D - Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments

Transcription

Clinton, Connecticut
Natural Hazards
Mitigation Plan Update, 2014
Prepared for
Town of Clinton, Connecticut
Adopted by the
Town of Clinton, Connecticut
August 27, 2014
Prepared by
Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments
145 Dennison Road
Essex, CT 06425
www.rivercog.org
Town of Clinton, CT
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Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan Update, 2014
1
Town of Clinton, CT
Primary Contact Information Regarding this NHMP
The Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan is updated every five years. Input from town
residents and business owners is important to ensure that the plan addresses the needs
of potentially affected areas, businesses and residents. Questions, comments or
suggestions concerning the Plan or future updates may be sent to any of the following
staff of the Town or RiverCOG.
Town of Clinton
Jullie Pudem – Land Use Technician
Clinton Town Hall
54 East Main St.
Clinton, CT 06413
T: (860) 669-6133
E: [email protected]
Jeremy DeCarli – Regional Planner
RiverCOG
145 Dennison Rd.
Essex, CT 06426
T: (860) 581-8554
E: [email protected]
On the Cover:
Photo 1: Home Damaged after Tropical Storm Irene, 2011
Source: Town of Clinton, Land Use Office
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Town of Clinton, CT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
i.
Executive Summary
7
I.
PLANNING PROCESS
8
A.
Authority (ELEMENT C1)
8
B.
Purpose & Benefits
9
C.
Plan Development (ELEMENTS A & D)
10
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
10
10
10
11
12
Funding & Technical Assistance
Plan Preparation (A.1 & D.2)
Agency Comment (A.2)
Public Involvement (A.3)
Incorporation of Existing Resource Materials (A.4)
D.
Plan Adoption (ELEMENT E.1 & E.2)
13
E.
Plan Implementation (ELEMENT D)
14
1.
2.
3.
14
14
14
F.
Priorities (D.3)
Responsibilities
Resources (C.6)
Plan Maintenance (ELEMENT A)
16
1.
2.
16
17
Method (A.5)
Schedule (A.6)
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Town of Clinton, CT
II.
RISK ASSESSMENT & HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
20
A.
The Town & the Vulnerability of its Resources (ELEMENT B)
20
1.
2.
3.
4.
20
23
26
27
B.
III.
Geography and Land Use Patterns
Demographics and Critical Facilities
Economics and Cultural Resources
The Environment and Ecological Resources
Natural Hazards (ELEMENTS B & C)
30
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
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50
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59
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69
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Flood (B.1, B.2, B.3, B.4, C1 and C.2)
Dam Failure (B.1, B.2, B.3, B.4, C1 and C.2)
High Wind & Tornado (B.1, B.2, B.3, B.4 and C.3)
Drought & Wildfire (B.1, B.2, B.3, B.4 and C.3)
Winter Storm (B.1, B.2, B.3, B.4 and C.3)
Earthquake (B.1, B.2, B.3, B.4 and C.3)
Hurricane & Tropical Storm (B.1, B.2, B.3, B.4 and C.3)
Extreme Heat (B.1, B.2, B.3, B.4 and C.3)
Sea-Level Rise (B.1, B.2, B.3, B.4 and C.3)
Tsunami (B.1, B.2, B.3, B.4 and C.3)
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MITIGATION (ELEMENTS C & D)
91
A.
Evaluation of Prior Plan (ELEMENT D)
91
1.
2.
3.
91
91
92
Changes in Development (D.1)
Progress in Local Mitigation Efforts (D.2)
Changes in Priorities (C.5)
B.
Goals to Reduce or Avoid Long-term Vulnerability (C.3)
92
C.
Integration into Other Planning Mechanisms (C.6)
92
D.
Discussion of Cost Benefit Review (C.5)
93
E.
Comprehensive Mitigation Action Items (C.4, C.5. & D.3)
94
APPENDICES
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
IX
Sources of Information (A.4)
Acronyms
HAZUS MH Flood Event Report
HAZUS MH Hurricane Event Report
HAZUS MH Earthquake Event Report
Screen Shot of Public Announcements (A.3)
Minutes from Public Meetings (A.3)
Survey Questions and Responses (A.3)
Clinton Resolution to Adopt Plan (E.1)
104
106
107
115
122
137
143
151
174
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Town of Clinton, CT
FIGURES
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12
Figure 13
Figure 14
Figure 15
Figure 16
Figure 17
Figure 18
Figure 19
Figure 20
Figure 21
Figure 22
Figure 23
Figure 24
Figure 25
Figure 26
Figure 27
Figure 28
Figure 29
Figure 30
Figure 31
Plan Progress and Update Schedule
Disabilities among Clinton Residents
Economic Sectors within the Clinton Economy
Natural Hazards Effects and Impacts
Natural Hazards, Scope, Frequency and Magnitude
Natural Hazards Affecting the RiverCOG Region
Record Breaking Floods in CT since 1936
Estimated Building Damage from Flood Event
High and Significant Hazard Dams
Dam Failure Hazard Ranking and Risk Parameters
Recorded Tornadoes in RiverCOG Region, 1950-2013
Enhanced Fujita Scale and Potential Impacts
Tornado Hazard Ranking and Risk Parameters
Palmer Drought Index
Wild Fire Hazard Ranking and Risk Parameters.
Five Forest Fire Danger Ratings
Winter Weather Alerts and Extent
Wind Chill Chart
Regional Snowfall Index
Earthquakes within 50 Miles of Clinton, 1980 – 2013
Magnitude Definition and Potential Impacts
Major Hurricanes and Tropical Storms since 1858
Hurricane / Tropical Storm Probability in Connecticut
Estimated Building Damage from Hurricane Event
Saffir-Simpson Scale and Potential Impacts
Projected Increases in Number of Days Above 90º
Heat Index and Impacts on People
Mean Sea Level Trend at New London
New Construction Permits since 2006
Plans and Regulations to Potentially be Changed
Comprehensive Mitigation Action Items
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31
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36
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52
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MAPS
Map 1:
Map 2:
Map 3:
Map 4:
Map 5:
Map 6:
Map 7:
Map 8:
Map 9:
Map 10:
Map 11:
Maps 12-14:
Clinton and Surrounding Towns
Natural Diversity in Clinton
Clinton Infrastructure Hazards
FIRM of Downtown Clinton
FIRM of Downtown Clinton
Open Space
Clinton Dam Hazards
Hurricane Inundation
Hurricane Inundation Near Police Station
Downtown Hurricane Inundation
Sea Level Trends
Seal Level Rise Scenario
21
29
33
37
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41
54
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87
88
Home Damaged from Tropical Storm Irene
Clinton Town Hall
Downtown Clinton
View Across Clinton Harbor at Cedar Island
Flooding on Cedar Island
Town Dock Flooding after Hurricane Sandy
Piled Sand from Hurricane Sandy
Building Collapse from February 2013 Blizzard
Damage along Coastline after 1938 Hurricane
Hurricane Irene Damage
Grove Beach Damage after 1938 Hurricane
Damaged Properties after Tropical Storm Irene
Cover
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PHOTOS
Photo 1:
Photo 2:
Photo 3
Photo 4:
Photo 5:
Photo 6:
Photo 7:
Photo 8:
Photo 9:
Photo 10:
Photo 11 & 12:
Photo 13 - 15:
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Town of Clinton, CT
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Town of Clinton, CT
i.
Executive Summary
The primary purpose of a Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan is to identify natural hazards
and risks, existing capabilities, and activities that can be undertaken by a community to
prevent loss of life and reduce property damages associated with identified hazards.
The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires local communities to have a Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)- approved mitigation plan in order to be
eligible to receive Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program grants and Post-Disaster Hazard
Mitigation Grant Program funds under the Hazard Mitigation Assistance program. This
Plan was prepared by the Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments
(RiverCOG) in conjunction with the Town of Clinton. It is an update of an NHMP first
developed by the Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency (CRERPA) in
2006.
The town considers critical facilities to be those that serve the town on a day-to-day
basis as well as during an emergency situation. The facilities include but are not limited
to the Clinton Town Hall and Jared Elliot School (emergency shelters), Police
Department, Public Works Garage, Fire Departments (Both Downtown (houses the
ambulance) and Glenwood), and other schools. This list can also include facilities that
house elderly and disabled people. The critical facilities are necessary to support
emergency response before, during, and after natural hazard events.
Transportation is essential in any major event. The town of Clinton has a variety of
transportation options. The town is served by Interstate 95, a major limited access
highway, as well as major arterials such as U.S. Route 1, CT Route 81 and Route 145.
Smaller town roads act as collectors to bring people to larger roads. The town is also
served by a bus route of the 9 Town Transit District, as well as a train station which
offers a stop on the Shore Line East Railroad along the Amtrak owned Northeast
Corridor Rail line.
This plan details natural hazards present in the town and steps that the town can take to
mitigate long lasting effects from each hazard type. The Comprehensive Mitigation
Action Item list is provided in Section III: Mitigation, Figure 31. This table includes the
item, project status, the party responsible for carrying out the action item, and other
pertinent information. The most prominent hazard in any of the towns within the region
is flooding, and significant discussion is devoted to how best to mitigate flooding events.
Other hazards discussed include high winds and tornadoes, hurricanes and tropical
storms, sea level rise, and drought and wildfire. Each hazard type has a list of mitigation
action items that the town could implement, some being a higher priority than others.
For each of the hazard types presented in the plan, historic events are presented along
with the probability of that event occurring again. The town’s specific impacts from each
event are also noted.
The overall goal of this Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan is: Reduction of elimination of
injury to or loss of life and property and natural environments and the associated
economic impacts from natural hazards.
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Town of Clinton, CT
I.
PLANNING PROCESS
A.
Authority (C.1)
Federal: The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance
Act (Public Law 93-288), as amended by the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000,
provides the legal basis for State, local, and Indian Tribal governments to
undertake a risk-based approach to reducing risks from natural hazards through
mitigation planning. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
coordinates mitigation planning nationwide and provides funding for State-level
natural hazard mitigation planning.
State: FEMA requires State, Indian Tribal, and local governments to develop
hazard mitigation plans as a condition for receiving certain types of nonemergency disaster assistance, including funding for mitigation projects. The
requirements and procedures for State, Tribal and Local Mitigation Plans are
found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at Title 44, Chapter 1, Part 201
(44 CFR Part 201). The State of Connecticut Department of Energy &
Environmental Protection (DEEP) administers the federal funds by providing
grants and technical assistance to the regional planning organizations (RPOs) to
write the hazard mitigation plans for each regional planning area and the
municipalities within each.
Region: The Connecticut General Statutes (§8-35a.(d)) require the regional
planning organization to assist the municipalities within its region in developing
and carrying out any plans of regional importance. The Lower Connecticut River
Valley Council of Governments (RiverCOG) intends that this plan stand-alone so
that the Town may adopt it as a section or supplement to its local Plan of
Conservation & Development (POCD).
Municipal: The Connecticut General Assembly delegates certain powers of the
state to its municipal subdivisions (city, town, borough, or special district),
specifically that a municipality has the authorities in finance, public safety, and
health that are necessary to effectuate the goals of this Plan (CGS §7-148). The
NHMP Working Group, a subcommittee set up for the purpose of Plan
completion, reviewed and edited the draft plan. Committee members included
RiverCOG Staff and members of Town Hall Staff, along with members of the
Planning and Zoning Commission. Members are listed in Section I.C.2. The
Committee approved the final draft version as a recommendation to the Clinton
Planning and Zoning Commission for adoption by the Board of Selectmen.
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Town of Clinton, CT
B.
Purpose & Benefits (C.3)
The Clinton Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan provides information about the types
of natural hazards that may affect the town and its residents and identifies
specific mitigation actions.
The Town periodically updates the NHMP for two reasons: first, to keep abreast
of changes to the physical environment, social fabric, and demographic
composition of its people, as well as changes to ongoing efforts to mitigate the
effects of natural hazards; second, to remain eligible for Federal funds for
ongoing and future mitigation actions.
The purpose of the town’s NHMP is to:





identify natural hazards that could potentially occur and the geographic
areas most likely affected by the occurrence of those natural hazards;
assess potential threats from the occurrence of those natural hazards to
natural resources, public infrastructure, private property and people;
review existing actions and capabilities of the region and its towns to
mitigate threats from natural hazards;
recommend additional actions to improve or expand actions and
capabilities that further prevent loss of life and reduce property damages
associated with the occurrence of natural hazards; and
update plans to remain eligible at the time a community applies for and
when the Federal/State agencies award funds for hazard mitigation
actions.
The benefits of an up-to-date hazard mitigation plan include:
Home and business owners have information to help them make better decisions
about protecting their properties.
Planners and local officials better understand the risks of natural hazards and
may improve local planning actions.
Builders and developers have access to more accurate information for making
decisions on where and how to build.
Emergency management can use this information to better prepare for response
made by police, fire, public health, and town officials, as well as organize efforts
as a part of the cycle of recovery from occurrences of natural hazards.
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Town of Clinton, CT
C.
Plan Development (ELEMENT A & D)
1.
Funding & Technical Assistance
FEMA Region 1 provided guidance to the Lower Connecticut River Valley
Council of Governments (RiverCOG) in following federal guidelines for
natural hazard planning, particularly subsequent to Hurricane Irene and
the Halloween Nor’easter in September and October of 2011 respectively,
Hurricane Sandy in October 2012, and the February 2913 Blizzard.
The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
(DEEP) awarded a Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant to
RiverCOG to assist member towns in updating their Natural Hazard
Mitigation Plans. Under this grant, J.H. Torrance Downes, Senior
Regional Planner, and Jeremy DeCarli, Regional Planner helped prepare
this update to the original 2006 Plan.
2.
Preparation (A.1 & D.2)
Preparation for the 2014 Update began with RiverCOG staff and staff from
the Clinton Land Use office reviewing the 2006 plan for implementation
status. Mitigation action items from the 2006 Plan were reviewed and the
status of each noted. With the help of Land Use Staff and Clinton officials,
RiverCOG staff compiled updated information on hazards and created a
rough first draft of the update to present to the Planning and Zoning
Commission and other officials. The Clinton Planning and Zoning
Commission (PZC), which is responsible for the town’s NHMP,
established a Natural Hazard Mitigation Working Group to guide updating
the existing NHMP. The Committee included representatives from the
Planning and Zoning Commission, including Edward Alberino and James
Staunton and community officials including Willie Fritz, First Selectman;
Tom Lane, former Zoning Enforcement Official; Donna Sempey, Assessor;
Frank Schrempp, Fire Marshall; Anastasios Clados, Emergency
Management Director; Justin Rossetti, Building Official; Peter Neff,
Director of Public Works; and Jullie Pudem, Land Use Technician. Many
public outreach efforts were undertaken and are discussed below in
section I.C.4. The Working Group was purposeful in trying to reach as
many people as possible through several mediums.
HAZUS – MH software was used to aid in the Towns Risk Assessment. At
the time of writing, HAZUS software is using 2010 Census data, so may
not accurately reflect current conditions.
Maps within this Plan are to be used for planning purposes only.
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Town of Clinton, CT
3.
Agency Comment (A.2, A.3)
The Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments has
prepared this Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan in synch with federal and
state guidelines. It is one of nine stand-alone town plans being updated
throughout the former Connecticut River Estuary Planning Region. The
Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency (CRERPA) created
the first Natural Hazard Mitigation Plans for the nine towns within the
region in 2005, the first such plans in the State. In 2012, CRERPA merged
with the Midstate Regional Planning Agency (MRPA) to form the Lower
Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments (RiverCOG), a
seventeen town region covering all of Middlesex County as well as Lyme
and Old Lyme in the southwestern portion of New London County. This
update process is currently being carried out for the nine towns of the
former estuary region by RiverCOG towns. A review will be made at the
next update of how to best serve all seventeen towns of RiverCOG.
The purpose of a hazard mitigation plan is for communities to identify the
natural hazards that impact them, to identify actions and activities to
reduce any losses from those hazards, and to establish a coordinated
process to implement the plan, taking advantage of a wide range of
resources (44 CFR 201.1(a)). Notwithstanding this broader intent, local
governments are required to prepare and adopt a hazard mitigation plan
as a condition of receiving project grant funds under FEMA’s hazard
mitigation assistance programs such as the Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program (HMGP) and Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program (44 CFR
§201.6(a)(1)).
FEMA’s approval of a mitigation plan does not mean FEMA has approved
funding for projects identified in the plan or approved an application for
Federal assistance. An application for Federal assistance must be
submitted to FEMA to be considered for funding and must meet the
application requirements for the assistance program as described in the
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (www.cfda.gov).
Once a mitigation plan is approved, it is the community’s decision to
implement specific mitigation strategies or projects. As plans are updated
every five years, the local government is required to document progress in
local mitigation efforts; however, lack of resources, changes in priorities,
community capacity to implement actions, or other concerns may limit a
community’s ability to implement actions. As described at 44 CFR 201.6,
“The local mitigation plan is the representation of the jurisdiction's
commitment to reduce risks from natural hazards, serving as a guide for
decision makers as they commit resources to reducing the effects of
natural hazards. Local plans will also serve as the basis for the State to
provide technical assistance and to prioritize project funding.”
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Town of Clinton, CT
4.
Public Involvement (A.2, A.3)
All meetings and discussions of the Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan
update preparation were open to the public with notice to the Town Clerk
where required, as well as the Town’s website. Minutes to meetings can
be found in Appendix VII.
Once completed by the NHMP Working Group, the draft plan was posted
on the Town website for review on 1/10/2014. Paper copies were made
available at the Land Use Office upon request. An online survey was
created and made available on “Survey Monkey.” A notice about the
survey was sent out to various groups in town, on facebook, and on the
town website ( See Appendix VII for documentation). . A message blast
was sent to anyone signed up to receive Town News through email
containing the same message which was posted on the Clinton website
(see Appendix VII). The list of those signed up includes officials at local
schools, residents, and others throughout Town and may include people
living outside of Clinton. An article was written announcing the planning
process and online survey and posted in the Harbor News, both online
and in print, which is circulated throughout the shoreline area and in all
neighboring towns. The Plan was discussed at several Planning and
Zoning meetings which were open to the Public and posted with notices
posted both on the Town website and in local newspapers as standard
practice. (See Appendix VI for minutes). Very few members of the public
attended either of the meetings. Although there were questions and
comments from Commission members, no members of the public asked
questions or offered input. All Natural Hazard Mitigation Plans have also
been discussed at Council of Government meetings, which are also open
to the public. Unfortunately, no input was gathered at any of the public
meetings. Input gathered from the survey was incorporated into the Plan
in the form of new mitigation action items, specifically evaluating roads
that are subject to flooding. The survey was available from 1/13/2014 to
3/4/2014, paper copies were made available at Town Hall. Results of the
survey can be found in Appendix VIII. In addition, the draft Plan was
referred to other towns in the regional planning area with the notice of the
online survey. After receiving and incorporating public comments through
the survey and the Planning Commission meetings, the Planning
Commission submitted the completed Plan to DEEP and FEMA for review
and to the Board of Selectmen and a Town Meeting for final adoption.
In addition, contact information is included on Page 2 of this Plan and the
Public is encouraged to comment at any time on this Plan.
a.
Public Survey Results
A total of 30 responses were collected. Information was used to
update the plan, add mitigation action items and better understand
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Town of Clinton, CT
problem areas in town. Of the respondents, 90% were Clinton
Residents. Others included officials from neighboring towns,
officials from Clinton and owners of Clinton based businesses.
Overall, responses suggested that the Clinton website is the best
place to get hazard mitigation information. With regards to natural
hazards, 60% of the respondents have suffered losses in the past
due to hurricanes or tropical storms, while 46% are concerned
about future sea level rise.
With regard to mitigation actions, 46% of respondents said that they
would be willing to sell their home for open space along the
shoreline in order to minimize losses in the future. Fifteen
respondents offered their input on mitigation measures the town
could include. A vast majority of responses centered on retro-fitting
existing homes along the shoreline and preventing beach erosion.
Another focus of respondents was the removal of trees in order to
reduce the chance for power outage during storms and burying
utilities where feasible. For the full survey and its responses, please
see Appendix VIII. Action Items and other information presented by
survey respondents not already listed within the Plan were
considered by the Town and many were incorporated into this Plan
update.
5.
Incorporation of Existing Resource Materials (A.4)
RiverCOG staff began the Plan update process by reviewing the 2006
Plan to familiarize itself with its implementation status. Additionally, the
current data regarding the environment and ecological resources,
geography and land uses, demographics and critical facilities, as well as
economics and cultural resources was reviewed. From this information,
the Committee incorporated Elements of the original 2006 “Natural Hazard
Mitigation Plan, Town of Clinton, Individual Town Mitigation,” into the 2012
Plan.
A review was conducted of current Zoning Regulations, Subdivision
Regulations, Inland Wetland Regulations, and the Plan of Conservation of
Development. Information from these documents was also incorporated
into the 2012 update of the Clinton Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Update.
See Appendix I – Sources of Information.
D.
Plan Adoption (ELEMENT E)
The Board of Selectmen, as the “governing” body of the town [CFR § 201.6(c)(5)]
officially adopted the Plan at a Board of Selectmen meeting on August 27, 2014.
See Appendix IX for resolution.
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Town of Clinton, CT
E.
Plan Implementation (ELEMENT D)
The Plan prescribes specific actions and assigns priorities, responsibilities, and
resources for each. The Plan uses four broad categories of actions:
1) Local Plans and Regulations include: changes to plans and regulations
across a variety of town departments and commissions for the purpose of
strengthening future documents ;
2) Structure and Infrastructure Projects include: rights-of-way, land,
housing, or utilities for public purposes, and road specifications;
3) Natural Systems Protection include: flood zone regulations, fire
prevention, and acquisition of hazard prone land;
4) Education and Awareness Programs include: information to residents
students in schools, and systems to alert residents of impending hazard
events.
Some recommendations require regional or inter-town cooperation and are
included in Section III MITIGATION (ELEMENT C).
1.
Priorities (D.3)
Based on the planning process, this Plan suggests assignments of priority
for implementation. Those agencies and officials to whom the Plan
assigns responsibility will fine-tune these priorities based on availability of
resources.
2.
Responsibilities (C.5)
The Plan specifies those agencies and officials responsible for
implementing the prescribed actions. The Town will track progress to
ensure consistent and on-going implementation, as well as to update the
Plan more readily.
3.
Resources (C.1)
The Town must allocate sufficient resources to implement the actions
prescribed by the Plan, as well as to maintain the Plan through regular
updates (every 5 years). Officials/agencies identified as having
responsibility for specified actions need to establish and maintain
operating or capital budgets with which to fund implementation (and
continual maintenance).
These budgets are also necessary to leverage opportunities for Federal
and State grants, which typically require a “match” in funding commitment
(funds and in-kind services). All of the grants described below require an
approved Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan at the time of application and
must have an approved plan at time of award.
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Town of Clinton, CT
The following sources of external funding are available to the region and
its towns on a limited and often competitive basis:
a.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
The HMGP provides grants to States and local governments to
implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a major
disaster declaration. The purpose of the HMGP is to reduce the
loss of life and property due to natural disasters and to enable
mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate
recovery from a disaster. The HMGP is authorized under Section
404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act. This grant is administered by the Connecticut
Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
(DESPP), Division of Emergency Management and Homeland
Security (DEMHS).
b.
Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA)
The National Flood Insurance Reform Act (NFIRA) of 1994 (42
U.S.C. 4101) created the FMA program with the goal of reducing or
eliminating claims under the National Flood Insurance Program
(NFIP).
FEMA provides FMA funds to assist States and communities
implement measures that reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of
flood damage to buildings, manufactured homes, and other
structures insured under the National Flood Insurance Program.
This grant is administered by the Connecticut Department of
Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
Three types of FMA grants are available to states, regions and
towns:



Planning Grants to prepare Flood Mitigation Plans. Only
NFIP-participating communities with approved Flood
Mitigation Plans can apply for FMA Project grant
Project Grants to implement measures to reduce flood
losses, such as elevation, acquisition, or relocation of NFIPinsured structures. States are encouraged to prioritize FMA
funds for applications that include repetitive loss
properties; these include structures with 2 or more losses
each with a claim of at least $1,000 within any ten-year
period since 1978.
Management Cost Grants for the State to help administer
the FMA program and actions. Up to ten percent (10%)
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Town of Clinton, CT
of Project grants may be awarded to States for Management
Cost Grants.
c.
Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant (PDM)
The PDM program provides funds to states, territories, Indian tribal
governments, communities, and universities for hazard mitigation
planning and the implementation of mitigation projects prior to a
disaster event. Funding these plans and projects reduces overall
risks to the population and structures, while also reducing reliance
on funding from actual disaster declarations. PDM grants are to be
awarded on a competitive basis and without reference to state
allocations, quotas, or other formula-based allocation of funds.
This grant is administered by the Connecticut Department of
Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
F.
Plan Maintenance (ELEMENT A)
1.
Method (A.5)
The Planning and Zoning Commission will monitor and evaluate progress
in addressing action items in this Plan and include those accomplishments
in its annual report to the Town. The Town will post its Annual Report on
the Town website to inform and update the citizenry as a part of required
ongoing citizen participation in implementation.
In order to evaluate progress made each year, responsible parties
(Planning & Zoning and Public Works) will:
Conduct Review of Specific Mitigation Actions:
Reviews will occur on an annual basis during the first quarter of each
fiscal year (July-September). The purpose of these reviews will be to
ensure that these action items remain a priority for the town. Inspections
will also determine whether the project remains on schedule, has been
completed or has yet to be completed.
Annual Meetings
Matters to be reviewed on an annual basis will include the goals and
objectives of the HMP, hazards or disasters that occurred during the
preceding year (for example, the recent damage from Tropical Storm Irene
along the shoreline), mitigation activities that have been accomplished to
date, a discussion of reasons that implementation may be behind
schedule, and recommendations for new projects and revised activities.
The annual meeting shall be during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year
(April – June), before the annual application cycle for pre-disaster grants
16
Town of Clinton, CT
under the HMA programs. This will enable a list of possible projects to be
circulated for Town departments to review, with sufficient time for
developing applications. The Planning and Zoning Commission and the
First Selectman (or his designee) shall jointly prepare a report based on
the review of recent events and ongoing or recent mitigation activities for
review at this annual meeting. Results of the site inspection efforts will be
reviewed as well. These meetings will be open to the public and publicized
with ample time to allow the public to attend.
Continued Public Involvement
Continued public involvement will be sought regarding the monitoring,
evaluating, and updating of the NHMP. Public input will be solicited
through appropriate measures such as meeting notices, information on the
town website and other methods deemed appropriate at the time. Direct
input from the homeowners from several coastal neighborhoods is
anticipated to continue each year. The First Selectman and Planning and
Zoning Commission will continue to provide the linkage to other municipal
departments throughout the plan monitoring and evaluations each year
relative to communication and participation.
2.
Maintenance and Update Schedule (A.6)
At a minimum, the Town will update the Plan every five years or sooner if
conditions warrant. The following table shows a timeline for continuing
action of the current plan and the beginning of the next update. The
update process will again include public meetings to allow the public to
participate and offer input. See Figure 1 below for a more detailed
schedule.
The Planning and Zoning Commission will be responsible for tracking the
status of the Plan, but may designate certain elements to other parties as
appropriate. It is RiverCOG’s responsibility to obtain the necessary
funding to produce the Plan update and form the Planning Committee. All
other update functions will be carried out by the full Planning and Zoning
Committee after its formation.
17
Town of Clinton, CT
Photo 2: Clinton Town Hall
Source: Historic Buildings of Connecticut
18
Clinton, CT
Update and
Maintenance
Schedule
FY 2014 - 2015
FY 2016 - 2017
FY 2017 - 2018
FY 2018 - 2019
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Action Item Review
Report on Action Items Status
to Town
Action Progress Meeting Public
Budget Action Items Based on
Review
Plan Update Committee
Formation (RiverCOG)
Determine Funding Source for
Plan Update (RiverCOG)
FY 2015 - 2016
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Apply for Funding to Complete
Plan Update (RiverCOG)
Begin Full Plan Review in
Anticipation of Update
Public Meetings, Drafts, ReWrites
Complete Final Draft to be
Submitted
Completion of 5 Year Plan
Update (Submission to DEEP
and FEMA and Adoption by
Town)
FEMA Approval and Adoption
by Town
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Figure 1: Plan Maintenance and Update Schedule
19
Clinton, CT
II.
RISK ASSESSMENT & HAZARD IDENTIFICATION (ELEMENTS B & D)
The 2005 Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (NHMP) identified a number of natural
hazards that could potentially impact the town of Clinton, including flooding, wind
and tornado, drought and wildfire, winter storm, earthquake, hurricane, sea-level
rise, and tsunami. This section acknowledges changes in local development
since 2007 and its effects on natural hazard mitigation.
A.
The Town & the Vulnerability of its Resources (ELEMENT B)
Given Clinton’s topography, location and land use patterns, significant
areas of the town are most vulnerable to flooding, hurricane, coastal
flooding and high winds. The southern section of town, predominantly the
area south of Interstate 95 is most susceptible to impacts from a
hurricane, tropical storm or other coastal event.
1.
Geography & Land Use Patterns
Clinton lies within Middlesex County, located in south-central Connecticut,
along its shoreline with Long Island Sound. To the west, Clinton is
bordered by the town of Madison (New Haven County); to the north, by
the town of Killingworth; and to the east, by the town of Westbrook.
Although New York’s Long Island serves as a barrier, Clinton is
susceptible to high winds and coastal storms due to its geographic
location.
Clinton’s total area of 16.21 square miles has a relatively low-lying coastal
topography. Clinton has an integral relationship to Long Island Sound and
its tidal rivers and associated resources. Like the neighboring Town of
Westbrook, this connection is also seen in the town’s recreational marine
industry centered on Clinton Harbor. It is the close tie of the municipality
to the waters of Long Island Sound that also exposes its citizens and their
properties to the hazards associated with coastal storms and high winds
and flooding that often accompany them. Additionally, the hilly ridge and
valley topography of the northern area of town provides an opportunity for
stream belt flooding that can be associated with either coastal storms or
non-coastal heavy rain events. Either way, flooding tends to be the
primary hazard that Clinton must plan for if it is to mitigate natural hazards
for its citizens.
The geology of Clinton is typified by low-lying coastal plain incised by tidal
rivers and streams and their associated tidal wetland areas. Upland areas
north of I-95 are typified by rolling hills with ledge outcroppings and a
relatively thin veneer of glacial till and soil. The veneer of till is
Wisconsinan in age, and results from the most recent glacial advance and
retreat which occurred within that last 50,000 years. In some locations, an
earlier (older) Illinoian-age till occurs in patches. The glacial till is the
20
Clinton, CT
ground and pulverized rock debris located directly underneath the glacial
mass – known as ice-contact drift - as it advanced southward and
retreated back to the north. In that the material is created by the
movement and weight of the ice sheet itself, it is undifferentiated and very
compact. Soil and till profiles range in thickness from 0 feet to
approximately 25 feet in northern areas of town. Glacial tills cover
approximately 65% of the town’s 16.21 square miles. Topographic
elevations range from sea level along Long Island Sound to a maximum of
just over 300 feet in the northeast corner of Clinton to the east of the
Kelseytown Reservoir.
Map 1: Clinton and Surrounding Towns in the southern part of the RiverCOG Region.
Source: CT ECO
In the area north of I-95, development density is separated into several
zoning districts with minimum lots sizes ranging upward from ½ acre to 2
acres. This contrasts with the relatively high-density seasonal beach areas
along Long Island Sound where lots sizes range from ¼ acre up to ½
acre. Although most of the available land south of I-95 has been
developed throughout the years, the residential areas north of I-95 still
21
Clinton, CT
include several larger tracts of land that are still viable subdivision
potential. Several recent subdivisions proposals, however, have given
rise to public controversy and difficulty with gaining approval for those
areas of development proposed to encroach on and within inland wetland
areas. One cluster subdivision, which proposed the dedication of half the
property as open space, met considerable neighborhood opposition,
despite its environmental benefits, this because of traffic density that
would occur on the narrow back roads leading to the property. Overall,
residentially-zoned property occupies 3,881 acres (37%) of Clinton’s land
area. Commercial (388 acres, 4%), industrial (372 acres, 3.5 acres),
institutional (330 acres, 3%), and transportation (692 acres, 6.5%)
together occupy 1782 acres (17%) of Clinton’s total land area.
Open space preservation has long been an important consideration in
Clinton. Recently, Clinton’s Conservation Commission analyzed
remaining tracts of undeveloped land within Town identifying 42 properties
ranging in size from over 5 acres upward to 142 acres. Most recent
figures established in 1997 indicate that committed open space occupies
approximately 820 acres (8%) of Clinton’s land area while uncommitted
open space occupies approximately 4,216 acres (40%). The significance
is that the committed open space will remain open while with uncommitted
open space there is no guarantee. Multi-family residential dwelling
including condominiums, both age-restricted and non-age-restricted, and
apartment houses occupy a small percentage of the overall land area.
Commercial and industrial uses occupy approximately 20% of the land
area. Approximately 5.9% of the land area is dedicated to transportation
including the I-95 corridor, the Amtrak corridor, state, town and private
roads.
Transportation includes an interstate highway, several state roads which
serve as collectors, local town roads, the Northeast Corridor Rail Road
which carries Amtrak and Shore Line East passenger trains as well as
freight trains, and the 9 Town Transit Bus service. Major roads in Clinton
include Interstate 95, a limited access highway running in an east-west
orientation approximately 2 miles from the shoreline and Route 1, also
running in an east west-orientation less than a mile from the shoreline
acting as the main business route through town. Other roads include
Route 81 running north-south, splitting the town in half and providing
access to Interstate 95 and northern areas of the region and Route 145,
making a connection to I-95 in Westbrook bringing traffic to the eastern
side of Clinton. The Northeast corridor runs in an east west direction
paralleling both I-95 and Route 1 and connects Boston to New York.
Shore Line East has train station in Clinton. 9 Town Transit provides bus
service between Madison and the Old Saybrook Amtrak station via the
Shoreline Route with several stops in Clinton along Route1.
22
Clinton, CT
2.
Demographics & Critical Facilities
The 2010 Census reported a town population of 13,260 people which
represents a 1.2% increase from 2000. This compares to the previous
decade when the town population increased 2.6%. This was the largest
growth period since the decade from 1960 to 1970, during which Clinton
grew by a staggering 146%. Stagnation of population growth allows the
Town to focus on factors in natural hazard mitigation’s effects on
population, such as its distribution and make-up.
According to the 2000 census, 24.7% of the total population has
disabilities. The distribution by age of these disabilities is:
disability
sensory
physical
mental
self-care
go outside home
limited employment
totals
age 5-15
47
19
74
13
153
age 16-64
137
386
274
56
273
995
2121
age 65+
191
351
146
100
210
998
3272
persons
Figure 2: Population of Persons with Disabilities1
Source: 2000 Census
The U.S. Census Bureau defines disabilities as the following:
 Sensory Disability Conditions that include blindness, deafness, or a
severe vision or hearing impairment.
 Physical Disability Conditions that substantially limit one or more
basic physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs, reaching,
lifting, or carrying.
 Mental Disability Because of a physical, mental, or emotional
condition lasting 6 months or more, the person has difficulty learning,
remembering or concentrating.
 Self-care Disability Because of a physical, mental, or emotional
condition lasting 6 months or more, the person has difficulty dressing,
bathing, or getting around inside the home.
 Go-outside-home Disability Because of a physical, mental, or
emotional condition lasting 6 months or more, the person has difficulty
going outside the home alone to shop or visit a doctor's office.
 Employment Disability Because of a physical, mental, or emotional
condition lasting 6 months or more, the person has difficulty working at
a job or business.
1
The Disability Survey is now carried out by the American Community Survey. More recent data is not yet
available.
23
Clinton, CT
1219 or 9.6% of Clinton’s 2010 population was characterized as nonEnglish speaking. The largest percent, 4.5%, speak Indo-European
languages, the languages of Europe and southwest Asia. Next most
common was Spanish or Creole spoken by 4.2% of the population. Such
a small population with a lack of concentration in one specific language
makes it difficult to provide printed educational materials about the
potential natural hazards in languages other than English or to be able to
anticipate those languages for which the Town might provide translators at
public meetings or at evacuation centers during natural disasters.
15.2% of Clinton’s 2010 population was over age 65 which is slightly more
than the statewide average of 14% and just under the RiverCOG region
average of 15.9%. The block-level data indicates that just over half of the
over-65 population lives in areas south of I-95, much of which is floodprone and subject to high winds from hurricanes. Age-related dispositions
and disabilities are a specific factor for the Town to take into account in
mitigating against natural hazards.
The 2010 U.S. Census reported a total of 6,065 residential units. Of these
structures, 5,303 are “owner-occupied.” There are 965 structures that are
“renter occupied”. A total of 762 units are “unoccupied,” 518 of which are
considered seasonal units. Many of these seasonal units exist along the
water front and are highly susceptible to damage from coastal storms and
flooding. Tenants may be omitted inadvertently from ongoing education
about natural hazards or may be difficult to contact through typical Town
resources to warn of pending natural events.
There are a total of 5,303 households in Clinton, of which the average size
is 2.25 persons, while the average family size is 2.87 persons. A total of
38.9% of households in Clinton contain children under the age of 18. A
total of 563 households contain just one person living alone, 288 of which
are seniors over the age of 65. These homes with seniors living alone are
of particular interest. In the event of a major disaster, these people may
need assistance to evacuate their homes. If they do not leave their homes,
they may be in need of help in the event of an extended power outage.
In Clinton, structures or facilities that produce, use, or store highly volatile,
flammable, explosive, toxic or water-reactive materials exist primarily in
the industrial districts and along the I-95 and Route 1 corridor, running
east-west through town. These areas are mostly outside of the 100-year
floodplain.
The Town’s police station ambulance house, public works vehicle and
equipment storage facility, and emergency operations center are located
outside the 100-year flood zone. However, the fire house which also
houses the ambulance, in downtown Clinton, lies on the banks of the
Indian River and is within the 1% Annual Chance (100-year) flood zone,
24
Clinton, CT
susceptible to major flooding. The Town Hall sits just outside the same
flood zone and is susceptible to storm surges associated with Category 24+ hurricanes. In addition, the Police Station would be cut off from much of
the town following a Category 3 or 4 hurricane.
Clinton uses many of its public buildings for minor natural hazard events,
such as cooling centers during heat waves. The Town’s principal shelter
is the Andrew Memorial Town Hall, 54 East Main Street (Route 1), which
is outside special flood hazard areas; however, it is limited in capacity due
to its current size, wind speed capacity, emergency generators, and ability
to accommodate pets. The shelter is likely to be inaccessible during an
extreme natural disaster due to flooding of surrounding access roads.
During larger, events, such as the recent Hurricane Sandy, the town uses
Jared Elliot Middle School, 69 Fairy Dell Road, as its main shelter. (The
town is currently exploring the construction of a new Morgan School,
which could be built to design standards in line with being a large
emergency shelter.) Neither of these shelters lies within a flood hazard
area.
Fire House
Town Hall
Photo 3: Downtown Clinton showing the Indian River. The Fire House and Town Hall
are located on opposing sides of Route 1 to the east of the river.
Source: Google Earth
25
Clinton, CT
Public and private utility facilities, which are vital to maintaining or
restoring normal services to areas of town before, during, and after a
natural disaster, were not inventoried extensively. All gas stations in
Clinton are located along Routes 1 and 81, which is accessible to most of
the townspeople and businesses that may lose power and may seek
gasoline to power emergency generators. After the 2011 Halloween
Nor’easter and Tropical Storm Irene, many residents of communities from
adjacent coastal towns and from further north in the state traveled to
Clinton since it was one of the few areas where gasoline was available.
Public and private utility facilities are subject to the same loss of power,
potable water, communications and accessibility as is the community they
serve.
3.
Economics & Cultural Resources
The primary business and industry sectors in Clinton are as follows:
% of total
2005 sector
establishments
employment
services
33.0%
21.6%
trade
27.3%
36.6%
const. and mining
16.2%
7.7%
finance, ins. & real
5.9%
4.1%
estate
manufacturing
6.1%
21.6%
government
4.7%
1.8%
transportation & utilities
3.5%
4.8%
agriculture
3.4%
1.7%
100%
100%
Figure 3: Economic Sectors in Clinton
source: Connecticut Dept. of Economic and Community Development, 2010
As might be the case with many natural disasters and as was
demonstrated during and after Tropical Storm Irene in 2011 and again
with Hurricane Sandy in October 2012, the economic core of Clinton is
vulnerable to loss of electricity and communication services due to
downed utility lines. While Clinton was not as affected as many
Connecticut towns, the unexpectedly severe Halloween Nor’easter in
October 2011 resulted in many closed businesses and week-long school
closings (and subsequent extension of the school year). The potential for
services, the largest business sector, to be shut down for an extended
period will affect the economic viability of the town and a long lag time for
to damage assessment and insurance adjustments can hinder rebuilding
activities.
After a far-reaching disaster with a prolonged recovery, the Town would
be faced with reduced or delayed collection of taxes on land,
improvements and personal property, which serves as the Town’s revenue
26
Clinton, CT
base, yet the Town would expend a maximum output of a fixed annual
budget to restore infrastructure:
Currently the majority of open space within Clinton is owned by the Clinton
Land Conservation Trust (CLCT) and the State of Connecticut, DEEP.
Open space is not a significant generator of tax revenue, but may serve as
a buffer to reduce storm effects, thus protecting the value of nearby
developed land. Therefore, vacant land may have potential to similarly
provide protection of developed properties if set aside as open space.
4.
Environment and Ecological Resources
Clinton is endowed with many ecological and environmental assets.
Beaches, dunes, tidal and inland wetlands, Indian and Hammonasset
Rivers and surrounding wetlands, and large tracts of uninterrupted forest
are examples of some of the Town’s valuable natural resources. The CT
DEEP has created a statewide map of “Critical Habitats” that highlight
ecologically significant areas and areas of species diversity (see Map 2).
A significant portion of these areas are surrounding the Hammonasset
River and along the coast; many of which lie south of Amtrak’s Northeast
Corridor railroad. The remaining critical habitat sites periodically suffer
damage from flooding, high winds and waves associated with coastal
storms.
Of great concern is the impact from sea level rise. These critical habitat
sites initially will have to deal with increased frequency and magnitude of
flooding events but eventually may become permanently flooded –
assuming that the rate of sea-level rise exceeds naturally occurring rates
of accretion. Of greatest concern in Clinton is the potential loss of the
extensive intertidal marsh habitats. These marshes provide breeding
areas for a wide variety of terrestrial and aquatic organisms and are
important visual components that add to the character of the town. Of the
two largest intertidal marsh systems, one is located around the
Hammonasett River and abuts Clinton Harbor and Long Island Sound and
the other is located around Hammock River and is sheltered by the Grove
and Stannards Beach and Kelsey Point communities. Smaller marsh
systems exist to the west of Cedar Island and along the Indian River south
of Route 1 to the point where the river meets Clinton Harbor. These sites
are all located within the 100-year floodplain, are well adapted to diurnal
tidal flooding, and can tolerate periodic longer term flooding associated
with storm events. Those plant ecologies are not capable of surviving
permanent flooding and would “drown” from sea level rise or be forced to
migrate up-grade. However, in places where there are steep slopes,
rocky outcrops, or other barriers along the wetland edges, the tidal
wetlands may simply die off.
27
Clinton, CT
Similarly, the extent of the built environment surrounding Clinton’s tidal
marshes will prevent them from migrating upland in response to sea level
rise. This is unfortunate for the built areas, as well, because the buffering
effect tidal wetlands provide from storm surges, wave action and flooding
will be lost. Engineered responses to natural hazards, such as sea walls,
groins, etc., that “harden” the shoreline can have undesirable effects on
natural processes and unintended consequences on storm energy by
transferring associated damage to other portions of the shore.
Photo 4: View Across Clinton Harbor at Cedar Island
Source: WTNH
28
Clinton, CT
Map 2: Clinton Natural Diversity
Source: DEEP
29
Clinton, CT
B.
Natural Hazards (ELEMENT B)
Clinton is at risk from a variety of natural hazards, each occurring with different
frequency, probability, and intensity of impact.
Building Damage (BD)
X
X
X
X
Downed trees & branches (DT)
X
X
X
X
Flooding – Coastal (FC)
X
X
X
Flooding – Dam Failure (FD)
X
X
X
Flooding – Inland (FI)
X
X
X
Flooding – Sea Level Rise (FSLR)
X
X
X
Flooding – Storm Surge (FSS)
X
X
X
Fire (F)
High Wind (HW)
X
X
Hail (H)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Tsunami
X
Drought
X
Wildfire
Winter Storm
X
Earthquake
Summer Storm
Coastal Erosion (CE)
Effects & Impacts
High Wind and
Tornado
Hurricane and
Tropical Storm
Natural Hazard Type
X
X
X
X
X
Ice (I)
X
Lightening (L)
X
X
Power Failure (PF)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Infrastructure Damage (ID)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Snow (S)
Water Rationing (WR)
X
X
X
Figure 4: Natural Hazard Effects & Impacts
The categories of impacts that may be caused by different types of natural hazards.
30
Clinton, CT
geographic scope
natural
hazard
type
1 – localized
2 – large area
3 – townwide
frequency
0 – extremely rare
1 – infrequent (< ten years)
2 – occasional (< annual)
3 – often (> annual)
damage
magnitude
1 – low
2 – medium
3 – high
Hurricane and
Tropical Storm
3
2
3
Summer Storm
1-3
3
2
Winter Storm
3
3
2
High Wind and
Tornado
2
1
2-3
Earthquake
3
0
2-3
Wildfire
1
0-1
1
Drought
3
0-1
1
Tsunami
2
0
3
Flood
2
2
3
Figure 5: Natural Hazard Scope, Frequency & Magnitude
Natural hazard events can affect different parts of Clinton, can range in occurrence from
rare to often, and can cause varying degrees of damage. Figure 4 summarizes these
differences among the types of natural hazards. The potential for each hazard event to
occur in Clinton is identified as being either not likely, likely, or very likely in. These
labels are based on the Frequency defined in Figure 5 and relate as follows: not likely, 0,
1; likely, 2; and very likely, 3.
31
Clinton, CT
Natural Hazards affecting the Lower Connecticut River Valley Region including Clinton
DATE
NAME / TYPE
March 1936
Flood of 1936
September 1938
Great New England Hurricane (Cat. 1)
September 1944
Great Atlantic Hurricane (Cat. 1)
August 30, 1954
Hurricane Carol (Cat. 2)
September 1960
Hurricane Donna (Cat. 1)
March 2-5, 1960
February 2-5, 1961
January 1978
February 1978
June 1982
snowstorm
snowstorm
winter rainstorm
Blizzard of ‘78
September 1985
Hurricane Gloria (Cat. 1)
August 1991
Hurricane Bob (Cat. 1)
October 1991
Hurricane Grace “The Perfect Storm”
December 1992
March 12-14, 1993
January 6-8, 1996
nor’easter
snowstorm
snowstorm
July 1996
remnants of Hurricane Bertha (tropical storm)
February 15-18, 2003
snowstorm
October 2005
remnants of Hurricane Tammy
April 2007
nor’easter
Winter Storm Ella “Groundhog Day Blizzard”
February 2011
February 7, 2011
rainstorm
winter rainstorm
August 2011
Tropical Storm Irene
October 2011
Halloween Nor’easter
October 2012
Hurricane Sandy (Cat.1)
February 2013
Blizzard
IMPACTS
(codes from Fig. 4)
FI
CE, BD, DT, FC, FI,
FS,HW, PF, ID
CE, BD, DT, FC, FI,
FS,HW, PF, ID
CE, BD, DT, FC, FI,
FS,HW, PF, ID
CE, BD, DT, FC, FI,
FS,HW, PF, ID
S
S
FI
BD, DT, HW, PF, ID
FI
CE, BD, DT, FC, FI,
FS,HW, PF, ID
CE, BD, DT, FC, FI,
FS,HW, PF, ID
CE, BD, DT, FC, FI,
FS,HW, PF, ID
S, HW, FC, FSS
S
S
CE, BD, DT, FC, FI,
FS,HW, PF, ID
S
CE, BD, DT, FC, FI,
FS,HW, PF, ID
HW, FC, FI
S, HW
HW, FC, FI
CE, BD, DT, FC, FI,
FS,HW, PF, ID
DT, PF, ID, S
CE, BD, DT, FC, FI,
FS,HW, PF, ID
S, HW, PF
Figure 6: Natural Hazards Affecting the Lower Connecticut River Valley Region
A chronological summary of various types of natural hazards that have caused significant
damages in Clinton and the surrounding region. The IMPACTS column summarizes the
categories of damages (see Figure 4) from each storm.
32
Clinton, CT
Map 3: Hazard Areas in Clinton
Source: RiverCOG
33
Clinton, CT
Photo 5: Flooding on Cedar Island after Hurricane Sandy
Source: Cedar Island Environmental Committee
1.
Flooding
A flood, as defined by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), is a general
and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of
normally dry land area or of two or more properties from overflow of inland or
tidal waters; unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any
source; or mudflow. A flood can also be a collapse or subsidence of land along
the shore of a lake or similar body of water because of erosion or undermining
caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that
result in a flood as defined above.
a.
Geographic Extent (B.1)
In Clinton, flooding is the most significant recurring natural hazard. It can
be broken into three general categories: 1) inland flooding along streams
and low lying areas; 2) coastal flooding of areas along Long Island Sound;
and 3) nuisance flooding primarily in coastal areas at low elevation and
along the Indian and Hammonasset Rivers. Inland flooding can be
caused by any weather event with significant amounts of rain over a short
time span. Coastal flooding typically occurs with hurricanes, tropical
storms and nor’easters where low pressure and strong winds create storm
surges that when coupled with rising tides can push sea water far inland.
Nuisance flooding in low lying coastal areas is caused by extreme
34
Clinton, CT
astronomical high tides, which can flood yards, basements, septic
systems, storm water drainage systems and roads. As Clinton developed,
many of the existing structures were built within the existing flood zones
prior to the existence of flood regulations, or zoning regulations. The
coastal boundary within Clinton, of which a major part is the mapped flood
plain, constitutes approximately 1,700 acres, or almost 16% of the Town’s
total area. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has
provided baseline information to demonstrate areas within Clinton that are
vulnerable to flooding. This includes Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM),
Flood Boundary and Floodway Maps, and Flood Insurance Study. These
materials were last updated for Clinton in August 2008. All areas
adjacent to Long Island Sound, tidal and non-tidal rivers and streams are
subject to recurring flooding events. Significant flooding events have
occurred in March of 1936, September of 1938, September of 1954,
January of 1978, and June of 1982.
b.
Occurrences (B.2 & B.4)
For a list of notable occurrences of this natural hazard, see Figure 6:
Natural Hazards affecting the RiverCOG region.
Month
Year
Event
Heavy Rain and melting snow caused major flooding throughout the Northeast and
Middle Atlantic states
March
1936
September
1938
Widespread 10 inch rainfall caused by a hurricane resulted in major flooding throughout
the Connecticut River valley
August
1955
Hurricanes Connie and Diane came a week apart to batter most of New England with the
most significant flooding recorded at many locations
March
1968
Heavy rain combined with snowmelt caused small river flooding in southeast New England
June
1972
Up to 16 inches of rainfall resulted in major flooding throughout Connecticut
June
1982
Heavy rains resulted in major flooding throughout New England.
March
1987
Heavy rains combined with snowmelt resulted in major flooding throughout New England
January
2010
Heavy rains combined with snowmelt resulted in major flooding throughout New England
Figure 7: Record Breaking Floods in CT since 1936.
Source: NOAA
c.
Probability of Occurring Again (B.2)
Floods are a very likely hazard in Clinton. High-intensity localized storms
can cause flooding of the relatively short coastal and upland
watercourses; regional natural hazard rainfall events can cause flooding of
the larger watershed of the Indian and Hammonasset Rivers; and tropical
storms, hurricanes and nor’easters can cause significant coastal flooding.
35
Clinton, CT
d.
Potential Impacts (B.3 & B.4)
Of the major natural hazards which impact Clinton, flood and wind
damage associated with coastal storms is likely the most critical item for
mitigation planning within Town. Hazards resulting from upland flooding of
rivers and streams that may or may not be associated with coastal storms
are also considered a high mitigation priority. Clinton experiences flooding
on the rivers and streams which flow southerly toward the coast. Flooding
experienced along Long Island Sound and its tidal rivers and creeks is
potentially the most severe (See II.B.7, Hurricanes and Tropical Storms).
The impacts from flooding can range from localized nuisance flooding to
much more widespread coastal flooding affecting entire neighborhoods or
sections of the town.
Similar to nearby communities along Long Island Sound, the densest
residential development in Clinton is located in the beach communities
directly adjacent to the sound. Much of this development occurred in the
early 20th century at a time when there were no standards for construction
within areas subject to flood hazards. Some of the densest and most
flood prone areas are located in the Clinton Beach, Harbor View,
Ridgewood, Grove Beach and Cedar Island neighborhoods.
Cedar Island is particularly susceptible to major events as it has no sea
walls, dunes or other protective measures, as well as no vehicular access.
Through a public works project, the island was connected directly to the
main land in order to improve flow of the Hammonasset River through
Clinton Harbor. The island has no electric or telephone service other than
one phone connected directly to the police department in case of
emergencies. Water is provided by a water main from the town.
1-10
11-20
21-30
31-40
41-50
Substantially
Occupancy
Count (%) Count (%) Count (%) Count (%) Count (%) Count (%)
Agriculture
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Commercial
1 3.33
21
70
5 16.7
1 3.33
2 6.67
0
0
Education
1 100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Government
0
0
1 100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Industrial
0
0
1
50
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
50
Religion
0
0
4 100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Residential
1 0.05
41 1.92
488 22.9
601 28.1
871 40.8
134 6.27
Total
3
68
493
602
873
135
Figure 8: Estimated Building Damage due to 100 Year Flood
Source: HAZUS-MH
HAZUS – MH estimates losses for the town based on several factors. A
report was created based on a 100 Year Probabilistic Flood. Below is a
table showing estimated building loss due to this type of event. For the
Full Report, see Appendix III – HAZUS-MH: Flood Event Report.
36
Clinton, CT
Map 4: Flood Insurance Rate Map of Downtown Clinton showing the flood zones in
the downtown area.
Source: FEMA
37
Clinton, CT
Map 5: Flood Insurance Rate Map Showing Town Hall Annex in the .2% Annual
Chance Flood Zone (Black Dots) and the Fire House in the 1% Annual Chance Flood
Zone (Blue Dots). The Town Hall is just outside of Flood Zones.
Source: FEMA
e.
Authorities, Policies, Programs and Resources (C.1 & C.2)
The Town of Clinton participates in the National Flood Insurance Program
(NFIP). FEMA develops NFIP FIRMs through an engineering report called
the Flood Insurance Study (FIS). FIRMs depict the limits of the
floodwaters as special flood hazard areas within which “zones” establish
the base flood elevation and, therefore, risk for flooding and flood-related
damages. Clinton is committed to continuing NFIP compliance and
standards, as has been demonstrated through zoning regulations.
Within the Clinton Municipal Coastal Plan, the Zoning and Subdivision
Regulations and the Building Code, there are standards and criteria
designed to meet NFIP requirements that govern the location and
elevation of structures, construction methods, and the placement or
removal of fill. For construction within the special flood hazard areas, the
Zoning Enforcement Officer, Building Official and Town Engineer review
and issue a flood permit and conduct follow-up inspections to confirm
compliance with the permit. The Flood Hazard Zone also applies to
substantial improvements to existing structures located in SFHAs.
Substantial improvements are defined as “any combination of repairs,
reconstruction, alteration, or improvements to a structure taking place
38
Clinton, CT
within a ten-year period, in which the cumulative cost equals or exceeds
50% of the market value of the structure.” Within A Zones in the SFHAs,
all new construction and substantial improvements require that structures
be elevated above the base flood elevation while in V Zones structures
must be elevated above base flood elevations and have foundations that
are open to flood water flow or have breakaway walls that will fail under
minimal flood conditions.
Section 17 of the Clinton Zoning Regulations of defines the Flood Hazard
Zone. This section of the regulations lists requirements for anyone building
or doing any construction activities within the management area. Failure to
adhere to these requirements can result in a Cease and Desist Order on
the property. Some of the requirements of the area include:
 maintaining records of pre- and post-construction flood elevation and
flood proofing certificates;

standards for manufactured homes and recreational vehicles;

increased elevation standards for all new construction of critical
facilities in SFHAs; and

standards for use restrictions.
Since 2008, FEMA has conducted a new Flood Insurance Study for
Middlesex County that includes updated factors on still water elevations,
wave height analysis, wave breaking data, wave overtopping data,
erosion, shoreline protection structures and development. The town
adopted the new maps on February 6, 2013.
The NFIP collects data on repetitive losses in special flood hazard areas.
Repetitive loss properties (RLP) are those with insurance claims for
multiple events. As of June 30, 2013, the latest information available,
there are fifty-four (54) properties listed as RLPs. All but one of these
properties are residential, with the majority being single family occupancy,
only two are multi-family dwellings. Fifty of the RLPs are along the Long
Island Shoreline while four are along inland streams. As of June 30, 2013,
none of the properties had been mitigated.
f.
Mitigation Specific to this Hazard (C.2)
See Section III MITIGATION (ELEMENT C) for the Mitigation Action Item
List (Figure 31). The following are representative mitigation activities
specific to this hazard:
1.
Existing Infrastructure
Another significant repercussion of flooding events is the adverse
39
Clinton, CT
impacts such events have on evacuation and emergency access.
Flooding which affects roadways in Clinton are caused primarily by
three factors: (1) low-lying elevations prone to coastal flooding, (2)
undersized culverts creating restrictions to the flow of flood waters,
and (3) reduction of the cross section of stream and river channels
by bridge abutment encroachment, thereby causing channel
restriction in a manner similar to culverts.
Clinton experiences flooding resulting from all three causes.
Coastal flooding of low-lying roads occurs at the western end of
Hammock Road on Kelsey Point, Shore Road along Clinton Beach
leading to Kelsey Point, and the Beach Park Road and Causeway
entrances to the Clinton Beach and Kelsey Point areas. Beach
Park Road and the Causeway exist at an elevation near 8 feet
above sea level and are prone to flooding even during lesser rain
events. Flooding of these access roads alone can completely cut
off the Kelsey Point area from emergency access, making the area
particularly vulnerable.
Other areas prone to coastal flooding include the southern ends of
Commerce and Grove Streets near the Town Dock, and the
western end of Pratt Avenue near the Hammonassett River. This
area was significntly flooded during Hurricane Sandy in October
2012.
Photo 6: The Town Dock is flooded at the end of Grove and Commerce Streets from
Hurricane Sandy.
Source: Clinton Patch
40
Clinton, CT
Map 6: Open Space in Clinton
Source: Clinton Land Use Office
41
Clinton, CT
Clinton also experiences roadway flooding in numerous locations
north of Route 1 as a result of both culvert and bridge restrictions.
Undersized culverts are located on Nod Road where Boulder Lake
drains south toward the Hammonassett River, at two points on
Airline Road to the east and west of the King’s Grant Road
intersection, and on Cream Pot Road where the proximal Indian
River drains southward. Bridge restrictions are more common in
the northeastern area of Town. Bridges crossing the Indian River
at Hurd Bridge Road, and the Menunketesuck River at Kelseytown
Road, Carter Hill Road and Ferry Dell Road create flooding
conditions that cause access concerns as well. High tidal levels
also cause flooding difficulties where the Indian River flows south
underneath Route 1 and where a small drainage pond flows
underneath Nod Road near Sunnybrook Lane. See Map 3 which
depicts these locations
Similar to nearby coastal communities, a map of the areas of flood
inundation from hurricane storm surges shows that areas of Clinton
will be isolated with a category 1-2 hurricane (See Maps 7&8). The
restrictions in the roads and culverts will limit the ability of residents
to evacuate from coastal areas. Another critical mitigation effort
should be the identification of an accessible dry location for
Emergency Operations Center and storage of critical emergency
vehicles. Currently the main Fire Station and the Town Hall are
located in the surge area for a Category 2-4+ hurricane. A review
by the town of areas located on Map 3 to set priorities for repair and
renovation is warranted. Other mitigation options for the town with
respect to existing infrastructure include:

Develop a priority list for road reconstruction and elevation for
routes which experience frequent flooding or are integral to
evacuation. Sections of road leading to coastal communities
noted on Map 3 are a first priority as well as dams near
residential housing.

Implement strategic enforcement actions to include engineering
reports for structural expansion or alterations on properties
within the 100 year flood zone.

Update regional Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping
through increased use of GIS databases in the individual towns,
and coordinate for accuracy with FEMA layers and location of
flood prone buildings on a regional level. Using HAZUS
software supported by ESRI software by RiverCOG, improve
town layers to reflect future property damage, access issues,
and evacuation for residents from flooding events
42
Clinton, CT

2.
Improve inoperability for emergency management including
existing metadata for GIS within the RiverCOG region in concert
with federal guidelines (NIMS)
Floodproofing Existing Structures
Principal areas of residential housing and, to a lesser extent,
commerce are located within the “V” and “A” flood zones. As of
twenty-five years ago, upwards of 35% of Clinton’s population lived
within close proximity to Long Island Sound with slightly less than
half of Clinton’s housing stock being located within that high density
area. Although subdivision development in areas north of I-95
within the past twenty-five years has spread the overall population
distribution somewhat away from coastal areas, a significant
number of residents reside in close proximity to Long Island Sound,
especially during summer months. According to the 2010 census,
43% of Clinton resident live south of Interstate 95. 2,773 residents,
or 21% live in Census Block Groups directly along the shoreline.
The residential structures located in that area have not, for the most
part, been substantially flood proofed or elevated, consistent with
flood regulations and ordinances. This, of course, means that the
area is especially prone to the damaging effect of coastal storms,
both hurricanes and nor’easters
A second approach to hazard mitigation is the protection of existing
properties and structures by a number of techniques including
relocation, acquisition, building elevation and flood-proofing. Since
the majority of coastal flood areas are already developed, several
of these techniques may be warranted in Clinton where others may
be infeasible. Also see Appendix III – HAZUS – Hurricane MH
Report which outlines the estimated building exposure by type and
cost for Clinton. It does not include river or stream flood events.
In the flood codes, ordinances and regulations that are currently in
place, several recommendations can be made to enhance
mitigation efforts:
i.
Compliance Monies - Most land within flood zones adjacent
to Long Island Sound has been developed. Therefore,
mitigation efforts for these primarily non-compliant residential
structures should be in the form of Federal monies that will
promote bringing those structures into compliance with flood
standards. This will be done through raising structures to
meet Base Flood Elevations. Given the nature of family
ownership and history of families in these areas,
Government purchase seems unlikely, with the exception of
purchase opportunities when a property has been
43
Clinton, CT
completely destroyed. Even in that event, Government
purchase may only occur on a limited scale.
ii.
Substantial Improvements – FEMA standards allow
improvements that are NOT “substantial improvements” to
occur without bringing a structure into compliance, primarily
by elevation. In that elevation is costly in the short term
(although much more cost-effective in the long-term),
residents can find their way around being forced to elevate
structures by proposing improvements that are NOT
substantial (less than 50% of the value of the existing
structure).
iii.
Relocation - Relocation is often used for structures that are
particularly significant such as historic structures and
landmarks. In Clinton, the history of the Town is such that
significant historic structures and landmarks are located in
areas away from the immediate coast and, for the most part,
out of designated flood areas. Other than relatively few
structures associated with marinas, the majority of structures
within designated flood areas are residential and are likely
not good candidates for relocation for several reasons. First,
most of the structures are not of tremendous value when
compared to the overall value of the property on which they
sit. Second, waterfront or coastal property owners often have
such emotional ties to their home and location that they
wouldn’t consider relocation under any circumstances. It is
more likely that these property owners will consider either
elevation of their homes or reconstruction consistent with
flood regulations.
iv.
Acquisition - Although the ideal method of eliminating flood
damage risk for structures within flood hazard areas is to
remove them entirely, this alternative may be unnecessary in
hazard areas of Clinton where protective measures can be
used and are likely cheaper than outright purchase.
Acquisition is also the least feasible mitigation measure for
political reasons. The largest density of structures within
flood areas is located within the seasonal beach areas –
areas where the lifestyle is emotionally attached to
summertime and memories of vacations and ownership is
often passed down through the family. For this reason, it is
doubtful that residents would willingly sell their properties
under most circumstances and for any reasonable price that
a government agency (the likely purchaser) could offer. If
certain property owners could be enticed to sell, it is likely
that the few removed structures would be sporadically
44
Clinton, CT
spaced throughout the area, few and far between. Such
“checkerboarding” would not be desired because of the
added maintenance costs that taxpayers would have to bear.
v.
Building Elevation - In that acquisition is both unlikely and
unnecessary for structures within flood areas of Clinton, the
more likely measure would be a program of elevation of the
structures most prone to flood damage. Many beach front
structures in Clinton are not built to current flood
requirements, most notably, proper elevations. Most
structures are located at grade within several feet of sea
level, a situation that obviously leaves the area prone to
substantial damage and loss in the event of a significant
nor’easter or hurricane. Elevation of these V and A Zone
structures will greatly reduce potential losses under most
conditions and is likely the most effective flood mitigation
proposal that can be made for this and other nearby towns.
Although such a proposal would change the appearance of
the area, it would go far in achieving the hazard mitigation
that the Federal government seeks.
Experience has shown that, due to the small size of the
average beach property, variances of zoning regulations
would likely be necessary for most of the construction
associated with structure elevation as most structures are
nonconforming in some way. If a government program of
subsidizing the elevation of these structures was to be
initiated, it would have to be with the understanding that
many individual projects would have to be brought in front of
the local Zoning Board of Appeals, a potentially timeconsuming preparation for such an endeavor. Another
consideration would be proper oversight by local officials to
be sure that non-code septic systems are replaced with
code-compliant systems, especially if reconstruction and
potential expansion of structures is anticipated.
vi.
Floodproofing - Floodproofing measures are often utilized
where flooding conditions are not as severe as other areas,
including areas of infrequent low-velocity shallow flooding.
In such areas, barriers and dry/wet floodproofing can be
effective. Such measures are more often used for
commercial and industrial structures than residential
structures because of the nature of how they are carried out.
In Clinton, areas of such infrequent low-velocity shallow
flooding are beach areas slightly landward of the coast – the
A-Zone properties which are elevated and inland areas
45
Clinton, CT
associated with streams further north. In the beach areas,
the small size of residential properties (4000 – 6000 square
feet) makes the construction of barriers such as levees,
floodwalls and berms infeasible for the most part because of
the lack of sufficient area on the property. Berming in larger
areas would be more feasible but would unlikely be accepted
due to the appearance. Floodproofing measures, either dry
or wet, are more feasible for a larger commercial or industrial
building where everyday coming and going is typical, like
with a residential property. Such floodproofing would likely
not even be feasible structurally, given the necessity for easy
access in and out of a residential structure.
Within the larger residential developments further north and
along the Menunketesuck and Indian Rivers, larger
properties would make barriers more feasible. Flooding in
these areas, however, would be that associated with
significant rainfall events and include a significant velocity
component. Floodproofing of these residential structures is
also not likely feasible. Structures in these areas are newer
than in beach areas which have been built far enough away
from areas prone to flooding so as to avoid all but the largest
flood events.
vii.
Basement Backup Protection - Although Clinton does not
have any municipal sewers, the issue of floods influencing
insured structures can occur. In beach communities along
the Sound where the residential structures are in close
proximity to tidal wetlands, flooding can cause a saturation of
soils to the point that septic systems will become inoperable
and will potentially back up into the structure. Of the devices
and methods used to prevent backup of sewer lines, backup
preventers can be utilized to insure that waste does not back
up into homes during extreme flooding events. Such areas
would include low-lying portions of Grove Beach and lowlying properties along Shore Road, Hammock Road and
Pratt Street
viii.
Insurance - Although insurance isn’t a preventative measure
used to mitigate flood or hazard damage, it protects the
property and the insured from the substantial losses that can
accompany floods and other catastrophic events. The two
primary types of insurance that can be used include flood
insurance acquired through the National Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP) and basement backup insurance. In order
for property owners to have access to subsidized flood
insurance, the community must join the NFIP – membership
allows local insurance agents to sell a separate flood
46
Clinton, CT
insurance policy under rules and rates set by FEMA at the
federal level. Rates do not change after claims are paid;
they are set on a national basis.
Basement backup insurance is issued by the NFIP and
covers seepage and sewer backup for an added deductible
provided the problem was caused by a flooding event in the
area. Although several insurance companies offer this type
of insurance, the coverage, exclusions, deductibles and
arrangements can differ widely.
2.
Residential Property Owners
The National Flood Insurance Program collects data on repetitive
losses in the flood hazard area – insurance claims for more than
one event at a given property. There are approximately 800
structures located within the A and XE flood zones in Clinton. Of
the structures, fifty-four properties are listed as repetitive-loss
locations with forty-seven of those properties being located within
the coastal zone along Long Island Sound – either on Long Island
Sound or on Clinton Harbor. Seven RLPs are located in upland
areas away from the coastal area. Unlike neighboring Westbrook
which had no claims associated with the June, 1982 upland
flooding event, three of the six Clinton repetitive loss properties
claimed damage occurring during the June, 1982 upland flooding
event. Four claimed three losses while ten claimed two losses
each. The same flood event wiped out homes and bridges in the
nearby town of Essex.
Most claims were related to flooding from coastal storms, Tropical
Storm Irene and Hurricane Sandy in particular. These statistics
reinforce the importance for mitigation of coastal flooding for
properties on Long Island Sound. Mitigation measures appropriate
for both business and home owners include structural alterations
and hazard planning. Also note the recommendations under
Section II.B.7, Hurricanes and Tropical Storms (Page 73).
3.
Business Owners
For business proerties, the primary mitigation objective is to
minimize revenue loss due to a flood or hazard event. Structural
alterations are similar to those recommended for residential
structures. In conjunction with the relative large population, Clinton
has a significant downtown business district. An examination of the
zoning map overlaid with the flood zone mapping shows that while
many of the businesses are out of the flood zones, a high
percentage of businesses would be affected by flooding. Also, the
47
Clinton, CT
town business district is located on Route 1 within areas subject to
inundation from hurricane surges. See Map 6 which depicts the
hurricane inundation areas. Many businesses located outside flood
zones would be cut off during flood events. Additional measures
for structural alterations include: elevated HVAC units above the
100 year flood elevation, flood proofing where feasible for
inventory, and insurance for flood events.
Preparedness for the business community is critical to ensure
continuation of operations once repairs have been made. An
accurate record of all expenses, including hours worked, is
important for insurance company reimbursement. Maintenance of a
client list enables communication for a business that will be closed
for a while due to storm damage. Potential damage and loss
estimates, as well as maintenance of a construction/repair vendor
list can lend a sense of preparedness when hazard strikes. It is also
important to keep a record of the business needs off-site in the
event of a flood. It is recommended that the Town in conjunction
with the Chamber of Commerce provide outreach to businesses
through brochures and consulting services to promote
preparedness for natural hazard events. These procedures will
equip a business with the tools for a quick recovery from a hazard
event. In addition, the proximity of marina and boating industries for
both Clinton and Westbrook would encourage inter-town
cooperation to share costs of mitigation programs for these
businesses.
4.
Beach Community Specific Recommendations
Beach Associations provide an excellent opportunity for residents
to gather and disseminate information relating to flooding/coastal
storm events, and hazard mitigation. As noted above, each beach
community shares similar issues relating to hazard mitigation with
respect to coastal storms and flooding, and mitigation measures
may differ for each of the various beach communities. The Town of
Clinton could efficiently use these organizations in conjunction with
marinas as a conduit for hazard mitigation education. Feasible and
affordable mitigation measures,
explanation of funding for mitigation coupled with graphic diagrams
using GIS Hazus mapping and illustrations of storm surge damage
may be instrumental in alleviating complacency for residents of
these areas. Again, Clinton could work together with Westbrook,
Old Saybrook, and Old Lyme to share the cost of providing an
educational program for coastal residents.
48
Clinton, CT
Photo 7: Hurricane Sandy caused significant sand to pile up on shore, such as that
surrounding this cottage on Cedar Island in Clinton Harbor.
Source: Cedar Island Environmental Committee
49
Clinton, CT
2.
Dam Failure
A dam is a barrier that impounds water or underground streams. Dams generally
serve the primary purpose of retaining water. Many dams built within Clinton
were built to power mills during the early years of industrial revolution. There are
several different types of dams including earthen, cement, and stone.
a.
The DEEP requires registration of all dams over six feet in height. There
are six such dams in Clinton. Some have been built within the last 50
years or so, but a number of them were constructed for agricultural and
manufacturing purposes during the time shortly after the town was settled,
in the early 1700’s and the 1800’s during the industrial revolution. As a
result of their ages and private ownership, the dams are in varying
conditions of repair.
The CT DEEP Dam Safety Division is responsible for overseeing dam
safety in the State of all dams over 6 feet. Dams of that size must be
registered and are rated based on their potential hazard to properties
downstream. DEEP assigns dams to one of five classes according to their
hazard potential:
Class AA: negligible hazard potential dam which, if it were to fail, would
result in no measurable damage to roadways, land and structures, and
negligible economic loss.
Class A: low hazard potential dam which, if it were to fail, would result in
damage to agricultural land, damage to unimproved roadways, or minimal
economic loss.
Class BB: moderate hazard potential dam which, if it were to fail, would
result in damage to normally unoccupied storage structures, damage to
low volume roadways, or moderate economic loss.
Class B: significant hazard potential dam which, if it were to fail, would
result in possible loss of life; minor damage to habitable structures,
residences, hospitals, convalescent homes, schools, etc.; damage to or
interruption of the use or service of utilities; damage to primary roadways
and railroads; or significant economic loss.
Class C: high hazard potential dam which, if it were to fail, would result in
the probable loss of life; major damage to habitable structures,
residences, hospitals, convalescent homes, schools,
etc; damage to main highways; or great economic loss.
The classification of a dam can change due to changes in downstream
50
Clinton, CT
development. 83% of dams in Connecticut fall within the negligible to
moderate hazardous categories while only 17% fall within the significant
and high hazard categories. Map 11 depicts which Hazard Class each
dam in Clinton is. There are three Signficant and High Hazard dams in
Clinton. See Figure 9 below for a listing of those dams.
Dam #
Dam Name
2701
2704
2709
Kelseytown Reservoir
Lockwood Lake
Chapman Pond Dam
Downstream
Watercourse
Menunketesuck River
Menunketesuck River
Chapman Pond
Hazard
Class
B
B
C
Owner
Connecticut Water Company
Lockwood Lake Improvement District
Private
Figure 9: High and Significant Hazard Dams in Clinton (See Page 51 for Definitions)
As is noted above, these dams cause a considerable threat to residents
and businesses located downstream.
b.
Occurrences (B.1)
There are no records of a dam break in Clinton. However, the most recent
dam breaks in Connecticut took place during the June 1982 flooding when
17 dams failed and 31 were damaged causing $70 million in damage.
Bushy Hill Pond Dam in nearby Deep River failed at that time causing
severe flooding in nearby Essex.
c.
Although no dams have collapsed in Clinton, the risk is still present. Old
dams, some dating to the 1700’s can become over- burdened during
flooding events and heavy rain storms. The dams, if not maintained
properly could collapse under the stress of more water than normal.
Overall, Dam Failure is not likely in Clinton.
d.
Potential Impacts (B.3)
A dam break could cause significant flooding downstream of the dam and
potentially cause other dams to break in succession. A dam break would
release a significant amount of water at high velocity with significant
pressure. This wall of water could cause other dams to break.
A dam break could cause flooding outside of normal flood hazard areas,
meaning residents and businesses might be especially unprepared for
dam breaks.
There are no dam breaks in Clinton to derive damage estimates from;
however, the 1982 flood caused approximately $70 million in damage
statewide, nearly $170 million in 2014 dollars.
51
Clinton, CT
According to the National Performance of Dams Program (NPDP), since
1877 there have been a total of 14 dam failures in Middlesex County
resulting in $7,258,996 worth of property damage. A large enough flood
could cause similar damage throughout the State. There are no critical
Town facilities in the path of the Hazard Class C Dam in Town; however,
the Downtown Clinton area is directly downstream of several other dams.
Downtown Clinton is home to more dense commercial and residential
development as well as the Fire House which lies on the banks of the
Indian River. A rough estimate based on assessed property values within
the area shows that a severe enough dam failure upstream could cause
well over $1,000,000 in damage to surrounding properties. Overall, based
on HAZUS-MH Flood Event Report, a 100 year storm could result in as
much as $522.11 Million in damages throughout Town.
Figure 10 below taken from the Connecticut State NHMP, shows the
relative risk of dam failure to be Medium-High for all Middlesex County
towns. This risk is based upon population density, population projections
to 2025, building permits and other factors.
Figure 10: Dam Failure Hazard Ranking and Risk Parameters
Source: CT State NHMP 2013 Update
52
Clinton, CT
e.
Authorities, Policies, Programs, and Resources (C.1)
The State Department of Environmental Protection requires the
registration of all dams over the height of six feet. The Dam Safety Section
of the Inland Water Resources Division of the Connecticut Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) is responsible for administering and
enforcing Connecticut’s dam safety laws. The existing statutes require that
permits be obtained to construct, repair or alter dams, dikes and similar
structures and that existing dams, dikes and similar structures be
registered and periodically inspected to assure that their continued
operation and use does not constitute a hazard to life, health or property.
DEEP keeps track of which dams have emergency plans but not all of
them would be up to date and not all dam owners will want those plans
shared publically. Only the larger significant and high hazard dams would
typically have an emergency plan with inundation areas but not all do as it
is not yet mandated by state statute or regulation.
f.
Mitigation (C.3, C.4)
Mitigation includes prioritizing dams using the DEEP classification
systems and inspection. The high hazard dams should be repaired by
utilizing grant funding, low interest loans to the property owners, or other
types of incentives. Lower priority dams should be evaluated for repair as
funding is available. The Town should work together with DEEP to ensure
that dam owners are properly maintaining their dams and understand the
risks of dam failure.
The primary concern in mitigating the damage that might be inflicted by
dam failure is that each of the dams is privately owned. Private owners
are generally reluctant to repair dams on their property due to the high
costs. Mitigation includes prioritizing dams using the DEP classification
systems and inspection. Ownership of the Chapman Pond Dam is private
and coordination with the owner will be critical to maintenance. Lower
priority dams should be evaluated for repair as funding is available.
53
Clinton, CT
Map 7: Dam Hazards in Clinton (See Page 51 for Class Definitions)
Source: RiverCOG
54
Clinton, CT
3.
High Wind & Tornado
Straight-line winds, responsible for most thunderstorm wind damage, can exceed
100 mph. One type of straight-line wind, the downburst, is a small area of rapidly
descending air beneath a thunderstorm. A downburst can cause damage
equivalent to a strong tornado and can be extremely dangerous to aviation. A
“dry microburst” is a downburst that occurs with little or no rain.
A tornado is a violently rotating column of air, pendant from a cumuliform cloud or
underneath a cumuliform cloud, and often visible as a funnel cloud. High winds
are typically 1-minute average surface winds of 40 mph or greater lasting for 1
hour or longer, or winds gusting to 58 mph or greater regardless of duration that
are either expected or observed over land.
a.
Other than hurricane and storm-associated winds, high winds in
Connecticut tend to be localized microbursts. In comparison to the
tornados that occur in the Midwest’s “tornado alley”, New England
tornados tend to have much shorter and narrower paths due to the hillier
terrain. Tornados are unlikely to occur in Middlesex County. Historically
there have been tornados and microburst wind events in other parts of the
state. Thus, these events should not be dismissed entirely. Severe
thunderstorms have been known to occur and spawn small tornados.
Damage from sheer downburst winds has been suspected as another
source of damage in the state. In 2008, the National Weather Service was
asked to determine if a tornado had occurred in Clinton after some
residents thought they had seen a funnel cloud; it was inconclusive.
Clinton-area historical tornado action is near the Connecticut state
average, which is 25% smaller than the overall U.S. average.
Overall, residents throughout Clinton are equally susceptible to the chance
of a tornado occurrence. However, a strong tornado would likely cause
more damage in the more densely developed shoreline areas south of
Interstate 95. The area north of 95, which tends to be less developed may
not sustain as much property damage based.
Figure 12 includes the Enhanced Fujita tornado scale and typical impacts
as a result of each class of tornado.
b.
Occurrences (B.2)
As recently as February 27, 2012, high winds plagued Connecticut. “More
than 300 United Illuminating customers were without power in Fairfield
Saturday afternoon. As of 5 p.m., there were 1,298 CL&P customers
without power.” [Connecticut Post newspaper, February 27, 2012]
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Clinton, CT
Deadly and destructive tornados do occur in New England, including
Connecticut. Of the 7 recorded to have occurred in Middlesex County
none touched down in Clinton. However, these storms have been
recorded in surrounding towns: on August 7, 1918, there was a possible
tornado in Westbrook; on June 30, 1998, F1 tornados in Killingworth and
Lyme, and an F0 tornado, Chester. On July 31, 2009, an F1 tornado
touched down in Madison, while Old Lyme and Chester experienced many
downed trees.
Enhanced
Fujita
Scale
EF 2
EF 3
EF 1
EF 1
EF 1
EF 0
EF 1
EF 1
Date
Injuries
Fatalities
Town
July 12, 1950
August 21, 1951
July 19, 1963
July 21, 1972
June 27 1974
June 30, 1998
June 30,1998
June 30, 1998
0
8
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Portland
East Hampton
Middletown
Middletown
Essex
Killingworth
Chester
Old Lyme
Figure 11: Recorded Tornadoes in RiverCOG Region, 1950-2013.
Source: Tornado History Project
While Connecticut, ranked 42 out of 50, is an unlikely area for dangerous
tornadoes, there have been instances where tornadoes have developed in
conjunction with high wind events and storms. Tornadoes are produced
inside powerful thunderstorms, which, in turn, are created near the
junction between warm, moist air and cold, dry air. The conditions that
produce a "tornadic thunderstorm" exist when warm, moist air gets
trapped beneath a stable layer of cold, dry air. A primary future difficulty
with tornadoes in Connecticut is the relative density of population and
structures to the potential for damage. According to the National Climactic
Data Center (NCDC) Middlesex County experiences .014 Annualized
Tornado events with $35,955 in annualized damages.
c.
Tornados are not likely to occur in Clinton. According to Significant
Tornadoes 1680–1991 by Thomas Grazulis from 1953 to 1991,
Connecticut recorded an average of about 1.3 tornadoes per year, ranked
43rd in the United States. As shown in the chart above, none of those
occurred in town.
56
Clinton, CT
d.
Potential Impacts (B.1, B.3)
EF-Scale
Number
Intensity
Wind
Speed
(mph)
EF-0
Gale Tornado
65-85
EF-1
Moderate Tornado
86-110
EF-2
Significant Tornado
111-135
EF-3
Severe Tornado
136-165
EF-4
Devastating
Tornado
166-200
EF-5
Incredible Tornado
201-240
Impact
Some damage to chimneys; branches broken off trees; shallow-rooted trees
knocked over; damage to sign boards.
Peels surface off roofs; mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned;
moving autos pushed off the roads; attached garages may be destroyed.
Considerable damage. Roofs torn off frame houses; mobile homes
demolished; boxcars pushed over; large trees snapped or uprooted; light
object missiles generated.
Roof and some walls torn off well-constructed houses; trains overturned;
most trees in forest uprooted.
Well-constructed houses leveled; structures with weak foundations blown off
for some distance; cars thrown and large missiles generated.
Strong frame houses lifted off foundations and carried considerable distances
to disintegrate; automobile-sized missiles fly through the air in excess of 100
meters; trees debarked; steel-reinforced concrete structures badly damaged.
Figure 12: Enhanced Fujita Scale and potential impacts.
Figure 13: Tornado Hazard Ranking and Risk Parameters
Source: CT NHMP, 2013
Figure 13 above taken from the Connecticut State NHMP, shows the
relative risk of tornado to be Medium-Low for all Middlesex County towns.
57
Clinton, CT
This risk is based upon population density, population projections to 2025,
building permits and other factors
Tornados and high winds destroy vegetation and structures within the
storm’s path. For example, “October 3, 1979: The Windsor Locks,
Connecticut tornado, an extremely destructive F4 tornado, one of the
worst in Connecticut history, killed 3 persons and injured 500 more in
northern Hartford County. The tornado struck without warning, tearing
through Bradley International Airport destroying more than a dozen
airplanes, and narrowly missing a Boeing 727, which was attempting to
land. About 100 homes were completely leveled. Most of the $200+ million
in damage was done in Windsor Locks and Suffield.
Damage estimates are difficult to predict as tornadoes and high wind
events can happen anywhere within the Town. A tornado would cause
much more property damage south of I-95 where the land is more densely
developed and more structures could potentially be damaged. Needless to
say, a strong tornado could cause significant damage to any structure in
its path.
e.
The 2005 Connecticut State Building Code was amended in 2009 and
adopted with an effective date of August 1, 2009. The code specifies the
design wind speed for construction in all the Connecticut municipalities,
with the addition of split zones for some towns. For example, for inland
towns such as Haddam and East Haddam, wind speed criteria are
different in relation to the distance from the shoreline. Clinton uses the
state Building Code as its own. The design wind speed for Clinton is 110
miles per hour. The Town Building Official shall enforce the provisions of
this article in accordance with the remedies provided in C.G.S. § 8-27.
f.
See Section III MITIGATION (ELEMENT C) for Mitigation Action Item List
(Figure 31). The following are representative mitigation activities specific
to this hazard:
Voluntary Wind Code Compliance. Consider establishing a policy that
all building permit applicants be encouraged to construct their projects to
meet 110 mile per hour wind resistance standard, whenever possible.
Underground Utilities. Require underground utilities for new
development; require retrofitting during redevelopment of existing sites to
bury utilities where appropriate to mitigate NHs.
Outreach. Promote owner participation in mitigation efforts to protect
their property, such as to elevate, flood- and wind-proof structures to meet
and exceed requirements through its various and regulations.
58
Clinton, CT
4.
Drought & Wildfire
A drought is defined as a period of dry weather: a long period of extremely dry
weather when there is not enough rain for the successful growing of crops or the
replenishment of water supplies. A wildfire is any uncontrolled fire in combustible
vegetation that occurs in the countryside or a wilderness area. A wildfire differs
from other fires by its extensive size, the speed at which it can spread out from
its original source, its potential to change direction unexpectedly, and its ability to
jump gaps such as roads, rivers and fire breaks. Wildfires are characterized in
terms of the cause of ignition, their physical properties such as speed of
propagation, the combustible material present, and the effect of weather on the
fire.
a.
As with all the towns in the region, Clinton is small enough that a drought
would most likely be town-wide. Under extreme drought conditions, areas
of concern for wildfire include the deciduous forest located in the northern
areas of town or areas of Phragmites in coastal tidal marshes. Drought
also can exacerbate potential for small wildfires and hinder the ability of
the town to control outbreaks.
Large areas of phragmites within the tidal wetlands in Clinton have the
potential for wildfires under extreme drought conditions. Large expanses
of deciduous forest are located in the northern areas of town and areas of
phragmites in coastal areas are prime areas of concern. At times of
severe drought, communities face growing wild land-urban interface (WUI)
problems. Drought can exacerbate potential for small wildfires and hinder
the ability of the town to control outbreaks. The primary issue for Clinton,
along with other Connecticut towns that rely on aquifers and local well
systems, even public water supplies such as the Connecticut Water
Company, is that potential for increase problems during drought conditions
can increase with population growth and increased demands for water.
Land-use planning techniques can be applied to existing, new, and
redeveloping areas alike.
The severity of a fire depends on several factors including, fuel type,
weather, and topography. There are four types of fuels of concern for wild
fires which will affect how a fire behaves:
 Ground Fuels – organic soils, forest floor duff, stumps, dead roots,
and buried fuels;
 Surface Fuels – litter layer, downed woody materials, dead and live
plants to two meters in height;
 Ladder Fuels – vine and draped foliage fuels; and
 Canopy Fuels – tree crowns.
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Clinton, CT
The weather can also play an important role in the spread of fire. Three
important weather factors are:
 Wind – most important factor since it dries out fuel and drives a fire;
 Relative humidity – affects fuel moisture; and
 Precipitation.
A fire is much more likely to spread and cause significant damage when
there is high wind, little humidity and a period of little no rainfall.
Different areas throughout town are susceptible to different types of fires.
Inland areas where thick forest cover is abundant is more susceptible to
fires feeding on ground fuels ladder fuels. Areas closer to the densely
developed shoreline where more roads are present are more susceptible
to fires feeding on surface fuels. Overall Connecticut does not have a
history of fire feeding on the canopy of trees. Most fires remain on the
ground.
b.
Occurrences (B.2)
Below is a table of historic data for drought that includes coastal
Connecticut. [Northeast Regional Climate Center (NRCC) in the
Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Cornell University]
This table shows data between 1895 and 2002. More current data was not
readily available.
Coastal Climate Division -Drought Periods
Duration
Lowest PDSI
1/1901 - 2/1901
2 months
-3.79 in 2/1901
8/1910 - 7/1911
12 months
-4.30 in 7/1911
7/1913 - 9/1913
3 months
-3.68 in 8/1913
12/1924 - 6/1925
7 months
-3.64 in 6/1925
4/1930 - 3/1931
12 months
-4.26 in 9/1930
11/1949 - 1/1950
3 months
-3.13 in 12/1949
9/1964 - 1/1965
5 months
-4.16 in 11/1964
3/1965 - 2/1967
24 months
-5.19 in 12/1965
3/1985 - 4/1985
2 months
-3.84 in 4/1985
8/1995 - 9/1995
2 months
-3.61 in 8/1995
7/1999 - 8/1999
2 months
-3.50 in 7/1999
1/2002 - 4/2002
4 months
-3.67 in 2/2002
Figure 14: Palmer Drought Index
Based on the monthly Palmer Drought Severity Index as computed by the National
Climatic Data Center. Period of record: January 1895 through June 2002
Source: NOAA
60
Clinton, CT
c.
In the spring of 2012 headlines on the local network television stations
such as, “March 28, 2012 – Brush fires have been reported in East
Haddam, East Windsor and Fairfield,” were common. “The largest of the
fires consumed more than 50 acres in Devil's Hopyard State Park in East
Haddam and fire officials made the decision to let the fire burn.” [NBC
Connecticut website, March 28, 2012]. According to the DEEP,
Connecticut traditionally experiences high forest fire danger in the Spring
from mid-March through May.
Severe drought and wildfire are both not likely to occur in Clinton. While
any dry period brings with it the possibility of brush fires, large wildfires
have yet to be experienced in Clinton. While summer months tend to be
the most likely period when the area could experience drought, autumn
months often bring wet weather, ending the drought.
d.
Figure 15: Wild Fire Hazard Ranking and Risk Parameters.
Source: CT State NHMP 2013 Update
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Clinton, CT
Figure 15 as shown in the Connecticut State NHMP 2013 Updated shows
that the overall risk of wildfires in Middlesex County is Medium. This is
based up population density, population projections to 2025, building
permits, forest cover and other factors. Financial damage would depend
on various factors including property values and location of fire. Prolonged
drought could result in financial losses to crop growers and the many
nurseries that exist in town.
Because they are not often severe, response to droughts in the region
most often have begun with voluntary water conservation. Under severe
drought conditions water use restricts may be mandatory.
A significant portion of the population in Clinton relies on ground water for
domestic water supply. Under extreme and prolonged drought conditions,
these water sources could be affected.
With an intricate network of wetlands and watercourses in Clinton there
are more natural breaks that would contain fire than in other parts of the
country. That being said, a brushfire can still threaten houses and other
structures.
A major concern exists in the marshland areas. These areas, where
significant amounts of phragmites grow, can ignite quickly and fire can
spread rapidly. A fire in any of these areas would pose a threat to
surrounding homes and businesses while fire crews would have difficulty
accessing the site and containing the fire.
e.
Authorities, Policies, Programs and Resources (C.1)
The current Subdivision Regulations (Section 5.13) state that the site
developer must meet with the Fire Marshall in order to determine the need
for more water on site. When deemed necessary, storage tanks, fire
ponds, or fire wells, must be capable of holding at least 20,000 gallons of
water. The applicant shall be required to demonstrate that such water
supply meets or exceeds the minimum requirements as set forth in
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1141 (Standards for
Fire Protection in Planned Building Groups) and National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) Standard 1231 (Water Supplies For Suburban and
Rural Firefighting).
The DEEP Division of Forestry issues Forest Fire Danger Ratings for
Connecticut (See Figure 16). A National Fire Danger Rating system that
utilizes two indexes is used in Connecticut. The "spread" of a fire is
predicted with the Spread Index, which is a numeric rating that
corresponds with how fast a fire travels in 'Chains per Hour' (a chain is
66'). For example, if a prediction is made that the Spread Index will be 19,
it means the fire is predicted to spread 1254 feet (19 x 66') in an hour.
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Clinton, CT
Connecticut also uses a Build Up Index (BUI) that measures drought. The
BUI is a relative measure of the cumulative effect of daily drying factors
and precipitation on fuels with a ten-day time-lag.
Rating or Class Days
LOW
MODERATE
HIGH
VERY HIGH
EXTREME
Spread
Index
0-10
15-Nov
16-29
30-39
> 40
Build Up Index
0-22
23-44
45-59
60-74
> 75
Figure 16: Five Forest Fire Danger Ratings
Source: CT DEEP
The CT DEEP is responsible for issuing these warnings. The Fire Danger
Warning is easily accessible on the DEEP web page. These measures are
largely successful at reducing the risk from large wildfires.
f.
to this hazard:
Land-Use Planning. Require storm water retention to recharge
groundwater within existing, new, and redeveloping areas.
Wildfire Management Plan. Work with the regional EMD group and
neighboring towns to develop a wildfire management plan and protocol to
ensure that outside fire-fighting resources, such as the National Guard,
are available.
Dry Hydrants. For new development where water supply for fire fighting
is inadequate, dry hydrants should be required.
Firefighter Training and Education. Training and education of
firefighters should include brush and forest fires, with consideration for
large areas of phragmites.
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Clinton, CT
5.
Winter Storms
A winter storm is an event in which the dominant varieties of precipitation are
forms that only occur at low temperatures, such as snow or sleet, or a rainstorm
where ground temperatures are low enough to allow ice to form (i.e. freezing
rain). In temperate continental climates, these storms are not necessarily
restricted to the winter season, but may occur in the late autumn and early spring
as well. Winter storms also can be accompanied by strong winds (e.g.
nor’easters) that can cause coastal flooding and damage.
a.
Winter storms typically will impact the entire town; however, effects can
vary locally depending on weather conditions (e.g. snowfall in upland
areas with rain along the shore) or coastal flooding from nor’easters.
Figure 17 below identifies various weather advisories that are issued
throughout the winter and the extent to which the storms may impact the
residents of Clinton. These alerts are typically issued by NOAA in advance
of a winter storm in order to allow people to take precautions ahead of the
storm and to encourage people to limit travel on roads.
Winter Weather
Winter Weather
Advisory
Winter Storm
Watch
Winter Storm
Warning
Freezing Rain or
Freezing Drizzle
Sleet
Blizzard Warning
Frost/Freeze
Warning
Wind Chill
Extent of Weather Event
This alert may be issued for a variety of severe conditions. Weather advisories may
be freezing drizzle, freezing rain, or a combination of weather events. Announced
for snow, blowing or drifting snow, freezing drizzle, freezing rain, or a combination
of weather events.
Severe winter weather conditions may affect your area (freezing rain, sleet, or
heavy snow may occur separately or in combination).
Severe winter weather conditions are imminent.
Rain or drizzle is likely to freeze upon impact, resulting in a coating of ice glaze on
roads and all other exposed objects.
Small particles of ice usually mixed with rain. If enough sleet accumulates on the
ground, it makes travel hazardous.
Sustained wind speeds of at least 35mph are accompanied by considerable falling
or blowing snow. This alert is the most perilous winter storm with visibility
dangerously restricted.
Below freezing temperatures are expected and may cause significant damage to
plants, crops, and fruit trees.
A strong wind combined with a temperature slightly below freezing can have the
same chilling effect as a temperature nearly 50 degrees lower in a calm
atmosphere. The combined cooling power of the wind an temperature on exposed
flesh is called the wind-chill factor.
Figure 17: Winter Weather Alerts and the Extent of Winter Storms.
Source: NOAA
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Clinton, CT
b.
Occurrences (B.2)
There is a history of powerful winter storms that have affected Clinton and
the region. See Figure 6 for a summary. Some of the more notable
storms are listed below.
1888 – Blizzard
1978 – Blizzard
1993 – “Storm of the Century”
1996 – Blizzard
2011 – October Nor’easter
2013 – February Blizzard
According to the NCDC, Middlesex County experiences 4.35 annualized
events and $0 in annualized damages.
c.
Winter storms are very likely to occur in Clinton. They have caused
significant damage and are second only to hurricanes in terms of the
potential damage they can cause in Clinton.
d.
Figure 18: Wind Chill Chart
This chart displays wind speed and ambient temperature as they relate to
frostbite on skin.
Source: NOAA, NWS
65
Clinton, CT
Depending upon the severity and duration of the storm, impacts can be
varied. Those of which require attention for hazard mitigation can cripple
transportation, communications and threaten provision of basic needs for
health, safety and the general welfare. Significant snowfall rates or ice
accumulation can exceed the ability of crews to keep roads open for travel
and can bring down electric, telephone and cable wires. With the advent
of cellular systems, reliance upon landline communications is less;
however, severe storms can affect cellular communication towers. Most
homes are dependent upon electricity to either provide heat or to ignite
other fuel sources. Depending on outside temperatures, a prolonged
electrical outage in the winter can result in freezing of pipes and can be
life threatening. If travel becomes impossible, the provision of food,
medicines and other necessary goods can be delayed or halted and
economic losses can occur as people are unable to get to and from work.
NOAA's National Climatic Data Center is now producing the Regional
Snowfall Index (RSI) for significant snowstorms that impact the eastern
two thirds of the U.S. The RSI ranks snowstorm impacts on a scale from 1
to 5, similar to the Fujita scale for tornadoes or the Saffir-Simpson scale
for hurricanes. The RSI differs from these other indices because it
includes population. RSI is based on the spatial extent of the storm, the
amount of snowfall, and the juxtaposition of these elements with
population. Including population information ties the index to societal
impacts. Currently, the index uses population based on the 2000
Census(Source: NOAA).
CATEGORY
1
RSI
VALUE
1–3
DESCRIPTION
Notable
2
3–6
Significant
3
6–10
Major
4
10–18
Crippling
5
18.0+
Extreme
Figure 19: Regional Snowfall Index
Source: NOAA
Typically property losses only occur during unprecedented storms or
during winters when snow events come one after the other creating a
deep snow pack, overloading roof structures causing collapse. During the
unusually snowy winter of 2010-2011, at least 46 buildings and more than
130 barns collapsed under the intense weight of the snow causing an
unknown amount of damage across Connecticut. There is no way to
reliably estimate damage figures from snowfall. Damage will depend on
the ability to remove snow from roofs in a timely manner, temperature, and
other factors.
In severe conditions, buildings can come under significant stress with a
66
Clinton, CT
large snow storm. For example, a former Unilever warehouse collapsed
under the weight of the snow from the Blizzard in February, 2013. These
collapses threaten those that may work or live in buildings which cannot
withstand the added weight of the snow.
Winter storms also can cause significant coastal flooding, the impacts of
which are discussed in Section 1.
Photo 8: Building Collapse after the February 2013 Blizzard.
Source: WFSB
e.
In anticipation of severe winter storms, the Town has the authority to order
parking bans and can order evacuations in extreme situations if there is a
significant threat of localized flooding.
The Department of Public Works maintains a fleet of trucks and
other snow removal equipment and monitors weather forecasts during the
winter months to mobilize in advance of storms. The DPW only has
difficulties keeping roads clear during extreme events, such as the
February 2103 Blizzard.
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Clinton, CT
f.
Mitigation Specific to this Hazard (C.3, C.4)
Landscaping. Promote landscaping practices that encourage the
planting of species that are less susceptible to damage from ice storms to
reduce the probability of damage to structures.
Underground Utilities. Consider requiring that all new subdivisions and
commercial development bury utilities to prevent power and
telecommunications lines from damage from ice, snow and falling tree
limbs.
Public Information. Provide information on the town’s website about
pending storms and links to town, regional, state and federal sites for
information on reducing damage from natural hazards.
68
Clinton, CT
6.
Earthquake
An earthquake is the sudden, rapid shaking of the earth, caused by the breaking
and shifting of subterranean rock as it releases strain that has accumulated over
a long time.
a.
The entire town could be affected by an earthquake in this region;
however, impacts could vary locally. See subsection ‘d’ below for more.
b.
Occurrences (B.2)
While there is no record of damages in Clinton from an earthquake, they
have occurred in the region and have been felt locally. The following chart
shows the nearest earthquakes in recent years.
Date
Distance
(miles)
Magnitude
Depth
(miles)
6/3/2011
32.26
1.7
5
6/17/1982
16.78
3
2
10/21/1981
10.37
3.8
5
10/25/1980
18.34
3
0
10/24/1980
17.18
3.1
0
Figure 20: Earthquakes within 50 Miles of Clinton, 1980 - 2013
Source: USGS
The most severe earthquake in Connecticut's history occurred at East
Haddam on May 16, 1791.
Describing that earthquake an observer said: "It began at 8 o'clock p.m.,
with two very heavy shocks in quick succession. The first was the most
powerful; the earth appeared to undergo very violent convulsions. The
stone walls were thrown down, chimneys were un-topped, doors which
were latched were thrown open, and a fissure in the ground of several
rods in extent was afterwards discovered. Thirty lighter ones followed in a
short time, and upwards of one hundred were counted in the course of the
night.”
In August 1840, an earthquake of similar intensity was centered a few
miles southwest of the 1837 tremor.
On June 30, 1858, New Haven was shaken by a moderate tremor at 10:45
in the evening. Residents reported rattling of glasses and a noise "like
carriages crossing a bridge." The strong tremor hit near Hartford on
November 14, 1925.
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Clinton, CT
An intensity V earthquake in southern Connecticut occurred on November
3, 1968. It cracked plaster at Madison, furniture shifted at Chester, and
small items fell and broke.
A few damaging shocks centering in neighboring States, and several
Canadian tremors, have been noted by Connecticut citizens the past three
hundred years. A devastating earthquake near Tros-Rivieres (Three
Rivers), Quebec, on February 5, 1663, caused moderate effects in some
areas of Connecticut.
An earthquake near Massena, New York, in September 1944 was felt over
a wide region. Mild effects were noticed by residents of Hartford, Marion,
New Haven and Meriden, Connecticut. At its epicenter, the shock
destroyed nearly all chimneys, crippled several buildings, and caused $2
million property damage in that region. (Source: USGS website, 2012)
As recently as March 23, 2011 the village of Moodus in East Haddam,
north of Clinton experienced a 1.3 on the Richter scale tremor.
c.
An earthquake in Clinton is not likely. The USGS database shows that
there is a 1.186% chance of a major earthquake within 50 kilometers of
Clinton, Connecticut within the next 50 years. [Source: USGS website,
2012] Clinton-area historical earthquake action is slightly below the
Connecticut state average and is 91% lower than the overall U.S.
average. (Source: City Data)
d.
In Clinton and the surrounding region, recorded impacts have been limited
to shaking to the extent that things were knocked off shelves and people
were alarmed. Structural damage has been limited to building components
such as chimneys and buildings in poor repair; but failing structures have
caused property damage in nearby towns.
A HAZUS – MH Earthquake Event Report was created using a 100 Year
Probabilistic Earthquake scenario. This report generates loss estimates for
the town based on this scenario. The report estimates that there would be
no losses for the town of Clinton during an earthquake. For the full report,
see Appendix V: HAZUS-MH: Earthquake Event Report.
Figure 21 below explains the potential impacts resulting from each
possible earthquake magnitude. Anything higher than a “minor”
earthquake is very unlikely in Clinton; however, the potential does exist.
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Clinton, CT
Magnitude Description
Mercalli
Intensity
< 2.0
2.0–2.9
I
I to II
3.0–3.9
Micro
Minor
II to IV
4.0–4.9
Light
IV to VI
5.0–5.9
Moderate
VI to VIII
6.0–6.9
Strong
VII to X
7.0–7.9
Major
VIII or
Greater
8.0–8.9
Great
9.0 >
Average Earthquake Impacts
Micro-earthquakes, not felt, or felt rarely by sensitive people. Recorded by seismographs.
Felt slightly by some people. No damage to buildings.
Often felt by people, but very rarely causes damage. Shaking of indoor objects can be
noticeable.
Noticeable shaking of indoor objects and rattling noises. Felt by most people in the
affected area. Slightly felt outside. Generally causes none to minimal damage. Moderate
to significant damage very unlikely. Some objects may fall off shelves or be knocked over.
Can cause damage of varying severity to poorly constructed buildings. At most, none to
slight damage to all other buildings. Felt by everyone. Casualties range from none to a
few.
Damage to a moderate number of well-built structures in populated areas. Earthquakeresistant structures survive with slight to moderate damage. Poorly-designed structures
receive moderate to severe damage. Felt in wider areas; up to hundreds of
miles/kilometers from the epicenter. Strong to violent around epicenter. Death toll ranges
from none to 25,000.
Causes damage to most buildings, some to partially or completely collapse or receive
severe damage. Well-designed structures are likely to receive damage. Felt across great
distances with major damage mostly limited to 250 km from epicenter. Death toll ranges
from none to 250,000.
Major damage to buildings, structures likely to be destroyed. Will cause moderate to
heavy damage to sturdy or earthquake-resistant buildings. Damaging in large areas. Felt in
extremely large regions. Death toll ranges from 1,000 to 1 million.
Near or at total destruction - severe damage or collapse to all buildings. Heavy damage
and shaking extends to distant locations. Permanent changes in ground topography.
Death toll usually over 50,000.
Figure 21: Earthquake Magnitude and Potential Impacts.
e.
The Town enforces the State Building Code construction standards.
f.
Insurance. Encourage residents to purchase a low cost earthquake rider
for homes and businesses. This would protect property owners for
damage to chimneys, windows or foundations.
earthquakes and links to town, regional, state and federal sites for
information on reducing earthquake property damage.
Building Code. Insure that all new residential and commercial
construction meets state building codes.
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Clinton, CT
7.
Hurricane & Tropical Storm
A hurricane is an intense tropical cyclone often with torrential rain and strong
thunderstorms and with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum
sustained winds of 74 MPH (64 knots) or higher. A tropical storm is similar but
with winds from 39 to 73 MPH (34-63 knots).
a.
Hurricanes and tropical storms will affect the entire town; however affects
will vary depending on proximity to the shore. Strong winds and rain will
affect the entire town while storm surges and coastal flooding will affect
coastal areas. See Section 1 for a discussion of coastal flooding and
FEMA’s flood insurance rate maps that depict the 100-year flood zone and
Section 2 for a discussion of high winds. The Saffir Simpson Scale (Figure
25) defines the category of a hurricane and details potential damage.
Properties in the coastal areas of Clinton are most vulnerable to the
effects of hurricanes, particularly those areas in flood zones (see maps 8
and 9). Storm surge is of particular concern along the shore, along with
high wind speeds potentially pushing water into Long Island Sound, as
was the case with Tropical Storm Sandy. Inland areas are less susceptible
to storm related flooding; however, falling trees from high winds pose a
significant threat.
b.
Occurrences (B.2)
See Figure 6 for a summary of hurricanes that have affected Clinton.
Date
Name
Category
(in CT)
Landfall
September 16, 1858
September 8, 1869
August 24, 1893
October 10, 1894
September 21, 1938
September 15, 1944
August 30, 1954
September 12, 1960
September 27, 1985
August 19, 1991
August 24, 1893
October 29, 2012
Storm # 3
Storm # 6
Storm # 4
Storm # 5
Great New England Hurricane
Great Atlantic Hurricane
Carol
Donna
Gloria
Bob
Irene
Sandy
1
1
1
1
3
1
2
1
1
1
TS
1
Groton, CT
Westerly, RI
Queens, NY
Clinton, CT
New Haven, CT
Matunuck, RI
Groton, CT
Old Saybrook, CT
Milford, CT
New Shoreham, RI
Brooklyn, NY
Brigantine, NJ
Wind
Speed
(mph)
80
115
85
85
115
85
115
100
85
105
65
80
Figure 22: Major Hurricanes and Tropical Storms in New England since 1858.
Source: Ryan Hanrahan, WVIT NBC 30
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Clinton, CT
Most recently Clinton was affected by Hurricane Sandy on October 29,
2012 and Tropical Storm Irene on September 2, 2011 both of which
caused significant coastal flooding, property damage, damage to homes
and downed power lines resulting in week-long power outages in many
cases.
Tropical Storms Irene and Superstorm Sandy both caused significant
flooding conditions throughout Clinton. During T.S. Irene, the Fire
Department (which lies in a FEMA 1% Annual Flood Zone) located along
Route 1 in Downtown Clinton experienced flooding. The parking lot behind
Town Hall was also partially submerged. During Superstorm Sandy, the
Fire Department did not flood; however, firefighters were prepared to
evacuate at a moment’s notice.
Tropical Storm Sandy created a “perfect storm” of events which cause
higher flooding than normal for a storm of that size. High winds, along with
heavy rain arriving near high tide forced water into Long Island Sound
from the east, creating a much higher storm surge than would normally be
expected.
c.
As a coastal community, Clinton is very likely to experience hurricanes
and tropical storms.
Figure 23: Hurricane/ Tropical Storm Probability in Connecticut
Source: WXEdge.com
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Clinton, CT
Inundation Legend
Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
Category 4
Map 8: Hurricane Surge Inundation Area throughout southern Clinton.
Source: CT ECO Coastal Hazards Mapping Tool
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Clinton, CT
d.
In the event of a hurricane or tropical storm, the primary risks in Clinton
are from high wind, storm surges and coastal flooding and inland flooding
on small streams and rivers from heavy rain. See Sections 1 and 2 for a
discussion of potential impacts.
Because of the frequency of hurricanes and their potential severity, they
are the natural disaster likely to cause the greatest damage.
During a Category 3 or 4 Storm, many areas of town would be cut off from
evacuations routes. Route 81 serves as the bets evacuation route from
southern areas of town to the north; however, inundation could flood many
roads which lead to Route 81, including Route 1. In addition, the police
station would be inundated by a Category 4 Hurricane, and would be cut
off from access to other parts of town Hurricane Surge inundation from
even a Category 1 Storm (See Map 9).
Inundation Legend
Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
Category 4
Map 9: Location of Police Station and Hurricane Surge
During large storms, the Police Station would be cut off from other areas of town.
Source: CT ECO
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Clinton, CT
HAUZS-MH estimates the potential losses for the town. A Hurricane Event
Report was created using a 100 year Probabilistic Scenario. The table
below shows estimated losses. For the full report, see Appendix IV:
HAZUS – MH: Hurricane Event Report.
None
Count
27
257
8
6
109
16
4,587
5,011
Occupancy
Agriculture
Commercial
Education
Government
Industrial
Religion
Residential
Total
(%)
85.54
87.28
87.53
88.57
88.79
86.8
83.99
Minor
Count
3
30
1
1
11
2
761
808
(%)
10.69
10.06
10.2
9.56
8.96
11.17
13.93
Moderate
Count
(%)
1
2.51
7
2.38
0
2.13
0
1.8
2
1.91
0
1.89
102
1.87
113
Severe
Count
0
1
0
0
0
0
5
7
(%)
1.16
0.28
0.15
0.08
0.32
0.14
0.1
Destruction
Count
(%)
0
0.11
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.02
0
0
6
0.11
6
Figure 24: Building Damage by Occupancy as a result of a 100 Year Hurricane
Source: HAZUS - MH
Category
Sustained
Winds
74-95 mph
1
64-82 kt
119-153
km/h
2
3
(major)
4
(major)
5
(major)
96-110
mph
83-95 kt
154-177
km/h
111-129
mph
96-112 kt
178-208
km/h
130-156
mph
113-136 kt
209-251
km/h
157 mph or
higher
137 kt or
higher
252 km/h
or higher
Types of Damage Due to Hurricane Winds
Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed
frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and
gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may
be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result
in power outages that could last a few to several days.
Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Wellconstructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage.
Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block
numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that
could last from several days to weeks.
Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur
major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees
will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and
water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm
passes.
Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain
severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some
exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles
downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas.
Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will
be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes
will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees
and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for
weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for
weeks or months.
Figure 25: Saffir-Simpson Scale of Hurricane Winds and Impacts
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Clinton, CT
e.
The greatest threats during a hurricane or tropical storm event come in the
form of high wind and the potential for flooding. For these threats, Section
1, Flooding discusses policies regarding Flood Zones throughout Clinton.
Section 2, High Wind and Tornado discusses Wind Speed Compliance per
the state building code.
f.
to this hazard:
hurricane preparedness and links to town, regional, state and federal sites
for information on reducing hurricane damage.
Building Code. Insure that all new residential and commercial
construction meets state building codes for high wind zones.
Boats. Identify places where people could store their boats during
flooding and hurricane events that would reduce the damage to them and
that they cause to the waterfront infrastructure when they break from
moorings.
Require Anchoring of Storage Tanks. Oil tanks, propane tanks etc. in
the SFHA should be anchored or contained so as not to break free during
a flooding event.
Photo 9: 1938 Damage in Clinton to housing near the rail line
Source: East Lyme Library – New London Day
77
Clinton, CT
Inundation Legend
Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
Category 4
Map 10: Downtown Hurricane Inundation Areas
Source: DEEP Coastal Hazards Mapping Tool
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Clinton, CT
Photo 10
Photo 11
Photo 12
Photo 10: High Winds from Tropical Storm Irene dropped this tree on top of the
Clinton Motel in Clinton, August 2011.
Source: Clinton Patch
Photos 11 & 12: Damage at Grove Beach in 1938 was severe due to the storm surge,
intensive rain and high winds with gusts exceeding 180 mph –
Source: Old Saybrook Historical Society
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Clinton, CT
Photo 13
Photo 14
Photo 15
Photo 13: Undermined Sea Wall from Flooding during Tropical Storm Irene, 2011.
Photo 14: Destroyed Front Deck from Storm Surge during Tropical Storm Irene, 2011.
Photo 15: Debris left behind from Tropical Storm Irene, 2011
Source for Photos 12-14: Clinton Land Use Office
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Clinton, CT
8.
Extreme Heat / Heat Waves
A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, which may be
accompanied by high humidity. While definitions vary, a heat wave is measured
relative to the usual weather in the area and relative to normal temperatures for
the season. A heat wave in the northeastern United States is defined as a period
in which daytime high temperatures reach 90ºF or higher for three days in a row.
The term is applied both to routine weather variations and to extraordinary spells
of heat which may occur only once a century. Severe heat waves have caused
catastrophic crop failures, thousands of deaths from hyperthermia, and
widespread power outages due to increased use of air conditioning.
a.
Clinton falls in the humid continental climate zone, the same as much of
interior Connecticut. Summer is hot and humid throughout the state, with
average highs in New London of 81 °F (27 °C) and 87 °F (31 °C) in
Windsor Locks. July and August tend to be the hottest months of the year
with average temperatures in Hartford being 84ºF and 82ºF, respectively.
With the elevated summer temperatures comes a risk of extreme heat.
With its dense forest coverage and abundant water features, Clinton is
slightly more protected from extreme heat than some of its neighbors, but
heat waves do occur. A heat wave in Connecticut is defined as any period
of time in which daytime high temperatures reach more than 90ºF for three
consecutive days or longer.
All areas of Clinton are equally susceptible to extreme heat. Depending on
wind direction, areas directly along the shoreline may stay slightly cooler
as a result of the water temperature in Long Island Sound having a cooling
effect on the surrounding air.
b.
Occurrences (B.2)
Heat waves are a regular summer season event in Connecticut, including
Clinton. Summer 2012 was a particularly hot period with many days in
which temperatures in Hartford reached 100ºF and humidity levels were
much higher than average. The entire northeast and much of the US was
under the intense heat for much of July. In June alone, 164 all-time high
temperature records were broken across the country. In many areas,
severe thunderstorms associated with the heat caused lengthy power
outages, forcing people to cope with the heat as they lost the ability to use
air conditioning.
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Clinton, CT
c.
Extreme heat and heat waves are very likely during the summer months in
Clinton. As global temperatures continue to climb, it seems likely that heat
waves will occur more frequently in the future.
Figure 26: Projected Increases in the Number of Days over 90°F
Source: NOAA NCDC / CICS-NC.
d.
Elderly and very young populations, especially those living in homes with
no air conditioning are most likely to be adversely impacted by extreme
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Clinton, CT
heat. Dehydration, heat stroke, and other negative health effects are likely
during high event events.
Physical infrastructure can also be impacted negatively by extreme heat.
Heat always brings with it the potential for strong thunderstorms which
could knock out power due to downed trees. Asphalt, especially in places
where there is not a substantial base can buckle or crack significantly
under heat. Drought conditions can also become exacerbated by
extended periods of significantly high temperatures.
There is no record of property damage due to extreme heat conditions in
Clinton to base an estimated loss upon. However, the greatest threat of
damage comes from strong thunderstorms that may be present during
high heat events. Details of those threats are discussed in Section II.B.3.
Figure 27: Heat Index and impacts on people.
Source: NOAA
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Clinton, CT
e.
The Clinton Director of Emergency Management has the authority to
designate cooling centers in public buildings during heat waves. A cooling
center can be successful in helping vulnerable populations ride out the
worst of the heat, providing them with a cool place to stay along with
water.
f.
See Section III Mitigation (Figure 31) for Comprehensive Mitigation Action
Items (Element C). The following are representative mitigation activities
It is difficult to mitigate the effects of extreme heat on the physical
infrastructure. That being said, the best mitigation when it comes to the
public is information. Public information, especially for senior citizens
should be made available so they know when an extreme heat wave is
coming. Reminders about drinking water and staying indoors can help.
The town should designate a cooling center to be used whenever
excessive heat warrants it.
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Clinton, CT
9.
Sea Level Rise
Sea level rise is a mean rise in sea level, which may cause a general shoreline
retreat and an increased risk for flooding.
a.
In A Movable Shore: The Fate of the Connecticut Coast (1992), the
Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP)
documents sea level rise as occurring along the New England coast. In
Clinton low lying coastal areas adjacent to Long Island Sound and the
Indian River will be affected.
The graph below shows the continued upward trend of the water level at
New London beginning in 1940.
Figure 28: Mean Sea Level Trend at New London
Source: NOAA
b.
Occurrences (B.2)
Unlike the event-driven natural hazards discussed previously, sea level
rise is a relatively slow-moving process – a slow-motion natural disaster.
The Global sea level has been rising for more than ten thousand years,
leading to the establishment and expansion of coastal salt marshes (e.g.,
Redfield and Rubin, 1962; Redfield, 1967, 1972; Lambeck, 1990). For
most of the last 1000 years the rate of relative sea-level rise (RSLR) was
between 1.3 and 1.8 [millimeters per year] mm/yr, but over the last 300400 years it increased to 2.9-3.3 mm/yr, and has been faster than the
accretion rate, especially in the middle marsh. [Source: A sea-level rise
curve Koren R. Nydick, Alison B. from Guilford, Connecticut, USA Bidwell,
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Clinton, CT
Ellen Thomas I, Johan C. Varekamp Department of Earth and
Environmental Sciences, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT 06459,
USA Received 13 April 1994; revision accepted 21 September 1994]
c.
Sea level rise must be considered a natural hazard that is likely to impact
Clinton in the future. It is the rate of rise that is in question. Sea level rise
has been recorded in New England, long enough so that it is not in
question.
d.
Regardless of the projections used, sea level rise is becoming an
increasingly important issue that towns need to deal with now to be
prepared for the eventual impacts to occur within the next fifty (50) to
seventy (70) years. The rising sea level will impact hurricane inundation
zones and SFHA’s during high tides. Over time, valuable properties along
the shoreline could be lost as a result of rising seas, meaning the Town
could see a drop in Tax revenue. However, SLR is a slow enough process
that the Town should have adequate time to prepare and mitigate such a
loss. It should be expected that the HAZUS-MH economic loss estimate of
$522.11 Million for a 100 Year Storm event will rise as sea levels rise.
e.
At the present time the Town does not have a comprehensive
understanding of the specific medium- and long-term impact of sea level
rise and the tools available to deal with it. (See mitigation action item to
establish a Sea Level Rise Study Committee to address these issues.)
f.
See Section III MITIGATION (ELEMENT C) for comprehensive mitigation
strategy (Figure 31). The following are representative mitigation activities
Possible Open Space Criteria. The Conservation Commission should
consider making possible inundation by future sea level rises to its
considerations for preserving open space.
Local Sea Level Rise Study Committee. BOS should establish an adhoc committee to research medium and long-range impacts to coastal
areas from SLR, to investigate possible mitigation actions and to assess
legal, financial and policy implications.
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Clinton, CT
Research Sea Level Rise Impacts. Seek grants funds to collaborate
with an academic institution to research and study the social, economic,
environmental and policy-related impacts from SLR.
Map 11: Sea Level Trends In North America
Source: NOAA
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Clinton, CT
Current Sea Level
2 Foot Sea Level Rise
5 Foot Sea Level Rise
Maps 12 - 14. These maps of Kelsey Point show in purple those areas that likely will
flood during the average monthly maximum water level under 3 different sea level rise
scenarios. The intensity of the purple indicates the flooding depth – the lighter purples
indicate shallower flood water depths while the darker purples indicate deeper flood
water depths.
Source: DEEP Coastal Hazards Mapping Tool.
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Clinton, CT
10.
Tsunami
A tsunami, also known as a seismic sea wave (mistakenly called “tidal wave”), is
a series of enormous waves created by an underwater disturbance such as an
earthquake, landslide, volcanic eruption, or meteorite. In addition strong storms
out at sea can also cause a tsunami. A tsunami can move hundreds of miles per
hour in the open ocean and smash into land with waves of 100 feet or more.
a.
In theory, a tsunami could inundate large areas of coastal Clinton.
Depending on the size of the tsunami, much of the Town of Clinton,
especially the area south of Interstate 95 could be inundated by water.
Low lying areas near the shoreline and low areas near rivers leading to
the Sound, such as the Indian River would be most susceptible to a
Tsunami.
b.
Occurrence (B.2)
There is no record of a tsunami having occurred in Clinton. However,
according to NOAA, a small tsunami did affect the Narragansett Bay in
Rhode Island on June 13, 2013. The water level rose and fell over a
period of 20 minutes as a result of a straight line of thunderstorms out at
sea that caused the pressure over the ocean to suddenly drop.
c.
A tsunami is not likely to occur in Connecticut.
d.
Long Island is a barrier to smaller events in the Atlantic. Smaller events in
the Sound could impact Clinton but they would most likely resemble a
flood event originating from other sources. A tsunami would cause water
levels similar to a storm surge for a category 3 or 4 hurricane, which could
cause significant damage to shoreline areas (see Map 6). The Town
would need to expend considerable resources on recovery while losing
much of its tax revenue as valuable properties along the shoreline would
be lost.
There is no record of Tsunami damage to base a damage estimate on;
however, damage would likely be equal to, or greater than that caused by
a 100 year storm as suggested in the HAZUS-MH Hurricane Event Report
or HAZUS-MH Flood Event Report found in Appendices III and IV. The
flood and hurricane event reports estimate a $522.11 Million and $19.5
Million building loss, respectively. Losses from a Tsunami would likely be
somewhere between these two figures.
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Clinton, CT
e.
Warning systems would be the most effective mitigation strategy for
dealing with tsunamis.
f.
to this hazard:
An event in the Atlantic Ocean large enough that Long Island Sound is
overrun will most likely be beyond the capability of Clinton to plan or
respond upon its own. Prevention measures for flood damage in the flood
zones adjacent to the Connecticut River are likely to provide the required
mitigation for the unlikely possibility of a tsunami reaching the east coast
of the United States. A benefit cost analysis would show that the very
unlikely probability of its occurrence would not merit extensive mitigation.
Incident Notification System – Enlist public participation through public
workshops to develop methods for notification of hazard events and
emergencies.
Recovery & Reconstruction Plan – Develop a post-disaster recovery
and reconstruction plan to re-establish infrastructure and public services,
etc. damaged or destroyed by any NH event, including establishment of a
"rainy day" fund in case Federal assistance is insufficient or delayed.
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Clinton, CT
III.
MITIGATION (ELEMENTS C & D)
A.
Evaluation of Prior Plan (ELEMENT D)
1.
Changes in Development (D.1)
During the 2006-2011 timeframe covered by the previous Plan, the Town
was considering an application for over 200 homes in the less developed
northwest corner of town. Although that development has made progress
in obtaining some permits, the town has yet to see any actual
construction, and, in fact, there have been a few very small-scale
subdivisions of land during this time. This represents a significant slowing
in development as measured in “new start” construction”. The following
table summarizes by fiscal year the number of building permits issued for
new construction of residential single family houses, condominium units
and commercial buildings. Visible is the fact that after 2006 building
permits for residential construction were cut in half of prior levels. None of
the development changes in Clinton have affected the vulnerability of the
Town as a whole to natural hazards.
New Construction Permits
Year
Residential
Commercial
2006
26
5
2007
15
4
2008
12
1
2009
6
0
2010
15
2
2011
13
0
2012
13
0
Figure 29: New Construction Permits since 2006
2.
Progress in Local Mitigation Efforts (D.2)
Mitigating for natural hazards is a multidisciplinary affair. Therefore,
RiverCOG and its towns use the Plan in order to make consistent efforts
to organize the necessary regulatory, structural, organizational, and
educational efforts to achieve mitigation for each type of natural hazard.
Examples of actions proposed by each Plan include: updates to
regulations of local land use (both conservation and development), a list of
structural projects for the capital improvement plan, suggestions for
outreach materials for its citizenry and businesses to educate and protect
themselves.
The Town has made progress in implementing the action items prescribed
by the Plan. Figure 31, entitled “Comprehensive Mitigation Action Plan”,
notes the status of each.
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Clinton, CT
3.
Changes in Priorities (C.5, D.3)
In 2006, the Town set a priority for implementation of each action item in
the Plan using the STAPLEE criteria described in FEMA’s “How-to Guide
#3: Developing the Mitigation Plan” (FEMA 386-3). The Town reviewed its
progress in updating the Plan, and continues to maintain the same priority
but with quantitative rating labels (1-7, 1 being the lowest priority, 7
being the highest). The STAPLEE is incorporated as part of Figure 31.
The Town assigned the same rating system for new action items, many of
which reflect an increased concern for the long-term effects of sea level
rise. Overall, priorities have changed very little from the 2006 Plan.
Increased efforts to remove dead or dying trees near power lines should
be a high priority moving forward.
B.
Goals to Reduce or Avoid Long-term Vulnerability (C.3)
The goal of the Plan can be summarized as: the most efficient use of public
funds and resources to reduce the loss of life and property and the associated
economic impacts from natural hazards.
C.
Integration into Other Planning Mechanisms (C.6)
Although the 2006 Plan was never fully integrated into any other planning
mechanism, several action items from the 2006 plan were implemented. The
status of those items (shaded in gray) is noted in Figure 31. The Town may
choose to integrate the action items of the Plan into several mechanisms in the
future. Being that the State of Connecticut requires an update of the POCD every
ten years, when the town next updates the Plan, it may consider adding
mitigation items from this NHMP into the POCD, or adding the full NHMP to the
POCD as an addendum. As the town follows their procedure to update the
POCD, the NHMP should be thoroughly reviewed for items for inclusion.
Generally, the Town’s:
5-year Capital Improvement Plan addresses municipal improvements including:
rights-of-way, land, housing, or utilities for public purposes. Mitigation actions
from this NHMP should be included in the CIP. Larger items such as bridge and
culvert replacements and elevation of roads should be included in the next 5-year
CIP. The CIP should be reviewed often so that it can include new mitigation
action items each time the NHMP is updated. This is a good way for the town to
prioritize mitigation items.
Plan of Conservation & Development references the Plan as an appendix
guiding other boards / commissions in promoting programs including: outreach,
stewardship, and services. The POCD update, currently in process, should take
into consideration items from this NHMP. The POCD could encourage
prioritization of purchasing land in flood hazard zones in order to allow for more
open space in these areas, and prioritizing road construction projects in order to
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Clinton, CT
lower the risk of flooding by raising roads and replacing inadequate bridges and
culverts.
Administrative Departments take on the implementation of the need for new or
updated standards including: road specifications, zoning regulations, fire/building
code, and the local flood ordinance. As these departments update and change
their standards, the NHMP should be thoroughly reviewed to insure that the
departmental standards are in line with the NHMP mitigation action items.
Regulation or Plan Status
Relative to Hazard
Mitigation
Zoning Regulations
Subdivision Regulations
Inland Wetland Regulations
Plan of Conservation and
Development
Capital Improvement Plan
Changes to Potentially
Be Made
Consider incorporating
suggested changes from
NHMP into ZR.
Incorporate suggested
changes from NHMP into SR.
Incorporate suggested
changes into IWR including
prevention of runoff near
waterways.
Consider adding NHMP as an
appendix.
Consider new projects listed in
Figure 31 of this NHMP.
Responsible Party
Planning & Zoning
Commission
Planning & Zoning
Commission
Inland Wetlands Commission
Planning & Zoning
Commission
BOS, BOF
Figure 30: Plans and Regulations to be Potentially Updated
D.
Discussion of Cost Benefit Review (C.5)
Although Clinton may implement recommendations as prioritized by the
STAPLEE method, an additional consideration is important for those
recommendations that may be funded under the FEMA mitigation grant
programs. To receive federal funding, the mitigation action must have a benefitcost ratio (BCR) that exceeds one. Calculation of the BCR is conducted using
FEMA's Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA) toolkit. The calculation may be complex,
varying with the mitigation action of interest, and is dependent on detailed
information such as property value appraisals, design and construction costs for
structural projects, and tabulations of previous damages or NFIP claims.
Although it is beyond the scope of this plan to develop precise BCRs for each
recommendation, a cost estimate and possible funding source for each mitigation
action item is included in Figure 31. When pursuing grants for selected projects,
this information can be used to help select the projects that have the greatest
chance of successfully navigating through the application review process. In
many cases, benefit to the community may outweigh financial costs, and
therefore priority may be increased.
Action Items for which federal funding may be applied are denoted by an “M” in
the left-hand most column of Figure 31.
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Clinton, CT
E.
Comprehensive Town-Specific Mitigation Action Items (C.4)
Figure 31 below, describes and details the entire Mitigation Action Item List for
the Town of Clinton. A schedule is listed for each action item determining when
the Town plans to carry out the project. Items that are shaded grey are items
carried over from the 2006 Plan; other items are new to this 2013 Plan. Each
Mitigation Action Item status is noted.
A column has been dedicated to a Benefit Cost Review, which considers the cost
to the municipality and the Public. Costs are rated as Minimal, Up to $100,000,
and Over $100,000.
In addition, each item has a Responsible Party listed. It should be noted that for
each item which has more than one Party noted, the first party is the primary
responsible party.
The columns marked “Status” includes the current status of each Mitigation
Action Item. Action items that were included in the 2006 Plan are shaded grey,
while all other items are new to this 2014 Plan Update. Items that are new are
marked as such, other items that may be partially implemented or are otherwise
in process describe their status.
A time line for completion or occurrence of each mitigation action item is included
and is specified as Daily, Monthly, Annually, 2014-2016, 2017 - 2019. It should
be noted that items with a schedule of Daily are those that are items used on a
day-to-day basis, such as Best Management Practices. These are items that the
Town currently implements, and the status for each of these items reflects that. If
resources become available, the schedule for these future projects could change.
The individual town review was important for the development of goals and
objectives within Clinton. After the supporting tasks were compiled, town
personnel evaluated each task using the STAPLEE criteria described in FEMA’s
“How-to Guide #3: Developing the Mitigation Plan” (FEMA 386-3. The evaluation
yielded priority ratings based on the following: High (if the task met 6-7 of the
STAPLEE criteria), Medium (if the task met 4-5 of the STAPLEE criteria, Low (if
the task met 2-3 of the STAPLEE criteria), and Very Low (if the task met 1 of the
STAPLEE criteria). The STAPLEE method was used for the 2006 Plan as well;
however, each item has been reviewed again, and a new STAPLEE total has
been given to all items (including those from the 2006 Plan) for this Plan update.
With a significant change in the Town budget after the 2008 financial crisis, it was
decided that all projects need to be reprioritized to better reflect 2014 conditions.
94
Clinton, CT
Schedule
Weighted STAPLEE Criteria
A. Daily
Costs (0)/ Benefits (1)
Cost3
Possible
Funding
Source**1
Political
Legal
Economic
Environmental
STAPLEE Total
IWC, PZC
Status
Administrative
X
C. Annually
Technical
Responsible
Party *1,2
Social
Tsunami
Sea Level Rise
Hurricane
Earthquake
B. Monthly
Winter Storm
Drought and Wildfire
High Wind and Tornado
Figure 31: Comprehensive Mitigation Action Items
Flooding
Natural Hazards
Complete
Complete
$
OP
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
C
BCA is completed for
each project using public
funds.
$
OP
1
1
0
1
0
0
1
4
$
OP
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
D. 2014-2016
E. 2017-2019
Local Plans and Regulations
Amend Flood Ordinance. Consider adding a “freeboard” – an additional
height above the flood level – to add a greater margin of safety. In the case
of nonresidential structures, the insurance rates do not go down until a
structure is flood proofed at least one (1) foot above the BFE.
Benefit-Cost Analysis. Evaluate opportunities for public funding of
mitigation projects on private property where public benefits exceed the cost
for RL properties or for properties otherwise eligible for buy-out.
M
X
X
X
X X X X X X X X
BOF, BOS
Best Management Practices. Continue to use best management practices
(BMPs) as described in the Connecticut DEEP Storm water Management
Guidelines on a site-by-site basic as advised by a professional engineer.
X X X X X X X X
BOS, PW,
LUO, BO
A
BMP is currently used
and will continue to be
used.
Business Recovery Plan. Develop business recovery plan cooperatively
with other region towns and distribute to town businesses.
X X X X X X X X
BOS
D
No Plan exists to date.
$$
OP
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
X X X X X X X X
BOF, BOS,
PW
C
CIP can be used as
match for projects
applied for through
HMGP.
$
CIP, OP
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
3
CC
D
In initial stages.
$$
CIP, OP
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
6
PZC, BOS
D
New
$
CIP,
DEMHS, OP
1
1
0
0
0
1
1
4
Capital Improvement Program. Use Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
to set aside funds for infrastructure improvements to reduce loss of life and
property during natural hazard (NH) events.
Conservation Planning. Educate the public about how the Town uses
planning, regulation, and ordinances to mitigate NHs via LID, aquifer
recharge, riparian buffer, rain gardens, open burning ordinances, house
numbering, etc.
Cooperative Agreements for Shelters. Develop supporting
documentation and encourage the Board of Selectmen to establish
agreements for shelters that can provide specialized services, throughout
the region. Shelters with the capacity to provide for companion pets and
medical equipment needs for individuals with disabilities are two examples
M
of such specializations. Support changes in the laws that require every town
to provide facilities capable of serving the most severe of handicapped
individuals such that towns could pool their resources to better serve these
individuals and their families by giving them the option to go to a regional
shelter better equipped to handle theirs, and their family’s, needs.
X
X X
X X X
X X X X X X
X
95
Clinton, CT
Design Standards. Continue to implement State Building/Fire Code and
local Flood Code for construction that minimizes loss of life and property
damage due to NHs. Develop guidelines for HDC and ARB to retrofit
existing structures in a manner that is respectful to significant or contributing
structures and to overall neighborhood preservation.
X X X X X X
X
BO
Immobile Evacuees. Review annually the program to evacuate persons
without means of transport, including registration and house numbering.
X X X X X X
X
Flood Zone Study. Update flood zone study for the town to incorporate
M changed conditions upland and within the floodplain, and an expected sea
level rise over the next twenty years.
X
Forest Management Plan. Hire a consulting forester to establish a forest
management plan to enable ability of firefighters to access forest fires
during periods of drought.
Grants. Identify and apply for grants to fund infrastructure improvements
and other mitigation tasks identified in this plan.
X X
X
X X X X X X X X
D
Updated Flood Hazard
Zone Regulations in
2013.
$
CIP, OP
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
EMD
C
New
$
CIP, OP
1
1
1
0
0
1
1
5
LUO, IWC
D
Updated 2013, new
FIRM adopted.
$
HMPG,PDM
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
PZC, CC
D
New
$$
CIP, OP
1
0
0
1
1
0
1
4
BOF, BOS,
LUO
C
Grants are applied for
on as-needed basis.
$
OP
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
$
OP
1
1
1
0
0
1
1
5
Land Use Regulation. Strengthen as appropriate, subdivision and zoning
regulations to make safer new roads and lots within flood zones.
X X X X X X X X
LUO, PZC
A
Zoning and Subdivision
Regulations
incorporated the 2005
State construction and
development standards.
Landlord Incentives. Research what kind of incentives would motivate
land owners to make the additional investment that would reduce potential
damages to their properties and loss of life of their tenants.
X X X X X X X X
BOS, LUO
D
New
$
OP
0
1
0
0
0
1
1
3
X
X X X
BOS, PZC
E
New
$$
OP
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
5
X X X X X X X X
BOS, EMD
D
New
$
OP
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
A
Low Impact
Development Criteria in
preliminary stage by
Inland Wetlands
Commission.
$
CIP, OP
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
C
Owners are encouraged
to protect their own
property. Information is
available online.
$
OP
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
6
Local Sea Level Rise Study Committee. BOS should establish an ad-hoc
committee to research medium and long-range impacts to coastal areas
M
from SLR, to investigate possible mitigation actions and to assess legal,
financial and policy implications.
Local Social Resources. Identify local resources to assist with those
populations (i.e. elderly, disabled, non-English speakers, who may frequent,
reside, or work) in Clinton. Seek grants to provide funding for developing
more detailed data to assist in the social – demographic analysis of how
Clinton will be affected by natural hazards.
No New net runoff from development. Require all new development to be
built using techniques to eliminate additional run-off.
Owner Participation. Promote owner participation in mitigation efforts to
protect their own properties.
X
X
X X
X
X X X X X X X X
PZC, IWC,
LUO
LUO, BOS
96
Clinton, CT
D
New open Space Plan
developed in August,
2013.
$
HMPG,
PDM, CIP
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
PZC, BOE
D
New
$$
CIP, OP
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
2
Assessor,
PZC
D
New
$
OP
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
6
X X X X X X X X
LUO
D
New
$
OP
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
6
Private Property Funds. Evaluate opportunities for public funding for
projects on private property where the benefits exceed the costs.
X X X X X X X X
BOS, BOF,
LUO
C
No projects as of now.
$$
HMPG,
FMA,
RFC,SRL
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
Public Transit Funding. Support regional transportation system (RTD) to
facilitate movement of people without means of transportation prior to NH
events.
X X X X X X X X
BOF, BOS
C
9TT is supported and
has a fixed route along
Route 1 in Clinton.
$$
CIP
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
X X X X X X X X
LUO, PZC
D
New
$$
CIP, HMPG
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
LUO
E
New
$$
OP, Grants
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
6
Possible Open Space Criteria. The Conservation Commission should
consider making possible inundation by future sea level rises to its
considerations for preserving open space
X
Post Disaster School Arrangements. Establish reciprocal arrangements
with other school districts for getting students back into classes during
extended recovery periods.
X X X X X X
Potential Financial Impact of Recent Storm. Provide a reference point;
ask the Tax Assessor if she can provide a figure for the lost property value
resulting from Tropical Storm Irene and the potential lost tax revenue if the
structures are not restored before the next taxing period.
X X X X X X
Potential Financial Impact of Probable Events. Estimate the municipal
tax revenue that could potentially be lost in various events to provide the
Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance with an idea of how large a “rainy
day” fund might be necessary to cover that post disaster period when there
would be minimal income and maximum output of public funds at all levels
of government.
Recovery & Reconstruction Plan. Develop a post-disaster recovery and
reconstruction plan to re-establish infrastructure and public services, etc.
M
damaged or destroyed by any NH event, including establishment of a "rainy
day" fund in case Federal assistance is insufficient or delayed.
X
X X X
Sea Level Rise Study. Work with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), DEEP,
M educational institutions, and state federal agencies to study impacts of sea
level rise on (SLR) coastal flooding in Clinton.
PZC, LUO
X
X
X
Regulations. Strengthen existing subdivision regulations to either optimally
prevent road or house construction within the floodplain, or alternatively
raise structures above BFE.
X X X X X X X X
IWC, PZC,
LUO
D
Complete
$
CIP, OP
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
Zoning Map Audit. The Town should conduct a comprehensive audit of
the zoning map to considering what changes might be advisable so that the
free market investing is not misguided back towards areas that are at high
risk from natural disasters.
X X X X X X X X
PZC, LUO
C
New
$$
CIP, OP
0
1
1
0
1
1
1
5
Structure and Infrastructure Projects
M
Caches. Consider creating stores of emergency supplies in areas of town
that will be cut off during major flooding events.
X
X
X X X
PW, BOS
C
New
$$
CIP,HMPG
1
0
0
1
1
1
1
5
M
Construction Standards. Ensure that flood proof construction standards
for roads and structures within the flood plain are strictly enforced.
X
X
X
BO, ZEO
D
Standards are enforced
for new construction.
$
CIP, OP
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
X
97
Clinton, CT
Critical Facilities. Upgrade as necessary all facility mechanicals, such as
M generators, in municipal and other critical facilities along with small portable
generators for use of wells.
X X X X X X X X
PW, BOS,
BOF
C
New
$$$
PDM,HMPG,
CIP
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
6
M Data for Plans. Use GIS database to develop better mitigation plans.
X X X X X X X X
BOF, LUO
D
New
$$
OP
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
5
X X X X X X X X
PW, BOS
C
New
$$
PDM,HMPG,
CIP
1
0
0
1
0
0
1
3
LUO, BO,
FD, FM,
PZC
A
Water storage tanks are
currently required.
$$
CIP
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
M
Drinking Water Cache. Install drinking water tanks with a supply of bleach
for private well water purification. (Batteries?)
M
Dry Hydrants. Continue to require dry hydrants or fire ponds in new
developments where water supply is inadequate.
X
Electronic Records Preservation. Design databases for records keeping.
M Create a back-up of existing electronic records, including geographic
information system (GIS) data.
X X
Engineering Reports. Implement strategic enforcement actions to include
M engineering reports for structural expansion or alterations on properties
within the 1% annual chance flood zone.
X
X X
X
BOS, BOF
D
Files are uploaded as
needed.
$$
CIP, HMPG
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
X
X
BO, LUO,
ZEO
D
New
$$
OP
1
0
0
1
0
0
1
3
X X X X X X X X
BOS, PW
D
New
$$
OP
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
6
Fire Dept.
D
New
$$$
OP
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
6
X X X X X
EMD, BOS
E
New
$$$
HMGP, OP
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
4
X X X X X X X X
BOS, BOF,
LUO
D
Need to create a GIS
database.
$$
OP
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
5
Municipal Buildings Capable of being Shelters. Future investment in
municipal structures should include funding for new construction or
M
renovation that will assure the structure is compliant with the standards for
use as a shelter, to the extent possible.
X X X X X X
BOS, BOF,
BO
E
New
$$$
HMPG,PDM,
CIP
1
0
0
1
1
0
1
4
Oblique Imagery. Over the next five (5) years obtain oblique imagery in
order to allow for assessment of such factors as extent of fire damage,
M
compliance with building standards, identification of shoreline hardening and
shoreline erosion and accretion.
X X X X X X X X
LUO
D
New
$$
OP
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
5
Off-street parking. Construct public parking lots to deter on-street parking
M that hinders emergency access and evacuation in high-density
neighborhoods or high-intensity areas.
X X X X X X
BOF, BOS,
PW, PZC
E
New
$$$
OP
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
3
M
M
M
M
Evacuation Routes. Identify and sign evacuation routes throughout town in
order to aid public in evacuating. Evacuation routes should follow roads
which will not flood during storms. Upgrade current evacuation routes for
adequacy.
Firefighting Infrastructure Analysis. Evaluate existing firefighting
infrastructure to identify needs for improvement to cover gaps in availability.
Flood Proofing of Emergency Evacuation Vehicles. All vehicles used for
emergencies or evacuations should be retrofitted to be waterproof to a
certain depth. Personnel should be trained on that depth to minimize
inoperability.
GIS Database. Establish a comprehensive GIS database to better identify
and assess areas, structures and populations potentially affected by natural
disasters. These data will provide the town with information necessary to
assess natural hazard risks and develop plans to mitigate risks to people
and property.
X
X
X
X
X
98
Clinton, CT
Paper Records Preservation. Convert all paper records maintained by the
municipality to an electronic format, consistent with any State
M
recommendations, to ensure their survival. Establish protocols for practices
going-forward.
X X
X X
X
BOS, BOF
D
Town is currently
digitizing paper
documents in stages,
approximately 30%
complete.
$$
OP
1
1
0
1
1
0
1
5
M
Pool. Construct a public pool to enhance ability to swim of both emergency
responders and residents.
X
X X X
BOF, BOS
E
New
$$$
HMPG, CIP
1
0
1
1
0
0
1
4
M
Promote Self Inspection. Develop a list of techniques for homeowner selfinspection especially for those located in coastal areas.
X X X X X X X X
BOS, LUO,
BO
A
New
$
OP
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
M
Public Works Garage & Transfer Station Generator. Install a generator
for back-up power.
PW, BOF,
BOS
Complete
Generator has been
installed at PW garage.
$$$
HMPG, CIP
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
E
New
$$$
OP
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
5
$
HMGP,
FMA, RLP,
SRL
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
3
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
5
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
5
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
5
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
5
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
5
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
5
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
5
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
5
X
X
X
X
X
Risk Reduction. Develop a strategy and funding program to elevate or
M relocate structures of flood-prone properties or acquire RL properties that
request a "buy-out".
X X X X X X X X
LUO
RL and SRL Properties. Encourage property owners of repetitive loss and
several repetitive loss properties to obtain assistance for hazard mitigation
M
funding from DEEP/FEMA for elevation of structures and repairs where
applicable.
X X X X X X X X
LUO
D
Assistance is available
for those wanting it.
X
X X X X X
PW
E
New
$$$
Road Reconstruction. Develop a priority list for road reconstruction and
M elevation for routes which experience frequent flooding or are integral to
evacuation. See Map 7 for some of these locations.
X
X X X X X
PW
E
Priority list not yet
developed.
$$$
Upgrade Culvert. Evaluate and reconstruct Route 1 east of Beach Park
Road to meet 100 year storm standards.
X
X
X X X
PW
E
New
$$$
Upgrade Culvert. Evaluate and reconstruct Route 145 near the railroad
M crossing and near the Westbrook Town Line to meet 100 year storm
standards.
X
X
X X X
PW
E
New
$$$
M
M
Road Evaluation. Evaluate to develop plans, and improve for emergency
access and evacuation.
M
Elevate Road and Bridge. Evaluate and Elevate the roadway and bridge
on Carter Hill Road at the Menunketesuck River.
X
X
X X X
PW
E
New
$$$
M
Elevate Road. Evaluate and reconstruct Beach Park Road in several spots
to be above Base Flood Elevation (BFE).
X
X
X X X
PW
E
New
$$$
M
Elevate Road. Evaluate and reconstruct Causeway in several spots to be
above Base Flood Elevation (BFE).
X
X
X X X
PW
E
New
$$$
M
Elevate Road. Evaluate and reconstruct Route 1 (Boston Post Road) in
several spots to be above Base Flood Elevation (BFE).
X
X
X X X
PW
E
New
$$$
CIP,OP,
STIP, TIP,
RTP
HMPG,
FMA, CIP,
STIP, TIP,
RTP
HMPG,
FMA, CIP,
STIP, TIP,
RTP
HMPG,
FMA, CIP,
STIP, TIP,
RTP
HMPG,
FMA, CIP,
STIP, TIP,
RTP
HMPG,
FMA, CIP,
STIP, TIP,
RTP
HMPG,
FMA, CIP,
STIP, TIP,
RTP
HMPG,
FMA, CIP,
STIP, TIP,
RTP
99
Clinton, CT
$$$
HMPG,
FMA, CIP,
STIP, TIP,
RTP
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
5
New
$$$
PDM, CIP
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
3
New
$
HMPG, PDM
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
$$
HMPG,
FMA, CIP
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
6
$$
CIP
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
$$
OP
1
0
0
1
1
0
1
4
Elevate Road. Evaluate and reconstruct Nod Road in several spots to be
M
above Base Flood Elevation (BFE).
X
X
X X X
PW
E
New
Safer Location of Town Buildings. Future municipal structures should be
M located outside of known hazardous locations such as floodplains, to the
extent possible.
X
X
X X X
BOF, BOS
E
BOS
C
M
Schools. Visit schools and educate children about the risks of floods,
hurricanes, and other natural hazards and how to prepare for them.
X X X X X X X X
M
Storm water Infrastructure Inventory. Implement mapping and monitoring
of catch basins, storm water outfalls and related infrastructure.
X
X
X
X
PW
D
M
Storm water Infrastructure Maintenance. Provide for annual maintenance
of storm water infrastructure, including detention basins.
X
X
X
X
PW
C
Structural Reports. Continue to require structural engineering reports for
expansion or alteration of buildings within the V zone. Evaluate benefits of
M
requiring structural engineering reports for expansion or alteration of
buildings within other zones.
Telecommunication Tower Generators (Private). Evaluate whether
M
generators are needed for back-up power at telecommunications facilities.
M
Catch basins are
mapped, but map need
updating to include new
catch basins and plunge
pools within last 10
years.
Catch basins are cleaned
on a schedule. The Town
uses a contractor for
cleaning.
ZEO
A
Required by Zoning
Regulations within the
Flood Hazard Area.
X
Private
D
New
$$
OP
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
X
PW
D
New
$$
CIP, OP
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
6
BOS, BOF,
LUO
E
New subdivisions are
required to place
utilities underground.
$
HMPG,PDM,
CIP
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
BO
A
Currently required by
State Building Code.
$
OP
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
6
X X X X X X X X
BOS, BOF,
LUO
E
New
$$
HMGP, OP
0
1
0
0
1
0
1
3
X
X
X
X
BOS, LUO,
ZEO
D
Owners are encouraged
to do so.
$
HMPG,
PDM, RFC,
SRL
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
6
X
X
X
X
PZC, EMD
D
New
$$
OP
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
6
X X
X
X X X
X
X
X
X
Tree Management Program. Develop a program to reduce potential for
power loss due to downed trees and limbs landing on wires.
Underground Utilities. Continue to require underground utilities for new
M development; require retrofitting during redevelopment of existing sites to
bury utilities where appropriate to mitigate NHs.
Wind Code Compliance. Consider establishing a policy that all building
M permit applicants be encouraged to construct their projects to meet 110 mile
per hour wind resistance standard, whenever possible.
X X X X X
X
Natural Systems Protection
Assist Property Owners with Buyouts. Develop strategy and program for
flood prone property owners who request a buyout.
Below Base Flood Elevation Funding. Encourage property owners whose
M homes are below BFE to obtain assistance from DEEP and FEMA to
acquire hazard mitigation funds to elevate structures where appropriate.
Boats. Identify places where people could store their boats during flooding
and hurricane events that would reduce the damage to them and that they
M cause to the waterfront infrastructure when they break from moorings.
Contact boat marinas to ascertain how many boats might need to be
removed from docks and moorings.
M
100
Clinton, CT
Dam Inventory. Update inventory of dams and assess downstream risks
M
due to catastrophic failure. Include State, Town, and Privately owned dams.
M
Dune Restoration. Implement dune restoration and marshland protection
techniques for flood storage and surge protection.
M
Drought Study. Conduct town-wide study of ground- and surface water
capacity as it relates to planning for droughts.
FIRMs. Work with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to
M incorporate updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) into town’s
planning, outreach and mitigation actions.
M
Flood Enforcement. Enforce through existing zoning, building and flood
permitting processes, construction standards to minimize flood risks.
Land Acquisition. Advance an assertive land acquisition plan to preserve
vacant land subject to NHs.
Park Maintainer. Fund a dedicated Park Maintainer to act as steward of
public open spaces, including parks, forests, drainage basins, conservation
easements, coastal access points, and forests, and to mitigate NHs at
Town-owned properties.
Risk Assessment. Use GIS to conduct NH risk assessments that identify
M
potentially affected areas and depicts evacuation routes.
Storm water Management. Continue to use best management practices
M (BMPs) as described in the Connecticut DEEP Storm water Management
Guidelines on a site-by-site basis as advised by a professional engineer.
Street Tree Program. Implement a tree hazard management program to
M encourage appropriate planting practices to minimize future storm damage
to buildings, utilities and streets.
M
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
LUO, BOS
D
Dams are not
inventoried by Town at
present.
PW, BOF,
BOS
E
New
$$$
FMA,HMPG
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
2
LUO
D
New
$$
HMPG
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
5
$$
HMPG
1
0
0
1
1
0
1
4
X
X
X
X
LUO, PZC
D
New FIRMS and were
adopted in 2013
$
CIP
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
X
X
X
X
IWC, PZC,
LUO
A
Regulation was revised
in 2013
$
OP
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
X
X X
X X X
BOS, BOF,
CC
D
New
$$$
FMA, RFC,
SRL
0
0
0
1
1
0
1
3
X X X X X X
X
CC, BOF,
BOS
D
New
$$
OP
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
6
X X X X X X
X
LUO
D
New
$$
OP
1
0
0
1
1
1
1
5
X
X
PW
D
BMPs are currently
used.
$
OP
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
PW
E
New
$$
OP
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
6
X X X X X X X X
BOS, LUO
C
New
$$
OP
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
6
X X X X X X X X
BOS, LUO
C
New
$
HMPG, PDM
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
6
BOF, BOS
C
New
$$
HMPG, PDM
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
LUO
C
New
$$
HMPG, PDM
0
1
1
1
0
1
1
5
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
6
1
1
0
1
1
0
1
5
X
X
X
X
X
Education and Awareness Programs
Assist Beach Associations. Review mitigation goals and objectives with
M beach associations at the beginning of each season. Encourage the
association's help to educate homeowners.
Circulate Existing Literature. Access existing literature prepared by
M regional groups and the chamber of commerce and FEMA and display for
public distribution in the Town Hall and Library.
Drought Education. Coordinate with Connecticut Water Company on
M
public education and public service announcements during droughts.
Educate About Risk Where People Live. Educate residents at high risk
M due to demographic or social attributes about the risk(s) relative to the areas
that they populate.
Evacuation Route Awareness. Develop public awareness programs to
M inform public of best evacuation routes throughout town in order to keep
them away from flooded roads.
M
Hotline. Publicize emergency "hotline" phone number or website for public
information and volunteer support.
X
X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X
X
X X X X X X X X
LUO, PW
D
New
$$
HMPG,
FMA, CIP,
STIP, TIP,
RTP
BOS
D
New
$$
HMPG, PDM
101
Clinton, CT
Incident Notification System. Enlist public participation through public
M workshops to develop methods for notification of hazard events and
emergencies.
X X X X X X
X
BOS
D
New
$$
OP
1
0
0
1
1
1
1
5
Interpretation in Shelters. Request information regarding the need for
providing non-English language speakers during natural disasters from the
M
Clinton School administration; and coordinate a shared service for nonemergency and emergency operations.
X X X X X X
X
EMD
D
New
$$
OP
1
0
0
1
1
1
1
5
M
Natural Hazard Training. Continue to train and educate emergency
responders about mitigating NHs.
X X X X X X X X
LUO
C
Some training takes
place every year.
$$
HMPG, PDM
1
0
0
1
1
0
1
4
M
Outreach. Promote owner participation in mitigation efforts to protect their
property.
X X X X X X X X
LUO
C
New
$
HMPG, PDM
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
6
M
Pet Sheltering. Distribute hurricane preparedness information including pet
sheltering plans.
X X X X X X
LUO, PZC
C
New
$
HMPG, PDM
1
0
0
1
1
1
1
5
X
Preparedness Webpage. Keep up-to-date Town website with NH
M preparedness information, including hazard areas, evacuation routes
deemed appropriate per NH event and locations of shelters.
X X X X X X X X
EMD
D
New
$
OP
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
6
Proactive Pamphlets. Provide pamphlets and refer to web-based
information for property owners for hazards listed in this document to show
options for obtaining additional insurance, structural alterations to protect
M
against various hazard damage, and emergency procedures for families
during a hazard. Include information for contractors and homeowners on the
risks of building in hazard prone areas.
X X X X X X X X
LUO
C
New
$
HMPG, PDM
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
6
M
Recovery Webpage. Post on Town website information about recovery
assistance following NH events.
X X X X X X
X
BOS
C
New
$$
HMPG, PDM
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
M
Refuges of Last Resort. Identify refuges of last resort for those unable to
reach designated shelter.
X X X X X X
X
EMD, PZC,
BOS
D
New
$$
OP
1
0
0
0
1
1
1
4
X X X X X X X X
BOS, LUO
D
New
$$
OP
1
1
1
0
0
1
1
5
Social –Demographic Impacts. Seek grants to provide funding for
M developing more detailed data to assist in the social – demographic analysis
of how Clinton will be affected by natural hazards.
M
Tennant Notification. Develop a mechanism for tenants to register for
disaster notification.
Webpage. Update town webpage with the section on Hazard Preparedness
for the public. Include maps of evacuation route, storm surge areas, and
M shelters. Include options for mitigation for residential structures and
business recovery and provide links to FEMA, NOAA, State OEM and
RiverCOG websites for additional information.
Information. Publish materials on additional hazards and encourage
M
additional insurance.
Neighborhood Mitigation. Engage neighborhood associations annually to
M
participate in implementing the NH Mitigation Plan.
Public Participation. Enlist public participation through public workshops to
develop methods for notification of emergencies.
Wildfire Education. Educate the public about potential hazard of wildfire
M caused by campfires or open burning. Develop a warning system for when
risks are high.
M
X X X X X X
X
LUO
C
New
$$
HMPG, PDM
1
0
0
1
1
1
1
5
X X X X X X
X
BOS
C
New
$$
HMPG, PDM
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
X X X X X X X X
BOS, LUO
C
New
$$
OP
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
6
X X X X X X X X
BOS
D
New
$
OP
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
6
X X X X X X X X
PZC
C
New
$
OP
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
6
FD
C
DEEP is responsible for
issuing fire warnings.
$
HMPG, PDM
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
6
X
102
Clinton, CT
Definitions and Notes from Figure 31 Above:
Notes:
1:
Definitions of Responsibilities and Funding Sources are as Follows
*Responsible Party Code
BO
BOE
BOF
BOS
EMD
LUO
P&Z
PW
ZEO
= Building Official
= Board of Education
= Board of Finance
= Board of Selectman
= Emergency Management Director
= Land Use Office
= Planning & Zoning Commission
= Public Works
= Zoning Enforcement Officer
**Funding Source Code
CIP
= Capital Improvement Plan
FMA = Flood Mitigation Assistance
HMGP = Hazard Mitigation Program Grant
OP
= Other Program
PDM
= Pre-Disaster Mitigation
RFC
= Repetitive Flood Claim
RTP
= Regional Transportation Program
SRL
= Sever Repetitive Loss
STIP
= State Transportation Improvement Program
2:
Many Action Items have more than one Responsible party listed. For those
items, the party listed first will be the primary contact.
3:
Cost Benefit Review Definitions are as follows:
$ = Minimal; Staff time of current employees, printing/copying costs, etc.
$$ = Up to $50,000
$$$ = Over $50,000
103
Clinton, CT
Appendix I: Sources of Information (A.4)
Books and Articles:
A New England Tropical Cyclone Climatology 1938-2000, Abstract, Marc, Mailhot, EMA
Storm Coordinator Center, Westbrook, ME
Best Practices;:Disaster Mitigation Working in Massachusetts; High Marks for Buildings
Higher: Hull’s Freeboard Incentive Program; Get ‘em Up: Situate’s Grant Committee
Gets Homes in the Air; New Culvert Works: No Flooding at East Street; and New
Drainage System Averts Flooding in Melrose; FEMA Region 1 Mitigation Division as
part of DR-1985-MA, June and July 2010
Climate of Connecticut, Joseph Brumbach, State Geological and Natural History Survey
of Connecticut, 1965
Landslide Tsunami, Steven Ward, Journal of Geophysical Research, Vol. 106, No. 6,
Pages 11, 201,-11,125, June 10, 2001
Mitigation…In Massachusetts, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal
Emergency Management Agency produced in cooperation with the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, circa 2011
Movable Shore, Peter C. Patton, and James M. Kent, Sponsored by the National
Audubon Society and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, 1992
Primer on Natural Hazard Management in Integrated Regional Development Planning,
Department of Regional Development and Environment Executive Secretariat for
Economic and Social Affairs, Organization of American States, With support from the
Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance United States Agency for International
Development, Washington, D.C., 1991
Realizing the Risk, L.R. Johnston Associates, Westport, CT, 1983, Natural Resources
Center
Significant Tornadoes 1680–1991, Thomas Grazulis, Environmental Films. September
1993.
Soil Survey of Middlesex County, USDA, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station,
1979
Suboceanic Landslides, Steven N. Ward and Simon Day, 2002 Yearbook of Science
and Technology, McGraw Hill
The Face of Connecticut, People, Geology, and the Land, Bulletin 110, State Geological
and Natural History Survey of Connecticut, Michael Bell, 1985, reprint, 1997
Appendix I
Sources of Information
104
Clinton, CT
The Ocean’s Reach, Digest of a Workshop on Identifying Coastal Flood Hazard Areas
and Associate Risk Zones, New England River Basins Commission, February 1976
Tidal Marshes of Long Island Sound, Ecology, History and Restoration, Bulletin No. 34,
The Connecticut College Arboretum, New London, CT, edited by Glenn Dreyer and
William Niering, 1995
MUNICIPAL DOCUMENTS:
Town of Clinton Subdivision Regulations, Amended to 7/1/05
Town of Clinton Zoning Regulations, Revised to 1/1/12
Town of Clinton Plan of Conservation and Development, Effective October 1, 2007
Clinton Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations, Revised to 8/1/2011
FEMA Flood Study, Clinton, CT – August, 2008
FEMA Flood Insurance Study Supplement – Wave Height Analysis, August, 2008
Building Permits, Fiscal Year 2005-2006; 2006-2007; 2007-2008; 2008-2009; 20092010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012 Prepared by the Clinton Building Department, As of
December 11, 2013
Maps:
Advanced Map Viewer, Connecticut Environmental Conditions Online (CT ECO).
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Found at: http://www.cteco.uconn.edu/advanced_viewer.htm
Flood Insurance Rate Maps, Federal Emergency Management Agency. Found at:
www.fema.gov
Web Based Sources:
CT-Clinton town, 2010 Census Interactive Population Search, http://2010.census.gov,
November 2011
City Data, for Town of Clinton: http://www.city-data.com/city/Clinton-Connecticut.html
Home Facts, for Town of Clinton:
http://www.homefacts.com/earthquakes/Connecticut/Middlesex-County/Clinton.html
Connecticut Environmental Conditions Online (CT ECO):
http://www.cteco.uconn.edu/advanced_viewer.htm
TOPO, Interactive Maps, Connecticut, Wildflower Productions, 1999
Flood Insurance Studies, Federal Emergency Management
Clinton, 1984, 2013
WXEdge.Com, by United Illuminating and WTNH Channel 8
www.wxedge.com
Appendix I
Sources of Information
105
Clinton, CT
Appendix II: Acronyms
For the sake of brevity, this Plan identifies certain terms and entities with particularly
long names by their commonly-known acronyms, as follows:
BFE:
CGS:
CLEAR:
CL&P:
CRERPA:
RiverCOG:
DEEP:
DESPP:
DOT:
DWP:
EOC:
EOP:
FEMA:
FIRM:
FIS:
FMA:
GIS:
HMA:
HMGP:
LID:
LiMWA:
MPH:
MRPA:
NFIP:
NFIRA:
NOAA:
NRCC:
PDM:
POCD:
RFC:
RLP:
SFHA:
SLOSH:
SLR:
SRL:
STAPLEE:
TNC:
USGS:
Appendix II
Base Flood Elevation
Connecticut General Statute
Center for Land Use Education and Research, University of Connecticut,
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Connecticut Light and Power
Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency
Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, Connecticut
Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
Department of Transportation
Department of Public Works
Emergency Operation Center
Emergency Operations Plan
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Flood Insurance Rate Map
Flood Insurance Study
Flood Mitigation Assistance
Geographical Information System
Hazard Mitigation Assistance
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
Low Impact Development
Limit of Moderate Wave Action
Miles per Hour
Midstate Regional Planning Agency
National Flood Insurance Program
National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Northeast Regional Climate Center
Pre-Disaster Mitigation
Plan of Conservation and Development
Repetitive Flood Claims
Repetitive Loss Property
Special Flood Hazard Area
Sea, Lake, and Overland Surges from Hurricanes
Sea Level Rise
Sever Repetitive Loss
Social, Technical, Administrative, Political, Legal, Economic, and
Environmental
The Nature Conservancy
United States Geological Survey
Acronyms
106
Clinton, CT
Appendix III: Hazus-MH: Flood Event Report
Region Name:
Clinton
Flood Scenario:
Clinton
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Print Date:
Disclaimer:
Totals only reflect data for those census tracts/blocks included in the user's study region.
The estimates of social and economic impacts contained in this report were produced using Hazus loss estimation methodology
software which is based on current scientific and engineering knowledge. There are uncertainties inherent in any loss estimation
technique. Therefore, there may be significant differences between the modeled results contained in this report and the actual social
Appendix III
107
Clinton, CT
Table of Contents
Section
Page #
General Description of the Region
109
Building Inventory
110
General Building Stock
Essential Facility Inventory
Flood Scenario Parameters
111
Building Damage
111
Essential Facilities Damage
Induced Flood Damage
111
Debris Generation
Social Impact
113
Shelter Requirements
Economic Loss
113
Building-Related Losses
113
Appendix A: County Listing for the Region
114
Appendix B: Regional Population and Building Value Data
114
Appendix III
108
Clinton, CT
Hazus is a regional multi-hazard loss estimation model that was developed by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS). The primary
purpose of Hazus is to provide a methodology and software application to develop multi-hazard losses at
a regional scale. These loss estimates would be used primarily by local, state and regional officials to
plan and stimulate efforts to reduce risks from multi-hazards and to prepare for emergency response and
recovery.
The flood loss estimates provided in this report were based on a region that included 1 county(ies) from
the following state(s):
-
Connecticut
Note:
Appendix A contains a complete listing of the counties contained in the region.
The geographical size of the region is 16 square miles and contains 218 census blocks. The region
contains over 5 thousand households and has a total population of 13,094 people (2000 Census Bureau
data). The distribution of population by State and County for the study region is provided in Appendix B.
There are an estimated 5,945 buildings in the region with a total building replacement value (excluding
contents) of 1,215 million dollars (2006 dollars). Approximately 91.86% of the buildings (and 77.36% of
the building value) are associated with residential housing.
Appendix III
109
Clinton, CT
Building Inventory
Hazus estimates that there are 5,945 buildings in the region which have an aggregate total replacement
value of 1,215 million (2006 dollars). Table 1 and Table 2 present the relative distribution of the value
with respect to the general occupancies by Study Region and Scenario respectively. Appendix B
provides a general distribution of the building value by State and County.
Table 1
Building Exposure by Occupancy Type for the Study Region
Occupancy
Exposure ($1000)
Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Agricultural
Religion
Government
Education
Total
Percent of Total
939,615
176,245
69,055
5,527
11,028
5,050
8,072
77.4%
14.5%
5.7%
0.5%
0.9%
0.4%
0.7%
1,214,592
100.00%
Table 2
Building Exposure by Occupancy Type for the Scenario
Occupancy
Exposure ($1000)
Percent of Total
Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Agricultural
864,243
169,882
67,635
5,308
76.5%
15.0%
6.0%
0.5%
Religion
Government
Education
11,028
4,877
6,031
1.0%
0.4%
0.5%
1,129,004
100.00%
Total
For essential facilities, there are no hospitals in the region with a total bed capacity of no beds. There are
4 schools, 1 fire station, 1 police station and no emergency operation centers.
Appendix III
110
Clinton, CT
Flood Scenario Parameters
Hazus used the following set of information to define the flood parameters for the flood loss estimate
provided in this report.
Study Region Name:
Clinton
Scenario Name:
Clinton
Return Period Analyzed:
100
Analysis Options Analyzed:
No What-Ifs
Building Damage
General Building Stock Damage
Hazus estimates that about 2,171 buildings will be at least moderately damaged. This is over 77% of the
total number of buildings in the scenario. There are an estimated 135 buildings that will be completely
destroyed. The definition of the ‘damage states’ is provided in Volume 1: Chapter 5.3 of the Hazus Flood
Technical Manual. Table 3 below summarizes the expected damage by general occupancy for the
buildings in the region. Table 4 summarizes the expected damage by general building type.
Table 3: Expected Building Damage by Occupancy
1-10
11-20
21-30
31-40
41-50
Substantially
Occupancy
Agriculture
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Commercial
1 3.33
21
70
5 16.7
1 3.33
2 6.67
0
0
Education
1 100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Government
0
0
1 100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Industrial
0
0
1
50
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
50
Religion
0
0
4 100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Residential
1 0.05
41 1.92
488 22.9
601 28.1
871 40.8
134 6.27
Total
3
68
493
602
873
135
Appendix III
111
Clinton, CT
Table 4: Expected Building Damage by Building Type
Building
Type
Concrete
Manuf Housing
Masonry
Steel
Wood
1-10
11-20
21-30
31-40
41-50
Substantially
0
0
0
0
1
1
1 4.76
1 0.05
2
50
0
0
8
8
13 61.9
44 2.22
0
0
0
0
18
18
3 14.3
469 23.7
0
0
0
0
20
20
1 4.76
580 29.3
2
50
0
0
53
53
2 9.52
811 40.9
0
58
0
1
76
0
100
0
4.76
3.84
Essential Facility Damage
Before the flood analyzed in this scenario, the region had 0 hospital beds available for use. On
the day of the
scenario flood event, the model estimates that 0 hospital beds are available in the region.
Table 5: Expected Damage to Essential Facilities
At Least
Classification
Fire Stations
Hospitals
Police
Stations
Schools
# Facilities
At Least
Total Moderate Substantial
Loss of
Use
1
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
4
1
1
0
0
1
1
If this report displays all zeros or is blank, two possibilities can explain this.
(1) None of your facilities were flooded. This can be checked by mapping the inventory data on the depth grid.
(2) The analysis was not run. This can be tested by checking the run box on the Analysis Menu and seeing if a message
box asks you to replace the existing results.
Appendix III
112
Clinton, CT
Induced Flood Damage
Debris Generation
Hazus estimates the amount of debris that will be generated by the flood. The model breaks debris into
three general categories: 1) Finishes (dry wall, insulation, etc.), 2) Structural (wood, brick, etc.) and 3)
Foundations (concrete slab, concrete block, rebar, etc.). This distinction is made because of the different
types of material handling equipment required to handle the debris.
Analysis has not been performed for this Scenario.
Social Impact
Hazus estimates the number of households that are expected to be displaced from their homes due to the
flood and the associated potential evacuation. Hazus also estimates those displaced people that will
require accommodations in temporary public shelters. The model estimates 1,955 households will be
displaced due to the flood. Displacement includes households evacuated from within or very near to the
inundated area. Of these, 5,274 people (out of a total population of 13,094) will seek temporary shelter in
public shelters.
Economic Loss
The total economic loss estimated for the flood is 522.11 million dollars, which represents 46.25 % of the
total replacement value of the scenario buildings.
The building losses are broken into two categories: direct building losses and business interruption
losses. The direct building losses are the estimated costs to repair or replace the damage caused to the
building and its contents. The business interruption losses are the losses associated with inability to
operate a business because of the damage sustained during the flood. Business interruption losses also
include the temporary living expenses for those people displaced from their homes because of the flood.
The total building-related losses were 519.87 million dollars. 0% of the estimated losses were related to
the business interruption of the region. The residential occupancies made up 55.10% of the total loss.
Table 6 below provides a summary of the losses associated with the building damage.
Appendix III
113
Clinton, CT
Table 6: Building-Related Economic Loss Estimates
(Millions of dollars)
Category
Area
Residential Commercial
Industrial
Others
Total
Building Loss
Building
Content
Inventory
Subtotal
Business Interruption
Income
Relocation
Rental
Income
Wage
Subtotal
Total
ALL
176.14
111.18
0
287.32
36.51
96.49
2.19
135.19
18.32
47.31
7.46
73.09
4.38
19.47
0.42
24.27
235.35
274.45
10.07
519.87
0
0.27
0.45
0.11
0.01
0.01
0.03
0.02
0.49
0.4
0.08
0.01
0.37
287.69
0.07
0.52
1.14
136.33
0
0.01
0.02
73.11
0
0.67
0.72
24.99
0.15
1.21
2.25
522.11
Connecticut
-
Middlesex
Building Value (thousands of dollars)
Population
Residential
Non-Residential
Total
Connecticut
Middlesex
13,094
939,615
274,977
1,214,592
Total
13,094
939,615
274,977
1,214,592
Total Study Region
13,094
939,615
274,977
1,214,592
Appendix III
114
Clinton, CT
Appendix IV: Hazus-MH: Hurricane Event
Report
Clinton
Region Name:
Probabilistic 100-year Return Period
Hurricane Scenario:
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Print Date:
Disclaimer:
Totals only reflect data for those census tracts/blocks included in the user's study region.
and economic losses following a specific Hurricane. These results can be improved by using enhanced inventory data.
Appendix IV
115
Clinton, CT
Table of Contents
Section
Page #
117
Building Inventory
117
Hurricane Scenario Parameters
118
Building Damage
118
Essential Facilities Damage
Induced Hurricane Damage
120
Debris Generation
Social Impact
120
Economic Loss
120
Building Losses
121
121
Appendix IV
116
Clinton, CT
Hazus is a regional multi-hazard loss estimation model that was developed by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency and the National Institute of Building Sciences. The primary purpose of Hazus is to
provide a methodology and software application to develop multi-hazard losses at a regional scale.
These loss estimates would be used primarily by local, state and regional officials to plan and stimulate
efforts to reduce risks from multi-hazards and to prepare for emergency response and recovery.
The hurricane loss estimates provided in this report are based on a region that includes 1 county(ies)
from the following state(s):
- Connecticut
Note:
The geographical size of the region is 16.57 square miles and contains 4 census tracts. There are over
5 thousand households in the region and has a total population of 13,094 people (2000 Census Bureau
data). The distribution of population by State and County is provided in Appendix B.
There are an estimated 5 thousand buildings in the region with a total building replacement value
(excluding contents) of 1,215 million dollars (2006 dollars). Approximately 92% of the buildings (and 77%
of the building value) are associated with residential housing.
Building Inventory
Hazus estimates that there are 5,945 buildings in the region which have an aggregate total replacement
value of 1,215 million (2006 dollars). Table 1 presents the relative distribution of the value with respect to
the general occupancies. Appendix B provides a general distribution of the building value by State and
County.
Table 1: Building Exposure by Occupancy Type
Occupancy
Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Agricultural
Religious
Government
Education
Total
Exposure
($1000)
Percent of
Total
939,615
176,245
69,055
5,527
11,028
5,050
8,072
1,214,592
77.40%
14.50%
5.70%
0.50%
0.90%
0.40%
0.70%
100.00%
Appendix IV
117
Clinton, CT
For essential facilities, there are no hospitals in the region with a total bed capacity of no beds. There are
4 schools, 1 fire stations, 1 police stations and no emergency operation facilities.
Hurricane Scenario
Hazus used the following set of information to define the hurricane parameters for the hurricane loss
estimate provided in this report.
Scenario Name:
Probabilistic
Type:
Probabilistic
Building Damage
General Building Stock Damage
Hazus estimates that about 126 buildings will be at least moderately damaged. This is over 2% of the
total number of buildings in the region. There are an estimated 6 buildings that will be completely
destroyed. The definition of the ‘damage states’ is provided in Volume 1: Chapter 6 of the Hazus
Hurricane technical manual. Table 2 below summarizes the expected damage by general occupancy for
the buildings in the region. Table 3 summarizes the expected damage by general building type.
Table 2: Expected Building Damage by Occupancy : 100 - year Event
Occupancy
Agriculture
Commercial
Education
Government
Industrial
Religion
Residential
None
Count
27
257
8
6
109
16
4,587
Total
5,011
Appendix IV
(%)
85.54
87.28
87.53
88.57
88.79
86.8
83.99
Minor
Count
3
30
1
1
11
2
761
808
(%)
10.69
10.06
10.2
9.56
8.96
11.17
13.93
Moderate
Count
(%)
1
2.51
7
2.38
0
2.13
0
1.8
2
1.91
0
1.89
102
1.87
113
Severe
Count
0
1
0
0
0
0
5
7
(%)
1.16
0.28
0.15
0.08
0.32
0.14
0.1
Destruction
Count
(%)
0
0.11
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.02
0
0
6
0.11
6
118
Clinton, CT
Table 3: Expected Building Damage by Building Type
Building
Type
Concrete
Masonry
MH
Steel
Wood
None
Count
23
292
170
182
4,114
(%)
Minor
Count
87.5
83.14
98.91
88.68
83.85
3
43
1
18
703
(%)
10.13
12.23
0.79
8.72
14.33
: 100 - year Event
Moderate
Count
(%)
1
15
0
5
80
Severe
Count
(%)
2.27
4.22
0.24
2.26
1.62
0
1
0
1
5
Destruction
Count
(%)
0.11
0.35
0
0.33
0.1
0
0
0
0
5
0
0.05
0.05
0
0.11
Before the hurricane, the region had no hospital beds available for use. On the day of the hurricane, the
model estimates that 0 hospital beds (0%) are available for use. After one week, none of the beds will be
in service. By 30 days, none will be operational.
# Facilities
Classification
Fire Stations
Police Stations
Schools
Total
1
1
4.00
Probability of at
Least Moderate
Damage > 50%
0
0
0
Probability of
Complete
Damage > 50%
0
0
0
Expected
Loss of Use
< 1 day
1
1
3
Induced Hurricane Damage
Appendix IV
119
Clinton, CT
Debris Generation
Hazus estimates the amount of debris that will be generated by the hurricane. The model breaks the
debris into four general categories: a) Brick/Wood, b) Reinforced Concrete/Steel, c) Eligible Tree Debris,
and d) Other Tree Debris. This distinction is made because of the different types of material handling
equipment required to handle the debris.
The model estimates that a total of 9,859 tons of debris will be generated. Of the total amount, 4,504
tons (46%) is Other Tree Debris. Of the remaining 5,355 tons, Brick/Wood comprises 39% of the total,
Reinforced Concrete/Steel comprises of 0% of the total, with the remainder being Eligible Tree Debris. If
the building debris tonnage is converted to an estimated number of truckloads, it will require 84 truckloads
(@25 tons/truck) to remove the building debris generated by the hurricane. The number of Eligible Tree
Debris truckloads will depend on how the 3,257 tons of Eligible Tree Debris are collected and processed.
The volume of tree debris generally ranges from about 4 cubic yards per ton for chipped or compacted
tree debris to about 10 cubic yards per ton for bulkier, uncompacted debris.
Social Impact
Shelter Requirement
hurricane and the number of displaced people that will require accommodations in temporary public
shelters. The model estimates 1 household to be displaced due to the hurricane. Of these, 0 people (out
of a total population of 13,094) will seek temporary shelter in public shelters.
Economic Loss
The total economic loss estimated for the hurricane is 19.5 million dollars, which represents 1.61 % of
the total replacement value of the region’s buildings.
The building related losses are broken into two categories: direct property damage losses and business
interruption losses. The direct property damage losses are the estimated costs to repair or replace the
damage caused to the building and its contents. The business interruption losses are the losses
associated with inability to operate a business because of the damage sustained during the hurricane.
Business interruption losses also include the temporary living expenses for those people displaced from
their homes because of the hurricane.
The total property damage losses were 20 million dollars. 2% of the estimated losses were related to the
business interruption of the region. By far, the largest loss was sustained by the residential occupancies
which made up over 89% of the total loss. Table 4 below provides a summary of the losses associated
with the building damage.
Appendix IV
120
Clinton, CT
(Thousands of dollars)
Category
Area
Residential Commercial
Industrial
Others
Total
Property Damage
Building
Content
Inventory
Subtotal
13,060.19
3,294
0
16,354.15
741.82
178.03
4.64
924.49
268.58
122.97
20.15
411.71
137.5
39.93
2.56
180
14,208.09
3,634.90
27.36
17,870.35
0
700.26
353.63
0
1,053.89
108.86
141.51
82.04
117.07
449.48
3.94
19.91
3.01
6.46
33.32
12.56
23.71
1.95
79.13
117.36
125.36
885.4
440.64
202.65
1,654.05
17,408.04
1,373.98
445.03
297.35
19,524.40
Business Interruption Loss
Income
Relocation
Rental
Wage
Subtotal
Total
Total
Connecticut
- Middlesex
Building Value (thousands of dollars)
Connecticut
Middlesex
Total
Study Region Total
Appendix IV
Population
Residential
Non-Residential
Total
13,094
13,094.00
939,615
939,615
274,977
274,977
1,214,592
1,214,592
13,094
939,615
274,977
1,214,592
121
Clinton, CT
Appendix V: Hazus-MH: Earthquake Event
Report
Clinton
Region Name:
Earthquake Scenario:
Clinton 100 Year Earthquake
Print Date:
March 12, 2013
Disclaimer: Totals only reflect data for those census tracts/blocks included in the user’s study region.
and economic losses following a specific earthquake. These results can be improved by using enhanced inventory, geotechnical,
and observed ground motion data.
Appendix V
HAZUS – MH Earthquake Event Report
122
Clinton, CT
Table of Contents
Section
Page #
124
Building and Lifeline Inventory
124
Building Inventory
Critical Facility Inventory
Transportation and Utility Lifeline Inventory
Earthquake Scenario Parameters
125
Direct Earthquake Damage
127
Buildings Damage
Critical Facilities Damage
Transportation and Utility Lifeline Damage
Induced Earthquake Damage
131
Fire Following Earthquake
Debris Generation
Social Impact
131
Casualties
Economic Loss
133
Building Losses
Transportation and Utility Lifeline Losses
Long-term Indirect Economic Impacts
136
136
Appendix V
123
Clinton, CT
Hazus is a regional earthquake loss estimation model that was developed by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency and the National Institute of Building Sciences. The primary purpose of Hazus is to provide a methodology
and software application to develop earthquake losses at a regional scale. These loss estimates would be used
primarily by local, state and regional officials to plan and stimulate efforts to reduce risks from earthquakes and to
prepare for emergency response and recovery.
The earthquake loss estimates provided in this report was based on a region that includes 1 county(ies) from the
following state(s):
Connecticut
Note:
The geographical size of the region is 16.56 square miles and contains 4 census tracts. There are over 5 thousand
households in the region which has a total population of 13,094 people (2002 Census Bureau data). The distribution
of population by State and County is provided in Appendix B.
There are an estimated 5 thousand buildings in the region with a total building replacement value (excluding
contents) of 1,214 (millions of dollars). Approximately 92.00 % of the buildings (and 77.00% of the building value) are
associated with residential housing.
The replacement value of the transportation and utility lifeline systems is estimated to be 264 and 0
dollars) , respectively.
(millions of
Building and Lifeline Inventory
Building Inventory
Hazus estimates that there are 5 thousand buildings in the region which have an aggregate total replacement value
of 1,214 (millions of dollars) . Appendix B provides a general distribution of the building value by State and County.
In terms of building construction types found in the region, wood frame construction makes up 83% of the building
inventory. The remaining percentage is distributed between the other general building types.
Critical Facility Inventory
Hazus breaks critical facilities into two (2) groups: essential facilities and high potential loss facilities (HPL). Essential
facilities include hospitals, medical clinics, schools, fire stations, police stations and emergency operations facilities.
High potential loss facilities include dams, levees, military installations, nuclear power plants and hazardous material
sites.
For essential facilities, there are 0 hospitals in the region with a total bed capacity of 0 beds. There are 4 schools, 1
fire stations, 1 police stations and 0 emergency operation facilities. With respect to high potential loss facilities
(HPL), there are 5 dams identified within the region. Of these, 1 of the dams are classified as ‘high hazard’. The
inventory also includes 3 hazardous material sites, 0 military installations and 0 nuclear power plants.
Transportation and Utility Lifeline Inventory
Within Hazus, the lifeline inventory is divided between transportation and utility lifeline systems. There are seven (7)
transportation systems that include highways, railways, light rail, bus, ports, ferry and airports. There are six (6) utility
systems that include potable water, wastewater, natural gas, crude & refined oil, electric power and communications.
The lifeline inventory data are provided in Tables 1 and 2. The total value of the lifeline inventory is over 264.00
(millions of dollars). This inventory includes over 28 kilometers of highways, 19 bridges, 345 kilometers of pipes.
Appendix V
124
Clinton, CT
Table 1: Transportation System Lifeline Inventory
System
Highway
Component
# Locations/
# Segments
Replacement value
19
116.80
10
128.10
Bridges
Segments
(millions of dollars)
Tunnels
0
Railways
Bridges
Facilities
0.00
244.90
Subtotal
1
0.10
0
0.00
1
5.90
Segments
Tunnels
0
Light Rail
Bridges
Facilities
0.00
6.00
Subtotal
0
0.00
1
2.70
2
9.30
0
0.00
Segments
Tunnels
11.90
Subtotal
Bus
Facilities
1
Ferry
Facilities
0
Facilities
0
Facilities
Runways
0
0
Subtotal
Total
Appendix V
0.00
0.00
Subtotal
Airport
0.00
0.00
Subtotal
Port
1.30
1.30
Subtotal
0.00
0.00
0.00
264.00
125
Clinton, CT
Table 2: Utility System Lifeline Inventory
# Locations /Replacement value
System
Component
(millions of dollars)
Segments
Potable Water
Distribution Lines
Facilities
NA
0
3.50
0.00
Pipelines
0
0.00
3.50
Subtotal
Waste Water
Distribution Lines
Facilities
NA
0
2.10
0.00
Pipelines
0
0.00
2.10
Subtotal
Natural Gas
Distribution Lines
Facilities
NA
0
1.40
0.00
Pipelines
0
0.00
1.40
Subtotal
Oil Systems
Facilities
Pipelines
0
0
0.00
0.00
0.00
Subtotal
Electrical Power
Facilities
Communication
Facilities
0
0.00
0.00
Subtotal
0
Subtotal
Total
0.00
0.00
6.90
Earthquake Scenario
Hazus uses the following set of information to define the earthquake parameters used for the earthquake loss
estimate provided in this report.
Scenario Name
Clinton 100 Year Earthquake
Type of Earthquake
Probabilistic
Fault Name
Historical Epicenter ID #
NA
NA
Probabilistic Return Period
100.00
Longitude of Epicenter
NA
Latitude of Epicenter
NA
Earthquake Magnitude
5.00
Depth (Km)
NA
Rupture Length (Km)
NA
Rupture Orientation (degrees)
NA
Attenuation Function
NA
Appendix V
126
Clinton, CT
Building Damage
Building Damage
Hazus estimates that about 0 buildings will be at least moderately damaged. This is over 0.00 % of the buildings in
the region. There are an estimated 0 buildings that will be damaged beyond repair. The definition of the ‘damage
states’ is provided in Volume 1: Chapter 5 of the Hazus technical manual. Table 3 below summarizes the expected
damage by general occupancy for the buildings in the region. Table 4 below summarizes the expected damage by
general building type.
Table 3: Expected Building Damage by Occupancy
None
Count (%)
Agriculture
Commercial
Education
Government
Industrial
Other Residential
Religion
Single Family
Total
32
295
9
7
123
840
18
4,621
5,945
0.54
4.96
0.15
0.12
2.07
14.13
0.3
77.73
Slight
Count
(%)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Moderate
Count
(%)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Extensive
Count
(%)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Complete
Count
(%)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Table 4: Expected Building Damage by Building Type (All Design Levels)
None
Count
Wood
Steel
Concrete
Precast
RM
4,918
238
53
14
94
URM
MH
415
214
5,945
Total
*Note:
RM
URM
MH
Appendix V
(%)
82.72
4
0.9
0.24
1.57
6.97
3.6
Slight
Count
(%)
Moderate
Count
(%)
Extensive
Count
(%)
Complete
Count
(%)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Reinforced Masonry
Unreinforced Masonry
Manufactured Housing
127
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Clinton, CT
Before the earthquake, the region had 0 hospital beds available for use. On the day of the earthquake, the model
estimates that only 0 hospital beds (0.00%) are available for use by patients already in the hospital and those injured
by the earthquake. After one week, 0.00% of the beds will be back in service. By 30 days, 0.00% will be operational.
# Facilities
Classification
Appendix V
Total At Least Moderate
Damage > 50%
Complete With Functionality
Damage > 50%
> 50% on day 1
Hospitals
0
0
0
0
Schools
4
0
0
4
EOCs
0
0
0
0
PoliceStations
1
0
0
1
FireStations
1
0
0
1
128
Clinton, CT
Transportation and Utility Lifeline Damage
Table 6 provides damage estimates for the transportation system.
Table 6: Expected Damage to the Transportation Systems
Number of Locations
System
Component
Locations/
With at Least
With Complete
Segments
Mod. Damage
Damage
With Functionality > 50 %
After Day 1
After Day 7
Segments
10
0
0
10
10
Bridges
19
0
0
19
19
Tunnels
0
0
0
0
0
Segments
1
0
0
1
1
Bridges
1
0
0
1
1
Tunnels
0
0
0
0
0
Facilities
0
0
0
0
0
Segments
2
0
0
2
2
Bridges
0
0
0
0
0
Tunnels
0
0
0
0
0
Facilities
1
0
0
1
1
Bus
Facilities
1
0
0
1
1
Ferry
Facilities
0
0
0
0
0
Port
Facilities
0
0
0
0
0
Airport
Facilities
0
0
0
0
0
Runways
0
0
0
0
0
Highway
Railways
Light Rail
Note: Roadway segments, railroad tracks and light rail tracks are assumed to be damaged by ground failure only. If
ground failure maps are not provided, damage estimates to these components will not be computed. Tables 7-9
provide information on the damage to the utility lifeline systems. Table 7 provides damage to the utility system
facilities. Table 8 provides estimates on the number of leaks and breaks by the pipelines of the utility systems. For
electric power and potable water, Hazus performs a simplified system performance analysis. Table 9 provides a
summary of the system performance information.
Appendix V
129
Clinton, CT
Table 7 : Expected Utility System Facility Damage
System
Total #
Potable Water
Waste Water
Natural Gas
Oil Systems
Electrical Power
Communication
# of Locations
With Complete
with Functionality > 50 %
Damage
After Day 1 After Day 7
With at Least
Moderate Damage
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Table 8 : Expected Utility System Pipeline Damage (Site Specific)
Total Pipelines
Length (kms)
Number of
Leaks
Number of
Breaks
Potable Water
173
0
0
Waste Water
104
0
0
69
0
0
0
0
0
System
Natural Gas
Oil
Table 9: Expected Potable Water and Electric Power System Performance
Total # of
Households
Potable Water
Number of Households without Service
At Day 1
At Day 3
At Day 7
At Day 30
At Day 90
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5,134
Electric Power
Appendix V
130
Clinton, CT
Induced Earthquake Damage
Fire Following Earthquake
Fires often occur after an earthquake. Because of the number of fires and the lack of water to fight the fires, they can
often burn out of control. Hazus uses a Monte Carlo simulation model to estimate the number of ignitions and the
amount of burnt area. For this scenario, the model estimates that there will be 0 ignitions that will burn about 0.00 sq.
mi 0.00 % of the region’s total area.) The model also estimates that the fires will displace about 0 people and burn
about 0 (millions of dollars) of building value.
Debris Generation
Hazus estimates the amount of debris that will be generated by the earthquake. The model breaks the debris into
two general categories: a) Brick/Wood and b) Reinforced Concrete/Steel. This distinction is made because of the
different types of material handling equipment required to handle the debris.
The model estimates that a total of 0.00 million tons of debris will be generated. Of the total amount, Brick/Wood
comprises 0.00% of the total, with the remainder being Reinforced Concrete/Steel. If the debris tonnage is converted
to an estimated number of truckloads, it will require 0 truckloads (@25 tons/truck) to remove the debris generated by
the earthquake.
Social Impact
Shelter Requirement
earthquake and the number of displaced people that will require accommodations in temporary public shelters. The
model estimates 0 households to be displaced due to the earthquake. Of these, 0 people (out of a total population of
13,094) will seek temporary shelter in public shelters.
Casualties
Hazus estimates the number of people that will be injured and killed by the earthquake. The casualties are broken
down into four (4) severity levels that describe the extent of the injuries. The levels are described as follows;
· Severity Level 1:
Injuries will require medical attention but hospitalization is not needed.
Injuries will require hospitalization but are not considered life-threatening
Injuries will require hospitalization and can become life threatening if not promptly treated.
Victims are killed by the earthquake.
The casualty estimates are provided for three (3) times of day: 2:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. These times
represent the periods of the day that different sectors of the community are at their peak occupancy loads. The 2:00
AM estimate considers that the residential occupancy load is maximum, the 2:00 PM estimate considers that the
educational, commercial and industrial sector loads are maximum and 5:00 PM represents peak commute time.
Table 10 provides a summary of the casualties estimated for this earthquake
Appendix V
131
Clinton, CT
Table 10: Casualty Estimates
Level 1
2 AM
2 PM
5 PM
Appendix V
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Commercial
0
0
0
0
Commuting
0
0
0
0
Educational
0
0
0
0
Hotels
0
0
0
0
Industrial
0
0
0
0
Other-Residential
0
0
0
0
Single Family
0
0
0
0
Total
0
0
0
0
Commercial
0
0
0
0
Commuting
0
0
0
0
Educational
0
0
0
0
Hotels
0
0
0
0
Industrial
0
0
0
0
Other-Residential
0
0
0
0
Single Family
0
0
0
0
Total
0
0
0
0
Commercial
0
0
0
0
Commuting
0
0
0
0
Educational
0
0
0
0
Hotels
0
0
0
0
Industrial
0
0
0
0
Other-Residential
0
0
0
0
Single Family
0
0
0
0
Total
0
0
0
0
132
Clinton, CT
Economic Loss
The total economic loss estimated for the earthquake is 0.00 (millions of dollars), which includes building and lifeline
related losses based on the region's available inventory. The following three sections provide more detailed
information about these losses.
The building losses are broken into two categories: direct building losses and business interruption losses. The direct
building losses are the estimated costs to repair or replace the damage caused to the building and its contents. The
business interruption losses are the losses associated with inability to operate a business because of the damage
sustained during the earthquake. Business interruption losses also include the temporary living expenses for those
people displaced from their homes because of the earthquake.
The total building-related losses were 0.00 (millions of dollars); 0 % of the estimated losses were related to the
business interruption of the region. By far, the largest loss was sustained by the residential occupancies which made
up over 0 % of the total loss. Table 11 below provides a summary of the losses associated with the building damage.
Category
Area
Single
Other
Family Residential Commercial
Industrial
Others
Total
Income Losses
Wage
Capital-Related
Rental
Relocation
Subtotal
Capital Stock Losses
Structural
Non_Structural
Content
Inventory
Subtotal
Total
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Transportation and Utility Lifeline Losses
For the transportation and utility lifeline systems, Hazus computes the direct repair cost for each component only.
There are no losses computed by Hazus for business interruption due to lifeline outages. Tables 12 & 13 provide a
detailed breakdown in the expected lifeline losses.
Hazus estimates the long-term economic impacts to the region for 15 years after the earthquake. The model
quantifies this information in terms of income and employment changes within the region. Table 14 presents the
results of the region for the given earthquake.
Table 12: Transportation System Economic Losses
Appendix V
133
Clinton, CT
Economic
Loss
Loss Ratio
(%)
128.09
116.79
0.00
244.90
$0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0
0.00
0.00
Segments
Bridges
Tunnels
Facilities
Subtotal
5.90
0.06
0.00
0
6
0.00
0.00
0.00
$0.00
0
0.00
0.00
0.00
0
Light Rail
Segments
Bridges
Tunnels
Facilities
Subtotal
9.27
0
0
2.66
11.9
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
0
0
0
0
0.01
Bus
Facilities
Subtotal
1.25
1.3
$0.00
0
0.01
Ferry
Facilities
Subtotal
0
0
$0.00
0
0
Port
Facilities
Subtotal
0
0
$0.00
0
0
Airport
Facilities
Runways
0
0
$0.00
$0.00
0
0
Subtotal
Total
0
264
0
0
System
Component
Highway
Segments
Bridges
Tunnels
Subtotal
Railways
Inventory
Value
Table 13: Utility System Economic Losses
Appendix V
134
Clinton, CT
System
Component
Potable Water
Pipelines
Facilities
Distribution
Lines
Subtotal
Inventory
Value
Economic
Loss
Loss Ratio
(%)
0.00
0.00
$0.00
$0.00
0.00
0.00
3.50
3.45
$0.00
$0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
$0.00
$0.00
0.00
0.00
2.10
2.07
$0.00
$0.00
0.00
Pipelines
Facilities
Distribution
Lines
Subtotal
0.00
0.00
$0.00
$0.00
0.00
0.00
1.40
1.38
$0.00
$0.00
0.00
Pipelines
Facilities
Subtotal
0.00
0.00
0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
0.00
0.00
Facilities
Subtotal
0.00
0.00
$0.00
$0.00
0.00
Communication Facilities
Subtotal
0.00
0.00
$0.00
$0.00
0.00
6.91
$0.00
Waste Water
Natural Gas
Oil Systems
Electrical
Power
Pipelines
Facilities
Distribution
Lines
Subtotal
Total
Table 14. Indirect Economic Impact with outside aid
(Employment as # of people and Income in millions of $)
LOSS
Appendix V
Total
%
135
Clinton, CT
Middlesex,CT
Building Value (millions of dollars)
State
County Name
Population
Residential
Non-Residential
Total
13,094
939
274
1,214
Total State
13,094
939
274
1,214
Total Region
13,094
939
274
1,21
Connecticut
Middlesex
Appendix V
136
Clinton, CT
Appendix VII – Screen Shots from Announcements of NHMP
Figure A: Announcement on Clinton Website. This meesage was also emailed to
everyone signed up to receive Town News.
Appendix VI
Screen Shots
137
Clinton, CT
Appendix VI
Screen Shots
138
Clinton, CT
Figure B: Press Release in Harbor News online.
Appendix VI
Screen Shots
139
Clinton, CT
Figure C: Link to Clinton Survey on RiverCOG website. Link to Plan exists further down on the
page.
Appendix VI
Screen Shots
140
Clinton, CT
Figure D: RiverCOG webpage with links to all draft NHMPs currently in the Region.
Appendix VI
Screen Shots
141
Clinton, CT
Figure E: Posting on the RiverCOG facebook page.The post included a link to the
RiverCOG website which would then direct viewers to both the Plan and the survey.
Appendix VI
Screen Shots
142
Clinton, CT
Appendix VI – Meeting Minutes
Appendix VII
Public Meeting Minutes
143
Clinton, CT
Appendix VII
144
Clinton, CT
Appendix VII
145
Clinton, CT
Appendix VII
146
Clinton, CT
Appendix VII
147
Clinton, CT
Appendix VII
148
Clinton, CT
Appendix VII
149
Clinton, CT
Appendix VII
150
Clinton, CT
Appendix VIII – Survey Questions and Results
Appendix VIII
Survey Questions and Responses
151
Clinton, CT
Appendix VIII
152
Clinton, CT
Appendix VIII
153
Clinton, CT
Appendix VIII
154
Clinton, CT
Appendix VIII
155
Clinton, CT
Appendix VIII
156
Clinton, CT
Appendix VIII
157
Clinton, CT
Appendix VIII
158
Clinton, CT
Appendix VIII
159
Clinton, CT
Appendix VIII
160
Clinton, CT
Appendix VIII
161
Clinton, CT
Appendix VIII
162
Clinton, CT
Appendix VIII
163
Clinton, CT
Appendix VIII
164
Clinton, CT
Appendix VIII
165
Clinton, CT
Appendix VIII
166
Clinton, CT
Appendix VIII
167
Clinton, CT
Appendix VIII
168
Clinton, CT
Appendix VIII
169
Clinton, CT
Appendix VIII
170
Clinton, CT
Appendix VIII
171
Clinton, CT
Appendix VIII
172
Clinton, CT
Appendix VIII
173
Clinton, CT
Appendix VI: Resolution to Adopt
Appendix IX
Resolution to Adopt
174

D - Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments

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