Coastal Storm and Flood Risk in the North Atlantic Region of the US
Last month, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a report detailing the results of a two-year study to address coastal storm and flood risk to vulnerable populations, property, ecosystems and infrastructure in the North Atlantic region of the United States affected by Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012. With the results of the study, better flood preparation in these areas can occur before disaster strikes again! North Atlantic Coast Comprehensive Study (NACCS)
The report brought together experts from Federal, state and local government agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations and academia, to assess the flood risks facing coastal communities and ecosystems. Collaboratively, they would develop a coastal storm risk management framework to address increasing risks, driven in part by increased frequency and intensity of storm events, as well as rising sea levels due to a changing climate.
Coastal Storm Risk Management Framework
The NACCS provides tools and information, including a nine-step Coastal Storm Risk Management Framework that can be used by communities, states, tribes and the Federal government to help identify coastal risk and develop strategies for reducing those risks.
1. Initiate Analysis - Identify stakeholders, partners and authorities. as well as constraints and opportunities. Then formalize your goals, and determine spatial and temporal scale of analysis.
2. Characterize Conditions - Define the physical and geographic setting. Compile flood probability data, establish baseline conditions and forecast future conditions.
3. Analyze Risk and Vulnerability - Map inundation and exposure, and assess vulnerability and resilience. Determine which areas are at high risk.
4. Identify Possible Solutions - Assess the full array of measures and consider blended solutions. Develop performance metrics and establish decision criteria.
5. Evaluate and Compare Solutions - Develop cost estimates for plans and assess the benefits of each.
6. Select a Plan - Based on all the research done in the beginning steps above, you should now be able to choose the best plan of action.7. Develop Implementation Plan - Complete pre-constructed engineering and design. Consider operation and maintenance issues. Establish adaptation thresholds and develop a strategic monitoring plan.
8. Execute Plan - One you have decided upon the plan and developed how to implement that plan, you'll be ready to execute it when needed.
9. Monitor and Adapt - Measure performance and benefit production. Assess resilience and manage with adaptation as needed.
Coastal Storm Risk Management Themes
Six themes were identified based on the views of coastal stakeholders on frequent or high-impact issues, each with specific institutional challenges, successes and opportunities for action:
1. Risk / Resilience Standards - Consistent definitions need to be developed. Conducting a national vulnerability study, as well as developing a national strategy for coastal storm risk management would be one action to take.
2. Communication and Outreach - Continued information development and programs will educate the public about flooding risks.
3. Risk Management - Floodplain policies should be strengthened and enforced and programs for communities should be simplified.
4. Science, Engineering and Technology - Improving research and developing better design and implementation guidance will also help in coastal storm risk management.
5. Leadership and Institutional Coordination - Re-evaluate and complete projects, while increasing the coordination between Federal, state and local governmental agencies. Include the support of national adaptation planning.
6. Local Planning and Financing - Apply lessons learned from past hurricane experiences, create new incentive programs to encourage flood preparation, explore innovative financing options and leverage public-private partnerships to create a strategic plan for preventing coastal flooding.
High-Risk Areas
In addition, the report identifies nine high-risk areas along the Northeast coast that warrant additional analysis. These areas include:
- Rhode Island Coastline
- Connecticut Coastline
- New York-New Jersey Harbor and Tributaries
- Nassau County Back Bays, New York
- New Jersey Back Bays
- Delaware Inland Bays and Delaware Bay Coast
- City of Baltimore, Maryland
- Washington, DC
- City of Norfolk, Virginia
You can view the final report here: http://www.nad.usace.army.mil/Portals/40/docs/NACCS/NACCS_main_report.pdf
Hurricane Sandy brought to light the reality that coastal storms are intensifying and that sea level change and climate change will only heighten the vulnerability of coastal communities. BIG BAGS USA® is always ready to help local, state and federal agencies be prepared! When it comes to coastal flooding, our berm barriers are the fastest deployed flood barrier system out there. Our main objective is to assist communities and individuals in times of need. We would also like to assist in pre-flood time frames and with your flood risk management strategies. Contact us at 800-337-0537 for more information!
If you have an immediate need for our systems, or have any questions for us, please Call us Toll Free at 1-800-337-0537 or visit www.BigBagsUSA.com.
If you have an immediate need for our systems, or have any questions for us, please Call us Toll Free at 1-800-337-0537 or visit www.BigBagsUSA.com.
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