Town of Caswell Beach, NC Community – Based Hazard Mitigation

Transcription

Town of Caswell Beach,
North Carolina
Community-Based
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Adopted: June 25, 2004
State Compliance Review: May 21, 2004
Amended: June 25, 2004
The Cape Fear Council of Governments through a sub-contract with L. Gina White, Consulting prepared
this final document for the Town of Caswell Beach. The preparation of this plan was financed in part by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency through the Hazard Mitigation Planning Grant Program and by
the Town of Caswell Beach with in-kind assistance from the Cape Fear Council of Government.
Prepared for
The Town of Caswell Beach, North Carolina
Prepared by
Cape Fear Council of Governments
Through a sub-contract with
L. Gina White, Consulting
With Technical Assistance from
The Town of Caswell Beach
Linda C. Bethune, Town Clerk/Tax Collector
Judith A Roney, Police Chief
Charles Seenes, Assistant Public Works Director
Thomas Hess, Emergency Management Coordinator
Frank Bausch, Beach Commissioner
Ann Marie Zalewski, Water Commissioner
Harry Simmons, Mayor
The Yaupon Beach Fire Department
James Criscoe, Fire Chief
The Oak Island Golf Club
John Lawrence, General Manager
Brunswick County
Office of Emergency Management
Cape Fear Council of Governments
Scott Logel, Regional Planner & GIS Specialist
Reviewed by
Harry Simmons, Mayor
Frank Bausch, Commissioner
Paul B. O’Conner, Commissioner
G. Nicholas Briggs, Commissioner
Wendell N. “Buck” Vest, Jr., Commissioner
Ann Marie Zalewski, Commissioner
TABLE OF CONTENTS
List of Tables ................................................................................................................................................
Executive Summary .....................................................................................................................................
Plan Mission ..................................................................................................................................................
Plan Organization ........................................................................................................................................
Plan Financing ..............................................................................................................................................
Plan Participation .........................................................................................................................................
Hazards Identified ........................................................................................................................................
Plan Goals .....................................................................................................................................................
Mitigation Goal, Objective, and Strategy Organization .........................................................................
Plan Implementation ...................................................................................................................................
Mitigation Strategy Matrix ..........................................................................................................................
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................
Hazard Mitigation ........................................................................................................................................
Hazard Mitigation and Sustainable Development ...................................................................................
Sustainable Development ...........................................................................................................................
The Mitigation Planning Process ...............................................................................................................
SECTION 2: COMMUNITY PROFILE............................................................................
History ...........................................................................................................................................................
Geography .....................................................................................................................................................
Climate ...........................................................................................................................................................
Geology .........................................................................................................................................................
Soils ................................................................................................................................................................
Water Resources ...........................................................................................................................................
Natural Resources ........................................................................................................................................
Recreation......................................................................................................................................................
Population Trends........................................................................................................................................
Residential Development Trends ..............................................................................................................
Future Residential Development ...............................................................................................................
Commercial & Industrial Development Trends ......................................................................................
Future Commercial & Industrial Development ......................................................................................
Critical Facilities and Infrastructure Development Trends ...................................................................
Future Critical Facility Development ........................................................................................................
SECTION 3: HAZARD VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT ...........................................
Natural Hazards ...........................................................................................................................................
Tropical Cyclones ..................................................................................................................................
Nor’easters..............................................................................................................................................
Severe Thunderstorms/Windstorms ..................................................................................................
Tornadoes...............................................................................................................................................
Waterspouts............................................................................................................................................
Winter Storms ........................................................................................................................................
Flooding ..................................................................................................................................................
Tsunamis.................................................................................................................................................
Landslides ...............................................................................................................................................
Erosion ...................................................................................................................................................
Drought ..................................................................................................................................................
Extreme Heat/Heat Waves .................................................................................................................
Volcanoes ...............................................................................................................................................
Earthquakes ............................................................................................................................................
Wildfires ..................................................................................................................................................
Technological Hazards ................................................................................................................................
Dam/Levee Failures .............................................................................................................................
Hazardous Materials Events ................................................................................................................
Nuclear Events ......................................................................................................................................
SECTION 4: COMMUNITY CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT ....................................................
Legal Capability ............................................................................................................................................
General Authority .................................................................................................................................
Building Codes and Inspections..........................................................................................................
Land Use Planning ................................................................................................................................
Zoning.....................................................................................................................................................
Subdivision Ordinance .........................................................................................................................
Acquisition .............................................................................................................................................
Taxation ..................................................................................................................................................
Floodplain Regulation...........................................................................................................................
National Flood Insurance Program and Community Rating System ............................................
FEMA’s Floodplain Map Modernization Program ..........................................................................
Stormwater Management .....................................................................................................................
Emergency Management ......................................................................................................................
Strategic Planning ..................................................................................................................................
Institutional Capability ................................................................................................................................
Political Capability ........................................................................................................................................
Technical Capability .....................................................................................................................................
Fiscal Capability ............................................................................................................................................
Analysis Conclusion .....................................................................................................................................
SECTION 5: MITIGATION STRATEGIES ...................................................................................
SECTION 6: PRIORITIZATION SCOPE ......................................................................................
Appendix A: ................................................................................................................................................
Appendix B: ................................................................................................................................................
Appendix C: ................................................................................................................................................
Appendix D: ................................................................................................................................................
Appendix E: ................................................................................................................................................
Appendix F ..................................................................................................................................................
Appendix G .................................................................................................................................................
Appendix H.................................................................................................................................................
References ...................................................................................................................................................
List of Tables
Town of Caswell Beach 5 – Year Mitigation Strategy Matrix .............................................
Table 2.1 Caswell Beach 1980 – 2000 Population Change ...................................................
Table 2.2 Caswell Beach Residential Structure Trends 1980 - 2000 ....................................
Table 2.3 Town of Caswell Beach Area Vulnerability Assessment Worksheet – A ............
Table 2.4 Vehicles and Equipment owned by Public Utilities in Caswell Beach...............
Table 2.5 Town of Caswell Beach Area Vulnerability Assessment Worksheet – B ............
Table 3.1 Hazard Index Ranking ........................................................................................
Table 3.2 Frequency Of Occurrence ...................................................................................
Table 3.3 Consequences of Impact .....................................................................................
Table 3.4 Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale ...........................................................................
Table 3.5 Approximate Vulnerability to the Effects of Wind in Zone 1 ..............................
Table 3.6 Approximate Vulnerability to the Effects of Storm Surge (Category 1 & 2) .......
Table 3.7 Dolan – Davis Nor’easter Intensity Scale (1993) .................................................
Table 3.8 Fujita-Pearson Tornado Scale .............................................................................
Table 3.9 Approximate Vulnerability to the Effects of Flooding ........................................
Table 3.10 Approximate Vulnerability to the Effects of Erosion ........................................
Table 3.11 Monthly/Annual Climate Data Results .............................................................
Table 3.12 Heat Index in Relation to Heat Disorders .........................................................
Table 3.13 Modified Mercalli Scale of Earthquake Intensity ..............................................
Table 3.14 Town of Caswell Beach Hazard Identification and Analysis Worksheet ..........
Table 6.1 Caswell Beach Project Prioritization Worksheet .................................................
List of Charts
Chart 3.1 2002-2003 Caswell Beach Berm Width Change (ft)..............................................
Town of Caswell Beach, NC
Community – Based Hazard Mitigation Plan
2004
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Plan Mission
The mission of the Caswell Beach Community-Based Hazard Mitigation Plan is to
substantially and permanently reduce the community’s vulnerability to natural and
technological hazards. The plan is intended to promote sound public policy designed to
protect citizens, critical facilities, infrastructure, private property, and the natural
environment. This can be achieved by increasing public awareness, documenting resources
for risk reduction and loss-prevention, and identifying activities to guide the community
towards the development of a safer, more sustainable community.
Plan Organization
The Caswell Beach plan is developed and organized within the rules and regulations
established under the 44 CFR 201.6. The plan contains a Mitigation Action Matrix, a
discussion on the purpose and methodology used to develop the plan, a profile on Caswell
Beach, as well as, the Hazard Identification and Vulnerability Assessment of 15 natural
hazards and 3 technological hazards. In addition, the plan offers a thorough discussion of
the community’s current capability to implement the goals, objectives and strategies
identified herein. To assist in the explanation of the above identified contents there are
several appendices included which provide more detail on specific subjects. This plan is
intended to improve the ability of Caswell Beach to handle disasters and will document
valuable local knowledge on the most efficient and effective ways to reduce loss.
Plan Financing
The Caswell Beach Community-Based Hazard Mitigation Plan has been (in-part) financed by
and developed under a Hazard Mitigation Planning Grant provided by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the North Carolina Division of Emergency
Management (NCDEM). Additionally, the Town of Caswell Beach, with in-kind assistance
from the Cape Fear Council of Governments, contributed to the financing of this plan.
Plan Participation
The Caswell Beach Community-Based Hazard Mitigation Plan is developed as the result of a
collaborative effort between the Caswell Beach Town Council, Caswell Beach Citizens,
public agencies, non-profit organizations, the private sector, as well as, regional, state and
federal agencies. Interviews were conducted with stakeholders from the community, and a
workshop was conducted during the plan development. Additionally, through public
hearings, workshops, and draft plan display, ample opportunity was provided for public
participation. Any comments, questions, and discussions resulting from these activities were
given strong consideration in the development of this plan. A Mitigation Planning
Committee guided and assisted the Cape Fear Council of Governments and L. Gina White
Consulting in the development of the plan. The Mitigation Planning Committee was
comprised of the:
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Caswell Beach Town Clerk/Tax Administrator,
Caswell Beach Police Chief,
Caswell Beach Public Works Director,
Caswell Beach Emergency Management Coordinator,
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Caswell Beach Beach Commissioner,
Caswell Beach Water Commissioner,
Caswell Beach Mayor
Yaupon Beach Fire Chief,
Oak Island Gold Club General Manager, and
Cape Fear Council of Governments Regional Planner and GIS Specialist
Hazards Identified
The criteria provided by the State of North Carolina Division of Emergency Management
(NCDEM) and FEMA Region IV (FEMA R-IV) for the development of the Hazard
Mitigation Plan identifies 11natural hazards and states that, at a minimum, Caswell Beach
must address: Winter storms/Extreme Cold, Severe Thunderstorms/Tornadoes,
Hurricanes/Coastal Storms, Floods, Riverine/Coastal Erosion, Drought/Heat Wave,
Landslides/Sinkholes, Earthquakes, Tsunami Events, Volcanoes, Wildfires, and Dam/Levee
Failure. However, there are other hazards that were identified which are not in the
minimum criteria established by NCDEM and FEMA R-IV that were added to the
discussion.
Through the Area Vulnerability Analysis all the hazards identified by NCDEM and FEMA
R-IV were examined, as well as, hazardous materials events, and nuclear events. Since
hazardous materials are also a factor when examining water and wind events a study of
hazardous materials in the area was conducted. In addition, Caswell Beach is located within
close proximity to the Progress Energy Nuclear Power Plant. As a result, the community
also addresses nuclear events in this plan.
The Vulnerability Analysis identified the following hazards as being most prevalent and
posing the most potential risk to the Town of Caswell Beach.
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Tropical Cyclones
Flooding
Erosion
Nor’easters
Severe Thunderstorms
Wildfires
Tornadoes
Waterspouts
Winter storms
Droughts
Extreme Heat
Earthquakes
Hazardous Materials Events
Nuclear Events
Plan Goals
In an effort to ensure the mission of the Caswell Beach Community-Based Hazard
Mitigation Plan is met, the participants in the development of this plan defined and
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established a list of goals which are directly relevant to meeting the mission of the plan. The
following is a list of the goals identified by the participants of this plan:
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Improve Public Awareness,
Minimize the Impacts of All Hazards,
Minimize the Impacts of Natural Hazard Events on Built Structures,
Improve the Town’s Technical Capability,
Minimize the Impacts of Flooding,
Minimize the Impacts of Erosion,
Minimize the Impacts of Drought,
Minimize the Impacts of Severe Thunderstorms,
Protect Natural Resources,
Minimize the Risk of Fire,
Minimize Potential for Damage or Injury Due to Hazardous Materials, and
Minimize the Impacts of Nuclear Accidents
Mitigation Goal, Objective, and Strategy organization
This plan has established a set of goals to assist the community in fulfilling the established
purpose of this plan. In an effort to ensure the goals in this plan are met, each goal is
broken down into a series of objectives which are further broken down into a series of
strategies. Each strategy identifies the hazard(s) addressed by said strategy, the type of
strategy, responsible party/organization, monitoring and evaluation indicators, potential
funding sources and a target completion date.
Plan Implementation
Adoption
Pursuant to the authority of N.C.G.S. 30.01, the Caswell Beach Town Council has the
legislative capacity to adopt policies, ordinances and amendments. Based on that authority,
the Caswell Beach Town Council Adopted the Caswell Beach Community-Based Hazard
Mitigation Plan on July 25, 2003.
Monitoring, Evaluation, Update, and Revision
The Community-Based Hazard Mitigation Plan for Caswell Beach will be evaluated by the
Planning Board and a Mitigation Monitoring and Evaluation Committee annually to access
how effective implemented mitigation strategies have been. Monitoring and evaluation
involves the ongoing process of compiling information on the outcomes that result from
implementing the hazard mitigation strategies contained in this plan or is a measure of
success the planning area has seen through the implementation of each strategy. It also
provides the planning area with an opportunity to make necessary revisions as local
conditions change. Changes in development, technology or the capability of the planning
area to implement the strategies adopted in the plan could necessitate the need for revisions
in the plan itself.
There are many issues that the monitoring and evaluation process should include:
 The adequacy of the planning areas resources to implement the strategies as adopted,
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 Any redundancy among strategies that can be eliminated to free-up resources,
 Whether adequate funding is available for implementation of the strategies as
adopted,
 Any technical, legal or coordination problems associated with implementation, and
 Whether mitigation actions are being implemented according to the prioritization
scope.
However, the primary issue that monitoring and evaluation should address is whether the
vulnerability of the planning area has decreased as a result of the strategies adopted in the
plan. Where vulnerability has decreased, the Committee should determine why and consider
implementing successful mitigation strategies in other locations. Where vulnerability has
remained constant or increased, the Committee should identify whether additional measures
might be more successful or whether revisions should be made to existing measures.
As previously noted, changes in development, technology or the capability of the planning
area to implement the strategies adopted in the plan could alter the ability of the planning
area to implement the mitigation strategies identified and adopted in their plan or could
necessitate the need for new strategies to be identified. As a result, update and revision is a
necessary part of the Community-Based Hazard Mitigation planning process. While
monitoring and evaluation are ongoing processes, update and revision should occur at
regularly scheduled intervals. The Planning Board and a Mitigation Update and Revision
Committee will be responsible for updates and revisions to the Caswell Beach CommunityBased Hazard Mitigation Plan every five years and following every Presidentially Declared
Disaster to access how effective implemented mitigation strategies have been. An after
action report will be filled with the Town Clerk following the update and revision process.
Implementation Through Existing Programs
Caswell Beach addresses planning goals and legislative requirements through it’s CAMA
Land Use Plan, Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, Stormwater Drainage Study, Zoning
Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance and the North Carolina Building Codes. In addition, the
Town of Caswell Beach is developing a Strategic Plan that will incorporate the findings and
strategies of the Community Based Hazard Mitigation Plan into the goals and strategies
identified as a part of the strategic development process. The Community-Based Hazard
Mitigation Plan provides a series of goals, objectives, and strategies that are closely related to
the goals and objectives of these existing planning programs. Caswell Beach will have the
opportunity to implement adopted mitigation strategies through existing programs and
procedures.
Continued Public Involvement
During the development of this plan the public has been provided ample opportunity to
participate in its development. The Mitigation Planning Committee recognizes that though
numerous local citizens were present at the public hearing during the draft stage of the plan,
the input provided was minimal. Nonetheless, the Town of Caswell Beach is dedicated to
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the continued involvement of the public during the annual review, the 5-year update, as well
as, in the interim.
 Upon adoption of the plan a public information notice will be posted in all local
newspapers and will be posted at all Town administrative offices stating that the
plan has been adopted by the governing board and is available on the Town
sponsored website and at the Town Hall for further review by the public.
 Subsequently, a copy of the adopted plan will be placed at the Town Hall and the
closest public library for the public to provide input on the plan.
 A copy of the plan will be posted on the Town sponsored website with a response
icon and a phone number for the Town Hall for the public to direct questions or
comments on the plan to the Town Mayor.
 Two weeks prior to all annual review meetings of the Mitigation Planning
Committee a public announcement, will be posted in all the local newspapers and
on the Town sponsored website, that will invite public participation in the review
sessions.
 Prior to any significant revisions to the plan, the Mitigation Planning Committee will
hold advertised, public hearings to ensure the opportunity for public participation is
offered.
Mitigation Strategy Matrix
The strategies identified herein are organized within the following matrix. The matrix
identifies each strategy into one of 5 categories: new policy, amended policy, continued
policy, new project and continued project. In addition to the categorization of each strategy,
the matrix also identifies the type of strategy, target completion date, responsible
party/organization, potential funding source, monitoring and evaluation indicators, and the
hazard(s) addressed by said hazard.
Type of Strategy
There are 5 strategy types and each strategy will be classified as one of the five types.
 Preventative – activities that are intended to keep vulnerability from
increasing.
 Property Protection – measures that protect existing structures by modifying
buildings to with stand hazardous events, removing structures from
hazardous locations, or adopting policy that specifically addresses hazard
issues in relation to current property.
 Natural Resource Protection – activities that reduce the impacts of hazards by
preserving or restoring natural areas and their mitigative functions.
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 Structural Projects – projects that are intended to lessen the impact of a
hazard by modifying the environment or natural progression of the hazard
event.
 Public Information – activities that are used to advise citizens, business
owners, potential property buyers, and visitors about hazards, hazardous
areas, and mitigation techniques they can use to protect themselves and their
property.
Target Completion Date
A target completion date is established to provide a timeline for completion of the strategies
identified herein. The target completion date is the date established for the project to be
fully complete. Many strategies, especially those that will take multiple years to complete,
will require the project manager to establish an individual timeline where benchmarks can be
used to monitor the progression of the strategy.
The target completion dates are established under two categories: short-term and long-term.
Short-term strategies are those that can be implemented within existing resources and
authorities and should be completed within a time frame of 6 months to 2 years. Short-term
activities also include those activities that should be implemented immediately following the
adoption of this plan and should be implemented on a continuous basis. Long-term
strategies may require new or additional resources or authorities and should be organized to
be implemented within a time-frame of 3 – 5 years.
Responsible Party/Organization
The responsible party/organization will organize the implementation of the strategy, seek
out appropriate funding, oversee strategy implementation, and be a liaison between the
community and any other organization participating in the project. In addition the
responsible party/organization will report back to the monitoring and evaluation party
regarding the progress of the strategy implementation.
Potential Funding Source
It is a well known fact that many small communities lack the resources to implement
strategies which will assist in reducing the community’s vulnerability to hazards. Thus, this
plan identifies potential funding sources for each strategy identified herein. The funding
sources are those sources that are currently available to communities and may change from
year to year. As a result, the responsible party/organization for each strategy should always
research funding sources not listed in this document.
Monitoring and Evaluation Indicators
Monitoring and evaluation indicators are benchmarks that will allow the monitoring and
evaluating party to determine if a strategy has been completely implemented. Additionally,
they will identify if a strategy is achieving the goal it was intended for. If it is found that the
strategy is not successful in the community it may need to be altered or discontinued.
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Town of Caswell Beach 5-Year Action Matrix
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Winter Storms
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Nuclear Events
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HAZMAT Events
Internal
Funds
Determine if
the plan has
been placed
in an area
where it is
available for
public
review and
track how
often
website is
accessed.
Extreme Temperatures
Monitoring
/
Evaluation
Indicators
Wildfires
Potential
Funding
Sources
Erosion
Responsible
Party/Org.
Droughts
Target
Completi
on Date
Flooding
New,
Continuati
on or
Amendme
nt
Tornadoes
1.1
Type of
Strategy
Severe Thunder/Windstorms
1.
Implementation
Measures
Nor'easters
Goals/Objective
s
Tropical Cyclones
Hazards Identified and Addressed in Plan
Improve Public Awareness
Educate the
Public
about
hazards
prevalent to
their area.
1.1.1
Educate
contractors
about
principles for
quality
redevelopmen
t and safe
housing
development
through
written
materials or
a Townsponsored
workshop.
Public
Informati
on
New
Policy
(Decembe
r 31,
2003) and
Continuo
us
Building
Inspector/Zo
ning
Administrator
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1.1.2
1.1.3
1.2
Publicize
the
documents
associated
with
emergency
response
and
mitigation
1.2.1
Hold a
Townsponsored
hazard
mitigation
seminar for
the
community
residents,
including
information
on
preparedness
for all
hazards
significant to
Caswell
Beach.
Provide new
home and
property
buyers with
information
on quality
redevelopmen
t and safe
housing
development.
Manually
disperse and
have a
website
posting which
provides info
about the
Town’s
Emergency
Response
Plan and
relevant
emergency
response
actions the
public can
take.
Public
Informati
on
Public
Informati
on
Public
Informati
on
New Event
One year
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 1, 2004)
Caswell Beach
Emergency
Management
Coordinator
New Policy
(Decembe
r 31,
2003) and
Continuo
us
Building
Inspector/Zo
ning
Administrator
New Policy
(Decembe
r 31,
2003) and
Continuo
us
Caswell Beach
Emergency
Management
Coordinator
and Town
Webmaster
2004
Emergency
Mgmt.
Institute
Training
Assistance
Determine if
the Town
has hosted
their own
seminar or if
they have
promoted a
seminar
hosted by
the county.
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Internal
Funds
Determine if
educational
material is
being
distributed.
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Internal
Funds
Determine if
the plan has
been placed
in an area
for public
review as
well as on
the website
and track
how often
the website
is accessed.
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2004
Town of Caswell Beach 5-Year Action Matrix Continued
HAZMAT Events
Nuclear Events
Winter Storms
Internal
Funds
Determine if
the plan has
been placed
in an area
where it is
available for
public
review and
track how
often
website is
accessed.
and track
the number
of
response/re
ply
suggestions
that are
received on
the plan.
Monitoring
/
Evaluation
Indicators
Wildfires
Caswell Beach
Emergency
Management
Coordinator
and Town
Webmaster
Potential
Funding
Sources
Erosion
(Decembe
r 31,
2003) and
Continuo
us
Responsible
Party/Org.
Droughts
New Policy
Target
Completi
on Date
Flooding
Public
Informati
on
New,
Continuati
on or
Amendme
nt
Tornadoes
1.2.2
Manually
disperse and
have a
website
posting which
provides
information
about the
Town’s
CommunityBased
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan and
relevant
mitigation
measures the
public can
take. Provide
a
response/repl
y section
where
residents can
comment on
the
effectiveness
of the current
plan and
where they
Type of
Strategy
Implementation
Measures
Nor'easters
Goals/Objective
s
Tropical Cyclones
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2004
can make
suggestions
for future
revisions on
the plan.
1.3
Maintain
and
publicize a
current
action plan
for
emergency
response
1.3.1
Update
and revise
the Town
of Caswell
Beach
Emergency
Response
Plan and
the Time
Sensitive
Hurricane
Plan on an
annual
basis.
Preventati
ve
New Policy
(Decembe
r 31,
2003) and
annually
Caswell Beach
Emergency
Management
Coordinator
Internal
Funds
Determine if
the plans
have been
revised and
if said
revisions
have been
adopted by
the
governing
board.
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1.4
Maintain
current
evacuation
routes.
1.4.1
Maintain
evacuation
routes in the
event of a
hazardous
event.
Preventati
ve
Continuati
on of
Existing
Policy
(Decembe
r 31,
2003) and
Continuo
us
Police Chief
and Public
Utilities
Department
Internal
Funds
2004
Determine if
the
responsible
party for
monitoring
and
evaluation
has taken
periodic
tours
through the
Town to
ensure that
all roads
connected
to
evacuation
routes are
free and
clear of
debris.
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Winter Storms
Nuclear Events
HAZMAT Events
Wildfires
Monitoring
/
Evaluation
Indicators
Erosion
Potential
Funding
Sources
Droughts
Responsible
Party/Org.
Flooding
Target
Completi
on Date
Tornadoes
Type of
Strategy
Implementation
Measures
Nor'easters
Goals/Objective
s
New,
Continuati
on or
Amendme
nt
Tropical Cyclones
11
1.4.2
The Town
should
publicize, on
the Town
sponsored
website,
maps of
evacuation
routes which
will facilitate
the
evacuation of
Caswell
Beach in case
of a
hazardous
event.
Preventati
ve
New Policy
(Decembe
r 31,
2003) and
Continuo
us
2004
Internal
Funds
Determine if
an
evacuation
map has
been posted
so that it is
readily
available for
citizens to
review.

All
Departments
as applicable
Internal
Funds
The
responsible
party for
completing
the task
should file
reports with
appropriate
department
heads each
time a test
of the
equipment is
completed.






All
Departments
as applicable
Disaster
Preparedne
ss
Improveme
nt Grant
Has a
backup
generator
been
purchased?
If so, for
what
department?






Caswell Beach
Emergency
Management
Coordinator
and Town
Webmaster

















2. Minimize the Impacts of All Hazards
2.1
Maintain
emergency
infrastructu
re.
2.1.1
Monitor the
status of
backup
generators,
communicati
ons, and
vehicles for
all critical
public
facilities.
2.1.2
Purchase, as
necessary,
backup
generators as
determined
by results of
2.1.1
Preventati
ve
Preventati
ve
New Policy
New
Project
(Decembe
r 31,
2003) and
Continuo
us
(July 3,
2004) and
as needed
there after
12
2.1.3
Install, as
necessary,
generator
quick
connects, as
determined
by results of
2.1.1
Preventati
ve
New
Project
(July 3,
2004) and
as needed
there after
All
Departments
as applicable
Disaster
Preparedne
ss
Improveme
nt Grant
2004
Have
generator
quick
connects
been
installed?












Winter Storms
Nuclear Events
HAZMAT Events
Wildfires
Monitoring
/
Evaluation
Indicators
Erosion
Potential
Funding
Sources
Droughts
Responsible
Party/Org.
Flooding
Target
Completi
on Date
Tornadoes
Type of
Strategy
Implementation
Measures
Nor'easters
Goals/Objective
s
New,
Continuati
on or
Amendme
nt
Tropical Cyclones
3. Minimize the Impacts of Natural Hazard Events on Built Structures
13
3.1
Improve
the
resistance
of
structures
in the
community
against
natural
hazards.
3.2
Reduce the
impact of
Natural
Hazard
Events on
trees near
built
structures.
3.1.1
Continue to
enforce the
North
Carolina
State
Building
Code.
Require that
new
structures or
structures
undergoing
significant
renovation
meet code
requirements
for coastal
areas in
accordance
with the
International
Building
Codes.
3.2.1
Monitor
trees and
branches in
public areas
at risk of
breaking or
falling in
wind, ice,
and snow
storms.
Preventati
ve
Preventati
ve,
Property
Protection
Continuati
on of
Existing
Policy
Continuati
on of
Existing
Policy
(Decembe
r 31,
2003) and
Continuo
us
(Decembe
r 31,
2003) and
Continuo
us
Building
Inspector/Zo
ning
Administrator
Public Works
Department
2004
Internal
Funds
Determine if
all new
structures or
structures
undergoing
significant
renovation
have passed
inspection
by the
Building
Inspector.












Internal
Funds
Assess if
appropriate
pruning has
been
completed
on trees and
branches in
public areas.












14
3.3
Decrease
the
potential
for
structural
damage
from wind
event
debris.
3.3.1
The Town
will take a
proactive
approach in
investigating
dangerous
damaged
structures
and should
take prompt
action in
condemning
damaged
structures
that have
been
abandoned.
Preventati
ve,
Property
Protection
New Policy
(Decembe
r 31,
2003) and
Continuo
us
Building
Inspector/Zo
ning
Administrator
Internal
Funds
2004
Determine if
the
Inspections
Department
has taken
the
appropriate
action in
condemning
damaged
structures in
Town.












Winter Storms
Nuclear Events
HAZMAT Events
Monitoring
/
Evaluation
Indicators
Wildfires
Potential
Funding
Sources
Erosion
Responsible
Party/Org.
Droughts
Target
Completi
on Date
Flooding
New,
Continuati
on or
Amendme
nt
Tornadoes
Type of
Strategy
Implementation
Measures
Nor'easters
Goals/Objective
s
Tropical Cyclones
4. Improve the Town’s Technical Capability
15
4.1
Improve
the Town's
technical
capability.
4.2
Record all
structures
within the
floodplain,
as well as
areas of
repetitive
losses due
to flooding.
4.2
Improve
the Town’s
capability
to identify
areas
needing
future
mitigation.
4.1.1
4.2.1
4.2.1
Procure GIS
and GPS
services
through
outsourcing
for all the
Town's
mapping
needs and to
assist in
monitoring
the rate of
erosion.
Record and
maintain all
tax parcel
information
and
floodplain
locations in a
GIS system
in order to
build the
Town’s
capability to
generate
maps when
needed.
Develop
database that
ID' s each
property with
damage due
to hazards
id’s within
this plan. .
Preventati
ve
Preventati
ve
Preventati
ve,
Property
Protection
2004
Continuati
on of
Existing
Policy
(Novemb
er 31,
2003) and
at every
update
and
revision
GIS
Commissioner
Internal
Funds
Determine if
the Town
has
procured
GIS and
GPS
services and
if maps have
been
developed as
a result there
of.
New
Project
(Novemb
er 31,
2003) and
at every
update
and
revision
GIS
Commissioner
and Tax
Collector
Flood
Mitigation
Assistance
Program
Determine if
the
information
has been
placed in a
GIS












New
Project
Two years
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31,
2005)
Flood
Mitigation
Assistance
Program,
HMPG
Determine if
the database
has been
established
and if the
relevant
historical
data has
been
entered.












GIS
Commissioner












5. Minimize the Impacts of Flooding
16
5.1
Maximize
efforts to
limit
flooding in
developed
areas
5.1.1
Revise the
Zoning
Ordinance to
require the
utilization of
various
pervious
surface
within
floodplain to
reduce
stormwater
run-off.
Preventati
ve,
Property
Protection
New Policy
One year
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31,
2004)
Code
Enforcement
Internal
Funds
2004
Determine if
the Zoning
Ordinance
has been
revised.












HAZMAT Events
Nuclear Events
Winter Storms
Internal
Funds
Determine if
the shoreline
vegetation
has
increased,
decreased or
remained
the same.
Wildfires
Monitoring
/
Evaluation
Indicators
Erosion
Planning
Board
Potential
Funding
Sources
Droughts
New Policy
One year
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31,
2004)
Responsible
Party/Org.
Flooding
Preventati
ve,
Natural
Resource
Protection
, Property
Protection
Target
Completi
on Date
Tornadoes
5.2.1
Revise
zoning and
subdivision
ordinance to
incorporate
shoreline
vegetation
protection
buffers along
AEC’s in
order to
protect the
character and
to help
mitigate
flooding
Type of
Strategy
5.2
Protect the
rivers,
creeks and
other water
bodies, as
well as,
surroundin
g
ecosystems
Implementation
Measures
Nor'easters
Goals/Objective
s
New,
Continuati
on or
Amendme
nt
Tropical Cyclones












17
5.3
Complete
and
implement
the inprocess
Stormwater
Manageme
nt Plan for
the Town.
5.3.1
5.3.2
5.3.3
Using the
Stormwater
Drainage
Study
conducted in
August
2000 as a
guide,
complete and
adopt a
Stormwater
Management
Plan.
Adopt and
enforce a
Stormwater
Ordinance
incorporating
best
management
practices to
control
stormwater
runoff from
development
and
redevelopmen
t sites.
Establish
and empower
Stormwater
Committee to
assist the
Planning
Board in the
development
of a local
Stormwater
Management
Plan,
Stormwater
Ordinance
and the
implementati
on of said
plan and
ordinance.
Preventati
ve,
Natural
Resource
Protection
, Property
Protection
Preventati
ve,
Natural
Resource
Protection
, Property
Protection
Preventati
ve,
Natural
Resource
Protection
, Property
Protection
2004
New Policy
Two years
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31,
2005)
Planning
Board
Internal
Funds
Determine if
the policy
has been
developed.












New Policy
One year
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31,
2004)
Board of
Commissioner
s
Internal
Funds
Determine if
the policy
has been
developed.












New Policy
Two years
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31,
2005)
Internal
Funds
Determine if
the board
has been
established
and if they
are
conducting
said
activities.












Planning
Board
18
2004
HAZMAT Events
Nuclear Events
Winter Storms
Board of
Commissioner
s
New Policy
Three
years
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31.
2006)
Monitoring
/
Evaluation
Indicators
Wildfires
Mayor and
Board of
Commissioner
s
Potential
Funding
Sources
Erosion
New Policy
(Decembe
r 31,
2003) and
Continuo
us
Responsible
Party/Org.
Droughts
Target
Completi
on Date
Flooding
New,
Continuati
on or
Amendme
nt
Tornadoes
Type of
Strategy
Implementation
Measures
Nor'easters
Goals/Objective
s
Tropical Cyclones
US Army
Corps of
Engineers
Determine if
the Town
has
proceeded
with beach
renourishment
.












HMGP
Determine if
implementat
ion has been
completed.












6. Minimize the Impact of Erosion
6.1
Minimize
the risk of
erosion
through
policy
developme
nt.
6.1.1
Continue to
prioritize
beach renourishment
as a means
of mitigating
coastal beach
erosion.
Preventati
ve,
Natural
Resource
Protection
, Property
Protection
6.1.2
Complete the
implementati
on of the
Strategic
Plan and it's
subsequent
plans on
erosion
control.
Preventati
ve,
Natural
Resource
Protection
, Property
Protection
7. Minimize the Impact of Drought
19
7.1
Minimize
the impact
of drought
through
policy
developme
nt.
7.1.1
7.1.2
Work with
Brunswick
County
officials and
surrounding
communities
to distribute
materials
about the
County
Water
Shortage
Response
Plan.
Develop local
Water
Shortage
Response
Guidelines
(in phases)
as a part of
the Caswell
Beach
Emergency
Response
Plan as it
relates to the
expectations
of the Town’s
water
supplier.
Public
Informati
on
Natural
Resource
Protection
New
Project
(Decembe
r 31,
2003) and
Continuo
us
New Policy
One year
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31,
2004)
2004
Water
Commissioner
Internal
Funds
Determine if
materials
have been
distributed
and if there
is
active/ongoi
ng
conversation
s between
the Town
and the
County on
said issue.
Caswell Beach
Emergency
Management
Coordinator
Disaster
Preparedne
ss
Improveme
nt Grant,
Soil and
Water
Conservatio
n Grant,
HMPG
Determine if
guideline
have been
adopted and
approved by
the Town's
governing
board.
























Goals/Objective
Implementation
Type of
New,
Target
Responsible
Potential
Monitoring
20
HAZMAT Events
Nuclear Events
Winter Storms
/
Evaluation
Indicators
Wildfires
Funding
Sources
Erosion
Party/Org.
Droughts
Completi
on Date
Flooding
Continuati
on or
Amendme
nt
Tornadoes
Strategy
Measures
2004
Nor'easters
s
Tropical Cyclones
Rural
Developme
nt Grant
Determine if
reflector
tape or paint
has been
applied to
roads within
Caswell
Beach.












Internal
Funds
Determine if
educational
material is
being
distributed.












8. Minimize the Impacts of Severe Thunderstorms
8.1
Increase
driving
safety
during
thunderstor
ms
8.1.1
Encourage
NCDOT to
install new
reflector tape
or paint
along road
edges and in
the dividing
line on all
major roads.
Preventati
ve
Continue to
encourage
proper waste
disposal and
recycling.
Preventati
ve, Public
Informati
on
New
Project
One year
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31,
2004)
Public Works
Commissioner
Continuati
on of
Existing
Project
(Decembe
r 31,
2003) and
Continuo
us
Solid
Waster/Recycl
ing
Commissioner
9. Protect Natural Resources
9.1
Minimize
the risk of
groundwate
r
contaminati
on through
HAZMAT
Events
9.1.1
21
9.1.2
9.1.3
Implement a
centralized
wastewater
collection
system
Develop a
Wastewater
Management
Ordinance.
Structural
Project
and
Natural
Resource
Protection
Preventive
New
Project
Three
years
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31.
2006)
New Policy
Three
years
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31.
2006)
2004
Wastewater
Commissioner
Capacity
Building
Grant, The
Rural
Center, and
USDARD:
Community
Facilities
Loan
Determine if
the system
has been put
in place,
how many
residents are
connected
to it, and
conduct a
groundwater
test to
determine if
the level of
contaminant
has
decreased as
a result of
the system.












Wastewater
Commissioner
Capacity
Building
Grant, The
Rural
Center, and
USDARD:
Community
Facilities
Loan
Determine if
the
ordinance
has been
developed
and adopted
by the
governing
board.












Winter Storms
Nuclear Events
HAZMAT Events
Monitoring
/
Evaluation
Indicators
Wildfires
Potential
Funding
Sources
Erosion
Responsible
Party/Org.
Droughts
Target
Completi
on Date
Flooding
New,
Continuati
on or
Amendme
nt
Tornadoes
Type of
Strategy
Implementation
Measures
Nor'easters
Goals/Objective
s
Tropical Cyclones
22
9.2
9.3
Provide ongoing
preventativ
e
maintenanc
e and
remediation
of
problems
within the
Town's
water
system.
Provide for
the
enhanceme
nt of the
quality and
quantity of
water.
9.2.1
Provide
annual
calibration of
the 6" and
2" meters
located at the
Oak Island
Beach
Villas,
Caswell
Dunes,
Arboretum,
US Coast
Guard
Station and
the Baptist
Assembly.
9.2.2
Replace still
meters with
new water
meters
and/or meter
boxes.
9.2.3
Replace
many of the
meters in use
by
homeowners
which are old
and have
questionable
accuracy.
9.3.1
Continue to
maintain a
water
sampling
schedule.
Preventive
Preventive
Preventive
Preventive
New
Project
Two years
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31,
2005)
New
Project
Five Years
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31,
2008)
New
Project
Five Years
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31,
2008)
Continuati
on of
Existing
Policy
Five Years
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31,
2008)
2004
Public Utilities
Internal
Funds
Determine if
calibration
has been
conducted
on an annual
basis.
Public Utilities
Internal
Funds
Determine if
all still
meters have
been
replaced.












Public Utilities
Capacity
Building
Grant, The
Rural
Center, and
USDARD:
Community
Facilities
Loan
Determine if
the meters
have been
replaced.












Internal
Funds
Determine if
the sampling
schedule has
been
followed.












Public Utilities












23
9.3.2
Continue
scheduled
flushing of
the current
water system.
9.3.3
Conduct a
hydraulic
analysis of
the Town's
water
distribution
system to
identify
deficiencies
and ensure
protection of
public health
and safety.
Preventive
Preventive
Continuati
on of
Existing
Policy
Two years
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31,
2005)
Public Utilities
New
Project
Five Years
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31,
2008)
Outsource &
Wastewater
Commissioner
2004
Internal
Funds
Determine if
the flushing
schedule of
the
wastewater
system is
being
followed.












Internal
Funds
Determine if
hydraulic
studies and
maps have
been
completer.












Winter Storms
Nuclear Events
HAZMAT Events
Wildfires
Monitoring
/
Evaluation
Indicators
Erosion
Potential
Funding
Sources
Droughts
Responsible
Party/Org.
Flooding
Target
Completi
on Date
Tornadoes
Type of
Strategy
Implementation
Measures
Nor'easters
Goals/Objective
s
New,
Continuati
on or
Amendme
nt
Tropical Cyclones
24
9.3.4
9.3.5
9.3.6
9.3.7
Determine if
connecting
the dead-end
waterlines
will increase
the amount
of water flow
to
significantly
affect the
Town's water
supply.
Identify an
alternative to
increase the
Town's water
flow and
water
pressure.
Continue to
revise the
Town
ordinances to
be certain
they meet the
NC State
Plumbing
Code
Standards
and State
Board of
Health
requirements.
Monitor
double check
valve
assemblies
and reduce
pressure
zones to
ensure they
are in place
Preventive
Preventive
Preventive
Preventive
New
Project
Five Years
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31,
2008)
New
Project
Five Years
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31,
2008)
New
Project
Five Years
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31,
2008)
New
Project
One year
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31,
2004)
Outsource &
Wastewater
Commissioner
Outsource &
Wastewater
Commissioner
Planning
Board
Public Utilities
2004
Internal
Funds
Determine if
study has
been
conducted
and results
have been
identified.












Internal
Funds
Determine if
a report has
been
developed as
a result of
the hydraulic
study which
identifies
alternatives
to increase
water flow
in the Town.












Internal
Funds
Determine if
ordinances
have been
revised and
brought up
to date.












Internal
Funds
Determine if
all double
check valve
assemblies
and reduce
pressure
zones are in
place.












25
2004
by the state
deadline.
9.3.8
The Town
shall work
with all
surrounding
communities
and the
County to
ensure a
potable water
supply.
Preventive
New
Project
(Decembe
r 31,
2003) and
Continuo
us
Public Utilities
Internal
Funds
Determine if
there is a
current and
ongoing
conversation
between said
parties
regarding
said subject.












Winter Storms
Nuclear Events
HAZMAT Events
Monitoring
/
Evaluation
Indicators
Wildfires
Potential
Funding
Sources
Erosion
Responsible
Party/Org.
Droughts
Target
Completi
on Date
Flooding
New,
Continuati
on or
Amendme
nt
Tornadoes
Type of
Strategy
Implementation
Measures
Nor'easters
Goals/Objective
s
Tropical Cyclones
10. Minimize Risk of Fire
26
10.
1
10.
2
Maintain a
current
action plan
for fire
response.
Utilize the
best
available
technology
to identify
fires.
10.1.
1
Maintain
fire event
preparedness.
10.2.
1
Explore and
seek access to
all potential
sources of
information
and
communicati
on regarding
early fire
detection.
Preventati
ve
Preventati
ve
Continuati
on of
Existing
Policy
(Decembe
r 31,
2003) and
Continuo
us
Fire
Department
Internal
Funds
New
Project
One year
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31,
2004)
Fire
Department
Internal
Funds
Fire
Department
Internal
Funds
Fire
Department
Internal
Funds
10.2.
2
Evaluate
and improve
fire sighting
procedures.
Preventati
ve
New
Project
One year
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31,
2004)
10.2.
3
Ensure the
fire hydrants
are working
properly.
Preventati
ve
Continuati
on of
Existing
Policy
(Decembe
r 31,
2003) and
Continuo
us
2004
Determine if
the
Firefighters
have been to
any
continuing
education
classes and
if there are
any regularly
scheduled
training
sessions
completed
by each
Firefighter.
Track the
number of
fire
resources
identified
and if the
department
has taken a
proactive
approach to
tapping into
those
resources.
Track the
number of
fires
reported and
the amount
of time it
takes to
respond to
each fire.
Test the
hydrants
every three
months to
ensure
proper
working
order.
















































27
10.
3
Reduce the
potential
for fires to
occur in
Caswell
Beach.
10.3.
1
Revise the
Zoning
Ordinance to
prohibit the
use of
fireworks in
the Town
Limits of
Caswell
Beach.
Preventati
ve
Revision of
Existing
Police
One year
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31,
2004)
Planning
Board
Internal
Funds
2004
Has the
ordinance
been revised
to show
action.












Responsible
Party/Org.
Potential
Funding
Sources
Monitoring
/
Evaluation
Indicators
Flooding
Droughts
Erosion
Wildfires
HAZMAT Events
Nuclear Events
Winter Storms
Target
Completi
on Date
Tornadoes
Type of
Strategy
Implementation
Measures
Nor'easters
Goals/Objective
s
New,
Continuati
on or
Amendme
nt
Tropical Cyclones
Fire
Department
Assistance
to
Firefighters
Grants
Program
Determine if
the plan has
been
developed
and adopted
by the
governing
board.












Internal
Funds
Determine if
inspections
have been
conducted
on all new
and old
propane
tanks.












11. Minimize Potential for Damage or Injury Due to Hazardous Materials
11.
1
Maintain a
current
action plan
for
hazardous
event
response
11.
2
Decrease
potential
exposure to
hazardous
materials.
11.1.
1
Maintain
hazardous
materials
event
preparedness.
11.2.
1
Inspect all
propane
tanks located
within the
Town limits
to ensure they
are secured
as established
Preventati
ve
Preventati
ve
New Policy
One year
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31,
2004)
New Policy
One year
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31,
2004)
Building
Inspector/Zo
ning
Administrator
28
2004
through State
regulations.
11.2.
2
Inspect all
propane
tanks located
within the
Town limits
to ensure
there are no
leaks from
the tanks
and to ensure
there has
been no
surface soil
contaminatio
n.
Preventati
ve
New Policy
One year
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31,
2004) and
annually
there
after.
New Policy
One year
from the
date of
plan
adoption
(Decembe
r 31,
2004)
Building
Inspector/Zo
ning
Administrator
Internal
Funds
Determine if
inspections
have been
conducted
on all new
and old
propane
tanks.
Fire
Department
Assistance
to
Firefighters
Grants
Program
Determine if
the plan has
been
developed
and adopted
by the
governing
board.
























12. Minimize the Impact of Nuclear Accidents
12.
1
Maintain a
current
action plan
for nuclear
event
response
12.1.
1
Maintain
nuclear event
preparedness.
Preventati
ve
29
2004
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
Hazard Mitigation
Mitigation is defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as any sustained
action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from hazards and their
effects (NCDEM, 2001). Mitigation is an ongoing effort to lessen the impact that disasters have
on people and property. In practice, mitigation can take many forms and include many actions,
which happen locally. Local governments must recognize hazards and initiate mitigation action.
According to the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management (NCDEM), at a minimum,
local governments should:
 Enact and enforce building codes, zoning ordinances, and other measures to enhance their legal capability
in an effort to protect life and property.
 Make the public aware of hazards that present risks to people and property and measures they can take
to reduce their risk and possible losses.
 Comply with Federal and other regulations that are designed to reduce disaster costs as well as preserve
and protect natural, historical, and cultural resources.
Through the application of mitigation technologies and practices the Town of Caswell Beach is
working to ensure that fewer citizens and fewer local businesses become victims of disasters that
are prevalent to their area.
Planning is the key to making mitigation a proactive process and pre-disaster planning is an
essential element in building an effective mitigation program. Mitigation plans emphasize actions
taken before a disaster happens to reduce or prevent future damages. Preparing a plan to reduce
the impact of a disaster before it occurs can provide a community with a number of benefits
(NCDEM, 2001):
Saves lives and property: In light of the fact that every community exists in a distinct natural, economic and social
environment, hazard mitigation plans must fit within the specific needs of individual communities. A plan must
consider the geography, demography, community size, economy, land uses, current community goals, and the
hazards that define a community. Mitigation plans are designed to correspond with other community goals in
order to provide a plan that best suits the overall needs of the community.
Achieves Multiple Objectives: Mitigation plans can cover numerous hazards. By conducting a concurrent
assessment of community vulnerability and capability to deal with various hazards, communities are able to
prioritize needs and develop appropriate solutions to current and potential problems. This evaluation provides a
comprehensive strategy to contend with the multiple facets of hazard preparation, response and recovery.
Saves Money: The community will experience cost savings by not having to provide emergency services, rescue
operations, or recovery measures to areas that are dangerous to people in the event of a hazard. They will also
avoid costly repairs or replacement of buildings and infrastructure that would have been preventive mitigation
measures not been taken.
Facilitates post-disaster funding: Many disaster assistance agencies and programs, including FEMA, require predisaster mitigation plans as a condition for both mitigation funding and for disaster relief funding. Such plans must
include a thorough evaluation of potential hazards and community readiness for potential disasters. Programs that
require such a plan include the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), which is authorized by Section 404 of
the Stafford Act, the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMA) and the Community Rating System (CRS), all of
which are overseen by FEMA and run by the state.
30
2004
The Stafford Act, which authorizes HMGP funding, requires that communities include the
following components in their mitigation plan:
44 CFR 206.405
(a) General. In order to fulfill the requirement to evaluate natural hazards within the designated
area and to take appropriate action to mitigate such hazards, the State shall prepare and
implement a hazard mitigation plan or plan update. At a minimum the plan shall contain the
following:

An evaluation of the natural hazards in the designated area;

A description and analysis of the state and local hazard mitigation policies, programs and
capabilities to mitigate the hazards in the area;

Hazard mitigation goals and objectives and proposed strategies, programs and actions to reduce or
avoid long-term vulnerability to hazards;

A method of implementing, monitoring, evaluating and updating the mitigation plan. Such
evaluation is to occur at least a 5-year basis to ensure that implementation occurs as planned, and
to ensure that the plan remains current
Hazard Mitigation and Sustainable Development
When structures are built in inappropriate or dangerous areas they can significantly alter the
natural integrity of the area and place life and property at risk. In an effort to deter development
in hazardous areas a new initiative, sustainable development, has become an integral part of
mitigation planning.
Sustainability is development that maintains or enhances economic prosperity and community well
being while respecting, protecting and restoring the natural environment upon which people and
economics depend.
Sustainable Development
A report published by NCDEM and FEMA, entitled Hazard Mitigation in North Carolina - Measuring
Success, provides guidelines and strategies for communities seeking to achieve sustainable
development goals. According to the report, local governments and citizens can build sustainable
communities by concentrating on housing, business, infrastructure and critical facilities, and the
environment. These four factors must be linked to a comprehensive mitigation plan that includes
information dissemination to all stakeholders about hazards and preparedness. In addition, the
report recommends the following strategies to promote sustainable development:
 Sustainable Housing
 Avoid development in hazardous areas
 Protect and strengthen buildings through design and building codes
 Sustainable Business
 Integrate business and community risk assessments into business management practices
 Integrate response and recovery plans for business and local government
 Improve the capability of small business to effectively recover from natural disasters
 Sustainable Infrastructure and Critical Facilities
 Promote improved hazard resistant design and construction practices for new, replaced or repaired
infrastructure
 Promote land use planning practices to encourage new infrastructure in appropriate areas
31
2004
 Promote rehabilitation of existing critical facilities that are most vulnerable to natural hazards
 Sustainable Environment
 Relocate and prohibit unsafe land use activities
 Maintain and restore the natural mitigation function of floodplains
 Acquire environmentally sensitive areas in order to minimize development
Sustainable development practices allow communities to continue to develop and grow while also
maintaining the social and environmental factors that make the communities attractive places to
live, visit, and do business in. Creating a resilient community is a fluid process. Once a
community has completed visioning, design and implementation of sustainable development goals,
these same principles are integrated into everyday community development decisions.
The Mitigation Planning Process
Planning is the key to making hazard mitigation a proactive process rather than a reactive process.
In addition, it ensures that areas subject to hazards are identified and managed appropriately to
reduce vulnerability. Planning ensures that individual mitigation measures are carried out in a
cooperative manner such that local activities contribute to the mitigation effort and no single
measure detracts from the overall goal of creating a safer, less vulnerable community. Planning
also plays an important role in generating citizen understanding of and support for hazard
mitigation. The mitigation planning process serves to publicize hazard information and create a
forum for discussion of how best to balance the public interest and private property rights.
The mitigation planning process in Caswell Beach was, in general, a 13-step process where each
step is designed to be supported by the previous step, and in turn provides support for the next.
 Development of a Mitigation Planning Committee. Caswell Beach selected key personnel within
it’s jurisdiction to participate in the development of the Caswell Beach Community-Based
Hazard Mitigation Plan. These individuals are collectively referred to at the Mitigation
Planning Committee. The Mitigation Planning Committee for the development of the
Hazard Mitigation Plan for Caswell Beach is overseen by the Town Mayor and comprised
of the following participants:










Caswell Beach Town Clerk/Tax Administrator,
Caswell Beach Police Chief,
Caswell Beach Public Works Director,
Caswell Beach Emergency Management Coordinator,
Caswell Beach Beach Commissioner,
Caswell Beach Water Commissioner,
Caswell Beach Mayor
Yaupon Beach Fire Chief,
Oak Island Gold Club General Manager, and
Cape Fear Council of Governments Regional Planner and GIS Specialist
The Mitigation Planning Committee, under the guidance of the Town Mayor and the
facilitation of L. Gina White Consulting was responsible for the development of the plan. The
32
2004
Committee met 4 times over a 12 month period, with 100 percent participation at each
meeting, in an effort to:








Develop a Planning Area Profile;
Identify and collect data on population development trends, residential development
trends, commercial development trends, industrial development trends, as well as,
governmental development trends;
Identify and profile the hazards prevalent to the area;
Assess the areas vulnerability to each identified hazard;
Identify and discuss all governing documents for each jurisdiction;
Identify the level of mitigation planning necessary to successfully reduce the
vulnerability of the planning area to the identified hazards;
Establish goals, objectives, and strategies to be implemented through this plan; and
To review each section of the plan as it was developed.
In addition, the GIS Technician with the CFCOG and L. Gina White Consulting met on two
separate occasions to establish methodology for the development of the GIS products used to
guide the hazard profiling and vulnerability assessment within this plan. These products were
reviewed by Town Departments to ensure their accuracy.
 Hazard Identification and Analysis: This step was conducted by gathering data on the hazards
that occurred in the planning area. This information was gathered from local, state, and
federal agencies and organizations, as well as, from newspaper and other media accounts,
state and local weather records, conversations, interviews and meetings with key
informants within the planning area. One Mitigation Planning meeting was held during
this process: (October 17, 2002). During this meeting attendees had the opportunity to
review the general information on previous hazards and comment on them in a more
specific manner.
 Area Vulnerability Assessment: This step was conducted through a review of a local base
map, topography maps, flood-prone areas map, as well as, others. A more detailed analysis
was conducted through inventory development with such documents as the US Census,
tax records, community walk-throughs, as well as, conversations, interviews and meetings
with key informants within the planning area. One Mitigation Planning meeting was held
during this process: (January 15, 2003). During this meeting attendees had the opportunity
to review the specific information on previous hazards accumulated and commented on
during previous meetings. In addition, attendees were provided the opportunity to review
all GIS products and to review areas of vulnerability in association with specific hazards.
Attendees provided comments and changes to be made on both sections. Finally,
attendees began work on the Community Capability Assessment.
 Community Capability Assessment: To conduct this step a review of all documents governing
the development of the planning area was completed. This step identified the
community’s current legal, institutional, political, and technical capability in carrying out
mitigation activities. Most importantly it determined the mitigation efforts already taken
by the community.
33
2004
 Acceptability Assessment: This step was conducted by reviewing all the information
discovered within the first three steps and determining whether the community should
move forward with the planning process. At this time, a workshop was conducted
(January 21, 2003) where key personnel of the community, representatives of the business
community, academics, leaders of surrounding communities, and the like provided insight
and information as to the future needs of the community (see Appendix A for Workshop
invitation list, attendance, and sample invitation). The workshop was well attended and
the information provided by local residents, business owners, and other communities were
considered by the Mitigation Planning Committee when changes to the document were
determined. Following the changes made as a result of this workshop the draft plan was
posted at Town Hall to provide citizens the opportunity to comment.
 Community Goal Assessment: This step was conducted through a review of the governing
documents of the planning area, as well as, conversations, interviews and meetings with
key informants within the planning area. This step identified what goals are already
established and adopted for the planning area and whether or not they promote or deter
mitigation activities.
 Mitigation Strategy Development: Here all the information developed in previous steps was
taken into consideration. Subsequently programs and policies were developed when an
insufficiency was identified. As a part of the assessment a public hearing was conducted on
April 10, 2003 to determine the level of mitigation planning necessary (see Appendix B for
information on Public Hearings). There were numerous citizens present for the public
hearing who had questions about the planning process used, what was mitigation, and
what congressional and legislative actions were responsible for the Town having to embark
on this endeavor. Following this public hearing a revised draft plan was posted at Town
Hall to provide citizens the opportunity to provide further comments.
 Establish Procedures for Monitoring, Evaluating, and Reporting on Progress: This step involved a
series of tasks that assisted in setting procedures for ongoing monitoring and evaluation
after the plan has been completed and implementation has begun. Another Mitigation
Planning meeting was held in a reconvened session on June 3, 2003. In this meeting a
review of the entire document was conducted. The attendees reviewed all comments
provided by the Mayor and Board of Commissioners, as well as, any comments made at
prior Public Hearings. Alterations were made to previous sections of the plan based on
some of the comments and additional mitigation strategies were identified. In addition, a
bullet-list of topics was created to be addressed during the subsequent public hearing.
 Establish Procedures for Revisions and Updates: Here steps for establishing procedures to see
that every five years (or following a Presidentially Declared Disaster) an evaluation report
results in revisions and updates of the plan, when warranted.
 Adoption: The plan went through a Public Hearing process on June 25, 2004 and was
adopted, by the Board of Commissioners, according to the community’s enabling
legislation and established legal procedures (see Appendix C for information on Public
Hearing).
34
2004
 Compliance Review: Following adoption, the plan was reviewed by the FEMA and the State
of North Carolina, Hazard Mitigation Section, Risk Assessment and Planning Branch to
ensure the plan’s compliance with state and federal guidelines (see Appendix D for
adoption resolution, state compliance letter, and federal compliance letter).
35
2004
SECTION 2: COMMUNITY PROFILE
History
On March 5, 1975 Caswell Beach petitioned the state of North Carolina to incorporate. On
March 19, 1975 the bill introducing this request went before the NC House of Representatives.
On June 10, 1975 the first board of Aldermen were elected, with Robert L. Jones the Mayor; the
four Aldermen were; Col. Blasey, George Milligan, George Kestler, and John Barbee.
Caswell Beach is made up of several homeowners associations and a main road filled with
beautiful beach homes, the Oak Island Lighthouse and U.S. Coast Guard Station, and an
Oceanside golf course. The Town’s boundaries begin just before Town Hall on Caswell Beach
Road and go down to the North Carolina Baptist Assembly at the eastern tip of Oak Island (see
Basemap of Caswell Beach, Appendix E). Caswell Beach has a strong orientation towards singlefamily development and provides a family beach environment for year around residents, as well as,
seasonal tourists.
Geography
Caswell Beach is located in the southeast portion of Brunswick County, North Carolina, midway
between the historic port of Wilmington, North Carolina and the tourist attractions of Myrtle
Beach, South Carolina. The Town is located in the lower coastal plain of the state with elevations
ranging from sea level to 25 feet. According to the 2000 Census, the Town of Caswell Beach
covers a land area of 4.15 square miles, which includes 1.08 square miles of water area (see Basemap
of Caswell Beach, NC Appendix A). In addition, the 2000 Census identifies 370 full time residents in
the Town. However, Town official’s state that during the tourist season (mid-summer) the
population drastically increases.
Climate
The climate of Caswell Beach in the summer is hot and humid with an average temperature of
85.7 degrees. Land is frequently cooled during warm weather months by sea breezes. Winters are
cool having an average temperature of 57.7 degrees with brief cold periods. Rain occurs
throughout the year and, at times, is considered to be fairly heavy. The average annual rainfall is
approximately 56.9 inches, with 45 percent falling between June and September.
Geology
Caswell Beach has a complex geology. A post-Miocene aquifer exists between the surface and a
depth of 40 feet below surface in Caswell Beach. The aquifer consists of sand and contains
potable water. Below the post-Miocene layer is the tertiary system aquifer. This aquifer contains
porous and permeable limestone, providing conditions in which excellent quality groundwater is
stored under artesian conditions. This system extends to approximately 200 feet and appears to be
connected to the post-Miocene aquifer. The rainfall in the Caswell Beach area aids in aquifer
recharge.
Caswell Beach is in a beautiful but fragile and endangered natural environment. It is located on
the eastern end of a south-facing barrier island that is bound by the Atlantic Ocean on the south,
the marshes of the Intracoastal Waterway on the north, the Cape Fear River on the east and the
Town of Oak Island on the west. Caswell Beach is in a low-lying area with flat topography,
36
2004
adverse soil conditions, and poor natural vegetative cover. The abundance of low-lying areas
within Caswell Beach leave it susceptible to the effects of many natural hazards such as wave
intrusion, flooding, erosion, and the like.
Soils
According to the soil survey published by the United States Department of Agriculture in 1986,
the soils found in Caswell Beach are of the Bohicket – Newhan – Lafitte and the Kureb – Wando
soil compositions.
 The Bohicket – Newhan – Lafitte soils are nearly level, very poorly drained which have
clayey subsoil or are mucky throughout and are gently sloping to steep excessively drained
soils that are sandy throughout. These soils can be found on tidal flats, coastal ridges, and
barrier dunes. Bohicket and Lafitte soils are important as habitats for wetland wildlife and
plant life and are highly organic throughout and are flooded each day by high tides.
 The Kureb – Wando soils are nearly level to sloping, excessively drained soils that are
sandy throughout. The main limitations are the hazards of drought, leaching of plant
nutrients, caving of cutbanks, and difficulty of using equipment on loose, sandy soils.
Water Resources
Caswell Beach is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, and the Cape Fear River.
Adjacent to the shores of these bodies of water is a level of residential development with medium
density. These bodies of water also provide for aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing, and
secondary recreation.
Caswell Beach has several canals on the island that provide a means of relief for stormwater to
flow to surrounding wetlands and watercourses. There is residential development and the Oak
Island Golf Course adjacent to the canals, which can lead to pollution problems with stormwater
runoff.
Natural Resources
According to the 1997 Land Use Plan Caswell Beach contains classified Areas of Environmental
Concern (AEC’s).
 Coastal Wetland (AEC’s) – These are predominately salt-water marshes and serve as a
critical component in the coastal ecosystem. In Caswell Beach, coastal wetlands are
generally north of the south facing beach and east of the west corporate limit to the east
corporate limit. A good portion of the coastal wetland within Caswell Beach is owned by
the North Carolina Wildlife Trust.
 Estuarine Water (AEC’s) – These waters are the dominant component and bonding
element of the entire estuarine system, integrating aquatic influences from both land and
sea. In Caswell Beach, estuarine waters include the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal
Waterway.
37
2004
 Estuarine Shorelines (AEC’s) – The estuarine shoreline extends 75 feet landward from the
mean high water level or normal water level. In Caswell Beach these areas include the
shorelines of the Intracoastal Waterway, the Cape Fear River and the adjoining canals.
 Ocean Hazard Area (AEC’s) – These areas include beaches, frontal dunes, inlet lands, and
other areas in which geologic, vegetative, and soil conditions indicate a substantial
possibility of excessive erosion or flood damage, and where uncontrolled or incompatible
development could unreasonably endanger life or property.
 Public Trust Water (AEC’s) – In Caswell Beach these waters include the Atlantic Ocean,
Intracoastal Waterway, the Cape Fear River as well as adjacent creeks and canals. They
support valuable commercial and sports fisheries, have aesthetic value, and are important
resources for economic development.
 404 Wetlands (AEC’s) – these are areas covered by water or that have waterlogged soils
for long periods during growing season. Wetlands include, but are not limited to,
bottomlands, forests, swamps, pocosins, pine savannahs, bogs, marshes, and wet
meadows. While there are scattered wetland areas located within Caswell Beach’s planning
jurisdiction, the specific locations of wetlands must be determined through on-site analysis.
Though Caswell Beach does not have any identified Coastal Complex Natural Areas (CCNA’s)
there have been several endangered, threatened or rare species found in or near the waters of
Caswell Beach.
According to the North Carolina Heritage Program, Caswell Beach has 5 endangered species
posted on the state, federal, or global endangered list:





West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus)
Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis)
Leatherback Seaturtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
Rough-leaf Loosestrife (Lysimachia asperulifolia)
Carolina Goldenrod (Solidago pulchra)
According to the North Carolina Heritage Program, Caswell has 8 threatened species found in or
near the waters of Caswell Beach. The following are threatened species posted on the state or
federal endangered list:








American Alligator (Alligator mississippinesis)
Loggerhead Seaturtle (Caretta caretta)
Green Seaturtle (Chelonia mydas)
Savanna Indigo-bush (Amorpha Georgiana var confusa)
Seabeach Amaranth (Amaranthus pumilus)
Carolina Gopher Frog (Rana capito capito)
Carolina Grasswort (Lilaeopsis carolinensis)
Awned Meadow-beauty (Rhexia aristosa)
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2004
The North Carolina Heritage Program also identifies several significantly rare species or species of
special concern found in or near the waters of Caswell Beach.











































Eastern Painted Bunting (Passernia ciris ciris)
Chicken Turtle (Deirochelys reticularia)
Black Swampsnake (Seminatrix pygaea)
Sailfin Molly (Poecilia latipinna)
Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes)
Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea)
Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor)
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
Carolina Diamond-backed Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin centrata)
Mimic Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus mimicus)
Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius)
Savanna Campylopus (Campylopus carolinae)
Fitzgerald’s Peatmoss (Sphagnum fitzgeraldii)
Scale-leaf Gerardia (Agalinis aphylla)
Savanna Milkweed (Asclepias pedicellata)
Silverling (Baccharis glomeruliflora)
Ware’s Hair Sedge (Bulbosylis warei)
Toothed Flatsedge (Cyperus dentatus)
Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)
Threadleaf Sundew (Drosera filiformis)
Coralbean (Erythrina herbacea)
Limesink Dof-fennel (Eupatorium leptophyllum)
Soft Milk-pea (Galactia mollis)
Georgia Sunrose (Helianthemum georgianum)
Beach Morning-glory (Ipomoea imperati)
Torrey’s Pinweed (Lechea torreyi)
Pondspice (Litsea aestivalis)
Lanceleaf Seedbox (Ludwigia lanceolata)
Shrubby Seedbox (Ludwigia suffruticosa)
Southeastern Panic Grass (Panicum tenerum)
Spoonflower (Peltandra sagittifolia)
Seabeach Knotweed (Polygonum glaucum)
West Indies Meadow-beauty (Rhexia cubensis)
Short-bristled Beaksedge (Rhynchospora breviseta)
Featherbristle Beaksedge (Rhynchospora oligantha)
Coastal Beaksedge (Rhynchospora pleiantha)
Long-beak Baldsedge (Rhynchospora scirpoides)
Cabbage Palm (Sabal palmetto)
Georgia Nutrush (Scleria Georgiana)
Savanna Nutrush (Scleria verticillata)
Coastal Goldenrod (Solidago villosicarpa)
Dune Bluecurls (Trichostema sp 1)
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2004
 Carolina Triodia (Tridens carolinianus)
 Shortleaf Yellow-eyed-grass (Xyris brevifolia)
 Moundlily Yucca (Yucca gloriosa)
In addition, there are several natural community or special habitat areas identified by the North
Carolina Heritage Program, which are at risk of endangerment in the area of Caswell Beach that
are listed on the state and federal endangered list:













Brackish Marsh
Coastal Fringe Evergreen Forest
Coastal Fringe Sandhill
High Pocosin
Maritime Evergreen Forest
Maritime Shrub
Pine Savanna
Pond Pine Woodland
Salt Marsh
Small Depression Pond
Wet Pine Flatwoods
Xeric Sandhill Scrub
Wading Bird Rookery
Recreation
The Town of Caswell Beach sponsors four annual events: the Lighthouse BBQ in May, the Holiday
Reception in December, and 2 summer picnics in August and September. These events assist
Caswell Beach in retaining their reputation as a family oriented residential community.
Caswell Beach is also home to the Oak Island Golf Club. The Oak Island Golf Club was built in
1962 by George Cobb. It is a privately owned club, for public use, located at 928 Caswell Beach
Road and winds through the towns of Caswell Beach and Oak Island. The course itself is 104.8
acres which includes a clubhouse.
Caswell Beach has a vast array of recreational activities such as: fishing, shell-fishing, boating, and
other water activities, which are associated with the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway.
There are a total of 12 beach access points that are provided by the Town of Caswell Beach.
These facilities are located on Caswell Beach road throughout the residential area and opposite the
CP&L Pumping Station.
Population Trends
Research shows that the population in Caswell Beach has drastically increased over the last 20
years (see Table 2.1). The decade between 1980 and 1990 saw an increase in population by 65
persons. There were increases in all categories except the 6 – 12 Year category which saw a
decrease of 8 persons. The largest increase was seen in the 25 – 44 Year category. The decade
between 1990 and 2000 saw a increase in population by 195 persons which showed that the
population of this area was increasing at an increasing rate. During this decade all categories of
age composition except the 18 – 20, 21 – 24, and 25 – 44 categories experienced an increase in
40
2004
population with the 65 – 74 Year category having the largest increase with an additional 70
persons. The largest population of persons residing in Caswell Beach are persons of or close to
retirement age (55 and over). However, there is still a solid group of persons who are also of
working age in the community, as well as, a small group of children. Caswell Beach has taken
several steps to assist in the orderly growth and development of the community. Based on that
and based on the history of growth in Caswell Beach, it is reasonable to assume that the
community will continue to grow and prosper.
Table 2.1
Caswell Beach 1980-2000 Population Change
Age Composition
1980
1990
2000
TOTAL
0-5 Years
6-17 Years
18-20 Years
21-24 Years
25-44 Years
45-54 Years
55-59 Years
60-64 Years
65-74 Years
75-84 Years
85 & Over
110
2
22
3
0
22
17
7
10
22
5
0
175
6
14
6
6
45
35
16
13
26
7
1
370
6
21
4
4
42
53
57
51
96
32
4
Change Change
1980-1990 1990-2000
65
4
-8
3
6
23
18
9
3
4
2
1
195
0
7
-2
-2
-3
18
41
38
70
25
3
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Residential Development Trends
There are 6 districts identified on the Zoning Map of Caswell Beach, NC (Appendix E) whose primary
purpose is residential development.
The Single-family residential district (R-20SF) is intended for single-family housing at a specific
density; such as 20,000 square feet per residence. The regulations are designed to maintain a
suitable environment for family living. The Zoning Map of Caswell Beach, NC (Appendix E)
identifies 97 acres within the R-20SF district.
The Single-family residential districts (R-12 and R-8) are intended primarily for single-family
houses at various densities of population. Certain non-residential uses of public or semi-public
nature are permitted. The regulations for these districts are designed to maintain a suitable
environment for family living. Densities of development are controlled by minimum lot area
requirements, which are different with each district. The minimum lot area requirement, in
thousands of square feet, is indicated by the numerical identification of each district. The Zoning
Map of Caswell Beach, NC (Appendix E) identifies 80 acres within the R-12 and R-8 districts.
The Multi-family residential district (R-20MF) is intended to provide for low density apartment
development in areas which would be unsuited for multi-family use on a higher density, less basis.
By having high dimensional standards and requiring site plan approval, maximum control of
41
2004
development can be achieved through this district. The Zoning Map of Caswell Beach, NC (Appendix
E) identifies 52 acres within the R-20MF district.
The (R-MH) Mobile homes district is intended to provide for the development of properly located
and planned facilities for mobile homes. It is recognized that mobile homes should be located in
mobile home parks and subdivisions only and that such areas must be carefully located and
designed to meet the needs of the residents and to achieve a satisfactory relationship to adjoining
and nearby property. The Zoning Map of Caswell Beach, NC (Appendix E) does not identify any
acres within the R-MH district.
The Business district (B-MF) is designed primarily as a business center located at an accessible
place with respect to traffic circulation in order to conveniently serve both the resident and
seasonal population. Existing condominiums used for residential purposes are also permitted
within this district as a matter of right and new residential condominiums are permitted as
conditional uses. The business uses allowed as conditional uses in this district are those thought to
be compatible with adjacent land uses and the town land use plan. To date there are only multifamily structures located within this district. The Zoning Map of Caswell Beach, NC (Appendix E)
identifies 13 acres within the B-MF district.
Table 2.2 shows that the number of housing structures in Caswell Beach drastically increased over
the past 20 years just as the population has. Between 1980 and 1990 the total number of
structures in Caswell Beach more than doubled with a total of 346 structures being added to the
count. There was an increase in structures in all residential categories with the largest increase
being in the 5+ Units category. In the decade between 1990 and 2000 all categories except the 5+
Units category and the Mobile Home & Trailer Unit category saw an increase with the largest
increase being in the 1 – Unit Detached category. The decrease in the number of mobile home
and trailer units is a good development practice in that mobile homes and trailers are more
susceptible to damage from disastrous events, especially those involving high wind and heavy
flooding.
Table 2.2
Caswell Beach Residential Structure Trends 1980-2000
Total
1-Unit-Detached
1-Unit-Attached
2-4 Units
5+ Units
Mobile Home & Trailer Units
1980
1990
2000
93
82
3
4
4
0
439
148
7
34
242
8
575
251
50
71
201
2
Change 19902000
136
103
43
37
-41
-6
Source: U. S. Census Bureau
The most recent structural numbers were identified in the Brunswick County Tax Records. As of
December 2003 there were 800 developed or developable residential properties in Caswell Beach
contained within 242 acres. Residential property in Caswell Beach has a current tax value of
$141,330,865 (see Table 2.3).
42
2004
Future Residential Development
Caswell Beach is a thriving community based on family values and residential development. The
community is in a constant state of development and redevelopment. The primary development
goal is to continue to develop Caswell Beach as a residential, family oriented beach. However, at
this time there are no permits before the board for new subdivision development.
Commercial & Industrial Development Trends
The Commercial recreation (CR) district is established to maintain and protect the existing golf
course and related uses. The principal use of the land is for recreational pursuits which are in
keeping with the town's low density single-family residential development. It is also the intent to
limit the uses to those that presently exist. The Zoning Map of Caswell Beach, NC (Appendix E)
identifies 124 acres within the CR district.
According to County Tax Records, as of December 2002 there was 1 commercial property in
Caswell Beach (The Oak Island Golf Course and Country Club) that is contained within 124 acres
(see Table 2.1). Commercial property in Caswell Beach has a total current tax value of $2,748,540
(land value $838,400 and structural value $1,910,140) (see Table 2.3).
Future Commercial & Industrial Development
According to the Town Clerk, The Oak Island Golf Course covers 104.80 acres. As a result there
are 19.2 acres within the CR district of the Town Limits that are zoned for commercial use but to
date there are no permits pending approval. However, Town officials report that the Town’s
primary focus is on residential, family development.
Table 2.3
Town of Caswell Beach Area Vulnerability Asssessment Worksheet - A
Current Conditions
Potential Future Conditions
Projected
Number of
Current
Projected
Type of
Number of Projected
Existing Private Current Value Number of
Number of
Development
Private
Value
Buildings
People
People
Buildings
Residential
800
$141,330,865
370
0
$0
0
Commercial &
1
$2,748,540
17
0
$0
0
Industrial
Other
0
$0
0
0
$0
0
Subtotal
801
$144,079,405
387
0
$0
0
Source: Brunswick County 2002 Tax Records and United States Census 2000.
Critical Facility and Infrastructure Development Trends
Critical facilities are those facilities that are necessary to the day-to-day operation of the Town and
should they go down or should their services be interrupted they would hinder the continued
operation of the Town. Many critical facilities such as the Police Department, Fire Department,
Public Works/Utilities Department and the Town Hall also provide extensive recovery assistance
43
2004
following disasters. The following is specific information on the critical facilities found in Caswell
Beach.
Town Hall
Town Hall is located at 1100 Caswell Beach Road and houses the administrative offices for the
Town of Caswell Beach. There are 2 employees located in the Town hall. The Town Hall is
shared with the Police Department and Public Utilities/Public Works Department. According to
insurance records, the building has a value of $159,235 and the contents value is $61,175 (see
Table 2.5).
Roads
The Department of Transportation estimates the value of paved roads at $200,000 per mile. The Town of Caswell
Beach and the State of North Carolina maintains approximately 5.1 miles of road (3.4 State owned and 1.7 Town
owned), which calculates to an estimated value of $1,020,000 (see Table 2.5).
Schools
There are no schools within the Caswell Beach planning jurisdiction.
Hospital
There is no public or private hospital or emergency medical facility located within the planning
jurisdiction of the Town of Caswell Beach. The Dosher Memorial Hospital is located in
Southport approximately 10 miles from Caswell Beach and provides medical services for the
Caswell Beach citizens.
Police
The Police Department for the Town of Caswell Beach is located at 1100 Caswell Beach Road.
The department employs 1 – Chief, 3 – full-time officers, 3 – part-time staff, and 2 – reserve staff.
The department currently owns 3 – patrol vehicles, and 1 – “Deuce and a half” at a total value of $
38,000. The department services all areas within the municipal boundaries and has Memorandums
of Understanding with the NC Highway Patrol, Oak Island Public Safety, Boiling Spring Lakes
Police Department, and Southport Police Department. The Police Department shares a building
with the Town Hall and Public Utilities/Public Works Department (see Table 2.5).
Fire
Though the Yaupon Beach Volunteer Fire Department is not a Town owned facility it does serve
Caswell Beach through a contractual agreement. A considerable portion of funding for the
Yaupon Beach Volunteer Fire Department comes from a county-collected fire fee district that
includes all of Caswell Beach. The station is located at 518 Yaupon Drive, Oak Island. The Fire
Department no paid employees but has 35 volunteers. Currently the department services all areas
within the municipal boundaries and has a memorandum of agreement with Brunswick County,
Caswell Beach, CP&L, and Oak Island.
Public Utilities/Public Works
The Public Utilities/ Public Works is located at 1100 Caswell Beach Road. The department
employs 1 part-time person. Public Utilities/Public Works has 3 major pieces of equipment and 1
vehicle with a total value of $11,800 (see Table 2.4). Public Utilities/Public Works shares a
building with Town Hall and the Police Department (see Table 2.5).
Table 2.4
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2004
Vehicles and Equipment Owned by Public Utilities in Caswell Beach
YEAR
MAKE/MODEL
N/A
N/A
1983
1993
SPE 400 8HP Generator
SPE 400 8HP Generator
Trailer
Chevrolet Pick-Up
TOTAL
REPLACEMENT LOCATION OF
VALUE
EQUIPMENT
$500.00 Town Hall
$500.00 Shed
$800.00 Town Hall
$10,000.00 Town Hall
$11,800.00
Source: Public Utilities Commissioner
Wastewater Treatment/Collection
There are 4 active sewer systems currently in use in Caswell Beach.
1. Caswell Dunes has a self-maintained system with a design capacity of 75K gallons per day.
2. The Arboretum/Ocean Greens receives service through a rapid infiltration basin which
has a design capacity of 100K gallons per day. The system is owned and managed by the
Caswell Sewer Service a not-for-profit 501(c)(3).
3. The Oak Island Beach Villas is serviced through the Town of Oak Island.
4. The Oak Island Golf Club is serviced through the Town of Oak Island.
Most importantly, the Town of Caswell Beach is currently managing the majority of it’s wastewater
through individual septic systems. However, the Town is researching the possibility of retaining
wastewater collection services through the County or through Oak Island (see future critical
facility development for more information).
Water
The Town of Caswell Beach currently receives its water from Brunswick County who purchases
its water from the Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority. The Town owns a distribution
system which currently has 360 taps. The Town is researching the possibility of expanding it’s
ownership in its water department (see future critical facility development for more information).
Future Critical Facility and Infrastructure Development
Wastewater Treatment/Collection
The Town is working with W.K. Dickson Company to develop a wastewater collection system
study. The cost of the system will be 2.5M dollars and will be serviced through Oak Island or
Brunswick County. This project is in its embryonic state but the Town will determine if they
choose to proceed with the project following the completion of the study.
Water
In the fall of 2002 Caswell Beach applied for a Capacity Grant from the Rural Center to assist in
funding a study and to map the Towns water system. The grant was awarded to the Town in the
spring of 2003. The grant will be $15K with a local match of $15K.
In addition, in the fall of 2002 the Town applied for a $700K grant from the United States
Department of Agriculture. This grant will provide the funds necessary to install a 300 gallon
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2004
water tank in the Town Limits. The Town should receive a reply from USDA in the spring of
2003.
Table 2.5
Town of Caswell Beach Area Vulnerability Asssessment
Worksheet - B
Current Conditions
Potential Future Conditions
Public Buildings and Critical Facilities
Type of
Development
Number of
Existing Private
Buildings
Projected
Current
Number
Current Value Number of
of Private
People
Buildings
Projected
Value
Projected
Number of
People
Wastewater
Collection
Department
0
$0.00
0
Collection
System
$2,500,000.00
0
Water Treatment
Plant
0
$0.00
0
Water
Study &
Watertank
$730,000.00
0
0
$0.00
1
0
$0.00
0
0
$0.00
0
0
$0.00
0
0
$0.00
0
0
$0.00
0
$1,020,000.00
0
0
$0.00
0
Public
Utilities/Public
Works
Department*
Hospital
Schools
Infrastructure
5.1 Miles
Police Station*
0
$0.00
9
0
$0.00
0
Fire Station
0
$0.00
0
0
$0.00
0
Hazard Materials
Facilities
0
$0.00
0
0
$0.00
0
1
$220,410.00
2
0
$0.00
0
0
$0.00
0
0
$0.00
0
$3,230,000.00
0
$3,230,000.00
0
Government
Offices*
Emergency
Shelter
Subtotal
Total
(Worksheet A +
B)
1- Building, 5.1
Miles of Road
802- Buildings, 5.1
Miles of Road
$1,240,410.00
12
$145,319,815.00
399
1Collection
System, 1Study and
Watertank
1Collection
System, 1Study and
Watertank
* Town Hall, the Police Station and Public Utilities Department share a common
building.
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SECTION 3: HAZARD VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT
In this section the past hazard events of Caswell Beach are recorded and analyzed. This
information is identified by using both primary and secondary research materials which will
include but is not limited to reports from local, state, and national agencies, as well as, media
accounts, state and local weather records, and conversations with key personnel and residents in
the Town of Caswell Beach. This analysis will include the possible severity and magnitude as well
as the potential impact of damage within the Town from future hazards.
For the purpose of ranking hazards affecting the community in order of the importance for
mitigating their effects, a hazard index has been assigned (see Table 3.1) that takes into account the
anticipated Frequency of Occurrence (see Table 3.2) and specific Consequences of Impact (see
Table 3.3). This is not meant to be a scientific process, but will serve as a way to prioritize
mitigation measures based on the potential frequency and the likely extent of damage from
hazards known to affect the community. This ranking will be considered when specific mitigation
measures are prioritized for implementation, along with other factors, such as stated community
goals, citizen concerns, on-going projects, and opportunities for funding.
Table 3.1
Hazard Index Ranking
Impact 
Frequency of
Occurrence 
Catastrophic
Critical
Limited
Negligible
5
4
4
3
(Highest)
(High)
(High)
(Medium)
5
4
3
2
Likely
(Highest)
(High)
(Medium)
(Low)
4
3
2
2
Possible
(High)
(Medium)
(Low)
(Low)
3
2
1
1
Unlikely
(Medium)
(Low)
(Lowest)
(Lowest)
Highly
2
1
1
1
Unlikely
(Low)
(Lowest)
(Lowest)
(Lowest)
Hazard Index Scale: 1-5, with 5 indicating the highest priority for considering mitigation
measures and 1indicating the lowest priority. (Highest, High, Medium, Low, Lowest)
Source: FEMA and NCDEM
Highly Likely
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2004
Table 3.2
Frequency of Occurance
Highly Likely
Near 100 percent probability in the next year.
Likely
Between 10 and 100 percent probability in the next year, or at least one chance
in the next 10 years.
Possible
Between 1 and 10 percent probability in the next year or at least one chance in
the next 100 years.
Unlikely
Less than 1 percent probability in the next year or less than one chance in the
next 100 years.
Highly Unlikely Little to no probability in next 100 years.
Table 3.3
Consequences of Impact
Catastrophic
Multiple deaths, complete shutdown of facilities for 30 days or more, more than
50 percent of property is severly damaged.
Critical
Multiple severe injuries, complete shutdown of critical facilities for at least 2
weeks, more than 25 percent of property is severely damaged.
Limited
Some injuries, complete shutdown of critical facilities for more than one week,
more than 10 percent of property severely damaged.
Negligible
Minor injuries, minimal quality-of-life impact, shutdown of critical facilities and
services for 24 hours or less, less than 10 percent of property is severely damaged.
The criteria provided by FEMA Region IV for the development of the Hazard Mitigation Plan
identifies 11natural hazards and states that, at a minimum, Caswell Beach must address: Winter
storms/Extreme Cold, Severe Thunderstorms/Tornadoes, Hurricanes/Coastal Storms, Floods,
Riverine/Coastal Erosion, Drought/Heat Wave, Landslides/Sinkholes, Earthquakes, Tsunami
Events, Volcanoes, Wildfires, and Dam/Levee Failure. It should be noted that, several of the
hazards established under the minimum criteria were not relevant to the community and received a
low hazard index ranking as a result. However, there are other hazards that were identified which
are not in the minimum criteria established by FEMA Region IV that were added to the
discussion. Additionally, the hazards examined herein are divided into two categories: Natural
Hazards which include Tropical Cyclones, Flooding, Nor’easters, Erosion, Severe
Thunderstorms/Windstorms, Wildfires, Tornadoes, Winter storms, Droughts, Extreme
Heat/Heat Waves, Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Tsunamis, Landslides, Sinkholes and Technological
Hazards which includes Hazardous Materials Events and Dam/Levee Failures.
48
2004
In addition to the identification and ranking of each hazard, this section used the information
identified in the community profile section of this plan and compared it to the hazards identified
to determine the areas vulnerability to each hazard. This assessment provides detailed information
on the number of structures and the potential population that could be affected by each hazard.
In addition, this information is displayed in a series of GIS products found in Appendix E.
Natural Hazards
Natural processes such as tropical cyclones, floods, tornadoes, winter storms, and the like are an
enduring condition around the human environment. Natural hazards become disasters when they
intersect with the human environment and in North Carolina, particularly; natural disasters have
left a profound imprint causing devastating loss of life, property, economy and community. While
most natural processes present little danger to human well being, some develop into hazardous
situations that place life, property, economy, and community at higher risk.
Tropical Cyclones
Hurricanes, tropical storms and typhoons are collectively known as tropical cyclones. These
cyclones are defined by FEMA (1997) as low-pressure areas of closed circulation winds that
originate over tropical waters. For the purpose of understanding tropical storms within the
context of this plan it should be understood that tropical storms have sustained surface wind
speed that ranges from 39 to < 74 mph and that hurricanes have a minimum sustained surface
wind speed of at least 74 mph. For a more detailed breakdown of hurricane intensity
classifications this plan will reference the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale (see Table 3.4).
Table 3.4
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
Scale Number
(Category)
Central Pressure
(mbar)
1
> 980
2
965 - 979
3
945 - 964
4
920 - 944
5
< 920
Source: FEMA, 1997.
(in)
> 28.94
28.50 - 28.91
27.91 - 28.47
27.17 - 27.88
< 27.17
Wind Speed Storm Surge
(mph)
(ft)
74 - 95
96 - 110
111 - 130
131 - 155
> 155
4-5
6-8
9 - 12
13-18
> 18
Potential
Damage
Minimal
Moderate
Extensive
Extreme
Catostrophic
Tropical Cyclone Vulnerability Summary
The period from 1900-2002 was studied for information on tropical cyclone events. Numerous
secondary sources were employed including: The Caswell Beach Website; Barnes, Jay, 1998 and
2001; The State Port Pilot; Wilmington Morning Star; Brunswick County Hazard Mitigation Plan;
Cable News Network; Emergency Management records; NOAA; National Climatic Data Center;
and The Weather Channel. In addition, several primary sources were utilized including: the
Mayor, Commissioners, Town Clerk, Fire Chief, and Police Chief.
49
2004
The Period from 1996-1999 was the most active, four consecutive years on record with 5 named
storms, 4 major storms (Bertha, Fran, Bonnie, and Floyd) making landfall and having significant
effects on the area. This was the most active period since the period 1954-1958 when 4 significant
storms (Hazel, Connie, Diane, and Helene) hit the area causing devastating effects. As seen in the
bullet list above, the principal effects tropical cyclone events have had on the area include
extensive beach erosion, flooding, and high wind damage. These effects have led to the
destruction of the dune system, damage to primary and secondary transportation routes,
catastrophic structural damage (losses in many cases), the loss of critical facilities, and extended
evacuations from the island.
Tropical Cyclones can either be wind events or water events. As a result, tropical cyclones can
cause extensive wind damage, storm surge damage, flooding damage, and erosion. The
vulnerability of wind and storm surge is discussed in this portion of the plan. Whereas the
vulnerability to flooding is discussed in the flooding portion of the plan and the vulnerability to
erosion is discussed in the erosion portion of this plan.
As seen on the Wind Zone Map of Caswell Beach, NC map (see Appendix E) the area of the Town
most vulnerable to the effects of strong winds is the first row, beach front area (Zone 1). This, in
large part, is contributed to the fact that structures located on a beach are not sheltered or
protected from the elements and are left in a higher state of vulnerability. A comparison of the
Wind Zone Map of Caswell Beach, NC map (see Appendix E) and the Zoning Map of Caswell Beach, NC
map (see Appendix E) shows that this area is primarily zoned for low density residential use with
periodic zones of medium density residential use dispersed within. Table 3.5 shows the
approximate vulnerability Zone 1 has to the effects of wind.
Table3.5
Approximate Vulnerability to the Effects of Wind in Zone 1
Type of Development
Residential
Commercial & Industrial
Other
Total
Number of Existing
Private Buildings
108
0
0
108
Current Value
$19,079,604.00
$0.00
$0.00
$19,079,604.00
Current Number
of People
234
0
0
234
As seen on the Storm Surge (Slow) Inundation Areas of Caswell Beach, NC map (Appendix E) and the
Strom Surge (Fast) Inundation Areas pf Caswell Beach, NC map (Appendix E) the level of storm surge is
directly related to the category of hurricane. Caswell Beach is a coastal Town and with a fast
storm surge Category 1 and 2 hurricanes inundate 40 percent of the developed property in the
Town limits with the western end of the island, which are primarily zoned for residential use,
having the least impact. During a slow storm surge Category 1 and 2 hurricanes would inundate
30 percent of the developed property in the Town limits, with the western end of the island, which
are primarily zoned for residential use, having a minor impact. However, it should be noted that a
Category 4 or 5 hurricane could inundate 95 percent of the island, leaving catastrophic losses in its
wake. Table 3.6 shows the approximate vulnerability the Town has to fast and slow storm surge.
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2004
In addition, the Storm Surge (Slow and Fast) Inundation Areas of Caswell Beach, NC map (Appendix E)
reveals that during a slow storm surge the Publics works Office, Town Hall, and Police
Department would be affected during a Category 1and 2 (see Table 3.6).
Table 3.6
Approximate Vulnerability to the Effects of Storm Surge (Category 1 & 2)
FAST
Number of
Type of
Existing Private
Development
Structures
Residential
Commercial &
Industrial
Other
Total
320
0
0
320
SLOW
Current Value
$56,532,160.00
$0.00
$0.00
56,532,160
Current
Number of
Number of Existing Private
People
Structures
691
280
0
0
0
691
1
281
Current Value
$49,465,640.00
$0.00
$220,410.00
49,686,050
Current
Number of
People
605
0
12
617
When comparing the Storm Surge (Slow) Inundation Areas of Caswell Beach, NC map (Appendix E) and
the Strom Surge (Fast) Inundation Areas of Caswell Beach, NC map (Appendix E) to the Repetitively
Damaged Areas Due to Water Events in Caswell Beach, NC map (Appendix E) the properties identified
as repetitively damaged are primarily located within the Category 1 and 2 slow and fast storm surge
zone. According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) there are 7 structures located
within the areas of repetitive damage which have a structural replacement value of $704,375.
Historical records indicate it is highly likely a tropical cyclone will affect Brunswick County and the Town of Caswell
Beach in the future. The Town has lost the use of critical facilities for up to 10 days and has suffered critical
damage to property. There have been minor and major injuries reported, as well as, several fatalities due to
tropical cyclones. Mandatory evacuations have lasted up to 10 days. Due to the geographic location and the
history of tropical cyclones in Caswell Beach it is highly likely that they will be affected by tropical cyclones in the
future. Future impacts could be catastrophic in terms of property damage. However, the catastrophic classification
requires multiple deaths to occur and because of mandatory evacuations in the area, the number of deaths and
injuries will be significantly reduced. As a result, future impacts are downgraded to critical meaning multiple injuries
may occur, critical facilities may be shut down for a minimum of 2 weeks and over 25 percent of the property in the
community would be damaged. These factors suggest a hazard index ranking of 5 for tropical cyclones in the
Caswell Beach area. This indicates that tropical cyclones should be one of the most important considerations in
determining the Towns mitigation strategies (see Table 3.14).
Individual Tropical Cyclone Incident Specifics
 September 1916: Tropical Storm, no damage estimates
 September 1920: Tropical Storm, no damage estimates
 September 1928: “The Great Hurricane” resulted in very severe floods for the Cape Fear
River and surrounding areas but here are no specific damages estimates for Caswell Beach
as it was not an incorporated Town at the time of this disaster.
 August 1944: (Category 1) No name Hurricane – Came ashore near Southport, North
Carolina. There were wind gusts of up to 80 mph reported in Oak Island and waves of up
to 30 feet were reported in some areas. There are no specific damages estimates for
Caswell Beach as it was not an incorporated Town at the time of this disaster.
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2004
 October 1954: (Category 4) Hurricane Hazel – The Beaches of Brunswick County were
hardest hit by Hazel. Flood heights during Hazel reached more than 18 feet. The dune
system for the area was annihilated and roads were either washed away or covered in
several feet of sand. Winds up to 140 mph were reported in Oak Island. The Beaches of
Brunswick County had virtually every home washed away or severely damaged. The
Weather Bureau Office in Raleigh issued the following statement after reviewing the
damage in the Brunswick County Beaches: “All traces of civilization on the portion of the
immediate waterfront between the state line and Cape Fear were practically annihilated. In
most cases it is impossible to tell where the buildings stood” Barnes, 1998). There are no
specific damages estimates for Caswell Beach as it was not an incorporated Town at the
time of this disaster.
 August 1955: (Category 3) Hurricane Connie – Hit the North Carolina near Cape Lookout
but the fridge of the storm hit the area now known as Caswell Beach. Hugh waves
pounded the area and tides rose to more than 7 feet above normal causing extensive beach
erosion and torrential flooding. There are no specific damages estimates for Caswell
Beach as it was not an incorporated Town at the time of this disaster.
 August 1955: (Category 2) Hurricane Diane: Crossed the North Carolina Coast near
Caswell Beach 5 days after Hurricane Connie. Diane’s punch was exacerbated by the
residual floodwaters, which soaked the ground from Connie. As a result extensive
flooding caused catastrophic destruction in twenty-two counties in North Carolina.
However, most of the damages were seen in the inland counties not along the coastline.
There are no specific damages estimates for Caswell Beach as it was not an incorporated
Town at the time of this disaster.
 September 1958: (Category 4) Hurricane Helene – passed near the North Carolina Coast in
the Cape Fear Region. Though it did not make landfall winds of up to 125 mph were
reported in Southport. Because the storm arrived during low tide there was little flooding
and little damage as a result of floodwaters. However, in North Carolina wind damage was
approximately $11M. In North Carolina there were no deaths reported only minor
injuries. There are no specific damages estimates for Caswell Beach as it was not an
incorporated Town at the time of this disaster.
 September 1960: (Category 3) Hurricane Donna – Beach erosion in New Hanover and
Brunswick County was extensive as a result of the severe storm surge. Numerous trees
were toppled and power outages lasted for more than a week. There are no specific
damages estimates for Caswell Beach as it was not an incorporated Town at the time of
this disaster. The end of Donna began more than a decade of silence and a reprieve from
tropical cyclones for the eastern part of North Carolina.
 September 1984: (Category 2) Hurricane Diana – hit the North Carolina Coast twice near
Caswell Beach. The highest sustained winds of 115 mph were reported at the Oak Island
Coast Guard Station. There was widespread tree damage along the coast and the interior
near the storms path. Heavy rains loosened soil causing the uprooting of trees to be made
easier. Downed trees often crashed into homes and power lines, and often blocked streets
and evacuation routes. Structural damage was widespread but variable. Brunswick County
Building Inspectors reported that many new homes, which had been built under new
Building Codes for NC, had fared the storm much better than older homes built under the
old criteria. Diana offered the first real wind-effect test of the state’s recently modified
building codes.
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2004
 November 1985: Tropical Storm Kate – hit the North Carolina coast but there were no
reported damages for Brunswick County.
 June 1996: Tropical Storm Arthur – No property damage or injuries were reported.
 July 1996: (Category 2) Hurricane Bertha – Hit the North Carolina coast between
Wrightsville Beach and Topsail Island. According to the Brunswick County Emergency
Management Director, Randy Thompson, the total reported structural damages were
$150,905. The storm surge caused extensive beach erosion and structural damage.
Caswell Beach was evacuated and damages to the area were reported as minimal as it was
on the lighter side of the storm where those on the inland side of the storm received
massive destruction. Evacuations from Bertha lasted approximately 2 days.
 September 1996: (Category 3) Hurricane Fran – Hit the North Carolina coast near Bald
Head Island. Because the Beaches were on the weaker side of the storm the damage was
less severe than the areas affected inland. The storm surge in Caswell Beach was measured
at approximately 6 feet causing flooding in many areas and beach erosion. The CP&L
Nuclear Power Plant located near Southport was shut down for 16 hours prior to the
storms arrival which affected critical utilities in the area of Caswell Beach. However, after
the storm passed the power plant reported no damage and service was continued.
According to the Brunswick County Emergency Management Director, Randy Thompson,
total structural damages for Fran were reported to be $126,995. Evacuations from Fran
lasted approximately 3 days.
 August 1998: (Category 2) Hurricane Bonnie – Bonnie made landfall near Bald Head
Island. Rainfall of about 7 inches caused extensive ponding of water. Storm surge was
reported at 5 to 8 feet in Caswell Beach causing extensive beach erosion. Sustained winds
of 100 mph were reported in Oak Island. There was roof damage on five homes in the
Caswell Beach area that exposed the inside of the home. In addition the wind caused
minor damage to several other homes in the area. There was flooding in the 700 block of
Caswell Beach Road. According to the State Port Pilot (September 2, 1998) damage to
homes in Caswell Beach was estimated at $432,000 and $28,000 to businesses in Caswell
Beach. There was damage reported to public access areas that was approximately #150
and removal of debris cost approximately $3,000. Evacuations from Bonnie lasted
approximately 3 days.
 September 1999: Tropical Storm Dennis (downgraded from Hurricane Dennis) – Rainfall of
6 inches was reported in Caswell Beach and caused extensive ponding of water. Tides
averaged 2-4 feet higher than normal. Minor beach erosion occurred in Caswell Beach as a
result of storm surge and wave action. There was overwash at the 700 block of Caswell
Beach Road and the block was covered in 18 inches of sand. Additionally, there was a 2
foot undercut of the pavement on the south side of Caswell Beach Road. According to the
Emergency Management Director, structural damages from Dennis were reported to be
$39,522. Evacuations from Dennis lasted approximately 2 days.
 September 1999: (Category 4 in Bahamas, Category 2 when made landfall in North Carolina)
Hurricane Floyd – Wind gusts caused downed trees and power outages. The storm surge in Caswell Beach
ranged from 9 to 10 feet causing extensive beach erosion. Precipitation from Floyd was approximately 19
inches in many areas creating floods, which led to extensive damage throughout the town. Damage
assessment crews reported major damage was limited to 3 homes due to high water and storm surge and 1as
a result of a downed tree. In addition high water throughout the town caused additional minor damage to
houses, walkways and decks. Flooding was most serious on Pine Hurst Drive through Caswell Dunes
which impeded access to the patio homes along Greenview Drive and on Flowering Bridge Path into the
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2004
Arboretum. Caswell Beach Road was over washed and was substantially damaged in the 700-800
blocks. The road was open and passable but was limited to one lane for a couple of hundred yards near the
entrance to Ocean Greens. Caswell Beach road was also covered in sand, which was cleared and replaced
on the beach to reinforce the dunes. Additionally, many dunes throughout the town were destroyed or
substantially narrowed. Three public beach access points (2nd-row walkover in the 200 block, and the two
easternmost walkovers at the main public parking lot) received extensive damage causing them to be closed
for sometime. In addition, Caswell Beach issued a town wide curfew which remained in effect for one week.
Caswell Beach reported $437,000 property damage as a result of Floyd. Evacuations lasted 7 days and
people were allowed back on the island as critical facilities became available.
 September 1999: (Category 1 and 2 as it passed NC) Hurricane Irene – The eye of the hurricane
remained offshore as it traveled parallel to the North Carolina coast. However, it did cause the flooding
from Hurricane Floyd to worsen on Caswell Beach Road as the ground was already saturated. There was
minor wind damage to some structures in the form of shingle removal and the like. There were minor
erosional problems in Caswell Beach but the greatest effects of the storm were seen in counties further north.
 September 2002: Tropical Storm Gustov – grazed the Northern parts of the Outer Banks. However,
Caswell Beach was at the tail end of the storm receiving higher than average seas (8’ – 12’ swells). There
was no reported damage in Caswell Beach from this storm.
Nor’easters
Nor’easters have effects on the landscape similar to those of a Tropical Cyclone event. However,
nor’easters are extra-tropical storms that derive their strength from horizontal gradients in
temperature (i.e. they form as a result of a drastic drop in temperature). This drastic drop in
temperature creates instability above and an area of low pressure below. Large temperature
differences create turbulence, which is further agitated by the earth’s rotation that causes the air to
circle around the center, similar to a hurricane. The season for nor’easters is October to April
with February being the busiest month. Nor’easters can achieve wind gusts that exceed hurricane
force in intensity and the storm can last up to a week and reach a size of up to 1,000 miles or more
in diameter. In addition, nor’easters can create extreme winter conditions. This information will
be discussed in the winter storm section of this plan.
Nor’easters are rated by the Dolan-Davis Nor’easter Intensity Scale (1993). This scale ranks
nor’easters from a storm scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the most severe (see Table 3.7).
Table 3.7
Dolan-Davis Nor'easter Intensity Scale (1993)
Storm Class
1 (Weak)
Beach Erosion
Minor Changes
Modest; Mostly to
2 (Moderate)
lower beach
Erosion extends
3 (Significant)
across beach
Severe beach erosion
4 (Severe)
and recession
Extreme beach
5 (Extreme)
erosion
Dune Eroision
None
No
Overwash
Property Damage
No
Minor
No
No
Loss of many structures
at local level
Severe dune erosion
Loss of structures at
On low beaches
or destruction
community-scale
Dunes Destroyed
Massive in sheets and Extensive losses on a
over extensive areas channels
regional-scale
Can be Significant
No
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2004
Source: FEMA, 1997.
Nor’easter Vulnerability Summary
The period from 1950-2002 was studied for information on nor’easters. Numerous secondary
sources were employed including: Barnes, Jay, 1998; The State Port Pilot; Brunswick County
Hazard Mitigation Plan; Cable News Network; Emergency Management records; NOAA;
National Climatic Data Center; and The Weather Channel. In addition, several primary sources
were utilized including: the Mayor, Commissioners, Town Clerk, Fire Chief, and the Police Chief.
The frequency of nor’easters (Class 4 or 5) has increased in recent years. From 1987 to 1993 at
least one class 4 or 5 storm occurred each year along the Atlantic seaboard. Though NOAA does
not list any nor’easters for Brunswick County history, as seen in the Nor’easter incident specifics,
there have been several major storms that have affected the area in the form of property damage,
beach erosion, salt intrusion, and the like.
Though NOAA does not list any nor’easters for Brunswick County history, through other sources
such as The Weather Channel and the National Climatic Data Center information on several
major storms that have affected the area in the form of property damage, beach erosion, salt
intrusion, and the like was found.
The effects nor’easters have had on Caswell Beach have resembled the effects of tropical cyclone
events in that there is the potential for extreme hurricane force winds, extensive storm surge and
erosion. In addition to these effects nor’easters often bring winter weather, as they are most
prevalent during the coldest part of the year. For vulnerability to specific effects please refer to:
 wind vulnerability in Table 3.5,
 storm surge vulnerability in Table 3.6,
 flooding vulnerability in Table 3.9,
 erosion vulnerability in Table 3.10, and
 winter storm vulnerability in the winter storm portion of this section.
Historical records indicate it is highly likely that a nor’easter will affect Brunswick County and the Town of Caswell
Beach in the future. In the past, nor’easters have caused storm surge, severe flooding, and extensive erosion in
Caswell Beach. The Town has lost the use of critical facilities for more than 24 hours and has suffered significant
damage to property. There have been no injuries or fatalities reported in Brunswick County due to nor’easters.
Due to the geographic location and the history of nor’easters in Caswell Beach it is highly likely that they will be
affected by nor’easters in the future. Future impacts are limited meaning some injuries may occur, critical facilities
may be shut down for more than one week and over 10 percent of the property in the community would be
damaged. These factors suggest a hazard index ranking of 4 for nor’easters in the Caswell Beach area. This
indicates that nor’easters should be one of the most important considerations in determining the Town’s mitigation
strategies (see Table 3.14).
Individual Nor’easter Incident Specifics
 March 1962: (Category 5) The Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962” lasted more than 60 hours.
The winds and raging surf caused the most damage for Brunswick County Beaches.
According to the Army Corps of Engineers, the storm caused more erosional damage to
oceanfront property than many hurricanes that preceded it. Along the Mid-Atlantic States
more than 1,800 houses were completely destroyed causing an estimated $234M in
property damage.
 March 1993: (Category 5) “The Storm of the Century” lasted more than 8 hours.
Hurricane force winds (between 75 and 90 mph sustained with gusts of up to 100 mph)
55
2004
uprooted trees and caused damage to many structures along the Brunswick County Beach
area. The coast received very little precipitation because of the inland track of the storm.
The salt spray was deposited on vegetation for miles inland causing the vegetation to be
burned in many cases to the complete destruction of the plant. In addition to damage
from salt spray, the Town suffered extensive erosion as a result of the storm. Wave action
caused a loss of approximately 6 feet of dune which aggravated and already volatile dune
system. Storm surge also caused overwash in the 700 and 800 block of Caswell Beach
Road. Fortunately there was no major structural damage, injuries, or deaths reported in
Caswell Beach as a result of the storm.
 February 1998: (Category 4) Three separate systems hit Caswell Beach in two days. Caswell
Beach reported a substantial loss of dunes along its beach. There was a loss of 2-6 feet of
dune which caused overwash along Caswell Beach Road. A reported 5,000 feet of newly
placed sand fencing was lost and 400 Christmas trees used to bolster dunes were washed
away. Four vulnerable homes in the 700 block of Caswell Beach Road suffered major
structural damage in the form of lost support pilings, flooring, decking, and home
appliances. Two of these 4 homes had septic system lines washed out and exposed.
Severe Thunderstorms/Windstorms
Thunderstorms are generated by atmospheric imbalance due to the combination of unstable warm
air rising rapidly into the atmosphere, sufficient moisture to form clouds and rain, and an upward
lift of air currents caused by colliding waterfronts, sea breezes, or mountains. Thunderstorms can
produce tornadoes and floods (both discussed in later portions of this plan), hail, high winds, and
Lightning.
Severe Thunderstorm/Windstorm Vulnerability Summary
Because thunderstorms/windstorms are frequent events in North Carolina and because more
often than not they are minor events a shorter period of time (1994-2002) was examined for
information on severe thunderstorms/windstorms. Numerous secondary sources were employed
including: The State Port Pilot; Brunswick County Hazard Mitigation Plan; Cable News Network;
Emergency Management records; NOAA; National Climatic Data Center; and The Weather
Channel. In addition, several primary sources were utilized including: the Town Clerk, Fire Chief,
and Police Chief.
The effects severe thunderstorms/windstorms have had on Caswell Beach have included high
winds, precipitation and lightning. For vulnerability to specific effects please refer to:
 flooding vulnerability in Table 3.9, and
 lightning vulnerability in the wildfire portion of this section.
Severe thunderstorms/windstorms are a common event in Caswell Beach, though most storms
have minor effects on the area. In the past, the Town has had minimal loss of critical facilities due
to high winds, Lightning, and rain from thunderstorms. In addition, there have been reports of
minor property damage but no reported deaths or injuries in Caswell Beach.
Historically thunderstorms have had negligible impacts on the Town of Caswell Beach. It is highly
likely that severe thunderstorms will affect Caswell Beach in the future. Future impacts will most
56
2004
likely be negligible meaning minor injuries may occur; critical facilities may be shut down for 24
hours or less and less than ten percent of the property in the community would be damaged. The
hazard index ranking for this area is therefore, 3, which indicates that thunderstorms are not the
most important consideration in determining the Town’s mitigation strategies (see Table 3.14).
Most Severe Thunderstorm/Windstorm Individual Incident Specifics
 July 1994: Severe Lightning was reported in Brunswick County. A local substation was hit
causing power outages for 2 days. There were no reports of property damage. There were
no injuries or deaths reported.
 September 1994: Extreme thunderstorm winds uprooted trees causing $50K in property
damage. There were no injuries or deaths reported. There was no loss of critical facilities.
 November 1995: Extreme thunderstorm winds uprooted a tree causing the destruction of an
unoccupied mobile home. There were no injuries or deaths reported. There was no loss
of critical facilities.
 September 1997: Lightning from passing thunderstorms struck a Caswell Beach residence
causing $70K in fire and water damage. There were no injuries or deaths reported. There
was no loss of critical facilities.
 February 1998: Severe thunderstorms cause 10.25 inches of precipitation in the Caswell
Beach area. Flooding was most severe at the Arboretum where residents had to place “nowake” signs along the sides of roads. Floods lasted for approximately two weeks but no
property damage was reported.
 March 1998: The Oak Island Coast Guard Station reported wind gusts of 67 mph as a
result of a thunderstorm in the area. There were no reports of property damage. There
were no injuries or deaths reported. There was no loss of critical facilities.
 May 1998: Hail .75 inches in diameter was reported in Caswell Beach. There were no
reports of property damage. There were no injuries or deaths reported. There was no loss
 May 2000: The Oak Island dispatch reported dime-size hail at Caswell Beach. There were
no reports of property damage. There were no injuries or deaths reported. There was no
loss of critical facilities.
 May 2000: Hail .88 inches in diameter was reported in Caswell Beach. There were no
reports of property damage. There were no injuries or deaths reported. There was no loss
 December 2000: Strong winds (up to 52 knots) were reported in the Brunswick County
Beaches. There were no reports of property damage. There were no injuries or deaths
reported. There was no loss of critical facilities.
 March 2001: Strong winds (up to 50 knots) were reported along the Brunswick County
Beaches. There were no reports of property damage. There were no injuries or deaths
reported. There was no loss of critical facilities.
 April 2001: Hail .75 inches was reported in Caswell Beach
Tornadoes
A Tornado is a rapidly rotating vortex of air extending groundward from a cumulonimbus cloud.
Tornadoes can reach wind speeds in excess of 300 mph causing various intensities of destruction
within its path. Often tornadoes are related to larger vortex formations and as a result often form
in convective cells. The damage severity of a tornado is measured by the Fujita-Pearson Tornado
Scale (see Table 3.8).
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Table 3.8
Fujita-Pearson Tornado Scale
Scale
Value
Wind
Speed
(mph)
Intensity
F0
40 - 72
Light Damage
F1
73 - 112
Moderate Damage
F2
113 - 157
Considerable Damage
F3
158 – 206
Severe Damage
Roofs and some walls torn off well-constructed houses; trains
overturned; most trees in forest uprooted; heavy cars lifted off the
ground and thrown.
F4
207 – 260
Devastating Damage
Well-constructed houses leveled; structures with weak foundations
blown off some distance; cars thrown; large missiles generated.
F5
261 – 318
F6
> 318
Type of Damage
Some damage to chimneys; tree branches broken off; shallow-rooted
trees pushed over, sign boards damaged.
Roof surfaces peeled off; mobile homes pushed off foundations or
overturned; moving automobiles pushed off roads.
Roofs torn from houses; mobile homes demolished; boxcars pushed
over; large trees snapped or uprooted; light-object missiles generated.
Strong frame homes lifted off foundations and carried considerable
Incredible Damage distances to disintegrate; automobile-size missiles fly through the air
in excess of 100 yards; trees debarked.
These wind speeds have rarely been recorded. The area of damage
Inconceivable Damage would be completely obliterated and unrecognizable. Large missiles
would be thrown in excess of 100 yards.
Source: FEMA, 1997.
Tornado Vulnerability Summary
The period from 1950-2002 was studied for information on tornadoes. Numerous secondary
sources were employed including: The Brunswick County Hazard Mitigation Plan; Cable News
Network; Emergency Management records; NOAA; National Climatic Data Center; and The
Weather Channel. In addition, several primary sources were utilized including: the Town Clerk,
Fire Chief, and Police Chief.
Caswell Beach has had no tornadoes reported within the town limits during the time period
examined. As a result, the Town has not lost use of critical facilities and has not suffered damage
to property and crops and there have been no reported injuries or fatalities. However, the history
of tornadoes in Brunswick County and the fact that tornadoes are often a side effect of hurricanes
and severe thunderstorms indicates that it is possible that the Town will be affected by tornadoes
in the future.
Historical records indicate that a tornado is likely to affect Brunswick County and that it is possible one will affect
the Town of Caswell Beach. Future impacts will most likely be negligible meaning minor injuries may occur; critical
facilities may be shut down for 24 hours or less and less than ten percent of the property in the community would
be damaged. These factors suggest a hazard index ranking of 2 for tornadoes in the Caswell Beach area. This
indicates that tornadoes are not one of the most important considerations in determining the Town’s mitigation
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Individual Tornado Incident Specifics
 July 1951: (F1) Tornado reported in Brunswick County causing $25K in structural or
property damage, no deaths, and no injuries.
 June 1962: (F2) Tornado reported in Brunswick County causing $25K in structural or
 September 1964: (F0) Tornado reported in Brunswick County causing $25K in structural or
 September 1975: (F0) Tornado reported in Holden Beach causing $75K in structural or
 October 1975: (F1) Tornado reported in Brunswick County causing $25K in structural or
 May 1976: (F1) Tornado reported in Brunswick County causing $25K in structural or
 August 1976: (F1) Tornado reported in Brunswick County causing $3K in structural or
 April 1980: (F0) Tornado reported in Brunswick County but no damage, deaths or injuries
were reported.
 May 1990: (F1) Tornado reported in Brunswick County causing $3K in structural or
 September 2001: (F0) Tornado was reported approximately 6 miles South West of Shallotte.
There was no damage reported as it moved over undeveloped property.
Waterspouts
A waterspout is a column of rotating wind that develops downward from a line of cumulus clouds
to a body of water. A Cumulus cloud must be present for a waterspout to occur. The contrast of
cold air overlying warm water provides a critical element leading to a waterspout event. Spouts can
pack winds up to 200 miles per hour and will move across the water up to 10 to 15 miles per hour.
They have been observed to reach heights of up to 10,000 feet.
Waterspouts are small funnels that may only be a few feet in diameter, but sometimes much larger
spouts are generated. The big ones feature higher rotation speeds and large funnel diameters,
sometimes as large as tornadoes. And just as tornadoes pack enough power to pose a threat to
people and property, so too can large waterspouts produce damage and death, although this is
rare.
Waterspout Vulnerability Summary
Because waterspouts generally remain in the water the potential for property damage is less than
that of a tornado, as a result, a shorter period (1995-2002) was studied for information on
waterspouts. Numerous secondary sources were employed including: The State Port Pilot;
Brunswick County Hazard Mitigation Plan; Cable News Network; Emergency Management
records; NOAA; National Climatic Data Center; and The Weather Channel. In addition, several
primary sources were utilized including: the Town Clerk, Fire Chief, and Police Chief.
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The Town has not lost use of critical facilities and has not suffered damage to property as a result
of waterspouts. In addition, there have been no reported injuries or fatalities due to waterspouts.
The history of waterspouts in Caswell Beach, the fact that waterspouts can (though rarely) move
onto land, and the fact that waterspouts are often a result of tropical cyclones or tornadoes
indicates that it is possible that the Town will be affected by waterspouts in the future.
Historical records indicate that it is possible a waterspout will affect the Town of Caswell Beach. Future impacts
will most likely be negligible meaning minor injuries may occur; critical facilities may be shut down for 24 hours or
less and less than ten percent of the property in the community would be damaged. These factors suggest a
hazard index ranking of 2 for waterspouts in the Caswell Beach area. This indicates that waterspouts are not one
of the most important considerations in determining the Towns mitigation strategies (see Table 3.14).
Individual Waterspout Incident Specifics
 July 1998: The U.S. Coast Guard reported a waterspout at marker #35, north of Oak
Island on the Cape Fear River. There were no reports of property damage. There were no
injuries or deaths reported. There was no loss of critical facilities.
Winter Storms
Winter storms originate as mid-latitude depressions of cyclonic weather systems and can cause
snowstorms, blizzards, and ice storms. Winter storms can paralyze a community by shutting down
normal day-to-day operations. Winter storms produce an accumulation of snow and ice on trees
and utility lines resulting in loss of electricity and blocked transportation routes. Additionally,
extremely cold temperatures can lead to frozen pipes, which, when erupted, can lead to extensive
property damage and the depletion of a natural resource.
Brunswick County is in the southeastern portion of North Carolina and North Carolina is located
in the southeast part of the United States they are still susceptible to winter storms. In fact winter
storms have an even more devastating effect on southern areas such as Brunswick County, as they
do not have the resources to effectively respond to a disaster.
Winter Storm Vulnerability Summary
Because winter storms are not a constant phenomenon in the southeastern portions of North
Carolina a shorter period (1989-2003) was evaluated for information on winter storms. Numerous
secondary sources were employed including: The State Port Pilot; Brunswick County Hazard
Mitigation Plan; Cable News Network; Emergency Management records; NOAA; National
Climatic Data Center; and The Weather Channel. In addition, several primary sources were
utilized including: the Town Clerk, Fire Chief, and Police Chief.
In the last 14 years there have been 10 storms which have impacted Caswell Beach. These storms
have produced high winds, as well as, storm surge and precipitation which led to beach erosion
and flooding. For vulnerability to specific effects please refer to:
 storm surge vulnerability in Table 3.6,
 flooding vulnerability in Table 3.9, and
 erosion vulnerability in Table 3.10.
Historical records indicate that it is possible that winter storms will affect Brunswick County and the Town of
Caswell Beach. Future impacts will most likely be negligible meaning minor injuries may occur; critical facilities
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2004
may be shut down for 24 hours or less and less than ten percent of the property in the community would be
damaged. These factors suggest a hazard index ranking of 2 for winter storms in the Caswell Beach area. This
indicates that winter storms are not one of the most important considerations in determining the Town’s mitigation
Individual Winter Storm Incident Specifics
 December 23, 1989: Winter storms caused 18 inches of snowfall in Caswell Beach. Eight
foot snow drifts were reported in the area. Gale force winds, gusting up to 60 mph,
produced waves up to 34 feet high off the coast of Caswell Beach and whipped the snow
into drifts up to 8 feet high. Ice and snow caused traitorous conditions on the streets of
Caswell Beach. Power outages lasted several hours. There was no major property damage
reported nor were there any deaths or injuries as a result of the storm.
 March 13, 1993: Labeled “The Super Storm,” it was among the worst non-tropical weather
events in the USA and was one of the most intense nor’easters to ever strike eastern North
Carolina. For a more extensive discussion on this storm see the nor’easter section of this
plan.
 February 2, 1996: Freezing rain occurred along the coast. Snowfall accumulations totaled 1
inch and temperatures went as low as the single digits. In Caswell Beach there was no
major property damage reported nor were there any deaths or injuries as a result of the
storm.
 February 10, 1997: Snowfall occurred along the coast with accumulations totaling 1 inch.
In Caswell Beach there was no major property damage reported nor were there any deaths
or injuries as a result of the storm.
 January 27, 1998: A winter storm produced seas between 14 and 18 feet along the North
Carolina coast. The storm caused beach erosion and coastal flooding. However, there was
no property damage reported in Caswell Beach nor were there any injuries or deaths
reported in the area.
 February 3, 1998: An intense coastal low moved along the immediate coastline producing
strong winds and heavy rain. See the nor’easter section of this plan for more information
on this storm.
 January 17, 2000: Winter storms caused 1 to 3 inches of snow, ice, and freezing rain across
southeast North Carolina, causing treacherous road conditions, which led to many road
accidents. However, there was no structural damage reported nor were any deaths or
injuries reported.
 January 25, 2000: Winter storms caused 4 to 6 inches of snow across southeast North
Carolina causing treacherous road conditions as well as the closing of schools and
businesses for 2 to 3 days. There was no reported damage, deaths or injuries.
 January 2, 2002: Winter storms caused 1 to 3 inches of snow and ½ inch of freezing rain in
Brunswick County. There were numerous traffic accidents reported but no injuries or
fatalities were reported. Many businesses and schools were closed and several places
reported power outages.
 January 23, 2003: Winter storms caused 2 inches of snow in Brunswick County. This
precipitation caused roads to be frozen over with ice and created dangerous driving
conditions. Schools in the area were closed for 2 days. In Caswell Beach there was no
power outage, nor was there any structural damage, deaths or injuries reported.
Flooding
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Flooding occurs in floodplains when prolonged rainfall over a short period causes rivers or
streams to overflow. Flash floods, specifically, occur within six hours of a rain event, after a dam
or levee failure or following a sudden release of water held by a debris jam. In addition,
development in the flood hazard area can increase the overall height and speed of flooding
bringing it to areas that were not originally susceptible.
Flooding Vulnerability Summary
The period from 1900-2002 was studied for information on flood events. Numerous secondary
sources were employed including: Barnes, Jay, 1998 and 2001; The State Port Pilot; Brunswick
County Hazard Mitigation Plan; Cable News Network; Emergency Management records; NOAA;
were utilized including: the Mayor, Commissioners, Town Clerk, Fire Chief, and Police Chief.
A comparison of the Flood Zones of Caswell Beach, NC map (Appendix E) and the Repetitively
Damaged Areas Due to Water Events in Caswell Beach, NC map (Appendix E) shows that the
properties identified as repetitively damaged are primarily located within zones VE and AE.
Furthermore, the assessment also indicates that during major water events a majority of the
developed sites in the Town would be subject to flooding. Moreover, given the relative
development density and value of real estate located closest to the beach, an estimated 40 percent
of the total real estate value at Caswell Beach would be subject to some form of flooding (see
Table 3.9). This comparison also identifies that the Town Hall, Police Department, and Public
Works Department are located in adjacent to flood zone AE.
Table 3.9
Approximate Vulnerability to the effects of Flooding
Type of Development
Residential
Other
Total
Number of Existing
Private Buildings
320
0
0
320
Current Number
of People
$56,532,160.00
691
$0.00
0
$0.00
0
$56,532,160.00
691
Current Value
In addition to the repetitively damaged areas identified on the Repetitively Damaged Areas Due to
Water Events in Caswell Beach, NC map (Appendix E), the Inadequate Stormwater Drainage Areas of
Caswell Beach, NC map (Appendix E) identifies areas of repetitive damage (at the far eastern end of
the Town limits), which are a result of inadequate stormwater runoff. When compared to the
Zoning Map of Caswell Beach, NC (Appendix E) it can be seen that the areas identified with
inadequate stormwater drainage are the more densely populated areas of the Town.
The most severe flooding events in Caswell Beach have been a direct result of tropical cyclone
events. The NFIP identifies zones A, AE, and VE (see Flood Zones of Caswell Beach, NC map,
Appendix A). These zones cover 100 percent of the town limits showing that the town has a high
vulnerability to flooding. The 700 block of Caswell Beach road seems to be the most vulnerable
area to flooding in the Town.
The Town has lost use of critical facilities for 2 weeks and has suffered extensive damage to
property. There have been reports of minor injuries. In addition there were reports of several
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fatalities due to floodwaters from Hurricane Hazel. Evacuations of the Town have lasted more
than 10 days. Due to the geographic location and the history of water event tropical cyclones,
flooding in Caswell Beach is highly likely.
Historical records indicate that flooding is highly likely to affect Brunswick County and Caswell
Beach. Future impacts will most likely be catastrophic in terms of property loss. However the
catastrophic ranking requires multiple deaths. Because of mandatory evacuations, which are now
in place, the loss of life is significantly reduced. Thus, future impacts are downgraded to critical
meaning multiple injuries may occur, critical facilities may be shut down for a minimum of 2
weeks and over 25 percent of the property in the community would be damaged. These factors
suggest a hazard index ranking of 5 for floods in the Caswell Beach area. This indicates that
floods should be one of the most important considerations in determining the Town’s mitigation

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Floods in and near the Town of Caswell Beach
October 1954: Flooding occurred as a result of Hurricane Hazel. Specifics regarding this
disaster are discussed in detail in the Tropical Cyclone section of this plan.
August 1955: Flooding occurred as a result of Hurricane Connie. Specifics regarding this
August 1955: Flooding occurred as a result of Hurricane Diane. Specifics regarding this
September 1958: Flooding occurred as a result of Hurricane Helene. Specifics regarding this
September 1960: Flooding occurred as a result of Hurricane Donna. Specifics regarding this
September 1984: Flooding occurred as a result of Hurricane Diana. Specifics regarding this
July 1996: Flooding occurred as a result of Hurricane Bertha. Specifics regarding this
September 1996: Flooding occurred due to storm surge as a result of Hurricane Fran.
Specifics regarding this disaster are discussed in detail in the Tropical Cyclone section of
this plan.
February 1998: Severe thunderstorms dropped 10.25 inches of rain in Caswell Beach.
Specifics regarding this disaster are discussed in detail in the Severe Thunderstorms section
of this plan.
August 1998: Flooding occurred due to storm surge and rain as a result of Hurricane
Bonnie. Specifics regarding this disaster are discussed in detail in the Tropical Cyclone
section of this plan.
August 1999 & September 1999: Flooding occurred in Caswell Beach as a result of saturation
from Hurricane Dennis which was immediately followed by Hurricane Floyd. Specifics
regarding this disaster are discussed in detail in the Tropical Cyclone section of this plan.
October 1999: Flooding occurred in Caswell Beach as a result of Hurricane Irene. Specifics
regarding this disaster are discussed in detail in the Tropical Cyclone section of this plan.
Tsunamis
A Tsunami is defined as a large seismic wave, impulsively generated by shallow-focus, underwater
earthquakes. A Tsunami wave can travel unnoticed across the ocean at speeds of up to 500 mph
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and, upon connection with a coastline, can cause significant damage to shore protection structures,
buildings, as well as, severe erosion, extensive inland flooding and loss of life (FEMA 1997).
Significant damage as a result of Tsunamis has been identified in the Western States of Alaska,
Hawaii and American Samoa. In the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, events have occurred in
the vicinity of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, but are much less frequent.
According to FEMA (1997), Caswell Beach does not lie in an area frequented by Tsunamis. Thus,
Tsunamis are given a Hazard Index ranking of 1, as it is highly unlikely they will affect the area and
are not the most important consideration when determining mitigation strategies (see Table 3.14).
Landslides
Landslides are described as the downward and outward movement of slope-forming materials
reacting under the force of gravity (FEMA 1997). Landslides can be triggered by both human
factors such as mining, construction of highways, railroads, and the like, as well as, natural factors
such as topography, geology, and precipitation or a combination thereof. Often Landslides are
triggered by other events such as floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.
Though landslides are a consideration for the mountainous areas of North Carolina, Caswell
Beach lies in the coastal area. According to the United States Geological Survey, Caswell Beach
has a low incidence and non existent susceptibility to landslides (Rodbruch-Hall, et. al. 1982). Due
to the geology and practically flat topography of the area, landslides are given a Hazard Index
ranking of 1 and are not an important consideration in the Town’s mitigation efforts (see Table
3.14).
Erosion
Coastal erosion is a hydrologic hazard defined as the wearing away of land and loss of beach,
shoreline, or dune material as a result of natural coastal processes (Skaggs and McDonald, 1991).
These natural coastal processes that cause coastal erosion include the actions of prevailing winds,
waves and currents. However, human activities such as the development of seawalls, groins,
jetties, navigation inlets, and boat wakes often heighten the effects of the aforementioned natural
processes. The actual erosion rate within an area may vary within estuarine systems and over time,
depending upon individual site conditions and the frequency of storms or other causes of erosion
(Rogers and Skrabal 1999). Erosion is measured as the rate of change in the position or horizontal
displacement of a shoreline over a specific period of record, measured in units of feet or meters
per year. It is a quantitative assessment of annual change for a given beach cross-section or profile
or volumetric change for continuous segments of a shoreline (FEMA, 1997).
Erosion Vulnerability Summary
The period from 1900-2002 was studied for information on erosion events. Numerous secondary
sources were employed including: Barnes, Jay, 1998 and 2001; The Wilmington Morning Star;
New Hanover County Hazard Mitigation Plan; Cable News Network; Emergency Management
records; NOAA; National Climatic Data Center; and The Weather Channel. In addition, several
primary sources were utilized including: Jason Dale, Specialist at the Division of Coastal
Management; Andy Coburn, Duke University; the Fire Chief; Police Chief; Public Utilities
Director and Public Works Director.
Erosion is measured as the rate of change in the position or horizontal displacement of a shoreline
over a specific period of record, measured in units of feet or meters per year. It is a quantitative
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assessment of annual change for a given beach cross-section or profile or volumetric change for
continuous segments of a shoreline (FEMA, 1997). In November 2001 sand from the
Wilmington Harbor Project was complete and 1 million cubic yards of sand was placed along
Caswell Beach. In an effort to monitor and identify long-term erosion rates, Caswell Beach began
conducting berm measurements in December 2001 and continues to monitor the change in berms
to date. There were 7 berm cross-sections identified for measurement. Chart 3.1 displays the
change in berm width between January 2002 and January 2003. To date, 6 out of 7 cross-sections
have shown a significant decrease in berm width during the time period of measurement. The 6
cross-sections that showed a significant decrease received sand as a result of the Wilmington
Harbor Project. Where as the cross-section that shows an increase did not receive sand from the
project.
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Bill Boyd Way (end of 100 block): Berm width is now 105 feet, 48 feet less than January 2002
Middle of 400 Block: Berm width is now 72 feet, 37 feet more than in January 2002
Middle of 600 Block: Berm width is now 102 feet, 66 feet less than January 2002
Regional Beach Parking Lot (700 block): Berm width is now 117 feet, 43 feet less than January 2002
Ocean Greens Way (800 block): Berm width is now 114 feet, 25 feet less than January 2002
Joe O’Brien Way (900 block): Berm width is now 148 feet, 21 feet less than January 2002
Beach Villas (100 building): Berm width is nor 126 feet, 31 feet less than January 2002
Chart 3.1
2002-2003 Caswell Beach Berm Width Change (ft)
180
170
160
150
140
130
Bill Boyd Way (end of 100 block)
120
Middle of 400 Block
110
Middle of 600 block
Public Beach (700 block)
100
Ocean Greens Way (800 block)
Joe O'Brien Way (900 block)
90
Beach Villas (100 Bldg)
80
70
60
50
40
30
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Source: Frank Bausch, Beach Commissioner for the Town of Caswell Beach
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The Caswell Beach Long – Term Average Annual Shoreline Change Study & Setback Factors map (Appendix E)
identifies the areas of Caswell Beach that are considered to be erosional “hot spots.” The portion of Caswell Beach
near Pinehurst Drive has the highest level of erosion according to DCM at a rate of 5.5 feet per year. This due
largely to the numerous tropical cyclone events and nor’easters that plagued the North Carolina coastline between
1992 and 1998. The area with the least amount of erosion on an annual basis is the eastern portion of Caswell
Beach Road.
There are a total of 3 miles of beachfront in the community, which has a total of 12 beach access points. However,
Caswell Beach has been a proactive community in mitigating the hazard of coastal erosion. The Town embarked
on a series of beach renourishment projects in December 2001. At which time Caswell Beach was the recipient of
dredge material disposed form the Wilmington Harbor Project. There were several benefits to the receipt of the
dredge material: the recreational beach was widened, property and infrastructure received extra protection, and the
shoreline was fortified. There was a total of 1 million cubic yards of sand placed on the beach in all areas except
the 300-500 blocks of Caswell Beach Road. There was no cost to the Town for the project.
As previously stated erosion is a common everyday occurrence in the coastal region but, in the past, has been
exacerbated by tropical cyclone events, nor’easters, storm surge, and strong current action in Caswell Beach. Due
to the geographic location and the history of tropical cyclone events and nor’easters in Caswell Beach it is highly
likely that the Town will be affected by erosion in the future. However, the Town is dedicated to the preservation of
the beach and are continuing their proactive approach to it’s renourishment.
In a review of tropical cyclones, nor’easters and flooding it was shown that the Town has
suffered significant damage to property as a result of erosion. However, there have been no
injuries or fatalities reported in Caswell Beach due to erosion. The areas most vulnerable to the
effects of erosion are the first row, beach front areas. The Zoning Map of Caswell Beach, NC map
(see Appendix E) shows that this area is primarily zoned for high density residential use with
periodic zones of multi-family residential use and commercial use dispersed within. Table 3.10
shows the approximate vulnerability to the effects of erosion.
Table 3.10
Approximate Vulnerability to the Effects of Erosion
Type of Development
Residential
Other
Total
Number of Existing
Private Buildings
224
26
0
250
Current Value
$15,908,384.00
$3,724,150.00
$0.00
$19,632,534.00
Current Number
of People
192
0
0
192
The Town of Caswell Beach has taken a proactive approach in monitoring beach erosion. Measurements showed
that there have been significant losses in berm width over the last year and indicates it is highly likely erosion will
affect the Town of Caswell Beach in the future. In the past, erosion has been caused by tropical cyclone events,
nor’easters, storm surge, and current action in Caswell Beach. The Town has suffered significant damage to
property as a result of erosion. However, there have been no injuries or fatalities reported in Caswell Beach due to
erosion. Due to the geographic location and the history of tropical cyclone events and nor’easters in Caswell
Beach it is highly likely that the Town will be affected by erosion in the future. Future impacts are limited in terms of
injuries and the shut down of critical facilities. However, in terms of property damage the ranking is raised to critical
meaning the town could see more than 25 percent of property damaged. These factors suggest a hazard index
ranking of 5 for erosion in the Caswell Beach area. This indicates that erosion should be one of the most important
considerations in determining the Town’s mitigation strategies (see Table 3.14).
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Drought
Drought is defined by FEMA (1997) as being a water shortage caused by a deficiency of rainfall.
During severe droughts, agricultural crops do not mature, wildlife and livestock are undermined,
land values decline, and unemployment increases. Droughts can cause a shortage of water for
human and industrial consumption, hydroelectric power, recreation and navigation. Water quality
may decline and the number of wildfires may increase.
There are four types of droughts (FEMA, 1997):
1. Meteorological Drought – This is a reduction of precipitation over time. This definition is
regionally based. In the United States, this is indicated by less than 2.5 mm of rainfall in 48
hours, which is the first indication of drought.
2. Agricultural Drought – This happens when soil moisture cannot meet the demands of a
crop. This type of drought happens after a meteorological drought but before a
hydrological drought.
3. Hydrological Drought – This refers to reduction in surface and subsurface water supplies.
This is measured through stream flow and lake, reservoir, and ground water levels.
4. Socioeconomic Drought – This occurs when water shortages affect people, either in terms
of water supply or economic impacts (i.e. loss of crops so price increases).
It is difficult to determine when a drought is approaching because of slowly accumulating effects
and because there is no commonly accepted approach for measuring drought risk. However, there
are several indices that can be helpful in determining the risk. The Palmer Drought Severity Index
is especially well known. This index is used to measure drought impact on agriculture and water
supplies. However, the National Drought Mitigation Center is using a newer index, the
Standardized Precipitation Index, to monitor moisture supply conditions. Distinguishing traits of
this index are that it identifies emerging drought months sooner than the Palmer Index and that it
is computed on various time scales.
In an effort to examine the severity of drought as a result of a lack of precipitation a table was
produced which provides the average monthly inches of precipitation for Caswell Beach for the
last 52 years (see Table 1.4). Out of those 52 years, 9 years (1968, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1988, 1989,
1991, 2001, and 2002) had incomplete data. As a result these years are excluded when conducting
an assessment of climate patterns. The data in table 1.4 was compiled by the North Carolina State
Climatology Office. According to Ryan Boyles, Assistant State Climatologist, there are no
monitoring stations located within the town limits of Caswell Beach. As a result, the data was
pulled from the Shallotte station, the Longwood station, and the Southport Station. Mr. Boyles
stated that, the Shallotte station, which is the closest in proximity to Caswell Beach, has only been
collecting data since 1998 and as a result it would not provide the extensive history required for
this plan. He continued by stating, the Longwood station and Southport station did have the
extensive data required but suggested that the Southport data be used in place of the Longwood
data as the Southport station location has the same general geographic characteristics as Caswell
Beach. As a result the Southport station data was used.
Drought Vulnerability Summary
The period from 1950-2002 was studied for information on drought. Numerous secondary
sources were employed including: Barnes, Jay, 1998 and 2001; The State Port Pilot; Brunswick
County Hazard Mitigation Plan; Cable News Network; Emergency Management records; NOAA;
67
2004
were utilized including: Ryan Boyles, Assistant State Climatologist; the Fire Chief and Police Chief.
Historical records indicate that it is possible that droughts and extreme dry spells will affect Brunswick County and
the Town of Caswell Beach. The Town has not lost the use of critical facilities and there has been no damage to
property reported. Additionally, there have been no reported injuries or fatalities due to droughts. Future impacts
will most likely be negligible meaning minor injuries may occur; critical facilities may be shut down for 24 hours or
less and less than ten percent of the property in the community would be damaged. These factors suggest a
hazard index ranking of 2 for droughts in the Caswell Beach area. This indicates that, in the large scheme,
droughts are not one of the most important considerations in determining the Town’s mitigation strategies (see
Table 3.14). However, the potential excessive depletion of the Town’s water supply could lead to more severe
problems than those from the past and as a result strategies for drought will receive special attention.
Drought Incident Specifics
The average annual rainfall from 1950-2001 was 52.53 inches. Table 3.11 provides the details of
the average annual precipitation for the area. Over the years there have been many dry spells.
During the period from 1950-2001, the six driest years were in 1954 (36.91”), 1950 (39.10”), 1956
(40.05”), 1951 (40.63”), 1963 (43.86”), and 1965 (44.53”). The most severe dry year was in 1954,
with an extremely low precipitation level of 36.91 inches. In August 1999 Brunswick County was
declared a Federal Disaster Area due to hot and dry conditions, which had continued since July.
Relief from this drought came with the arrival of several tropical events that year and in September
Caswell Beach received an unprecedented 31 inches of precipitation. As a result, 1999 was the
wettest year in the time period examined, with a total average annual precipitation of 89.79 inches,
which was 33.44 inches above the average annual precipitation level. However, in November
2001 the National Weather Service declared North Carolina in a moderate drought. It was noted
that Brunswick County was 14 inches below normal precipitation levels to date for the year.
However, the table can not confirm or deny this statement when placed in the context of Caswell
Beach, as the year 2001 is a year of incomplete data. Subsequently, in July 2002, Governor Easley
requested that 54 North Carolina counties be declared a federal disaster area. Though Brunswick
County was not one of these 54 counties they would still be affected by the water restrictions,
which were implemented.
In summary, drought and extended dry spells are a normal part of the climate in Brunswick
County and Caswell Beach and can be aggravated by other factors such as: high temperatures, high
winds, and low relative humidity. The severity of droughts not only depends on its duration,
intensity, and geographic location but also on regional water supply demands made by human
activities and vegetation.
Table 3.11
Monthly/Annual Climate Data Results
SUM of Daily Precipitation from 1950 to 2002
SOUTHPORT 5 N, NC (UCAN: 14354,COOP: 318113)
Year
1950
1951
1952
1953
Jan
0.98
0.61
1.76
4.69
Feb
2.13
2.19
3.66
5.37
Mar
4.00
4.96
4.59
5.70
Apr
0.77
3.35
1.30
1.04
May
3.80
0.30
2.25
2.72
Jun
1.78
4.78
0.94
1.31
Jul
11.78
2.53
3.74
3.27
Aug
1.56
3.34
8.82
12.69
Sep
3.42
4.84
14.55
8.12
Oct
3.85
2.38
2.39
0.41
Nov
1.28
7.34
6.28
4.27
Dec
3.75
4.01
3.37
5.84
Ann
39.10
40.63
53.65
55.43
68
1954
1955
1956
1957
1958
1959
1960
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
3.39
3.57
1.77
2.29
4.15
2.88
4.31
2.57
6.02
1.83
7.92
1.58
6.76
4.65
4.21
4.56
1.82
5.07
6.91
6.61
4.26
6.62
2.14
4.21
7.93
8.13
5.81
1.23
5.68
5.94
3.13
2.62
2.94
6.55
8.00
3.28
1.82
10.20
5.37
4.54
7.04
5.80
1.82
4.07
8.84
5.91
5.94
0.54
0.72
2.12
3.98
2.59
2.83
5.23
4.15
2.94
2.11
4.21
6.94
6.62
5.63
5.77
1.41
2.10
-5.53
6.36
5.27
4.40
4.97
1.25
2.27
1.25
7.71
3.29
3.42
7.03
11.13
3.92
6.14
2.92
5.71
3.15
3.15
1.97
1.50
4.43
3.09
1.93
3.40
1.24
3.49
10.46
3.14
1.83
2.40
3.65
1.92
2.53
4.51
4.65
6.74
4.42
2.61
7.71
1.45
3.31
7.77
4.27
0.78
1.07
5.87
-5.28
3.81
3.51
4.22
4.90
3.96
6.16
3.16
6.25
7.75
3.83
2.49
4.76
6.03
2.61
7.48
3.52
3.04
5.52
3.17
4.46
3.49
6.92
6.41
3.25
6.93
3.08
2.81
3.73
1.69
9.97
1.43
4.21
1.92
0.32
5.04
2.28
2.62
8.59
3.40
1.00
0.84
2.02
1.12
1.08
3.27
4.75
-4.96
1.17
7.55
1.44
4.90
0.24
1.77
3.28
2.29
1.67
1.08
5.60
2.80
4.61
1.43
0.85
3.58
4.34
-2.60
1.01
1.55
8.60
0.88
0.39
3.01
3.00
4.10
4.92
4.11
--
6.62
2.96
2.75
5.26
4.97
1.66
3.88
3.89
2.06
1.88
4.07
1.38
5.39
4.27
3.36
5.89
-3.69
3.57
3.08
-4.49
7.45
5.01
5.17
6.61
3.75
5.80
1.58
1.04
2.59
5.30
3.25
1.12
7.63
-3.63
3.25
5.30
1.67
2.34
3.66
2.95
0.80
4.93
11.40
1.72
2.01
0.46
7.40
5.25
10.30
7.92
1.33
2.14
4.12
6.16
2.88
7.44
1.60
5.56
6.73
1.17
5.71
-5.10
5.53
9.62
9.57
6.45
7.51
4.18
2.18
5.05
2.48
2.49
8.72
5.02
0.68
5.96
6.45
5.02
-5.34
0.75
2.14
5.09
1.52
4.92
12.29
4.53
7.43
1.28
4.31
3.01
1.80
2.27
2.88
5.02
1.93
0.67
10.22
11.69
5.22
10.75
7.36
8.74
4.33
7.44
9.60
10.63
8.69
-5.16
11.95
6.03
4.46
9.01
4.99
3.00
10.14
2.94
6.17
9.17
5.72
5.38
4.73
7.13
9.09
5.39
3.82
-2.36
9.38
4.38
1.52
4.33
4.97
16.10
4.00
10.07
7.01
10.75
9.46
3.51
13.01
3.62
7.60
3.54
2.32
1.45
8.15
5.23
5.83
6.12
7.26
3.61
9.53
1.47
11.08
-11.21
8.00
6.86
10.29
5.26
12.43
5.54
7.61
5.34
1.39
9.40
6.79
5.36
2.28
5.95
9.03
8.76
-11.47
9.48
13.11
14.95
7.26
3.86
9.07
2.86
1.30
13.70
8.75
8.20
6.38
3.75
18.35
4.59
13.09
9.51
5.94
5.16
2.67
7.27
4.06
3.27
5.22
6.15
2.90
4.76
4.64
-3.84
6.19
5.53
8.17
11.72
4.21
5.35
4.38
15.80
11.26
2.48
6.48
5.51
30.34
4.76
4.21
16.15
5.78
6.44
2.02
-8.44
9.79
3.53
5.06
18.73
6.86
7.90
31.00
14.91
5.26
3.98
1.34
7.45
1.92
4.34
10.15
4.37
2.38
0.78
6.71
5.79
3.99
1.85
0.95
-3.96
-10.93
0.40
1.94
0.92
4.40
4.42
4.71
0.61
0.83
2.84
1.35
5.40
3.29
3.36
2.51
4.73
1.88
1.11
4.36
4.03
2.90
2.50
11.98
11.21
5.36
7.17
1.82
2.45
6.41
0.18
--
3.04
1.54
0.57
4.20
0.88
4.41
2.23
1.38
5.64
4.36
1.39
1.58
1.24
1.28
-3.94
-1.98
-1.65
2.47
2.19
2.31
5.55
2.22
2.94
3.31
1.09
1.73
5.59
1.50
10.41
6.00
8.23
-2.03
2.87
2.22
5.17
3.93
2.45
2.53
1.84
6.91
1.12
1.56
3.66
1.04
2004
4.09
0.34
0.60
3.71
5.10
3.69
3.89
1.49
2.66
2.29
3.97
1.18
3.63
4.04
-5.19
-2.15
6.58
6.84
4.96
5.74
7.19
5.42
5.18
3.21
6.34
5.74
5.73
5.88
1.65
1.73
6.83
2.20
0.22
6.53
2.84
0.63
5.35
2.70
6.48
1.85
2.07
6.99
4.01
1.65
2.29
1.20
36.91
59.64
40.05
57.72
53.60
56.85
50.31
46.01
59.79
43.86
59.80
44.53
52.65
51.58
31.35
66.38
1.82
64.90
60.47
64.49
55.16
70.65
58.10
53.17
53.11
67.10
56.06
47.08
62.95
61.70
64.82
56.55
63.78
68.11
37.09
48.12
37.54
50.80
66.02
63.52
55.38
57.63
69.25
49.75
71.67
89.79
58.29
40.06
69
2004
2002
2.53
3.70
4.32
1.44
3.08
5.16
5.74
7.51
5.80
--
--
--
39.28
AVG
4.41
3.93
4.44
2.79
3.74
4.64
6.53
7.04
8.04
3.78
3.19
3.82
56.35
The highlighted rows are years of incomplete data.
Source: North Carolina State Climate Office
Extreme Heat/Heat Waves
Extreme heat/Heat Waves occur when there are high temperatures combined with high humidity
persist over an extended period of time.
According to FEMA (1997), extreme heat/heat waves can cause the following disorders:
1. Heat Stroke: The body is unable to control its temperature. It will rise rapidly. Sweating
does not occur. This can cause permanent disability. Those at highest risk included
outdoor laborers, elderly, children, and people in poor health.
2. Heat Exhaustion: occurs when there is an excessive loss of water and salt released in sweat.
Those at highest risk include the elderly, people with high blood pressure, outdoor
laborers, and those exercising outdoors.
3. Heat Syncope: results in a sudden loss of consciousness, which generally returns when the
person lies down. There is little or no permanent harm as a result of heat syncope. This is
associated with people who are not properly acclimated to the weather.
4. Heat Cramps: occurs as a result of a mild fluid and electrolyte imbalance and generally
ceases to be a problem after acclimatization. This occurs in people who exercise outdoors
when they are unaccustomed to the activity.
The National Weather Service categorizes heat index in relation to heat disorders (see Table 3.12).
Table 3.12
Heat Index in Relation to Heat Disorders
Danger Category
IV Extreme Danger
III Danger
II Extreme Caustion
I Caution
Heat Disorder
Heat Storke or Sunstroke Imminent
Sunstroke, heat cramps, or heat exhaustion
likely; heat stroke possible with prolonged
exposure and physical activity
Sunstroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion
possible with prolonged exposure and physical
activity
Fatigue possible with prolonged exposure and
physical activity
Apparent Temperature °F
>130
105-130
90-105
80-90
Source: National Weather Service, 1997.
Extreme Heat Vulnerability Summary
In an effort to examine extreme heat/heat waves for Caswell Beach a table was produced which
provides the average monthly heat index for the last 52 years. The data was compiled by the
North Carolina State Climatology Office. According to Ryan Boyles, Assistant State
Climatologist, there are no monitoring stations located within the town limits of Caswell Beach.
As a result the data was pulled from the closest station which is located at the Wilmington Airport.
However, Mr. Boyles stated that because the Wilmington station is 45 miles inland of Caswell
Beach the numbers do not accurately represent the climate of Caswell Beach. He continued by
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stating that Caswell Beach is a ocean front community and as a result their days are cooled by
ocean breezes which ultimately reduces the number of days the heat index is over 105°F.
The data results were compiled by reviewing 31 years of complete temperature, dew point and
relative humidity data. The results showed that on average there were 2.06 days in June with a
heat index over 104.5°F, 5.91 days in July with a heat index over 104.5°F, 4.55 days in August with
a heat index over 104.5°F, and 2.17 days in September with a heat index over 104.5°F. However,
as previously stated, because of the ocean breezes cooling the temperatures in Caswell Beach the
number of days are reduced. Therefore, the results actually represent a worst case scenario.
Historical records indicate that it is possible extreme heat/heat waves will affect Caswell Beach. According to Town
officials, the Town has not lost use of critical facilities and has suffered no damage to property. There have been
no reported injuries or fatalities due to extreme heat/heat waves. Future impacts will most likely be negligible
meaning minor injuries may occur; critical facilities may be shut down for 24 hours or less and less than ten percent
of the property in the community would be damaged. These factors suggest a hazard index ranking of 2 for
extreme heat/heat waves in the Caswell Beach area. This indicates that extreme heat/heat waves are not one of
the most important considerations in determining the Town’s mitigation strategies (see Table 3.14).
Volcanoes
Volcanic eruptions are classified as nonexplosive or explosive. Nonexplosive eruptions are caused
by an iron- and magnesium-rich magma that is relatively fluid and allows gas to escape. Explosive
eruptions are violent and are derived from a silica-rich magma that is not fluid. However, both
types of eruption can produce debris flows and surges, floods, lava flows and domes, ash falls and
gases, and lateral blasts (FEMA 1997). All of which can lead to the destruction and endangerment
of people, buildings, and infrastructure.
Strahler and Strahler (1997) show that, Caswell Beach does not lie in an area known for volcanic
activity. As a result volcanoes are given a Hazard Index ranking of 1 and are not an important
consideration to the Town’s mitigation efforts.
Earthquakes
Earthquakes are geologic events that involve movement or shaking of the earth's crust.
Earthquakes are usually caused by the release of stresses accumulated as a result of the rupture of
rocks along opposing fault planes in the earth's outer crust. These fault planes are typically found
along borders of the earth's 10 tectonic plates.
The areas of greatest tectonic instability occur at the perimeters of the slowly moving plates, as
these locations are subjected to the greatest strains from plates traveling in opposite directions and
at different speeds. Deformation along plate boundaries causes strain in the rock and the
consequent buildup of stored energy. When the built-up stress exceeds the rocks' strength, a
rupture occurs. The rock on both sides of the fracture is snapped, releasing the stored energy and
producing seismic waves, generating an earthquake.
Earthquakes are measured in terms of their magnitude and intensity. Magnitude is measured using
the Richter Scale, an open-ended logarithmic scale that describes the energy release of an
earthquake through a measure of shock wave amplitude. Each unit increase in magnitude on the
Richter Scale corresponds to a 10-fold increase in wave amplitude. Intensity is most commonly
measured using the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) Scale. It is a 12-level scale based on direct
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2004
and indirect measurements of seismic effects. A detailed description of the Modified Mercalli
Scale of Earthquake Intensity (and its correspondence to the Richter Scale) is given in Table 3.13.
Table 3.13
Modified Mercalli Scale of Earthquake Intensity
Intensity
Instrumental
Description of Effects
Maximum
Corresponding
Accelleration
Richter Scale
(mm/sec)
Detected only on seismographs
<10
Feeble
Some people feel it
<25
Slight
Felt by people resting; like a truck rumbling by
<50
Felt by people walking
<100
Moderate
Slightly Strong Sleepers awake; church bells ring
Trees sway; suspended objects swing, objects fall off
Strong
shelves
Very Strong Mild alarm; walls crack; plaster falls
Destructive
Ruinous
Disastrous
<250
<4.8
<500
<5.4
<1000
<6.1
Moving cars uncontrollable; masonry fractures,
poorly constructed buildings damaged
<2500
Some houses collapse; ground cracks; pipes break
open
<5000
<6.9
Ground cracks profusely; many buildings destroyed;
liquefaction and landslides widespread
<7500
<7.3
<9800
<8.1
>9800
>8.1
Most buildings and bridges collapse; roads, railways,
Very Disastrous pipes and cables destroyed; general triggering of other
hazards
Catastrophic
<4.2
Total destruction; trees fall; ground rises and falls in
waves
Source: FEMA, 1997.
Earthquake Vulnerability Summary
North Carolina's vulnerability to earthquakes decreases from west to east in relation to the Eastern
Tennessee Seismic Zone. Generally, there are three different zones of seismic risk in North
Carolina that correspond to different effective peak velocity-related accelerations of ground
movement. Since 1811 there have been 21 earthquakes that caused damage in North Carolina.
However, the eastern portion of the state faces minimal effects from seismic activity.
Historical records indicate that it is possible earthquakes will affect Brunswick County and Caswell Beach. The
Town has not lost use of critical facilities and has suffered no damage to property or crops. There have been no
reported injuries or fatalities due to earthquakes. Future impacts will most likely be negligible meaning minor
injuries may occur; critical facilities may be shut down for 24 hours or less and less than ten percent of the property
in the community would be damaged. These factors suggest a hazard index ranking of 2 for earthquakes in the
Caswell Beach area. This indicates that earthquakes are not one of the most important considerations in
determining the Town’s mitigation strategies (see Table 3.14).
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2004
Seismic Events for the southeastern portions of North Carolina
 August 31, 1886: Most violent earthquake (7.3 Richter) to affect New Hanover County.
The earthquakes initial tremors occurred at 9:50 PM, with aftershocks at 10:00 PM, 10:12
PM, and 10:25 PM. The epicenter was in Charleston South Carolina, 150 miles south of
New Hanover County. Though the MMI scale is an 11 and would list this event as a very
disastrous event, the damage reported in New Hanover County was minimal. A few
Chimneys crumbled, plaster fell, and china broke. The most prevalent sigh of the quake is
where the damage to the Old Cotton Exchange was repaired. There was no damage
reported in Brunswick County.
 August 6, 1994: Most recent earthquake (3.6 Richter) to affect New Hanover County. The
epicenter for this earthquake was located in New Bern, NC, 85 miles northeast of the
county. The MMI scale is a 1 and would list this event as instrumental. There was little to
no damage in Brunswick County reported.
Wildfires
Wildfires can be a result of everything from human negligence to lightning. Regardless of the cause, wildfires can
pose a significant risk to the human environment. According to the Fire Chief, the primary cause of fires in Caswell
Beach is homeowner negligence and there have been no incidences of actual wildfires in the town limits. However,
lightning strikes are a factor due to the large amount of lightning producing storms the area is prone to receive and
natural vegetative fires can be a factor due to the propensity for dry, hot conditions in the area.
Wildfire Vulnerability Summary
The period from 1993-2002 was studied for information on lightning strikes and the period from 1993-2002 was
studied for information on vegetation or grass fire events. According to the Fire Chief, Lightning struck the
electrical system at the fire department in the late spring of 2002. As a result all the records that were kept
electronically from 1999 to 2002 were erased and there were no hard copies of the reports to refer to for
information. Additionally, the Emergency Management Director reported that the County Emergency Management
Office did not have copies of the reports, either manually or electronically. As a result it was imperative to use
several sources for information on fires. Numerous secondary sources were employed including: Fire Department
Action reports; The State Port Pilot; Brunswick County Hazard Mitigation Plan; Cable News Network; Emergency
Management records; NOAA; National Climatic Data Center; and The Weather Channel. In addition, primary
sources were utilized including: the Town Clerk, and the Fire Chief.
The Yaupon Beach Fire Department responds to all reported Lightning strikes and fires. In
addition, the department keeps detailed records of damage, injuries and deaths associated with
fires. These records were relied on heavily for the development of this section of this plan. There
were 3 Lightning associated fires reported since 1993, 4 vegetation or grass fires, and numerous
homeowner negligence fires. However, according to the Chief the fire that was most threatening
to the Town was the fire at the Oak Island Coast Guard Station in February 2002. The Coast
Guard Station is not within the Town limits of Caswell Beach but is surrounded by the Town
Limits (see Basemap of Caswell Beach, NC Appendix E). Several Fire Departments assisted in
extinguishing a fire at the Coast Guard Station. According to the Yaupon Beach Fire Chief, within
minutes the entire station was completely engulfed with flames and all the respondents could do
was protect the surrounding buildings, boats and docks. The structural loss was estimated at 3.5M
dollars. However, there were no injuries or deaths reported as a result of the fire.
According to the Fire Chief, the Town has not lost use of critical facilities and has suffered only
minor damage to property. There have been no reported injuries or fatalities due to fires during
the timeframe studied. Due to normal human negligence, the history of severe thunderstorms
producing Lightning, and the potential for dry and hot conditions fires in Caswell Beach are highly
likely.
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2004
Historical records indicate it is possible that fires will affect Caswell Beach. Future impacts will most likely be
negligible meaning minor injuries may occur; critical facilities may be shut down for 24 hours or less and less than
ten percent of the property in the community would be damaged. These factors suggest a hazard index ranking of
3 for fires in the Caswell Beach area. This indicates that fires are not one of the most important considerations in
determining the Town’s mitigation strategies (see Table 3.14).
Lightning Strike Incident Specifics
 June 23, 1993: Lightning struck a building on Caswell Beach Road. According to Fire
Department Action Reports, the fire was already extinguished upon their arrival. There
was approximately $100,000 of structural damage. There were no reported deaths or
injuries as a result of the fire.
 July 12, 2001: Lightning struck a tree at the Oak Island Golf Course causing a small fire.
The Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire. There was no structural
damage, injuries or deaths as a result of the fire.
 May 2002: Lightning struck the Yaupon Beach Fire Department electrical system. There
was approximately $20,000 in damage as the surge destroyed the computer system used by
the Fire Department. There was no structural damage, injuries or deaths as a result of the
fire.
Vegetative Fire Incident Specifics
 July 5, 1994: A vegetation fire was extinguished on Caswell Beach Road. According to Fire
Department Action Reports there was no property damage, deaths or injuries.
 July 26, 1994: A vegetation fire was extinguished on Oak Island Boulevard. According to
Fire Department Action Reports there was no property damage, deaths or injuries.
 April 15, 1998: A vegetation fire was extinguished on Caswell Beach Road. According to
Fire Department Action Reports there was no property damage, deaths or injuries.
 June 01, 2002: A vegetation fire was extinguished at the Oak Island Villas between the
Condos and the beach. According to Fire Department Action Reports there was no
property damage, deaths or injuries.
Technological Hazards
All hazards do not fall in the natural hazard category but can still have a negative impact on life,
property, economy and community. Some hazards originating from within the human
environment and resulting from man-made conditions such as dam failures, nuclear events, and
hazardous materials events are classified as technological hazards. Technological hazards can
affect localized areas, are frequently unpredictable and can cause property damage, loss of life,
economy and community.
Dam Failures
According to the FEMA (1997) publication, Multiple Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, a dam
is a “barrier constructed across a watercourse for the purpose of storage, control, or diversion of
water.” Dam failures can occur as a result of natural events, human actions or a combination of
both. The most common cause of failure is rainfall. Collapsed or damaged dams can lead to
downstream flooding and subsequent damages or loss of life. The Community Rating System
(CRS), a program of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), offers reduced flood
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insurance premium credit points if state dam safety programs meet the established criteria of a
model state dam safety program.
As identified on the Potential Technological Hazards for Caswell Beach, NC map (Appendix E) there are
no constructed Dams or Levees in the Caswell Beach City Limits, thus, the Hazard Index ranking
for Dam/Levee Failure is a 1, as it is not possible for failure to occur.
Hazardous Materials Events (HAZMAT Events)
HAZMAT Events can include incidents caused by everything from hazardous waste, hazardous
materials storage to hazardous materials transport. These incidents could include explosions,
hazardous material spills, or hazardous material leaks. These events may cause immediate injury or
long-term harm through the release of toxins into the environment. In the general area
surrounding Caswell Beach there are several potential areas of concern, which should be
addressed.
HAZMAT Vulnerability Summary
There are several points of concern to review when addressing HAZMAT Events for Caswell
Beach. In an effort to accurately assess and collect pertinent data, numerous secondary sources
were employed including: Military Ocean Terminal, Sunny Point website
(http://globalsecurity.org/military/facility/sunny-point.htm); The State Port Pilot; Cable News Network;
and Emergency Management records. In addition, several primary sources were utilized including:
Sunny Point Officials, the Town Clerk, Police Chief, and the Fire Chief. The period from 19922002 was studied for information on HAZMAT events.
 The Military Ocean Terminal, Sunny Point Buffer Zone is approximately 15 miles from
Caswell Beach. Sunny Point is the key ammunitions shipping depot on the Atlantic Coast
for the U.S. Department of Defense. Though Sunny Point is located within a buffer zone
and is constructed within protective sand berms it is still considered a potential source of
disaster for the area.
 The Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway border Caswell Beach and are common
routes of transportation for hazardous materials. In fact even if the cargo of the transport
vehicle is not hazardous the vehicle does carry fuel and oil for its own use. In August
2001, a malfunction in a pump caused an explosion on a barge in the Atlantic Ocean,
which caused a barge to sink approximately 200 yards off shore of Caswell Beach.
According to the Wilmington Morning Star (August 8, 2001) the biggest concern facing
those who responded to the incident was the fact that the barge had a fuel tank with
85,000 gallons of fuel in it. The State Port Pilot (August 8, 2001) reported that there was
no leakage of the tank and that the barge was quickly secured.
 A final potential HAZMAT event is directly associated with natural hazards such as
tropical cyclones, nor’easters and flooding. Caswell Beach officials reported that during
major flooding events there have been instances of propane tanks owned by the citizens of
Caswell Beach breaking loose from their foundations and floating through the Town
creating “floating bombs.” However, to date no explosions or leaks from the tanks have
been reported. Additionally, during these types of natural events septic systems are often
exposed causing the potential for leakage (see the tropical cyclone and nor’easter sections
of this plan for more detailed information).
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Historical records indicate that it is possible HAZMAT events will affect Caswell Beach. The Town has not lost use
of critical facilities and has not suffered damage to property. Additionally, there have been no reported injuries or
fatalities. Future impacts will most likely be negligible meaning minor injuries may occur; critical facilities may be
shut down for 24 hours or less and less than ten percent of the property in the community would be damaged.
These factors suggest a hazard index ranking of 2 for HAZMAT events in the Caswell Beach area. This indicates
that fires are not one of the most important considerations in determining the Town’s mitigation strategies (see
Table 3.14).
Nuclear Events
According to FEMA (1997) there are three types of nuclear accidents (critical accidents, loss-ofcoolant accidents, and loss of containment accidents) all of which could release a significant level
of radioactivity or have the potential for exposure of workers or the general public to radiation.
Most commercial nuclear facilities in the United States were developed in the 1960s; were
developed to withstand aircraft attack and as a result they should withstand most natural events.
Because the effect of a nuclear incident can be felt for so many miles it is necessary to examine any
nuclear facility located within the vicinity of Caswell Beach.
Nuclear Event Vulnerability Summary
In an effort to accurately assess and collect pertinent data, several secondary sources were
employed including: The State Port Pilot; Cable News Network; and Emergency Management
records. However, in this case, primary sources were utilized most, including: CP&L Brunswick
Plant Officials, the Police Chief, and Fire Chief.
The CP&L Brunswick Nuclear Plant is located approximately 10 miles from Caswell Beach and,
therefore, in the event of an accident would pose a significant risk to the community. According
to CP&L officials, the plant’s primary containment unit is constructed of four to six feet of
reinforced concrete and an inner steal liner. The unit is located within another building with
reinforced concrete walls approximately two feet thick. Emergency Management records indicate
that, to date there has been no major nuclear accidents reported in this plant.
The plant operates under strict guidelines and to date no problems have arisen. As a result a
nuclear accident is highly unlikely. However, if one were to occur, a large portion of the Town
would be affected and the results could be critical or catastrophic. The hazard index rank for
nuclear accidents in Caswell Beach is 2 (see Table 3.14).
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Table: 3.14
Town of Caswell Beach
Hazard Identification and Analysis Worksheet
Type of Hazard and Associated
Elements
Natural Hazards
Tropical Cyclones
Nor'easters
Severe Thunderstorms/Windstorms
Tornadoes
Waterspouts
Winter Storms
Flooding
Erosion
Tsunamis
Landslides
Droughts
Extreme Heat
Volcanoes
Earthquakes
Wildfires
Technological Hazards
Dam/Levee Failures
Hazardous Materials Events
Nuclear Events
Likelihood of
Occurance
Intensity Rating (mild,
moderate, severe)
Impact
Index
Ranking
Highly Likely
Highly Likely
Highly Likely
Possible
Possible
Possible
Highly Likely
Highly Likely
Highly Unlikely
Highly Unlikely
Possible
Possible
Highly Unlikely
Possible
Highly Likely
Severe
Severe
Moderate
Mild
Mild
Mild
Severe
Severe
Mild
Mild
Mild
Mild
Mild
Mild
Moderate
Critical
Limited
Negligible
Negligible
Negligible
Negligible
Critical
Critical
Negligible
Negligible
Negligible
Negligible
Negligible
Negligible
Negligible
5
4
3
2
2
2
5
5
1
1
2
2
1
2
3
Highly Unlikely
Possible
Highly Unlikely
Mild
Mild
Severe
Negligible
Negligible
Catastrophic
1
2
2
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SECTION 4: COMMUNITY CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT
The capability assessment helped analyze the Town’s current capability to mitigate the threats
hazards pose. To conduct a complete and thorough assessment of the Town’s capability an
examination of the Town’s legal, institutional, technological, political, and fiscal capability was
conducted.
First an assessment of the Town’s legal capability was conducted. During this step all local
governing documents (i.e. Zoning Ordinance, Land Use Plan, Sub-Division Ordinance, Flood
Damage Prevention Ordinance, and the like) were reviewed (see reference section for specifics on
documents reviewed during this process). That review identified existing policies, practices,
programs, regulations, and activities currently in place and determined if they promote or hinder
the mitigation process.
Subsequently, the institutional capability of the Town was examined with a review of the various
local departments, agencies, and organizations was conducted. This step helped identify if
adequate personnel is available to assist in the implementation of the mitigation strategies
determined necessary to reduce the vulnerability of the Town.
Following the institutional capability assessment a political capability assessment was conducted.
In this process the local governing body was examined to determine if they were organized,
responsive to the needs of the community, educated about the hazards prevalent tot heir area, if
they understood, supported, and promoted the mitigation process.
Additionally, the technological capability of the Town was examined. In this process a review of
the Town’s current technology was conducted. This was accomplished by examining if the Town
has primary and secondary phone systems, internet and/or a town sponsored website, and if they
have a geographic information system and trained staff to use said system. In addition, a review of
the individual departments was conducted to determine if they had the appropriate equipment to
conduct their day to day activities and assist in the implementation of the mitigation process.
Finally, the fiscal capability of the community was assessed. Here the ability of the community to
financially afford the implementation of the mitigations strategies herein was determined. In
addition, the ability of the Town to research and seek alternated sources of funding was examined
as well as the ability of the Town to integrate funding sources.
LEGAL CAPABILITY
General Authority
Enabling legislation in North Carolina delegates’ legal authority to local governments to implement regulatory
measures. The basis for much of this authority is the police power designed to protect public health, safety and
welfare. This authority enables local officials to enact and enforce ordinances and to define and abate nuisances.
As hazard mitigation is a form of protecting public health, safety and welfare, it falls under the general regulatory
powers of local governments. Enabling legislation also extends to building codes and inspections, land use,
acquisition, taxation and floodway regulation.
Building Codes and Inspections
Building codes and inspections provide local governments with the means to maintain Town
structures that are resilient to natural hazards. The North Carolina State Building Code prescribes
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minimum standards for building construction. Local governments are permitted to adopt
additional codes as long as the regulations are at least as stringent as the state standards. Stateenabling legislation authorizes local governments to carry out building inspections to ensure local
structures adhere to the minimum state building standards. Under this code the town is
authorized to create an Inspection Department and shall appoint one or more inspectors who may
be given the titles of Building Inspector, Electrical Inspector, Plumbing Inspector, Housing
Inspector, Zoning Inspector, Mechanical Inspector, Fire Prevention Inspector, or Deputy or
Assistant Inspector, or such other titles as may be generally descriptive of the duties assigned. The
Department would be headed by a Superintendent or Director of Inspections. Currently,
however, local officials, including provisions in the codes for flood-proofing measures, enforce the
North Carolina State Building Code regulations for the Town of Caswell Beach.
Land Use Planning
Through land use regulatory powers granted by the state, local governments can control the location, density, type
and timing of land use and development in the community. The North Carolina Coastal Areas Management Act
(CAMA), designed to protect the state’s coastal resources through a combination of local land-use planning and
state regulations, requires each of the state’s twenty coastal counties to prepare land use plans in compliance with
guidelines outlined in the law. The Act established the Coastal Resources Commission, a body whose duties
include oversight and approval of the land use plans. CAMA guidelines require the following issues be
incorporated into the land use plans: resource protection, resource production and management, economic and
community development, continuing public participation, as well as storm hazard mitigation, post-disaster recovery
and evacuation plans. Provisions of the land use plans are implemented through regulatory tools that include
zoning and subdivision ordinances, land acquisition and taxation. The Town of Caswell Beach last updated their
CAMA Land Use Plan in 1997. This plan includes mitigation measures to address Resource Protection, Resource
Production and Management, Economic and Community Development, Public Participation, Storm Hazard
Mitigation, Post Disaster Recovery, and Evacuation Plans (see Appendix F and G for specifics on goals and
strategies). The plan is scheduled to be revised in 2004 to define and refine community policies and issues, and to
describe existing uses of land and future desired growth patterns. This revision will assist in the promotion of
hazard mitigation through the development of new and the continuation of old land use policies that will reduce the
Town’s vulnerability to different hazards.
Zoning
Within its zoning authority, a local government is authorized to divide the planning area into
districts (see Zoning Map of Caswell Beach, NC Appendix E). For each type of district, as defined in
a written code and by zoning maps, the local government may “regulate and restrict construction,
reconstruction, alteration, repair or use of buildings, structures of land” (N.C.G.S. 160A-382).
The Town of Caswell Beach Zoning Code was last updated in November 1998. The code
includes Flood Zone Provisions, CAMA Provisions and Development Standards. The code
identifies zones for multi-family residential use, single family residential use, commercial, and
conservation use, which are all identified in the community profile section of this plan (see Zoning
Districts of Caswell Beach, NC map, Appendix E). The ordinance includes Flood Zone Provisions,
CAMA Provisions and Development Standards (see Appendix F and G for specifics on goals and
strategies). The Board of Commissioners, Board of Adjustment, Planning Board, or other board
or designated official is given authority to administer the code. Variances and appeals are received
and processed by the Town’s Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Subdivision Ordinance
Local governments are authorized under N.C.G.S. 160A-371 to regulate the subdivision of land
within their jurisdiction. Subdivision Regulations apply when land is divided into parcels that are
ten acres or smaller.
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Caswell Beach adopted Subdivision Regulations were adopted in September 1983. The ordinance
provides restrictions on the subdivision of land in identified hazard areas, limits and mitigates the
flow of stormwater on development projects, and provides setback requirements (see Appendix F
and G for specifics on goals and strategies). The Subdivision Regulations authorize the Planning
Board to use all available resources to ensure that lots are suitable for development. The Board of
Commissioners administers the ordinance.
Acquisition
Under the North Carolina General Statutes (160A-240.1), local governments have the power to
acquire property “by gift, grant, devise, bequest, exchange, purchase, lease, or any other lawful
method,” pursuant to state eminent domain laws (N.C.G.S. 40A). This regulatory tool may be
used by local governments to reduce community vulnerability to natural hazards by directly
controlling development and use of areas especially vulnerable to hazards. The option of
acquisition is a strategy that has been applied in other areas and has been deemed successful in
reducing the level of vulnerability to specific hazards. This option is available to the Town and has
been established as a portion of the Town of Caswell Beach Strategic Plan.
Taxation
Taxation can be a powerful mitigation tool by providing local governments with a way to guide
development. Tax abatements may be used to encourage landowners and developers to integrate
mitigation measures into the process of building new developments and retrofitting existing
properties in the floodplain. These tools can be especially effective at encouraging the mitigation
of existing structures. Incentives have been applied in other areas for storm proofing, flood
proofing, wind mitigation and seismic retrofitting programs and have been deemed successful in
reducing the level of vulnerability to specific hazards. This option is available to the Town but at
this time the Town does not consider it a priority in reducing the vulnerability in Caswell Beach.
Floodway Regulation
According to state statute, the channel and part of the floodplain of each stream are to be
designated as a floodway in order to limit flood disaster as much as possible. Within the floodway,
local governments, through permitting, are to prevent obstructions that may increase the height of
floods and the extent of flood damage. The Town of Caswell Beach last updated their Flood
Damage Prevention Ordinance in September 1994. The purpose of this ordinance is to promote
public health and general welfare and to minimize public and private losses due to flood
conditions (see Appendix F and Appendix G for specifics on goals and strategies). The Ordinance
is specifically tied into the North Carolina State Building Code used by the Town, the and the
CAMA Land Use Plan. The Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance authorizes the Building
Inspector to administer and implement the provisions within the ordinance. In addition, the
Board of Commissioners may affirm, modify and affirm, or revoke the order as issued by the
Building Inspector during the appeal process.
National Flood Insurance Program and National Community Rating System
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides flood insurance to individuals in
communities that are members of the program. Membership in the program is contingent on the
community adopting and enforcing floodplain management and development regulations. Part of
the NFIP is the Community Rating System (CRS), a program that adjusts flood insurance
premiums in relation to a community’s investment in flood damage mitigation. To be included in
the system, a community’s floodplain management procedures must be reported and evaluated.
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There are ten classes within the CRS system, with 1 providing the greatest premium reduction and
10 providing no reduction. The Town of Caswell Beach has been a member of NFIP since
January 17, 1986. The Town began to participate in the CRS program on October 1, 1994 and
currently holds a class 7 in the program.
FEMA’s Floodplain Map Modernization Program:
The North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Program
This information is courtesy of NCFMP, as adapted from FEMA Floodplain Management Bulletin 1-98, “Use
of Flood Insurance Study (FIS) Data as Available Data.”
The President’s Budget of the U.S. Government for the Fiscal Year 2003 recognizes that,
“Flooding stands out as the single most pervasive disaster hazard facing the nation. It causes an
estimated $6 billion in property damages annually. In the past, many of the nation’s efforts to avert
flood disasters have focused on structural changes to waterways – for example, building dams and
levees. Focusing flood reduction efforts on identifying the areas at risk for flooding and steering
development way from those areas can be a less costly long-term approach to mitigation. Modernizing
the nation’s flood maps is critical to that effort. Many of the nation’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps
(FIRM's) are out of date and inaccurate –63 percent of the maps are more than 10 years old [50
percent in North Carolina are more than 13 years old]. A third of the maps are more than 15 years
old. About 2,700 communities [125 in North Carolina] are not mapped at all. New and updated
FIRM's can provide crucial guidance for future building, development, and flood mitigation effortsdetermining how and where individuals, private developers, and local governments build.”
Background of The North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Program
The State of North Carolina, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s)
Cooperating Technical Partners initiative, is the nation’s first Cooperating Technical State (CTS).
As a CTS, the State will assume primary ownership and responsibility of the FIRM's for all North
Carolina communities. Under the CTS agreement, the State of North Carolina, FEMA, and
numerous other Federal, State, and local agencies have partnered to conduct a statewide mapping
program. The program involves producing updated, digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)
panels for the entire State of North Carolina, implementing a state-of-the-art, dynamic
Information Technology infrastructure, and developing a real-time flood forecasting and
inundation mapping system. There are several reasons why the State initiated this program,
including:
 Accurate floodplain maps are needed to understand flood risk;
 Knowing the flood risk helps communities manage development to dramatically reduce
long-term flood losses;
 Most flood maps in the State are outdated and lack sufficient detail to effectively assess
and manage flood risk, as demonstrated by the flood losses experienced during Hurricane
Floyd; and
 FEMA’s mapping budget is finite and many counties and communities have indicated that
they do not have the resources to take on the responsibility of generating new flood maps.
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The statewide effort will occur in three phases. Phase I started in 2000 and includes the six river
basins in eastern North Carolina, which were most impacted by Hurricane Floyd. Phase II will
encompass six river basins in the middle of the State and begin in February 2003. Phase III will
address the five remaining basins in the western part of the State. The goal is to have the entire
State remapped by the end of 2007.
The preliminary maps for Caswell Beach and Brunswick County were expected in August of 2003.
However, the date on the deliverable has been changed to an indefinite timeframe. The maps will
become effective six months after the preliminary maps are issued. Preliminary flood hazard maps
contain valuable information that can be used for floodplain management before they become
effective.
New flood hazard information is released to the public as a preliminary Flood Insurance Study
(FIS) Report and FIRM for review and comment during a statutory 90-day appeal period. The
preliminary BFE and floodway data are subject to change until a notice of final flood elevation
determination is provided in a Letter of Final Determination (LFD) to the community.
A Flood Insurance Study (FIS) uses detailed hydrologic and hydraulic analyses to model the 1%
annual chance flood event, determine the Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), and designate floodways
and flood risk zones (e.g., Zones AE and VE). The flood hazard data are shown in tables in a FIS
Report, shown graphically as flood profiles, and portrayed planimetrically on a Flood Insurance
Rate map (FIRM).
Most communities participating in the NFIP have a FIRM depicting areas expected to be
inundated during the 1% annual chance flood (i.e., Special Flood Hazard Areas [SFHAs]
determined by using one of two types of engineering methods: 1) detailed studies which determine
BFEs, and 2) approximated studies which do not determine BFEs and are designated as Zone A.
When land has been designated as being located in the SFHA on a community’s Flood Hazard
Boundary Map (FHBM) or FIRM, and no BFEs or floodway have been identified, communities
are required to apply the provision contained in Subparagraph 60.3(b)(4). This provision requires
that communities, “obtain, review and reasonably utilize any base flood elevation and floodway
data available from a Federal, State, or other source…”
Communities should use preliminary flood data as criteria to require that new construction and/or
substantial improvement projects are built such that the lowest floor is elevated to or above the
BFE. Communities should also prohibit any encroachment in the floodway that would result in
any increase in base flood levels during the occurrence of a base (1% annual chance) flood
discharge event. Subparagraph 60.3(b)(4) also states that BFE or floodway data obtained should be
used as long as they, “reasonable reflect flooding conditions expected during the base flood; are
not known to be scientifically or technically incorrect; and represent the best data available. Data
from a preliminary FIS constitute available data.”
Use of Preliminary FIS Data
Land Currently within Zone A
For areas currently identified within a Zone A on the community’s effective FHBM or FIRM, the
BFE and floodway/non-encroachment data from a preliminary FIS Report constitute available
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data under Subparagraph 60.3(b)(4). The requirement in Subparagraph 60.3(b)(4) is an important
floodplain management tool for reducing flood damage in areas currently designated as Zone A.
Communities are required to reasonably utilize the data from a preliminary FIS Report or FIRM
under the section of their ordinance that applies to this Subparagraph.
When all appeals have been resolved and the LFD is issued, communities are required to use the
new BFE and floodway/non-encroachment data; these data are considered to be the best data
available for regulating floodplain development in accordance with Subparagraph 60.3(b)(4). This
includes meeting the standards of Subparagraphs 60.3(c) and (d), such as the requirement that new
construction, substantial improvements, and other development have the lowest floor elevated to
or above the BFE. Communities must regulate floodplain development using the data in the
preliminary FIS Report and FIRM under Subparagraph 60.3(b)(4) even before the community has
officially adopted the new FIS Report and FIRM into its floodplain management ordinance.
In Zone A areas, the requirement for using BFE and floodway/non-encroachment data in a
preliminary FIS Report makes sense because there is no other BFE or floodway data. Further,
communities need to protect new or substantially improved structures from flood damage until
the appeal period ends and the data are incorporated into local ordinances. The use of the qualifier
“reasonable, “contained in Subparagraph 60.3(b)(4), reflects FEMA’s statutory obligation to
provide the public with an opportunity to appeal proposed elevation data.
If a community decides not to use the BFE or floodway/non-encroachment data in the
preliminary FIS Report and FIRM because it is questioning the data through a valid appeal, the
community must continue to ensure that buildings are constructed using methods and practices
that minimize flood damage in accordance with the floodplain management requirements under
Subparagraphs 60.3(a)(3) and (4):
 Review of Permit Applications: Subparagraph 60.3(a)(3) requires communities to review
permit applications to determine whether proposed building sites are reasonably safe from
flooding. If a proposed building site is floodprone, communities must require that new
construction and substantial improvements be adequately anchored, use flood-resistant
materials, are constructed to minimize flood damages, and protect utilities during a flood.
 Review of Proposals for New Development: Subparagraphs 60.3(a)(4) requires
communities to review subdivision proposals and other proposed new development,
including manufactured home parks or subdivisions, to determine whether proposed
developments will be reasonably safe from flooding. Communities are required to review
such proposals for floodprone areas to ensure that potential flood damage is minimized,
utilities are constructed to minimize or eliminate damage, and adequate drainage is
provided to reduce the exposure to flood hazards.
Land Currently within Zones AE, A1-30, VE, and V1-30
The NFIP floodplain management criteria do not require communities to use BFE and floodway
data from a preliminary FIS Report or FIRM in areas designates as Zones AE, A1030, VE, and
V1030 in lieu of using the BFE and floodway data contained in an existing effective FIS Report
and FIRM. Because communities have the opportunity to appeal BFE data from a restudy, a
presumption of validity is given to existing effective BFE data that have been through the formal
statutory appeals process and adopted by the community. However, communities are strongly
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encouraged to refer to the preliminary FIS Report and FIRM and the existing effective FIS Report
and FIRM when reviewing proposals for new development and permit applications, as described
below, around land currently within Zones AE, A1-30, VE, or V1-30 that has been restudied.
 Increase in BFEs/Wider Floodways: When BFEs increase and/or floodways widen in the
restudied area, communities have the responsibility of ensuring that new or substantially
improved structures are protected. FEMA cannot require a community to use BFE and
floodway data in a preliminary FIS Report or FIRM as available data or to use the data at
the time FEMA issues the LFD. However, FEMA encourages communities to reasonably
use this information in instances where BFEs increase and floodways are revised to ensure
that citizen’s health, safety, and property are protected.
 Decrease in BFEs/Narrower Floodways: When BFEs decrease or floodways narrow, the
community should not use the preliminary FIS Report or FIRM to regulate floodplain
development until the LFD has been issued. If the preliminary FIS Report or FIRM
provides information that BFEs are decreasing when compared with the current FIS
Report or FIRM, but an appeal actually results in higher BFEs, the community could place
its citizens at greater flood risk by using the preliminary FIS Report or FIRM to regulate
floodplain development. Also, structures could be subject to increased flood insurance
premiums if built using data from a preliminary FIS Report or FIRM that is revised to
show increased BFEs or wider floodways.
In communities where floodways have not been designated for all or some of the flooding
sources, but BFEs have been provided, communities are required to apply the criteria contained in
Subparagraph 60.3(c)(10). This provision requires that, “Until a regulatory floodway is designated,
no new construction, substantial improvements, or other development shall be permitted unless it
is demonstrated that the cumulative effect of the proposed development, when combined with all
other existing and anticipated development, will not increase the water-surface elevation of the
base flood more than 1.0 foot at any point with the community.”
However, if a preliminary FIS Report and FIRM have designated floodways and/or nonencroachment areas where none had previously existed, communities should reasonably use this
best available data in lieu of applying the encroachment performance standard contained in
Subparagraph 60.3(c)(10). By using the floodway/non-encroachment data from a preliminary FIS
Report, communities avoid the expense of conducting the hydraulic analysis necessary to
demonstrate compliance with Subparagraph 60.3(c)(10). In addition, communities can minimize
flood damage by ensuring that the flood-carrying capacity of the floodway is preserved because
obstruction of floodways can significantly increase potential for flooding upstream.
Land Currently within Zones B, C, and X
The NFIP floodplain management criteria do not require the use of BFE and floodway/nonencroachment data from a preliminary FIS Report or FIRM under Subparagraph 60.3(b)(4) for an
area or areas within Zones B, C, or X on the community’s FIRM that are being revised to Zone
AE or VE. FEMA cannot mandate or require a community to use the information contained in
the preliminary FIS Report or FIRM pertaining to areas designated as Zone B, C, or X as available
data or use the data at the time FEMA issues the LFD to the community. However, FEMA
encourages communities to reasonably use this information to ensure that their citizens’ health,
safety, and property are protected.
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Ordinance Requirements – Adoption of the Data
Land Currently within Zones A, AE, A1-30, VE, V1-30, B, C, and X
Communities have several months from the date of the LFD to adopt the revised FIS Report and
FIRM. FEMA is required to provide a reasonable amount of time for the community to adopt
floodplain management ordinances that are consistent with the final flood elevation
determinations. Subparagraph 59.24(a) provides for a 6-month compliance period in which the
community must adopt the effective FIS Report and FIRM and amend existing ordinances to
incorporate any additional requirements under Paragraph 60.3. Under the North Carolina
Floodplain Mapping Program, this 6-month period typically starts when a preliminary FIS Report
and FIRM are issued.
Floodplain management ordinances generally contain a section titled “Basis for Establishing the
Areas of Special Flood Hazard” in which the current effective FIS Report and FIRM are cited.
Language in the ordinance may adopt by reference any subsequent revisions (i.e., a revised FIS
Report and FIRM) without a subsequent formal adoption procedure. However, this wording
should not be used as the basis for a community to use the preliminary FIS Report prior to the
issuance of the LFD. If a community uses preliminary BFE and Floodway/non-encroachment
data, it is advised that the community formally adopt this information.
Insurance Implications
Land Currently within Zone A
For a new or substantially improved structure, communities can use information from a
preliminary FIS Report to complete the Elevation Certificate in Zone A areas. When this is the
case, “other” in Block 10 of the Elevation Certificate is checked and the preliminary FIS and
FIRM panel and date are noted. THE flood insurance policies for new or substantially improved
structures in Zone A that are rated using BFE data from a preliminary FIS Report will often
qualify for significantly lower insurance rates than policies that are rated without a BFE.
Land Currently within Zones AE, A1-30, VE, and V1-30
For flood insurance rating purposes in Zones AS, A1-30, VE, or V1-30, new or substantially
improved structures are rated based on the BFE and FIRM zone in effect on the date of
construction until the revised FIRM becomes effective. This is the case regardless of whether the
preliminary FIS Report indicates that the proposed BFEs will increase or decrease.
If a community chooses to use proposed BFEs from a preliminary FIS Report for a new or
substantially improved structure, the flood insurance rate is still based on the BFE and FIRM zone
in effect on the date of construction. The flood insurance rate will be based on the difference
between the elevation of the lowest floor and the BFE and FIRM zone in effect. Therefore, if a
new or substantially improved structure is built to the proposed FE from a preliminary FIS Report
and FIRM and this BFE is higher than the BFE in effect, the flood insurance rate may be
significantly lower. However, a new or substantially improved structure built to the proposed BFE
that is lower than the BFE in effect may result in a higher flood insurance rate. In this case, the
insured will qualify for a premium pro rata refund once the revised FIRM is effective.
Land Currently within Zones B, C, and X
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For flood insurance rating purposes, new or substantially improved structures are rated based on
the FIRM zone in effect (i.e., Zone B, C, or X) on the date of start of construction. If a
community chooses to use proposed BFEs from a preliminary FIS Report and FIRM for a new or
substantially improved structure, the flood insurance rate is still based on the FIRM zone in effect
(i.e., one B, C, or X) on the date of construction. Structures in Zones B, C, or X may be eligible
for Preferred Risk Policies until the New FIRM is effective.
Stormwater Management
The Division of Environmental Management is authorized to administer the requirements set
forth in 15A NCAC 2H.1003. This section of the administrative code regulates the density of
developments and mandates standards for engineered stormwater controls. To date the Town of
Caswell Beach does not have a stormwater management plan in place. However, in September
2000 the Town worked with W. K. Dickenson & Co., Incorporated to conduct a Stormwater
Drainage Study. This study identifies areas of drainage concern, mitigation methods that can be
used to alleviate poor drainage, as well as, a cost analysis. This study will be discussed further in
later sections of this plan.
The development of stormwater regulations could provide Caswell Beach with the ability to
restore and preserve water quality and the natural ecological functions of surface waters that are
included in its planning area. They would assist in regulating existing developments, future
developments, and construction activities as well as institute mandatory requirements to prevent
careless pollution to surface waters.
Emergency Management
In case of emergency, the Town of Caswell Beach Emergency Response Plan last updated in September
2002, takes effect. Under the authority of relevant portions of North Carolina General Statutes,
Chapters 160A, 14 and 166, the Emergency Response Plan sets guidelines for the dissemination of
information and resources. The Town has entered into a Mutual Aid Agreement with the
Brunswick County Sheriffs Dept., Brunswick County E.M., and the Town of Oak Island, Town of
Shallotte, City of Southport, and City of Boiling Spring Lakes. In addition to the Emergency
Response Plan, the Town has a Time Sensitive Hurricane Plan, which was placed into effect in July
2001. This document is used to establish a usable time line for hurricane evacuation and reentry.
Strategic Planning
On July 18, 2002 the Town of Caswell Beach adopted, by unanimous vote, the Town of Caswell
Beach Strategic Plan. The plan provides the Town with the legal ability to preserve and protect
the endangered environment of physical and living natural beauty, provide an efficient and costeffective Town government that meets the growing and challenging demands of Caswell Beach,
assure the availability of human services and maintain a safe and secure environment, and to
achieve a community united with a shared Town vision and spirit. The Town intends the Strategic
Plan to be the principal planning and management document for the Town. It contains separate
line items for such plans and projects as beach preservation and restoration, wastewater and
stormwater planning, land use planning, regional transportation planning, emergency management,
as well as, hazard mitigation. The Strategic Plan is the primary document that will be used in an
effort to ensure the implementation of the strategies identified herein.
INSTITUTIONAL CAPABILITY
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Caswell Beach is comprised of a highly responsive, highly trained staff who is capable in
implementing the strategies identified herein. In addition, they are capable of promoting the
mitigation process and educating the public about the hazards prevalent to their area and the
mitigation process necessary to mitigate those hazards. The Town’s core local government is
comprised of:
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Mayor
Board of Commissioners (currently a 5 – member board)
Planning Board (currently a 5 – member board with 1 – alternate)
Board of Adjustments (currently a 5 – member board with 2 – alternates)
Sewer Funding Committee (currently a 6 – member committee)
Beach Advisory Board (currently a 9 – member board with 1 – alternate)
Town Hall
 Town Clerk
 Finance Officer
Public Utilities
 Public Utilities Official (Part-time)
Building Inspections
 Building Inspector (Part-time)
Police Department
 Police Chief
 (1) Police Sergeants
 (2) Patrolman (Full-time)
 (1) Patrolman (Part-time)
 (2) Officers (Part-time)
 (2) Officers (Reserve)
Yaupon Beach Fire Department (Contractual Capability)
 (35) Fire Fighters (Volunteer)
POLITICAL CAPABILITY
Caswell Beach is responsive to the needs of its residents and through memorandums of
understanding or memorandums of agreement receives assistance from surrounding municipalities
and Counties to better serve their residents. The Caswell Beach governing board is well educated
on the hazards that threaten the Community and have advisory boards that specialize in specific
areas of hazard reduction. The residents of Caswell Beach actively participate in public hearings,
board meetings, and workshops relevant to the continues growth and development of the
Community. In addition, there are boards, committees, and commissions that are established with
the specific purpose of receiving and evaluating citizen comments and advising the governing
board on said comments and information. The Community (it’s governing board, staff, and
citizenry) appear highly capable and willing to promote the economic efficiency and social utility
of the mitigation measures contained in this plan..
TECHNICAL CAPABILITY
Caswell Beach is secured with basic technology needed to mitigate and respond to natural
disasters.
 The Town is equipped with telephone and fax lines.
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 All primary Town personnel are equipped with cellular phones, which can act as a backup
to land lines in case service is lost.
 The Town is connected to the Internet, which is a valuable source of information on
approaching hazards, as well as, mitigation measures. The Town sponsors a website at
http://www.caswellbeach.org where there is a special section relating to disaster
information.
 The Town has some GIS capability and partners with the Cape Fear Council of
Government for additional GIS needs.
FISCAL CAPABILITY
Caswell Beach is not unique in the trials and tribulations felt by small governments to retain the
staff and resources necessary to accomplish the strategies necessary to mitigate the hazards in their
area. However, Caswell Beach realizes that there are a large number of diverse funding sources
available to communities to assist in the fiscal responsibility required to implement local hazard
mitigation plans, including both government and private programs (see Appendix H for details).
While federal and state programs carry out the bulk of disaster relief programs that provide funds
for mitigation, local governments are encouraged to open the search field as widely as possible,
and include alternative funding sources to supplement the local hazard mitigation budget. Caswell
Beach is staffed with persons educated in the project planning area which includes fiscal planning
and the identification of multiple funding sources to ensure the success of said project. In
addition, the Town realizes that before effective mitigation strategies can be applied, stable
funding sources and effective incentives must be established on a per project basis to encourage
participation by the private and public sectors.
ANALYSIS CONCLUSION
The Caswell Beach Existing Community Goals Worksheet (Appendix F) provides an analysis of
the current goals identified by the Town. Many of the Town’s goals are specific in nature and
address a specific hazard. It is suggested that the Town continue this path and make the goals in
this plan specific in nature and ensure that they too address specific hazards.
The Town continues addressing specific hazards in the Town’s Existing Community Capability
Assessment Worksheet (Appendix G), which provides an analysis of the Towns current hazard
mitigation capabilities. A review of this worksheet reveals that, the Town of Caswell Beach can
be proactive community in terms of mitigation. The community is a member of the NFIP and has
extended that membership to include participation in the CRS program where, as previously
stated, they hold a class of 7. The Town’s 1997 CAMA Land Use Plan outlines community
strategies for development and provides the framework for the Zoning Ordinance and
Subdivision Regulations. The plan specifically identifies strategies, which address storm hazard
mitigation, post-disaster recovery, and evacuation plans. The Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision
Regulations provide detailed land use and building policies that address many aspects of mitigation
planning, as does the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. The Emergency Response Plan and the
Time Sensitive Hurricane Plan provide detailed descriptions of duties and responsibilities in the event
of a disaster and identifies the level of community/county coordination necessary for a successful
recovery.
Because the Town of Caswell Beach has previously taken a steps to mitigate certain hazards in the
past by identifying community goals and strategies that are specific to certain hazards, have
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continuously kept their governing ordinances and regulations up to date and because they have
expressed the need for official mitigation measures through the development of this CommunityBased Hazard Mitigation Plan, implementation of the identified mitigation strategies should be
high.
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SECTION 5: MITIGATION STRATEGIES
This section contains a detailed strategy that promotes the current achievement of hazard
mitigation, impact reduction and other community goals. This section will address mitigation
strategies for natural hazards such as: tropical cyclones, flooding, tornados, waterspouts, winter
storms, severe thunderstorms and the like. However, it will also contain strategies for
technological hazards such as Dam Failures, Wildfires, HAZMAT Events, and Nuclear Events.
This section is organized with general goals that are to be met by accomplishing the accompanying
objectives and subsequent strategies. The section is further supported by the Town of Caswell
Beach, NC 5 – Year Action Matrix found in the Executive Summary of this plan. The action
matrix provides a quick reference for the Town during the implementation process. It identifies
each goal, objective, and strategy. It further identified the hazards addressed by each strategy,
type of strategy, target completion date, responsible party/organization for implementation,
potential funding source, as well as, monitoring and evaluation indicators. Specific information on
potential funding sources are found in Appendix H of this plan.
As discussed in the mitigation planning section of this plan, the goals, objectives, and strategies
identified herein were developed through a multi-step process. Following the hazard
identification and analysis which identified the hazards most prevalent to the area and following
the area vulnerability assessment which identified the areas of the community most vulnerable to
the previously identified hazards a community capability assessment was conducted. The
community capability assessment identified what steps the community had already taken towards
reducing their vulnerability to hazards by reviewing the Town’s legal, institutional, political,
technical, and fiscal capability. In addition this step identified the Town’s capability to implement
future mitigation measures. Following this, an acceptability assessment was conducted which
included the communities participation in a public hearing. In this step the citizens, the governing
board, as well as, others were provided an opportunity to provide input on the results of the
hazard identification and analysis, area vulnerability assessment, and the community capability
assessment. It also provided a forum for the governing board to determine the level of mitigation
planning they felt the wanted to develop. Based on the already proactive approach the Town has
taken towards mitigation in the past and based on the current level of development and
population increase it was decided to use the mitigation plan as an avenues to make Caswell Beach
less vulnerable to all hazards that could potentially affect the area and that a high level of planning
was needed to continue the proactive approach the Town had already taken. Subsequently a
community goals assessment was conducted. This step involved a review of all the governing
documents in the planning area, as well as, interviews and meetings with key informants. Here the
current goals and strategies already adopted by the community were identified and examined to
determine if they promoted or hindered the mitigation process. During this step the mitigation
planning committee met and reviewed all comments provided by the governing board and citizens
at the public hearing. In addition, preliminary strategies were identified and a bullet list was
developed to use as a guide during the forthcoming mitigation workshop.
The primary step in the development of the goals, objectives, and strategies identified herein was
the mitigation workshop. The Town’s governing board, staff, residents/property owners,
business owners, as well as, county emergency management personnel and planning staff, local
academics and surrounding community leaders were invited to participate. Invitations were sent
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out three weeks prior to the workshop and subsequent phone calls were made to encourage those
invited to attend. Additionally, a posting was placed in all public areas of the Town’s
administrative building and an announcement was made at the previous public hearing to
encourage residents/property owners and local business owners to attend. The workshop was
well attended by the governing board and staff employed by the community. The preliminary
strategies previously identified by the mitigation committee were reviewed and new strategies were
identified based on information previously discussed in the public hearing. The following is the
list of goals, objectives, and strategies identified and agreed upon at the mitigation workshop.
Mitigation Goal 1
Improve Public Awareness: Public awareness and community education is a strategy that
addresses all hazards. The list of strategies to achieve the goal of public awareness is unlimited.
However, it is important in the process of education that as many people as possible are reached
and provided information. Thus, it is best to identify multiple strategies that can be used to
accomplish this goal.
First, sponsoring a seminar based on hazards and mitigation activities to address those hazards
reaches large amounts of people at one time. In addition it provides a forum for citizens to
interact with persons about the best way to reduce their personal vulnerability to hazards. A
seminar would provide illiterate persons the opportunity to hear the necessary information that
quite often is dispersed in written format only. However, a seminar alone is not an effective way
for a community to provide public awareness as there are many citizens incapable of attending
such an event. Because a seminar is a proven way of reaching large numbers of persons at one
time Caswell Beach has chosen to hold a Town sponsored seminar as on of their strategies.
In addition, the dispersment of written materials is one way of reaching the largest number of
residents in the community, as well as, business owners, specifically those involved in the
development and construction process of new structures in the area. It also provides people with
written materials for future reference. However, the cost of dispersing written materials can be
costly and could reach an illiterate population who can not use it. Nonetheless, providing written
materials to citizens has been a proven way of conducting public awareness strategies. These
strategies could include displaying the information on an information board at the Town’s
administrative offices, handing out information to those applying for permits or to new home
buyers, sending out inserts in local gas/utility bills, and posting information on Town sponsored
websites. Because the Town of Caswell Beach has a highly literate population and because there is
a high level of personal computer ownership and utility usage in the area the Town has chosen to
implement all the aforementioned strategies in an effort to provide the public with the necessary
information.
Public awareness can serve two major points in the mitigation efforts of the community. First, in
an education capacity, the seriousness of the potential for disaster as a result of hazards can be
communicated. Here the saying “knowledge is power” is an adequate statement, for the more
knowledge the public has on the potential hazards that affect Caswell Beach, the more likely they
are to take appropriate steps in securing their property and protecting their families against the
dangers associate with said hazards. Second, citizens and visitors alike can be made aware of
evacuation routes, which physically remove people from the path of danger. Many lives have been
saved through public awareness during pending emergencies. Since new residents and seasonal
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visitors in Caswell Beach may be unaware of coastal hazards, public awareness should be
implemented on an ongoing basis.
Mitigation Objective 1.1
Educate the public about hazards prevalent to their area
Mitigation Implementation Measures
1.1.1 Educate contractors about principles for quality redevelopment and safe housing
development through written materials or a Town-sponsored workshop.
1.1.2
Hold a Town-sponsored hazard mitigation seminar for the community residents, including
information on preparedness for all hazards significant to Caswell Beach.
1.1.3
Provide new home and property buyers with information on quality redevelopment and
safe housing development. The information is probably most efficiently dispersed at the
Town hall and other community owned, public facilities in Town.
Publicize the documents associated with emergency response and mitigation.
1.2.1 Manually disperse and have a website posting which provides information about the Town
of Caswell Beach Emergency Response Plan and The Time Sensitive Hurricane Plan and relevant
emergency response actions the public can take. Also ensure each Town department
possesses a clear list of department responsibilities as outlined in the plan.
1.2.2
Manually disperse and have a website posting which provides information about the
Town’s Community-Based Hazard Mitigation Plan and relevant mitigation measures the
public can take. In addition, provide a response/reply section where residents can
comment on the effectiveness of the current plan and where they can make suggestions
for future revisions on the plan.
Maintain a current action plan for emergency response.
1.3.1 Update and revise the Town of Caswell Beach Emergency Response Plan and The Time Sensitive
Hurricane Plan on an annual basis. The plans should contain detailed information on
responsible parties and contact information; this information should be updated as
positions and contact information changes.
Maintain and publicize current evacuation routes.
1.4.1 Maintain evacuation routes in the event of a hazardous event.
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The Town should publicize, on the Towns website, a map of evacuation routes which will
facilitate the evacuation of Caswell Beach in case of a hazardous event.
Mitigation Goal 2
Minimize the Impact of All Hazards: As previously stated Caswell Beach has been a proactive
community in terms of mitigation. In an effort to advance and continue this approach to
mitigation the Town must insure that all emergency infrastructures are in proper working order at
all times. Emergency infrastructure includes generators, communications equipment, and
emergency vehicles. Since there are many reasons equipment can fail it is of vital importance that
said equipment is maintained, updated, and replaced as needed. The cost of maintaining and
updating equipment can be included in the Town’s department budgets as maintaining equipment
is less costly that replacement. Replacement of equipment can be a costly strategy but can be
afforded through grants and other fund raising measures previously mentioned. Since the Town
has taken the steps to ensure it has the emergency equipment necessary to mitigate and respond to
hazards having a regular maintenance schedule is the next logical step for the Town to take.
Maintain emergency infrastructure.
2.1.1 Monitor the status of backup generators, communications, and vehicles for all critical
public facilities. Test generators, communications equipment, and vehicles on a regular
basis, not only for maintenance, but to confirm that the equipment continues to match the
needs of critical facility expansion or updated operations.
Mitigation Goal 3
Minimize the Impact of Natural Hazard Events on built structures: There are several strategies
that can be implemented which would accomplish the task of minimizing the impact of natural
hazard events on built structures.
Enforcing strict building codes is the most important step. The Town of Caswell Beach has
inspected past development under the North Carolina Building. Building Codes can be an
effective way to ensure that development is built to with stand natural hazards. In Caswell Beach
Building Codes apply primarily to new construction or buildings undergoing substantial alteration
or reconstruction. When structures are not built to appropriate standards they are at risk of
damage from many hazards. In addition, they place other structures at risk by becoming debris
that can be thrown around by wind and water. There are no cons in strictly enforcing the North
Carolina State Building Code as a result the Town has chosen to adopt this as a strategy in an
effort to continue an existing policy.
Debris from trees and branches can also create a significant risk during wind and ice storms.
Caswell Beach does not have many trees that are large enough to cause this sort of issue but the
risk still requires mitigation. Pruning, thinning trees, and the removal of dead trees will
significantly reduce this risk and the cost can be worked into the current public works/public
utilities budget.
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Improve the resistance of structures in the community against natural hazards
3.1.1 Continue to enforce the North Carolina Building Code. Require that new structures or
structures undergoing significant renovation meet code requirements for coastal areas in
accordance with the International Building Codes.
Reduce the impact of Natural Hazard Events on trees near built structures.
3.2.1 Monitor trees and branches in public areas at risk of breaking or falling in wind, ice, and
snow storms. Prune or thin trees or branches when they would pose an immediate threat
to property, utility lines or other significant structures or critical facilities in the Town.
Decrease the potential for structural damage from wind event debris
3.3.1 The Town will take a proactive approach in investigating dangerous damaged structures.
Mitigation Goal 4
Improve the Town’s Technical Capability: Improving a town’s technical capability can include
ensuring the town has an appropriate primary communication system as well as a backup system.
It is important during hazardous situations for primary town personnel to have a backup
communication system in case the primary system is lost and there is an emergency. However, a
backup system can be costly and can require training by the primary staff in its use. Caswell Beach
has already provided backup communication systems to their primary personnel and thus, it is not
necessary to consider this in strategy development.
Additionally, this improvement can include the town has the ability to produce their own GIS
products or that they have the ability to contract with another party to obtain GIS in a completed
format. Owning a GIS system is a costly project to setup and maintain. In addition, there are
significant educational requirements necessary for a staff person to be able to function within the
system which can also be a costly endeavor. In the past the Town has contracted with the county
and other regional agency’s to provide technical capability where the Town fell short. Caswell
Beach has chosen to continue outsourcing their GIS needs.
The Town can also improve it’s technical capability by insuring that all repetitive loss properties
are identified, placed in a database and mapped. This provides the Town with the ability to have a
quicker response during recovery activities. In addition, it allows the Town to pre-develop grants
for disaster recovery. Developing such a database can be a costly and time consuming project.
This type of project will require grant funding and has the potential to require the procurement of
an outside consulting company for its implementation. Regardless of the cost and the time
required to implement this strategy Caswell Beach officials believe the data collected will provide
them with invaluable information and will be a primary strategy in mitigating multiple hazards.
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Technical improvements also include the implementation of computers to all staff persons in the
community and ensuring that the community has access to the internet. The internet is a valuable
source in gathering information and can also be used by the community to disseminate
information. Computer equipment can be expensive and requires the staff to have primary
education, as well as, continued education in its use which can also be costly. Caswell Beach has
already provided it’s staff with computers, training, and the internet. In addition they have a
website sponsored by the Town Hall.
Continue improving the Towns’ Technical Capability through outsourcing.
4.1.1 Procure GIS and GPS services through outsourcing for all the towns mapping needs and
to assist in monitoring the rate of erosion.
Record all structures within the floodplain, as well as, areas of repetitive losses due to flooding.
Record and maintain all tax parcel information and floodplain locations in a GIS
system in order to build the Towns capability to generate maps when needed.
Improve the Town’s capability to identify areas needing future mitigation
4.3.1 Identify damage prone properties and develop a database that identifies each property that
has received damage due to hazards identified within this mitigation plan. The database
should include a tax identification number of the property, a description of the property
damage, the value of the damage, and links to photographs of the damage. Developing
this database will allow the Town to easily identify properties at high risk of damage from
certain hazards and well as properties which receive repetitive damage from multiple
Hazards. In an effort to gain historical information the Town should send a survey to all
residents requesting information that should be included in the database.
Mitigation Goal 5
Minimize the impacts of flooding: Caswell Beach is an island surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean
and the Intracoastal Waterway. It generally has a flat topography and, as seen in the previously
discussed maps, is highly susceptible to flooding. Flooding can lead to structural damage as well as
damage to natural resources. During the Town’s Community Capability Assessment it was found
that the Town has devised several strategies in the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, Zoning
Ordinance, and their Strategic Plan to address the impacts of flooding on the natural resources in
the community. The aim of this goal is to continue addressing the potential for damage to local
natural resources and surrounding ecosystems. These objectives and subsequent measures are
meant to build on the Town’s current capability to address such issues.
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Maximize efforts to limit flooding in developed areas.
5.1.1 This should utilize the use of various pervious surfaces in parking lots in recreational areas
near the floodplain. The zoning and subdivision ordinances should be revised to require
this action.
Protect the rivers, creeks, and surrounding ecosystems
5.2.1 Protect/Enhance Shoreline Vegetation. The Town should revise its zoning and
subdivision ordinance to incorporate shoreline vegetation protection buffers along the
AEC’s and Canals in order to help mitigate flooding and to filter stormwater runoff before
it comes in contact with local surface waters.
Complete and implement the in-process Stormwater Management Plan for the Town.
5.3.1 Using the Stormwater Drainage Study conducted in August 2000 as a guide, complete and
adopt a Stormwater Management Plan.
5.3.2
Adopt and enforce a Stormwater Ordinance incorporating best management practices to
control stormwater runoff from development and redevelopment sites.
5.3.3
Establish and empower a Stormwater Committee to assist the Planning Board in the
development of a local Stormwater Management Plan, Stormwater Ordinance and the
implementation of said plan and ordinance. The Town has attempted to establish a
Stormwater Committee in the past but was unsuccessful in their attempts. The local
governing body should once attempt to establish this committee by using the public
education and outreach aspect of this plan to educate the public on the need for such a
committee and the need for strong public participation.
Mitigation Goal 6
Minimize the Impacts of Erosion: A beach that is relatively stable or growing provides protection
to structures behind it. Beaches that are loosing sand through erosion may, endanger property.
As the water line advances inland, the danger for property damage increases. Coastal erosion is,
quite often, an effect of tropical cyclones, wave action, nor’easters and flooding. During the
Town’s Area Vulnerability Assessment it was found the Caswell Beach has participated in a beach
nourishment program in an effort to reduce its vulnerability to erosion. In addition, the Town has
several strategies in its Floodplain Management Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and Land Use Plan
which address the issue of erosion and reduce its potential impact. In reviewing the history of
tropical cyclones, nor’easters and flooding in Caswell Beach it was found that erosion was a factor
that required continued mitigation. The following objectives and measures are meant to work
with the strategies identified in other community documents in an effort to further control the
level of erosion the town suffers during the previously discussed hazards.
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Minimize the risk of erosion through policy development
6.1.1 Continue to prioritize beach nourishment as a means of mitigating coastal beach erosion.
Beach nourishment has been successfully used, in the past, to increase the amount of sand,
to adjust the shoreline profile, to replenish depleted sand supplies and, through literal
transport processes to supply sediment to downdrift shorelines.
6.1.2
Complete implementation of the Strategic Plan and its subsequent plans.
Mitigation Goal 7
Minimize the Impact of Drought: In a review of the Town’s documents to determine Community
Capability it was found that Caswell Beach does not have any strategies currently in place which
address the issue of drought. As previously noted, however, drought is a problem for Brunswick
County and for Caswell Beach. As a result, the Town should begin addressing the issue of
drought from a policy development standpoint. In addition they should model appropriate water
conservation methods while educating the public on said methods.
Minimize the impact of drought through policy development
7.1.1 Work with Brunswick County officials and surrounding communities to distribute
materials about the County Water Shortage Response Plan.
7.1.2
Develop local Water Shortage Response Guidelines (in different phases) as a part of the
Caswell Beach Emergency Response Plan as it relates to the expectations of the Town’s water
supplier.
Mitigation Goal 8
Minimize the Impacts of Severe Thunderstorms: A major element of severe thunderstorms is the
wind produced. The wind component of this hazard is addressed in previous goals identified in
this plan. A second element of concern is flooding produced by the heavy rains that often are
associated with severe thunderstorms. The flooding component of this hazard is also discussed in
earlier goals identified in this plan. A primary concern during any thunderstorm or other event
which causes heavy precipitation is road visibility. Poor road visibility can lead to hazardous
driving conditions and as a result improving road conditions is the focus in this section.
Increase driving safety during thunderstorms
Driving in storm conditions can create hazardous road conditions, including decreased ability for drivers to see road
boundaries. To improve road visibility, encourage the Department of Transportation to place new reflector poles
along road edges and in the dividing line should be placed on all major roads through Town (see Strategy
Implementation Map of Caswell Beach, NC Appendix E).
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Mitigation Goal 9
Protect groundwater resources: A review of other governing documents in Caswell Beach revealed
that Caswell Beach takes the protection of its natural resources seriously. However, the Town’s
current policy allowing septic tanks within the community could lead to a very high potential for
the contamination of groundwater. Additionally, the town does promote proper waste disposal
and recycling. As a result, the objectives and subsequent strategies are highly based on policy
development and the installation of the Towns wastewater system.
Minimize the risk of groundwater contamination through HAZMAT Events.
9.1.1 Continue to encourage proper waste disposal and recycling. In order to protect the
vulnerable aquifer from contamination, the Town should do all it can to prevent seepage
of wastes and toxic elements into the ground. Proper disposal of waste and recycling
when possible will aid in this effort. This measure may be implemented through a Town
policy or through public education measures.
9.1.2
Implement a central wastewater collection system. One of the highest risks to
groundwater is the septic tank system currently being used to handle the Town’s
wastewater (see Strategy Implementation Map of Caswell Beach, NC Appendix E). Studies show
that by replacing the current septic tank system with a central collection system the level of
groundwater contamination will be drastically reduced.
9.1.3
To assist in the control and governance of the central wastewater system the Town should
develop a Wastewater Management Ordinance. This ordinance should include a list of
potentially hazardous materials whose deposit into the central wastewater system should
be prohibited.
Provide on-going preventive maintenance and remediation of problems within the town’s water
system: While the county owns and maintains the main 6” water meter that measures water
coming from the county into the town, the town in responsible for maintaining the individual
water meters originally purchased by the property owners. In addition, the town owns all water
lines in the town up to the individual water meters with the exception of the 8” line down Caswell
Beach Road given by the town to the county in August, 2000. The cost benefit of maintaining the
water meters and lines in proper working order is to maximize the repayment by the users for
water purchased by the town from the county. Properly calibrated meters and lines that do not
leak are the means to ensure proper payment for water by reducing the loss of income from
unmeasured water. The risk in not replacing broken lines or malfunctioning meters is excess costs
passed on to all customers in order to cover the water loss.
9.2.1 The Town should provide annual calibration of the 6” and 2” meters located at the Oak
Island Beach Villas, Caswell Dunes, Arboretum, US Coast Guard Station and the Baptist
Assembly.
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9.2.2
Replace still meters with new water meters and/or meter boxes.
9.2.3
Replace many of the meters in use by home owners which are old and have questionable
accuracy. While individual meters can be calibrated, it requires the removal of the meter
that must then be taken to the county workshop for calibration at a cost of $35 per meter
not including time and travel by the town employee. In most instances it would not be
cost effective to calibration individual ¾ or 1” meters since older meters tend to slow
down and are not considered to be very accurate after 7 to 10 years. In as much as the
town did not operate a regular preventive maintenance meter replacement program in the
past, it is recommended that approximately 60 meters (including still meters) be replaced
each year for the next 5 years.
Provide for the enhancement of the quality and quantity of water: There are several issues
involved with the enhancement of the quality and quantity of water supplied to the town. A major
concern to the town is the apparent lack of water flow sufficient to put out a large fire as
witnessed by the water flow available during the recent fire that destroyed the US Coast Guard
Station. The county’s Water Maintenance Supervisor, is quoted as indicating that “the Town of
Caswell Beach has no fire protection” (perhaps an over statement but one that appears to have
some validity and needs to be address as quickly as possible). The Strategic Plan speaks to this
issue under Action HS1-2 “Ensure that sufficient water volume and pressure exists for use during
a fire emergency.”
9.3.1 The town purchases water from the county which is responsible for ensuring that the
water meets all state and federal laws for safe drinking water. As a means of verifying the
water quality, the Town should continue to maintain a Water Sampling Schedule on a
continuous basis.
9.3.2
It appears that waterlines were designed for each of the Town neighborhoods, and in some
instances new subdivisions, without apparent consideration of a water system for the
entire town. As a result, there are several waterlines that dead end in neighborhoods
resulting in stale distasteful drinking water. One solution to this problem is to continue
the scheduled flushing that is now being performed by Public Utilities throughout the
Town.
9.3.3
The Town does not have maps of the complete Town water system. The lack of built
drawings is a major problem particularly as it affects waterline repairs, water turn offs
required due to breaks, and fire protection. In an effort to rectify this issue, the Town
should conduct a hydraulic analysis of the town’s water distribution system to identify
deficiencies and ensure protection of public health and safety.
9.3.4
Determine if connecting the dead end waterlines will increase the amount of water flow to
significantly affect the town’s water supply for the purpose of fire protection. At the same
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time, eliminating dead end waterlines will reduce the need for frequent flushing ergo
reducing the loss of unmetered water.
9.3.5
There are a number of alternatives that will be considered when attempting to increase the
town’s water flow and water pressure. These alternatives will be reviewed as part of the
proposed engineering study and will include a cost benefit analysis to assist in the town’s
decision making. The risk in not implementing an alternative is to continue to lack
sufficient water flow to put out a major fire in the town.
9.3.6
Continue to review and revise the Town ordinances to be certain the Town ordinances
meet the N.C. State Plumbing Code Standards and State Board of Health requirements.
9.3.7
By state law, all double check valve assemblies and Reduced Pressure Zones must be in
place by July, 2003. The Town should monitor double check valve assemblies and
Reduced Pressure Zones to ensure they are in place by the state deadline.
9.3.8
The Town shall work with other appropriate governmental bodies, namely Brunswick
County, and surrounding municipalities to provide for a continued pure supply of potable
water.
Mitigation Goal 10
Minimize Risk of Fire: Fires, whether resulting from natural events or from technological causes,
have the potential to spread over a substantial portion of the Town, endangering life and property.
Currently the Town does not have a Town owned Fire Department. However, they do contract
with the Yaupon Beach Fire Department for their fire service needs. As a result, it is reasonable
for Caswell Beach to require the Yaupon Beach Fire Department to participate in fire event
mitigation. The Objectives and strategies within the plan are focused around community
education and public information (noted in previously identified goals), as well as, fire event
preparedness.
Maintain a current action plan for fire response.
10.1.1 Maintain fire event preparedness. The fire department has the responsibility to assure the
Town’s protection during fire events. Part of this responsibility is dependent upon the
department’s ability to maintain the materials and a knowledge base for addressing such an
event. This responsibility must be supported by provision of adequate funding for the
continuing education and materials necessary to maintain this preparedness.
Utilize the best available technology to identify fires
10.2.1 Explore and seek access to all potential sources of information and communication
regarding early fire detection
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10.2.2 Evaluate and improve fire sighting procedures
10.2.3 Ensure the fire hydrants are working properly
Reduce the potential for fires to occur in Caswell Beach
10.3.1 Revise the Zoning Ordinance to prohibit the use of fireworks in the Town limits of
Caswell Beach.
Mitigation Goal 11
Minimize potential for damage or injury due to hazardous materials: Although there are no
hazardous materials processing plants, manufacturing or storage within Caswell Beach, there are
many propane tanks located within the Town which are privately owned and there is an
ammunitions facility located within 15 miles of the Town. As a result, contamination from
Hazardous Materials is possible.
Maintain a current action plan for hazardous materials event response.
11.1.1 Maintain hazardous materials event preparedness. The Town should develop a plan of
action to maintain the materials and knowledge base for addressing such a spill, or develop
preliminary measures to assist the county till the representatives arrive. This responsibility
must be supported by provision of adequate funding for materials and trainings necessary
to maintain this preparedness.
Decrease the Town’s potential exposure to hazardous material
11.2.1 The Town should inspect all propane tanks located within the town limits of Caswell
Beach to ensure they are secured as established through state regulations. Town officials
have identified their concern is primarily related to tanks floating through town during
high water events. However, this strategy will also prevent said tanks from being blow
over due to high wind events. In addition, the Town should establish a method of
ensuring problems with any tanks that are not properly secured are rectified.
11.2.2 The Town should annually inspect all propane tanks located within the town limits of
Caswell Beach to ensure there are no leaks from the tanks and to ensure there has been no
surface soil contamination from the tanks.
Mitigation Goal 12
Minimize the Impact of Nuclear Accidents: The CP&L Nuclear Plant is located approximately 20
miles from Caswell Beach. A major accident at the plant would most likely have a direct affect on
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Caswell Beach. The nuclear plant coordinates with county officials to plan for the unlikely event
of a nuclear-related accident. While County officials will coordinate in turn with local officials,
there are some steps the Town can take to further mitigate the effects of a nuclear accident.
Maintain a current action plan for nuclear event response.
12.1.1 Maintain nuclear event preparedness. The Town should develop a plan of action to
maintain the materials and knowledge base for addressing a nuclear event, or develop
preliminary measures to assist the county until the representatives arrive. This
responsibility must be supported by provision of adequate funding for materials and
trainings necessary to maintain this preparedness. This may be made part of the Towns
Emergency Response Plan.
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SECTION 6: PRIORITIZATION SCOPE
The strategies identified herein are organized within a 5-Year Action Plan Matrix. The matrix
identifies each strategy into one of 5 categories: new policy, amended policy, continued policy, new
project and continued project. In addition to the categorization of each strategy, the matrix also
identifies the type of strategy, target completion date, responsible party/organization, potential
funding source, monitoring and evaluation indicators, and the hazard(s) addressed by said hazard.
In addition to the matrix, a prioritization table is needed to identify what order project
strategies should be implemented in. The prioritization of strategies is critical to the
implementation of a Community-Based Hazard Mitigation Plan. A community can only
implement the measures adopted in a manner consistent with the resources available to
that community. Therefore, the mitigation measures in the Caswell Beach CommunityBased Hazard Mitigation Plan are prioritized in accordance with the community’s
capability and the likelihood of implementation.
The prioritization is established under two categories: short-term and long-term. Short-term
strategies are those that can be implemented within existing resources and authorities and should
be completed within a time frame of 6 months to 2 years. Short-term activities also include those
activities that should be implemented immediately following the adoption of this plan and should
be implemented on a continuous basis. Long-term strategies may require new or additional
resources or authorities and should be organized to be implemented within a time-frame of 3 – 5
years. Many strategies, especially those that will take multiple years to complete, will require the
project manager to establish an individual timeline where benchmarks can be used to monitor the
progression of the strategy.
Table 6.1 provides a breakdown of the Town’s project strategies and how they are
prioritized. The following are notes of explanation for the reason some strategies are
taking precedence over others.
 Strategy 4.2.1 was completed as part of the development of the Town’s Community-Based
Hazard Mitigation Plan. However, it is a task that should be redone as a part of the
revision stage.
 All strategies that are marked continuous should be implemented upon the adoption of
this plan and should continue through to its date of evaluation.
 Strategy 9.1.2 – The Town has hired engineers who will develop a cost assessment for the
implementation of the Wastewater system. As a result, the Town identifies that this is a
priority for strategy implementation of this plan.
 Strategies 9.1.2 and 9.1.3 should be implemented concurrently with one another to be
completely effective.
 The approximate cost of 9.2.1 will range from $130 per 2” meter (4meters) to $190 per 6”
meter (5 meters) plus repair of meters as needed ($250 and $800 respectively). Mileage is
also paid to the present testing firm located in Steadman, NC. The funds to implement
strategy 9.2.1 have already been secured. As a result implementation of this strategy will
begin shortly after plan adoption.
 The approximate materials cost of 9.2.2 is $1,320 assuming a need for replacement of both
box and meter. Labor costs are covered under the salaried Water Maintenance position
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


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2004
included in the annual Water Fund operating budget and equals approximately an hour per
replacement.
The approximate materials cost of 9.2.3 are approximately $8,000 per year assuming a need
for replacement of both box and meter. Labor costs are covered under the salaried Water
Maintenance position included in the annual Water Fund operating budget.
The approximate materials cost of 9.3.1 is $1,320 assuming a need for replacement of both
box and meter. Labor costs are covered under the salaried Water Maintenance position
included in the annual Water Fund operating budget and equals approximately an hour per
replacement. Strategy 9.3.1 is already established as a part of the Towns’ current work
schedule.
Strategy 9.3.2 is already established as a part of the Towns’ current work schedule.
Funds have already been appropriated for the implementation of strategy 9.3.3.
The approximate costs of strategy 9.3.3 is $15,000 and was budgeted in the Water Funds
for waterline mapping and studies.
The approximate cost for strategy 9.3.4 is as follows: The estimated cost for pipes to be
connected to Ocean Greens with the Arboretum is $3,150 and is included in the FY 03/04
capital budget. Pipes to be connected in Ocean Greens and Caswell Dunes on Foxfire
Trace are estimated at $350 and will be included on the FY 04/05 budget. Labor costs for
either project is unknown at this time as it will depend on the permitting requirements to
cross wetlands. It should be noted that to make these connections, Caswell Dunes will be
required to utilize separate meters for each of its patio homes and condos (condos can be
metered per building or per unit). At the present time there are approximately 15 water
meters installed at patio homes in Caswell Dunes. These meters will most likely need
replacing in order to update the meters and to install backflow devices required in the
Town ordinances (50.20 A. 2.). The Town will be responsible for replacing these meters at
a cost of $1,980 which was included in the FY 03/04 budget. Patio homes without
meters will need to be metered by Caswell Dunes. In addition, Caswell Dunes’ sprinkler
system will require metering and proper check valves to prevent backflow into the water
system.
Strategies 9.3.3, 9.3.4, and 9.3.5 are scheduled to be a part of the same study. As a result
implementation will be concurrent.
Table 6.1
Caswell Beach Prioritization Scope Worksheet
Strategy #
4.2.1
1.1.1
1.1.3
1.2.1
1.2.2
1.4.1
1.4.2
2.1.1
Completed
Continuous
Annually
Short-Term
(6 Months -2
Years)
Long-Term
(3-5 Years)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
104
3.1.1
3.2.1
3.3.1
4.1.1
6.1.1
7.1.1
9.1.1
9.3.8
10.1.1
10.2.3
11.1.1
12.1.1
6.1.2
1.3.1
9.3.7
11.2.2
1.1.2
4.3.1
5.3.3
5.3.1
5.3.2
9.1.2
9.1.3
9.2.1
9.3.1
9.3.2
9.3.3
9.3.4
9.3.5
11.2.1
5.1.1
10.2.2
7.1.2
5.2.1
10.2.1
10.3.1
8.1.1
9.2.2
2004
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
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POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES FOR MITIGATION ACTIVITIES
LOCAL RESOURCES

Capital Improvements Projects

Community Empowerment Groups

Donations

Economic Development Funds

Formation of separate benefit assessment districts

Insurance

Private Not-for-Profit

Public/Private Partnerships

School Bonds

Volunteer Organizations
STATE AND FEDERAL RESOURCES
When local resources are inadequate, the town can seek additional assistance from the state and
federal governments. Many of these programs are categorized as either pre-disaster, post-disaster,
and disaster-applicable. Pre-disaster programs exist without a disaster declaration and support predisaster mitigation activity. Post-disaster programs generally require a Presidential disaster
declaration to become applicable. Disaster applicable programs are available for non-emergency
purposes but may be redirected after a disaster declaration.
Adopt-a-Trail Program
Through the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, this program provides grant
funding for trail planning, construction, maintenance and administration.
Contact: NCDENR, 919-846-9991, http://www.enr.state.nc.us/
Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program
Through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, this program provides four grant
categories to assist state, local, and tribal Fire Departments with funding necessary for training,
equipment purchase, vehicle acquisition, public awareness, code enforcement, arson prevention,
and the like.
Contact: FEMA, 866-274-0960, 301-447-1608, or http://www.usfa.fema.gov/grants
Clean Water Management Trust Fund
An agency of the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(NCDENR), the Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF) provides grants for
enhancement and restoration of degraded waters. In addition, funding is provided for
development of buffers and greenways near rivers for environmental, educational and recreational
needs.
Contact: 252-830-3222, http://www.cwmtf.net/
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Community Facilities Loans
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Housing Service (RHS) provides funding for
construction of community facilities for public use.
Contact: USDA, RHS Williamston Area Office, 252-792-7603,
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/index.html
Disaster Preparedness Improvement Grant
Funding for the Disaster Preparedness Improvement Grant (DPIG) is provided by FEMA and
the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management (NCDEM). Grants fund community
mitigation plan preparation and updates and preparation of plans required to receive Hazard
Mitigation Grant Program funding.
Contact: NCDEM, 919-715-8000, http://www.dem.dcc.state.nc.us/
Flood Insurance
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal Insurance Administration provides the
opportunity to purchase flood insurance under the Emergency Program of the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP).
Contact: NFIP, 1-888-CALL-FLOOD ext. 445, http://www.fema.gov/nfip
Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMA)
With the goal of reducing repetitive losses to the National Flood Insurance Program, this program
provides funding for cost-effective actions to reduce or eliminate flood damages.
Contact: NCDEM. 919-715-8000, http://www.dem.dcc.state.nc.us/
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
Funding from this FEMA program is available to areas affected by a presidentially-declared
disaster. The program (75% federal, 25% state) funds mitigation measures through the postdisaster planning process.
Contact: NCDEM. 919-715-8000, http://www.dem.dcc.state.nc.us
North Carolina Wetlands Restoration Program
This program, through the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(NCDENR), Division of Water Quality, provides in-kind services for the restoration of wetlands
and for increased effectiveness of wetland mitigation efforts.
Contact: NCDENR, Div. of Water Quality, 919-733-5083, http://h2o.ehnr.state.nc.us/wrp
Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF)
Through the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, this program
provides matching funds for local parks and recreation public facility development.
Contact: NCDENR, 919-715-2662, http://www.enr.state.nc.us/
Physical Disaster Loans
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers loans to victims of declared physical disasters for
uninsured losses. The loan limit on these funds may be increased by twenty percent to provide for
mitigation measures.
Contact: SBA, 1-800-827-5722, http://www.sba.gov/
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Property Improvement Loan Insurance
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) insures lenders against loss on
loans for alterations, repairs and improvements to existing structures and new construction of
nonresidential structures.
Contact: HUD, (202) 708-1112, http://www.hud.gov/
Public Assistance Program
This FEMA program provides federal funding to communities in the immediate aftermath of a
disaster. Grants focus on recovery, repair, and restoration of state and local facilities and nonprofit organizations.
Contact: FEMA, http://www.fema.gov/r-n-r/pa/index.htm
Resource Conservation and Development
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides
technical and limited financial assistance to communities for resource conservation projects
including land conservation, water management and environmental enhancement.
Contact: NRCS, http://www.nrcs.usda.gov
River Basin Surveys and Investigations
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service provides technical
assistance to local agencies for planning activities to solve problems related to the river basin,
including wetland preservation.
Soil and Water Conservation
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service provides this inkind service in order to provide for the conservation, development and productive use of the
nation’s soil, water and related resources.
Contact: USDA, NRCS, http://www.nrcs.usda.gov
Snagging and Clearing for Flood Control
The Office of the Chief of Engineers, Department of the Army, Department of Defense provides
this service in order to reduce flood control.
Contact: http://www.usace.army.mil
Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program
This program of the Department of the Interior, National Park Service (NPS) provides grants for
local governments for improvements in park system management and recreational opportunities.
Contact: NPS, (202) 565-1200, http://www.cr.nps.gov/index.htm
Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Loans
This U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Services (RUS) program provides loans to
local organizations for the local share of costs for watershed improvement. Funding includes
support for drainage, flood prevention and sedimentation control
Contact: RUS, http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rus/index.html
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Watershed Surveys and Planning
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service provides technical
and financial assistance for sharing costs of watershed protection measures, including flood
prevention, sedimentation control and recreation.
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U.S. Geological Survey.
http://wwwneci/usgs.gov/neis/states/north_carolina/north_carolina_history.html
Weather for you – This date in History. http://www.weatherforyou.com/cgibin/weather_history/today2S.pl
Welcome to Caswell Beach, NC. http://www.webcome.com/~towns/caswell/caswell.html
Welcome to Caswell Beach, NC. http://www.oakisland.com/ourtowns/caswell/
Zoning Code for the Town of Caswell Beach, North Carolina. November 1998.
GIS References
Brunswick County. 2001Land Parcels.
Federal Emergency Management Agency. 1996 Q3.
Federal Emergency Management Agency – National Flood Insurance Program. 2001 Repetitive
Damage Areas Due to Water Events.
Hurricane Maps Enterprises. 2001 Fast Moving Hurricanes: 15.1 MPH to 35 MPH – Brunswick County,
North Carolina.
North Carolina Department of Transportation. 2001 Primary, Secondary, Tertiary Road Systems
North Carolina Department of ENR. 2001 Basin Pro Locations of Uncontrolled and Unregulated
Hazardous Waste Sites.
North Carolina Division of Waste Management. 2001 Basin Pro Locations of Uncontrolled and
Unregulated Hazardous Waste Sites.
NCGIA. 2001 BasinPro Million Acre (Water Bodies and Detailed Hydrology)
United States Census Bureau. 2000 TIGER/Line Files.
United States Department of Defense. 2001 Basin Pro Locations of Uncontrolled and Unregulated
Hazardous Waste Sites.
United States Geological Survey DLG 25K. 2001 Basin Pro Surface Water Features.
113
Appendix A:




Caswell Beach July 21, 2003 Workshop Invitations
Caswell Beach July 21, 2003 Workshop Mailing List
Caswell Beach Workshop Attendance Sheet July 21, 2003
Caswell Beach Workshop Minutes July 21, 2003
To view Appendix items see Hazard Mitigation Plan binder that is located on the shelf outside of
the Clerk’s office at Town Hall.
Appendix B:
 Caswell Beach Public Hearing Advertisement
 Caswell Beach Public Hearing Meeting Agenda
 Caswell Beach Public Hearing Meeting Minutes
To view Appendix items see Hazard Mitigation Plan binder that is located on the shelf
outside of the Clerk’s office at Town Hall.
Appendix C:
 Caswell Beach Public Hearing Advertisement June 25, 2004
 Caswell Beach Public Hearing Meeting Agenda June 25, 2004
Caswell Beach Public Hearing Meeting Minutes June 25, 2004
Appendix D:
 State of North Carolina Letter of Compliance May 21, 2004
 Town of Caswell Beach Community-Based Hazard Mitigation Plan
Adoption Resolution June 25, 2004
 Town of Caswell Beach Community-Based Hazard Mitigation Plan
Amendment Resolution # 1 June 25, 2004
Appendix E:








Basemap of Caswell Beach, NC
Zoning in Caswell Beach, NC
Wind Zone Map of Caswell Beach, NC
Storm Surge Inundation Areas (Fast) of Caswell Beach, NC
Storm Surge Inundation Areas (Slow) of Caswell Beach, NC
Flood Zones of Caswell Beach, NC
Inadequate Stormwater Drainage Areas of Caswell Beach, NC
Repetitively Damaged Areas Due to Water Events in Caswell
Beach, NC
 E. Oak Island Long-Term Average Annual Shoreline Change
Study & Feedback Factors
 Potential Technological Hazards in Caswell Beach, NC
Appendix F:
Town of Caswell Beach Current Community Goals Worksheet
Appendix G:
Town of Caswell Beach Current Community Capability Assessment Worksheet
Policies, Practices, Programs, Regulations,
and Activities
Document Reference
Effectiveness
for
Mitigation
Rationale for Effectiveness
Solid waste shall not be allowed to be collected outside the
authorized container.
Solid Waste Ordinance,
2001, 51.02
Medium
Prevents accumulation of waste which
could lead to surface water and
groundwater contamination.
I shall be unlawful for any person to throw, place, or
deposit any solid waster of any kind on any public or
private property except in approved containers.
2001, 51.04
Medium
Residents shall not store building material scrap, tree
trimmings/yard waste and bulk trash along side of the
street.
2001, 51.06
Medium
Building material scrap, tree trimmings/yard waste and
bulk trash shall be removed at the owners expense by
hauling materials to the country dumping facilities or by
direct arrangement with the county waste contractor.
2001, 51.06
High
It shall be unlawful to burn or set fire to or bury any solid
waste for the purpose of disposal.
2001, 51.08
High
Assist in preventing fires within the
town.
2001, 51.09
High
Prevents contamination to surface and
groundwater from hazardous waste.
Sewer Ordinance, 1996,
52.01
High
Prevents contamination to surface and
groundwater from hazardous waste.
General Provision
Ordinance, 1999, 70.01
High
Prevents destruction of the dune
system and ultimately prevents
unnecessary beach erosion.
It shall be unlawful for any person to place or deposit in
any solid waste containers for collection and disposal of
any materials classified by the state statutes or federal
regulations as hazardous waste.
…the spraying, placing, or depositing of any spray effluent
by any waste water treatment facility upon property within
the boundaries of the town by any person, firm,
municipality, or government entity other than the town is
prohibited.
No person, firm or corporation shall operate any motor
vehicle beach strand and the dune areas of the town.
groundwater contamination and
prevents the streets from having
roadside hazards.
Appendix G:
No person, firm or corporation shall operate any fixed
winged aircraft or helicopter on the beach strand, dune
areas, residential areas, conservation areas, recreation areas,
or roadways within the town limits.
General Provision
High
Town of Caswell Beach Current Community Capability Assessment Worksheet Continued
and Activities
No person shall park a vehicle or permit it to stand,
weather attended or unattended, along both sides of the
State Road 1100 within the town limits, unless the vehicle
is disabled to such an extent that it is impossible to avoid
stopping and temporarily leaving the vehicle along either
side of the road.
It is unlawful at all times for any person to ride or walk a
horse, or to permit a horse to walk or to be ridden, on or
along the strand of the beach within the corporate limits.
No person , firm, or corporation shall remove or cause to
be removed any beach sand from its natural state, except
necessary excavation in preparation for building,
remodeling, or repairing the premises…
It shall be unlawful for any person not on his own
property to traverse or walk upon, over or across, or to
damage in any manner whatsoever, the primary or frontal
sand dune at any point within the corporate limits of the
town other than at the points designated as "beach
accessways" which provide access to the beach over the
primary or frontal sand dune.
In all Brunswick County waters, no person may operate a
personal watercraft in excess or headway speed, which
shall not exceed 6 mph…
Effectiveness
Document Reference
for
Mitigation
Parking Regulations
High
Prevents unnecessary roadside hazards.
Beach and Waterways
High
Beach and Waterways
High
High
unnecessary beach erosion. However,
there should be a strategy in place that
controls the amount of traffic on dunes
associated with private property.
Medium
Assists in preventing waterway
accidents which can lead to fuel being
spilt in the surface water and ultimately
lead to surface water contamination.
Beach and Waterways
Beach and Waterways
Appendix G:
It shall be unlawful within the sea turtle sanctuary for any
person to willingly take, disturb or destroy any sea turtle,
including greed, hawksbill, loggerhead and leatherback
turtles, or their nest or eggs.
Beach and Waterways
High
Natural Resource Protection
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to
burn in the open or cause to be burned in the open any
trash, refuse, shavings, paper, leaves, grass, brush, litter, or
other material of any kind within the corporate limits of
the town.
Fire Prevention Ordinance,
2001, 93.16
High
Assist in preventing fires within the
town.
and Activities
Effectiveness
Document Reference
for
Mitigation
Each and every building or unit within the corporate limits
of the town shall permanently affix and display the address
number which has been assigned by the Town Clerk in the
manner specified in the Streets and Sidewalks Ordinance.
Streets and Sidewalks
High
Assists in 911 response.
It shall be unlawful for any person to shoot, discharge, or
fire within the corporate limits of the town any gun, pistol,
air rifle, spring pistol, spring gun, compressed air riffel or
pistol, or any other similar devise which impels with force
a shot or pellet of any kind...
Offences Against Public
Peace and Safety
Ordinance, 2001, 130.01
High
Assists in preventing unnecessary
injuries as a result of fire arms.
It shall be unlawful for any parent, guardian, or person
standing in loco parentis, to knowingly permit his or her
child under the age of 12 years to have the possession,
custody, or use in any manner whatever, any gun, pistol, or
other dangerous firearm, whether such weapon be loaded
or unloaded, except when a child is under the supervision
of the parent, guardian, or person standing in loco
parentis.
Peace and Safety
Ordinance, 2001, 130.01
Medium
Assists in preventing unnecessary
injuries as a result of fire arms.
Appendix G:
No person shall consume or serve malt beverages or
unfortified wine, as defined by G.S. 18B-101, in public
buildings within the town.
Peace and Safety
Ordinance, 2001, 130.02
Low
Assists in preventing accidents as a
result of drunk driving.
It shall be unlawful for any person to transport in the
passenger area of any motor vehicle any malt beverage or
unfortified wine if the tab, cap, or seal on the container or
containers has been opened or broken on the public
streets and boulevards, belonging to the town.
Peace and Safety
Ordinance, 2001, 130.02
Low
Assists in preventing accidents as a
result of drunk driving.
It shall be unlawful for any person, group of persons, firm,
or corporation to camp out within the town limits.
Peace and Safety
Ordinance, 2001, 130.03
None
Has no specific impact on mitigation.
and Activities
Effectiveness
Document Reference
for
Mitigation
It shall be unlawful for any person to throw or deposit
upon any street, sidewalk, or beach strand, or upon any
private property except with written permission of the
owner or occupant of the private property, any trash,
refuse, garbage, building material, cans, bottles, broken
glass, paper, or any type of litter.
Offences Against Property
Ordinance, 2001, 131.01
High
Prevents trash from causing surface
water contamination.
It shall be unlawful for any person while a driver or
passenger in a vehicle to throw or deposit litter upon any
street or other public place within the town or upon
private property.
Offences Against Property
Ordinance, 2001, 131.01
High
Prevents trash from causing surface
water contamination.
Appendix G:
All building or structures which are hereafter constructed,
reconstructed, erected, altered, extended, enlarged,
repaired, demolished, or moved shall conform to the
requirements, minimum standards, and other provisions or
either State Building Code, General Construction, Volume
I, or the State Uniform Residential Building Code,
whichever is applicable, or if both are applicable.
Building Regulations
Ordinance, 2000, 150.009
High
Assists in preventing structural damage
as a result of several hazards.
Every building or structure intended for human habitation,
occupancy, or use shall have plumbing, plumbing systems,
or plumbing fixtures installed, constructed, altered,
extended, repaired, or reconstructed in accordance with
the minimum standards, requirements, and other
provisions of the State Plumbing Code.
Ordinance, 2000, 150.009
None
All mechanical systems consisting of heating, ventilating,
air conditioning, and refrigeration systems, fuel burning
equipment, and appurtenances shall be installed, erected,
altered, repaired, used and maintained in accordance with
the minimum standards, requirements, and other
provisions of the State Mechanical Code.
Ordinance, 2000, 150.009
High
Document Reference
Effectiveness
for
Mitigation
All electrical wiring, installations and appurtenances shall
be erected, altered, repaired, used and maintained in
accordance with the minimum standards, requirements,
and other provisions of the State Electrical Code.
Ordinance, 2000, 150.009
High
In areas of special flood hazard all new construction and
substantial improvements shall be anchored to prevent
flotation, collapse, or lateral movement of the structure.
Flood Damage Prevention
Ordinance, 1994, 151.30
High
Assist in reducing the amount of
structural damage resulting from flood
events.
and Activities
Appendix G:
In areas of special flood hazard all new construction and
substantial improvements shall be constructed with
materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damage.
Ordinance, 1994, 151.30
High
events.
In areas of special flood hazard all new construction or
substantial improvements shall be constructed by methods
and practices that minimize flood damages.
Ordinance, 1994, 151.30
High
events.
In areas of special flood hazard electrical, heating,
ventilation, plumbing, mechanical equipment, and other
service facilities shall be designed and/or located so as to
prevent water from entering or accumulating within the
components during conditions or flooding.
Ordinance, 1994, 151.30
High
Prevents the loss of service facilities as
a result of flooding.
In areas of special flood hazard all new and replacement
water supply systems shall be designed to minimize or
eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the system.
Ordinance, 1994, 151.30
High
Prevents the loss of service facilities as
High
Prevents loss of service facilities as a
result of flooding and decreases the
potential for contamination to ground
and surface waters as well as surface
and sub-surface soil.
High
Prevents loss of service facilities as a
result of flooding and decreases the
potential for contamination to ground
and surface waters as well as surface
and sub-surface soil.
In areas of special flood hazard new and replacement
sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to minimize or
eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems and
discharges from the systems into flood waters.
In areas of special flood hazard on-site waste disposal
systems shall be located and constructed to avoid
impairment to them or contamination from them during
flooding.
Ordinance, 1994, 151.30
Ordinance, 1994, 151.30
and Activities
Document Reference
Effectiveness
for
Mitigation
Caswell Beach supports actions to mitigate septic tank
problems and other restrictions on development resulting
from soil limitations.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-3
High
Assists in preventing soil and water
contamination as a result of HAZMAT
events and flooding.
Appendix G:
The Town will regulate development within flood hazard
areas to minimize the potential for loss of life and
property.
Caswell Beach will strive to conserve its surficial
groundwater resources.
Caswell Beach supports actions to reduce the adverse
impacts of stormwater runoff on the coastal environment.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-4
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-4
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-4
High
Medium
High
Assists in preventing loss of life and
property as a result of flooding.
Assists in preventing depletion of a
natural resource.
Assists in preventing surface water
contamination.
Caswell Beach supports a regional multi-county approach
to solid waste disposal.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-5
Medium
The Town supports efforts to recycle and reduce waste.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-5
High
The Town supports actions to preserve historic and
cultural resources.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-5
None
The Town opposes any industrial development within the
Town.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-5
High
events.
Caswell Beach will support the construction of package
treatment plants which are approved and permitted by the
State Division of Water Quality.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-6
Medium
events.
Caswell Beach opposes the construction of both upland
and open water marinas within its planning jurisdiction.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-6
Medium
events.
Caswell Beach opposes the construction of dry stack
storage facilities for boats associated either with or
independent of marinas.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-6
Medium
events.
Caswell Beach opposes the location of floating structures
in all public trust areas and estuarine waters.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-6
Low
Assists in preventing the loss of
property and life as a result of flooding
and high wind events.
Appendix G:
and Activities
The Town opposes the establishment of mooring fields
within its planning jurisdiction.
Document Reference
Effectiveness
for
Mitigation
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-7
Low
Assists in preventing the loss of
property and life as a result of flooding
and high wind events.
Caswell Beach opposes any construction on sound or
estuarine islands.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-7
High
Assists in reducing the loss of life and
property as a result of high wind or
water events. It also prevents
contamination of natural resources due
to HAZMAT events.
Caswell Beach opposes the construction of bulkheads in
all conservation areas including ocean hazard and estuarine
shoreline.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-7
High
Caswell Beach will support actions which will not
adversely affect the coastal environment to mitigate the
adverse effects of sea level rise.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-7
High
Caswell Beach opposes the construction of bulkheads
which would prohibit migrating shorelines, including
bulkhead construction behind coastal wetlands.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-8
High
Prevents excessive down stream
erosion.
Caswell Beach supports the careful regulation and control
of the location and development of manmade hazards.
Caswell Beach is opposed to the establishment of toxic
waste dump sites within Brunswick County.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-8
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-8
With the exception of bulk fuel storage tanks used for
individual heating, Caswell Beach opposes the bulk storage
of manmade hazardous materials within its jurisdiction.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-8
High
Assists in preventing HAZMAT
events.
It is Caswell Beach's policy to preserve its ocean hazard
areas.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-8
High
Low
High
Reduces the potential for manmade
hazards.
events.
Appendix G:
Caswell Beach supports beach renourishment and
relocation as the preferred erosion control measures for
ocean hazard areas as well as other environmentally sound
options which may develop.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-8
High
Assists in reducing the impact of
erosion on property.
Caswell Beach supports the preservation of water quality
in its estuarine and public trust waters.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-9
High
and Activities
Document Reference
Effectiveness
for
Mitigation
Caswell Beach supports preservation of its coastal wetland
areas.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-9
High
Caswell Beach supports protection of its estuarine
shoreline areas and preservation of its scenic views of the
coastal wetland areas adjacent to its jurisdiction.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-9
High
Caswell Beach opposes any offshore exploratory drilling
for oil or gas or actual drilling operations for oil or gas
production.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-9
High
Assists in preventing HAZMAT events
and protects natural resource areas.
The Town of Caswell Beach supports the NC Division of
Water Quality Management's goal for surface water quality
management.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-10
High
Caswell Beach supports the state's shoreline access policies
as set forth in Chapter 15A, subchapter 7M of the NC
Administrative Code.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-10
High
Residential development and accessory residential uses
which meet 15A NCAC 7H use standards will be allowed
in estuarine shoreline, estuarine water, and public trust
areas.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-11
Low
Could raise the probability of damage
to property as a result of flooding and
could lead to the destruction of natural
resource Ares.
Except for public regulatory signs, Caswell Beach opposes
the construction of any signs in estuarine and public trust
waters and coastal wetlands conservation areas.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-11
High
Appendix G:
Caswell Beach supports preservation and protection of its
marine resource area.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-11
High
Caswell Beach supports regulation of the operation of jetskis in its estuarine and public trust waters.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-12
Medium
Caswell Beach objects to aquaculture activities within its
planning jurisdiction.
Except for emergency, municipal, and state vehicles, offroad vehicles are prohibited in Ocean Hazard Areas.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-12
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-12
Caswell Beach will support protection of its water supply
and expansion of its water distribution system.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-12
Could lead to destruction of natural
resource areas but does allow for
regulation.
None
High
High
and Activities
Document Reference
Effectiveness
for
Mitigation
The Town of Caswell Beach supports the development of
regional sewer service.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-13
High
Assists in preventing surface and
The Town opposes the spraying of treated effluent from
other municipalities or other public or private entities on
that portion of the Oak Island Golf Course located in
Caswell Beach.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-13
High
The Town will support projects and local land use
development controls to eliminate stormwater drainage
problems throughout its planning jurisdiction.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-13
High
The Town will support mitigation of negative impacts of
stormwater runoff on all conservation classified areas.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-13
High
The Town supports the policy that all NCDOT projects
should be designed to limit to the extent practical
stormwater runoff into estuarine/public trust waters.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-13
High
Assists in preventing damage as a result
of flooding and assists in preventing
surface and groundwater
contamination.
Assists in preventing damage as a result
of flooding and assists in preventing
surface and groundwater
contamination.
Appendix G:
Caswell Beach will be receptive to annexations and
establishment or extraterritorial planning jurisdictions
which are considered beneficial to the town.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-14
None
Energy generating facilities shall not be permitted in
Caswell Beach.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-14
High
events.
The Town requests full disclosure of any plans to expand
the CP&L plant, and requests written notification if the
plant is to be retired.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-14
None
The Town has no jurisdiction over the
CP&L Nuclear Plant near Southport.
The Town will support all reconstruction which complies
with state and local permitting requirements.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-14
The Town will support efforts to move any threatened
structures to safer locations.
Caswell Beach prohibits industrial development of any
type.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-14
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-15
Medium
High
High
Allows for the regulation of
reconstruction but reconstruction in
areas that are considered high hazard
areas is not always a wise idea and
could lead to the loss of life and
property.
Reduces the loss of life and property as
a result of many hazards.
events.
and Activities
Effectiveness
Document Reference
for
Mitigation
Caswell Beach will be receptive to and support all state and
federal funding programs which are beneficial to the town.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-15
High
Many state and federal programs are
directly related to mitigation.
Caswell Beach will support efforts of the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers and state officials to provide proper channel
maintenance.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-15
Medium
Caswell Beach supports continued maintenance and
protection of the Interstate Waterway.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-16
Medium
Appendix G:
The Town supports transportation improvements which
will improve highway safety, regional stability, and traffic
flow within the Town's planning jurisdiction.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-16
Caswell Beach supports continued development of the
tourist industry.
Caswell Beach supports enforcement of the NC State
Building Code.
Caswell Beach is an active member of the NFIP and is
supportative of hazard mitigation elements.
The Town will coordinate evacuation planning with
Brunswick County.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-17
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-20
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-20
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-21
The town will continue to support enforcement of State
and Federal programs which aid in mitigation of hurricane
hazards…
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-21
High
The town will discourage high density development in
high hazard areas through implementation of the town's
Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-21
High
Reduces the loss of life as a result of
many hazards.
All structures suffering major damage will be repaired
according to the State Building Code and town Flood
Damage Prevention Ordinance.
1997 CAMA Land Use
Plan, IV-21
High
High
Assists in reducing the loss of life and
property due to traffic accidents.
None
High
High
High
Support of state and federal programs
allow for more financial assistance in
the implementation of mitigation
measures.
Goal Category
Goal Statements
Document
Reference
Hazard Threat
Addressed
…protect Caswell Beach by instituting a program for a major beach
nourishment project to include seeking substantial Federal, State, and
County funding for cost sharing purposes and support near term
research and experimentation associated with this project.
Five Year Beach
Preservation Plan, 2002, 1
Erosion
…take necessary actions to sustain the beach in some form or other
until the major renourishment project is undertaken.
Five Year Beach
Preservation Plan, 2002, 2
Erosion
Appendix G:
Existing Structures and Natural
Resource Protection
…provide cost effective, reliable and environmentally responsible
water and wastewater service to all citizens of Caswell Beach.
Capital Improvements
Plan, 2001, 1
Groundwater
Contamination and
HAZMAT Events
Resource Protection
…provide wastewater service to the North Carolina Baptist Assembly
and the United States Coast Guard Station - Oak Island and the Oak
Island Golf Club.
Capital Improvements
Plan, 2001, 1
Groundwater
Contamination and
HAZMAT Events
Preserve, protect and maintain the natural environment in Caswell
Beach.
Strategic Plan, 2002, 9
No specific hazard
Protect the environment from the deleterious effects of stormwater by
putting in place adequate management systems and controls.
Protect the environment from deleterious effects of wastewater by
developing a proactive plan that is cost effective and fair for our
citizens and which uses management systems and controls.
Integrate development and implementation of stormwater and
wastewater projects to ensure compliance with regulatory
requirements and awareness of cost benefits.
Groundwater
Contamination and
HAZMAT Events
Preserve marshes and woodlands.
No specific hazard
General
Minimize light and noise pollution.
Institute a citizen awareness program on environmental issues.
Resource Protection
Restrict or prohibit uses which are dangerous to health, safety, and
property due to water or erosion hazards, or which result in damaging
increases in erosion due to flood heights or velocities.
Flood Damage
Prevention Ordinance,
1994, 151.03
Erosion and Flooding
Existing Structures
Require that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve
such uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial
construction.
Flood Damage
1994, 151.03
Flooding
Resource Protection
Public Education & Outreach
Surface and
Groundwater
contamination
Groundwater
Contamination and
HAZMAT Events
Light and Noise
Pollution
No specific hazard
Goal Category
Goal Statements
Document
Reference
Hazard Threat
Addressed
Appendix G:
Resource Protection
Control the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and
natural protective barriers which are involved in the accommodation
of flood waters.
Existing Structures
Control filling, grading, dredging, and other development which may
increase erosion or flood damage.
Existing Structures
Prevent or regulate the construction of flood barriers which will
unnaturally divert flood waters or which increase flood hazards to
other lands.
General
…protect human life and health.
General
…minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control
projects.
General
...minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with
flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public.
General
…minimize prolonged business interruption.
Existing Structures
…minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and
gas mains, electric, telephone and sewer lines, streets, and bridges
located in the floodplains.
General
…help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and
development of flood prone areas in such a manner as to minimize
flood blight areas.
Public Education & Outreach
…insure that potential home buyers are notified that property is in a
flood area.
Flood Damage
1994, 151.03
Flood Damage
1994, 151.03
Flood Damage
1994, 151.03
Flood Damage
1994, 151.03
Flood Damage
1994, 151.03
Flood Damage
1994, 151.03
Flood Damage
1994, 151.03
Flood Damage
1994, 151.03
Flood Damage
1994, 151.03
Flood Damage
1994, 151.03
Flooding
Erosion and Flooding
Flooding
No specific hazard
Flooding
Flooding
No specific hazard
Flooding
Flooding
Flooding
Appendix H:
Potential Funding Sources for Mitigation Activities
To view Appendix items see Hazard Mitigation Plan binder that is located on the
shelf outside of the Clerk’s office at Town Hall.

Town of Caswell Beach, NC Community – Based Hazard Mitigation

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