Name Title/ Department Address Telephone Fax

Transcription

1 9.49 PALMER TOWNSHIP This section presents the jurisdictional annex for Palmer Township. A. HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN POINT OF CONTACT Name Title/ Department Address Telephone Fax Primary Point of Contact Delmar Grube Fire Commissioner/Emergency Management Director 3 Weller Pl, Palmer PA, dagrube@palmertwp.com Name Title/ Department Address Telephone Fax Alternate Point of Contact Thomas Adams Director, Public Services 3 Weller Pl, Palmer, PA tadams@palmertwp.com B. MUNICIPAL PROFILE Palmer Township is a suburban township located in the central-east portion of Northampton County. It encompasses an area of 10.7 square miles, has an approximate population of 20,691 (2010 Census). As shown in Figure 1, the township is bordered by Wilson Borough Forks Township to the east, Tatamy Borough to the northeast, Stockertown Borough to the north, Upper Nazareth Township to the northwest, Lower Nazareth Township Bethlehem Township to the west, the City of Easton to the south. Figure 1 (Source: The Lehigh River is the township s southern border, the Bushkill Creek forms the township s eastern border from Stockertown in the north, south to Wilson Borough, with the exception of where the DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

2 township borders Tatamy Borough. The Schoeneck Creek also traverses the northern portion of the Township. Flooding has been a problem along the Bushkill Schoeneck Creeks during significant storm events. Sinkholes have also been an issue in the Township, particularly in the northern portion. US Route 22 enters the township from Bethlehem Township travels east-west across the township into Wilson Borough. PA Route 33 enters the township along the northern border with Stockertown Borough travels southwest, exiting into Lower Nazareth Township just north of PA Route 248 (Nazareth Road). PA Route 248 travels southeast from the border with Lower Nazareth Township to where it interchanges with US Route 22 just west of Wilson Borough, where PA Route 248 continues into the borough as Northampton Street. DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

3 B.1 Known or Anticipated Future Development The following table summarizes major residential/commercial development major infrastructure development that are identified for the next five (5) to ten (10) years in the municipality. Refer to the map at the end of this annex which illustrates the hazard areas within the municipality. Property Name Maple Shades Estates Woodridge Falls III Madison at Palmerview Villages at Wolf s Run Chrin Commerce Center North End Type (Residential or Commercial) New Development/Potential Development in Municipality Number of Structures Residential 45 Residential 43 Residential 13 Address S. Nulton Ave. & Church Rd. Grview Drive Van Buren Rd. & Corriere Rd. Block Lot L8-23-1, L8-23-1A M9-3-1A-1, M9-3-1A-2 K8-11-3, K8-10A-5 Residential 80 Van Buren Rd. K8-14-4, K8-15-1A Industrial 3 Commercial/ Industrial 32 Commerce Lane Main St. & Van Buren Rd. J8-27A1D, J8-27A1E, J8-27A1F J8-14-6, J8-22-2, J , J8-23-2, J8-23A1, J8-26-1, J8-27-1, J8-27-1A, J8-27-2, J8-27A1, K8-3- 4, K8-4-2, K8-5A-1 Known Hazard Zone* None None 100-Yr Floodplain 100-Yr Floodplain None 100-Yr Floodplain Description/ Status Final plan approved Under construction Preliminary plan approved Preliminary plan approved Final plan approved Concept plan * Only location-specific hazard zones or vulnerabilities identified. With the exception of flood, wildfire, lslides, l subsidence/sinkholes, all locations within the Lehigh Valley are exposed to the natural hazards addressed in this plan. C. NATURAL HAZARD EVENT HISTORY SPECIFIC TO PALMER TOWNSHIP Type of Event Date Severe storms flooding April 2005 Sinkhole affecting sewer line June 2006 Severe storms flooding June-July 2006 Lightning strikes to police building July 2006 Severe winter storm February 2007 Severe winter storm April 2007 Sinkholes April 2007 Hail August 2007 Industrial fire July 2011 FEMA Disaster # (if applicable) DR-1587 DR-1649 Local Damage Losses Hurricane Irene August 2011 DR-4025 Approx.. $95,000 including Tropical Storm Lee Tropical Storm Lee September 2011 DR-4030 Approx.. $95,000 including Hurricane Irene Severe winter storm October 2011 Hurricane Sy October 2012 DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

4 D. NATURAL HAZARD RISK/VULNERABILITY RISK RANKING The following relative ranking of natural non-natural hazard risks in this municipality was developed using PEMA s Risk Factor methodology described in Section 4, Risk Assessment HAZARD RISK HIGH NATURAL HAZARDS PROBABILITY RISK ASSESSMENT CATEGORY IMPACT SPATIAL EXTENT WARNING TIME DURATION RISK FACTOR (RF) Winter Storm Flood Radon Exposure MODERATE Subsidence / Sinkholes Extreme Temperatures Drought Wildfire Hailstorm Wind, incl. Tornado Lightning LOW Earthquake Lslide HAZARD RISK HIGH MAN-MADE HAZARDS Fire (Urban/Structural) Environmental Hazard Explosion PROBABILITY RISK ASSESSMENT CATEGORY IMPACT SPATIAL EXTENT WARNING TIME DURATION RISK FACTOR (RF) Utility Interruption MOD - ERATE Transportation Accident Mass Gathering Civil Disturbance Terrorism Building Collapse LOW Dam Failure Nuclear Incident Levee Failure DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

5 E. CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT This section identifies the following capabilities of the local jurisdiction: Legal regulatory capability Administrative technical capability Fiscal capability Community classification. DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

6 E.1 Planning Regulatory Capability Tool / Program In Place Status Date Adopted or Updated Under Development Dept./Agency Responsible Effect on Loss Reduction: + Support O Neutral - Hinder Change Since Last Plan: + Positive - Negative Comments Hazard Mitigation Plan X Updating 2012 Emergency Operations Plan X 2003, last updated 2011 Emergency Management Disaster Recovery Plan X 2003, part of EOP Emergency Management Evacuation Plan Continuity of Operations Plan NFIP NFIP Community Rating System X 2003, part of EOP Emergency Management X 2001 Zoning Updating 2012 Floodplain Regulations (spec. NFIP Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance) X 2001, part of Zoning Ordinance Zoning Updating 2012 Floodplain Management Plan Zoning Regulations Subdivision Regulations Comprehensive L Use Plan (or General, Master or Growth Mgt. Plan) X 1994 Planning X 1994 Planning X 2003 Planning Open Space Management Plan (or Parks/Rec or Greenways Plan) X 2004 Public Services, Updating DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

7 Status Tool / Program In Place Date Adopted or Updated Under Development Dept./Agency Responsible Effect on Loss Reduction: + Support O Neutral - Hinder Change Since Last Plan: + Positive - Negative Comments Stormwater Management Plan / Ordinance Natural Resource Protection Plan Capital Improvement Plan Economic Development Plan Historic Preservation Plan Farml Preservation X 2007 Building Code X 1973, UCC 2004 Codes Planning Public Services, Engineering Fire Code X 1971 Fire, Codes Fire Inspection Ordinance X Carbonate Bedrock Stards X DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

8 E.2 Administrative Technical Capability Staff/Personnel Resources Yes No Department/Agency Comments Planners (with l use / l development knowledge) Planners or engineers (with natural /or human caused hazards knowledge) Engineers or professionals trained in building /or infrastructure construction practices (includes building inspectors) X Planning X Public Services X Codes, Engineering (consultant) Emergency Manager X Fire NFIP Floodplain Administrator X Zoning L Surveyors X Engineering (consultant) Scientists or staff familiar with the hazards of the community Personnel skilled in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) /or FEMA s HAZUS program Grant writers or fiscal staff to hle large/complex grants Staff with expertise or training in Benefit-Cost Analysis Other X X Planning Geotechnical engineering (consultant) X Public Services (consultant) DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

9 E.3 Fiscal Capability Financial Resources Yes No Department/Agency Comments Capital Improvement Programming X Administration Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) X Special Purpose Taxes X Gas / Electric Utility Fees X Water / Sewer Fees X Public Utilities Stormwater Utility Fees X Development Impact Fees X General Obligation, Revenue, /or Special Tax Bonds Partnering Arrangements or Intergovernmental Agreements X Administration X Other X DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

10 E.4 Community Classifications Program Classification Date Classified Community Rating System (CRS) NP N/A Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS) Public Protection Storm Ready NP N/A Firewise NP N/A N/A = Not applicable. NP = Not participating. - = Unavailable. The classifications listed above relate to the community s effectiveness in providing services that may impact it s vulnerability to the natural hazards identified. These classifications can be viewed as a gauge of the community s capabilities in all phases of emergency management (preparedness, response, recovery mitigation) are used as an underwriting parameter for determining the costs of various forms of insurance. The CRS class applies to flood insurance while the BCEGS Public Protection classifications apply to stard property insurance. CRS classifications range on a scale of 1 to 10 with class one (1) being the best possible classification, class 10 representing no classification benefit. Firewise classifications include a higher classification when the subject property is located beyond 1000 feet of a creditable fire hydrant is within 5 road miles of a recognized Fire Station. StormReady communities are better prepared to save lives from the onslaught of severe weather through advanced planning, education awareness. Criteria for classification credits are outlined in the following documents: The Community Rating System Coordinators Manual The Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule The ISO Mitigation online ISO s Public Protection website at The National Weather Service Storm Ready website at The National Firewise Communities website at F. MITIGATION STRATEGY F.1 Past Mitigation Activities/Efforts The following table summarizes progress on the mitigation strategy identified by the Township in the 2006 plan. Description Remove home restrict l use 2006 Initiative Location Status Review Comments Stocker Mill Rd. No progress. Carry forward in update. The Township adopted a Carbonate Bedrock Stard to mitigate the risk of sinkholes on new construction. DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

11 F.2 Hazard Vulnerabilities Identified It is estimated that in Palmer Township, 198 residents live within the 1% annual chance flood area (NFIP Special Flood Hazard Area). Of the municipality's total l area, 5.2% is located within the 1% annual chance flood area. $54,256,641 (1.3%) of the municipality's general building stock replacement cost value (structure contents) is located within the 1% annual chance flood area. There are 41 NFIP policies in the community. While there are 129 parcels 78 structures located within the 1% annual chance flood area, there are only 2 policies issued to property owners in the 1% annual chance flood area. FEMA has identified 1 Repetitive Loss (RL) property in the municipality. HAZUS-MH estimates that for a 1% annual chance flood, $9,310,796 (0.2%) of the municipality's general building stock replacement cost value (structure contents) will be damaged, 411 people may be displaced, 229 people may seek short-term sheltering, an estimated 623 tons of debris could be generated. HAZUS-MH estimates the following damage loss of use to critical facilities in the community as a result of a 1% annual chance flood event: Critical Facilities Located in the DFIRM 1% 0.2% Flood Boundaries Estimated Potential Damage from the 1% Flood Event Exposure Potential Loss from 1% Flood Event Name Type 1% Event 0.2% Event Structure Damage Content Damages Days to 100- Percent Functional Colonial Northampton I.U. User Defined X X Nazareth Borough Municipal Authority User Defined X X Easton Area Academy User Defined X X Source: FEMA, 2004; FEMA, 2011; HAZUS-MH 2.1 Notes: X = indicates the facility location as provided by Lehigh Valley is located in the DFIRM flood zone. NA = HAZUS-MH 2.1 does not estimate the days to 100-percent functional for user-defined facilities. - = There is no damage estimate either because the 0.2% annual chance flood event potential loss estimates were not run in HAZUS or HAZUS did not calculate potential loss estimates for some facilities located in the DFIRM flood hazard zone. This is because even though these facilities are located within the boundary of the flood depth grid generated by HAZUS the depth of flooding does not amount to any damages to the structure or contents according to the depth damage function used in HAZUS. The following vulnerabilities have been identified by the community, within the risk assessment), or in other plan, reports documents (e.g. FEMA Flood Insurance Studies, Act 167 Stormwater Management Plans): Flooding has been a problem along the Bushkill Schoeneck Creeks during significant storm events. Sinkholes have also been an issue in the Township, particularly in the northern portion. Utility Interruption Winter Storm Urban Fire Please refer to the Hazard Profiles for additional vulnerability information relevant to this jurisdiction. DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

12 F.3 Hazard Mitigation Strategy Note some of the identified mitigation initiatives in Table F are dependent upon available funding (grants local match availability) may be modified or omitted at any time based on the occurrence of new hazard events changes in municipal priorities. Action No. Action Retrofit structures located in hazard-prone areas to protect structures from future damage, with repetitive loss severe repetitive loss properties as priority. Mitigation Technique Category Hazard(s) Addressed Priority (H/M/L) Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources Lead Agency / Department Implementation Schedule Applies to New /or Structures* 1 Specifically identified are the following: - Tatamy Road near Bushkill Creek Phase 1: Identify appropriate cidates for retrofitting based on costeffectiveness versus relocation. Structural Project Flood, Severe Storm Low High FEMA Mitigation Grant Programs property owner for cost share Municipality from PEMA, FEMA Long-term DOF 2 Phase 2: Where retrofitting is determined to be a viable option, work with property owners toward implementation of that action based on available funding from FEMA local match availability. Purchase, or relocate structures located in hazardprone areas to protect structures from future damage, with repetitive loss severe repetitive loss properties as priority. Structural Project Flood Low High FEMA Mitigation Grant Programs local budget for Municipality from PEMA, FEMA Long-term DOF DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

13 Action No. Action Specifically identified are the following: - Stocker Mill Road near Bushkill Creek Mitigation Technique Category Hazard(s) Addressed Priority (H/M/L) Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources cost share Lead Agency / Department Implementation Schedule Applies to New /or Structures* Phase 1: Identify appropriate cidates for relocation based on cost-effectiveness versus retrofitting. 3 Phase 2: Where relocation is determined to be a viable option, work with property owners toward implementation of that action based on available funding from FEMA local match availability. Maintain compliance with good-sting in the NFIP including adoption enforcement of floodplain management requirements (e.g. regulating all new substantially improved construction in Special Hazard Flood Areas), floodplain identification mapping, flood insurance outreach to the community. Further, continue to meet /or exceed the minimum NFIP stards criteria through the following NFIPrelated continued compliance actions identified as Initiatives 4a-4d (below). Planning Mechanisms, Education Outreach Flood, Severe Storms High Low - Medium Local Budget Municipality (via NFIP Floodplain Administrator) from PEMA, ISO FEMA Ongoing New & DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

14 Action No Action Mitigation Technique Category Hazard(s) Addressed Priority (H/M/L) Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources Lead Agency / Department Implementation Schedule Applies to New /or Structures* Conduct facilitate community public education outreach for residents businesses to include, but not be limited to, the following to promote effect natural hazard risk reduction: a. Provide maintain links to the HMP website, regularly post notices on the municipal website referencing the HMP webpages. b. Prepare distribute informational letters to flood vulnerable property owners, explaining the availability of mitigation grant funding to mitigate their properties, instructing them on how they can learn more implement mitigation. c. Use newsletters to better educate the public on flood insurance, sinkhole insurance, the availability of mitigation grant funding, personal natural hazard risk reduction measures. d. Work with homeowners associations, civic business groups to disseminate information on flood insurance, sinkhole insurance, the availability of mitigation grant funding. See above. Begin the process to adopt higher regulatory stards to manage flood risk (i.e. increased freeboard, cumulative substantial damage/improvements). Determine if a Community Assistance Visit (CAV) or Community Assistance Contact (CAC) is needed, schedule if needed. Have designated NFIP Floodplain Administrator (FPA) become a Certified Floodplain Manager through the ASFPM, pursue relevant continuing education training such as FEMA Benefit-Cost Analysis. Participate in the Community Rating System (CRS) to further manage flood risk reduce flood insurance premiums for NFIP Education Outreach Planning Mechanisms, Education Outreach Education Outreach Education Outreach Education Outreach All Hazards Flood, Severe Storms Flood, Severe Storms Flood, Severe Storms Flood, Severe Storms High Medium Medium Low Medium Low- Medium Low Low Low Low Municipal Budget Municipal Budget Municipal Budget Municipal Budget Municipal Budget Municipality from Planning Partners, PEMA, FEMA Municipality from PEMA, FEMA NFIP Floodplain Administrator from PADEP, PEMA, FEMA NFIP Floodplain Administrator NFIP Floodplain Administrator from PADEP, Short Short Short (year 1) Short (DOF) Short (year 1) N/A New & N/A N/A NA DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

15 Action No. Action policyholders. This shall start with the submission to FEMA-DHS of a Letter of Intent to join CRS, followed by the completion submission of an application to the program once the community s current compliance with the NFIP is established. 9 Archive elevation certificates Continue to support the implementation, monitoring, maintenance, updating of this Plan, as defined in Section 7.0 Complete the ongoing updates of the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plans Create/enhance/maintain mutual aid agreements with neighboring communities for continuity of operations. Identify develop agreements with entities that can provide support with FEMA/PEMA paperwork after disasters; qualified Mitigation Technique Category Education Outreach Planning Mechanisms Planning Mechanisms Planning Mechanisms, Education Outreach Education Outreach Hazard(s) Addressed Flood, Severe Storm All Hazards Priority (H/M/L) Low High Estimated Cost Low All Hazards High Low All Hazards High Low Low High (for 5-year update) All Hazards Medium Medium Potential Funding Sources Local Budget Local Budget, possibly FEMA Mitigation Grant Funding for 5-year update Local Budget Local Budget Local budget Lead Agency / Department PEMA, FEMA NFIP Floodplain Administrator Municipality (via mitigation planning point of contacts) from Planning Partners (through their Points of Contact), PEMA Municipality from PEMA Municipality from Surrounding municipalities County Municipality from County, PEMA, FEMA Implementation Schedule On-going Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Short Applies to New /or Structures* NA New & New & New & NA DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

16 Action No. 14 Action damage assessment personnel Improve postdisaster capabilities damage assessment; FEMA/PEMA paperwork compilation, submissions, record-keeping Work with regional agencies (i.e. County PEMA) to help develop damage assessment capabilities at the local level through such things as training programs, certification of qualified individuals (e.g. code officials, floodplain managers, engineers). Mitigation Technique Category Education Outreach Hazard(s) Addressed Priority (H/M/L) Estimated Cost All Hazards Medium Medium Potential Funding Sources Local budget, FEMA HMA HLS grant programs Lead Agency / Department Municipality from County, PEMA Implementation Schedule Short Longterm DOF Applies to New /or Structures* Notes: *Does this mitigation initiative reduce the effects of hazards on new /or existing buildings /or infrastructure? Not applicable (NA) is inserted if this does not apply. NA Costs: Where actual project costs cannot reasonably be established at this time: Low = < $10,000 Medium = $10,000 to $100,000 High = > $100,000 Potential FEMA HMA Funding Sources: PDM = Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program FMA = Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program RFC = Repetitive Flood Claims Grant Program SRL = Severe Repetitive Loss Grant Program HMGP = Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Timeline: Short = 1 to 5 years. Long Term= 5 years or greater. OG = On-going program. DOF = Depending on funding. DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

17 G. ANALYSIS OF MITIGATION ACTIONS Municipal mitigation actions were evaluated prioritized primarily using the PA STEEL methodology discussed in Section 6 of this plan. Per the cost-benefit weighted PA STEEL methodology, those actions receiving 20 or more favorable ratings were generally considered high-priority actions. However, other factors beyond the PA STEEL numeric ranking may have been considered by the municipality during project prioritization. For example, a project might be assigned a medium priority because of the uncertainty of a funding source, could be changed to high once a funding source has been identified such as a grant. Mitigation Action P Political A Administrative PA STEEL CRITERIA CONSIDERATIONS (+) Favorable (-) Less favorable (N) Not Applicable S Social T Technical E Economic E Environmental L Legal Results NO. Name Political Support Local Champion Public Support Staffing Funding Allocation Maintenance / Operations Community Acceptance Effect on Segment of Population Technically Feasible Long-Term Solution Secondary Impacts Benefit of Action (x3) Cost of Action (x3) Contributes to Economic Goals Outside Funding Required Effect on L / Water Effect on Endangered Species Effect on HAZMAT / Waste Site Consistent w/ Community Environmental Goals Consistent w/ Federal Laws State Authority Local Authority Potential Legal Challenge SUMMARY (EQUAL WEIGHTING) SUMMARY (BENEFITS & COSTS PRIORITIZED) 1 Retrofit structures N N N - - N N N - + N N N N 2 Purchase/relo cate structures N N N N N - + N N NFIP compliance N N N N N + N N N 4 Public education outreach N N N N + N N N N N N N N N DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

18 5 Higher regulatory stards N + N - - N N N N + N N N 6 Community Assistance N N N N N N N N N N N N N N Program 7 Floodplain Manager N N N N N N N N N N Certification 8 Community Rating N + N N N + N N N System 9 Archive certificates N N N - N - N N N N N N N Support Hazard Mitigation Plan 11 Update Emergency Management Plans 12 Mutual aid 13 FEMA/PEMA support capabilities 14 Damage assessment capabilities N N N N + N N N N N N N N N N N N N + N + N N N N - N N N N N N N N N - N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

19 H. FUTURE NEEDS TO BETTER UNDERSTAND RISK/VULNERABILITY A more detailed flood loss analysis could be conducted on a structural level (versus the Census block analysis conducted for the HMP). The location of each building, details regarding the building (see additional data needed below) the assessed or fair market value could be included in HAZUS-MH. The FEMA DFIRM boundaries, FEMA Flood Insurance Study detailed studies, base flood elevations available Light Detection Ranging (LiDAR) data or digital elevation models (DEM) could be used to generate a more accurate flood depth grid then integrated into the HAZUS model. The flood depthdamage functions could be updated using the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer damage functions for residential building stock to better correlate HAZUS-MH results with FEMA benefit-cost analysis models. HAZUS-MH would then estimate more accurate potential losses per structure. Additional data needed to perform the analysis described above: Specific building information first-floor elevation (elevation certificates), number of stories, foundation type, basement, square footage, occupancy type, year built, type of construction etc. Assessed or fair market value of structure LiDAR or high resolution DEM Regional risk maps are provided in the hazard profiles within Section 4, Volume I of this Plan. I. HAZARD AREA EXTENT AND LOCATION A hazard area extent location map has been generated is provided below for Palmer Township to illustrate the probable areas impacted within Palmer Township. This map is based on the best available data at the time of the preparation of this Plan, is considered to be adequate for planning purposes. Maps have only been generated for those hazards that can be clearly identified using mapping techniques technologies, for which Palmer Township has significant exposure. The Planning Area maps are provided in the hazard profiles within Section 4, Volume I of this Plan. J. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS No additional comments at this time. DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

20 DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania