Understanding Hazard Creep in Dam Safety and Urban Development
Explore the concept of hazard creep, its impacts on dam safety, and solutions to mitigate risks. Learn about dam inundation zone maps, zoning restrictions, and state laws in California, Wisconsin, and Virginia. Discover how California addresses hazard disclosure in real property development.
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Presentation Transcript
Hazard Creep May 6, 2014 New Mexico Watershed and Dam Owners Coalition Conference Las Cruces, NM
Definition Hazard Creep a term used to describe urban growth and development occurring downstream of a dam that was not originally designed to protect persons and their property. (NM OSE Dam Safety Bureau)
Impacts of Hazard Creep Reclassification of existing dams Increased requirements for Dam Owners Higher cost to improve/maintain Increased risk to public
Solution Mitigation Recommendation Complete dam inundation zone maps Expand zoning code Restrict development Impose fees Educate
Dam Inundation Zone Maps although they are required by NMOSE not complete they are Training Technical Support Regional Coordination Creative Funding GIS preference
What are they doing around the Country? Only 3 states have laws requiring consideration of hazard creep in zoning/planning initiatives California Wisconsin Virginia
California Potential Flooding Dam Inundation Act Inundation maps prepared, delivered, and approved by the Office of Emergency Services Maps available thru emergency services, county/local planning, assessors office All on-line
California Zoning Restrictions Examples include: No Build Open Space Agriculture No human habitation
California Natural Hazard Disclosure Statement Includes 6 hazards area of potential flooding Beyond FEMA designation Provides warning these hazards may limit your ability to develop the real property, to obtain insurance, or to receive assistance after a disaster . Informed consumer choices and market forces, not direct government regulation.
California Established Plan to address Hazard Creep Mitigation: avoid development Preparation: contingency plans Response: emergency services Recovery: rebuild
Wisconsin The MOST Comprehensive State-wide Floodplain Management Program Stringent Zoning Ordinances Elevations/Land Use limitations Disclosure on property deeds Zoning maps include inundation zones Considered in hazard determination
Wisconsin Dam Safety Database Public / Dam Owner / Consultant http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Dams/damSearch.html
Virginia Virginia Flood Damage Reduction Act of 1989 All subdivision plans within inundation zone are reviewed by state-level department Purpose: 1) Assist in identifying risk 2) Communicate those risks to residents 3) Manage development in risk areas
Virginia State Code All If a proposed subdivision compromises the spillway design flood standards, THEN Development denied, OR the developer shall pay 50% of the costs to upgrade the structure Dam owners and jurisdictional agencies are notified of all development downstream
What can we do here in NM? Dam inundation zone maps Can t manage anything without them!
What can we do here in NM? Zoning / Development Restrictions Difficult to enforce - very unpopular BUT should we consider it? DAC zoning code update Impose fees Consider financial responsibility IF you do develop
We need to Educate the... Policy Makers Can be unpopular: highlight risk Zoning Officials Will require extra effort: streamline the process Dam Owners Provide support: disclose development/costs Inundation Zone Residents Discloses risk: prior to purchase/construction
And, also... Developers Identify the magnitude of impact Real Estate Agents Educate/Inform Public Lack of awareness
Next Steps Endorse Hazard Creep Awareness Month OCTOBER Build consensus amongst all stakeholders
Next Steps Prepare fact sheet on hazard creep During a 30-year mortgage, a home has a 26% chance of being impacted by a 100 year flood compared to a 4% chance of a significant house fire. Create regional/local simulations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CcVSVhAYv A#action=share
