performed in 1976 and does
not accurately represent the increased development and to incorporate
changes due to several culvert replacements. This work involved field
inspections and surveys, meetings City personnel to discuss flooding
issues, and hydrologic and hydraulic analysis using GIS mapping to
depict the current land uses. A Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) is under
review by FEMA. The new study is the basis used to develop alternatives
to prevent the overtopping ofI-20.
The contractor also examined alternatives to address flooding along
Cranes Creek, discussed with Cranes Creek Stakeholders in May 2001
(include local, state and federal government representatives, including
EPA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, GDOT, FHWA, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife, and FEMA). Based on stakeholder input, several alternatives
were selected for further conceptual analysis, including environmental
and hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, leading to preparation of a NEP A
environmental document.
The Cranes Creek Stakeholders met in February 2002 to provide input to
the selection of the final alternative(s). The alternative selected, to raise
the road while maintaining current flood elevations both upstream and
downstream, include three parts:
· Raise 1-20 to provide safe evacuation access.
. Build three additional box culverts to provide conveyance under 1-20.
Low flows will continue to be conveyed through the existing single
lO'xlO' box culvert. Flows will not have access into the additional
proposed three box culverts until the flow reaches the level of the
proposed weir box.
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· The weir box is to be built upstream ofI-20 where Cranes Creek
crosses. The weir will be set at the existing roadway elevations ofI-20
and will be open on all four sides with an approximate total length of
300 feet. The additional box culverts will be built into the downstream
side of the weir box to convey discharges that exceed the weir level.
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1-2011-520 Interchange Reconstruction, with Storffiwater Detention
Pond. The project includes grade separation of one nearby intersection
(1-520 at Scott Nixon Memorial Drive), new loop ramps that will be
reconfigured to flyover ramps, and realignment of the other two loop
ramps. The new loop ramps and flyovers allow for construction of twelve
storm water detention ponds to provide additional flood relief by
staggering the peak release rates of stormwater flows along Cranes Creek.
These ponds were designed beyond the Georgia Department of
Transportation guidelines for detention ponds to provide "over-detention"
of the storm water flows draining to the ponds, although the degree to
which the "over-detention" may reduce downstream flood elevation will
not be finalized until the final design phase is completed. The project
should be ready for construction in 2004.
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7.4 Flood Mitigation Studies
Because of the complexity of flooding, the typical first step towards
mitigating risk is to conduct a study. Factors that must be taken into
consideration include the causes of flooding (such as changes in land use,
inadequate channel capacity, undersized road crossings, building and
other activities that block the passage of water, and others) as well as a
variety of solutions. Solutions generally are of two types:
· Structural measures include traditional approaches such as building
dams to capture water in the upper basin or levees and floodwalls to
prevent water from spreading away from the channel. Digging wider
and deeper channels may be effective in some cases, although long-
term maintenance costs can be high.
· Nonstructural measures include such activities as buyout of flood-
prone buildings, raising existing buildings on higher foundations, and
minor alterations to reduce damage while allowing buildings to
continue to flood.
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In recent years, Augusta has prepared a study of Rae's Creek and a
significant study by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is underway.
7.4.1 Corps of Engineers: Flood Reduction Study
The u.s. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, initially looked at
six watersheds in the City of Augusta. Four were selected for further
consideration: Rae's Creek; Augusta Canal; Phinizy Ditch; and Rocky
Creek (not selected were Beaver Dam Ditch and Butler Creek). As of
mid-2003, progress is slowed due to funding constraints with activity
only for the Rae's Creek and Rocky Creek areas.
In late 2003, the Corps' feasibility work will be completed to identify
specific projects and those elements that do and do not qualify for
funding. Any project that is eligible for Corps funding will require a non-
federal cost share. Effective projects that do not qualify under the Corps'
programs may be considered by the City. Alternatives that will be
considered include non structural measures (such as acquisition, elevation-
in-place, and floodproofing). An expert consulted with the Corps Team
in the Spring of2003, resulting in an emphasis on nonstructural measures.
The hydrology and hydraulic analyses for both existing conditions and
future conditions (extrapolated from the 1995 land use plan and the 1992
comprehensive plan) have been completed. FEMA is represented on the
team. The Corps' modeling meets FEMA specifications and is expected
to support map revisions. Detailed elevation data (ground, lowest floor)
have been collected by survey. Initial impacts indicate:
. Rocky Creek: average annual damages of $1,450,000 (not including
industrial). Flood-prone structures include approximately 1,000 homes
(average value $30,000) and 200 commercial/industrial.
. Rae's Creek: average annual damages of$1,480,000 (for only about
half the number of structures in Rocky Creek, reflecting higher home
values). The confluence with Cranes Creek is a primary damage area.
The upper reach was not analyzed in detail, in part because of assumed
flood reduction benefits associated with a Georgia DOT project.
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7.2.2 Rae's Creek Hydrology Study (2001)
In 2000, the City contracted for a study to examine four known or
potential problem areas along Rae's Creek between Jackson Road and
Walton Way. As ofmid-2003, no specific actions have been taken,
pending the outcome of the Corps of Engineers' study. The report
recommended:
· Repair existing spillway and construct additional emergency spillway
capacity at Walton Way/Lake Aumond.
· To meet target flood elevations at West Lake Forest Drive and Heirs
Pond, construction additional outlet culvert at Heirs Pond and stabilize
downstream banks to correct existing slope erosion.
· Discontinue routine operation of gates on Heirs Pond and Lake
Aumond because they do not provide any peak flow reduction benefits
for Forest Hills Racquet Club and downstream areas; without
measurable benefits, City personnel are placed at risk unnecessarily
while operating the gates.
· Widen Rae's Creek from the upstream end of Heirs Pond upstream to
Jackson Road; throughout this reach, remove block walls that obstruct
and divert flows; replace Courtside Drive with box beam bridge.
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Part 8
Mitigation Actions
8.1 Identifying Priority Actions
Throughout the planning process, the Mitigation Planning Committee
considered hazards, the number of people and types of property that are
exposed, and the development review process. Based on a review of the
background materials and the Committee's understanding, potential
actions were identified, circulated, reviewed, and prioritized. Of these
draft actions, several were combined and/or modified.
Factors that influenced prioritizing included the Committee's review of
available information on flood hazards, other hazards, past hazard events,
the number of people and types of property exposed to those hazards, and
the elements of the development approval process. High priority was
placed on those actions that are considered consistent with current City
policies, those that are technically feasible and have high political and
social acceptance, and those that can be achieved using existing
authorities, budget levels, and staff. However, it was discussed that short-
term constraints should not significantly influence priorities, as those
priorities may support budgetary shifts and staff efforts.
One item was discussed and subsequently deferred for consideration
during the multi-hazard mitigation planning process: identify hazardous
materials handlers that may be affected by flood hazards and encourage
consideration of appropriate protection measures, if not already
undertaken.
8.2 Mitigation Actions
Many suggestions for actions and subactions were considered. The list
was refined to eleven priority actions, most with several subactions. The
Committee agreed that progress should be made on all identified actions
within the first 5-year period, although it is recognized that many may not
be completed in that timeframe, in part due to their on-going nature. The
order of the following list does imply a priority, but is not intended to
preclude activity on lower priority actions.
Action A: Drainage and Stormwater Management. As evidenced by
the nature and number of drainage improvement needs identified by the
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City, the number and distribution of stormwater management facilities,
and citizen complaints, the City's drainage system infrastructure is
stressed. To facilitate identifying critical needs that may help minimize
t1ooding:
. Implement central database for staff to record drainage and flooding
problems (build on existing software).
· Train staff of all departments that receive citizen calls to use the
database to register appropriate information to ensure quality data.
· Develop method to consider the database contents in setting priorities
for drainage projects and to support identification of flood mitigation
opportunities.
. Formalize detention basin maintenance procedures and system to
prioritize maintenance.
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Action B: Flood Warning. Augusta's watersheds are relatively small
and tend to respond rapidly to heavy rainfall, making it difficult to use the
traditional door-to-door notification to adequately warn residents to
evacuate. For the same reason, placing barricades or City personnel at
flood-prone roads is problematic, especially in the upper reaches of
watersheds. To enhance flood safety:
· Use GIS and flood maps to identify buildings within flood hazard areas
and develop phone groups for automated, generalized flood warning
announcements through 911 Message; exercise the announcement
system periodically.
· Explore whether the automated rain gages that may be installed by
Augusta Utilities as part of watershed assessments can be used to
augment the City's preparations during times when flooding is likely.
· Improve the list of flood-prone roads; evaluate whether the most
frequently flooded areas warrant signs to alert the traveling public.
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Action C: Public Awareness Initiative. Mitigation is a partnership and
citizens are both obligated and responsible for certain actions to help
reduce exposure to flooding and to improve the City's ability to recover
from flooding. To increase public awareness and responsibility, convene
a work group (e.g., City departments, neighborhood associations,
NRCS/SCS, Corps, others) to prepare and implement a multi-year plan
for public awareness, which may include but is not limited to such
elements as:
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Part 8: Mitigation Actions.
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· Encourage property owner purchase of flood insurance to provide
financial protection that helps personal recovery
· Encourage property owner purchase of flood insurance to increase
options for post-flood mitigation (because ofIncreased Cost of
Compliance insurance coverage).
· Prepare articles for publication emphasizing what property owners can
do to plan and prepare for floods and to reduce losses (flooded road
safety, low cost mitigation measures, insurance, the automated 911
Message flood warning alerts).
· Coordination with campaigns undertaken by the State (flood
awareness, winter storm awareness, etc.).
· Develop web-based materials; link to selected other sites (GEMA,
FEMA, Red Cross, Extension Service).
· Co-op with stormwater management initiative to distribute periodic
mailing to property owners along waterways to inform them of their
responsibility to keep drainageways clear (don't dump debris, yard
clippings, tree limbs, etc.).
· Develop materials for the Planning Commission and License &
Inspections to handout with permits or mailings (tailored for
homeowners, business owners, and owners of vacant lands). Topics to
include flood insurance, mitigation options, flood safety, permit
requirements, others.
· To improve consistency of communication to the public regarding
flooding, prepare briefing of basic information for City staff who field
calls or meet with citizens groups.
· Establish a hotline for citizen reports of flooding and drainage
problems.
· Request and sponsor periodic NFIP workshops provided by others
(GDNR, FEMA) for lenders, insurance agents, real estate professionals
and others.
· To facilitate preparation of Elevation Certificates and other uses, post
database of elevation benchmarks and reference marks on the City's
webpage and notify local surveyors and engineers of its availability.
· Research options to improve disclosure of flood hazards as part of the
property transfer process.
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Action D: Flood Hazard Map Revisions and Updates. The FEMA
flood maps are used in several ways, and the uses are increasing. The
maps are used to determine which lands are subject to the provisions of
the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, to identify "at risk" buildings
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and infrastructure, to delineate those portions of properties that may be
considered for greenspace, to guide development to less hazardous areas,
to identify property owners for public awareness initiatives, and for other
purposes. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has prepared revised
floodplain models and draft maps for four waterways and FEMA Region
IV has indicated that preparing a new, digital flood map for Augusta is a
high priority. To facilitate the City's floodplain management efforts:
· Pursue City-wide revision of the Flood Insurance Rate Maps, building
on the City's new digital topography and work underway by the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers to prepare flood studies as part of the Flood
Reduction Study (including Rocky Creek, Rae's Creek, Cranes Creek,
Augusta Canal and Phinizy Swamp), and including other studies and
identified watersheds.
· Communicate to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and
FEMA Region IV the importance of receiving revised maps in the
Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map format.
· When available for local use, annotate digital map with the "lower
floodway fringe" delineation to facilitate awareness of and application
of the Flood Damage Reduction Ordinance and to more clearly identify
areas targeted for Greenspace purposes.
· Incorporate the new flood maps into the City's GIS.
· Develop a database of property owners for use in public awareness
activities.
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Action E: Flood Mitigation Projects. At this time, based on the Q3
digital flood damage it is estimated that 61 buildings are located within
floodways (not all waterways have mapped floodways), and about SO
separate properties have received multiple NFIP flood insurance claim
payments (about 13 of these properties have been acquired, along with 11
other properties). Continue efforts to mitigate future flood damage of
older buildings in high-risk problem areas by undertaking the following:
· Develop Flood Mitigation Project Policies and Procedures Manual.
. Establish systematic method for using and prioritizing funds, including
a mechanism to account for changes in priorities as a function of
several variables (such as the funding agency's priorities, recent
flooding, degree of damage, damage history, predicted depth of
flooding, existing drainage problems, sewer infiltration, proximity to
other public open space/greenspace, etc.).
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· Gather data on buildings in FEMA-mapped floodways and repetitive
loss areas to have available in the post-flood period; use to target
efforts for recovery, permitting, and grant application development.
· Obtain FEMA' s Residential Substantial Damage Estimator software
and maintain ability to use it to facilitate damage estimates and
substantial damage determinations.
· Develop policy on abandoned homes in SFHA (donations, condemn,
demolish, HUD funds).
· Examine the Corps' database of buildings in the SFHA and pre-identify
those most likely to sustain significant damage if floods equivalent to
the SFHA or greater occur, i.e., those predicted to have more than 2-
feet of water above the lowest floor. Use the identified list to target
post-flood inspections.
· Maintain awareness of different sources of mitigation funding (pre-
disaster, post-disaster, CDBG/HOME, NFIP flood insurance claims
payments, etc).
· Continue to seek mitigation grant funds to implement mitigation in
high priority actions.
· Explore with GDOT whether, as part of its environmental enhancement
and wetlands mitigation requirements, funding could support additional
buyouts areas where the frequency of flooding indicates the hydrology
would support allowing areas to return to wetland functions.
· Include consideration offload mitigation opportunities in the City's
identification of projects for which ISTEA applications will be
prepared, which may include projects to preserve floodway greenspace
or floodplain buyouts in areas where detention is required or wetlands
are desirable.
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Action F: Soil Erosion and Sediment Control. Based on experience
throughout the City, public comments, and other factors, it appears that
sedimentation in waterways may be contributing to drainage problems
and flooding. While streams naturally carry some sediment during high
water events, material that washes off of construction sites can contribute
excessive loading. The City requires erosion control measures for certain
land disturbing activities (see Section 6.2.2), including its own projects,
and certain activities are excluded.
· Due to the significant size and duration of four projects proposed by
Georgia DOT for the upper part of the Cranes Creek basin, and the
high visibility of downstream flooding, request GDOT 's continued
attention to exemplary sediment and erosion control practices.
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· Communicate with City crews and contractors that City projects are to
be undertaken with exemplary sediment and erosion control practices.
. Examine the feasibility of offering training for local contractors to
reinforce proper installation and maintenance of sediment control
measures; seek cooperative partners, including the District Soil
Conservation Office, Georgia DOT, and GA Department of Natural
Resources.
. Increase frequency of inspections of sediment control measures and
work with project owner/contractor to maintain effective measures
throughout construction.
. Continue cooperative efforts with Columbia County regarding
installation and maintenance of sediment and erosion control measures
on active construction sites in the upper portions of waterways that
drain into Augusta, with particular attention to Cranes Creek, Rae's
Creek, and Butler Creek).
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Action G: Flood Mitigation Staffing. Seek new position to coordinate
the City's floodplain management and mitigation efforts. Functions
would include: leadership for implementation and tracking of priority
action items identified in the Plan; provide staff review of permit
applications for floodplain development; function as the City's
Community Rating System coordinator; develop policies and procedures,
apply for, and administer mitigation grants; coordinate the City's
interaction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; coordinate multi-year
effort to revise FIRMs; coordinate the Flood Assessment Team (with
L&I) for substantial damage determinations; serve as liaison with press
and the public on matters related to flooding.
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Action H: NFIP Community Rating System. Based on current digital
flood maps, approximately 4,000 buildings may be located in Augusta's
floodplains, yet fewer than 15% are covered by flood insurance (other
buildings that are "outside" of the mapped floodplain also are insured).
On questionnaires, a number of citizens indicated flood insurance is "too
expensive." The NFIP Community Rating System credits communities
for sound floodplain management practices that exceed federal minimum
requirements and results in discounts on flood insurance premiums. To
encourage the purchase of flood insurance and to save citizens money,
pursue a Class 8 or higher in the Community Rating system. Only one
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measure of the benefits of joining the CRS is suggested by considering
that existing policyholders pay about $394,000 in annual premium on 901
policies; a 5% discount would save about $19,000; a 10% discount would
save about $38,000.
Action I: Sewer Line InfIltration & Inflow. Continue to undertake
projects to identify and resolve infiltration and inflow. During wet
weather and flooding conditions, water infiltrates into sewer lines and
flows into the system through submerged manhole covers, increasing
treatment costs. It is estimated that 70% of the problem is on private
property and illegal connections of roof drains. Section 5.4 describes
increased treatment costs associated with rain and flood events.
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Action J: Savannah River Flood Protection & Awareness. Although
there is a very low probability that flood levels on the Savannah River
would prompt closure of the 8 breaches in the Levee, the consequences of
such flooding would be catastrophic. Residential and non-residential uses
exist on the riverside of the levee (some on City-owned land) and may be
subject to damage at different floodwater levels. Section 5.2.1
summarizes apparent risk (using the Base Flood Elevation (lOa-year)
information shown on FEMA's map). To enhance protection and
awareness:
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· Convene a City work group to review and revise the Levee Closure
Plan.
· For City-owned property on the riverside of the Levee that is leased to
private entities, examine lease conditions with respect to adequate
advisory language to protect the City. Consider whether lessees should
be notified of the risk of flooding; that the City periodically conduct a
levee closing exercise; and that certain conditions of flooding predicted
by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may prompt the City to require
evacuation. Other topics for consideration: the availability of flood
insurance to cover losses (for both structure and contents); the
requirement to obtain permits for building improvements, additions,
and repair of damage; termination of leases under certain circumstances
(e.g., if buildings are substantially damaged by any cause (e.g., flood or
fire); etc.
· Notify privately-owned property on the river side of the Levee about
the risk of flooding, levee closing procedures, requirement to evacuate,
availability of flood insurance, and the requirement to obtain permits.
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Action K: Dam Safety. For State-designated Category I dams that are
located in the City or on waterways that drain through the City, determine
if the downstream risk is sufficient to contact owners to encourage their
development of limited emergency action plan procedures, and periodic
inspections, that are coordinated with the City.
8.2.1 Implementation of Actions
Table 8-1 identifies the proposed lead office and support assignments,
priority level, and time frame for the City's high priority actions. The
proposed time frames are consistent with the five-year review cycle
required for this Plan. For each high priority action, the Committee
identified the lead office, characterized anticipated support by elected
officials and the community at-large, discussed funding limitations and
status, and developed a qualitative statement regarding cost effectiveness.
In this context, the "cost" of accomplishing the action was compared to
the perceived "benefits," including community-wide safety.
Medium priority actions and low priority actions (Table 8-2) are
scheduled for further consideration when the City undertakes the
comprehensive review. Lead offices and other factors will be discussed
and documented during the Plan revision. At that time, it is expected that
new actions will be identified and a process to prioritize all remaining
actions will be undertaken.
An updated version of this table will be included in periodic progress
reports submitted to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and
FEMA.
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Table 8-1
Mitigation Actions: Time Period FY2004 - FY2009
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Action A: Drainage and Stormwater Management.
Lead Office Lead: Public Works & Engineering
Support: Planning & Zoning
Support' Well received, given citizen comments.
Status & Funding Notes Planning is underway to acquire the software and develop
methods to help prioritize projects.
Cost Effectlveness2 For optimal implementation, additional staff and/or funding
are required. Long-term benefit, short-term high costs.
Action B: Flood Warning.
Lead: Emergency Management Agency
Lead OffIce Support: Information Technology, Public Works &
Engineering, Augusta Utilities
Support Broad support
Status & Funding Notes Exploring grant funds to support gages; implementation
with existing budget
Cost Effectiveness Low investment, potential significant benefits to improve
response
Action C: Public Awareness Initiative.
Lead OffIce Lead: Administrator's Office
Support: All Departments
Support Broad-based strong support
Implementing most elements within existing budget; some
Status & Funding Notes elements will require additional funding, handouUmailer
developed during planning;
Cost Effectiveness Cost effective to encourage citizen action
Action D: Flood Hazard Map Revisions and Updates,
Lead: Planning & Zoning
Lead OffIce Support: Public Works & Engineering, Information
Technology
Technical communities will support; anticipate mixed
Support reactions from property owners where flood boundaries
change
Generally within existing budget; City to provide
Status & Funding Notes topography; GIS effort to incorporate City-specific
annotations may exceed available staff time.
Cost Effectiveness City's effort is low cost, high benefit.
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1 Estimate of community support (elected officials and citizens).
2 Based on qualitative assessment of cosVeffort and long-term benefits.
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Table 8-1
Mitigation Actions: Time Period FY2004 - FY2009
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Action E: Flood Mitigation Projects.
Lead Office Lead: Planning & Zoning
Support: Committee of other departments
Support Broadbased, especially by repetitively flooded or severely
damaged property owners
Status & Funding Notes For optimal implementation, additional staff and/or funding
are required.
Cost Effectiveness Improves likelihood of qualifying for funding to implement
projects.
Action F: Soil Erosion and Sediment Control.
Lead: Public Works & Engineering (commercial; site
Lead Office plans) and License & Inspection (single family homes)
Support: Soil Conservation; Planning & Zoning
Support Generally well received by citizens
Status & Funding Notes For optimal implementation, additional staff and/or funding
are required, especially to perform additional inspections
Cost Effectiveness Potential to reduce long-term channel maintenance and
enhance environment
Action G: Flood Mitigation Staffing.
Lead: Planning & Zoning
Lead Office Support: Emergency Management, Public Works &
Engineering, License & Inspection
Support Generally positive due to extent of actions identified and
increasing frequency of flooding
Status & Funding Notes Concem regarding overall progress unless leadership role
is created; not within existing budget
Cost Effectiveness Cost effective to invest in damage reduction over the long
term; increases likelihood of grant funding
Action H: NFIP Community Rating System.
Lead: Planning & Zoning
Lead Office Support: Public Works & Engineering, License &
Inspections
Support Broad support by NFIP policyholders.
Status & Funding Notes For optimal implementation, additional staff is required
Cost Effectiveness Savings for citizens; City costs for staff & documentation
Action I: Sewer Line Infiltration & Infiow.
Lead Office Lead: Augusta Utilities
Support: -
Support Public support depends on public awareness of the costs
of not correcting
Status & Funding Notes Ongoing program funded through existing capital
improvement program
Cost Effectiveness Long term effectiveness limited due to extent of problems
on private property
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11IIIII
Part 8: Mitigation Actions.
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Table 8-1
Mitigation Actions: Time Period FY2004 - FY2009
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Action J: Savannah River Flood Protection & Awareness.
Lead: Public Works & Engineering, Emergency
Lead Office Management
Support: Departments with role in Levee Closure
Support Neutral
Status & Funding Notes Within existing budget and staffing
Cost Effectiveness Unknown (very low probability, high consequence)
Action K: Dam Safety.
Lead Office Lead: Emergency Management
Support: Public Works & Engineering
Support Minimal due to lack of awareness
Status & Funding Notes Within existing budget
Cost Effectiveness Effective, given number of past damage events
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8.3 Links to Mitigation Goal Statement
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The City of Augusta Mitigation Goal Statement
It is the goal of the City of Augusta, Georgia, to
protect public health, safety and welfare and to
reduce losses due to flood hazards:
· By identifying flood hazards and drainage
problems;
· By guiding development away from flood hazard
areas to support preservation of greenspace and
sensitive areas,'
· By identifying and pursuing mitigation measures
to reduce exposure of citizens and property to
flood hazards; and
· By increasing the public's awareness of their
obligations and responsibilities for personal
planninl?, preparedness and recovery.
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Table 8-2 shows how the proposed actions listed in Section 8.1 directly
support the City's Mitigation Goal Statement. A number of actions
individually support more than one element of the goal.
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Element of Goal Statement Actions Relating to Goal
Identifying flood hazards and drainage A,B,D,K
problems
Guide development away from flood
hazard areas to support preservation of D,G
greens pace and sensitive areas
Identify and pursue mitigation measures to
reduce exposure of citizens and property A, C, E, F, G, I
to flood hazards
Increase the public's awareness of their
obligations and responsibilities for B, C, G, H, I, J
personal planning, preparedness and
recovery
Table 8-2
Linking Mitigation Goals & Actions.
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Part 8: Mitigation Actions.
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Part 9
Georgia Agencies & FEMA Programs
9.1 Overview
Mitigation of flood hazards traces its roots to Congressional deliberations
about how to address continued and repetitive flood disasters throughout
the first half of the 20th Century. The National Flood Insurance Program,
authorized in 1968, prompted state and local government actions
primarily intended to recognize and account for flood hazards in
decisions on local development. It was not until 1988 that the concept of
natural hazards mitigation planning was articulated in a statute, known as
"Section 409" planning. In 2000, the statute was revised under the
Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000.
At the federal level, the Federal Emergency Management Agency
administers mitigation programs that foster planning and project
implementation to address existing risks. At the state and regional levels,
several agencies and organizations sponsor programs that bear on hazard
mitigation. The following four sections provide an overview of existing
Georgia agencies. The last two sections are overviews of FEMA
programs that support hazard mitigation.
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9.2 Georgia Emergency Management
Agency
The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) is the lead state
agency for disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. As
stated in the State's Disaster Policy, the State "is under the constant threat
of a broad range of disasters, both natural and man-made." The agency is
charged with ensuring that the State's preparations will be adequate,
providing for the common defense, protecting the public peace, health,
and safety, and protecting the lives and property of the people of the
State.
GEMA is responsible for advising the Governor, state government
officials and local governments of the nature, magnitude, and possible
effects of natural and technological disasters or emergencies. As
articulated in the Georgia Hazard Mitigation Strategy (2000), GEMA
initiatives include:
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. Mitigation Grant Programs. GEMA is charged with administering
federal mitigation funds and programs related to hazard mitigation:
public information; FEMA's pre- and post-disaster mitigation grant
programs; the NFIP Flood Mitigation Assistance program; disaster
resistant communities initiatives; hurricane preparedness; and state
mitigation plan updates.
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GEMA's Approaches to Mitigation
Implementing effective hazard mitigation in high-
risk areas involves several approaches. The State
of Georgia encourages the use of non-structural
hazard mitigation measures before undertaking
structural mitigation approaches.
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Georgia Hazard Mitigation Strategy (2000)
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. Local and State Mitigation Planning support is provided to help
reduce the unacceptable loss oflife and property from natural disasters
by working with communities to develop local hazard mitigation plans.
The strategy is developed to assess the effectiveness of ongoing
programs and activities in the community, identify shortfalls, identify
additional measures that must be undertaken to eliminate our exposure
to future natural disasters, and outline a strategy for implementation of
these measures.
. Georgia Mitigation Empowerment Initiative supports communities
to identify worthy mitigation projects. The initial objective was to
provide the tools to map critical facilities that are either crucial to
government operations or that are imminently threatened by disasters.
. Data Transmission Network is a statewide initiative to provide local
emergency management personnel in every county access to immediate
weather information and warnings. The objective is to reduce the
incidence of injuries and/or fatalities to persons because of disasters
caused by severe weather occurrences. Counties received a Weather
Center system, technical assistance, and subscription cost for a period
of l8 months.
. Weather Radio Initiative, supported by FEMA funding in 2000,
GEMA helps to provide storm alert radios to schools, day care centers,
hospitals, 9ll facilities, governmental offices and other vital Georgia
agencies to ensure advance warning of approaching severe weather.
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Part 9: Georgia Agencies & FEMA programs.
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9.3 Georgia Department of Natural
Resources
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (www.dnr.state.ga.us) is a
diversified agency with the mission to sustain, enhance, protect, and
conserve Georgia's natural, historic, and cultural resources for present and
future generations, while promoting the development of commerce and
industry that use sound environmental practices. Among programs that
have bearing on mitigation of natural hazards are the following:
· Georgia Greenspace Program. The program establishes a framework
within which developed and rapidly developing communities can
preserve greenspace through adoption of policies and rules to preserve
at least 20 percent of their land areas as connected and open greenspace
that can be used for informal recreation and natural resource protection.
The Georgia Greenspace Trust Fund may include appropriated state
funds, federal funds, donated funds, and any interest income.
· Water Supply. The Water Protection Branch is responsible for
protecting Georgia's surface waters. It regulates municipal and
industrial wastewater discharges, non-point source pollution, storm
water discharges, erosion and sedimentation and conducts monitoring
and modeling of Georgia's waterways. The Water Resources Branch
regulates the use of Georgia's surface and ground water resources for
drinking water, impoundment, agricultural irrigation, and other non-
agricultural uses. In 2000, the Governor commissioned the Drought
Study Team to take a comprehensive look at causative factors of
droughts, as well as various prevention and mitigation measures that
could be explored by the state and local governments in Georgia.
· State Floodplain Management. Sixty-two percent of Georgia local
jurisdictions participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (429
of 695 communities). The program provides technical assistance and
workshops for community officials, developers, and others concerning
floodplain regulations, good building practices, risks of floodplain
development, and enforcement matters. Periodic reviews are
conducted of local enforcement of floodplain regulations. A newsletter
contains infonnation related to floodplain management.
· Safe Dams Program. The program covers only a small fraction of the
80,000 dams and water impoundment's in the state. About 4,800 are
inventoried (higher than 25 feet or maximum impoundment of lOO
acre-feet or more) and 280 are regulated (those that are deemed to
potentially cause loss oflife in the event of sudden failure). There is
no requirement for communities to develop emergency action or
maintenance plans. Category I dams are inspected on an unspecified
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schedule. All high hazard dams are required to be brought up to state
specifications to protect public safety and property.
. Environmental Protection Division. Protection of Georgia's air, land,
and water is implemented through state and federal authorities. The
Division issues and enforces state permits for public and private
facilities having to do with water quality, air quality, hazardous waste,
water supply, solid waste management, surface mining and other areas.
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9.4 Georgia Department of Community
Affairs
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The Georgia Department of Community Affairs has a number of
programs and initiatives that support hazard mitigation:
. Administration of the federal Community Development Block Grant
program funds for activities primarily in low and moderate-income
target areas. Eligible activities include repair to public facilities, repair
to private/public housing, relocation assistance to displaced
households, loan assistance to businesses if jobs are threatened and
many other arenas. There may also be some engineering advice and
technical assistance available to local governments that are planning,
designing or implementing hazard mitigation related public works
programs, projects or activities.
. The Coordinated Planning Program has responsibility for the overall
management of the planning process created by the Georgia Planning
Act. In 1989, the General Assembly adopted the Georgia Planning Act
as a means to encourage better management of growth in the booming
areas of the state while encouraging the less prosperous parts to avail
themselves of opportunities for growth.
· The State Comprehensive and Coordinated Planning Program
("Growth Strategies") includes developing and updating minimum
standards for comprehensive planning by local governments and for
regional planning.
. The Local Building and Industrialized Building Codes department
maintains and updates the Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes for
Construction and Industrialized Building Codes (including
manufactured housing).
· The Uniform Codes Act identifies the fourteen "state minimum
standard codes", each consisting of a base code and Georgia
amendments; eight codes are mandatory and six are permissive. Under
certain conditions, communities may adopt local amendments.
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Part 9: Georgia Agencies & FEMA programs.
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· The Local Development Fund is a state appropriated grant program that
provides matching grants to fund certain community improvement
activities such as downtown development projects, public parking
facilities, historic preservation projects, tourism and related marketing
activities, recreation improvements, community facilities, limited solid
waste activities (such as recycling and multi-county planning),
activities implementing approved comprehensive plans, and
preservation improvements to historic public buildings.
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9.5 Georgia Department of Transportation
The Georgia Department of Transportation plans, constructs, maintains
and improves the state's road and bridges and provides planning and
financial support for other modes of transportation such as mass transit
and airports. The majority of the Department's resources are directed
toward maintaining and improving the state's network of roads and
bridges.
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Addressing floodplain and wetlands impacts is a significant element
during project planning and design. Road and bridge projects that cross
waterways and mapped flood hazard areas are designed to meet FEMA's
floodway requirements and limitations. Stand-alone sediment and
erosion control plans are prepared for each stage of construction and the
Environmental Compliance unit conducts random inspections.
The Department coordinates with GEMA for evacuation planning and
when floods and other hazards damage the State's transportation system.
9.6 FEMA National Flood Insurance Program
In 1968, Congress authorized FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program
(NFIP) for two primary purposes: (1) to have flood-prone property
owners contribute to their own recovery from flood damage through an
insurance program; and (2) to guide development such that it is less prone
to flood damage. To facilitate implementation, the NFIP created Flood
Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) that, based on best available information
and engineering methodologies, show areas subject to flooding by the 1-
percent-annual chance flood (also called the "lOO-year flood").
Communities use the maps to guide and regulate development. Citizens
and insurance professionals use the maps to determine insurance needs.
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It is notable that, whereas flood insurance claims are paid when damage is
sustained from any qualifying flood event, federal disaster assistance is
available only after a flood is determined to be a "major disaster." A
major disaster exceeds state and local capabilities. In addition, disaster
grants to individuals and families are limited to approximately $14,000
(average payment is $6,000). Therefore, owners of insured buildings that
are in areas known to flood, especially as shown on FIRMs, are protected
financially as long as they carry sufficient flood insurance coverage.
Additional information on flood insurance coverage for property owners
and consumers is available online at www.fema.gov/nfip.
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Part 9: Georgia Agencies & FEMA programs.
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Basic federal flood insurance helps pay for property damage and loss of
contents. Under certain circumstances - for example, if flood damage
causes "substantial damage" - an additional mitigation claim payment is
available to help owners bring buildings into compliance with NFIP flood
protection standards (as of May, 2003, this additional payment is capped
at $30,000). In addition, compliance is required when a building is
substantially improved (includes repair of substantial damage).
Substantial improvement is defined as improvements valued at 50% or
more of the building's market value before improvement.
9.7 FEMA Mitigation Grant Programs
In 1988, Congress authorized the first grant program intended to help
local jurisdictions and states mitigate the effects of natural hazards. From
time to time, additional funds have been authorized by Congress,
although generally they are intended to achieve similar purposes and are
administered in the same manner.
Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program (PDM). Authorized by the Disaster
Mitigation Act of 2000, Pre-Disaster Mitigation grant program funds are
expected to be appropriated each year to support a grant program that is
funded regardless of disaster experience. As ofmid-2003, a Notice of
Funding Availability was issued but regulations for the program were not
promulgated. The regulations are expected to be similar in most respects
to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (below). The most significant
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difference will be that the funds made available will not be allocated by
state immediately after a disaster, but awarded on a nationwide,
competitive basis.
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Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). First authorized in 1988,
the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds become available
after major disasters. The amount of funding is determined as a
percentage of certain types of federal assistance (e.g., emergency support,
assistance to repair public infrastructures, and assistance to individuals
and families). HMGP provides up to 75% of eligible costs, the remaining
25% must come from other, approved sources that may include, including
in-kind and property owner contributions. Eligible grantees include local
jurisdictions and certain private non-profit organizations.
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Eligible projects must solve a given hazard problem, be cost effective,
conform with environmental regulations, meet all applicable codes and
standards, and be supported by state and local mitigation plans. For the
most part, HMGP funds have been used by local jurisdictions to address
flood hazards, primarily through acquisition of flood-prone houses and
land. Other eligible projects have included elevation-in-place of flood-
prone houses, floodproofing of public infrastructure, floodproofing of
non-residential buildings, and drainage improvements.
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Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMA). Specifically authorized
by Congress in 1994 to fund projects that are "in the best interests of the
NFIP," the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMA) is funded each
year by Congress, regardless of disaster declarations. Funds are available
to support planning, technical assistance, and projects.
In recent years, considerable focus has been on projects that address
properties known as "repetitive loss properties." These are properties that
have received two or more flood insurance claim payments above a
certain value. States receive an annual share of funds from FMA that can
be used for acquisition/demolition of flood-prone buildings; elevation-in-
place, relocation, or floodproofing of structures (including public
structures); and minor flood control projects that do not duplicate
activities of other federal agencies.
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Part 10
Implementation
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10.1 Distribution
The City of Augusta's Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan will be posted on
the City's Web site (under Planning & Zoning) and notices of its
availability will be distributed to the following:
· The federal and state agencies that were notified and invited to
participate in Plan development (see Sec. l.3);
· Adjacent counties and cities; and
· The organizations, agencies, and elected officials who received notices
of public meetings.
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10.2 Implementation
Throughout the mitigation planning process, the City Departments that
are involved in managing hazards and implementing measures to
minimize future risk considered a range of mitigation actions. Priority
actions were identified (Table 8-l).
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For each mitigation action, Table 8-1 identifies the lead agency, support
agencies, priority level, and time period for implementation. Each lead
agency is responsible for factoring the action into its work plan and
schedule over the indicated time period. Annual reports on the status of
implementation, including obstacles to progress, will be submitted by
lead agencies to the Augusta Emergency Management Agency, with
support by the Planning Commission.
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10.3 Monitoring & Progress Reports
As part of its responsibilities to coordinate matters related to emergency
management, the Augusta Emergency Management Agency is charged
with monitoring and preparing progress reports. Progress made on the
mitigation action items listed in Table 8-1 will be noted in annual
progress reports. The chart in Appendix D will be annotated and copies
of the annual report inserted. To this end, the City of Augusta may
convene a meeting of the appropriate City departments to discuss and
determine progress, and to identify obstacles to progress, if any.
In addition to the scheduled reports, the Emergency Management Agency
will convene meetings after floods that cause property damage to review
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the effects of such events. Based on those effects, adjustments to the
mitigation priorities may be made or additional event-specific actions
identified. Such revisions shall be documented as outlined in Section 9.4.
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10.4 Revisions
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Revisions that warrant changing the text of this Plan or incorporating new
information may be prompted by a number of circumstances, including
identification of specific new mitigation projects, completion of several
mitigation actions, or requirements for qualifying for specific funding.
Minor revisions may be handled by addenda.
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Major comprehensive review of and revisions to this Flood Hazard
Mitigation Plan will be considered on a five-year cycle. Adopted in
2003, the Plan will enter its next review cycle sometime in 2007, with
adoption of revisions anticipated in 2008. The Mitigation Planning
Committee will be convened to conduct the comprehensive evaluation
and revision.
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The City of Augusta will involve the public in the plan maintenance
process and during the major comprehensive review to the Plan in the
same ways used during the original plan development. The public will be
notified when the revision process is started and provided the opportunity
to review and comment on changes to the plan and priority action items.
It is expected that a combination of informational public meetings,
surveys and questionnaires, draft documents posted on the web site, and
public Commission meetings will be undertaken.
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Part 10: ImPlementation.
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Appendix A
Planning Committee Meeting Minutes
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Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting #1 (June 23, 2003)
The Augusta-Richmond Planning Commission is charged with leading the flood hazard mitigation planning
initiative. The Mitigation Planning Committee is composed of six members and supported by staff from
appropriate City offices (list follows). Representatives from other agencies and organizations were invited
and attended (invited but not attending: FEMA Region IV, Atlanta, GA; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
Savannah District; Collis Brown, NFIP State Coordinator, GA ONR). The facilitator is Rebecca Quinn of
RCQuinn Consulting, Inc.
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The Committee convened to review and address the following:
I. What is mitigation planning and why the City is undertaking this task. It is understood that the Plan
will build on existing efforts to reduce the effects of flood hazards; the plan is a condition of past
receipt of Flood Mitigation Assistance funds and a requirement for eligibility for future mitigation
funds. The mitigation plan is not an emergency response plan.
2. The planning process was outlined: identify hazards; identify what is at risk; evaluate current
policies and procedures; establish a mitigation goal statement, evaluate what else can be done (or
can be done differently), identify responsible departments (and possible constraints).
3. Flood hazards were overviewed and comments were made by attendees:
a. 20-25% of county is in FEMA-mapped floodplain
b. Consensus is the FEMA maps do not adequately depict flooding; City has been advised
that Augusta is "highest" priority in FEMA Region IV for revised flood studies/maps
c. About 900 flood insurance policies
d. Preliminary estimate 4,000 buildings "in" mapped floodplain; many pre-date the ordinance
and thus are at-risk
e. Several known flood-prone roads
f. High water (before "flood" stage) causes infiltration into sewer lines and inflow into
manholes, contributing to increased costs.
g. Adequate management of the Augusta Canal; closing the Savannah River Levee breaches.
h. Past problems evacuating citizens.
i. Lack of citizen awareness about what to do.
J. 1-20 major highway is flood-prone (built in late '60s).
k. Widely-held public perception that stormwater basins either don't work as designed or
perhaps even contribute to the problem.
I. Large portion of industrial base (most are hazardous materials handlers) is in shallow
flood-prone areas, affects permitting; industrial chemical tanks have dikes sized for 100-
year flood levels (some on the river side).
m. Should ensure public housing funds not invested in floodplain areas.
4. A number of on-going projects were touched on: Rae's Creek channel work; Cranes Creek
detention (GOaT project at 1-20); several road drainage improvements; South Augusta road ditch
improvement. The Augusta Canal intercepts three creeks and has control structures.
5. Local drainage affects some critical locations in the downtown area:
a. City police cars were flooded along Augusta Canal
b. University Hospital parking lot flooded
c. Two locations along Walton Way are low and drainage collects
6. The committee was asked what the general public knows about flooding and how they know it:
a. Frequency of flooding since 1990
b. Actually experienced flooding and/or news stories on the local media
c. Observe City projects that address drainage, such as Rae's Creek channel widening and
clearance, Cranes Creek detention, and the floodplain buyout program
d. State disclosure as part of selling real estate (if seller is asked, have to tell (of past
flooding? Of location in SFHA ?))
e. City now requires floodplain delineation (boundary, BFE and date of map) on plats.
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f. Homebuyers find out at closing when bank requires flood insurance
g. City webpage; materials handed out last flood; various meetings; some active
neighborhood associations and civic organizations.
h. Flood packets in the libraries
7. How more information about flood hazards will be determined and collected was described:
overview of the County's flood hazards using the flood maps (best available information) in the GIS
and known problem areas. Inventory of buildings, public buildings and infrastructure, flood-prone
roads, hazardous materials sites in the floodplain.
8. Discussed brief overview of a background handout on mitigation goal (FEMA goal, state goal, goals
from the draft Comprehensive Plan, and examples of local goals); need a mitigation goal that is
compatible with other City goals (meeting on Friday, June 27, 2003)
9. Discussed brief overview on background and overview examples of mitigation actions:
a. Programmatic and planning
b. Public infrastructure and buildings
c. Public information
d. Site-specific projects
10. The schedule for the remaining steps in the mitigation planning process was outlined:
a. Interview each department (week of June 23)
b. Draft a goal statement and discuss opportunities (2nd meetin~, June 27)
c. Prioritize mitigation actions and review draft plan (3rd and 4 meetings, TBD)
d. Get public input (mid-August)
e. Finalize plan and recommend adoption (by Aug
II. It was emphasized that the mitigation plan is not a study to solve a specific problem or to design a
specific project; it is to document how the City handles flooding and to look at programs and
policies. It may identify specific projects, but that is not a requirement.
12. The draft PowerPoint presentation for the public meetings was reviewed and modified.
13. Schedule: Target is to have the draft plan in acceptable format to submit for review by the
Commissioners by the end of August, with final prepared by the end of September.
o Second meeting of the Committee scheduled for June 27, 2003
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Appendix A. Planning Committee Meeting Minutes
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Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting #2 (June 27, 2003)
The following was discussed, based in part on the results of the interviews with City staff:
A general review of what is known about flood hazards; GIS mapping is based on the Q3 and is known to
have inaccuracies. At this time the City expects to be "high priority" in FEMA Region IV's plan for map
revisions. The Corps of Engineers has restudied four watersheds (Cranes' Creek, Rae's Creek, Rocky Creek,
and Butler Creek).
I. Some discussion about how hazards are factored into each department's responsibilities; because the
interview notes were circulated late, this discussion was not detailed).
2. Chief Willis, EMA, commented that, after reading the notes, he doubts that citizens have a sense of the
breadth of the issues and how budget and manpower shortages affect the City.
3. The "GBA" system will eventually have different layers for different departments, Public Works plans
to use it to record drainage complaints to help prioritize efforts to examine solutions. May be useful to
maintain records on flooded homes.
4. Doug Cheek, Utilities, mentioned that there are a number of above-ground stream crossings (water
distribution and/or sewer collection); in recent years, no damage due to flooding. If the City installs,
ductile iron pipe is used; only partial control over installation of private laterals.
5. Chief Willis, EMA, The City does not have a specific evacuation plan for areas known to flood; need
to improve the ability to notify people.
6. Norman Michael, Housing & Neighborhood Department indicated floodplain maps will be checked to
see if any investments in those areas have been made.
7. Teresa Smith, Public Works, reported on the Corps of Engineers' study. It was supposed to be
completed in FY04; it will now focus on Rocky Creek and Rae's Creek and examine costs and benefits
for a range of alternatives, including non-structural (e.g., acquisition).
8. Teresa Smith, Public Works, reported on the levee closing exercise that was conducted on June 26. It
was judged to be "pretty flawless" and the Corps, which oversees the exercise, was pleased. One issue
was how people on the river side of the levee were notified; for the exercise it was by newspaper
notice; businesses were notified individually. For the purpose of the exercise, public safety concerns
prevented closing both openings at Prep Phillips and the opening at Sand Bar Ferry Road (which
requires placement of sandbags) was not included. The importance of proper sandbag placement was
mentioned.
9. Attendees reviewed the handout on mitigation goal statements and agreed to "vote" on which one to
use as a basis to develop Augusta's statement. It was virtually unanimous to begin with the following
statement, and incorporate a sense of the importance of greenspace, sensitive areas, and the City's
efforts to guide development (a draft revision will be circulated for the next meeting):
It is the goal of the City of Augusta, Georgia, to protect public health, safety and welfare
and to reduce losses due to flood hazards by identifying flood hazards, by minimizing
exposure of citizens and property to flood hazards, and by increasing public awareness and
involvement.
10. To begin the process of identifying possible mitigation actions, the following ideas were put on the
table. Additional ideas will be circulated before the next meeting:
11. Need systematic method for using and prioritizing mitigation funds, including some factors such as
damage history, map data, existing drainage problems, sewer infiltration, proximity to other public
openspace.
12. Detention basin maintenance is important to maintain design capacity (recognized will not solve
existing flooding and drainage problems).
13. Whether DOT, as part of its wetlands mitigation requirements, could work with the City to target
additional buyouts was discussed briefly.
14. The pending DOT project to reduce Rae's Creek flooding of 1-20 (primary hurricane evacuation route)
was discussed. It is widely perceived that there were no significant problems before the highway was
widened. DOT is designing a project to raise the road surface and increase the culvert capacity
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. City of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Information Only 9/03)
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through the embankment to pass the volume of water that currently flows over the road. The project
will be designed to maintain existing discharges and thus does not reduce flooding.
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15. Different ways that City communicates with the public and specific groups were mentioned, including:
o Assistant to the City Administrator is the Public Information Officer and communications
specialist.
o The Utilities Department is interviewing public relations companies for a "corporate
communications" plan; among anticipated tasks is a survey of citizens regarding effective
communication channels.
o The GIS website gets about 16,000 hits per day (internal and external users, including:
realtors, engineers, developers, lenders, attorneys, insurance agents, investors, property
owners).
o All of the City's development documents are posted on the web.
16. The schedule to complete the plan was reviewed:
o Follow up interviews; refine the hazard identification & risk assessment; review documents
and regulations.
o 3rt! Meeting: Finalize goal statement; more ideas and discussion about mitigation actions
(late July)
o Early August: review and comment on draft plan
o 4th Meeting: Review the plan; confirm priority actions; recommend to Commissioners (late
August)
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Name Organization Email Address
* Committee Member
Terri Turner* Planning Commission tturner(aJ,augusta. gOV
George Patty* Planning Commission gpattv(aJ,augusta. gOV
Chief Howard Willis* Emergency Management Hw2802(aJ,
Rob Sherman License & Inspection (director) RS7872(a
Don Atwell Public Works/City Engineer DalO538 V,
Norman Michael HND Nm9774
Doug Cheek Utilities (Assist Director) Dc8723
Teresa Smith Public Works (Director) Ts8816(
Sid Hatfield Sheriffs Office Sh2045(
Billy Yates Information Technology
George Brewer GA DOT George. brewer(aJ,dot. state. ga. us
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Appendix A. Planning Committee Meeting Minutes
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Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting #3 (August 12, 2003)
The following was discussed, based on materials circulated in advance of the meeting:
I. There were no comments on the minutes of Meeting #2.
2. There were no comments on the Agency Interviews and DocumentJPlan Reviews; only one
department has not approved the summaries.
3. There was extensive discussion about the revised goal statement, with final concurrence on a 4-part
statement that captures government and citizen obligations and responsibilities.
4. Each of the 12 possible mitigation actions was discussed. The rationale for the action was outlined
and the supporting narrative statement and lists of possible sub-actions were modified. There was
continuing concern about lack of funding and staff; at this point it was decided to acknowledge that
may be an issue, but it would be more quantified when priorities are established.
The schedule to complete the plan was reviewed:
· Continue to "fill in the blanks"
Prepare final maps and risk infonnation
· Public meeting [August 26]
· 4th Meeting: [August 27] Review final comments on the plan; confinn priority actions; assign
leads; recommend to Commission
· August 29: deliver Final Draft Plan
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Name
* Committee Member
Commissioner Bo les
Commissioner Cheek
Terri Turner*
Geor e Pat *
Chief Howard Willis*
Organization
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Al Gilles ie
Marshall Masters
Don Atwell
Nonnan Michael
Dou Cheek
Dennis Ellis
Linda McDonald
Sid Hatfield
Paul Wasson
Bill Yates
Paul DeCam
Geor e Brewer
/GIS
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Email Address
RS7872
Dal0538
Nm9774
Dc8723
Sh2045
. City of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Information Only 9/03)
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Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting #4 (August 27, 2003)
The following was discussed, based on materials circulated in advance of the meeting:
1. There were no comments on the minutes of Meeting #3.
2. GEMA was notified that the Public Review Draft was posted on the City's webpage; comments
have not been received.
3. No members of the general public attended the public meeting (newspaper notice was published and
notices sent to adjacent communities, federal and state agencies, and all the neighborhood
associations).
4. The matter of "prioritizing" the mitigation actions was discussed. The action were re-ordered, but
the consensus is that something can and should be accomplished under each action during the initial
5-year period, even in the face of staff and budgetary constraints. Rather than imply that no action
is necessary (e.g., by assigning certain actions to the 5 to lO-year timeframe), the group agreed to
retain all as priority actions.
5. The goal statement was reviewed and each action was discussed with respected to which of the four
elements of the statement it addressed; a matrix was completed. Although one element of the goal
statement (guide development) was specifically addressed by only two action, it was agreed that the
City regularly and aggressively accomplishes this through the land development process. Therefore,
having only two addition actions for this element is acceptable.
6. For each of the 11 mitigation actions, lead and support departments/offices were assigned; a
generalized estimate of "community support (elected officials and citizens)" was made; brief notes
on the status and funding constraints were made; and a very generalized statement about cost
effectiveness was assigned. The committee found it difficult to address each of these points due to
many unknowns, notably the lack of a staff member who currently has sufficient time to playa
leadership role. In addition, while progress on some actions can be made within existing budgets,
others will require additional funding or reprogramming of existing funds.
7. The group approved the draft, with appropriate modifications to complete missing content, for
"information only" for the Augusta Commission
8. The remaining steps to take the plan to completion were reviewed, including gaining GEMA
approval.
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Organization
Email Address
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RS 78 72
Da10538
Dc8723
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Appendix A. Planning Committee Meeting Minutes
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Appendix B
Public Outreach Materials
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Public Meeting #1: Questionnaire & Summary of Comments
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TELL (:S WI-L\T YOU f..:!"JOW ABOUT
FLOODING IN .-\CGUSTAfRJCHMOND COUNTY
and
SlL\RE YOUR IDEAS .\BOUT REDUCING
FLOOD DAi\'f..\GE
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TIlls q~stiOlUlaire is to collect informalion abouJ llooding in your coml1n1nity.
Augu>ta.'RiclUllOud COlUlty I.,s ,mrted to prepore a plan r<.' hdp reduce Hood damage and olher
safety risks. An important part of Ihe plamllng proce>'S is hearing from our citizens. We will
hold a public tTtt:erillg to pre~nt the draft pIon ,omctnne III the spring. At that time you will
kant abollllllirigali(~1 planning ,lIld !x('po;;ab to rC(Ulce dnmuge.
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)".'11 can help 1.1>0 now. We wOllld like to kam "b0l11 any llooding problem> you may have had at
your home or btl.>iness. Please take a few minult:s and ,mswer the following questions. Please
tl~e additional paper If~'ollr an;;wers WIll nr.'t Lil in the spaces prOVided.
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OUR QUESTIONS YOUR ANSWERS
l. Is your hornet In thet floodplain? OYets o No '.J Don'll<now
2. -""'alls the sourcet of ftoodlng?
a Name of stream or river
o Poor drainage (standing water. overflowing ditches)
3. Do you own or rent? U Own CJ Retnl
4. How would you desaibe yoor homet? a On a crawlspace a On a slab
o Has a basement a On wood pilings or block pters
a Manufactured Home
a I don't know
a Other:
5. If your homet has actually loodetd, Whetn did .t ust dates:
haec en?
6. Describe the dam age.
7. Have yoo done anythIng to your home to Please descnbe:
reduce future damage?
8. In the last flood, did you have flood aYes DNo
insurance?
9. Do you now have flood Insurance? ayes DNo
10. If you don't have ftood Insurance. Why not?
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. City of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Information Only 9/03)
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OUR QUESTIONS YOUR ANSWERS
It. Is your business or place of work in the ::JYes ONo o Don't know
floodolain?
12. If ~ has actually ~ooded. describe the
damage.
13. Please list roads Vvtlere you've seen ~ooding.
14. Describe other flooding problems you know
about (such as flooded septic fields, water
wells, etc.)
15. Please give us your ideas to reduce the
Impacts of flooding.
1 S. Do you know about County permits? A ::J Yes, I know about permits.
perm~ is required if you want to:
. Build a new building (even a garage or shed) ::J Please send me more information (address below).
Build an addition to an exlsllng building
. Make major renovallons or repairs
. Put nil dirt In a dralnaaeiTIoodclaln area
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OPTIONAL:
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Name:
Address:
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Phone # and/or ernail:
PLEASE MAIL TO OUR CONSULTANT AT:
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RCQuinn Consulting, Inc.
153 Prince George St #2
Annapolis, MD 21401-1721
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OR FAX TO:
410/267-5966
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Appendix B. Public Outreach Materials .
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Summary of Public Comments Submitted in Response to Questionnaire:
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Waterway Damaqe What we did Flooded streets Recommendations
~ae's Creek lBuilding ($50-60,000); Elevated air Sheffield Circle; Chelsea (1) Periodically dredge Rae's Creek;
~ntents ($20,000) onditioner; elevated Dr; Aumond @ Willow (2) persistent communication with
tored contents Creek Corps of Engineers for dredging; (3)
mandatory preventive maintenance
and procedures
Rae's Creek Flooding inside house; aised NC as high as Boy Scout; Butler Place Make both sides of creek the same
Carpet; NC units ossible height; my side is 3-4' lower than
opposite side
Rae's Creek xtensive landscape Inothing I can do Weathers Terrace; East Dredge the Creek; widen Rae's Creek
and yard damage ll< West Vineland and riprap like the rest of upper creek
Rae's Creek 14" in house; $30,000 Ibuilt dam by creek l"entral Ave @ Daniel Widen Rae's Creek; put barriers along
damage ield; Bobby Jones @ banks
Wheeler Rd
ake Omstead Dredge Lake Olmstead; island has
/built up about 213 across Lake
Rae's Creek Property address: [No, beyond repair; Boy Scout Road; Govt should purchase property and
67 Boy Scout Rd; nterior is totally Ingleside Dr etum to greenspace
otal damage ~estroyed
lRae's Creek Interior, floors; exterior con't know what to do !Chelsea Dr @ Ramsgate lMake second channel where Rae's
lturnace & NC; IRd; Boy Scout Rd land Cranes meet to divert water which
andscaping !now turns sharp angle and rushes over
he dam. The dam is much higher
han the adiacent land so land floods
~ae's Creek In/a n/a East Boundary; Improve drainage from roads to
~rightsboro Rd-I-20 ~itches. Keep ditches cleaned of
~ebris and heavy grass. Keep creeks
Cleaned.
~ae's Creek lV'Jater inside 6-22"; lJannot do anything. !'Nest Lake Forest. One side of bank is 3~' higher,
emoved flooring, Several others in our pitching the water to our side (south
~heet rock & insulatior neighborhood ide)
~p to 4' above floor.
~iool wiped out.
Workshop and tools
ost.
Rae's Creek Property addr: 469 Installed drainage Boy Scout Road & 9uyout out my property and allow to be
Boy Scout Rd. Water pipes; wrote officials. urrounding Net
Nas more than 3.5' No longer habitable.
nside. No longer
habitable.
!springs in area Nater seeps through Installed French Find the spring and pipe it
Nalls and patio door; drains; sealed
oundatlon cracked; oundatlon three times
putside building/yard
~ashed away;
~ooring, appliances,
~ntents
Milledgeville Rd stop filling in areas where water
normally flows; put in more holding
ponds to control flow
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. City of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Information Only 9/03)
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Waterway Damaqe ~hat we did Flooded streets Recommendations
Rocky Creek Property addr: 1919 ~an't do anything; no jl;lark Drive; Rozella
"lark Dr. Water to 4- onger habitable Drive
eet deep in 1990,
Furnace destroyed;
Jther floods shallower.
No longer habitable.
Cannot rent due to
000 risk.
Rocky Creek vVater 3-feet deep Can't do anything 30rdon Hwy Keep Rocky Creek cleaned so flow
nside; rotted floors, sn't restricted
walls, fumiture. Septic
overflow
Rocky Creek Lost everything; floors Rozella, Clark Dr, Hopie jl;lean out creek, for years has filled up
buckled. Regularly Rd f,vith sand, trees, trash
get 12" in yard and
under house
ROcky Creek mall retaining wall ~Iark Drive; Rozella ~Iean out creek, ponds
Drive; Hopie Rd
Rae's Creek & Nearly 2' inside: water ~helsea Dr
Cranes Creek with sewage in
crawlspace several
imes; damaged AlC
Find heating unit twice;
~ntaminated air duct~
ake Om stead 1990 houses flooded; Dredge Lake Olmstead (getting
now 1-2" rain fills \petition); sandbar across, plants
akes and goes into ~rowing trap more sand.
vards more quickly
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IJIII
Appendix B. Public Outreach Materials .
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Appendix C
Savannah River Facility Summary
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Photo # TAXID Grnd BFE BFE. Description
Elev* Grnd
Elev
Marina Store 1,2 037-4-001-03-1
Boathouse 3,4,5,6, 048-3-071-00-0 130 134 4' City-owned; old building
Community 7 elevated several feet above
Center (main grade; lower level is boat
building, d open storage and useable area
pavilion, small overlooking water (windows)
building)
Boat Storage 8,9 048-0-001-03-0 130 133.5 3.5' City-owned. Land ($242k);
building ($98k), PreFab
structural steel, built 1955
Welding (large 10,11,12 048-0-001-05-0 130 133.5 3.5' Owned by Modern Welding.
bldg, brlck Land value $284k; building
office) values $786k. Office building
1846 sf, built 1975; no
specifics on large building.
Unknown 13 Storage tank (on separate
parcel?)
Richmond 14, 15, 048-0-001-01-0 125- 133.5 8-3.5' City-owned land ($1.09 mill)
(main building, 16,17,18 130 and buildings. Richmond
small bldgs, Bonded buildings ($899k).
vacant at rd) Wood/steel combined; built
1963
GA Ports Authority building,
1000 sf, $94k, PreFab
Structural steel, built 1955
Traffic 19,20 062-0-008-00-0 125- 133.5 8-3.5' City-owned. Masonry load
Engineering 130 bearing; footprint 7,500 sf; built
in 1951. Land value $777k;
building value $124k
Augusta XX Up-river from Riverwalk
Pumping Station
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'Ground Elevation based on gross contour from GIS.
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. City of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Information Only 9/03)
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Photo 1. Front of Marina Building
~-& /~
/~/S5:)~"// '
,;.-'
. :.- \':..~. '~'2::i
Photo 2. Restroom portion of Marina Building
------:::::::::::~::::::~:::::::~
Photo 3. Boathouse Community Center
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Photo 4. Boathouse Community Center
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Photo 5. Boathouse Community Center
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Photo 6. Downstream of Community Center
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Appendix C, Savannah River Facility Summary
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Photo 7 Pavilion Downstream Community
Center
--,-,~'>I'---'-
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Photo 8: Boat Storage
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......-;'........ ",
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Photo 9: Boat Storage
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Photo 10: Modern Welding
'. JPir.';!;il~5~\tYi~'~'~r:
'~~~'iJ:1f.~!m~~.r:.:::; .
t /:1:' ~,,:::' :,S '; . ~;\!,;, 1\;.:.....1
",;,'
,
l.
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Photo 11: Modern Welding
':.;"
Of,::
~. .'
. 4, .::: .'.
. ;1-" ;-
,~, ~~t;'hl" .
:,~_11,
.'
,",,'"
~
Photo 12. Modern Welding Office building
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Appendix C. Savannah River Facility Summary I
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Photo 13. Parcel between Modern & Vacant
Bldg
Photo 14. Vacant Building
Photo 15. Downstream of Vacant Building
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Photo 16. Richmond Warehouse
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Photo 17. Richmond Warehouse
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Photo 18. Richmond Warehouse
(downstream)
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City of Augusta. GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Information Only 9/03)
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Photo 19. Augusta Traffic Engineering
Photo 20. Augusta Traffic Engineering
11III
Appendix C. ~avannah River Facility Summary .
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Appendix 0
Annual Progress Reports
Annual status reports will be prepared, reviewed by the appropriate City officials, and
forwarded to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency. The reports will be noted
below and copies will be inserted in this appendix.
Comprehensive review and revisions to the Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan will be
considered on a 5-year cycle.
Date of
Progress
Report Summary of Progress Accomplished
.
.
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. City of Augusta, GA: Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan (Information Only 9/03)
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