CRS Research & Report

CRS Report (Date 12-15-2014 Complete Draft) Page 1

350-A Library Resources:

While materials are not in the Library presently, the letter below demonstrates that the City Library is

willing to house floodplain information and maps. The City will obtain these resources from FEMA

and place in the library (see letter below):

CRS Report - 12-18-2014 Page 2

350-C Web Resources:

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES

FLOOD PROTECTION

The local flood protection system in Richmond has a total length of 17,327 feet (3.28 miles) and

protects 750 acres valued at approximately $153 million. It consists of:

A partially rip-rapped earthen levee

A concrete floodwall

Three overlooks (9th & Semmes, Hull & Mayo Bridge, and 12th &

Byrd)

Six roadway closures

Six railroad closures

Four personnel closure locations

Two combined roadway/railroad closures

Three pump stations

Three designated ponding areas

The southside alignment comprises three components

One earthen levee, approximately 9,000 feet long

A combination bin wall/levee, approximately 2,000 feet long

A concrete floodwall, approximately 2,000 feet long

The line of protection extends from just west of the Manchester Bridge, continues along the river's

edge to the west side of Interstate 95, turns south, then west, crossing the CSX Railway mainline

tracks, and tying into high ground at Goodes Street.

Interior runoff from the watershed in excess of the capacity of the pump station during high river

stages will be collected or backed up into the ponding areas. After the river recedes, all ponding

areas will drain by gravity through their respective outlets.

The northern alignment is comprised of one component, concrete floodwall which is approximately

4,500 feet long with height variations from five to 29 feet.

The line of protection extends across the mouth of Shockoe Valley to 12th Street. The wall is

designed to protect those areas located behind it against a flood with an average recurrence interval

of 280 years. The project was dedicated on Oct. 21, 1994, at a cost of $143 million.

Our FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) maps are available online.

http://msc.fema.gov/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&categoryId=12001&parent_category_rn=12001&type=CAT_MAPPANEL&stateId=13053&countyId=15904&communityId=359652&stateName=VIRGINIA&countyName=RICHMOND+IND+CITY&communityName=RICHMOND%2CCTY%2FIN.+CITY&dfirm_kit_id=&dfirmCatId=null&isCountySelected=&isCommSelected=&userType=G&urlUserType=G&sfc=0&cat_state=13053&cat_county=15904&cat_community=359652


FLOOD WALL FAQS (FREQUENTLY ASKED FLOODWALL QUESTIONS)

Q. How many miles long is the floodwall?

A. North side of James is 4,277 feet long and protects 150 acres of Shockoe Valley. The south side is

13,046 feet long and protects 600 acres. The northside floodwall extends from 12th and Byrd St. to

21st and E. Cary St. The southside floodwall extends from Goodes St. west to just west of the

Manchester Bridge

Q. What is the highest point of the floodwall? Where is it? What is the lowest point of the floodwall?

A. The northside wall is between 15 and 25 feet high with the lowest point under the I-95 James

River Bridge in Shockoe Bottom. The tallest structure on the southside is the Gravity U-wall just west

of the Mayo Bridge which is 43 feet from the top to the river’s edge. This is the lowest point along the

south side floodwall.

Q. What material is the floodwall made of?

A. Richmond's floodwall was completed in 1995. It's made of 22,000 cubic yards of concrete, 1,050

tons of reinforcing steel and 55,000 linear feet of steel piles.

Q. How many staff people work on the floodwall year round?

A. The current staff is 5. General duties of staff: Preventative maintenance and operation of the

floodwalls, canals and Bosher’s Dam Fish Ladder, landscape maintenance in warm weather months

and repairs as needed.

Q. How often is Richmond’s floodwall tested?

A. Road Closures are tested once a year.

Q. When was the last time there was a flood in the city of Richmond?

A. The last significant floods occurred in 1996. The Blizzard of 1996 struck the Mid-Atlantic region in

January, depositing a record amount of snowfall. Within two weeks of the paralyzing blizzard, a major

rainstorm blanketed the area. The combination of warm, humid air and heavy rainfall melted the

snow at an unprecedented rate. In a little more than a day, 2 to 5 inches of water from snowmelt

combined with 2 to 5 inches of rainfall to create massive floods. The James River rose to 22 feet.

Seven months later, rains from Hurricane Fran pushed the levels back up to 23.8 feet.

Q. How often are the pump stations checked?

A. The stations are checked daily and the pumps and related equipment are inspected and operated

monthly.

Q. What grade did the last floodwall inspection receive?

A. The ratings are; Acceptable, Minimally Acceptable, and Unacceptable. The last inspection reports

received gave the Minimally Acceptable rating which is standard.


Q. Is the Army Corps of Engineers

the only certifying organization

for the floodwall? If not, what are

the others?

A. FEMA also requires the

floodwall to meet certification for

the Flood Insurance Rate Map

(FIRM) for providing protection

against the base. The City of

Richmond received accreditation

for the Local Flood Protection

Project on March 19, 2010.

FLOOD GATES

If you have ever wondered what a flood gate

looks like, here's the one on Brander Street

that blocks off Ancarrow's boat landing area.

OTHER IMPORTANT LINKS ON THE CITY’S

WEBPAGE:

Office of Emergency Management (OEM) - coordination of City special events. Additionally, critical information is disseminated through the. City's Reverse 911 and Integrated Flood Warning System www.richmondgov.com www.richmondgov.com/fire/documents/OEMBrochure.pdf 500 Year Flood Plain Keywords: 500 Year, Floodplain, FEMA, FIRM - Description. Abstract: Represents the 500 Year Floodplain from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps

FEMA Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map Keywords: Hydrology - Apr 2, 2009, Abstract: The Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) Database depicts flood risk information and supporting data used to develop the risk

City of Richmond Citizens' Emergency Preparedness Guide - Emergency Supply Kit Checklist - Get a Kit. The first step is to consider how an emergency might affect your family - prepare visit the Office of Emergency Management.

http://www.richmondgov.com/fire/documents/OEMBrochure.pdf


http://www.richmondgov.com/


http://www.richmondgov.com/PressSecretaryMayor/documents/EmergencyPreparedness.pdf

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E4HrevohRaw/T9tNAT_QQHI/AAAAAAAAAz0/HG5ckZHacvI/s1600/2010-07-12+09.34.42.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F6iIZyEYZqc/TDyoOXhLhdI/AAAAAAAAASs/iK-fL-XyOBI/s1600/2010-07-12+09.45.31.jpg


430-A.1 Prohibitions in SFHA;

DIVISION 3. - DISTRICT REGULATIONS (Code of the City of Richmond)

Sec. 50-91. - Floodplain districts generally.

(a) Permits required. No development or land disturbing activity within a designated

floodplain district shall be undertaken until after issuance of a building permit or

land disturbing activity permit as required by article III of this chapter. For the purpose of issuance of a permit, the 100-year flood elevation shall be the base

floodwater surface elevation, with floodway, as shown in table 2, floodway data of

the flood insurance study dated December 15, 1978, and as revised effective July 20, 1998, April 2, 2009, July 16, 2014, and any subsequent revisions or amendments

thereto.

(b) Compliance with building code. No development shall be permitted within any

floodplain district except in strict compliance with the applicable sections of the

Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

(c) Effect on capacity of floodways and watercourses. No development or land

disturbing activity shall be permitted which would adversely affect the capacity of

any floodway or watercourse subject to this article.

(d) Alteration or relocation of watercourses. Prior to any alteration or relocation of any

watercourse, approval shall be obtained from the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the State Water Control Board, and the Virginia Marine Resources

Commission; a joint permit application is available from any of these organizations.

Furthermore, notification of such proposal shall be given by the applicant to all affected adjacent jurisdictions, the Division of Soil and Water Conservation of the

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The applicant shall be responsible for obtaining such approval

and providing required notices. Proof of approval by the United States Army Corps

of Engineers, the State Water Control Board, and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission as well as required notification shall be furnished to the director prior

to issuance of any land disturbing activity permit.

(e) Chesapeake Bay Site Plan approval required. No development or land disturbing activity shall be undertaken in a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area until after a

Chesapeake Bay Site Plan has been approved in accordance with the requirements of chapter 50, article IV.

(f) Provision of vehicular access. No new residential construction, with start of

construction on or after December 9, 1991, shall be permitted without the provision of adequate vehicular access to the site at all times prior to and during the 100-year

flood. Adequacy of access shall be as determined by the director, after consultation with and approval by the fire marshal.

430-A.2 Prohibitions in SFHA - Buildings

Sec. 50-93. - Design criteria for utilities and facilities (Code of the City of Richmond)

Standards for the floodway district. The following provisions shall apply within the floodway

district:

(1) Encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements and other

developments are prohibited unless certification (with supporting technical data) by

a registered professional engineer is provided demonstrating that encroachments shall not result in any increase in flood levels during occurrence of the base flood.


Development activities which increase the water surface elevation of the base flood

may be allowed, provided that the property owner or designated representative first applies, with the City's endorsement, for a conditional flood insurance rate map and

floodway revision, and receives the approval of the Federal Emergency Management

Agency.

(2) All new construction and substantial improvements shall comply with all applicable flood hazard reduction provisions of this article.

(3) The placement of manufactured homes (mobile homes) is prohibited, except in an

existing manufactured homes (mobile homes) park or subdivision. A replacement manufactured home may be placed on a lot in an existing manufactured home park

or subdivision provided the anchoring, elevation, and encroachment standards are met.

430-A.3 Prohibitions in SFHA – Storage of Hazardous

Materials;

Sec. 106-668. - Permit required to place materials on or near open sewers or

watercourses used as sewers (Code of the City of Richmond)

It shall be unlawful for any person to place, store or deposit, on, along or within 30 feet

of the sides of any open sewer or watercourse used as a sewer within the city, any lumber, waste building material, excavated material or other material or debris or

otherwise make such deposit in a place where such material is likely to be washed or

carried into such sewer in times of flood or overflow, without first obtaining from the commissioner of buildings a permit to do so, after the commissioner of buildings shall

have approved a plan by which such material shall be secured so that it may not be

washed into such sewer in times of flood or overflow along the banks of such sewer or

watercourse.

430-B Freeboard Requirement:

Sec. 50-97. - New construction and substantial improvements (Code of the City of Richmond)

(a) All substantial improvements to existing structures or new construction within any floodplain district shall conform to the applicable sections of the uniform statewide

building code for construction in a floodplain district.

(b) New construction or substantial improvement of any existing commercial, industrial, or

non-residential building (or manufactured home) shall have the lowest floor, including

basement, elevated to no lower than one foot above the base flood elevation. A registered

professional engineer or architect shall certify that the standards of this subsection are

satisfied.

(c) For historic structures as defined in this article, where elevation is not preferable, floodproofing may be allowed instead of elevation one foot above the base flood

elevation. A registered professional engineer or architect shall certify on the certificate plans and floodproofing certificate that the construction design and methods meet the

applicable requirements and shall submit such certificate to the director.

(d) Fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor shall be used solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage and shall have permanent openings designed to allow the


entry and exit of flood waters in accordance with specifications as set forth at 44 CFR §

60.3(c)(5).

430-C Compaction & Erosion Protection:

See the following section from the 2012 Virginia Unified Statewide Building Code (USBC):

SECTION 1804 EXCAVATION, GRADING

AND FILL

Excavation near foundations. Excavation

for any purpose shall not remove lateral

support from any foundation without first

underpinning or protecting the foundation

against settlement or lateral translation.

Placement of baclcfill. The excavation

outside the foundation shall he hack filled

with soil that is free of organic material,

construction debris, cobbles and boulders

or with a controlled low-strength material

(CLSM). The backfill shall be placed in lifts

and compacted in a manner that does not

damage the foundation or the

waterproofing or dampproofling material.

Exception: CLSM need not be compacted.

Site grading. The ground immediately

adjacent to the foundation shall be sloped

away from the building at a slope of not

less than one unit vertical in 20 units

horizontal (5-pcr cent slope) for a

minimum distance of 10 feel (3048 mm)

measured perpendicular to the face of

the wall. If physical obstructions or lot

lines prohibit 10 feet (3048 mm) of

SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS

horizontal distance, a 5-percent slope

shall he provided to an appro1•ed

alternative method of diverting water

away from the foundation. Swales used

for this purpose shall he sloped a

minimum of 2 percent where located

within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the building

foundation. Impervious surfaces within

I 0 feet (3048 mm) of the building

foundation shall he sloped

a minimum of 2 percent away from the

building.

Exception: Where climatic or soil

conditions warrant, the slope of the

ground away from the building foundation

shall he permitted to be reduced to not

less than one unit vertical in 48 units

horizontal (2-percent slope).

The procedure used to establish the final

ground level adjacent to the foundation

shall account for additional settlement of

the backfill.

Grading and fill in flood hazard areas. In

flood hazard areas established in Section

1612.3, grading and/or lilt shall not be

approved:


I. Unless such fill is placed, compacted

and sloped to minimi7.e shifting, slumping

and erosion during the rise and fall of

flood water and, as applicable, wave

action.

2. In floodways, unless it has been

demonstrated through hydrologic and

hydraulic analyses performed by a

registered design professional in

accordance with standard engineering

practice that the proposed grading or fill,

or both, will not result in any increase in

flood levels during the occurrence of the

design flood.

3. In flood hazard areas subject to high-

velocity wave action, unless such fill is

conducted and/or placed to avoid

diversion of water and waves toward any

building or structure.

4. In floodways, unless it has been

demonstrated through hydrologic and

hydraulic analyses performed by a

registered design professional in

accordance with standard engineering

practice that the proposed grading or fill,

or both, will not result in any increase in

flood levels during the occurrence of the

design flood.

5. In flood hazard areas subject to high-

velocity wave action, unless such fill is

conducted and/or placed to avoid

diversion of water and waves toward any

building or structure.

6. Where design flood elevations are

specified but flood ways have not been

designated, unless it has been

demonstrated that the cumulative

effect of the proposed flood hazard

area encroachment, when combined with

all other existing and anticipated flood

hazard area encroachment, will not

increase the design flood elevation more

than 1 foot (305 mm) at any point.

Compacted fill material where shallow

foundations will bear on compacted fill

material. The compacted fill shall comply

with the provisions of an approved

geotechnical report, as set forth in Section

IRC.

Exception: Compacted fill material les >

than 12 inches:-. (305 mm) in depth need

not comply with an approved repo11,

provided it is a n natural non-organic

material that is not susceptible to swelling

when exposed to moisture and it has been

compacted to a minimum of 10 percent

Modified Proctor in accordance with ASTM

01557. The compaction shall be verified

by a qualified inspector approved by the

building official. Material other than

natural material may be used as fill

material when companied by a

certification from an RDP and approved by

the building official.

Controlled low-strength material (CLSM)

Where shallow foundation will bear on

controlled low-strength the material

(C'LSMJ, the CLSM shall comply with the

provisions of an approved geotechnical

report, as set forth in Section 1803.


430-D Track building Improvements/Repairs Cumulatively:

Yes. When a building is damaged from a flood event documentation has to be submitted that

demonstrates the repairs do not exceed 50% of the market value of the property prior to the flood

event.

430-F Protection of Critical Equipment Protected from 500 Yr

Floods:

No

430-G Non-conversion Agreements

No

430-H Enforcement of IBC and IRC

Yes the City of Richmond enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) which

is in accordance with the IBC and IRC. This is supported by the following sections of City Code:

Sec. 14-1. - Adoption of Uniform Statewide Building Code.

The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, 2009 Edition, as promulgated by the state board of

housing and community development, along with its associated referenced standards and all future

editions and amendments are hereby adopted and incorporated into this Code by reference and made

applicable within the city. Annual testing of all backflow prevention devices in accordance with Part III,

Article 2, section 131, item 12, subsection 505.5.2 of the Uniform Statewide Building Code, amending

the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) will be as required in the IPMC and in accordance

with the written policy of the commissioner of buildings.

Sec. 50-122. - Required permits.

(a) Building permits. For the purposes of this article, building permits shall be obtained as

follows:

(1) A building permit to erect, construct, reconstruct, enlarge, extend or structurally

alter any building or structure within a floodplain district shall be required as set

forth in the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. Applications for building

permits shall be filed with the commissioner of buildings, and no such permit

shall be issued until the applicant has furnished satisfactory evidence that all

necessary permits have been received from those governmental agencies from

which approval is required by state and federal law.


(2) In addition to information required by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code to

be provided in conjunction with building permit applications, the following shall be

included when the property involved is located within a floodplain district:

a. The elevation of the 100-year flood and delineation of the 100-year floodplain;

b. The elevation of the lowest floor, including basement; and

c. The elevation to which a nonresidential structure is to be floodproofed.

(b) Permits for land disturbing activities. Permits for land disturbing activities shall be

obtained as follows:

(1) A permit for any land disturbing activity within a floodplain district shall be

required as set forth in article III of this chapter which pertains to site control,

erosion and drainage, provided that the exceptions contained therein shall not

be applicable within floodplain districts.

(2) For land disturbing activity proposed in conjunction with construction for which

a building permit application has been filed, a site grading and drainage plan

shall be approved by the director prior to issuance of the building permit, and a

separate land disturbing activity permit shall be required.

(3) Application for land disturbing activity permits shall be made to the director,

and no such permit shall be issued nor shall any site grading and drainage plan

be approved until the applicant has furnished satisfactory evidence that all

necessary permits have been received from those governmental agencies from

which approval is required by state and federal law, and until the director is

satisfied that the applicable sections of this article and the site control, erosion

and drainage regulations are met.

(4) The 100-year floodplain shall be delineated on all plans submitted for approval

of land disturbing activity and site grading and drainage.

(c) Chesapeake Bay Site Plan. A Chesapeake Bay Site Plan shall be required for any

property located within a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area in accordance with

chapter 50, article IV.

Sec. 50-123. - Modifications to requirements of building code.

(a) Notification of cost of flood insurance. Upon granting a modification to construct a

structure below the 100-year flood level, the building code board of appeals shall notify

the applicant in writing that the cost of flood insurance will be commensurate with the

increased risk resulting from such construction.

430 -I Regulations to Ensure Local Buildings are Protected

from Local Drainage Flooding

Yes, see the following section of City Code:

Sec. 50-93. - Design criteria for utilities and facilities.

(a) Design criteria generally. The design criteria established by the most recent version of

the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and the Virginia Residential Code shall be

applicable to utilities and facilities proposed to be installed within any floodplain


district. For privately installed sanitary sewer or water facilities which are subject to

approval by the director of public health, the director shall be satisfied, after conferring

with the director of public health and commissioner of buildings, that the applicable

sections of the uniform statewide building code are met. In addition, the following

particular design criteria shall be applicable:

(1) Drainage facilities. All storm drainage facilities shall be designed to convey the

flow of surface waters so as to minimize or eliminate damage to persons or

property. The system shall ensure drainage away from buildings and on-site

waste disposal sites. The director may require a primarily underground system

to accommodate frequent floods and a secondary surface system to

accommodate larger, less frequent floods. Drainage plans shall be consistent

with and coordinated with local and regional drainage plans. The facilities shall

be designed such that the quantity of runoff from a developed site during a 10-

year storm event shall not exceed the quantity of runoff from the same site,

pre-development, during a 10-year storm event.

(2) Streets and sidewalks. Streets and sidewalks shall be designed to minimize

potential for increasing or aggravating flood levels. Drainage openings shall be

provided to sufficiently discharge floodwaters without unduly increasing flood

heights from the 10-year storm event.

(3) On-site waste disposal systems. On-site waste disposal systems shall be

located and constructed to avoid impairment to them or contamination from

them during flooding.

(b) Standards for flood-fringe and approximated floodplain.

(1) When base flood elevation data or floodway data have not been provided, the

Director shall obtain, review, and reasonably utilize any base flood elevation

and floodway data available from a federal, state, or any other source, in order

to administer the provisions of this ordinance. When such base flood elevation

data is utilized, the Director shall obtain:

a. The elevation (in relation to the mean sea level) of the lowest floor

(including the basement) of all new and substantially improved

structures; and

b. If the structure has been floodproofed in accordance with Federal

Emergency Management Agency requirements, the elevation in relation

to the mean sea level to which the structure has been floodproofed.

(2) When the data is not available from any source, the lowest floor of the structure

shall be elevated to no lower than the highest adjacent grade.

(c) Standards for the floodway district. The following provisions shall apply within the

floodway district:

(1) Encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements and

other developments are prohibited unless certification (with supporting

technical data) by a registered professional engineer is provided demonstrating

that encroachments shall not result in any increase in flood levels during

occurrence of the base flood. Development activities which increase the water

surface elevation of the base flood may be allowed, provided that the property

owner or designated representative first applies, with the City's endorsement,

for a conditional flood insurance rate map and floodway revision, and receives

the approval of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

(2) All new construction and substantial improvements shall comply with all

applicable flood hazard reduction provisions of this article.


(3) The placement of manufactured homes (mobile homes) is prohibited, except in

an existing manufactured homes (mobile homes) park or subdivision. A

replacement manufactured home may be placed on a lot in an existing

manufactured home park or subdivision provided the anchoring, elevation, and

encroachment standards are met.

430 –O CFM, EMI, NFIP Course Graduates

Yes, - 1

430 – O Retain paper records at a Secure Off-site Location

Yes, the records are stored in the lower level of the City Hall of Richmond and eventually archived in the

lower levels of the main branch of the City of Richmond Library. At this time there is no digital backup

of the paper records. The City is hoping to initial such a system to begin digital storage within the next

year. A new system “EnerGov” is being developed to achieve this task.

440- A Is the FIRM on the City’s GIS system?

Yes – see Appendix A for a sample map from the City’s GIS system.

440-B Did the City retain copies of old FIRMs?

Yes.

450- A Are new developments required to build stormwater

retention or detention ponds?

Yes, the ordinance below specifies this requirement;

Sec. 50-406. - Stormwater management plan; contents of plans.

(a) The permittee's stormwater management plan, referenced at section 50-404, shall be written in

compliance with the stormwater management technical criteria set forth in section 50-409 for the

entire common plan of development or sale where applicable, and shall consider all sources of surface

and subsurface runoff and groundwater flows converted to subsurface flows. Individual lots in new

residential, commercial, or industrial developments shall not be considered separate land-disturbing

activities.

(b) The permittee shall include the following items in the stormwater management plan:

(1) Information on the type and location of stormwater discharges; information on the features to

which stormwater is being discharged including surface waters or karst features, if present,

and the predevelopment and post-development drainage areas;

(2) Contact information including the name, address, and telephone number of the owner and the

tax reference number and parcel number of the property or properties affected;


(3) A narrative that includes a description of current (pre-land disturbance) site conditions and

final (post-land disturbance) site conditions;

(4) A general description of the proposed stormwater management facilities and the mechanism

through which the facilities will be operated and maintained after construction is complete;

(5) Information on the proposed stormwater management facilities, including:

a. The types of facilities;

b. The location of the facilities, including geographic coordinates;

c. The acreage treated; and

d. The surface water or karst features, if present into which the facilities will discharge.

(6) Hydrologic and hydraulic computations, including runoff characteristics;

(7) Documentation and calculations verifying compliance with the water quality and water

quantity requirements of section 50-409

(8) A map or maps of the site that depicts the site topography and includes:

a. All existing contributing drainage areas;

b. Existing streams, ponds, culverts, ditches, wetlands, other water bodies, and

floodplains;

c. Soil types, geologic formations if karst features are present in the area, forest cover, and

other vegetative areas;

d. Current land use including existing structures, roads, and locations of known utilities

and easements;

e. Sufficient information on adjoining parcels to assess the impacts of stormwater from the

site on these parcels;

f. The limits of clearing and grading, and the proposed drainage patterns on the site;

g. Proposed buildings, roads, parking areas, utilities, and stormwater management

facilities; and

h. Proposed land use with tabulation of the percentage of surface area to be adapted to

various uses, including, but not limited to, planned locations of utilities, roads, and

easements.

(c) If a permittee or operator intends to meet the water quality and/or quantity requirements set forth in

this article through the use of off-site compliance options, where applicable and available, then a letter

of availability from the off-site provider must be included in the stormwater management plan.

Approved off-site options must achieve the necessary nutrient reductions prior to the commencement

of land-disturbing activities except as allowed by state law.

(d) Elements of the stormwater management plan that include activities regulated under Chapter 4 of Title

54.1 of the Code of Virginia (§ 54.1-400 et seq.) shall be appropriately sealed and signed by a

professional registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia pursuant to Article 1 of Chapter 4 of Title

54.1 of the Code of Virginia (§ 54.1-400 et seq.).

(e) A construction record drawing for permanent stormwater management facilities shall be submitted to

the Administrator. The construction record drawing shall be appropriately sealed and signed by a

professional registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia, certifying that the stormwater management

facilities have been constructed in accordance with the approved plan.


450- C Permit Records showing requirements for new

development to control erosion from construction sites

Yes, in Cornerstone each permit issued has a requirement as a permit condition to prevent

erosion from construction sites. This is further supported by the code sections below:

Sec. 50-403. - Permit requirement; exemptions.

(a) Except as provided herein, no person may engage in any land-disturbing activity in the city until the

Administrator has issued a Richmond Stormwater Management Program Permit in accordance with

this article.

(b) A Chesapeake-Bay Preservation Act land-disturbing activity does not require completion of a

registration statement or require coverage under the General Permit, but shall be subject to the

following technical criteria and program and administrative requirements: an erosion and sediment

control plan consistent with the requirements of Article III of this chapter; a stormwater management

plan consistent with the requirements of section 50-406; exceptions which may be requested pursuant

to 9VAC25-870-57; the technical and administrative requirements of section 50-409; the long-term

maintenance requirements for permanent stormwater facilities in section 50-410, and the requirements

for channel protection and flood protection, the availability of off-site compliance options, and

requirements for design storm and hydrologic methods, linear development controls, and criteria

associated with stormwater impoundment structures or facilities found at 9VAC25-870-51.

Sec. 50-404. - Plan submission and approval; prohibitions.

Pursuant to § 62.1-55.15:27 of the Code of Virginia, the city hereby establishes a Richmond Stormwater

Management Program for land-disturbing activities and adopts the applicable standards and specifications for

Virginia Stormwater Management Programs promulgated by the State Water Control Board for the purposes set

out in section 50-401. The Director of Public Utilities is hereby designated as the Administrator of the Richmond

Stormwater Management Program.

(a) Any person who plans to conduct a land-disturbing activity in the city shall first submit the following

to the Administrator:

(1) An application for a permit on the most current city-approved form, including a general permit

registration if required;

(2) An erosion and sediment control plan to be reviewed for approval in accordance with Article III

of this chapter with certification by the applicant that the plan will be followed;

(3) A stormwater management plan that meets the requirements of section 50-406, or, if authorized

by state law, an agreement in lieu of a stormwater management plan; and

(4) All applicable fees and a performance bond as required by sections 50-415 and 50-416 of this

Code.

(b) No person shall begin to conduct any land-disturbing activity in the city until the city has received all

of the items listed in section 50-404(a) and has issued a Richmond Stormwater Management Program

Permit to the applicant. All land clearing, construction, disturbance, land development and drainage

must be performed in accordance with the terms of the Richmond Stormwater Management Program

Permit. Failure to comply may result in enforcement by the city pursuant to section 50-414


Every permit applicant shall furnish, when requested by the Administrator, such application materials,

plans, specifications, and other pertinent information as the Administrator may determine necessary to

determine the effect of the discharge from the land-disturbing activity on the quality of state waters, or

such other information as the Administrator may determine necessary to accomplish the purposes of this

chapter.

(c) Issuance of a Richmond Stormwater Management Program Permit does not relieve the applicant of

having to obtain any other permits, including any city-issued permits that are required prior to

beginning a land-disturbing activity. The city will not issue any other grading, building, or other local

permit until the Administrator has approved a Richmond Stormwater Management Program Permit

for the property.

Sec. 50-406. - Stormwater management plan; contents of plans.

(a) The permittee's stormwater management plan, referenced at section 50-404, shall be written in

compliance with the stormwater management technical criteria set forth in section 50-409 for the

entire common plan of development or sale where applicable, and shall consider all sources of surface

and subsurface runoff and groundwater flows converted to subsurface flows. Individual lots in new

residential, commercial, or industrial developments shall not be considered separate land-disturbing

activities.

(b) The permittee shall include the following items in the stormwater management plan:

(1) Information on the type and location of stormwater discharges; information on the features to

which stormwater is being discharged including surface waters or karst features, if present, and

the predevelopment and post-development drainage areas;

(2) Contact information including the name, address, and telephone number of the owner and the tax

reference number and parcel number of the property or properties affected;

(3) A narrative that includes a description of current (pre-land disturbance) site conditions and final

(post-land disturbance) site conditions;

(4) A general description of the proposed stormwater management facilities and the mechanism

through which the facilities will be operated and maintained after construction is complete;

(5) Information on the proposed stormwater management facilities, including:

a. The types of facilities;

b. The location of the facilities, including geographic coordinates;

c. The acreage treated; and

d. The surface water or karst features, if present into which the facilities will discharge.

(6) Hydrologic and hydraulic computations, including runoff characteristics;

(7) Documentation and calculations verifying compliance with the water quality and water quantity

requirements of section 50-409

(8) A map or maps of the site that depicts the site topography and includes:

a. All existing contributing drainage areas;

b. Existing streams, ponds, culverts, ditches, wetlands, other water bodies, and floodplains;

c. Soil types, geologic formations if karst features are present in the area, forest cover, and

other vegetative areas;

d. Current land use including existing structures, roads, and locations of known utilities and

easements;

e. Sufficient information on adjoining parcels to assess the impacts of stormwater from the

site on these parcels;

f. Proposed buildings, roads, parking areas, utilities, and stormwater management facilities;

and


h. Proposed land use with tabulation of the percentage of surface area to be adapted to various

uses, including, but not limited to, planned locations of utilities, roads, and easements.

(d) If a permittee or operator intends to meet the water quality and/or quantity requirements set forth in

this article through the use of off-site compliance options, where applicable and available, then a letter

of availability from the off-site provider must be included in the stormwater management plan.

Approved off-site options must achieve the necessary nutrient reductions prior to the commencement

of land-disturbing activities except as allowed by state law.

450- D Permit Records requiring new stormwater facilities to

include water quality provisions

Yes, the provisions found in Chapter 50 of the Code of the City of Richmond reference and

require treatment of stormwater to improve the water quality as well as the water quantity.

Please see code section below:

Sec. 50-405. - Stormwater pollution prevention plan; contents of plans. (a) The operator shall maintain a stormwater pollution prevention plan throughout the period of permit

coverage that is consistent with the requirements of 9VAC25-870-54 and 9VAC25-880-70. The

stormwater pollution prevention plan shall include, but not be limited to, an approved erosion and

sediment control plan, an approved stormwater management plan (as approved by the city, or by the

state pursuant to the General Permit issued July 1, 2009) or an agreement in lieu of a stormwater

management plan as provided in section 50-404, a pollution prevention plan, and a description of any

additional control measures necessary to address a total maximum daily load if a specific wasteload

allocation for a pollutant has been established in a total maximum daily load and is assigned to

stormwater discharges from construction. In addition, the stormwater pollution prevention plan shall

include any information required by Section II (stormwater pollution prevention plan) of the General

Permit.

(b) The stormwater pollution prevention plan shall meet the following requirements:

(1) Control stormwater volume and velocity within the site to minimize soil erosion;

(2) Control stormwater discharges, including both peak flow rates and total stormwater volume,

to minimize erosion at outlets and to minimize downstream channel and stream bank erosion;

(3) Minimize the amount of soil exposed during construction;

(4) Minimize the disturbance of steep slopes;

(5) Minimize sediment discharges from the site. The design, installation, and maintenance of

erosion and sediment controls must address factors such as the amount, frequency, intensity

and duration of precipitation, the nature of resulting stormwater runoff, and soil

characteristics, including the range of soil particle sizes expected to be present on the site;

(6) Provide and maintain natural buffers around surface waters, direct stormwater to vegetated

areas to increase sediment removal and maximize stormwater infiltration, unless infeasible;

(7) Minimize soil compaction and, unless infeasible, preserve topsoil;

(8) Immediately initiate stabilization of disturbed areas, at a minimum, whenever any clearing,

grading, excavating, or other earth disturbing activities have ceased permanently on any

portion of the site, or have ceased temporarily on any portion of the site and will not resume

for a period exceeding 14 calendar days. The stormwater pollution prevention plan shall

require that stabilization be completed within a period of time determined by the city. In arid,

semi-arid, and drought-stricken areas where immediately initiating vegetative stabilization

measures is infeasible, the stormwater pollution prevention plan shall require that alternative

stabilization measures be employed as specified by the city; and


(9) Utilize outlet structures that withdraw water from the surface, unless infeasible, when

discharging from basins and impoundments.

(c) The permittee shall maintain the stormwater pollution prevention plan at a central location on the site

of the land-disturbing activity for as long as land-disturbing activities are occurring on the site. If an

onsite location is unavailable, the operator shall post notice of the stormwater pollution prevention

plan's location near the main entrance to the site. The permittee shall make the stormwater pollution

prevention plan available for public review in accordance with the terms of the General Permit, either

electronically or in hard copy.

(d) The permittee's stormwater pollution prevention plan shall be written in compliance with the

Regulations, the terms of the General Permit, and this article. The permittee shall amend the

stormwater pollution prevention plan in a timely fashion to incorporate any change in design,

construction, operation, or maintenance that has a significant effect on the discharge of pollutants to

state waters

510 A – FEMA approved Hazard Mitigation Plan adopted by

the City Below is the resolution paper and vote to approve and adopt the hazard mitigation plan by the

City of Richmond.

INTRODUCED: March 26, 2012

RESOLUTION No. 2012-R40-71A

To approve and adopt the Richmond-Crater Multi-Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan

Patron – Mayor Jones

Approved as to form and legality

by the City Attorney

PUBLIC HEARING: APR 23 2012 AT 6 P.M.

WHEREAS, by Res. No. 2006-R31-43, adopted March 13, 2006, the Council approved

and adopted the Richmond Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan dated September 2005, for the City;

and

WHEREAS, the plan requires local adoption with formal review and approval by the

Federal Emergency Management Agency; and


WHEREAS, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has reviewed and approved

the Richmond-Crater Multi-Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan;

NOW THEREFORE,

AYES: 9 NOES: 0 ABSTAIN:

ADOPTED: APR 23 2012 REJECTED: STRICKEN:

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND:

That the Richmond-Crater Multi-Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan dated November 2011 is hereby

approved and adopted for the City. A copy of this Plan shall be filed and made available for review in the

office of the City Clerk.

A '1lWB copy:

'IESTE:

2012-R40-71

Voting History

Electronic Paper

Patron/s: MAYOR JONES Keywords: RICHMOND-CRATER MULTI-REGIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN Status: APPROVE Standing Committee: 2009-2012 Public Safety

Additional

Standing Committee:

Title:


To approve and adopt the Richmond-Crater Multi-Regional Haza

Introduced Date: 3/26/2012 Consent Agenda? YES Continued Date: Expedited? NO Amended Date: Advertised? NO Public Hearing: 4/23/2012

Action Date: 4/23/2012 Action: ADOPTED

Vote: 9------0---------0--------0--------0

Aye------No------Abstain---Absent--Excused

2012-R40-71

Voting History

Electronic Paper

Action Date Dist. 1 Dist. 2 Dist. 3 Dist. 4 Dist. 5 Dist. 6 Dist. 7 Dist. 8 Dist. 9

Introduced 3/26/2012

Final Vote On 4/23/2012 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

2012-R40-71

Voting History

Electronic Paper

510 C Ordinance(s) adopted to protect aquatic and riparian species or

other natural floodplain function

Yes, see ordinance section below;

Sec. 50-321. - Resource protection areas.

(a) At a minimum, resource protection areas shall consist of lands adjacent to water bodies with perennial flow that have

an intrinsic water quality value due to the ecological and biological processes they perform or are sensitive to impacts

which may cause significant degradation to the quality of state waters. In their natural condition, these lands provide

for the removal, reduction or assimilation of sediments, nutrients and potentially harmful or toxic substances in runoff

entering the bay and its tributaries, and minimize the adverse effects of human activities on state waters and aquatic

resources.


(b) The resource protection area shall include:

(1) Tidal wetlands;

(2) Non-tidal wetlands connected by surface flow and contiguous to tidal wetlands or water bodies with perennial

flow;

(3) Tidal shores;

(4) Such other lands considered by the city to meet the provisions of section 50-321(a) and to be necessary to

protect the quality of state waters; and

(5) A buffer area not less than 100 feet in width located adjacent to and landward of the components listed in

subdivisions [subsections] (1) through (4) above, and along both sides of any water body with perennial flow.

The full buffer area shall be designated as the landward component of the resource protection area

notwithstanding the presence of permitted uses, encroachments, and permitted vegetation clearing in

compliance with division 4 (section 50-330 et seq.) of this article.

(c) Designation of the components listed in subdivisions [subsections] (1)—(4) of section 50-321(b) shall not be subject to

modification by the city, unless based on reliable, site-specific information as provided for in section 50-324 and

subsection (f).

(d) For the purpose of generally determining whether water bodies have perennial flow, the city shall use the designation of

water bodies depicted as perennial on the most recent United States Geological Survey 7½ minute topographic

quadrangle map (scale 1:24,000). However, site-specific determinations shall be made or confirmed by the city pursuant

to section 50-324, whenever development is proposed on a site within 600 feet of a stream and any contiguous wetlands.

The site specific determinations of water bodies with perennial flow shall be based on the protocols listed in the

"Determinations of Water Bodies with Perennial Flow," Guidance on the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Designation

and Management Regulation, September, 2003, published by the Commonwealth of Virginia and as may be amended

from time to time.

Sec. 50-322. - Resource management areas.

(a) Resource management areas shall include land types that, if improperly used or developed, have a potential for

causing significant water quality degradation or for diminishing the functional value of the resource protection area.

(b) A resource management area shall be provided contiguous to the entire inland boundary of the resource protection

area. The following land categories shall be considered for inclusion in the resource management area and, where

mapping resources indicate the presence of these land types contiguous to the resource protection area should be

included in designations of resource management areas:

(1) 100-year floodplains;

(2) Highly erodible soils, including steep slopes;

(3) Highly permeable soils;

(4) Non-tidal wetlands not included in the resource protection area; and

(5) Such other lands considered by the city to meet the provisions of subsection (a) of this section and to be

necessary to protect the quality of state waters.

(c) Resource management areas shall encompass a land area large enough to provide significant water quality protection

through the employment of the criteria in Title 9, Agency 25, Chapter 830, Part IV (9VAC25-830-120 et seq.) and the

requirements in Title 9, Agency 25, Chapter 830, Parts II (9VAC25-830-50 et seq.) and V (9VAC25-830-160 et seq.)

of the Virginia Administrative Code. For the purpose of mapping those resource management areas, so designated

because they buffer designated resource protection areas, the map shall include at a minimum: a 500-foot buffer

around any designated resource protection area and the limits of any land categories listed in subsection (b) above

which extend beyond this 500-foot buffer. In areas where the resource management area buffers a stream or water

body where the site-specific evaluation has yet to be done, the resource management area shall consist of a 600-foot

buffer outward from the center of the stream or water body.


Below is the Table of Contents for the Natural Resources section of the Master Plan. This section further

demonstrates the City’s commitment to preservation of the natural functions of the floodplain.

CHAPTER 6 – Natural Resources

Natural Resources Goals

Water Quality

The James River

Air Quality

Environmentally Sensitive Lands

Urban Open Space

NATURAL RESOURCES Over the last several decades, there has been a growing recognition of the crucial

need to preserve the City's natural resources and to manage waste, noise; air

pollution and other by-products of develop mint. Development can occur in ways

that are detrimental or beneficial to the natural environment, and future livability in

the City will be determined by the development methods chosen.

There are five specific elements of the City's natural environment particularly

vulnerable to the negative effects of poorly planned development: water quality,

the James River (the City's most vital natural resource and a high-visibility

attraction important in maintaining quality of life), air quality, environmentally

sensitive lands, and urban open space.

The Master Plan emphasizes Richmond's commitment to accommodate high

quality development with community enhancement and environmental quality in

mind. The ability to maintain a high quality of urban life, thereby attracting and

retaining businesses and residents, depends upon how well the City preserves and

protects the unique natural resources within its urban environment.


520 – Removal of Buildings out of the Floodplain

530 – Pre-FIRM Buildings that have been Elevated Voluntarily

Date Pre Post Substantially Date of Sub.

Feet

City of Richmond CID SFHA Floodway Built

FIRM FIRM Improved

Improvement BFE Below BFE

2313 Yorktown Ave. 510129 N AE 1947 Y N Remodel - electrical 12/15/1996 62 -2

1548 E Main Street 510129 N AE 1907 Y N Multiple Improvements 6/12/2013** 23 -3

21 N 17th Street 510129 N AE 1924 Y N New HVAC 9/26/2007 24 -3

29 N 17th Street 510129 N AE 1853 Y N Repair due to Flood Damage 2/16/2006 24 -3

1001 Haxall Point* 510129 N AE 1920 Y N Covert Power Station to Condos 6-11-2014*** 37 -8

229 Erich Road 510129 N AE 1967 Y N Multiple Improvements 12/11/2011** 197 -2

Notes:

Date of Improvement = CO Date * Area below BFE is used to park cars only - No habitable space

** Latest Date ***Over 2000 permits on file

540 A-Regularly inspections of drainage facilities (streams

and ditches)

Yes, see ordinance specifications below:

Sec. 50-411. - Monitoring and inspections.

(a) The Administrator is authorized to inspect any land-disturbing activity in the city for:

(1) Compliance with the approved erosion and sediment control plan;

(2) Compliance with the approved stormwater management plan or the agreement in lieu of a

stormwater management plan;

(3) Development, updating, and implementation of a pollution prevention plan; and

(4) Development and implementation of any additional control measures necessary to address

a TMDL. The permittee or operator of a land-disturbing activity shall permit the

Administrator to conduct such an inspection at reasonable times and under reasonable

circumstances.

(b) The Administrator is authorized to enter any establishment or upon any property, public or private, in

order to conduct surveys or investigations necessary to ensure that stormwater management facilities are being adequately maintained as designed after completion of land-disturbing activities, to enforce

this article or, when permitted by appropriate legal arrangement, including, but not limited to, a


performance bond with surety, cash escrow, or letter of credit, for the purpose of taking appropriate

corrective actions required by permit when a permittee, after proper notice, has failed to take

acceptable action within the time specified.

The operator of any such property shall permit the Administrator to conduct such an inspection, survey

or investigation at reasonable times and under reasonable circumstances. The terms of the legal

documentation referenced above will govern the terms of the Administrator's actions with regard to

taking corrective actions.

(c) The Administrator is authorized to require, and a permittee shall furnish, when requested, any

application materials, plans, specifications, and other pertinent information as may be necessary to

determine the effect of the discharge on the quality of state waters, or such other information as may

be necessary to accomplish the purposes of this chapter.

(d) The Administrator is authorized to conduct post-construction inspections of stormwater management

facilities pursuant to the city's approved inspection program. The Administrator shall conduct an

inspection of each facility, at a minimum, at least once every five years, except as may otherwise be

provided for in section 50-410

540-C Capital Improvement Program for Drainage Improvements

Highlighted below is the CIP for stormwater in 2014:

Capital Improvement Program: FY 2014 Uses of Funds Project Title Page Proposed FY 2014

Gas Utility

Gas Utility New Business 91 6,611,000

System Replacement 92 22,835,000

Subtotal: Gas Utility 29,446,000

Stormwater Utility

Stormwater Facilities Improvements 93 7,500,000

Subtotal: Stormwater Utility 7,500,000

Wastewater Utility

City of Richmond Floodwall 94 1,950,000

Sanitary Sewers 95 18,350,000

Wastewater Treatment 96 900,000

Subtotal: Wastewater Utility 21,200,000

Water Utility

Distribution System Improvements 97 10,261,000

Major Plant & Pumping Improvements 98 26,916,000

Transmission Main Improvements 99 250,000

Subtotal: Water Utility 37,427,000

Total: Non-General Fund 95,573,000

Grand Total: Capital Improvement 209,869,829


540-D Ordinance prohibiting dumping trash etc. in drainage ways The ordinance that addresses this issue is as follows:

Sec. 38-151. - Unlawful dumping.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to dump or otherwise dispose of trash, garbage, refuse, litter,

junk, demolition materials, hazardous wastes or other offensive, unwholesome, unsightly,

unsanitary or unhealthy substances on public property, including in any waters within the city, a

public highway, drainage ditch, culvert, pipe, storm drain, right-of-way, property adjacent to such

highway or right-of-way, or on private property, without the written consent of the owner thereof or

the owner's agent.

(b) Any person convicted of violating this section shall be guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor and shall be

punished by a fine of not more than $2,500.00 or confinement in jail for not more than 12 months

or both such fine and imprisonment.

540-E Program to regularly inspection drainage ways and remove

debris when found

No

610 A – A system to notify residents when flooding is expected -

other than radio?

One system the City has is the IFLOWS stream gage system, which is operated by the City’s Office of

Emergency Management. The description is below:

Integrated Flood Observing and Warning System (IFLOWS)

Substantially reduce the annual loss of life from flash floods;

Reduce property damage; and,

Reduce disruption of commerce and human activities.

IFLOWS gages are used at 2 locations throughout the City of Richmond. The stream gage

consists of a pressure transducer placed in the stream, gage house stilling basin or reservoir

that measures the changes in water depth. The depth changes are transmitted by VHF radio

to a receiving computer system and the depth and time are recorded in the database.

Usually rain gages and stream gages are co-located at the same site, using only one

transmitter to send the gage data readings. The radio messages are received in real time at

the City’s site and passed on to a computer, which processes the signal into useful

information and posts it to the computer’s IFLOWS database (taken from the City

Webpage).

In late spring the City plans to install 3 more stream gages bring the total to 5. The policies

for the new, expanded IFLOWS system is described below:

CITY OF RICHMOND

OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT


INTEGRATED FLOOD OBSERVATION AND WARNING SYSTEM

(IFLOWS)

PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to present the procedures for using the IFLOWS system.

CONCEPT OF OPERATION

A. Mission:

The mission of the IFLOWS program is to substantially reduce the loss of life from flash

floods, to reduce the dollar loss of property damage, and to reduce the disruption of

commerce and human activities.

B. Concept:

Utilize the integration of communications, monitoring equipment and computer

technology to monitor and provide data to be analyzed by the Department of Public

Works, Office of Emergency Management and citizens to give warning to pending flash

flood occurrences in real-time.

C. Planning Assumptions

The IFLOWS Coordinator or designee familiarizes the Department of Emergency

Communications (DEC) and Office of Emergency Management (OEM) with the

operation of IFLOWS.

Using mapping software, rain gauge/level sensor and stream gauge, site

information will be entered by location (latitude/longitude) so that it may be

displayed on monitors strategically placed in the DEC, and DPW to include the

Emergency Operations Center and email and pager notification.

D. Operational Objectives:

The operational objective of using the IFLOWS system is to provide warnings to DPW,

OEM, DEC and local citizens of potential flash flooding. The intention of the warnings is to

help prevent loss of life and to reduce economic losses.

E. Organization:

The IFLOWS Program is a joint venture of the Department of Public Works (DPW), Office of

Emergency Management (OEM) and National Weather Service (NWS). DPW provides a

Coordinator to coordinate all activities between DPW, OEM, DEC, NWS, to include local

citizens.

The DPW point-of-contact for IFLOWS is the Engineer I - IFLOWS Coordinator or designee.

IFLOWS equipment maintenance is done by DPW IFLOWS personnel and the

communications maintenance is done by the DPW 800 MHZ Branch.

AUGMENTATION

A. Staff Notification


IFLOWS is activated 7/24 and provides real time data for taking appropriate actions per

Standard of Operations Procedures (SOP). When a flash flood occurs, the EOC may be

activated after the flood recedes, and citizens to include DPW are doing damage surveys

and moving to recovery from the event.

The IFLOWS is installed in two primary locations (Shockoe Creek and Middlesex Creek)

with a total of 2 rain gauges and 2 stream gauges.

B. Augmentation Levels

The augmentation level and notification procedures (email and page) will consist of the

following:

Level 1 – Advance notice of potential Flash Flooding

Department of Public Works IFLOWS Coordinator or designee

Office of Emergency Management

Department of Emergency Communications

Richmond Police

Richmond Fire

Department of Information Technology

Department of Public Utilities

Property owner in flood area (contact using Reverse 911)

Level 2 – Flash Flood Watch in effect (Evacuation of low lying area is being conducted)




Richmond Police

Richmond Fire



National Weather Services (Wakefield)


The early warning audible siren system will be used at this level. The DPW IFLOWS

Coordinator or designee will coordinate the activation of the alarm system.

Level 3 – Flash Flood Warning (Evacuation is being conducted) approximately 30mins to

evacuate





Richmond Police

Richmond Fire



National Weather Services (Wakefield)


The early warning audible siren system will be used at this level. The DPW IFLOWS

Coordinator or designee will coordinate the activation of the alarm system.

RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Monitor Rain Gauges

Upon notification of a heavy rain event or possible flood events in the two (2) primary

locations (Shockoe Creek and Middlesex Creek) the IFLOWS Coordinator will begin

monitoring the rain gauge. Additional instructions will be provided by the IFLOWS

Coordinator or designee.

610 B – A flood response plan that specifies what to do after a

flood notification?

In addition to the responses outlined in the IFLOWS policy above another response involves using the

COOP plan to address mission critical functions of the City. The COOP is further explained below:

City of Richmond has become increasingly aware of how disasters and emergencies could

disrupt, paralyze or destroy the capabilities to preserve government and perform essential

governmental functions. Continuity of Operations (COOP) Planning is designed to develop

and maintain a program that enables the City to preserve and maintain its capability to

function effectively in the event of a disaster or emergency, which could potentially disrupt

critical operations and services. A COOP plan is designed to address the following events:

Loss of access to a facility or building;

Loss or reduction of services due to a reduction in workforce; and

Loss of services due to equipment or system failure.

COOP planning is one component of the City of Richmond’s comprehensive emergency

management program that addresses the preparation for, mitigation of, response to and

recovery from all hazards. By focusing on efforts to continue the essential functions of the

City, COOP planning ensures that the government continues to operate—even in the wake of

a major event (taken from the City Webpage).


610 C – A master list of critical facilities in the 500-year floodplain

and arrangements to special warnings to them? The only two (2) critical facilities in the 500-year flood plain are the water treatment and wastewater

treatment plants. These 2 facilities have warnings issued to them via the IFLOWS system.

610 E/F – Are you a StormReady community? Yes - Virginia Storm Ready

The City completed the recertification of the Storm Ready Program 2014. Attached is the Virginia

Storm Ready Communities webpage:

See chart on next page:


County: Gold Shading

Purple Shading: TsunamiReady

Purple Dot:

StormReady

University

Red Dot: StormReady

Commercial Site

Accomack

Arlington

Bedford

Botetourt

Buckingham

Campbell

Chesapeake

Chesterfield

Colonial Heights

Danville

Fairfax

Fauquier

Frederick

Fredericksburg

Giles

Gloucester

Grayson

Greene

Hampton

Henrico

King George

Lancaster

Loudoun

Lynchburg

Manassas

Montgomery

New Kent

Newport News

Norfolk

Page

Portsmouth

Prince George

Prince William

Pulaska

Richmond

Roanoke City

Rockbridge

Russell

Smyth

Stafford

Virginia Beach

Washington

Williamsburg

Wise

Wythe

York

University of

Richmond

Virginia

Commonwealt

h University

Virginia Tech

Busch Gardens

Kings

Dominion

Water

Country USA

Purple Plus

StormReady

Supporter

StormReady

Military Site

Fair Oaks Mall

George

Mason

University

Southwest

Virginia CC

Stony Point

Fashion Park

Twin County

Regional

Hospital

Virginia

Highlands CC

Langley

Air Force Base

Norfolk

Naval Station

620 A-E Does the City have a levee? Levee maintenance program

and a failure warning system and response plan?

Yes, the City has a floodwall/levee system. The maintenance program is outlined below:

City of Richmond Virginia Department of Public Utilities, Wastewater Utility

Verification Originator Prepared By Reviewed By Approved By

Name Robert Steidel Robert Steidel

John Hay

Clair Watson

Ed Edmondson

Grace LeRose

Chris Beschler

Date 23 February 2010 23 February 2010 24 February 2010

Standard Operating Procedure: Operations and Maintenance of the Richmond, Virginia, Local Flood Protection Project to Comply with the Local Cooperation Agreement Between the Department of the Army and the City of Richmond, Virginia at James River Basin Richmond, Virginia (16 June 1986)


Flood Wall SOP – 4.4.6.1-001

Persons responsible:

Flood Protection Superintendent, Director of Public Utilities, Deputy Chief Administrative

Officer

Floodwall Trades Superintendent

Deputy Director of Public Utilities II

Utility Operations Superintendent II

Area of application: Richmond, Virginia, Local Flood Protection Project, North Side, South Side and Water

Treatment Plant

Document location: Hardcopy in EMS library; Electronic copy in City of Richmond – Sharepoint Site Directory >

DPU Flood Planning > Shared Document

Original issue date: 23 February 2010

Revisions

Rev. No. Date Description

001

002

Recurring action items

Activity Responsibility Frequency

1. Submit a report to the District Engineer covering inspection,

maintenance, and operation of the protective works [33 CFR

Chapter II, Part 208, Section 208.10(a) General (6)]

Flood Protection

Superintendent or

designee

Semi-annual

2. Inspections of levees [33 CFR Chapter II, Part 208, Section

208.10(b) Levees (1) Maintenance.] Periodic inspections shall

be completed per subsections (i) – (xii).

Flood Protection

Superintendent or

designee

Immediately prior to

the beginning of the

flood season;

immediately following

each major high water

period, and otherwise

at intervals not

exceeding 90 days

3. Operation of levees [33 CFR Chapter II, Part 208, Section

208.10(b) Levees (2) Operation.] During flood periods the levee Flood Protection

Continuously


shall be patrolled and inspection per subsections (i) – (iv). Superintendent or

designee

4. Inspections of flood walls [33 CFR Chapter II, Part 208, Section

208.10(c) Flood walls (1) Maintenance.] Periodic inspections

shall be completed per subsections (i) – (viii).

Flood Protection

Superintendent or

designee



flood season;




at intervals not

exceeding 90 days

5. Inspections of flood walls [33 CFR Chapter II, Part 208, Section

208.10(c) Flood walls (1) Maintenance.] Periodic inspections

shall be completed per subsections (i) – (viii).

Flood Protection

Superintendent or

designee



flood season;




at intervals not

exceeding 90 days

6. Operation of flood walls [33 CFR Chapter II, Part 208, Section

208.10(c) Flood walls (2) Operation.] During flood periods the

wall shall be patrolled to locate possible leakage at monolith

joints or seepage underneath the wall.

Flood Protection

Superintendent or

designee

Continuously

7. Drainage structures [33 CFR Chapter II, Part 208, Section

208.10(d) Drainage structures (1) Maintenance.] Flap gates

and manually operated gates and valves on drainage structures

shall be examined, oiled, and trial operated.

Flood Protection

Superintendent or

designee

At least once every 90

days.


208.10(d) Drainage structures (1) Maintenance.] Where

drainage structures are provided with stop log or other

emergency closures, the condition of the equipment and its

housing shall be inspected regularly and a trial installation of

the emergency closure shall be made.

Flood Protection

Superintendent or

designee

At least once each

year.


208.10(d) Drainage structures (1) Maintenance.] Inspections

shall be completed per subsections (i) – (iv).

Flood Protection

Superintendent or

designee

Periodic


208.10(d) Drainage structures (2) Operation.] All gates will be

inspected a short time before water reaches the invert of the

pip and any object which might prevent closure of the gate shall

be removed. Automatic gates shall be closely observed until it

Flood Protection

Superintendent or

designee

Whenever high water

(12’ City Locks Gage)

conditions impend


has been ascertained that they are securely closed. Manually

operated gates and valves shall be closed as necessary to

prevent inflow of flood water. All drainage structures in levees

shall be inspected frequently during floods to ascertain whether

seepage is taking place along the lines of their contact with the

embankment.

11. Closure structures [33 CFR Chapter II, Part 208, Section

208.10(e) Drainage structures (1) Maintenance.] Closure

structures for traffic openings shall be inspected per

subsections (i) – (v)

Flood Protection

Superintendent or

designee

Every 90 days


208.10(e) Drainage structures (1) Maintenance.] Trial

erections of one or more closure structures shall be made.

Flood Protection

Superintendent or

designee

Once each year,

alternating the

structures chosen so

that each gate will be

erected at least once

in each 3-year period.


208.10(e) Drainage structures (1) Maintenance.] Trial erection

of all closure structures shall be made.

Flood Protection

Superintendent or

designee

Whenever a change is

made in key operating

personnel.


208.10(e) Drainage structures (2) Operation.] Erection shall be

started and completed before flood waters reach the top of the

structure sill.

Flood Protection

Superintendent or

designee

Whenever high water

(12’City Locks Gage)

conditions impend


208.10(e) Drainage structures (2) Operation.] Inspection

during flood periods to ascertain that no undue leakage is

occurring and that drains provided to care for ordinary leakage

are functioning properly.

Flood Protection

Superintendent or

designee

Frequently

16. Pumping Plants [33 CFR Chapter II, Part 208, Section 208.10(f)

Pumping Plants (1) Maintenance.] Inspection to insure that all

equipment is in order for instant use.

Flood Protection

Superintendent or

designee

Not to exceed 30 days

during flood seasons

and 90 days during

off-flood seasons


Pumping Plants (1) Maintenance.] All equipment, including

switch gear, transformers, motors, pumps, valves, and gates

shall be trial operated and checked.

Flood Protection

Superintendent or

designee

At least once every 90

days


Pumping Plants (1) Maintenance.] Megger tests of all

insulation shall be made whenever wiring has been subjected to

undue dampness.

Flood Protection

Superintendent or

designee

Interval not to exceed

one year



Pumping Plants (2) Operation.] Competent operators shall be

on duty at pumping plants.

Flood Protection

Superintendent or

designee

Whenever it appears

that necessity for

pump operation is

imminent

20. Channels and floodways [33 CFR Chapter II, Part 208, Section

208.10(g) Channels and floodways (1) Maintenance.]

Inspection of improved channels and floodways per (i) – (vi).

Flood Protection

Superintendent or

designee

Periodic but shall be

made prior to the

beginning of the flood

season and otherwise

at intervals not to

exceed 90 days

21. Channels and floodways [33 CFR Chapter II, Part 208, Section

208.10(g) Channels and floodways (2) Operations.] Both banks

of the channel shall be patrolled.

Flood Protection

Superintendent or

designee

Continuous during

period of high water

22. Miscellaneous facilities [33 CFR Chapter II, Part 208, Section

208.10(h) Miscellaneous facilities (1) Maintenance.] Inspection

of areas used for ponding in connection with pumping plants

(South Side storage ponds) or for temporary storage of interior

run-off (Upper Shockoe Creek Storm Water Retention Basin)

during flood periods shall not be allowed to become filled with

silt, debris, or dumped material.

Flood Protection

Superintendent or

designee

Periodic

23. The O&M Manual will be reviewed.

Flood Protection

Superintendent or

designee

Annually

24. Training shall be conducted for all City of Richmond personnel

assigned duties within the flood protection project.

Flood Protection

Superintendent or

designee

Annually

25. New City of Richmond personnel directly assigned duties within

the flood protection project shall receive training on the

Operations & Maintenance Manual.

Flood Protection

Superintendent or

designee

Within 60 days of hire

Procedure Index

1.0 Purpose

2.0 Scope

3.0 Responsibility


4.0 Definitions

5.0 Process

6.0 References / Related Documents

1.0 Purpose

This is the Initial SOP to document existing O&M manuals and actions to comply with 33 CFR Part 208.10: Local Flood Protection Works; Maintenance and Operation of Structures and Facilities and Local Cooperation Agreement Between the Department of the Army and the City of Richmond, Virginia at James River Basin Richmond, Virginia (16 June 1986) The Local Cooperation Agreement Between the Department of the Army and the City of Richmond, Virginia at James River Basin Richmond, Virginia (16 June 1986) and signed by representatives of the Department of the Army and The City of Richmond, Virginia states in Article VIII – OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND REHABILITATION: “a. The Local Sponsor shall operate, maintain and rehabilitate the project upon completion in accordance with regulations or directions prescribed by the Secretary of the Army.” Those regulations are found at 33 CFR Part 208.10. The Richmond, Virginia, Local Flood Protection project was constructed to provide protection to the City of Richmond from flooding on the James River. However, the construction of an adequate earthen levee and floodwall, closure gates, and pumping plants does not provide complete security for the City against floods. Flood damages will still occur if the project is improperly operated prior to and during a flood event and if it is overtopped by events larger than the design flood. In order to assure a high level of protection against flooding and to reduce the threat to public health and safety, it is necessary that the project be carefully maintained at all times and be properly operated prior to and during flood periods. The necessity for proper maintenance is also imperative, since extensive damage or even the loss of life may be incurred through failure of a critical element of the project at flood time, caused by deterioration or damage that could have been avoided by proper maintenance. Faulty operation at flood time can cause considerable damage and may nullify the functions of the entire protective works. Proper maintenance and correct operation of the flood protection system require that responsible local persons have a thorough understanding of the functions of the various units of the system and the best methods of maintaining and operating the system. The potential for project overtopping requires that the appropriate evacuation measures be taken as necessary during a flood event. A complete set of manufacturers’ instructions, bulletins, and shop drawings and a complete set of detailed construction drawings relating to the various phases of construction embodied in this project have been furnished to and are archived with the City of Richmond, Virginia. All work by or under the jurisdiction of the City of Richmond in connection with the installation of new streets or underground utilities, etc., or in connection with the modification of existing streets and underground utilities shall be carefully evaluated by the District Engineer, Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to determine their effect on the flood protection system as presently installed and described in this SOP. The City Environmental Policy, Administrative Regulation Number 7.1, I. Purpose, A. Compliance. states: Comply with all applicable environmental legislation, regulations, municipal standards, and City policies. Department of Public Utilities Environmental Management System (EMS) procedure EP-4.2-1 Environmental Policy Procedure purpose is to establish practices related to the development and implementation of the Environmental Policy for the City of Richmond / Wastewater Treatment Plant. Under this policy and EMS Element # 10, Operational Control of Critical Control Points and 11 Emergency Preparedness and Response, this SOP was developed.

2.0 Scope


This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) provides the operation and maintenance

requirements that must be observed at the Southside, Northside of the downtown project

and the Water Treatment Plant, in order to assure that the project provides a high level of

protection during flood events. Maintenance and operation shall be provided in strict

accordance with the regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Army and as amplified by

this SOP. The assets of the Flood Protection Project are detailed in the following documents:

Richmond Local Protection Project – Operation and Maintenance Manual for the South Side,

September 2009, Richmond Local Protection Project – Operation and Maintenance Manual

for the North Side, September 2009, and Richmond Water Purification Plant Flood

Protection Project Operation and Maintenance Manual, 1 June 2007.

3.0 Responsibilities

NOTE: in accordance with 33 CFR Chapter II, Part 208, Section 208.10(e) Drainage structures (2) Operation, trial erection of all closure structures shall be made whenever a change is made in key operating personnel.

FLOOD PROTECTION SUPERINTENDENT (DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC UTILITIES, DEPUTY CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER)

Name: Robert Steidel Business address: 730 East Broad Street, 6

th Floor

Richmond, VA 23219 FLOODWALL SUPERINTENDENT, TRADES SUPERINTENDENT, DELEGATED FLOOD PROTECION MANGEMENT AUTHORITY

Name: John Hay Business address: 1400 Brander Street Richmond, Virginia 23224

ALTERNATE FLOOD PROTECTION SUPERINTENDENT (DEPUTY DIRECTOR II OF PUBLIC UTILITIES)

Name: Willie Horton Business address: 1400 Brander Street Richmond, Virginia 23224

UTILITY OPERATIONS SUPERINTENDENT II WASTEWATER, INTERIOR DRAINAGE SEPARATE SANITARY AND COMBINED SEWAGE OPERATONS, ALTERNATE FLOODWALL SUPERVISOR

Name: Clair Watson Business address: 1400 Brander Street Richmond, Virginia 23224

UTILITY OPERATIONS SUPERINTENDENT I WASTEWATER, INTERIOR DRAINAGE SEPARATE SANITARY AND COMBINED SEWAGE OPERATONS, ALTERNATE FLOODWALL SUPERVISOR

Name: Ed Edmondson Business address: 1400 Brander Street Richmond, Virginia 23224

PROGRAM MANAGER, WASTEWATER, MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL and INSTRUMENTATION TRADE SUPPORT

Name: Glenn Lewis


Business address: 1400 Brander Street Richmond, Virginia 23224

TRADES SUPERVISOR, WASTEWATER, MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL and INSTRUMENTATION TRADE SUPPORT

Name: Barrymore Beckley Business address: 1400 Brander Street Richmond, Virginia 23224

UTILITY OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR, SHOCKOE RETENTION BASIN, INTERIOR DRAINAGE SEPARATE SANITARY AND COMBINED SEWAGE OPERATONS SHOCKOE WATER AND SEWER BASINS

Name: Barbara Jackson Business address: 1400 Brander Street Richmond, Virginia 23224

FLOOD RESPONSE TEAM PERSONNEL - PRIMARY LIST

Number Name Assignment

1 J. Hay Floodwall Superintendent

2 S. Hall Administrative Support

3 M. Anderson Pump Station Supervisor

4 D. Tuner Pump Station / Gates

5 C. Liles Pump Station / Gates

6 Vacant Pump Station / Gates

7 T. Hite SW-1 Closure Leader

8 L. Evans SW -1 Closure Crew

9 J. Warren SW -1 Closure Crew

10 G. King SW -1 Closure Crew

11 G. Johnson SW -1 Closure Crew

12 D. Fontenot SW -1 Closure Crew

13 J. Brown Vector Crew

14 C. Hockaday, Jr. Vector Crew

15 H. Todd SW-2 Crew Leader

16 A. Taylor SW-2 Closure Crew




17 G. Kealon SW-2 Closure Crew

18 A. Gullie SW-2 Closure Crew

19 J. Richardson Jr. SW-2 Closure Crew

20 J. Barbour SW-3 Crew Leader

21 S. Squire SW-3 Closure Crew

22 C. McLaughlin SW-3 Closure Crew

23 A. Pamplin SW-3 Closure Crew

24 T. Mahanes SW-3 Closure Crew

25 E. Morton SW-3 Closure Crew

26 R. Bradbury SW-3 Closure Crew

27 V. Reyes Vactor Crew

28 A. Lewis Vactor Crew

29 B. Jackson Shockoe Crew Leader

30 D. Myrick Shockoe Closure Crew

31 D. Burner Shockoe Closure Crew

32 D. Spencer Shockoe Closure Crew

33 M. Shampine Shockoe Closure Crew

34 P. Rawlings Shockoe Closure Crew

35 K. Faulkner Shockoe Closure Crew

36 A. Forbes Shockoe Closure Crew

37 L. Ford Shockoe Closure Crew

38 V. Hawthorne Shockoe Closure Crew

39 C. Jenkins Shockoe Closure Crew




40 D. Austin Shockoe Closure Crew

41 A. Hunter WWTP Closure Crew

42 P. Saunders WWTP Closure Crew

43 M. Hicks WWTP Closure Crew

44 R. Pegras WWTP Closure Crew

SECONDARY LIST DEVELOPED AS NECESSARY

4.0 Definitions

4.1 Superintendent: City of Richmond official responsible for the development and maintenance of, and directly in charge of, an organization responsible for the efficient operation and maintenance of all the structures and facilities during flood periods and for continuous inspection and maintenance of the project works during periods of low water.

4.2 Flood season in Richmond Virginia: January – March and July – October

These months were determined as follows:

1. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management does not keep historical

flood records. The historical record links flooding with hurricane history which is

logical. In the 17th and 18th centuries, storms are documented in August –

October. In the 19th century the pattern was similar with one July storm

described. In the 20th century the pattern repeats but with two July storms. And

in the 21st century to date all storms are August and September.

2. The City of Richmond wastewater treatment plant flooded in January 1996 and

2010. In 1936 spring floods occurred as a result of heavy snowfalls and rains

over a significant snow pack flooding the James River watershed.

5.0 Process

5.1 The City of Richmond, Virginia shall operate, maintain and rehabilitate the flood protection project upon in accordance with regulations or directions prescribed by the Secretary of the Army. Those regulations are found at 33 CFR Part 208.10: Local Flood Protection Works; Maintenance and Operation of Structures and Facilities. All operations shall be in accordance with the current Operations and Maintenance Manual of the Richmond, Virginia, Local Flood Protection Project.

5.2 Asset management. Flood wall structures and facilities shall be classified as levee, flood


wall, drainage, closure, pumping, channels and floodways and miscellaneous facilities (Upper Shockoe Storm Water Retention Basin, Southside Ponds). Assets will be evaluated following the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities master plan process. From the master plan process, a 10-year capital improvement plan (CIP) will be developed for flood wall structures and facilities for rehabilitation and improvements. From the 10-year CIP, a capital budget will be prepared by the Department of Public Utilities for each biennium. After approval by the Planning Commission, Mayor and City Council, the capital project will be implemented in accordance with the adopted budget.

5.3 Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Manual Revision. There are two reasons to change the current O&M Manual.

5.3.1 Change in O&M as a result of a capital improvement or rehabilitation project.

5.3.2 Change in O&M as a result of a continuous process improvement developed from the operation and maintenance of the flood wall structures and facilities

5.4 O&M Manual Revision Methodology by the Flood Protection Superintendent or designee.

5.4.1 The O&M Manual will be reviewed annually.

5.4.2 Changes identified in Section 5.3 will be incorporated in the draft revised O&M Manual.

5.4.3 The draft revised O&M manual will be submitted with a semi-annual report to the District Engineer, Norfolk District US Army Corps of Engineers, covering inspection, maintenance, and operation of the protective works in accordance with 33 CFR Chapter II, Part 208, Section 208.10(a) General (6) for review and approval.

5.4.4 Upon approval of the O&M manual changes by the District Engineer,

5.4.5 Norfolk District US Army Corps of Engineers, the revised O&M manual will be final and made available to the Flood Wall Response Team.

5.5 Training and Testing by the Flood Protection Superintendent or designee.

5.5.1 There shall be annual training of City of Richmond personnel assigned duties within the flood protection project.

5.5.2 All new City of Richmond personnel directly assigned duties within the flood protection project shall receive training on the Operations & Maintenance Manual within 60 days of hire.

5.5.3 Testing shall be conducted in accordance with the regulations or directions prescribed by the Secretary of the Army, 33 CFR Part 208.10: Local Flood Protection Works; Maintenance and Operation of Structures and Facilities.

6.0 References / Related Documents

6.1 Richmond Local Protection Project – Operation and Maintenance Manual for the

South Side, September 2009.

6.2 Richmond Local Protection Project – Operation and Maintenance Manual for the

North Side, September 2009.

6.3 Richmond Water Purification Plant Flood Protection Project Operation and

Maintenance Manual, 1 June 2007.

6.4 Local Flood Protection Project to Comply with the Local Cooperation Agreement

Between the Department of the Army and the City of Richmond, Virginia at James

River Basin Richmond, Virginia (16 June 1986)


6.5 Code of Federal Regulations, Title 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters, Chapter II,

Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army, Department of Defense, Part 208 Flood

Control Regulations, Section 208.10, Local flood protection works; maintenance and

operation of structures and facilities

The following pages outline the failure warning and response and plan related to the City’s levee

system.





630 A, B - E Dam threats/failures (upstream)

There are no dams upstream from the city that pose threats or on the verge of failing.


Appendix 1 – GIS Floodplain Map

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