CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD HAZARD ANALYSIS AND MITIGATION PLAN

Transcription

1 CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD HAZARD ANALYSIS AND MITIGATION PLAN PREPARED BY CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD HAZARD MITIGATION PLANNING COMMITTEE HALFF ASSOCIATES, INC. FEBRUARY 2003

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS HAZARD ANALYSIS AND MITIGATION PLAN Table of Contents... 2 Executive Summary... 4 Introduction and Summary of the Hazard Analysis... 9 Purpose Community Specific Information History of Flooding within the City of Friendswood History of Other Disasters within the City of Friendswood How this Plan Was Prepared Organize to prepare the plan Mitigation Planning Schedule Public Meeting Mitigation Plan Questionnaire Comments and recommendations from outside organizations Mitigation Plan Working Commimttee Coordinate with Other Agencies Meeting with Other Agencies to review common problems Establishing Goals Distribution of Draft Action Plan Assess the Hazard (Hazard Analysis) Map of Known Flood Prone Areas Known Hazards Flood Events Erosion Hazards Subsidence Elevation Reference Marks Assess the Problem Discussion of the number and type of building subject to hazards Structures that have received flood insurance claims Plan and Procedures for Warning and Evacuation Critical Facilities Wetlands, Riparian Areas, and Sensitive Areas Captial Improvement Projects Impact of Disasters Goals

3 5. Review of Possible Activities Preventive Activities Property Protection Natural Resource Protection Emergency Services Structural Projects Public Information Draft Action Plan Adopt the Plan Impementation, Evaluation, and Revision of the Plan Procedure for implementing, evaluating, and revising the plan Implementation, evaluation and revision of the plan Attachment A - List of Acronyms Attachment B - Public Notification of Planning Meeting Attachment C - Questionnaire Results Attachment D - Map Needs Assessment Update Attachment E - Severe Weather Events Attachment F - Hazard Analysis and Profile Worksheets and Hazard Assessment Costs Attachment G - Critical Facilities Map Attachment H City of Friendswood Flood Insurance Rate Map 3

4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In late 2001, the City of Friendswood committed to developing a hazard analysis and mitigation plan for the community. The City selected Halff Associates, Inc. as a planning consultant to assist in the preparation of the City of Friendswood Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan. The City of Friendswood is vulnerable to several natural and technological hazards. In order to address the hazards faced, the City previously prepared an Emergency Management Plan. The Emergency Management Plan is composed of a basic plan and twenty-two (22) functional annexes to support the basic Plan. The City of Friendswood s Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan will reference Annex P, Hazard Mitigation, of the City of Friendswood Emergency Management Plan. Additionally, the floodplain mitigation portion of the plan will be utilized by the Community Development Department to satisfy FEMA s Community Rating System (CRS) planning requirements. Mitigation is characterized as a long-term, on-going process. This plan seeks to address all hazards within the City of Friendswood, in both Harris and Galveston Counties. It provides general guidance related to hazards within the community and an overview of mitigation efforts undertaken by the City. In addition, the plan identifies potential problematic conditions and outlines corrective actions that the City will undertake to remedy the identified problems. Planning and implementation actions will be identified that are applicable to both pre-incident and post-incident situations. A Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan is more than just another planning document. It is a dynamic record of the community s recognition of its vulnerability to hazards, determination of the risks associated with hazard effects, and commitment to reducing the long-term consequence of hazards. The mitigation plan outlines mitigation goals within a community, identifies risk reduction strategies for hazards that threaten the area, and discusses the ongoing risk reduction activities undertaken within the jurisdiction. The City of Friendswood Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan is designed to meet the planning requirements associated with participation in FEMA s CRS Program, State of Texas Division of Emergency Management (DEM) Mitigation Action Plan criteria, and Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) Flood Mitigation Assistance Program requirements. The Mitigation Planning Committee was formally recognized by City Council on September 17, On February 19, 2002, the State of Texas Division of Emergency Management approved the City of Friendswood Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Planning Project to be funded with Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds available as a result of the Tropical Storm Allison Disaster. The Mitigation Planning Committee first met on April 8, Committee members represented a cross-section of the City staff and input was received from both city employees and representatives of the public. The committee was composed as follows: Dan Johnson, CFM Mike Hodge, PE, CFM Planner-in-Charge; Deputy Director of Community Development Director of Community Development and Public Works 4

5 Terry Byrd Brian Mansfield Kaz Hamidian Jon Branson Ron Cox Clayton Stephens Ric Miller Consultants John Ivey, PE, CFM Diane Calhoun, CFM Carrie Furlong, CFM Fire Marshal/Emergency Management Coordinator Assistant Fire Marshal/Assistant Emergency Management Coord. Deputy Director of Public Works Director of Community Services, Parks & Recreation City Manager/Public Information Pipeline Safety Committee President, Enchanted Woods Homeowners Association Halff Associates, Inc. Halff Associates, Inc. Halff Associates, Inc. The Mitigation Planning Committee met monthly from April to October to prepare the mitigation plan. Each committee member provided input and guidance in plan development. During the month of August, a mitigation planning questionnaire was distributed to all residents in the City of Friendswood via the Focus on Friendswood Newsletter. The questionnaire was also posted on the City of Friendswood website and placed in several city-owned buildings for public access. The questionnaire was distributed in an effort to increase public involvement regarding mitigation planning and floodplain management. On December 11, 2002 a notice was placed in the Friendswood Journal announcing a public meeting to discuss the Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan. The public meeting was held on December 16, 2002, at 7:00 PM in the City of Friendswood City Council Chambers. During the planning process, copies of the draft plan were submitted to outside organizations and Other Agencies for comment. The organizations contacted included: Galveston County Emergency Management Office, Harris County Emergency Management Office, Galveston County Consolidated Flood Control District, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Houston-Galveston Area Council and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Comments were received from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Galveston County Engineering Department. Throughout the plan development, the committee identified numerous hazards within the City of Friendswood. Each hazard was briefly discussed in the planning document. Of each of the hazards identified, the most common hazard events to affect the area were determined to be flooding events. To clarify the extent of flooding events within the community, the plan identifies the number and types of buildings in the floodplain, the number of flood insurance policies held within the community, and the number of flood losses within the City. The procedures for warning and evacuation during emergency events are also included in the plan. Critical facilities located within the community and their proximity to the floodplain is discussed. Finally, specific mitigation projects already completed within the community are recognized. After assessing the hazards and reviewing the alternatives, the Mitigation Planning Committee established several goals for the City of Friendswood. Current mitigation activities and other activities completed on an annual basis were identified. Documentation of each of the activities is included in the plan to receive CRS planning credits. Following identification of goals and 5

6 activities, the committee determined seven (7) actions to be undertaken or continued as part of the flood mitigation planning effort. The action items, responsible department, and associated costs are identified as follows: ACTION ITEM #1 Hazard Warning System The City of Friendswood presently (2002) operates six outdoor warning sirens providing coverage to approximately eighty percent (80%) of the population. Full coverage within the community would require the purchase of an additional ten sirens, to be located within the City. The committee recommends expansion of the current outdoor warning system. Responsibility: City of Friendswood Fire Marshal/Emergency Management Coordinator Budget: Total cost $160,000, approximately $16,000 per siren to be funded from the CIP funds allocated for the five-year period of Goal/Timeline: Purchase and install a minimum of one siren per year for the five-year period of ACTION ITEM #2 Critical Facilities To ensure continuous operations, specific city-owned critical facilities are equipped with auxiliary power sources. To enhance the level of preparedness, the committee recommends auxiliary power sources for all city-owned critical facilities (listed in Section 3.4). Equipping the city-owned critical facilities with auxiliary power will also allow for greater continuity of governmental operations during times of disaster or crisis. Equipping the activity building with power and increasing to full back-up power coverage at City Hall are top priority for critical facilities in FY The Fire Marshal will update the critical facility list annually to prioritize facilities that should be equipped with auxiliary power. Responsibility: Emergency Management Office Budget: Total cost to equip both buildings $55,000 to be funded from the CIP funds allocated for the five-year period of Goal/Timeline: Equip one city-owned critical facility with auxiliary power per year ACTION ITEM #3 Emergency Management Education The City of Friendswood Fire Marshal/Emergency Management Office will proactively educate citizens of all age groups. During 2003, city staff will make presentations as requested by school 6

7 district officials, homeowners associations, and various civic groups. In addition, efforts will be made to target other community groups that have not previously received public education presentations. The Emergency Management Coordinator will also submit articles for publication in the community newspaper and newsletter to educate citizens on the importance of hurricane preparedness and family disaster planning. Emergency Management brochures will be distributed at various community centers. The website for the Fire Marshal/Emergency Management Office will be updated with the most current available information. Periodically, new information will be added to the website as it becomes available. Responsibility: City of Friendswood City Manager s Office and City Fire Marshall Budget: Staff time (operating funds). News articles and website activities will be at no cost to the City. Goal/Timeline: Make presentations, publish news articles and post website information throughout 2003 and ACTION ITEM #4 Public Water System The City of Friendswood is located in an area with identified subsidence hazards. The water system within the City of Friendswood is currently in the process of an upgrade to improve fire protection capabilities and reduce the dependence on ground water sources. The City has addressed the ground water issue and has arranged for up to 6 million gallons per day of surface water to be utilized. Through a reduction in the dependence on ground water sources, the threat of subsidence within the area may be lessened. Responsibility: City of Friendswood Public Works Director Budget and Timeline: The total Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funding allocated for utilities during the five-year period is $24,325,912. ACTION ITEM #5 Major Thoroughfare Planning Implement the recommendations contained in the Major Thoroughfare Plan to improve evacuation options available within the community. The City of Friendswood currently relies on FM 518, FM 528 and FM 2351 to provide access to Interstate 45 in the event of an evacuation. The Major Thoroughfare Plan includes improvements to Brittany Bay Boulevard that would provide an additional evacuation route for the City of Friendswood. The proposed route parallels FM 518 connecting with Beltway 8 to the west and SH 146 to the east. Construction of major 7

8 thoroughfares includes update and upgrade of water transmission mains, fire protection, drainage, and sanitary sewer. Responsibility: City of Friendswood Community Development Department Budget and Timeline: The total Capital Improvement Project funding was approved and allocated for streets and thoroughfares during the five-year period is $4,312,477. ACTION ITEM #6 Elevation, Relocation and Acquisition Projects Conduct an annual evaluation of FEMA s Repetitive Loss List to prioritize and identify potential acquisition, relocation and elevation projects. The City Community Development Department staff will update the acquisition/relocation and elevation project list. The cost estimates for each project will be updated on an annual basis. Responsibility: City of Friendswood Community Development Department Budget: Staff time (operating funds). Elevation, Relocation and Acquisition Projects, when identified, will be funded by Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and/or Flood Mitigation Assistance funds. Any required local match (25%) will be provided by others such as the Harris County Commissioners Court action following Tropical Storm Allison in Goal/Timeline: The City of Friendswood is classified as a Category C community by FEMA because there are more than 10 repetitive loss properties located within the City. The City of Friendswood is also a Class 5 CRS Community and required to conduct an annual evaluation of all repetitive loss properties. Therefore all repetitive loss properties will be evaluated annually for possible elevation, relocation and acquisition projects. ACTION ITEM #7 Master Drainage Plan The City of Friendswood contracted with engineering consultants in 1993 to develop a Master Drainage Plan for the community. As part of the Master Drainage Plan, several sites within the city were identified as potential problem areas. The consultants analyzed the problem areas and developed potential solutions for the sites. The Community Development Department utilizes the Master Drainage Plan as a planning tool for future project development and budgeting. Approximately twenty (20) projects were identified for future planning priorities. Several of the projects have yet to be completed. Completion of the identified projects would alleviate drainage concerns at problem sites. Responsibility: City of Friendswood Community Development Department Budget and Timeline: The total Capital Improvement Project funding allocated for drainage during the five-year period is $3,921,042. 8

9 Introduction and Summary of the Hazard Analysis The City of Friendswood is located in both Harris and Galveston Counties near Galveston Bay. Friendswood is bordered by the City of Houston to the north; the City of Pearland, unincorporated Brazoria County, and the City of Alvin to the west; the City of League City to the south; and Harris County unincorporated areas and the City of Webster to the east. Based on the Texas State Directory, 2002 Edition, Friendswood has a current population of 29,037. The Houston Metropolitan Area has an estimated population of 3,400,578 in Harris County alone. The growth rate in the Friendswood/Houston Metropolitan Area is one of the fastest in the nation. Such rapid growth places enormous pressure on local communities. The City of Friendswood is vulnerable to several natural and technological hazards. In order to address the hazards faced, the City has prepared an All Hazards Emergency Management Plan. The Emergency Management Plan is composed of a basic plan and twenty-two (22) functional annexes to support the basic Plan. The assignments of responsibility for content and update to the functional annexes are as follows: Annex A: Warning Annex B: Communications Annex C: Shelter & Mass Care Annex D: Radiological Protection Annex E: Evacuation Annex F: Fire Fighting Annex G: Law Enforcement Annex H: Health and Medical Services Annex I: Emergency Public Information Annex J: Recovery Annex K: Public Works & Engineering Annex L: Energy & Utilities Annex M: Resource Management Annex N: Direction & Control Annex O: Human Services Annex P: Hazard Mitigation Annex Q: Hazardous Materials/Oil Spill Response Annex R: Search & Rescue Annex S: Transportation Annex T: Donations Management Annex U: Legal Annex V: Terrorist Incident Response Police Chief Police Chief Community Services Director Emergency Management Coordinator/Fire Marshal Police Chief Fire Officer Police Chief Community Services Director City Manager Community Development Director Public Works Director Public Utilities Director Administrative Services Director Emergency Management Coordinator/Fire Marshal Community Services Director Community Development Director Emergency Management Coordinator/Fire Marshal Fire Officer Emergency Management Coordinator/Fire Marshal Community Services Director City Secretary s Office Police Chief The City of Friendswood s Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan will reference Annex P, Hazard Mitigation, of the City of Friendswood All Hazards Emergency Management Plan. Additionally, the floodplain mitigation portion of the plan will be utilized by the Community Development Department for CRS planning purposes. 9

10 The most frequent disaster events encountered are widespread flooding events. Within the last eight (8) years, the City has received Presidential Disaster Declarations for extreme flooding events related to Tropical Storm Allison (2001), Tropical Storm Frances (1998) and the October 1994 Southeast Texas Flood. In addition to flooding from coastal storms, hazards such as tornados, wildfires, hazardous materials, droughts, utility disruptions, civil disorders, and airline accidents pose an increased threat to the community. Through proper identification of hazards faced and assessment of the capability of the City to respond to those hazards, the City of Friendswood plans to improve the overall disaster preparedness within the community. PURPOSE Mitigation is characterized as a long-term, on-going process. This plan seeks to address all hazards within the City of Friendswood, in both Harris and Galveston Counties. It provides general guidance related to hazards within the community and an overview of mitigation efforts undertaken by the City. In addition, the plan identifies potential problematic conditions and outlines corrective actions that the City will undertake to remedy the identified problems. Planning and implementation actions will be identified that are applicable to both pre-incident and post-incident situations. The Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan will be one portion of the Hazard Mitigation Annex (Annex P) contained within the City of Friendswood Emergency Management Plan. The adverse impact of hazards can be directly affected by hazard mitigation actions accomplished prior to the occurrence of an emergency situation. Effective post-event mitigation actions can also reduce the risk of repeat disasters. Therefore, hazard mitigation planning and implementation activities are an ongoing process and integral part of the comprehensive emergency management program. Reference Documents used for this plan include the following: City of Friendswood Capital Improvement Plan (Revised 2002) [Section 3.6] City of Friendswood Community Assistance Visit Report (January 4, 1999) [Section 5.1] City of Friendswood Comprehensive Land Use Plan City of Friendswood Drainage Study for Sunmeadows Subdivision, February 2002 City of Friendswood Emergency Management Plan, Annex A through V City of Friendswood Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (1973 to 1999) [Section 5.1] City of Friendswood Flood Insurance Study and FIRMs (September 22, 1999) City of Friendswood Hazard Analysis [Section 2.2] City of Friendswood Master Drainage Plan City of Friendswood Residential Building Requirements (August 9, 2000) City of Friendswood Commercial Building Requirements (August 9, 2000) City of Friendswood Proposed Major Thoroughfare Plan, July 15, 1998; Revised July 2, 2001 City of Friendswood Regional Drainage Study Mary s, Cowards, and Chigger Creek Watersheds, August

11 City of Friendswood Repetitive Loss Plan (Part of City of Friendswood 1990 CRS Application) City of Friendswood Vision 2020 Plan City of Friendswood Bond Issue, February 1, 2003 [Section 5.5] Division of Emergency Management Evacuation Map for the Galveston Bay Area FEMA/Harris County Flood Control District Tropical Storm Allison Flood Recovery Project - Off the Charts, June FEMA/NFIP flood insurance policy and claims records Harris County Flood Insurance Studies and FIRMs (1990 to 2000) [Section 2.1] Harris County Map Needs Assessment by Harris County Flood Control District (2001) Harris Galveston Coastal Subsidence District Studies and Plans National Weather Service Tropical Storm Allison Flood Report (2001) NPDES Joint Task Force (City of Houston, Harris County and TxDOT) Texas Division of Emergency Management Hazards Analysis Texas Division of Emergency Management Mitigation Handbook (DEM 21) International Building Codes (2000) [Section 5.2] International Fire Codes (2000) [Section 5.2] COMMUNITY SPECIFIC INFORMATION Geology Friendswood is located in Southeast Texas in an area described in the Physiographic Map of Texas as the Gulf Coastal Plain. Elevation ranges from 0 feet above sea level to 300 feet above sea level in this region. The City of Friendswood is located on lands ranging from an elevation of 10 feet above sea level along Clear Creek, to approximately 35 feet above sea level in the extreme northwestern section. Most of the City is located on land ranging from an elevation of 25 to 30 feet above sea level. The area is a nearly flat stratum with deltaic sand and mud soils. According to the City of Friendswood Flood Insurance Study, the soils within the City are clayey and loamy. Soils are characterized by low infiltration rates and high runoff potential. Description of the City Friendswood is a medium-sized city with an approximate population of 30,000. It was established in 1895 as a Quaker (Friends) Colony in northern Galveston County. The colony was originally a farming community of fig orchards, Satsuma orange orchards, and rice fields. The people in the community were known for hard work, strong morals, and clean living. Today the once small agricultural community is part of the greater Houston Metropolitan area. Transportation The City of Friendswood is located three (3) miles west of IH-45. The City is served by three major Farm to Market Roads, FM 528, FM 518 and FM The east/west corridor is FM 528. FM 518 travels northwest to southeast, while FM 2351 travels northeast to southwest. No railroads run within the boundaries. 11

12 Polly Ranch Airstrip is located within the community providing a private aviation location. In nearby Pearland, Clover Field provides a hard surface, lighted general aviation runway with fuel service. The Houston William P. Hobby Airport, served by eight carriers, is 15 miles to the north. Additionally, Ellington Field, five miles to the east, operates as a Texas National Guard Facility and also functions as a general aviation reliever and cargo field. Economic Profile Friendswood lies in close proximity to aerospace and petrochemical industries. Local economic activities range from small business operations to professional services. Professional services include medical, legal, and accounting services. Agricultural opportunities are limited within the City. The growth of the community has been attributed to major events including development and the Friendswood oil field and the establishment of the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center. Friendswood Independent School District is the largest employer within the City. The Texas Almanac classified the City of Friendswood as a bedroom community for the City of Houston. Approximately eighty-one (81) percent of the improved land within the City is dedicated to single-family dwellings. Most individuals commute into Houston daily. Many residents of Friendswood are employed at nearby Johnson Space Center. Galveston County is ranked Number 39 of 254 Texas Counties in per capita income and Harris County is ranked Number 6. The Galveston County unemployment is 4.9% and Harris County is 3.6% based on the 2002/2003 Texas Almanac. The 2000 Censes shows the Galveston County Race/Ethnicity as Anglo 63.8%, Black 15.54%, Hispanic 17.96% and other 2.7%. Harris County is slightly different with Anglo 42.84%, Black 18.53%, Hispanic 32.93% and other 5.7%. The City of Friendswood is predominately located in Galveston County but in either case, the City does not have a high concentration of minority or economically disadvantaged population. Climate The climate of the area is sub-tropical. Mild winters and warm summers best characterize the climate. The average summer temperature ranges from a high of 90 F to a low of 74 F. The average winter temperature ranges from a high of 62 F to a low of 42 F. The area receives an average of two hundred seventy-five (275) days per year of sunshine. Average rainfall per year is thirty-eight inches. Rainfall is abundant and evenly distributed throughout the year. Hurricane season, spanning from June to November, usually produces the heaviest rainfall events. HISTORY OF FLOODING WITHIN THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD As described in the April 20, 2000 Harris County Flood Insurance Study, the City of Friendswood and Harris County are subject to intense local thunderstorms of short duration, general storms extending over periods of several days, and torrential rainfall associated with hurricanes and other tropical disturbances. Flooding results from tidal surge along Galveston Bay caused by hurricanes, tropical storms, and stream overflow. After devastating floods of 1929 and 1935, the City of Houston issued a plea to Congress and secured a commitment for federal flood control assistance. In 1937, the Texas Legislature 12

13 created the Harris County Flood Control District and designated the Harris County Commissioners Court as the governing body. Over the past sixty-four (64) years, the Harris County Flood Control District has acted as the local sponsor for numerous federal flood control projects to protect the lives and property of local citizens. The City of Friendswood is an active partner with the Harris County Flood Control District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The partnership has resulted in numerous multi-objective projects that provide flood protection and maximize the use of public lands. In 1961, Hurricane Carla hit the shores of Texas. Carla caused tides of over twenty (20) feet in coastal bays and produced water elevations of feet along the western shoreline of Galveston Bay. Approximately 1.7 million acres of coastal land were inundated while over 300,000 people evacuated the area during this storm. Within the City of Friendswood, forty-six (46) homes sustained damages caused by heavy rainfall. On June 23, 1973, Clear Creek, Chigger Creek, Cowards Creek, and Mary s Creek flooded due to protracted rains. The storms responsible for the rains also triggered tornados within the area. The flooding event inundated roads within the City, backed up storm drains, caused erosion and road washouts. In July of 1979, Tropical Storm Claudette brought gale-force winds and heavy rainfall to southeastern Texas. Claudette caused severe flooding along streams and coastal areas. Tides were estimated between 4 and 5 feet in Galveston Bay. Friendswood was severely flooded after the City received more than 26 inches of rain. Friendswood evacuated between 800 and 1,000 people from low-lying areas. The Houston Post cited between 75 and 95 percent of the homes in the City were flooded, some with water to the eaves. Homes in the Clear Creek, Chigger Creek, Cowards Creek and Mary s Creek areas were most severely affected. A few of the homes in this area were completely under water. In September of 1979, torrential rains caused Clear Creek to overflow its banks. Many streets and homes within the City were flooded. The schools were closed and thousands of citizens went without telephone service. A tropical depression brought rains to the area in June of Heavy rains previously saturated the ground throughout the area, thereby increasing the flooding from this storm. Within the City of Friendswood, approximately 2.5 inches of rain fell between midnight and 6:00 am. Many streets within the community experienced flooding. In October 1994, flooding from an intense rainstorm resulted in a Presidential declared disaster for 38 East Texas Counties that included Harris and Galveston Counties and the City of Friendswood. In September 1998, Tropical Storm Frances, and a localized thunderstorm that followed later in the same month, resulted in widespread flooding. The Harris County Area including the City of Friendswood, received a Presidential disaster declaration for this storm event. 13

14 During the period from June 5 to June 10, 2001, Tropical Storm Allison produced flooding throughout Southeast Texas, Louisiana, and across the eastern United States. Rainfall rates in the Houston area exceeded both the 100 and 500-year rainfall rates resulting in over 50,000 homes flooded. Damages were estimated at $5 Billion and prompted a Presidential disaster declaration for 30 counties in Texas. The City of Friendswood experienced devastating flooding from this storm. The City of Friendswood received approximately 27 inches of rain during the six-day rainfall associated with this event. The following major tropical storm and hurricane events have produced severe flooding and structural damage along the Texas Gulf Coast [Portions of the list were provided to the City of Friendswood as a courtesy from Hurricane Consulting]: September 16-20, 1854 September 8-18, 1875 June 1-5, 1871 August 19-24, 1879 June 8-10, 1871 June 21-25, 1880 June 13-15, 1886 July 27, 1957 Hurricane Audrey June 16-18, 1888 July 24-25, 1959 Hurricane Debra July 4-6, 1888 September 11, 1961 Hurricane Carla July 3-8, 1891 September 16-20, 1963 Hurricane Cindy October 2-7, 1895 August 5-8, 1964 Tropical Storm Abby September 10-13, 1897 August 2-5, 1970 Hurricane Celia September 20-28, 1898 September 12-17, 1970 Tropical Storm Felice September 7-10, 1900 September 1-7, 1973 Tropical Storm Delia July 21, 1909 July 25, 1979 Tropical Storm Claudette August 16-17, 1915 August 30 September 2, 1979 Tropical Storm Elena September 14, 1919 August 3-10, 1980 Hurricane Allen August 12-15, 1932 September 1-7, Tropical Strom Danielle July 21-27, 1933 August 15-18, 1983 Hurricane Alicia August 26-September 1, 1934 June 23-28, 1986 Hurricane Bonnie October 11-17, 1938 August 9-17, 1987 September 19-25, 1940 June 24- July 1, Tropical Storm Allison September 11-16, 1941 July 30 August 3, 1989 Hurricane Chantal September 16-25, 1941 October 12-16, 1989 Hurricane Jerry August 30, 1942 March 5, 1992 Houston Area Flood July 25-29, 1943 October 15-20, Southeast Texas Flood August 24-29, 1945 July 28 August 2, 1985 Tropical Strom Dean August 18-27, 1947 September 1998 Tropical Storm Frances September 27 October 6, 1949 June 5-10, 2001 Tropical Storm Allison As described in the Harris County Flood Insurance Study Report dated April 2000, the Clear Creek, Chigger Creek, Cowards Creek, and Mary s Creek watersheds are of primary concern to the City of Friendswood. Clear Creek As stated in the City of Friendswood Flood Insurance Study, Clear Creek is the major stream within Friendswood. The watershed has an area of approximately 260 square miles. The stream is 45 miles in length and varies in width from 2 miles at its upper end to 13.5 miles in the midsection. The stream originates in Fort Bend County and forms the boundary between Harris, Brazoria, and Galveston Counties as it flows in to Galveston Bay. Clear Creek crosses the 14

15 northern and central sections of the City. Chigger Creek is a major tributary of Clear Creek and is a major flooding source for the City of Friendswood. Chigger Creek Chigger Creek has a 16.6 square mile drainage area with the lower feet affected by the backwater of Clear Creek. The character of flood events in the Chigger Creek watershed is more of a flash flood variety. Residential areas along Chigger Creek are subject to flooding with minimal notice and residents are not able to evacuate valuables out of harm s way. Flood damage claims including damage to both contents and structure have been filed in this watershed. Cowards Creek Cowards Creek is an intermittent stream with perennial pools from the confluence with Clear Creek in Galveston County to SH 35 in Brazoria County. The stream length measures 8.1 miles. The character of flood events in the Cowards Creek watershed is of the flash flood variety. Water quickly rises in the area and then drains into Clear Creek. Mary s Creek Mary s Creek rises in two forks in northeastern Brazoria County and runs southeast for twelve miles to its mouth on Clear Creek, at Friendswood in Galveston County. The North Fork rises four miles southwest of Pearland and runs for one and one-half (1½) miles to join the South Fork, which rises six miles southwest of Pearland runs for three miles to their confluence. Flat to rolling prairie in the area has been extensively developed for industrial purposes. HISTORY OF OTHER DISASTERS WITHIN THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD While flooding has been the primary disaster concern identified within the community, other disaster situations have occurred. Severe weather incidents including thunderstorms, hail, lightning and high winds are frequent events within the community. The National Climactic Data Center maintains records regarding extreme weather events. Since 1950, the National Climactic Data Center has on record three hundred fifty (350) thunderstorm and hail events in Harris County and one hundred thirty-two (132) thunderstorm and hail events in Galveston County. Severe weather events occur year-round with the peak season for occurrence during the spring and summer months. The most common time period for occurrences is between the hours of noon and 10:00 PM. The length of severe weather events varies considerably by event. Duration usually lasts from several minutes to several hours. When severe weather events occur, the cascading potential for other emergency events is high. Cascading potential refers to the impact of the hazard on the community and the potential consequences related to the event. Severe weather events are associated with the cascading potential for flash flooding, power outages, utility disruption, debris, and fire caused by lightning strikes. Thunderstorm events have routinely occurred within the City of Friendswood. High winds associated with these storms have damaged trees, downed power lines and caused property damage. The following high wind events have been recorded in the area: 15

16 May 8, 1995 May 30, 1995 June 1, 1995 June 4, 1996 November 24, 1996 March 14, 2001 In addition to problems caused by thunderstorm events, hail is also a concern associated with severe weather events. Hail events cause extensive damage to property and may cause injuries to persons who happen to be outside when a hailstorm strikes. Hailstones typically vary in size from a few centimeters in diameter to several inches in diameter. Typically, the larger the hailstone, the greater the amount of damage incurred. As with other severe weather events, hailstorms may occur year round. Duration of the hailstorm varies from periodic hailstones interspersed with a rain event to an extended hail event lasting minutes to hours. The following hail events have been recorded in the area: November 2, 1995 April 22, 1996 June 4, 1996 April 11, 1997 April 27, 1997 March 14, 2001 While natural disasters affect the community on a routine basis, the City of Friendswood is also affected by hazardous materials events. Given the proximity of the City of Friendswood to the petrochemical industry, hazardous materials events are considered to be a likely occurrence (event probable within the next three years). Within the City of Friendswood, fourteen (14) pipeline companies operate twenty-four (24) pipelines that cross through the City. There are approximately forty-seven (47) linear miles of pipeline transmission lines within the city limits. Products such as ethane, natural gas, crude oil, gasoline, ethylene, propane, methane, and propylene are carried through pipelines ranging from six (6) to thirty (30) inches in diameter. Pipelines pose the hazard of explosion, fire, toxic release and contamination. Within the past twenty-five (25) years, several hazardous materials incidents have occurred within the City of Friendswood. The following is a list of the hazardous materials events that have been recorded: 1977 Well blowout 1978 Large gasoline spill at a filling station Natural gas line severed 1981 Radioactive container found within the City 1983 Well blowout 1984 Brio Refining Site 16

17 1987 Well blowout 1988 Damaged pipeline/pipeline explosion 2002 Fire resulting in hazardous materials release The most complex of the hazardous materials incidents concerns the now vacant Brio Refining, Inc. site. The Brio Refining, Inc., site is an abandoned refinery at 2501 Dixie Farm Road in Harris County south of Houston near Friendswood, Texas designated an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) superfund site. The area is heavily populated. A housing development borders the site on the north. The site consists of approximately 50 acres of land. The facility was operated from the late 1950s to December Earlier operations carried out at the site included copper catalyst regeneration, oil blending and refining, and hydrocarbon (styrene) cracking. Previous owners or operators of the facility included Hard Lowe Chemical, Lowe Chemical, Phoenix Chemical, JOC Oil Aromatics, and Friendswood Refining. Past spills entered nearby Mud Gulley and subsequently, via Clear Creek, Galveston Bay. An inspection by EPA in 1984 indicated that shallow ground water was potentially contaminated with copper, vinyl chloride, fluorene, styrene, and ethylbenzene. Also in 1984, the EPA detected toluene, benzene, and other aromatic organic chemicals in the air. The EPA declared the site a Superfund Site in Remedial activities have occurred on the site since that time. As part of the Environmental Impact Study for the Clear Creek Federal Flood Protection Project, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) evaluated the Brio site. The USACOE must evaluate the impacts of the proposed Federal project to fulfill the requirements of Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management. 17

18 1.0 HOW THIS PLAN WAS PREPARED (CRS Activity 511.a) 1.1 ORGANIZE TO PREPARE THE PLAN In 1991, the City of Friendswood initiated the planning effort to prepare and submit a Community Rating System (CRS) Application to FEMA. The CRS application included preparation of a Repetitive Loss Plan. The Federal Insurance Administration (FIA) provided valuable documentation to locate and map Repetitive Loss Properties in the City of Friendswood. On October 1, 1991, the City of Friendswood received a CRS Class 9 from FEMA, which was upgraded to Class 8 on October 1, The City of Friendswood has initiated a series of planning activities to provide better services to the people that live and work in the area, such as the City of Friendswood Comprehensive Master Drainage Plan Phase I that was completed in November Phase I of the Master Plan included a detailed analysis of twenty designated problem outfalls. Each problem area was analyzed with preliminary engineering design and construction cost estimates to improve drainage to help alleviate the problem. Drainage system improvements have been incorporated into the City of Friendswood Capital Improvement Plan. Parallel with the City of Friendswood planning efforts are the Watershed Master Plans prepared by Harris County Flood Control District and planning efforts by the US Army Corps of Engineers required for the Clear Creek Federal Flood Control Project located in both Harris and Galveston Counties. Following Tropical Storm Allison, the City of Friendswood initiated a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Application to fast track acquisition and relocation of homes and business damaged by the flood. Two separate acquisition and relocation programs were initiated, one by the City of Friendswood for properties located within Galveston County and one by Harris County Flood Control District for properties located within Harris County. The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TxDEM) requested applications from communities within the Tropical Storm Allison Disaster Area to prepare Mitigation Plans. The City of Friendswood responded and on February 19, 2002, the TxDEM informed the City that FEMA had approved funding for preparation of the City of Friendswood Mitigation Plan designated as Project Number DR In September 2001, the City Council approved procedures for preparation of a mitigation plan for the City of Friendswood. On September 17, 2001, the City of Friendswood City Council approved and recognized the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee. [For CRS recording purposes, the City Secretary maintains files of the City Council Meetings.] In addition, specific minutes from the mentioned meetings are maintained in the City of Friendswood CRS Files. In October 2001, Mr. Mickiel Hodge, PE, Community Development Director and City Engineer, in anticipation of FEMA and TxDEM approval, formed the City of Friendswood Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee and assigned the committee with the responsibility to involve the public and other agencies to prepare the City of Friendswood Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan. Mr. Mike Dominguez was initially designated Planner in Charge. During the August 12, 2002, Mitigation Plan Committee Meeting, Mr. Dan Johnson, was designated Planner in Charge for the Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan preparation. 18

19 On April 8, 2002 the City of Friendswood Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee held its organizational meeting. The committee is composed of representatives from various city departments dealing with planning, code enforcement, emergency operations, public works, engineering, parks and recreation, environmental services. Committee members representing the public include Ric Miller and Clayton Stephens. The committee is assigned to oversee the activities of a consultant hired by the City of prepare the Mitigation Plan. Committee members include: Dan Johnson, CFM Mike Hodge, PE, CFM Terry Byrd Brian Mansfield Kaz Hamidian Jon Branson Ron Cox Clayton Stephens Ric Miller Consultants John Ivey, PE, CFM Diane Calhoun, CFM Carrie Little, CFM Planner-in-Charge; Deputy Director of Community Development Director of Community Development and Public Works Fire Marshal/Emergency Management Coordinator Assistant Fire Marshal/Assistant Emergency Management Coord. Deputy Director of Public Works Director of Community Services, Parks & Recreation City Manager/Public Information Pipeline Safety Committee President, Enchanted Woods Homeowners Association Halff Associates, Inc. Halff Associates, Inc. Halff Associates, Inc. The committee meetings are conducted by the Chair, Mike Hodge, PE, CFM, and direction is provided by the Planner-in-Charge, Dan Johnson. Contact information for Mr. Johnson is as follows: Dan Johnson, CFM Deputy Director of Community Development City of Friendswood 900 South Friendswood Drive Friendswood, TX Phone: [email protected] The lead consultant on this project was John P. Ivey, PE, CFM his contact information is as follows: John P. Ivey, PE, CFM Vice-President Halff Associates, Inc Fossil Creek Blvd. Fort Worth, TX Phone: [email protected] 19

20 1.2 Hazard Analysis and MITIGATION PLAN SCHEDULE, INVOLVE THE PUBLIC AND COORDINATE WITH OTHER AGENCIES (CRS ACTIVITY 511.A, 511.B, AND 511.C) The overall schedule of plan activities for the development, implementation, evaluation and adoption of the City of Friendswood Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan following CRS Activity 511.a through 511.j are as follows: Date September 2001 September 17, 2001 November 11, 2001 February 19, 2002 March 4-6, 2002 April 8, 2002 April 24, 2002 May 1, 2002 Project Action Hazard Mitigatioin Grant Project Application submitted to TxDEM for consideration City Council approved an recognized Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee Exxon Pipeline Table Top Exercise Hazard Mitigation Grant Project Approved and Funded Galveston County Terrorism Response Drill Friendswood Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting #1 Organize to prepare the Plan (511.a) Committee Members were identified A. Recommendations on methods to involve the Public (511.b) 1. Documents prepared to brief the public at future City Council Meetings, to involve the public in the planning process, and to establish a method for the public to provide input into the planning process. 2. A Hazard Mitigation Plan Questionnaire prepared that can be distributed to the public either by direct mail or distributed at Council Meetings. B. Coordination with other agencies (511.c) The City of Friendswood will take advantage of coordination meetings held with Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District, Harris County Flood Control District, the Association of Municipal Consulting Engineers (AMCE), the Harris County Flood Control Task Force, Gulf Coast Emergency Management Association and others. The recommended coordination effort will be itemized so it can be incorporated into the current routine City of Friendswood coordination activities. Hurricane Greg Exercise City of Friendswood, Galveston County and Upper Texas Coast. Submitted Progress Report #1 to the TxDEM. 20

21 May 13, 2002 June 7, 2002 June 10, 2002 July 1, 2002 July 8, 2002 August 2002 August 1, 2002 August 2002 Friendswood Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting #2 Assess the Hazard (511.d) Incorporated previous City of Friendswood CRS assessments and other hazards information that may be available. Public Questionnaire Format finalized for Citywide distribution. Submitted Mitigation Plan Progress Report #2 to the TxDEM. Friendswood Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting #3 A. Assess the Problem (511.e) 1. Incorporated risk assessment information available from TxDEM, FEMA, Houston Galveston Area Council and others. 2. Assisted the City of Friendswood Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee to review and assess problems. Set goals (511.f) Goals set and schedule established for the Plan including TxDEM Mitigation Plan requirements and future improved CRS ratings Submitted Mitigation Plan Progress Report #3 to the TxDEM. Review possible activities (511.g) 1. Summarized City of Friendswood Emergency Management Plan Activities. 2. Summarized Harris County Emergency Operations Center and TRANSTAR activities that meet the objectives of the CRS Activity 511 Floodplain Management Plan and TxDEM Mitigation Plan requirements. Explored similar Galveston County activities. 3. Reviewed the City of Friendswood Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance and suggested potential improvements. Questionnaire distributed Citywide Submitted Mitigation Plan Progress Report #4 to the TxDEM. Draft the action plan based on the CRS requirement to address a minimum of two (2) of the required six (6) categories: 1. Preventive activities 2. Property protection 3. Natural resource protection 4. Emergency services 5. Structural support 6. Public information 21

22 September 1, 2002 September 9, 2002 September 26, 2002 October 8, 2002 October 14, 2002 October 16, 2002 November 2002 November 27, 2002 November 2002 December 2002 December 2002 Submitted Mitigation Plan Progress Report #5 to the TxDEM. Committee Meeting #6. Action items for plan were discussed. Review of questionnaires received from the public related to the Mitigation Plan. Discussed submission to Mitigation Plan Advisory Committee, Other Agencies for review of draft plan and comments. Establish procedures to implement, evaluate and revise the plan (511.j). Develop procedures to implement, monitor and revise the plan on an annual basis. Consultant submitted results of questionnaire to the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee. Forward Draft Plan to Hazard Mitigation Plan Advisory Committee, Other Agencies to review with comments and recommendations requested by November 15. These agencies were requested to review common problems, development policies, mitigation strategies, inconsistencies and conflict in policy, plan, program and regulations. They were also requested to review the community s needs, goals, and plans for the area (for a list of participants, see section 1.7). Briefing to City Council concerning the Public Meeting and the Draft Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan. Third quarter progress report submitted to TxDEM. Draft Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan submitted to TxDEM for review. Terry Byrd, Friendswood Fire Marshall, met with Tom Ryan, DEM Regional Liaison Officer, to review Draft Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan S Consultant incorporates TxDEM review comments into the City of Friendswood Mitigation Plan. ISO field verification scheduled to review CRS activities and assign credits. Consultant revised the Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan to incorporate review comments from: City Council, TxDEM, City of Friendswood Community Development Department, Other Agencies, Public Meeting, and questionnaires received from the Public. 22

23 Public. December 16, 2002 December 2002 December 2002 January 2003 January 6, 2003 Public Meeting to present the City of Friendswood Draft Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan for public comment. To satisfy CRS requirements, at the end of the planning process and at least two weeks before submittal of the recommended plan to the community s governing body, a meeting must be held to obtain public input on the draft plan. The list of attendees is maintained in the City of Friendswood CRS files. City of Friendswood Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee meeting to review comments from the public and finalize the plan for submittal to Texas DEM and Friendswood City Council. Consultant assists the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee in initiating the Plan adoption steps that include: TxDEM approval of the Plan; formal adoption of the Plan by City Council, implementation of the Plan by City of Friendswood Community Development Department; and Plan approval and CRS accreditation by FEMA/ISO. City of Friendswood is substantially complete with the Tropical Storm Allison Flood Recovery Project (TSARP) Fast Track acquisition and relocation Project funded by Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding administered by Texas Division of Emergency Management (DEM). City of Friendswood City Council formally adopted the Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan. January 9, 2002 January 15, 2003 January 2003 January 2003 February 1, 2003 February 5, 2003 City of Friendswood Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee submits the adopted plan to TxDEM for approval Fourth quarter progress report submitted to TxDEM. City of Friendswood Community Development Department and Emergency Management Division implement the Plan as approved by City Council. FEMA notifies the City of Friendswood that they are classified as a CRS Class 5 Community (Best Rating in Texas) City Bond Election Propositions 1, 2, 3, and 4 pass Galveston County Emergency Managers meet to plan a countywide All Hazards Mitigation Plan that will incorporate the 23

24 countywide All Hazards Mitigation Plan that will incorporate the Friendswood Plan March 2003 TxDEM submits the City of Friendswood Mitigation Plan to FEMA Region VI for approval. March 2003 February 2003 February 2003 July 2003 February 2004 February 2004 February 2004 February 2004 February 2005 City of Friendswood Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee responds to CRS comments from FEMA and ISO. Hazard Mitigation Grant close out with TxDEM and FEMA. Target date for Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee to evaluate 2003 Drainage, Stormwater and Emergency Management Capital Improvement Projects. Target date for the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee to conduct the six-month Plan evaluation and establish Plan maintenance milestones and requirements. Target date for FEMA to improve the City of Friendswood CRS Rating and flood insurance premium reductions goes into effect. Target date for the City of Friendswood Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee to conduct the first annual evaluation of the Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan, conduct a public meeting and/or notify public that the Plan is available on the City Website for review and comment. Develop a list of recommended changes based on input from the public, other agencies and City Staff. Target date for the City of Friendswood to distribute a Community Outreach Brochure to all residents in Repetitive Loss Areas. Target date for the City of Friendswood Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee to revise the Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan based on recommendations from the first annual Plan evaluation. Target date for the first annual submittal of CRS documentation to FEMA/ISO to maintain or improve the City of Friendswood CRS classification Target date for the City of Friendswood Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee to conduct the second annual evaluation of Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan, conduct a public meeting and/or notify public that the Plan is available on the City 24

25 and/or notify public that the Plan is available on the City Website for review and comment. Develop a list of recommended changes based on input from the public, other agencies and City Staff. February 2006 February 2007 Target date for Year 3 Plan evaluation and update Target date for Year 4 Plan evaluation and update January 2008 Target date for Year 5 Plan evaluation and update. The City of Friendswood will conduct a risk assessment and hazard analysis, involve the public in the planning process, revise the Plan to comply with DEM and FEMA requirements. Resubmit the Plan to TxDEM and FEMA for approval as required by the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 or latest requirements. 1.3 PUBLIC MEETING On December 11, 2002, a notice was placed in the Friendswood Journal that there would be a public meeting to discuss the Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan. The Public Meeting was held on December 16, 2002, in the City of Friendswood City Council Chambers at 7:00 pm. The City Council approved the Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan during the regular council meeting on January 6, A copy of the public notice is contained in Attachment B. 25

26 1.4 MITIGATION PLAN QUESTIONNAIRE A Hazard Mitigation Plan questionnaire was developed during Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting #1 and finalized at Committee Meeting #2. The questionnaire requesting input was distributed to approximately 18,000 Friendswood residents between August and September of Questionnaires were mailed to all residents within the community, including apartment dwellers. Additionally, the questionnaire was posted on the City website and placed in various city owned facilities to facilitate access to the questionnaire in a variety of locations. Out of 18,000 questionnaires, responses were received from seventy-five (75) residents. A copy of the Questionnaire and an analysis of the responses received from the questionnaire are provided in Attachment C. Copies of the completed questionnaires and public comments are maintained in the City of Friendswood CRS files. 1.5 COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS On October 8, 2002, the Draft Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan was forwarded to members of the Mitigation Plan Advisory Committee, Other Agencies for comments and recommendations. The comments and recommendations received were then incorporated into the Plan. The agencies were asked to review for common problems, development policies, mitigation services, inconsistencies and conflict with established policies, plans, programs and regulations. The following agencies provided comments: Galveston County Engineering Office Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 1.6 HAZARD MITIGATION PLANNING COMMITTEE The Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee is comprised of eleven members. Two members represent the public. The representation is as follows: Dan Johnson, CFM Mike Hodge, PE, CFM Terry Byrd Brian Mansfield Kaz Hamidian Jon Branson Ron Cox Clayton R. Stephens Ric Miller Consultants John Ivey, PE, CFM Diane L. Calhoun, CFM Carrie Little, CFM Planner-in-Charge; Deputy Director of Community Development Director of Community Development and Public Works Fire Marshal/Emergency Management Coordinator Assistant Fire Marshal/Assistant Emergency Management Coord. Deputy of Director Public Works Director of Community Services, Parks and Recreation City Manager, Public Affairs Pipeline Safety Committee President, Enchanted Woods Homeowners Association Halff Associates, Inc. Halff Associates, Inc. Halff Associates, Inc. 26

27 1.7 COORDINATE WITH OTHER AGENCIES The City of Friendswood approached mitigation planning in two phases. Initially, the City developed a core Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee comprised of individuals employed by the City and representatives from the general public. Additionally, the City enlisted the assistance of individuals selected to participate on a Mitigation Plan Advisory Committee, Other Agencies to coordinate the planning effort across jurisdictions, among community agencies and though all levels of government. The committee representation consists of auxiliary agencies, surrounding jurisdictions, and various levels of governmental departments local, state, and federal. Drainage Committee Chair Mary Ellen Whitworth, PE David Kocurek Ross Richardson, CFM Linda Shead Tesa Duffy Michael Fitzgerald, PE Shawn Welch, CFM Max Hoyt James White Mike Talbot, PE John Blount, PE Tom Michael, PE Ron Neighbors Carl Masterson Bill Baker, CFM Lee Stone Sam Talje, PE Greg Pekar, CFM Tom Ryan Sterling Harris Ed Baker Jamie Schubert Mike Howard, CFM Gilbert Ward Craig McDowell Kim McLaughlin Association of Consulting Municipal Engineers Bayou Preservation Association Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District Federal Emergency Management Agency Galveston Bay Foundation Galveston County Emergency Management Galveston County Engineer Galveston County Floodplain Manager Greater Houston Builders Harris County Emergency Management Harris County Flood Control District Harris County Permits and Infrastructure Harris/Galveston Subsidence District Harris/Galveston Subsidence District Houston Galveston Area Council Insurance Services Office Natural Resource Conservation Service Society of American Military Engineers Texas Department of Transportation Texas Division of Emergency Management Texas Division of Emergency Management, Regional Liaison Texas General Land Office Texas Historical Commission Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Texas Water Development Board Transtar U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service On September 17, 2001, the following agencies were contacted prior to implementation of the planning process. The purpose of the contact was to be made aware that the City of Friendswood would be applying for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds to complete a Mitigation Plan 27

28 Project. Each agency was requested to forward their comments or concerns related to development of a Mitigation Plan to Dan Johnson, Deputy Director of Community Development and City of Friendswood Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee Planner-in-charge. Natural Resources Conservation Services Texas Division of Emergency Management Texas General Land Office Texas Historical Commission Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Texas Parks and Wildlife Department U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1.8 MEETINGS WITH OTHER AGENCIES TO REVIEW COMMON PROBLEMS The City of Friendswood met with the following agencies to discuss the development of the Mitigation Plan and to discuss the common hazards the affect the surrounding communities: Association of Consulting Municipal Engineers (ACME) November 11, 2001 Exxon Pipeline Table Top Exercise March 4-6, 2002 WMD/Terrorism Exercise with Galveston County Communities April 24, 2002 Hurricane Greg Exercise with Galveston County and the Upper Texas Coast May 21, 2002 WMD/Terrorism Exercise with Harris County Communities 1.9 ESTABLISHING GOALS On April 8, 2002; May 13, 2002; June 10, 2002, July 8, 2002, August 12, 2002, September 9, 2002, and September 26, 2002, the Mitigation Plan Committee met to discuss and outline a plan to establish goals. In addition, the committee discussed the public questionnaire to be distributed. On October 14, 2002 the Mitigation Plan Committee met to establish and finalize the goals and objectives for the City of Friendswood. The City of Friendswood Hazard Mitigation Goals are described in Section 4.0 of this Plan DISTRIBUTION OF DRAFT ACTION PLAN On October 8, 2002, Consultant submitted the initial draft of the Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan to the Hazard Mitigation Plan Advisory Committee, Other Agencies, for review with comments and recommendations requested by November 15, These agencies were requested to review common problems, development policies, mitigation services, inconsistencies and conflicts in policies, plans, programs, and regulations. They were also requested to review to community s needs, goals, and plans for the area. 28

29 2. ASSESS THE HAZARD (HAZARD ASSESSMENT-CRS ACTIVITY 511.D) The City of Friendswood has experienced emergencies and disasters in the past and expects that emergencies and disaster will occur in the future. Due to location and geographic features, the City of Friendswood is vulnerable to the damaging effects of certain hazards that include but are not limited to: hurricanes and tropical storms; extreme heat; flash flood; severe thunderstorm; tornado; winter weather; windstorms; lightning; hazardous substance releases; power/utility outages; fire/explosion; building/structure collapse; urban/brush fires; mass casualty incidents; extreme air pollution; transportation accidents; dam failure; civil unrest; and terrorism/sabotage. Disaster response efforts are often hampered by equipment and facility damage, communication failures, inclement weather, responder injury and death or other limiting factors. In the event of an emergency or disaster that exceeds the available resources, the public should expect and be prepared for a minimum seventy-two (72) hour delay in emergency response services. Natural disasters and emergencies affect the City more often than other types of emergencies and disasters. Of the natural disasters that have occurred, flooding is by far the most common event to affect the area. Damaging flood events have occurred within the City on an average of at least once per year. The City of Friendswood Fire Marshall s Office prepared a Hazard Analysis in mid 2001 to satisfy the planning requirements associated with Annex P, Hazard Mitigation and Annex Q, Hazardous Materials and Oil Spills. To assist the Mitigation Plan Committee s planning efforts to prepare the Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan, the Fire Marshall s Office summarized the Hazard Analysis and this information is included in the following Sections 2.1 through KNOWN FLOODPRONE AREAS. The flood hazards for the City of Friendswood within Harris County are shown for information purposes only on the countywide Harris County Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) that were published as countywide FIRMs on the following dates: September 28, 1990 September 30, 1992 November 6, 1996 April 20, 2000 The flood hazards for the City of Friendswood for flood insurance purposes are included in the City of Friendswood Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) that were published by FEMA on the following dates: 03/03/72 Flood Hazard Boundary Map City of Friendswood 07/01/74 Flood Insurance Rate Map City of Friendswood 12/19/75 Flood Insurance Rate Map City of Friendswood 04/18/83 Flood Insurance Rate Map City of Friendswood 06/03/88 Flood Insurance Rate Map City of Friendswood 09/22/99 Flood Insurance Rate Map City of Friendswood 29

30 The flood hazards in the City of Friendswood are shown on the September 22, 1999 City of Friendswood FIRM included in Attachment H. In 1994, the Mapping Needs Assessment Process was established by FEMA to identify and prioritize community map update needs in accordance with Section 575 of the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of Since May of 1997, more than 11,700 communities have been contacted for map update needs. Information regarding mapping needs is collected by FEMA in the Mapping Needs Update Support System (MNUSS). The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in 1997, designed a plan to modernize the national map inventory. Over time, the objective is to eliminate the existing backlog of outdated maps and to convert all Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) to a digital format. One of the key objectives of the modernization plan is to increase local involvement in, and ownership of, the flood mapping process. The Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP) concept was developed specifically to accomplish this goal. Under the CTP initiative, FEMA enters into agreements with technically capable community partners to produce agreed-upon products that supplement ongoing FEMA mapping efforts. On July 31, 2000, the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) became the second community within the State of Texas to enter into a Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP) Agreement with FEMA. The first Activity Agreement generated under this partnership is to conduct a Countywide Needs Assessment for Harris County including all 35 incorporated communities and unincorporated areas within the County. This CTP Activity established the basis for FEMA s Map Needs Update Support System (MNUSS) Database in Harris County. The current Harris County Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) published by FEMA April 20, 2000, includes all incorporated and unincorporated areas within Harris County. The Harris County FIRM is a product of the Houston/Harris County Metropolitan Flood Insurance Study that was initiated by the Galveston District, US Army Corps of Engineers (COE) in FEMA published the Study as 22 individual community Flood Insurance Studies and FIRMs during the period from 1980 to In September 1990, FEMA combined all of the individual community FIRMs into the Harris County, Texas and Incorporated Areas Flood Insurance Study and countywide FIRM. FEMA revised the Harris County (county-wide) FIRM on September 30, 1992, November 6, 1996, and April 20, The April 20, 2000, Harris County FIRM includes 34 incorporated communities, five (5) Municipal Utility Districts (MUD), one (1) Drainage District and the unincorporated areas of Harris County. Only the Harris County portion of four (4) communities, Friendswood, Katy, League City, and Waller, are shown on the Harris County FIRM. Based on input from the City of Friendswood and the other 34 individual communities in Harris County, Community Map Needs Assessment Forms were prepared and submitted to FEMA to be incorporated into the MNUSS Data Base. The City of Friendswood participated with all other communities in Harris County and submitted recommendations to FEMA regarding the accuracy of current FIRMs. On March 1-2, 2001, Draft Map Needs Assessment Forms were reviewed during the two day Map Needs Assessment 30

31 Workshop hosted by the Harris County Flood Control District where FEMA, TCEQ, Houston- Galveston Area Council and the Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence District as well as representatives from the 35 Harris County Communities discussed mapping needs. The Needs Assessment Form is a fill-in-the-blank document designed to provide data requested by FEMA to be entered into FEMA s MNUSS Data Base. Utilizing information from the FIRM published by FEMA, the Harris County Flood Control District Designation and Common name for each stream, if known, was entered on the form. Seven area fields were identified not including the notes/comments summary. The top of each community form included the Community Population in 1990, and 2000, and net change from 1990 and Changes in population density imply changes in the hydrologic and hydraulic conditions. The seven fields listed on the form include: 1. Stream listing and FIRM Panel Number 2. Physical Changes that have occurred since the FIRM effective date. 3. Does your community posses FEMA s current FIS computer model and if not, are you interested in acquiring and/or supporting acquisition of the model? 4. What type of Flood Data Update is needed? 5. What is the source of flooding in your community? 6. What computer model updates are needed in your community? 7. Does the FIRM Base Map need to be updated in your community? The final section of the Map Needs Assessment Form is the Community Notes and Comments section that addresses individual community map needs and flood insurance study updates that are needed. As defined in Task No. 1 of the Cooperating Technical Partner Agreement with FEMA, the HCFCD submitted the completed Map Needs Assessment Forms to FEMA in September 2001 and assisted FEMA in entering the data into the MNUSS Database. While the individual community Map Needs Assessment forms are stand alone documents, the HCFCD consolidated the input for the 35 individual communities into a Harris County Map Needs Assessment Summary Report that was submitted to FEMA in October 2001 with a copy submitted to each community. Community Workshops were held at HCFCD on March 1-2, Individual Community Information Packets were distributed by HCFCD containing the Map Needs Assessment Form for each community that was partially completed to assist in preparing the Community submittal to FEMA. Published data such as the stream designated numbers, stream names (if known), FIRM Panel dates, FIRM Panel numbers, and subsidence data, as published by the Harris- Galveston Coastal Subsidence District (HGCSD), was entered on each Community Needs Assessment Form. This allowed each community to concentrate on the remaining seven data fields requested by FEMA. Each community was requested to review the Map Needs Assessment Form and enter the missing data. The two (2) Community Coordination Meetings held on March 1-2, 2001 to discuss the Maps Needs Assessment Project provided the opportunity to discuss mapping and watershed issues with adjacent communities and to identify mapping needs throughout each watershed. The City of Friendswood Map Needs Assessment Form is included in Attachment D of this Plan. 31

32 Tropical Storm Allison Flood Recovery Project The National Weather Service (NWS) produced the Tropical Storm Allison Storm Report that includes valuable information related to flooding within the City of Friendswood, and provided public access to the document through the web at The Tropical Storm Allison Flood Recovery Project (TSARP) was initiated by FEMA and the Harris County Flood Control District to publish Off the Charts, a Post Event Report and to initiate a countywide study effort to update the 142 FIRMs in Harris County. The flood maps for the City of Friendswood within Harris County will be included in the Tropical Storm Allison Flood Recovery Project. This remapping effort does not include the portion of the City of Friendswood located in Galveston County. The City of Friendswood received major rainfall quantities during Tropical Storm Allison, which resulted in flooding in Friendswood and the communities along Clear Creek in both Galveston and Harris County. The Tropical Storm Allison rainfall amounts equaled or exceeded the 500- year flood event in many of the 22 watersheds in Harris County. Despite extreme rainfall over a five-day period, the City of Friendswood was able to provide municipal and emergency services and respond to the disaster. The City of Friendswood initiated a Fast Track acquisition and relocation project funded by FEMA s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program administered by the Texas Division of Emergency Management to acquire over 200 flooded properties and relocate residents out of floodprone areas. 32

33 Clear Creek Mapping Data The US Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District has initiated a Federal Flood Protection Project on Clear Creek that includes a major portion of the City of Friendswood. The Corps of Engineers prepared an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) and General Design Memorandum for the proposed project. The Corps of Engineers Floodplain mapping effort is summarized in the following table: Clear Creek Mapping Data Orthophotos, Digital Terrain Data, and Contour DGN s CD-ROM Index Quantity ATLANTIC CD-ROM LABEL ORTHOPHOTO FILES 4 Digital Orthophotography West Half of Contour Area 2 Project Orthophotography Remaining Western Half 8 Digital Orthophotography East Half of Project Area 1 Digital Orthophotography TIF 1 Digital Orthophotography Clear Creek Re-Delivery 1 Boundary and Ortho Grid Data DIGITAL TERRAIN MODEL FILES 1 DTM Data (Re-Delivery) Entire Project CONTOUR DATA FILES 1 Contour and DTM Data West Half of Contour Data Label Number Label Date 1 Contour Data East Half of Contour Area 20 ========= TOTAL Number of CD-ROM disks Contents Description 1,2,3,4 August 8, 2000 Orthophotography of west half of basin (first completed tiles) 1,2 October 7, 2000 Orthophotography of remaining west half of basin 1,2,3,4, September 20, Orthophotography of east half of 5,6,7, basin 1 October 9, 2000 Revised TIFF and TFW files to correct photo no November 13, Revised TIFF and TFW files to 2000 correct photo no August 23, 2000 DGN files showing the orthophoto index map 1 October 24, 2000 DTM files for entire basin with corrected break lines and added hydrographic channel sections 5 August 18, 2000 Contour DGN files and DTM files for west half of the floodplain area. (Ignore the DTM files as they are superceded by submittals dated October 24 th.) 9 September 20, Contour DGN files for east half of 2000 the floodplain area. Clear Creek Mapping Data Description of Products - Note: The following data products developed by the Corps of Engineers, Galveston District, are intended for use with GIS or CADD software. In that context, the individual photo tiles appear seamless and in the proper spatial orientation, with any one product overlaying accurately with the corresponding orthophoto, DTM, or contour map products. Orthophotos- Ninety-six individual rectified monochrome photos of the Clear Creek watershed at one-foot resolution. The photos were taken in February Horizontal datum is North American Datum of 1983, Texas State Plane Coordinate System, South Central Zone. 33

34 Digital Terrain Model Files- Ninety-six individual Microstation DTM files. The datum and projection are as above. The vertical datum is NAVD88, 2000 epoch. (The elevation control surveys were set to the USGS extensometers during year 2000.) The portions of the DTM s that cover the approximate 0.2 percent floodplain of Clear Creek (within the study reach) have mass points at a 50-foot spacing and are equivalent in accuracy to a 2-foot contour map. The remaining portions covering the Clear Creek watershed outside the floodplain have mass points at a 100-foot spacing and are less accurate. Additional data points in the DTM s were obtained from hydrographic surveys of the Clear Creek channel, Clear Lake, and the Clear Lake outlet channels in the form of cross sections at an average spacing about 700 feet. These sections were made along the study reach from Galveston Bay upstream to the Fort Bend County line. Surface extractions from the DTM should be made along the immediate hydrographic section alignments to insure an accurate depiction of the Clear Creek main channel. Contour Data Files- Forty-nine Microstation DGN files showing topographic contours and spot elevations within the approximate 0.2 percent Clear Creek floodplain between Galveston Bay and Fort Bend County 2.2 KNOWN HAZARDS The City of Friendswood is exposed to many hazards, all of which have the potential to disrupt the community, cause casualties, and damage or destroy property. The City of Friendswood Emergency Management Basic Plan (p. 4), Figure 1, Hazard Summary, identifies the major hazards that the City of Friendswood is most likely to face. Furthermore, the impacts on public health and safety and the impacts on property are illustrated. The process of identifying hazards is two-fold. First, a hazards analysis is developed. It is a stand-alone product consisting of maps, databases, charts, atlases, and other supporting documentation. The analysis provides a risk based, quantitative method, to prioritize mitigation and preparedness needs for the jurisdiction as a whole. This analysis is reviewed and updated at least annually. Second, a mitigation action plan is developed. The mitigation action plan outlines mitigation goals, identifies a risk reduction strategy for each of the significant hazards that threaten the area, and discusses the on going risk reduction activities undertaken within the jurisdiction. The mitigation action plan further details what is to be done, how much it will cost, who will be responsible for the action, how it will be funded and provides an implementation schedule. 34

35 LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURRENCE* Hazard Summary Table 1 ESTIMATED IMPACT ON PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY ESTIMATED IMPACT ON PROPERTY HAZARD TYPE: (SEE BELOW) LIMITED MODERATE MAJOR LIMITED MODERATE MAJOR NATURAL DROUGHT Occasional EARTHQUAKE Unlikely N/A N/A FLASH FLOODING Highly Likely FLOODING (RIVER OR TIDAL) Highly Likely HURRICANE Highly Likely SUBSIDENCE Occasional TORNADO Occasional WILDFIRE Unlikely WINTER STORM Unlikely N/A N/A TECHNOLOGICAL DAM FAILURE Unlikely N/A N/A ENERGY/FUEL SHORTAGE Occasional HAZMAT/OIL SPILL (FIXED SITE) Occasional HAZMAT/OIL SPILL (TRANSPORT) Highly Likely MAJOR STRUCTURAL FIRE Occasional NUCLEAR FACILITY INCIDENT Unlikely N/A N/A WATER SYSTEM FAILURE Occasional SECURITY CIVIL DISORDER Unlikely ENEMY MILITARY ATTACK Unlikely N/A N/A TERRORISM Unlikely * LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURRENCE: UNLIKELY, OCCASIONAL, LIKELY, OR HIGHLY LIKELY The City of Friendswood recognizes that the community will continue to be exposed to and subject to the impact of hazards both described above and other hazards that may develop in the future. Furthermore, it is possible for a major disaster to occur at any time and at any place. In many cases dissemination of warning to the public and implementation of increased readiness measures may be possible. Still, some emergency situations occur with little or no warning. The following paragraphs identify many of the hazards that the City of Friendswood may potentially encounter. Additional detailed information about specific extreme weather events is contained in Attachment E. Information about the extreme weather events was gathered from the National Climatic Data Center, a division of the National Weather Service. The City of Friendswood Emergency Management Office completed hazard profile worksheets for each of the hazards identified in the Hazard Summary Table, Figure 1. The hazard profile worksheets identify potential severity, frequency and cascading potential for each of the hazard events. Additionally, both the risk and vulnerability to each hazard within the community is analyzed. Copies of the Hazard Profile Worksheets are contained in Attachment F. 35

36 Severe Thunderstorms/Hail/Lightning Thunderstorms are a frequent occurrence within the City of Friendswood. They may occur year round, however, the peak season is in the spring of each year. They occur most often between the hours of noon and 10:00 PM. Thunderstorms may be associated with lightning, hail, tornado, and flash flooding conditions. These storms are also capable of producing straight-line winds and microburst with extreme power. Thunderstorms kill more people in the United States than any other phenomenon. The heavy rains associated with thunderstorms often cause flash flooding events within the community. Due to the flat terrain, flash flooding within the community renders streets impassable. Flash flooding events at times cause waters to rise to the point of impacting businesses and residences. In the aftermath of thunderstorm activity, it is not uncommon to find floodwaters in businesses and homes. Lightning is a secondary effect of electrification within a thunderstorm cloud system. Lightning damage results from four effects of the lightning strike: electrocution of humans and animals; vaporization of materials along the path of the strike; fire caused by the high temperature produced by the strike; and a sudden power surge that can damage electrical and electronic equipment. Millions of dollars of direct and indirect damages result from lightning strikes on electric utility substations and distribution lines. While property damage is the major hazard associated with lightning, it should be noted that lightning strikes kill more people each year than either tornadoes or hurricanes. Hail ranges in size from vanishing small particles to grapefruit size dimensions. Hailstones may be spherical, conical or irregular in shape. The size and shape is governed by the violence of the storm cell; the lifting and falling of the freezing moisture pellet within the storm cell increases the size of the hailstone until it is ejected from the cloud. The hazard from hail is primarily in term of damage to crops and property. Hail tends to fall in swaths, which may be from 20 to 115 miles long and 5 to 30 miles wide. A hail swath is not a continuous path of hail but generally consists of a series of hail strikes, which are produced by individual thunderstorm cells traversing the same general area. Hail strikes are typically about half a mile wide and five (5) miles long. Hurricane/Tropical Storm Hurricanes and tropical storms combine size and intensity to become one of Earth s greatest and most awesome weather vehicles of death and destruction. In addition to hurricanes and tropical storms, damage may be caused by tornadoes that are created from the storms. The Texas coast is not immune from damages from such storms. Hurricane season lasts over a six-month period from June 1 to November 30. Most hurricanes occur in August, September, and October. Hurricanes are tropical cyclones in which winds reach constant speeds of 74 miles per hour or more and blow in a large spiral around a relatively calm center. Hurricanes are essentially giant whirlwinds in which air moves in a large tightening spiral around a center of extreme low pressure. Near the center, hurricane winds may gust to more than 200 miles per hour. 36

37 While hurricane winds do much damage, the storm surge and torrential rains accompanying hurricane landfall are responsible for most deaths. Historically, drowning has been the greatest cause of hurricane deaths. The storm surge raises wave heights and increases tides. Torrential rains cause both flash flooding and sustained flooding in the area. Tropical storms are weather events similar to hurricanes but sustained winds in these storms are between thirty-nine (39) and seventy-three (73) miles per hour. Tropical storms can affect an area by dropping large amounts of rain over a sustained period of time. Again flash flooding and sustained flooding area the most deadly aspects of tropical storms. The City of Friendswood lies near a coastal area with a thirty-seven percent (37%) chance a hurricane, extreme hurricane or tropical storm occurring in any given year. A listing of Hurricanes and Tropical Storms that have impacted the City of Friendswood and the Texas Gulf Coast are listed in the Introduction/History of Flooding Section of this Plan. On April 24, 2002, the City of Friendswood participated in the Hurricane Gregg Exercise along with other Upper Texas Coast Communities. Tornado Texas is tornado capital with an average of 153 tornadoes touching down each year. Friendswood is located near the Texas Gulf Coast and this area of the state receives on average, twenty (20) or more tornadoes per year. Tornadoes may occur in any month and at any hour of the day, but they occur most often in late spring and early summer during late afternoon and evening hours. According to National Weather Service records, the Harris County has experienced one hundred (100) tornadoes from 1950 to Of the recorded storms, twelve (12) deaths were reported and three hundred twelve (312) injuries were reported. Damages from these storm events totaled $499.2 million. During the same time period, Galveston County has experienced forty-four (44) tornadoes of F1 magnitude or greater. Of the recorded storms in Galveston County, nine (9) deaths were reported and two hundred thirty-seven (237) injuries were reported. Damages from these storm events totaled $32.1 million. Tornadoes have been infrequent, usually associated with hurricanes or other severe weather storms. Although the potential for a devastating tornado causing extensive damage to life and property exists, tornadoes within the community have been short-lived and only moderate in strength. Touchdown of a tornado usually is expected less than once a year. Winter Storms Winter storms when they strike can paralyze the City creating hazardous travel conditions, causing major utility outages for extended periods and the potential for illness and loss of life. Generally, the winter storm season runs from late November to mid-march. The City of Friendswood has an emergency plan in place to manage such a weather situation providing shelter areas if necessary. Additionally, city crews are responsible for maintaining transportation routes in the event of such weather. 37

38 The City of Friendswood has sustained damage from ice storms. While infrequent, they have affected the entire city restricting travel, interrupting electrical power and causing water mains to break. The most recent winter storm occurred in This storm struck during the holidays when many people were away from their homes. Excessive water damage was associated with broken plumbing and water mains as a result of this event. Drought/Wildfire Drought is often thought of as a condition of climatic dryness that is severe enough to reduce soil moisture and water supplies below the requirements necessary to sustain normal plant, animal, and human life. In Texas, the term is further divided into agricultural and hydrologic drought. Agricultural drought is a dry period of sufficient duration and intensity that crop and animal agriculture are markedly affected. Hydrologic drought is a long-term condition of abnormally dry weather that ultimately leads to the depletion of surface and ground water supplies. During hydrologic drought, a significant reduction in flow of rivers, streams and springs is noticed. The City of Friendswood is located in the Upper Coast Climactic division. As such, the City is subject to frequent periods of drought. Within the last one hundred ten (110)years, this area has experienced eleven (11) periods of drought. The City of Friendswood and adjacent communities along Galveston Bay have transitioned to surface water sources to reduce ground water withdrawal, thus reducing the rate of subsidence. This dependency on surface water supplies can result in water shortages during dry or drought conditions. During periods of drought, dry conditions, high temperature and low humidity set the stage for wildfires. Wildfires may spread quickly, affecting large areas of the City in a short amount of time. Records from 1950 to the present indicate that neither Harris nor Galveston Counties have experienced extensive wildfire conditions. Most wildfires have been small in size and contained by local resources. The least annual rainfall on record is inches in The highest temperature on record is 109 degrees on September 4, The daily record high temperature from mid-june to early- September ranges from 100 to 105 degrees. In over 100 years of records, less than ten (10) days have recorded temperatures above 105 degrees. Utility Disruption/Shortage Extreme weather is a frequent visitor to the Friendswood area. During extreme weather conditions, the City may experience water main breaks attributable to the weather and increased demand for water. A utility crisis could be precipitated from any of the hazards discussed previously or from other mechanisms. Many of the assistance programs that the community offers rely on the presence of utilities. If the utility fails, so do many of the potential mitigation activities. The Mitigation Plan Committee has identified Upgrade of City Water System one of the goals of this Plan; more information is included in Section

39 Fire Structure fires and other fire events occur within the community on a regular basis. The City of Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department responded to 86 fires in The duration of a structure fire varies from several minutes to duration of several hours. The City has implemented a variety of techniques and fire safety programs to help prevent the occurrence of fire within the community. The Fire Marshal has implemented numerous fire prevention programs to mitigate fire hazards. The City of Friendswood is served by twenty-nine (29) paid fire personnel and eighty-seven (87) volunteer personnel. Within the community, the fire department operates three fire stations. The fire personnel respond to fire, medical, and rescue emergencies. Hazardous Materials Incidents Hazardous materials are commonly used, transported, and produced in the local area; hence, hazmat incidents may occur here. Highway and pipeline transportation of hazardous materials presents a serious threat to the population. Within the City of Friendswood, fourteen (14) pipeline companies operate twenty-four (24) pipelines that cross through the City. There are approximately forty-seven (47) linear miles of pipeline transmission lines within the city limits. Products such as ethane, natural gas, crude oil, gasoline, ethylene, propane, methane, and propylene are carried through pipelines ranging from six (6) to thirty (30) inches in diameter. Pipelines pose the hazard of explosion, fire, toxic release and contamination. A map illustrating the locations of pipelines within the community is contained in the City of Friendswood Emergency Management Plan (Annex Q Hazardous Materials). Road transportation of hazardous cargo occurs along the following routes: FM 518, FM 528, and FM The City of Friendswood does not have a hazardous materials squad capable of containing a large hazardous materials spill. The fire department is equipped with basic personal protective equipment and limited supplies for hazardous materials incidents. The City partners with adjacent communities and regulated facilities/hazardous materials transportation companies to augment the City of Friendswood resources in the event of a hazardous materials incident. Specifically in the event of an incident, the regulated facility/hazardous materials transportation company is responsible for the following actions: timely notification of the incident to local officials and other agencies as required by state and federal law; to provide accident assessment information to local emergency responders; recommend to local responders mechanisms for containing the release and protecting the public; emergency response as outlined in company or facility emergency plans to minimize the consequences of a release; assist local responders as outlined in mutual aid agreements; provide follow-up status reports on an incident until it is resolved; and to clean up or arrange for the cleanup of hazmat spills for which the company is responsible. The location of a power plant in Matagorda County is not considered to be a potential threat. In the event of a major release of radioactive material, the City of Friendswood would be minimally impacted. The City lies within five (5) miles of the Department of Energy designated transportation route for radioactive materials. 39

40 The City has on record approximately nine (9) hazardous materials incidents occurring within the last twenty-five years. Terrorism The threat of terrorism has received significant media attention during the last few years. Terrorism attacks in New York City and Washington, DC, have heightened public concern. Efforts have been made, within the City of Friendswood, to mitigate public concern and fear associated with terrorism incidents. Recently, the City has been involved in terrorism planning and training. Funds have been made available so that the City may augment their current capabilities for responding to a terrorist event. The City has completed the required state hazard assessments and submitted the analysis to the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX). The City has also developed a plan for responding to weapons of mass destruction events within the community. The Emergency Management Plan for the community contains a terrorism annex. Detailed information regarding terrorism planning efforts within the City is addressed within the Terrorism Annex, Annex V, of the All Hazards Emergency Management Plan. On March 14, 2002, the City of Friendswood participated in a Terrorism Exercise for Galveston County communities. On May 21 the City of Friendswood participated in a Weapons of Mass Destruction Exercise sponsored by the TxDEM along with other Harris County communities. Transportation Accidents The City of Friendswood is located three (3) miles west of IH-45. The City is served by three major Farm to Market Roads, FM 528, FM 518 and FM The east/west corridor is FM 528. FM 518 travels northwest to southeast, while FM 2351 travels northeast to southwest. No railroads run within the boundaries. Polly Ranch Airstrip is located within the community providing a private aviation location. Nearby, Clover Field provides a hard surface, lighted general aviation runway with fuel service. The Houston William P. Hobby Airport, served by eight carriers, is eight miles to the northwest. Additionally, Ellington Field, four miles to the northeast, operates as a Texas National Guard Facility and also functions as a general aviation reliever and cargo field. Commercial and military jet traffic use air space over the City for final approach to Hobby Airport and Ellington Field. Transportation infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and airports may sustain damage during emergency situations, making it difficult to use some of the transportation assets that are available. When carrying out emergency transportation activities, immediate needs must be considered first followed by continuing requirements. Immediate transportation needs normally involve the evacuation of people, including residents of special facilities, from risk areas. Continuing transportation needs typically involve the movement of relief supplies, equipment, and emergency workers during response and recovery operations. 40

41 Mass Casualty Incident The potential for a mass casualty event is present any time a number of individuals are gathered. Therefore mass casualty events may occur at schools, colleges, industrial sites, retail centers, special events, or entertainment venues. Numerous festivals and events occur within Friendswood each year. The largest event that the City sponsors each year is the July 4 th celebration. Approximately 8,000 individuals attend this event. The City recognizes the potential for such mass casualty events to occur. Contained in the Emergency Management Plan is a Health and Medical Services Annex, Annex H. Annex H identifies the mechanism for health and medical response to and recovery from disaster events. Restoration of health and medical services following disaster is also addressed in Annex H. 2.3 FLOOD EVENTS As listed in the State of TxDEM Hazards Analysis, historically floods are and continue to be one of the most frequent destructive and costly natural hazards. Floods are a natural and recurrent event. Floods take place every year and in all seasons. Flooding events are usually broken into three different categories: flash floods, riverine floods, and tidal floods. Given the present knowledge, the size, time, and place of floods cannot be predicted more than a few hours in advance. The following are major tropical storm and hurricane events have produced severe flooding and structural damage along the Texas Gulf Coast and most resulted in damages within the City of Friendswood [Several of the entries on this table were provided by Hurricane Consulting]: September 16-20, 1854 September 27 October 6, 1949 June 1-5, 1871 July 27, 1957 Hurricane Audrey June 13-15, 1886 July 24-25, 1959 Hurricane Debra June 16-18, 1888 September 11, 1961 Hurricane Carla July 4-6, 1888 September 16-20, 1963 Hurricane Cindy July 3-8, 1891 August 5-8, 1964 Tropical Storm Abby October 2-7, 1895 August 2-5, 1970 Hurricane Celia September 10-13, 1897 September 12-17, 1970 Tropical Storm Felice September 20-28, 1898 September 1-7, 1973 Tropical Storm Delia September 7-10, 1900 July 25, 1979 Tropical Storm Claudette July 21, 1909 August 30 September 2, 1979 Tropical Storm Elena August 16-17, 1915 August 3-10, 1980 Hurricane Allen September 14, 1919 September 1-7, Tropical Strom Danielle August 12-15, 1932 August 15-18, 1983 Hurricane Alicia July 21-27, 1933 June 23-28, 1986 Hurricane Bonnie August 26-September 1, 1934 August 9-17, 1987 October 11-17, 1938 June 24- July 1, Tropical Storm Allison September 19-25, 1940 July 30 August 3, 1989 Hurricane Chantal September 11-16, 1941 October 12-16, 1989 Hurricane Jerry September 16-25, 1941 March 5, 1992 Houston Area Flood August 30, 1942 October 15-20, Southeast Texas Flood July 25-29, 1943 July 28 August 2, 1985 Tropical Strom Dean August 24-29, 1945 September 1998 Tropical Storm Frances August 18-27, 1947 June 5-10, 2001 Tropical Storm Allison 41

42 Detailed information relating to hurricanes, tropical storms, and flash flooding events is also contained in Attachment E. Information contained in this attachment was gathered from the National Climactic Data Center, a division of the National Weather Service. 2.4 EROSION HAZARDS The City of Friendswood and Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District address erosion that occurs on streams and drainage ways in the City. Due to the general flat stream gradients in the City and surrounding areas, erosion is not considered to be a major problem. The City enforces development ordinances that require storm water detention for new development that minimizes additional runoff. The City of Friendswood is a Phase II community and has adopted National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) ordinances and requirements per Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines. 2.5 SUBSIDENCE Areas within Harris County, Galveston and Fort Bend Counties have a history of subsidence with measurements dating from Land subsidence is defined in the Harris County Flood Insurance Study as the lowering of the ground as a result of water, oil, gas extraction, as well as other phenomena such as soil compaction, decomposition of organic material, and tectonic movement. The prevalence of land subsidence complicates the determination of the amount a given property lays above or below the base flood elevation. Subsidence has a major impact on floodplain mapping and determining the actual elevation of benchmarks and structures. Subsidence is a major concern and perhaps the most important factor when determining if a restudy is needed to update floodplain mapping. The Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence District Report dated July 1998, shows that 1.0 feet of subsidence has been measured at the NASA Extensometer, located near the City of Friendswood, for the period of From 1978 to 1995, Galveston County has subsided approximately 0.7 feet and the subsidence was evenly distributed across the county. The City of Friendswood currently requires lowest floor elevations of temperature controlled areas shall be a minimum of twenty-four (24) inches above the elevation given on the latest FEMA FIRM Panel for the City of Friendswood. This requirement exceeds the current FEMA minimum criteria for participation in the NFIP. The following passage, Effects of Land Subsidence, published in the Harris County Flood Insurance Study Report Volume 1 of 7 dated April 20, 2000 is included in this report to familiarize the reader with this important issue. Effects of Land Subsidence Base flood elevations shown on the FIRM and in this report were developed using benchmarks referenced to the NGVD. Harris County and Incorporated Areas are affected by land subsidence. 42

43 Land subsidence is the lowering of the ground as a result of water, oil, and gas extraction, as well as other phenomena such as soil compaction, decomposition of organic material, and tectonic movement. Due to the presence of land subsidence in Harris County, some or all of the benchmarks used to develop the base flood elevations on the FIRM have subsided. Periodically, the NGS relevels some benchmarks to determine new elevations above the NGVD; however, not all benchmarks are releveled each time. A relatively extensive releveling was conducted in 1973, and less extensive relevelings were performed in 1978, 1987, and The original FIS reports for Harris County and Incorporated Areas, published in the mid-1980s, were referenced primarily to the 1973 benchmark releveling. Subsequent revisions to the FIRM and FIS report were performed using either the original releveling (1973) or more recent NGS relevelings. Flooding sources for which the data were revised using more recent relevelings are listed below under Riverine Flooding. The prevalence of land subsidence in the study area complicates the determination of the amount a given property lays above or below the base flood elevation. Complicating factors include determining which benchmark releveling to use to determine a property elevation and possible changes in flood hazards as a result of subsidence. Changes in flood hazards, caused by changed hydrologic and hydraulic conditions, could include increases or decreases in (1) depths of flooding, (2) the amount of land inundated, and (3) the intensity of wave action in coastal areas. The nature and extent of possible flood-hazard changes are different depending on the type of flooding (riverine, coastal, or combined riverine and coastal) present. Historically, subsidence was initially concentrated near the early development and industrial areas along the Houston Ship Channel. The Ship Channel serves as the primary conduit for floodwaters for much of the Harris County area. Subsidence in some coastal areas has lowered ground elevations relative to sea level where the effects on flooding are obvious - more permanently inundated land from normal daily tides and more land subject to flooding from tidal surges associated with tropical storms. The historic subsidence patterns generally increased the gradient of tributaries to the Ship Channel, which was believed to actually benefit inland drainage and flooding. Although control of coastal subsidence has been achieved, new ground-water wells to support the water-supply needs of increased western urban growth resulted in continued inland subsidence. Inland subsidence toward the west has the potential to adversely affect stream gradients. The need for more definitive information became evident as local governmental entities moved forward in planning for water supply, drainage and flood control, and ground-water regulation. To respond to the need for better information, a study was undertaken by the local entities primarily responsible for water supply, subsidence and flood control in the Houston metropolitan area - Fort Bend County Drainage District, HCFCD, Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence District (HGCSD), and the City of Houston. The study, dated December 1986, is entitled A Study of the Relationship Between Subsidence and Flooding. The effects of subsidence on flooding and the different methods used to account for land subsidence for each type of flooding (riverine, coastal, and combined riverine and coastal) are discussed below. 43

44 Riverine Flooding (inland flooding not associated with coastal flooding) Subsidence within inland watersheds has little or no effect on flood depths when the entire watershed, including all hydraulic structures, subsides uniformly. However, differential subsidence (the presence of differing amounts of subsidence within a watershed) can cause changes in stream-channel slope and stream-valley geometry, which can result in changes in flood depths. Where stream-channel slopes are steepened (where there is more subsidence downstream than upstream), flood discharges usually increase and hydraulic efficiency, as measured by the amount of discharge for a given flood depth, increases. In this situation, the depth of flow usually decreases. The opposite is generally true where stream-channel slopes are flattened. Other effects of land subsidence can include changes in cross-section floodplain geometry and changes in drainage-basin boundaries Changes in cross-section geometry can affect conveyance, over bank storage, and flow diversions and result in localized changes in flood hazards. Changes in drainage basin boundaries affect the size of the drainage area and can result in changes in discharges and flood depths in the altered basins. Harris County and Incorporated Areas are affected by relatively wide-scale, uniform subsidence with minor differential subsidence within individual watersheds. (For example, differential subsidence within the Brays Bayou and White Oak watersheds between 1973 and 1987 resulted in changes in the main channel slope of approximately 1 inch per mile.) Flood depths remain relatively constant and base flood elevations generally subside as the ground subsides (see Figure 5). The local effects of subsidence may be adequately addressed, in the short term, by assuming that base flood elevations subside by the same amount the ground subsides. For floodplain management (setting lowest-floor elevations and regulating construction in the floodplain) and flood insurance (determining the amount the lowest floor of a structure lies above or below the base flood elevation) purposes, the effects of subsidence can be accounted for by determining ground and structure elevations using benchmark elevations with the same relevel date at the benchmark used to develop the base flood elevations on the FIRM. (See below for benchmark relevel dates used for different flooding sources.) No adjustment is necessary to the base flood elevations on the FIRM. Figure 5. Land Subsidence Schematic - Riverine Flooding 44

45 The data for riverine flooding sources shown on the FIRM are referenced to the 1973 benchmark releveling, with the exception of the following flooding sources, which are referenced to the 1978 releveling: Goose, East Fork Goose, and Dry Creeks and Tributary 37.1, Channel A, and Channel D to Channel A to Cypress Creek. Additionally, some flooding sources in Harris County and Incorporated Areas were revised by LOMR using other benchmark relevelings. The location and description of Elevation Reference Marks (ERMs) are provided on the FIRM to assist in determining ground and structure elevations. These ERMs are either permanent benchmarks established by other Federal, state, or local agencies or reference marks established in the field during the time the FIS was conducted. Because these ERMs were used or established at the time the base flood elevations were determined, the ERMs and base flood elevations should be based on the same releveling and are therefore compatible to use together. Generally, the ERMs closest to a flood-prone area are compatible for use with the base flood elevations on the FIRM. However, this may not be the case where two floodplains are within close proximity of each other and the base flood elevations for each flooding source are based on different relevelings. Other benchmarks of third-order accuracy or higher not shown on the FIRM may be used provided the relevel date of the benchmark is the same as the relevel date associated with the base flood elevations. The local city or county engineering or permitting department should be contacted to verify the compatibility of ERMs and benchmark elevations for use with the base flood elevations on the FIRM. (Note: More recent relevelings of ERMs or other benchmarks may be used with the base flood elevations on the FIRM; however, this may result in: 1) an underestimation of the amount a structure or property is above the base flood elevation, 2) an overestimation of the amount a structure is below the base flood elevation, or 3) problems tying in a revised hydraulic analysis to the FIS profile upstream and downstream of the revised reach.) When reviewing development permit applications for new construction in areas subject to ongoing subsidence, and using the ERM elevations on the FIRM or other benchmarks with the same relevel date as the base flood elevations, consideration should be given to setting the lowest-floor elevation above the base flood elevation by an amount associated with potential increases in flood depths as a result of past and future subsidence. In the absence of site-specific engineering data, elevating a structure by an additional 1.5 feet above the base flood elevation is recommended at this time. This recommendation is based upon information on potential increases in flood depths due to worst-case scenarios of predicted future differential subsidence as discussed in the report entitled A Study of the Relationship Between Subsidence and Flooding (HCFCD, et al., December 1986). Alternatively, the elevations of more recent releveling of benchmarks, including the 1995 releveling, could be used for ground surveying in setting lowest-floor elevations with the base flood elevations shown on the FIRM. In watersheds where minor differential subsidence can be considered negligible in the short term, greater differentials in subsidence may occur over time and uniform subsidence assumptions may no longer be appropriate. Additionally, local conditions may produce changes in ground elevations that cannot always be predicted. As a result, more uncertainty is introduced with respect to potential changes in flood depth. The useful life of an FIS is limited and the FIS must eventually be updated. When an entire watershed, or large portions of a watershed, is restudied and the effects of differential subsidence may be significant, it may be appropriate to relevel 45

46 benchmark elevations at that time or use the most recently releveled benchmark elevations. The new or more recent benchmark elevations should be used for developing new topography and new cross-section data for hydrologic and hydraulic models. When two streams with base flood elevations based on different releveling dates confluence, the backwater projected onto the tributary is at a different releveling date than the tributary riverine profile. When reviewing development permit applications for new construction in areas subject to ongoing subsidence, consideration should be given to setting the lowest-floor elevation above the base flood elevation by an amount associated with the potential increases in flood depths as a result of past and future subsidence. It is recommended that the elevations of the more recent releveling of benchmarks be used for ground surveying in setting lowest-floor elevations with the base flood elevations shown on the FIRM. Coastal Flooding In areas subject to coastal flooding, storm-surge elevations generally are not affected as the ground subsides. The changes in topography due to subsidence are minor compared to the overall size of the Gulf of Mexico and Galveston Bay, where storm surges are generated. However, as a result of subsidence, increases in flood depths and flooding of additional inland areas may occur. Base flood elevations may increase due to increased wave heights resulting from increased flood depths, and the A/V-zone boundary may be located farther inland than shown on the FIRM. For floodplain management and flood insurances purposes, increases in base flood elevations usually can be disregarded in the short term, and increases in flood depth must be taken into account by comparing the base flood elevation on the FIRM with current (at that time) and accurate (true elevation above NGVD within the limits of surveying accuracy) ground and structure elevations (see Figure 6). Figure 6. Land Subsidence Schematic - Hurricane/Tidal Surge Flooding Because coastal base flood elevations generally are not affected by subsidence, the relevel date of benchmarks used to develop onshore topography is not an important factor in determining 46

47 base flood elevations. However, using the elevation of ERMs on the FIRM is not sufficient for floodplain management and flood insurance purposes if an area has experienced significant subsidence (0.5 foot or more) since the relevel date of the ERM. Current and accurate ground and structure elevations above the NGVD must be obtained by field surveys or other appropriate methods. Using outdated ERMs would result in (1) setting the lowest-floor elevations below the base flood elevation, and (2) an improper determination of the amount an existing structure lies above or below the base flood elevation. The error introduced is the same as the amount the land has subsided since the relevel date of the ERM used. When reviewing development permit applications for construction in areas subject to ongoing subsidence, a community should consider setting the lowest-floor elevation above the base flood elevation by an amount equal to expected future subsidence plus any expected increase in wave heights. In addition, a community should consider the potential flood risks when regulating construction in non-special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) that are adjacent to coastal flood zones and may be susceptible to coastal flood inundation due to subsidence. Requirements in these non-sfhas should include setting the lowest-floor elevation at or above the base flood elevation shown in the adjacent coastal flood zone. Combined Riverine and Coastal Certain areas are affected by both riverine and coastal flooding. These areas are identified on the Flood Profiles and in the Floodway Data Table in this report as Combined Probability or Combined Flooding areas. As subsidence occurs in these areas, the depth of riverine flooding tends to remain constant, while the depth of coastal flooding increased. For floodplain management and flood insurance purposes, criteria used in coastal areas should be applied in areas of combined riverine and coastal flooding. Information regarding the location and amount of subsidence is available from the HGCSD in Friendswood, Texas, and the Fort Bend Subsidence District in Richmond, Texas. Subsidence information is available for periods of record including , , , , , and In areas affected by subsidence, benchmarks that have been installed with the foundation of the benchmark deep in the ground on a non-subsiding subterranean layer may provide stable benchmark elevations even though the surrounding ground is subsiding. Several of these types of benchmarks, referred to as extensometers, are located within Harris County and Incorporated Areas. Information concerning the location and stability of these benchmarks may be obtained from the HGCSD. FEMA Form 8l-31, Elevation Certificate and Instructions, is used to provide elevation information necessary to ensure compliance with applicable community floodplain management ordinances, to determine the proper insurance premium rate, and to support a request for a FEMA Letter of Map Change. The instructions for completing Item 4, Section C, of the Elevation Certificate and Instructions in part state: "In areas experiencing ground subsidence, the most recently adjusted reference mark elevations must be used for reference level elevation determinations. The information in this report supersedes the instructions for Item 4, Section C, of the Elevation Certificate and Instructions for Harris County and Incorporated Areas. 47

48 The Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence District (HGCSD) is the recognized expert in subsidence in for this area. The HGCSD maintains a website and publishes annual reports that are utilized by communities and agencies in Harris and Galveston Counties. The network of borehole extensometers maintained by HGCSD has been documented as the only stable and reliable benchmarks in Harris County. Real time elevation information is available on line through the HGCSD website. Of particular importance is HGCSD s documentation of measured subsidence for the period from 1973 to Communities within Harris County have experienced from 0.5 feet to 4.0 feet of subsidence for the period from 1973 to The majority of the 142 Harris County Flood Insurance Rate Map Panels are based on 1973 datum and do not reflect the 28 years of subsidence that has occurred. The Harris County FIRM Panels referenced in the April 20, 2000 publication include the 1973, 1978 and 1987 data; FEMA has plans to publish a restudy of Brays Bayou based on 1995 datum. A complete restudy of Harris County is planned as a flood recovery effort after Tropical Storm Allison and initial planning for the restudy includes utilization of the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) releveling of approximately two hundred (200) 1 st Order Bench Marks to 2000 datum. If the Brays Bayou restudy is published prior to publication of the countywide restudy, the Harris County FIRM s will be based on four different data, 1973, 1978, 1987 and Clear Creek divides Harris and Galveston Counties. It is subject to combined probability flooding from riverine and coastal/tidal flooding. A recommendation to the City of Friendswood is to require the lowest floor of new construction located in Zone A areas to be elevated beyond the current 24 inch requirement to compensate for subsidence. FEMA NFIP Regulations Section (11) recommend that the community compensate for subsidence predicted to occur in a ten-year period. The NASA Extensometer indicates that approximately 0.5 feet of subsidence occurred for the previous ten-year period from It should be noted that only the lower portion of Clear Creek within the City of Friendswood is subject to combined probability flooding. The upstream portion, above FM 528, is not subject to this kind of flooding. 2.6 ELEVATION REFERENCE MARKS The following Elevation Reference Marks (RM's) are located within the City of Friendswood, Texas. The locations of the RM's are shown on the City of Friendswood Flood Insurance Rate Map Panel number E dated September 22, Descriptions of the RM's are included in the City of Friendswood Flood Insurance Study published by FEMA. Additional RM s are shown "for information purposes only" on the Harris County FIRM Panels 1065K and 1070K, dated April 20, Datum differences: The RM's shown on the City of Friendswood FIRM are 1929 NGVD releveled in The RM's located within the City of Friendswood and shown on the Harris County FIRM are 1929 NGVD releveled in The Tropical Storm Allison Flood Recovery Project initiated by FEMA and Harris County Flood Control District includes releveling RM's to 2000 Datum. The benchmark releveling project underway will provide valuable floodplain management information to the City of Friendswood. 48

49 TABLE 2 ELEVATION REFERENCE MARKS FIRM FIRM Elevation Panel # Date RM # NGVD Datum RM Description E 9/22/99 RM USGS bench mark disk (PID-AW1000) E 9/22/99 RM USGS bench mark disk (PID-AW1002) E 9/22/99 RM USGS bench mark disk (PID-AW1005) E 9/22/99 RM USGS bench mark disk (PID-AW1006) E 9/22/99 RM 5 unknown RM location is shown on FIRM Panel 0005E but RM description is not included in Exhibit 3 " Elevation Reference Marks" Section of the Friendswood Flood Insurance Study E 9/22/99 RM 6 unknown RM location is shown on FIRM Panel 0005E but RM description is not included in Exhibit 3 " Elevation Reference Marks" Section of the Friendswood Flood Insurance Study C1055K 4/20/00 0 n/a No RM's on this Panel are shown to be located within the City of Friendswood 48201C1060K 4/20/00 0 n/a No RM's on this Panel are shown to be located within the City of Friendswood 48201C1065K 4/20/00 RM Chiseled square on top of culvert of southeast corner of intersection of Melody lane and Winding Road C1065K 4/20/00 RM Chiseled square on top of culvert under driveway on southwest side of Melody Lane, approximately 0.24 miles southeast on Melody Lane from it s intersection with Winding Road, to dirt driveway C1065K 4/20/00 RM Bronze disc on top of concrete railing at northeast end on bridge on FM 2351, approximately 2,650 feet northeast on FM 2351 from it's intersection with Melody Lane, at Clear Creek bridge C1070K 4/20/00 RM Note: This RM is located in Harris County adjacent to the City of Friendswood Chiseled square on southwest end of culvert, approximately 0.82 miles northeast on FM 2351 from its intersection with Blackhawk Boulevard, approximately 53 feet southeast of centerline of intersection of FM 2351 and driveway, approximately 110 feet southeast of power pole 49

50 FIRM FIRM Elevation Panel # Date RM # NGVD Datum RM Description 48201C1070K 4/20/00 RM Chiseled square on south end of median on Blackhawk Boulevard at intersection of Blackhawk Boulevard and FM C1070K 4/20/00 RM Chiseled square on south end of median on Bay Area Boulevard, at intersection of Bay Area Boulevard and FM C1070K 4/20/00 RM Chiseled square on headwall of spoil bank culvert on north side of FM 528, approximately 0.47 miles east on FM 528 from its intersection with Bay Area Boulevard 48201C1070K 4/20/00 RM Bronze COE disc on top of bridge railing on northwest side of FM 528, approximately 3.14 miles southwest on FM 528 from its intersection with IH 45, at Clear Creek bridge. Harris Galveston Coastal Subsidence District Borehole Extensometers The Harris Galveston Coastal Subsidence District (HGCSD) installed, maintains and monitors borehole extensometers in Harris and Galveston Counties. Three HGCSD Extensometers are located near the City of Friendswood and supply valuable elevation information in areas subject to combined probability flooding. The Clear Lake City, NASA and Seabrook Extensometers are located near the City of Friendswood. The HGCSD publishes an annual report containing subsidence measurements at each extensometer. For the period from 1973 to 1990, the Seabrook Extensometer measured a total of 1.6 feet of subsidence with no measured change since

51 3. ASSESS THE PROBLEM (CRS ACTIVITY 511.E) The City of Friendswood enrolled in the NFIP Emergency Program on June 5, 1970 and the NFIP Regular Program on March 3, 1972 based upon TCEQ records. The Pre-FIRM (Flood Insurance Rate Map) date for structures within the City is July 7, 1974, based upon the City of Friendswood Flood Insurance Study (FIS). Current FIRM requirements were established with two separate FIRMs, City of Friendswood FIRM dated September 22, 1999, and the Harris County FIRM dated April 20, The current Harris County Flood Insurance Rate Maps that include a portion of the City of Friendswood are accessible to the public via the Internet at The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has classified the City as a Category C Repetitive Loss Community, therefore as a condition of participation in the Community Rating System (CRS) Program, FEMA requires a Category C community to adopt a floodplain management plan that addresses all hazards within the community and not limited to only repetitive loss areas. On June 1,1991, FEMA designated the City a Class Nine (9) Community Rating System (CRS) Community. On October 1, 1993, FEMA upgraded the City of Friendswood to a Class Eight (8) CRS Community. The City of Friendswood Mitigation Planning Committee identified each of the potential hazards that the community might face. DEM Hazard Profile Worksheets and Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Worksheets were then completed for the identified hazards. Both worksheets are contained in Attachment F of this plan. In addition, to the Hazard Profile Worksheets and Vulnerability and Risk Assessment, Cost Assessment tables are included in Attachment F. The Cost Assessment tables assign an estimated dollar figure (cost) to each individual disaster. 3.1 DISCUSSION OF THE NUMBER AND TYPE OF BUILDING SUBJECT TO THE HAZARDS. Based on FEMA Community Information System records the City of Friendswood has 5,997 flood insurance policies in force with coverage totaling $1,160,176,000. The City of Friendswood has evaluated FEMA records to determine which areas of the City have received flood insurance claims. Based upon FEMA Community Information System records, within the community 3,001 flood claims have been paid for losses totaling $81,806,291. There have been 338 substantial damage claims since Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Worksheets have been prepared by the City of Friendswood Fire Marshall s Office and included in Attachment F. Of the estimated 10,866 structures located within the City, a total of 1,407 (13.0%) are located within the designated Special Flood Hazard Area as shown on the City of Friendswood Flood Insurance Rate Map. Of the 1,407 structures located in the SFHA, 1200 are residential, 200 commercial/industrial, 2 government, 2 educational and 3 utilities. It is interesting to note that 5,997 flood insurance policies are in force within the City, which represents 55.2% of the total structures. The high number of flood insurance policies is attributed to an excellent public outreach program by the City of Friendswood and to the long history of major flood disasters in the Texas Gulf Coast area. A total of 3,001 flood insurance claims have been paid within the City since

52 3.2 STRUCTURES THAT HAVE RECEIVED FLOOD INSURANCE CLAIMS. The City of Friendswood has experienced twenty-nine (29) flooding events in the last twentytwo (22) years according to FEMA Repetitive Loss Records. FEMA classifies a Repetitive Loss Property as a property (or structure) that has received two or more paid flood insurance claims that exceed $1, each. Based on NFIP records, the City of Friendswood has a total of two hundred ninety-one (291) Repetitive Loss Properties. Twenty-four (24) structures have had over five paid losses since 1978, and twenty-two (22) structures have experienced two to four paid losses. The City is in the process of purchasing one hundred thirty-six (136) substantially damaged properties with Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds. Of the 136 properties, eighty-eight (88) are repetitive loss properties. Once the ongoing acquisition and relocation project is completed, there will be approximately two hundred three (203) repetitive loss properties remaining in the City of Friendswood. Based on the recent experience following Tropical Storm Allison (2001) and the October1994 East Texas Flood, local citizens are somewhat reluctant to volunteer to participate in acquisition and relocation projects. Based on input from City staff and research by the Committee, a Floodplain Management Goal identified for this Plan is to consider elevation of floodprone properties as a method to reduce flood risks. The State of Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP) successfully initiated a number of elevation projects following Hurricane George and Tropical Storm Allison. This procedure can provide the template needed for Elevation projects within the City of Friendswood. In 1991, the City of Friendswood developed a Repetitive Loss Plan as required for participation in the CRS Program. The Repetitive Loss Plan has been updated annually by the City of Friendswood as required for participation in the CRS Program. Based on the FEMA Region VI Community Information System (CIS) database, a total of 3001 Flood Insurance (NFIP) Claims totaling $81,806,291 have been paid in the City of Friendswood. The average Flood Insurance Claim paid in the City of Friendswood since 1979 is $27,260. It is important to note that flooding has damaged additional properties but exact records are not known because the properties and losses were not covered by flood insurance. Neither FEMA nor the TxDEM has records that identify all flooded properties within the City. 3.3 PLAN AND PROCEDURES FOR WARNING AND EVACUATION The Emergency Management Plan for the City of Friendswood outlines the plans and procedures for warning and evacuation during incidents, emergencies and disasters. As outlined in the emergency management plan, detailed information is described below. Warning The primary objective of a warning system is to notify key officials of emergency situations and disseminate timely and accurate warnings to the population at risk. The City of Friendswood acknowledges that they experience emergency situations that could threaten public health or safety, both public and private property and necessitate the implementation of protective action for the public at risk. Therefore, timely warnings to the public of impending emergencies or 52

53 events that have already occurred may save lives, decrease injuries, and reduce some types of property damage. The City identifies electronic news media as the primary source of emergency information for the general public. Local radio and television stations broadcast Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages when requested by local government officials. To effectively utilize the EAS, local governments and broadcasters coordinate the procedures used to transmit warning messages and instructions from the government to the broadcasters. Additionally, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio station will broadcast weather watches and warnings issues by the National Weather Service (NWS). Weather radios are activated when such messages are broadcast. The City of Friendswood has identified the Dispatch/Communications Center, located in the Police Department, to function as the Local Warning Point (LWP). The LWP receives warning of actual or potential emergency situations from a variety of sources to include: federal and state agencies, local officials, businesses, industry, news media, and the general public. The LWP verifies warning information where necessary and disseminates pertinent information to specific local officials and departments. Once warnings are received and where necessary, verified, the LWP will disseminate appropriate information through available communication channels. Receipt of Warning The LWP Receives Warnings from the National Warning System (NAWAS), a 24-hour nationwide, dedicated, multiple line telephone warning system linking federal agencies and the states that is used to disseminate civil emergency warnings. The NAWAS is a voice communications system operated by FEMA. The warnings that are disseminated include: attack warnings, fallout warnings, or natural/technological warnings. The Texas Warning System (TAWAS) is a state level extension of NAWAS. It consists of a dedicated telephone warning system linking the state warning point (in Austin) with other regional warning centers throughout the state. Once a national warning is received at TAWAS, it is transmitted via teletype messages on the Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (TLETS) to the LWP. TAWAS also disseminates warning messages from the Governor or other key state officials to appropriate regions within the state. The NWS disseminates weather forecasts, watches, and warnings via the NOAA Weather Wire Service. The NOAA service is a satellite communications system that broadcasts to specialized receiver terminals. The following are among a few of the weather messages that are provided: flood and flash flood watches and warnings, severe weather watches and warnings, tornado watches and warnings, and tropical weather watches and warnings. The City of Friendswood receives additional warnings via NOAA to tone alert radios located in the Public Safety Building. The Emergency Managers Wireless Information Network (EMWIN) receives weather information broadcast via satellite. The EMWIN terminal is located in the Public Safety Building. Finally, the City has contracted to obtain electronic weather information from KHOU Channel 11. The weather terminal is located in the Public Safety Building. 53

54 Finally, the City of Friendswood has developed an emergency notification matrix for warning dissemination of city officials. Contained in Appendix 2 to Annex A of the Emergency Management Plan, the matrix identifies the types of emergency situations that the City might encounter. Additionally, the matrix identifies which departments and which individuals within those departments should be alerted to the potential emergency situation. Dissemination of Warning The LWP has a variety of means to broadcast warnings to the public. Methods of warning dissemination include: outdoor warning sirens, the Emergency Alert System, route alerting and door-to-door warning, Friendswood radio station, and telephone warnings. Within the limits of the authority delegated, the LWP will determine if a warning needs to be issued and mechanism of dissemination. The outdoor warning system consists of six (6) sirens. The sirens provide coverage to approximately eighty (80) percent of the geographic area and population in the City of Friendswood. The sirens are intended to alert the public. When the sirens are sounded, the public is expected to seek shelter and turn to radio or television to obtain further information. All commercial radio and television stations and cable television companies must participate in the Emergency Alert System (EAS) as a condition of licensing. These organizations must broadcast presidential warnings and may broadcast state and local warnings as well. The stations are encouraged to broadcast all warning messages; however, ultimately the decision for broadcast lies with the broadcaster. The public may be warned by route alerting using vehicles equipped with sirens and public address systems. The Emergency Management Plan has identified police and fire vehicles to be used for this purpose. Response personnel going door-to-door may also deliver warnings. While each of the methods is effective in warning delivery, the methods are labor-intensive, timeconsuming activities. These methods may be considered ineffective for warning large areas. The NOAA weather radios, as per agreement, may be utilized to release EAS messages or broadcast civil emergency messages. The system can broadcast voice messages to individuals who have a NOAA weather radio or receive Weather Radio broadcasts on cable television. Friendswood Information Radio AM1650 broadcasts NOAA weather radio 24-hours per day. In addition, this frequency may also provide verbal warning and instructions to the public. The First Call Notification System allows the City to quickly alert citizens by telephone in the event of an emergency, potential danger, or hazardous condition. The system will call all phone numbers in an affected area when directed, alerting the citizenry to the situation and what protective measures that they should take. Evacuation A wide variety of emergency situations might require an evacuation of portions of the local area. Limited evacuations of a specific geographic area might be needed as a result of a hazardous materials transportation accident, major fire, natural gas leak, or localized flash flooding. Large- 54

55 scale evacuation could be required in the event of a major hazardous materials spill, terrorist attack, extensive flooding, or hurricane. While Texas has no mandatory evacuation law, the mayor may recommend evacuation of a threatened area. Once a disaster declaration has been issued, actions may be taken to control reentry into a stricken area. Additionally, the movement of people and occupancy of buildings within the disaster area may also be controlled. Evacuation is one means of protecting the public from the effects of a hazard. In this instance, protection is achieved when persons are physically moved away from the hazard. The City of Friendswood recognizes the benefits of evacuation and has therefore developed evacuation procedures for the community. The decision to evacuate is decided upon by the incident commander for small-scale incidents and the Emergency Operations Center in larger scale incidents. The Emergency Operations Center will evaluate the need for evacuation, plan for evacuation, and coordinate support for the evacuation effort. During times that evacuations must be conducted because of incidents that occur without warning, evacuations may have to be planned quickly and carried out with available resources. For limited scale emergencies, the incident commander will arrange for warning people to be evacuated in and around the incident site. For large-scale emergencies, typically, the EOC will arrange for warning the population of the evacuation. For slowly developing emergency situations, advance warning should be given to affected residents as soon as it is clear evacuation may be required. Advance warning should address suitable preparedness actions, such as securing property, assembling disaster supplies, fueling vehicles, and identification of evacuation routes. Amplifying instructions for any evacuation may include information on the locations of shelter and mass care facilities, specific evacuation routes, guidance on securing homes, and need for evacuees to take specific items with them during an evacuation. When the incident that generated the need for evacuation is resolved, evacuees must be advised when it is safe to return to the area. Recognizing that hurricanes and tropical storms have the potential to cause extreme damage and loss of life, the Texas Division of Emergency Management in partnership with the Texas A&M Hazard Reduction and Recovery Center has prepared an evacuation map and preparedness tips for the Houston/Galveston Area. Included in the study area is the City of Friendswood. More information related to hurricane preparedness may be found on the Hazard Reduction and Recovery Center/ Division of Emergency Management website: The Houston/Galveston Area Storm Evacuation Maps are published and distributed by publicprivate partnerships. The maps are made available to the public by local businesses such as Radio and TV Stations, Randall s Food Stores, Walgreens Pharmacy, and other businesses located throughout the community. 55

56 As an annual public service, local TV and Radio Stations, in cooperation with the NWS and local communities, inform the public of the hazards of coastal storms and describe preparation for and evacuation from major storms. The NWS Galveston Bay Evacuation Map identifies evacuation routes, areas below the 10 foot contour that are subject to tidal flooding, evacuation warning times, critical or low road elevations near the Coast or Bay, historical storm information, and a hurricane tracking chart. Contained in the Evacuation Annex (Annex E) of the City of Friendswood Emergency Management Plan are identified evacuation routes within the community. The primary evacuation routes are FM 528, FM 2351 and FM 518 out of the City towards Interstate 45. The City of Friendswood Major Thoroughfare Plan dated July 15, 1998 was revised July 2, The Major Thoroughfare Plan includes improvements to Brittany Bay Boulevard that would provide an additional evacuation route for the City of Friendswood. The proposed route parallels FM 518 connecting with Beltway 8 to the west and SH 146 to the east. 3.4 CRITICAL FACILITIES The City of Friendswood has identified facilities critical to the fulfillment of city services as well as facilities that are vulnerable to the impact of disaster. A map illustrating the location of critical and vulnerable facilities is located in Attachment G of this plan. The City of Friendswood has been separated into three (3) Sectors (A, B and C) for the hazard assessment and risk analysis. As discussed in the Emergency Management Plan and Terrorism Threat Analysis, the following locations are listed as vulnerable facilities with their approximate flood zone identified as in the 100-year floodplain: AE; 500-year floodplain, Shaded X (SHX); or outside of the floodplain: Unshaded X (UNX) and cross referenced by plan sector: Critical/Vulnerable Facilities Address Persons at risk Flood Zone Plan Sector Autumn Hills Convalescent Home 213 East Heritage Dr. 100 AE/ SHX B Bales Intermediate School 211 Stadium Lane 622 UNX B Blackhawk Regional Treatment Plant 3902 W. Bay Area Blvd. 7 AE A (1) Brookside Intermediate School 3535 East Parkwood 1200 UNX A City Hall 910 S. Friendswood Dr. 56 UNX B Clearbrook High School (2) 4607 FM UNX N/A Cline Primary School 505 Briarmeadow Ave. 689 UNX C Clover Field (2) Clover Field Road 100 UNX N/A Elevated Tank FM 528 & Moore Road 0 UNX C Friendship Haven 1500 Sunset Drive 160 UNX C Friendswood High School 702 Greenbriar Dr UNX C Friendswood Junior High School 400 Laurel 871 UNX B H L & P Power Control Center FM UNX A Lift Station # Deepwood 2 AE B Lift Station # S. Friendswood Dr. 2 UNX C Lift Station # Bay Area Blvd. 2 UNX A 56

57 Park Place of Friendswood 1310 S. Friendswood Dr. 155 UNX C P.H. Green Elementary 2903 Friendswood Link 600 UNX N/A Public Safety Building 109 E. Willowick 36 UNX B Polly Ranch Airstrip Polly Ranch 100 UNX C Southwestern Bell Central Office N. Friendswood Drive 10 UNX B Surface Water #1 Blackhawk & FM UNX A Surface Water #2 FM UNX A Tex-New Mexico Power Control Center 1207 W. Parkwood Ave. 36 UNX C Village on the Park 400 E. Parkwood Ave. 135 UNX C Wedgewood Elementary School 4000 Friendswood Link 915 UNX A Well #2 809 Merriwood 0 AE C Well #3 605 Stoneledge 0 UNX B Well #4 500 W. Castleharbour 0 UNX C Well # Colt Road 0 UNX B Well # Pennystone Way 0 UNX A Well # Friendswood Link 0 UNX A Westwood Elementary School 506 W. Edgewood Ave. 787 UNX B Windsong Intermediate School 2100 West Parkwood 627 UNX C (1) Gulf Coast Waste Disposal Authority (2) Located outside of the City of Friendswood Fire Stations The City of Friendswood has fire service provided by a combination paid/volunteer fire department. Paid firefighters staff the fire stations Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM until 5:30 PM providing first responder and fire services. The Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department provides first responder and fire services during evening hours and on weekends. There are three fire stations located within the community as described in the table below, City of Friendswood Fire Stations. City of Friendswood Fire Stations Address Persons at risk Flood Zone Plan Sector Fire Station# S. Friendswood 6 UNX B Fire Station # W. Parkwood 5 UNX C Fire Station # Laura Leigh 6 UNX A Hospitals There are no hospitals within the city limits. The closest hospital to the City is Southeast Memorial Hospital, located at Astoria Boulevard. The hospital is approximately one mile northeast of the city limits. Chemical Storage The City of Friendswood has only one regulated chemical facility within the city limits. The Blackhawk Regional Treatment Plant is located at 3902 W. Bay Area Boulevard. At this facility, the primary chemical hazards identified are: chlorine, sodium bisulphate, and sodium hypochlorite. 57

58 3.5 WETLANDS AND RIPARIAN AREAS Wetlands Wetlands are important because they perform beneficial functions and add value to the landscape. At the ecosystem level, wetlands moderate the effects of floods, improve water quality and have aesthetic value. Wetlands also provide important habitat for many organisms, while providing services and commodities to humanity. Some of the most valuable timber species are harvested from wetlands. At the population level, wetland-dependent fish and wildlife provide recreational fishing and hunting. Wetlands play an important role in flood control. It is estimated that storm and flood damage exceeds $1 billion annually in the United States. Wetlands intercept storm waters, thereby moderating sharp runoff peaks to slower discharges over longer periods of time. Wetland vegetation serves to stabilize landforms and protect development. Wetlands have been shown to remove organic and inorganic nutrients and toxic materials from the water that flows across them. When environmental conditions are optimal, waste organic compounds are rapidly decomposed, and accumulated heavy metals and phosphorus are buried in deep sediments. Wetlands remove sediments and toxic substances, and remove or filter excess nutrients. Therefore, wetlands improve water quality just as a water treatment plant costing millions of dollars to build and operate could. In Texas the water quality of some rivers, streams, and bayous has been degraded due to runoff from surrounding lands. Wetlands along these waterways provide a buffer that filters much of this runoff. These functions and values serve as a basis for determining why wetlands are important. Nevertheless, a balance must be found between a private landowner's interest in wetlands, and the values that accrue to the public at large, and the need to consider the value of a wetland as a part of an integrated landscape. Portions of the City of Friendswood, along Clear Creek, are included in the Texas Coastal Management Program administered through the State of Texas General Land Office. As such, identified areas of the community are subject to meet criteria set forth in the Texas Coastal Management Program legislation. Several maps and publications relating to this program may be found on the General Land Office website at: Riparian Areas Environmental hazards are identified within the City of Friendswood along the lower portions of Clear Creek, as determined by the Coastal Region Spill Response Map Series, July 1992, by the Texas Water Commission. This area is identified as a moderate impact area on the Coastal Sensitivity Index. The zone within the identified area is described as a riparian zone along a freshwater river with salt wedge. This area represents only a small portion of the waterways located within the community. 3.6 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS 58

59 To help mitigate the effects of future flooding, the City has participated in a variety of capital improvement projects at both the local and regional levels. At the local level, the City of Friendswood initiates studies within the community related to engineering and floodplain management. The City of Friendswood Regional Drainage Study identified proposed projects to be funded by a 10-year Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Plan. The City of Friendswood Drainage Study for Sunmeadows Subdivision, February 2002, included preliminary design and construction cost estimates for a future CIP. In addition to local projects and studies, the City works closely with regional drainage districts in both Harris and Galveston Counties. The City interacts with the drainage districts for drainage and floodplain management issues. The drainage districts have completed capital improvement projects benefiting the City of Friendswood. 59

60 Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District The Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District (GCCDD) designs, constructs and maintains flood protection projects on major creeks within the Clear Creek watershed that include Chigger, Mary s and Cowards Creeks within the City of Friendswood. The GCCDD continuously clears debris, mows and maintains the creeks within the Clear Creek watershed. Other projects that the district has been involved in include: Creek Maintenance repairing washouts and resloping banks on Chigger Creek. Ditch Maintenance Cleaning, regarding, and increasing capacity to a ditch from Virginia Lane to FM 518. Construction of a 40-acre regional detention pond. Construction of a 33-acre regional detention pond. Channel improvements to Cowards Creek. Capital Improvements Program By City Charter, the City Manager is required to submit a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to the City Council. The intent of the capital improvement program is to identify the infrastructure needs within the community as it grows and matures. The goal of the program is to maintain the quality of life within the community as it grows. The program is also intended to depict the financial challenges of the growth and maintenance of infrastructure that characterize the community s future. The program includes formulating preliminary plans, setting priorities, identifying funding sources and scheduling the implementation of the plans. The current planning process began in 1999 when a Capital Improvements Program was presented to City Council. The program outlined the infrastructure growth and maintenance needs of City of Friendswood for a ten-year period. As was noted, the City is facing its heaviest burden of attending to the maintenance of existing infrastructure and planning for the construction of new growth-related infrastructure. The City of Friendswood is likely to reach its build-out population much sooner than previously projected. Since the Census 2000, populations within the community have risen by fourteen percent (14%). As with past growth, future growth requires significant investment in water, sewer, street, drainage, parks and other facilities. This investment will ensure maintenance of the current quality of life within the community. In 2002, the Capital Improvements Program was expanded to include future water and sewer projects, as identified in the City of Friendswood Groundwater Reduction Plan. In addition, the drainage portion of the plan has been expanded to include the major drainage issues identified as a result of flooding from Tropical Storm Allison. Also included are the remaining unfinished projects noted in the City s Master Drainage Plan. Finally, heavy equipment has been removed from the capital improvements program and is now addressed in the annual operating budget. 60

61 Within the next five years, the program is outlined as follows: TABLE 3 Five Year Program $43,632,122 Utilities $24,325,912 Facilities $ 7,884,291 Drainage $ 3,921,042 Streets/Thoroughfares $ 4,312,477 Parks $ 3,188,400 The program proposed for the next five years is somewhat different than that proposed in the 1999 program. The emphasis has shifted to Utilities with almost equal effort proposed in the remaining areas. The drive for spending on utilities is being generated by growth and an aging utility infrastructure. Emphasis has shifted away from the aging street network as the Community Development and Public Works Department focuses on implementing new preventative maintenance programs to lengthen the life of those streets. Department officials believe implementation of the new programs will move the total replacement of the streets out for several years. The brunt of the work in the Five Year Plan occurs within the first two years. The purchase of additional surface water capacity in late 2003 or early 2004 is the single largest expenditure. It is followed by several construction projects and critical drainage projects. Also included in the Five Year Plan are street projects listed in the Major Thoroughfare Plan such as Brittany Bay Boulevard, Whispering Pines/Friendswood Link Road and Melody Lane. More information related to the Capital Improvements Program may be found in the Capital Improvement Program Document. Copies of this document are kept on file in the City of Friendswood Planning Department. Open Space Preservation The City of Friendswood developed an Open Space Preservation Committee to develop recommendations for the use of each Open-Space Property obtained as part of the Tropical Storm Allison Buyout Program. Both city staff and local citizens were represented on the committee. The committee developed a series of priorities for the properties: improving drainage, adherence to the Parks Board Master Plan (to include Community Appearance Board Recommendations and Hike and Bike Trail System), and to minimize maintenance costs to the City. Minimization of maintenance costs can be achieved through licensing non-drainage and non-park use lots to homeowners associations and homeowners. The committee made the following recommendations for Open Space Preservation by various property owners: Drainage Districts The City reserves the right to obtain future easements for Open Space purposes. 61

62 The City shall be involved in the decision making process for proposed flood improvements to land. The drainage district is responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the property in accordance with Open Space guidelines. The City and drainage district are required to mitigate any and all trees that are located out of the floodplain that are damaged or removed while making property improvements. Existing trees should not be removed unless they are part of bypass cuts or detention ponds. The drainage district shall maintain acquired tracts in a manner consistent with current policies on detention ponds. Maintenance of properties will adhere to City of Friendswood ordinances, Homeowners Association policies, and deed restrictions. Trash removal from the creek itself should be completed in a manner as to minimally impact the neighborhoods. Parks Department To help accommodate the hike and bike trail system developed as part of the Parks Master Plan, The parks department will seek to return the properties to a natural state. Maintenance of properties will include chemical weed eating at curbs, trash removal, screening with native plants, and fencing to discourage inappropriate use of parkland. Grants and other funding will be pursued in order to develop in stages parallel hike and bike systems throughout the acquired tracts. In limited areas, mowing would take place. The concept of allowing new trees to seed themselves would have priority. An arborist consultant should be contacted. Homeowners Associations When a homeowners association (HOA) leases property from the City, the HOA will be responsible for fees on the subject property. The HOA will agree to maintain the property in accordance with the open space guidelines. Proposed improvements to the property must have written authorization from the City to proceed. The City reserves the right to obtain future easements for Open Space purposes. The subject property may not be sub-leased. The term of the agreement shall not exceed ten (10) years in length and may be subsequently renewed for consecutive ten (10) years periods as agreed upon by both parties. The HOA must provide liability insurance on the property naming the City of Friendswood as an additional insured. The HOA will mitigate any and all trees that are located out of the floodplain that are damaged or removed while making improvements to the property. All maintenance should be consistent with current City of Friendswood ordinances, HOA policies, and deed restrictions. Homeowners The individual that leases the property will be responsible for the HOA fees that are due for the subject property. The individual that leases the property will be required to maintain the property in accordance with open space guidelines. 62

63 The City of Friendswood reserves the right to obtain future easements for Open Space purposes. Any proposed improvements to the property must have written authorization from the City to proceed. The subject property may not be sub-leased. Preference for determining lease assignment will be as follows: adjacent property owner, resident of subdivision on same street, resident of subdivision in closest proximity to subject lot, and resident of Friendswood in closest proximity to subject lot. The term of the agreement shall not exceed ten (10) years in length and may be subsequently renewed for consecutive ten (10) year periods as agreed upon by both parties. All maintenance should be consistent with current City of Friendswood ordinances, HOA policies, and deed restrictions. 3.7 IMPACT OF DISASTERS Flooding The City of Friendswood is mitigating the impact of flooding within the community. The current impact is greatly reduced from what it was ten years ago. Cooperative projects with the Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District and Harris County Flood Control District seek to reduce flood losses. Acquisition projects such as the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) following Tropical Storm Allison have reduced the number of persons exposed to flood hazards. City officials continue to encourage the purchase of flood insurance as a mitigation measure for individuals in the community. Flood insurance policies are available to all residents of the City of Friendswood. Because the City of Friendswood participates in the CRS program, flood insurance policy holders pay reduced premiums. Severe Weather Severe weather events occur within the community on average at least once a year. Information on specific severe weather events identified by the National Climactic Data Center may be found in Attachment E of this plan. The City of Friendswood Fire Marshal/Emergency Management Office works in conjunction with a variety of organizations, department and agencies in effort to address the threats posed by severe weather within the community. In effort to mitigate the impact of severe weather within the community, the City of Friendswood provides public outreach programs aimed at increasing family disaster preparedness. For the period January 2002-July 2002, 118 public education classes were conducted within the City. Total attendance for the classes was 1,125. The Emergency Management Office also submits materials to be published in the annual Focus on Friendswood Hurricane Preparedness Newsletter, distributed to all citizens of Friendswood. The Emergency Management Office routinely participates in emergency management training, exercises and drills. For the period January 2002-July 2002, City of Friendswood Emergency Management Officials participated in the following exercises: Galveston County Terrorism Exercise, February 2002; Galveston County Regional Bio-Terrorism Exercise, March 2002; 63

64 Harris County Terrorism Exercise, April 2002; and the Hurricane Greg Exercise (Texas Division of Emergency Management), April Through participation in emergency management exercises, the City of Friendswood Emergency Management staff is able to evaluate their capabilities and preparedness status. Constant examination and evaluation of the emergency management functions within the City are a valuable mitigation strategy. Emergency Management Officials within the City of Friendswood encourage citizens to purchase and utilize weather radios as a mitigation strategy for the individual. Weather radios are also placed in city facilities, educational facilities and congregate care facilities within the city limits. Hazardous Materials City of Friendswood officials recognize that hazardous materials incidents may occur within the community. In the last twenty-five (25) years the City of Friendswood has responded to nine (9) hazardous materials incidents. The City of Friendswood Emergency Management personnel participate in an annual pipeline drill. Additionally, quarterly hazardous materials drills and/or exercises held within the area allow personnel to evaluate their capabilities to respond to hazardous materials incidents. City of Friendswood emergency management staff regularly participates in training courses related to hazardous materials. Terrorism Within the last five years, City of Friendswood emergency management staff has expanded the scope of the Emergency Management Plan to include terrorism and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) events as potential hazards. The City of Friendswood has applied for and received grant funding for terrorism and WMD. The grant funding was designed to financially assist the community, allowing the purchase of materials, supplies, and training to increase the level of preparedness. City of Friendswood Emergency Management Office in conjunction with other city staff participated in both the Galveston County Terrorism Drill held in March 2002 and the Harris County Terrorism Drill held in April The purpose of the drills was to simulate the coordinated efforts required for response to a terrorism incident in the area. City officials were able to evaluate the level of readiness within the community and adjacent areas. Strengths as well as potential deficiencies were identified and used as a mechanism to direct future planning efforts. Hurricanes and Tropical Storms The City of Friendswood is vulnerable to the damages associated with hurricane and tropical storm events. As discussed previously, over fifty tropical storm and/or hurricane events have occurred within the City of Friendswood. The Friendswood Emergency Management Office works diligently to increase preparedness and improve mitigation efforts related to hurricanes and tropical storm events. 64

65 Yearly, the Focus of Friendswood Newsletter devotes an entire issue to hurricane safety and preparedness. Emergency Management Officials supply the bulk of materials featured in the newsletter. The Emergency Management Office staff also conducts several presentations throughout the year to help increase citizen awareness and preparedness for hurricanes, tropical storms and other hazardous conditions. The City of Friendswood participates in a variety of exercises and disaster drills both locally and regionally to help increase preparedness. Disaster exercises and drills are a vital function of the emergency management program. Routine emergency drills and disaster exercises allow for City officials to interact with other local jurisdictions, regional emergency service providers as well as state and federal agencies. Exercises assist identifying potential problems or weaknesses in emergency management activities. In addition, exercises help to identify strengths and strategic alliances between departments, organizations and outside agencies. Tropical Storm Allison (FEMA #1379-DR-TX) resulted in damages in the City of Friendswood that were approved for reimbursement by FEMA and DEM. Based on the City of Friendswood Tropical Storm Allison Financial Report, the approved Public Assistance (PA) Categories are as follows: Category A Debris Removal $194, Category B Protective Measures $92, Category C Roads and Bridges $4, Category E Public Building & Equipment $10, Category F Public Health System $ 23, Category G Other (Parks) $ 5, Total $330, Mitigation Measures include Lift Station and force main (Category F) where electrical controls were relocated and submersible pumps installed. These measures have been installed but have not been tested by a flood or storm event. 65

66 4. GOALS (CRS ACTIVITY 511.F) Through implementation of the following activities, hazard mitigation will be realized to reduce the threat to citizen s health and safety, and to reduce property damage caused by natural hazards. Hazard mitigation planning will improve the lives of the citizens of Friendswood, the environment, and the appearance of the City. Mitigation Planning 1. Receive maximum CRS credits from FEMA/ISO related to CRS Activity 511, Floodplain Management Planning. 2. Conduct annual evaluations and updates to the City of Friendswood Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan. Emergency Management 1. Install auxiliary power for all city-owned critical facilities within the City. [Action Item #2] 2. Develop a comprehensive local hazard analysis to include a risk assessment and vulnerability analysis. 3. Design and construct a new Emergency Operations Center to meet current windstorm design requirements. 4. Expand emergency siren system to allow for 100% coverage within the City. [Action Item #1] 5. Initiate Emergency Management presentations, training and workshops to all age groups. [Action Item #3] Public Works and Capital Improvement Projects 1. Upgrade City s water system to improve fire protection capabilities and reduce dependence on ground water to help reduce the risk of further subsidence. [Action Item #4] 2. Implement Major Thoroughfare Plan to improve evacuation routes within the community. [Action Item #5] 3. Support the design and construction of the GCCDD Regional Detention Ponds. 4. Support the design and construction of the USACE Clear Creek Federal Flood Protection Project. 5. Implement projects identified in the City of Friendswood Master Drainage Plan. [Action Item #7] 6. Design and construct drainage projects as identified in the Capital Improvements Program. Floodplain Management 1. Develop the City of Friendswood Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan in such a manner to qualify as a Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Plan and receive approval from the TWDB. 2. Improve CRS classification annually with a goal to achieve a FEMA Class Submit Map Needs Update Support System (MNUSS) data to FEMA to support the national Map Modernization effort and to provide justification for a Galveston County (countywide) flood insurance study to convert the City of Friendswood FIRM to a digital format. 4. Identify Repetitive Loss Properties for future HMGP Projects. [Action Item #6] 5. Acquire floodplain when economically feasible and encourage open space in development. [Action Item #6] 66

67 6. Increase Flood Insurance Policy base by recommending that all properties located within the SFHA in Friendswood purchase insurance. 7. Relevel Elevation Reference Marks located within the community. 8. Utilize HMGP and Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program funding for future Elevation Projects that can be initiated in lieu of acquisition and relocation projects. 67

68 5. REVIEW OF POSSIBLE ACTIVITIES (CRS ACTIVITIES 511.G) The City of Friendswood Mitigation Planning Committee evaluated the following activities to be included in the Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan: 5.1 PREVENTIVE ACTIVITIES (CRS ACTIVITY 511.G.1) Open Space Preservation The City of Friendswood developed an open space preservation committee to develop recommendations for the use of each Open-Space Property obtained as part of the Tropical Storm Allison Buyout Program. Both city staff and local citizens were represented on the committee. The committee developed a series of priorities for the properties: improving drainage, adherence to the Parks Board Master Plan (to include Community Appearance Board Recommendations and Hike and Bike Trail System), and to minimize maintenance costs to the City. Minimization of maintenance costs can be achieved through licensing non-drainage and non-park use lots to homeowners associations and homeowners. As previously mentioned, the committee made recommendations for Open Space Preservation by various property owners. Detailed information relating to the recommendations may be found in section 3.5. Floodplain Regulations The City of Friendswood has participated in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) since June 5, 1970 (Emergency Program) and since March 3, 1972 (Regular Program). To remain in compliance with the NFIP, the City of Friendswood has adopted the following Flood Damage Prevention Ordinances: Floodplain Ordinance Number Adoption Date No. 175 March 5, 1973 No. 304 June 5, April 4, May 4, September 20, October 15, February 26, December 7, September 27, 1999 The City of Friendswood received a Comprehensive Community Assessment Visit (CAV) from FEMA Region in 1998 and the CAV Report dated January 1999 stated that the City of Friendswood is in compliance with the requirements of the NFIP. The City of Friendswood Community Development Department enforces the Floodplain Regulations. Number and qualifications of administrators: 68

69 Mickiel G. Hodge, PE, RPLS, CFM is the Director of Community Development and Public Works. Mr. Hodge also serves as City Engineer. Mr. Hodge is a Registered Professional Engineer, Registered Public Land Surveyor and Certified Floodplain Manager. Daniel S Johnson, PE, CFM, is the City of Friendswood Community Rating System (CRS) Coordinator, assistant City Engineer, Project Manager for the Tropical Storm Allison Flood Recovery Project (TSAFRP) Acquisition and Relocation Project and Planner-in-Charge for the City of Friendswood Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan. Number and qualification of inspectors: The Building Official is Certified ICBO Electrical, ICBO Building, ICBO Mechanical, and SBCCI Plumbing Inspector. Four (4) Building Inspectors including one (1) Certified SBCCI Building Inspector, two (2) Texas State Certified Plumbing Inspectors and one (1) Certified Code Enforcement Officer. Number of Building Starts/Permits and Inspections in FY 2002: 1,439 Permits for FY ,554 Inspections for FY 2002 Number of variances and explanation of justification: There were four (4) variances granted in FY One (1) was a fence constructed in the front yard setback and three (3) for side or rear setback encroachments. No variances were issued that violate the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance elevation or floodway requirements. Inspection/permit process: All inspections in the City of Friendswood comply with building codes and two publications, City of Friendswood Residential Building Requirements and City of Friendswood Commercial Building Requirements All inspections are governed by the 1999 National Electrical Code and the 2000 International Building, Residential, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fuel Gas and Energy Conservation Codes. The only amendments to these codes deal with administrative policies and licensing procedures. Permits are issued for projects only after a complete submittal has been received, reviewed and approved by staff. All provisions of the above referenced codes are used in determining the approval of any project. Once approved, all information regarding subcontractors and general contractors are compiled and verified, then permits are issued for the project. The City of Friendswood has adopted more restrictive measures than NFIP minimum requirements for floodplain management. Detailed information relating to floodplain management may be found in Chapter 34 of the Code of Ordinances for the City of Friendswood and two publications; City of Friendswood Residential Building Requirements, and City of Friendswood Commercial Building Requirements. The two publications were revised on August 9, The floodplain administrator maintains the ordinance and all updates and/or revisions in the CRS files for the City. 69

70 The more restrictive, or higher standards enforced by the City requires submittal of an Certificate of Elevation if the property is located within Zone A and mandates that all new construction throughout the City be elevated as follows: Zone AE Lowest floor elevations of temperature-controlled areas shall be a minimum of twenty-four inches (24 ) above the base-flood elevation identified on the latest FEMA FIRM panel for the City of Friendswood. Lowest floor elevation if not temperature controlled, shall be a minimum of six inches (6 ) above the relevant elevation. Shaded X Zone Lowest floor elevations of temperature controlled areas shall be a minimum of twenty-four inches (24 ) higher than the adjacent natural grade. Lowest floor elevation of not temperature controlled shall be a minimum of six inches (6 ) higher than the adjacent natural grade. Unshaded X Zone (A) Curb and Gutter: The lowest floor elevation shall be a minimum of eighteen inches (18 ) above the top of the curb or a minimum of twelve inches (12 ) above the adjacent natural grade, whichever is greater. (B) Open Ditch Streets: The lowest floor elevation shall be a minimum of eighteen inches (18 ) higher than the center of the street or a minimum of twelve inches (12 ) higher than the adjacent natural grade, whichever is greater. All air conditioning equipment and utility equipment must be at temperature controlled minimum floor elevation or higher. Community Assistance Visit (CAV) FEMA conducted a CAV visit with the City of Friendswood following Tropical Storm Frances. A detailed report, dated January 4, 1999, was provided to the city. The CAV included an indepth review of the City of Friendswood s floodplain management program. Stormwater Management The City of Friendswood is responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of the storm drainage system within the City. City ordinance requires that prior to development, a hydrological analysis must be submitted to identify the impact and potential adverse effects of increased runoff attributed to the development. Sections and of the Code of Ordinances detail the specific stormwater management requirements within the community. In 2002, the City of Friendswood placed a request for proposal to prepare the stormwater management plan related to the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) 70

71 Phase II. NPDES best management practices will be instituted on March 1, A portion of the funding in the Capital Improvement Program relates to drainage issues. Drainage System Management The City of Friendswood, Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District (GCCDD) and Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) have jurisdiction within the City of Friendswood. GCCDD designs, constructs and maintains flood protection projects on major creeks within the Clear Creek watershed that include Chigger, Mary s and Cowards Creeks within the City of Friendswood. In addition, the GCCDD is responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of drainage systems within Galveston County. The HCFCD is responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of drainage systems within Harris County. Both agencies provide regular maintenance to all of the creeks and streams within the community. Clear Creek is a Federal Flood Control Project. The US Army Corps of Engineers proposed a major channelization project that will provide protection for the areas along Clear Creek located in both Harris and Galveston Counties. Harris and Galveston Counties are the Local Sponsors for the proposed Clear Creek Federal Flood Control Project. The City of Friendswood has itemized drainage system maintenance procedures as part of the CRS application that was submitted to FEMA in 1991 and updated in The City continues to document these activities as required for participation in the CRS program. Subsidence As recommended in FEMA/NFIP regulation 60.22, subsidence is monitored within the community. The City of Friendswood maintains a technical relationship with the Harris- Galveston Coastal Subsidence District (HGCSD). The relationship allows the City to utilize current subsidence measurements in the area and the NGS/HGCSD re-leveled benchmarks for construction. An in-depth discussion of subsidence in the Harris-Galveston Coastal Area may be found in section 2.5 of this document. Windstorm Inspection Program The City of Friendswood is located in the Inland II Area as defined by the 1973 (Southern) Standard Building Code and the Texas Catastrophe Property Insurance Association s Building Code for Windstorm Resistant Construction of June 29, Suggested methods of construction to meet building requirements within the community are based upon the wind load requirements outlined in the above-mentioned documents. Compliance with these guidelines and inspection by the Texas Department of Insurance will maintain a structure s insurability by the Texas Catastrophe Property Insurance Association. The inspection program applies only in the fourteen (14) communities directly along the Texas Coast. Within the City of Friendswood, the portions of the community that lie in Galveston County are required to adhere to the windstorm requirements. 71

72 5.2 PROPERTY PROTECTION (CRS ACTIVITY 511.G.2) Building Codes The City of Friendswood has adopted the International Building Codes 2000 and International Fire Codes Building permits and construction inspection is conducted by the Community Development Department. The City of Friendswood had eleven (11) commercial building starts in 2001 and forty-eight (48) commercial building renovations. Currently the Community Development Department has fifteen (15) employees with five (5) individuals certified as inspectors. The City of Friendswood Building Code Effectiveness Grading is Grade 5 last graded March See Section 5.1, Floodplain Regulations, for a description of codes, permit requirements and inspection criteria. Fire Protection The City of Friendswood Fire Marshall s Office has three (3) inspectors certified by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection as Fire Inspectors and Fire Investigators. They are also certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education as Peace Officers. In 2000, 611 inspections were conducted In 2001, 451 inspections were conducted In 2002, 383 inspections were conducted. The City of Friendswood is a member of the Design Review Committee (DRC) which guides developers in implementation of new construction. Plan reviews are conducted on all new and remodel construction for businesses and subdivisions. This review includes plats, fire lanes, sprinkler plans, ansul systems, fire alarms, occupancy loads and building plans. A minimum of two inspections are conducted on all new construction, one cover inspection and one CO (Certificate of Occupancy) or final inspection. Additional inspections are conducted for fire alarm, sprinkler systems and ansul system when required. After a CO is issued, an annual inspection of every business is conducted. Relocation/ Acquisition The City of Friendswood received Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding after Tropical Storm Allison to initiate a fast track acquisition and relocation project that includes removal of 136 substantially damaged properties, of which 88 were repetitive loss properties. This major reduction in the total number of repetitive loss properties in the City will accomplish one of the primary goals of the City of Friendswood Repetitive Loss Plan. As identified in the City of Friendswood Regional Drainage Study Mary s, Cowards, and Chigger Creek Watersheds, August 2001, the City should initiate acquisition and relocation projects to remove repetitive loss properties from the floodplain. Building Elevation 72

73 The City of Friendswood has adopted more restrictive measures beyond the NFIP minimum regulations. The City requires that the lowest floor of the structure be elevated not less than two (2) feet above the base-flood elevation identified on the latest FEMA FIRM panel for the City in Zone AE. In Zone X shaded, lowest floor elevations must be a minimum of twenty-four (24) inches higher than adjacent natural grade. For curb and gutter streets in Zone X unshaded, lowest elevation must be a minimum of eighteen (18) inches above the top of the curb or a minimum of twelve (12) inches above adjacent natural grade, whichever is greater. On streets with open ditches in Zone X unshaded, slab elevation should be a minimum of eighteen (18) inches higher than the centerline of the street or a minimum of twelve (12) inches higher than the adjacent natural grade, whichever is greater. The City proposes to initiate elevation in lieu of acquisition/relocation for selected areas of the community. City officials hope to utilize the following funding sources Increased Cost of Compliance, Flood Mitigation Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program when available. Floodproofing The City of Friendswood ordinance allows for floodproofing of structures that are nonresidential and not temperature controlled. The structure must be floodproofed to the base flood elevation as shown on the latest FEMA FIRM. In addition, a registered professional engineer or architect shall develop and/or review the structural design, specifications and plans for the construction and shall certify that the design and methods of construction are in accordance with accepted standards of practice. The floodplain administrator for the community maintains records of all certificates. Sewer Backflow Protection Under City Code any structures in the floodplain must have sanitary sewer backflow protection. The City requires that sanitary sewer manholes constructed within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) have inserts to prevent inflow and infiltration. In addition, fire protection systems within the community are required to be designed to prevent backflow. The City Code backflow prevention requirements are designed to prevent the contamination of potable water within the community. Insurance The mitigation committee recommends that the City continue insurance awareness and outreach programs to encourage citizens to purchase flood insurance policies. 5.3 NATURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION (CRS ACTIVITY 511.G.3) Wetlands Protection Construction of the Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District Regional Detention Ponds will be modified to include wetland protection and wildlife habitat protection. 73

74 Erosion and Sediment Control The City of Friendswood contributes both planning and financial assistance to the Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District. The City of Friendswood supports the planning, design and proposed construction of the Clear Creek Federal Flood Control Project. Best Management Practices Best management practices are encouraged within the community. The City will enter NPDES Phase II in March of EMERGENCY SERVICES (CRS ACTIVITY 511.G4) Hazard Warning The City of Friendswood Emergency Management Plan describes warning procedures in depth in Annex A Warning. A brief description of warning measures that the City currently has in place may be found in section 3.3 of this plan. Disaster Response The City of Friendswood Emergency Management Plan is maintained by the Fire Marshal s Office. Copies of the plan are on hand at the Emergency Operations Center. Disaster response is addressed in the both the basic plan and numerous functional annexes. The Emergency Management Plan is updated on a routine basis per state requirements. Critical Facilities Protection The City of Friendswood has identified critical facilities located within the community. A listing of critical facilities may be found in section 3.4 of this plan. In an effort to protect the critical and vulnerable facilities, the City has led an effort to place programmable NOAA weather radios within each location. In addition to the weather radios, the City has developed a priority list on the First Call Notification System for critical facilities. Under this program, facilities may be quickly notified by telephone in the event of an emergency, potential danger, or hazardous conditions. A complete discussion of NOAA weather radios and the First Call Notification System may be found in section 3.3 of this plan. The City of Friendswood has developed procedures for public warning during times of natural disaster. The Fire Marshals Office applied for the National Weather Service Storm Ready Rating. The City should receive the readiness rating during late 2002 or early In addition, the Fire Marshals Office has conducted SkyWarn training for amateur radios operators. During times of severe weather and disaster, these individuals transmit valuable field reports into the Emergency Operations Center. Health and Safety Maintenance The City of Friendswood created the position of Safety and Training Coordinator in This position is responsible for planning, directing and implementing organizational safety programs to ensure safe, healthy and accident-free work environments. The position plans coordinates and directs training and staff development programs within the City. The position also inspects 74

75 insured properties to evaluate physical conditions and promote safety programs. During times of disaster, this position assists Emergency Management Officials as needed. The City works closely with the Galveston County Health Department (GCHD) for health related needs. The City contracts with the GCHD for restaurant and food service inspections. The City of Friendswood Fire Marshal s Office inspects dry cleaning facilities, which handle numerous hazardous materials, within the community. The Fire Marshal also conducts commercial fire inspections throughout the community on an annual basis to ensure compliance with local fire codes. The City contracts water testing out to a private lab. 5.5 STRUCTURAL PROJECTS (CRS ACTIVITY 511.G.5) Bond Issue of February 1, 2003 Projects The February 1, 2003 City of Friendswood Bond Election resulted in all four (4) Propositions being approved by the voters. Proposition No. 1 $7,380,000 for Public Safety Facilities that include a new public safety building, a new fire station and renovations of existing fire stations. Proposition No. 2 $5,575,000 for drainage improvements to various sites including Sunmeadow, Annalea-Whitehall, Clover Acres, Wood;lawn, Mission Estates and Glenshannon subdivisions. Proposition No. 3 $4,055,000 for streets and thorofares, including Friendswood Link Road, and Brittany Bay Boulevard extension. Proposition No. 4 $3,075,000 for Centennial Park improvements. Flood Protection Projects In addition to the Regional Stormwater Detention Ponds listed below, the Clear Creek Federal Flood Protection Project is in the process of evaluation by the USACE. The Clear Lake Outlet has been constructed by the USACE and the Local Sponsor, Harris County Flood Control District. Flood Protection Projects are also addressed in the Capital Improvement Program and Master Drainage Plan for the community. Emergency Operations Center Projects The Texas Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management, has funded several City of Friendswood Hurricane Property Protection Mitigation (HPP-M) projects under the Mitigation Assistance Program. Approved Projects include: Project FY00-08, HPP-M Award Notification HM 3.5 for $12, Project FY $7,450 Backup EOC Window Protection Project FY $16, EOC Storm Window Protection These mitigation projects have been installed but have not been tested by an actual storm event. Stormwater Detention The City of Friendswood Regional Drainage Study Mary s, Cowards, and Chigger Creek Watersheds, August 2001, recommends the following activities to be initiated by the City 75

76 following completion of the two Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District detention ponds: 1. Complete construction of the two GCCDD regional detention ponds within the watersheds that impact the City of Friendswood. Existing Regional Detention Ponds Cowards Creek 40 acre/239 acft Chigger Creek 33 acre/137 acft 2. In cooperation with GCCDD, construct four regional detention ponds. Proposed Regional Detention Ponds Mary s Creek 55 acres located at the confluence of Mary s Creek and Mary s Creek Bypass in Brazoria County Cowards Creek 98 acres located on Cowards Creek adjacent to the existing 40 ac pond on Cowards Creek Tributary CW near the confluence with Cowards creek Chigger Creek 28 acres located on Chigger Creek upstream of Windsong Drive Eagle Creek 20 acres on small tributary of Eagle Creek Diversions/Channel Modifications/Storm Sewers Contained within the Capital Improvements Program are provisions for water and sewer improvements. The suggested improvements are based upon the need to accommodate growth and maintain service to neighborhoods where lines are aged or in need of replacement. Discussion relating to the capital improvements program may be found in section 3.6 of this plan. The City of Friendswood Regional Drainage Study found that channel improvements when compared to regional detention pond alternatives were not feasible due to expensive right of way costs. The City of Friendswood has not received Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) funding for planning, design or construction of water resources or drainage improvement projects. 5.6 PUBLIC INFORMATION (CRS ACTIVITY 511.G.6) Map Information The Community Development Department allows for the public to view the most current FIRM map available in their offices. The City of Friendswood website has a link to FEMA s electronic FIRM website enabling citizens to view maps over the web. Additionally, the phone number to obtain the FIRM map from FEMA FDMC is provided to individuals upon request. Outreach Projects The City of Friendswood conducts an annual outreach program for the community. Residents both inside of and outside of the floodplain are contacted. The Focus on Friendswood community newsletter publishes information relating to floodplain management and emergency management. Once a year, the newsletter devotes an entire issue to hurricane preparedness. This 76

77 newsletter is distributed to all residences within the community. Additionally, the Community Development Department supplies a mail-out brochure specifically targeting residents located in the floodplain. Content of the mail-out varies each year. Real Estate Disclosure The City of Friendswood has a working relationship with the local Real Estate Industry in regards to floodplain management. An informational memo is sent out the realtors, lenders, and insurance agents detailing the services provided by the Community Development Department. It is a violation of State law to not notify a potential buyer that a home has flooded or is in the floodplain. Library The City of Friendswood Public Library provides reference materials and other literature related to floodplain management and participation in the NFIP. The Flood Insurance Study, Flood Insurance Rate Maps and other City and/or FEMA documents may be available for public reference. Topics addressed by reference materials include: retrofitting floodprone property, flood protection levees, elevation of floodprone structures, protective barriers, and emergency measures to minimize flood damages. Citizens are encouraged to review the literature on a periodic basis. Technical Assistance As a community service, the City of Friendswood Community Development Department provides the following services regarding Flood Rate Map Determination: reading the FIRM in response to telephone calls, helping a person who walks into the office to read the FIRM, and response to written inquiries. Emergency Management Education The City of Friendswood Fire Marshal/Emergency Management Office is extremely involved in public education activities. Routinely, representatives from the City of Friendswood present information related to fire safety, storm preparedness, general emergency management issues, family disaster planning, and facility preparedness for disaster. A sampling of the groups to which presentations are made includes: area hospice organizations, homeowners associations, community centers, and school age children. The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) teaches the Wally Wise curriculum to all fifth graders in the school district. Additionally, the City participates in local parades and festivals promoting emergency management and disaster preparedness initiatives. For the period January 1 through July 31, 2002, the Fire Marshal/Emergency Management Office conducted one hundred eighteen (118) Public Education classes. Through the public education classes, 1,125 people were trained in various emergency management topics. 77

78 6. DRAFT ACTION PLAN (CRS ACTIVITY 511.H) The City of Friendswood Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan is maintained by the Community Development Department. The Department Director is responsible for retaining copies of the plan, coordinating the annual review and future updates of the plan. The City of Friendswood Mitigation Planning Committee discussed various mitigation activities that the community could undertake to increase preparedness levels. The actions identified below were determined to be the most appropriate actions given the current community resources and hazard vulnerabilities. ACTION ITEM #1 Hazard Warning System The City of Friendswood presently (2002) operates six outdoor warning sirens providing coverage to approximately eighty percent (80%) of the population. Full coverage within the community would require the purchase of an additional ten sirens, to be located within the City. The committee recommends expansion of the current outdoor warning system. Responsibility: City of Friendswood Fire Marshal/Emergency Management Coordinator Budget: Total cost $160,000, approximately $16,000 per siren to be funded from the CIP funds allocated for the five-year period of Goal/Timeline: Purchase and install a minimum of one siren per year for the five-year period of ACTION ITEM #2 Critical Facilities To ensure continuous operations, specific city-owned critical facilities are equipped with auxiliary power sources. To enhance the level of preparedness, the committee recommends auxiliary power sources for all city-owned critical facilities (listed in Section 3.4). Equipping the city-owned critical facilities with auxiliary power will also allow for greater continuity of governmental operations during times of disaster or crisis. Equipping the activity building with power and increasing to full back-up power coverage at City Hall are top priority for critical facilities in FY The Fire Marshal will update the critical facility list annually to prioritize facilities that should be equipped with auxiliary power. Responsibility: Emergency Management Office Budget: Total cost to equip both buildings $55,000 to be funded from the CIP funds allocated for the five-year period of Goal/Timeline: Equip one city-owned critical facility with auxiliary power per year 78

79 ACTION ITEM #3 Emergency Management Education The City of Friendswood Fire Marshal/Emergency Management Office will proactively educate citizens of all age groups. During 2003, city staff will make presentations as requested by school district officials, homeowners associations, and various civic groups. In addition, efforts will be made to target other community groups that have not previously received public education presentations. The Emergency Management Coordinator will also submit articles for publication in the community newspaper and newsletter to educate citizens on the importance of hurricane preparedness and family disaster planning. Emergency Management brochures will be distributed at various community centers. The website for the Fire Marshal/Emergency Management Office will be updated with the most current available information. Periodically, new information will be added to the website as it becomes available. Responsibility: City of Friendswood City Manager s Office and City Fire Marshall Budget: Staff time (operating funds). News articles and website activities will be at no cost to the City. Goal/Timeline: Make presentations, publish news articles and post website information throughout 2003 and ACTION ITEM #4 Public Water System The City of Friendswood is located in an area with identified subsidence hazards. The water system within the City of Friendswood is currently in the process of an upgrade to improve fire protection capabilities and reduce the dependence on ground water sources. The City has addressed the ground water issue and has arranged for up to 6 million gallons per day of surface water to be utilized. Through a reduction in the dependence on ground water sources, the threat of subsidence within the area may be lessened. Responsibility: City of Friendswood Public Works Director Budget and Timeline: The total Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funding allocated for utilities during the five-year period is $24,325,912. ACTION ITEM #5 Major Thoroughfare Planning 79

80 Implement the recommendations contained in the Major Thoroughfare Plan to improve evacuation options available within the community. The City of Friendswood currently relies on FM 518, FM 528 and FM 2351 to provide access to Interstate 45 in the event of an evacuation. The Major Thoroughfare Plan includes improvements to Brittany Bay Boulevard that would provide an additional evacuation route for the City of Friendswood. The proposed route parallels FM 518 connecting with Beltway 8 to the west and SH 146 to the east. Construction of major thoroughfares includes update and upgrade of water transmission mains, fire protection, drainage, and sanitary sewer. Responsibility: City of Friendswood Community Development Department Budget and Timeline: The total Capital Improvement Project funding was approved and allocated for streets and thoroughfares during the five-year period is $4,312,477. ACTION ITEM #6 Elevation, Relocation and Acquisition Projects Conduct an annual evaluation of FEMA s Repetitive Loss List to prioritize and identify potential acquisition, relocation and elevation projects. The City Community Development Department staff will update the acquisition/relocation and elevation project list. The cost estimates for each project will be updated on an annual basis. Responsibility: City of Friendswood Community Development Department Budget: Staff time (operating funds). Elevation, Relocation and Acquisition Projects, when identified, will be funded by Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and/or Flood Mitigation Assistance funds. Any required local match (25%) will be provided by others such as the Harris County Commissioners Court action following Tropical Storm Allison in Goal/Timeline: The City of Friendswood is classified as a Category C community by FEMA because there are more than 10 repetitive loss properties located within the City. The City of Friendswood is also a Class 5 CRS Community and required to conduct an annual evaluation of all repetitive loss properties. Therefore all repetitive loss properties will be evaluated annually for possible elevation, relocation and acquisition projects. ACTION ITEM #7 Master Drainage Plan The City of Friendswood contracted with engineering consultants in 1993 to develop a Master Drainage Plan for the community. As part of the Master Drainage Plan, several sites within the city were identified as potential problem areas. The consultants analyzed the problem areas and developed potential solutions for the sites. The Community Development Department utilizes the Master Drainage Plan as a planning tool for future project development and budgeting. Approximately twenty (20) projects were 80

81 identified for future planning priorities. Several of the projects have yet to be completed. Completion of the identified projects would alleviate drainage concerns at problem sites. Responsibility: City of Friendswood Community Development Department Budget and Timeline: The total Capital Improvement Project funding allocated for drainage during the five-year period is $3,921,

82 7. ADOPT THE PLAN (CRS ACTIVITY 511.I) In accordance with CRS requirements, the City of Friendswood Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan must be an official plan of the community and not an internal staff proposal. As such, the City Council must formally adopt the plan and later amendments to the plan in order to receive CRS Credits for planning efforts. The City of Friendswood City Council formally adopted the Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan on January 6, 2003 by Resolution

83 8. IMPLEMENTATION, EVALUATION AND REVISION OF PLAN (CRS ACTIVITY 511.J) 8.1 PROCEDURES FOR IMPLEMENTING, EVALUATING AND REVISING THE PLAN The City of Friendswood Mitigation Planning Committee will monitor implementation of the Plan and conduct reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of the Plan as scheduled in CRS Section 511.b and 511.c. Following formal City Council adoption of the plan, the City of Friendswood Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan will be implemented as outlined in previous sections. The Director of Community Development and Mitigation Planning Committee Chair, Mike Hodge, PE, CFM, will be responsible for ensuring the Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan is reviewed in a timely manner. Other Mitigation Planning Committee members will provide assistance and expertise for plan review when requested by the Chair. Section 1.2, Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan Schedule, identifies milestones and dates for the City of Friendswood staff and the Mitigation Planning Committee to implement the Plan, conduct semiannual and annual plan reviews and the proposed date for the five-year Plan update. The City of Friendswood Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan will be posted on the City Web Site during Plan review periods and accessible to the Public, adjacent communities, and other agencies. The other agencies listed in Section 1.7 of this Plan will be contacted and requested to review the City of Friendswood Plan and submit recommendations. The Mitigation Planning Committee will remain intact, if possible, to conduct annual Plan evaluations and make recommendations for Plan revisions. Input from adjacent communities and other agencies will be requested for each annual plan review and update. Copies of the City of Friendswood Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan are available for Public review at the following locations: Public Library City Secretary s Office City Managers Office Fire Marshall s Office Community Development Department 83

84 8.2 IMPLEMENTATION, EVALUATION AND REVISION OF THE PLAN (CRS ACTIVITY 511.J) Upon completion of the Plan Review, the Committee will prepare a Plan Review Report that will result in a revision to the Plan based on input from the public, other agencies and City Staff. The City of Friendswood Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan will be resubmitted to City Council for approval only when required by FEMA to meet CRS requirements. On November 27, 2002, Terry Byrd, the City of Friendswood Fire Marshall, met with Tom Ryan, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (DEM) Regional Liaison Officer (RLO), to review the City of Friendswood Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan and establish steps for Plan implementation. Terry Byrd will be the Point of Contact for the public to receive copies of the Plan and to respond to questions from state and federal agencies and others regarding the Plan. Terry Byrd, Fire Marshall City of Friendswood Point of Contact 910 South Friendswood Drive Friendswood, Texas (281) FAX (281) [email protected] The City of Friendswood Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan has been reviewed and adopted by the City of Friendswood Hazard Planning Committee as certified by the signatures below: Mickiel G. Hodge Mickiel G. Hodge, PE, CFM Mitigation Planning Committee Chair Terry Byrd Terry Byrd Fire Marshall Daniel S. Johnson Daniel S. Johnson, P.E., CFM Mitigation Planning Committee Planner-in-Charge 84