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Acknowledgements
The Town of Richmond commends the efforts of its Hazard Mitigation Committee in completing this
important plan. The effort is sure to result in the protection of life and property and special thanks are
extended to Committee members:
Joseph Arsenault, EMA Director
Scott Barber, Public Works Director, Richmond-Carolina Fire
Helena Bowen, Police Department
Bill Day, Deputy EMA Director, School Committee, Hope Valley Fire
Loren Gengarella, Building Official, Floodplain Manager
Elwood Johnson, Police Chief
Mike Lill, EMA Volunteer
Jim McLeroy, Deputy EMA Director
Keith Place, Town Sergeant
Karen Pinch, Town Administrator
Denise Stetson, Town Planner
Town Administrator
Karen Pinch
Richmond Town Council
Henry Oppenheimer, President
Paul H. Michaud, Vice President
B. Joseph Reddish
Ronald Newman
Erick A. Davis
Richmond Planning Board
Walter Prescott, Chair
Nancy Hess, Vice Chair
Philip Damicis
Richard Millar
Carolyn S. Richard
Andrea Torizzo
Town of Richmond
5 Richmond Townhouse Road
Wyoming, RI 02898
Town
of
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DRAFT
Hazard
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2015
Executive Summary
This Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) is a product of the Richmond Hazard Mitigation Committee (RHMC). It has
been approved by the Richmond Planning board, the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency, and the
Federal Emergency Management Agency in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000.
The RHMC’s overview of past natural hazard occurrences verifies that the Town is vulnerable to diverse
events including blizzards, floods and hurricanes. The discussion puts the likelihood of these events into
historical perspective and recognizes that although the probability of thunderstorm, high wind and lightning
events may be higher; the intensity and potential impacts from less likely events such as hurricanes and
earthquakes can be far greater.
The risk assessment portion of the plan confirms that the Town has much to lose from these events. The four
highest ranking risks identified include flood prone drainage systems, potential dam failures, damage to care
facilities, and critical municipal hazard response facilities.
To address these risks the 2015 HMP put forth a clear mission, a distinct set of goals and 22 specific
mitigation actions. The Town’s hazard mitigation mission is to protect and enhance the quality of life,
property and resources by identifying areas at risk and implementing appropriate mitigation actions. The
specific goals include upgrading infrastructure, protecting property, integrating planning and management
approaches, improving response effectiveness, and maintaining open space. Each of the subsequent
mitigation actions for achieving these goals summarizes specific problems and possible solutions, details the
primary tasks to be undertaken, identifies an appropriate lead and anticipated funding sources.
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Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 PLAN PURPOSE................................................................................................................................................1
1.2 HAZARD MITIGATION AND ITS BENEFITS ..............................................................................................................1
1.3 BACKGROUND .................................................................................................................................................2
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING PROCESS ................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 OVERVIEW......................................................................................................................................................4
2.1 RICHMOND HAZARD MITIGATION COMMITTEE .....................................................................................................4
2.2 THE PLANNING PROCESS ...................................................................................................................................4
CHAPTER 3: NATURAL HAZARDS .................................................................................................................... 5
3.1 HAZARDS OF CONCERN .....................................................................................................................................5
3.1.1 Flooding ................................................................................................................................................7
3.1.2 Severe Winter Storms/Extreme Cold ....................................................................................................9
3.1.3 Thunderstorms ...................................................................................................................................11
3.1.4 Hurricanes ...........................................................................................................................................11
3.1.5 Drought ..............................................................................................................................................15
3.1.6 Dam Failure ........................................................................................................................................16
3.1.7 Tornadoes ...........................................................................................................................................17
3.1.8 Geologic Related Hazards: Earthquakes ...........................................................................................18
3.1.9 Brushfire .............................................................................................................................................19
3.1.10 Geomagnetic Storms (Solar Flares) .................................................................................................20
3.2 LIKELIHOOD OF FUTURE EVENTS ........................................................................................................................21
CHAPTER 4: RISK ASSESSMENT .................................................................................................................... 22
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
FACILITIES INVENTORY ....................................................................................................................................22
HAZARD MITIGATION MAPPING.......................................................................................................................22
FISCAL IMPACT ANALYSIS ................................................................................................................................22
BUILT ENVIRONMENT .....................................................................................................................................24
POPULATION IMPACT ANALYSIS .......................................................................................................................25
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................................................................25
VULNERABILITY OF FUTURE STRUCTURES ...........................................................................................................25
RISK ASSESSMENT MATRIX..............................................................................................................................26
CHAPTER 5: PROGRAMMATIC CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT ............................................................................. 28
5.1 PURPOSE.......................................................................................................................................................28
5.2 PRIMARY PROGRAMS ......................................................................................................................................28
5.2.1 Richmond Comprehensive Plan ...........................................................................................................28
5.2.2 Land Development and Subdivision Regulations ................................................................................28
5.2.3 Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) ......................................................................................................28
5.2.4 Richmond Rural Preservation Land Trust ............................................................................................28
5.2.5 Capital Improvements Program ..........................................................................................................28
5.2.6 Stormwater Management Program Plan ...........................................................................................29
5.2.7 Rhode Island State Building Code .......................................................................................................29
5.2.8 Rhode Island State Dam Safety Program ............................................................................................29
5.2.9 Rhode Island DEM Wetland Regulations ............................................................................................29
CHAPTER 6: IDENTIFICATION OF MITIGATION ACTIONS .............................................................................. 32
6.1 MISSION STATEMENT ......................................................................................................................................32
6.2 MITIGATION GOALS ........................................................................................................................................32
6.3 IDENTIFIED ACTIONS AND OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................32
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CHAPTER 7: IMPLEMENTATION ELEMENT.................................................................................................... 42
7.1 PRIORITIZATION OF MITIGATION ACTIONS ..........................................................................................................42
7.2 IMPLEMENTING THE PLAN ................................................................................................................................43
7.3 Monitoring .............................................................................................................................................43
7.4 Evaluation ..............................................................................................................................................43
7.5 Revisions .................................................................................................................................................43
CHAPTER 8: PUBLIC INPUT AND ADOPTION PROCESSES .............................................................................. 44
8.1 SUMMARY.....................................................................................................................................................44
Appendices
A. Critical Municipal Facilities Inventory ........................................................................................................... 45
B. School Inventory ........................................................................................................................................... 46
C. Historic Properties Inventory ........................................................................................................................ 48
D. Care Facilities Inventory ................................................................................................................................ 49
E. Dam Inventory .............................................................................................................................................. 50
F. Technical and Financial Assistance for Mitigation State Resources………………………………………….. ................ 51
G. Existing Protection Systems Federal and State…………………………………………………………………... ..................... 54
H. Financing Options ......................................................................................................................................... 56
I. Public Adoption Documentation .................................................................................................................... 60
J. Public Notice and Article ................................................................................................................................ 61
List of Tables and Figures
Table 1: Hazard Impacts ....................................................................................................................................... 6
Table 2: Recent Flood Events ............................................................................................................................... 8
Table 3: Recent History of Winter Weather in Washington County, RI ............................................................... 9
Table 4: Recent Thunderstorm Events near Richmond ..................................................................................... 10
Table 5: Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale ................................................................................................... 11
Table 6: Rhode Island Historic Hurricanes ......................................................................................................... 13
Table 7: Recent Droughts in Richmond .............................................................................................................. 15
Table 8: Recent Dam Failures in Richmond ........................................................................................................ 16
Table 9: Recent Tornado Events in Rhode Island ............................................................................................... 17
Table 10: Historic Seismic Activity in/near Rhode Island ................................................................................... 18
Table 11: Likelihood of Future Events ................................................................................................................ 20
Table 12: Assessment of Building Values within the Flood Plains ..................................................................... 22
Table 13: HAZUS-MH Scenarios for Richmond, RI.............................................................................................. 23
Table 14: Risk Assessment Matrix ...................................................................................................................... 25
Table 15: Action Item Summary ......................................................................................................................... 29
Table 16: Activity Prioritization .......................................................................................................................... 41
Table 17: Summary of RHMC Activities.............................................................................................................. 43
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Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Plan Purpose
The purpose of The Hazard Mitigation Plan is to set forth guidelines of short-term and long-term actions, which will
reduce the actual or potential loss of life or property from a hazardous events such as flooding, severe winter
storms/extreme cold, lightning, hurricanes/Nor’easters, drought/extreme heat, dam failure, brushfires, tornadoes,
earthquakes, and solar flares. This plan was constructed using input from a variety of municipal and private
stakeholders and the general public involved in the planning process. This plan serves as guidance to help the Town
reduce their losses and vulnerabilities relating to natural hazards.
1.2 Hazard Mitigation and its Benefits
Hazard mitigation planning is advance action taken to identify specific areas that are vulnerable to natural and manmade hazards within a town, and seeks to permanently reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and
property. It coordinates available resources and identifies community policies, actions, and tools for implementation
that will reduce risk and the potential for future losses town-wide. The process of natural hazard mitigation planning
sets clear goals, identifies appropriate actions, and produces an effective mitigation strategy that can be updated
and revised to keep the plan current.
States and communities across the country are slowly, but increasingly, realizing that simply responding to natural
disasters, without addressing ways to minimize their potential effect, is no longer an adequate role for government.
Striving to prevent unnecessary damage from natural disasters through proactive planning that characterizes the
hazard, assesses the community's vulnerability, and designs appropriate land-use policies and building code
requirements is a more effective and fiscally sound approach to achieving public safety goals related to natural
1
hazards.
In the past, federal legislation has provided funding for disaster relief, recovery, and some hazard mitigation
planning. The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) is the latest federal legislation to improve this planning
process. It reinforces the importance of natural hazard mitigation planning and establishes a pre-disaster hazard
mitigation program and new requirements for the national post-disaster Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).
Section 322 of the Act specifically addresses mitigation planning at the state and municipal levels of government. It
identifies new requirements that allow HMGP funds to be used for planning activities. As a result of this Act, states
and communities must now have an approved natural hazard mitigation plan in place prior to receiving post-disaster
HMGP funds. In the event of a natural disaster; municipalities that do not have an approved natural hazard
mitigation plan will not be eligible to receive post-disaster HMGP funding.
The Town of Richmond also recognizes the important benefits associated with hazard mitigation, its interaction with
municipal land use and infrastructure planning, and the need for a comprehensive planning approach, which
accommodates these interdependencies. The Town’s state-approved comprehensive community plan (2014)
addresses open space and recreation, natural and cultural resources, economic development, traffic circulation,
public services and facilities, housing, and land use.1 While the entire hazard mitigation plan will not be formally
incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan, certain, applicable mitigation actions will be incorporated. The Town
recognizes coordination between the HMP and the Comprehensive Plan to be of benefit because it will ensure a
unified planning approach into the future and ensure that risk reduction remains a critical element of municipal
planning.
A second benefit of hazard mitigation allows for a careful selection of risk reduction actions through an enhanced
collaborative network of stakeholders whose interests might be affected by hazard losses. Working side by side with
this broad range of stakeholders can forge partnerships that pool skills, expertise, and experience to achieve a
common goal. Proceeding in this manner will help the Town ensure that the most appropriate and equitable
mitigation projects are undertaken.
A third benefit of hazard mitigation would be endorsing a proactive planning approach focused on sustainability,
whereby the Town of Richmond could minimize the social and economic hardships that have resulted from the
1
Town of Richmond, RI, Comprehensive Community Plan, Amended August 12, 2014.
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occurrence of previous natural disasters. These social and economic hardships include: the loss of life, destruction of
property, interruption of jobs, damage to businesses, and the loss of historically significant structures and facilities.
This proactive planning approach would look for ways to combine policies, programs, and design solutions to bring
about multiple objectives and seek to address and integrate social and environmental concerns. Linking
sustainability and loss reduction to other goals can provide a framework within the state and local governments that
will bring the comprehensive planning process full circle.
Lastly, the participation in a hazard mitigation planning process will establish funding priorities. The formal adoption
and implementation of this plan will allow the Town of Richmond and its residents to become more involved in
several programs offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) including: the Community Rating
System Program (CRS); the Pre-Disaster Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMA); and the Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program (HMGP). Money spent today on preventative measures can significantly reduce the cost of postdisaster cleanup tomorrow.
1.3 Background
The Town of Richmond was incorporated on August 18, 1747 and named in honor of Edward Richmond, Attorney
General of the Colony of Rhode Island from 1671 to 1680. Situated in the heart of Washington County and
encompassing an area of 40.7 square miles, the rural town it is bordered northerly and northeasterly by the Town of
Exeter, southeasterly by the Town of South Kingstown, southerly by the Town of Charlestown and to the west by the
Town of Hopkinton. Three rivers also bound the Town; to the east is Queens River, to the west is Wood River, to the
south is Pawcatuck River and the Beaver River horizontally transverse the mid-section of town north to south. In
total, 123 miles of rivers and streams run through the Town.
The Town of Richmond has a population of almost 8,000 residents with a 48/51 proportion of male to female. The
median age of our residents is 42. Approximately 10% of the population is over 65. Students make up almost 25% of
our residents. According to the 2013 US Census Bureau the town is predominantly white 98%, Native Americans
make up 1 ½ % of the population. English is spoken in 100% of the homes but only 95% say they are fluent. The
town has approximately 2,774 housing units with an occupancy rate of 97%. The average age of homes is 25-35
years. 11% of the homes were built before 1940. The median income for a family household is $93,975. Five percent
of the population has income in the poverty level.
Private wells are the principal source of household water with less than 1% of the households in town on the
municipal water supply. Richmond has no public wastewater collection or disposal system; therefore, all residences
in Richmond are served by Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS) or older septic systems. Disposal of
wastewater through inadequately maintained or failing on-site disposal systems can adversely affect the Town's
drinking water supply.
The majority of the evacuated population (87%) do not use public shelters.2 Evacuees will likely seek shelter by
making other arrangements such as staying with family or friends, particularly if the event is forecasted or predicted
to occur. Currently the American Red Cross Shelter in Richmond is the Chariho Middle School. The Chariho School
district has taken a pro-active approach in hazard mitigation. During all recently past building projects and the
current remodeling projects underway the district has employed wind-resistant construction methods by installing
hurricane screws for its roofing sheathing and wind resistant panels for windows in the gym. It has also installed
generators at the high school and middle school. They are working on installing an exterior notification system to
inform students on the athletic fields of inclimate weather. This approach has allowed the shelter to be designated
as hurricane shelter by the American Red Cross.
The town of Richmond is a blended community with agricultural, rural, commercial and industrial areas. Natural
disasters could have a devastating effect on the whole community or one particular neighborhood. Homes are
nestled among forests, along rivers, next to businesses. The total gross assessed value or real and tangible property
in the Town of Richmond as of December 31st, 2009 is $1,016, 201,089 dollars.
2
Mileti, Dennis S., John H. Sorensen and Paul W. O’Brien. 1992. “Toward an Explanation of Mass Care Shelter Use in
Evacuations.” International Journal of Mass Emergencies and Disasters 10 (1): 25-42.
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Properties in the farms, forests, and open space program, public land and open water account for nearly 47% of this
land area. Approximately 5,150 acres are developed business and housing sites. According to the 2004 Build-out
Analysis, there is sufficient land inventory to increase permitted dwelling units by 127%. Based upon this build-out
prediction, the Town’s population could increase to approximately 17,344 persons.3
The town has approximately 120 mobile or manufactured homes; almost all of them reside in the Hillsdale Park
neighborhood located on Gardiner Road. The neighborhood is a 55 and older community. Meetings have been
conducted to encourage residents to relocate if a disaster is predicted or register with the RI Department of Health
Special Needs Registry.
The town has several group homes with less than five residents each. Staff live full time in these residents and they
have emergency plans. There are a few daycare centers in town but they do not have large populations.
Our Government
A five member Town Council, elected bi-annually, governs the general affairs of the Town. In November of 2008, the
Town adopted its first Home Rule Charter, which now makes provisions for a Town Administrator and two-year
terms for the Town Council. However, town government continues many traditional features under the new
Charter, such as electing its Town Clerk and holding a Financial Town Meeting annually in June to adopt the Town’s
st
budget for the fiscal year ensuing on July 1 .
Public Safety
The Town is protected by a full-time Police Department. Two volunteer fire districts provide the fire protection;
Richmond Carolina Fire Department and Hope Valley Wyoming Fire Department. Hope Valley Ambulance Squad,
Inc. provides the emergency medical services for the town. The Richmond Emergency Management Agency and the
Richmond Public Works Department round out the public safety team. The Rhode Island State Police also have a
barracks located in the town.
Roads and Bridges
The Town has 110 miles of roads (excluding State roads) within its borders. 90% are paved and 10% are gravel. There
are nine bridges and boxed culverts across the rivers throughout Richmond and numerous culverts (24 inches or
less).
Housing and Business
Richmond is made up of approximately 2,700 residential homes. The majority of these properties were built in the
last half of century. Almost all are of wood construction. Approximately 2,028 acres of Richmond (8.5%) are zoned
for residential use.
Utilities
The Town has only one public utility. The Richmond water system which services 150 customers is made up of
business and residential customers. The system has seven wells in the aquifer and one storage tower.
Forest and Open Space
The town is mostly a rural community. Farmlands and agriculture account for 2,205 acres (8.5%). Two large tracts of
forested land, almost 2,500 acres each are reserved as open space. The Carolina management controlled by the RI
Division of Environmental Management and the De Coppett Estate held in trust by Bank of America. There are many
smaller tracts less than 500 acres each controlled by the Richmond Land Trust, the State of Rhode Island, The Nature
Conservancy, and private owners.
3
Town of Richmond, RI, Comprehensive Community Plan, Amended August 12, 2014.
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Chapter 2: Planning Process
2.1 Overview
The Town of Richmond initiated hazard mitigation planning in February 2015 at the recommendation of the
Richmond Emergency Management Director. A draft plan was developed but it was never adopted and sat
dormant until 2014 when the Town decided to hire a consultant to resume planning efforts.
2.1 Richmond Hazard Mitigation Committee
This Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) is a product of the Richmond Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee
(RHMC). Committee members include:
Joseph Arsenault*, EMA Director
Scott Barber*, Public Works Director, Fire Chief of Richmond-Carolina Fire Department
Helena Bowen*, Police Department
Bill Day*, Deputy EMA Director, Hope Valley Fire and Hope Valley Ambulance
Loren Gengarella, Building Official, Floodplain Manager
Elwood Johnson, Police Chief
Mike Lill*, EMA Volunteer
Jim McLeroy*, Richmond representative on the Chariho School Committee, Hope Valley Ambulance
Keith Place*, Town Sergeant
Karen Pinch, Town Administrator
Denise Stetson*, Town Planner
*denotes Richmond resident
2.2 The Planning Process
This new 2015 HMP is the result of a seven step process. It was initiated in February 2015 with the establishment of
the RHMC by invite from the Town Emergency Management Director. Step two started the plan development
process and included the first meeting of the RHMC on February 20, 2015. The Town had a dated draft which was
never approved by the State, so the first meeting focused on re-ranking hazards and discussing the process for
creating a new plan. The RHMC met regularly after the Town’s Emergency Management meeting. The resulting
process is summarized below for convenience and detailed procedural methodologies are presented within the
plan’s respective chapters. (See Chapter 7 for a more detailed description of both the planning and the public
participation process by which the 2015 HMP was completed.)
Step three began with the RHMC meeting on March 20, 2015. After reviewing the hazards of concerns, the RHMC
identified critical infrastructure and community assets within the town. Eight areas of vulnerability were identified:
flood prone areas, dams, care facilities, critical municipal hazard response facilities, electrical facilities, water,
recreational facilities, and historic resources.
Step four was the review of mitigation items proposed in the older draft plan that would help reduce the risk from
natural hazards. Included in this step were proposing new actions, establishing action timelines, costs, and
identifying responsible parties.
Step five entailed the RHMC reviewing and adjusting specific mitigation goals and individual mitigation actions.
Follow-up meetings of the RHMC were then held to review the drafts and finalize the content of Chapters 5 and 6.
Step six focused on the prioritization of the mitigation actions and the development of the implementation,
evaluation and revision schedule. This prioritization was completed through individual review of the draft actions.
Step seven furthered the public input and review process with the presentation to the Richmond Planning Board,
Town Council, and the general public for review and comment. The RHMP was also emailed to Emergency
Management Directors in the neighboring towns of Hopkinton, Charlestown, South Kingstown, and Exeter for their
review and comments. Under the direction of the Town’s Emergency Management Director, the Town’s consultant
made suggested edits to the HMP and submitted of complete first drafts to the Rhode Island and Federal Emergency
Management Agencies for review.
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Chapter 3: Natural Hazards
This history of natural hazard events verifies that the area is vulnerable to diverse events including blizzards, floods
and strong storms. This discussion puts the likelihood of these events into historical perspective and recognizes that
although the probability of brushfires, thunderstorm, high wind and lightning events may be higher; the intensity
and potential impacts from less likely events such as hurricanes and earthquakes can be far greater.
The hazards identified by the RHMC are in line with those discussed in the State Hazard Mitigation Plan and are of
greatest concern to the Town. However, there are a few hazards discussed in the State plan that are not addressed
in this Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Town has not experienced extended periods of drought or extreme heat that has
significantly affected the population. Therefore it was not explored in-depth in this plan. Wildfires that burn
through thousands of acres of forest are not a concern for the Town. The RHMC chose to discuss the brushfire
threat rather than wildfires.
The following hazards will not be addressed in this Hazard Mitigation Plan: avalanche, expansive soils, land
subsidence, landslides, volcanoes, and tsunamis. Theses hazards were not considered due to the lack of frequency
in which they occur and the minimal probability of their occurrence.
The primary sources of data researched to identify occurrences of natural hazard events in Richmond were
the RI State Hazard Mitigation Plan 2014 Update, National Climatic Data Center within the National Oceanic
Atmospheric Administration (NCDC-NOAA) (http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/, the United States
Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquake Hazards Program (http://neic.usgs.gov.), the 1998 Journal-Bulletin:
Rhode Island Almanac, and the Taunton, MA, National Weather Service Forecast Office. The parameters and
description of particular events are limited to the availability of information contained in the aforementioned
sources.
3.1 Hazards of Concern
The Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee recognizes the following hazards as having the most potential to inflict
damage to people and or property of the Town of Richmond.










Flooding
Severe Winter Storms/Extreme Cold
Thunder/Lightning Storm
Hurricane
Drought/Extreme Heat
Dam Failure
Tornado
Earthquake
Brushfire
Geomagnetic Storms (Solar Flares)
At the kick-off meeting on February 20, 2015, the Committee identified the following hazards in Table 1 and
associated risks.
Frequency
Low - 1%- 10% probability within 100 years
Medium - 10%-100% probability within 10 years
High - 100% probability within 1 year-5 years
Damage Potential
Low - some local property damage not town wide, minor injuries/ loss of life
Medium - 50 % of property could be damaged and possible injuries/ loss of life
High - major town wide property damage, injuries and loss of life
5
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Priority Rank
Developed by the RHMC to rank the various hazards based on frequency and damage potential.
Low - Not expected to occur with any frequency, damages will be limited.
Medium - Will occur within the next 10 years but the Town has resources to reduce risks.
High - Expected to occur within the next 5 years, and is a major concern for the Town.
Table 1: Hazard Impacts
Impacts (populations,
infrastructure, natural
environment, economy)
Property damage, life
safety, road/bridge
damage, businesses shut
down
Power outages, tree
damage, roof collapse,
businesses shut down,
roads heaving/damage
Brush and wildfires,
house fires, power loss,
propane tank explosion
Power loss, property
damage, economic
losses, debris
Priority
Rank
Type
Frequency
Damage Potential
Flooding
High
Medium
Winter Storm
(including extreme cold)
High
Medium
Thunder/Lightning Storm
High
Low
Hurricane
Medium
High
Drought
(including extreme heat)
Medium
Medium
Dam Failure
Low
High
Tornado
Low
Medium
Life safety, property
damage, power loss,
debris
Low
Earthquake
Low
Medium
Low
Brushfire
Low
Medium
Geomagnetic Storms
(Solar Flares)
Low
Medium
Life safety, property
damage, dam failure,
damage to businesses
Property damage, forest
damaged, power lines
damaged, life safety
Disruption of
electromagnetic fields,
internet connectivity
issues, radio
transmissions, and
wireless communications
Loss of crops, low
drinking and fire
suppression wells, health
and sanitation, low
stream flow (affects fish
and wildlife populations)
Life safety, property
damage
High
Medium
Medium
Medium
Medium
Medium
Low
Low
The RHMC chose to review the above hazards based on past experiences and present vulnerabilities. The
Rhode Island State Hazard Mitigation Plan was reviewed for comparison. Due to the Town’s rural inland
location, the RHMC did not consider storm surge, sea level rise, or urban flooding. For the purpose of this
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plan, all flood-related hazards applicable to the town (riverine and flash) were grouped under the general
flooding category.
3.1.1 Flooding
Description
According to the Rhode Island 2014 Hazard
Mitigation Plan Update, “Flooding is a
localized hazard that is generally the result of
excessive precipitation. Flooding is the most
commonly occurring natural hazard, due to
the widespread geographical distribution of
river valleys and coastal areas, and the
attraction of human settlements to these
areas. Floods are among the most frequent
and costly natural disasters in terms of human
hardship and economic loss.”
“A flood, which can be slow or fast rising but
generally develops over a period of days, is
defined by the National Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP) as:


Woodville Road
A general and temporary condition of
partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more
properties from: overflow of inland or tidal waters; unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of
surface waters from any source; or a mudflow; or
The collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of
erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels
that result in a flood as defined above.”4
For the purpose of this plan, flooding related hazards include riverine flooding, and flash floods. Richmond is the
only municipality in Washington County not on the coast, so coastal flooding is not an issue. Historically, runoff and
stream bank overtopping from torrential rainfall is the main cause of flooding in Richmond, Rhode Island.
Riverine flooding occurs when persistent moderate to heavy rain falls over a period of time causing local rivers and
streams to crest their banks and flow into the adjacent floodplain.5 This overbank flooding is the most common type
of flooding that affects Richmond.
Severe storms with heavy rain can generate flash floods which strike and end quickly. Less common in Richmond,
flash flooding isn’t limited to streams and rivers but also streets.
Flooding due to runoff occurs when water runs over the land’s surface impervious surfaces (paved areas, building
subdivisions, and highways). Two major environmental modifications are primarily responsible for drastically
altering the rain fall-runoff relationship.
1. Making the land surface impervious by covering it with pavement and construction work.
2. Installing storm sewer systems that collect urban runoff rapidly discharging large volumes of water
into stream networks and/or freshwater wetland system
4
Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA), Rhode Island 2014 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), NFIP Floodplain Management Requirements, FEMA 480. February
2005.
5
7
Town
of
Richmond
DRAFT
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan-
August
2015
Location
The Town of Richmond is surrounded and divided by rivers and streams. The town has approximately 3,000 acres of
flood hazard areas representing 11% of total acres in the town. Floodplains in Richmond include “A” and “AE” zones.
“A” zones are areas that would be inundated by the 100 year flood. “The A Zone is that portion of the Special Flood
Hazard Area that is not subject to high velocity wave action during the base flood and is not designated as Zone V
due to primary frontal dune considerations. The source of flooding in an A Zone can be a stream or river that
overflows its banks; a lake; or coastal storm surge accompanied by wave heights and wave run-up depths less than 3
feet.”6 “AE” zones area zones depicted using specific elevation data. The Richmond Resources map on page 26
depicts the FEMA flood zones in Richmond.
Extent (Impact and Vulnerability)
Severe riverine flooding cuts off road access,
isolating homes and community assets. The
floods of 2010 affected homes that were located
close to the rivers and many streams that
meander through the town. Many properties
were affected by the flooding because of
elevation changes that caught them between
the high and the low ground. In an effort to
prevent future losses or repetitive losses this
HMP will identify projects to reduce losses from
flooding in Chapter 5.
The Town of Richmond also participates in the
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). There
are currently 36 NFIP policies in effect covering
$10,238,900 in property value. There have been
30 claims made since 1978, which paid out Beaver River at Schoolhouse Road
$1,686,424 to policyholders. Only 9 of those 30 are actually in a FEMA designated floodplain (A zone). Currently
there is one Repetitive Loss properties in the Town of Richmond. A Repetitive Loss property is defined as an
insurable building for which two or more claims of more than $1,000 were paid out by the NFIP within a ten year
period.7
History
Historically, in Richmond torrential rainfall, thunderstorms, and snowmelt are the causal events that result in street,
basement, and stream flooding.
Table 2: Recent Flood Events8
Date
Type
Damage
Comments
3/12/2010
Flood
$350,000 est.
3-6 inches of rain caused rivers to rise above flood stage. Beaver River
Schoolhouse Road in Richmond was closed after a culvert under the
road was washed away, making the road impassable.
3/30/2010
Flood
$1,000,000 est.
8/10/12
Flood
$3,000 est.
6/7/2013
Flood- Heavy
Rain and
Tropical
-
5-10 inches of rain fell across Washington County, resulting in rivers
overtopping their banks causing widespread flooding.
Wind damage and rain
3-6 inches of rain fell across Washington County as remnants of
Tropical Storm Andrea swept through the region.
6
“CRS Credit for Coastal A Zone Regulations.” http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/
As per communication with the Rhode Island State Hazard Mitigation Officer on 7/8/15
8 NOAA http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents
7
8
Town
of
Richmond
DRAFT
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan-
August
2015
System
4-5 inches of rain across portions of Washington County
3/30/2014
Flood
$5,000 est.
3.1.2 Severe Winter Storms/Extreme Cold
Description
The majority of Rhode Island lies outside the
heavy snow and ice regions of the northeast.
Due to its maritime climate, Rhode Island
generally experiences cooler summers and
warmer winters than inland areas. However,
snow and ice do occur and can result in more
extensive damage than one would expect. The
two major threats from these hazards are loss
of power due to ice on electrical lines and
snow loading on rooftops.
Winter storms vary in size and strength and can
be accompanied by strong winds that create
blizzard conditions and dangerous wind chill.
There are three categories of winter storms. A
blizzard is the most dangerous of the winter Snowstorm of 2013 (Nemo)
storms. It consists of low temperatures, heavy
snowfall, and winds of at least 35 miles per hour. A heavy snow -storm is one which drops four or more inches of
snow in a twelve hour period. An ice storm occurs when moisture falls and freezes immediately upon impact. For
the purpose of this plan, severe winter storms include heavy amounts of snow, ice, and extreme cold. All of which
may occur independently or at the same time.
Location
A severe winter storm could have a serious impact in private, and public structures, as well as the general
population.
Extent (Impact and Vulnerability)
The town is in a rural area and many of the roads are lined with trees. A winter storm could create a long-term
power outage, which would have an effect of isolating residents with downed trees and loss of power. The loss of
power could affect heating systems and water (99% of the homeowners use private wells). It would also have a
major effect on Public Safety response.
History
Historically, severe winter storms for Rhode Island have resulted in the closing of schools/businesses, power
outages, fallen trees/wires, disruption of transportation systems, and damage to commercial and residential
property. The winter of 1978 is considered one of the worst winters on record for the State. On January 13, 1978 an
ice storm hit the State. Heavy ice cover was most severe in Cranston and Warwick. Statewide the storm destroyed
thousands of trees and left nearly 120,000 people without power and heat in some circumstances. A little more
than three weeks later, on February 6, 1978, the State was pounded by what became known as the "Blizzard of 78".
In Warwick, the official measure of snowfall at T.F. Green Airport was 28.6". Snow accumulations ranged from 10"
on Block Island to 56" in northern areas. Because the heavy snowfall arrived during rush hour, nearly 30,000
vehicles were left stranded. The State was immobilized for almost a week and the President declared Rhode Island a
disaster area. During that week 400 Army and Navy personnel aided local crews to clear streets and highways. The
statewide estimated losses from the blizzard were near $110 million and there were 21 storm-related deaths.
9
Town
of
Richmond
DRAFT
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan-
August
2015
Since then, numerous winter storms events dumping 2 feet or more of snow have occurred: January 7, 1996 (12-24
inches across the state), January 22, 2005 (15-25 inches across the state), February 8, 2013 (24 inches-30 inches
across the state), and March 22, 2013 (12-24 inches reported). The severe winter storm that swept through Rhode
Island on March 22, 2013 was declared a major disaster (DR-4107) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
This large storm which stretched from New Jersey into Canada brought more than two feet of snow to Rhode Island
in less than 24 hours. National Grid estimated more than 180,000 customers in Rhode Island lost power.
Table 3: Recent History of Winter Weather in Washington County, RI9
9
Date
2/10/2010
12/26/2010
1/12/2011
1/26/2011
1/21/2012
12/29/2012
2/8/2013
Type
Winter Storm
Winter Storm
Heavy Snow
Heavy Snow
Heavy Snow
Heavy Snow
Heavy Snow
1/2/2014
1/21/2014
2/15/2014
1/26/2015
2/14/2015
Heavy Snow
Heavy Snow
Heavy Snow
Blizzard (Juno)
Heavy Snow
Comments
6-12 inches of snow fell across Washington County
6-12 inches of snow fell across Washington County
10-11 inches of snow fell across Washington County
9-11 inches of snow fell across Washington County
8-12 inches of snow fell across the coast
6-8 inches of snow fell across Washington County
19-20 inches of snow fell across Washington County. Blizzard
of 2013 also produced prolonged period of very strong winds.
7-8 inches of snow fell across Washington County
3-10 inches of snow fell across Washington County
6-9 inches of snow fell across Washington County
12-21 inches of snow fell across Washington County
5-9 inches of snow fell across Washington County
NOAA http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents
10
Town
of
Richmond
DRAFT
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan-
August
2015
3.1.3 Thunderstorms
Description
A thunderstorm, also known as an electrical storm, a lightning storm, thundershower or simply a storm is a form of
weather characterized by the presence of lightning and thunder. Thunderstorms are usually accompanied by strong
winds, heavy rain and sometimes snow, sleet, hail, or no precipitation at all.
Thunderstorms may line up in a series or rain-band, known as a squall line. Strong or severe thunderstorms may
rotate, known as super-cells. While most thunderstorms move with the mean wind flow through the layer of the
troposphere that they occupy, vertical wind shear causes a deviation in their course at a right angle to the wind
shear direction. Thunderstorms result from the rapid upward movement of warm, moist air.
Severe downdrafts may cause microbursts, a rapid column of airflow with the force of tornado able to knock down
grown trees. Microburst’s are capable of creating wind speeds over 150 mph. In 2002 the Town of Hopkinton
suffered a microburst resulting down trees and minor damage to property.
Most thunderstorms contain lightning. Thunderstorms can occur singly, in clusters, or in lines. Therefore, it is
possible for several thunderstorms to affect one location in the course of a few hours. Thunderstorms usually bring
20
heavy rains (which can cause flash floods), strong winds, hail, lightning, and tornadoes. Lightning is caused by the
attraction between positive and negative charges in the atmosphere, resulting in the buildup and discharge of
electrical energy. Most thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous. Lightning is one of the most
underrated severe weather hazards, yet ranks as the second-leading weather killer in the United States. Lightning
often strikes as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. One of the less life-threatening yet very damaging natural
hazard events is hail. Large hail can dent automobiles, break windows, and destroy roofs.
Location
The Town of Richmond is susceptible to thunderstorms.
Extent (Impact and Vulnerability)
Large tracts of forested land and homes could be struck by lightning causing fires. Building and radio towers could be
struck by lightning causing damage to critical public safety communication equipment. Isolated flash flooding, wind
damage and hail could all cause property damage.
History
Table 4 highlights recent thunderstorms storms that have affected Richmond.
Table 4: Recent Thunderstorm Events near Richmond10
Date
Type
Damage
6/2/2002
Thunderstorm Wind
$5,000
8/10/2012
Thunderstorm Wind
$3,000
9/1/2013
Lightning
$2,000
3.1.4 Hurricanes
Description
“Tropical cyclones, a general term for tropical storms and hurricanes, are low pressure systems that usually
form over the tropics. These storms are referred to as “cyclones” due to their rotation. Tropical cyclones are
among the most powerful and destructive meteorological systems on earth. Their destructive phenomena
include very high winds, heavy rain, lightning, tornadoes, and storm surge. As tropical storms move inland,
they can cause severe flooding, downed trees and power lines, and structural damage.
10
NOAA http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents
11
Town
of
Richmond
DRAFT
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan-
August
2015
There are three categories of tropical cyclones:
1. Tropical Depression: maximum sustained surface wind speed is less than 39 mph.
2. Tropical Storm: maximum sustained surface wind speed from 39-73 mph.
3. Hurricane: maximum sustained surface wind speed exceeds 73 mph.
Once a tropical cyclone no longer has tropical characteristics it is then classified as an extratropical system.
Most Atlantic tropical cyclones begin as atmospheric “easterly waves” that propagate off the coast of Africa
and cross the tropical North Atlantic and Caribbean Sea. When a storm starts to move toward the north, it
begins to leave the area where the easterly trade winds prevail, and enters the temperate latitudes where
the westerly winds dominate. This produces the eastward curving pattern of most tropical storms that pass
through the Mid-Atlantic region. When the westerly steering winds are strong, it is easier to predict where a
hurricane will go. When the steering winds become weak, the storm follows an erratic path that makes
forecasting very difficult. Howling winds associated with Nor’easters also have the potential to produce
significant storm surge, similar to that of a Category One hurricane. In addition, these types of storms can
also produce wind gusts to near hurricane force as well as flooding rain and crippling snowfall.
Hurricanes are categorized according to the Saffir/Simpson scale with ratings determined by wind speed and
central barometric pressure. Hurricane categories range from 1 through 5, with Category 5 being the
strongest (winds greater than 155 mph). A hurricane watch is issued when hurricane conditions could occur
within the next 36 hours. A hurricane warning indicates that sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected
11
within 24 hours or less.”
The Saffir-Simpson scale below is based primarily on wind speeds and includes estimates of barometric
pressure and storm surge associated with each of the five categories. It is used to give an estimate of the
12
potential property damage and flooding expected along the coast from a hurricane landfall.”
13
Table 5: Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
Category
Central Pressure
Winds
Damage
Millibars
Inches
(mph)
(kts)
1
>980
>28.9
74-95
64-83
Minimal
2
965-979
28.5 - 28.9
96-110
84-96
Moderate
3
945-964
27.9 - 28.5
111-129
96-112
Extensive
4
920-944
27.2 - 27.9
130-156
113-136
Extreme
5
<920
<27.2
157+
>137
Catastrophic
While there is at least a 10% chance that a hurricane will significantly impact the Town in the next five years,
one direct hit on the State of Rhode Island could be catastrophic for all of the cities and towns. The Town has
been impacted by hurricanes several times throughout the past century, all of which are referenced in Table
6. Changing global climate conditions may lead to stronger, more intense storms with hurricane-force winds
in the region.
11
Rhode Island Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2013 http://www.riema.ri.gov/prevention/mitigation/RI%20SHMP%2011-262013.pdf
12
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms: Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale" Weather.com. The Weather Channel, 1995-2001.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/hurricane
13
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/sshws_2012rev.pdf
12
Town
of
Richmond
DRAFT
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan-
August
2015
Location
Hurricanes that strike the Eastern United
States originate in the tropical and
subtropical North Atlantic Ocean, the
Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. The
Atlantic hurricane season spans a six-month
th
period (June 1st through November 30 ).
Extent (Impact and Vulnerability)
The Town of Richmond is heavily wooded and
therefore would be susceptible to wind
damage with tree damage and potential
power losses. Also the potential for flash
flooding and water damage from heavy rains
exists. The risk of storm surge is insignificant
because the town has no ocean property.
History
Hurricane Irene 2011
The two hurricanes that resulted in the largest loss of life in the State were "The Great New England
Hurricane of 1938" and "Hurricane Carol". “The Great New England Hurricane” occurred on September 21st,
1938, and is considered the worst disaster in Rhode Island history. It resulted in the deaths of 262 people and
caused damage estimated at $100,000,000. The eye of this hurricane tracked to the west of Rhode Island
and hit at high tide. During the storm, two storm surges almost 30' high destroyed most of the beach homes
along the South Shore of Rhode Island. In downtown Providence, the surge flooded the area to a depth of
more than 13'9" above the mean high-water mark. As a result, persons drowned trying to escape
14
automobiles submerged in the streets and from buildings where the first floors were flooded to the ceiling.
Throughout Rhode Island, the American Red Cross (ARC) spent $433,485 for the rehabilitation of 3,074
families. A total of 19,695 families suffered property loss; 797 permanent homes were destroyed; 1,169
summer homes were washed away; 899 boats destroyed and 888 damaged, 177 barns and 1,800 other
15
buildings of various types were destroyed.
On August 31, 1954, “Hurricane Carol” hit Rhode Island, in the same manner as “The Great New England
Hurricane of 1938”. As a result, downtown Providence was flooded when the water reached 13' above mean
high-water level.
The winds from Hurricane Gloria in 1985, Hurricane Bob in 1991, and Hurricane Irene in 2011 caused downed
tree limbs and power outages.
th
The most recent significant weather event to affect the state was a downgraded hurricane. On October 29
2012, Hurricane Sandy which had been sweeping up the Mid-Atlantic Coast had been downgraded by the
time it had reached Rhode Island. Super Storm Sandy hit Rhode Island with strong winds, and storm surge,
causing significant coastal erosion. Along the south coast, the storm surge was 4 to 6 feet and seas from 30
to a little over 35 feet were observed in the outer coastal waters. The very large waves on top of the storm
surge caused destructive coastal flooding along stretches of the Rhode Island exposed south coast.
Washington and Newport Counties suffered the most damage and received FEMA disaster declarations. More
than $39 million has been paid in federal support. Sadly, at least 182 people nationwide lost their lives in
what turned out to be the nation’s second most costly weather disaster. Fortunately there were no disasterrelated deaths in Rhode Island. Richmond did not have any significant damage from Super Storm Sandy, just
fallen trees and brush.
14
Providence Journal-Bulletin, 1998 Journal-Bulletin: Rhode Island Almanac 112th ed. (Providence, RI: Providence Journal
Company, 1998) 255.
15
Ibid
13
Town
of
Richmond
DRAFT
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan-
August
2015
Table 6: Rhode Island Historic Hurricanes16
Hurricane
1938
Date
Description
September 21, 1938
The hurricane of September 21, 1938 brought major devastation to
the State, with 262 persons losing their lives and damage estimated
at $100 million. Another major hurricane occurred on September 14,
1944; no lives were lost, but property damage was over $2 million.
The coastal area from Westerly to Little Compton experienced the
heaviest damage, but there was no tidal wave, since the storm hit at
ebb tide.
1944
September 14, 1944
Carol
August 31, 1954
Edna
September 11, 1954
Diane
August 17-20, 1955
Donna
September 12, 1960
Esther
September 21, 1961
16
Sustained winds of 95 MPH recorded; damage estimated at $100
million; 262 fatalities. Tide 15 feet above mean sea level (at USGS
gage in Westerly). Virtually all the State was without power. Ten
percent of electric customers still without power 12 days after
hurricane.
Affected Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts; $2 million
property damage, no loss of life.
On August 31, 1954, Hurricane Carol swept into Rhode Island with
little warning. The result was 19 deaths and $200 million in property
damage. The storm center passed to the west of Providence and
came at high tide. The central area of Providence was flooded to a
depth of 13 feet, and 3,500 cars were inundated in the downtown
areas. Hurricane Edna occurred 12 days after Carol, with heavy rain
and major river flooding.
There were 19 fatalities in New England, $200 million property
damage and 13' flooding. In Providence, wind speed of 90 MPH, with
115 MPH gusts; nearly 3,800 homes destroyed. Tide 12.2 feet above
mean seal level (at USGS gage in Westerly). Most of State without
power. Four days after storm, approximately 50% had power
restored; 90% after seven days.
Heavy rain and major flooding in the Blackstone River Valley.
In 1955, remnants of the August Hurricane Diane swept over Rhode
Island, but its wind velocities were far below hurricane force because
of its long inland trip over North Carolina, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
Damage to power lines was high, and at one time 82% of Rhode
Island's homes were without electricity. Ample warning permitted
people to return home from school and work early, and as a result,
only two lives were lost. Property damage amounted to $170 million,
most resulting from torrential rains which caused serious river
flooding.
Heavy rain; Blackstone River crests 15' above normal; $170 million in
property damage. Heavy rain and 6' tidal surge; $5 million in property
damage; 82% of electric customers lose power.
Heavy rain and major flooding in the Blackstone River Valley.
Heavy shore damage at Sakonnet Point in Little Compton and
Misquamicut in Westerly.
Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA), Rhode Island 2014 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
14
Town
of
Richmond
DRAFT
Hurricane
Date
Gloria
September 27, 1985
Bob
August 18, 1991
Irene
August 27, 2011
Sandy
October 29, 2012
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan-
August
2015
Description
Two fatalities in New England; property damage estimated at $19.8
million; 8,596 of electric customers lose power an estimated 23,700
people evacuated.
Southern New England damage at $1.5 billion; 60% of residents
across Southeastern New England lost power; 6'-10' storm surge in
Narragansett Bay; Two (2) unconfirmed tornadoes in Rhode Island.
There were 18 fatalities in Southern New England, although none in
Rhode Island.
Preliminary damage assessment report from FEMA brings the total
Public Assistance cost to $9,260,898.
Irene knocked down trees and power lines, leaving up to half of
Rhode Island residents without power. Gusts of wind up to 71 MPH
were reported, and storm surge in Narragansett Bay caused some
coastal damage. However, the majority of damage was caused by
wind.
The storm surge experienced along the coast was generally in the two
to four foot range with a high of 4.78 feet at Fox Point in Providence,
Rhode Island. The highest sustained wind speed was 54 knots (62
MPH) at the Physical Oceanographic Real Time System station at
Conimicut Light in Narragansett Bay, RI.
Hurricane Sandy swept through the region in October 2012 leaving
significant damage all along the coast. Beaches along Westerly,
including Misquamicut, were devastated and almost unrecognizable.
More than 122,000 people lost power.
It is estimated that more than $39.4 million in support from four
federal disaster relief programs is helping RI recover from this
disaster, a majority of which is from the NFIP ($31.1 million).
3.1.5 Drought
Description
Drought is a gradual phenomenon that occurs slowly, over a multi-year period. Most natural disasters, such
as floods or forest fires, occur relatively rapidly and afford little time for preparing for disaster response. Due
to its coastal location in a temperate climate, Rhode Island rarely experiences extended periods of drought.
However, seasonal droughts have occurred when precipitation levels are low. Drought conditions can impact
crops, water available for fire suppression, and reservoir levels. In Rhode Island, drought conditions can
trigger fire hazard warnings.
There are four different ways that a drought can be defined:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Meteorological – A measure of departure of precipitation from normal. Due to climatic differences,
what is considered a drought in one location may not be a drought in another location.
Agricultural – refers to a situation when the amount of moisture in the soil no longer meets the needs
of a particular crop.
Hydrological- occurs when surface and subsurface water supplies are below normal.
Socioeconomic- refers to the situation that occurs when physical water shortage begins to effect
people.
15
Town
of
Richmond
DRAFT
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan-
August
2015
Location
According to the Rhode Island Water Resource Board the potential for a drought exists every eleven years in
Rhode Island.
Extent (Impact and Vulnerability)
Ninety nine percent of the town residents get their water from private wells on their property. Many of those wells
are shallow and use ground water for their source. A long-term drought could affect those wells and their homes
water supply leading to health and sanitation issues. Further, the Town of Richmond has approximately 2,000 acres
of land used for agricultural- one large dairy farm, numerous turf farmers and small mixed-use farms. Long-term
drought could have a major effect on these farmers suffering crop loss.
History
Past drought events in Rhode Island have affected the entire state. It is generally not an issue that is handled at the
local level although the Town can enforce particular water bans as dictated by the State. Due to the broad nature of
droughts, the Town of Richmond does not have specific mitigation actions. For specific statewide mitigation efforts,
refer
to
the
current
Rhode
Island
State
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan
located
online
http://www.riema.ri.gov/prevention/mitigation/index.php.
Table 7: Recent Droughts in Richmond17
Date
Type
June 1999
Short Term Drought
2007
Drought Advisory
April 12, 2012
Severe Drought
Damage
Crops/Wells
Crops
None, high fire danger
3.1.6 Dam Failure
Description
Dam failures can result from natural events, human-induced events, or a combination of the two (2). Failures
due to natural events such as prolonged periods of rainfall and flooding can result in overtopping, which is
the most common cause of dam failure. Overtopping occurs when a dam’s spillway capacity is exceeded and
portions of the dam which are not designed to convey flow begin to pass water, erode away, and ultimately
fail.18
The hazard classifications are defined in the Rhode Island Dam Safety Regulations as follows:



17
18
High Hazard – means a dam where failure or mis-operation will result in a probable loss of human
life.
Significant Hazard – means a dam where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of
human life but can cause major economic loss, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other
concerns detrimental to the public’s health, safety, or welfare.
Low Hazard – means a dam where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life
and low economic losses. Intense storms may produce a flood in a few hours or even minutes for
upstream locations. Flash floods occur within six (6) hours of the beginning of heavy rainfall, and
dam failure may occur within hours of the first signs of breaching. Other failures and breaches can
take much longer to occur, from days to weeks, as a result of debris jams or the accumulation of
melting snow.
NOAA http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents
Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA), Rhode Island 2014 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
16
Town
of
Richmond
DRAFT
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan-
August
2015
Location
There are 18 dams throughout the Town of Richmond. Most are privately owned, about half are State
owned. One State owned and one privately owned dam have a high hazard classification (Wyoming Upper,
and White’s Pond). Browning Mill Pond in neighboring Exeter is also a high hazard dam. Its failure would
have a direct adverse impact on Richmond.
Extent (Impact and Vulnerability)
The Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee
recognizes that a dam failure is not a natural
hazard in itself but several of the hazards
listed in our hazard list could bring dam
failure upon the Town of Richmond. Severe
winter storms, flooding, and a hurricane
could all bring enough rain and or snowfall to
cause a dam failure. The age and lack of
maintenance of these dams also pose a
serious risk to the structural integrity of these
dams. A failure of the Wyoming Upper Dam
could cause considerable loss to lives,
property and economy.
Wyoming Dam
History
Table 8: Recent Dam Failures in Richmond19
Date
3/30/2010
3/30/2010
3/30/2010
Location
Blue Pond, Hopkinton
Usquepagh Dam,
Richmond
Hope Valley Mill Pond
Estimated Gallons
179 million
Unknown
Unknown
Damage/Death
Moderate/none
Partial failure/minor to
moderate/none
Partial
failure/minor/none
See Appendix F for a list of Richmond dams as identified by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental
Protection
3.1.7 Tornadoes
Description
A tornado is a violent windstorm with a twisting, funnel-shaped cloud. They are often spawned by thunderstorms or
hurricanes. Tornadoes are produced when cool air overrides a layer of warm air, forcing the warm air to rise rapidly.
The damage from a tornado is a result of the high wind velocity and wind-blown debris. Tornado season is generally
March through August, although tornadoes can occur at any time of year. Over 80 percent of all tornadoes strike
between noon and midnight.20 During an average year, about 1,000 tornadoes are reported across the United
States, resulting in 80 deaths and over 1,500 injuries. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous
destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph or more. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles
long.21
Tornadoes are categorized according to the damage they produce using the Fujita Scale (F-scale). An F0 tornado
causes the least amount of damage, while an F5 tornado causes the most amount of damage. Relatively speaking,
the size of a tornado is not necessarily an indication of its intensity. On August, 7th, 1986, a rare outbreak of seven
19
Source: Richmond EMA Director
Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA), Rhode Island 2014 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
21
National Weather Service, http://www.erh.noaa.gov/box/hurricane/hurricaneBob.shtml
20
17
Town
of
Richmond
DRAFT
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan-
August
2015
tornadoes occurred in New England. One such tornado, rated F2 on the Fujita Scale, carved its way through
Cranston, RI, and Providence, RI, causing twenty injuries and $2,500,000 in damages. Table 7 highlights more
tornado events that have affected, Rhode Island.
Location
The hazard mitigation planning committee recognizes that the risk of tornadoes is low for the State of Rhode Island
and Town of Richmond but with the recent changing weather patterns and touchdowns of tornadoes, it would be
unjust not to consider them a possible hazard.
Extent (Impact and Vulnerability)
Tornadoes could cause significant damage to structures, trees and utility lines. Flying debris could be cause injuries
to residents. The town has 120 mobile or manufactured homes within its borders, these properties are more
susceptible to the threat of a tornado. Also the campground located on Gardiner Rd. would be in great danger.
History
Table 9: Recent Tornado Events in Rhode Island22
Date
8/16/2000
8/7/2004
7/23/2008
8/10/2012
Magnitude
1
-
Injuries
0
0
0
0
Damage
$0
$0
$47,987
$50,000
Location
Providence County
Kent County
Bristol County
Washington County
3.1.8 Geologic Related Hazards: Earthquakes
Description
An earthquake (also known as a quake, tremor or temblor) is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's
crust that creates seismic waves. The seismicity or seismic activity of an area refers to the frequency, type and size of
earthquakes experienced over a period of time. Earthquakes are measured with a seismometer. The size or
magnitude is recorded on a device known as a seismograph. Earthquakes with a magnitude 3 or lower are mostly
imperceptible (too low to recognize) and magnitude 7 earthquakes cause serious damage over large areas.
Although earthquakes are not considered to be a major problem in the Northeast United States, they are more
prevalent than one might expect. Table 10 presents historical seismic activity for Rhode Island. It highlights the
earthquake epicenter, the Richter magnitude at the epicenter, and the Mercalli Intensity Level. Richter magnitudes
are technical quantitatively based calculations that measure the amplitude of the largest seismic wave recorded.
Richter magnitudes are based on a logarithmic scale and are commonly scaled from 1 to 8. The higher the
magnitude on the Richter Scale, the more severe the earthquake. Mercalli intensity levels are based on qualitative
criteria that use the observations of the people who have experienced the earthquake to estimate the intensity
level. The Mercalli scale ranges from I to XII. The higher the intensity level on the scale, the closer the person is to
the epicenter.23
Location
Rhode Island is located in the North Atlantic tectonic plate and is in a region of historically low seismicity.
Only three (3) or four (4) earthquakes of Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (MMI) V or greater have been
centered in Rhode Island, including the 1951 South Kingstown earthquake of magnitude 4.6 on the Richter
scale.24
22
Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA), Rhode Island 2014 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Michelle Wood. "UPSeis: An Educational Site for Budding Seismologists," 21 May. 1997, 5 January, 2004.
http://www.geo.mtu.edu/UPSeis/intensity.html.
24
Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) Rhode Island 2014 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
23
18
Town
of
Richmond
DRAFT
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan-
August
2015
Extent (Impact and Vulnerability)
The committee recognizes that the potential for an earthquake to strike the Town of Richmond is low but the hazard
could afflict town wide damage, causing; power outages, building collapses, water main breaks, dam failures, gas
leaks, fires and injuries or deaths. Buildings that are most at risk from earthquakes are the old masonry buildings
and large structures such as those in the Carolina Village Historic District.
History
No major earthquakes have happened in Richmond but the resulting damage it could produce makes it a
threat.
Table 10: Historic Seismic Activity in/near Rhode Island25
Date
Epicenter
Epicenter
Magnitude
02/28/25
St. Lawrence River
Region
7
11/01/35
Quebec, Canada
6.25
10/16/63
Massachusetts Coast
4.5
06/14/73
Western Maine
5.2
03/11/76
Near Newport, RI
3.5
04/20/02
Plattsburgh, NY
5.2
Intensity level II to III shock effects felt throughout Rhode Island.
03/11/08
Central Connecticut
2.9
No data reported for Rhode Island
6/23/10
Ontario-Quebec
5.0
Felt throughout Rhode Island.
2011
Rhode Island
0.9
Felt locally
2012
Rhode Island
1
Felt locally
2013
Kingston, RI
Unknown
Felt locally
Mercalli Intensity Level
Intensity level V shock effects were felt on Block Island. Intensity level
IV effects were felt in Charlestown. The total area affected by this
earthquake was over 5,000,000 sq. km.
Intensity level IV shock effects were felt on Block Island and at
Providence and Woonsocket. The total area affected by this
earthquake was about 2,500,000 sq. km.
Intensity level V shock effects felt at Chepachet. Other places in the
Northern Rhode Island felt shock effects with less intensity.
Intensity level IV shock effects were felt at Charlestown. Intensity
level I - III shock effects were felt at Bristol, East Providence, Harmony,
and Providence. This earthquake was felt over an area of 250,000 sq.
km.
Intensity level VI shock effects felt throughout Southern New England.
This earthquake has the distinction of being the largest earthquake to
originate in Rhode Island.
3.1.9 Brushfire
Description
A brushfire is a fire burning in vegetation that is predominantly shrubs, brush, and scrub growth.26 Favorable fire
conditions arise from extended periods of hot, dry weather and accumulated vegetation. While wildfires are
generally associated with thousands of acres of trees burning, brushfires tend to be smaller, confined to the
understory, and manageable.
Various natural (i.e. lightning) and human actions (i.e. campfires or auto accidents) can ignite brushfires. Fuel (dry
grasses, leaves, and dead trees), topography and weather (wind conditions and humidity) will dictate the extent of a
brushfire.
25
26
United States Geologic Survey http//neic.usgs.gov/neis/states/rhode_island/rhode_island_history.html
National Park Service, USDA Forest Service http://www.fs.fed.us/nwacfire/home/terminology.html
19
Town
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DRAFT
Hazard
Mitigation
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August
2015
Location
When drought conditions are present, the brushfire threat increases. Approximately 18,109 acres of land in
Richmond remains unimproved, including 8,109 acres protected under the Farm, Forest, and Open Space Program.27
The natural resource protection areas are largely in the southwest and north central part of Richmond.
Extent (Impact and Vulnerability)
A large brushfire in Richmond could destroy large tracts of forest, homes, and utility lines affecting power, internet
and phone service. Smoke inhalation could cause breathing problems to residents.
History
Richmond has been fortunate never to have any of these large fires occur within the town, however there is
potential for all of them to occur. Historically, smaller brushfires (up to 3-4 acres) have burned through vegetated
areas.
3.1.10 Geomagnetic Storms (Solar Flares)
Description
“Geomagnetic storms — a type of space weather that creates disturbances that affect the planet’s magnetic field —
have the potential to cause significant damage across the globe with a single event. Severe geomagnetic storms can
disrupt the operation of electric power transmission systems and critical infrastructures relying on space-based
assets. A geomagnetic storm that degrades the electric power grid would affect not only the energy sector but the
transportation, communications, banking, and finance sectors, as well as government services and emergency
response capabilities”.28
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) monitors space weather and has developed
scales listing potential space weather impacts. Space weather scales have five levels- from minor to extreme.
These can be found at http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/images/NOAAscales.pdf.
Location
Northern locations, such as Canada and the United States are particularly vulnerable to geomagnetic storms. Hightension lines and communication towers are at risk in Richmond.
History
While there is no history of geomagnetic storms in Richmond, there is a low probability for future occurrence.
A minor storm would result in weak power grid fluctuations and cause minimal damage.
27
28
Richmond Comprehensive Community Plan, 2014
Department of Homeland Security https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/rma-geomagnetic-storms.pdf
20
Town
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Richmond
DRAFT
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan-
August
2015
3.2 Likelihood of Future Events
In developing a mitigation plan it is also important to gauge the future likelihood and potential impact of natural
hazard occurrences. To do this each member of the Committee ranked the events based upon the probability of the
event occurring and its impacts. The scores were then averaged and represented below. The resulting events
where then classified as having various incremental probabilities of occurring in Richmond (see Table 11).
Table 11: Likelihood of Future Events
Highly Likely: Will occur evert 1-5 years
Likely: Will occur every 5-10 years
Not Very Likely: Will occur every 10-50 years
Unlikely: In intervals greater than 50 years
Wood River Home
Hazard
Flooding
Severe Winter
Storm/Extreme Cold
Thunder/Lightning Storm
Hurricane/Nor’easter
Drought/Extreme Heat
Dam Failure
Tornado
Earthquake
Brushfire
Solar Flare
Snowstorm January 2015 (Juno)
21
Future
Probability
Highly Likely
Highly Likely
Likely
Highly Likely
Likely
Not Very Likely
Unlikely
Unlikely
Highly Likely
Unlikely
Town
of
Richmond
DRAFT
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan-
August
2015
Chapter 4: Risk Assessment
This chapter presents the natural hazard risk assessment performed for the Town by the Committee. The
purpose of the assessment is to identify those facilities and population at risk from natural hazards, to
overview the particular concerns, to gauge the potential level of impact on people and property, and to
assess the level of risk posed within the Town.
The Assessment has six primary components that culminate in the Risk Assessment Matrix (3.8). The primary
components include a: Facilities Inventory (Section 3.1), Hazard Mitigation Mapping (Section 3.2), Fiscal
Impact Analysis (section 3.3), Built Environment 9Section 3.4), Population Impact Analysis (Section 3.5),
Natural Environment (Section 3.6) and Vulnerability of Future Structures (section 3.7).
4.1 Facilities Inventory
The first step in the assessment process was to create the inventory of facilities of special concern to the
Town. The RHMC identified the following as critical infrastructure/community assets: Flood Prone Drainage
Systems, Dams, Care Facilities, Fire and Police Stations, Town Hall, Town EOC, Shelters, and Communication
Infrastructure, Electrical Facilities, and Water Pump Stations. Recreational Facilities and Historic Resources
were included as community assets. These inventories can either be found depicted on the map presented in
section 3.2, in the Risk Assessment Matrix.
4.2 Hazard Mitigation Mapping
The Town’s GIS data base, including parcel data, orthophotography and FEMA flood zone information, were utilized
to complete the assessment. The use of this system not only allowed the RHMC to estimate potential fiscal and
population impacts for individual parcels (see sections 3.3. and 3.4. for results) but also allowed them to analyze
spatial relations between variables.
The final output of this exercise is the Town of Richmond Resources map on page 26. The focus of the maps is not to
duplicate all of the spatial information generated through the inventorying process but rather to present the location
of the identified risks as they relate to the Town’s response facilities.
4.3 Fiscal Impact Analysis
The Town of Richmond’s parcel data and FEMA’s 100-year flood plain data were utilized to generate estimates of
potential fiscal impacts from natural hazard events such as flooding. The information utilized from the tax assessor’s
database and GIS included the improvement values, land usage, and unit counts. The analysis showed that
Richmond is comprised of 26,048 acres of land, with 170 acres (<1%) in the regulatory flood plain. These 170 acres
are spread throughout the Town.
Table 9 displays potential damage estimates of property values of parcels that are located wholly or partially within
the Town’s Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA, or regulatory floodplain). The parcel information, using the best
available data, provides the number of parcels in the SFHA, and values of the buildings on each property. Land value
was not considered for this exercise. The values provided are an estimate considering some properties are located
in more than one sub-watershed. This percentage was calculated in order to assist with identifying which areas are
at greater risk. According to Table 12, the town wide total potential damages for these flood plain areas are about
$58,000,000. The watershed with the most parcels in the SFHA is the Tomaquag Brook-Pawcatuck River. Of the 857
parcels in that region, 15.3% are in the SFHA. The most expensive building in the SFHA is the Richmond Elementary
School- valued at $4.8 million. A destructive flood could end up costing over $17 million in building damages
throughout the town.
22
Town
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DRAFT
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Mitigation
Plan-
August
2015
Table 12: Assessment of Building Values within Flood Plains29
Watershed
Upper Wood River
Beaver River
Usquepaug River
Upper Pawcatuck River
Tomaquag Brook- Pawcatuck River
Lower Wood River
# Parcels
763
855
686
566
857
297
# Parcels
in SFHA
155
122
42
81
131
93
%
Residential Commercial Agriculture
Industrial
20.3
14.3
6.1
14.3
15.3
31.3
$ 9,786,700
$ 10,658,600
$ 2,401,400
$ 3,812,100
$ 16,698,700
$ 7,232,600
$ 1,362,200
$ 354,700
$ 354,700
$ 205,100
$ 533,200
$
-
$ 1,018,500
$ 479,400
$
$ 216,700
$
$
-
Map of Sub-watershed Basins
29
Richmond 2015 Parcel Data
23
$
$ 1,222,400
$ 772,500
$ 460,900
$ 219,700
$ 681,300
TOTAL
$
$
$
$
$
$
12,167,400
12,715,100
3,528,600
4,694,800
17,451,600
7,913,900
Town
of
Richmond
DRAFT
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan-
August
2015
HAZUS-MH was used to further understand the potential risk from a 100 year flood and a large hurricane30. HAZUSMH is a software tool that contains models for estimating potential losses from earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes.
For the purpose of this plan, two scenarios were run that capture the town’s risk from flooding and
hurricanes/Nor’easters. The table below summarizes some of the potential damages. The hurricane scenario is
model uses the same path as the hurricane which tracked west of Richmond.
Table 13: HAZUS-MH Scenarios for Richmond, RI
100-Year Flood
Event
1938 Hurricane
Scenario
AMOUNT
AMOUNT
DAMAGE
Debris generated
5,232 tons
31,284 tons
Buildings destroyed
24
2
Buildings at least
moderately damaged
62
79
Displaced households
197
9
Essential Facility
Damage
None
1 day loss
Residential Property
(capital stock)
$24 million
$17 million
Business interruptions
0
$1,205
Approximately 73% of Richmond’s revenue is generated from property tax. Should any of the properties
forming the tax base be destroyed by a hazardous event, a causal effect would be those property owners
whose parcels remain intact would carry and increased financial burden with regards to property taxes. It is
an important course of action for the Town to protect both lives and property from natural disasters.
However, as Richmond’s population grows, the burden of protecting lives and property grows.
4.4 Built Environment
According to HAZUS-MH, Richmond has 2,944 buildings with a total replacement value (excluding contents)
of $986 million. Approximately 97% of which are associated with residential housing.
The RHMC identified the critical infrastructure in the Risk Assessment Matrix. The list includes: flood prone
drainage systems (26), Dams (18), Care Facilities (12), Town Hall, Shelters (3), Municipal Hazard Response
Facilities (9), State Hazard Response Facilities (1), Electrical Facilities (4), Drinking Water Facilities (3),
Recreational Facilities (8), and historic resources (12). All of these important community resources have the
potential to be affected by a natural hazard. The magnitude of the losses would be dependent upon the
type, location, and extent of the hazard.
The town’s zoning laws help dictate future development while maintaining Richmond’s rural character. Strict
enforcement of building codes and new regulations as required will lessen potential damage caused by a
natural hazard event. The codes range from building codes and design standards, to zoning regulations. For
the purpose of this plan, it is difficult to ascertain the amount of damage caused by a natural hazard because
the damage will depend on the hazard’s extent, location, and severity, making each hazard event somewhat
unique.
The 100-year flood (base flood) is an event that has a one-percent probability of happening in any given year
and is the storm event used to identify the flood zones which impact zoning and building requirements
throughout the Town.
30
HAZUS modeling conducted by CDR Maguire on 6/23/2015 using HAZUS-MH 2.2
24
Town
of
Richmond
DRAFT
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan-
August
2015
4.5 Population Impact Analysis
In order to estimate the number of Town residents impacted by natural hazard events, the number of occupied
residential dwelling units was multiplied by the average household size per occupied dwelling unit (2.54). This
approach was utilized throughout this population analysis. According to the 2010 US Census, there are 2,774
housing units in Richmond supporting a population estimate of 7,657.
Using the 2014 Tax Assessor’s Database, the Rhode Island GIS e911 structure file, and the Town’s GIS, it was
determined that there are total of 35 structures within Town’s 100-year flood zone (26 are residential, 9 are
agricultural-related).
In addition to private wells which serve most of the population, there is limited water service in the Town. The
Richmond Water Department supplies drinking water to 94 residential customers and 44 commercial customers.
The Shannock Water District in Charlestown provides water to an estimated 90 households.31
The 12 group homes in Richmond provide residential services for roughly 29 adults, and 15 juveniles. Additionally,
there are less than 10 people in residential treatment centers.32 See Appendix E for a list. These populations have
their own emergency plans but knowing where they are located helps improve first responder actions.
Chariho Middle School located on Switch Road is the primary emergency shelter for the Town. Richmond
Elementary School on Kingstown Road can be used as a backup shelter. Maintaining access to both of these facilities
during a hazard event is crucial. Neither is located in a SFHA but roads leading to the shelters are crossed by streams
that may cutoff access.
Lastly, at-risk population estimates could not be developed for historic resources, critical municipal hazard response
facilities, and recreational facilities.
4.6 Natural Environment
Richmond also plays a much larger role than most communities in providing recreation and open space
facilities to other Rhode Islanders and, to a considerable extent, people from other states. Situated near the
ocean and I-95, with small villages and thousands of still rural upland acres, the southwest corner of the state
has long been a favorite vacation and recreation spot. Although Richmond has never been a resort in the way
waterfront towns like Westerly, Charlestown and Narragansett have, it has been part of the upland country
backdrop to the shoreline towns.
Richmond’s rivers and ponds provide excellent areas for canoeing and fishing. Forested areas offer great
hunting, walking and hiking trails to observe wildlife and rural scenery. The many farms throughout town also
offer rural views and vistas. Farming activities and accessory uses, such as farm stands, seasonal activities,
like corn mazes, and educational programs, also support economic development in Town through
agritourism.33
Preservation of the forested areas in Richmond is important not only for maintaining community character
and providing habitat for wildlife, but also for water quality. Undeveloped land absorbs water and traps
sediments and pollutants from runoff. This is especially important in a town where most of the residents rely
on well water for drinking.
4.7 Vulnerability of Future Structures
A sufficient amount of land is available to meet Richmond’s near-future development needs for both residential and
non-residential structures. An estimate 83% of the town is zoned for residential uses, nearly 12,000 of which could
potentially support additional residential development. Concentrating new development in existing villages,
encouraging non-residential development, and establishing “Growth Centers” will help the Town handle new
growth. Future growth will likely be centered near water lines or a town center.
31
Richmond Comprehensive Community Plan, 2014
US Census, 2010
33
Richmond Comprehensive Community Plan, 2014
32
25
Town
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Mitigation
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August
2015
4.8 Risk Assessment Matrix
The matrix (Table 14: Critical Infrastructure/Community Assets) represents the culmination of the risk assessment
process and is the final product. Its purpose is to gather all the pertinent results in one place for ease of presentation
and to serve as a starting point for discussion of specific mitigation actions. It not only lists the specific areas of
concern, but provides detailed location information, summarizes the applicable hazard, problem, and mitigation
benefits.
Table 14 Risk Assessment Matrix
26
Table 14 Critical Infrastructure/Community Assets
AT RISK
I.
Flood Prone
Drainage
Systems
II.
Dams
III.
Care Facilities
IV.
Critical
Municipal
Hazard
Response
Facilities
V.
Electrical
Facilities
Richmond Hazard Mitigation Plan 2015
LOCATION
A. Valley Lodge Neighborhood
B. Wood River
C.Riverview Drive
D. New London Turnpike @ Dawley Park Rd
E. Usquepaug Road @ Glen Rock Road
F. Richmond Town House Road @ Wilbur, @Dover Lane, @ Pine Hill Road
G. Woodville Road @ dam
H.Beaver River School House Road
I. KG Ranch Road @ Cherry Lane
J. Kingstown Rd. @ Meadowbrook, @ Beaver River Road
K. Kenyon Hill Trail @Meadowbrook
L. Pine Hill Rd. @ Meadowbrook Trail (Meadow Brook)
M. Pine Hill Rd. @ Mill Lane (White Brook)
N. Pinehurst Dr. @ Soneric Lane
O. Shannock Hill Road
P. Shannock Village Road
Q. Carolina Nooseneck Rd. @ Buttonwoods Rd. (Meadow Brook)
R. Carolina Nooseneck Rd. @ Baker Pines Rd. (Meadow Brook)
S. Old Mountain Rd @ Beaver River
T. Carolina-Alton Rd. @ Woodville Alton Rd.
U. Woodville Rd. @ Wood River
V. Switch Road @ Diamond Brook
W. Mechanic Street/Maple Ave./N. Switch Rd.
X. Hillsdale @ Beaver River
Y. Biscuit City Road @ Bridge (Usquepaug River)
Z. Kings Factory Road @ 91 Overpass (Meadow Brook)
AA. Switch Road @ 91 Overpass (Meadow Brook)
A. Barberville Pond
B. Wyoming Upper (high hazard)
C. Hope Valley Mill Pond
D. Alton Pond
E. Horseshoe Falls (historic)
F. White’s Pond (private, high hazard)
G. Lillibridge Pond
H. Tanner Pond
I. Wood River Junction
J. Hillsdale? (owned by DEM)
K. Kenyon Mill dam (privately owned)
L. Wells Pond
M. Tug Hollow Pond
N. deCappett Pond
O. Bailey
P. Carolina Trout Pond
Q. Duck Pond
R. Haberek Farm Pond
A. Richmond Community/Senior Center
B. Various Group Homes (see Appendix E)
A. Radio Communication Towers (Shannock Hill, EOC/Public Works)
B.Town Hall
C.Town EOC/DPW
D. H.L. Arnold Fire & Safety Complex
E. Hope Valley- Wyoming Fire District Station 2- Alton
F. Richmond-Carolina Fire District Station 2
G.Richmond-Carolina Fire District Station 3
H.Hope Valley Ambulance at Kingstown Rd and Meadowbrook
I. Police Station on Main Street (1st floor of Community Care)
J. State Police Barracks @ 54 Nooseneck Hill Rd.
K. Chariho Middle School (Shelter) at 455 Switch Road
L. Richmond Elementary School(Backup Shelter) at 190 Kingstown Road
M. Various Cell Towers
No substations in town
A.Internet switch at 911 Alton Carolina Rd.
B. Phone switch at Hillsdale Rd.
C. High tension wires
D. Solar Facility at Stilson Road, near Interstate 95 (power 75-100 homes)
HAZARD
PROBLEM
MITIGATION BENEFITS
Riverine flooding,
Overland flooding
Flooding of local roads limit access and may strand residents and hinder rescue or evacuation
efforts
Drainage, road access, reducing
infrastructure loss
Flooding related to heavy
rain events and structural
damage due to
earthquake.
Dam failure could lead to damaged roads, flooded houses, and economic loss. Browning Mill Pont
in Exeter is in good shape but would cause the most damage to Richmond if it failed.
Structural preservation preventing
catastrophic flooding, reducing
property loss and protecting
public health, safety, and welfare.
Ambulatory needs for remote areas
Poor housing construction
Clustered group homes make anticipating needs helpful
Care facilities for welfare
improvement of special needs
populations
Depended upon for
responding to all natural
hazard events.
Potential loss of physical access, power supply and critical systems, thus hindering the
governmental and emergency response to natural hazard events.
Protection of essential public
services, records, evacuation
routes, and the general livelihood
of Richmond’s residents and their
property.
High winds, ice damage,
and earthquakes
Downed high tension wires could create an electrocution hazard.
Failed Internet and phone switches could affect town wide communication.
Provision of essential utility
service, reduction in cleanup and
repair costs, and the promotion of
public health, safety, and welfare.
Deterioration due to lack
of ongoing maintenance.
Special needs populations
that may need assistance
during hazard events.
Table 14 Critical Infrastructure/Community Assets
VI.
Water
VII.
Recreational
Facilities
VIII.
Historic
Resources
All residents served by onsite wastewater treatment systems
A. Pump Station at Woodriver Drive (Valley Lodge Neighborhood)
B. Water Tower @ Old Kenyon Road
C. Water Tower @ County Acres Road
D. Private wells, Richmond Water Supply in Wyoming
E. Shannock Water System in Charlestown (services 2% of Richmond residents)
A. Carolina Management Area
B. Wawaloam Campground
C. Arcadia Management area
D. Nature Conservancy and Town Land trust land
E. deCoppett preservation areas
F. Richmond Elementary School
G. Beaver River Playground
H. County Road Acres (planned recreational development)
A. Lewis House
B. Porridge Hill
C. Janes House
D. Wood River (Six Principal) Baptist Church
E. Bell School
F. G.S. Kenyon House
G. Samuel P. Clark House
H. Carolina, Shannock, Wyoming, Hillsdale Historic Districts
I. Town Clerk’s Office (Carolina Main Street)
J. Octagon House @ 4 Carolina Main Street
K. Carolina Mill
L. Stagecoach House Inn
Richmond Hazard Mitigation Plan 2015
Contamination of well
water, destruction of
water towers during a
storm, drought
Contamination of water in the water towers could leave (% pop) without potable water.
Drought could cause low water levels in private wells.
Destruction of water towers could cause widespread flooding
Safe and abundant drinking water.
Storm debris, wildfire
These facilities provide residents of Richmond places to go for recreational and leisure activity.
The occurrence of a natural hazard event creates a threat of property damage and natural
systems.
Preservation of recreational
facilities and reducing risk to
residents.
Storm damage, flooding
These historic resources, susceptible to property damage, contribute to Richmond’s culture,
heritage, and general character.
Protecting irreplaceable property
that contributes to Richmond’s
culture, heritage, and general
character.
Town
of
Richmond
DRAFT
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan-
August
Richmond Resource Map
27
2015
Legend
Richmond Town Hall
Schools
Chariho Shelter
Library
Fire Stations
Police Stations
Dam Hazard Class
High
Signif
Low
Town Line
HILLSDALE HIST. &
ARCHEOLOGICAL DIST.
100 Year Flood Zone
Historic Candidate Sites
Historic Districts
WYOMING VILLAGE
HIST. DIST.
USQUEPAUG ROAD
HIST. DIST.
HENRY MARCHANT
FARM
JOHN HOXSIE HS.
BLACK FARM
CAROLINA VILLAGE
HIS. DIST.
RICHMOND, RI
Data Sources: RIGIS, 2008
SHANNOCK
HIST. DIST.
Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, iPC, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong
Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, 2013
0
0.5
1
2
Miles
July 30, 2015
Town
of
Richmond
DRAFT
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan-
August
2015
Chapter 5: Programmatic Capability Assessment
5.1 Purpose
This capability assessment examines the existing studies, plans, programs, and policies that have incorporated
hazard mitigation and other pro-active tools into the Town system. The purpose of the capability assessment is to
highlight successes, identify shortcomings, and to lay the groundwork for possible improvement. Richmond
recognizes that the inclusion of mitigation initiatives would not only benefit the community by reducing human
suffering, damages and the costs of recovery, but would also help build and maintain the sustainability and
economic health of the Town. Section 4.2 details the Town’s existing relevant plans, programs, and policies.
5.2 Primary Programs
5.2.1 Richmond Comprehensive Plan
In 2014 the Town of Richmond updated its comprehensive plan. The updated plan was approved by Planning
Board in 2012, adopted by the Town Council in 2013, and amended in August 2014 by the Town Council. The plan
aims to relate future land use to the environmental capacity of the land, safeguard natural and cultural assets,
promote the production of affordable housing, and encourage economic development. It addresses land use,
housing, economic development, natural resources, services and facilities, open space and recreation, and
circulation, with references to the hazard mitigation plan. The Town recognizes the importance of hazard mitigation,
its interaction with municipal land use and infrastructure planning, and the need for a comprehensive planning
approach which accommodates these interdependencies.
5.2.2 Land Development and Subdivision Regulations
The subdivision and land development regulations are one of the Town’s primary tools for regulating
development in the Town. The purpose of the regulations are to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the
community by ensuring that development respects the natural limitations of specific locals including those
presented by natural hazards. The Land Development and Subdivision Regulations have been amended to include
references and details to the RI Stormwater Design Manual, reference Low-impact design strategies, and replace
“cluster development” with “conservation development”. The Land Development and Subdivision process is
overseen by the Town’s Planning Board, and it is here, where the majority of the coordination between various
regulatory siting and design programs actually occurs.
5.2.3 Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
The Richmond EOP was last updated in 2012. Its primary purpose is to plan for the coordination and execution
of specific roles, duties and responsibilities of individual municipal emergency response personnel in the event of a
disaster or general emergency. Richmond’s plan combines mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. It is
currently up to date and has been approved by RIEMA and FEMA.
5.2.4 Richmond Rural Preservation Land Trust
The Trust works to educate residents on the importance of maintaining and preserving the town’s open spaces;
to maintain the town’s rural character and ecological assets; and to act as responsible stewards of land acquired or
placed in conservation easement.
5.2.5 Capital Improvements Program
The Richmond Capital Improvements Program is a 5 year plan outlining the Town’s expenditures for
permanent physical improvements. Proposed investments may include the Town’s infrastructure and
facilities such as streets, police and fire stations, and recreation facilities. Integrating specific hazard
mitigation activities into the Capital Improvements Program helps with their implementation.
28
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5.2.6 Stormwater Management Program Plan
The State of Rhode Island mandates that the Town of Richmond submit a Stormwater Management
Program Plan to help control polluted runoff that is collected through their municipal separate storm sewer
systems (MS4s).
5.2.7 Rhode Island State Building Code
All municipalities within the State of Rhode Island share a single building code (RIGL 23-27.3-100 et. Al.). The
Code itself (which incorporates the International Building Code) was last amended in 2012 and provides
comprehensive construction requirements designed to mitigate the impacts from natural hazards, such as high wind
events. The Code is enforced by the Richmond Building Department and provides an additional layer of regulatory
control to those discussed above.
5.2.8 Rhode Island State Dam Safety Program
The Town of Richmond participates in the State Dam Safety Program because the Wyoming Upper and
White’s Pond dams are classified as two of sixteen high hazard dams within the State. The State Dam Safety
Program was created to facilitate the enforcement of the primary dam inspection law (RIGL 46-19, Inspection
of Dams and Reservoirs). RIGL 46-19 states that dam owners are responsible for the safe operation,
maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation of a dam, which are the essential elements in preventing dam failure;
furthermore, dam owners are liable for the consequences of accidents or failures of their dams. According to
the Dam Safety and Maintenance Task Force, RIGL 46-19 needs to be updated to address the specifics of a
comprehensive dam inspection and permitting program. In addition, the current law does not address the
fiscal impacts of dam repairs or removal, and the possible need for state financial assistance to assist dam
owner’s under-take crucial and necessary repairs.
5.2.9 Rhode Island DEM Wetland Regulations
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is responsible for regulating alterations of
the freshwater wetlands throughout the State. Since many floodplains are also wetlands, appropriately
managing these resources help maintain proper floodplain function.
29
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DRAFT
Hazard
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Plan-
August
2015
Table 15 Action Item Summary
Actions In 2015 Plan
Action Type
Status
Property Protection
New
Planning
New
Property Protection
New
1a
Build a retention pond in Valley Lodge Neighborhood
1b
Identify Repetitive Loss Properties in Valley Lodge Neighborhood
1c
Valley Lodge Neighborhood voluntary acquisition
1d
Increase retention basin at Pine Shadows/KG Ranch Road
Structural Project
New
1e
Enlarge retention basin at Pine Shadows/Leroy Drive
Structural Project
New
2a
Raise Buttonwoods road bed
Emergency Services Protection
New
2b
Straighten and widen box culvert at Buttonwoods Rd.
Emergency Services Protection
New
3
Raise road beds which lead to emergency shelter
Emergency Services Protection
New
4a
ID Repetitive Loss Properties town-wide
Planning
New
4b
Secure funding for voluntary acquisition
Planning
New
4c
Town-wide voluntary acquisition program
Property Protection
New
5a
Inventory debris in streams
Planning
New
5b
Remove debris from streams
Natural Resource Protection
New
5c
ID and secure stream easements
Planning
New
5d
Partnership with Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association
Planning
New
6
Raise access road for Woodriver Drive pump station
Emergency Services Protection
New
7
Raise retaining wall around Woodriver Drive well
Emergency Services Protection
New
8
ID dam owners and create dam maintenance plans
Planning
New
9
Update plans for new Senior Center
Property Protection
New
10
Assess municipal radio antennae
Planning
New
11a
Evaluate Shannock Hill tower
Planning
New
11b
Secure Shannock Hill tower
Emergency Services Protection
New
12
Town Hall generator
Emergency Services Protection
New
13
Improve climate control of records room
Property Protection
New
14a
Dry flood-proof Town Hall basement
Property Protection
New
14b
Additional sump pumps for Town Hall basement
Property Protection
New
15
Tree trimming program
Property Protection
New
30
Town
of
Richmond
DRAFT
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan-
Actions In 2015 Plan
August
2015
Action Type
Status
Property Protection
New
Planning
New
16
Acquire a bucket truck for tree trimming
17
Community Brushfire Protection Plan
18
Fire breaks and fire roads
Structural Projects
New
19
Improve access to State firebreak roads
Structural Projects
New
20
Richmond Historic Preservation Commission
Planning
New
Planning
New
Planning
New
21
22
Include Historic Preservation Commission in debris management
plan
Cross reference Comprehensive Plan, Emergency Operations Plan
and Hazard Mitigation Plan activities
Private home elevation near Wood River
Homeowner elevating structure to reduce future flood
damages
31
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DRAFT
Hazard
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August
2015
Chapter 6: Identification of Mitigation Actions
Whereas the two preceding Chapters identify risks from natural hazards and programmatic capabilities, this
chapter defines a broad mission for the Town in mitigating these risks, and establish a series of hazard
mitigation goals and specific implementation actions.
6.1 Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Town and the RHMC to protect and enhance the quality of life, property and resources by
identifying areas at risk from natural hazards and implementing hazard mitigation actions to protect the Town’s
residents; infrastructure; economy and its historical, natural and cultural resources.
6.2 Mitigation Goals
To achieve its mission the Richmond Hazard Mitigation Committee established a series of goals that could be used to
focus mitigation efforts and provide a framework for discussion of specific actions. These goals include: upgrading
infrastructure and protecting property, strengthening capabilities, and improving emergency response effectiveness.
6.3 Identified Actions and Objectives
The following mitigation actions and objectives were developed by the RHMC with review and opportunity for input
from each of the prospective project leads. They are organized in accordance with the topical areas of the three
mitigation goals discussed above and each summarizes the specific problem and proposed possible solution, details
the primary tasks to be undertaken, identifies an appropriate lead and anticipates financing options. Each action
was given a priority ranking of low, medium, or high as determined by the RHMC.
Time Frame
Short Term: within 1-3 years
Medium Term: within 3-5 years
Long Term: greater than 5 years
Priority Level
High: Reduces the greatest risks, is important to accomplish first
Medium: May need other actions to be completed first
Low: Less of an impact on safety and property
6.3.1 Flood Prone Drainage Systems and Streets
Valley Lodge Neighborhood (KG Ranch Road, Tall Timbers Drive at Wood River)
Action 1: Alleviate flooding risk on the east side
of KG Ranch Road close to Route 95 and Route
3. When the pond on the west side of KG
Ranch Road overflows, the uneven topography
causes the water to flood the Valley Lodge
neighborhood. The State is currently
conducting a stormwater impact study for this
site. The conceptual stormwater design plan
was conducted by Crossman Engineers.
Depending on the outcome of the wetland
delineations, and stormwater study, the
original scope/design may need to be altered.
This is a large project which when completed
will alleviate some of the stressors in the
neighborhood. The actions below have been
identified by the hazard mitigation committee Flooding at Tall Timbers Drive
as ways to reduce flooding in the Valley Lodge
neighborhood.
Action 1a. Build a retention pond in accordance with the stormwater design plan.
Action Type: Property Protection
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2015
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre-Disaster
Priority Level: High
Lead: RIDOT, RIDEM
Supporting: Public Works, Crossman Engineering
Estimate Costs: $1,000,000
Financing Options: Town Public Works, FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) or Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program (HMGP),
Time Frame: Medium-Term, Q4 2018
Benefit: Increased public safety and decreased damage to structures and infrastructure. Improve watershed
health.
Action 1b: Identify properties (specifically Repetitive Loss) within this neighborhood that may be
eligible/interested in participating in a voluntary acquisition program.
Action Type: Planning
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre-Disaster
Priority Level: High
Lead: Emergency Management
Supporting: Planning
Estimate Costs: Staff time
Financing Options: Town annual budget
Benefit: Reduce number of flood claims and building damage.
Action 1c: Acquire properties (specifically Repetitive Loss) within this neighborhood that are interested in
participating in a voluntary acquisition program.
Action Type: Property Protection
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre-Disaster
Priority Level: High
Lead: Emergency Management
Supporting: Planning
Estimate Costs: $200,000
Financing Options: FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) or Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP),
Town EM or planning annual budget
Time Frame: Long-Term, 2020
Benefit: Reduce number of flood claims and building damage, improve floodplain function
Action 1d: Increase retention basin at the corner of Pine Shadows Drive and KG Ranch Road in accordance
with the stormwater design plan.
Action Type: Structural Project
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre-Disaster
Priority Level: Medium
Lead: Public Works
Supporting:
Estimate Costs: $75,000
Financing Options: FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) or Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP),
Town EM or planning annual budget
Time Frame: Long-Term, 2020
Benefit: Increased public safety and decreased damage to structures and infrastructure. Improve watershed
health.
Action 1e: Enlarge retention basin at the corner of Pine Shadows Drive and Leroy Drive by converting Leroy
Drive into a dead-end road and connecting the retention basins on the east and west sides of the road. If this
action is not approved by the Town Council, then the Town would explore acquisition as defined in Actions 1b
and 1c above.
Action Type: Structural Project
33
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August
2015
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre-Disaster
Priority Level: Medium
Lead: Public Works
Supporting:
Estimate Costs: $25,000
Financing Options: FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) or Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP),
Town EM or planning annual budget
Time Frame: Long-Term, 2020
Benefit: Increased public safety and decreased damage to structures and infrastructure. Improve watershed
health.
Buttonwoods Road
Action 2: Alleviate flooding at the east and west ends of Buttonwoods Rd. The Richmond Public Works
building and Emergency Operations Center are located between the two stream crossings. High flood waters
could isolate these critical facilities. There are two possible ways to prevent this.
Action 2a: Raise the road bed to one foot above base flood elevation
Action Type: Emergency Services Protection
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre-Disaster
Priority Level: High
Lead: Public Works
Supporting: None
Estimate Costs: $250,000
Financing Options: FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA), Town EM or Public Works annual budget
Time Frame: Medium-Term
Benefit: Increased public safety and decreased damage to structures and infrastructure. Improve watershed
health.
Action 2b: Straighten and widen the box culvert, Q1 2017
Action Type: Emergency Services Protection
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre-Disaster
Priority Level: High
Lead: RIDEM
Supporting: Public Works
Estimate Costs: $150,000 to $200,000
Financing Options: RIDEM, RITO, Town EM or Public Works annual budget
Time Frame: Medium-Term, Q1 2017
Benefit: Increased public safety and decreased damage to structures and infrastructure. Improve watershed
health.
Mechanic Street, Pine Hill at Meadow Brook, and Pine Hill at White Brook
Action 3: Raise the road beds at the above locations at least one foot above base flood elevation. Mechanic
Street leads to the Chariho Middle School Emergency Shelter on 455 Switch Road.
Action Type: Emergency Services Protection
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre-Disaster
Priority Level: High
Lead: Public Works
Supporting:
Estimate Costs: $250,000
Financing Options: FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance (FEMA), Town EM or Public Works annual budget
Time Frame: Medium-term, Q2 2019
Benefit: Increased public safety and decreased damage to structures and infrastructure. Improve watershed
health.
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2015
Town-wide Floodplain Area
Action 4: Reduce the number of flood claims throughout the town by removing structures from the
floodplain.
Action 4a: Identify Repetitive Loss homes for Voluntary Acquisition
Action Type: Planning
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre-Disaster
Priority Level: Medium
Lead: Building Official, Town Planner,
Supporting: Town Administrator
Estimate Costs: Staff time
Financing Options: Town annual budget
Time Frame: Short-term, Q2 2016
Benefit: Reduce number of flood claims and building damage, improve floodplain function
Action 4b: Research and secure funding from various state and federal grants for Voluntary Acquisition.
Action Type: Planning
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre-Disaster
Priority Level: Medium
Lead: Building Official, Town Planner
Supporting: Town Administrator
Estimate Costs: Staff time
Financing Options: Town annual budget
Time Frame: Medium-term, Q1 2019
Benefit: Reduce number of flood claims and building damage, improve floodplain function
Action 4c: Engage in Voluntary Acquisition Program
Action Type: Property Protection
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre-Disaster
Priority Level: Medium
Lead: Building Official, Town Planner
Supporting: Town Administrator
Estimate Costs: $400,000
Financing Options: Town annual budget and FEMA HMGP
Time Frame: Medium-term, Q3 2019
Benefit: Reduce number of flood claims and building damage, improve floodplain function
Stream Channels
Action 5: Improve the carrying capacity of the local rivers and streams by removing debris (i.e. tree limbs,
excess sedimentation) that is clogging the waterway, thereby causing more flooding.
Action 5a: Inventory the debris, noting location, type, and size. Engage Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed
Association in stream survey.
Action Type: Planning
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre-Disaster
Priority Level: Medium
Lead: Building Official, Town Planner, Town Administrator
Supporting: Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association
Estimate Costs: Staff time or volunteer time
Financing Options: Town annual budget
Time Frame: Short-term, Q3 2016
Benefit: Improve floodplain function, reduce flooding
Action 5b: Remove the debris from the stream channels by engaging volunteers from the local watershed
group, scouts, or high school students.
Action Type: Natural Resource Protection
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2015
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre-Disaster
Priority Level: Medium
Lead: Town Planner, Town Administrator
Supporting: Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association (Christopher Fox)
Estimate Costs: Staff time or volunteer time
Financing Options: Town annual budget
Time Frame: Short-term, Q3 2016
Benefit: Improve floodplain function, reduce flooding
Action 5c: Identify and secure easements for new stream access points on private lands. Multiple access
points will increase the efficiency of clean-up efforts.
Action Type: Planning
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre-Disaster
Priority Level: Medium
Lead: Town Planner, Town Administrator
Supporting: Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association (Christopher Fox)
Estimate Costs: Staff time or volunteer time
Financing Options: Town annual budget
Time Frame: Short-term, Q3 2016
Benefit: Improve floodplain function, reduce flooding
Action 5d: Develop an agreement with neighboring communities and the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed
Association to create a watershed-wide stream restoration and mitigation plan.
Action Type: Planning
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre-Disaster
Priority Level: Medium
Lead: Town Planner, Town Administrator
Supporting: Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association (Christopher Fox)
Estimate Costs: Staff time or volunteer time
Financing Options: Town annual budget
Time Frame: Short-term, Q3 2016
Benefit: Improve floodplain function, reduce flooding
6.3.2 Municipal Wells/Pumping Station
Pump Station at Woodriver Drive (Valley Lodge Neighborhood)
Action 6: Install drainage pipe under access road to relieve water pressure overflowing on to the road.
Increase the height of the road by bringing in gravel to raise roadbed one foot above base flood elevation.
Action Type: Emergency Services Protection
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre-Disaster
Priority Level: Medium
Lead: Public Works and Water Department Manager
Supporting: None
Estimate Costs: $25,000 (Permitting $5,000-8,000)
Financing Options: Town Public Works annual budget and FEMA HMGP or FMA
Time Frame: Short-Term, Q2 2017
Benefit: Increased public safety and decreased damage to structures and infrastructure. Protect human
health.
Action 7: Raise the retaining wall around the secondary well bunker to one foot above base flood elevation to
prevent flooding of wellhead.
Action Type: Emergency Services Protection
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre-Disaster
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Town
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DRAFT
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan-
August
2015
Priority Level: Medium
Lead: Public Works and Water Department Manager (Leon Millis)
Supporting: None
Estimate Costs: $25,000
Financing Options: Town Public Works annual budget and FEMA HMGP or FMA
Time Frame: Short-Term, Q2 2017
Benefit: Increased public safety and decreased damage to structures and infrastructure. Protect human
health.
6.3.3 Dams
Ownership
Action 8: Identify Dam Owners and Create Dam Maintenance Plans to ensure proper maintenance and
structural integrity of the structures.
Action Type: Planning
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre Disaster
Priority Level: Medium
Lead: Planning Department and Building Inspector
Supporting: RIDEM
Estimate Costs: Intern
Financing Options: Town Planning annual budget and FEMA National Dam Safety Program
Time Frame: Medium-Term, Q2 2018
Benefit: Increased public safety and decreased damage to structures and infrastructure.
6.3.4 Care Facilities
Action 9: Update plans for the New Senior Center, making it more resilient using construction best
management techniques. Examples include wood framing tie downs, better roof design to withstand snow
loads and prevent shingles from blowing off, generator, wind-resistant glass windows, etc.
Action Type: Property Protection
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre Disaster
Priority Level: Medium
Lead: Planning Department
Supporting:
Estimate Costs: Planning costs for building design improvements is small. Actual costs vary.
Financing Options: Town planning annual budget, FEMA HMGP
Time Frame: Medium-Term, Q1 2018
Benefit: Increased public safety and decreased damage to structures and infrastructure.
6.3.5 Critical Municipal Hazard Response Facilities
Secure Radio Communication Towers
Action 10: Assess the municipal police station antennae to determine wind load rating.
Action Type: Planning
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre Disaster
Priority Level: High
Lead: Police Department and Emergency Management
Supporting: None
Estimate Costs: $5,000
Financing Options: Town Police annual budget and FEMA HMGP, PA, EMPG
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August
2015
Time Frame: Short-Term, Q2 2016
Benefit: Increased public emergency response communication function.
Action 11: Fortify Shannock Hill tower to make it more disasterresistant.
Action 11a: Evaluate Shannock Hill tower for structural integrity and
resistance to wind damage. The tower supports numerous public
safety radio repeaters.
Action Type: Planning
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre Disaster
Priority Level: High
Lead: Town Emergency Management, Police
Supporting: Consultant (TBD)
Estimate Costs: $10,000
Financing Options: Town Emergency Management budget, FEMA
HMGP, PA, EMPG
Time Frame: Medium-Term, Q3 2018
Benefit: Increased public emergency response communication
function.
Action 11b: Secure the tower as per findings of the structural
integrity study. Potential improvements include preventing
vandalism/access, fixing the stairs, installing security cameras,
replacing the roof, installing wind straps, and nearby tree clearing to
Shannock Hill Tower
create a laydown zone.
Action Type: Emergency Services Protection
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre Disaster
Priority Level: High
Lead: Town Emergency Management, Police
Supporting: Consultant (TBD), National Grid
Estimate Costs: $10,000
Financing Options: Town Emergency Management budget, FEMA HMGP, PA, EMPG
Time Frame: Long-Term, Q4 2018
Benefit: Increased public emergency response communication function.
Critical Infrastructure (town vault, town records, etc.) at Town Hall
Action 12: Install a larger generator at Town Hall capable of providing power for air conditioning in the
building, especially the computer servers.
Action Type: Emergency Services Protection
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre Disaster
Priority Level: Low
Lead: Town Administrator, Emergency Management, Public Works
Supporting:
Estimate Costs: $25,000
Financing Options: Town annual budget and FEMA HMGP
Time Frame: Short-Term, Q4 2016
Benefit: Protect critical resources and improve disaster response and recovery.
Action 13: Improve climate control in records storage room in the basement of Town Hall to reduce mold
($22,000), improve air exchange, and protect from fire.
Action Type: Property Protection
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre Disaster
Priority Level: High
Lead: Emergency Management, Public Works
Supporting: Town Administrator
38
Town
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DRAFT
Hazard
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Plan-
August
2015
Estimate Costs: $10,000
Financing Options: FEMA EMPG, HMGP
Time Frame: Medium-Term, Q4 2020
Benefit: Protect Town property and reduce damages.
Action 14: Reduce potential damage to records in Town Hall basement.
Action 14a: Dry flood-proof the Town Hall basement to reduce the flood risk and eliminate any potential
record damage.
Action Type: Property Protection
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre Disaster
Priority Level: High
Lead: Emergency Management, Public Works
Supporting: Town Administrator
Estimate Costs: $15,000
Financing Options: Town Public Works budget, FEMA EMPG, HMGP, FMA
Time Frame: Medium-Term, Q4 2020
Benefit: Protect Town property and reduce damages.
Action 14b: Additional sump pumps for basement with French drains
Action Type: Property Protection
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre Disaster
Priority Level: High
Lead: Emergency Management, Public Works
Supporting: Town Administrator
Estimate Costs: $30,000
Financing Options: Town Public Works budget, FEMA EMPG, HMGP, FMA
Time Frame: Medium-Term, Q4 2020
Benefit: Protect Town property and reduce damages.
6.3.6 Utilities (Electrical and Water)
Protecting Overhead Utility Lines and Road ROWs
Action 15: Establish a dead tree limb removal and tree trimming mitigation program.
Action Type: Property Protection
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre Disaster
Priority Level: Medium
Lead: Public Works, Town Tree Warden
Supporting: None
Estimate Costs: $15,000 per year
Financing Options: Town Public Works annual budget, FEMA HMGP
Time Frame: Short-Term, Q1 2017
Benefit: Increased public safety and decreased damage to structures and infrastructure.
Action 16: Acquire a bucket truck to create internal capacity for Town tree trimming.
Action Type: Property Protection
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre Disaster and Post-Disaster
Priority Level: Medium
Lead: Public Works
Supporting: Tree Warden
Estimate Costs: Estimated $40,000 to $50,000
Financing Options: Town Public Works annual budget, FEMA HMGP
Time Frame: Short-Term, Q1 2017
Benefit: Increased public safety and decreased damage to structures and infrastructure
39
Town
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DRAFT
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August
2015
6.3.7 Recreational Facilities
Wooded Areas
Action 17: Develop a Wildland Urban Interface Fire Plan or Community Wildfire Protection Plan to address
the community’s ability to maintain a high level of fire protection, prepare for large-scale wildfire/brushfire
disasters, and provide training to fire personnel.
Action Type: Planning
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre Disaster
Priority Level: High
Lead: Richmond Carolina and Hope Valley Wyoming Fire Departments
Supporting: RIDEM and professional consultants
Estimate Costs: $12,000
Financing Options: Bureau of Land Management Grants, FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety Grants
Time Frame: Medium-Term, Q1 2018
Benefit: Increased public safety and decreased damage to structures and infrastructure.
Action 18: Create the necessary fire breaks and fire roads identified in the Community Wildfire Protection
Plan.
Action Type: Structural Projects
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre Disaster
Priority Level: Low
Lead: Richmond Carolina and Hope Valley Wyoming Fire Departments
Supporting: RIDEM and professional consultants
Estimate Costs: $50,000 - $100,000
Financing Options: Bureau of Land Management Grants, FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety Grants
Time Frame: Medium-Term, Q1 2018
Benefit: Increased public safety and improve emergency response
Action 19: Coordinate with the State to improve emergency access to fire gates by removing boulders and
installing breakaway chains across the firebreak roads. Estimate of 10 gates
Action Type: Structural Projects
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre Disaster
Priority Level: Low
Lead: Richmond Carolina and Hope Valley Wyoming Fire Departments
Supporting: RIDEM Forestry
Estimate Costs: $40,000
Financing Options: FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety Grants
Time Frame: Medium-Term, Q1 2018
Benefit: Increased public safety and improve emergency response
6.3.8 Historic Resources
Action 20: Re-form the Richmond Historic Preservation Commission to ensure that historic preservation
professionals are included in the Local Damage Assessment Teams.
Action Type: Planning
Pre or Post Disaster: Post Disaster
Priority Level: Low
Lead: Planning Department
Supporting: Richmond Historical Society
Estimate Costs: $0
Financing Options: Town Planning Budget
40
Town
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DRAFT
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan-
August
2015
Time Frame: Short-Term, Q4 2016
Benefit: Increase the depth of knowledge during Town response and recovery efforts
Action 21: Engage a historic preservation professional in the debris management plan.
Action Type: Planning
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre Disaster
Priority Level: Low
Lead:
Planning Department
Supporting: Planning Department
Estimate Costs: $0
Financing Options: Town Planning Budget
Time Frame: Medium-Term, Q1 2018
Benefit: Increase the depth of knowledge during Town response and recovery efforts
6.3.9 Plan Maintenance
Local Plan
Action 22: Incorporate mitigation strategies into local plan updates such as the Comprehensive Plan and
Emergency Operation Plan.
Action Type: Planning
Pre or Post Disaster: Pre Disaster
Priority Level: Medium
Lead: Planning Department
Supporting: Planning Board
Estimate Costs: Staff time
Financing Options: Town budget for Emergency Management, Public Works, Planning, Police, Fire, and Town
Administrator
Time Frame: Short-Term, Q1 2016
Benefit: Improve plan integration to enhance Town planning, response and recovery efforts
41
Town
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DRAFT
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan-
August
2015
Chapter 7: Implementation Element
7.1 Prioritization of Mitigation Actions
Having identified appropriate mitigation actions the Richmond Hazard Mitigation Committee set about prioritizing
them for implementation. After the mitigation actions were identified and drafted, the RHMC had an informed
discussion about the prioritization of each action. They ranked each as “high”, “medium”, and “low”. The following
were considered when ranking the actions:





Protecting human health and safety
Reducing damages
Economic feasibility
Political climate
Environmental impact
High Priority: Greatest beneficial impact for the greatest good
Medium Priority: May need other actions to be completed first
Low Priority: Less of an impact on safety and property
Low
Medium
High
Table 16: Activity Prioritization
Build a retention pond in Valley Lodge Neighborhood
Identify Repetitive Loss Properties in Valley Lodge Neighborhood
Valley Lodge Neighborhood voluntary acquisition
Raise Buttonwoods road bed
Straighten and widen box culvert at Buttonwoods Rd.
Raise road beds which lead to emergency shelter
Assess municipal radio antennae
Evaluate Shannock Hill tower
Secure Shannock Hill tower
Improve climate control of records room
Dry flood-proof Town Hall basement
Additional sump pumps for Town Hall basement
Community Brushfire Protection Plan
Increase retention basin at Pine Shadows/KG Ranch Road
Enlarge retention basin at Pine Shadows/Leroy Drive
ID Repetitive Loss Properties town-wide
Secure funding for voluntary acquisition
Town-wide voluntary acquisition program
Inventory debris in streams
Remove debris from streams
ID and secure stream easements
Partnership with Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association
Raise access road for Woodriver Drive pump station
Raise retaining wall around Woodriver Drive well
ID dam owners and create dam maintenance plans
Update plans for new Senior Center
Tree trimming program
Acquire a bucket truck for tree trimming
Cross reference Comprehensive Plan, Emergency Operations Plan
and Hazard Mitigation Plan activities
Town Hall generator
Fire breaks and fire roads
Improve access to State firebreak roads
Richmond Historic Preservation Commission
Include Historic Preservation Commission in debris management
plan
42
Town
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DRAFT
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August
2015
7.2 Implementing the Plan
The Town of Richmond and the Richmond Hazard Mitigation Committee realize that successful hazard
mitigation is an ongoing process that requires implementation, evaluation, and updates to this plan. The
Town also understands the importance of integrating appropriate sections of the plan into the Town’s
Comprehensive Plan, Emergency Operations Plan, and site plan review process. It is intended that this plan
and the ongoing efforts of the RHMC will preserve and enhance the quality of life, property, and resources for
the Town of Richmond.
Adoption of this mitigation strategy increases Richmond’s eligibility for federal hazard mitigation grants.
These grants originate from FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA), Pre-Disaster Mitigation
(PDM) and post-disaster Hazard Mitigation Grant (HMGP) Programs. (Refer to Appendix B for further
information.)
7.3 Monitoring
The RHMC, under the leadership of the Town’s Emergency Management Director, will meet annually, to
monitor and evaluate the actions contained in the plan. At each meeting, the committee members will
discuss the actions assigned to them to ensure continual progress with mitigation efforts. The status of each
mitigation action will be documented and minutes recorded for the record. The RHMC will also continue to
reevaluate membership on the committee to ensure effective engagement of the appropriate parties.
7.4 Evaluation
At the annual meetings, the RHMC will evaluate both the actions and the planning process. The RHMC will
base its evaluation on whether or not the actions have met the following criteria: increased public
awareness/education, reduction in hazard damage, actions being implemented in the designated time
frames, and actions staying within the cost estimate. The committee will document and report its findings to
the Planning Board and Town Council. The RHMC will involve the public in the action evaluation process by
holding an annual advertised public meeting in order to review the evaluation and solicit input.
7.5 Revisions
Recognizing that this is a living document, the RHMC will make changes to it after each annual revision or a
disaster, as conditions warrant. These revisions will also reflect changes to priorities and funding strategies
that may have been implemented.
A full revision of the plan will commence a year in advance of the current plan expiration date in order to
ensure the Town always has an approved plan. The update will be completed every five years and will
incorporate a formalized process for prioritizing actions and weighing the cost/benefit of such actions. All
updates or revisions to the plan will be submitted to the RIEMA. The Town Council will involve the public in
the plan revision process by holding an annual advertised public meeting to present recommended revisions
and solicit input. Revised plans will also be sent to the neighboring communities for comment.
All future meetings will again be open to the public and it is the hope of the RHMC Committee that once the public
education and outreach actions begin, public involvement in the Plan will increase and will be reflected in future
revisions. The RHMC will involve the public in the annual meeting by posting it on the website and in the local
newspaper to encourage involvement.
43
Town
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August
2015
Chapter 8: Public Input and Adoption Processes
8.1 Summary [to be updated]
Prior to public release of the 2015 HMP, the RHMC drafted the plan through a series of committee meetings.
While these meetings did not rise to the level of public hearings and were not advertised, they were open to
the public. Table 17 below provides a summary of the HMPC meeting dates and the activities that they
conducted:
Table 17 Summary of RHMC Activities
Date
2/20/2015
3/20/15
4/16/2015
5/15/2015
6/19/2015
7/10/2015
8/5/2015
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
Meeting Summary
Kick off meeting. RHMC discussed the plan purpose and hazards of concern
The RHMC reviewed the hazards of concern and listed critical infrastructure and community assets
Using the identified critical facilities as the backbone of their planning efforts, the committee began
reviewing mitigation actions that would help reduce risk from natural hazards.
Continued discussion about mitigation actions
Finalized mitigation actions, discussed prioritization and current capabilities
Draft plan sent to RHMC for review
Draft of 2015 HMP posted for public comment , public notice and article ran in local newspaper
2015 HMP was presented to Town Council
2015 HMP was emailed to neighboring Emergency Management Directors for review.
Town’s consultant made document changes as per public comments and final edits.
Sent to RIEMA for review.
Edits made to draft plan by Town’s consultant under the guidance of the Emergency Management
Director
Sent to FEMA for review
Edits made to draft plan by Town’s consultant under the guidance of the Emergency Management
Director
Plan approved and adopted by Planning Board/Town Council
This hazard mitigation plan benefits from two distinct types of public input strategies that were utilized by
the RHMC during the drafting process and prior to its adoption by the Town Planning Board and Council.
The 2015 RHMC included town residents. The RHMC’s roles focused on reviewing the content of the risk
assessment matrix to ensure proper classification of problems and estimates of potential impacts;
formulation of mitigation actions and sequencing of primary tasks; and identification of feasible
implementation methods and schedules. Their comments were incorporated into the final 2015 HMP.
The second public input strategy used in the formulation of this plan was geared toward the general public as
opposed to specific stakeholders. The general public was encouraged to become involved through a public
participation process. A copy of the draft 2015 HMP was posted to the Emergency Management page on the
Town of Richmond’s web site. The public was informed of both the web page posting and the Planning
Commission workshop and were encouraged to comment on the HMP and attend the workshop. A public
notice and newspaper articles in the Providence Journal and Chariho Times (newspapers of general
circulation within the Town) ran the first week of XXX. Notice of the Town Council’s Workshop was also
posted as an agenda item on the Town’s web site and the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s website, and at
the Richmond Public Libraries and Town Hall in accordance with state law. On XXX, the Town Council
conducted a public workshop on the HMP as part of their monthly meeting.
Prior to the public meeting, the draft plan was emailed to the neighboring Emergency Management Directors
in Hopkinton, Exeter, South Kingstown, and Charlestown for review.
Under the guidance of the Emergency Management Director, the Town’s consultant made the necessary
edits to the HMP as per feedback from the RHMC, Planning Board, and public comments. Review and
comments from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Rhode Island Emergency Management
Agency were incorporated prior to adoption.
44
Town
of
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DRAFT
Hazard
Mitigation
APPENDICES
45
Plan-
August
2015
Town
of
Richmond
DRAFT
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan-
August
2015
APPENDIX A
Critical Municipal Facilities Inventory
Name
Location
Shannock Hill Radio Communication Tower
140 Shannock Hill Road
EOC/Public Works Radio Communication Tower
Town Hall
Town EOC/Public Works
H.L. Arnold Fire & Safety Complex
51 Buttonwoods Road
5 Richmond Townhouse Road
51 Buttonwoods Road
208 Richmond Townhouse Road
Hope Valley- Wyoming Fire District Station 2- Alton
996 Main Street
Hope Valley- Wyoming Fire District Station 2
Wood River Junction
Richmond-Carolina Fire District Station 2
252 Kingstown Road (Route 138)
Richmond-Carolina Fire District Station 3
Hope Valley Ambulance
Bell School House Road
Kingstown Rd and Meadowbrook
Police Station on Main Street (1st floor of Community Care)
State Police Barracks
Chariho Middle School (Shelter)
Richmond Elementary School
Various Cell Towers
1168 Main Street
54 Nooseneck Hill Road
4555 Switch Road
190 Kingstown Road
NA
46
Town
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DRAFT
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan-
August
2015
APPENDIX B
School Inventory
Type
Level
Grades District
Name
Address
Private Preschool-Middle
PK-08
Meadowbrook Waldorf
School
300 Kingstown Road
Public
Elementary
PK-04
Public
Sr. High
09-12
Public
Middle
05-08
Public
Sr. High
09-12
Richmond Elementary
Chariho School
Chariho Regional High
Chariho School
Chariho Regional Middle
Chariho School
Chariho Area Career &
Chariho Technical Center
PK
New Hope Preschool
Chariho (vacant)
Private Preschool
NA
47
190 Kingstown Road
Switch Road
Switch Road
459 Switch Road
80 Richmond
Townhouse Road
Town
of
Richmond
DRAFT
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan-
August
APPENDIX C
Historic Properties Inventory
Historic Candidate Site
Historic District
New London Turnpike H.D.
Hillsdale Hist. & Archeological Dist.
Dawley Park Shelter
Wyoming Village Hist. Dist.
Brownings Mill Bridge
Usquepaug Road Hist. Dist.
Reynolds Farm
Henry Marchant Farm
J. Lewis House
John Hoxsie Hs.
Porridge Hill
Black Farm
G. Janes House
Carolina Village His. Dist.
Wood River Six Principle Baptist Church
Black Farm
House
Hist. Village Of The Narragansetts
Hope Valley H.D.
Shannock Hist. Dist.
Peter Pots Kilns
Hope Valley Bridge
Usquepaug Vill. H.D./Kenyon Cornmeal Co.
Lillibridge Farm
Bell School
Town Hall, Richmond/Town Pound
Beaver River Valley Agricultural Dist.
G.S. Kenyon House
Great Swamp Fight Site
Isaac Collins House/Plain Pond Farm
Samuel P. Clark House
House
Kenyon Arch Bridge
House
48
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Town
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DRAFT
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Plan-
August
2015
APPENDIX D
Care Facilities Inventory
Facility Address
40 Crestwood Drive
Type of Facility
State of RI – Group Home
464/465 Gardiner Road –
Hillsdale Park
218 James Trail
Concentrated Elderly population
398 Hillsdale Road
Bridges, Inc. is a private, non-profit
organization founded in 1986 and became a
certified provider of residential services to
people who have developmental disabilities.
Bridges, Inc. Group home
Developmental disabilities
State of RI – Group Home
Elderly residents
State of RI – Group Home
Cognitive delays
Perspectives Corporation Elderly & Cognitive
81 New London Turnpike
Perspectives Corporation Cognitive delays
8 Kenyon School Road
State of RI – Group Home
Cognitive delays – Adult
State of RI – Group Home
Elderly residents
Privately run – Group Home
Cognitive delays - Adult
State of RI – Former Drug Treatment for
Juvenile CLOSED
3 White Oak Drive
61 KG Ranch Road
122 Kenyon Hill Road
9 Wood Road
25 Riverview Drive
15 Baker Pines Road
Corkery House for Boys
49
APPENDIX E
Dam Inventory
NEAR_TOWN
MASONRY,GRAVITY,EARTH
TYPE
OTHER,RECREATION
PURPOSE
COMPLETED DAM_LEN DAM_HGT MAX_DISCHG MAX_STOR HAZARD
444 High
HOPKINTON
2290
TOWN
11
Hopkinton/Richmond WOOD RIVER
310
COUNTY
1885
WASHINGTON
RIVER
NAME
AKA
ID
3 Low
12 Significant
260 High
4 Low
216
48
100
2250
0
OTHER
RECREATION
OTHER
OTHER
5
5
11
5
EARTH,MASONRY
EARTH
EARTH,MASONRY
EARTH
220
300
250
0
HOPKINTON
EXETER
HOPKINTON
RICHMOND
0
0
1885
0
WOOD RIVER
ROARING BROOK
ROARING BROOK
BEAVER RIVER
Hopkinton
Exeter
7 Low
Richmond
5 Low
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON ACADIA POND
WASHINGTON
92
WYOMING POND UPPER DAM
WYOMING POND LOWER DAM (CURR. BREACHED)
BARBERVILLE MILL POND DAM
BROWNING MILL POND DAM
DECAPPETT POND DAM
773
217
220
221
230
9
EARTH,CONCRETE,MASONRY FIRE/STOCK
9
RICHMOND
170
SOUTH KINGSTOWN EARTH,ROCKFILL
140
BEAVER RIVER
0
GLEN ROCK BROOK
0
WASHINGTON
OTHER
TUG HOLLOW POND DAM
5 Low
GLEN ROCK LOWER POND DAM WASHINGTON
90
232
8
233
100
47 Low
150 Low
424 Signif
36 Low
207 Significant
108 Low
5 Low
18 Low
12 High
625 High
60 Significant
19 Low
3 Low
3 Low
13 Low
6 Low
39 Low
4 Low
15 Low
125 Significant
0
SOUTH KINGSTOWN EARTH,MASONRY
2190
1104
5630
300
1067
1640
0
0
0
1497
480
60
35
50
105
164
231
252
OTHER
GLEN ROCK BROOK
15
10
19
8
18
10
4
6
8
15
10
7
9
5
8
8
19
10
100
371
140
178
550
395
121
380
100
100
100
285
520
90
130
240
200
150
260
200
8
7
1750
1933
1920
0
1885
1840
0
0
0
1885
1860
0
0
1952
1954
1954
1957
1960
100
300
OTHER
RECREATION
OTHER,RECREATION
IND WTR
OTHER
OTHER
OTHER
WILDLIFE
WILDLIFE
RECREATION,HYDROELEC
RECREATION
WILDLIFE
OTHER
FIRE/STOCK
OTHER
FIRE/STOCK
WILDLIFE
0
1860
GLEN ROCK MIDDLE POND DAM WASHINGTON
234
EARTH,MASONRY,CONCRETE
ROCKFILL,EARTH
ROCKFILL,EARTH
EARTH,MASONRY
ROCKFILL,MASONRY,EARTH
EARTH,MASONRY
EARTH
EARTH
EARTH
OTHER,EARTH
EARTH,ROCKFILL,CONCRETE
EARTH,MASONRY
EARTH,MASONRY
EARTH
EARTH,CONCRETE
EARTH,CONCRETE
EARTH
OTHER
OTHER,RECREATION
HOPKINTON
HOPKINTON
RICHMOND
RICHMOND
RICHMOND
CHARLESTOWN
RICHMOND
RICHMOND
RICHMOND
HOPKINTON
RICHMOND
RICHMOND
HOPKINTON
SOUTH KINGSTOWN
RICHMOND
RICHMOND
RICHMOND
CHARLESTOWN
SOUTH KINGSTOWN EARTH
SOUTH KINGSTOWN ROCKFILL,EARTH
Richmond
Hopkinton
South Kingstown
RAWLINGS FARM POND Richmond
CAROLINA RESERVATION
MEADOWBROOK PD
SHANNOCK
WOOD RIVER POND
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON USQUEPAUG
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON
WOOD RIVER
WOOD RIVER
WOOD RIVER
PAWCATUCK RIVER
PAWCATUCK RIVER
PAWCATUCK RIVER
WHITE BROOK
WHITE BROOK - TR
WHITE BROOK
BRUSHY BROOK
MEADOW BROOK
WHITE BROOK
BRUSHY BROOK - TR
USQUEPAUG RIVER
DIAMOND BROOK
WHITE BROOK
DIAMOND BROOK
CEDAR SWAMP BROOK
GLEN ROCK BROOK
USQUEPAUG RIVER
GLEN ROCK UPPER POND DAM
GLEN ROCK RESERVOIR DAM
HOPE VALLEY MILL POND DAM
WOODVILLE POND DAM
ALTON POND DAM
KENYON MILL POND DAM
HORSESHOE FALLS DAM
CAROLINA POND DAM
LILLIBRIDGE POND DAM
WELLS POND DAM
WHITE'S POND DAM
LOCUSTVILLE POND DAM
WOOD RIVER JUNCTION DAM
TANNER POND DAM
LANGWORTHY POND DAM
CONGDON FARM POND DAM
HABEREK FARM POND DAM
DUCK POND DAM - RICHMOND
CAROLINA TROUT POND DAM
GOBEILLE POND DAM
235
236
245
246
247
248
249
252
259
260
261
262
273
280
285
447
458
466
476
487
50
2015
August
PlanMitigation
Hazard
DRAFT
Richmond
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Town
Town
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DRAFT
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan-
August
2015
APPENDIX F
Technical and Financial Assistance for Mitigation
State Resources
Coastal Resources Center
University of Rhode Island
Narragansett Bay Campus
Narragansett, RI 02882
(401) 874-6224
Rhode Island Department of Business Regulations
233 Richmond Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2246
Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency
645 New London Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 946-9996
Coastal Resources Management Council
Stedman Government Center
4808 Tower Hill Road
Wakefield, RI 02879
(401) 222-2476
Public Utilities Commission
100 Orange Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-3500 Ext. 153
Department of Administration/Division of Planning
One Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-6478
State Fire Marshal’s Office
272 West Exchange Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2335
Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-6800
State of Rhode Island Building Committee Office
Building Commissioner’s Office
One Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-3529
Rhode Island Banking Commission/Associate
Director
233 Richmond Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2405
Rhode Island Builders Association
Terry Lane
Gloucester, RI 02814
(401) 568-8006
51
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Hazard
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August
2015
APPENDIX F (CONTINUED)
Technical and Financial Assistance for Mitigation
Federal Resources
Economic Development Administration
Philadelphia Regional Office
The Curtis Center
601 Walnut Street, Suite 140 South
Philadelphia, PA 19106-3323
(215) 597-8822
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development
Community Development Block Grants
Region I – O’Neill Federal Building
10 Causeway Street
Boston, MA 02222
(617) 565-5354
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Mitigation Division
Mitigation Division
Region I Office
99 High Street
Boston, MA
(617) 223-9561
U.S. Department of the Interior
National Park Service
Rivers and Trails Conservation Program
Regional Office
15 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 223-5203
Small Business Administration
10 Causeway Street
Room 265
Boston, MA 02222
(617) 565-5590
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region I Offices
5 Post Office Square - Suite 100
Boston, MA 02109-3912
(617) 565 3400
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
451 West Street
Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 253-4362
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Northeast Regional Office
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
300 Westgate Center Drive
Hadley, MA 01035-9587
(413) 253-8200
U.S. Department of Commerce
National Weather Service Forecast Office
445 Myles Standish Boulevard
Taunton, MA 02780 (508) 823-2262
52
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2015
APPENDIX F (CONTINUED)
Technical and Financial Assistance for Mitigation
Other Resources
The Association of State Flood Plain Managers (ASFPM)
Professional association with a membership of almost 1,000 state employees that assists communities with the
NFIP. ASFPM has developed a series of technical and topical research papers and a series of proceedings from their
annual conferences. Many mitigation “success stories” have been documented through these resources and
provide a good starting point for planning.
Flood Plain Management Resources Center
Free library and referral service of the ASFPM for flood plain management publications. Co-located with the Natural
Hazards Center at the University of Colorado in Boulder, staff can use keywords to identify useful publications from
the more than 900 flood-related documents in the library.
Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) (formerly Insurance Institute for Property Loss Reduction)
An insurance industry – sponsored, nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing losses – deaths, injuries, and
property damage – resulting from natural hazards. IBHS efforts are directed at five specific hazards: flood,
windstorm, hail, earthquake, and wildfire. Through its public education efforts and information center, IBHS
communicates the results of its research and statistical gathering, as well as mitigation information, to a broad
audience.
Volunteer Organizations
Organizations, such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Interfaith, and the
Mennonite Disaster Service, are often available to help after disasters. Service organizations, such as the Lions, Elks,
and VFW are also available. These organizations have helped others with food, shelter, clothing, money, etc.
Habitat for Humanity and the Mennonite Disaster Service provide skilled labor to help rebuild damaged buildings
incorporating mitigation or floodproofing concepts. The offices of individual organizations can be contacted directly,
or the FEMA Regional Office may be able to assist.
Flood Relief Funds
After a disaster, local businesses, residents, and out-of-town groups often donate money to local relief funds. They
may be managed by the local government, one or more local churches, or an ad hoc committee. No government
disaster declaration is needed. Local officials should recommend that the funds be held until an applicant exhausts
all sources of public disaster assistance. Doing so allows the funds to be used for mitigation and other projects that
cannot be funded elsewhere.
New England States Emergency Consortium (NESEC)
NESEC conducts public awareness and education programs on natural disaster and emergency management
activities throughout New England. Brochures and videotapes are available on such topics as earthquake
preparedness, mitigation, and hurricane safety tips. NESEC maintains a WWW home page that is accessible at
http://www.serve.com/NESEC.
The New England Flood Plain and Stormwater Managers Association (NEFSMA)
Professional organization for New England flood plain and stormwater managers. Provides workshops, conferences,
and a newsletter to membership and interested individuals and companies. Contact: Nicholas Winter, chairman, at
(617) 727-0488 or the NEFSMA home page on the Web at http://www.seacoast.com/~nefsma.
53
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2015
APPENDIX G
Existing Protection Systems
Federal and State
Community Rating System (CRS)
A voluntary initiative of the NFIP, the CRS was developed to encourage communities to perform activities that
exceed the minimum NFIP flood plain management standards. If a community participating in the CRS performs
activities that include maintaining records for flood plain development, publicizing the flood hazard, improving flood
data, and conducting flood plain management planning, then the flood insurance premiums paid by policy holders in
the community will be reduced by 5 to 45 percent. Developing a flood mitigation plan will help communities gain
additional credit under the CRS.
Earthquakes and Hurricanes
A certain amount of funding is allotted to each state per year based on a risk formula for earthquakes. Coastal states
are allocated funds based on a risk formula for hurricanes. Each state receiving such funds has the ability to grant
project funds to a community. There is not a match requirement on the part of the community, but the funds are
limited, and are generally only available once a year. The projects or products proposed for such funding must
demonstrate that earthquake or hurricane risk will be reduced or eliminated, and that the proposed project or
product is a cost-effective measure (a stringent cost/benefit analysis need not be performed). Information about
the amount of funding available per year and the state requirements for eligibility and performance may be
obtained from RIEMA at (401) 946-9996.
Economic/Community Development
There may be programs existing to help flood-proof homes using Community Development Block Grant funds.
There may be housing assistance programs in the community that can be used following a major flood, achieving
both objectives of reducing flood damage and improving the communities housing stock (see Appendix F, Federal
Resources, for more information).
Evacuation Plans and Systems
Your community’s emergency operations center should have evacuation plans in place. For communities near a
nuclear power plant, evacuation plans are required, and may be also used for flood evacuation. RIEMA may have
additional evacuation plan information.
Land Use Restrictions
There are several federal and state regulations that serve to restrict land use in certain areas that may help reduce
flood hazard vulnerability. If your community has open land owned by the state or federal government, examine
what restrictions are placed on its development. In addition, the state Wetlands Protection Act regulates the
development of all lands identified as significant to the protection of resources identified in the act.
54
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2015
APPENDIX G (CONTINUED)
Existing Protection Systems
Federal and State
Septic Systems
If there are areas in the community not served by a public sewer system, state septic system regulations influence
development and may be a consideration for mitigation alternatives that include rebuilding and elevation of
structures. Specific design requirements must be met for any construction in coastal velocity zones or river
floodways. Generally, an inspection of a septic system is required if there is a change in use of the structure, an
increase in flow, or a failed system. Limited inspections are required if the footprint of the structure is being
changed. Upgrades are required by the state if an inspection reveals a failed system. However, local regulations
may be more restrictive than state requirements, requiring inspections or upgrades in other cases.
Warning Systems and Emergency Operations Plans
RIEMA has offices throughout the state that maintain area-wide plans for flood events.
55
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Plan-
August
2015
APPENDIX H
Financing Options
Federal Emergency Management Agency
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
All of Rhode Island’s 39 municipalities participate in the NFIP. This program is a direct agreement between the
federal government and the local community that flood insurance will be made available to residents in exchange
for community compliance with minimum flood plain management regulations. Communities participating in the
NFIP must:



Adopt the flood insurance rate maps as an overlay regulatory district.
Require that all new construction or substantial improvement to existing structures in the flood hazard
area be elevated or (if nonresidential) floodproofed to the identified flood level on the maps.
Require design techniques to minimize flood damage for structures being built in high hazard areas, such as
floodways or velocity zones.
In return for community adoption of these standards, any structure in that community is eligible for protection by
flood insurance, which covers property owners from losses due to inundation from surface water of any source.
Coverage for land subsidence, sewer backup, and water seepage is also available subject to the conditions outlined
in the NFIP standard policy (see Appendix F, Federal Resources, for contacts regarding insurance coverage and
purchase). Since homeowners insurance does not cover flooding, a community’s participation in the NFIP is vital to
protecting property in the flood plain as well as being essential to ensure that federally backed mortgages and loans
can be used to finance floodprone property.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
Also known as the 404 Program or HMGP, this program is available only after a federally declared disaster occurs. It
represents an additional 15 percent of all the infrastructure and individual assistance funds that are provided to
states to repair damages and recover from losses, and is administered by the state in partnership with FEMA.
Having a plan or completed mitigation action matrix prior to a disaster event is extremely helpful in meeting the
state’s deadlines for applications and ensuring the project is eligible and technically feasible. It provides 75/25
matching grants on a competitive basis to state, local, and tribal governments, as well as to certain nonprofit
organizations that can be matched by either cash or in-kind services. The grants are specifically directed toward
reducing future hazard losses, and can be used for projects protecting property and resources against the damaging
effects of floods, earthquakes, wind, and other hazards. Specific activities encouraged under the HMGP include
acquiring damaged structures to turn the land over to the community for open space or recreational use, relocating
damaged or damage-prone structures out of the hazard area, and retrofitting properties to resist the damaging
effects of disasters. Retrofitting can include wet- or dry-floodproofing, elevation of the structure above flood level,
elevation of utilities, or proper anchoring of the structure.
For further information contact the state of Rhode Island hazard mitigation officer at (401) 946-9996 or FEMA
Region I at (617) 223-9540.
Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMA)
Two programs that have been authorized under the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 include the Flood
Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program and a provision for increased cost of compliance (ICC) coverage. FMA makes
grants available on a pre-disaster basis for flood mitigation planning and activities, including acquisition, relocation,
and retrofitting of structures. FMA grants for mitigation projects will be available only to those communities with
approved hazard mitigation plans.
56
Town
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Financing Options
ICC coverage has recently been implemented for all new NFIP policies and renewals and is intended to be
“mitigation insurance” to allow homeowners whose structures have been repeatedly or substantially damaged to
cover the cost of elevation and design requirements for rebuilding with their flood insurance claim up to a maximum
of $15,000.00. A certain amount of funding is allotted to each state per year based on a risk formula for floods. Each
state has the discretion to award funds to communities or to state government agencies. States may use whatever
criteria or method they choose to award the funds as long as the applicant and the proposal are eligible. The
program may fund up to 75 percent of the cost of the proposed project, with a minimum of 25 percent of the cost
coming from the community. A minimum of half the community share must be cash or “hard match.”
Funds can also be granted to communities to help them prepare local flood mitigation plans. The same match
requirements apply. Once a community receives a planning grant, however, it is not eligible to receive additional
planning grants for another five years. For further information on the FMA program or ICC coverage contact RIEMA
at (401) 946-9996.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Small Watershed Program and Flood Prevention Program
The Watershed and Flood Prevention Act, P.L. 83-566, August 4, 1954, (16 USC 1001 – 1008) authorized this
program. Prior to fiscal year 1996, small watershed planning activities and the cooperative river basin surveys and
investigations authorized by Section 6 of the Act were operated as separate programs. The 1996 appropriations act
combined the activities into a single program entitled Watershed Surveys and Planning Program.
The purpose of the Watershed Program, including River Basin operations, is to assist Federal, State, local agencies,
local government sponsors, tribal governments, and program participants to protect and restore watersheds from
damage caused by erosion, floodwater, and sediment, to conserve and develop water and land resources, and solve
natural resource and related economic problems on a watershed basis. The program provides technical and
financial assistance to local people or project sponsors, builds partnerships, and requires local and state funding
contribution.
Resource concerns addressed by the program include watershed protection, flood prevention, erosion and sediment
control, water supply, water quality, opportunities for water conservation, wetland and water storage capacity,
agricultural drought problems, rural development, municipal and industrial water needs, upstream flood damages,
water needs for fish, wildlife, and forest-based industries, fish and wildlife habitat enhancement, wetland creation
and restoration, and public recreation in watersheds of 250,000 or fewer acres. Both technical and financial
assistance are available.
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program
The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) is a voluntary program for people who want to develop and improve
habitat primarily on private land. Through WHIP USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides
both technical assistance and up to 75 percent cost-share assistance to establish and improve fish and wildlife
habitat. WHIP agreements between NRCS and the participant generally last from 5 to 10 years from the date the
agreement is signed.
National Weather Service (NWS)
The Taunton, Massachusetts NWS office has developed a partnership with RIEMA. NWS donates staff time and tide
gauges to help gain more lead time for evacuation.
For further information contact NWS at (508) 823-2262. http://www.nws.noaa.gov/.
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American Red Cross (ARC)
The ARC chapter of Rhode Island has supplied public education materials and volunteered to conduct training
programs and hold seminars for the Rhode Island Hazard Mitigation Project.
For further information contact the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Red Cross at (401) 831-7700.
http://www.redcross.org.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Beneficial Uses of Dredged Material – Section 204, Water Resources Development Act of 1992, as amended,
authorizes projects for the protection, restoration, and creation of aquatic and ecologically related habitats,
including wetlands, in connection with dredging an authorized federal navigation project. Non-federal sponsors are
responsible for 25 percent of the project cost and 100percent of the cost of operation, maintenance, replacement
and rehabilitation. There is an annual appropriations limit of $15 million. For projects with an estimated federal cost
of less than $5 million, divisions have approval authority.
1948 Flood Control Act, as amended - Section 205 (Small Flood Damage Reduction Projects) aids in the development
and construction of small flood damage reduction projects for eligible non-federal sponsors. The 1960 Flood Control
Act, as amended, provides 100 percent funding for technical and planning guidance to state and local governments
and federally recognized Native American tribes to help develop and interpret flood and flood plain data, such as
flood hazard mapping, and for assessment for structural and non-structural flood damage reduction measures.
Under Flood Control Act of 1946 – Section 14, as amended, projects are eligible for construction only after an
analysis demonstrates the engineering and environmental feasibility and economic justification of the improvement.
The local sponsor must be a municipality or public agency. Funding may also be available for flood damage
reduction measures if the community writes a request letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The non-federal
cost share is 35 percent of the analysis and implementation, and the initial $40,000 of the analysis is 100 percent
federally funded.
The 1974 Water Resources Development Act, as amended – Section 22 (Planning Assistance to States Program)
provides technical assistance for such flood projects as erosion and control. This program uses cost-shared studies
with a non-federal sponsor. The non-federal share of the cost is 50 percent and in-kind services are not authorized.
The federal limit for each state is $500,000 annually.
For more information, contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at (978) 318-8087 or (978) 318-8647.
http://www.usace.army.mil.
State of Rhode Island
The capital budget is approved on a 5-year basis and is proposed by the governor. If there is any surplus available in
the emergency fund, this could be a possible source of financing for mitigation projects.
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM)
In the 1980’s, four major open space bond issues were approved that resulted in an investment of more than $100
million for recreational and open space land acquisition. Each application is reviewed by a committee to assure
consistency with local plans and habitat values. The state participates in funding either through a matching grant or
of a revolving loan. Funds may be available through the DEM Parks and Recreation Division for tree trimming, dune
restoration and bulkhead repair.
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In addition, the state has several funding programs for the acquisition of land or purchase of development rights to
protect open spaces. For instance, two Rhode Island municipalities use a real estate transfer tax for land
preservation. Rhode Island has incorporated land trusts that work to preserve land and natural resources. Land
owners can participate in the Farm, Forest and Open Space Program. Under this program, land may qualify for a
reduced property tax assessment if it meets specific criteria as farmland, forest land or open space.
For current funding availability contact the Open Space and Recreational Bond Fund Land Acquisition Program or
DEM at (401) 222-2776.
Rhode Island Department of Transportation (DOT)
The State Planning Council designates which Transportation Improvements Plan enhancement projects the state will
pursue. Applications for the Federal Wooden Bridge Replacement Program can be made through DOT. In addition,
DOT has a debris management program that goes into effect during a storm event. The new federal transportation
bill, TEA-21, is a successor to the 1991 Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). There are a few
categories within this bill that may have available funding for natural hazard mitigation projects. These include
transportation enhancement (categories include storm water remediation, storm water runoff protection, and
environmental mitigation) and bridge replacement. The municipality must apply for project funds through DOT. The
annual funding averages for Rhode Island are $156,781.00. There is an average of $26,749 available under the
Bridge Rehabilitation and Replacement category.
For further information contact DOT at (401) 277-2481.
North East States Emergency Consortium (NESEC)
Since 1998, RIEMA has been given funds for preventative measures and maintenance. Providence and Woonsocket
both received $5,000 grants from NESEC for mitigation activities that were addressed in their local hazard mitigation
strategies.
For further information contact at (781) 224-9874.
Municipal
Several utility companies have prevention and clean-up programs that require cooperation from municipalities. For
instance, companies are usually willing to co-sponsor planting low-growing trees as part of a tree replacement
program. Utility companies will provide the bucket truck area lift if the town/city helps dispose of tree trunks.
The Clean Water Finance Agency has financing programs for local government units and water suppliers. The clean
water state revolving fund uses monies from the Federal Clean Water Act to support sewer work such as sewer
extensions and septic system repair, and to give homeowners of all incomes low-interest loans for septic system
repairs. The community wide onsite wastewater management plan is a Clean Water Finance Agency program for
failing or sub-standard septic systems, and it identifies areas in municipalities where system failures could cause
degradation to water quality. Municipal loans for large infrastructure projects are also available through this
program at discounted interest rates.
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INSERT ORDINANCE
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APPENDIX J.
Public Notice and Article
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