ITEM TITLE:
#16-31 - Adopting The Lowe River Levee System Operation, Maintenance And Repair Manual
SUBMITTED BY: AnnMarie Lain CFM , Senior GIS | Planning
FISCAL NOTES:
Expenditure Required: N/A
Unencumbered Balance: N/A
Funding Source: N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Resolution #16-31 authorizing the adoption of the Lowe River Levee System Operation, Maintenance and Repair Manual.
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The Code of Federal Regulations (44 CFR 59.1) defines a levee system as a “flood risk reduction system that consists of a levee, or levees, and associated structures, such as closure and drainage devices, which are constructed and operated in accordance with sound engineering practices to protect a hydraulically distinct area. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) defines a levee as “a manmade structure, usually an earthen embankment, designed and constructed in accordance with sound engineering practices to contain, control, or divert the flow of water so as to provide protection from temporary flooding.”
As part of the flood mapping process, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reviews and evaluates levee system data and documentation. A community seeking recognition of a levee system on a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) must provide FEMA with data and documentation, certified by a registered professional engineer, showing that the levee system is expected to provide 1-percent-annual-chance flood risk reduction.
In order for the Lowe River Levee System to be mapped on the FIRM as providing base flood risk reduction, levee systems must meet and continue to meet the NFIP minimum design operation, and maintenance as outlined in Title 44, Chapter 1, Section 65.10 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Paragraph 65.10(d) of the NFIP Regulations states that “Levee systems must be maintained in accordance with an officially adopted maintenance plan, and a copy of this plan must be provided to FEMA by the owner of the levee when recognition is sought. This plan must document the formal procedure that ensures that the stability, height, and overall integrity of the levee and its associated structures and systems are maintained. At a minimum, the plan shall specify the maintenance activities to be performed, the frequency of their performance, and the person by name or title responsible for their performance.”
The City of Valdez is pursuing levee accreditation for the Lowe River Levee System thru the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Formal adoption of the operation, maintenance and repair manual is the last required documentation needed before submittal.
Staff recommends the City Council Approve Resolution #16-31authorizing the adoption of the Lowe River Levee System Operation, Maintenance and Repair Manual. FEMA requires the local jurisdiction approve the Manual via resolution. That is why it is before the Council in this manner.