Rural Resiliency Toolkit Infrastructure

Category Description & Vulnerability Overview

Description

In the Northwest Hills region, infrastructure consists of: dams, road networks, electrical and communications networks, dams, bridges, railroad, water supply systems, sanitary and storm sewer networks, recreational trails, etc. The owners/operators of each particular piece of infrastructure are responsible for the maintenance of the structure. This may be the municipality, state, or private land owner. The maintenance may be the responsibility of the owner or operator but the loss of use may negatively impact a much larger segment of the population. This can make maintenance of the structure with respect to climate change when there is limited technical capacity or funding access. For example, private landowners may maintain dams on their property but do not have the awareness or capacity to analyze and modify the dam to meet climate change impacts from solar radiation, sedimentation, or debris from storm events.

Designs for future infrastructure should incorporate climate change impacts to the highest standards. Municipalities should take care to review the standards with the appropriate experts to protect their long-term investments.

Vulnerability Overview

Vulnerable populations have limited access to transportation.
Limited transportation available to transport vulnerable residents to shelters.
Tree-trimming has altered roadsides to accommodate overhead infrastructure.
Confusion around possibilities for residential solar.
High heat may limit speed on passenger rails.
Increased water needs for irrigation and individual consumption.
Existing culvert sizes may be inappropriate for flood events and habitat requirements.
Bridge heights, especially on private driveways and local roads, may not be sufficient height.
Many railroad lines, wastewater treatment, and water supply/treatment are located in potential flood areas.
Leaching from active and inactive landfills could increase with significant storm events.
Flooding is a significant vulnerability in many of the Northwest Hills municipalities. At this point in time, flooding locations are identified by local knowledge and review of FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM). Identifying vulnerable flooding areas should improve at the completion of FEMA’s RiskMAP evaluation and digitization of the FIRM maps. Both are expected to be completed in 2022. Below is a list of some areas susceptible to flooding through the region according to the applicable Natural Hazard Mitigation Plans.

Flooding Areas Noted in Natural Hazard Mitigation Plans

Barkhamsted	The long bridge at Pleasant Valley has a history of ice jams. Saville Dam lacks a dam failure study, making the risk from the dam unknown. (LHNHMP)
Burlington	Digital Firm maps have made it “easier to demonstrate floodplain boundaries to property owners.” Floodprone areas include: Upson road, Foote Road, Covey & Hotchkiss Roads, Main Street in Whigville, Prospect STreet in Whigville, Scoville Road, Vineyard Road, Westside Boulevard, Monce Road, and Route 4.
Canaan	Significant floodplains especially in Falls Village between Route 126 and Route 7. Beaver dams along Cobble Road. Chronic flooding along Music Mountain.
Colebrook	The lower end of Sandy Brook near Riverton Road commonly floods, sending water into people’s basements. The town is home to numerous dams that could fail during a flood event. (LHNHMP)
Cornwall	Historical flooding at West Cornwall bridge, beaver dams, flooding and erosion along River Road. Mill Brook washed out at Lower River Road during Tropical Storm Irene.
Goshen	The drainage area at Woodridge Lake is particularly of concern according to the town road supervisor due to the increased density of development in this area. Road flooding has occurred in this area in ecent years and there is a need for a comprehensive stormwater drainage study of this part of town to better define drainage improvement needs. (LHNHMP)
Hartland	No specific spots mentioned.
Harwinton	The area of greatest concern locally is Leadmine Brook, which continues to flood periodically resulting in the closing of Lead Mine Brook Road. Lake Harwinton Dam is the facility of greatest concern to local officials, and this dam is scheduled to be improved in the near future. (LHNHMP)
Kent	Flooding along Route 7 on east side and Schaghticoke Road on west side from Housatonic River. Ice jams along Housatonic River. Flooding along Kent Hollow Road from West Aspetuck River.
Litchfield	Beavers plug culverts on local streets such as Brooks Road, which require routine maintenance by town forces to remove. (LHNHMP)
Morris	Flooding caused by beavers remains a problem. The East Shore Road area experiences periodic flooding due to poor drainage.(LHNHMP)
New Hartford	Several critical facilities noted in potential floodplain. Public Works Department proposed for relocation. Beavers have caused problems in culverts. Culvert at Carpenter Road is undersized.
Norfolk	Flooding on Parker Hill Road at Hall Meadow Brook and along Blackberry River. (LHNHMP)
North Canaan	No specific spots mentioned.
Roxbury	Flooding near Judds Bridge, Hodge Park, Wellers Bridge, Route 67, Squire Road at Route 67, and Botsford Hill Road at Route 67. Small private dams are significant concern.
Salisbury	Flooding near Salmon Kill Road, Housatonic River Road, Dugqay Road, Old Asylum Road, Lincoln City Road, and Riga Road.
Sharon	Beaver dams especially along West Cornwall Road and Surdan Mountain Road. Flooding at main business area near supermarket (Low Road, Murtagh Road, and Route 41).

Torrington	Drainage problems cause seasonal flooding at Oak Avenue and Albert Street, and at Vista Drive. Flooding along the Naugatuck River remains a concern despite flood control dams installed after the flood of 1955. The city has a large number of properties requiring flood Insurance from FEMA. These properties will become increasingly difficult to maintain if flood insurance premiums increase. (LHNHMP) .
Warren	Sucker Brook Corridor of concern. College Farms Road, Reed Road, and Curtiss Road were washed out or toppled during Tropical Storm Irene.
Washington	Significant flooding along Shepaug River.
Winchester	Pratt Street, where periodic flooding damages yards and the local road on a regular basis needs upgrades to its drainage systems. Inadequate storm drains on Gay Street, Case Avenue and Center Street result in periodic flooding. Flood control gates at the Highland Lake outlet control structure need to be replaced. Beaver dams frequently result in plugged culverts on local streets such as along the Old Waterbury Turnpike near Rugg Brook Reservoir. The town has actually needed to close a section of this road due to a recurring problem with water ponding and road washout. (LHNHMP)
Litchfield Hills Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan 2016 Update includes: Barkhamsted, Colebrook, Goshen, Hartland, Harwinton, Litchfield, Morris, New Hartford, Norfolk, Torrington and Winchester. Towns served by individual plans created in 2014: Canaan, Cornwall, Kent, North Canaan, Salisbury, Sharon, Roxbury, Warren, and Washington. The multi-jurisdictional plan for the former Central Connecticut region 2016 includes Burlington.

Photo by Charlie Kellogg, “Hurricane Irene Flood Damage in W Cornwall CT, Creative Commons license by NC-SA 2.0. https://www.flickr.com/photos/papa_charliegeorge/6116504512

Potential Partners & Funding Streams

Please send any suggested partners, grants, or resources to info [at] joannaw1.sg-host.com.

Potential Partners

CT DOT
US DOT
Federal Highway Administration
NHCOG Road Supervisors Committee
Water and electric utilities
Municipal potable water, sanitary sewer, and storm-sewer operators
Local Public Works Departments
USDA Rural Development
Northwest ConneCT
COGs
Transit Districts
CT DEEP
CT NEMO

Potential Funding Streams

USDA Rural Development (assistance with municipal water systems, well replacement for elderly, etc.)
CT OPM LOTCIP, STEAP grants
CT Department of Administrative Services
DEHMS/FEMA Flood Mitigation, Pre-disaster Mitigation, and Hazard Mitigation Grants
US FHWA
EPA
FEMA
US HUD

General Tools

CT DEEP Climate Adaptation and the Built Environment and Infrastructure

NWF Green Works for Climate Resilience This guide discusses sea-level rise, coastal flooding, and erosion (includes marine as well as freshwater coasts in the Great Lakes region); drought and increasing aridity; extreme heat and the urban heat island effect; inland flooding and stormwater management; and changes to the natural landscape. It has a number of example case-studies for different infrastructure adaptations.

US DOT Adaptation Plan 2014

Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Case Studies, FHWA

National Climate Assessment Highlight on Infrastructure

US Resiliency Council While the information is primarily about seismic hazards (December 2018), the USRC is currently developing ratings for other hazards, including wind, wildfire and flood.

VTrans Climate Change Adaptation White Paper 2012– This report is an overview of climate related adaptation and resilience oriented efforts both underway and under consideration by the Vermont Agency of Transportation.

DHS’s Incorporating Resilience into Critical Infrastructure Projects: This guide provides those working on critical infrastructure programs with information and steps to take that can enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure systems. It will help decision makers prioritize projects that advance resilient infrastructure through design and investment choices.

Lessons Learned from Irene Severe flooding was particularly devastating for transportation infrastructure, requiring the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) to take a leading role in the recovery. The extent of the damage, however, proved too much for a single agency to manage alone. VTrans’ leadership sought help from the state’s 11 regional planning commissions (RPCs) to assume responsibility for assessing needed local road repairs.

NIST’s Community Resilience Planning Guides: Community Resilience Planning Guide for Buildings and Infrastructure Systems provides communities with an approach to improve their resiliency by prioritizing resources and incorporating resiliency into zoning, codes, policies, and economic development activities, in order to manage risks from hazards to buildings and infrastructure. NIST’s Economic Decision Guide accompanies the Community Resilience Planning Guide to help communities evaluate decisions for resiliency-focused capital investment projects.

Adaptation Assessment Guidebook: New York City Panel on Climate Change (2010) Annex A has several very useful questionnaires for reviewing vulnerabilities of communications, energy, transportation, water and waste, and policy infrastructure

Case Study SECCOG Critical Facilities

Case Study Town of Morris LID Manual

Connecticut River Flow Viewer This map tool displays the return interval of flow rates for points along CT river networks. A google map interface is used to display locations where flow rate data exists. Users can zoom to a location of interest and click on a specific point to view a graph displaying flow rates over different return intervals. These graphs show the upper and lower boundary for return intervals of 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 years at specific river locations. To view the data, click on a point of interest to activate a graph of river flow rates for different storm events.

Actions

The section is divided into the following major categories:

Energy
Land Use
Facilities & Buildings
Solid Waste Management
Transportation
Water
Communications

A tabular version of the actions is also available.

Energy

1In Purchase or install Class I clean energy sources to power municipal buildings (including Board of Education).

Comments/Descriptions: Cross-reference with Sustainable CT Action 6.4.
Partners: CT PURA, local/regional school districts, Public Works/Building Manager
Tools: 2014 Integrated Resources Plan For Connecticut, CT DEEP

2In Inventory the existing fleet and complete and adopt a Municipal Fleet Improvement Strategy. Conduct a study of opportunities to provide electric vehicle charging stations throughout the region.

Comments/Descriptions: Cross-reference with Sustainable CT Action 6.6 and NHCOG Regional Transportation Plan
Partners: CEOs, CT DEEP, NHCOG
Tools: Ridgefield CT Municipal Fleet

3In Review status of generators for critical facilities, gas stations (especially if long distance between closer station), schools, town halls, etc.

Comments/Descriptions: Incorporate with Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Partners: EMDs, CEOs

4In Consider creating a Microgrid program for critical facilities in your community. Develop municipal-wide renewable energy incentive program.

Comments/Descriptions: Cross reference with Sustainable CT Action 1.6.
Partners: CEOs, local conservation organization, Conservation Commission, CT DEEP, PURA
Tools: CT Green Bank (Solarize Connecticut, C-Pace municipalities, Lead by Example)
CT Microgrid Program
NY Climate Smart Webinar "Building Clean and Resilient Local Power: NY Prize Update & Microgrid Case Studies"

5In Direct mid and large scale commercial solar installations away from farm fields and core forests and toward brownfields and industrial sites.

Comments/Descriptions: Task from POCD Goal 2.
Partners: land use commissions, Utilities, NorthwestConneCT, CT PURA, CT DOT, Public Works

Land Use

6In Consider climate change vulnerabilities and adaptation for siting and design of new and redesigned/ reconstructed facilities. Avoid flood prone or erosion prone areas for infrastructure, especially if underground or underwater transmission and pipe lines are a preferred alternative. Where practicable, relocate infrastructure outside of coastal and inland flooding zones. Where practicable, relocate cultural resources outside of coastal and inland flood zones; where relocation is infeasible, protect areas around cultural resources from coastal and inland flooding, as allowed by law, using methods that minimize adverse environmental impacts.

Partners: land use commissions, utilities, NorthwestConneCT, CT PURA, CT DOT, Public Works, CT DAS
Tools: EPA WEPPCAT Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) Model

7In Assess energy and communications infrastructure operations and maintenance plans with respect to changing climate conditions including electricity conduits, electric grid and communication infrastructure (towers, lines, etc.), and communication lines to water, salt intrusion, and more frequent and stronger storm events. Communicate with power/communications/sewer/water utilities about enhancing resiliency of systems prior to significant construction in downtown areas. Require the location of utilities underground in new developments or during redevelopment whenever possible. Discuss alternative management strategies for trees with the utilities esp. along scenic character or town entryways.

Comments/Descriptions: Movement of infrastructure underground considered in Kent Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan. Dense forests can be most dangerous. Proper management to increase tree crown and trunk may improve tree strength. Also a Natural Resource action.
Partners: Utilities, NorthwestConneCT, CT PURA, CT DOT, Public Works
Tools: Tree management - Uconn Stormwise Program, Tom Wordsley

8In For communications, emergency generators and fuel supplies are often in basements or ground level, and vulnerable to flooding – building codes may have to be revised to allow for positioning this infrastructure at higher levels.

Partners: EMDs, building department

Facilities & Buildings

9In Work with FEMA on building relocation policy after destructive events

Partners: CEOs, EMDs, REPT ESF Long-term Recovery, land use commissions

10In Monitor changes to forest fire frequency and intensity and consider wildfire retrofitting.

Comments/Descriptions: Cross reference with Natural Resources
Partners: CT DEEP, local land trusts, municipal departments
Tools: California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research “Fire Hazard Planning” report

11In Develop vulnerability assessments for the community including public properties, cultural resources, critical facilities, etc. to identify vulnerabilities and prioritize actions. Implement a Tree Hazard Management Program to encourage responsible planting practices and minimize future storm damage to buildings, utilities, and streets.

Comments/Descriptions: POCD Goal 2 and Sustainable CT Action 4.4. Also a Cultural Resources & Natural Resources action.
Partners: Public Works, Tree Warden, local conservation groups, land use commissions
Tools: SECCOG Critical Facilities Vulnerability Assessment
CT NRCS Conservation Technical Assistance
Nature Conservancy Climate Wizard
Conservation Commissions & Climate Change
US National Phenology Network
Resilient Rural Webmap

12In Manage municipal properties to reduce heat island affect.

Comments/Descriptions: Cross-reference with Public Health.
Partners: Public Works
Tools: Heat Island Effects in Northwest Region

13In Improve building codes to account for more frequent and stronger storms.

Partners: local land use commissions and departments

14In Change property tax structure to provide incentives for setbacks, rolling easements, and covenants to preclude building and reconstruction in vulnerable areas.

Partners: CT legislature, local Board of Finance

15In Provide support to vulnerable populations (i.e., environmental justice communities, the elderly and disabled) to ensure residence resilience to climate change, including incentives for relocation if re-engineering is not feasible.

Partners: Social service agents, EMDs, health providers

16In Incentivize residents to weatherize their homes.

Partners: TAHD, health districts, Conservation Commission, building department
Tools: Connecticut’s Weatherization Assistance Program from CT DEEP
Weatherization Assistance Program for low-income and elderly from US DOE

17In Modify zoning regulations and Plans of Conservation and Development to minimize risks from development of coastal and inland flood zones. Retrofit critical structures to comply with current building codes and develop a reinforced “safe room”. Create incentives for individuals and businesses to reduce risk of losses due to climate through building design codes. Ensure that shelters have appropriate wind protections. Modify buildings to reduce impact on, and vulnerability to climate change including passive cooling and rain water controls such as rain gardens.

Comments/Descriptions: Cross link to Public Health - Emergency Response.
Partners: EMDs, Public Works, CEOs, building department
Tools: CT Building Code

Solid Waste Management

18In New and reconstructed infrastructure, including landfills and transfer stations, should be located in areas less vulnerable to climate change. Evaluate ability and need to armor or relocate transfer station and related solid waste infrastructure located within sea level rise or inland flooding areas. Harden solid waste storage areas against extreme precipitation, wind events, flooding, etc.

Partners: Transfer stations, CT DEEP, Public Works, local businesses

19In Devise alternative routes or collection locations to service those areas that will be isolated by flooding.

Partners: Transfer stations, trash collection businesses, Public Works

20In Update aging solid waste infrastructure considering green practices that may be more resilient to climate change impacts, especially precipitation and stormwater effects.

Partners: Transfer stations, CT DEEP, Public Works, resource recovery authorities

Transportation

21In Investigate the impacts of developments on the whole watershed and downstream effects on transportation infrastructure to evaluate effects and determine design criteria, e.g., culvert and drainage system sizing.

Partners: Public Works, CT DOT

22In Consider hardening airports and/or landing areas against extreme storms.

Comments/Descriptions: Coordinate with CEDS Goal 4
Partners: FAA, CT DOT, local airports

23In Identify portions of railroad at-risk to flooding and erosion. Identify frequently flooded and/or washed out roads. Consider abandonment of roads and bridges when re-engineering would be too costly to adapt to climate change, or when better environmental and resiliency options or alternative routes exist. Adjust road maintenance schedules for changing seasons. Identify at risk areas along roadways that may be at risk of erosion or prone to drifting snow & high winds.

Comments/Descriptions: Coordinate with CEDS Goal 4. Review Naugatuck and Housatonic Railroads. If scenic road, take special care to consider how to maintain scenic qualities but maintain safe passage if necessary. Also a Natural Resources concern. from Litchfield Hills NHMP
Partners: Public Works, CT DOT, railroad owners, land trusts
Tools: Fact sheet on municipality's ability to abandon a road continually threatened by flooding is forthcoming from AdaptCT.
USDA Climate Hubs' “The Future of Winter Roads”
EPA WEPPCAT Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) Model

24In Coordinate emergency evacuation and supply transportation routes with emergency preparedness systems to ensure capacity and resilience of escape routes compromised by natural disasters related to climate change.

Partners: REPT, EMDs, CEOs, CT DOT, Public Works

25In Improve sidewalk connectivity and develop Model Sidewalk Ordinance.

Comments/Descriptions: Cross referenced with NHCOG Regional Transportation Plan.
Partners: Public Works, CEOs
Tools: Community Walk Score

26In Increase trail equity and access throughout the region.

Comments/Descriptions: e.g. Housatonic Bike/Walk Trail, Naugatuck River Greenway, Sue Grossman Still River Greenway; Cross reference with Cultural Resources
Partners: local land trusts, Parks & Rec, NHCOG, CT DOT, Public Works
Tools: NHCOG Regional Trails Assessment

27In Request design standards for infrastructure projects that incorporate climate projects like maximum temperatures.

Partners: ACOE, FEMA, NOAA, USGS, CT DOT, Public Works

28In Consider the level of watershed development, and potential LID and green practices that may affect engineering designs and level of development from transportation infrastructure like planned road improvements. Increase communication, collaboration and planning among watershed authorities and the public to decrease stormwater by promoting LID and green BMPs. Promote and require preservation of natural features that treat and infiltrate runoff such as buffers, wetlands and related landscape conditions to reduce runoff by infiltration or detention in biologically active conditions and reduce primary pollutants including organic matter/nutrients. Remove or modify impediments to natural treatment and storage (e.g., impervious cover, culverts, dams) to accommodate LID techniques.

Comments/Descriptions: Cross Reference with Sustainable CT Action 7.2 Provide Effective Community Communications. Cross reference with NHCOG POCD Goal 2 and WUCC "Prioritization and Implementation for Non-Capital Improvement Recommendations"
Partners: Public Works, municipal departments, land use commissions, CT DOT, NWCD, and Lake Waramaug Task Force
Tools: Town of Morris LID Manual
Stormwater Calculator with Climate Assessment Tool, EPA
EPA Green Infrastructure website
Managing Wet Weather with Green Infrastructure Municipal Handbook
Enhancing Sustainable Communities With Green Infrastructure: A Guide to Help Communities Better Manage Stormwater While Achieving Other Environmental, Public Health, Social, and Economic Benefits (2014), EPA
Green Infrastructure Tools, NOAA

29In Develop joint transportation strategies with adjacent communities, regions and states to accommodate changing conditions and transportation system use. Balance needs of natural resources and human safety for determining which transportation infrastructure to reconstruct or relocate. Communicate regional transit assets and options. Encourage transit-oriented development with residential/commercial areas along bus routes and/or train/bus stations.

Comments/Descriptions: Cross reference with Regional Transportation Plan and POCD Goals 1 & 4, Sustainable CT Action 5 and CEDS Goal 4. Related project: NWTD regional transit facility.
Partners: REPT ESF Transportation, Public Works, CT DOT, NWCTD, NHCOG, local land use commissions, Councils of Government, local economic development commissions
Tools: Climate Change Adaptation Guide for Transportation Systems Management, Operations, and Maintenance

30In During bids for infrastructure projects, request materials designed for higher incidences of heat stress and intense flooding to prevent or reduce buckling or softening. Consider use of "cool pavement" to reduce heat island affect and protect surface water.

Comments/Descriptions: Cross reference with CEDS Goal 4.
Partners: CEOs, Public Works, CT DOT
Tools: Hartford’s Green Infrastructure Handbook
Pavement Interactive—Cool Pavement

31In Create an Inventory of all road-stream crossing structures (i.e., bridges and culverts) in town and prioritize for replacement, based on conservation benefits, minimizing flood risk, and maintenance need. Re-establish connectivity and more natural flows along our rivers and streams by removing or modifying existing structural impediments, such as dams, and culverts. Work with CT DOT on context dependent adaptation strategies and other tools to expand the adaptive capacity of an at-risk structure. Develop and implement a municipal sediment control plan to prevent clogged drainage systems such as routine street sweeping, curb and gutter cleaning, paving dirt roads, and planting vegetation on bare ground (from Litchfield Hills NHMP)

Comments/Descriptions: Cross reference with Natural Resources.
Partners: local/regional conservation organizations, Public Works, CT DOT
Tools: HVA Culvert Assessment Program
North Atlantic Aquatic Connectivity Collaborative Database search page
US DOT Vulnerability Assessment Scoring Tool

32In Communicate with USGS to maintain stream gages to monitor peak flow, water volume, temperature, etc.

Comments/Descriptions: Cross reference with Natural Resources.
Partners: local/regional conservation organizations, Public Works, CT DOT

33In Many small communities have limited road access. Communities’ access should be reviewed and, where needed, upgraded to ensure resilient ingress and egress. Assess viable options to improve access to these areas and integrate into building, land use, and public works planning documents.

Partners: Public Works, CT DOT

Water

34In Consider dams in or up-stream from your municipality. Discuss with the management and with CT DEEP about the dams safety and plans for long-term resiliency. Confirm its ability to handle increasingly intense storms. Don't forget smaller (especially earthen) dams throughout your community. Check municipal records for the required Emergency Action Plans for Class B and C dams as they should be submitted to the town every two years. Include dam failure inundation areas in the CT Alert emergency contact database. For privately owned dams, encourage each dam owner regardless of Class to have a maintenance plan and an Emergency Operations Plan/Emergency Action Plan. Also encourage them to implement recommendations resulting from state inspections (from Litchfield Hills NHMP).

Comments/Descriptions: Cross reference with communications suggestions in Cultural Resources and Public Health - Emergency Response
Partners: CT DEEP, hydropower facilities, private property owners, EMDs
Tools: local or multi-jurisdictional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plans

35In Determine new levels of terrestrial stormwater and nonpoint source pollution (e.g., through comprehensive watershed-based planning) related to climate change and determine standards required to address quantity and quality issues.

Partners: Public Works, CT DOT, local conservation organizations
Tools: Stormwater Calculator with Climate Assessment Tool, EPA
Storm Water Management Model with Climate Adjustment Tool

36In Update aging stormwater and nonpoint infrastructure with consideration to sizing and retrofitting LID techniques to accommodate climate change adaptation and minimize runoff and flooding damage. Rehabilitate sewer systems to minimize groundwater infiltration and inflow of stormwater and snowmelt into the sanitary sewer system. Where warranted as the only solution, increase stormwater storage and treatment infrastructure, especially in highly urbanized areas. Implement municipal stormwater maintenance program to clear debris from drainage facilities (Litchfield Hills NHMP). Consider zero net growth in impervious surfaces in the municipality.

Comments/Descriptions: Mapping of impervious surfaces may assist in MS4 requirements.
Partners: Public Works, CT DOT, local conservation organizations
Tools: Antioch University New England Webinar "Where to Put the Water: Assessing the Vulnerability of Urban Stormwater Systems to a Changing Climate"

37In Include climate change into local emergency operation plans, state Hazard Mitigation Plans, and similar response programs.

Comments/Descriptions: Cross reference with all other topics
Partners: EMDs, REPT, COGs
Tools: Worksheet—Plan Cross References

38In Develop a long-term beaver management plan that includes: control measures to mitigate localized flooding created by beavers; consideration of the use of beaver deterrent devices such as beaver stops or beaver bafflers and consideration replacing culverts frequently impacted by beavers with free span bridges (from Litchfield Hills NHMP).

Partners: EMDs. Public Works, CT DOT, local conservation organizations

39In Implement Ice Jam Observer Training. Conduct geo-morphic assessment to identify potential causative mechanisms for ice jam formation where ice jams had not historically formed.

Comments/Descriptions: Especially town of Kent, long bridge at Pleasant Valley in Barkhamsted
Partners: EMDs, local conservation organizations, REPT, River conservation organizations, CT DOT, CT DEEP
Tools: Shane Csiki, NH DES— Ice Jam Training

40In Evaluate your community for flood resiliency. Identify critical facilities in flood zones. Ensure adequate barricades are available to block flooded areas in flood prone areas of the town.

Comments/Descriptions: (E.g. Relocate the New Hartford Public Works Garage out of the Farmington River Floodplain and Winchester Public Works Garage- Litchfield Hills NHMP)
Partners: EMDs, CEOs
Tools: local or multi-jurisdictional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plans
SECCOG Critical Facilities Vulnerability Assessment
Fall 2019 “New Hampshire Flood Response Toolkit”
EPA Flood Resilience Checklist
Maine Flood Resilience Checklist (2017)

41In Coordinate with emergency management to identify sites that store hazardous materials and develop risk management plans for power failures, flooding, heat fluctuations, etc. Create inventory and map of Brownfields sites and identify sites at risk of flooding.

Comments/Descriptions: Cross Reference with Sustainable CT Action 1.1
Partners: Fire department, EPA, local health department, local businesses

42In Communicate flood risk to residents and encourage them to purchase flood insurance.

Partners: EMDs. health departments
Tools: My RainReady
Federal Insurance: Moonshot Starter Kit

43In Evaluate and improve emergency power provisions to assure uninterrupted pump station service during heavy storms with associated power outages. Evaluate and improve, where necessary, the capacity of pump stations that are subject to infiltration and inflow.

Partners: Utilities, Public Works
Tools: Waterford Municipal Infrastructure Resilience Project Sewer Pump Station Assessment & Adaptation

44In Implement a training program for wastewater treatment facility operators to educate them on how to prepare for climate change, e.g., extreme storms, high temperatures.

Partners: Utilities, Public Works
Tools: New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission website

45In Educate municipal inland wetland commissions and water pollution control authorities about emergency permit requirements for temporary equipment needed to protect wastewater treatment facilities located near regulated inland or coastal wetlands. Investigate protection strategies (e.g., berms, dikes) to protect treatment infrastructure after consideration of non-structural, less hardening alternatives and/or or relocation of infrastructure subject to sea level rise and inland flooding.

Partners: CT DEEP, CT DPH, Utilities, Public Works, CACIWC

46In Reduce policies or regulations that limit use of greywater for non-potable uses like irrigation. Implement wastewater reuse for non-potable uses, such as golf course irrigation, to decrease potable water treatment needs and address water shortages.

Comments/Descriptions: Cross reference with WUCC "Prioritization and Implementation for Non-Capital Improvement Recommendations"
Partners: local land use commissions, health departments
Tools: "Requiring new homes to reuse water (Residential Gray Water Stub-out Building Code), 2013, Chula Vista, CA"
United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2012). Water Recycling and Reuse: The Environmental Benefits.

47In Assess existing on-site (subsurface disposal) systems for effects related to climate change and, where necessary, consider alternative on-site technologies or abandonment in favor of public/community wastewater treatment systems.

Partners: Utilities, Public Works

48In Consider the potential higher groundwater levels in design standards for separation distances and other relevant standards.

Partners: Utilities, Public Works

49In Consider a Water Use Restriction Ordinance to implement conservation during periods of water shortage. Encourage water conservation best management practices for snow making for ski destinations in Connecticut. Provide an incentive to encourage water conservation of public water supply and/or develop local drought ordinances. Develop a drought communications plan to inform residents about voluntary and mandatory drought restrictions and Develop an early warning system to notify the general public about water shortages.

Comments/Descriptions: Cross reference with Drought Communications Plan in Natural Resources section and Sustainable CT Action 2.6 and WUCC "Prioritization and Implementation for Non-Capital Improvement Recommendations" Cross reference with Litchfield Hills NHMP. Consider as Natural Resources and Public Health Action as well.
Partners: CEOs, CT Water Planning Council, local land use commissions, TAHD, local health districts
Tools: Greenwich Drought Ordinance
2018 CT Drought Preparedness and Response Plan
Northeast Drought Early Warning Center
US Drought Portal
CT Water Status Site

50In Participate in the Water Utilities Coordinating Committees to assist in developing regional and statewide solutions to water shortages and emergencies including strengthening coordination of regional water supplies to encourage water conservation.

Partners: CEOs, Utilities, Public Works, COGs

51In Incorporate potable water management concerns into local POCDs (e.g. water conservation, water Exclusive Service Areas, water management through zoning regulations, etc. )

Comments/Descriptions: Cross reference with WUCC "Prioritization and Implementation for Non-Capital Improvement Recommendations"
Partners: local land use commissions and departments

52In Review regulations for common sense use of rain barrels. Ensure regulations encourage collection strategies that reduce access by mosquitoes.

Comments/Descriptions: Cross reference with action under agriculture to increase storage of precipitation.
Partners: TAHD, health districts, Conservation Commission, building department
Tools: King County, WA program to incentivize or give away rain barrels

53In Purchase land around water supplies to increase the surrounding conservation buffer area

Comments/Descriptions: Cross reference with Natural Resources - land acquisition
Partners: Water utilities, WUCCs, conservation organizations, land trusts

54In Water supply plans pursuant to CGS section 25-32d should include climate change vulnerability analyses and risk assessments for surface supply, including future drinking water availability, competing needs and options for adaptation and mitigation. Incorporate climate resiliency or other green planning practices into waste supply treatment design manuals for water reuse to lessen demand on potable water.

Partners: WUCCs, utilities

55In Increase public water supply hook-ups for private wells subject to salt intrusion. Use "smart" applications for road treatments during winter storms.

Partners: TAHD, CT DPH, CT DOH, Public Works, CT DOT
Tools: Dr. Gary Robbins, UConn
Minnesota Stormwater Manual Road salt, smart salting and winter maintenance

56In Increase effluent quality of wastewater treatment to allow for water reuse for non- potable uses.

Partners: Water Utility Coordinating Committees (WUCC); CT DPH; health departments, CT DEEP

57In Identify small community water systems struggling with supply, quality, and management issues. Water systems, especially small systems, should increase technical capacity to anticipate and mitigate impacts from droughts. They should also coordinate water use restrictions with town/state ordinances. Update and repair antiquated and leaking distribution infrastructure.

Partners: WUCCs; CT DPH; health departments
Tools: EPA CREAT
2018 CT Drought Preparedness and Response Plan
USDA Rural Development

58In Community water systems, besides having a backup emergency generator, should plan for extended power outages with redundant fuel systems or larger fuel capacities. Water systems should coordinate with the utilities and EMDs to ensure the systems are on the priority electrical restoration list even with standby power.

Partners: EMDs, community water systems, Utilities, Public Works
Tools: local and multi-jurisdictional natural hazard mitigation plans
Creating Resilient Water Utilities (CRWU), EPA
Table 5-1, Theme 1-A recommendations on generator usage in Drinking Water Vulnerability Assessment and Resilience Plan

59In Decrease pharmaceutical and other emerging toxic chemical concentration in water supply that might be further spread by climate change effects by strengthening federal rules, and educating homeowners about safer disposal practices.

Partners: health services, local pharmacies, NHCOG Prescription Assistance network

Communications

60In Map locations of communications infrastructure vulnerable to floods, storm surges, extreme thermal or precipitation events, wildfire, etc.

Partners: Utilities, Public Works

61In Identify redundancies and re-routing potential in communication infrastructure for emergency switching should primary systems fail. Adequately insure communications infrastructure to ensure that reconstruction can occur in the event of a climate related disaster.

Comments/Descriptions: Cross link to Public Health - Emergency response
Partners: Utilities, Public Works, REPT, Amateur Radio Network

62In Work with FirstNet (public safety broadband network) to improve communications coverage.

Comments/Descriptions: Cross link to Public Health - Emergency response
Partners: EMDs, REPT, COGs

63In Develop sustainability checklists for planning, zoning, building, health department permit applications to incorporate sustainable design elements. Compile a checklist that cross-references the bylaws, regulations, and codes related to flood damage prevention that may be applicable to a proposed project and make this list available to potential applicants.

Comments/Descriptions: Cross Reference with Sustainable CT Action 4.2 and WUCC Integrated Report recommendations.
Partners: local conservation organizations, building departments
Tools: local/multi-jurisdictional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plans