2015 Hazard Mitigation Plan

Transcription

TOWN OF BEDFORD
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Town of Bedford, New Hampshire, Town Office Building
HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
UPDATE 2015
TOWN OF BEDFORD
NEW HAMPSHIRE
HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
Update 2015
Prepared by the
Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission
438 Dubuque Street
Manchester, NH 03102
The preparation of this document has been financed in part by a
grant from the State of New Hampshire Department of Safety,
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
Acknowledgements
The Bedford Town Council would like to thank the following people for
contributing their time and effort to complete the Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan –
Update 2015:
Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2015 Committee Members
Rick Sawyer, Planning Director, Bedford Planning and Zoning Department
Karin Elmer, Planner 1, Bedford Planning and Zoning Department
Dawna Duhamel, Chief Financial Officer, Bedford School District
Scott Wiggin, Chief, Bedford Fire Department
Michael Bernard, Patrol Lieutenant, Bedford Police Department
Steve Crean, Environmental Coordinator, Bedford Dept. of Public Works
Emile Lacerte, Asst. Highway Superintendent, Bedford Dept. of Public Works
Michael McLaughlin, Engineer, Bedford Dept. of Public Works
Thanks also to:
• The New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of
Homeland Security and Emergency Management (NH HSEM),
which developed the New Hampshire Multi-Hazard Mitigation
Plan, and
• The Local Mitigation Planning Handbook prepared by FEMA,
March 2013.
Both publications served as models for this plan.
Preface
Hazard mitigation planning is a new field, spearheaded by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during the 1990s after Hurricane
Andrew caused more than $20 billion dollars in damage across several southern
states. That event resulted in 54 fatalities and the disruption of millions of lives.
Since that time many more natural disasters have caused great losses in the
United States, including Hurricane Katrina and most recently, Hurricane Sandy.
The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, developed by FEMA, was intended to help
both local governments and states prepare for, and deal with, such disasters.
While New England normally does not have hurricanes of Andrew’s magnitude,
this area does experience many types of natural disasters that cost both lives and
money.
These disasters and other natural hazards occur during all four seasons in the
Northeast: winter ice, snow, and nor’easters; spring flooding; summer
downbursts and thunderstorms; and fall hurricanes. Planning to make a
community disaster-resistant before these events occur can help save lives as well
as homes and infrastructure. FEMA has several programs designed to strengthen
the nation’s disaster resistance by reducing risks, changing conditions and
behaviors before a disaster to protect lives and prevent the loss of property.
FEMA has several programs designed to strengthen the nation’s disaster
resistance by reducing risks, changing conditions and behaviors before a disaster
to protect lives and prevent the loss of property.
FEMA has also recently updated the existing Flood Insurance Rate Maps, as
many communities had outdated maps that did not reflect the true extent of
flooding potential.
A community’s eligibility for hazard mitigation funding depends upon having
adopted a FEMA approved hazard mitigation plan and updating it at least every
five years. Mitigation measures contained within the Bedford Hazard Mitigation
Plan Update 2015 may be sufficient to receive grant funding.
It is hoped that this document will be a productive first step toward analyzing
hazards in Bedford, forecasting where potential disasters might occur, and
reducing their impact on people and the community.
Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ………………………..……………………………………..I
PREFACE……………………………………………………………..……………….II
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY…………………………………………………..…………...V
SECTION I – INTRODUCTION…………………………………………..……………..1
Natural Hazards and Their Consequences…………………………..…….…..1
What is Hazard Mitigation?..................................................................................2
Why Develop a Hazard Mitigation Plan?...........................................................2
Benefits of Hazard Mitigation…………………………………………..………2
Background: Bedford Hazard Mitigation Planning…………………..………3
Purpose……………………………………………………….……………..4
Authority……………………………………………………………………4
Scope of the Plan…………………………………………………………...4
Plan Update Methodology………………………………………………..4
Town of Bedford 2013-2014 Hazard Mitigation Committee
Members………………………………………………………….…………5
Public Outreach Process and Public Committee Meetings…………….5
Coordination with Other Agencies and Individuals……………………5
Existing Bedford Emergency Operations Plan………………………….6
State of New Hampshire Legislation Related to Master Plans………..6
Capital Improvements Plan………………………………………………6
Town of Bedford Water Resources Plan…………………………………7
Plan Development Steps…………………………………………………..8
Town of Bedford, New Hampshire……………………………………………..10
Hazard Mitigation Goals and Objectives………………………………………10
SECTION II – HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT….…11
Location, Topography Population, and Weather Conditions………….…...11
Principal Streams and Brooks…………………………………………...12
Floodplains, Flood Problems and Flood Protection Measures…...….12
Disaster Risk………………………………………………………...………….14
Vulnerability Assessment……………………………………………………..14
Current Land Development Trends in Bedford…………………………….18
National Flood Insurance Program…………………………………………..19
Natural Hazards…………………………………………………………..……22
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Flooding………………………………………………………………22
Wind…………………………………………………………………..31
Wildfire……………………………………………………………….37
Ice and Snow Events…………………………………………...……39
Earthquakes…………………………………………………………..43
Other Hazards………………………………………………………..46
Critical Facilities……………………………………………………………….50
Areas at Risk……………………………………………………………………53
SECTION III – EXISTING MITIGATION STRATEGIES AND PROPOSED
IMPROVEMENTS………………………………………………………………….60
Existing Protection Matrix………………………………………………62
Summary of Recommended Improvements………………………….68
SECTION IV – NEWLY IDENTIFIED MITIGATION STRATEGIES AND CRITICAL
EVALUATION…………………………………………………………………….76
SECTION V – PRIORITIZED IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE AND FUNDING
SOURCES………………………………………………………………………….81
Cost of Implementation…………………………………………………84
SECTION VI – ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES REGARDING ADOPTION,
EVALUATION AND MONITORING OF THE PLAN………………………………...86
APPENDIX A – COMMERCIAL ECONOMIC IMPACT AREAS IN THE TOWN OF BEDFORD
APPENDIX B – HAZARDOUS MATERIAL FACILITIES IN THE TOWN OF BEDFORD
APPENDIX C – NEW HAMPSHIRE DAM CLASSIFICATION SCHEDULE
APPENDIX D – DEFINITIONS
APPENDIX E – RESOURCES, BIBLIOGRAPHY, WEBSITES
APPENDIX F – TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR HAZARD MITIGATION
APPENDIX G – STAPLEE CRITERIA
APPENDIX H – BHMPC MEETING AGENDAS, MINUTES, AND ATTENDANCE SHEETS
APPENDIX I – DOCUMENTATION OF PLAN ADOPTIONS
APPENDIX J – PAST PRIORITIZED IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULES AND FUNDING SOURCES
APPENDIX K – TOWN OF BEDFORD WATER RESOURCES PLAN
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2015 has been developed to help
Bedford become a disaster-resistant community by taking measures to reduce
future losses from natural or man-made hazardous events before they occur. The
plan was developed by the Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee
(BHMPC), made up of community members and Town officials.
Natural hazards are addressed as follows:
A. Flooding
B. Wind
C. Wildfire
D. Ice and Snow Events
E. Earthquakes
F. Other Hazards
The Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee also identified critical facilities
and areas at risk.
Critical Facilities:
• Town Offices
• Safety Complex (Fire and
Police)
• Emergency Operations Center
• Emergency Fuel Facilities
• Back-up Electrical Generators
• Post Office
• Public Works Garage
• Emergency Shelters
• Evacuation Routes
• Bridges
• Hospitals/Ambulance
• Wireless Communication
Facilities
• Radio Towers
Areas at Risk:
• Public Water/Sewer Systems
• Dams
• Electrical Power Substations
• Highways/Roadways
• Problem Culverts
• Schools
• Day Care Centers
• Churches
• Alzheimer’s Facilities
• Elder Care Facilities
• Recreation Areas
• Historic or Unique Resources
• Solid Waste/Municipal
Recycling/Transfer Station
• Commercial Economic Impact
Areas
• Hazardous Materials Facilities
Existing Hazard Mitigation Strategies
The Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee identified existing strategies
related to hazard mitigation as follows:
• Floodplain Development District (Zoning)
• Elevation Certificates
• Wetlands Regulations
• Emergency Operations Plan
• Evacuation and Notification
• State Dam Program
• Road Design Standards (state and local)
• Shoreland Protection Act
• Best Management Practices
• Back-Up Electrical Generators
• Town Radio System
• Hazardous Materials Regulations (state and local)
• International Building Code and Local Building Code
• Wellhead Protection Program
• Comprehensive Emergency Management Planning for Schools (CEMPS)
• Steep Slopes and Class VI Roads (Land Development Control
Regulations)
• Hazmat Response
• Excavation Regulations (Land Development Control Regulations)
• Amoskeag Development Emergency Action Plan
New Mitigation Programs and Policies
The Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee identified the following new or
ongoing hazard mitigation strategies:
• Enhanced community notification program.
• Continue to encourage proper identification with house numbering for
emergency services.
• Continue to participate in the Southern New Hampshire Regional
Community Preparedness Program (SNHRCPP).
• Seek generators for strategic traffic light intersections. Develop a list of
priority intersections and map intersections already equipped with
generators.
• Acquire list of floodplain property owners. Encourage property owners to
subscribe to Nixle emergency notifications.
• Develop a river stewardship program in coordination with other local
communities in the Merrimack River Watershed area.
• Develop storm water drainage maps for GIS applications.
Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2015
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Coordinate regionally with DOT and surrounding communities to
develop a transportation hazard identification system for major routes
(NH Routes 101 and Interstate 293) for future hazardous spill
events/anticipate hazard contamination characteristics and area.
Develop a website for floodplain information, both general and town
based info
Purchase and / or pursue conservation and/or protection of flood-prone
properties / development rights in the Special Flood Hazard Areas and
NFIP repetitive loss properties where possible.
Map, with GIS, inundation area resulting from dam breach or dam failure
from any upstream facilities to show the effects on Bedford.
This plan is scheduled to be reviewed and updated on an annual basis by the
Bedford Co-Emergency Management Director in coordination with the Bedford
Town Council. The next review will be during 2016.
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Page viii
SECTION I - INTRODUCTION
“Plans are worthless. Planning is essential.” —Dwight D. Eisenhower
Natural Hazards and Their Consequences
Recently, the United States has suffered a record number of natural disasters. In
2012, Hurricane Sandy caused almost 120 deaths and an estimated $75 billion in
damage. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 was the costliest storm on record, causing
over 1,800 deaths and over $100 billion in damage. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew
caused an estimated $25 billion in damage. The 1993 Midwest floods resulted in
some $12-$16 billion in damage. The 1994 Northridge earthquake caused $20
billion in damage, and the 2002 summer flooding in central Texas topped $1
billion in damage. Much of this damage might have been averted with the
implementation of foresighted hazard mitigation efforts. In New England, more
than 150 natural disasters during the past half century have been sufficiently
catastrophic to be declared “disaster areas” by the President, making them
eligible for federal disaster relief. That is about three major disasters per year.
More than 60 percent were the result of flooding.
Flooding, Bedford, NH
2008 Ice Storm, Bedford, NH
Floods, tornadoes, winter storms, hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires natural
disasters are part of the environment. Their occurrence is inevitable. These events
can wreak havoc on the natural environment by uprooting trees, eroding
riverbanks and shorelines, carving new inlets, and blackening forests. In spite of
this, the natural environment is amazingly resilient, often recuperating in a
matter of days or weeks.
When these events strike the man-made environment, the result is often more
devastating. Disasters occur when a natural hazard crosses paths with elements
of the man-made environment, including buildings, roads, pipelines, or crops.
When hurricanes tear roofs off houses, it is a disaster. When tornadoes ravage a
town, it is a disaster. In addition, when floods invade low-lying homes, it is a
disaster. If only undeveloped wetlands and floodplains were flooded, rather than
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homes and businesses, we would hardly take notice. The natural environment
takes care of itself. The fabricated environment, in contrast, often needs some
emergency assistance.
What Is Hazard Mitigation?
Hazard mitigation is any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate the
long‐term risk to human life and property from hazards (44 CFR 201.2). Hazard
mitigation activities may be implemented prior to, during, or after an event.
However, it has been demonstrated that hazard mitigation is most effective
when based on an inclusive, comprehensive, long‐term plan that is developed
before a disaster occurs.” 1 It includes both structural interventions, such as flood
control devices, and nonstructural measures, such as avoiding construction in
the most flood-prone areas. Mitigation includes not only avoiding the
development of vulnerable sections of the community, but also making existing
development in hazard-prone areas safer. For example, a community could
identify areas that are susceptible to damage from natural disasters and take
steps to make these areas less vulnerable. It could also steer growth to less risky
areas. Keeping buildings and people out of harm’s way is the essence of
mitigation.
Mitigation should not be seen as an impediment to growth and development. On
the contrary, incorporating mitigation into development decisions will result in a
safer, more resilient community, one that is more attractive to new families and
businesses.
Why Develop a Hazard Mitigation Plan?
The full cost of the damage resulting from natural hazards—personal suffering,
loss of lives, disruption of the economy, and loss of tax base—is difficult to
measure. New Hampshire is subject to many types of natural disasters: floods,
hurricanes, nor’easters, winter storms, earthquakes, tornadoes, and wildfires, all
of which can have significant economic and social impacts. Some, such as
hurricanes, are seasonal and often strike in predictable locations. Others, such as
floods, can occur any time of the year and almost anywhere in the state.
Benefits of Hazard Mitigation
Hazard mitigation offers many benefits for a community. It can:
• Save lives and property. A community can save lives and reduce
property damage from natural hazards through identifying risks and
taking action, such as elevating structures in the floodplain.
1
FEMA Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide. October 1, 2011.
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Reduce vulnerability to future hazards. By having a mitigation plan in
place, a community is prepared to take steps that will permanently reduce
the risk of future losses. This opportunity is often lost when we build our
communities without regard to natural hazards, or when we rebuild them
after a disaster “just like they were before.” While it is natural to want to
return things to the way they were, it is important to remember that, in
many cases, the disaster would not have been as severe if a mitigation
plan had been implemented.
Facilitate post-disaster funding. By identifying and ranking recovery
projects before the next disaster, a community will be in a better position
to obtain post-disaster funding because much of the background work
necessary for applying for federal funding will already be completed.
Speed recovery. By developing a mitigation strategy, a community can
identify post-disaster mitigation opportunities in advance of a disaster
and be ready to respond quickly after a disaster.
Background: Bedford Hazard Mitigation Planning
While FEMA requires a jurisdiction to have a local mitigation plan as a condition
of receiving federal assistance, FEMA does not have a mandate for all local
governments in NH to establish hazard mitigation plans. With funding from
FEMA, the NH Department of Safety, Division of Homeland Security Emergency
Management (HSEM) provided funding to the Southern New Hampshire
Planning Commission to develop a local hazard mitigation plan for the Town of
Bedford. In order to satisfy the planning requirements of the Disaster Mitigation
Act (DMA) of 2000, the Plan was developed in 2002-2003, and has been updated
and resubmitted to FEMA for approval every five years to reflect the most recent
information for hazard mitigation in the Town.
Plan
Town of Bedford Hazard
Mitigation Plan (Original)
Mitigation Plan Update
2009
Mitigation Plan Update
2015
Adopted
April 14, 2004
FEMA Approval Date
May 26, 2004
April 22, 2009
October 1, 2009
(Date)
(Date)
Page 3
Purpose
The Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2015 serves as a strategic planning
tool for use by the Town of Bedford in its efforts to reduce future losses from
natural or man-made hazardous events before they occur. In addition, this plan
may constitute a new Chapter of the Bedford Master Plan, as articulated in NH
RSA 674:2, III e). The Bedford Planning Board will consider this option.
Authority
This Hazard Mitigation Plan was prepared in accordance with the Town of
Bedford’s Emergency Operations Plan, effective May 2010, under the authority of
the Planning Mandate of Section 409 of Public Law 93-288 as amended by Public
Law 100-707, the Robert T. Stafford Act of 1988, and the Disaster Mitigation Act
of 2000. The Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2015 will be referred to as
the "Plan." After a public hearing was held at the Bedford Town Meeting Room
(BCTV) on
TBD
the Bedford Town Council formally adopted
this Plan on
TBD
. Documentation of the adoption of this Plan is
provided in Appendix J.
Scope of the Plan
The scope of the Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2015 includes the
identification of natural hazards affecting the Town, as identified by the Bedford
Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee. The committee reviewed hazards in the
following categories as outlined in the State of New Hampshire Multi-Hazard
Mitigation Plan Update 2013:
A. Flooding (including hurricanes, 100-year floodplain events, debrisimpacted infrastructure, erosion, mudslides, rapid snow pack melt, river
ice jams, and dam breach or failure)
B. Wind (including hurricanes, tornadoes, nor’easters, downbursts, and
lightning)
C. Fire (including grass fires, wild fires and issues such as isolated homes
and residential areas)
D. Ice and snow events (including heavy snowstorms, ice storms, nor’easters,
and hailstorms)
E. Earthquakes (including landslides and other geologic hazards related to
seismic activity)
F. Other events, such as radon, drought, and extreme heat.
Plan Update Methodology
In July 2013, the Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Committee was formed
to begin updating the plan. The Update Committee used the nine-step planning
process included in the Local Mitigation Planning Handbook, prepared by FEMA,
March 2013. Each section of the plan was reviewed and updated according to
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new information and the events of the past five years. The Update Committee
consisted of representatives from various local agencies, including the Bedford
Planning Director, Fire Chief, Police Department, Public Works Department, and
Bedford School District. The Committee held a total of five public meetings
beginning in July 2013 and ending in December 2013 to collect information,
compile the plan update, and review the plan update.
Town of Bedford 2013-2014 Hazard Mitigation Committee Members
Rick Sawyer, Planning Director, Bedford Planning and Zoning Department
Karin Elmer, Planner 1, Bedford Planning and Zoning Department
Dawna Duhamel, Chief Financial Officer, Bedford School District
Scott Wiggin, Chief, Bedford Fire Department
Michael Bernard, Patrol Lieutenant, Bedford Police Department
Steve Crean, Environmental Coordinator, Bedford Dept. of Public Works
Emile Lacerte, Asst. Highway Superintendent, Bedford Dept. of Public Works
Michael McLaughlin, Engineer, Bedford Dept. of Public Works
Public Outreach Process and Public Committee Meetings
On the following dates, the Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee held
public meetings at the Bedford Town Offices: July 25, 2013, August 22, 2013,
September 26, 2013, October 24, 2013, and December 12, 2013. All of the
Committee’s meetings were posted in two public places as required by New
Hampshire state law, including the Town website, Town Offices, the Town
Library, and Bedford Community Television (BCTV). Although the public was
noticed about the committee meetings, there was no public attendance or input
received. Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission (SNHPC) staff
facilitated each meeting and prepared an agenda, attendance sheet and minutes,
which were then distributed to the committee and made available for public
review on the town website and upon request. A complete draft plan was posted
to the Town website and hardcopies made available at the Town library and
Town Offices. Public input for the draft plan was solicited via public notices at
the Town Hall and Town library, on the Town website and local access television
station (BCTV) and a notice in the Bedford Journal (See Appendix I).
Coordination with Other Agencies and Individuals
Committee Chair, Rick Sawyer, contacted the following individuals and agencies
via email for their input and comment on the plan:
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John Bryfonski, Chief of Police, Town of Bedford
Jessie Levine, Town Manager, Town of Bedford
Paul Belanger, Superintendent/ Assistant Director of Public Works
Scott Wiggin, Fire Chief, Town of Bedford
Steve Crean, Environmental Coordinator
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Dawna Duhamel, Chief Financial Officer, Bedford SAU#25
Chief Patrick Sullivan, former Police Dept., Town of Goffstown, NH
Chief James Burkush, Fire Dept., City of Manchester, NH
Chief Dan Macdonald, Fire Dept., Town of New Boston, NH
Chief Mark Boynton, Fire Dept., Town of Amherst, NH
Chief Michael Currier, Fire Dept., Town of Merrimack, NH
In response, one comment was received that the plan was “well thought out and
extremely comprehensive.”
Incorporation of Existing Planning Documents, Studies, Reports and Technical
Information
Existing Bedford Emergency Operations Plan
The Town of Bedford last updated the Bedford Emergency Operations Plan in May
2010. This plan describes the preparedness activities to improve the Town’s ability
to respond to an incident; the response activities, including rescue operations,
evacuation, emergency medical care, and emergency personnel training; and
recovery activities that begin after the disaster. Mitigation activities help to reduce
or eliminate the damages from future disaster events, and can occur before,
during and after a disaster. The Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2015
has been developed in accordance with the Town of Bedford’s Emergency
Operations Plan, effective May 2010.
State of New Hampshire Legislation Related to Master Plans
During 2002, the State of New Hampshire adopted new legislation related to
master plans and included a natural hazards section to be considered during the
master planning process and incorporated into the master plan. This statute was
most recently updated in September 2013. NH RSA 647:2 states: “A natural
hazards section which documents the physical characteristics, severity,
frequency, and extent of any potential natural hazards to the community. It
should identify those elements of the built environment at risk from natural
hazards as well as extent of current and future vulnerability that may result from
current zoning and development policies” The Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan
Update 2015 is an updated chapter of the current Bedford Master Plan.
Capital Improvements Program
The Capital Improvements Program (CIP) serves as the Town’s long range
planning document for the purchase or construction of capital assets. It reflects
the individual projects, how they would be financed according to adopted Town
Council policy and the impact of the projects on the Property Tax rate and the
Sewer rates. The Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2015 will be reviewed
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and referenced within the CIP document, as appropriate, for any hazard
mitigation projects approved under the CIP.
Town of Bedford Water Resources Plan
The Town of Bedford’s Water Resource Plan, dated June 30, 2008, shall serve as
an annex to the Town of Bedford’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Water Resource
Plan was developed to complement and enhance the Town’s Hazard Mitigation
Plan by “identifying, evaluating, and mapping water resource sites available to
local and mutual aid fire personnel for firefighting purposes.” 2 The Water
Resource Plan describes a detailed plan for mitigation actions pertaining to water
resources and fire hazards and is incorporated into the Hazard Mitigation Plan
for further information.
2
Town of Bedford Water Resource Plan. June 30, 2008.
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Map # 1
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Data Sources:
Granit Digital Data (1:24,000)
NH Department of Transportation
Individual Community Parcel Data
The town of Bedford and the SNHPC
make no representations or guaranties to the
accuracy of the features and designations
of this map.
Map produced by SNHPC August 2013.
This map is designed as part of the Towns Hazard
Mitigation Plan and is for planning purposes only.
It is not to be used for legal boundary determinations or
for regulatory purposes.
µ
Miles
Plan Development Steps
To complete this Plan, the Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee followed
ten planning steps.
Step 1: Map the Hazards
Committee members identified areas where damage from natural disasters had
previously occurred, areas of potential damage, and man-made facilities and
other features that were at risk for loss of life, property damage, and other risk
factors. Base maps provided by SNHPC were used in the process. Summary
maps illustrate past hazards as identified by the Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan
Committee. In addition, a summary listing of “Areas at Risk” is presented at the
end of Section II.
Step 2: Determine Potential Damage
Committee members identified facilities that were considered to be of value to
the Town for emergency management purposes; for provision of utilities and
services; and for historic, cultural and social value. GIS-generated maps were
prepared to show these critical facilities. In addition, a summary listing of
“Critical Facilities” is presented at the end of Section II.
Step 3: Identify Plans and Policies Already in Place
Using information and activities outlined in the Local Mitigation Planning
Handbook, March, 2013, the Committee and SNHPC staff identified existing
mitigation strategies related to flood, wind, fire, ice and snow events, and
earthquakes that are already being implemented by the Town. A summary chart
is presented in Section III.
Step 4: Identify the Gaps in Protection and Mitigation
Existing strategies were reviewed for coverage, effectiveness and implementation, as well as need for improvement. Some strategies are contained in the
Emergency Operations Plan and were reviewed as part of this step. A summary
chart and the results of these activities are presented in Section III.
Step 5: Determine Actions to be Taken
During an open brainstorming session, the Committee developed a list of other
possible actions and strategies to improve Bedford’s response to hazardous
events. New mitigation strategies to improve Bedford’s response to hazardous
events were developed and later analyzed for effectiveness. These new strategies
are shown in Section IV.
Step 6: Evaluate Feasible Options
The Committee reviewed each of the hazard mitigation actions and strategies
that were identified in the brainstorming session using the evaluation charts
from Step 6 of the handbook. A total of 14 evaluation factors (e.g., damage
reduction, environmental impact, social acceptability, financial feasibility,
including the STAPLEE criteria) were used to evaluate feasible actions. Each
Page 8
mitigation action was then scored from (1) for Poor; (2) for Average; and (3) for
Good and all scores were totaled for each strategy. The results of this analysis
are shown in Section IV. A description of the STAPLEE criteria is found in
Appendix G of the Plan. STAPLEE stands for: Social, Technical, Administrative,
Political, Legal, Economic, and Environmental.
Step 7: Coordinate with Other Agencies/Entities
Rick Sawyer, Planning Director with the Bedford Planning Department contacted
agencies with expertise in hazardous mitigation, as well as other agencies and
individuals that should be involved during this planning process. A listing of
these agencies and individuals can be found on page 5.
Step 8: Determine Priorities
The Committee reviewed the preliminary prioritization list in order to make
changes and determine a final prioritization for hazard mitigation actions.
Recommendations were prepared for the Committee to review and prioritize.
The priorities can be found at the end of Section V.
Step 9: Develop Implementation Strategy
Using the chart provided under Step 9 in the handbook, the Committee created
an implementation strategy that includes person(s) responsible for
implementation (who), a schedule for completion (when), and a funding source
or technical assistance source (how) for each identified hazard mitigation action.
The implementation strategy can be found in Section V.
Step 10: Adopt and Monitor the Plan
SNHPC staff compiled the results of Steps 1 to 9 in a draft document, as well as
helpful and informative materials from the State of New Hampshire Multi-Hazard
Mitigation Plan, which served as the model for the Bedford Hazard Mitigation
Plan Update 2015. The Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee reviewed,
revised and approved a draft of the updated Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan
Update 2015. The final draft was sent to NH HSEM and FEMA for conditional
approval. After the plan receives conditional approval from FEMA, the final plan
will be submitted to the Bedford Town Council for its approval and adoption.
The plan shall be reviewed on an annual basis to be certain the goals and
objectives are being met, and that the policies are being adopted. Section VI of
the Plan details the adoption and monitoring requirements.
Page 9
TOWN OF BEDFORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE
HAZARD MITIGATION GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
In consultation with the 2013 State of New Hampshire Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan,
the Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee developed the following goals
and objectives for the Town of Bedford, New Hampshire.
1. To improve upon the protection of the general population, citizens and guests
of the State of New Hampshire, from all natural and Human-caused hazards.
2. To reduce the potential impact of natural and Human-caused disasters on
State and Municipal Critical Support Services, Critical Facilities and
Infrastructure.
3. To improve the State’s Emergency Preparedness, Disaster Response and
Recovery Capability in all New Hampshire communities.
4. To reduce the potential impact of natural and Human-caused disasters on the
State and Local Economy, Environment, Historical & Cultural Treasures and
Private Property.
5. To identify, introduce and implement cost effective Hazard Mitigation
measures in order to accomplish the State’s Goals.
6. To reduce the State and Municipal liability with respect to natural and
Human-caused hazards generally.
7. To address the challenges posed by climate change as they pertain to
increasing risks in the State and Local infrastructure and natural environment.
Page 10
SECTION II - HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND VULNERABILITY
ASSESSMENT
Location, Topography, Population, and Weather Conditions
The Town of Bedford is located in the south-central portion of the State of New
Hampshire in Hillsborough County. Bedford is bordered by the Town of
Goffstown to the north, the City of Manchester and the Town of Londonderry to
the east, the Town of Merrimack to the south, and the towns of Amherst and
New Boston to the west.
Bedford encompasses a total of approximately 32.8 square miles. It is located two
miles southwest of the City of Manchester and about 15 miles north of the City of
Nashua. In 2010 the population of the Town was 21,203, representing a growth
rate of almost 70 percent during the previous 20 years.
Primary highway access is provided in part by U.S. 293, along with N.H. Routes
114, 101 and 3, the F.E. Everett Turnpike.
Location Map of Bedford, New Hampshire
Although Bedford is primarily a residential community, it has experienced
significant commercial and industrial development. Since this type of
development is expected to continue, Bedford can expect additional residential
development as well.
The Bedford area is located in a gently sloping low plateau that is characterized
by stratified and unstratified material, consisting of silt, sand and gravel
deposited by the meltwaters of a retreating glacial ice sheet. Along the streams,
Page 11
alluvial silt covers the glacial outwash deposits to form the floodplains. The soil
texture in most places is a well-drained, moderately acid fine sandy-loam or
loam. Elevations range from approximately 110 feet at the Merrimack River to
840 feet at Holbrook Hill, the highest point in Town.
The climate of Bedford is typical of the Merrimack Valley, with warm summers
and cool winters. Average temperatures in July range from a high of 85 degrees
to a low of 59. Average temperatures in January range from a high of 35 degrees
to a low of -17 degrees Fahrenheit. Prolonged periods of severe cold are rare.
Average annual precipitation is 40 inches. 3
Principal Streams and Brooks
The principal watercourse in the Town of Bedford is the Merrimack River, which
originates at the confluence of the Pemigewasset and Winnipesaukee rivers in
Franklin, New Hampshire. Bowman Brook, Patten Brook and Pointer Club Brook
are tributaries of the Merrimack River. Baboosic Brook originates in the Town of
Amherst, flows through the southwest corner of Bedford, and continues in a
southeasterly direction. Pulpit Brook, McQuade Brook and Riddle Brook are
tributaries of Baboosic Brook.
Floodplains, Flood Problems and Flood Protection Measures
The Hillsborough River floodplain ranges in width from 500 to 870 feet
throughout the study area. This floodplain consists primarily of agricultural
areas, with residential and commercial development. The floodplains of Baboosic
Brook, Pointer Club Brook, Patten Brook, Bowman Brook, Riddle Brook,
McQuade Brook, and Pulpit Brook range in width from 30 to 1,750 feet.
Major floods have occurred on the Merrimack River during the spring, fall and
winter seasons. Some of the most severe flooding occurs in early spring because
of snowmelt and heavy rains in conjunction with ice jams. Autumn is another
critical season for flood danger because of heavy rainfall associated with storms
of tropical origin. Minor flooding incidents in Bedford can occur at any time of
the year, though, as heavy thunderstorms during the summer months can result
in rapid runoff and flooding in the lower portions of the small streams.
Above the area there are six dams designed for flood control: the Franklin Falls
Dam on the Pemigewassett River; the Edward McDowell Dam on Nubanusit
Brook; the Blackwater Dam on the Blackwater River (flood control only); and two
dams that control Hopkinton Lake, the Everett Dam on the Piscataquog River
and Hopkinton Dam on the Contoocook River. Amoskeag Dam is located on the
3
Concord Climate Data for the Year 2012. National Weather Service. Gray, ME. Jan. 3, 2013.
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/climate/index.php?wfo=gyx. 2013-10-15. Concord weather data is closest to
Bedford on record.
Page 12
Merrimack River, and additional information about this dam is available in
Section III of this plan. Although there are no flood control structures on the
other streams in Bedford, Baboosic Brook does have significant natural storage
near Baboosic Lake. This storage effectively reduces peak floods and attenuates
flooding on Baboosic Brook.
Page 13
Disaster Risk
The Town of Bedford is susceptible to a variety of natural hazards including
flooding, river ice jams, severe winter storms, and hurricanes. The following is an
estimate of damage in dollars that may result when a natural hazard occurs in
the Town.
Vulnerability Assessment
In order to estimate the potential for monetary losses due to natural hazards in
Bedford, each hazard was analyzed, with the results shown below. The data
below was calculated using FEMA’s Understanding Your Risks: Identifying Hazards
and Estimating Losses, August 2001. While the tables in this publication were
helpful, a modified variant was utilized based on the information and data
available. For instance, an abbreviated inventory of assets was conducted
instead of a detailed inventory, since building specific data is not yet available in
a format that can be efficiently and accurately queried to locate property specific
information in a given hazard zone. Therefore, the losses below are calculated
using available historical and current data to create an estimate for each hazard.
Also, data that would provide estimates of future buildings, infrastructure and
critical facilities in the identified hazard areas is not yet readily available. Some
of the historical, background and risk related information considered in the
estimation process is described in the subsection entitled “Past and Potential
Hazards and Critical Facilities.”
Human losses were not calculated during this exercise, but they could be
expected to occur depending on the type and severity of the hazard. These
figures exclude both the value of the land and the value of the contents of the
structure. As of 2007, the value of all structures in the Town, including exempt
structures such as schools and churches, was assessed at $3.4 billion. 4
Flooding 5
$1,714,810 - $6,325,778
The Town had 72 National Flood Insurance Program policies as of September 30,
2013, with 19 claims filed since 1978 totaling approximately $344,539.60 in losses
paid to date.6 The town has one commercial repetitive loss property since 1978
with losses totaling approximately $34,000.00. 7 Median Purchase Price of all
homes in Bedford for 2012 was $350,000. 8
4
NH Department of Revenue. 2012 Equalization Reports.
http://www.revenue.nh.gov/munc_prop/equalization/2012/documents/tbc-alpha.pdf
5
The most recent available data was used in estimating losses
6 NFIP Website data. http://www.fema.gov/policy-claim-statistics-flood-insurance/policyclaim-statistics-flood-insurance/policy-claim-13. November 22, 2013.
7
Data provided by FEMA
8
NHHFA. Purchase Price Trends. 2013. NH Dept. of Revenue, PA-34 Dataset, Compiled by Real Data
Corp. Filtered and analyzed by New Hampshire Housing.
Page 14
Two scenarios were considered with a low estimate assuming damage to 25
percent of the structures with a one-foot flood depth and a high estimate
assuming damage to 50 percent of the structures with a four-foot flood depth.
These estimates also assume the residential structures are one- or two-story
homes with basements. Standard values for percent damage, functional
downtime and displacement time were used from FEMA’s Understanding Your
Risks: Identifying Hazards and Estimating Losses and its "Worksheet 4- Estimate
Losses" were used to determine the actual estimates.
The low estimate was $945,000 in structural damages, $708,750 in contents loss,
and $61,060 in structure use and function loss. The total low estimate loss was
$1,714,810. The high estimate was $3,528,000 in structural damages, $2,646,000 in
contents loss, and $151,778 in structure use and function loss. The total high
estimate loss was $6,325,778.
Infrastructure damage could also be extensive, including roads, bridges, utilities,
towers, etc. If a devastating flood were to occur, the damage to properties
located within the floodplain could exceed this estimated amount. It is clear that
Bedford could benefit greatly from any flood mitigation measures that would
help reduce typical losses that occur during a major flood event.
Hurricanes
Up to $34 million
A major hurricane can cause significant damage to a community. Most of the
damage from hurricanes is caused by high water and high winds. However, less
damage could be expected to occur in Bedford, which is located inland, than in a
more vulnerable coastal area. Assuming an assessed structural valuation of
approximately $3.4 billion, damaging one percent of this community-wide
assessed structural valuation could result in losses of up to $34 million. This does
not include other damages expected to occur on public property within the
community.
Debris-Impacted Infrastructure and River Ice Jams
$10,000 to $5 million
Damage from these two hazards could be expected to occur not only on privately
owned structures, but also on public property such as roads, bridges and
culverts. An estimate of damage in dollars from this type of hazard can range
widely depending on the nature and severity of the hazard. A small-to-mediumsized event could be expected to produce a loss from $10,000 to $5 million.
Erosion and Mudslides
$25,000 to $75,000
Erosion and mudslide damage usually affects infrastructure such as roads and
bridges, but can also affect individual structures and businesses. Since this
Page 15
hazard has not been widespread in Bedford, damages from this hazard should be
minimal.
Rapid Snow Pack Melt
$1,714,810 - $6,325,778
Dams, roads, bridges, and structures have been identified as being susceptible to
rapid snow pack melt in Bedford. All areas of steep slopes and erosion prone
soils, as mapped in this Plan, are potentially at risk in the event of rapid snow
pack melt. Since the estimated loss for this hazard is similar to flooding, the cost
estimate is the same as it would be for flooding.
Dam Breach or Failure
$428,702 to $4.7 million
Bedford has 1 Class S (Significant Hazard) Dam, 2 Class L (Low Hazard) Dams
and 11 Class NM (Non-menace) Dams. The Amoskeag Dam, located in
Manchester on the Merrimack River, poses a substantial threat to land in Bedford
that is located in close proximity to the river, if the dam should breach or fail. A
map produced by Public Service of New Hampshire in 1999 (most recent
available data) shows the probable extent of inundation waters if the dam does
breach or fail. Damage estimates could be expected to be about 25-75 percent of
the flooding estimate, $1.25 million to $3.75 million.
Tornadoes
$500,000 to $15 million
The Fujita Scale is used to determine the intensity of tornadoes. Most tornadoes
are in the F0 to F2 Class, in a range that extends to F5 Class. Building to modern
wind standards provides significant property protection from tornadoes; New
Hampshire is located within Zone 2 for Design Wind Speed for Community
Shelters, which is 160 mph. While it is difficult to assess the monetary impact a
tornado may have on a community, the dollar range shown above indicates an
approximation of what might be expected.
Nor’easters, Ice Storms, Heavy Snowstorms
Damage from nor’easters and ice storms varies greatly depending on the amount
of snow and ice that accumulates during the storm. The ice storm of 2008 caused
much damage to power lines, structures and the agricultural economy in New
England, with over $150 million in damages in New Hampshire due to the
storm. The 2008 ice storm was declared a major disaster and damage in New
Hampshire and the northeast was unprecedented. These types of storms in
Bedford could be expected to cause damage ranging from a few thousand dollars
to several million, depending on the severity of the storm.
Wildland Fires
A wildland fire can strike at any time, but may be expected to occur during years
of drought. Presuming a small-to-medium-sized fire that destroys from one to
20-plus homes, damage from this hazard could be expected to range from
Page 16
$350,000 to $8.3 million. Other damage, such as utilities, is not included in this
estimate.
Earthquakes
$34 million to $1.7 billion
Assuming a moderate earthquake occurs in Bedford where structures are not
built to a high seismic design level and are mostly of wood frame construction, it
is estimated that about one percent to five percent of the assessed structural
valuation could be lost, including both partial and total damage.
Downbursts, Lightning, Hailstorms, Landslides, Radon, Drought, Extreme
Heat
Since the Town experienced very minor or no damage relative to these types of
events, there are no loss estimates for these categories.
Obviously, all of the above figures are only estimates. The amount of damage
from any hazard will vary from these figures depending on the extent and nature
of the hazard that occurs.
Page 17
Current Land Development Trends in Bedford
Bedford’s current development trends show that most land in the Town is
consumed by single-family residential uses. The following is a summary of
Bedford’s development from the most recent Master Plan update 9:
An increase in childless and empty nester households seeking walkable living
in close proximity to shopping and transportation options; and
Communities and developers are looking at compact development and mixed
use particularly in response to a rising demand for live/work/play proximity,
but also as a means to balance demand with open space preservation.
Much of the rural residential character of the landscape has been maintained
and reinforced with stone walls, natural fences and narrow, uncurbed, country
roadways. It is differentiated by:
o Open and closed views
o Roads in character with the landscape
o Development that does not overpower the landscape
o Rural details… stone walls, low fencing, natural materials, steep
pitched rooflines
o Low density or pockets of development
•
•
•
The NH Route 101 corridor:
o Provides a contrast – rural patterns and commercial needs
o Knits together the past, present and future Bedford
o Provides east-west linkage
o Should balance the need for services/tax revenues with the value of
the rural tradition of the town
•
The combination of sign control and land development regulations serves to
reduce the potential negative visual impacts of the pockets of commercial
development along NH Route 101. Town efforts to shape the design of
development have had a positive effect on the overall character of the River
Road commercial corridor. This, in combination with an interesting mix of old
and new, of building typologies and of uses, has resulted in a character that is
not typical of such corridors. This area is characterized by:
o Minimal single story, flat roofed buildings
o Varied rooflines-village scale
o “Buildings in the woods”
o Softened edges
o Multi-generational buildings
The Town has an opportunity to build on its strengths in this area.
The Town of Bedford’s existing Zoning Ordinance, Floodplain Development
Ordinance, Subdivision and Site Plan Review Regulations all work to minimize
9
Information from the Town of Bedford Master Plan Update, October 2010.
Page 18
the impacts if not eliminate any development in the hazard areas. The land
outside of the Special Flood Hazard Areas and areas of steep slopes related areas
remain the preferred location of development in Bedford, both by the Town and
Developers. Future development may increase pressure to utilize these hazard
areas, despite their inherent risks, given the impending scarcity of land due to
rapid growth and near build-out conditions. Any proposed new developments
or significant improvements in these zones would require variances from the
Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Planning Board. Given these review
opportunities, the Town may assure that any future growth in the hazard zones
is done in a manner that creates no additional hazard risks to the applicant or the
surrounding area.
National Flood Insurance Program
Bedford received emergency participating status on September 26, 1975 and has
been a regular participant in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) since
April 16, 1979. Flood Insurance Rate Maps and the Flood Insurance Study (FIS),
(effective date of Sept 25, 2009) are used for flood insurance purposes and are on
file with the Bedford Planning Board, as are map updates. The Town of Bedford
continues to implement and enforce their Floodplain Development Ordinance
(Article X, 275:76-82), which regulates all new construction and substantial
improvements within the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). The town also
requires an elevation certificate when (1) a structure is built or substantially
improved within a known flood zone, or (2) if the flood map shows a part of the
lot within the flood zone and the certified foundation plan shows the house is
located within the flood zone. The land surveyor must supply the footing
elevation.
The Town is considering adding flood hazard information to their website at the
present time, as well as developing a program to distribute flood hazard
information to those that are in the SFHAs as well. In addition the town has
implemented the following actions related to continued compliance with NFIP:
• Address NFIP monitoring and compliance activities
• Revise/adopt subdivision regulations, erosion control regulations, board
of health regulations, etc. to improve floodplain management in the
community
• Prepare, distribute or make available NFIP, insurance and building codes
explanatory pamphlets or booklets
• Identify and become knowledgeable of non-compliant structures in the
community
• Identify cause of submit-to-rate structures and analyze how to prevent
non-compliant structures in the future
• Inspect foundations at time of completion before framing to determine if
lowest floor is at or above Base Flood Elevation (BFE)
Page 19
•
•
•
Require the use of elevation certificates
Enhance local officials, builders, developers, local citizens and other
stakeholders’ knowledge of how to read and interpret the FIRM
Work with elected officials, the state and FEMA to correct existing
compliance issues and prevent any future NFIP compliance issues
through continuous communications, training and education
The Town had 72 National Flood Insurance Program policies as of September 30,
2013, with 19 claims filed since 1979 totaling approximately $344,539.60 in losses
paid to date. 10 The town has one commercial repetitive loss property since 1978
with losses totaling approximately $34,000.00. 11 Repetitive loss areas are mapped
on the Past and Potential Hazards Map at the end of this section. The land uses
within this area are commercial, residential-agricultural, and a historic overlay
district.
NFIP website data. http://www.fema.gov/policy-claim-statistics-flood-insurance/policyclaim-statistics-flood-insurance/policy-claim-13. November 22, 2013.
11
Data provided by FEMA
Page 20
10
Past and Potential Hazards and Critical Facilities 12
The Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee identified past hazard events,
which include the following: flooding, wind, wildfire, ice and snow, and
earthquake events. Other hazards include radon, drought, and extreme heat.
These hazards were identified in a brainstorming session with the Committee.
Additionally, the State of New Hampshire Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan,
Update 2013 was consulted and any other supporting information was derived
from the resources listed in the Appendices. The Past and Potential Hazards
Maps at the end of this Section reflect the contents of this list. For each hazard
the Committee reviewed background information, areas at risk and the potential
for the hazard to occur in the town as well as pose a risk or cause damage to
structures, infrastructure or human life. Probability is based on an objective
appraisal of a hazard's probability using information provided by relevant
sources, observations and trends. Rankings are based on High, Moderate and
Low. The probability is for a 10-year period. Tables 1 and 2 refer to this ranking
system.
•
•
•
High – Probability is 70 to 100 percent. The event is likely to highly likely
to occur with severe strength over a significant portion of the SNHPC
region.
Moderate - Probability is 35 to 70 percent. The event is somewhat likely to
occur with some damage in parts of the region.
Low - Probability is 0 to 35 percent. While the event is unlikely or highly
unlikely to occur, the probability is low for significant damage.
Natural hazards which are most likely to affect Bedford: Severe winter storm /
ice storm, flooding and severe thunderstorms and lightening.
Natural hazards which may affect Bedford: Hurricane and tropical storms,
downbursts, high winds and hailstorms.
Natural hazards which are less likely to affect Bedford: Wildfire, earthquake,
extreme temperature, erosion, landslides and tornado.
12
Note: The State of New Hampshire Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan was most recently updated and
finalized on October 29, 2013.
Page 21
Table 1 – Hazard Identification and Probability
Category
A
Hazard Type
Flooding
1
2
3
4
5
6
Wind
1
2
3
4
B
5
C
D
E
F
Wildfire
1
2
Ice and Snow
Events
1
2
3
Earthquakes
1
2
Other Hazards
1
2
3
Sub-hazard Type
Probability
Floodplain Events
Hurricanes
Debris-impacted
infrastructure and river ice
jams
Erosion and mudslides
Rapid snow pack melt
Dam breach or failure
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate to high
Low
Low to moderate
Low
Hurricanes
Tornadoes
Nor’easters
Downburst
Moderate
Low to moderate
Moderate to high
Moderate
Lightning
Moderate
Wildland Fires/Grass Fires
Isolated Homes
Low to moderate
Low
Heavy Snowstorms
Ice Storms
Hailstorms
Moderate to high
Moderate
Low to Moderate
Earthquakes
Landslides
Low to moderate
Low
Radon
Drought
Extreme Heat
High
Moderate
Low
Natural Hazards
A. Flooding
Page 22
The Bedford Hazard Mitigation Committee reviewed the following kinds of
hazards related to flooding:
1. Floodplain Events
Unlike many other New Hampshire communities, the Town of Bedford did not
develop along the waterways. However, the rapid expansion of growth in the
town is forcing development closer to the floodplains than ever before.
Encroachment into areas subject to inundation by floodwaters having hazardous
velocities aggravates the risk of flood damage, and heightens potential flood
hazards by further increasing velocities. 13
The major watercourse flowing through Bedford is Merrimack River, on the
eastern border of Town. There are also several smaller streams including
Bowman Brook, Tioga River, Pointer Club Brook (tributaries of the Merrimack
River) and McQuade, Baboosic and Riddle Brooks. Some of the more severe
flooding in Bedford tends to occur in the early spring due to snowmelt, heavy
rains and ice jams. Autumn is another time of critical concern with heavy rainfall
and tropical storms
Known flooding in Bedford has occurred at:
Area
Old Station Road
Wendover and
Oak Drive
Culverts
NH Route 101
between Stowell
Road and Twin
Brook Lane
Intersection of
Nashua and
Wallace Road
Bridge on Stowell
Road which sits on
the Town line
13
Table 2 – Past Flooding Events
Type of Damage and
Severity
Description
Flooded road and
Low
washed away side
2015 Update
Continue to be
monitored
New road and
drainage installed,
considered to be a
one-time incident
Road washed out in
Mother’s Day flood
High
Partly washed out in
High
NH DOT rebuilt
area
Moderate
Reconstructed/New
culvert in 2011
Low
One-time incident.
Upgraded bridge
structure in 2009
Culvert
failed/erosion of
banks
Minor flooding and
threat during high
water
Hillsborough County, New Hampshire Flood Insurance Study. September 25, 2009. Vol. 1. Pg. 94.
Page 23
Area
Area around
Whippoorwill
Lane
Chubbuck Road,
just north of
Magazine Street
South River Road,
just south of Kilton
Road
Area around North
Amherst Road and
Perry Road
Jenkins Road just
south of Beals
Road
Area around
Catsby Lane and
Pembroke Way
Type of Damage and
Description
Severity
2015 Update
Pond floods in heavy
rain
Moderate
Stabilized
Road washed out
multiple times
High
Culverts replaced
and road raised in
2013
Norwood Reality
dam, wing walls
failed
Moderate
Dam repaired under
DES oversight
Floods in heavy rain
Moderate
Upgraded culverts
in 2011
High
Road washed out in
Mother’s Day flood,
dam breached
High
Area around
Cambridge Road
and Birkdale Road
Minor flooding due
to undersized
culverts
Low
Joppa Hill Road
Dam breached on
Brown’s Pond
High
Brown's Pond
Cider Mill &
Catsby Lane
Palomino Lane
near Whittemore
Street
North of Boynton
Street at the
terminus of
Woodbury Lane
Western most
portion of
Magazine Street
Dam failure, pond is
gone
Effected by Brown's
Pond breach, washed
out
High
High
Dam removed and
replaced with bridge
in 2012
Pond no longer
exists after dam
breached
Culverts
replaced/upgraded
in 2011
Upgraded culvert on
McQuade Brook in
2013
Part of Brook
currently
Repaired after
flooding event
One-time incident
Localized flooding
Low
Localized flooding
Low
One-time incident
Minor flooding in
road
Moderate
Culverts
redesigned/replaced
in 2013
Page 24
Area
Type of Damage and
Description
Severity
2015 Update
Riddle Brook along
Meadow Road and
east of Wallace
Road
Low
To be monitored, not
a hazard area
Wathen Road &
Eastman Road
Low
To be completed
Flooding on
Manchester side
Definitions of Levels
High Severity – Potential to cause significant damage
Moderate Severity – Potential to cause minor damage
Low Severity – Will not cause damage
All Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) in the Town of Bedford are
potentially at risk if a floodplain event occurs. Please see the Past Hazards GIS
map at the end of Section II for the locations of the flood hazard areas in the
Town of Bedford, including both 100-year and 500-year floodplain zones.
Flood hazard areas identified on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map are
identified as a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). SFHA are defined as the area
that will be inundated by the flood event having a one percent chance of being
equaled or exceeded in any given year. The one percent annual chance flood is
also referred to as the base flood or 100-year flood. SFHAs are labeled as Zone A,
Zone AO, Zone AH, Zones A1-A30, Zone AE, Zone A99, Zone AR, Zone AR/AE,
Zone AR/AO, Zone AR/A1-A30, Zone AR/A, Zone V, Zone VE, and Zones V1V30. Moderate flood hazard areas, labeled Zone B or Zone X (shaded) are also
shown on the FIRM, and are the areas between the limits of the base flood and
the 0.2-percent-annual-chance (or 500-year) flood. The areas of minimal flood
hazard, which are the areas outside the SFHA and higher than the elevation of
the 0.2-percent-annual-chance flood, are labeled Zone C or Zone X (unshaded). 14
Moderate probability for flooding to occur and cause damage in Bedford’s 100year floodplain
2. Hurricanes
Since 1938, twelve hurricanes and tropical storms have reached New
Hampshire. 15 The 1938 hurricane was a more notable event, causing damage, to
14
FEMA. NFIP Policy Index. http://www.fema.gov/floodplain-management/flood-zones. 03-26-14.
2013 State of New Hampshire Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, FEMA declared disasters and emergencies
data.
Page 25
15
strike Bedford and other towns in southern New Hampshire. Hurricanes Carol
and Edna caused some damage in August and September of 1954. In addition,
New Hampshire saw some localized flooding and wind damage in September
1985 – Gloria, August 1991 – Bob, and September 1999 – Floyd. In all of these
cases, trees and power lines came down, but there was not much structural
damage. The most recent Hurricanes to reach New Hampshire were Irene in
2011 and Hurricane Sandy in October 2012, which was downgraded to a posttropical cyclone by the time it reached New Hampshire with most areas
reporting winds of 40 to 70 mph (64 to 110 km/h) 16.
Severe hurricanes reaching south-central New Hampshire in the late summer
and early fall are the most dangerous of the coastal storms that pass through
New England from the south. During a hurricane wind speeds may reach 250
miles per hour in a Category 5 hurricane, as measured on the Saffir-Simpson
Hurricane Scale. Tropical depressions are considered to be of hurricane force
when winds reach 74 miles per hour. Substantial damage may result from winds
of this force, especially considering the duration of the event, which may last for
many hours.
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
Category Winds (mph) Potential Damage
1
74-95
Minimal
2
96-110
Moderate
3
111-129
Extensive
4
130-156
Extreme
5
>157
Catastrophic
Potential effects of a hurricane include significant flooding & disrupted travel,
runoff not handled adequately, and traffic at a standstill. Areas flooded include:
Magazine Street; Meadow Road; Keene Street/Mack Street; and Palomino Lane.
Please see GIS maps at the end of Section II for the location of the above hazards.
Moderate probability for hurricanes to occur and cause flood damage in Bedford
3. Debris-impacted infrastructure and river ice jams
Historically, many floods in Bedford have been due to snowmelt and heavy rains
in conjunction with ice jams or debris-impacted infrastructure. Bridges, culverts
and related roadways were identified as most vulnerable to ice jams and debrisimpacted infrastructure, and are included on the Critical Facilities GIS maps.
16
NOAA. National Climatic Data Center. Storm Events Database.
http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=416281. 01-22-14.
Page 26
If flooding occurs in the Town of Bedford, there is the potential for debrisimpacted infrastructure and ice jams to cause damage. Vegetative debris is the
main source of materials for impacts in Bedford (other than ice), though silt and
soils are also a problem for the Town during hazard events.
All SFHAs in the Town of Bedford are potentially at risk if there is an ice jam or
debris-impacted infrastructure. Particular concern should be given to NH Route
101 and Moore’s Crossing Bridge (railroad and pedestrian). Please see the Past
Hazards GIS map at the end of Section II for the locations and extent of the flood
hazard areas in the Town of Bedford, which are susceptible to this hazard should
it occur.
The potential magnitude of a hazard event, also referred to as the extent, scale or
strength of a disaster, provides a measurement of how large and significant a
hazard can become. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (ACOE) maintains the Ice
Jam Database, Bulletins & Surveys website which locates where ice jams are
presently occurring and where they have occurred in the past. Reports can be
generated in various formats so emergency responders can identify the locations
of prior ice jams and begin to mitigate the effects of future events. The database
revealed no prior ice jams in Bedford, NH. A specific scale which measures the
potential magnitude of river ice jams was not located.
Debris carried by floodwaters can compromises the effectiveness of bridges,
dams, culverts, diverting structures, etc. The debris may compound a flooding
hazard by obstructing normal floodwater flow. Debris impacted infrastructure
could also be comprised of downed trees, limbs, or power lines onto roadways.
Roadways are typically considered unsafe to travel until the debris has been
removed from the roadway and power has been restored. Debris impacted
infrastructure is considered more of a technological hazard than a natural
hazard. Impaction of infrastructure can occur on a large scale when trees or old
vehicles block a dam or bridge, or on a smaller scale can be simply leaves, sticks,
and litter blocking a culvert.
Moderate to high probability for debris-impacted infrastructure or ice-jams to
occur and cause damage in Bedford
4. Erosion and mudslides
Stream bank erosion may eventually result in mudslides. Land in Bedford which
has at least 15 percent slope, a vertical rise of 15 feet over a horizontal run of 100
feet, is scattered throughout the Town, usually occurring around the hills and
streambanks. Areas of steep slopes in Bedford are shown on the Past and
Potential Hazards GIS maps.
Page 27
Past erosion/mudslide damage occurred at the following location:
In the area of Chardonnay Terrace (during construction, well established now
and no longer a concern)
All areas of steep slopes and erosion prone soils, as mapped in this Plan, are
potentially at risk in the case of potential erosion and mudslide events.
hazard can become. Watercourses which are particularly prone to flash-flooding
conditions are most vulnerable to erosion and scouring. These types of rivers are
primarily found at higher elevations. Bank erosion can occur on the streams in
Bedford and along the Merrimack River. Certain roadways with a very steep
slope are also particularly vulnerable.
Diverse streambank shapes have different types of resistance to erosion. An
undercut bank, a bank that rises vertically or overhangs the stream, generally
provides good cover for macroinvertebrates and fish and is resistant to erosion.
However, if seriously further undercut, it might be vulnerable to collapse. The
steeply sloping bank sloping at more than a 30 degree angle is very vulnerable to
erosion. The gradually sloping bank has a slope of 30 degrees or less and it is
highly resistant to erosion but does not provide much streamside cover. Not
only is there loss of property due to erosion, but habitat and ecosystems are
affected. Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prediction of stream bank erosion
rates uses the Bank Assessment for Non-point source Consequences of Sediment
(BANCS) method. This method as published by Rosgen (2001a) utilizes two
bank erodability estimation tools: Bank Erosion Prediction Index (BEHI) and
Near Bank Stress (NBS). The application of both criteria involves evaluating the
bank characteristics and flow distribution along river reaches and mapping
various risk ratings commensurate with bank and channel changes. An estimate
of erosion rate is made, and then is multiplied by the bank height times the
length of bank of a similar condition, providing an estimate of cubic yards
and/or tons of sediment per year. Taken into consideration for the BEHI are the
bank height versus bankful depth, bank angle, density of roots, soil stratification,
and particle size at a river reach.
The Near Bank Stress (NBS) technique provides seven different methods for
categorizing stress upon the riverbank which would cause erosion, listed in the
figure below.
Page 28
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Methods for Estimating Near-Bank Stress
Transverse bar or split channel/central bar creating NBS/high velocity gradient: Level IReconnaisance
Channel pattern (Rc/W): Level II – General Prediction
Radio of pool slope to average water surface slopes (Sp/S): Level II-General Prediction
Ratio of pool slope to average water surface slope (Sp/S): Level II-General Prediction
Ratio of near-bank maximum depth to bankful mean depth (dnb/dbkf): Level III Detailed Prediction
Ratio of near-bank shear stress to bankful shear stress (tnb/tbkf): Level III – Detailed Prediction
Velocity profiles/Isovels/Velocity gradient: Level IV-Validation
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA)
Using a series of Worksheets developed by the U.S. EPA for the NBS methods of
categorizing riverbank stress, calculations for the studied river reach are
compared to the U.S. EPA Indices to take the final Bank Erosion Risk Rating:
Bank Erosion Risk Rating
Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High
Extreme
Bank Erosion Risk Rating Index
Velocity Gradient Method 7
feet/second
<0.5
0.5 to 1.0
1.1 to 1.6
1.61 to 2.0
2.1 to 2.4
>2.4
Near-Bank Stress/Sheer Stress
Method 6 pounds/feet
<0.8
0.8 to 1.05
1,06 to 1.14
1.15 to 1.19
1.2 to 1.6
>1.6
Together, the BEHI and the NBS comprise the BANCS erosion predication of
river banks at identified river reaches. The complete set of required Worksheets
is available on the U.S. EPA Bank Erosion Prediction website. The BANCS
method of predicting stream bank erosion rates is a measurement of the potential
magnitude of stream bank erosion. Low probability for erosion and mudslides to
occur and cause damage in Bedford
5. Rapid snow pack melt
Warm temperatures and heavy rains cause rapid snowmelt. The water cannot
seep into the frozen ground in early spring and so it runs off into streets and
waterways. Quickly melting snow coupled with moderate to heavy rains are
prime conditions for flooding. Structures and improvements located on, along,
or at the base of, steep slopes are most vulnerable to rapid snow pack melt.
hazard can become. Rapid snow pack melt is another category of flooding. The
Page 29
solid snow cover from a winter season can be melted prior to a ground thaw in a
few warm or rainy days, resulting in flash-flood like conditions.
The National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center (NOHRSC)
provides an interface for Interactive Snow Information in the form of Modeled
Snow Water Equivalent from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) forecasts. Historic and current snow water equivalent (how much
water there would be if the current snow melted) can be mapped and identified.
The online map can be zoomed in to the Hillsborough County level, and the
daily prediction of snow water equivalent legend is posted for emergency
managers to measure the magnitude of snow water equivalent (snow pack melt).
An accompanying tool on this HOHRSC website, the Change in Modeled Snow
Water Equivalent (SWE), indicates how much the snow water equivalent
changed over the previous 24-hour period. Emergency responders can use this
Interactive Snow Information Map tool to identify increases or decreases in the
number of inches of SWE, either through snowfall or snowmelt. Using both the
Modeled Snow Water Equivalent and the Change in Modeled Snow Water
Equivalent together as predictive tools, responders can monitor snow melt and
identify problem areas in Town for resolution.
Rapid snow pack melt can cause flooding or ponding throughout the
community. Specific damaged locations include undersized or unmaintained
culverts, roads, driveways, slopes yards or fields, or swollen streams. The
location of some of these areas can be seen on the GIS maps’ depiction of steep
slopes. Past damage has occurred at North Amherst Road by the Town line,
with accompanying rain. That was the only event of note.
All areas of steep slopes and erosion prone soils, as mapped in this Plan, are
potentially at risk in the event of rapid snow pack melt. Low to moderate
probability for rapid snow pack-melt to occur and cause damage
6. Dam breach or failure
Dam failure results in rapid loss of water that is normally held by the dam.
These kinds of floods are extremely dangerous and pose a significant threat to
both life and property. The potential magnitude of a hazard event, also referred
to as the extent, scale or strength of a disaster, provides a measurement of how
large and significant a hazard can become. Dam breach is considered a
Technological Hazard, a secondary hazard caused by flooding conditions. Dam
breaches are a potential danger to people and property within the dam breach
inundation area(s).
Page 30
All class S (Significant Hazard) and H (High Hazard) dams have the potential to
cause damage if they breach or fail. Bedford has one dam rated S, with potential
to cause significant damage in the event of a breach or failure. In addition,
Bedford has two dams rated L or “Low”, which would cause minimal damage if
they fail and 11 Class NM “Non-menace” dams, another concern for the Town of
Bedford is the Amoskeag Dam, located along the Merrimack River in
Manchester. If this dam breaches or fails, the inundation area includes some
sections of Bedford along the west side of the river. Please see the Areas at Risk
Map and the Amoskeag Hydro Project Inundation Map, at the end of this
section, for dam locations and impacted areas. The dam classes are defined in
Appendix C and dams are identified on page 60.
The SFHAs in Bedford would be impacted by a dam breach.
Past Dam Breach or failure has occurred at the following locations:
Woodbury Estate Pond Dam – 116 South River Rd. (repaired)
McQuade Brook Dam – Jenkins Road
Bowman Brook Dam – 71 Whippoorwill Lane
Bedford Three Corners Dam – Pulpit Road (beaver dam)
Brown Pond Dam – Failed but not replaced, Fire Pond gone
Upper Falls Dam & Lower Falls Dam – Hazard level lowered due to surrounding
vacant property
Low probability for dam breach or failure to occur and cause damage in Bedford
B. Wind
hazards related to wind:
1. Hurricanes
Severe hurricanes reaching south-central New Hampshire in the late summer
and early fall are the most dangerous of the coastal storms that pass through
New England from the south. During a hurricane, top wind speeds could reach
250 miles per hour in a Category 5 hurricane, as measured on the Saffir-Simpson
Hurricane Scale. The potential magnitude of a hazard event, also referred to as
the extent, scale or strength of a disaster, provides a measurement of how large
and significant a hazard can become. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
measures the magnitude of wind events effects on property damage on a 1
through 5 rating basis. The Saffir-Simpson scale describes the Category 1
through 5 strengths with their respective threats to people, different types of
homes, shopping centers, trees, power lines, water, and more as displayed in the
below table.
Page 31
Category
1
2
3
4
5
Sustained
Winds
74-95 mph
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
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.
96-110 mph 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.
111-129
Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur
mph
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.
130-156
Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain
mph
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.
157 mph or Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes
higher
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.
Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Tropical depressions are considered to be of hurricane force when winds reach
74 miles per hour. Substantial damage may result from winds of this force,
especially considering the duration of the event, which may last for many hours.
Potential effects of hurricane force winds include fallen trees on roads and
communication and power towers may fall. In the past the white pine trees off
Boynton Street have been affected. In Bedford, Hurricanes Sandy (2012) and
Irene (2011), a Presidential Emergency Declaration, in New Hampshire caused
heavy rain, high winds and power outages, while the overall damage was not
significant.
All areas of Bedford are at risk if a hurricane reaches Hillsborough County, NH.
Moderate probability for hurricane force winds to occur and cause damage
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2. Tornadoes
All areas of Bedford are potentially at risk for property damage and loss of life
due to tornadoes. Since 1950 there have been 20 known tornadoes that have
occurred in Hillsborough County ranging from 1-3 on the Fujita scale (NOAA,
Storm Prediction Center (SPC) historical tornado data). None of these are known
to have had any effect in Bedford.
Tornadoes are measured using the Enhanced Fujita Tornado Damage Scale, as
seen in the following table (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
Table 3 – Enhanced Fujita Tornado Damage Scale
FUJITA SCALE
DERIVED EF SCALE
OPERATIONAL EF
SCALE
F
Number
Fastest 1/4mile (mph)
3 Second
Gust (mph)
EF
Number
3 Second
Gust (mph)
EF
Number
3 Second
Gust (mph)
0
40-72
45-78
0
65-85
0
65-85
1
73-112
79-117
1
86-109
1
86-110
2
113-157
118-161
2
110-137
2
111-135
3
158-207
162-209
3
138-167
3
136-165
4
208-260
210-261
4
168-199
4
166-200
5
261-318
262-317
5
200-234
5
Over 200
Source: NOAA
All areas of Bedford are potentially at risk if a tornado reaches the Town.
Low to moderate probability for tornadoes to occur and cause damage in
Bedford
3. Nor’easters
A Nor’easter is a large weather system traveling from South to North, passing
along or near the seacoast. As the storm approaches New England and its
intensity becomes increasingly apparent, the resulting counterclockwise cyclonic
winds strike the coast and inland areas from a Northeasterly direction. In the
winter months, oftentimes heavy snow conditions accompany these events. “A
strong low pressure system that affects the Mid-Atlantic and New England
States. It can form over land or over the coastal waters. These winter weather
events are notorious for producing heavy snow, rain, and tremendous waves
Page 33
that crash onto Atlantic beaches, often causing beach erosion and structural
damage. Wind gusts associated with these storms can exceed hurricane force in
intensity. A nor'easter gets its name from the continuously strong northeasterly
winds blowing in from the ocean ahead of the storm and over the coastal
areas. 17” Hazards from nor’easters include icing and heavy snows which cause
downed trees and power lines to go down.
Recent Nor’easters affecting Bedford include:
•
•
•
•
October 29 to 31, 2011 early and severe snow storm around Halloween,
referred to as “Snowtober,” affected communities in central and southern
NH.
February 8-9, 2013, a Nor’easter, known as Winter Storm NEMO, struck
the state of New Hampshire and brought almost three feet of snow to
New England with wind gusts up to 75 mph. The Governor declared a
State of Emergency.
November 25–30, 2014 Thanksgiving Day snowstorm caused a significant
number of power outages in southern and central NH. The storm was the
4th largest in number of power outages according to PSNH.
January 26 through about February 16, 2015 series of frequent heavy
snowstorms taxed state and local government snow plowing budgets and
caused the cancellations of schools and businesses. The Governor will
submit a request for disaster assistance to FEMA.
These were regional events that affected southern and central NH, including the
Town of Bedford.
due to Nor’easters.
Moderate to high probability for nor’easters to occur and cause wind damage
4. Downburst
A downburst is a severe localized wind blasting down from a thunderstorm.
These ‘straight line’ winds are distinguishable from tornadic activity by the
pattern of destruction and debris. Depending on the size and location of these
events, the destruction to property may be devastating. Downbursts are capable
of producing winds up to 175 mph and are life-threatening. Downbursts fall into
two categories: Microbursts cover an area less than 2.5 miles in diameter, and
macrobursts cover an area at least 2.5 miles in diameter. 18
17
NOAA. National Weather Service. Glossary. http://w1.weather.gov/glossary/index.php?letter=n. 02-0614.
18
2013 State of New Hampshire Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Page 34
hazard can become. Downbursts often accompany thunderstorms, which are
quite common during Central NH’s hot weather months. Microbursts and
macrobursts (wet) have been known to occur here in the region. Downbursts of
both sizes are capable of producing strong wind shear, or large changes in wind
speed and direction over a short distance. Downbursts typically originate from
thunderstorm clouds, with air moving in a downward motion until it hits the
ground level and then spreads outward in all directions. In fact, the wind
pattern of a downburst is the opposite of a tornado’s wind pattern. The National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service
and the National Weather Service Jetstream Online School for Weather have
provided descriptions of downbursts. Downbursts can follow the Enhanced
Fujita Scale for the tornado-like high winds they spawn. Downbursts are
categorized into macrobursts and microbursts, and although there are wet and
dry microbursts, NH only experiences wet microbursts. The Enhanced Fujita
Scale shown on the table below measures the magnitude of wind speed for
downbursts.
Characteristics of Downbursts: Macrobursts and Microbursts
Characteristics
Wind Span
Time
Wind Speed
Example of Damages
Microburst (wet)
<2.5 miles
2 to f minutes
Up to EF 4 (166 mph)
Trees flattened; hazardous
conditions for planes; building
damage.
Macroburst (wet)
>2.5 miles
5 to 20 minutes
Up to EF 3 (136 mph)
Not as strong as a
microburst, but winds last
longer.
In 2011, a downburst occurred on Bedford Center Road and caused roadside and
culvert damage.
All locations in Bedford are at risk for property damage and loss of life due to
downbursts.
Moderate probability for downbursts to occur and cause damage in Bedford.
5. Lightning
Lightning is a visible electrical discharge produced by a thunderstorm. The
discharge may occur within or between clouds, between the cloud and air,
between a cloud and the ground or between the ground and a cloud. 19 Average
19
Page 35
number of flashes in New Hampshire from 1997-2011 number 23,360.20
Lightning strikes can cause death, injury, and property damage. New Hampshire
ranks 16th in the U.S. for casualties from lightning strikes.
hazard can become.
Severe storms such as thunderstorms are usually
responsible for the lightning south NH region receives. Lightning fires are
unpredictable and they are most dangerous when strikes occur in rural areas
with limited fire suppression access. Lightning can be measured to determine
how likely it may be for starting fires. Using a Level system of 1 to 6
corresponding with storm development and the number of lightning strikes, the
Lightning Activity level (LAL) measures the magnitude of lightning strikes as
displayed in the below table.
Lightning Activity Level (LAL)
Level
LAL Cloud and Storm Development
LAL 1
LAL 2
No thunderstorms
Isolated thunderstorms. Light rain will occasionally reach
the ground. Lightning is very infrequent, 1 to 5 cloud to
ground strikes in a five minute period.
Widely scattered thunderstorms. Light to moderate rain
will reach the ground. Lightning is infrequent, 6 to 10
cloud to ground strikes in a 5 minute period.
Scattered thunderstorms. Moderate rain is commonly
produced. Lightning is frequent, 11 to 15 cloud to ground
strikes in a 5 minute period.
Numerous thunderstorms. Rainfall is moderate to heavy.
Lightning is frequent and intense, greater than 15 cloud to
ground strikes in a 5 minute period.
Dry lightning (same as LAL 3 but without rain). This type
of lightning has the potential for extreme fire activity and
is normally highlighted in fire weather forecasts with a
Red Flag Warning.
Source: National Weather Service
LAL 3
LAL 4
LAL 5
LAL 6
Cloud to
Ground
Strikes
per
5
Minutes
n/a
1 to 5
Cloud
to
Ground
Strikes per
15 Minutes
6 to 10
9 to 15
11 to 15
16 to 25
>15
>25
6 to 10
9 to 15
n/a
1 to 8
due to lightning. There has been no known damage from lightning in Bedford.
20
These cloud-to-ground lightning flashes were measured by the National Lightning Detection Network®
(NLDN®) over the land area inside state borders. The NLDN does not cover Alaska or Hawaii. The NLDN
is owned and operated by Vaisala. http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/stats/TableFlashes_by_State_1997-2011.pdf. 02-06-14.
Page 36
Moderate probability for lightning to occur and cause damage in Bedford.
C. Wildfire
The Bedford Hazard Mitigation Committee reviewed hazards related to
wildfires.
1. Wildland Fires/Grass Fires
Wildfire is defined as any unwanted and unplanned fire burning in forest, shrub
or grass and are frequently referred to as forest fires, shrub fires or grass fires,
depending on their location. They often occur during drought and when woody
debris on the forest floor is readily available to fuel the fire. The threat of
wildfires is greatest where vegetation patterns have been altered by past landuse practices, fire suppression and fire exclusion.
Historically, large NH wildfires run in roughly 50 year cycles. The increased
incidence of large wildfire activity in the late 1940s and early 1950s is thought to
be associated, in part, with debris from the Hurricane of 1938. Significant woody
‘fuel’ was deposited in the forests during that event. 21 Present concerns are that
the Ice Storm of 2008 has left a significant amount of woody debris in the forests
of the region as may fuel future wildfires. The potential magnitude of a hazard
event, also referred to as the extent, scale or strength of a disaster, provides a
measurement of how large and significant a hazard can become.
The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Size Fire Classification
Scale is depicted below.
National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Size Fire Classification
Class A
Class B
Class C
Class D
Class E
Class F
Class G
1/4th acre or less
More than 1/4th acre, but less than 10 acres
10 acres or more, but less than 100 acres
100 acres or more, but less than 300 acres
300 acres or more, but less than 1,000 acres
1,000 acres or more, but less than 5,000 acres
5,000 acres or more
Source: NWCG
New Hampshire has 350-400 wildfires during an average year and 95 percent of
these fires are caused by humans and five percent are caused by lightning (NH
Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2013). The vast number of these fires occur in the most
21
Page 37
populated areas like Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties. These fires are
suppressed quickly with an average fire size of less than one acre. The primary
cause of wildfires in NH continues to be escaped debris burns, with
miscellaneous causes (power lines, fireworks, etc.) and campfires being the top
three. Average acres burned per year in NH are between 200-250 acres and
months of April and May experience the highest number of fire starts with the
period of October and November following with the highest number. These time
periods are vulnerable because the predominant forest type is hardwood trees
and in spring it is before they green up and the late fall the leaves have dropped.
It normally only occurs with an extended period of hot, dry weather conditions.
The total number of fire starts has decreased between 2006 and 2011. (NH
Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2013).
There are several areas, in the Town of Bedford, that are susceptible to
wildfires, including:
• All new developments (when trees are cut, soil dries, leaving dead grass)
• OHRV sparks cause fires
• Debris left from ice storms in 1998 and 2008
• Holbrook Hill area has had forest fires
• Pulpit Rock area has had forest fires
• Ministerial Branch Area
• Perry Road Area
• Joppa Hill Farm
The locations of these areas are identified on the Past Hazards GIS map at the
end of Section II. There are no recent occurrences of wildfire in Bedford.
An increased Urban-Wildlife Interface was noted in the Town of Bedford for
Wildfire Hazards.
Low to moderate probability for wildfires to occur and cause damage in Bedford
2. Isolated Homes
Isolated homes are more susceptible to the impacts of wildfire due to the
challenges of reaching them with fire-fighting capabilities. Isolated homes are a
concern for New Hampshire, as it is heavily forested and there has been an
increase in the urban-wildlife interface as towns develop and grow.
There are several areas in Bedford with isolated residential areas and individual
residential units. The location of these areas is identified on the Past and
Potential Hazards GIS Map and in the summary listing of “Areas at Risk” at the
end of this section.
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Low probability for isolated homes to be damaged in Bedford. Recent
development around Pulpit Road has negated the risk status of the two isolated
homes.
D. Ice and Snow Events
hazards related to ice and snow events:
1. Heavy Snowstorms
A heavy snowstorm is considered to be one which deposits five or more inches
of snow in a 12-hour period or seven or more inches of snow/sleet in a 24-hour
period and / or enough ice accumulation to cause damage to trees or power lines
and / or a life threatening or damaging combination of snow and/or
ice accumulation with wind. A blizzard is a winter storm characterized by snow
and/or blowing snow reducing visibility to ¼ mile or less for three hours or
longer and sustained winds of 35 mph or greater or frequent gusts to 35 mph or
greater.22
Recent heavy snowstorms affecting Bedford include:
•
•
•
•
October 29 to 31, 2011 – the Halloween storm.
February 8-9, 2013, a Nor’easter, known as Winter Storm NEMO
November 25 – 30, 2014, Thanksgiving Day snowstorm
January 26 through about February 16, 2015 series of frequent heavy
snowstorms
hazard can become. The National Climactic Data Center (NCDC) produces the
Regional Snowfall Index (RSI) for the Northeast to categorize significant
snowstorms. The RSI ranks snowstorm effects on a scale from 1 to 5. The RSKI
is based on the spatial extent of the storm, the amount of snowfall, and the
population. The Regional Snowfall Index (RSI) is displayed below in the table.
This is a measurement of the magnitude of a snowstorm in the Northeast, which
includes New Hampshire and Bedford.
22
NOAA. National Weather Service. Definitions of Weather Watch, Warnings and Advisories.
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/lwx/Defined/index.htm#Blizzard Warning. 02-06-14.
Page 39
Regional Snowfall Index (RSKI) for the Northeast
Storm Category
RSI Value
Snow Description
1
1-3
Notable
2
3-6
Significant
3
6-10
Major
4
10-18
Crippling
5
18 +
Extreme
Source: National Climactic Data Center (NCDC), 2014
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) National
Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center (NOHRSC) hosts an Interactive
Snow Information site that produces daily Modeled Snow Depth Maps
displaying inches of snow depth. These Maps measure the magnitude of snow
depth during a chosen day for New Hampshire counties, although individual
communities like Bedford will recognize their municipal location.
due to heavy snows. Higher elevations are more susceptible to this hazard.
Moderate to high probability for heavy snow storms and nor’easters to occur
and cause damage in Bedford
2. Ice Storms
An ice storm is used to describe occasions when damaging accumulations of ice
are expected during freezing rain situations. Significant accumulations of ice pull
down trees and utility lines resulting in loss of power and communication. These
accumulations of ice make walking and driving extremely dangerous. Significant
ice accumulations are usually accumulations of a ¼" or greater. 23 The Sperry–
Piltz Ice Accumulation Index, or SPIA Index, predicts the projected footprint,
total ice accumulation, and resulting potential damage from approaching ice
storms. It is a tool to be used for risk management and/or winter weather
preparedness. 24
23
24
Sidney K. Sperry, SPIDI Technologies, LLC. http://www.spia-index.com/. 03-26-14.
Page 40
Figure 1 – SPIA Index
Bedford, including the rest of New Hampshire and much of the Northeast,
experienced an intense ice storm on December 11-12, 2008. A major disaster
declared for 10 counties in New Hampshire, including Hillsborough. The
damage was widespread and approximately 400,000 residents of New
Hampshire lost power from the storm. Restoring power to a majority of the State
took approximately 14 days and in some extreme cases it took 17 days. Residents
and businesses in Bedford lost power for several days.
“It was absolutely unprecedented in devastation,” stated a PSNH spokesman.
The 2008 ice storm was the worst ice storm ever recorded in New Hampshire.
Bedford businesses and homeowners experienced several days without power
and almost all the damage was related to utility line and pole damage.
due to ice storms. Bedford’s elevation contributes to the ice storm damage.
Moderate probability for ice storms to occur and cause damage in Bedford
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3. Hailstorms
Hailstorms are characterized by showery precipitation in the form of irregular
pellets or balls of ice more than five mm in diameter, falling from a
cumulonimbus cloud. 25
Most hailstones are smaller in diameter than a dime, but, stones weighing more
than a pound have been recorded. Details of how hailstones grow are
complicated, but the results are irregular balls of ice that can be as large as
baseballs, sometimes even bigger. While crops are the major victims, hail is also
a hazard to vehicles and windows. Hail damage events can be severe to persons,
property, livestock and agriculture.
The Hail Size Description Chart developed by the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and enhanced by other National Weather
Service local sites depicts the potential size of hail during a hurricane or severe
storm event. Some examples from the Hail Size Description chart include “1/2”
inch=Pea Size” and “2 inches=Hen Egg Size.”
Hail Size Description
Hailstone Diameter in Inches
Size Description
<1/4
Bb
¼
Pea Size
½
Mothball Size
¾
Penny Size
7/8
Nickel Size
Severe Criteria
Quarter Size
1
1¼
Half Dollar Size
1½
Walnut or Ping Pong Ball Size
1¾
Golf Ball Size
2
Hen Egg Size
2½
Tennis Ball Size
2¾
Baseball Size
3
Teacup Size
3 4/5
Softball Size
4
Grapefruit Size
4¾
CD/DVD
Note: Hail size refers to the diameter of the
hailstone.
Sources: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather
Service (NWS)
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National
Climatic Data Center (NCDC) online database has recorded 45 hail storms in
25
Page 42
Hillsborough County since 2005. Hailstone diameters recorded ranged from .75
to two inches. The database notes two events specifically occurring in Bedford on
June 24, 2008 and events on August 16, 2008 and September 13, 2010 with 0.75
inch hailstones. No damages were recorded for any of the events.
All areas of Bedford are potentially at risk from this hazard.
Low to Moderate probability for hailstorms to occur and cause damage in
Bedford. Probability upgraded from low due to heightened hazard occurrences.
E. Earthquakes
hazards related to seismic events:
1. Earthquakes
An earthquake is "a series of vibrations induced in the earth’s crust by the abrupt
rupture and rebound of rocks in which elastic strain has been slowly
accumulating. 26
Figure 2 – Northeast Seismic Activity, 1975 – October 2013
Source: Weston Observatory, Boston College
In the State of New Hampshire, earthquakes are due to intraplate seismic
activity, opposed to interplate activity or shifting between tectonic plates as
26
Page 43
occurs in California. The causes of intraplate earthquakes have yet to be
scientifically proved. One accepted explanation for the cause of intraplate
"earthquakes in the Northeast are that ancient zones of weakness are being
reactivated in the present-day stress field. In this model, pre-existing faults
and/or other geological features formed during ancient geological episodes
persist in the intraplate crust, and, by way of analogy with plate boundary
seismicity, earthquakes occur when the present-day stress is released along these
zones of weakness. 27"
There are two scales that measure earthquakes, the Modified Mercalli (MM) and
the Richter scales. The Richter scale is a measurement of magnitude of the quake
as calculated by a seismograph and does not measure damage. The Modified
Mercalli scale denotes the intensity of an earthquake as it is perceived by
humans, their reactions, and damage created. It is not a mathematically based
scale but a ranking of perception. The following table gives intensities that are
typically observed at locations near the epicenter of earthquakes of different
magnitudes (USGS).
Figure 3- Earthquake Magnitude Scales
Magnitude
Typical Maximum
Modified Mercalli Intensity
1.0 - 3.0
I
3.0 - 3.9
II – III
4.0 - 4.9
IV – V
5.0 - 5.9
VI – VII
6.0 - 6.9
VII – IX
7.0 and higher
VIII or higher
Source: USGS
One of New England’s more notable seismic zones runs from the Ossipee
Mountain area of New Hampshire, through the Deerfield area, and continues
south toward Boston, Massachusetts. This particular area has a mean return time
of 408 years for a 6.0 Richter scale earthquake or a 39 percent probability of
occurrence in 200 years. Additionally for a 6.5 Richter scale quake, there is a
mean return time of 1,060 years or a 17 percent probability of occurrence in 200
years. 28 The most significant historic earthquakes in New Hampshire occurred
27
Kafka, Alan. Why Does the Earth Quake in New England? August 24, 2011.
https://www2.bc.edu/~kafka/Why_Quakes/why_quakes.html. 02-06-14.
28
Pulli, Jay. Seismiscity, Earthquakes Mechanisms, and Seismic Wave Attenuation in the
Northeastern United States, PhD Dissertation Abstract. MIT, June 10, 1983. http://erl.mit.edu/assets/Pulliabstract.pdf. 02-06-14.
Page 44
December 20th and 24th, 1940 (epicenter just west of Ossipee, NH, 5.5 Richter
scale magnitude).
A fall 2012 minor earthquake originating from the epicenter in Maine (4.0
magnitude on the Richter scale) was felt as far away as Boston. No property
damage was recorded. The frequency of small earthquakes has been increasing
in the past several decades. In the past 35 years, Bedford experiences a few minor
tremors each year that range between 1.6 and 3.4 on the Richter scale. There were
no reported damages.
All areas of Bedford have a low probability for property damage and loss of life
due to earthquakes.
Low probability for earthquakes to occur and cause damage
2. Landslides
The term landslide includes a wide range of ground movement, such as rock
falls, deep failure of slopes, and shallow debris flows. Although gravity acting on
an over-steepened slope is the primary reason for a landslide, there are other
contributing factors:
•
•
•
•
•
•
erosion by rivers, glaciers, or ocean waves create over steepened slopes
rock and soil slopes are weakened through saturation by snowmelt or
heavy rains
earthquakes create stresses that make weak slopes fail
earthquakes of magnitude 4.0 and greater have been known to trigger
landslides
volcanic eruptions produce loose ash deposits, heavy rain, and debris
flows
excess weight from accumulation of rain or snow, stockpiling of rock or
ore, from waste piles, or from man-made structures may stress weak
slopes to failure and other structures
Slope material that becomes saturated with water may develop a debris flow or
mud flow. The resulting slurry of rock and mud may pick up trees, houses, and
cars, thus blocking bridges and tributaries causing flooding along its path.
(Source: USGS, 2015)
A landslide occurs on areas of slope, and depending on where one occurs within
a community and the risk factors involved, a landslide might cause no damage
or material could sweep down to roadways or homes causing severe damage.
There is presently no known widely-used scale measuring the magnitude of
Page 45
landslides. However, there are several resources which might be of use to
characterize landslides and help identify the risks involved. The U.S. Geological
Survey (USGS) Landslide Hazards Program identifies different types of
landslides within the publication The Landslide Handbook – A Guide to
Understanding Landslides 2008.
The locations of areas of steep slopes in Bedford are shown as part of the Past
Hazards Map at the end of Section II. Past problems have occurred at excavation
areas such as open quarry pits on Back River Road and Sebbins Pond. The sand
pit on Lodge Avenue is a low risk for landside potential.
Low probability for landslides to occur and cause damage in Bedford
F. Other Hazards
The Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee reviewed the following kinds of
hazards related to these events:
1. Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas with carcinogenic properties that occurs naturally. It
has been identified as a problem in many New Hampshire communities.
Typically the radon is found in some metamorphic rocks in southeastern New
Hampshire and may enter homes in a dissolved state through the drinking water
from drilled wells. The NH Office of Community and Public Health Bureau of
Radiological Health, reports nearly one third of New Hampshire homes have
radon levels at or above the United States Environmental Protection Agencies
“action level” of four picocuries per liter for at least a portion of the year.29
hazard came become. Radon is a life-threatening gas to people, either through
air or water exposure. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set
indoor air quality standard risk levels for radon based on whether a person has
smoked or not within their lifetime. The measured radon levels and lung cancer
death risk numbers on the Table blow are based off the recommended maximum
exposure of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) as described in the EPA’s A Citizen’s
Guide to Radon. Indoor air quality risks of radon exposure measure the
magnitude of radon in homes by picocuries per liter (pCi/L) and lung cancer
death.
29
New Hampshire Office of Community and Public Health, Bureau of Environmental & Occupational
Health. June 11, 2004.
http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/air/pehb/ehs/radon/documents/search_answers.pdf
Page 46
Indoor Air Quality Risks of Radon Exposure
Radon Level
20 pCi/L
10 pCi/L
8 pCi/L
4 pCi/L
2 pCi/L
If 1,000 people who
never smoked were
exposed to this level
over a lifetime*….
About 36 people
could get lung cancer
(Smokers – 260)
About 18 people
(Smokers – 150)
About 15 people
(Smokers – 120)
About 7 people could
get lung cancer
(Smokers – 62)
get lung cancer
(Smokers - 32)
get lung cancer
(Smokers – 20)
Smokers – 3
The risk of cancer
from radon exposure
compares to**….
WHAT TO DO:
35 times the risk of
drowning
Fix home
20 times the risk of
dying in a home fire
Fix home
4 times the risk of
dying in a fall
Fix home
The risk of dying in a
car crash
Fix home
The risk of dying from
poison
Consider fixing home
between 2 and 4
pCi/L
1.3 pCi/L
Average indoor radon Reducing radon levels
level
below 2 pCi/L is
difficult
0.4 pCi/L
Average outdoor
Reducing radon levels
radon level
below 2 pCi/L is
difficult
*Lifetime risk of lung cancer deaths from EPA Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA
402-R-03-003).
**Comparison data calculated using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 1999-2001
National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Reports.
All areas of Bedford should be considered at risk for radon. Radon affects a
number of homes in Bedford.
High probability for radon to occur and cause damage in Bedford
2. Drought
In the past, New Hampshire has been under drought warnings. While a drought
is not as devastating as some other hazards, low water levels can have a negative
effect on existing and future home sites, since many sites depend on
groundwater for water needs. Additionally, the dry conditions of a drought may
lead to an increase wildfire risk.
Drought conditions can be found in the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI),
which measures the balance between moisture demand and moisture supply in
the form of cumulative monthly moisture conditions. There is the Keetch-Byram
Page 47
Drought Index designed specifically for fire potential assessment, a measurement
of cumulative moisture deficiency relating to flammability of organic material in
the ground. The U.S. Drought Monitor measure the weekly drought intensity of
NH counties (and nationwide) on an intensity scale of DO (Abnormally Dry) to
D4 (Exceptional Drought.
New Hampshire breaks the State into five Drought Management Areas,
including three along the southern portion of the State. Bedford is in the
Southern Interior (i.e. Hillsborough County and Rockingham County). Federal
agencies have coordinated to develop the National Drought Monitor which
classifies the duration and severity of the drought using precipitation, stream
flow, and soil moisture data coupled with information provided on a weekly
basis from local officials. The NH Drought Management, part of DES, utilizes
these maps to help determine which areas of significant impact. NH DES
maintains a “Situation Summary” where precipitation, stream flow, groundwater
level, lake level and fire danger data from all over the state can be accessed to
assess if areas in NH are being impacted by drought. (NH Hazard Mitigation
Plan, 2013)
There are five magnitudes of drought in the NH State Drought Management
Plan ranging from Exceptional to Extreme, Severe, Moderate and Abnormally
Dry. In regard to recurrence intervals, there have been one year recurrence
intervals for the Moderate level drought; two year recurrence interval for the
Severe level drought; nine years for the Extreme level; and greater than 25 years
for the Exceptional level in the Southern Interior Area. Between the years of
1950-2010 the following years have had an Extreme drought in this Area: 1957,
1963, 1965, 1966, 1970 (no data in the 1970s-1990s), 2001 and 2010. (NH Hazard
Mitigation Plan, 2013)
All areas of Bedford would be affected by a drought. Bedford has experienced
droughts in 1999, 2001 and 2003.
Moderate probability for drought to occur and cause damage in Bedford
3. Extreme Heat
Extreme heat is an occasional and short-lived event in Southern New Hampshire.
While there have been no extended periods of extreme heat in Bedford, New
Hampshire has seen a significant increase in mean annual temperature over the
past 50 years. 30 By the end of this century, an extreme heat event that currently
occurs once every 20 years could occur every two to four years in most parts of
30
Hubbard Brook Ecosystem Study. November 2006.
http://www.hubbardbrook.org/research/climate/vadeboncoeur06.htm
Page 48
the country. This example is based on how the climate is expected to change
under a high greenhouse gas emissions scenario. 31
Figure 4 – Projected Number of Years Between Extreme Heat Events in the U.S.
Source: Karl, T.R., J.M. Melillo, and T.C. Peterson (eds.).
2009. Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States.
Most recently, New Hampshire experienced several heat waves during the
summer of 2013.
All areas of Bedford would be affected by extreme heat, in its event. Particular
areas and populations at a greater risk are:
• Elderly populations and day care centers, identified in the “Areas at Risk”
listing at the end of this section;
• Power system may become overburdened;
• Communications negatively affected by power burden.
Low probability for extreme heat to occur and cause damage in Bedford
GIS-generated maps were prepared to illustrate Past and Potential Hazards,
Areas at Risk and Critical Facilities as identified by the Bedford Hazard
Mitigation Plan Committee. These maps are included at the end of this section,
following the summary listings of “Critical Facilities” and “Areas at Risk.”
31
Karl, T.R., J.M. Melillo, and T.C. Peterson (eds.). 2009. Global Climate Change Impacts in the United
States. Cambridge University Press, New York.
Page 49
Town of Bedford, New Hampshire
Critical Facilities
The following are emergency equipment or areas that are needed to respond at
the time of a natural disaster. Applicable hazard areas for each Critical Facility
are keyed in parenthesis.
Key
(F) Located within the Special Flood Hazard Area and/or prone to flooding and
damage due to 100-year floodplain events, ice jams, debris impacted
infrastructure, hurricanes or rapid snow pack melt.
(S) Located on or adjacent to a Steep Slope and susceptible to damage in the event of
erosion, mudslides or landslides.
(X) Located in or near a known past or potential wildfire location
(T) Susceptible to Town wide hazard risks such as wind damage from hurricanes,
tornados, nor’easters, downbursts, lightning, heavy snow or ice storms or
hailstorms.
Town Offices
24 North Amherst Road (F, T)
Safety Complex
Police and Fire Departments
55 Constitution Drive (T)
Bridges (F, T)
Bridges are shown on the Critical
Facilities Map at the end of this section.
Emergency Management
Emergency Fuel Facilities
Bedford Public Works,
19 Chubbuck Lane (T)
Bedford Town Offices, 24 North Amherst Road
Public Works Garage
19 Chubbuck Lane (T)
Evacuation Routes
U.S. I-293 (F, S, T)
N.H. Route 101 (F, S, T)
N.H. Route 114 (F, S, T)
Route 3/F.E. Everett Tpke. (S, T)
Bedford Fire Department, 55 Constitution Drive
Page 50
•
Bedford Public Works, 19 Chubbuck Lane
Back-up Electrical Generators
• Town Offices, 24 North Amherst
Road(T)
• Bedford Middle/High School, 47
Nashua Road(T)
• Carlyle Place, 40 Route 101 (S, T)
•
•
•
•
•
Arbors of Bedford,
70 Hawthorne Drive (T)
Town Library, 3 Meetinghouse
Road (T)
Bedford Community Television,
10 Meetinghouse Road (T)
Sewer Pump Stations, 43
Constitution Drive (T)
Medical Offices, 5,9, and 11
Washington Place (T)
Nursing Homes:
• Ridgewood Center,
25 Ridgewood Road (T)
• Harbor Side Healthcare,
30 Colby Court (T)
• Laurel Center,
480 Donald Street (T)
• Bedford Falls,
5 Corporate Drive (T)
Other locations:
• Safety Complex with tow-behind
unit (T)
• Public Works Garage with towbehind unit (T)
• Riddle Brook School,
•
•
•
•
•
•
230 New Boston Road, hook-up
for portable generator (T)
Bedford Ambulatory Surgical
Center, 11 Washington Place (T)
Lowes, 222 S River Road (T) (S)
Target, 220 S River Road (T) (S)
Bentley Commons, 66 Hawthorne
Drive (T)
Country Inn and Suites, 250
South River Road (T)
Hannaford’s, 4 Jenkins Road (T)
Daniel Webster Animal Hospital, 5
Hawthorne Drive (T)
Shelters
• Bedford Middle/High School, 47
Nashua Road (T)
230 New Boston Road (T)
• Safety Complex,
55 Constitution Drive, Back-up
power available (T)
• St. Elizabeth Seton Church and
Rectory, 190 Meetinghouse Road,
Back-up power available (T)
• Bedford Town Library, 3
Meetinghouse Road,
cooling/warming station
Post Office
• 25 South River Road (T)
• Substation at Harvest Market,
209 Route 101 (F, T)
Hospitals/Ambulance
In Bedford:
• CMC Urgent Care
5 Washington Place, Suite 1B
• Bedford Ambulatory Surgical
Center, 11 Washington Place (T)
Page 51
In Manchester:
• VA Medical Center,
718 Smyth Road
• Elliot Hospital
• Catholic Medical Center
Wireless Communication Facilities
• Cell Tower, 37 Ridgewood Rd (T)
• Cell Tower, 328 Route 101 (T)
• Cell Tower, Chestnut Drive Lot
20-22-9 (S, T)
• Cell Tower, 55 Constitution Drive
(Safety Complex) (T)
• Cell Tower, South River Road (T)
•
•
Flagpole Booster, 188 Rte. 101 (F, T)
Mobil Station, 470 Rte. 101 (T)
Radio Towers
• Public Works Department,
19 Chubbuck Road (T)
• Safety Complex,
• 233 South River
Road (T) (Same as Old Station
Road identified on map for
flooding)
Page 52
§
¦
¨
93
Map #2
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Bedford, NH
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Data Sources:
The town of Bedford
and the SNHPC make no representations or
guaranties to the accuracy of the features and
designations of this map.
Map produced by SNHPC August 2013.
Mitigation Plan and is for planning purposes only. It
is not to be used for legal boundary determinations or
µ
Miles
Areas at Risk
The following are emergency equipment or areas not needed to respond at the
time of a natural disaster, but which could still be threatened if a natural disaster
were to occur. Applicable hazard areas for each Critical Facility are keyed in
parenthesis.
Key
(F) Located within the Special Flood Hazard Area and/or prone to flooding and damage
due to 100-year floodplain events, ice jams, debris impacted infrastructure, hurricanes
or rapid snow pack melt.
tornados, nor’easters, downbursts, lightning, heavy snow or ice storms or hailstorms.
Public Water Systems
• 101 Plaza, Route 101 (F, T)
• 32 Constitution Drive (S, T)
• 35 Constitution Drive (S, T)
• Animal Rescue League of NH,
545 Route 101 (S, T)
• Bainbridge Park,
• PSNH, Bedford Area Work
Center, 12 Bellemore Drive (F, T)
• Bedford Presbyterian Church, 4
Church Road (F, T)
• Bedford Village Morning School,
19 Ministerial Road (T)
• Bedford Village Shops,
Route 101 (T)
• Bedford West Convenience
Center, Route 101 (F, T)
• Bethany Covenant Church,
1 Covenant Way (S, T)
• Camp Allen, Camp Allen Rd (S, T)
• Camp Foster, Camp Allen Rd (S, T)
• Camp Kettleford, Camp Allen Rd
(S, T)
• Dr. Dunn Dental Office,
Bell Hill Road (T)
Bedford Area Work Center for PSNH
Bethany Covenant Church, 1 Covenant Way
English Woods Water Pumping Station,
White Ave.
Page 53
•
•
•
Eastpointe Properties,
436 South River Road (S, T)
English Woods (public water
service), White Avenue (F, T)
Enviro-Tote Inc., 4 Cote Lane (T)
Sewer Pumping Stations
• 43 Constitution Drive (T)
• 2 Village Inn Lane (T)
• 169 South River Road (T)
• Station Road, Lot 23-3-1 (F, S, T)
• Moore’s Crossing Road, Privately
owned, not in operation (T)
• Commerce Drive, Lot 24-98-21 (T)
• 10 Iron Horse Drive (S, T)
• Crimson Glory Ln, Rose Hill (T)
• 47 Nashua Road
• 108 Liberty Hill
• Market Basket, Donald Street
Problem Culverts
• Meadow Road (F, T)
• Beals Rd at McQuade Brook (F, T)
• Catesby Lane (F, T)
• Back River and Smith roads (F, T)
• 184 Nashua Road (T, F)
• 51 Wendover Way (T, F)
• 47 Oak Drive (T, F)
• Whippoorwill Lane (T, F)
• Wathen Road/Eastman Avenue
(F, T)
Electrical Power Substations
• Meetinghouse Road (F, S, T)
• Moore’s Crossing (T)
• 55 Station Road (T, F)
Water Pumping Stations
• 103 County Road (T)
• Donald Street (T)
• 1 Cooper Drive
Sewer Metering Station
• South end of Alpine Street (T)
Sewer Interceptor and Mains
• See Critical Facilities Map (T)
Gas Mains (see Critical Fac’s Map)
• S. River Rd, County Rd, DW Hwy &
some branches off these roads (T)
Major Highways/Roadways
• U.S. I-293 (F, S, T)
• N.H. 101 (F, S, T)
• N.H. 114 (F, S, T)
• Route 3/South River Road (S, T)
• Airport Access Road (Raymond
Wieczorek Drive)
Electrical Power Substation, Meetinghouse Road
Schools
• Memorial School,
55 Old Bedford Road (S, T)
• McKelvie School,
108 Liberty Hill Road (T)
• Peter Woodbury School,
180 County Road (S, T)
230 New Boston Road (T)
• Supt. Office, 103 County Road (T)
• Lurgio Middle School / Bedford
High School, 47 Nashua Road(T)
Page 54
Child Care Centers
• Bedford Village Morning School,
19 Ministerial Road (T)Bright
Horizons,
• Kinder Care Learning Center,
3 Upjohn Street (T)
• Lamb’s Workshop, 1 Covenant
Way (S, T)
• Learning Adventures Early
Childhood Center,
51 Old Bedford Road (S, T)
• Montessori School of Bedford, 24
Tirrell Hill Road (T)
• My Second Home,
• Nanny Solution, Inc. (T)
• New Morning School,
23 Back River Road (T)
• New Morning School, Riddle
Brook Elementary School, New
Boston Road (T)
• New Morning School, Memorial
Elementary School, 55 Old
Bedford Road (T)
• New Morning School, Peter
Woodbury School,
180 County Road (S, T)
• Rainbowland Child Development
Center, 3 Rundlett Hill Road (T)
Churches
• St. Elizabeth Seton Church and
Rectory, 190 Meetinghouse Road
(T)
• Bethany Covenant Church,
1 Covenant Way (S, T)
• Bedford Community Church, 56
Old Bedford Road (T)
• Bedford Four Square Church,
Station Road (T)
Memorial School, 55 Old Bedford Road
McKelvie School, 108 Liberty Hill Road
Peter Woodbury School, 180 County Road
Montessori School of Bedford,
24 Tirrell Hill Road
Page 55
•
•
Bedford Presbyterian Church,
4 Church Road (F, T)
Seventh Day Adventist Church,
Back River Road (T)
Alzheimer’s Facilities
• Arbors of Bedford,
70 Hawthorne Drive South (T)
• Bedford Falls, 5 Corporate Drive
(T)
Nursing Homes
• Harborside HealthcareNorthwood, 30 Colby Court (T)
• The Laurel Center,
• Ridgewood Center,
25 Ridgewood (T)
• The Arbors of Bedford,
Independent
Elderly Housing
# of Units
• Carleton Crossing,
28
10 Colby Court (S, T)
• Pine Village Estates,
24
45 Ridgewood Rd. (T)
• Briston Manor West
70
37 Ridgewood Road (T, S)
Assisted Living
• Carlyle Place, 40 Route 101 (S, T)
• Bently Commons,
• Bedford Falls,
5 Corporate Drive (T)
• Riverwalk,
Recreation Areas
• Camp Allen (S, T)
• Camp Kettleford (S, T)
• Foster Day Camp (S, T)
• McKelvie School(T)
Rainbow Child Development Center,
3 Rundlett Hill Road
Bedford Presbyterian Church,
Church Road
St. Elizabeth Seton Church and Rectory,
190 Meetinghouse Road
Page 56
•
•
•
•
Heritage Trail,
Town of Bedford (T)
Earl Legacy Park,
Town of Bedford (T)
Pulpit Rock Conservation Area,
Town of Bedford (S, X, T)
Mueller Park (T)
Carleton Crossing, 10 Colby Court
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Memorial Elem. School (S, T)
Joppa Hill Farm
Office Fields, SAU
Middle School and High School
Fields
Peter Woodbury School (S, T)
Bedford Recreation Area (T)
Bedford Bluffs Inc. (T)
Manchester Country Club (T)
Reeds Ferry State Forest,
Ann DeNicola Memorial
Playground
Bedford Village Common
Bedford Heritage Trail
Bedford Memorial Town Pool
Benedictine Park
Earl G. Legacy Park
Goad’s Trail Conservation
Property
Greenfield Farms
Little League Complex
McAfee Practice Field
Muller Park
Pulpit Rock Conservation Area
Riddle Brook School
Riley Field Complex
Riverfront Recreation Area
Van Loan Preserve
Waterfowl Park
Riley Field, Nashua Road (T)
Bedford Pool & Bathhouse, Town
of Bedford (T)
Carlyle Place Assisted Living, 40 Route 101
Briston Manor West Assisted Living,
37 Ridgewood
Manchester Country Club, 180 S. River Road
Page 57
Riley Field, Nashua Road
•
•
•
•
•
•
Bedford Soccer League Fields (T)
Benedictine Land (T)
Ash Bog Trail (F, T)
Horseshoe Trail (T)
McAfree Farm Practice Field (T)
Swenson Fields
Unique or Historic Resources
The following structures and places
are unique or historic in Bedford:
• Bedford Historic District, Town
Center (F, S, T)
• Town Hall (F, T)
• Presbyterian Church (F, T)
Solid Waste/Municipal Recycling
Facility/Transfer Station
• Bedford Transfer Station,
77 Chubbuck Road (T)
• Bedford Municipal Landfill, 77
Chubbuck Road 32 (T)
32
Landfill capped in 1995.
Page 58
§
¦
¨
93
Map #3
Areas at Risk
Bedford, NH
1st
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3rd
2nd
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Data Sources:
The town of Bedford
and the SNHPC make no representations or
guaranties to the accuracy of the features and
designations of this map.
Map produced by SNHPC November 2013.
Mitigation Plan and is for planning purposes only. It
is not to be used for legal boundary determinations or
1.5
2
Miles
µ
Active Dams (As of June 2013) 33
See Appendix C for New Hampshire Dam Classification Schedule (F, T)
Dam Name
Woodbury Estate
Pond
Waterway
Bowman Brook
Type
Concrete
Owner
Coldstream Park
Condo
Dam Map-Block-Lot
Rating Street Address
S
12-30
116 S. River Road
Upper Wayfarer
Dam
Bowman Brook
Earth
JIT Hotel, LLC
NM
12-32
S. River Road
Lower Wayfarer
Dam
Bowman Brook
Concrete
JIT Hotel, LLC
L
12-32
121 S. River Road
Kamen GeoN/A
Thermal Pond Dam
N/A
Dean Kamen
L
33-46-20
15 Westwind Drive
Farm Pond
McQuade Brook
Earth
Jerome Walker
NM
5-4
475 New Boston Road
Bark Mill Brook
Dam
Bark Mill Brook
Concrete
Courville Mgt.
Service
NM
13-35
40 Route 101
Apple Orchards
Estate Dam
N/A
Earth
Benjamin Enter.
NM
N/A
Burleigh Dam
Riddle Brook
Earth/
Concrete
Town of Bedford
NM
14-50-14 (Vacant lot)
Riddle Drive
Stone Dam
N/A
Earth
Elizabeth Stone
NM
20-56
19 N. Amherst Road
Recreation
Pond
N/A
Earth/
Concrete
Wayne Williams
NM
27-38-10
10 Maiden Lane
Stowell Pond
Baboosic Brook
Concrete
Warren and Brian NM
A. Sealander
41-12-6
97 Stowell Road
Bowman Brook
Tributary Dam
Tributary to
Bowman Brook
N/A
Gregory and Gal
Sicco
NM
1-79
71 Whippoorwill Way
Lenz Mill
McQuade Brook
N/A
Russell Brown
NM
7-32
350 Joppa Hill Rd
Lyscars Pond
Dam
Tributary to
McQuade Brook
N/A
Atherstone
Home Owners
Association
NM
13-13-19
Elizabeth Way
Please see Appendix A for a list of the Commercial Economic Impact Areas and Appendix
B for Hazardous Materials Facilities located in Bedford.
33
Dams not rated are not shown, nor are fire ponds, detention ponds or runoff sites.
Page 59
SECTION III - EXISTING MITIGATION STRATEGIES AND PROPOSED
IMPROVEMENTS
Description of Existing Programs
The Town of Bedford has adopted several programs and ordinances for hazard
mitigation. They are listed here.
Floodplain Development District (zoning)
Floodplain Development District regulations apply to all lands designated as
Special Flood Hazard Areas by FEMA in its Flood Insurance Study for the Town of
Bedford, N.H., together with the associated Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps
dated September 25, 2009. The Building Inspector shall review all building
permit applications for new construction or substantial improvements to
determine whether proposed building sites will be reasonably safe from
flooding.
Elevation Certificates
An Elevation Certificate is required when (1) a structure is built or substantially
improved within a known flood zone, or (2) if the flood map shows a part of the
lot within the flood zone and the certified foundation plan shows the house is
located within the flood zone. The land surveyor must supply the footing
elevation.
Excavation Regulations (Land Development Control Regulations)
Excavation Regulations minimize safety hazards created by open excavations;
safeguard the public health and welfare; preserve the natural assets of soil,
water, forests, and wildlife; maintain aesthetic features of the environment;
prevent land and water pollution; and promote soil stabilization.
Emergency Operations Plan
Bedford maintains an Emergency Operations Plan. The latest update of this plan
was adopted May 26, 2010. The plan describes the Town Departments’ duties as
well as the personnel and equipment available during an emergency. The town is
currently in the process of updating the plan.
Amoskeag Development Emergency Action Plan
The Amoskeag Dam is located on the Merrimack River near the Amoskeag
Bridge in Manchester. The Amoskeag Hydro Project Inundation Map indicates
approximately one mile of shoreline in Bedford that could be affected if the dam
fails. The Amoskeag Development Emergency Action Plan was last updated
during December 2001. The dam is owned and operated by Public Service of
New Hampshire. The inundation map is located in the pocket in the back cover
of this document.
Page 60
Evacuation and Notification
The Bedford Emergency Operations Plan addresses evacuation procedures for
emergency notification and routes to be taken.
State Dam Program
Bedford maintains any Town-owned dams in coordination with the State Dam
Program. Town Detention Ponds may be classified as dams.
Road Design Standards (NH DOT and Local)
Bedford maintains road design regulations (NH Department of Transportation
standards) as part of the Town’s Subdivision Regulations. Land Development
Control Regulations control the peak rate of discharge of storm water runoff
from development under post-development conditions. The discharge shall not
exceed that of the predevelopment condition unless it can be demonstrated that
no off-site adverse impacts will result, or appropriate flowage easements have
been secured.
New Hampshire Shoreland Protection Act
The Shoreland Protection Act, adopted during 1994 and updated in 2011,
establishes minimum standards for the future subdivision, use, and development
of all shore lands within 250 feet of the ordinary high water mark. When repairs,
improvements or expansions are proposed to existing development, the law
requires these alterations to be consistent with the intent of the Act. The N.H.
Department of Environmental Services is responsible for enforcing the standards
within the protected shoreland, unless a community adopts an ordinance or
shoreland provisions that are equal to or more stringent than the Act.
Best Management Practices
The State has established Best Management Practices for erosion and sediment
control. These BMPs are methods, measures or practices to prevent or reduce
water pollution, including, but not limited to structural and nonstructural
controls, operation and maintenance procedures, and other requirements and
scheduling and distribution of activities. Usually, BMPs are applied as a system
of practices rather than a single practice. BMPs are selected because of sitespecific conditions that reflect natural background conditions.
Back-up Electrical Generators
Back-up electrical generators are located at the Town Offices, the Middle/High
School, Safety Complex, Town Library, Bedford Community Television, all
nursing homes, and the Department of Public Works. Riddle Brook School has a
hook-up for a portable generator. The Safety Complex and the Department of
Public Works also each have a tow-behind generator.
Page 61
Town Radio System
The Central Dispatch Center is located at the Safety Complex, coordinating
police, fire and public works.
Hazardous Materials Regulations
The Town of Bedford enforces State of New Hampshire regulations regarding
hazardous materials along with local town ordinances. Residential Hazardous
Materials collection days are also scheduled throughout the year.
International Building Code (IBC), Local Building Code and National Fire
Protection Association Code (NFPA)
The Town enforces the IBC, the local building code, and the NFPA Code. These
codes regulate construction to assure the safety of building occupants post
construction.
Steep Slopes and Class VI Roads
Steep slopes in excess of 25 percent and Class VI roads are regulated by the
Town’s Land Development Control Regulations.
Comprehensive Emergency Management Planning for Schools
Procedures are based upon the guidelines presented to the school district by NH
Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
Wellhead Protection Program
The Wellhead Protection Program includes a 75-foot protection area around the
wellhead, per the NH Department of Environmental Services.
Wetlands Regulations
The wetlands regulations contained within the zoning ordinance protect
wetlands, and include a 50-foot wetlands setback beyond the boundary of each
wetland.
Hazmat Response
The Hazmat response depends on continued reliance on mutual aid, and is
guided by the SMART (Souhegan Mutual Aid Response Team) Committee.
Existing Protection Matrix
The Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee has developed a summary
matrix of existing strategies that support hazard mitigation efforts (presented on
the following pages). This matrix, a summary of the preceding information,
includes the type of existing protection (Column 1), a description of the existing
protection (Column 2), the area of town affected (Column 3), the effectiveness
and/or enforcement of the strategy (Column 4), the identified improvements or
changes needed (Column 5) and the most recent updates (Column 6).
Page 62
Existing Protection Policies, Programs and Proposed Improvements for the Town of Bedford
TYPE OF
EXISTING
PROTECTION
DESCRIPTION
AREA OF
TOWN
COVERED
EFFECTIVENESS
ENFORCEMENT
(Rating definitions can be
found below this table)
Floodplain
Development
District (Zoning
Ordinance)
Guides development
in the floodplain to prevent
increased risk to existing
buildings in the SFHAs
All lands
designated as
special flood
hazard by
FEMA
• Building
Inspector
• Planning Board
Good
Elevation
Certificates
Required for Certificate of
Occupancy for all new
construction/substantial
improvements in SFHAs
Protects wetlands and
includes 50-foot wetlands
setback beyond the boundary
of each wetland
Floodplain
areas
Building Inspector
Good
All lands
• Building
Inspector
• Planning and
Zoning Board
• Conservation
Commission
Describes Town depts. &
personnel duties &
equipment available during
an emergency
All areas of
Town
Wetland
Regulations
Emergency
Operations Plan
(EOP)
Last updated
during 2010
Dam release GIS
mapping incomplete
Ordinance is working as
prescribed.
Good
Ordinance meets all
state/federal
requirements
Good
Plan meets all
state/federal
requirements.
IMPROVEMENTS OR
CHANGES NEEDED
2015
Update
Flood mapping completed.
Dam mapping deferred – not
enough information/data at
this time.
Zoning Ordinance updated in
March 2007
Local authority is responsible
for enforcing this ordinance. It
is periodically reviewed and
updated as required.
described.
Update in Progress anticipated completion date
late 2015.
Page 63
TYPE OF
EXISTING
PROTECTION
DESCRIPTION
AREA OF
TOWN
COVERED
EFFECTIVENESS
ENFORCEMENT
Evacuation and
Notification
Evacuation procedures with
emergency notification and
routes
All areas of
Town
Contained within
EOP,
last updated 2010
NH State Dam
Program
Maintenance of Town-owned
dams in coordination with the
State Dam Program
All Low
Hazard Class
dams in
Bedford
NH DES
Road Design
Standards
NH DOT standards and Town
Land Development Control
Regulations
All new
subdivisions
• Planning Board
• Dept. of Public
Works
Shoreland
Protection Act
Standards for use of all
protected shorelands within
250 feet of the ordinary high
water mark of state public
waters
Merrimack
River
Sebbins Pond
• Planning and
Zoning Board
• NH DES
Best Management
Practices (BMPs)
State guidelines for sediment
and erosion control;
protection of natural
environment & prevention of
potential damage due to poor
construction methods
All areas of
Town
• State of NH
• Dept. of Public
Works
• Planning &
Zoning Boards
IMPROVEMENTS OR
CHANGES NEEDED
2015
Update
Good
Plan meets all
state/federal
requirements.
Good
Program meets all
state/federal
requirements.
Good
Ordinance meets all
state/federal
requirements.
Update of EOP in Progress
Program is working as
described.
described.
Good
Ordinance meets all
state/federal
requirements.
described.
Good
Program meets all
state/federal
requirements.
Program is working as
described
Page 64
TYPE OF
EXISTING
PROTECTION
Generators
Town Radio
System
DESCRIPTION
Back-up electrical power for
shelters and additions
Communications between fire,
police, emergency services
AREA OF
TOWN
COVERED
All areas of
Town
All areas of
Town
EFFECTIVENESS
ENFORCEMENT
• Fire Dept.
• Dept. of Public
Works
Emergency
personnel
Excellent
All updates and
additions are complete.
Excellent
Upgrade radio system
(Fire/Police/EMS Depts.)
Good
Hazardous
Materials
Regulations
State regulations administered
by Town
IBC, Local
Building Codes
and NFPA
Regulates construction of
buildings and fire protection;
set a minimum standard of
protection to building
occupants
All areas of
Town
Police, Fire
Departments
All areas of
Town
• Building
Inspector
• Code
Enforcement
• NFPA
Ordinance meets all
state/federal
requirements.
Good
Ordinance meets all
state/federal
requirements.
IMPROVEMENTS OR
CHANGES NEEDED
2015
Update
Generation needs for shelters
in the Town of Bedford are
currently met.
Continuously being upgraded
with newest technology. New
tower located on NH Rt. 101.
New communication Center
for Police in 2013. New
Radios for all P.D. and their
cruisers. Backup dispatch in
emergency command vehicle.
described.
described.
Page 65
TYPE OF
EXISTING
PROTECTION
Wellhead
Protection
Program
DESCRIPTION
Wellhead protected by a 75foot radius to prevent
contamination of drinking
water sources
AREA OF
TOWN
COVERED
EFFECTIVENESS
ENFORCEMENT
Excellent
All areas of
Town
Building Inspector
Ordinance meets all
state/federal
requirements.
Excellent
Comprehensive
Emergency
Management
Planning for
Schools (CEMPS)
Education for school teachers,
administrators and children
for emergency situations
All schools
Steep Slopes &
Class VI roads
regulations
Regulations set standards to
prevent erosion, mudslides,
etc.
Slopes
considered
over 25% and
Class VI roads
Haz-Mat
Response Plan
Continued dependence on
mutual aid (SMART Mutual
Aid Response Plan
Committee)
Free program
offered by NH
HSEM
Established an
emergency planning
committee and
completed an active
shooter scenario-based
training. More training
planned for 2014.
Good
• Town Council
• Planning Board
Ordinance meets all
state/federal
requirements.
IMPROVEMENTS OR
CHANGES NEEDED
2015
Update
described.
Continue training and
emergency planning in 2014.
Regional scenario-based
training in progress and
evacuation procedures
scheduled.
described
Good
All areas of
Town
Fire Department
Plan meets all
state/federal
requirements.
Plan is working as described
Page 66
TYPE OF
EXISTING
PROTECTION
Excavation
Regulations
Amoskeag
Development
Emergency
Action Plan
DESCRIPTION
AREA OF
TOWN
COVERED
Regulations set standards to
minimize risks associated
with excavation
All areas of
Town
Discusses area of shoreline
potentially affected by breach
or failure of dam
Shoreline
adjacent to
Merrimack
River as
indicated on
map
EFFECTIVENESS
ENFORCEMENT
•
•
Planning Board
Code
Enforcement
Eversource
(formerly Public
Service of New
Hampshire)
Good
Ordinance meets all
state/federal
requirements.
Good
Plan meets all
state/federal
requirements.
IMPROVEMENTS OR
CHANGES NEEDED
2015
Update
described
Plan is working as described.
Rating Definitions:
Poor….The policy, plan or mutual aid system does not work as well as it should and often falls short of meeting its goals.
Fair….The policy, plan or mutual aid system does not work as well as it should and sometimes falls short of meeting its goals.
Good….The policy, plan or mutual aid system works very well and is achieving its goals.
Excellent….The policy, plan or mutual aid system works and often exceeds its goals.
Page 67
Summary of Recommended Improvements
The Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee recommends the following
improvements to existing mitigation programs 34:
Floodplain Development Ordinance
• Map of dam release waters on GIS from any upstream facilities to show
the effects on Bedford.
2015 Update: Town has not had sufficient staff or resources to complete this in
the past five years, but this is still an important project and the town will work
to complete by 2019. Maps done as part of the Amoskeag Development
Emergency Action Plan are included as an attachment to this Plan.
Town Radio System
• Upgrade radio system (Fire/Police/EMS Depts.)
2015 Update: Continuously being upgraded with newest technology. New tower
located on Rt. 101. New communication Center for Police in 2013. New Radios
for all P.D. and their cruisers. Backup dispatch in emergency command vehicle.
Comprehensive Emergency Management Planning for Schools (CEMPS)
• Complete development of emergency plan.
• Provide training for appropriate staff.
2015 Update: Continue training and emergency planning in 2015. Regional
scenario-based training in progress and evacuation procedures scheduled.
FEMA recommends that the town should evaluate how existing mitigation
actions’ priorities changed or did change after the Plan was previously approved
by asking the following questions:
•
•
•
34
Did the action(s) meet its intended goal/objectives?
Was/were the mitigation actions/projects successful or a failure during a
disaster?
Did action change due to political reasons, financial, legal or disaster
conditions?
More specific details on each recommended improvement can be found in Section V “Prioritized
Implementation Schedule and Funding Sources.”
Page 68
Page 69
The following is the 2009 Prioritized Implementation Schedule and Funding Sources with a 2015 update:
2009 Prioritized Implementation Schedule and Funding Sources
(Deferred and continued actions shaded in gray)
MITIGATION
ACTION
COST/BENEFIT
PRIORITY WHO
STATUS
POINTS
(LEADERSHIP)
1
Implement culvert and
bridge inventory &
analysis, reporting
conditions of each
An inventory and
analysis of culvert
conditions will allow
the Town to decrease
flooding and plan for
culvert repair and
replacement
38
2
Develop culvert and
bridge maintenance
program to ensure the
longevity of the
infrastructure and
minimize potential
damage in the event of a
disaster
3
A website is
inexpensive to develop
Develop a website for
and can provide critical
floodplain information, information to the
36
both general and town public. This website can
based info
be developed by local
staff with the assistance
of FEMA
ACTION #
Maintaining culverts
will deter flooding and
increase the life of the
infrastructure for a
37
number of years
HOW
2015 UPDATE 35
(FUNDING)
Completed
DPW,
DPW, NHDOT and
NHDOT
Deferred
Town completed inventory
in January 2012 and will be
update it annually
Completed
DPW,
DPW, NHDOT and
NHDOT
Deferred
Town established the
program and will complete
it in the fall 2016. Town
will update the inventory
annually.
Planning,
Building, IT
Deferred.
A link to FEMA's official
website will be added.
2015 priority list. The
Local, FEMA
Town will complete the
task in fall 2015. Lack of
time and resources.
Page 70
ACTION #
MITIGATION
ACTION
4
Coordination between
School District and
Emergency Services to
determine further
generation needs at
emergency shelters
5
Develop maintenance
program for
detention/retention
ponds & identify
locations of existing &
potential new facilities
as required to lessen
clogging & flooding
6
Develop storm water
drainage maps for GIS
applications
COST/BENEFIT
PRIORITY WHO
STATUS
POINTS
(LEADERSHIP)
A meeting between the
School District, Fire
Department and Police
Department is
necessary to determine
what the emergency
shelter needs of the
town are and for
35
obtaining the necessary
equipment to provide
the town with
emergency shelters that
can function at full
capacity should a
situation arise for this
need
Clogged ponds cause
additional flooding,
while proper
maintenance reduces
35
flooding.
Gives Town the ability
to use existing GIS
35
system to locate storm
water drainage points
HOW
2015 UPDATE 35
(FUNDING)
Completed in September
2010. Generation needs
School District,
Completed Town Budget have been met for
Fire, Police
emergency shelter
purposes
DPW, Private
DPW
Local,
Completed
Developers,
and
Property
Deferred
Owners
Town continually
implements the program;
and as a result, experiences
less clogging and flooding.
Completion fall 2016.
Deferred
Deferred due to lack of
time and resources. 2015
priority list. Completion
Summer 2016.
Local
Page 71
ACTION #
MITIGATION
ACTION
7
Hazardous spill events
Develop a transportation
can be better managed
hazard identification
through a system that
system for major
identifies the hazard
routes(101/114/I-293)
and predicts the
35
for future hazardous
hazard's characteristics
spill events/anticipate
and potential
hazard contamination
contamination areas.
characteristics and area
Police, Fire,
NHDOT
Deferred
8
Develop a tree
maintenance program,
minimize risk of
Could be accomplished
unhealthy trees being
by Town workers, DPW
blown over in wind
within existing budget,
events or swept by
35
along with other
floods or landslides and
agencies.
creating damage to
public utilities, homes
and other
structures/infrastructure
DPW, PSNH,
NHDOT
Completed
Local, State,
and
Private
Deferred.
9
Education for residents
on flood mitigation by
Local staff can develop
distributing information
program(s) for
through either mailings,
residents
35
local newspaper articles
or local access television
programming, or other
appropriate methods
COST/BENEFIT
PRIORITY WHO
STATUS
POINTS
(LEADERSHIP)
Planning and
Building
Departments
Deferred.
HOW
2015 UPDATE 35
(FUNDING)
Local, State
Local
Deferred – handled on a
“case by case” basis; Town
has not identified
permanent emergency
routes. 2015 priority list.
Completion fall 2018
Implemented. Risk has
diminished as a result of
past work.
Deferred - provide a link
to FEMA's flood mitigation
resources; few property
owners would be affected.
Lack of time and
resources.
Page 72
ACTION #
MITIGATION
ACTION
10
Plan for the acquisition
of needed new cisterns
& maintenance of
existing cisterns
11
Acquire GIS data for
floodplain mapping;
FEMA/NFIP approved
Digital FIRMS or GIS
coverage by GRANIT
Complex Systems
Research Center, UNH
12
COST/BENEFIT
PRIORITY WHO
STATUS
POINTS
(LEADERSHIP)
Systematic approach
will enable the Town to
plan for cistern
32
locations thus saving
unnecessary
expenditures
Inexpensive method to
incorporate floodplain
mapping with other
data layers; work can 35
be done by in-house
staff
Initial costs outweighed
Develop an early
by ability to warn
warning system for 100 residents early and save 34
year floodplain residents lives
HOW
2015 UPDATE 35
(FUNDING)
Fire, Planning
Completed.
Local,
Developers
Annual maintenance is
completed on schedule.
Developers will provide
new cisterns at start of
construction. Regular
maintenance - fall 2016.
Planning
Department
Completed
Local,
GRANIT
Completed December 2013
Deferred
Town to acquire list of
floodplain property
owners. Encourage
property owners to
Local, DPIG subscribe to Nixle
emergency notifications.
Lack of time and
resources.
Police, Fire
Page 73
ACTION #
13
14
15
16
MITIGATION
ACTION
Update Flood Insurance
Rate Maps with FEMA
to reflect current SFHA
boundary, base flood
elevations & other flood
hazards, existing maps
are dated Sept 2009
Map, with GIS,
inundation area
resulting from dam
breach or dam failure
from any upstream
facilities to show the
effects on Bedford
COST/BENEFIT
PRIORITY WHO
STATUS
POINTS
(LEADERSHIP)
Should be inexpensive
since FEMA should
participate; can develop
34
public access to
floodplain information
Mapping of the
inundation area will
allow the Town to
notify residents more 33
rapidly of an
impending disaster and
save lives.
Stewardship of river
shorelines allows the
Develop a river
riverine system to
stewardship program in
function properly and
coordination with other
helps prevent future
33
local communities in the
flooding of the
Merrimack River
riverbanks, especially
Watershed area
repetitive loss
properties
Acquire flood-prone
properties and/or
development rights,
Saves large sums in
particularly in the
expenditures for
33
Special Flood Hazard
damage to flood-prone
Areas and NFIP
properties
repetitive loss properties
where possible
HOW
2015 UPDATE 35
(FUNDING)
Planning, FEMA Completed FEMA, MM
DPW, HSEM
Deferred.
Completed
Local, HSEM, resources and data. 2015
MM
priority list.
time and resources –
contact MRWA. 2015
priority List.
Merrimack
River Watershed Deferred.
Council
MRWC,
Town,
NHDES
Conservation
Committee,
Land Trust,
Council
Pursue conservation
and/or protection in lieu
of outright purchase.
FEMA, PDM, 2015 priority list.
FMAP, Local Implementation on
continuous basis.
Funding and time
constraints.
Deferred.
Page 74
Page 75
SECTION IV - NEWLY IDENTIFIED MITIGATION STRATEGIES AND
CRITICAL EVALUATION
Summary of New Strategies
The Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee identified the following new
mitigation strategies 36:
•
Enhanced community notification program, including Nixle 360, low
power FM Radio Station license and BCTV emergency notification
procedures.
•
Continue to encourage proper identification with house numbering for
emergency services.
•
Continue to participate in the Southern New Hampshire Regional
Community Preparedness Program (SNHRCPP).
•
Seek generators for strategic traffic light intersections. Develop a list of
priority intersections and map intersections already equipped with
generators.
•
Acquire list of floodplain property owners. Encourage property owners to
subscribe to Nixle emergency notifications.
The Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee identified the following
mitigation strategies for continued implementation 37:
36
•
Develop a river stewardship program in coordination with other local
communities in the Merrimack River Watershed area
•
Develop storm water drainage maps for GIS applications
•
Coordinate regionally with DOT and surrounding communities to
develop a transportation hazard identification system for major
routes(101/114/I-293) for future hazardous spill events/anticipate hazard
contamination characteristics and area
More specific details on each new hazard mitigation strategy can be found in Section V “Prioritized
Implementation Schedule and Funding Sources.”
37
For past plan mitigation strategies and their updates see Appendix J
Page 76
•
Develop a website for floodplain information, both general and town
based information
•
Pursue conservation and/or protection of flood-prone properties /
development rights in the Special Flood Hazard Areas and NFIP
repetitive loss properties where possible
•
Map, with GIS, inundation area resulting from dam breach or dam failure
from any upstream facilities to show the effects on Bedford
Page 77
Summary of Critical Evaluation
Initial selection of mitigation projects was based on filling in perceived gaps in
hazard protection within the Town. The methodology for determining mitigation
actions and prioritizing them has not changed since the last plan was adopted. It
was decided no changes are needed since the process worked well last time and
some of the same mitigation measures were used again. Any actions that were
deferred from the Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2009 or that require
continued implementation were included in the 2015 critical evaluation
process. 38 In addition, the Bedford Hazard Mitigation Committee reviewed each
section of the FEMA guidance document Mitigation Ideas 39 and considered a
comprehensive range of mitigation strategies and projects for each of the
identified hazards that the Town of Bedford is susceptible to. For example,
earthquake was an identified hazard rated low to moderate for probability in
Bedford. Existing mitigation strategies that the town is already implementing
include:
•
Adopt and Enforce Building Codes for new and existing construction
The Town of Bedford has adopted and currently enforces the 2009
International Building Code (IBC) and the 2009 International Residential
Code (IRC) as referenced in NH RSA 155-A and amended by the State
Building Code Review Board.
The Bedford Hazard Mitigation Committee considered the following additional
mitigation strategies for this hazard from the FEMA publication Mitigation Ideas:
•
•
•
Conduct Inspections of Building Safety
Protect Critical Facilities and Infrastructure (by conducting seismic
retrofitting for critical public facilities most at risk to earthquakes,
requiring bracing of generators, elevators, and other vital equipment in
hospitals, reviewing construction plans for all bridges to determine their
susceptibility to collapse and retrofitting problem bridges, etc.)
Implement Structural Mitigation Techniques
When considering the STAPLEE criteria (described below) the town decided that
these mitigation strategies were not feasible to undertake currently.
The Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee selected those mitigation actions
that were determined to be most important to the town. Mitigation strategies
continuing from 2009, the newly identified mitigation actions and those
38
39
See Appendix J for past prioritized implementation schedules and funding sources.
FEMA. Mitigation Ideas: A Resource for Reducing Risk to Natural Hazards. January 2013.
Page 78
improvements recommended in Column 6 of the Existing Protection Matrix
summary chart were compiled and reviewed by each member of the committee
using the STAPLEE process for prioritization. Using the following fourteen (14)
criteria40, rating scores were assigned to each criterion based on (1) for Poor; (2)
for Average; and (3) for Good. Total scores can range from a minimum of 14 to a
maximum of 42.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Social: (1) Is the proposed action socially acceptable to the community?
(2) Are there equity issues involved that would mean that one segment of
the community is treated unfairly?
Technical: (3) Is the proposed action technically feasible and will it work?
(4) Is it a long term solution?
Administrative: (5) Can the community implement the action? Is there
someone to coordinate and lead the effort? (6) Are there funding sources
already allocated or available for this project?
Political: (7) Is the action politically acceptable? (8) Does the project help
to achieve other community objectives?
Legal: (9) Is the community authorized to implement the proposed action?
(10) Is there a clear legal basis of precedent for this project or is there
chance of legal challenge?
Economic: (11) What are the costs and benefits of this action? Does the
cost seem reasonable for the size of the problem and the likely benefits?
(12) Does the project reduce potential future damages from disasters?
Environmental: (13) How will the action impact the environment, i.e.
land, water, animals, plants? (14) Will the action need and meet
environmental regulatory approvals
Preliminary Prioritization
The Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee assigned the following scores to
each of the above strategies for their effectiveness related to the critical
evaluation factors listed above. The following groups the strategies into lists
based on the type of protection offered in order of highest to lowest priority.
Score/Action
Hazard(s)
Preventative
(33.7) Seek generators for strategic traffic light intersections. All
Develop a list of priority intersections and map
intersections already equipped with generators.
(29.7) Develop storm water drainage maps for GIS
Flooding
applications.
40
These are derived from the STAPLEE method criteria. Explanation of STAPLEE is provided in
Appendix G
Page 79
Preventative
(29.0) Map, with GIS, inundation area resulting from
dam breach or dam failure from any upstream
facilities to show the effects on Bedford.
(35) Coordinate regionally with NH DOT and
surrounding communities to develop
a transportation hazard identification system for
major routes(101/114/I-293) for future hazardous
spill events/anticipate hazard contamination
characteristics and area.
Property Protection
(30.3) Develop a river stewardship program in
coordination with other local communities
in the Merrimack River Watershed area.
(29.0) Pursue conservation and/or protection of
flood-prone properties/development rights in
the Special Flood Hazard Areas and NFIP repetitive
loss properties where possible.
Emergency Services
(37.7) Continue to encourage proper identification
with house numbering for emergency services.
(35.3) Continue to participate in the Southern
New Hampshire Regional Community
Preparedness Program (SNHRCPP).
Score/Action
Flooding
Hazardous Spills
Flooding
Flooding
All
All
Hazard(s)
Public Information
(39.3) Enhanced community notification program.
(33.3) Acquire list of floodplain property owners.
Encourage property owners to subscribe to Nixle
(31.7) Develop a website for floodplain information,
both general and town based info.
All
Flooding
Flooding
Page 80
SECTION V - PRIORITIZED IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE AND FUNDING
SOURCES
Implementation Strategy for Priority Mitigation Actions
The Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee created the following
prioritized schedule for implementation of the 11 strategies. After discussing the
STAPLEE results, the committee agreed that creating stormwater drainage maps
using GIS should be prioritized over developing a river stewardship program.
These two priorities, ranked 8th and 7th respectively, were therefore switched.
The following table reflects this change.
The beginning of the timeframe for mitigation measures starts when the Bedford
Town Council adopts the Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2015 so the
table below represent the time the project will be completed by.
Ranking and Priority Mitigation Actions
Rank STAPLEE Problem
Score
1
39.3
Increase
residents’
preparedness
and response
Mitigation
Action
Subscribe to
“Nixle 360”
for enhanced
community
notification
House
Continue to
numbering
encourage
for
proper ID for
emergencies house
numbering
Increase
Continue to
citizen
participate in
preparedness SNHRCPP
Maintain
Seek
traffic safety generators for
at key
strategic
intersections traffic light
intersections
Notify
Acquire list of
owners and
floodplain
tenants of
owners list;
Hazard &
Party
All
PD
Est. Cost &
Funding
$10,000annual
PD Budget
Timeframe
2
37.7
All
PD & FD
$10,000
PD Budget
Long Term
3
35.3
All
FD
Long Term
4
33.7
No Cost
Staff time &
Town budget
$50,000
DPW & NH
DOT
5
33.3
$10,000
Planning
Short Term
All
DPW & PD
Flooding
PD
Planning
Page 81
Short Term
Medium
Term
potential
flooding.
6
31.7
7
29.7
8
30.3
9
29.0
10
29.0
11
28.7
encourage
owners to
subscribe to
“Nixle 360”
Provide
Develop
critical
website for
information
floodplain
on floodplain information,
matters
general and
town based
Locate
Develop
stormwater
stormwater
drainage
drainage
point with
maps
GIS maps
River
Develop a
Stewardship river
will prevent stewardship
future
program with
flooding
communities
in the MRWC
Mapping
Map
allows more inundation
rapid
area resulting
notification
from dam
breach or
dam failure
Conservation Pursue
saves on
conservation
flood
/ protection
damage
of flood prone
expenditures properties in
SFHAs and
NFIP
repetitive loss
areas
Haz spills
Coordinate
can be better w/ NH DOT,
managed
abutting
through
communities
HAZ ID
to develop a
system
transportation
Flooding
Planning
Building
IT
$10,000
Planning
Flooding
DPW
$25,000
Medium
Town
Term
Infrastructure
Board
Flooding
MRWC
NH DES
No Cost
Staff time,
volunteer,
MRWC
Medium
Term
Flooding
DPW
NH HSEM
$10,000
SNHPC
NH HSEM
Medium
Term
Flooding
Conservation
Commission
Land Trust
Town
Council
$300,000
FEMA
PDM
FMAP
Current Use
tax
Long Term
Hazardous
spills
FD
PD
NH DOT
Planning
$10,000
Staff time
NH HSEM
Long Term
Page 82
Short Term
HAZ ID
system for
major routes
for HAZ
spills
Time frame
Short Term
Medium Term
Long Term
1 year or less
2 to 3 years
4 to 5 years
Additional funding sources will be researched by the Town of Bedford as
required to successfully implement the above mitigation actions. Grants will be
particularly researched on a project by project basis to search out the best suited
grant match.
Summary of Acronyms in the Prioritized Implementation Schedule:
DPW= Department of Public Works
FD = Fire Department
FEMA= Federal Emergency Management Agency
FMAP= Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (see Appendix F)
IT = Information Technology
PD = Police Department
PDM= Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program (see Appendix F)
MRWC= Merrimack River Watershed Council
NH DES = New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
NH DOT = New Hampshire Department of Transportation
NH HSEM= New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management
NH DOT= New Hampshire Department of Transportation
Page 83
Cost of Implementation
The following table compares estimated costs of implementing each of the above
prioritized mitigation actions. The actual final project budgets may exceed or be
lower than the estimated cost. Nonetheless, these figures are assumed to
represent a generic project of its type. These figures are to serve as a comparative
tool for project selection and planning purposes. Figures were derived from
personal knowledge of the Bedford Hazard Mitigation Committee, past project
costs in the Southern New Hampshire region, and Internet searches for project
costs from either Town requests for proposals or manufacturers’ specifications.
Summary of Acronyms in the Implementation Cost Matrix:
AC = Annual Cost
NC = No Cost
TC = Town Cost
Cost Range
Project
1. Enhanced community
notification
2. Continue to encourage
proper identification
with house numbering
for emergency services.
3. Continue to participate
in the Southern New
Hampshire Regional
Community
Preparedness Program
(SNHRCPP)
4. Seek generators for
strategic traffic light
intersections. Develop a
list of priority
intersections and map
intersections already
equipped with
generators.
5. Acquire list of floodplain
property owners.
Encourage property
owners to subscribe to
Nixle emergency
notifications.
< $10,000
$10,00050,000
$50,000100,000
> $100,000
AC
TC
NC
TC
TC
Page 84
Cost Range
Project
6. Develop a website for
floodplain information,
both general and town
based info.
7. Develop storm water
applications
8. Develop a river
Merrimack River
Watershed area.
9. Map, with GIS,
inundation area resulting
from dam breach or dam
failure from any
upstream facilities to
show the effects on
Bedford.
10. Pursue conservation
and/or protection of
flood-prone
properties/development
rights in the Special
Flood Hazard Areas and
NFIP repetitive loss
properties where
possible.
11.
Coordinate
regionally with NH DOT
and surrounding
communities to develop
a transportation hazard
identification system for
major routes (101/114/I293) for future hazardous
spill events/anticipate
< $10,000
$10,00050,000
$50,000100,000
> $100,000
TC
TC
NC
TC
TC (purchase)
TC
(coordination
only)
Page 85
SECTION VI - ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES REGARDING ADOPTION,
EVALUATION AND MONITORING OF THE PLAN
Adoption
Upon notification that FEMA has approved this plan, the Bedford Town Council
will hold a public hearing to formally adopt the Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan
Update 2015 as an official statement of Town policy. In the future, this plan may
constitute a new section of the Bedford Master Plan, in accordance with RSA
674:2 III e). As required by FEMA, the public hearing shall be held two weeks
before this Plan is voted on by the Bedford Town Council and the public hearing
shall be properly posted and advertised by the Town in accordance with New
Hampshire state law. Documentation that the plan has been formally adopted by
the Bedford Town Council is included in the Plan (see Appendix I).
Adoption of the Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2015 demonstrates the
Town’s commitment to hazard mitigation. It also qualifies the community for
federal, state and local funding and prepares the public for what the community
can be expected to do both before and after a natural hazard disaster occurs.
Incorporation into other Planning Mechanisms
The Committee and the Town Council shall seek to incorporate the Priority
Mitigation Actions identified in the Priority Implementation Schedule of Section
V of the Plan into other planning mechanisms, including the Town’s new Master
Plan and Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
The 2009 Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan was incorporated by reference into the
2010 Bedford Master Plan. During the next Master Plan update process,
scheduled for 2018-2020, the most current Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan will
also be incorporated by reference.
During the next CIP process, scheduled for Fall 2015, the most current Bedford
Hazard Mitigation Plan will be referenced within project descriptions, as
applicable, within the CIP document.
During the next Bedford Emergency Operations Plan update, scheduled for 2015,
the most current Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan will be reviewed and
referenced within the document, as appropriate.
Page 86
Monitoring, Evaluating and Updates: Continued Public Involvement
The Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2015 shall be reviewed and
updated annually. The Bedford Co-Emergency Management Director shall be
responsible for initiating this review in coordination with the Bedford Town
Council.
The Bedford Hazard Mitigation Committee will meet twice a year, in the
spring and fall, to review and update the Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan
Update 2015. The public will continue to be invited and encouraged to be
involved during this process and review meetings. All meetings involving
implementation or updates of the plan shall be open to the public as is
required by RSA 91-A and notice of the meeting will be publicized on the local
access television station and local newspaper. To gain additional public
involvement, draft copies of the amended Hazard Mitigation Plan will be
made available at two public locations for review and comment. The
document should be left for a minimum of two weeks and then all comments
will be considered in drafting final revisions.
Changes should be made to the Plan to accommodate for actions that have
failed or are not considered feasible after a review for their consistency with
STAPLEE, the timeframe, the community’s priorities, and funding resources.
Priorities that were not ranked high, but identified as potential mitigation
strategies, should be reviewed as well during the monitoring and update of
this Plan to determine feasibility of future implementation. The Bedford
Hazard Mitigation Committee (BHMC) will convene bi-annually to meet and
review the Plan. In keeping with the process of adopting the Bedford Hazard
Mitigation Plan Update 2015, a public hearing to receive comment on the Plan
maintenance and updating shall be held every five years when a new plan is
in the process of being submitted to FEMA. The final product will be adopted
by the Town Council.
The Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2015 will be reviewed, updated, resubmitted to FEMA for approval and subsequently adopted by the town at a
minimum of every five years, in order to reflect changes in development,
progress in local mitigation efforts, changes in priorities and in order to continue
to be eligible for mitigation project grant funding. The next update to be resubmitted to FEMA for approval will take place in 2019.
Page 87
APPENDIX A - COMMERCIAL ECONOMIC IMPACT AREAS IN THE TOWN
OF BEDFORD
The following list contains organizations and businesses with more than 25
employees:
Key
(F) Located within the Special Flood Hazard Area and/or prone to flooding and
damage due to 100-year floodplain events, ice jams, debris impacted
infrastructure, hurricanes or rapid snow pack melt.
tornados, nor’easters, downbursts, lightning, heavy snow or ice storms or
hailstorms.
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Company Name
Address
ROUTE 101
101 PLAZA (F, T)
23 COMMERCE DRIVE
ACADIA INSURANCE CO. (T)
AIG NEW HAMPSHIRE (T)
5 BEDFORD FARMS
ALLSTATE INSURANCE (T)
178 ROUTE 101
167 SOUTH RIVER ROAD
AMERICAN BROKERS NETWORK INC. (T)
AMERICAN EXPRESS FINANCIAL ADVISORS (F, S, T)5 KILTON ROAD
IHOP (T, S)
224 S RIVER ROAD
ARTHUR H. LEE CO. (T)
4 COTE LANE
5 KILTON ROAD
AT&T (F, S, T)
BALDWIN & CLARKE CO. (F, T)
116 SOUTH RIVER ROAD #B
BEDFORD AMBULATORY SURGICAL (T)
11 WASHINGTON PLACE
BEDFORD COMMONS OB-GYN (T)
2 RIVERWAY PLACE
BEDFORD COUNSELING ASSOCIATES (T)
25 SOUTH RIVER ROAD
BEDFORD FOUR SQUARE CHURCH (T, F)
12 STATION ROAD
BEDFORD GROVE SHOPPING CENTER (S, T)
ROUTE 3 AND COLBY COURT
BEDFORD MALL
(T)
73 S RIVER ROAD
BEDFORD MEDICAL PARK (T)
WASHINGTON PLACE
BRAN HEATING SUPPLY (T)
26 SOUTH RIVER ROAD
BUGABOO CREEK (T, S)
CARLYLE PLACE (S, T)
40 ROUTE 101
COASTAL SPECIALTY FOREST PRODUCTS (T)
Appendix A
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COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. INC. (T)
#330
CONSOLIDATED ELECTRIC INC. (T)
CONTINENTAL PET TECHNOLOGIES (T)
COUNTRY INN & SUITES (T)
LEXUS DEALERSHIP (F, T)
CREDIT BUREAU SERVICE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE (T)
CVS PHARMACY (F, T)
DANIEL WEBSTER ANIMAL HOSPITAL (T)
DIVIDERS PLUS INC. (F, T)
DTI TECHNOLOGIES INC. (T)
EAST POINT PROPERTIES (S, T)
(S, T)
EAST POINT TECHNOLOGY INC.
EBI CO. (F, S, T)
ECKMAN CONSTRUCTION CO. (T)
ENVIRO-TOTE INC. (T)
EXPERT SERVER GROUP (T)
FIBERKRAFT INC. (T)
GOFFSTOWN TRUCK CENTER (F, T)
GRANITE STATE ACOUSTICS (T)
GUARDIAN LIFE INS. CO. (F, T)
HAMPTON INN (T)
HANNAFORD (T)
HARBORSIDE NORTHWOOD (T)
HARTFORD INSURANCE GROUP (T)
HITCHCOCK CLINIC (T)
HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY (S, T)
INFANTINE INSURANCE INC. (S, T)
INTERSTATE ELECTRIC SERVICE (T)
KEANE INC. (T)
KINKO’S COPIES (T)
LAMONTAGNE BUILDERS INC. (T)
LAUREL CENTER (T)
LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE (T)
LOWE’S (T, S)
LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES (T)
LURGIO MIDDLE SCHOOL / BEDFORD HS
MACY’S (T)
MANCHESTER COUNTRY CLUB (T)
MARKETING CONNECTIONS NE (T)
MASS MUTUAL, THE BLUE CHIP CO. (T)
Appendix A
1 EXECUTIVE PARK DRIVE
27 HARVEY ROAD
7 TECHNOLOGY DRIVE
250 S RIVER ROAD
18 KILTON ROAD
73 SOUTH RIVER ROAD
3 HAWTHORNE DRIVE
548 DONALD STREET
10 COMMERCE PARK NORTH
4 BEDFORD FARMS
84 PALOMINO LANE #801
4 COTE LANE
25 COMMERCE DRIVE
1 WHITE AVENUE
3 CHESTNUT DRIVE
116 SOUTH RIVER ROAD #B
8 HAWTHORNE DRIVE
4 JENKINS ROAD
30 COLBY COURT
25 SOUTH RIVER ROAD
32 CONSTITUTION DRIVE
203 MEETINGHOUSE ROAD
15 COTE LANE
3 COLBY COURT
480 DONALD STREET
10 CORPORATE DRIVE #100
222 S RIVER ROAD
47 NASHUA ROAD
125 S RIVER ROAD
10 CORPORATE DRIVE #206
2 EXECUTIVE PARK DRIVE #7
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MCKELVIE SCHOOL (T)
MEMORIAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (S, T)
MERCHANTS INSURANCE CO. (S, T)
MINI COOPER
NETS ELECTRONICS INC. (T)
NEW ENGLAND INTERVIEWING INC. (T)
NEW MORNING SCHOOL (T)
NORMANDEAU ASSOCIATES INC. (S, T)
NORTH AMERICAN MORTGAGE CO. (T)
NORWOOD REAL ESTATE (T)
ONE COMMUNICATIONS CORP. (T)
OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE (T)
PETER WOODBURY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (S, T)
PRUDENTIAL INSURANCE CO. (T)
#100
PUBLIC SERVICE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
(F, T)
RIDDLEBROOK ELEMENTARY (T)
RIDGEWOOD CENTER (T)
SEGWAY (T)
STATE FARM INSURANCE (T)
TARGET
(T, S)
TAYLOR GROUP (T)
TF MORAN INC. (T)
THE SPINE CLINIC (T, S)
U.S. POST OFFICE (T)
VANASSE HANGEN BRUSTIN INC. (F, S, T)
BEDFORD VILLAGE INN (T)
HARVEST MARKET (F, T)
WAL-MART (S, T)
(F, T)
WAYFARER INN
WOODBURY COURT (T)
YELLOW FREIGHT SYSTEM INC.
(F, T)
Z-FLEX US INC. (T)
Appendix A
108 LIBERTY HILL ROAD
55 OLD BEDFORD ROAD
2 COMMERCE DRIVE #102
124 S RIVER ROAD
23 BACK RIVER ROAD
25 NASHUA ROAD
5 BEDFORD FARMS
116 S RIVER ROAD
160 S RIVER ROAD
95 SOUTH RIVER ROAD
180 COUNTY ROAD
12 BELLEMORE DRIVE
230 NEW BOSTON ROAD
25 RIDGEWOOD ROAD
14 TECHNOLOGY DRIVE
220 S RIVER ROAD
2 COMMERCE DRIVE #110
4 HAWTHORNE DRIVE
25 SOUTH RIVER ROAD
6 BEDFORD FARMS
2 VILLAGE INN LANE
ROUTE 101
17 COLBY COURT
ROUTES 3 AND 101
9 COTE LANE
20 COMMERCE PARK NORTH
APPENDIX B - HAZARDOUS MATERIAL FACILITIES IN THE TOWN OF
BEDFORD
Hazardous materials facilities in the Town of Bedford include active hazardous
waste generators and above-ground storage tanks. As defined by the N.H.
Department of Environmental Services, active hazardous waste generators may
include businesses that produce household hazardous waste, or treat and store
or dispose of hazardous waste, or be a waste handler or used oil marketer.
Active Hazardous Waste Generators
BEDFORD DENTAL CARE
NORMANDEAU ASSOCIATES INC
BEDFORD PODIATRY GROUP
GRAHAM PACKAGING CO
EASTERN NEW ENGLAND HYDRAULICS INC
TRM MICROWAVE
RITE AID 10279
BROOKS PHARMACY 481
WAL MART STORE 2246
INSTY PRINTS OF BEDFORD INC
BALDASSARRE MARSHALL A D M D
BEDFORD TRANSFER STATION
MACYS EAST
FERROTEC USA CORP
LAMONTAGNE BUILDERS INC
TIP TOP AUTO
BOYD STEINER DMD PC
BEDFORD DPW TOWN OF
PSNH
CHAGNON JEAN DDS
GEORGE ANDREW DMD
MACYS
SULLIVAN TIRE INC
PDNED BEDFORD LLC
LOWES OF BEDFORD 1907
TARGET STORE 2009
HAIGH FARR INC
LYOPHILIZATION SERVICES OF NE INC
PREFERRED FAMILY DENTAL PC
NH DOT DISTRICT 5
LYOPHILIZATION SVS OF NEW ENGLAND
OPTICS 1
GIBBES GARAGE
EXXONMOBIL OIL CORP 10977
MOBIL 2541 137 RTE 101
Appendix B
207 MEETINGHOUSE RD
25 NASHUA RD
21 EASTMAN AVE
7 TECHNOLOGY DR
8 COTE LN
7 SUNSET LN
1 S RIVER RD
1 S RIVER RD
17 COLBY CT
25 S RIVER RD
404 RIVERWAY PL
77 CHUBBUCK RD
125 S RIVER RD
33 CONSTITUTION DR
317 S RIVER RD
470A AMHERST RD/RTE 101
40 S RIVER RD
19 CHUBBUCK RD
12 BELLEMORE DR
206 RIVERWAY PL
401 RIVERWAY PLACE
125 S RIVER RD
397 S RIVER RD
RTE 3
222 SOUTH RIVER RD
220 SOUTH RIVER RD
43 HARVEY RD
19 HARVEY ROAD
504 RIVERWAY PL
6 EAST POINT DR
25 COMMERCE DR
2 COOPER LN
381 BOYNTON ST
137 RTE 101
TRM MICROWAVE
BEDFORD CLEANERS
BEDFORD ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Above-Ground Storage Tanks
LOWE’S OF BEDFORD NH 1907
LYOPHILIZATION SERVICES OF NEW
ENGLAND
PET CONTINENTAL
Under-Ground Storage Tanks
RPM FUELS LLC 2541
MACY’S
PUBLIC WORKS DEPT GARAGE
LA MONTAGNE BUILDERS INC
BEDFORD LANDFILL
HEAVENS FOOD MART & GAS
Appendix B
280 S RIVER RD
209 RTE 101
33 OLD BEDFORD RD
222 S RIVER RD
25 COMMERCE DR
7 TECHNOLOGY DR
137 RTE 101
RTE 3
19 CHUBBUCK RD
CHUBBUCK RD
381 BOYNTON ST
APPENDIX C - NEW HAMPSHIRE DAM CLASSIFICATION SCHEDULE
Non Menace (NM) structure means a dam that is not a menace because it is in
a location and of a size that failure or misoperation of the dam would not
result in probable loss of life or loss to property, provided the dam is:
• Less than six feet in height if it has a storage capacity greater than 50 acrefeet; or
• Less than 25 feet in height if it has a storage capacity of 15 to 50 acre-feet.
Low Hazard (L) structure means a dam that has a low hazard potential
because it is in a location and of a size that failure or misoperation of the dam
would result in any of the following:
• No possible loss of life.
• Low economic loss to structures or property.
• Structural damage to a town or city road or private road accessing property
other than the dam owner’s that could render the road impassable or
otherwise interrupt public safety services.
• The release of liquid industrial, agricultural, or commercial wastes, septage,
Or contaminated sediment if the storage capacity is less than two-acre-feet
and is located more than 250 feet from a water body or water course.
• Reversible environmental losses to environmentally-sensitive sites.
Significant Hazard (S) structure means a dam that has a significant hazard
potential because it is in a location and of a size that failure or misoperation of
the dam would result in any of the following:
• No probable loss of lives.
• Major economic loss to structures or property.
• Structural damage to a Class I or Class II road that could render the road
impassable or otherwise interrupt public safety services.
• Major environmental or public health losses, including one or more of the
following:
• Damage to a public water system, as defined by RSA 485:1-a, XV, which will
take longer than 48 hours to repair.
• The release of liquid industrial, agricultural, or commercial wastes, septage,
sewage or contaminated sediments if the storage capacity is two acre-feet or
more.
• Damage to an environmentally-sensitive site that does not meet the
definition of reversible environmental losses.
Appendix C
High Hazard (H) means a dam that has a high hazard potential because it is in
a location and of a size that failure or misoperation of the dam would result in
probable loss of human life as a result of:
• Water levels and velocities causing the structural failure of a foundation of
a habitable residential structure or commercial or industrial structure,
which is occupied under normal conditions.
• Water levels rising above the first floor elevation of a habitable residential
structure or a commercial or industrial structure, which is occupied under
normal conditions when the rise due to dam failure is greater than one foot.
• Structural damage to an interstate highway, which could render the
roadway impassable or otherwise interrupt public safety services.
• The release of a quantity and concentration of material, which qualify as
“hazardous waste” as defined by RSA 471-A:2 VI.
• Any other circumstance that would more likely than not cause one or more
deaths.
Appendix C
APPENDIX D - DEFINITIONS
Areas at Risk: Those areas or facilities that would be threatened by a hazardous
event such as schools, parks, commercial areas, day care facilities, and senior
housing areas.
Critical Facilities: Those facilities that would be needed during a hazardous
event, such as emergency medical services, law enforcement, electric generators,
and emergency shelters.
Emergency Operations Plan: A jurisdiction’s emergency operations plan is
typically designed to establish the procedures that will take place during an
emergency and designate who will be responsible to perform those procedures.
GIS: Geographic Information Systems includes a form of mapping that enables
users to easily locate physical attributes of a community such as dams, bridges,
wetlands, steep slopes, etc. Much of the data for these maps is maintained by
Complex Systems Research Center in Durham, NH.
Hazard Mitigation: The practice of reducing risks to people and property from
natural hazards. FEMA defines hazard mitigation as “any action taken to reduce
or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from hazards.”
Appendix D
I.
APPENDIX E - RESOURCES, BIBLIOGRAPHY, WEBSITES
AGENCIES
New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Federal Emergency Management Agency
NH Regional Planning Commissions:
Central NH Regional Planning Commission
Lakes Region Planning Commission
Nashua Regional Planning Commission
North Country Council
Rockingham Planning Commission
Southwest Region Planning Commission
Strafford Regional Planning Commission
Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission
NH Executive Department:
New Hampshire Office of State Planning
NH Department of Cultural Affairs
Division of Historical Resources
NH Department of Environmental Services
Air Resources
Waste Management
Water Resources
Bureau of Dams
NH Fish and Game Department
NH Department of Resources and Economic Development
Natural Heritage Inventory
Division of Forests and Lands
Division of Parks and Recreation
U.S. Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Weather Service; Gray, Maine
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Natural Resource Conservation Service
Appendix E
271-2231
617-956-7506
226-6020
279-8171
424-2240
444-6303
778-0885
669-4664
357-0557
742-2523
448-1680
271-2155
271-2392
271-3483
271-4974
271-1370
271-2900
271-3434
271-3406
271-3511
271-3556
271-2214
271-2214
271-3556
271-3734
301-713-4000
207-688-3216
223-2541
226-7800
223-6023
II.
PUBLICATIONS
1. Community-Based Hazard Mitigation Planning: Lowering the Risks and Costs
of Disasters; New England Training Workshop, 27 August 1998;
sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency/Region I,
Massachusetts
Department
of
Environmental
Management,
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, and the Massachusetts
Chapter of the American Planning Association.
2. Community Flood Mitigation Planning Guidebook; Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources.
3. Federal Programs Offering Non-Structural Flood Recovery and Floodplain
Management Alternatives; the Office of Management and Budget; June 1998
4. Flood Hazard Mitigation Planning: A Community Guide;
The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Environmental
Management, Flood Hazard Management Program; June 1997
5. Hazard Mitigation Plan; Charlestown, Rhode Island; January 1997.
6. Kafka, Alan. Why Does the Earth Quake in New England? August 24, 2011.
https://www2.bc.edu/~kafka/Why_Quakes/why_quakes.html. 02-0614.
7. Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Guidance; Federal Emergency
Management Agency; 2008.
8. Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide; Federal Emergency Management
Agency; 2011.
9. Mitigation Ideas: A Resource for Reducing Risk to Natural Hazards. Federal
Emergency Management Agency. January 2013
10. Montpelier Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan; City of Montpelier Department of
Planning and Development; May 1998.
11. National Mitigation Strategy: Partnerships for Building Safer Communities;
Federal Emergency Management Agency; December 6, 1995.
12. Post-Disaster Hazard Mitigation Planning Guidance for State and Local
Governments; Federal Emergency Management Agency, September 1990.
13. Protecting Business Operations: Second Report on Costs and Benefits of
Natural Hazard Mitigation; Federal Emergency Management Agency;
August 1998.
Appendix E
14. Pulli, Jay. Seismiscity, Earthquakes Mechanisms, and Seismic Wave
Attenuation in the Northeastern United States, PhD Dissertation Abstract.
MIT, June 10, 1983. http://erl.mit.edu/assets/Pulli-abstract.pdf. 02-06-14.
15. Reducing Losses in High Risk Flood Hazard Areas: A Guidebook for Local
Officials; Federal Emergency Management Agency; February 1987.
16. State of New Hampshire Natural 2010 Hazards Mitigation Plan. New
Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management
(NHHSEM). Concord, NH: New Hampshire Homeland Security and
Emergency Management, October 2010
17. State of New Hampshire 2007 Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan; New
Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management (NH
HSEM). Concord, NH: NH Homeland Security and Emergency
Management, October 2007.
20. Texas Community Officials Primer on Floodplain Planning Strategies and Tools;
Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission; June 1994.
21. The Local Mitigation Strategy: A Guidebook for Florida Cities and Counties;
Florida Depart. of Community Affairs; April 1998.
Appendix E
Sponsor
III.
WEBSITES
Internet Address
Summary of Contents
Searchable database of references
and links to many disasterrelated web sites.
Hurricane track maps for each
year, 1886 – 1996
Association of state emergency
management directors; list of
mitigation projects.
Natural Hazards Research
Center, U. of Colorado
http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/
Atlantic Hurricane Tracking
Data by Year
http://weather.unisys.com/hurricane/
National Emergency
Management Association
http://nemaweb.org
NASA – Goddard Space Flight
Center "Disaster Finder:
http://www.gsfc.nasa.gov/ndrd/disaster/
Searchable database of sites that
encompass a wide range of
natural disasters.
NASA Natural Disaster
Reference Database
http://gcmd.nasa.gov/Resources/pointers/hazard
s.html
Searchable database of
worldwide natural disasters.
U.S. State and Local Gateway
http://www.statelocal.gov/
National Weather Service
http://nws.noaa.gov/
USGS Real Time Water Data
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/rt
General information through the
federal-state partnership.
Central page for National
Weather Warnings, updated
every 60 seconds.
Provisional hydrological data
Dartmouth Flood Observatory
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~floods/
FEMA, National Flood
Insurance Program, Community
Status Book
Observations of flooding
situations.
http://www.fema.gov/fema/csb.shtm
Searchable site for access of
Community Status Books
Florida State University
Atlantic Hurricane Site
http://www.met.fsu.edu/explores/tropical.html
National Lightning Safety
Institute
http://lightningsafety.com/
NASA Optical Transient
Detector
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/news/bac
kground/facts/otd.html
LLNL Geologic and Atmospheric
Hazards
https://www.llnl.gov/
The Tornado Project Online
http://www.tornadoproject.com/
National Severe Storms
Laboratory
http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/
Earth Satellite Corporation
http://www.earthsat.com/
USDA Forest Service Web
http://www.fs.fed.us/lan
Appendix E
Tracking and NWS warnings
for Atlantic Hurricanes and
other links
Information and listing of
appropriate publications
regarding lightning safety.
Space-based sensor of lightning
strikes
General hazard information
developed for the Deptment of
Energy.
Information on Tornadoes,
including details of recent
impacts.
Information about and tracking
of severe storms.
Flood risk maps searchable by
state.
Information on forest fires and
land management.
APPENDIX F - TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR HAZARD MITIGATION
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This matrix provides information about key all-hazards grant programs from the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice,
Transportation, Health and Human Services, and Education under which state, local, and tribal governments, first responders, and the
public are eligible to receive preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation, and prevention assistance. It lists the purpose of the program
and the website where additional information can be found.
Office/
Program
Directorate
Programs to prepare the Nation to address the consequences of natural and manmade disasters and emergencies.
Agency
Department of
Homeland
Security
Border and
Transportation
Security
Directorate
Emergency
Preparedness
and Response
Directorate
Emergency
Preparedness
and Response
Directorate
Emergency
Preparedness
and Response
Directorate
Appendix F
Funding
Beneficiaries
Purpose
State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP)
www.fema.gov
SHSP supports the implementation of state
Homeland Security Strategies to address the
identified planning, organization, equipment,
training, and exercise needs to prevent, protect
against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts
of terrorism and other catastrophic events. SHSP
also provides funding to implement initiatives in
the State Preparedness Report
Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG)
www.fema.gov
To assist State and local governments in enhancing
and sustaining all-hazards emergency management
capabilities.
Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG)
www.usfa.fema.gov/grants
Citizen Corps
www.citizencorps.gov
The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants
is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs
of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical
services organizations.
To bring community and government leaders
together to coordinate community involvement in
emergency preparedness, planning, mitigation,
response and recovery.
State
governments
States with pass
through to local
emergency
management
organizations
Local, State, and
Regional Fire
Departments and
agencies.
States with a
pass through to
local
governments
Page 100
Agency
Office/
Directorate
Emergency
Preparedness
and Response
Directorate
Health
Resources and
Services
Administration
Health
Resources and
Department of
Services
Health and
Human Services Administration
Appendix F
Program
Funding
Beneficiaries
Purpose
Emergency Management Institute Training Assistance
www.fema.gov
State Rural Hospital Flexibility Program
www.ruralhealth.hrsa.gov
EMS for Children
www.hrsa.gov
To defray travel and per diem expenses of State,
local and tribal emergency management personnel
who attend training courses conducted by the
Emergency Management Institute, at the
Emmitsburg, Maryland facility; Bluemont, Virginia
facility; and selected off-site locations. Its purpose
is to improve emergency management practices
among State, local and tribal government
managers, in response to emergencies and disasters.
Programs embody the Comprehensive Emergency
Management System by unifying the elements of
management common to all emergencies: planning,
preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery.
To help States work with rural communities and
hospitals to develop and implement a rural health
plan, designate critical access hospitals (CAHs),
develop integrated networks of care, improve
emergency medical services and improve quality,
service and organizational performance.
To support demonstration projects for the
expansion and improvement of emergency medical
services for children who need treatment for trauma
or critical care. It is expected that maximum
distribution of projects among the States will be
made and that priority will be given to projects
targeted toward populations with special needs,
including Native Americans, minorities, and the
disabled.
State, local, and
tribal emergency
managers
States with at
least one hospital
in a nonmetropolitan
region
State
governments and
schools of
medicine
Page 101
Agency
Office/
Directorate
National
Institute of
Health
Program
Superfund Hazardous Substances Basic Research and Education
www.niehs.nih.gov/research/supported/dert/programs/srp/
Immunization Research, Demonstration, Public Information and
Centers for
Education Training and Clinical Skills Improvement Projects
Disease Control
www.cdc.gov
Department of
Transportation
Funding
Beneficiaries
Purpose
Pipeline and
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous
Materials Safety Emergency Preparedness Training and Planning Grants
Administration http://phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/grants
(PHMSA)
To establish and support an innovative program of
basic research and training consisting of multiproject, interdisciplinary efforts that may include
each of the following: (1) Methods and
technologies to detect hazardous substances in the
environment; (2) advance techniques for the
detection, assessment, and evaluation of the effects
of hazardous substances on humans; (3) methods to
assess the risks to human health presented by
hazardous substances; and (4) and basic biological,
chemical, and physical methods to reduce the
amount and toxicity of hazardous substances.
To assist States, political subdivisions of States,
and other public and private nonprofit entities to
conduct research, demonstrations, projects, and
provide public information on vaccine-preventable
diseases and conditions.
Increase state, local, territorial, and Native
American tribal effectiveness to safely and
efficiently handle HazMat accidents and incidents;
enhance implementation of the Emergency
Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of
1986; and encourage a comprehensive approach to
emergency planning and training by incorporating
response to transportation standards.
Any public or
private entity
involved in the
detection,
assessment,
evaluation, and
treatment of
hazardous
substances; and
State and local
governments
States and
nonprofits
organizations
States, local,
territorial, tribal
governments.
Programs to coordinate Federal response efforts and to assists
states, localities, and tribes in responding to disasters and
emergencies.
Department of
Homeland
Security
Emergency
Preparedness
and Response
Directorate
Urban Search and Rescue
www.fema.gov
28 existing
To expand the capabilities of existing Urban Search
US&R Task
and Rescue Task Forces.
Forces
Programs to provide assistance to States, localities, tribes, and the public to
alleviate suffering and hardship resulting from Presidentially declared disasters
and emergencies caused by all types of hazards.
Appendix F
Page 102
Agency
Department of
Homeland
Security
Small Business
Administration
Department of
Justice
Office/
Directorate
Program
Emergency
Preparedness
and Response
Directorate
Individuals and Households Program (IHP)
www.fema.gov/assistance/process/guide.shtm
Emergency
Preparedness
and Response
Directorate
Public Assistance (PA)
www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/index.shtm
Emergency
Preparedness
and Response
Directorate
Office of
Disaster
Assistance
Office for
Victims of
Crime
Funding
Beneficiaries
Purpose
Fire Management Assistance Grant Program
www.fema.gov/government/grant/fmagp/index.shtm
Disaster Loan Program
www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance/
Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program
www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/publications/infores/terrorism/
To provide assistance to individuals and families
who have been affected by natural or man-made
Individuals and
Presidentially declared disasters. Funding provided Families
from the Disaster Relief Fund.
State, local and
To provide assistance to states, localities, tribes,
tribal
and certain non-profit organizations affected by
governments;
natural or man-made Presidentially declared
private nondisasters. Funding provided from the Disaster
profit
Relief Fund
organizations
Provide funds to States, local, and tribal
State, local and
governments for the mitigation, management, and
tribal
control of wildland fires posing serious threats to
governments
improved property.
To offer financial assistance to those who are trying Individuals,
to rebuild their homes and businesses in the
families, private
aftermath of a disaster.
sector
To provide assistance programs for victims of mass
Public and
violence and terrorism occurring within and outside
private nonprofit
the United States and a compensation program for
victim assistance
victims of international terrorism.
agencies
Programs to reduce or eliminate future risk to lives and property from disasters.
Department of
Homeland
Security
Appendix F
Emergency
Preparedness
and Response
Directorate
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
www.fema.gov/government/grant/hmgp/index.shtm
Emergency
Preparedness
and Response
Directorate
Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program (PDM)
www.fema.gov/government/grant/pdm/index.shtm
To provide assistance to states, localities, and tribes
to fund projects that will reduce the loss of lives
and property in future disasters. Funding is
provides from the Disaster Relief Fund and
administered by the states according to their own
priorities.
This program provides funding for mitigation
activities before disaster strikes. In recent years it
has provided assistance for mitigation planning. In
FY03, Congress passes a competitive pre-disaster
mitigation grant program that will include project
funding.
State, local, and
tribal
governments
State, local, and
tribal
governments
Page 103
Agency
Department of
Homeland
Security
Office/
Directorate
Program
Funding
Beneficiaries
Purpose
Emergency
Preparedness
and Response
Directorate
Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMA)
www.fema.gov/government/grant/fma/index.shtm
The FMA program was created as part of the
National Flood Insurance Reform Act (NFIRA) of
1994 (42 U.S.C. 4101) 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 insurable under the
National Flood Insurance Program.
NH Office of
Energy and
Planning
Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) Disaster
Recovery Assistance
www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/
HUD provides flexible grants to help cities,
counties, and States recover from Presidentially
declared disasters, especially in low-income areas,
subject to availability of supplemental
appropriations.
State, local and
tribal
governments
State, local and
tribal
governments
Other
Department of
Housing and
Urban
Development
Mitigation Programs of Other NH State Agencies
The following agencies of the state of New Hampshire are directly or indirectly involved in activities that include Hazard Mitigation
Planning and/or program implementation:
NH Department of Transportation Bureau of Repair and Maintenance
NH OSP/NFIP Program
NH OSP Coastal Program
NH DRED Division of Forests and Lands
NH DES Water Resources Division – Dam Safety Program
NH DES Wetlands Program
NH DES Shoreline Protection
Appendix F
Page 104
APPENDIX G - STAPLEE CRITERIA
STAPLEE is an acronym for a general set of criteria common to public administration officials
and planners. It stands for the Social, Technical, Administrative, Political, Legal, Economic, and
Environmental criteria for making planning decisions. Questions to ask about suggested actions
include:
•
Social: Is the proposed action socially acceptable to the community? Are there equity
issues involved that would mean that one segment of the community is treated unfairly?
•
Technical: Will the proposed action work? Will it create more problems than it solves?
•
Administrative: Can the community implement the action?
coordinate and lead the effort?
•
Political: Is the action politically acceptable? Is there public support both to implement
and to maintain the project?
•
Legal: Is the community authorized to implement the proposed action? Is there a clear
legal basis of precedent for this study?
•
Economic: What are the costs and benefits of this action? Does the cost seem reasonable
for the size of the problem and the likely benefits?
•
Environmental: How will the action impact the environment? Will the action need
environmental regulatory approvals?
Is there someone to
Bedford’s STAPLEE Scoring
Score/Action
Hazard(s)
Preventative
(33.7) Seek generators for strategic traffic light intersections. All
Develop a list of priority intersections and map
intersections already equipped with generators.
(29.7) Develop storm water drainage maps for GIS
Flooding
applications.
Preventative
(29.0) Map, with GIS, inundation area resulting from
dam breach or dam failure from any upstream
facilities to show the effects on Bedford.
(35) Coordinate regionally with NH DOT and
surrounding communities to develop
a transportation hazard identification system for
major routes(101/114/I-293) for future hazardous
spill events/anticipate hazard contamination
Appendix G
Flooding
Hazardous Spills
Property Protection
(30.3) Develop a river stewardship program in
coordination with other local communities
in the Merrimack River Watershed area.
(29.0) Pursue conservation and/or protection of
flood-prone properties/development rights in
the Special Flood Hazard Areas and NFIP repetitive
loss properties where possible.
Emergency Services
(37.7) Continue to encourage proper identification
with house numbering for emergency services.
(35.3) Continue to participate in the Southern
New Hampshire Regional Community
Preparedness Program (SNHRCPP).
Score/Action
Flooding
All
All
Hazard(s)
Public Information
(39.3) Enhanced community notification program.
(33.3) Acquire list of floodplain property owners.
Encourage property owners to subscribe to Nixle
(31.7) Develop a website for floodplain information,
both general and town based info.
Appendix G
Flooding
All
Flooding
Flooding
Appendix G
APPENDIX H - BHMPC MEETING AGENDAS, MINUTES AND
ATTENDANCE SHEETS
Appendix H
Bedford Hazard Mitigation Committee Meeting
Meeting Number 1
July 25, 2013
10:00 AM
Bedford Town Offices
24 N Amherst Road
Bedford, NH 03110
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Overview of the Hazard Mitigation Planning Process
a. Purpose and benefits of Hazard Mitigation Plans
b. Scope of work to be completed
3. Identify/Update Past and Potential Hazards
a. Identify past hazard events in Bedford
b. Map past hazard events and other areas of concern
4. Identify/Update Critical Facilities
a. Definition of Critical Facilities, Areas at Risk, Commercial Economic Impact
Areas and Hazardous Waste Sites
b. Review Critical Facilities in current plan and identify those that are not listed or
those that have changed
5. Review Repetitive Loss Properties
a. Review Flood Hazard Areas for any change in the past 5 years
b. Review Repetitive Loss Properties by type and estimate numbers located in
identified flood hazard areas.
6. Agree on Next Committee Meeting Date, Time, Location
7. Adjournment
Appendix H
Minutes of the Bedford Hazard Mitigation Committee Meeting
July 25, 2013 in the Bedford Town Offices
24 North Amherst St, Bedford, New Hampshire
MEMBERS PRESENT
Michael Bernard
Dawna Duhamel
Rick Sawyer
Karin Elmer
Emile Lacerte
Michael McLaughlin
Scott Wiggin
Jillian Harris
Daniel Snyder
-
Police Department
School District
Planning Department
Planning Department
Public Works
Public Works
Fire Department
1. Call to Order
The Committee convened with a round of introductions. Copies of the Committee
Meeting Schedule, Introduction Update, and Definition of Essential Facilities were
handed out to everyone in attendance. Copies of the 2009 Bedford Hazard Mitigation
Plan were provided to those who did not have a personal copy with them.
2. Overview of the Hazard Mitigation Planning Process
Jillian Harris, Senior Planner at the Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission
briefly explained that the purpose of the committee is to review and update the 2009
Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan that will help reduce or avoid vulnerabilities in the
community. To be approved for FEMA and Homeland Security funding, a Hazard
Mitigation Plan must be updated every 5 years. The Plan is scheduled to be completed by
November 2013 and will take approximately 6 months to go through the review process
with the federal government.
3. Identify/Update Past and Potential Hazards
The committee brainstormed a list of hazards that have occurred since 2009, as well as
future potential hazards. These include:
• Dam failure at Brown’s Pond. This has not yet been replaced. Cider Mill and
Catesby Ln. flooding occurred downstream of Brown’s Pond.
• Joppa Hill Road farms pose a potential fire hazard.
• Woodbury dam has been repaired; Upper Falls dam and Lower Falls dam have
been lowered in hazard classification due to surrounding land being vacant.
• Expand northwest identified fire hazard eastward.
• Remove previously identified isolated homes, due to nearby development.
Appendix H
•
•
•
•
Lodge Avenue will be inspected by Fire Chief for potential slope landslide
hazard.
Cambridge/Birkdale Roads have experienced additional flooding since 2009.
North Amherst Road and Perry road have upgraded their culverts.
Chardonnay Terrace is not an erosion concern; this property has been fixed since
last year.
4. Identify/Update Critical Facilities
Several facilities have been upgraded with generators since the 2009 plan. Changes
include:
• Town Library is now a designated cooling/warming station, new generators have
been installed.
• Bedford Middle/High School should be prioritized in listing of shelters. This
building has backup generators.
• Bedford Falls, an assisted living nursing home should be considered a critical
facility.
• Town Offices has backup generators now.
• A new medical facility will have generators installed in the near future.
• The new Cell Tower by the Mobil Station can be added to list of critical facilities.
(Town Planner will supply address of tower).
• The new Market Basket development has new water pump/sewer infrastructure.
• The new Airport Access Bridge is a critical facility.
• Rainbow Drive children’s facility has been renamed Bright Horizons.
• Creative Growing children’s facility has closed (11 Bell Hill).
• CMC Urgent Care has a backup generator.
5. Review Repetitive Loss Properties
A property on Route 101 is listed as a repetitive loss property. The address needs to be
verified and the area will be mapped on the Past and Potential Hazards Map
6. Agree on Next Committee Meeting Date, Time, Location
It was decided that the next meeting will be August 22, 2013 at 10 AM in the Bedford
Town Offices.
7. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned.
Appendix H
Meeting Number 2
August 22, 2013
10:00 AM
24 N Amherst Road
Bedford, NH 03110
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Approve the Minutes of the July 25, 2013 meeting
3. Complete updates to Past and Potential Hazards Draft
4. Review Goals and Objectives
a. Revise Goals and Objectives as needed for plan update
5. Mitigation Strategy
a. Review Existing Mitigation Strategies, Matrix and summary
b. Review Newly Identified Mitigation Strategies
6. Set next meeting date
7. Adjournment
Appendix H
August 22, 2013 in the Bedford Town Offices
24 North Amherst St, Bedford, New Hampshire
MEMBERS PRESENT
Michael Bernard
Rick Sawyer
Karin Elmer
Emile Lacerte
Michael McLaughlin
Scott Wiggin
Jillian Harris
Daniel Snyder
-
Police Department
Planning Department
Planning Department
Public Works
Public Works
Fire Department
1. Call to Order
The meeting commenced at 10:01 AM.
2. Approve the Minutes of the July 25, 2013 meeting
A few corrections were made to the July meeting minutes before being approved by the
Committee.
3. Complete updates to Past and Potential Hazards Draft
A new table format will replace the previous bullet points listing past flooding hazards.
This table will feature a brief description of the damage of the hazard, the severity, and
any updates to report on since the hazard occurred. This will record additional important
information and the progress made to address hazards. The following table was generated
by the Committee:
Appendix H
Area
Old Station Road
Past Flooding Areas
Type of Damage and
Description
Severity
2014 Update
Flooded road and
washed away side
Road washed out in
Low
Route 101 between
Stowell Road and
Twin Brook Lane
Partly washed out in
High
Intersection of
Nashua and Wallace
Road
Bridge on Stowell
Road which sits on
the Town line
Culvert failed/erosion
of banks
Moderate
Reconstructed/New
culvert in 2011
Minor flooding and
threat during high
water
Low
One-time incident.
Upgraded bridge
structure in 2009
Area around
Whippoorwill Lane
Pond floods in heavy
rain
Moderate
Stabilized
Chubbuck Road, just
north of Magazine
St.
South River Road,
just south of Kilton
Road
Area around North
Amherst Road and
Perry Road
Road washed out
multiple times
High
Culverts replaced and
road raised in 2013
Norwood Reality dam,
wing walls failed
Moderate
Dam repaired under
DES oversight
Moderate
Upgraded culverts in
2011
Jenkins Road just
south of Beals Road
High
Area around Catsby
Lane and Pembroke
Way
Road washed out in
Mother’s Day flood,
dam breached
High
Dam removed and
replaced with bridge
in 2012
Pond no longer exists
after dam breached
Area around
Cambridge Road
and Birkdale Road
Minor flooding due to
undersized culverts
Low
Culverts
replaced/upgraded in
2011
Joppa Hill Road
Dam breached on
Brown’s Pond
High
Brown's Pond
Dam failure, pond is
High
Upgraded culvert on
McQuade Brook in
2013
Part of Brook
Wendover and Oak
Drive Culverts
Appendix H
High
Continue to be
monitored
New road and
drainage installed,
considered to be a
one-time incident
NH DOT rebuilt area
gone
Cider Mill & Catsby
Lane
Palomino Lane near
Whittemore Street
North of Boynton
Street at the
terminus of
Woodbury Lane
Western most
portion of Magazine
Street
Riddle Brook along
Meadow Road and
east of Wallace Road
currently
Effected by Brown's
Pond breach, washed
out
Localized flooding
High
Repaired after
flooding event
Low
One-time incident
Localized flooding
Low
One-time incident
Minor flooding in road
Moderate
Low
Culverts being
redesigned/replaced
in 2013
To be monitored, not
a hazard area
4. Review Goals and Objectives
a. Revise Goals and Objectives as needed for plan update
Copies of the 2007 State of New Hampshire Hazard Mitigation Goals and Objectives
along with the revised 2010 Hazard Mitigation Goals were handed out to each member to
review the changes. The 2007 Goals and Objectives were included in the 2009 Bedford
Hazard Mitigation Plan. It was decided that the 2014 Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan
will adopt the state’s 2010 Goals and Objectives while adding the following statement at
the top clarifying that the goals and objectives specifically apply to Bedford:
“The Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee concurs with and adopts these
goals and objectives for the Town of Bedford, New Hampshire.”
5. Mitigation Strategy
a. Review Existing Mitigation Strategies, Matrix and summary
• Karin Elmer will contact Jillian with updated Floodplain Development District
information.
• Fire Chief Wiggin to contact Jillian with updated Emergency Operations Plan
information
• Jillian to contact PSNH for updated information on Amoskeag Development
Emergency Action Plan
• Fire and Police to update Jillian on all media channels used in evacuations, such
as social media and other alert methods
• Jillian to contact Dawna Duhamel to ask about updates to the Comprehensive
Emergency Management Planning for Schools
b. Review Newly Identified Mitigation Strategies
This section will be saved to review for the next meeting.
Appendix H
6. Set next meeting date
It was decided that the next meeting will be September 26, 2013 at 10 AM in the Bedford
Town Offices.
7. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned.
Appendix H
Meeting Number 3
September 26, 2013
10:00 AM
24 N Amherst Road
Bedford, NH 03110
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Approve the Minutes of the August 22, 2013 meeting
3. Updates to:
a. Section IV: Newly Identified Mitigation Strategies and Critical
Evaluation
b. Section V: Prioritized Implementation Schedule and Funding Sources
4. Identify Gaps in Hazard Mitigation and Set Objectives for Future
Mitigation Efforts
a. What hazards is the town particularly vulnerable to that could use
additional mitigation efforts?
b. Were there events in the past 5 years that uncovered new or different
hazards that need to be mitigated and planned for?
c. Brainstorming Alternatives - Brainstorm any new mitigation
strategies that can be added
5. NFIP
a. Identify, analyze and prioritize actions related to continued
compliance with NFIP
6. Questions?
7. Schedule meeting #4
8. Adjournment
Appendix H
September 26, 2013 in the Bedford Town Offices
24 North Amherst Street, Bedford, New Hampshire
MEMBERS PRESENT
Michael Bernard
Rick Sawyer
Karin Elmer
Emile Lacerte
Michael McLaughlin
Scott Wiggin
Jillian Harris
Daniel Snyder
-
Police Department
Planning Department
Planning Department
Public Works
Public Works
Fire Department
1. Call to Order
2. Approve the Minutes of the August 22, 2013 meeting
The August 22, 2013 meeting minutes were unanimously approved.
3. Updates to:
a. Section IV: Newly Identified Mitigation Strategies and Critical Evaluation
Jillian Harris, Senior Planner, at SNHPC reviewed Section IV of the Hazard Mitigation
Plan that lists the mitigation strategies. This section of the plan also scores the strategies,
using the STAPLEE method criteria, assisting to identify the most important.
b. Section V: Prioritized Implementation Schedule and Funding Sources
The Bedford Hazard Mitigation Committee reviewed the table of prioritized actions and
has updated to include 2014 updates. Several items still need to be reviewed by particular
members where noted in the following table:
Appendix H
2014 Prioritized Implementation Schedule and Funding Sources
ACTION #
1
2
MITIGATION ACTION
COST/BENEFIT
PRIORITY
POINTS
WHO
(LEADERSHIP)
WHEN
(DEADLINE)
HOW
(FUNDING)
2014 UPDATE
bridge inventory &
analysis, reporting
conditions of each
An inventory and
analysis of culvert
conditions will
allow the Town to
decrease flooding
and plan for
culvert repair and
replacement
Maintaining
culverts will deter
flooding and
increase the life of
the infrastructure
for a number of
years
38
DPW, NHDOT
Ongoing
DPW,
NHDOT
Inventory is
complete
(Double check
with Jim
Stanford,
DPW)
37
DPW, NHDOT
Ongoing
DPW,
NHDOT
Check with
Jim Stanford,
DPW
A website is
inexpensive to
develop and can
provide critical
information to the
public. This
website can be
developed by local
staff with the
assistance of
FEMA
36
Planning,
Building, IT
2014
Local, FEMA
A link to
FEMA's
official website
will be added
Develop culvert and
bridge maintenance
program to ensure the
longevity of the
infrastructure and
minimize potential
damage in the event of a
disaster
based info
3
Appendix H
Coordination between
School District and
Emergency Services to
determine further
generation needs at
emergency shelters
4
5
6
Appendix H
Develop maintenance
program for
detention/retention ponds
& identify locations of
existing & potential new
facilities as required to
lessen clogging & flooding
Develop storm water
applications
A meeting between
the School District,
Fire Department
and Police
Department is
necessary to
determine what
the emergency
shelter needs of the
town are and for
obtaining the
necessary
equipment to
provide the town
with emergency
shelters that can
function at full
capacity should a
situation arise for
this need
Clogged ponds
cause additional
flooding, while
proper
maintenance
reduces flooding.
35
School District,
Fire, Police
2014
Town
Budget
Generation
needs have
been met for
emergency
shelter
purposes
35
DPW, Private
Ongoing
Local,
Developers,
Property
Owners
No change
needed at this
time.
Gives Town the
ability to use
existing GIS
system to locate
storm water
drainage points
35
DPW
2014
Local
Deferred due
to lack of time
and resources
7
8
9
Appendix H
system for major
routes(101/114/I-293) for
future hazardous spill
events/anticipate hazard
contamination
Hazardous spill
events can be
better managed
through a system
that identifies the
hazard and
predicts the
hazard's
characteristics and
potential
contamination
areas.
35
Police, Fire,
NHDOT
5 Years
Local, State
Deferred - case
by case basis,
no permanent
emergency
routes have
been
identified.
(Chief Wiggin
will look into
this)
Develop a tree
maintenance program,
minimize risk of
blown over in wind events
or swept by floods or
landslides and creating
damage to public utilities,
homes and other
Could be
accomplished by
Town workers,
DPW within
existing budget,
along with other
agencies.
35
DPW, PSNH,
NHDOT
Ongoing
Local, State,
Private
Implemented –
no changes
needed at this
time
Education for residents on
flood mitigation by
local newspaper articles or
local access television
appropriate methods
Local staff can
develop
program(s) for
residents
35
Planning and
Building
Departments
5 Years
Local
Deferred provide a link
to FEMA's
flood
mitigation
resources, few
property
owners would
be affected
Plan for the acquisition of
needed new cisterns &
maintenance of existing
cisterns
Systematic
approach will
enable the Town to
plan for cistern
locations thus
saving
unnecessary
expenditures
32
Fire, Planning
Ongoing
Local,
Developers
Annual
maintenance is
completed on
schedule. New
cisterns are
required as
needed with
new
development.
floodplain mapping;
FEMA/NFIP approved
coverage by GRANIT
Complex Systems
Research Center, UNH
Inexpensive
method to
incorporate
floodplain
mapping with
other data layers;
work can be done
by in-house staff
35
Planning
Department
2009
Local,
GRANIT
Completed
Develop an early warning
system for 100 year
floodplain residents
Initial costs
outweighed by
ability to warn
residents early and
save lives
34
Police, Fire
5 Years
Local, DPIG
Town of
Bedford needs
to acquire list
of floodplain
property
owners,
whether
through
SNHPC or
consultant.
Encourage
property
owners to
subscribe to
Nixle
emergency
notifications.
10
11
12
Appendix H
13
14
15
16
Appendix H
Rate Maps with FEMA to
reflect current SFHA
hazards, existing maps are
dated May 1994
Should be
inexpensive since
FEMA should
participate; can
develop public
access to
floodplain
information
34
Planning, FEMA
2010
FEMA, MM
Completed
Map, with GIS, inundation
area resulting from dam
from any upstream
effects on Bedford
Mapping of the
inundation area
will allow the
Town to notify
residents more
rapidly of an
impending disaster
and save lives.
33
DPW, OEM
15 Years
Local, OEM,
MM
Develop a river
Merrimack River
Watershed area
Stewardship of
river shorelines
allows the riverine
system to function
properly and helps
prevent future
flooding of the
riverbanks,
especially
repetitive loss
properties
Saves large sums
in expenditures for
damage to floodprone properties
33
Merrimack
River
Watershed
Council
Ongoing
MRWC,
Town,
NHDES
Deferred due
to lack of
resources and
data - (Refer to
Amoskeag
Emergency
Plan. Check to
see if map
exists or is
digitized)
Deferred due
to lack of time
and resources
– contact
MRWA
33
Conservation
Committee,
Land Trust,
Council
Ongoing
FEMA,
PDM,
FMAP, Local
Acquire flood-prone
properties and/or
development rights,
particularly in the Special
properties where possible
Pursue
conservation
and/or
protection in
lieu of outright
purchase
Officer Bernard suggested that man-made hazardous situations be included in the list,
such as an active shooter scenario. FEMA allows community flexibility to include such
situations. The committee discussed this suggestion and thought that while it is very
important, including such situations would make the group revise the plan. Tornados
were also suggested but these natural disasters are rare in Bedford and are impossible to
mitigate. A well-developed emergency notification system should be prioritized and will
serve in this situation.
4. Identify Gaps in Hazard Mitigation and Set Objectives for Future Mitigation
Efforts
• What hazards is the town particularly vulnerable to that could use additional
mitigation efforts?
• Were there events in the past 5 years that uncovered new or different
hazards that need to be mitigated and planned for?
• Brainstorming Alternatives – Brainstorm any new mitigation strategies that
can be added
•
DPW will seek generators for strategic traffic light intersections.
•
Continue to encourage proper identification with house numbering for emergency
services.
•
Encourage Bedford Police Department to subscribe to “Nixle 360,” an improved
Nixle service that can geolocate and warn people via text messages based on their
location relative to a nearby danger.
•
Continue to participate in the Southern New Hampshire Regional Community
Preparedness Program (SNHRCPP)
5. NFIP
a. Identify, analyze and prioritize actions related to continued compliance
with NFIP
The Town of Bedford participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and
provides information to residents whose homes reside within a floodplain. Committee
members discussed a checklist of items related to continued compliance with the NFIP
and confirmed the items the town is undertaking.
6. Questions?
No questions were posed at this time. Ms. Harris will distribute the STAPLEE
prioritization exercise to committee members in between meetings for prioritizing new
and continuing mitigation actions and updating Sections IV and V of the plan.
Appendix H
It was decided that the next meeting will be Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 10 AM in the
Bedford Town Offices conference room.
8. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 10:59 AM.
Appendix H
Meeting Number 4
October 24, 2013
10:00 AM
24 N Amherst Road
Bedford, NH 03110
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Approve the Minutes of the September 26, 2013 meeting
3. Review
a. STAPLEE results for updated mitigation strategies
4. Determine Cost estimates and implementation for mitigation strategies
5. Review and update Adoption, Evaluation and Monitoring section
Appendix H
October 24, 2013 in the Bedford Town Offices
MEMBERS PRESENT
Michael Bernard
Rick Sawyer
Karin Elmer
Emile Lacerte
Scott Wiggin
Steve Crean
Michael McLaughlin
Jillian Harris
-
Police Department
Planning Department
Planning Department
Public Works
Fire Department
Public Works
Public Works
1. Call to Order
2. Approve the Minutes of the September 26, 2013 meeting
Mr. Sawyer made a motion to approve the minutes of September 26, 2013, Mr. Bernard
seconded. Motion passes with Mr. Crean abstaining.
3. Review:
a. STAPLEE results for updated mitigation strategies
Ms. Harris reviewed the STAPLEE prioritization exercise results with the committee.
Priority #7, “Develop a river stewardship program in coordination with other local
communities in the Merrimack River Watershed area,” and priority #8, “Develop storm
water drainage maps for GIS applications,” were switched, as it was felt that the storm
water drainage maps should be more of priority for the town at this time.
4. Determine Cost estimates and implementation for mitigation strategies
The following table was developed to determine cost estimates and implementation:
Appendix H
1
2
3
Subscribe to “Nixle
360" for enhanced
community notification
Continue to encourage
proper identification
with house numbering
for emergency
services.
Continue to participate
in the Southern New
Hampshire Regional
Community
Preparedness Program
(SNHRCPP)
Implementation
> $100,000
$50,000 - $100,000
$10,000 - $50,000
39.3
WHO
(LEADERSHIP)
WHEN
(DEADLINE)
HOW
(FUNDING)
Police
2014
Local,
Grants
AC
Local,
Grants
37.7
TC
35.3
Fire, Police
2019
Fire
2019
Local, No
Cost
DPW, Fire
2019
Local,
Grants
Police
2014
Local
NC
4
Seek generators for
strategic traffic light
intersections
33.7
5
Acquire list of
floodplain property
owners. Encourage
property owners to
subscribe to Nixle
emergency
notifications.
33.3
Appendix H
Cost Estimate
< $10,000
Total Average Score
Project
Priority
Prioritized Mitigation Actions
TC
TC
6
7
8
9
10
11
based info
Develop a river
local communities in
the Merrimack River
Watershed area
Develop storm water
applications
Map, with GIS,
inundation area
resulting from dam
from any upstream
effects on Bedford
Pursue conservation
and/or protection of
flood-prone properties/
development rights in
the Special Flood
Hazard Areas and
properties where
possible
Develop a
transportation hazard
identification system for
major routes(101/114/I293) for future
hazardous spill
events/anticipate
characteristics and
area
Appendix H
31.7
Planning,
Building, IT
2014
Local, FEMA
Merrimack
River
Watershed
Assoc., DES
2019
MRWC,
Town, NH
DES
DPW
2015
Local
DPW, OEM
2019
Local, OEM,
MM
Conservation
Comm., Land
Trust, Council
2019
FEMA,
PDM,
FMAP, Local
Police, Fire,
NHDOT
2019
Local, State
TC
30.3
NC
29.7
TC
29.0
TC
29.0
TC (purchase)
28.7
TC (coordination)
ongoing
AC = Annual Cost
TC = Total Cost
NC = No Cost
Appendix H
Questions arose surrounding the river stewardship program and if there is currently a gap in
representation between the upper and lower portion of the Merrimack? DES will be contacted to
determine what towns are covered by the existing organizations. Priority #11 was discussed,
“Develop a transportation identification system for major routes (101/114/I-293) for future
hazardous spill events/anticipate hazard contamination characteristics and area.” The wording
will be changed to begin “coordinate regionally with NH DOT and surrounding communities
to…” It was also noted that the cost estimate for this action reflects coordination only. Priority #4
was discussed, “Seek generators for strategic traffic light intersections.” Language will be added
to include developing a priority list, preparing equipment and mapping those equipped already.
5. Review and update Adoption, Evaluation and Monitoring section
Section VI was reviewed and discussed. Under Monitoring, Evaluation and Updates language
pertaining to updating the plan annually will be removed so that it reads simply that the plan will
be reviewed annually. A clarification about public noticing will be made that only public hearing
will be publicized in the local newspaper and on local access TV. A clarification that a public
hearing will be held every 5 years when a new plan is being submitted to FEMA will be made in
the text. Language describing a bi-annual meeting of the BHMC to review the plan will be added
to the text.
It was decided that the next meeting will be Thursday, December 12, 2013 at 10 AM in the
Bedford Town Offices conference room.
8. Adjournment
Appendix H
Meeting Number 5
December 12, 2013
10:00 AM
24 N Amherst Road
Bedford, NH 03110
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Approve the Minutes of the October 24, 2013 meeting
3. Review entire document for changes/additions/deletions
a. Comments from the Committee
b. Any additional items?
4. Next Actions
a. Submission to NH HSEM and FEMA
b. Following conditional approval from FEMA- public hearing and Board of
Selectmen adoption- expected in March-April 2014
5. Questions?
6. Adjournment
Appendix H
December 12, 2013 in the Bedford Town Offices
MEMBERS PRESENT
Michael Bernard
Rick Sawyer
Karin Elmer
Emile Lacerte
Scott Wiggin
Michael McLaughlin
Jillian Harris
Daniel Snyder
-
Police Department
Planning Department
Planning Department
Public Works
Fire Department
Public Works
1. Call to Order
2. Approve the Minutes of the October 24, 2013 meeting
Ms. Elmer made a motion to approve the minutes of September 26, 2013. Mr. Wiggin seconded.
Motion passes.
3. Review Entire Document for Changes/Additions/Deletions
Ms. Harris presented the latest draft of the Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2014 to the
Committee members, identifying the sections that were updated after the October 24 meeting.
Committee members reviewed the document page by page highlighting items to be updated for
the final draft. These include: an ordinance reference update, recent facility upgrades to the
library and Bedford Community Television (BCTV) studio with generators, new developments or
changes to commercial businesses, removing problem culverts on Magazine Street that were
recently reconstructed and adding parcel lot numbers to several listed active dams. The Town of
Bedford has applied for a low-power FM radio station license that would be run under the
auspices of the Bedford Community Television studio and maintained with their current budget.
This technology would provide additional notification in the event of an emergency and would be
accessed by residents using crank radios. Bedford Police Department can now issue an
emergency message or warning that “crawls” across the Bedford Community Television channel.
Members of the Hazard Mitigation Committee agreed to reframe the top prioritized strategy from
“Subscribe to ‘Nixle 360’ for enhanced community notification” and will include the low-power
FM radio channel and BCT crawl messages. The new wording for the strategy will now be,
“Enhanced community notification program, including Nixle 360, low power FM Radio Station
license and BCTV emergency notification procedures.”
4. Next Actions
Ms. Harris informed the Committee that after integrating the new updates, the next step will be to
submit the Plan to the New Hampshire Department of Homeland Security & Emergency
Appendix H
Management (NH HSEM) for review and approval. After approval from HSEM, Ms. Harris will
submit the Plan to FEMA and should expect to receive feedback within six months. Following
conditional approval from FEMA, the public hearing and Board of Selectmen adoption of the
Plan is expected to take place in the summer/fall of 2014.
5. Questions?
The Committee had no questions at this time.
6. Adjournment
Appendix H
APPENDIX I - DOCUMENTATION OF PLAN ADOPTION
Appendix I
Figure 5 – Draft Plan Public Notice
Appendix I
Bedford Town Council
Town of Bedford, New Hampshire
A Resolution Approving the Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2015
Town Council
Town of Bedford,
24 North Amherst Road
Bedford, New Hampshire 03110
Certificate of Adoption
WHEREAS, the Town of Bedford has historically experienced severe damage from natural hazards
and continues to be vulnerable to the effects of the natural hazards profiled in the plan resulting in
loss of property and life, economic hardship, and threats to public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Bedford, has developed and received conditional approval from the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for its hazard Mitigation Plan under the
requirements of 44 CFR 201.6; and
WHEREAS, the Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission received funding from the New
Hampshire Department of Safety – Homeland Security and Emergency Management under a PreDisaster Mitigation Grant to assist the Town of Bedford in the preparation of the Bedford Hazard
Mitigation Plan Update 2015; and
WHEREAS, several public planning meetings/hearings were held between July 2013 and June 2014
regarding the development and review of the Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2015; and
WHEREAS, the Plan specifically addresses hazard mitigation strategies and Plan maintenance
procedure for the Town of Bedford; and
WHEREAS, the Plan recommends several hazard mitigation actions/projects that will provide
mitigation for specific natural hazards that impact the Town of Bedford, with the effect of protecting
people and property from loss associated with those hazards; and
WHEREAS, adoption of this Plan will make the Town of Bedford eligible for funding to alleviate
the impacts of future hazards; now therefore be it
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held by the Bedford Town Council on August 12, 2015 to
formally approve and adopt the Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2015.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Bedford Town Council approve the Bedford
Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2015
.
1. The Plan is hereby adopted as an official plan of the Town of Bedford.
2. The respective officials identified in the mitigation strategy of the Plan are hereby
directed to pursue implementation of the recommended actions assigned to them;
3. Future revisions and Plan maintenance required by 44 CFR 201.6 and FEMA are
hereby adopted as a part of this resolution for a period of five (5) years from the date
of this resolution.
4. An annual report on the progress of the implementation elements shall be presented
to the Town Council by July 1st of each year.
APPROVED and SIGNED this 12th day of August, 2015.
Bedford Town Council
Jim Scanlon, Chairman
Kelleigh Domaingue, Vice Chairman
Chris Bandazian
Jim Aguiar
Bill Duschatko
John Schneller
Melissa Stevens
ATTEST____________________________________
Richard Sawyer, Acting Town Manager
APPENDIX J – PAST PRIORITIZED IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULES
AND FUNDING
Appendix J
2004 Prioritized Implementation Schedule and Funding Sources41
(Deferred and continued actions shaded in gray)
ACTION #
MITIGATION ACTION
1
Plan for the acquisition of
needed new cisterns &
maintenance of existing
cisterns
2
Map, with GIS, inundation
area resulting from dam
breach or dam failure from
any upstream facilities to
show the effects on Bedford
3
Develop culvert and bridge
maintenance system to
ensure the longevity of the
infrastructure and
minimize potential damage
in the event of a disaster
41
COST/BENEFIT
Systematic
approach will
enable the Town
to plan for cistern
locations thus
saving
unnecessary
expenditures
Mapping of the
inundation area
will allow the
Town to notify
residents more
rapidly of an
impending
disaster and save
lives
Maintaining
culverts will deter
flooding and
increase the life of
the infrastructure
for a number of
years
PRIORITY
POINTS
WHO
(LEADERSHIP)
WHEN
(DEADLINE)
HOW
(FUNDING)
2009 UPDATE 42
41
Fire, Planning
10-20 Yrs.
Local,
Developers
Ongoing
40
OEM
20 Yrs.
Local, OEM,
MM
Incomplete due to
lack of staff and
resources, action
listed under Existing
Programs/Policies
in Section III
40
DPW, NHDOT
5 Yrs. / Ongoing
Thereafter
DPW,
NHDOT
Ongoing
Note: 2004 Prioritized Implementation Schedule and Funding Sources is a word for word documentation of the strategies outlined in the Bedford Hazard Mitigation Plan
Update 2004.
42
Ongoing actions added to Plan update and prioritized along with newly identified mitigation actions for the 2009 update, Section IV and V.
Appendix J
ACTION #
MITIGATION ACTION
COST/BENEFIT
4
bridge inventory &
analysis, reporting
conditions of each
5
Purchase additional snow
removal equipment to cope
with snow emergencies
6
Require secondary
containment for hazardous
spills that may occur at
Irving Oil on South River
Road, as well as at other
potentially hazardous
locations
7
Develop a river
Merrimack River
Watershed area
Appendix J
An inventory and
analysis of culvert
conditions will
allow the Town to
decrease flooding
and plan for
culvert repair and
replacement
Replacement of
older equipment
will help the Town
keep roads clear
for emergency
vehicles and save
lives
Environmental
clean-up costs will
be considerably
less if containers
of oil or other
hazardous
substances leak or
spill from these
containers
Stewardship of
river shorelines
allows the riverine
system to function
properly and
helps prevent
future flooding of
the riverbanks
PRIORITY
POINTS
WHO
(LEADERSHIP)
WHEN
(DEADLINE)
HOW
(FUNDING)
2009 UPDATE 42
40
DPW, NHDOT
5 Yrs. / Ongoing
Thereafter
DPW,
NHDOT
Ongoing
40
DPW
Ongoing
Local,
Grants
Completed and
Ongoing
40
Irving Oil, other
private facility
owners
(Private)
Local, PRCR
Facility has been
removed and is no
longer an issue
40
Merrimack
River Watershed
Council
Ongoing
MRWC,
Town, NH
DES
Ongoing
ACTION #
MITIGATION ACTION
COST/BENEFIT
8
Develop a public
awareness program for
emergency management to
include information
distribution through either
mailings, local newspaper
articles, local access
television programming, or
other appropriate method
9
Purchase generators and
update facilities for
connection of emergency
power for Bedford Schools,
to increase emergency
shelters
10
Purchase fixed-facility
generators for additional
emergency shelter locations
11
Purchase portable
generators for additional
emergency shelter locations
as is determined at the time
of need
An inexpensive
way to let people
know about
emergency
management in
their community
as well as help
them prepare for
an emergency
Initial cost may be
expensive, but the
need for shelters
with adequate
facilities
outweighs cost of
generators
Initial cost may be
expensive, but the
need for shelters
with adequate
facilities
outweighs cost of
generators
Initial cost may be
expensive, but the
need for shelters
with adequate
facilities
outweighs cost of
generators
Appendix J
PRIORITY
POINTS
WHO
(LEADERSHIP)
WHEN
(DEADLINE)
HOW
(FUNDING)
2009 UPDATE 42
40
Police, Fire
5 Yrs.
Local, State,
CERT
Reverse 911, Public
Broadcast,
Emergency Call
System
implemented
40
Police, Fire,
DPW
10 Yrs.
Local, State,
Federal
Ongoing
40
Police, Fire,
DPW
10 Yrs.
Local, State,
Federal
Ongoing
40
Police, Fire,
DPW
10 Yrs.
Local, State,
Federal
Ongoing
ACTION #
MITIGATION ACTION
COST/BENEFIT
12
Develop maintenance
program for
detention/retention
ponds& Identify locations
of existing & potential new
facilities as required to
lessen clogging & flooding
Clogged ponds
cause additional
flooding, while
proper
maintenance
reduces flooding
13
Develop early warning
system for 100 year
floodplain residents
14
Develop storm water
applications
15
Appendix J
system for major
routes(101/114/I-293) for
future hazardous spill
events/anticipate hazard
contamination
Initial costs
outweighed by
ability to warn
residents early
and save lives
Gives Town the
ability to use
existing GIS
system to locate
storm water
drainage points
Hazardous spill
events can be
better managed
through a system
that identifies the
hazard and
predicts the
hazard’s
characteristics and
potential
contamination
areas
PRIORITY
POINTS
WHO
(LEADERSHIP)
WHEN
(DEADLINE)
HOW
(FUNDING)
2009 UPDATE 42
Ongoing
40
DPW, Private
5 Yrs.
Local,
Developers,
Property
Owners
39
Police, Fire
10 Yrs.
Local, DPIG
Reverse 911,
Ongoing
39
DPW
2006
Local
Ongoing
Local, State
Incomplete, still a
viable project that
needs to be done
and would give the
town a better
assessment of the
types of products
and the quantities
that are traveling
through the
community
38
Police, Fire,
NHDOT
5 Yrs.
PRIORITY
POINTS
WHO
(LEADERSHIP)
WHEN
(DEADLINE)
HOW
(FUNDING)
2009 UPDATE 42
Inexpensive
method to
incorporate
floodplain
mapping with
other data layers;
work can be done
by in-house staff
38
Planning
Department
Completed
Local,
GRANIT
GRANIT Maps
received, FIRM
maps anticipated in
early 2009
17
Develop a tree maintenance
program, minimize risk of
blown over in wind events
or swept by floods or
landslides and creating
damage to public utilities,
homes and other
Could be
accomplished by
Town workers,
DPW within
existing budget,
along with other
agencies
38
DPW, PSNH,
NHDOT
5 Yrs. to
develop/Ongoing
thereafter
Local, State,
Private
Developed and
ongoing
18
Rate Maps with FEMA to
reflect current SFHA
hazards, existing maps are
dated May 1994
Should be
inexpensive since
FEMA should
participate; can
develop public
access to
floodplain
information
38
Planning, FEMA
Unknown
FEMA, MM
Anticipated in 2009
ACTION #
MITIGATION ACTION
COST/BENEFIT
16
floodplain mapping;
FEMA/NFIP approved
coverage by GRANIT
Complex Systems Research
Center, UNH
Appendix J
ACTION #
MITIGATION ACTION
COST/BENEFIT
Relocate existing utilities
underground when
appropriate as is
determined by current and
past damage anticipated to
be repetitive and create reoccurring costs
Will reduce power
and
communications
outages during
heavy snow and
ice storms and
strong winds, but
could be quite
expensive to
implement
20
Purchase river gauges with
transmitting capabilities for
the Merrimack River
A great resource
to determine river
height during
potential floods or
times of high
water
21
Upgrade Town radio
system to improve
communication between
fire, police, emergency
services
22
Comprehensive Emergency
Management for Schools
(CEMPS)
19
Appendix J
Needed for
community safety
and emergency
management
among police, fire
and ambulance;
will save lives
NH OEM
provides
emergency
preparedness
training free of
cost to schools
PRIORITY
POINTS
38
WHO
(LEADERSHIP)
DPW, Planning,
all utility
companies
WHEN
(DEADLINE)
Unknown
HOW
(FUNDING)
2009 UPDATE 42
Local,
Developers,
Grants
Program not
developed by town
because funding
sources are
unavailable responsibility falls
with utility
companies
37
Army Corps of
Engineers, DES
10 Yrs.
State, FMAP,
Local
Already existing on
the Merrimack.
Maintained by USGS
in partnership with
the Army Corps of
Engineers
36
Police, Fire
10 Yrs.
Local, State,
COPS
Complete
36
Bedford School
District
2005
Provided by
NH OEM
Complete
ACTION #
23
24
MITIGATION ACTION
Amend Floodplain
Ordinance to discourage
construction in the
floodplain; enact
regulations more stringent
than NFIP required
ordinances
Education for residents on
flood mitigation by
local newspaper articles or
local access television
appropriate methods
25
based info
26
Address the West Nile
Virus by developing an
enforcement mechanism to
prevent stagnation in
detention ponds and all
street-mapped catch basins
Appendix J
COST/BENEFIT
PRIORITY
POINTS
WHO
(LEADERSHIP)
WHEN
(DEADLINE)
HOW
(FUNDING)
2009 UPDATE 42
Local staff can
develop required
ordinances to
discourage or end
construction in the
floodplain
35
Planning and
Building
Departments
Completed
Local
Complete
35
Planning and
Building
Departments
5 Yrs.
Local
Incomplete due to
staffing changes,
add to current plan
as new mitigation
strategy
35
Planning,
Building, IT
2006
Local, FEMA
Pending revised
maps
35
DPW
5 Yrs.
Local, State,
Federal
Policy posted on
town website
Local staff can
develop
program(s) for
residents
A website is
inexpensive to
develop and can
provide critical
information to the
public. This
website can be
developed by local
staff with the
assistance of
FEMA
Addressing this
problem before
the virus develops
in mosquitoes can
save large
amounts of health
care dollars
ACTION #
MITIGATION ACTION
COST/BENEFIT
27
Purchase emergency
vehicles and equipment
(boats) to update & expand
existing
28
Purchase flood-prone
properties and/or
development rights,
particularly in the Special
properties where possible
29
Encourage the
Conservation Commission
to purchase flood-prone
properties and
permanently preserve these
un-built lands
Vehicles are
initially expensive,
but can save lives
during a hazard
event
Saves large sums
in expenditures
for damage to
flood-prone
properties,
especially
repetitive loss
properties
Saves large sums
in expenditures
for damage to
flood-prone
properties,
especially
repetitive loss
properties
PRIORITY
POINTS
WHO
(LEADERSHIP)
WHEN
(DEADLINE)
HOW
(FUNDING)
2009 UPDATE 42
32
Fire, Police
5 Yrs.
Local,
Grants,
Surplus
Complete
28
Conservation
Comm., Land
Trust, Council
Unknown
FEMA,
PDM,
FMAP, Local
Ongoing through
Conservation
Commission
28
Conservation
Comm., Land
Trust, Council
Unknown
FEMA,
PDM,
FMAP, Local
Ongoing
Summary of Grant Acronyms in the Prioritized Implementation Schedule:
FMAP= Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (see Appendix F)
PDM= Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program (see Appendix F)
DPIG= Disaster Preparedness Improvement Grant (see Appendix F)
PRCR= Petroleum Release Cleanup Reimbursement, NH Dept. of Environ. Services
MM= Map Modernization (see Appendix F)
CERT= Community Emergency Response Teams (see Appendix F)
Appendix J
COPS= OFFICE OF COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICE SERVICES, INTEROPERABLE
COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM (SEE APPENDIX F SOURCES
Appendix K
APPENDIX K - TOWN OF BEDFORD WATER RESOURCES PLAN
Appendix K

2015 Hazard Mitigation Plan

Transcription

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