Baraga County 2013-2018 Hazard Mitigation Plan

Transcription

Baraga County
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2013-2018
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Prepared for: Baraga County
16 N. 3rd Street, L'Anse, MI 49946
Prepared by:
Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region
393 E. Lakeshore Drive, P.O. Box 365, Houghton, MI 49931
Table of Contents
Section 1: Community Profile
6
Why Plan for Hazard Mitigation in Baraga County?
1.1 Planning Process
7
1.2 County Overview
9
1.3 Population and Demographics
10
1.4 Geography and the Environment
11
1.5 Land and Development
14
1.6 Housing and Community Development
14
1.7 Employment and Industry
20
1.8 Transportation and Roads
21
1.9 Police, Fire, and Emergency Services
22
1.10 Critical Facilities
25
Section 2: Hazard Profile
30
Overview of Hazards in Baraga County
2.1 Natural Disasters
32
 Earthquakes
32
 Dam Failure
33
 Riverine and Urban Flooding
35
 Shoreline Flooding and Erosion
39
 Scrap Tire and Waste Materials Fires
42
 Structural Fires
42
 Wildfires
44
 Subsidence (Ground Collapse)
45
2.2 Weather Hazards
48
 Drought
48
 Extreme Temperatures
50
 Hail
51
 Ice and Sleet Storms
52
Baraga County Hazard Mitigation Plan - 2013
2
 Lightning
52
 Severe Winds
53
 Snowstorms
54
 Tornadoes
54
2.3 Technological Hazards
55
 Hazardous Materials: Fixed Site Incident
55
 Hazardous Materials: Transportation Incident
56
 Infrastructure Failure and Secondary
57
Technological Hazards
 Transportation Accidents (Passenger)
59
 Petroleum and Natural Gas Incidents
60
2.4 Human-Related Hazards
61
 Civil Disturbances
61
 Public Health Emergencies
62
 Sabotage/Terrorism
63
2.5 Baraga County Hazard Risk Assessment
64
2.6 Countywide Hazard Priority Ranking
67
2.7 Hazard Summary
70
Section 3: Hazard Mitigation
71
Mitigating Hazards in Baraga County
3.1 Preventive Measures
71
3.2 Property Protection
75
3.3 Resource Protection
78
3.4 Emergency Services
81
3.5 Structural Projects
84
3.6 Public Information
86
Section 4: Action Plan
88
Action Plan for Baraga County
4.1 Mitigation Resources
90
3
4.2 Progress on Previous Mitigation Program
91
Action Items
4.3 Mitigation Program Action Items
91
4.4 Administrative Action
99
Table of Figures
Section 1
1-1 Location Map
12
1-2 Watersheds Map
15
1-3 Land Cover/Use Map
16
1-4 Western Upper Peninsula Zoning Coverage Map
17
1-5 Major Roads and Transportation Map
23
1-6 Baraga County Critical Facilities Map
27
1-7 Village of Baraga Critical Facilities Map
28
1-8 Village of L'Anse Critical Facilities Map
29
Section 2
2-1 Flood Hazard Boundary Map
38
2-2 High-Risk Erosion Areas Map
41
2-3 High-Risk Wildland Fire Areas Map
46
2-4 Upper Michigan NOAA Radio Coverage Map
49
Table of Tables
Section 1
1-1 Historic and Projected Baraga County Population
10
1-2 Baraga County Population Change
11
1-3 Housing Statistics
18
1-4 School Districts
18
1-5 Fire Departments
24
4
Section 2
2-1 Differential Vulnerabilities
65
2-2 State-Equalized Value for Baraga County, 2010
66
2-3 Baraga County Hazard Profile and Evaluation
69
Section 3
3-1 Construction Code Enforcement
72
Section 4
4-1 Progress on Previous (2005) Mitigation Program
91
Action Items
5
Section 1: Community Profile
Why Plan for Hazard Mitigation in Baraga County?
Hazard mitigation is any action taken before, during, or after a disaster to eliminate or reduce the
risk to human life and property from natural, technological, or human-related hazards. This is
accomplished through the coordination of resources, programs, and authorities. When successful,
mitigation will lessen the impacts to such a degree that future events will remain only incidents and
not become disasters.
Mitigation is an essential part of the emergency management process. When a disaster strikes and a
community responds, often the focus of repairs and reconstruction is to restore damaged property
to pre-disaster conditions as quickly as possible. These efforts expedite a return to "normalcy," yet
replication of pre-disaster conditions leaves the community vulnerable to the same hazards,
resulting in a cycle of damage, reconstruction, and damage again. Hazard mitigation allows this cycle
to be broken by ensuring that post-disaster repairs and reconstruction take place after damages are
analyzed and that sounder, less vulnerable conditions are produced.
Mitigation planning forces a community to identify potential hazards, assess vulnerabilities, and
develop mitigation strategies to deal with those hazards long before an event occurs. The hazards
and vulnerabilities are determined based on historical events, incidents in nearby communities, and
scientific data and trends. Mitigation measures can be implemented systematically, as grant monies
become available, or, in the worst case, through repair and reconstruction after a hazard event
occurs.
The Baraga County Hazard Mitigation Plan was created to protect the health, safety, and economic
interests of Baraga County residents and businesses by reducing the impact of natural,
technological, and societal hazards by identifying mitigation activities that can be undertaken by
both the public and private sector. This document is intended to educate local policy makers and
emergency service organizations about hazards and vulnerabilities in the county and to provide a
comprehensive reference document for planning and mitigation activities.
Every community, including those in Baraga County, faces different hazards and has varying
resources to deal with problems. Planning is one way to mitigate the impact of hazards and ensure
they are dealt with in an efficient way. Mitigation activities need funding, and an approved local
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mitigation plan is a requirement for pre-disaster Federal mitigation funds under Section 104 of the
Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (42 USC 5165) and after November 1, 2004 a plan is needed for postdisaster mitigation funds under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The requirements are spelled
out in 44 CFR, Part 201 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The first hazard mitigation plan was
prepared by Baraga County in 2005 to meet the requirements for obtaining funds through the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). To continue to be eligible for FEMA funds, the
plan must be updated every 5 years. This 2013 plan update is intended to meet the ongoing
requirements for obtaining funds through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
1.1 Planning Process
Development of the 2013 Baraga County Hazard Mitigation Plan began with a review of the 2005
plan, gathering new information from local sources, statewide data, and university data in order to
update the hazard risks to municipalities within the County. WUPPDR staff then met with the
Emergency Coordinator and ad hoc committee to identify new projects to address existing and
newly identified hazards.
Three formal surveys were created and distributed throughout the County to solicit information
regarding each jurisdiction’s particular hazards and potential mitigation measures. Of two initial
surveys, one was for the general public, and another was directed toward local units of government
and other organizations interested in hazard mitigation, including the Baraga County Road
Commission and Western Upper Peninsula Health Department. In 2013 a second, expanded survey
was distributed to all local units of government and several organizations, including schools, the
hospital, and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, to gather additional information. Personal
contact was made with non-respondents. Information gathered through these means was evaluated
and incorporated into the Hazard Mitigation Plan update.
Participants
Local officials have provided input to the plan upon request in order to complete necessary updates
and revisions. Persons from whom information was directly received by survey or personal contact
included:
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Roy Kemppainen, Manager, Village of Baraga
Bob LaFave, Manager, Village of L'Anse
James Soli, Supervisor, Arvon Township
Amy Isaacson, Supervisor, Baraga Township
Steven Salli, Supervisor, Covington Township
Paul LeClaire, Supervisor, L'Anse Township
Mike Hosey, Supervisor, Spurr Township
Revisions
Overall, revisions to the previous (2005) plan reflect concern related to new hazards and
opportunities, including wildfire (as exemplified by two major events since 2005) and public
information (as through NOAA Weather Radio). Demographic and land use information were
updated. Mitigation goals remained generally the same. Several completed actions were eliminated.
The preliminary draft plan was delivered in July 2013 to the Baraga County Courthouse and to all
jurisdictions within Baraga County. These and neighboring jurisdictions were also informed about
availability of the draft for review and comment at www.wuppdr.org. The public was informed of
the same (in addition to availability of the printed plan draft at physical locations in the County) via a
July 24 L'Anse Sentinel article. An informal opportunity for public comment was provided at a Baraga
County Board meeting on August 12, 2013; this was publicized by the Daily Mining Gazette. All
suggestions were noted and incorporated as applicable into the final draft, which was presented to
the Baraga County Board for a public hearing preceding adoption on September 9, 2013.
Jurisdictional Involvement
All local units of government in Baraga County have participated in the development of the 2013
Baraga County Hazard Mitigation Plan as required for pre-disaster federal mitigation funds under
Section 104 of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (42 USC 5165). All of these units of government
also participated in the 2005 Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC)
has a role in the plan, as it works with the County Emergency Manager's office and shares land with
the participating jurisdictions (thus facing the same hazards geographically), but KBIC is not a
participant as an independent entity. It was, however, a formal participant in the 2005 plan.
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Resolutions of support for the plan from Baraga County and the following listed units of government
are included as Appendix A.
Arvon Township
Baraga Township
Covington Township
L’Anse Township
Spurr Township
Village of Baraga
Village of L’Anse
Other Related Plans
Existing information, including Census data, climate and weather events, and other community
characteristics and statistics, was incorporated into this update.
L'Anse Village and Township have master plans and zoning ordinances that were created or updated
within the past few years. These plans inventory public resources related to hazard mitigation in
detail. This plan does not conflict with any of those plans, nor is it inconsistent with the regional
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. For more information about other existing plans
and related administrative mechanisms to carry out hazard mitigation, see Section 4.1.
The previous Hazard Mitigation Plan has, since its expiration in 2010, not always been relevant to
specifically consider and explicitly include in other recent plans. After this updated plan is complete,
hazard mitigation issues and priorities will be considered and incorporated as other plans are
updated, with officials involved in hazard planning and response participating as appropriate.
Mitigation actions will be included in capital improvements programs when applicable and feasible.
1.2 County Overview
Baraga County is located in the northwestern part of Michigan's Upper Peninsula on L'Anse Bay,
which is the lower part of Keweenaw Bay on the Lake Superior shoreline (See Figure 1-1: Location
Map). The county was named after Father Frederic Baraga, the Bishop of northern Michigan in 1853.
Bishop Baraga built a Roman Catholic Mission at Assinins where he spent 10 years educating Native
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Americans. Early fur trading posts grew into sizable communities as French Canadians along with
large numbers of Irish, Scandinavian, and Yugoslav immigrants were drawn to the lumbering and
mining industries in the county. Agriculture also became an important economic activity. The
population peaked in the early 1900s as these industries flourished (see Table 1-1).
Table 1-1: Historic and Projected Baraga County Population
1900
1920
1950
1970
1980
1990
Baraga
8,990
7,662
8,037
7,789
8,484
7,954
County
2000
2010
2020
8,746
8,860
7,900
Baraga County still maintains close ties to its heritage. The county is home to the Keweenaw Bay
Indian Community of the Lake Superior Band of Chippewa Indians. Lumbering and lumber products
still provide much of the income for present-day Baraga residents. The Ford Forestry Center and
Museum in Alberta, Michigan, is part of Michigan Technological University’s renowned School of
Forestry and Wood Products. It is used as an outdoor classroom and for research, tours, and
retreats. Agriculture, while only a small part of the total economy, is still a large part of the county’s
community culture. In recent years, the economy of Baraga County has shifted toward
manufacturing, tourism, and casino gaming. The 17,000-square foot Ojibwa Resort & Casino draws
gamers from across the region. Tourists are attracted to the area by the historic locales, extensive
hardwood forests, old quarries and mines, ghost towns, Native American cemeteries, and outdoor
recreation opportunities. In addition to the rugged Lake Superior coastline, Baraga County contains
dozens of smaller lakes and rivers for boating, fishing, and swimming. In winter, the abundant snow
and 150 miles of groomed trails attract snowmobilers as well as cross-country skiers and ice
fishermen.
1.3 Population and Demographics
Baraga County is comprised of five townships and two incorporated villages, Baraga and L’Anse. In
addition, it is home to the Keweenaw Bay Community Indian Reservation, which encompasses
nearly one-third of Baraga County. The county also has many smaller communities that developed
around logging, farming, and transportation centers, including Alberta, Arnheim, Assinins, Aura,
Covington, Herman, Pelkie, Pequaming, Skanee, Three Lakes, Watton, and Zeba.
The Villages of Baraga and L'Anse are the County's population center. From 1990 to 2000, Baraga
County’s population grew ten percent, from 7,954 to 8,746. Additional growth of 1.3% to 8,860
10
occurred from 2000 to 2010 (see Table 1-2). The growth can be attributed to jobs created by the
expansion of the state prison and by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, particularly its casino.
The Baraga Maximum Correctional Facility opened in 1993 with capacity for 616 maximum-security
and 240 minimum-security prisoners.
Table 1-2: Baraga County Population Change
Jurisdiction
2000 Population
Arvon Township
482
Baraga Township
3,542
Covington Township
569
L’Anse Township
3,926
Spurr Township
227
Baraga Village1
1,285
L’Anse Village2
2,107
L’Anse Reservation & Off3,672
Reservation Trust3
Baraga County
8,746
1
Included in Baraga Township
2
Included in L’Anse Township
3
Included in the local government figures
2010 Population
450
3,815
476
3,843
276
2,053
2,011
% Change, 2000-2010
-6.6%
7.7%
-16.3%
-2.1%
21.6%
59.8%
-4.6%
3,566
-7.1%
8,860
1.3%
About 75 percent of County residents are white. Native Americans comprise 13.1 percent of the
population and African Americans make up 7.2 percent. About 17 percent of the population claims
to have some Native American blood, either pure or mixed with other races. Approximately 17
percent of the population is age 65 or older, much higher than the Michigan and national averages
of 13 percent.
1.4 Geography and the Environment
Baraga County occupies 594,000 acres or 901 square miles. Though not even 40 miles from the
eastern to western boundary at its widest, Baraga County has approximately 65 miles of Great Lakes
shoreline along the Keweenaw and Huron Bays. The county has 636 miles of rivers and streams and
over 10,000 acres of inland lakes, 38 of which are greater than 50 acres in size. The land consists of
lake border plains, highlands, upland plains, and hilly uplands. Elevations vary between 600 and
2000 feet. Mount Arvon, Michigan's highest point at 1,979 feet, is in central L’Anse Township.
Nearby Mt. Curwood, which was believed to be the highest peak for years, is actually about 12
inches shorter.
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Figure 1-1: Location Map
12
Major Rivers and Lakes
Baraga County has about 1,080 lakes, 636 miles of streams, and 65 miles of Lake Superior shoreline.
The lakes are 5 to 816 acres in size. The largest are Ned Lake, at 816 acres; Prickett Lake, at 810
acres; Vermilac Lake, at 622 acres; and King Lake, at 508 acres.
The major rivers are the Sturgeon, Huron, Peshekee, Silver, Net, Falls, Slate, and Ravine Rivers. Most
flow northward to Lake Superior. A few in the southern part of the county, however, flow
southward to Lake Michigan. Most of the riverbeds are rocky with numerous boulders. Waterfalls
are common. The Sturgeon River flows over 80 miles through the county. It begins as a small,
turbulent stream in the Peshekee Uplands and leaves the northwestern part of the county as a
broad, meandering river that has a wide floodplain (see Figure 1-2).
Climate
The climate of Baraga County can vary depending on proximity to Lake Superior and varying degrees
of "lake effect." Along Keweenaw Bay, the lake makes for less extreme temperatures than many
other areas of the county and the Upper Peninsula. In Herman, located inland in L'Anse Township,
the coldest month is January, with an average daily minimum temperature of 3.5 degrees. The
warmest month is July, with an average daily maximum temperature of 76.0 degrees.
Total annual precipitation is 37.24 inches in Herman, with the greatest amount occurring in July and
the least in February. The average seasonal snowfall in Herman is 219.6 inches, with the greatest
amount occurring in January. At least 5 inches of snow is on the ground 141.2 days a year.
Geology
The Baraga County soil survey reveals that the county has about 127 different kinds of soil. The soils
vary widely in texture, natural drainage, slope, and other characteristics. Because of steep slopes,
stoniness, and rockiness, many soils are best suited to woodland. The subsoil in most of the
moderately well drained soils has a restrictive layer that limits the use of forestry equipment and
residential development. About 20 percent of the county is covered in poorly drained mineral soils
and very poorly drained organic soils.
The topography in the Baraga County area ranges from gently sloping lake plains and nearly level
outwash plains to steep, rocky ridges and prominent hills. Mount Arvon and Mount Curwood, in the
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northeast part of the county, are the highest points in Michigan. They have elevations of nearly
1,979 and 1,967 feet above sea level, respectively.
1.5 Land and Development
Land in Baraga County is dominated by forests with residential, commercial, and industrial
development primarily focused in and around the Villages of Baraga and L’Anse as well as small
towns throughout the County (see Figure 1-3). Numerous rural camps, waterfront homes and
agricultural areas also dot the landscape. Land use within the County is directed by up-to-date
zoning ordinances based on master plans in L’Anse Village and Township. The other townships have
older zoning ordinances that were not created under the Michigan Zoning and Planning Enabling
Acts of 2006 and 2008, respectively. The Village of Baraga has no zoning in place. The Keweenaw
Bay Indian Community directs use of tribal lands within the County (see Figure 1-4).
Over 80 percent of the land in Baraga County is covered with forests, mainly upland hardwood. Half
of the timberland is owned by the forest industry, 21 percent is publicly-owned, and 26 percent is in
private hands. The eastern edge of the Ottawa National Forests lies along the western boundary of
Baraga County. In addition, about 70,000 acres in the western part of the county are part of the
Copper Country State Forest. Over 7,700 acres are located in state parks or recreation areas. Baraga
State Park, on Highway U.S. 41 a quarter mile south of Baraga, and Craig Lake State Park, near Three
Lakes in southeast Baraga County, are popular vacation spots. A segment of the North Country
National Scenic Trail runs east-west across the entire county. The rugged McCormick Wilderness
covers nearly 17,000 acres and offers seventeen lakes, waterfalls on the Yellow Dog River, northern
hardwood and lowland conifer forest, and rocky outcrops.
1.6 Housing and Community Development
Nearly 80 percent of all homes in Baraga County are single-family detached houses. Duplexes and
apartments account for only 9 percent of all housing, and mobile homes account for 8.6 percent.
Over a quarter of all housing was built before 1940. The median housing value in 2010 was $86,500.
Though this figure is much lower than the state median of $123,300, it is higher than the median for
the other counties in the Western U.P. Nearly 35 percent of all housing units in Baraga County are
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vacant, while 26 percent of all housing is for seasonal or recreational use. The homeownership rate
is 77 percent (see Table 1-3).
Figure 1-2: Watersheds Map
15
Figure 1-3: Land Cover/Use Map
16
Figure 1-4: Western Upper Peninsula Zoning Coverage Map
17
Table 1-3: Housing Statistics
Area
Housing Occupied
Units
Units
Median
Value
Arvon Township
789
233
$141,400
Baraga Township
1,629
1,252
$84,300
Covington Township
410
215
$102,600
L’Anse Township
2,074
1,623
$83,300
Spurr Township
368
121
$99,600
Baraga Village2
580
527
$88,100
3
L’Anse Village
988
874
$77,200
L’Anse Reservation & 1,822
1,510
$93,500
Off- Reservation Trust4
Baraga County
5,270
3,444
$86,500
1
To March 2010
2
Included in Baraga Township
3
Included in L’Anse Township
4
Included in Township, Village and County Totals
Seasonal
Units
518
247
126
272
220
10
27
164
1,383
Built
Before
1940
192
304
167
598
79
150
403
399
Built in
last 10
years1
72
56
10
58
14
3
29
47
1,340
211
Schools
Schools are some of the largest institutions in the county and could potentially see great impacts
from the hazards discussed in this plan. Baraga County has three school districts. Baraga Area
Schools serves the western half of the county, and L’Anse Area Schools serves the eastern half. The
Arvon Township School District operates only an elementary school. Older students in Arvon are
transported to the L’Anse and Baraga schools (see Table 1-4).
Table 1-4: School Districts
School District / School Name
L’Anse Area Schools
C.J. Sullivan Elementary School
L’Anse Jr./Sr. High School
Baraga Area Schools
Pelkie Elementary School
Philip LaTendresse School
Baraga Area High School
Arvon Township School District
Skanee School
Location
Grades
Students
Instructors
L’Anse
L’Anse
K–6
7 - 12
349
345
20
31
Pelkie
Baraga
Baraga
K-2
3–6
7 – 12
118
136
250
8
12
20
Skanee
K–6
6
2
The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community operates the Ojibwa Community College in Baraga. The
college was established to provide higher educational programs on the L'Anse Indian Reservation in
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a culturally sensitive environment which promotes Ojibwa culture and tradition. Admission is open
to students of all races and cultures.
Historic and Archeological Assets
Baraga County has a number of historic sites that tell the story of the area and provide a variety of
recreational and educational opportunities to residents and visitors alike. A number of the sites have
been recognized by the State and federal governments, and others are locally recognized historic
sites. Some notable historic sites in Baraga County include:
Ford Historic Sawmill and Museum – Located south of L’Anse on U.S. 41 at Alberta, the town site
was built in 1935 to provide lumber for use in the production of Ford autos, but its real purpose, in
Henry Ford’s eyes, was to serve as a model for self-sufficient village industries. Today interpretive
displays and photos document the operation in its heyday.
Hanka Homestead – Located six and one half miles off Highway U.S. 41 in Arnheim, this nationally
recognized historic farm was built in 1894 by Finnish immigrant Herman Hanka in the 1880 style of
architecture.
L’Anse Township Park – Two miles east of L’Anse on the Skanee Road, this park was originally named
after James Oliver Curwood, a prolific writer in the 1920s and 30s. Curwood wrote adventure novels
that were inspired while staying in his cabin in the Huron Mountains. The cabin is now located at the
park, along with exhibits honoring the lumber trade of the 1900s.
Pequaming – Located north of L’Anse by following Pequaming Road to the end and turning left at
Ford Drive, the town of Pequaming was home to Henry Ford’s sawmill, which produced wood siding
and floorboards for the "woodie." Much of the town is private; however, sites such as Ford’s
summer home are refurbished and open to guests.
Indian Cemetery – This cemetery, established shortly after the arrival of hunters and trappers in the
1840s, is located one and a half miles east of L’Anse along Indian Cemetery Road. It is recognized as
an important part of the Ojibwa Indian Community’s heritage.
Assinins – Located 2.5 miles north of the Village of Baraga, Assinins, which means "Little Stone" in
the Native language, is named after the first Chief baptized by Father Baraga. This site is the original
location of the Ojibwa Indian Mission founded by Father Baraga in 1843. Baraga chose this site
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because of its strategic location, where he could monitor the comings and goings of the people of
the day. Assinins is located on the federally recognized Indian reservation of the Keweenaw Bay
Indian Community and includes a historic schoolhouse, scenic overlook, hiking trail, and one of the
U.P.’s oldest cemeteries.
Baraga County Courthouse – Located on a hill in downtown L’Anse, this 1880 building is refurbished
and also serves as the County office building. It is on the National Historic Register.
L’Anse Township Hall – Located in downtown L’Anse, the hall dates to the turn of the century and
features a pictorial history of people, events, and places throughout Baraga County.
Baraga Museum – Located in Baraga and opened in 1995, this museum houses a unique display of
County artifacts. The museum also houses the County birth and death records and the Bishop
Baraga Collection.
1.7 Employment and Industry
Eighty-two percent of adults in Baraga County possess a high school diploma, consistent with the
state and national averages at 87 percent. However, only 11 percent of Baraga adults have obtained
a bachelor’s degree, compared to 25 percent of Michigan adults. High school graduates in Baraga
County pursue higher education at a relatively low rate, with between 45 and 60 percent of
graduates attending college or vocational programs. Incomes are also lower in Baraga County when
compared to the entire state. The median household income in the county is $40,541, while the
median for Michigan is $48,432. The difference could be due to the relatively low cost of living in the
Western U.P. as compared to other Regions in Michigan. In 2012, average monthly unemployment
was 16.4 percent of the labor force – often the highest rate in the State of Michigan. Over 45
percent of residents age 16 and older in Baraga County are not in the workforce at all.
Manufacturing, services and government are the largest sectors in Baraga County’s economy. There
are four industrial parks in the County, with all of the county’s sizable employers concentrated in the
villages of Baraga and L’Anse. The Ojibwa Resort & Casino complex is by far the county’s largest
employer, with over 600 employees. The opening of the Baraga Maximum Security Correctional
Facility in 1993 gave a large boost to the county’s economy, as it currently employs 300 persons,
making it the second-largest employer. Both of these complexes are located in Baraga. The
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CertainTeed Corporation, which manufactures ceiling tiles, is located in L’Anse and employs over
120 workers. The Pettibone Corporation, a manufacturer of construction machinery and equipment,
has 100 employees at its plant in Baraga. Changes in area industrial employment since 2005 that
may be applicable to hazard mitigation are explained in
Health care and educational services account for an additional 400 jobs, at the county hospital, longterm care facility and the two school districts. Agriculture, though only a small part of the total
economy, is still an important part of the community fabric in the county. Most farms raise cattle
and/or produce hay. Aside from the casino, tourists are drawn to Baraga County by the historical
sites and natural resources that provide opportunities to hunt, fish, hike, ski and snowmobile.
Numerous hotels, restaurants and shops cater to these tourists.
1.8 Public Works and Transportation
Public Works and Roads
Baraga County has a Road Commission responsible for county roadways but does not plow state and
federal highways in winter. The Villages of L'Anse and Baraga have departments of public works for
maintenance and development of transportation and other infrastructure within their boundaries.
Townships also have staff for maintenance of facilities and utilities. All such agencies are resources
for implementation of related mitigation actions.
Baraga County is crossed by four major highways, numerous county roads, and many miles of twotrack roads (see Figure 1-5). Highway U.S. 41 enters on the eastern edge of Baraga County and
travels north to and through the Villages of L’Anse and Baraga into Houghton County. Highway M-28
takes a westerly route from U.S. 41 towards southern Houghton County, and US-141 branches off
M-28 in the center of the county, traveling south into Iron County. M-38 leaves the Village of Baraga
and heads westerly towards Houghton and Ontonagon Counties. These main highways are all
heavily traveled transportation routes. U.S. 41 to M-28 is also a primary route for Canadian traffic
through the Upper Peninsula. The remainder of Baraga County is accessed via numerous county and
forest roads.
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Rail
Canadian National (formerly Wisconsin Central) is the only line still providing destination rail service
to Baraga County. The railroad enters on the east from Marquette County, and the tracks end at the
Village of Baraga. The far southwest corner of the County is crossed by the Lake Superior line on its
way to industrial areas of Ontonagon County.
Airports
No commercial airports are located within the boundaries of Baraga County. Prickett-Grooms Field
Airport (6Y9) is located in Sidnaw in Baraga County. The airport has a turf runway, offers no services,
and is closed during the winter months. It is used for general aviation, commercial flights without
scheduled passenger service, and air taxi service.
Houghton County Memorial Airport (CMX), the closest with scheduled passenger service, offers two
daily flights to and from Chicago on United Airlines via SkyWest Airlines. This airport is located in
Hancock about 40 miles north of Baraga and L’Anse. The airport also offers parking; hangars; fuel,
airframe, and power service; and flight instruction. Sawyer International Airport, in Marquette
County, offers service to Detroit on Delta Airlines and service to Chicago via American Eagle. This
airport is located approximately 80 miles driving distance southeast of Baraga and L’Anse.
1.9 Police, Fire, and Emergency Services
Police, fire, and other emergency agencies are vital community resources not only for emergency
response but for implementation of mitigation actions.
Police
Baraga County is served by a number of police organizations. The Michigan State Police – Calumet
Post, with its regional office in Negaunee, patrols the County’s highways. The Baraga County
Sheriff’s Department is located on U.S. 41 in L’Anse. The Village of Baraga has its own police
department on Hemlock Street, while the Village of L’Anse has its own police department located
downtown. Tribal police patrol reservation roads from their headquarters in Beartown Road in
Baraga.
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Map 1-5: Major Roads and Transportation Map
23
The Baraga Maximum Correctional Facility, which opened in 1993, is a multiple level facility for
males, with a capacity of 616 maximum security (level V) and 240 minimum-security (level I)
prisoners. The maximum-security prisoners are housed in individual cells within a secured, doublefenced perimeter that includes motion detection systems and five gun towers. The minimumsecurity prisoners are housed in cubicles for six within a separate fenced perimeter.
Fire
There are seven fire departments in Baraga County, as shown in the following chart (see Table 1-5).
Mutual aid agreements are in place with surrounding communities in order to supplement fire
coverage.
Table 1-5: Fire Departments
Fire Department
Location
Service Area
Square Miles
Population
Baraga FD
Baraga
150
3500
L’Anse FD
L’Anse
276
4100
Pelkie VFD
Pelkie
93
2000
Keweenaw Bay VFD
Pelkie
50
600
Covington Twp VFD
Covington
198
750
Arvon Twp VFD
Skanee
147
420
Aura VFD
L’Anse
35
1000
Source: Baraga County Emergency Management
*Staff includes paid, part-time, and volunteers
Staff*
20
20
20
10
18
20
11
Medical
Baraga County Memorial Hospital is a critical access and long-term care hospital, located in L'Anse.
The hospital has 24 acute care beds and 28 skilled nursing beds. The full medical staff is 54, with 8
registered nurses and 5 physicians on active staff and 26 physicians on courtesy/consulting. The
hospital offers surgical services, a 24-hour physician-staffed (on-call) emergency room, laboratory
and imaging services, medical rehabilitation, cancer and cardiac services, home care, and health
education. There are two extended care facilities in the county with a total of 126 beds.
Ambulance service is provided by Bay Ambulance, Inc. in Baraga and Covington Ambulance. Pelkie
and Keweenaw Bay First Responders are also available for emergencies.
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Siren Coverage
Baraga County has two sirens in the County located in Covington and L’Anse. The sirens are
currently used for fire dispatch but not for community warning.
Office of Emergency Management
The Baraga County Office of Emergency Management offers emergency preparedness and disaster
education and awareness. From its office at the Sheriff’s Department in L’Anse, the OEM ensures
interagency coordination before, during, and after disasters or emergencies, whether it is a small
water main break or a catastrophic event.
1.10 Critical Facilities
When dealing with hazards, some facilities are more important than others and can be considered
"critical facilities." Critical facilities are defined as buildings or infrastructure that, when affected by a
hazard, can impact the well-being of a large population. Facilities identified as critical generally fall
into two categories:
1. Buildings or locations vital to public safety that can impact a disaster response and recovery
effort—for example, police and fire stations, public works, communications, etc.
2. Buildings or locations that, if damaged, could cause a secondary disaster such as hazardous
materials sites or nursing homes.
For this mitigation plan, critical facilities have been
identified in the following categories (with examples):
Emergency response facilities: police and fire
stations, public works sites, and the emergency
management office
Facilities such as the Baraga County
Courthouse are vital to the operations
of local government.
Utilities: water and wastewater treatment plants
and electrical substations
Other vital infrastructure: bridges and primary roads
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Health facilities: hospitals and nursing homes
Schools: all school facilities
High density residential or gathering places: housing facilities, casinos, and theaters
Hazardous materials sites: sites with reportable amounts of hazardous substances
The following Critical Facilities Maps (Figures 1-6, 1-7, and 1-8) identify the distribution of identified
critical facilities in Baraga County.
26
Figure 1-6: Baraga County Critical Facilities Map
27
Figure 1-7: Village of Baraga Critical Facilities Map
28
Figure 1-8: Village of L’Anse Critical Facilities Map
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Section 2: Hazard Profile
Overview of Hazards in Baraga County
There are three categories of hazards evaluated in this plan including natural, technological, and
social/societal hazards. Natural hazard threats to Michigan include earthquakes, dam failure and
flooding, fire, tornadoes, lightning, hail, severe winds, and severe winter weather. Technological
hazard threats to Michigan include hazardous material incidents, transportation accidents,
infrastructure failure, and petroleum and natural gas pipeline incidents. Social/societal hazard
threats include public health, civil disturbances, and terrorism/sabotage.
The following hazard profile for Baraga County includes a general description of potential hazards
and background for each hazard within the County. Hazard potential within the County varies
depending on geography, population, and infrastructure. The following hazard profile includes a
general description of potential hazards and background for each hazard within the County. Hazard
potential within Baraga County varies depending on geography, population, and infrastructure. In
accordance with FEMA guidelines, in each risk assessment subsequent to the descriptions and
background information, ratings of severity (or extent, which is used interchangeably) and
probability of occurrence are assigned.
Severity (extent) ratings are defined as follows:
Extreme- Facilities/infrastructure in the affected area are damaged or contaminated beyond
habitable use. Critical services are damaged beyond 75 percent of capacity. Most
items/assets are lost or damaged beyond repair.
High- Facilities/infrastructure in the affected area are partially damaged or contaminated.
Critical services are damaged up to 50 percent of capacity. Some items/assets are damaged,
but structures and infrastructure remain mostly intact.
Moderate- Facilities or infrastructure in the affected area are temporarily closed. A limited
number of assets may be damaged, but the majority of assets are not affected. Critical
services are damaged up to 25 percent of capacity.
Low- Facilities/infrastructure in the affected area experience less than a four-hour impact on
operations, with no major assets lost.
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Probability of future occurrences is estimated based on one or more of the following categories of
previous events: 1) in Baraga County over the past 6 to 12 years (depending on available data), 2) in
Michigan and/or the United States, and 3) as predicted based on local situation and/or factors
recently changed or developed. Generally an "event" is an occurrence formally recorded/declared
by an appropriate authority or documented by the media, but undeclared events of a lesser
magnitude (e.g. snowstorms that have significant consequences but for which warnings or
advisories are not issued) may also be taken into account. Probability ratings are defined as follows:
Very Low- Little possibility of occurrence
Low- At least one event in past 10 years OR foreseeable possibility of occurrence based on
current local conditions
Moderate- Approximately one event per average year
High- 2 to 9 events in average year
Very High- 10 or more events in average year
Impact is the overall effect that a hazard has on a community and the extent to which a certain level
of severity affects the human population, environment, and economy. Impact is closely connected
to severity and is incorporated into the severity ratings above, but where specific damage estimates
or damage costs from past events are available, these are stated in the hazard description.
Furthermore, in cases where certain communities might experience disproportionately greater or
lesser impacts than their severity levels would suggest, these are stated and described. Impact is
perhaps the most important contributor to the detailed, multi-factor assessment of countywide
hazard priority presented in the matrix following these profiles.
Risk and vulnerability are concepts that arise from the severity and probability ratings. Risk is
mentioned in many of the hazard descriptions as shorthand for the overall degree of hazard concern
based on a combination of severity and probability. Vulnerability is related to risk but also takes
preparedness into account; i.e. a community that is ill-prepared for a high-risk disaster is highly
vulnerable. Lack of preparedness for a low-risk disaster is less of a concern but still indicates some
vulnerability, and this is pointed out where it may not be obvious. Vulnerability is a useful indicator
for hazards which are most in need of mitigation.
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2.1 Natural Disasters
Earthquakes
An earthquake is a sudden motion or trembling in the earth caused by an abrupt release of slowly
accumulating strain resulting in ground shaking, surface faulting, or ground failures. Most areas of
the country are subject to earthquakes, including parts of Michigan, and they occur thousands of
times each year. Most earthquakes are minor tremors and result in little or no loss of life, property,
or essential services. Earthquakes are dangerous because they can cause severe and sudden loss
and devastation without warning. Deaths and injuries are caused indirectly through the collapse of
structures. Earthquakes are measured by their magnitude (amount of energy released at the
epicenter) and intensity (measure of damage done at one location; essentially the same as
"severity" as classified throughout this plan). The Richter Magnitude Scale is commonly used to
determine earthquake magnitude, and the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale is used for intensity. A
5.0 on the Richter Scale is a moderate event, while an 8.0 is a catastrophic event. The Mercalli
Intensity Scale describes 12 increasing levels from imperceptible to catastrophic.
Earthquake risks in Michigan are generally low. As a result, structures or utilities are not necessarily
built to withstand even small seismic events. Because of the low risk, Michigan may be more
vulnerable to an earthquake because of poor preparation.
Background
Earthquake tremors have been felt in the Michigan Territory since at least 1811. Up to nine tremors
from the New Madrid earthquake series were reportedly felt in Detroit. There have been a number
of incidents since that time, with the only questionable activity in the Upper Peninsula occurring in
the Keweenaw Peninsula in 1905, 1906, and 1908. While there were explosions and ground shaking
felt as far away as Marquette, collapsing pillars in local mines were believed to be the cause.
Risk Assessment
Since there are no documented faults within or near Baraga County, probability is an earthquake is
very low, approaching zero. Severity would also be low, as any physical effect of an incident on
Baraga County would be weak and indirect.
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Probability: very low throughout
Severity: cannot be determined
Dam Failure
Dam failure is a breach or collapse of an impoundment resulting in flooding downstream. Dam
failure can result in extensive damage to property and natural resources miles downstream from the
failure. Failure can occur during flood events which cause overflow of the dam and also due to poor
operation, lack of maintenance, and vandalism. Most failures are catastrophic because they are
unexpected with no evacuation time. Michigan has had over 260 dam failures in its history.
Background
There are four large dams in Baraga County: the Ford Dam, the Net River Dam, the Prickett Hydro
Project, and the Sixmile Creek Pond Dam. The Net River Dam and the Sixmile Creek Pond Dam are
MDNR-owned rockfill dams used for recreational purposes, while the Ford Dam was built for a water
supply and the Prickett Dam for hydroelectric power generation.
The Ford Dam is an earthen embankment of approximately 500 feet across the Plumbago Creek
valley. The Ford Dam was constructed in 1936 by the Ford Motor Company to serve as a water
supply for a sawmill at Alberta. In 1946 the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
rerouted Highway U.S. 41 across the Ford Dam crest. In 1954, the dam, buildings, and properties
were donated to MTU. Presently the dam serves as the Highway U.S. 41 road surface and forms a
water supply impoundment used for fire protection and public recreation.
The Prickett Project along the Sturgeon River in Baraga and Houghton Counties is located about 31
miles above the river mouth. The reservoir for the project is about 3.5 miles long and has an area of
810 acres at normal pool elevation. There are 346 square miles of drainage area above the Prickett
Dam. The Project includes a main diversion dam of earth embankments and a hollow concrete dam
with gate-controlled spillways; a 500-foot intake canal and gate-controlled structure of concrete and
earth embankments; two 87-foot-diameter wood stave penstocks, each 80 feet long; an indoor
powerhouse with two generating units; and an outdoor substation with one transformer bank.
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Risk Assessment
Failure of the Ford Dam would cause the old U.S. 41 bridge located northwest of the current bridge
to be submerged, and flood waters could reach the first floor elevations of several of the buildings
at the Ford Forestry Center. Manmade obstacles on Plumbago Creek downstream of the dam,
including a 48-inch CMP culvert and the old U.S. 41 bridge, could compound the problem. Erosion of
the U.S. 41 embankment is possible with a breach of the dam and could cause the loss of telephone
and other utility lines along the toe of the downstream slope of the dam embankment. Emergency
plans are in place for areas potentially affected by a dam failure at the Ford Dam, and flow data are
available on a continuous basis on the NOAA website. Additionally, recent repairs and maintenance
have improved dam function and increased protection from dam failure. These include:
2005—replacement of the main spillway structure and culvert that crosses U.S. 41, which
has improved the discharge capacity of the dam;
2005—sealing and grouting of a 48-inch-diameter CMP (corrugated metal pipe) located
between the dam and the downstream slope of the impoundment;
2006—replacement of a deteriorated concrete bridge with a wood structure downstream
of the dam.
A response plan is also in place for failure of the Prickett Dam. In the unlikely event of a failure,
heavy, extended rains and spring runoff could exacerbate the situation and compound problems at
downstream locations. Areas vulnerable to flood inundation downstream have been identified
through a study completed in 1994. Numerous downstream structures would be affected by failure
of the dam. A gauge monitors stream flow at the location and is operated in cooperation with
UPPCO.
Smaller dams in the County do have history of failure, including the Lough’s Lake failure in 2003 and
the Robillard failure in 2002. Typically failure of these smaller dams does not result in extensive
damage; however, the Lough’s Lake failure resulted in over $200,000 in damaged roadways and
drainage structures as well as environmental degradation to Gomache Creek. Since the failures of
2002 and 2003, drainage structure improvements have been implemented and are expected to limit
the damage in affected areas.
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No dams in Baraga County are in imminent danger of failing, and probability of dam failure for in the
County is uniformly low. However, the possibility of a catastrophic ("extremely severe") dam failure
does exist in Baraga County.
Probability: low, but highest in Baraga, Covington, and L'Anse Townships
Severity: low except moderate to extreme in Baraga, Covington, and L’Anse Townships
Riverine and Urban Flooding
Riverine flooding is defined as periodic occurrence of overbank flows of streams and rivers resulting
in the inundation of the adjacent floodplain. Riverine floods are caused by prolonged, intense
rainfall, snowmelt, ice jams, beaver or man-made dam failures, or any combination of these factors.
Such overbank flows are natural and may occur on a regular basis, especially on river systems that
drain large geographic areas and many river basins. Floods on large river systems may extend
several days. Many areas of Michigan are subject to riverine flooding.
Flash floods are brief, heavy flows on small streams or normally dry creeks and differ from riverine
floods in extent and duration. The cause of flash floods is normally locally intense thunderstorms
with significant rainfall resulting in high-velocity water, which often carries large amounts of debris.
These conditions can be exacerbated by secondary or cascading events such as beaver dam failure.
Spring is the highest-risk season, owing to saturated or frozen ground with little infiltration capacity
along with quick rises in temperature, rapid snowmelt, and intense precipitation.
Urban flooding is the overflow of storm sewer
systems and is usually caused by inadequate
drainage
following
heavy
rainfall
or
rapid
snowmelt.
Background
A number of areas in Baraga County are
susceptible to riverine and urban flooding (see
Flooding in downtown L’Anse was caused by
heavy spring rain and inadequate drainage
capacity. (Photo courtesy of U.P. Engineers)
Figure 2-1). Riverbanks and areas with inadequate culverts become overburdened, experiencing
certain degrees of flooding and washouts. To address these concerns, drainage structure
35
replacement and upgrade of storm sewers are ongoing activities within the County. Probability of
flooding is generally moderate in the flood-prone areas, included those mapped and those affected
by previous incidents, and low in other areas throughout the County. Severity is moderate in the
areas prone to riverine floods and low in others.
A review of the storm incidents recorded by NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center recorded the
following flood events with recordable damage in Baraga County between 7/31/2001 and
7/31/2011.
04/12/2002 – Flood caused by record snows in February and March, a 6- day melt with
record-high temperatures in the 70s and 80s, and 2 inches of rain. Extensive flooding
occurred throughout the Western U.P., with Gogebic County being the hardest hit. Small
creeks and streams overflowed and flooded local roads in Baraga County. Total damage
estimate for Western U.P. flooding was $18.5 million.
04/18/2004 – Flood caused by rainfall of 2 inches or more caused minor flooding of small
streams and the Sturgeon River in the northwest part of the county.
05/11/2003 – Flood caused by rain amounts exceeding 4.5 inches resulted in Linden Creek
overflowing and flooding in downtown L’Anse. The Sturgeon River and areas of L’Anse also
experienced flooding. Total damage from flooding in the Western U.P. was $2.0 million, with
$1.5 million in Baraga County.
09/24/2010 – As a result of heavy rain, the Sturgeon River overflowed at Halonen Road
seven miles northwest of Baraga. The water was estimated to be one foot deep over the
road.
Late April 2013 – Rapid melting of a heavy snowpack caused extensive flooding, with the
Sturgeon River slightly exceeding flood stage. In the Village of Baraga, the flooding caused
failure of a major culvert, with a reconstruction cost of $60,000 to $80,000. The Village
planned to request state funding for replacement, since Governor Snyder had issued a stateof-disaster declaration on May 7.
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Flood Insurance
In Baraga County, the Village of Baraga, Village of L’Anse, and L’Anse Township participate in the
FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). L'Anse Township began participation mainly as a
requirement for a Highway U.S. 41 construction project that was done in the mid-2000s decade.
Other communities in the County have not been affected by flooding to the extent that participation
is considered necessary. There are 20,000 communities nationwide that participate in the program.
NFIP makes federally backed flood insurance available to homeowners, renters, and business
owners in communities that adopt and enforce floodplain management ordinances. NFIP puts
special focus on mediation of insured structures that have suffered more than one loss of at least
$1,000 within a rolling 10-year period since 1978; these are referred to as "repetitive loss
properties." Baraga County has no such properties insured under NFIP.
During a flood hazard assessment, FEMA develops a Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate
Map (FIRM). The FIRM is used by lenders to determine flood insurance requirements and by
insurance agents to determine flood insurance premium rates for specific properties. The FIRM
includes areas within the 100-year flood boundary, which are termed "Special Flood Hazard Areas"
(SFHAs). A 100-year flood does not refer to a flood that occurs every 100 years but to a flood level
with a one percent or greater chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. In Baraga
County, certain areas in the Villages of L’Anse and Baraga are identified as subject to inundation, as
is a section of the Sturgeon River in southern L'Anse Township.
Besides the required ordinances regulating development in SFHAs, other compliance activities are
encouraged. The Village of L'Anse has recently gone through a floodplain map update in association
with a culvert replacement project done in response to flooding of Linden Creek downtown.
Furthermore, when a new bridge was recently constructed over the Falls River, which has also been
associated with flooding, extensive erosion control was incorporated. Other flood-mitigating
projects are included in the Action Plan. Finally, the Master Plans of both L'Anse Village and
Township discourage a variety of flood-causing development types and activities. Accordingly, the
zoning ordinances include Resource Protection Overlay Zones to prevent certain types of
development within riparian buffers, which correspond with parts of designated flood zones. In the
Village of Baraga, lack of planning and zoning limits compliance options beyond the required
ordinance.
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Figure 2-1: Flood Hazard Boundary Map
38
Risk Assessment
Riverine and urban flooding is a moderate risk within Baraga County because of flooding problems in
the population centers of L’Anse and Baraga. With the potential for an influx of rain and/or
snowmelt runoff, there is an ongoing risk of flooding. Communities within the County recognize the
problems associated with their location and have taken steps to prevent loss by upgrading facilities
to deal with the flood risk and by participating in the NFIP. Past and planned future upgrades are
expected to minimize damages incurred from flooding, and until a more recent flood history is
established it is unknown to what degree the improvements are effective.
Probability: low except moderate in Baraga and L'Anse Townships (riverine) and Villages of L’Anse
and Baraga (riverine and urban)
Severity: low except moderate in Baraga and L'Anse Townships
Shoreline Flooding and Erosion
Flooding and erosion along the Lake Superior shoreline are typically a result of high water levels,
storm surges, or high winds. These are natural processes that can occur at normal or even low water
levels. However, during periods of high water, flooding and erosion are more frequent and serious,
causing damage to homes, businesses, roads, water distribution and treatment facilities, and other
structures in coastal communities. Storm surges that
drive lake water inland over large areas occur when
windstorms and differences in barometric pressure
temporarily tilt the surface of a lake up at one end—
in extreme cases by as much as eight feet. This has
occurred several times in the past in Baraga County.
Background
Baraga County has a number of areas identified as
high-risk erosion areas by the MDEQ under
Riprap protects the shoreline from erosion
along the Village of L’Anse waterfront.
Shorelands Protection and Management, Part 323 of the Natural Resources and Environmental
Protection Act, Public Act 451, as amended. High-risk areas are where erosion studies have indicated
the erosion hazard line is receding at an average of one foot or more per year over a minimum 15-
39
year period (see Figure 2-2). For these areas, the state has regulations in place with mandatory and
recommended setbacks for development. The high-risk erosion area regulations establish required
setback distances to protect new structures from erosion for a period of 30 to 60 years, depending
on the size, number of living units, and type of construction. High-risk erosion areas were identified
in the early 1970s, but recession rates and erosion extent may have changed since the original
documentation.
Risk Assessment
Water levels in Lake Superior have been down for a number of years. Levels were very high in the
early 90s, resulting in damage followed by a recent downward trend. Though the severity of flooding
has decreased to low in all affected jurisdictions, the forces of erosion persist with variable severity.
Probability of shoreline erosion and flooding is very high because both are active ongoing processes
in Baraga County. Approximately four miles, or roughly six percent, of the county’s Lake Superior
shoreline are DEQ-designated high-risk areas, and miles of adjacent shoreline are also continuously
threatened by this hazard. Although areas along the shoreline of the Villages of Baraga and L’Anse
are subject to flooding, drainage systems to manage storm water are continually improving and are
expected to limit vulnerability to this hazard. Throughout the County, damage can be minimized
through proper shore land management practices.
Erosion has been identified as a particular ongoing concern in Arvon Township, but hazard impact is
limited by general compliance with a requirement of 95-foot setback of structures from the shore.
Probability: very high (both flooding and erosion) except none in Covington and Spurr Townships
Severity: low – flooding in most shoreline jurisdictions; low to moderate – flooding in Village and
Township of L'Anse; low to moderate – erosion in Villages of Baraga and L'Anse; moderate to
extreme – erosion in Arvon, Baraga, and L'Anse Townships; none of either – Covington and Spurr
Townships
40
Figure 2-2: High-Risk Erosion Areas Map
41
Scrap Tire and Waste Materials Fires
A scrap tire fire is a large uncontrolled fire that burns scrap tires that are being stored for recycling
or re-use. Michigan alone generates 7.5 to 9 million scrap tires annually. Tires end up at disposal
sites—both legal and illegal—some of which store several hundred thousand tires. Scrap tire fires
are dangerous because they can require significant resources to control and extinguish, often
beyond the capability of local government; the environmental consequences are significant; and the
extreme heat from the fire converts a standard passenger vehicle tire into approximately two
gallons of oily residue which can leach into soil or migrate to streams.
Scrap tires are not the only threat presented by accumulated waste in outdoor sites. Storage of any
flammable material intended for disposal can potentially combust and threaten surrounding
properties. Waste storage should thus be carefully controlled and monitored.
Background
There are no licensed or other known scrap tire facilities in Baraga County. Still, hazard risk is
highlighted by projects such as a scrap tire removal effort in Arvon Township in recent years. L'Anse
Warden Electric Plant presents some risk of fire due to its storage and burning of a large stockpile of
scrap railroad ties, treated as biomass fuel, stored on the lot of the facility. These are handled very
carefully with the understanding that they pose this risk.
Risk Assessment
There is a small risk of scrap tire fires due to possible unknown and unlicensed storage areas.
Stockpiled biomass fuel also poses a notable risk. Probability of an incident is low, with possible
severity ranging from low to high (very case- and site-specific).
Probability: low throughout; highest in Village of L'Anse
Severity: low to high
Structural Fires
A structural fire is any instance of uncontrolled burning resulting in structural damage to residential,
commercial, industrial, institutional, or other properties in developed areas. In terms of average
42
annual loss of life and property, structural fire is by far the biggest hazard facing most communities
in Michigan and across the country. According to some sources, structural fires cause more loss of
life and property than all types of natural disasters combined. It is estimated that 46.3 percent of
accidental fires occur through neglect or carelessness with items such as candles, cigarettes, pipes,
cigars, matches, lighters, and fireworks – especially when in the hands of children. Another major
cause is improper use or maintenance of items such as clothes dryers, holiday decorations, and
cooking equipment. Many structural fires can be prevented through awareness and education.
Background
Over 40 percent of all fires reported in the state in 2000 started inside buildings, while the rest
occurred outside or caused damage to mobile property. Nearly 75 percent of these building fires
occurred in dwellings as opposed to commercial structures. In fact, fires in the home, the place
where most people feel the safest, account for 75 to 85 percent of all fire fatalities statewide. In
2008 there were 31 fires reported in Baraga County resulting in $180,600 in damage. Of the total
fires, 16 percent were considered arson or were suspicious.
Risk Assessment
Due to an older housing stock, compact development in downtown areas, and remote development,
Baraga County is susceptible to fire. The County has a number of fire departments available to
respond, along with mutual aid agreements with neighboring jurisdictions, to deal with structural
fires. Education and functional fire detectors can often mitigate the loss from this hazard.
Historically, the frequency of fires is 38 per year based on an average from 2002 to 2003
occurrences, so probability is very high in most areas. Average property losses per year for the same
period were $2,641,050. Severity is closely connected to damages incurred, which vary greatly by
case and are impossible to predict.
Probability: very high throughout
Severity: low to extreme
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Wildfires
A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire in grass, brush lands, or forested areas. The most immediate
dangers from wildfires are the potential injury or death of persons who live or recreate in the
affected area and the destruction of homes, timber, and wildlife. Long-term effects include scorched
and barren land, soil erosion, landslides, water sedimentation, and loss of recreational
opportunities.
Background
Forest fires are most often caused by human activity, while only two percent are caused by
lightning. While forest fires in the Upper Peninsula have caused only isolated damage in recent
years, they remain a persistent risk to life and property. Recent large fires in Baraga County include
the 2006 Baraga Bump fire that burned more than 1,127 acres on the Baraga Plains (in Covington
Township) and the 2009 Pinery Lake Fire (L’Anse and L’Anse Township) that burned 685 acres. There
is a history of extensive fires on Baraga Plains and at Point Abbaye in the 1930s. From 1991 to 2010,
there were 57 fires that burned 1,897.6 acres under MDNR jurisdiction. Wildfire concern remains
high and has been a factor in specialized firefighting training, obtainment of new equipment, and
preparation of roadways to accommodate firefighting vehicles. Arvon Township, for example, has
straightened a roadway and obtained a large tank truck in recent years and is now planning for a
major fire hall upgrade.
Risk Assessment
Forests cover over 80 percent of Baraga County. This extensive forest cover is an asset for both
industry and recreational activities; however, it also leaves the county highly vulnerable to wildfires
(see Figure 2-3). Increased development in and around rural areas has changed the nature of the
threat from wildfires. Not only can acres of valuable timber and wildlife habitat be lost, but also life
and property. Risk is greater due to human activities in the outdoors but also the remoteness of
many areas of the County and their inaccessibility to emergency responders. Probability is high in
little-developed rural areas and moderate in urbanized areas, with a frequency of 2 wildfires per
year in the County based on 57 fires in a 30-year period. Greatest probability is likely in the Baraga
Plains of southern Baraga Township. Another area of concern of local officials is in central Arvon
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Township. Severity ranges from moderate to extreme. Baraga County has developed a Community
Wildfire Protection Plan to help guide prevention and education projects throughout the county.
Probability: high throughout except moderate in Villages of Baraga and L'Anse
Severity: moderate to extreme
Subsidence (Ground Collapse)
Subsidence is defined as depressions, cracks, and sinkholes in the ground surface, which can
threaten people and property. While the sudden collapse of the ground surface to form sinkholes
poses an immediate threat to life and property, subsidence depressions normally occur over a
period varying from many days to a few years. Collapses continue until the underground voids
stabilize. They may damage structures with low strain tolerances, such as dams and utility
infrastructure.
Nationally, the greatest risk of subsidence is related to changes in water content of surface or
subsurface layers of earth. The primary processes affecting water content are aquifer depletion
(which lowers the supporting water table) and drainage of moisture from organic soils. Both of
these occur mainly as a result of human activity (development and agriculture, respectively). Aquifer
depletion can have the same consequences as deterioration of subsurface layers of earth since
liquid serves much the same role as solids in supporting overlying earth.
A lesser water-related cause of subsidence, but one that has become prominent in media coverage
in recent years, is dissolution of certain types of rock into groundwater. The rock types most
susceptible to this process are salt and gypsum, but limestone is the type most closely associated in
popular knowledge with subsidence. Over time, dissolution of rock into the aquifer can create a void
subject to sudden and catastrophic collapse, creating a sinkhole.
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Figure 2-3: High-Risk Wildland Fire Areas Map
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In Michigan, the greatest risk of subsidence is associated with underground mining. The population
most at risk lives in areas where industrial or residential development has occurred above active or
abandoned mines where underground cavities are present near the surface. Strain from geological
movements and additional loading on the surface can cause the ground above and around the old
mines to sink or collapse. Vibrations from truck traffic and other industrial machinery can destabilize
areas underground. The roof of a hollow area may slowly erode, particularly when flowing water is
present, causing the depth of the layer over the cavern to decrease. The roofs of the old mine
tunnels were often supported by timbers or pillars, which may have deteriorated over the course of
100 years, placing them at risk of structural failure. Lateral flow of subsurface materials, which can
occur on the thick glacial clay deposits in the Great Lakes region, results in gradual lowering of the
ground surface as load bearing walls slowly move away from one another.
Background
Subsidence has not been a significant event in Baraga County. While there have been minor cave-ins
near Alberta (L'Anse Township) and in Spurr Township, most known open shafts throughout the
County have been fenced.
Risk Assessment
Baraga County does not have the extensive mining history of other areas in the Western U.P. Only a
slight risk exists because of unknown hazards. In consideration of current remediated conditions of
the County's small number of mine shafts, probability of subsidence is very low. Severity would
likely be low to moderate depending on the site.
Probability: low throughout
Severity: low to moderate
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2.2 Weather Hazards
A review of the storm incidents recorded by NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center shows that 154
events were reported in Baraga County between 7/31/2001 and 7/31/2011. During this 10-year
period there were only a handful of events that caused recordable damage in Baraga County.
Examples of incidents include extreme cold, heavy storms, winter storms, flood, lightning, hail,
thunderstorm, high winds and flash floods.
Weather hazards in Baraga County can vary greatly and are dependent upon the season. Baraga
County is prepared to handle severe winter weather, and damage from this type of event is
controlled due to snow management. Collapsing roofs are a variable problem and dependent on the
age of buildings and building codes.
Thunderstorms, hail, high winds, and flooding hazards are extremely variable and depend on many
factors. Due to the variability of these types of storm events, response plans are the best mitigation
for these incidents. Flooding over the last few years has been an expected spring condition, and the
capacity of storm systems to handle these conditions has been improving. The eastern half of
Baraga County is covered by a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather
Radio transmitter in Marquette, and the western half is covered by a transmitter in Houghton, with
reliable coverage throughout most of Baraga County (see Figure 2-4). General probability of
significant weather events is moderate, with a 60 percent possibility of recordable damage in any
given year.
Drought
A drought is an extended periods of decline in precipitation from levels normally experienced in an
area. A drought is uniquely difficult to define among natural disasters in that it usually cannot be
recognized until it is already underway and in that it has no clear starting and ending points. A
drought may occur in four types based on its primary defining characteristic: meteorological
(variation from normal precipitation climate), hydrological (regarding surface and groundwater
levels), agricultural (regarding conditions for crop growth), and socioeconomic (resulting from
human demand for water exceeding supply).
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Figure 2-4: Upper Michigan NOAA Radio Coverage Map
One of the greatest impacts of a drought is its effect on agricultural areas during key planting and
growing seasons. Drought can also affect urban areas that are dependent on reservoirs for water, as
decreased water levels due to low precipitation can result in use restrictions. Timing and length of
droughts are difficult to predict. Increased pumping of groundwater and surface irrigation during
drought periods can result in land subsidence problems in some areas of the country. Almost all
areas of the country are impacted by drought. Some impacts include reduced agricultural outputs,
reduced water supply, land subsidence, power outages caused by excessive energy use, increased
wildfire risk, and reduced capacity for marine transportation. The arid southwest and Great Plains
are the most vulnerable to drought.
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Risk Assessment
Baraga County has not suffered any notable localized droughts but has been affected by regional
droughts, which, based on a variety of media reports and weather recording organizations, the
United States Midwest has experienced in at least four seasons since 1981. Meteorological
conditions are the best indicator of drought in Baraga County, as its secondary vulnerabilities are
few. Baraga County is not at risk of a drinking water shortage, as groundwater supplies local
systems; agricultural operations are of small scale and are not a significant part of the economy; and
supply limitations would be unlikely due to the abundance of sources in relation to the County's
population.
Regardless of the obvious conditions commonly associated with droughts, climatic conditions always
fluctuate over the long term between dry and less dry periods. In recent years the Upper Great
Lakes Region has been experiencing a dry period as indicated most clearly by decreased water levels
and susceptibility to wildfires. The latter is the consequence that most clearly affects Baraga County.
Even minor periods of dryness can significantly increase wildfire risk, which is a concern throughout
the County because of a high percentage of forest cover. Seasonal dry conditions have been known
to increase the frequency and severity of wildfires throughout the Upper Peninsula and will continue
to do so during this dry climatic period. In consideration of these factors and impacts, Baraga County
has a high probability of experiencing some degree of drought conditions in any given year, but
severity is predicted as low to moderate. Any drought conditions occur uniformly throughout the
County, but areas subject to high wildfire risk experience the greatest impact.
Probability: high
Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperatures refer to prolonged periods of very low or very high temperatures, often
exacerbated by conditions such as high humidity, lack of rain, heavy snowfall, and high winds.
Extreme temperatures primarily affect the most vulnerable segments of the population, including
children, the elderly, the impoverished, and people in poor health. Threats from extreme heat
include heat stroke, which is a medical emergency, and heat exhaustion. Extreme heat is most
problematic in urban areas, where the high temperature and humidity can be more intense. Threats
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of extreme cold are hypothermia, which is a medical emergency, and frostbite. All areas of Michigan
are subject to extreme temperatures. Baraga County, with its inland location, can experience high
temperatures and severe cold temperatures. Another risk during winter months is freezing pipes
due to limited snow cover insulation.
Risk Assessment
All areas of Michigan including Baraga County are subject to extreme temperatures. Baraga
experienced 9 extreme cold events and one extreme heat event from 7/31/2001 to 7/31/2011, so
the probability of an extreme temperature event is moderate. Severity of this hazard is gauged
mainly relative to its human impacts, which are minimal to Baraga County’s accustomed population.
However, the most severe, and nominally the most often, severe temperatures occur in inland
locations. The County is somewhat more vulnerable to extreme heat than extreme cold, as residents
are less accustomed to the former.
Probability: moderate throughout
Severity: low
Hail
Hail is a condition where atmospheric water particles from thunderstorms form rounded or irregular
lumps of ice that fall to the earth. Hail is a product of strong thunderstorms, and hail usually falls
near the center of the storm along with the heaviest rain. At times, strong winds at high altitudes in
the thunderstorm blow the hail away from the storm center, causing hazards in unexpected places.
Hailstones can be the size of a pea to a baseball. Hailstones can damage crops, dent autos and injure
wildlife and people. Hail causes $1 billion in damage nationwide annually.
Risk Assessment
Twenty-four hail events were recorded in Baraga County from 7/31/2001 to 7/31/2011; therefore,
the frequency of these events is 2.4 per year, indicating high probability. There was no damage
reported for any of these events, establishing that severity is generally low. Damages that do occur
are generally incurred by individual property owners.
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Probability: high throughout
Severity: low
Ice and Sleet Storms
Severe winter weather hazards include sleet storms and ice storms. Sleet storms occur when frozen
raindrops or ice pellets fall from the sky. Though sleet does not stick to tires, sleet in sufficient depth
causes hazardous driving conditions. Ice storms are the result of cold rain that freezes upon contact
with a cold surface, coating the ground, trees, buildings, and overhead wires with ice, at times
causing extensive damage.
Risk Assessment
Only one ice storm was recorded in Baraga County from 7/31/2001 to 7/31/2011, and the event
caused no recordable damage. Probability of a future event in any given year is low. Severity would
be low to moderate. Both are uniform throughout the County. Though the effects of an ice storm
have some similarities to a snowstorm, vulnerability to ice storms is somewhat higher due to the
lack of familiarity to residents.
Lightning
Lightning is the discharge of electricity from a thunderstorm. Lightning is often perceived as a minor
hazard, but it damages many structures and kills and injures more people in the United States each
year (on average) than tornadoes or hurricanes. Michigan ranks second in the nation in both
lightning-related deaths and injuries. Many deaths and injuries could be avoided if people were
educated about the threat of lightning. No significant lightning events were reported between
7/31/2001 and 7/31/2011.
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Risk Assessment
No lightning incidents are on record in Baraga County. Probability of future events is low and
severity variable depending on site and circumstances. Perhaps the greatest impact of lightning is its
ability to cause a wildfire, which has potential for much greater severity than the lightning itself.
Probability and severity of lightning itself is uniform throughout the County.
Severity: cannot be determined
Severe Winds
Winds 58 miles per hour or greater are classified as a windstorm by the National Weather Service
and are a fairly common occurrence in many areas of Michigan. Along the Great Lakes shoreline,
high winds occur regularly, and gusts over 74 miles per hour (hurricane velocity) occasionally occur
with a storm system. Severe winds cause damage to homes and businesses, power lines, trees, and
agricultural crops. Power outages can result in the need for sheltering of those left without power
for extended periods. Along with the Great Lakes shorelines, windstorms in Michigan occur most
often in the central and southern parts of the Lower Peninsula.
Risk Assessment
Baraga County experienced 4 high wind events between 7/31/2001 and 7/31/2011. A more recent
event occurred July 18, 2013, when straight-line winds up to 65 miles per hour caused a power
outage, downed trees, and structure damage within a one-mile-long, one-half-mile-wide swath. The
incident demonstrates the potential for high winds to mimic tornadoes, as many residents believed
the latter had occurred. In one location, Overall, the most severe and most frequent winds occur
along the Lake Superior shore. Severity is low to moderate in all locations. It is not possible to
provide a monetary estimate of impact, as jurisdiction-specific damage figures are unavailable.
Despite the infrequency of this hazard, it is important to note that high winds are among the most
common hazards encountered in Baraga County resulting in recordable damage.
Probability: low to moderate; lowest in Covington and Spurr Townships
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Snowstorms
Snowstorms are defined as periods of rapid accumulation of snow, which is often accompanied by
high winds, cold temperatures, and low visibility. Blizzards are the most dramatic and perilous of all
snowstorms, as the snow is accompanied by low temperatures and strong winds. Blizzard snow is in
the form of fine, powdery particles windblown in such great quantities that, at times, visibility is
reduced to only a few feet.
Risk Assessment
Baraga County recorded 61 snow events from 7/31/2001 to 7/31/2011, for a frequency of 6.1 per
year. Probability is thus high throughout the County, but severity is low to moderate in the context
of a population accustomed to these events. Recorded damage estimates do not include
jurisdiction-specific information, and the cost of a typical snowstorm is difficult to estimate, as a
series of small events can have the financial impact of one large event. In general, Baraga County is
aware of and prepared to deal with excessive snow.
Tornadoes
A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending to the ground from a cumulonimbus cloud.
The funnel associated with a tornado may have winds up to 300 miles per hour and interior air
pressure that is 10 to 20 percent below that of the surrounding atmosphere. The typical length of a
tornado path is 16 miles, but tracks up to 200 miles have been reported. Widths of a path are
typically less than a quarter-mile but can be over a mile. Historically tornadoes have resulted in a
greater loss of life than any natural hazard, with a national average death toll of 111 persons.
Property damage resulting from tornadoes totals hundreds of millions of dollars every year. The
average annual number of tornadoes in Michigan is 18, with most occurring in the southern Lower
Peninsula.
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Risk Assessment
There have been only 2 tornadoes recorded in 50 years in Baraga County. These occurred in 1968
and 1980. The strongest tornado was the 1968 incident, which was recorded as an F2. No property
damage was recorded for either event. This brief history suggests low probability and low to
moderate severity of a future tornado. Both are uniform countywide.
2.3 Technological Hazards
Hazardous Materials: Fixed Site Incident
A fixed site incident is an uncontrolled release of hazardous materials from a stationary location,
capable of posing a risk to health, safety, property, and the environment. Hazardous materials are
present in quantities of concern in business and industry, agriculture, universities, hospitals, utilities
and other community facilities. Hazardous materials or substances pose a threat to life, health,
property, and environment if released, because of their chemical, physical, or biological nature.
Hazardous materials are carefully regulated by the government to reduce risk, but accidental
releases can occur during the manufacture, transport, storage, use and disposal of the materials.
Areas at highest risk are within a 1 to 5-mile radius of identified hazardous material sites. Many
communities have detailed response plans in place to mitigate the harm to people, property, and
the environment from hazardous materials.
Background
There are only a few facilities within Baraga County with supplies of Extremely Hazardous
Substances that require reporting under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act
(SARA) Title III. Title III identifies what steps facilities, the state and local communities must take to
protect the public from hazardous materials accidents. Facilities within Baraga County that must
report under Title III include water treatment facilities that store chlorine and a telephone office
with minor amounts of sulfuric acid. Besides these Title III sites, a risk is posed by industrial
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manufacturing and utility companies – namely CertainTeed and L'Anse Warden Electric Company,
located in the Village of L'Anse.
Risk Assessment
Chemicals that are being used in Baraga County are isolated and in relatively small quantities. Other
materials that could cause an incident are carefully controlled to meet or exceed environmental
laws. Probability of a fixed-site hazardous materials incident is thus low, and severity is predicted to
be low to moderate, but the hazard should be recognized as a concern.
Probability: low throughout; highest in Village of L'Anse
Hazardous Materials: Transportation Incident
A hazardous materials transportation incident is the uncontrolled release of hazardous materials
during transport, capable of posing a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment. Highway,
railroad, seaway, airway, and pipeline systems are carrying thousands of hazardous materials
shipments on a daily basis through local communities. A transportation incident with hazardous
materials can cause a local emergency. Areas most at risk are those within 1 to 5 miles of major
transportation routes. The U.S. Department of Transportation regulates the transport and shipping
of over 18,000 different materials. All areas of Michigan are vulnerable to a hazardous materials
transportation incident, while more urbanized and industrialized areas are at greater risk due to
high population concentrations and large numbers of transportation routes in these areas.
Background
Highways U.S. 41 and M-28 through Baraga County are major transportation routes for trucks
traveling to and from Canada. The types and amounts of hazardous materials transported on trucks
traveling this route are often unknown. While there are State and Federal restrictions on transport
of hazardous materials, this information is not required to be passed on to local units of government
potentially affected by an incident. Baraga County has had three trucking incidents requiring
hazardous materials cleanup but not causing permanent damage. Damage estimates for these
events are unavailable.
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The Escanaba and Lake Superior Railroad cuts across the southwest corner of the County, while the
Wisconsin Central Railroad enters on the eastern edge near Michigamme and heads northwest to
L’Anse and Baraga. A majority of the freight transported by the railroads is not hazardous.
Risk Assessment
Hazardous materials transportation incidents have occurred in Baraga County. There is low to
moderate probability of a future event, and this possibility is mainly due to a high level of Canadian
and domestic truck traffic. It is also notable that Arvon Township, despite its lack of major roadways,
receives heavy truck traffic with unknown contents passing from the south and west via the Skanee
Road to the AAA road. The destination is the Rio Tinto Eagle Project mine site in northwestern
Marquette County. Truck contents may change as active mining operations begin.
The probability of a railroad transportation incident is lower due to the limited use of the lines as a
hazardous materials transit method. Areas in the county that are most susceptible to this hazard are
along Highways U.S. 41, U.S. 141, M-28, and M-38; along the railroad; and along the immediate
shorelines of Lake Superior. Severity is impossible to predict due to a large number of highly variable
factors. Any human impact would be limited since most hazardous materials transport occurs in lowdensity population areas.
Probability: low to moderate; highest in Arvon Township due to heavy concentration of mining truck
traffic
Severity: cannot be predicted
Infrastructure Failure and Secondary Technological Hazards
An infrastructure failure is a failure of critical public or private transportation or utility infrastructure
resulting in temporary loss of essential functions and/or services. Public and private utilities provide
essential services such as electric power, heating and air conditioning, water, sewage disposal and
treatment, storm drainage, communications, and transportation. The failure of one or more of the
utility systems due to a disaster or other cause, even for a short time, can have devastating
consequences. During power outages, people can die in their homes from extreme heat or cold.
When water or wastewater treatment facilities are inoperable, serious health problems can arise,
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and action must be taken immediately to prevent outbreaks of disease. If the infrastructure failure
results from a natural hazard event, it is termed a secondary or cascading technological hazard.
Background
Though many of the hazards considered in this plan could result in infrastructure failures, these
failures are dangerous in themselves due to the harsh climate and remoteness of the County. A
failure of utilities can include anything from power outages to a loss of phone service. The County is
served by a number of systems including power, water treatment, and phone, and loss of any or all
of these systems can have a detrimental impact on the functioning of the County.
The Upper Peninsula can be and has been affected by loss of power on a number of occasions.
While power outages are usually of a short duration—up to a few hours—an extended outage could
affect the health and safety of the community.
Risk Assessment
Baraga County electric service is supplied by Wisconsin Electric, UPPCO, and Baraga Electric Utility
(through WPPI), and loss of power to the grid for the area can affect the availability of power in the
region. Due to the rural nature of the area, fallen trees on power lines in remote locations can cause
a delay in restoration of service. Trimming trees adjacent to power lines can decrease this risk.
Water treatment and sewer facilities can also experience contamination and/or other problems that
can impact the community’s operations. Loss of communications can become a crisis in an
emergency situation.
Based on previous occurrences of power loss and communication failure – the best indicators of
infrastructure failure – probability is high throughout the County, with an estimated frequency of 2
events per year. Numerous factors contribute to the impact of an infrastructure failure, including
services affected, weather conditions, response capabilities, and time of day, but overall severity is
low throughout the County.
Severity: low
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Transportation Accidents (Passenger)
A transportation accident is a crash or accident involving an air-, land-, or water-based commercial
passenger carrier resulting in death or serious injury. The most vulnerable areas are communities
near an airport with commercial passenger service, communities with railroad tracks and
commercial rail passenger service, communities in which commercial marine passenger ferry service
is provided, and communities with commercial intercity, local transit, or school bus service. A
serious accident involving any of these modes of transportation could result in mass casualties,
requiring immediate life-saving response. A marine accident would require water rescue, possibly on
dangerous Great Lakes conditions. Michigan has approximately 19 airports with commercial
passenger service, 130 certified intercity bus carriers serving 220 communities, 72 local bus transit
systems serving 85 million passengers, 19 marine passenger ferry services, and 3 intercity rail
passenger routes operating along 3 corridors serving 22 communities.
Background
Baraga County has school bus service, Indian Trails intercity bus service, charter-type casino buses,
nonprofit transit for senior citizens and the general public, and an occasional tour boat. There is no
commercial air service or commercial passenger rail service in the county. There is no history of a
large passenger transportation accident in Baraga County.
Risk Assessment
The risk of a large-scale passenger transportation accident is limited by the types of services
available in Baraga County. Probability of a major accident is low, especially away from major
roadways, and the low capacities and volumes of commercial passenger traffic would likely limit an
event to low-to-moderate severity. However, any attempt at mitigating this hazard is difficult due to
unpredictability. Response plans and awareness of hazardous intersections and roadways are ways
to plan for this hazard.
Probability: low, but lowest in Arvon Township
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Petroleum and Natural Gas Incidents
These incidents result in the uncontrolled release of petroleum, natural gas, or hydrogen sulfide, a
poisonous by-product. This is often overlooked as a threat because much of the petroleum and gas
infrastructure in the state is located underground. Petroleum and gas pipelines can leak, erupt or
explode, causing property damage, environmental contamination, injuries, and loss of life. Hydrogen
sulfide is an extremely poisonous gas that is explosive when mixed with air at temperatures of 500
degrees Fahrenheit or above. Inhalation of minute amounts of this gas can be fatal. These dangers
can be found around oil and gas wells, pipeline terminals, storage facilities, and transportation
facilities, as well as in pipelines. Oil and gas are produced from fields in over 60 counties in the
Lower Peninsula, with over 40,000 wells in these counties. Of that total, approximately 20,000 have
produced oil or gas, and over 1.1 billion barrels of oil and 3.6 trillion cubic feet of gas have been
withdrawn from these wells.
Background
Baraga County is bisected by two Northern Natural Gas pipelines. One travels east to west along the
southern third of the County, whereas the second branches off from the east-west line and runs
north toward Houghton along the eastern edge of the County. Propane storage facilities in Baraga
County include Northern Oil, Ferrellgas, and LaCourt.
Risk Assessment
There is a risk of a petroleum and natural gas incident in most jurisdictions in Baraga County due to
aging transmission lines. Although Northern Natural Gas upgraded their lines in 1998, risk due to
aging transmission lines will increase over time. The transmission lines may be at greater risk due to
the remoteness of the area, allowing a leak to go undetected for an extended period of time. While
there has not been an incident in Baraga County, an accident is possible with low probability.
Severity would generally be low to moderate. Both classifications also apply to a petroleum incident.
Vulnerability to a pipeline incident is mostly ecological or environmental, as the existing pipelines
are located underground and pass mainly through undeveloped or minimally developed areas.
Probability: low, except very low in Arvon Township
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2.4 Human-Related Hazards
Civil Disturbances
A civil disturbance is a public demonstration or gathering, or an uprising in a prison or other
institution, resulting in some disruption of essential community functions or in rioting, looting,
arson, or other unlawful behavior. Large scale disturbances, although rare, are typically the result of
labor disputes, controversial or high-profile judicial proceedings, governmental actions or
implementation of controversial laws, resource shortages due to a catastrophic event,
disagreements by special interest groups, or a perceived unjust injury or death of a person held in
high regard by a segment of society. Places that may be subject to or impacted by this type of
disturbance are government buildings, military bases, universities, businesses, nuclear power plants,
and critical service facilities such as police and fire stations. Prison uprisings occur when inmates are
upset over rules, operating procedures, and living conditions, or during altercations between rival
groups or gangs within the facility.
Background
Baraga County is home to the Baraga Correctional Facility, which is adjacent to the Village of Baraga.
There are eight housing units including a 240-bed unit for Level I prisoners. The seven other units
that house Level V prisoners include three for general population and four for segregation. Other
buildings are for food service, health care, prisoner services, maintenance, warehouse, and
administration. Perimeter security is provided by double chain-link fences, gun towers, an electronic
detection system, razor-ribbon wire, and a 24-hour patrol vehicle.
The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community is a major component of Baraga County life including the
Ojibwa Casino Resort in Baraga. There is recent history of minor internal unrest within the KBIC, but
there has not been an incident that has impacted the functioning of Baraga County.
Risk Assessment
Baraga Correctional Facility and the KBIC facilities are considered the primary facilities vulnerable to
civil disturbance in Baraga County, but any local government or educational institution could be a
target for this type of hazard. Due to extensive security measures implemented in at-risk facilities,
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the vulnerability of Baraga County to a civil disturbance is limited. Probability is low and predicted
severity generally also low but moderate to high in Baraga Township where the prison is located.
Probability: low, but highest in Baraga Township and Village of Baraga including KBIC
Severity: low except moderate to high in Baraga Township and Village of Baraga
Public Health Emergencies
A public health emergency is the result of a widespread and/or severe epidemic, incident of
contamination or other situation that presents a danger to or otherwise negatively impacts the
general health and well being of the public. Public health emergencies can take many forms: disease
epidemics; large-scale food or water contamination; extended periods without adequate water or
sewer services; harmful exposure to chemical, radiological, or biological agents; or large-scale
infestations of disease-carrying insects or rodents. A public health emergency can occur by itself or
may be a secondary event caused by other emergencies or disasters such as a flood or hazardous
materials incident. Public health emergencies can be statewide, regional, or localized in scope and
magnitude, but the common characteristic is that they adversely impact or have the potential to
impact a large number of people. An additional effect of public health emergencies is the numbers
of "worried well" persons who can overwhelm the system by seeking unnecessary treatment.
Background
There is no recent history of widespread public health emergencies. Small flu outbreaks and similar
illnesses do occur, but the extent of these events has been limited. There is potential in Baraga
County for disease outbreaks as an isolated event or as a secondary event to flooding or other
incidents.
Risk Assessment
Baraga County is aware of and prepared to deal with risks associated with public health
emergencies. While awareness and planning are the key, a large-magnitude epidemic could
overload emergency facilities that are inadequately equipped to deal with this type of emergency.
The remoteness of the County could also be a factor during a large-scale emergency. Hospitals and
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public health departments have received and are continuing to receive grants to minimize the threat
of bioterrorism. Monies have been designated for training, equipment, and planning- similar to
Homeland Security Grants given to states and counties. Probability of a threatening outbreak (of a
greater scale than seasonal influenza) is low. Severity is widely variable depending on type and
circumstances of the health emergency.
Sabotage/Terrorism
Sabotage and terrorism are intentional or unlawful uses of force or violence against persons or
property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in
furtherance of political, social, or religious objectives. Sabotage and terrorism can take many forms,
including bombings; assassinations; organized extortion; use of nuclear, chemical, and biological
weapons; information warfare; ethnic, religious, or gender intimidation (hate crimes); advocacy of
overthrow of the U.S. Government; and disruption of legitimate scientific research or resourcerelated activities (eco-extremism).
Because sabotage and terrorism objectives are so widely varied, so too are the potential targets of
such actions. Virtually any public facility, place of public assembly, or business engaged in
controversial activities can be considered a potential target. Large computer systems operated by
government agencies, financial institutions, large businesses, healthcare facilities, and universities
are particularly at risk.
Background
There have been a few reports of isolated sabotage to logging equipment in Baraga County.
Sabotage and terrorism incidents are rare.
Risk Assessment
There is a low risk and low probability of sabotage and terrorism in Baraga County because there are
no significant high-risk targets. Sabotage and terrorism, however, can occur at any level, so it should
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be recognized that political, social, and religious facilities could be a target. Ojibwa Casino in Baraga
is perhaps the greatest facility of concern. Severity is impossible to predict.
2.5 Baraga County Hazard Risk Assessment
Currently, there is not a reliable way to accurately estimate costs associated with the hazards that
affect Baraga County. Numerous variables can affect the vulnerability of the County to hazards,
including location, scale, and time of day. The time of year also affects vulnerability, as population
varies by season and response capabilities are often compromised in winter. Technical expertise is
necessary to estimate the costs of each potential hazard.
While Baraga County is susceptible to many types of hazards, each jurisdiction varies in its level of
vulnerability to certain hazards. Vulnerability to most weather hazards, fire hazards, flooding (due to
spring runoff), and all technological and societal hazards have been determined to be similar for all
of Baraga County. Table 2-1 provides a summary of the hazards within the County and notes
especially high vulnerabilities for each jurisdiction.
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Table 2-1: Differential Vulnerabilities
Jurisdiction (Population) Vulnerability
Baraga County
Hazards of similar threat to all of Baraga County include:
(8,860)
Earthquake
Fire (all types)
Weather (all types)
Technological hazards
Sabotage/terrorism
Public health emergency
Arvon Township
Lake Superior shoreline erosion
(450)
Dam failure – Sixmile Creek Pond Dam
Flooding – Village of Baraga; Sturgeon River below Prickett Dam
in Baraga and Houghton Counties
Baraga Township
Lake Superior shoreline erosion: high-risk areas east of
(3,815)
Community of Keweenaw Bay
Civil disturbance – Baraga Correctional Facility & L'Anse Indian
Reservation
Covington Twp. (476)
Dam failure – Net River Dam
Dam failure – Ford Dam (structures & infrastructure in Alberta)
Flooding –Village of L’Anse; Sturgeon River
L’Anse Township
Lake Superior shoreline flooding
(3,843)
Lake Superior shoreline erosion: high-risk areas west of Aura and
at south end of Keweenaw Bay
Spurr Township
No township-specific vulnerabilities identified
(276)
Flooding – urban & small streams (due to poor drainage)
Lake Superior shoreline erosion – small high-risk area along
Baraga Village1
south part of Village
(2,053)
Civil disturbance – Correctional Facility and L'Anse Indian
Reservation
Flooding – urban & Falls River
Lake Superior shoreline erosion - high-risk areas along south part
L’Anse Village2 (2,011)
of Village
Fire/Hazardous Materials Incident – CertainTeed & Warden
L’Anse Reservation &
Civil disturbance - L'Anse Indian Reservation
3
Off-Reservation Trust
(3,566)
1
Included in Baraga Township 2Included in L’Anse Township 3Incuded in other totals
The value of property in Baraga County and its communities can at a minimum provide an overview
of property that can be affected by hazards. The table below shows the State Equalized Value (SEV)
of properties in Baraga County by location and class (see Table 2-2). Vulnerability estimates that are
provided in this plan were based on a most likely scenario.
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Table 2-2: State Equalized Value for Baraga County, 2010
Township
Arvon
Agriculture
******Real ($)*******
Commercial Industrial
Residential
Timber Cutover
Total Real
($)
Personal ($)
Total Real &
Personal ($)
167,856
1,464,155
0
65,899,767
8,177,484
75,709,262
372,310
76,081,572
Baraga
5,086,005
5,077,030
7,657,090
60,213,970
3,670,971
81,705,066
6,437,385
88,142,451
Covington
4,285,589
624,991
105,120
17,275,618
7,884,385
30,175,703
2,443,441
32,619,144
164,128
10,943,273
13,892,352
76,244,314
6,893,559
108,137,626
11,330,974
119,468,600
0
339,375
0
32,406,592
5,388,610
38,134,577
2,154,189
40,288,766
L’Anse
Spurr
County Total Real and Personal
Villages are included in townships where applicable.
$356,600,533
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2.6 Countywide Hazard Priority Ranking
Mitigation activities for Baraga County are prioritized by hazard ranking based on the following
criteria: historical occurrence, affected area, speed of onset, impact, economic effects, duration,
seasonal pattern, predictability, collateral damage, availability of warnings, and mitigation potential.
A score of 1 (least risk) to 10 (greatest risk) was assigned for each of the risk factors for all hazards in
Baraga County in order to develop an overall score and ranking. The scoring for each hazard was
based on the following:
Historical Occurrence: Low Occurrence (1 point) – Excessive Occurrence (10 points)
Affected Areas: Single Site (1 point) – Large Area (10 points)
Speed of Onset: Greater than 24 hrs (1 point) – Minimal/No Warning (10 points)
Population Impact: No Impact (1 point) – High Impact (10 points)
Economic Effects: Minimal Effects (1 point) – Significant Effects (10 points)
Duration: Minimal Duration (1 point) – Long Duration (10 points)
Seasonal Pattern: One Season (1 point) – Year-Round (10 points)
Predictability: Highly Predictable (1 point) – Unpredictable (10 points)
Collateral Damage: No Possibility (1 point) – High Possibility (10 points)
Availability of Warnings: Warnings Available (1 point) – Not Available (10 points)
Mitigation Potential: Easy to Mitigate (1 point) – Impossible to Mitigate (10 points)
The following total scores represent results of the hazard priority ranking completed by the
Baraga County Hazard Mitigation Committee. Earthquakes, Nuclear Power Plant Accidents, and
Scrap Tire Fires were not included in the hazard evaluation because they are not likely to occur in
Baraga County.
Riverine and Urban Flooding (81 points)
Snowstorms (77)
Shoreline Erosion and Flooding (73)
Structural Fires (73)
Subsidence (72)
Hazardous Material – Transportation Accidents (59)
Lightning (58)
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Wildfires (57)
Dam Failure (54)
Extreme Temperatures (49)
Civil Disturbance (48)
Severe Winds (47)
Infrastructure Failure/Secondary Technological Hazard (44)
Drought (42)
Sabotage/Terrorism (40)
Tornadoes (39)
Ice/Sleet Storms (38)
Transportation Accident – Passenger (35)
Public Health Epidemic (35)
Petroleum/Natural Gas Accident (34)
Hail (29)
Hazardous Material – Fixed Site Incident (15)
See Table 2-3 for complete hazard ranking scores.
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2.7 Hazard Summary
Although many of the hazards identified can and do occur throughout Baraga County, the highest
priority hazards include:
Riverine and Urban Flooding
Snowstorms
Shoreline Erosion & Flooding
Structural Fires
Subsidence
Hazard mitigation activities will focus on mitigating loss due to these priority hazards in Baraga
County while also considering activities that may mitigate loss due to lower ranking hazards.
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Section 3: Hazard Mitigation
Mitigating Hazards in Baraga County
Goals for the Baraga County Hazard Mitigation Plan were established to address the highest-priority
hazards identified in Section 2 of this plan (Riverine and Urban Flooding, Snowstorms, Shoreline
Erosion & Flooding, Structural Fires and Subsidence) while also considering efforts that could assist
with lower ranking or unknown hazards that may affect the County. Four general goals were
established to guide mitigation efforts. The goals are considered comprehensive and give guidance
to identifying mitigation activities in Baraga County.
Goal 1: Protect lives and property within Baraga County from all known hazards while focusing on
priority hazards.
Goal 2: Identify feasible projects throughout the County that will help mitigate future problems.
Goal 3: Be proactive in protecting public facilities and critical facilities with current response plans
through upgrading as needed.
Goal 4: Educate citizens in order to encourage self-help and the mitigation of hazards on private
property.
Mitigation activities can fall into a number of categories, including preventive measures, property
protection, emergency services, structural projects, natural resource protection, and public
information. The following is an overview of potential activities by category and general
recommendations within each activity category for Baraga County.
3.1 Preventive Measures
The purpose of preventive measures is to protect new development from hazards and ensure that
potential loss is not increased. Preventive measures are typically guided through planning activities
and enforced through zoning and building codes at the local level. A number of activities in the
preventive measures category can be implemented at the local level, including:
Building Codes
Planning & Zoning
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Subdivision Regulations
Open Space Preservation
Storm water Management
Building Codes: Building codes are an effective way to address many hazards identified in this plan.
Through building code enforcement, all new and improved buildings can be built or rehabilitated to
withstand the impacts of certain hazards such as snow load, high winds, extreme temperatures, and
flooding.
In 1999, the State of Michigan amended the process of code adoption under the State Construction
Code Act (Act 230). This Act now requires municipalities to administer and enforce the statewide
codes, including the Michigan Building Code 2003, Michigan Plumbing Code 2003, Michigan
Mechanical Code 2003, and Michigan Residential Building Code 2003, developed by the
International Code Council (ICC), and the National Electric Code 2002 published by the National Fire
Protection Association. The language does not permit local communities to modify the state codes.
Thorough inspection of property during and after construction ensures that builders are
incorporating all the current standards and requirements in effect. Administration and enforcement
of the statewide codes varies by municipality in Baraga County according to Table 3-1.
Table 3-1: Construction Code Enforcement
Unit of Government
Building
Electrical
Baraga County
None
None
Village of Baraga
Local
Local
Village of L’Anse
Local
Local
Township of Arvon
Local
Local
Township of Baraga
Local
Local
Township of Covington
Local
Local
Township of L’Anse
Local
Local
Township of Spurr
Local
State
Mechanical
None
State
Local
State
State
State
State
State
Plumbing
None
State
Local
State
State
State
State
State
Planning and Zoning
Planning and zoning guides where development should occur based on suitability and compatibility.
Planning and zoning keeps development away from sensitive areas such as floodplains and
wetlands, which can protect property from certain types of natural hazards.
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Master plans are a primary way for a local unit of government to guide future development within
their community. Through a planning process that reviews a community’s background, current land
use, and projected needs, guidance can be given to future development. Unfortunately, Master
plans serve only as a guide and do not regulate land use. The more up-to-date a master plan is, the
more useful it is. L'Anse Village and Township benefit from master plans developed in 2011 and
2012, respectively. The plans outline innovative but carefully controlled plans for growth and
development.
Zoning regulations are the primary tool to implement comprehensive plans and control land use. By
identifying different zones or districts a community can guide development within its boundaries.
Zoning puts restrictions on use, lot size, setbacks, etc. but can be combined with more creative
regulations such as a planned unit development option that allows more flexibility in the
development process. Zoning is enforced by the local unit of government in accordance with a
master plan for the community, and correspondence has recently become a reality in L'Anse Village
and Township.
Land Division (Subdivision) Regulations
In Michigan, the Land Division Act (Public Act 288 of 1967, amended by Public Acts 591 of 1996 and
87 of 1997) calls for all divisions of property to be approved by the local unit of government. The act
regulates the division of land in order to promote the public health, safety and general welfare;
further the orderly layout and use of land; and require the land to be suitable for building sites and
public improvements. The new law authorizes municipal approval with basic, objective rules,
including lot shape, minimum width and size standards, an adequate description, and safe access; it
sets a 45-day time limit on municipal approval.
Open Space Preservation
Open space preservation is a way to keep hazardous areas free from development and is especially
effective in floodplain areas. Prohibiting new development in hazard-prone areas is the best way to
mitigate future problems. An additional benefit to open space preservation is the maintenance of
agricultural areas and green space/parks. Comprehensive plans can help identify suitable areas to
preserve through any number of means, including acquisition, donation by developers, easement, or
regulated setbacks/buffers where development is restricted.
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Storm Water Management
Storm water management is a way to control both urban and riverine flooding. While natural
groundcover serves to absorb water, development (such as paving) can increase runoff in a
watershed. Increased runoff can cause flooding, overloaded drainage systems, erosion, and
impaired water quality. An effective method of storm water management is to regulate all
development, particularly in floodplains, to manage runoff.
Under the NFIP, participating communities have minimum development and height requirements in
a floodplain in order to mitigate future losses. Development regulations can also require that storm
water does not leave a new development at a higher rate than pre-development conditions. Storm
water can be managed through natural vegetation, buffers, and retention basins. Storm water
runoff impacts an entire watershed, and a coordinated effort amongst affected municipalities is the
most effective way to address the larger issue.
Baraga County Project Recommendations
Baraga County is guided by a number of current plans and regulations. Local planning and zoning
officials should place priority on updating plans and ordinances to address hazard mitigation. The
Villages of Baraga and L'Anse should update their storm water management plans.
In order to adequately address hazards at the local level, updated data and information are needed
for flooding and shoreline erosion mitigation in Baraga County. Because of changing conditions due
to previous mitigation work and natural processes, much of the current hazard data on flooding and
erosion are out of date. As a step in the right direction, the Village of L'Anse NFIP maps designating
the 100-year floodplains of the Falls River and Linden Creek were recently updated. Now it is
recommended that the County pursue new high-risk erosion studies for the shoreline. Inventories of
stream crossings and monitoring and control of beaver dams will also contribute to flood mitigation
efforts. To address other hazards, identification of high snow drift areas and more accurate mine
maps would help to determine mitigation projects. All new information should be available in a
geographic information system.
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3.2 Property Protection
The purpose of property protection measures is to prevent a hazard from damaging a building.
Property protection measures are typically implemented by homeowners, but government can
often provide technical and sometimes financial assistance. There are four general activities that can
be classified as property protection:
Keeping Hazards Away
Retrofitting
Insurance Coverage
Demolition
Property protection is typically the responsibility of the property owner but can be encouraged
through mandates if information and incentives do not encourage property owners to take action.
The federal government requires public facilities to be insured as a condition for receiving Federal
disaster assistance. Local government is expected to protect critical facilities such as fire stations
and water treatment plants. Protecting these facilities through retrofitting and sufficient,
comprehensive insurance should be a priority.
Financial assistance can also sometimes be provided to property owners by communities in order to
assist with protective measures, including grants and low-interest or forgivable loans. Often with a
little incentive, homeowners will take the initiative to build upon the opportunity with additional
work on protective measures.
Outside financial sources for assistance with pre-disaster preventive measures include:
FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) grants
FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grants
FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
Community Development Block Grants
Post-disaster financial assistance can include insurance claims, FEMA disaster assistance, Small
Business Administration disaster loans (non-governmental properties), FEMA Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program, and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Emergency Relief Program and FHWA
Emergency Relief for Federal Roads (ERFO).
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The government should also take a role as an educator by providing basic information to citizens on
property protection measures.
Keep Hazards Away
Hazard impact is typically measured by the amount of damage to people and property. There are a
number of ways to keep hazards away from property and depending on the hazard can include
erecting a barrier, moving a building from a hazard-prone area, elevating buildings above flood
elevation, keeping hazardous materials such as fire-prone vegetation away from structures, and
purchasing open space.
Barriers can be erected that keep hazards from reaching structures. Sea walls can restrict shoreline
erosion and flooding, while berms can help against shallow flooding. Because barriers are so
susceptible to changing environmental conditions, proper design and maintenance are needed for
structures to be effective.
Relocating structures is often the best way to prevent future loss. Many flood prone areas are not
proper locations for any type of structure. If feasible, relocation to safer areas can be the best way
to protect structures currently in hazard prone areas. Relocation can include moving a structure
elsewhere on a lot or completely off site.
Elevating structures is another method to keep structures out of harm’s way. Often a base flood
elevation has been determined and raising a structure above this level prevents the hazard from
affecting the property. Elevation can be done during new construction or by raising existing
structures and can be more cost effective than relocation.
Structures that are permanently or regularly damaged by hazards can be addressed through
demolition. It is often less expensive to relocate and build anew than to protect an existing structure
that is heavily damaged or regularly affected by hazards such as flooding. Demolition is most
effective on properties that are difficult to relocate or dilapidated structures with no salvage value.
Retrofitting
An alternative to keeping a hazard away from a property is modifying or "retrofitting" the building
or site to withstand hazard impact. Methods of retrofitting a structure for flooding can include dry
flood-proofing (methods such as waterproof-coating and sealing) or wet flood-proofing (methods
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such as elevation of everything that can be damaged and use of water resistant materials). Other
methods of protecting a home from flooding include adequate floor drains and installation of sump
pumps, backflow protection valves, and other mechanisms.
Retrofitting can also protect homes from high winds, thunderstorms, hailstorms, and winter storms.
Effective improvements include tie downs, stronger windows and doors, buried utility lines, storm
shutters, lightning rods, stronger roofing materials, improved insulation, relocation of water lines
indoors, improved sealing, and storm windows.
Insurance Coverage
Although insurance does not mitigate hazards, it does help property owners to rebuild, repair, and
hopefully improve their property. Most homeowner’s policies will cover property for damage due to
tornado, wind, hail, and winter storms. Some insurance companies also offer sump pump failure
and sewer backup coverage that can be added to an existing policy. However, separate coverage is
needed from the National Flood Insurance Program for flooding.
Demolition
The removal through demolition of unsound or susceptible buildings is one way to mitigate loss. In
the case of a regularly flooded structure, demolition is a way to prevent further loss specifically
when relocation would be too costly and the structure is of no historical value.
Baraga County has not been severely affected by repetitive loss due to natural hazards. While areas
of L’Anse have been affected by flooding, current projects on Linden Creek (to be completed in
2005) should address the problem. The best proactive measures for residents, businesses, and
government in Baraga County are to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program and
maintain insurance if their properties are susceptible to flooding.
For cold weather problems, insulation is a measure to protect public and private pipes and utilities
potentially affected by cold weather. Retrofitting these existing structures will prevent future
problems.
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3.3 Resource Protection
Resource protection activities are a way to enable land to function in a natural way. There are many
benefits to naturally functioning watersheds, floodplains, and wetlands, including:
Reduction in runoff from rainwater and snowmelt
Infiltration and velocity control during overland flow
Filtering of excess nutrients, pollutants, and sediments
Floodwater storage
Water quality improvement
Groundwater recharge
Habitat availability
Recreation and aesthetic qualities
Because many natural areas have been affected by development and will be affected by
development in the future, there are a number of ways to protect and restore the environment.
Resource protection activities can include:
Wetland protection
Erosion and sedimentation control
River restoration
Best management practices
Dumping regulations and accessible transfer stations
Urban forestry
Farmland protection
Wetlands
Wetlands are a valuable resource that provides a number of mitigation functions including storage
of floodwaters, filtration, and habitat for fish, wildlife, and plants. Wetlands are regulated in
Michigan by Part 303, Wetland Protection, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection
Act (Public Act 451 of 1994). The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality administers the
permit program. In Michigan a permit is required to deposit fill material in a wetland; dredge or
remove soil or minerals from a wetland; construct, operate, or maintain any use or development in
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a wetland; or drain surface water from a wetland. Wetlands are specifically defined under the act
and certain activities are also exempted under the act.
Local units of government can play a role in wetland protection and should serve as stewards of
their water resources. Wetland protection measures can be implemented on a local level, and public
education can be a key to protecting this valuable resource.
Erosion and Sedimentation Control
Surface water can easily erode soil in large exposed areas including farmlands, construction sites,
and forested areas. In addition to exposed areas, erosion often occurs along stream banks and
shorelines with high-velocity currents and wave action. The erosion carries sediments and deposits
them downstream where they can cause problems to storm sewers, culverts, and ditches by
reducing the capacity of the systems. Erosion also results in sediment in the water, which reduces
light and oxygen. Heavy metals and other contaminants are the reason that sediment is identified as
the number one non-point source pollutant for aquatic life.
Erosion and sedimentation can be controlled through phased construction and minimal clearing and
stabilization of bare ground with vegetation and other means. Sediment can be captured on site
with traps and filters, while water velocity can be slowed by terraces, temporary cover, constructed
wetlands, and impoundment.
Part 91, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control, of the Natural Resources and Environmental
Protection Act (NREPA), as amended, regulates only earth change activity (primarily construction
projects disturbing one or more acres of land or which is within 500 feet of the water’s edge of a
lake or stream). Part 31, Water Resources Protection, of NREPA, addresses most other sources of
sediment. In Baraga County, the County Equalization Department is the Enforcing Agency. Locally,
municipalities may adopt additional protection measures dependent on state laws via the NREPA or
Planning and Zoning Enabling Acts.
River Restoration
History has proven that returning streams and adjacent land to a natural condition resists erosion.
The restoration of vegetation along stream banks protects the water by:
Reducing the amount of sediment (and pollutants) entering the water
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Provides habitat for wildlife
Slows the velocity of water, thus reducing flood damage and erosion
Provides recreational opportunities and aesthetic value
Reduces long-term maintenance costs
Best Management Practices
Non-point source pollutants, including fertilizers, pesticides, animal wastes, chemicals, and
sediment, are washed away by storm water and distributed in storm sewers, ditches, and streams.
The term "best management practices" (BMPs) refers to the design, construction, and maintenance
practices and criteria that minimize the impact of storm water runoff.
Dumping Regulations and Accessible Transfer Stations
Dumping regulations attempt to regulate the disposal of solid matter that can end up in streams and
wetlands. Solid waste can pollute water, obstruct water flow, and reduce the ability of the stream or
wetland to clean storm water. The dumping of waste materials such as garbage and other materials
is illegal, but the dumping of yard waste, such as leaves and branches, can also affect a watercourse.
People often do not realize the impact of obstructing a watercourse. Public information should be a
central focus of a dumping enforcement program. Readily accessible transfer stations and recycling
facilities are important to encouraging proper disposal.
Urban Forestry
Damage caused by wind, ice, and snow storms is often due to their impact on trees. Fallen trees and
branches can upset power lines, damage buildings, and harm property under them. An urban
forestry program can reduce the damage potential of trees through maintenance and monitoring.
Through better tree selection, proper pruning, and evaluation, communities can also mitigate
damage caused by downed trees.
Farmland Protection
The purpose of farmland protection is to provide ways to keep prime, unique, or important
agricultural land intact. Farmland is being converted to non-agricultural uses at an alarming rate,
resulting in residential development that needs more infrastructure and results in increased runoff
and emergency management difficulties. Farmland protection parallels open space protection in
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that it keeps the land open for future generations but also helps with storm water runoff, ecosystem
maintenance, and scenic enhancement.
Baraga County continues to have stream erosion problems along the Sturgeon River. Studies have
been done on the Sturgeon River, and bank stabilization is ongoing in problem areas. The County
should continue to address the identified problem areas along the Sturgeon and also review other
potential hazard areas.
3.4 Emergency Services
Local emergency services authorities, resources, and facilities throughout Baraga County are
documented in Section 1 of this plan. Although all authorities are effective in conducting their
internal and incident response activities, there is an opportunity to further educate the public about
their operations – for example, through dissemination of hazard-related materials. Furthermore,
several agencies lack necessary equipment to meet their responsibilities – wildfire response being
foremost. Arvon and L'Anse Townships in particular face this issue. The same shortfalls occur in
municipal public works and planning operations as well as other functions of local government.
Inadequate funding sources will make this a continuing problem.
Emergency services provide protection for people both during and after a disaster. A thorough
emergency services program addresses all hazards and involves all response departments and
facilities. In Michigan, emergency services are supervised by the Michigan State Police and
coordinated through County emergency management offices. There are a number of components to
emergency services, which include:
Threat Recognition
Warning
Response
Critical Facilities Protection
Post-Disaster Recovery and Mitigation
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Threat Recognition
The first step in responding to a hazard is being aware that there is potential for an event to occur.
With a threat recognition system, adequate warnings can be disseminated and other response
actions can be undertaken. Flood threats can be evaluated by measuring rainfall, soil moisture and
stream flows upstream and then calculating flood levels for downstream locations. Discerning the
time and height of a potential flood crest will allow efficient evacuations. Some rivers have gauges
that establish threat levels. Under threat conditions, the National Weather Service (NWS) may issue
flood watches for affected areas.
The NWS is the agency that predicts meteorological threats and is able to issue public warnings.
Warning
After a threat is identified, the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) notifies municipalities and
other agencies that an event is possible or occurring. Early notification is the key to distributing
information to all affected parties. The NWS notifies the public using two levels: Watch and
Warning.
Watch: Conditions are right for flooding, thunderstorms, tornadoes, or winter storms.
Warning: A flood, tornado, or other weather hazard has started or has been observed.
A more specific warning may be disseminated in a number of ways including:
Warning sirens (stationary outdoors or on public safety vehicles)
Commercial radio or TV (news and weather channels)
NOAA Weather Radio (where available)
Mass telephone notification
Tone-activated receivers in key facilities
Door-to-door contact
Mobile public address systems
Internet/e-mail notification
All of the systems have their limitations because they reach only certain audiences. TV and radio can
provide information, but this method of notification is only effective if people have those devices
turned on. NOAA Weather Radio will only reach those with access to a weather radio. Outdoor
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warnings can indicate to tune into another information source such as TV or radio, but this type of
warning has limited reach and may not be heard by people indoors or in noisy environments. Doorto-door contact is time consuming but preferred when there is plenty of lead time for an incident.
The best warning system is a redundant system that provides notification via numerous methods in
order to reach as much of the population as necessary.
The warning system should also provide information as to the response action to take, such as
staying indoors during a tornado warning or staying off roads in the event of a severe winter storm.
Response
Effective response, in combination with threat recognition and warnings, is another way for a
community to mitigate hazard impact. Typically a community reacts to hazards through an
emergency operations center that coordinates response activities based on an emergency action
plan. An emergency action plan ensures that the community responds efficiently and appropriately
to a threat. Emergency action plans need regular revision in order to keep contact names and
telephone numbers current.
Response activities may include many agencies and offices and a variety of measures such as closing
streets and bridges, shutting off power to threatened areas, ordering an evacuation and opening
evacuation centers, monitoring water levels, and implementing security measures.
Critical Facilities Protection
Critical Facilities are the vital facilities that keep a community functioning as identified in Chapter 1.
Critical facilities must be prepared to respond during an emergency situation. Most critical facilities
will have their own response plans in place and are also included in the emergency action plans of
the municipality. The best protections are early warning, response planning, and coordination in the
event of an emergency.
Post-Disaster Recovery and Mitigation
Communities must be prepared for recovery and mitigation of future problems after an incident.
While the main focus is on recovery, it is also important to recognize mitigation methods to prevent
the incident from reoccurring at the same magnitude.
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During recovery a number of actions take place including patrolling, cleanup, providing services,
monitoring impact, and regulating reconstruction. During this recovery time, mitigation activities
can include public information efforts aimed at educating residents on how to protect themselves in
the future, evaluating methods of reconstruction that includes mitigation measures, and seeking
funding for recovery efforts.
Emergency services are of primary importance in mitigating hazards in Baraga County. Baraga
should focus on increasing the ability of the County to respond to threats through coordinated
response activities and working with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community to increase their
capability to respond to an incident. Employing well trained responders and an efficient public
notification system lessens the impact of hazards on the community. Areas to focus on include
improved public notification (through Public Service Announcements, community warning systems,
NOAA, and other outlets), facility protection, response and backup equipment, and adequate
medical supplies and shelter facilities.
3.5 Structural Projects
Structural projects are intended to protect people and infrastructure from damage due to natural
hazards. Structural projects are typically used to manage and control flood waters. The complexity
and cost of structural projects vary greatly and are dependent on individual circumstances.
Structural projects are undertaken where non-structural measures would not be effective. Structural
projects may include:
Reservoirs and Detention Areas
Roadway and Stream Crossing Improvements
Levees/Floodwalls/Seawalls
Drainage and Storm Water Maintenance and Improvements
Channel Improvements
Because of the construction costs, maintenance and impacts of structural projects, they are often
undertaken and funded by larger agencies with coordination at the local level. Agencies including
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the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and USDA Natural
Resources Conservation Service are often involved in structural projects.
Reservoirs and Detention
Reservoirs are intended to protect development downstream by temporarily storing flood waters.
Reservoirs hold water behind dams or in storage/detention basins until flood waters subside. The
detained water is then released downstream at a rate the river or stream can accommodate.
Reservoirs are built to address existing problems or may be built to handle increased runoff from
new development.
Roadway and Crossings Improvements
Flooding can often affect accessibility by submerging roadways, culverts, bridges, driveways, and
other infrastructure. There are a number of things that can be done to maintain access. A number of
measures can improve conditions at roadways and crossings, including elevating the road bed,
enlarging culverts to increase channel capacity, and replacing culverts with bridges. A concern when
undertaking these types of improvements is the impact to downstream locations with the increased
capacity of the water system when it is no longer constricted upstream.
Levees, Floodwalls and Seawalls
One of the most effective flood control measures is the construction of an earth levee or concrete
floodwall to protect property. The purpose of these structures is to keep a stream within its channel
by providing higher "banks." Levees require thorough design and engineering in order to address
large floods, erosion, river access and views, and cost of construction and maintenance.
Seawalls are often used to protect from erosion due to storm surges along Lake Superior’s edge.
Seawalls are built along a property edge and are designed to protect a property from storm surges.
Along the Great Lakes they can be significantly impacted by ice movement during the winter months
and often have difficulty resisting lake forces.
Drainage and Storm Water Improvements/Maintenance
Man-made ditches and storm sewers assist in guiding runoff where surface drainage is inadequate.
These systems allow water to be conveyed quickly to other locations and thus are most appropriate
where the receiving location has adequate capacity. Storm sewer improvements may include
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installing new sewers, enlarging pipes, and preventing backflows. Other improvements in
combination with drainage enhancements may include wetland detention, vegetated trenches and
practices that reduce the quantity and velocity of runoff.
It is also important to maintain storm water and drainage systems including keeping channels,
ditches, and culverts cleared of debris, maintaining overgrowth and remediation of streambank
erosion sites. Debris can be any number of things, from tree limbs and branches to illegally dumped
trash. Maintenance of public drainage systems is the responsibility of government agencies.
Channel Improvements
Channel improvements are another method of increasing the capacity of streams, thereby allowing
more water to travel at a faster rate. Improvements can be made through dredging,
"channelization," or diversion. Dredging increases the capacity of a stream by removing material
along the bottom. Channelization refers to the straightening, widening, and/or deepening of a
stream. Diversion is the practice of creating a new channel to send floodwaters to an alternative
location.
Primary structural projects in Baraga County have focused on improvements to the current drainage
system. The Baraga County Road Commission has identified and upgraded inadequate culverts and
problem roadways, and it continues to do so. It is suggested that the Road Commission partner with
local municipalities, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC), and state and federal agencies to
further address problem areas.
3.6 Public Information
Public information is a mitigation strategy that has broad reaching impact across both the public and
private sector. Activities that provide local officials, property owners, renters, businesses, and others
with information on how to protect themselves from potential hazards may have the greatest
impact of all mitigation strategies. Information empowers people to protect their own property and
lives.
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There are many ways to get information out to the public affected by hazards through community
outreach. Community outreach involves informing the public through news media, community
newsletters, direct mailings, presentations, displays, signs, the internet, brochures, technical
assistance, and other methods. Because methods are diverse, it’s best to analyze each community
to find out how people obtain information and use that knowledge to build an outreach plan. While
in some communities a local newsletter is distributed, other communities may rely on a newspaper
to get information.
While public information on hazards is important, it is also vital to provide people with methods to
address the hazards. Outreach projects should include information on hazards, safety, health, and
property protection measures at the local level. Community offices and libraries are good places to
provide information (books and pamphlets), while increasing internet use indicates it is also an
effective way to disseminate information. Information on a website can easily be linked to an
infinite number of available resources.
Technical assistance can further assist people in protecting their property. Assistance can be in the
form of hazard identification assistance or property protection assistance. Resources for technical
assistance may include FEMA Flood Map clarification with the assistance of community staff or
direction from building department staff.
In Baraga County and all municipalities, education is the key to an informed citizenry. By providing
the information and tools necessary, much can be done to further mitigation efforts in Baraga
County. An ongoing education program and availability of limited technical assistance can provide
the public with the ability to protect themselves. It is recommended that Baraga County institute
additional educational programs within the County for its citizens, businesses, and others that build
upon current initiatives.
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Section 4: Action Plan
Action Plan for Baraga County
The final step in the mitigation process is to build upon the general recommendations for mitigation
activities suggested in Section 3 and identify specific action items for Baraga County. All the activities
identified in this section are consistent with the mitigation goals identified in Section 3:
Goal 1: Protect lives and property within Baraga County from all known hazards while focusing on
priority hazards.
Goal 2: Identify feasible projects throughout the County that will help mitigate future problems.
Goal 3: Be proactive in protecting public facilities and critical facilities through proper maintenance
and upgrades.
Goal 4: Educate citizens in order to encourage self-help and the mitigation of hazards on private
property.
Project Priorities
Projects vary from structural measures to education and are prioritized based on impact to
persistent, known hazards and potential resources available to complete the project. Although
projects are prioritized on a county-wide basis, this does not limit the County’s or a local
community’s ability to pursue identified projects as funding becomes available. A number of the
projects are ongoing action activities that will be accomplished as time and resources permit.
Identified action items include a short description of the activity, the responsible agency or agencies,
timeline, projected costs if available, and ways Baraga County and its citizens will benefit.
Cost-benefit consideration, both financial and otherwise, is a major factor in the prioritization of
action items. As a result, action priorities are not entirely consistent with the rankings in the Hazard
Profile. For example, implementation of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) is the
highest-priority project even though wildfires are not one of the most highly ranked hazards. This is
the case because the CWPP was created in response to specific wildfire events in 2006 and 2009,
and a variety of targeted and realistic action items were identified to address the risk of future
events. Thus, the CWPP is "implementation-ready." Implementation of these items will have
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relatively low resistance due to the process and structure (including identified potential funding
sources) supporting them.
Changes from Previous Plan
Some action items are carried over from the 2005 Hazard Mitigation Plan. Several of these are
ongoing activities that will continue indefinitely. The two highest-priority actions that had target
completion dates have been partially completed but remain continuing needs. Several new items
have been added to meet needs described in the action items.
No large-scale changes in land development have occurred in Baraga County since 2005. Most
construction has been incremental within or adjacent to already-developed areas. L'Anse Village and
Township completed new Master Plans in 2011 and 2012, respectively, but these have not yet
coincided with any major land use changes. Notably, development of the Eagle Project underground
nickel and copper mine in Marquette County is located near the northeastern Baraga County border,
and possible expansion of operations into Baraga County may bring a risk of fixed-site hazardous
materials incidents. Transportation of unknown materials to the site is already a local concern.
These possibilities may eventually warrant appropriate mitigation actions.
Recent changes in the realm of industrial manufacturing in Baraga County should be considered in
hazard mitigation. Pettibone Corporation substantially reduced its operations in 2008. Terex
Handlers closed its facility the following year. In 2010, CertainTeed, a third manufacturer, would
have closed its doors but for construction of a publicly funded bridge to access its site. All of these
operations were or are located in the Baraga-L'Anse area.
On a more positive note, in 2008, L'Anse Warden Electric Company began operations of a "green"
power plant adjacent to the CertainTeed facility in the Village of L'Anse. The plant utilizes biomass
waste products to produce power, feeding steam to the CertainTeed plant. There is some associated
risk of fire or fixed-site hazardous materials incident, here and in other industrial facilities around
the two villages, as described in the Hazard Profile. The primary impact of these developments is on
employment and the county economy, but the manufacturing landscape should continually be
monitored for changes pertaining to waste materials fires and hazardous materials fixed-site and
transportation incidents.
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4.1 Mitigation Resources
There are two types of resources: existing institutional establishments, such as government agencies
and continuing programs, and funding sources to undertake specific projects. Many of the former
are described in Section 1 of the plan. The following list is intended to provide examples of funding
sources for both current and future mitigation projects and should not be considered
comprehensive. Potential new sources for mitigation funding should be added as identified. Projectspecific funding options are included in the respective Action Items identified in Section 5.3.
Federal
FEMA: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program, and Flood Mitigation
Assistance Program
National Science Foundation (NSF)
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC)
U.S. Department of Defense: Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
U.S. Department of Energy
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
State
Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH)
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
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Michigan State University (MSU) Extension
Other
Local tax revenues (general fund and special millage/assessment)
Foundation grants
4.2 Progress on Previous Mitigation Program Action Items
Table 4-1 illustrates the status of mitigation action items from the 2005 Baraga County Hazard
Mitigation Plan.
Table 4-1: Progress on Previous (2005) Mitigation Program Action Items
2005 Item
Status
1. Drainage Improvements and Maintenance
Partially Completed
and In Progress
2. Update Stormwater Management Plans and Flood Maps Partially Completed
and In Progress
3. Bank Stabilization
Not Completed
4. Improved Emergency Response
Ongoing
5. KBIC Comprehensive Emergency Response Plan
Not Completed
6. Update Shoreline Erosion Map
Not Completed
7. Review Plans and Development Regulations
Ongoing
8. Retrofit Underground Pipes
Ongoing
9. Insurance
Ongoing
10. Public Information/Education Program
Not Completed but
now Ongoing
Corresponding
2013 Item
3
4 (Modified)
5
6 (Modified)
14 (Modified)
7
8
9
11
12
4.3 Current Mitigation Program Action Items
Action Item 1: Implement Baraga County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWWP) Action
Items
Completed in 2011, Baraga County’s CWPP is the first countywide plan in Michigan. The plan aims to
protect human life and reduce property loss. Identified action items include a comprehensive
education program (Firewise), a countywide brush clean up, establishment of evacuation routes for
communities, complete home ignition assessments, and regular review and evaluation of the CWPP.
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Wildfire preparedness has been identified by Arvon, Covington, and L'Anse Townships and the
Village of L'Anse in particular as a priority.
Responsible Agency:
All Townships and Villages and the County
Deadline:
2015
Cost:
Unknown; varies by component
Potential Funding Sources:
FEMA, DNR, USDA Forest Service, and organization/agency
operating budgets
Benefits:
The entire County will benefit by reducing risk of wildfire in one of
the highest-risk areas of the state.
Action Item 2: Install emergency power source at L'Anse Area School
L'Anse Area School is the evacuation shelter for the L'Anse area and does not have an emergency
electrical power source. A portable generator has been obtained and funding granted for wiring the
system into the school if necessary. This project remains only to be implemented.
Responsible Agency:
L'Anse Area Schools
Deadline:
2013
Cost:
$4,340 (already funded)
Region 8 Healthcare Coalition through MDCH Office of Public Health
Preparedness
Benefits:
The L'Anse area will benefit from having a shelter that can fully
accommodate needs of those lodged during a power infrastructure
failure. This is one of the most basic needs of a shelter.
Action Item 3: Drainage Improvements and Maintenance
As an ongoing project in the County, the Baraga County Road Commission has had an active role in
upgrading roads and replacing inadequate culverts in response to previous problems and to mitigate
future problems. Current needs include:
Beaufort Lake (Spurr River), Spurr Township – Replace existing culvert with low-profile Con-Span
structure on a concrete pile cap, with a spill-through opening.
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Second Sand Beach Road (Sucker Creek), L'Anse Township – Replace existing culvert with a Con-Span
structure on a concrete pile cap, with a spill-through opening.
Sturgeon Road, Covington Township – Reconstruct and raise road and add cross-culvert capacity for
storm drainage.
Tahtinen Road/Sturgeon River Bank Stabilization, Baraga Township – 700 feet of bank stabilization
and road reconstruction.
East River Drive and others, Village of L'Anse – Increase culvert capacity.
Eleven projects were identified in the 2005 Hazard Mitigation Plan. Of these, six have been
completed or are no longer necessary, and five have been carried over to this plan. No specific new
projects have been included. As with many transportation needs, funding is not always adequate to
address problems as they arise. Therefore, the County and municipalities should continue to
undertake identified projects as possible and to update the project list as needed.
Responsible Agency:
Baraga County Road Commission and municipal Departments of
Public Works (where applicable)
Deadline:
Ongoing
Cost:
Variable
FHWA Surface Transportation Program (Federal), MDOT, and
agency/Road Commission operating budgets
Benefits:
Inspection and maintenance of the existing drainage system will
prevent flooding caused by plugged culverts, while upgrading of
identified culverts and roads will ensure mitigation of future
problems.
Action Item 4: Update Storm Water Management Plans
Due to changing land use and an upgraded storm system in the Village of L’Anse, storm water
management plans should be updated to address changing conditions. This ongoing item is carried
over from the 2005 plan; however, flood map updates, which were part of the same item, have
since been completed by FEMA.
Responsible Agency:
Baraga County and Village of L’Anse
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Deadline:
Ongoing
Cost:
Staff time – unknown
FEMA and agency operating budgets
Benefits:
The Village will benefit by being able to make informed decisions
based on accurate storm water information that incorporates
upgrades that are completed, underway, or planned.
Action Item 5: Bank Stabilization
Areas of the Sturgeon River experience ongoing bank erosion problems. Numerous mitigation
efforts have corrected problems, but some areas have an ongoing need for stabilization. This effort
would include a project identified by the Baraga County Road Commission that includes 350 feet of
stabilization along the Sturgeon River and reconstruction of Myllya Road. Funding has not allowed
for completion of this particular project since the 2005 Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Responsible Agency:
Baraga County and Baraga County Road Commission
Deadline:
Ongoing
Cost:
Unknown
FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program, FEMA Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program, and USACE
Benefits:
The County will benefit by protecting property owners from erosion
and sedimentation that result in damage to property and
degradation of stream quality. The project will also eliminate the
potential loss of access to homes and other property.
Action Item 6: Improved/Continuing Emergency Response
Conduct ongoing reviews of response plans and programs in order to keep emergency contacts up
to date, ensure critical facility information is current, and identify and incorporate new and
improved methods of warning and response. Adequacy of shelter facilities, response equipment,
and training can be evaluated during these ongoing reviews. Arvon and Covington Townships for
additional hazardous materials spills training.
Responsible Agency:
Baraga County Emergency Manager
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Deadline:
Ongoing; incorporate into the annual emergency plan revision
process.
Cost:
Staff time
FEMA, DHS State Homeland Security Grant Program and other
programs, Firefighter Assistance Grants, DOI, and agency operating
budgets
Benefits:
Emergency plans that are up to date and incorporate all available
methods of warning and response will be most effective in
emergency situations, thus mitigating loss from hazards.
Action Item 7: Update Shoreline Erosion Map
Shoreline erosion has been an ongoing problem along Lake Superior in Baraga County. Current
Michigan DEQ erosion studies are almost 30 years old and new studies are needed to analyze the
forces currently at work along the Baraga County shoreline and to ensure current setbacks are
adequate for new developments. Arvon Township has a particularly high concentration of high-risk
erosion areas, but Baraga and L'Anse Villages and Townships are also affected.
Responsible Agency:
Baraga County and Michigan DEQ
Deadline:
2015
Cost:
Unknown
Michigan DEQ and others unknown
Benefits:
Updated information will enable Baraga County and its residents to
protect property from the forces of Lake Superior. Changing lake
levels make this a priority concern; while levels are down, steps
should be taken to protect property if and when lake levels rise.
Action Item 8: Review Plans and Development Regulations
As master plans, zoning, and other plans and regulations are up for revision, include appropriate
hazard mitigation provisions. Consider plans and regulations that divert new development away
from identified hazards, include development standards that ensure adequate fire and emergency
access, require buried utility lines, and promote open space requirements that protect properties
from flooding.
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Responsible Agency:
Baraga County and all municipalities, particularly those without
master plans: all townships and villages except L'Anse.
Deadline:
Ongoing as plans and ordinances are reviewed
Cost:
Staff time
Agency operating budgets
Benefits:
Citizens of Baraga County will benefit from plans that protect new
development from known hazards and inform municipalities of
methods of protecting their lands from hazards—specifically known
priority hazards.
Action Item 9: Retrofit Underground Pipes
As work is done on underground utilities, municipalities should identify problem areas and insulate
pipes as needed to protect them from extreme temperatures.
Responsible Agency:
Municipal Departments of Public Works
Deadline:
Ongoing
Cost:
Variable
FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation and Hazard Mitigation Grant
Programs
Benefits:
Residents and municipalities will benefit from reduced flooding due
to burst pipes.
Action Item 10: Identify and Remediate Hazardous Materials Sites
Many legacy sites potentially containing hazardous materials are scattered throughout Baraga
County. For example, closed gasoline station properties may have leaking underground storage
tanks. Such sites need to be identified and addressed. Known brownfields also require remediation.
This has been identified as a particular concern for the Village of Baraga.
Responsible Agency:
Local governments and DEQ
Deadline:
2018/Ongoing
Cost:
Variable
EPA Brownfields Program and MEDC Community Development
Block Grants
96
Benefits:
Identifying these sites before they make themselves known and
affect surrounding areas will reduce the risk of catastrophic events.
Action Item 11: Insurance
Not all hazards can be mitigated prior to occurrence, but by maintaining insurance, property owners
can protect themselves from losses due to hazards.
Responsible Agencies:
Local governments, residents, business owners, and others
Deadline:
Ongoing
Cost:
Variable
FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP),
organization/agency operating budgets, and individual property
owners
Benefits:
All residents benefit by protecting themselves and their community
facilities from loss. Conventional insurance policies will protect
people from most hazards, while in municipalities participating in
the NFIP, residents also have access to flood insurance. The County
and municipalities can also educate its citizens on the importance of
maintaining adequate property insurance.
Action Item 12: Public Information/Education Program
Public information is the key to mitigating many of the potential hazards in Baraga County. A
number of projects can help to educate the public on potential hazards and how to protect
themselves from hazards. Recommended projects include preparing and gathering education
materials regarding hazards affecting Baraga County and ways people can help with mitigation.
These materials should be organized and made available at government offices, schools, and other
easily accessible public facilities, as well as on the internet.
Responsible Agency:
Baraga County Emergency Manager, Michigan State University –
Extension, and Red Cross
Deadline:
Ongoing
Cost:
Staff time, primarily
Organization/agency operating budgets
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Benefits:
Organizing locally applicable materials and making them available to
the public ensures that the message is getting out. Through use of
newspapers and internet, the public is easily informed and the
message is consistent. This action item helps inform the public and
provides assistance to people who want to learn more about
property protection and how to reduce their risk.
Action Item 13: Distribute Weather Radios
Weather radios are becoming increasingly important for the safety of residents and visitors, and
more specifically for vulnerable populations such as senior citizens. Assistance is needed to
distribute radios to persons who cannot afford them.
Responsible Agency:
Baraga County Emergency Manager
Deadline:
Ongoing
Cost:
$50,000
FEMA, local organizations/agencies, and others unknown
Benefits:
Early warning through weather radios is important in rural areas.
Weather radios allow vulnerable populations to be alerted to
emergencies, enabling them to respond in a timely manner.
Action Item 14: Coordinate with Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC)
KBIC currently does not have an emergency response plan. This item is carried over from the 2005
plan since a KBIC response plan remains necessary to define roles in emergency response, maximize
limited resources, and designate a clear chain of command. The plan must be coordinated with
other local jurisdictions.
Responsible Agency:
KBIC Chief Executive Officer
Deadline:
Ongoing
Cost:
Staff time – variable
FEMA, KBIC and agency operating budgets, and others unknown
Benefits:
Improved coordination of emergency response within the KBIC and
between the KBIC and local response agencies. More efficient use of
resources and clearly defined responsibilities for responders will
98
lead to faster, more effective, and less costly response and
recovery.
Action Item 15: Plan for Emergency Detour Routes
Develop a plan for connecting and developing alternative traffic routes in the event of an emergency
or road outage. This item is carried over from the 2005 plan and remains a need.
Responsible Agency:
Baraga County Road Commission
Deadline:
2015
Cost:
Staff time – variable
FEMA and organization/agency operating budgets
Benefits:
A plan for the linking and development of alternative transportation
routes will aid in safety and savings for the entire community.
4.4 Administrative Action
Action Item: Adopt Hazard Mitigation Plan and Update It Regularly
By adopting the Baraga County Hazard Mitigation Plan, the County, its municipalities, and the
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community recognize the need to incorporate hazard mitigation activities
into everyday decisions at the County and local level. The plan will be reviewed annually by the
Emergency Manager in coordination with the Emergency Operations Plan update to determine if
revisions are needed.
The Hazard Mitigation Plan will be updated every five years in order to address changing priorities
and remain eligible for FEMA mitigation funding programs. The Emergency Manager will convene a
hazard mitigation committee representing local agencies and concerned parties to evaluate
progress and update the plan in accordance with FEMA regulations. The Committee will review the
plan to determine the sections that need to be updated or modified based on changing conditions
or alterations in State or Federal requirements. Goals, objectives, and strategies will also be
reviewed to determine if they thoroughly address new or changing conditions.
The Emergency Manager will work with Baraga County to update the plan based on
recommendations from the Hazard Mitigation Committee and State Hazard Mitigation Officer. The
99
public will be notified of any plan updates, and copies will be made available at all local government
offices and, if feasible, online. The public will be provided with and notified of comment
opportunities during all interim and five-year plan updates.
Responsible Agency:
Emergency Manager
Deadline:
Ongoing
Cost:
Staff time
FEMA and local government operating budgets
Benefits:
The adoption of the Hazard Mitigation Plan commits Baraga County,
its communities, and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community to
working on mitigation efforts within its boundaries. Through
implementation of mitigation strategies in the Plan, the local
governments will be actively working to prevent future problems
within Baraga County’s boundaries.
100

Baraga County 2013-2018 Hazard Mitigation Plan

Transcription

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