Water System Development and Recovery Updates in Asheville
Discover the latest updates on water system development, recovery, and flood protection in Asheville, including impacts of recent events, response measures, and resilience projects to enhance system performance and reliability.
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Presentation Transcript
Water System, Development Recovery, and Flood Protection Updates CIBO Presentation 1/17/2025 City of Asheville
Presentation Outline Asheville Water System - Helene Impacts and Response Development Recovery Helene Permitting Data FASTeam Assistance Storm Debris Economic Resources Flood Protection Updates NFIP Substantial Damage The Flood Ordinance
Water System - Helene Impacts and Response Service to 80 percent of Water Resources customers was disrupted mid-morning on Sept. 27. Helene caused catastrophic damage to our production and distribution systems. Partial service was restored to every customer who could receive it within 18+/- days, although a Boil Water Notice was issued due to water quality. Potable water was restored within 52 days. The Water system is fully operational and capable of meeting typical demand.
north fork 36 in bypass 01.mp4 North Fork 36 Bypass Waterline SEP 30
northfork bypass to previous 4 marks.mp4 North Fork 36 Bypass Waterline OCT 8
North Fork 36 Bypass Waterline North Fork 36 Bypass Waterline OCT 10 OCT 10
North Fork 36 Bypass Waterline North Fork 36 Bypass Waterline OCT 10 OCT 10
20241204_north fork watershed_trees down.mp4 North Fork 36 Bypass Waterline North Fork 36 Bypass Waterline OCT 10 OCT 10 OCT 10 OCT 10 North Fork Reservoir North Fork Reservoir
Water System - Resilience Measures Three projects stand out for the resilience they would provide: Sediment basins for filters at North Fork and DeBruhl WTPs Cost: $101 million Alternate bypass line at North Fork Cost: $50 million Long term, a new treatment facility in West Asheville Cost: $80-$100 million
Development Recovery - Helene Permitting Data, FASTeam Assistance, Storm Debris, Economic Resources
FASTeam Assistance and Permitting The Floodplain Assistance Support Team (FAST) to provide focused and personalized support for property owners in the coming weeks and months as they look to rebuild. The FAST team will be reaching out to property owners who may have experienced substantial damage from Helene. We will start by reviewing properties that have already submitted permits on hold. We are currently in a soft launch phase, but will officially kick off the week of January 21. In the meantime, you can contact the team by email at fast@ashevillenc.gov.
Storm Debris Property owners should apply for private property debris removal. PPDR and waterway debris removal tentatively to begin in February. To report debris blocking a sidewalk or access, or for assistance if your PPDR is denied, contact: sanitation@ashevillenc.gov
Economic Recovery Resources Other Resources State Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Property acquisition Structure elevation Dry floodproofing (commercial only) Applications accepted through November 2025 Economic Recovery Grants and Loans WNC Strong - Helene Business Recovery Fund SBA Loans CDBG-DR Funds
Engagement Opportunities Helene Recovery Survey Asheville Recovers Engagement Hub
Flood Hazard Areas - NFIP, Substantial Damage, Flood Ordinance
Flood Hazard Areas - NFIP The city participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Participation in the NFIP is voluntary. A participating community must adopt and enforce a floodplain management ordinance to reduce future flood damage. The NFIP provides federally backed flood insurance and discounted premiums.
Flood Hazard Areas - NFIP In the aftermath of Helene, NFIP participation is important because: Residents maintain access to federally backed flood insurance. And In Flood Hazard Areas: Federal grants and loans for development are made available under programs administered by Federal agencies such as HUD, EPA, and SBA. Federal disaster assistance is provided to repair insurable buildings and infrastructure. Federal mortgage insurance or loan guarantees are provided, including FHA and VA policies.
Substantial Damage There were 824 buildings surveyed in the regulated floodplain. 448 were commercial buildings 230 of those were substantially damaged or destroyed 376 were residential buildings 45 of those were substantially damaged or destroyed
Substantial Damage - SDE Tool Substantial Damage occurs when the cost of recent damage exceeds a certain percentage of a building s market value. NFIP communities are required to determine if any damage meets the criteria for Substantial Damage when the building is located in a floodplain. FEMA developed the Substantial Damage Estimator Tool to assist in determining Substantial Damage. The Tool is based on the concept of using estimates of damage to individual building elements to determine whether the building as a whole is substantially damaged.
Substantial Damage Process The substantial damage process includes a physical survey of all buildings in the floodplain (824). Building survey data is entered into the SDE Tool. Buncombe County tax values are adjusted to September 2024 market values and also entered into the SDE Tool. The SDE Tool estimates percentage of building damage. The City will accept better information for appraised values and construction costs. The SDE Tool is the basis for the final SDE determination The final determination can be appealed.
Flood Ordinance After discussion by Council, staff was asked for the recent flood amendments to be placed into 3 categories and brought back before Council. 1. Technical amendments Nonsubstantive updates Does not change permitting process or conditions 1. Conflicts Updates and additions to align with State Model Flood Ordinance Revisions to clarify lookback period and historic structures exemption 1. Substantive amendments Maintains the 2 freeboard requirement Non-conforming uses [Sec 7-12-1(e)(7)] is a null clause
Flood Ordinance Changes to text amendments in Chapter 7 of the Asheville Code of Ordinances will clear up ambiguity in floodplain regulations within city limits and ensure compliance with State law and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations. Elevation requirements for rebuilding Clarify a requirement to elevate or flood-proof structures 2 feet above base flood elevation. Non-conforming uses [Sec 7-12-1(e)(7)] is a null clause and does not superseded the NC Building Code requirements. Supports the public and private sector ability to receive federal grants and assistance via the NFIP
Flood Ordinance Lookback period for calculating substantial damage Clarify that the lookback period for calculating substantial damage will remain as currently administered: 1 year Process for historic structures exemption Clarify that properties with qualifying historic designations may request a variance for exemption from the elevation requirements through a quasi-judicial review process. Keeps with the variance process as currently administered.
Discussion Items Do you understand the recommended changes to the flood ordinance? What are your major issues or concerns?
