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Table of Contents
Introduction
ExecutiveSummary.............................................................................................................................................. 1
CommunityProfile................................................................................................................................................3
Hazard/Vulnerability Analysis Summary..................................................................................................12
MajorIncidents 2005-2011 ............................................................................................................................13
Mitigation Progress 2005-2011 ....................................................................................................................15
Mitigation Plan
Goalsand Objectives..........................................................................................................................................16
Preferred Mitigation Strategies.....................................................................................................................17
Potential Mitigation Projects..........................................................................................................................17
Discussion
MitigationStrategies..........................................................................................................................................21
PlanningProcess.................................................................................................................................................23
Implementation...................................................................................................................................................25
PlanMaintenance................................................................................................................................................26
Appendixes
Appendix A: Flood Hazard Description......................................................................................................27
Appendix B: Fenner Firewise Plan and Fenner Access Plan..............................................................43
Appendix C: Outdoor Warning Siren Coverage.......................................................................................55
Appendix D: Mitigation Projects...................................................................................................................59
Appendix E: Hazard Vulnerability Analysis (abridged)
City of Lansing
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Executive Summary
Hazard mitigation is the process of reducing the impact of hazards. No community will ever
be completely safe from all hazards, but steps can be taken to make a community more
disaster resilient. The goal of this plan is to make Lansing's residents, businesses, and
infrastructure better able to withstand and recover from the effects of disaster.
Good mitigation is sustainable and fiscally responsible. Research shows that every dollar
spent in mitigation saves four dollars in damage and response costs when a disaster occurs.
Mitigation reduces future risk and future costs.
Goals
The goals of this mitigation plan are to:
• Identify mitigation priorities
• Identify pre-disaster mitigation opportunities
• Prepare Lansing to take effective advantage of post-disaster mitigation opportunities
"Communities that actively engage in hazard and resiliency planning are less prone to disaster,
recover faster from disasters which do occur, and endure less economic hardship than those
communities which do not."(Hazard and Resiliency Planning:Perceived Benefits and Barriers
Among Land Use Planners. NOAA,2010)
Planning Process
The city's original hazard mitigation plan was developed in 2005 by the Tri-County
Regional Planning Commission.Addendums to the plan were developed for flood and
wildfire by local planning teams. The process for the 2010 revision was as follows:
1. Complete updated Hazard Vulnerability Analysis
2. Work with Planning Department to integrate hazard mitigation with the city's
Master Plan
3. Hold public meetings seeking feedback
4. Revise Fire Mitigation annex
S. Revise Flood Mitigation annex
6. Identify potential mitigation projects
7. Finalize hazard mitigation plan
8. Review by stakeholders, including public input
9. Submit to City Council for final adoption
10. Submit to FEMA for approval
Projects
The following types of projects will be considered for hazard mitigation:
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• Preventative - maintaining or improving systems to prevent an event from occurring,
including zoning or development restrictions
• Structural - altering the effect of a hazard by creating a barrier or physically changing
the environment in which a hazard acts
• Property Protection - strengthen or modify structures to minimize the effect of the
hazard
• Natural Resource Protection - reducing the impact of hazards by restoring or
maintaining natural systems
• Risk Communication - improving the ability to effectively communicate risk to those
affected before and during a disaster
• Emergency Response - improving emergency response capabilities for more effective
crisis and consequence management
Planning Requirement
Under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, local emergency management jurisdictions are
required to submit a hazard mitigation plan for FEMA approval every five years. This plan
is a revision of the City's 2005 Hazard Mitigation Plan.
The City's Comprehensive Plan was also under revision in 2010. The Planning and
Neighborhood Development Department and the Office of Emergency Management used
this opportunity to more fully integrate the two plans. Hazard mitigation principles and
priorities were applied to future development guidance, and data from the Comprehensive
Plan was used to analyze hazards and develop the mitigation plan.
Plan Structure
The Hazard Mitigation Plan has the following components:
Community Profile
Hazard Mitigation Plan Body
Supporting Discussion
Appendixes - Including hazard specific supporting information and detailed project
information
We have elected not to include our Hazard Vulnerability Analysis as part of the plan,
because of security concerns. The HVA contains detailed analysis of vulnerabilities to city
infrastructure.A summary of the hazard analysis is included, and relevant information
from the hazard analysis is included in the hazard specific annexes.
The community profile includes information from the 2000 and 2010 censuses, as well as
information from periodic census updates.All of these sources are included because each
collected different data about the community. This plan was originally written in 2011 and
has been in the FEMA review process since that time.
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Community Profile
Population
Lansing's population peaked in the mid-201h century and has declined slowly since that
time. The estimated 2008 population was 111,770 with a decline to 106,987 projected by
2013. Since 1990 the city has lost 12.2% of its population and is projected to continue
losing at an increased rate from 2008 to 2013. (Note:2010 census data indicated that
Lansing had a population of 114,297.)
The Lansing metropolitan area, which includes parts of Ingham, Eaton and Clinton
counties, had an estimated population of 454,057. The projected population for 2013 is
455,906. From 1990 to 2008, the metropolitan Lansing area grew by 4.9%, in contrast to
the city's loss of 12.2% in the same period.
Mitigation significance: The City of Lansing views the nationwide phenomenon of shrinking
cities as an opportunity to improve the quality of life for its residents. Mitigation supports
that philosophy. For example, floodplain acquisition is an opportunity to improve
residents' quality of life by moving them out of a hazard area,while creating recreational
space. By focusing acquisition on contiguous areas, infrastructure can be reduced and
neighborhood safety can be preserved.
Race,Age and Gender
Lansing is more racially integrated than many other areas of the state,with 5.6% of the
population of mixed race population versus 2% statewide.About two-thirds of the
population is white, 20% is black, and 3% is Asian. Ten percent of the city's population is of
Hispanic origin. Lansing has a dissimilarity index of 38.1, which roughly means that only
38% of its population lives in a racially segregated neighborhood. See the chart below for a
comparison between Lansing and other Michigan cities.
Total Pop %Mixed Dissimilarity
2008 %White %Black %Asian Race %Hispanic Index'
Lansing 111K 66.6 20.4 3.7 5.6 10.0 38.1
Detroit 800K 10.5 83.0 1.0 1.4 6.4 63.3
Grand Rapids 187K 66.7 20.3 1.4 2.8 16.2 58.6
Flint 105K 40.0 54.1 0.2 2.9 3.1 76.8
Southfield 69K 31.0 63.7 2.2 1 2.5 12.3 36.5
Statewide 10M 79.6 14.0 2.3 2.0 4.0
National 308M 74.3 12.3 4.4 2.2 15.1
In 2009, 8% of Lansing's population was estimated to have been born outside of the United
States. The most common countries of origin for Lansing residents are Korea, India,
Vietnam and Mexicoz. These populations tend to be older and well-established in the
' Indicates segregation between black and white residents. William H. Frey and Dowell Myers' analysis of
Census 2000; and the Social Science Data Analysis Network (SSDAN).
z CDC Snapshots of State Population Data version 1.5 (http://www.bt.cdc.gov/snaps/)
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community. Since 2000, 4600 refugees have been resettled in the Lansing areal. Refugees
from Cuba, Somalia and Burma made up more than half of that number.According to the
2009 census update, 13% of Lansing's population speaks a language other than English at
home. Of those, 51% do not speak English very well.
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T 200 Sudan
(Afghanistan
150 Bhutan
Iraq
100 Somalia
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2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Refugees resettled by St Vincent Catholic Charities Refugee Services since 2000
Mitigation significance: Better integrated neighborhoods means that mitigation measures
are less likely to affect a single ethnic group more than any other. However, recent
immigrants tend to gather geographically by nationality or language group.An effort must
be made to ensure that all affected residents understand a mitigation project and that they
are affected fairly by it.
Income
Lansing has a lower number of high income residents than the state overall, and a higher
number of medium and low income residents. The greatest disparity is in extremely low
income and in the $25-34,000 range.Approximately 65% of the city's households earned
less than $50,000 in 2009. The median household income was $35,774.
The decline in the auto industry has been felt severely in Michigan, but has had slightly less
effect on Lansing than other parts of the state. The unemployment rate in Michigan in
September 2010 was 13%. Lansing's unemployment rate was 9.9%. Unemployment rates
in Detroit and Grand Rapids were 13.4 and 10.5%, respectively, for the same time period.
1 St Vincent Catholic Charities
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149 199
Income in Thousands of Dollars
Mitigation significance: Mitigation can easily become a lower priority during difficult
economic times. However,there can be benefits to moving forward with mitigation during
those times. For example, the stagnant housing market has proved beneficial to the city's
floodplain acquisition program. There are enough vacant homes that people who are
selling their homes can stay in their neighborhood if they wish. The program offers a fair
price to those who wish to sell their floodplain homes,which may prove difficult to sell
otherwise with so many other homes on the market. Foreclosed homes in the floodplain
are being acquired as well as owner-occupied.
Housing
Eighty-five percent of the city's housing stock was built before the city became an NFIP
participating community in 1981. Twenty-five percent of homes were built before 1940.
Total Owner % of % of
Total Occupied Vacancy Occupied Total Renter Total
Units Units Rate Units Occupied Occupied Occupied
1990 53,919 50,635 6.1% 27,737 54.8 22,898 45.2
2000 53,159 49,505 6.9% 28,488 57.5 21,017 42.5
2005-2007 (est) 54,464 47,812 12.2% 28,244 59.1 19,568 40.9
According to the 2009 census update for Lansing, 55% of occupied homes in the city are
owner-occupied and 44% are rentals.
Mitigation significance: The majority of the city's housing stock was built before strict
building codes were enforced. 85% of homes are Pre-FIRM, which means that the majority
of the buildings in the floodplain are not compliant with floodplain regulations, and are
exacerbating the city's flood risk.
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Zoning and Community Development
The City of Lansing has zoning authority over the planning area. The Planning and
Neighborhood Development Office is responsible for enforcing the city's Planning and
Zoning Code (Lansing Codified Ordinances, Part 12), which includes the local floodplain
ordinance. The City has adopted the International Building Code under local ordinance
1181. The City has been a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) community since
1981. In addition to restrictions on development required under the NFIP, the city also
requires a special land use review and approval by the City Council for development in the
floodplain on parcels over 1/2 acre. In 2010 the City adopted new NFIP flood maps. No
additional properties were included in the regulatory floodplain as a result of map revision.
Much of the vacant land in the floodplain is currently zoned as residential. Future land use
plans rezone those areas as open space to prevent any further development. Industrial
areas, particularly in south Lansing, will be concentrated along major transportation
corridors and moved out of residential neighborhoods. Zoning and future land use maps
are included at the end of this section. There have been no significant developments
affecting the city's vulnerability since 2005.
Mitigation significance: The majority of the development in Lansing's floodplain was
completed before 1950. Stricter floodplain requirements focusing on substantial
improvement of existing structures (adding a cumulative element to permits, requiring
additional freeboard, etc.) could encourage mitigation as buildings are renovated.
Floodproofing and property acquisition are both being pursued as options to lower flood
losses.
Mitigation Capacity
Lansing has an annual budget of$112M. In addition, the city receives approximately$2M in
Community Development Block Grant funding, some of which may be used toward
floodplain mitigation. The impetus to use CDBG funding for mitigation is a desire to assist
floodplain residents in low income neighborhoods, who are otherwise not eligible to
benefit from these funds.
Emergency Management
The City is its own Emergency Management jurisdiction under Michigan Public Act 390,
receiving funding through the Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG)
program.
The Lansing Fire Department has 220 full-time suppression personnel, as well as four staff
members assigned full-time to Fire Prevention and two to Emergency Management. The
department participates in the Metro Lansing USAR and Hazmat response teams, as well as
maintaining water rescue and wildfire response capabilities. LFD has a shared services
agreement with the East Lansing Fire Department,with a staff of 60 full-time firefighters.
The Lansing Police Department has 180 sworn officers, with members assigned full time to
investigation, community policing, and maintaining the city jail as well as uniformed
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patrols. The department maintains a dive team, a Special Tactics and Rescue Team
(START), and a motorcycle patrol.
The city's Public Service Department is also a critical part of emergency response. Public
Service maintains roads and city-owned infrastructure, including sewers; operates the
city's wastewater treatment plant; manages urban forestry; and operates a trash and
recycling program. The Public Service Department also has a staff of engineers. In an
emergency, the Public Service Department erects barriers and other perimeter control,
provides heavy equipment, and offers technical expertise.
Climate
Lansing's climate is determined by its location within the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River
Basin. The climate of the basin is influenced by several factors, including the polar jet
stream and the Great Lakes themselves. The lakes moderate the temperature of the
surrounding land and add moisture to the environment. The result is cooler summers and
warmer winters, with significant precipitation and greatly variable weather patterns.
Within the basin, temperature and precipitation are primarily determined by proximity to
the Great Lakes. Lansing experiences greater temperature extremes and lower
precipitation than communities located nearer to the lakes.
Lansing's average summer high temperature is 809 and the
average winter low is 152F. Winter has lower precipitation than
any other season, on average. Most precipitation occurs as rain in
the summer,with a fairly high instance of ice and sleet storms in
the early spring and late fall. Average total annual snowfall is 54.5
inches.
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+ Average°F
�. High Low Temperature Extremes
Annual 56.7 36.8 High Date Low Date
Winter 31.2 15.6 69 2/11/1999 -29 1/4/1981
Spring 56.2 34.8 94 5/21/1977 -15 3/2/1978
Summer 80.4 56.8 100 7/6/1988 30 6/1/1966
Fall 1 59.0 1 40.0 1 97 9/3/1973 1 -5 11/26/1949
Precipitation Extremes
Mean High Year Low Year
Annual 30.62 39.55 1975 21.23 1962 1 Day Date
Winter 5.18 11.65 1950 2.10 1970 2.14 2/21/97
Spring 7.72 11.85 1948 3.92 1987 3.20 5/18/00
Summer 9.43 15.21 1975 5.86 1995 4.95 6/11/86
Fall 8.29 14.98 1990 3.57 1963 3.43 9/30/81
Geography
The land Lansing covers was originally upland forest and wetland. Many forested and non-
forested open areas have been preserved or restored. The largest of these areas is on the
east side of the city, encompassing Crego, Shubel and Potter Parks, Fenner Nature Center
and Scott Woods Park.
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Mitigation Significance: This area provides the city's largest urban/wildland interface. The
area around Fenner Arboretum is the greatest concern. The area is completely natural, has
frequent human activity, and new construction on the south side of the nature center does
not have proper defensible space in the event of a wildfire. If Crego Park is opened to the
public, a Firewise assessment should be done for the park and mitigation projects similar
to those identified for Fenner should be considered.
Sycamore Creek, the Red Cedar and the Grand River intersect within a mile of each other
near the downtown area. The Grand River has an average flow of 1000 cubic feet per
second. It is dammed at two points in Lansing: the Eckert Station Power Plant, where it is
provides a cooling source for electrical production, and in North Lansing at Burchard Park.
The purpose of the North Lansing dam is primarily to provide a constant water level in the
river through the city, it is not currently licensed to produce electricity.
Mitigation Significance: Over 1000 people live in the floodplain in the area where the three
rivers come together. Flood forecasting for this area is difficult, adding to residents' risk.
Potter Park Zoo is also in this area.Access to the park and zoo is extremely limited during
flood conditions.
Infrastructure
Utilities- Water
Drinking Water - The Lansing Board of Water and Light is a municipally owned utility that
was created in 1885 to provide water to the citizens of Lansing. The Board currently
provides water, electricity, and steam power to the city. Lansing's water is pumped from
the Saginaw Aquifer, a water-bearing sandstone layer lying about 150 to 400 feet below the
mid-Michigan region. One hundred and ten active wells pump water to either of two water
conditioning plants where the water is softened and supplied to the public.
In addition to Lansing, the Board services portions of Lansing Township, Delhi Township,
Bath Township, Watertown Township and Alaiedon Township. The system has the
capability to provide backup to, or be backed up by, the East Lansing/Meridian Water and
Sewer Authority.
A total of 180,000 people use water provided by the Lansing Board of Water and Light.
Wastewater - The Lansing wastewater treatment plant is owned and operated by the city.
The plant treats an average of 20 million gallons of wastewater each day. The facility is
designed for an annual average flow of 37 million gallons per day for complete treatment.
The plant receives flow from 22,000 acres in the City of Lansing, Lansing Township, and
portions of Delhi Township and serves a population of 155,000.
Stormwater- Until the 1950s Lansing's sanitary sewers and storm sewers were built as a
shared system.After that time, separate sewers were constructed, sending sewage to the
wastewater treatment plant and stormwater directly to the river. However, much of the
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city still uses the old combined sewers. Both sewage and stormwater from the combined
system is processed through the wastewater treatment plant. When the volume of water
exceeds the capacity of the plant, both stormwater and raw sewage are discharged directly
to the Grand River. In the 1980s the city began to separate the older sewers. The CSO
(Combined Sewer Overflow) project is creating a separate stormwater system that flows
directly to the river, reducing the volume of water at the wastewater treatment plant, and
reducing the chance that sewage will be released into the river. The project is expected to
be completed in 2020.
Utilities-Power
The Lansing Board of Water and Light provides steam and electrical power to the cities of
Lansing and East Lansing and all or part of seven surrounding townships, including Delhi,
Delta, DeWitt, Lansing, Meridian,Watertown and Windsor.
The Board of Water and Light has two generating plants, one in Lansing and one in Delta
Township. Both are coal-fired plants. The Board also has the ability to buy power from
other parts of the state or country if it should become necessary. In 2010 the Board of
Water and Light began construction on a new power plant in the city,to be completed in
2013. The new plant will produce electricity and steam using natural gas.
Natural gas is provided within the city by Consumers Energy. No gas or petroleum
transmission lines run through the city. There are several large natural gas distribution
lines in the city.
Transportation
The city street system consists of 105 miles of major streets and 305 miles of local streets
for a total of 410 miles.A truck route system is included in the major street mileage. The
truck route system is broken down further into all-weather routes and seasonally
restricted routes. Several state and interstate highways provide major arteries through and
around the city.
Several major freight rail lines also cross through Lansing carrying freight and passengers.
CSX, Conrail, GTW and Norfolk Southern all maintain tracks in Lansing.
The Capital Region International Airport is adjacent to Lansing in Clinton County.Although
the airport is not located within the city limits, it provides a major transportation artery for
citizens of and visitors to Lansing. It is one of the state's busiest airports.
Mitigation Significance: Many of the utilities that serve the surrounding area are located in
the city.An incident that affects city utilities will have an impact on other communities as
well.
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City of Lansing Zoning Map
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Hazard/Vulnerability Analysis Summary
Eighteen hazards facing the City of Lansing were evaluated on four categories: hazard
characteristics, physical vulnerability, social vulnerability, resistance and resilience. The
last hazard analysis before this one was performed in 2006 and did not include an
assessment of social vulnerability.
There were several changes from the 2006 assessment: Tornado moved from #10 to #2,
Severe Wind moved from #3 to #12, and Extreme Cold moved from #8 to #1.
1 Extreme Cold The city has experienced all three of these events since the last
hazard assessment. The shift is likely due to a better
2 Tornado understanding of the impacts of the hazard.
3 Ice&Sleet
4 Infrastructure This assessment also included four categories of social
vulnerability. The lasting impact on individuals and the
5 Flood community as a whole were assessed. Priority was also given to
6 Fire hazards that had a more severe effect on special populations*
7 Extreme Heat and those living in poverty than on the general population.
8 Snow Six other hazards are included in the Michigan Hazard Analysis
9 Trans Accident but are omitted from our local assessment. Hail, subsidence,
10 Pipeline earthquake, drought and lightning were omitted because they do
11 Radiological not occur with enough severity in the city to be considered for
mitigation. Nuclear attack was assessed, but is omitted from the
12 Severe Wind ranking for several reasons,the simplest being that it ranks very
13 Public Health high but mitigation is not practical at this time. The distraction it
14 Hazmat Trans creates outweighs any benefit from including it. The hazard is
included under Terrorism in the full Lansing
15 Hazmat Fixed Hazard/Vulnerability Assessment report.
16 Terrorism
17 Dam Failure Some of the mitigation projects identified in this plan are for
low-ranking hazards. Those projects may offer benefits other
18 Civil Disturbance than hazard mitigation and may be given priority on that basis
by the community. Ease of implementation, cost-effectiveness, opportunity to act, and
public interest may also factor in when projects are selected. The hazard ranking in itself
does not set mitigation priorities.
*A member of a speciaipopuiation is defined as anyone who may not be able to receive, understand or
act on emergency instructions as they are traditionally given.
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Events 2005-2011
21812005 - Fire
A car drove into the side of an apartment building at Waverly Park Apartments, breaking a
gas line. The gas ignited and the building was completely destroyed. No one was injured in
the fire.
2/4/2007 - Extreme cold
The area experienced below average temperatures for about two weeks, including a four
day period with low temperatures at 0 or below. The primary concern was for the
homeless population.
8124.12007 - Tornado
An EF-1 tornado touched down in south Lansing. Dozens of homes and businesses received
minor to moderate damage.
51312008 - Fire
27 LFD units responded to a fire at Discount Dave's Furniture. The building was completely
destroyed and an adjacent vacant building suffered damage. Two firefighters suffered
minor injuries.Arson was suspected.
61712008 - Severe Wind
High winds and soaking rains from severe thunderstorms caused street flooding, downed
trees and power outages across the city. Dozens of structures were damaged. Thousands of
homes were without power, many with damage to individual electrical masts. Full
restoration took several days.
61812008 - Tornado
While damage from the previous night's storms was still being assessed an EF-1 tornado
touched down near Eckert Power station in Lansing. The most significant damage was the
loss of two cooling towers at the plant. The storm caused additional tree damage and
further power outages.A federal disaster was declared for damage from the two storms.
9116.12008 - Sycamore Creek Flooding
Localized 10 year flooding (833 MSL) displaced one family from their home and flooded
several other structures on Sycamore Creek near Cavanaugh Road. Debris in the stream
from the June storms probably contributed to the flooding.
715.12009 - Fenner Wildfire
A fire caused by improper use of fireworks burned about 2.5 acres of grassland at Fenner
Arboretum. Eight rigs responded to the incident.Access was an issue for responders. The
fire was controlled before it could spread to the adjacent woodland.
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912812009 - Natural Gas
A construction crew broke a high pressure natural gas pipeline on South Washington
Avenue near Mount Hope Avenue. Eleven LFD rigs responded to the incident.An area about
one quarter mile downwind was evacuated. No one was injured.
2009/2010 - H1N1 Pandemic
In Ingham County there were two confirmed deaths and 98 hospitalizations from the H1N1
virus. Between October 2009 and January 2010 over 48,000 people were vaccinated'.
4/25/2010 - Fire
A fire at Trappers Cove Apartments destroyed a building and displaced 41 families.A Red
Cross Shelter was opened. One person was injured.
12/27/2010 - Hazardous Materials Release
A fire at Adams Plating in Lansing Township caused a release of hazardous materials,
primarily as runoff from fire suppression efforts.As of March, 2011, the EPA had
determined hexavalent chromium levels near the site were above state limits. Cyanide was
also present in the soil and groundwater.Adams Plating was on the National Priority List
for groundwater contamination prior to the fire.2
2/2/2011 - Blizzard
11 inches of snow fell in seven hours. Snow continued to fall for an additional six hours.
The initial storm had winds of 20-30 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph. Major roads were kept
clear throughout the storm, and plowing of local roads began the same day.
7/26/2011 - Hazardous Materials Fixed Site
Ten Lansing Fire rigs, with mutual aid from Meridian and Delta Township Fire
Departments, responded to a hazmat release at the Board of Water and Light's Wise Road
water treatment plant. Sodium hypochlorite was placed in the wrong tank, causing the
release of chlorine gas. The release was contained inside the building, although the
neighborhood and a nearby park and school were temporarily evacuated as a precaution.
The release did extensive damage to equipment inside the plant, causing it to be shut down
for several months.
712812011 - Flash Flood
Overnight, an estimated six inches of water fell in southwest Lansing, overwhelming
drainage systems and causing severe stormwater flooding to low-lying neighborhoods.
Dozens of homes were evacuated. Six families were sheltered by the Red Cross. Over 100
homes were affected. Four homes and one business were destroyed. Damage totals were
between two and three million dollars. Heavy rains fell again on 7/29, causing additional
damage to many homes. During the two days, the Grand River rose 7.5 feet, cresting at just
above flood stage. Flooding also occurred on Sycamore Creek.
1 Ingham County Health Department
Z EPA Region V Pollution/Situation Report NRC#963286
14 Rev 8113
Mitigation Implemented 2005-2011
Several mitigation projects identified in the 2005 plan have been completed or are
underway.An overview of some of those projects is included below. No projects identified
in 2005 have been deleted or deferred. Further discussion of mitigation projects is included
in Appendix D.
Floodplain Acquisition
Since the hazard mitigation plan was adopted in 2005 the city has implemented a
floodplain acquisition program. To date $2.8M in funding has been obtained to purchase 47
homes in the most vulnerable parts of the floodplain. The city began making purchase
offers to those homeowners in January 2010. Once acquired, the homes will be demolished
and the property maintained as greenspace. The program,which is entirely voluntary,
includes access to programs that provide down payment assistance, and assistance with
making repairs and improvements to a newly purchased home in the city. The goal is to
give participating homeowners a chance to stay in their own neighborhood if they desire,
but in a safer home.
Surge Capacity for Homeless Shelters
In 2007 a hazard assessment was performed for the city's homeless population. It was
determined that although adequate sheltering was available for normal conditions,
extreme cold weather could potentially result in a shortage of beds. The local Red Cross
chapter was able to donate 50 cots to create an overflow capacity in existing homeless
shelter facilities.
Improved Warning
Homeland Security Grant Funding has been used to purchase a voice warning siren for the
downtown area. The siren will be placed on the Accident Fund parking ramp on Grand
Avenue. Emergency alert radios were also purchased using HSGP funding. Those were
distributed to critical facilities in 2010.
15 Rev 8113
City of Lansing
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Goals and Objectives
This plan attempts to align the goals and objectives of the city's mitigation program with its
master plan. The purpose of the city's mitigation program is to:
• Reduce the impact of hazards (protect life and property)
• Encourage residency and economic development (make the city a better place to live)
• Preserve and restore natural resources
• Keep neighborhoods strong and intact
In addition to the goals above,which were retained from the 2005 mitigation plan,these
goals from the city's 2010 Comprehensive Plan will help shape future mitigation projects:
• Strengthen neighborhoods
• Improve walkability and access to public transit
• Expand, restore and buffer natural areas to improve ecological quality
• Restore streams and establish riparian buffers
• Plan natural corridors in the context of their connection to the broader region
• Focus redevelopment to increase density,visual appeal, and economic benefits to the
City of Lansing
• Focus resources on enhancing older, somewhat neglected, neighborhoods that show
good urban form (consistent setbacks, lot dimensions, side-street orientation, etc.)
• Link existing parks through non-motorized transportation network
Implementation
Pre-Disaster Mitigation
The best time to mitigate a hazard is before a disaster occurs. FEMA's Hazard Mitigation
Assistance (HMA) Program offers several pre-disaster grants. These grants typically have a
25% local match.
The Emergency Management Office is responsible for developing partnerships with other
city agencies for potential mitigation activities; for facilitating mitigation planning on an
ongoing basis; and for pursuing funding through FEMA HMA programs.
Post-Disaster Mitigation
Interest in mitigation projects is usually high after an event occurs. Mitigation funding for
some projects may be available from FEMA as part of the disaster recovery process for
affected communities. Post-disaster mitigation funding may be available from FEMA for a
disaster in the city.Additionally, FEMA offers post-disaster mitigation grants under HMA to
communities anywhere in the affected state. Those grants are competitive and typically
have a 25% local match.
One of the goals of this plan is to prepare Lansing to take effective advantage of funding and
the public interest in mitigation during disaster recovery. In order to take advantage of
16 Rev 8113
post-disaster funding, the City must have projects prepared in advance. This plan will
identify several projects that could be accomplished either before or after a disaster.
Project descriptions will include a list of stakeholders, a discussion of the problem, and
proposed solutions.
After a disaster, the Emergency Management Office will facilitate discussion between
stakeholders and city officials to determine a plan of action for mitigation projects.
Preferred Strategies
The City of Lansing takes a responsible, long-term approach to mitigation. Mitigation
projects must be:
• Economically justifiable
• Technically feasible
• Socially equitable
• Environmentally sound
Meetings with stakeholder organizations and members of the public reinforced this
mitigation strategy. Favor was also shown for projects with the potential to strengthen
neighborhoods.A complete list of meeting dates and participants is included beginning on
page 22.
Mitigation Projects
Lansing has identified potential projects for the following hazards:
• Urban Wildfires
• High Winds/Tornadoes
• Flood
• Extreme Heat
• Extreme Cold
• Infrastructure Failure
• Terrorism
Some of these projects would be eligible for funding under HMA, some could be funded
through the Department of Homeland Security's Homeland Security Grant Program. Others
would require alternate sources of funding. HSGP grants have no match requirement at this
time.
The following is a list of projects that could potentially be considered for future
implementation. Not all of these projects will be implemented, many are not even being
actively discussed at this time. By making the list as comprehensive as possible, the city
keeps the broadest possible options for mitigation in the future. Further discussion of
selected mitigation projects is included in Appendix D.
Urban Wildfires
a. Signage marking fire access areas, fire lanes, and indicating wildfire risk.
17 Rev 8113
b. Public education for park users and residents living nearby.
c. Fireproofing homes and structures.
d. Increasing defensible space requirements for new construction.
e. Fireproofing equipment (lawnmowers, etc.) used at the park.
f. Develop fire access plan for responders.
g. Improve accessibility to fields and woodlands.
h. Hold exercises for first responders and park employees.
High Winds/Tornadoes
a. Community tornado shelters
b. Improvements to structures at risk from wind damage
c. Improved siren coverage
d. Burying power lines
Flood
Structural
a. Structural improvements to allow closing of storm sewers (Urbandale)
b. Levee/floodwal or other protective actions at Ingham Regional Medical Center
Greenlawn Campus
c. Repair/Replace Dakin Street bridge to allow emergency egress from Potter Park zoo in
flood conditions
d. Replace infrastructure to a higher standard
e. Assess drains for debris,vegetation, sedimentation
f. Modify bridges and bridge approaches that would be inundated in a 100-year flood
Property Protection
g. Improve homes in lower risk areas to post-FIRM standards
h. Assess vulnerability of critical facilities in 500-year flood plain, make recommendations
for floodproofing or relocation
i. Participate in the NFIP Community Rating System in order to reduce homeowner flood
insurance rates
j. Target floodplain businesses for business continuity and flood action plans
Preven tive
k. Add flood water storage in Crego Park area and/or BWL Riverside storage
1. Acquisition of structures in the floodway or high risk structures in the flood fringe
m. Permanently lower (open) gates at North Lansing Dam to drop river level 4' in city, or
remove dam entirely to restore river to its natural course
n. Continue to integrate flood planning considerations into master plan and departmental
procedures
o. Stricter floodplain and stormwater ordinances
p. Explore and implement regional approaches to floodwater storage to reduce the flow of
regional stormwater
Risk Assessment/Risk Communication
q. Improved mapping of flood risk, including development of flood stage forecast map
r. Additional flood gauges in Eaton and Ingham counties to improve forecasting
18 Rev 8/13
s. Partner with USGS, NWS and other stakeholders to create and enhanced flood warning
system for central Lansing.
t. Provide education for local insurance agents, realtors, and mortgage lenders regarding
NFIP
u. Public outreach and education
v. Require landlords to disclose flood information to renters or provide flood insurance
contents coverage for renters'belongings
Natural Resources
w. Bank Stabilization
x. Stream restoration
Infrastructure Failure
a. Burying power lines
b. Infrastructure improvements to protect against outages and other damage.
c. Data gathering and processing to better assess risks to infrastructure.
d. Evacuation planning for business districts
e. Regional infrastructure assurance planning
f. Raw water supply power backup
g. Contaminant monitoring system for water distribution system
h. Water and Wastewater Agency Response Network (WARN) resource typing
i. Smart metering to prevent excessive draw on electrical system and to provide
situational awareness when a power outage occurs
Extreme Heat
a. Assess effects of extreme heat on infrastructure (roads, railroad tracks, electrical
production and distribution, gas distribution and storage, etc.)
Extreme Cold
a. Formalize warming center program and add public education component.
Terrorism
Building community resilience to terrorism is being done primarily under the auspices of
the State Homeland Security Grant Program. Risk assessment, planning, and mitigation for
this hazard are discussed at length in other city documents. Examples of some activities
are:
a. Infrastructure hardening
b. Risk assessment for key facilities
c. Strengthening response capacity through equipment purchase, training, and
partnerships
d. Identifying evacuation routes and developing procedures for use of traffic management
infrastructure to facilitate evacuation
Planning and Community Resilience
The City of Lansing has undertaken several projects to increase the overall resilience of our
community. These include:
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• Integration of hazard mitigation into City Master Plan
• Continuity of Operations Planning for city government
• Continuity of Operations Planning for key non-profits
• Building safety and tornado shelter planning for schools, businesses and government
facilities
• Distribution of NOAA weather radios to schools, key businesses and non-profits, senior
living facilities, and governmental facilities
• Promotion of personal preparedness through the Do 1 Thing emergency preparedness
program and related outreach efforts
• Creating redundant warning reception and distribution systems (Stormready certified)
• It's a Cool Thing to Do heat awareness/response program
• Urban forestry to reduce damage and debris from falling trees and tree limbs
• Activities related to homeland security
20 Rev 8113
Mitigation Strategies
There are four basic strategies for hazard mitigation which were considered in this plan:
Modify human susceptibility to hazards. Move people out of harm's way, or make homes
and businesses better able to withstand and recover from the hazard. Examples of this kind
of mitigation would be: floodproofing homes or businesses, encouraging businesses to have
a business continuity plan, effective land use planning, and improving warning systems.
Modify the impact of hazards. While modifying human susceptibility focuses on making
people less vulnerable, modifying hazard impact focuses on preventing secondary events.
Tornadoes and ice storms can cause a lot of damage, but their impact is made even worse
by the power outages and other infrastructure failures that often accompany these storms.
Burying electrical lines can modify the impact of an ice storm or tornado.
Change the hazard itself. Changing the hazard is easiest when the hazard is manmade.
Removing a dam or relocating a tank farm are examples of this kind of mitigation. For most
of the 20th century, natural hazard mitigation focused on trying to control nature (building
levees, channeling rivers, etc.). It is now clear that natural hazards like flooding can't be
effectively controlled or changed.
Preserve and restore natural resources. The attempts to control nature in the last century
often resulted in the destruction or deterioration of naturally occurring protective systems.
Suppressing all wildfires interferes with natural fire load reduction and leads to fires that
burn hotter and spread more quickly. Draining wetlands and channeling rivers reduces
natural floodwater storage and causes more severe flooding. Restoring hazard prone areas
to a natural state can often reduce the impact of hazards on the community. For example,
Lansing's floodplain acquisition program is returning parts of the floodplain to green space.
Removing homes and pavement allows more water to be absorbed into the ground and
sends less water to rivers.
Mitigation projects can be structural or non-structural. Structural projects generally change
or add to the environment in which the hazard occurs, while non-structural projects tend
to change the way that people act in the hazard area.
Structural projects can be very beneficial, but they come with ongoing costs and
maintenance requirements to keep up the level of protection. Structural projects have also
been shown to actually stimulate development in high risk areas, leading to even greater
losses when the limits of the structural protection are exceeded.
Structural:
• Levees and floodwalls
• Burying electrical lines
• Creating defensible space to prevent spread of wildfire
21 Rev 8113
Non-structural:
• Stricter codes for development in hazard areas
• Public education
• Land use planning
• Property acquisition
22 Rev 8113
Planning Process
Two types of meetings were held for the 2010 Hazard Mitigation Plan. Committee meetings
were held with subject-matter experts to shape parts of the mitigation plan. Outreach
meetings were held with specific groups of stakeholders and with the general public.
Committee Meetings
Comprehensive Plan Integration 1/20/2010
Hazard Vulnerability Analysis Update 1/28/2010
Fire Mitigation Plan 2/3/2010
Fire Mitigation Plan 2/8/2010
Flood Mitigation Plan 12/14/2010
Comprehensive Plan Integration 8/1/2012
Public Meetings
Baker-Donora Neighborhood Taskforce 3/2/2010
Lansing Planning Board 3/16/2010
Allen Neighborhood Center Board 11/22/2010
Attendees at these meetings are listed below. The outcome of the meetings is summarized
under the Preferred Strategies section on page 17.
Planning Team
The following people participated in development of the mitigation plan:
Hazard Vulnerability Assessment
Trent Atkins, Lansing Office of Emergency Management (Fire)
Herb Corey, Ingham Co Health Department Environmental Health
Erika Crady,Americorps VISTA (Emergency Preparedness)
Ryan DeLuca, Michigan State University student
Paul Dykema, City Forestry Manager
Jessica Harbitz, Lansing Board of Water and Light (Dam Safety)
Christine Hendrickson, Ingham Co Health Department
Westen Laabs, Michigan State University student
Rick Kibbey, City Planning&Neighborhood Development (contractor)
Scott House, Public Service Operations Director
Bill Maier, Lansing Board of Water and Light (Water Services)
Rachel Marshall,Americorps VISTA (Special Populations)
Anita Moneypenny-Salinas, Baker-Donora Focus Center
Ronda Oberlin, Lansing Office of Emergency Management
Laurie Parker, Capital Area Center for Independent Living
Lisa Phillips, Lansing Police Department
Andy Provenzano, Meteorologist WILX-TV
Sam Quon, City GIS Coordinator
Rachelle Wood, Mid-Michigan Red Cross Disaster Services
Mitigation Strategy Meetings
23 Rev 8113
Pat Cassel, Baker-Donora Neighborhood Task Force
Judy Cox,Allen Neighborhood Center Bo
Erika Crady,Americorps VISTA (Emergency Preparedness)
Vincent Delgado,Allen Neighborhood Center Board
Dan Dillinger,Allen Neighborhood Center Board
Andy Girard, Baker-Donora Neighborhood Task Force
Terry Girard, Baker-Donora Neighborhood Task Force
Diane Henry, Baker-Donora Neighborhood Task Force
Gary Ireland, Ingham County Animal Control
Corie Jason,Allen Neighborhood Center Board
George Kelley, Lansing Police Department
Rick Kibbey,Allen Neighborhood Center Board
Janet Kincaid,Allen Neighborhood Center Board
Bert Kochendorfer, Baker-Donora Focus Center
Monica Kwasnik,Allen Neighborhood Center Board
Diane Marie, Baker-Donora Neighborhood Task Force
Lynne Martinez,Allen Neighborhood Center Board
Joan Nelson,Allen Neighborhood Center Board
Ronda Oberlin, Lansing Office of Emergency Management
Eric Shovein, Baker-Donora Neighborhood Task Force
Larry Smith, Baker-Donora Neighborhood Task Force
David Vincent, City of Lansing Code Compliance
JoAnn Wick, Baker-Donora Neighborhood Task Force
Fire Mitigation Planning
Dan Brook,Americorps
Lauren Bul,Americorps
Erika Crady,Americorps VISTA
Ryan DeLuca, Michigan State University student
Mary Down,Americorps
Paul Dykema, City Forestry Manager
Ron Eggleston, Friends of Fenner Nature Center
Westen Laabs, Michigan State University student
Pam McHenry, Red Cross Volunteer
Rachel Marshall,Americorps VISTA
Ronda Oberlin, Lansing Office of Emergency Management
Sam Quon, City GIS Coordinator
Phil Sabon, Lansing Fire Marshal
Alycia Sedlacek,Americorps
Jerry Waite, Lansing resident
Flood Mitigation Planning
Steve Blumer, US Geological Survey
Rob Dale, Ingham Regional Medical Center
Henry Forbush, City Wastewater Treatment Plant
Jessica Harbitz, Lansing Board of Water and Light
Scott House, City Public Service Operations Director
24 Rev 8113
Rick Kibbey, Resident
Bill Maier, Lansing Board of Water and Light
Joan Nelson,Allen Neighborhood Center
Ronda Oberlin, Lansing Office of Emergency Management
Brian O'Boyle, City Safety Administrator
Sam Quon, City GIS Coordinator
Cythia Rachol, US Geological Survey
Sue Stachowiak, City Zoning Manager
Mark Walton, National Weather Service Hydrologist
Tom Weaver, US Geological Survey
Comprehensive Plan Integration
Bill Rieske,Assistant Planning Manager
Doris Witherspoon, Senior Planner
Dorothy Boone, Development Manager
Dexter Slusarski,Americorps VISTA
Rick Kibbey, Resident
Meeting Outcomes
During public meetings,there was no one project that was overwhelmingly endorsed by
attendees.Approval was expressed of the City's general mitigation strategy. Residents
favored mitigation projects that would also offer aesthetic improvements to
neighborhoods, such as burying existing electrical lines and floodplain acquisition.
Attendees also expressed an interest in regional mitigation planning, particularly in the
area of flood mitigation.A targeted approach was recommended. Rather than trying to
work with all communities in the watershed, it was suggested that it might be more
productive to start with those who are actively interested in mitigation.
The stakeholders who participated in the development of both the City's original and
revised mitigation plans have been involved in ongoing discussion of mitigation projects
and strategies over the past five years. These individuals, and many others, have given
generously of their time and knowledge to advance hazard mitigation in the City of Lansing.
The projects listed here and in Appendix D give an indication of the number and variety of
stakeholders who have been, and who will be, involved in plan and project development.
Implementation
The City of Lansing Emergency Management Office is responsible for facilitating strategy
implementation, monitoring progress of individual projects, and recommending revisions
or updates to the mitigation plan. Emergency Management will accomplish this by
participating in mitigation project workgroups, and working closely with its partner
agencies to guide the mitigation process.
Mitigation Process Lead Agencies
Project Identification - Mitigation Planning Committee, and other stakeholders
Project Scoping- Lansing Office of Emergency Management,with stakeholders
Grant Application - Lansing Office of Emergency Management, with project owner
25 Rev 8113
Grant Administration - City of Lansing
Project Implementation- Project owner
Benefit-Cost Analysis - Lansing Office of Emergency Management
Project Funding- Grant match and other funding may be provided through soft-match,
donated resources, cash donations, or other sources as appropriate.
Specific details of project implementation are included in individual project sheets in
Appendix D.
Plan Maintenance
The Emergency Management Office will produce an annual evaluation report for review by
planning team members. Public meetings will also be held annually to discuss mitigation
projects and priorities. These meeting will be primarily neighborhood-based,taking
advantage of existing neighborhood meetings that are well-attended. They may also
include public meetings such as the Planning and Fire Boards. Based on the evaluation, and
input from planning team members, the public, and other stakeholders, the Emergency
Management Office will make revisions to the plan as needed. FEMA requires that local
mitigation plans be revised every five years.A full revision of the Lansing Hazard
Mitigation plan will be undertaken beginning in 2015.
Conclusion
It is our goal to mitigate hazards while considering the day-to-day needs of our residents
and the preservation and restoration our natural resources; and to accomplish this without
creating an adverse impact elsewhere.
Mitigation in Lansing will be broad-based. The projects outlined in this plan cover the
whole spectrum of mitigation as defined by FEMA:
• Property Protection
• Risk Communication
• Structural
• Preventive
• Information/Warning
• Emergency Response
All hazards and all parts of the city were considered in the development of this plan.
Projects will ultimately be selected based both on the severity of the impact, and on the
acceptability of the projects to impacted neighborhoods.
To be successful, mitigation must be a community-wide effort. We intend to be successful
by engaging stakeholders at all levels of the community in projects that affect the places
they live, play and work.
26 Rev 8113
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1. Flood History
Lansing has three large and two small waterways identified by the National Flood
Insurance Program: the Grand River, Red Cedar River, Sycamore Creek, Pawlowski Creek
(Mud Lake Drain), and Reynolds Drain.
Reynolds Drain
This document deals with riverine flooding, not
with stormwater flooding. Projects that manage ;a
stormwater, like CSO (Combined Sewer /
Overflow), do not affect riverine flooding. Storm
sewers and stormwater pump stations are
ed Cedar 'ver:::
designed to move water from rain and melting irand
snow to rivers quickly to prevent flooding in
streets and basements.When there is a
significant amount of stormwater flowing into
rivers, the rivers will flood.
or Creek
The regulatory (or 100-year) floodplain is theMY
area that has at least a 1% chance of flooding
each year. That doesn't mean that flooding will
be limited to that area. Flooding can and does
happen outside of the regulatory floodplain.
Pa �lowski e
Lansing floods tend to be slow building and a
relatively slow to recede. Water may be standing in houses for several days, causing
ongoing damage.
Lansing has not had a major flood since 1975. The city hasn't had a 100-year flood since
1904. This doesn't mean that the city's flood risk is reduced. The flood risk is the same or
greater than it was in 1975, since there has been significant upstream development in the
Red Cedar watershed since that time. More impermeable surfaces, like roofs, streets, and
parking lots, means greater stormwater runoff into streams and rivers and an increased
chance of riverine flooding.
Below is a history of moderate to major flooding on the Grand and Red Cedar rivers. Below
the date of the flood is the interval of occurrence for that level of flooding. For example, a
"10-year" flood has the statistical likelihood of occurring once every 10 years.
Appendix A: Flooding 28 Rev 4111
Grand River
3/26/1904
100-500y
3/14/1908 4/7/1947 4/20/1975
10-SOy 3/29/1916 10-50y 10-SOy
10-50y 2/26I1985
10y
3/2 /1948
311511918 5 10y 3/17/198
1Oy 5-1 Oy
Today
1/1/1901 1/1/2011
Red Cedar River
3/24/1904
50-100y
4/20/1975
4/7/1947 25y
4/12/1916 25y
10-25y 5/1 /1948
1 -25y
3/ 5/1918
10y 2/14/1938 3/2 / 948
10Y ly
2/26/1985
5-1 Oy
3/16/198
5-1 Oy
Today
1/1/1901 1/1/2011
Appendix A: Flooding 29 Rev 4111
IMPACT OF FLOODING ON THE GRAND RIVER IN LANSING
This impact statement shows data from local records and newspaper articles, and
information gathered by the National Flood Insurance Program, US Army Corps of
Engineers, US Geological Survey, and the National Weather Service. It can only show
what flood levels were in the past, and is not intended to accurately predict what flood
effects will be in the future. A zero reading on this gage indicates an elevation of
805.53 above mean sea level(NGVD 29).
Gauge Date
Height(ft) Description Occurred
22.4 500 year flood (1 in 500 chance of occurring in any given
ear
20.4 Two feet of water on Grand Ave north of Shiawassee, two to five 3/26/1904*
feet on River Street between Kalamazoo and Main.
19.4 100 year flood
18.2 50 year flood — 46 homes in Cherry Hill Neighborhood and the IF
Dye Water Conditioning Plant are flooded. Over 60 homes flooded in
North Lansing along Grand River Avenue, Willow and Washington.
17.0 Over 100 residences, 50 businesses, and 5 major industries are
flooded in North Lansing
16.9 Consumers Energy yard on Willow flooded, GM parking lot on 4/7/1947*
Townsend flooded
15.4 Many roads closed due to flooding. Considerable damage to 4/20/1975
residences and businesses in North Lansing. 18 homes in Cherry Hill
neighborhood flooded, 14 homes along Willow and 11 homes in
Edmore Park area are flooded. Homes flooded along Tecumseh River
Drive. Water to porches in 500 block of River Street.
15.0 Major Flooding by NWS classification. Railroad switchyard flooded.
14.9 Water threatens buildings at Eckert Station, four or five feet of 3/14/1908
floodwater in homes on River Street, homes on Willow street
surrounded and basements flooded, but homes not inundated,
several feet of water in Railroad viaduct at Michigan Avenue.
14.7 Edmore flooded between Walnut and Chestnut, Cedar street flooded 3/21/1948*
along Grand, but no evacuation. At least 833 at confluence with Red
Cedar.
14.5 Homes flooded on River Street north and south of Kalamazoo. 3/29/1916
14.1 10 year flood — Over a dozen homes in Cherry Hill Neighborhood, 2/26/1985
seven homes along Willow Street, and seven homes on Roosevelt
Street are flooded, Auto Museum flooded. At least 832 at confluence
with Red Cedar.
13.5 Estimated 827 feet at confluence with Red Cedar. 3/15/1918
13.4 Flooding in 100 block of E. Grand River. Estimated 826 at confluence 3/17/1982
with Red Cedar.
13.2 Some evacuation. Estimated 824 at confluence with Red Cedar. 5/11/1948*
13.0 Moderate Flooding by NWS classification
12.87 5/23/2004
Appendix A: Flooding 30 Rev 4111
12.66 4/5/1950
12.6 5 year flood (1 in 5 chance of occurring in any given year)
12.45 6/29/1968
12.29 Basements flooded in Old Town 9/15/2008
12.0 Some basements of businesses in North Lansing are flooded
11.9 Streets and basements flooded at confluence with Red Cedar (Red 3/31/1960
Cedar 9.1)
11.87 3/10/1974
11.72 5/1/1956
11.69 2/12/2001
11.61 3/10/2009
11.54 3/5/1976
11.5 2/14/1938*
11.06 2/20/1981
11.02 4/15/1952
11.0 Flood Stage - Minor lowland and park flooding begins
10.88 4/25/1999
10.84 1/1/1973
10.70 4/21/1993
10.66 3/13/1986
10.38 Flooded to buildings in Old Town, south of West Grand River. No 1/10/2008
interior flooding reported.
10.18 3/13/1990
10.05 12/28/2008
9.98 3/7/1979
9.97 2/22/1971
9.86 3/11/1998
9.71 6/20/1996
9.60 2/13/2009
9.50 2/17/1954
9.43 2/21/1951
9.40 3/6/1965
9.39 6/2/1989
9.34 2/21/1994
9.34 3/24/1978
9.25 3/8/1959
9.18 1/31/1969
9.10 Bankfull Stage 3/1/1997
* Datum of gauge is 805.53 ft above sea level (levels by Michigan Department of Natural Resources).
Prior to August 1906, non-recording gauge at same site at different datum. November 1934 to June
1949 water-stage recorder at site 1.8 mi downstream at datum 2.42 ft lower.
NGVD 29
Appendix A: Flooding 31 Rev 4111
IMPACT OF FLOODING ON THE RED CEDAR RIVER IN LANSING
This impact statement shows data from local records and newspaper articles, and
information gathered by the National Flood Insurance Program, US Army Corps of
Engineers, US Geological Survey, and the National Weather Service. It can only show
what flood levels were in the past, and is not intended to accurately predict what flood
effects will be in the future. A zero reading on this gage indicates an elevation of
824.39 above mean sea level(NGVD 29).
Eastside
The raised portion of US-127 east of the city was completed in 1963 and the raised
portion of I-496 in 1970. Construction of these highways changed the pattern of
flooding on the east side by creating a barrier between the river and the eastside
neighborhoods. Water now enters the eastside neighborhoods through the US-127
underpasses at Kalamazoo and Michigan Avenue. Flood dates before the highways were
built are marked with an asterisk (*). The area has always been affected by flooding
through storm sewers, which are connected with the Red Cedar River.
NOTE: In 1975 the eastside stormwater pump station failed. The pump station failure
was caused by flooding. The flood was not caused by the pump station failure.
Stormwater pump stations cannot prevent flooding from rivers.
Potter Park/Baker-Donora Area
The river levels listed under "Gage Height" are from the river gage located in East
Lansing at Farm Lane. Pennsylvania Avenue is 8 miles downstream from that gage, and
less than a mile from where the Red Cedar meets the Grand River.
Flood levels from Potter Park west to the Grand River are likely to be considerably
higher if the Grand River is also above flood stage than if the Grand stays below flood
stage, regardless of what the reading is on the Farm Lane gage.
Gage Date
Height(ft) Description Occurred
26.2 The Corps of Engineers standard flood level —the worst flood that
could reasonably occur on the Red Cedar
17.3 500 year flood (1 in 500 chance of occurring in any given
year)
15.2 100 year flood
13.5 Level with gage house floor. Seven feet of water at Kalamazoo
Street and 127 Overpass. Four feet of water at Michigan Avenue and
127 Overpass.
13.4 3/24/1904*
13.1 50 year flood — 75 homes and businesses flooded in area north of
the Red Cedar along Spring, Hazel, Elm, South, Clear, River, Cedar
and Beech streets. Apartments flooded on South Washington and
East Main Street.
12.0 Water over bridge on South Pennsylvania (sandbagging at Potter
Park no longer effective).
Appendix A: Flooding 32 Rev 4111
11.95 25 year flood — Street sign Francis & Harton almost completely 4/20/1975
underwater. Five and a half feet of water at Kalamazoo Street and
127 Overpass. 30 inches of water at Michigan Avenue and 127
Overpass.
11.58 4/7/1947*
11.5 Widespread flooding in Kalamazoo and Clippert street area. Five feet
of water at Kalamazoo Street and 127 Overpass. Two feet of water
at Michigan Avenue and 127 Overpass.
11.4 Michigan Avenue to city limits almost completely inundated. 3/27/1916*
11.2 Two feet of water at Francis and Harton, flooding from storm sewers 5/11/1948*
in Urbandale. 18 families in Red Cross shelter. Three feet of water in
Potter Park. Fairview/Kalamazoo/Red Cedar River triangle worst hit.
11 Four feet of water at Kalamazoo Street and 127 Overpass. 12 inches
of water at Michigan Avenue and 127 Overpass.
10.7 Pennsylvania Avenue at Lindbergh Drive and Potter Park are flooded 3/15/1918*
10.5 100 families evacuated. 1200 block of Eureka flooded to porches. 2/14/1938*
First floor of homes at Kalamazoo and Homer flooded. Small houses
at foot of Detroit Street swept away.
10.47 21 homes flooded in the area around the mouth of the Red Cedar 3/20/1948*
near Cedar and Beech streets. 40 homes evacuated from south end
of Detroit, Homer, and Howard streets. Knapps old warehouse along
South Street flooded. Approx 30 inches of water at Kalamazoo Street
and 127 Overpass. Six feet of water under viaduct at Pennsylvania,
Penn closed from Baker to Hazel. About a foot of water on Mount
Hope. 200 people in Red Cross shelter.
9.9 10 year flood
9.6 Six inches of water at Kalamazoo Street and 127 Overpass.
9.46 Kalamazoo Street closed from Clippert to Harrison. Mt Hope closed 2/26/1985
from Aurelius to Harrison. Pennsylvania Avenue closed at Potter
Park. Lindbergh Drive closed from Pennsylvania to near Harding.
9.23 Lindbergh Drive flooded to lawns, 2 blocks barricaded. Kalamazoo 3/16/1982
Street closed west of Harrison near University Village. Homes
flooded in southern Urbandale.
9.1 Streets and basements flooded at confluence with Grand. 3/31/1960*
9.0 3/13/1920*
8.93 2/12/2001
8.5 5 year flood (1 in 5 chance of occurring in any given year) -
Several secondary roads are flooded
8.07 1/1/1973
8.06 MSU athletic fields flood 2/20/1981
7.51 With Grand River near flood stage: Water in Potter Park parking lot 1/10/2008
near zoo gates.
7.48 With 5 year flood conditions on Grand River: Entrance to Potter Park 5/24/2004
sandbagged to prevent flooding onto Pennsylvania Ave; water near
park entrance (about 824' MSQ. Water reaches Kalamazoo Street
still passable).
7.46 3/6/1976
Appendix A: Flooding 33 Rev 4111
7.43 3/12/1986
7.39 Lindbergh Drive closed, drive to Potter Park closed 4/25/1999
7.32 Lindbergh Drive closed at Shubel, drive to Potter Park closed. 9/16/2008
7.23 3/11/2009
7.18 1/15/2005
7.17 7/9/1994
7.13 6/20/1996
7.11 12/30/2008
7.0 Flood Stage — Low lying ark and agricultural land floods
6.94 2/13/2009
6.64 3/11/1998
6.0 Bankfull Stage — Lowland overflow begins, north bank of the Red
Cedar begins to overflow
Appendix A: Flooding 34 Rev 4111
IMPACT OF FLOODING ON THE SYCAMORE CREEK IN LANSING
This impact statement shows data from local records and newspaper articles, and
information gathered by the National Flood Insurance Program, US Army Corps of
Engineers, US Geological Survey, and the National Weather Service. It can only show
what flood levels were in the past, and is not intended to accurately predict what flood
effects will be in the future. A zero reading on this gage indicates an elevation of 850.0
above mean sea level(NGVD 29).
This gage is located at Holt Rd in Alaiedon Township, approximately 5.6 river miles from
Jolly Road in the City of Lansing. The stream elevation falls approximately 15 feet over
that distance.
This is no longer a reporting gage. Readings are taken by a volunteer observer and
reported directly to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids
Gage Date Occurred
Height ft Description
10.60 4/4/1947
10.00 Major Flooding 4/19/1975
9.75 Flooding at end of Willard Street 2/24/1985
9.00 Moderate Flooding - Flooding at end of Willard Street 3/13/1982
8.55 3/5/1979
8.50 2/10/2001
8.30 4/6/1985
8.10 5/16/2001
8.00 Flood Stage 2/19/1981
7.87 5/23/2004
7.29 2/13/2009
5.63 1/25/2010
5.00 Bankfull Stage
Holt Rd College Jolly Cavanaugh IRMC Penn
500 year Not avail 846.7 840.0 838.9 838.7
100 year Not avail 845.8 837.6 835.8 835.4
50 year Not avail 845.5 837.0 834.1 834.0
10 year Not avail 844.5 835.4 832.0 828.0
On 9/16/08 flood levels at Cavanaugh were estimated to be at 833 (10 year levels).
Flooding may have been localized due to heavy debris in the creek from storms earlier
in the year. No readings were taken at the Holt gage during that event.
Appendix A: Flooding 35 Rev 4111
2. Floodplain Inventory
Floodplain
The floodplain is made up of two parts, the floodway and the flood fringe. The floodway is
the part of the floodplain that is subject to high velocity floodwater. The floodway fringe,
which comprises the largest part of the floodway, is primarily subject to standing water.
• There are approximately 1700 occupied residential units in the flood fringe and about
200 occupied non-residential units.
• There are about 190 residential units and 30 commercial units in the floodway.
Repetitive Loss
Repetitive loss structures are defined by FEMA as structures with two flood insurance
losses within 10 years. There are three repetitive loss structures in the city, one of which
has been mitigated to prevent future losses.All three are residential structures.A repetitive
loss report is available from the Emergency Management Office.
The low number of repetitive loss properties is due to a combination of factors. First, it is
based on flood insurance claims, and only 25% of all properties in the floodplain have flood
insurance. Losses to uninsured properties are not included. Second, it has been over 30
years since the last major flood in Lansing and the city did not participate in the National
Flood Insurance Program at that time.
Appendix A: Flooding 36 Rev 4111
Lansing Floodplain Inventory by Neighborhood 2009
Parcels by use Occ Units Floodway Est
Organized Neighborhood 1 2 3 4 6 Res NR Res NR Pop
Downtown 7 23 16 3 10 59 72 22 94 1 9 10 172
North Lansing 55 1 22 0 20 98 65 27 92 0 2 2 155
Walnut 46 21 19 0 5 91 90 19 109 13 3 16 215
NWI Totals 108 45 57 3 35 248 227 68 295 14 14 28 543
Eastside 142 10 34 1 48 235 289 35 324 1 8 9 691
Fairview 111 9 2 0 9 131 129 2 131 0 0 0 308
Square One 149 3 1 0 25 178 155 1 156 0 0 0 370
ANC Totals 402 22 37 1 82 544 573 38 611 1 8 9 1369
Baker-Donora/NUTA 129 10 4 0 4 147 150 5 155 19 3 22 359
Moores Park/NUTA 2 2 0 0 0 4 8 0 8 0 0 0 19
Potter-Walsh/NUTA 17 0 4 3 3 27 17 12 29 0 0 0 41
River Point/NUTA 11 5 8 0 8 32 101 13 114 2 0 2 241
BD Totals 159 17 16 3 15 210 276 30 306 21 3 24 660
Forest View 46 19 1 2 14 82 87 3 90 0 0 0 208
Lansing-Eaton 0 1 0 0 1 2 3 0 3 0 0 0 7
Old Everett Area 1 0 16 2 1 20 1 18 19 0 0 0 2
River Forest 57 0 2 0 2 61 57 2 59 0 0 0 136
Shady Oak 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0
Turner-Dodge 0 1 1 0 7 9 1 1 2 0 0 0 2
Other Areas
Downtown Area 0 2 2 0 0 4 72 2 74 0 0 0 172
Frandor Area 0 2 11 0 3 16 121 12 133 0 0 0 289
Lindbergh Drive Area 291 2 2 0 3 298 294 3 297 23 0 23 703
Meridian 425 2 0 1 0 1 4 2 1 3 0 0 0 5
Moores Park Area 1 1 0 0 0 2 85 0 85 0 0 0 203
Northwest Lansing Area 71 3 2 2 13 91 70 12 82 0 0 0 167
South Lansing Area 7 0 17 0 13 37 7 31 38 0 0 0 17
Sycamore Creek Area 41 0 11 0 8 60 41 13 54 15 0 15 98
Total "1186 115 177 13 198 1689 1917 235 2152 74 25 99 4582
Use Codes
Single Family Residential 1
Multi Family Residential 2
Commercial 3
Industrial 4
Vacant 6
Appendix A: Flooding 37 Rev 4111
3. Impact of Flooding on Infrastructure
Lansing has not experienced 100 year flood levels since 1904. The most severe recent
floods, in 1947 and 1975, only reached 25-50 year levels in the city. There are 2152
occupied units in the floodplain, including 235 businesses.
In addition to the risk posed by floodwater, at this time a 100 year flood is expected to
cause a widespread, long-term power outage, affecting 25,000 customer accounts (52,000
people) outside of the floodplain.About half of those customers should be to be restored
within 24-48 hours. The remainder will be without power for 4-6 weeks.
In a 100 year flood Fire Station #1 will be inaccessible. 100 traffic signals will be out
outside of the floodplain, half of those for 4-6 weeks. Beginning in 50 year flood conditions
18 bridges will be closed, including all bridges over the Red Cedar and Sycamore Creek,
other than the highways. No highways will be impacted by flooding, although entrance
ramps may become impassable at 496/Cedar Street and 127/Kalamazoo.
Bridge Status in 100 Year Flood
Grand River
Bride Status Level of flooding
Waverly South Open
MLK Southbound Open
MLK Northbound Open
Island (Wolo Intersection flooded 3ft 50y, 5 ft 100
Elm Intersection flooded 3ft 50y, 5 ft 100
Washington Open
Kalamazoo Intersection flooded 2 ft 50y, 4 ft 100y
Michigan Open
Shiawassee Approach flooded 2 ft 50y, 4 ft 100
Saginaw Approach flooded 2 ft 50y, 4 ft 100
Oakland Approach flooded 1 ft 50y, 4 ft 100
N Grand River Approach flooded 1 ft 50y, 2 ft 100
MLK North Open
Waverly (North) Approach and deck flooded 4 ft 50y, 6 ft 100y (approach)
Red Cedar River
Bride Status Level of flooding
Elm Intersection flooded 2 ft 10 , 8 ft 100
Cedar Intersection flooded 6 inches 50y, 2 ft 100
HwyRamp Status Level of Flooding
Beech Intersection, approach, deck 6 inches 10y, 7 ft 100y
flooded intersection
Pennsylvania Deck flooded 5 ft 50y, 7 ft 100
Aurelius Intersection flooded 2 ft 50y, 4 ft 100
Appendix A: Flooding 38 Rev 4111
Kalamazoo Tw Deck flooded 1 ft 10 , 8 ft 100
496 @ Cedar/Larch Eastbound entrance and exit 2 ft at Cedar in 50y, 4 ft in 100y
flooded,westbound open
127 @ Kalamazoo Entrance (from Howard) and 7 ft at Kalamazoo in 50y, 9 ft in
exit (onto Homer) flooded 100y
All other highway ramps open - 127&496
Sycamore Creek
Bride Status Level of flooding
Mt Hoe Deck flooded 5 ft 50y, 6 ft 100
Cavanaugh Deck flooded 6 inches 50y, 2 ft 100
Aurelius Intersection flooded 2 ft 50y, 3 ft 100
Jolly Intersection flooded 2 ft 50y, 3 ft 100y
Appendix A: Flooding 39 Rev 4111
Major Road Closures in a 100 Year Flood
ROAD CLOSED FROM TO RIVER
Tecumseh River Dr Kuerbitz Northwest Grand
Tecumseh River Dr Darby Ed ebrook Grand
Willow Seymour The Grand River Grand
E. Grand River Capitol Center Grand
Oakland N. Grand River Cedar Grand
Saginaw N. Grand River Pennsylvania Grand
Cedar Monroe Shiawassee Grand
Larch Monroe Erie Grand
Kalamazoo Grand Cedar Grand
I-496 Grand Larch Ramp Grand, Red Cedar
Cedar Kalamazoo Baker Red Cedar
Larch Kalamazoo Baker Red Cedar
S. Pennsylvania Hazel Pershing Red Cedar
Michigan Kipling City Limits Red Cedar
Kalamazoo Fairview City Limits Grand, Red Cedar
Aurelius Walsh Wabash Red Cedar, Sycamore Creek
Mount Hoe Harding City Limits Red Cedar, Sycamore Creek
Cavanaugh Tranter Aurelius Sycamore Creek
jolly Tranter Dunkel Sycamore Creek
Aurelius Worden Miller Sycamore Creek
Stormwater Pump Stations
Stormwater pump stations are designed to move rain water or water from melting snow
from the street to the river as quickly as possible to prevent street flooding.When the
water in the street is coming from the river, stormwater pump stations are not effective in
preventing flooding.
Address Affected by Power Outage
Harton Storm Station 2706 Harton Switching possible
Clippert Storm Station 500 S Clippert Switching possible
Miller Road Storm Station 2915 W Miller Road No
Penn Storm Station 1316 S Pennsylvania Yes
Appendix A: Flooding 40 Rev 4111
Electrical Infrastructure
Lowest Adj
Structure Location Grade BFE
BESOC 3100 Alpha Street 832.2 835.7
Cedar Complex 148 S. Cedar Street 828.0 835.0
Cedar Substation 112 S. Cedar Street 830.8 835.0
Chiller Plant 209 E. Ottawa Street 820.5 835.0
Eckert Moores Park Complex 601 Island Avenue 820.0 833.0
Eckert Switch ear&Transformers 602 Island Avenue 833.0 833.0
Frandor Substation 3226 E. Michigan Avenue 830.0 836.0
Hazel Penn Complex 1140 S. Pennsylvania Ave 824.0 835.5
Howard Substation 235 N. Howard Street 837.0 836.0
Magnolia Substation 115 S. Magnolia Street --T837.0 836.0
Critical Facilities
There are 11 critical facilities in the floodplain, including a fire station,three public service
facilities, three Board of Water and Light facilities, one hospital, two senior high rises, and
the Potter Park zoo.
Flooding over the 100 year level will also cause widespread power outages. Power outages
would affect 40 additional critical facilities, about half of which could be restored through
switching electrical circuits. The remaining facilities would be out for 1-6 weeks. Facilities
potentially affected by long-term power outage include: utilities and public service
facilities; county, state and federal office buildings; public transportation; and media
facilities.A complete discussion of critical facilities affected by flooding is included in the
City of Lansing 2008 Infrastructure Impact report,which is not included in this mitigation
plan for reasons of confidentiality. Relevant portions of the report have been included.
Appendix A: Flooding 41 Rev 4111
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Fenner Nature Center Wildfire Mitigation Plan
Lansing, Michigan-January 2005
Situation
Lansing's Fenner Nature Center has continued to offer area residents a place to discover
nature since its opening to the public in 1959. For many years the land bordering the
Center changed very little. However, in recent years single and multiple housing units are
being placed along its southern border. Ninety-eight percent of Michigan's wildfires are
caused by human activity and with new housing comes increased human activity.As such,
concern has surfaced among Center coordinators and the City of Lansing Emergency
Management office, regarding the potential for wildfire occurrence and its impact on
human safety and property damage at the Nature Center.
In order to begin examining threats to the area from wildfire, a wildfire assessment was
performed in December 2004. The assessment was performed by Mr. Bruce Miller,Area
Fire Supervisor of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Forest, Mineral, and Fire
Management Division, and Dr. Mark Hansen,Wildfire Specialist with Michigan State
University Extension. Miller and Hansen were accompanied by Ronda Oberlin, Emergency
Management Specialist for the City of Lansing, City Forestry Manager Paul Dykema, and
Fenner Nature Center Naturalist Clara Bratton. A follow-up assessment of the east and
northeast portions of the Center was conducted in January 2005, by Hansen, and Ingham
County MSU Extension Horticulturalist Gary Heilig.
Wildfire History at Fenner Nature Center
Over the past 30 years, there have been two wildfires of significance plus other minor fires.
It is likely that all of them were caused by human activity. A wildfire on March 12, 1983,
occurred in the 'old field' area south and west of the Visitor Center Building. The fire most
likely started east of the Field Pond (on the west side of the old field area) and moved
eastward across the field. It then crossed the swale directly south of the Nature Center
where it was extinguished.
The second fire occurred in April 1994. The fire had a very similar pattern to the first, most
likely starting west of the Field Pond, and traveled east across the field. In this wildfire, the
wind was a factor and pushed the fire in roughly a fan-shaped pattern to the east. The area
burned by this fire was larger than the preceding one in 1983. To the south, the fire
reached to within a few feet of the service drive and the boundary of the park. To the
north,the fire was extinguished within 100 feet of the Visitor Center Building. To the east,
the fire crossed the low swale and the reached the path running north-south along the east
edge of the field. In one area, the fire jumped the path and continued to the east before
being extinguished. During the week preceding, construction workers had bulldozed a
north-south work road from east of the Visitor Center to just north of the Bison Barn. This
acted as a fire line for all but one area of fire, which jumped the road and reached just to the
edge of the tree line.
Appendix B: Wildfire 44 1/05
Fenner Nature Center Characteristics &Assessment
Fenner Nature Center is a wildland area consisting of meadows, forest land, wetlands, and
mixed brush interspersed with walking trails and a nature center. The topography is
somewhat rolling with low ridges and low wet areas including 5 small ponds. Forest land
consists of mixed species of various deciduous soft and hard woods, interspersed with
mature red pine, Norway spruce, white pine, ponderosa pine and a few small hemlocks.
Single- and multiple-family housing borders the property to the south and southwest,while
a cemetery borders the property to the east. Mt Hope Road borders the Center to the
north,while Aurelius Road borders to the west. Both of these roads are paved and they can
help serve as a fire break if needed.
A walking assessment was made of the entire area noting 1) the vegetative species and fuel
load, 2) potential intensity, movement, and direction of a wildfire should it occur, 3) threat
to surrounding homes or housing complexes, 4) threat from human activity to cause a
wildfire, 5) availability of water, and 6) accessibility by fire trucks and equipment.
Vegetative Species and Fuel Load
The meadow areas comprise the majority of the western half of the Nature Center from
north to south, including a buffalo paddock to the south along Forest Road. This paddock is
contiguous to the larger meadow. The 1994 wildfire consumed a large portion of the
meadows south of the parking areas and nature center, and north of the buffalo pasture. As
with all grassland wildfires in Michigan, the area quickly grew back to its natural state the
following year. Still, grasslands are prone to catching fire easily and thereby offer a future
wildfire threat, particularly in the spring and late fall when vegetation is dead and dry.
The forested area is predominant on the eastern half of the Nature Center from north to
south, with a less significant section in the northwest quadrant along Aurelius Road. This
major forested area includes small ridges and alternating low wet areas. Vegetation
includes red pine,white pine, ponderosa pine, and Norway spruce trees that have grown to
approximately 40 feet in
height. Due to self-pruning, the canopy begins very high off of the ground, and there are no
ladder fuels for the fire to climb to these canopies. As such,the majority of these trees do
5-
•I `t
v _
Figure 1.Grass meadows provide fuel that can Figure 2.Most conifers within the forested area
lead to intense wildfires in spring and fall are mature and do not provide low branches to
serve as ladder fuels.
Appendix B: Wildfire 45 1105
not pose a wildfire threat. The deciduous trees and shrubs also do not include species that
pose a high fire threat. One of the biggest concerns for the forested areas is the presence of
slash (fallen or cut branches and logs) that could serve as fuel, and/or the mixture of pine
needles and dead leaves on the forest floor. However, due to the lack of any other fire-
prone species, a fire in this area would likely consist of only a low-intensity surface fire.
A concern also exists regarding the muck areas which are adjacent to the wetlands and
ponds. It appears that during a good portion of -
the year,these muck areas may include standing P fA
R 1
water or would at least possess high moisture a `
content due to normal rainfall. In a droughty
year however, muck can dry to a point where a
surface fire could ignite the muck. Muck fires
can be difficult to extinguish.
,r
Figure 3. Wetlands can provide a fire break when
holding water,however during a dry spell,dead
vegetation and muck soil can be a fire hazard.
Potential Intensity. Movement, and Direction of a Potential Wildfire
A wildfire in the Nature Center will vary in intensity based on its location and timing.
Wildfires are typically of low intensity during certain periods of the year, more specifically,
1) in the mid-summer months when vegetation is mostly green, 2) when deciduous forest
canopies are closed and high humidity exists within the forested areas, and 3) in the winter
when temperatures are low and/or the ground is snow-covered.
Spring is typically the worst wildfire season
{ ` kl .: in Michigan because most fine fuels (leaves,
needles, twigs) are brown and dry, and
conifers have lower needle moisture
content. As such, these fuels will dry and
combust easily, even when the soil is wet.
Autumn can also be a season of wildfire
occurrence although typically less of a
problem than in the Spring. A wildfire in
a.` one of the meadows in the Spring or late Fall
would likely offer ahigh-intensity fire with
r. = flame-lengths from 4 to 12 feet depending
on environmental factors such as low
Figure 4. Fine fuels such as oak leaves,grass,and relative humidity, high wind, and the lack of
small twigs can provide fuel for the ignition and precipitation. Movement and direction of
increase the intensity of a wildfire. Large limbs the fire will depend on wind speed,wind
and logs create habitat for wildlife,however they
also can be a challenge for fire fighters to direction, and available fuel. Afire moving
extinguish,once they are ignited. across one of the meadows should slow
down and become of less intensity or self-
Appendix B: Wildfire 46 1/05
extinguish when or if it reaches one of the wooded areas or a paved road.
The wooded areas do not include primary fire-prone species at the surface level, nor ladder
fuels to ignite the conifer canopies. As such, a wildfire in the wooded areas will likely exist
in the form of a low-intensity surface fire. Again, fire movement and direction will depend
on environmental factors such as relative humidity,wind speed, wind direction, and past
precipitation.
Threat to Homes and Housing Complexes
For the most part, homes and structures adjacent '
to Fenner Nature Center appear to have the
recommended 30 feet (or more) of defensible
space between the wildland and the buildings. An _
exception exists with several multiple-housing
structures on the western end of Windbreak Lane. 4,51 ti y
A row of spruce trees runs north-south between a
field to the west, and the multiple-housing f
structure. The mowed area appears to provide
only 15-20 feet of defensible space. Branches of
these trees hang within a few feet of the ground
and thereby provide ladder fuels into the canopy,
should a surface fire occur. The grassy field to the Figure 5. This multiple housing complex on the
west is privately-owned, not maintained, and south border of the Nature Center does not
could carry a surface fire under the right provide the recommended 30' spacing between
conditions. These spruce trees would likely flammable conifers and the structure.
create high radiant heat should they ignite, and
therefore threaten the multiple-housing structure.
Threat from Human Activity
In Michigan,the Department of Natural Resources estimates that between 8,000 and
10,000 wildfires occur each year. Of these, only about 1-2 percent is caused by lightning.
The rest are caused by human activity including burning of debris, equipment fires, camp
fires,trains,ATVs, smoking, children playing with fire, arson, and other miscellaneous
causes. Most wildfires (35 to 50 percent) are caused by people burning yard waste or other
debris. This should not be an issue at Fenner due to the burning ordinances for this area,
nor should wildfires be caused by camp fires, trains, nor ATVs. However, the potential for a
wildfire in the Nature Center does exist if caused by equipment, smoking, children playing
with fire, or arson. Because homes and multiple-family dwellings are to the south and
southwest of the Nature Center, predominant winds could carry a fire into the Nature
Center meadows should a fire be accidentally or intentionally started near these housing
areas.
Availability of Water
Water is available to fire fighters via one fire hydrant on the Nature Center property and in
three ponds. The hydrant is located north and east of the Visitor Center at the northern
edge of the grass and parking area. This hydrant should provide close and ready source of
Appendix B: Wildfire 47 1/05
water should it be needed. The three ponds vary in depth and appear to be deep enough to
pump water using a fire hose and strainer. However, leaves and silt can plug fire hose
strainers, and as such, the fire hydrant would be the first choice as a source of water.
Fire Truck& Equipment Accessibility
Accessibility to parts of the Nature Center varies. In, the 1994 wildfire,there was some
confusion on the part of the fire fighters on how best to gain access to the fire area. The
gate to the service drive on the west side of the park was opened and trucks directed into
the field area from the west. One truck attempted to enter the park through the service
drive to the east from Evergreen Cemetery. However, the driver tried to turn down one of
the trails. Since much of the soil in the eastern part of
the park is black muck soil, the weight of the truck
caused it to sink to the axle. `
of
Gaining entry into the interior of the park is ay
considered to be a problem, especially, considering
the size and weight of the trucks. Most of the trails -- :
do appear wide enough to accommodate a Type 5 or
Type 6 fire vehicle "brush truck" - a smaller pick-up
truck with reel and hose attachment,which is
typically provided by MDNR-FMFM when necessary.
This type of vehicle would likely be able to -=
complement the larger Type 1 fire engines, by Figure 6. This single fire hydrant serves the
accessing the more distal areas of the Nature Center. entire Nature center,but does provide easy
The smaller engines use a reel hose to reach areas off access for fire fighters.
of the trails. These smaller fire vehicles carry only
about 200 to 500 gallons of water, and are usually serviced by a 6x6 tanker. The tankers,
with 6-wheel drive, should not have difficulty reaching most parts of the Nature Center.
Lits "
.�.ac. All
Figure 7. Wide paved walkways will create a
natural fire break for moving surface fires,and
provide access for smaller fire equipment.
Appendix B: Wildfire 48 1/05
Wildfire Mitigation Recommendations
The wildfire threat to the Fenner Nature Center appears to be minimal. However a slight
possibility exists for 1) a high-intensity wildfire to move across one of the meadows, 2) a
low-intensity fire to move across the woodland areas, and/or 3) a muck fire to ignite under
very dry environmental conditions. As such, these recommendations are provided:
1. Under very dry conditions, provide information to visitors as they enter the Nature
Center about fire safety. A portable sign near the entrance of the Nature Center
notifying visitors that"high fire danger" or "extreme high fire danger" exists may help
them to be careful with matches and cigarettes.
2. Under very dry conditions, Boy Scout
leaders and others who might be using
open fires or camp fires should be alerted
to the fire danger status.
3. Residents living on the border of the
Nature Center likely do not understand
wildfire causes or behavior.An educational
effort, perhaps in partnership with MSU
Extension, the Michigan Department of
Natural Resources, and Fenner Nature
Center could be considered. This is
especially important for parents and
children living in these homes and Figure 8. A fire danger sign could be placed at
multiple-family dwellings. the entrance to the Nature Center near the
4. Where necessary, work with homeowners or residents to understand Firewise
Concepts in order to help protect their home/dwelling from damage by fire through
defensible space around the home, and with other Firewise techniques.
5. New homes and structures that are built adjacent to the Nature Center should include a
minimum of 30 feet of defensible space between the structure and wildland per
Firewise recommendations.
6. Lawn mowers and other equipment used around the Nature Center should have good
mufflers and/or exhaust systems that will help prevent sparks or radiant heat that
would start a fire, perhaps in tall grass or leaves.
7. Should a wildfire occur, it will be important for fire fighters to know all points of access
to the Nature Center, and have plans on how to address fires in any area of the park.
8. Accessibility to fields and woodlands should be provided to emergency and fire
personnel at all times. Alert fire and emergency responders to locations for accessing
Appendix B: Wildfire 49 1/05
the geographic areas of the Nature Center and make sure that primary emergency units
are provided with keys, codes or combinations to locks.
9. Station "No Parking- Fire Vehicle Entrance" or similar signs at key access areas so that
these entry ways will not be blocked by visitors'vehicles.
10. Consider adding a note to future Fenner trail brochures about fire safety, and perhaps
indicating the nearest route of escape, or action to take, should a wildfire occur.
11.We recommend that a mock wildfire exercise at the Nature Center be considered for the
appropriate fire station(s) and fire fighters, in concert with MDNR Fire Management
personnel.
Appendix B: Wildfire 50 1/05
Summary
As demonstrated in this report, the largest threat from wildfire for Fenner Nature Center is
likely due to human activity in or around the Nature Center. By alerting visitors, and
residents who border the Nature Center, about wildfire dangers, a chance of a wildfire
being started will be minimized. The planning board(s) which approves new construction
in this area should be made aware of situations to avoid that would increase the chance of a
wildfire, or cause damage should a wildfire occur.
The Firewise concepts and recommendations referred to in this document are based on
scientific study of wildfire and its behavior. While these are only suggested guidelines, past
studies have shown that where they are incorporated, ignition of homes and structures has
been reduced. By following the recommendations in this assessment report, and being
aware of the wildfire issues that pertain to the Nature Center,the chance of a wildfire
and/or damage from a wildfire should be significantly reduced.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mark F. Hansen, Ph.D., MSU Extension, and
Bruce Miller, MDNR Forest, Mineral & Fire Management Division
y41
7ii. Y-5: ram
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Figure 9. With proper wildfire mitigation and
preparedness,both wildlife and people can safely
enjoy the Fenner Nature Center.
Appendix B: Wildfire 51 1/05
Fenner Wildfire Access Analysis
History
There have been two large fires at Fenner Arboretum, in March 1983 and March 1994. Both
fires started in the grassland and were contained before they could spread to the adjoining
woods.
"In the 1994 wildfire, there was some confusion on how best to gain access to
the fire area. The gate to the service drive on the west side of the park was
opened and trucks directed into the field area from the west. One truck
attempted to enter the park through the service drive to the east from
Evergreen Cemetery. However, the driver tried to turn down one of the trails.
Since much of the soil in the eastern part of the park is black muck soil, the
weight of the truck caused it to sink to the axle." (MSU Extension, Fenner
Firewise Assessment)
Response
The Lansing Fire Department would respond to a fire at Fenner with engines, brush trucks
and a mule (ATV).
Engines could only be used on paved trails at least 10 feet wide. That includes the main
entrance road, the trail leading from the east gate on Mount Hope to the camp area, and the
trail that skirts the grassland at the southwest corner of the arboretum.
Brush trucks could access gravel or paved trails at least 8 feet wide. This would allow them
access into the grassland, and the western part of the woods.
A mule could access all of the trails in the park. However, the mule is not equipped to fight
fire.At most it could transport firefighters carrying water packs. It would not be used to
attack a fire in the woods. The mule is the only vehicle that could use the trails in the
eastern part of the woods.
If a fire were to start in, or spread to, the woods, the fire department would be unable to
bring in the equipment needed to fight the fire. Operations would be limited to protecting
structures in and near the park, including homes on the perimeter, and containing the fire
inside Fenner.
Proposed Improvements
1. Widen the Tamarack Trail, between the connecting trail to the Sugar Bush Trail in the
south and the cemetery service drive in the north, from 4 feet to 8 feet. Tamarack is the
only point of access to the southeast corner of the park.
2. Widen the Sugar Bush Trail and the connecting trail, from Tamarack in the south to the
blacktop loop in the north, from 6 feet to 8 feet.
Appendix B: Wildfire 52 1/05
3. Widen the trail between Tamarack and the Turner Field Trail from 6 feet to 8 feet.
4. Add a gate and dirt access road from Forest Road to the trail between Tamarack and
Turner Field. This would require grading, since there is a drop in elevation between the
main grassland and the old bison area. The road would need to be at least 8 feet wide.
Prepared by:
Lt. Mike Hamel, Lansing Fire Department
Clinton Adams, MSU GIS Intern
Ronda Oberlin, Lansing Office of Emergency Management
Appendix B: Wildfire 53 1/05
Appendix B: Wildfire 54 1/05
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Outdoor Warning Siren Coverage
The City of Lansing has a system of 20 outdoor warning sirens to alert the public to an
imminent hazard. The sirens are only intended to warn people who are outdoors. Since
2007 the City has participated in a regional Alert and Warning Workgroup, intended to
improve warning systems throughout Mid-Michigan. One of the tasks of the workgroup is
to standardize outdoor warning systems so that the sirens mean the same thing in every
community.
The Ingham County 911 center can currently activate sirens for the City of Lansing, Delhi
Township, Meridian Township and Williamston. Lansing sirens can also be activated from
the Emergency Operations Center.
Key gaps in siren coverage are Mill Pond Village Mobile Home Park in south Lansing, and
Emergent Biosolutions in north Lansing. Future siren improvements will seek to cover
these areas, as well as improve coverage for public gathering areas, like Hawk Island Park,
and downtown.About 92% of city residents are currently covered by an outdoor warning
siren.
Appendix C. Warning Sirens 56 Rev 6111
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Appendix C: Warning Sirens 57 Rev 6111
Appendix C. Warning Sirens 58 Rev 6111
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September 2011 - - --
Mitigation Projects
A discussion of potential mitigation projects is included on pages 18-19 of this plan.
Projects that are already underway are discussed on page 14. Not all projects listed in the
body of the plan are included in this appendix. This section details the projects that have
been given additional consideration to date.
The majority of the projects included in this appendix are based on a list compiled for the
city's 2005 Flood Mitigation plan. Of the 26 projects originally proposed in that plan: seven
have been completed (two are outreach projects which are ongoing); one has been
implemented and is still in process; eight have been further investigated but not yet
implemented; and ten are still on the table, waiting for an opportunity to be pursued. Non-
flood projects are also included,where some discussion has already taken place.
Other non-flood projects that were considered, but determined not to be feasible to include
in the plan at this time were: community tornado shelters (shelters for mobile home parks
are included); stricter regulations on billboards and signs to prevent wind damage; city-
wide evacuation planning (evacuation planning for the downtown area is included);
structural wind mitigation for critical facilities and mobile home parks; and analyzing and
creating redundancy in critical systems including utilities; requiring underground utilities
for new development. These projects will be revisited in future plan revisions.
A list of potential and completed projects follows, along with detailed project sheets for
some projects. Those items with detailed project sheets are indicated by a project number
before the name.
Appendix D:Mitigation Projects 60 08113
Project Description status
High Investment • required)
H1: Enhanced Warning Flood study of Sycamore Creek to enable development of Underway
enhanced flood modeling for central Lansing. Possible funding
available through US Corps of Engineers. Grant awarded by
Corps of Engineers in 2011.
H2: Add Floodwater Storage Cost-benefit of Riverside Storage cleanup not feasible at this Investigating
time, other sites may offer benefits.
H3: Stormwater Management Investigate both structural and non-structural means to Investigating
mitigate severe stormwater flooding.
H4: Urbandale Protective Actions Reroute Clippert stormwater line for partial protection. Future
H5: Replacement of infrastructure to a higher Based on infrastructure assessment, projects could include Future
standard drains, utility infrastructure, roads, bridges, etc.
H6: Dam Removal Possible removal or partial removal of North Lansing Dam. Future
Grand Vision, BWL completed inspection of dam during river
drawdown summer 07.
Lansing Mitigation Project List 9112
Project Description IStatus
required)�Moderate investment (additional funding may be
M1: Property Acquisition Phase 2 Received $1M in funding to purchase homes in the floodplain; Underway
future phases will revisit current areas, and expand to North
Lansing neighborhoods.
M2: Fenner Access Improvement Make structural improvements to allow effective fire response Investigating
at Fenner Arboretum.
M3: Improved Siren Coverage Add additional outdoor warning sirens in areas where current Underway
sirens don't reach. Standardize siren activation and
procedures with surrounding communities.
M4: McLaren Protective Actions Flood mitigation for McLaren Medical Center Greenlawn Future
Campus; could include flood proofing facility or building a
flood wall.
M5: Subsidizing retrofit of private structures Working with Planning & Neighborhood Development and Investigating
to Post-FIRM standards Neighborhood Centers. FMAP or PDM grant opportunity.
M6: Potter Park Zoo Protective Actions Improve access to the zoo during flood conditions; prevent Investigating
flood damage; reduce environmental impact.
M7: Museum Drive Protective Actions Mitigation, flood response planning for museums and cultural Investigating
sites.
Lansing Mitigation Project List 9112
Project Description IStatus
M8: Community Tornado Shelters Work with local mobile home parks to build tornado shelters Future
for their residents.
M9: Eckert Station protective action Mitigation to protect power plant and infrastructure in the 100 Investigating
year floodplain.
M10: Burying Electrical Lines Bury electrical service lines from the road to homes to prevent Future
damage from wind and ice.
M11: Evacuation Planning Identify evacuation routes and develop procedures to Underway
evacuate the downtown area in an emergency.
Backup Generators for Raw Water Supply Standby generators for a select number of high-capacity wells Future
would allow us to at least provide water for sanitation and fire
fighting should a disaster lead to electrical system failure for
more than 24 hours.
Contaminant Monitoring System for Water A system for detecting contaminants in the water distribution Investigating
Distribution System network would allow us to save between 6 and 24 hours from
the time of onset to a mitigating response.
Lansing Mitigation Project List 9112
Project Description IStatus
Water and Wastewater Agency Response The WARN system is in place in Michigan and could be used Investigating
Network (WARN) Resource Typing effectively to mitigate the impact of disasters at utilities, but a
significant hurdle remains to be overcome in the identification
and matching of resources to needs. The necessary rigor
required in describing resources inhibits utilities from
undertaking this task.
Smart Metering (AMI) Smart meters would be installed in homes and businesses to Future
monitor and regulate load, usage and time of usage. Could be
used to prevent excessive draw to prevent a power outage,
and can provide situational awareness of addresses that are
out when an outage occurs.
Low Investment (commitment of existing resources)
L1: Participation in Community Rating System Addressing remaining NFIP issues, and elevation certificate Underway
availability; tentative application date 10/12.
L2: Assess Critical Infrastructure Lansing Infrastructure Impact Report completed 12/08; Underway
update, continue to identify potential mitigation projects.
L3: Education for Insurance, Mortgage and Informational mailing 3/06, 12/07. Next mailing will be 2012. Underway
Real Estate Professionals
L4: Business Continuity Planning for Small Outreach to floodplain businesses to assist with COOP Underway
Businesses in Floodplain planning and identification of mitigation measures.
Lansing Mitigation Project List 9112
L5: Public Education Program - Flooding Ongoing public outreach through floodplain neighborhood Underway
centers and at local events.
L6: Public Education Program — Wildfire Ongoing outreach to Arbor Forest and The Arbors Underway
neighborhoods, and neighborhood associations in the area.
L7: Additional Flood Gauges Installation of staff gages at key locations to increase Investigating
awareness for residents.
L8: Disclosure Requirement for Landlords in Legislation proposed by Rep Joan Bauer in 2009, tabled; Underway
Floodplain revisit in 2012.
Zoning changes for Stormwater Management Implement low-impact development zoning in South Lansing Investigating
(part of H3) to minimize runoff.
Wildfire Risk Reduction Mitigation measures within the urban-wildland interface to Investigating
reduce the risk and impact of wildfires.
Project Description Status
Completed
Update of Flood Insurance Rate Maps Maps adopted 08/11 Complete
Integration of floodplain considerations into Included in 2010 revision of Master Plan Complete
master plan and departmental procedures
Lansing Mitigation Project List 9112
Emergency Planning and Documentation of Hazard specific annex completed and included as part of Complete
Flood-Fight Strategies Lansing's Emergency Operations Plan
Integration of floodplain considerations into Included in 2010 revision of Master Plan Complete
master plan and departmental procedures
Bank Stabilization Stabilized 70+ feet of bank on the Grand and Red Cedar Complete
Rivers with riprap.
Floodplain Acquisition Phase 1 Acquired and demolished structures on 22 floodplain Complete
properties, converting them to permanent green space.
Lansing Mitigation Project List 9112
• • Warning
Project Type:Information/Warning
Workgroup Agencies
Ingham County Emergency Management
Lansing Emergency Management
Michigan State University
National Weather Service
US Geological Survey
Michigan Silver Jackets
Other Potential Stakeholders
Allen Neighborhood Center
Baker-Donora Focus Center
Potter Park Zoological Society
Granger Foundation (grants due 4/15 and 10/15)
Ingham Regional Medical Center
Jackson National Life Foundation
Lansing Board of Water and Light
LEPFA
Michigan Dept of Environmental Quality
Michigan Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Northwest Initiative
Overview
Establish a partnership with USGS and other stakeholders to create an enhanced flood
warning system. The system would have three primary components: (1) the reactivation of
the Sycamore Creek gage and installation of two downstream stage gages, (2) creation of
static flood maps for selected flood levels, (3) creation of a dynamic mapping model to
predict flooding based on the levels of all three rivers. Static maps would become part of
the National Weather Service's AHPS (Advanced Hydrologic Prediction System) website for
the Red Cedar gage at MSU, the Grand River gage in North Lansing, and the reactivated gage
on Sycamore Creek at Holt Road.
Dynamic maps would be created by a supercomputer at University of Indiana and available
through the internet or through dedicated software.
Cost
Operation of the Sycamore Creek gage would cost about$15K a year. Two stage gages
would each cost about$3000 a year to operate. The stage gages would need to operate for
a minimum of three to five years in order to gather data to build an accurate profile for the
creek.
Benefit
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 1018112
The greatest benefit from this project will be accurate flood predictions for the area where
the three rivers come together. The existing gage readings do not provide accurate data for
the City of Lansing, particularly not in the Baker-Donora/Potter Park area. Gage readings
on Sycamore Creek are currently dependent on a volunteer.
About 500 people live in the floodplain on Sycamore Creek and about 1300 live in the area
where the three rivers come together. The potential impact area reaches from the North
Lansing gage on the Grand River to the East Lansing gage on the Red Cedar River and to the
Holt Road gage on Sycamore Creek.
Funding
The new wire weight gage on Sycamore Creek and the two downstream stage gages would
be purchased under FEMA HMA funding.
USGS will fund ongoing operation of the wire weight gage once a new gage is installed.
They will also pay for half of the cost of operating the two stage gages. Remaining cost
would be about$3000 a year for at least three to five years.
Other communities have used a combination of grants, donations, and partnerships to fund
similar projects.
Equipment List
Stage
Qty Item Gage Gage
Design Analysis combo board with DCP (includes bubbler, DCP
1 transmitter-data recorder) and all associated wiring x
1 Wire-weight gage or staff gage for outside reference x
Crest-stage gage to ensure peaks are correctly measured and as
3 a backup for electronic equipment x x
1 Antenna for DCP x
3 Solar panel x x
3 Grounding kit and lightning surge protector x x
6 Batteries (2 ea) x x
Mast and brackets for holding a) GPS antenna and b) solar
3 panel x x
1 Mast and brackets for holding DCP antenna x
Traffic control panel or similar metal enclosure (also need
3 treated lumber support frame) x x
Orifice line, orifice line armored pipe, orifice line chamber or
3 outlet and steel posts or cement orifice line block x x
Next steps
• USGS is providing costs estimates for gage equipment and installation
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 1018112
• Lansing Emergency Management will apply for grants for those costs, and for additional
funding to cover operation of the stage gage for 3-5 years
• Identify additional stakeholders
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 1018112
......... i
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: : ::..:.:.:.:.......:............ ...............
Red Ceda
at i'arm t
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......... ..................
S camore Creek
Holt Rd
Dimondale ...... .......................................................
...... ........ ......................
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Gage Locations
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 11/10/09
• Floodwater Storage
Project Type: Preventive
Workgroup agencies
Lansing Board of Water & Light
Parks & Recreation Dept
Public Service Dept
Planning Dept
Information Technology - GIS
Lansing Emergency Management Office
Ingham County Emergency Management
Ingham County Drain Commissioner
Lansing Township
City of East Lansing
Michigan State University
Ingham Regional Medical Center
National Weather Service
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Overview
Riverside storage is a 15-acre site south of 496 and east of Aurelius Road on the Red
Cedar River. The site is owned by the Lansing Board of Water and Light and was used
to store calcium carbonate (lime) left over from processes at their plants between 1939
and 1987. The site is not active and the lime pile has been capped with turf. The pile
contains about 1 million cubic yards of material, and is about 30 feet high (865 MSL) at
its highest point. The adjacent grade is about 836 ft, which is a foot above the 100 year
flood level for that area. The Board has installed three inclinometers at the site to
monitor stability.
Cost
Initial estimates for removal of the material are $12-15 per cubic yard, for a total cost
of $12-15 million to clear the site. Additional funding would be required for site
restoration. Costs are being reevaluated by the Board, but unless they can be
significantly lowered, this project will not be economically feasible.
Benefit
Diverting floodwater from the Red Cedar could benefit areas in Lansing, East Lansing,
Lansing Township, and at Michigan State University. The greatest benefit will probably
be to neighborhoods on the Red Cedar, but flooding could potentially be lessened in
neighborhoods on the Grand and Sycamore Creek.
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 1113111
A hydraulic study would be needed to determine the full benefit of this project. The
goal is to divert enough water that some structures will no longer be in the floodplain,
and that others will be affected to a lesser degree.
In Lansing, areas that we hope to benefit include: Urbandale, Potter Park area, Baker-
Donora Neighborhood, Frandor Shopping Center, and Ingham Regional Medical Center
Pennsylvania Campus, which is located on Sycamore Creek about a mile from the
confluence with the Red Cedar.
Indirect benefits to stakeholders include higher property values, improved quality of life,
and increased public safety. There are environmental benefits to returning the site to a
natural state as well. More information is needed to define extent of the benefits.
Concerns
Residents in the area are concerned about the stability of the pile. The Board has
attempted to address those concerns with the installation of inclinometers. There
presence of calcium carbonate on the site does not have any negative environmental
impacts.
Next steps:
• A preliminary meeting was held in January 12, 2011 between the city and the Board
of Water and Light to determine whether the project is feasible at this time. The
Board will reevaluate costs, and Emergency Management will meet with FEMA to
discuss whether grant funding is available for a hydraulic study to establish what
benefits the project would have.
• Determine the best way to use the site for floodwater storage.
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 1113111
• Stormwater Management
Project Type:Structural
Workgroup agencies
Lansing Public Service — Engineering
Lansing Public Service — Operations & Maintenance
Ingham County Drain Commissioner
Lansing Emergency Management
Overview
Investigate possible improvements to existing drains and stormwater retention systems
to mitigate stormwater flooding.
In the past five years Lansing has experienced several extreme rain events. These
events have overwhelmed the existing stormwater system, which is rated for a 10 year
rain event. The intention is not to expand or increase the capacity of the existing
system, but to better manage stormwater runoff before it reaches the system.
Stormwater systems like the Tollgate Wetlands are one way that this can be
accomplished.
Low-Density zoning is being considered for low-lying areas, including the Burchfield
area in south Lansing.
Benefit
Avoid structural damage to homes and to stormwater infrastructure.
Concerns
• Cost
Next Steps
• Analyze recent stormwater flooding events
• Analyze changes to impervious surfaces over the past 50 years
• Meet with stakeholders
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 317112
I Project 1-14: Urbandale Protective Actions
Project Type: Preventive
Workgroup agencies
Lansing Board of Water & Light
Parks & Recreation Dept
Public Service Dept
Planning Dept
Computer & Communication Services Dept
Lansing Emergency Management Office
Ingham County Emergency Management
Ingham County Drain Commissioner
Lansing Township
City of East Lansing
Michigan State University
Ingham Regional Medical Center
US Army Corps of Engineers
National Weather Service
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Overview
US-127 and 496 act as a dike around Urbandale during minor flooding. During
moderate and major floods water comes into the area through storm sewers and
through the underpasses at Michigan Avenue and Kalamazoo Street.
Sandbags or similar materials at the underpasses, combined with a system of gates or
bladders to close storm sewers, could complete the "dike" and protect Urbandale in
larger floods.
Issues to consider
• Water diverted from Urbandale would increase flooding elsewhere, unless sufficient
additional storage space was created (HE1)
• Cost may be prohibitive, depending on the number and means of storm sewers
closed
Next step
Engineering studies and other information gathering activities for floodwater storage
will include this project as an option.
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 12117110
• Removal
Flood Mitigation Project Type: Preventive
Workgroup agencies (2005)
Economic Development Corporation
Lansing Board of Water & Light
Lansing Emergency Management Office
Lansing Parks & Recreation Dept
Lansing Planning Dept
Lansing Public Service Dept
LPD Dive Team
MDEQ
MDNR
MSU
National Weather Service
Old Town Commercial Association
Principal Shopping District
Private citizens and business owners
US Fish & Wildlife Agency
USGS
Woldumar Nature Center
Overview
With the decommissioning of the Ottawa Power Station, the North Lansing Dam is no
longer being used for electrical production. The dam cannot be used for flood control.
The only purpose for maintaining the dam at this time is to maintain the impoundment
of water behind it, which has existed to some extent since the first dam was built in
north Lansing about 1842. The current structure was built in 1936.
The dam is well maintained and does not pose a safety threat. An inspection in August
2007 revealed some scouring under the apron at the downstream side of the dam, but
less than was feared. The dam is aging and over time it will become more costly for the
Board and its ratepayers to maintain.
If the opportunity arises, it would be advisable to address future issues with the dam by
taking action now, rather than leave the problem for the next generation.
The current headwater of the dam is maintained at 818.0 feet above mean sea level
(NGVD). If the dam were completely removed, the river level would be between 810
and 812 feet. Opening or removing the gates of the dam would put the normal river
level at between 813.5 and 814.5 feet.
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 8120105
One option for removal is to remove the gates of the dam or open them permanently,
which would lower the level of the Grand River between the Moore's Park Dam and
Burchard Park by four feet. The river would be narrower and would run faster. This
could provide some mitigation of minor flood events.
Water levels would also be affected to a lesser degree on the Red Cedar River from the
confluence with the Grand upstream to Harrison Road, and Sycamore Creek from the
confluence with the Red Cedar to the footbridge in Scott Woods Park.
It may be possible to maintain the current level of impoundment by modifying or
partially removing the dam, combined with other channel design elements (addition of
rock and stone, etc.)
It is assumed that the lower the river level, the greater the flood mitigation benefits will
be, but further study is needed to verify the benefit at different river levels.
The decision whether to keep the river at the same level or lower it, to the natural level
or to a lesser extent, must be made by the community. Public input sessions on this
and other river improvement projects were held in 2005.
Cost
The Corps of Engineers study commissioned by EDC in 2004 estimated the cost of
modifying the dam at $166,000. That figure assumed that the work would be done by
the Corps, which is unlikely. The cost of having the work done by another party is
estimated at about a million dollars.
Potential associated costs may include:
• Removing debris from the river (including concrete, rebar, branches, and other large
items)
• Altering affected boat launches
• Modification of the river trail
• Erosion control at storm sewer outfalls
• Landscaping newly created banks
• Studying bridge piers and abutments for potential scour
• Clean up of contaminated sediments
• Hydraulic analysis
• Channel design
Benefits
Flood Mitigation
Lowering the river would allow the Grand to take in additional flood water from the Red
Cedar and Sycamore Creek, potentially improving flood conditions along all three rivers
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 10115108
in minor and moderate floods, such as those experienced in September, 2008. It is not
anticipated that there would be an appreciable difference in a 100-year flood.
River Health and Recreation
The increased rate of flow would improve the health of the river by lowering
temperatures and increasing levels of dissolved oxygen between the Moores Park and
North Lansing dams. Fish
It would be possible to maintain the fish ladder at its current location if the river is
lowered by two feet or less. However, the fish ladder would not be needed if the dam
were at least partially removed. Relocating the fish ladder to Moores Park Dam (or
building one there) would allow free movement of fish from Eaton Rapids to Lake
Michigan.
Effects on wildlife would be mixed. There would be a loss of wetlands, and changes to
existing habitats. There may be changes in the type of wildlife living in the affected
area. The number and variety of sport fish in the river would improve.
Unless modifications to the original river channel were made, flat water boating
between the Moores Park Dam and Burchard Park would not be possible if the river
were lowered.
Project design could include additional recreational features, such as artificial rapids to
encourage sports such as kayaking.
Concerns
Infrastructure
Although an estimate can be made regarding river depth, there is not enough
information available to determine what the width would be without the dam. The river
would be narrower and boat launches and docks would need to be rebuilt. Portions of
the riverwalk could be a few feet farther from the river than they are currently. There
may also be an effect on stormwater outfalls and other infrastructure.
There are four bridges that could be impacted by lower water: Saginaw Street, Island
Avenue (Wolfe Bridge) and the railroad bridges closest to those two bridges.
Water Levels
Water levels would be lower on the Red Cedar upstream to the city limits, and on
Sycamore Creek to the old footbridge in Scott Woods Park. More information is needed.
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 10115108
E Project U: Community Rating System
Project Type: Property Protection
Workgroup agencies
Lansing Emergency Management
Planning & Neighborhood Development
Computer & Communication Services
Public Service
Parks & Recreation
MDNRE
Overview
The Community Rating System is part of the National Flood Insurance Program.
Participating communities are credited for specific mitigation and preparedness activities
and flood insurance rates for residents are reduced accordingly.
Rate Because of statewide floodplain management policies,
Min Pts Class Reduction proving NFIP compliance will earn an automatic 5% rate
4500 1 45% reduction. Additional points will be earned by
4000 2 40% implementing the projects described in this plan. It is our
3500 3 35% goal to enter the program as a class 8 (on a scale of 10-
3000 4 30% 1), which will earn a 10% rate reduction.
2500 5 25%
2000 6 20% Our proposed five year goal is to reach a class six, which
1500 7 15% will result in a 20% reduction.
1000 8 10%
500 g 5% Participation in CRS will provide a means of ensuring
0 10 0 ongoing NFIP compliance, and for monitoring and
gauging success of mitigation overall.
Timeline
2012
• Verification letter from MDNRE confirming NFIP compliance - submitted
• Document qualifying projects - in progress
• Verification visit from ISO
• Enter the program in May or October 11
2013
• Achieve CRS Class 7 (15% reduction)
• Implement and document new qualifying projects
• Apply for additional credits
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 613111
Issues to Consider
In order to qualify as a CRS community, the city must demonstrate that 90% of
elevation certificates on file are complete and correct. Prior to 2006, elevation
certificates are incomplete. No index of elevation certificates submitted has been
maintained. ISO has been advised.
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 613111
Average Expected
Points Points Lead
11 - Public Information
310 - Elevation Certificates 72 Sue
320 - Map Information 138 Sue
330 - Outreach Projects 80 Ronda
340 - Hazard Disclosure 21 Sue
350 - Flood Protection Information 22 Ronda
360 - Flood Protection Assistance 57 Sue
11 Mapping & Regulations
410 - Additional Flood Information 56 Sam
420 - Open Space Preservation 113 Paul
430 - Higher Regulatory Standards 100 Sue
440 - Flood Data Maintenance 66 Sam
450 - Stormwater Management 105 Scott/Vic
11 • • • Damage Reduction
510 - Floodplain Management Planning 79 Ronda
520 - Acquisition and Relocation 140 Ronda
530 - Flood Protection 43 Sue
540 - Drainage System Maintenance 261 Scott/Vic
600 - Flood Preparedness Activities
610 - Flood Warning Program 101 Ronda
620 - Levee Safety 154 Scott/Vic
630 - Dam Safety 66 Ronda
Total 1674500
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 613111
Project L2 (115): Critical Infrastructure
Project Type:Structural
Workgroup agencies
Lansing Board of Water & Light
Parks & Recreation Dept
Public Service Dept
Planning & Neighborhood Development Dept
Information Technology Dept
Lansing Office of Emergency Management
Ingham Regional Medical Center
Overview
In 2008 the Office of Emergency Management completed a report on the impacts of
flooding on city infrastructure. That report will be revised and specific infrastructure
improvement or protection projects will be identified. Tasks for the workgroup include:
• Perform a more in depth analysis of flood impact on communication
infrastructure
• Examine existing plans in light of recent quick-onset flood events
• Determine whether infrastructure should be protected, improved, or built to a
higher standard
Next steps
• Workgroup meeting to review and revise Flood Infrastructure Impact report
• Analyze impacts and identify projects to protect or improve critical infrastructure
• Assign priorities to identified mitigation projects
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 317112
• ect 1-3: ProfessionalFlooding
Project Type: Risk Communication
Workgroup agencies
Lansing Office of Emergency Management
Michigan Stormwater Floodplain Association
Lansing Planning and Neighborhood Development Office
Overview
Provide education to real estate, mortgage, and insurance brokers about flood
insurance, flood risk, and floodplain status verification. The goal is to get accurate
information into the hands of homeowners and potential homeowners.
Projects
In 2007 an informational letter was sent to mortgage, real estate and insurance brokers
in the Lansing area. In 2008 the "Check before you buy" brochure was updated with
local information and distributed to realtors through the Greater Lansing Association of
Realtors. Another outreach project will be completed in 2012.
Next Steps
• Continue to meet with workgroup agencies to identify new outreach opportunities
• Explore new options for outreach, including social media
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 317112
• Flooding
Project Type: Risk Communication
Workgroup agencies
Lansing Emergency Management
Do 1 Thing
Allen Neighborhood Center
Northwest Initiative
Baker-Donora Focus Center
Local business associations (REO Town, Old Town, etc.)
Overview
Make small business owners in the floodplain aware of their risk and give them tools to
assess, plan, and mitigate their risk. Work with Do 1 Thing, a non-profit emergency
preparedness organization, to create Do 1 Thing Business outreach materials and
promote those materials to small businesses in Lansing's floodplain. They will also be
available to anyone on DolThing.com.
Next Steps
• Meet with workgroup agencies to create outreach materials
• Work with neighborhood organizations and local business associations to promote
program to small businesses
• Create an outreach group to provide assistance to small businesses as requested
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 6120110
• PublicFlooding
Project Type:Risk Communication
Workgroup agencies
Lansing Emergency Management
Planning&Neighborhood Developement
Allen Neighborhood Center
Overview
An Outreach Strategy Team has been formed to:
1. Determine goals and objectives of the public education program
2. Identify projects that meet goals
3. Identify means of evaluating effectiveness of specific projects
4. Implement projects
5. Review goals and objectives, evaluate effectiveness of projects
The strategy team will include at least one representative from floodplain neighborhoods.
Outreach Goals
• Reduce the impact of flooding (protect life and property) by:
- Raising awareness of the flood hazard
- Encouraging residents to prepare for flooding
- Encouraging residents to purchase flood insurance
• Keep neighborhoods strong and intact
- Involving neighborhoods in mitigation and preparedness activities
- Encouraging residents to participate in mitigation projects in their neighborhoods
• Encourage the preservation and restoration of natural resources
• Lower flood insurance rates by developing outreach projects based on Community
Rating System guidelines
CRS Creditable Outreach Topics
Local Flood Hazard
Flood Safety
Flood Insurance
Property Protection Measures
Natural and Beneficial Functions
Map of Local Flood Hazard
Flood Warning Systems
Floodplain Development Permit Requirements
Substantial Improvement/Damage Requirements
Drainage System Maintenance
2012-2013 Objectives
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 6120110
1. Engage neighborhoods, businesses, and local media to develop meaningful and
appropriate messages.
2. 100% of residents and business owners in the floodplain will be advised at least once
that they are in the floodplain.
3. 100% of residents and business owners in the floodplain will receive information at
least once regarding the advisability of flood insurance.
4. Resources highlighting the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains and flood
preparedness will be made available to Neighborhood Network Centers serving
floodplain residents (Allen Neighborhood Center, North Network Center, Baker-Donora
Focus Center, and Capital Area District Library Foster Branch).
5. Business Continuity planning assistance will be offered to 100% of small businesses in
the floodplain.
Projects
Projects will include outreach to the whole community, and outreach specifically to
floodplain residents.
• Flood reference libraries at Capital Area District Library Foster Branch,Allen
Neighborhood Center, North Network Center, and Baker-Donora Focus Center
• Development of resources highlighting the natural and beneficial functions of
floodplains.
• Urbandale Health &Safety Information Fair
• Mailing to all floodplain residents giving basic flood hazard and insurance information
• Business continuity planning program targeting floodplain businesses
• Public access to floodplain map from the City website
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 6120110
• WildfireCommunication
Project Type:Risk Communication
Workgroup agencies
Lansing Office of Emergency Management
Lansing Parks & Recreation
Lansing Forestry
Friends of Fenner Arboretum
Overview
Most fires at Fenner have been caused by human activity. By making people who use and
live around the facility more aware of the risk of wildfire, incidents can be reduced.
The following projects were recommended by MSU Extension and the MDNRE for Fenner
Nature Center:
1. Under very dry conditions, provide information to visitors as they enter the Nature
Center about fire safety.A portable sign near the entrance of the Nature Center
notifying visitors that"high fire danger" or "extreme high fire danger" exists may help
them to be careful with matches and cigarettes.
2. Under very dry conditions, Boy Scout leaders and others who might be using open fires
or camp fires should be alerted to the fire danger status.
3. Residents living on the border of the Nature Center likely do not understand wildfire
causes or behavior.An educational effort, perhaps in partnership with MSU Extension,
the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and Fenner Nature Center could be
considered. This is especially important for parents and children living in these homes
and multiple-family dwellings.
4. Consider adding a note to future Fenner trail brochures about fire safety, and perhaps
indicating the nearest route of escape, or action to take, should a wildfire occur.
Issues to consider
• If Crego Park is opened to the public,the same measures should be taken there.
• Nature Center staff should have a means of determining when fire risk is high, and
procedures for making sure status is displayed correctly.
• Can city sign shop make the sign?
Next steps
• Determine type and size of sign and identify funding
• Meet with Nature Center staff regarding procedures
Lansing Hazard Mitigation Taskforce 819110
• Additional
Project Type:Information/Warning
Workgroup Agencies
Eaton County Emergency Management
Ingham County Emergency Management
Lansing Emergency Management
Lansing Public Service Dept
Michigan State University
National Weather Service
US Geological Survey
Overview
Proposed additional action: Gages should also be added outside the city to improve
flood forecasting, and staff gages added inside the city to promote public awareness.
1. Add a tipping bucket rain gage at USGS station on the Grand River near Petrieville
Highway in Eaton County. This would improve the ability to forecast flooding
downstream on the Grand.
Permission would need to be obtained from the property owner for installation and
ongoing maintenance. Maintenance would be needed twice a year and primarily
consists of cleaning out the rain bucket. This could be done by the Eaton Rapids Fire
Department.
2. Add staff gages on bridges at Creyts Road and M99 on the Grand River in Eaton
County. These gages would either be purchased or painted directly onto the
downstream bridge piers. Ongoing maintenance would include inspecting and
cleaning the gages annually or repainting as needed.
3. Add staff gages where they would be visible from the Riverwalk near Museum Drive
and on the Eastside, in order to promote awareness of flooding and to prompt
protective actions by residents and business owners in the area in flood conditions.
4. Placement of an electronic gage and a tipping bucket rain gage at the gaging station
on Sycamore Creek in Holt. Initial costs could be covered by grant funds, but
ongoing costs to have the gages monitored and maintained by the USGS would have
to be supported by the community and stakeholder agencies. (See Enhanced
Warning for other potential funding for Sycamore Creek gages.)
5. Placement of crest stage gages in county drains
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 317112
Cost
See attached
Benefit
• Increase the information being provided to the National Weather Service, improving
flood forecasting
• Improve the city's ability to monitor flood conditions, including flash flooding
• Raise public awareness of flood potential
• Engage public and business owners in flood monitoring
Funding
The most likely funding source for this project will be the Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program (HMPG). HMPG is a post-disaster grant that only becomes available after a
Presidential Disaster Declaration is made for an area of the state.
FEMA allocates the equivalent of 7.5% of their total costs for recovery from the disaster
to be used for mitigation. That funding is usually available to be used for mitigation
projects unrelated to the disaster which has occurred, anywhere in the state. 5% of the
fund can be used for river gages or warning siren projects. River gages are not
generally funded through any other mitigation grant programs.
Next steps
• Lansing Public Service Department will meet with USGS to determine if information
gathered by Public Service/Transportation project will be usable to USGS and
National Weather Service to improve flood forecasting, and if it will allow monitoring
of flash flood conditions.
• Lansing Emergency Management will meet with the Ingham County Drain
Commissioner's Office to determine the need for crest stage gages in drains, and
will determine locations for staff gages on the Riverwalk.
• Lansing Emergency Management Office will submit a grant application for this
project to the Michigan State Police Emergency Management Division. That
application will be held until HMPG funding becomes available.
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 317112
Estimated Cost
Project Equipment Installation Maintenance Annual Costs
Tipping bucket rain $500.00 $500.00 Performed by Eaton None — monitoring at this
gage at existing Rapids Fire Department station is already paid for by
Petrieville Hwy gauging the Lansing Board of Water
station and Light
Staff gages at M99 and $240 (2@$120 ea) Survey Annual inspection and None — monitored by
Creyts Road (installed Installation cleaning or repainting volunteer observers
or painted) performed by DOT or
Eaton County Road
Commission
Staff gages installed at $240 (2@$120 ea) Survey Annual inspection and None — monitored by
Museum Drive and on Installation cleaning performed by volunteer observers
Lansing Eastside Lansing Public Service
De artment.
Electronic gage and Stage/flow gauge Installation Included in monitoring $10,000 for monitoring,
tipping bucket rain $ costs information processing and
gage at Sycamore Rain gauge $500 maintenance by USGS
Creek
Crest gages $110 x # Survey USGS? ??
Installation
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 5125105
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Gage Locations
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 5125105
• iDisclosure
Project Type: Public Education
Workgroup agencies
Lansing Emergency Management
Representative Joan Bauer's Office
Michigan Stormwater Floodplain Association
Overview
The goal of the project is to pass local or state legislation requiring landlords renting
property in the floodplain to make prospective tenants aware of the property's status.
More than half of the 1900 homes in the floodplain are rental units. Many of those are
in areas away from the river where flood risk is not obvious. Even if the property owner
has flood insurance on the property the tenant's belongings are not covered. If they are
not aware of their risk, the tenants will not be aware of the need for flood insurance.
Timeline
A bill was drafted by Representative Bauer in 2008, but was tabled when she was not
there to introduce it due to a family emergency.
Next Steps
• Meet with Representative Bauer to revive legislation
• Get support from Michigan Stormwater Floodplain Association for legislation
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 313108
E Project L9: Snow Ordinances
Project Type: Regulation
Workgroup agencies
Lansing Emergency Management
Lansing Public Service
Lansing Mayor's Office
Lansing Planning and Neighborhood Development
Overview
Modify city ordinances and policies to make snow response more effective. The primary
change would be to prohibit parking on the street when a significant amount of snow
was expected. An announcement would be made to the public that parking was
prohibited at that time.
This would potentially affect the following:
Public Service Snow Ordinance (1020.06)
Parking Services Office — Policies and Procedures (Sec 8.03)
Steps
• Determine whether the snow ordinance or parking policy is the best vehicle to effect
this change. If it is the snow ordinance:
o Draft proposed changes to snow ordinance
o Present to City Council Public Safety Committee
o Vote by City Council to adopt changes to existing ordinances
• If it is the Parking Policy:
o Work with Planning and Neighborhood Development to modify the policy.
o Submit to the Planning Board for approval.
Timeline
This project is not being actively considered at this time.
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 313108
Project erty Acquisition
Project Type: Preventive
Workgroup agencies
Lansing Planning & Neighborhood Development Office
Lansing Emergency Management Office
Lansing Public Service Department
Allen Neighborhood Center
Baker-Donora Focus Center
Northwest Initiative
Overview
Areas targeted for property acquisition were the 700 blocks in Urbandale, the floodway
in Baker-Donora, and properties adjacent to the floodway in Baker-Donora.
Homeowners in the target area were invited to sign up for the program. Only
homeowners who signed up and were listed in the grant application are eligible to have
their homes purchased. The program is strictly voluntary.
In Phase 1 of the project, the city was awarded $1.7M to purchase 45 properties,
through the 2008 Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program. In 2010, $1M was awarded for
Phase 2 from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for the purchase of 21 addition
properties. Several of the targeted properties were donated by the Ingham County Land
Bank as part of the grant match.
The first step in the acquisition process is to obtain an appraisal on the property.
Homeowners are then offered the appraised value of their home. Planning &
Neighborhood Development takes possession of the home after closing. Hazard
abatement is done, then the structure is razed and the lot graded and reseeded. The
land is deeded as permanent green space, to be used in compliance with FEMA open
space requirements.
The Parks & Recreation Department will maintain the lots. Lots may also be available
for use as community gardens. If a lot is adjacent to an occupied dwelling, the adjacent
property owner may have usage of the land in exchange for maintaining it.
Homeowners participating in this program are eligible for down payment assistance
from the city if they choose to purchase another home in the city, as well as programs
through the Greater Lansing Housing Coalition.
Current Status
As of March 2012, 21 homes and four vacant lots have been purchased. Two are ready
for demolition and four more are in the process of hazard abatement.
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 317112
Flood Map Amendment
The Planning Department had elevation surveys of 98 homes done for this project.
Based on that information, four homes were identified that may be eligible for removal
from the floodplain. Homeowners were notified and provided with the information
needed to request a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) from FEMA.
Another 64 properties which were not surveyed may also be eligible for the LOMA
process. The Planning Department is looking into having these properties surveyed as
well.
Homeowners eligible for a LOMA are being encouraged to maintain flood insurance on
the property. They are still at risk from flooding. The benefit to being removed from the
100 year floodplain is that they are eligible to receive CDBG assistance through the
Planning Department for home rehabilitation. They are also not subject to NFIP
regulations regarding home improvements.
Issues to consider
• Is there another use for floodplain land, other than open space? (Community
gardens, recreational facilities, etc.)
• Use of city personnel to demolish structures, rather than an outside contractor, is
being discussed.
Next steps
• Continue to work with neighborhoods to educate residents regarding the program
• Continue to work with neighborhoods to find uses for vacant land that will benefit
residents
• Determine which properties should be considered for Phase 3
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 317112
• M10: Burying Electrical Lines
Project Type:Structural
Workgroup agencies
Lansing Office of Emergency Management
Lansing Board of Water and Light
Lansing Public Service Department
Lansing Planning and Neighborhood Development
Overview
Burying electrical service lines would reduce the risk of power outage during weather
events.
Issues to consider
• Should floodplain areas be excluded?
• Would homeowners pay all or part of 25% match? (BWL work could be used as soft
match.)
• Do participating homeowners have to be identified in advance (as with flood projects)?
Next steps
• Identify appropriate people at BWL to make project decisions
• Determine project scope and guidelines
• Identify project neighborhoods
• Prepare grant application
Lansing Hazard Mitigation Taskforce 819110
• •
Project Type:Response Capability
Workgroup agencies
Lansing Office of Emergency Management
Lansing Police Department
Lansing Planning Department- Traffic Division
Lansing Public Service Department
Lansing Information Technology Department
Michigan Department of Management and Budget
Overview
Identify evacuation routes and develop procedures for use of traffic management
infrastructure to facilitate evacuation. Develop strategies to communicate evacuation plans
to affected facilities in advance and to the affected public during an event.
Issues to consider
• How will evacuation route information be (and should it be) communicated in advance?
• Should routes be marked with signs?
• Can emergency radio station be used to communicate during an evacuation?
• Consider using Common Ground and Silver Bells as evacuation exercises.
Next steps
• Emergency Management GIS intern is investigating available ESRI tools for evacuation
planning
• Meet with LPD to identify and prioritize evacuation areas
• Meet with Traffic to determine what technology exists and how it can be used to
facilitate evacuation
• Meet with all stakeholders to discuss strategies for communicating evacuation routes
before and during an event
Lansing Hazard Mitigation Taskforce 7111112
Project M2: Wildfire Access
Project Type:Emergency Response
Workgroup agencies
Lansing Office of Emergency Management
Lansing Parks & Recreation
Lansing Public Service Forestry
Friends of Fenner Arboretum
Lansing Fire Marshal's Office
Lansing Fire Department
Overview
Fighting fire in Lansing's wildland-urban interface area can be difficult. The natural state of
the area, which includes Fenner Arboretum and Crego Park, could allow fire to spread
quickly. It also contributes to access issues. Most trails are narrow and unpaved.At Fenner,
access between the southernmost meadow area and the rest of the park is cut off by a steep
grade.
At this time, Crego Park is not open to the public. Fire risk at Fenner is higher due to the
amount and nature of human activity there.
Possible projects to improve access include:
1. Widen trails as outlined in the wildfire access plan for the Lansing Fire Department.
Develop procedures for accessing gates and isolated areas.
2. Station "No Parking- Fire Vehicle Entrance" or similar signs at key access areas so that
these entry ways will not be blocked by visitors'vehicles.
3. Acquire property adjacent to the park as it becomes available to be used for improved
access.
4. Improve existing access or create additional access points as determined by the wildfire
access plan (regrade, add trails or gates, etc.).
Issues to consider
• If Crego Park is opened to the public, similar measures should be considered there.
Next steps
• Compile trail data for access plan
• Meet with Nature Center staff regarding procedures
Lansing Hazard Mitigation Taskforce 8110110
• Outdoor
Project Type:Risk Communication
Workgroup agencies
Lansing Office of Emergency Management
Ingham County Emergency Management
Local Fire Departments
911 Center
Lansing Information Technology Department
Overview
Add, update or improve tornado sirens, including addition of voice warning capability
Standardize tornado siren procedures
Create redundancy for activation
Issues to consider
• ?
Next steps
• Determine project scope and guidelines
• Prepare grant application
Lansing Hazard Mitigation Taskforce 2110110
Project ■ MC Protective
Project Type: Preventive
Workgroup agencies
IRMC
City Public Service
Emergency Management
National Weather Service
MDEQ
Overview
Ingham Regional Medical Center (IRMC) Pennsylvania campus is located in the 100-year
floodplain on Sycamore Creek. Methods being considered to protect the facility include
a levee, flood walls, and flood-proofing the affected portion of the building itself.
Issues to consider
To what extent can flooding be prevented at the hospital without creating an adverse
impact at another site (for example: it may be able to be protected in a 10-year flood,
but not a 100-year flood). The extent to which a hospital is allowed to flood-proof
under NFIP.
Cost
This project may be eligible for FEMA HMA grant funding (25% match), or costs could
be borne by IRMC. Expenses may include surveys and plan development, in addition to
the cost of any construction.
Next step
Meet with IRMC. Investigate methods used by Amway Corp in Grand Rapids in a similar
situation.
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 12115110
• Retrofit
Project Type: Preventive
Workgroup agencies
Lansing Board of Water & Light
Planning Dept
Lansing Emergency Management Office
Allen Neighborhood Center
Overview
Retrofitting is the process of making a structure flood-resistant. In residential property it
would be the goal to bring the structure up to NFIP standards; in non-residential
property it may be possible to floodproof the structure. Floodproofing is not always
feasible, and can only be used to depths of four feet above BFE.
Retrofitting is an eligible activity under FMAP (Flood Mitigation Assistance Program)
grants. FMAP grants are usually $150,000 with a 25% local match. No indirect costs are
eligible.
Preliminary estimates for retrofitting are:
Residential structure - $20,000 (25% match - $5,000)
Non-residential structure - $70,000 (25% match - $17,500)
Issues to consider
• Is it our goal, at some point in the future, to acquire more floodplain land? Or to
encourage non-residential redevelopment? If so, where?
• Should retrofit focus on residential or non-residential?
• How will structures be selected?
• What is the interest/ability of affected property owners to pay the grant match?
What alternatives exist for matching funds? Builders? Corporate sponsors?
Next steps
• Determine project scope and guidelines
• Prepare FMAP grant application for 07 grant
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 8131106
Lansing 100 Year Floodplain Inventory
Summary by Neighborhood
Parcels by use Occ Units Floodway
FW- FW-
Organized Neighborhoods 1 2 3 4 6 Res NR R NR
Baker-Donora/NUA 129 10 4 0 4 147 150 5 155 6 1 7
Downtown Neighborhood 7 23 16 3 10 59 72 22 94 1 9 10
Eastside Neighborhood 142 10 34 1 48 235 289 35 324 1 8 9
Fairview 111 9 2 0 9 131 129 2 131 0 0 0
Forest View 46 19 1 2 14 82 87 3 90 0 0 0
Lansing-Eaton 0 1 0 0 1 2 3 0 3 0 0 0
Moores Park Neighborhood 2 2 0 0 0 4 8 0 8 0 0 0
North Lansing Community 55 1 22 0 20 98 65 27 92 0 2 2
Old Everett Area 1 0 16 2 1 20 1 18 19 0 0 0
Potter-Walsh 17 0 4 3 3 27 17 12 29 0 0 0
River Forest Neighborhood 57 0 2 0 2 61 57 2 59 0 0 0
River Point 11 5 8 0 8 32 101 13 114 2 0 2
Shady Oak Neighborhood 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0
Square One 149 3 1 0 25 178 155 1 156 0 0 0
Turner-Dodge Neighborhood 0 1 1 0 7 9 1 1 2 0 0 0
Walnut Neighborhood 46 21 19 0 5 91 90 19 109 13 3 16
Other Areas
Downtown Area 0 2 2 0 0 4 72 2 74 0 0 0
Frandor Area 0 2 11 0 3 16 121 12 133 0 0 0
Lindbergh Drive Area 291 2 2 0 3 298 294 3 297 23 0 23
Meridian 425 2 0 1 0 1 4 2 1 3 0 0 0
Moores Park Area 1 1 0 0 0 2 85 0 85 0 0 0
Northwest Lansing Area 71 3 2 2 13 91 70 12 82 0 0 0
South Lansing Area 7 0 17 0 13 37 7 31 38 0 0 0
Sycamore Creek Area 41 0 11 0 8 60 41 13 54 15 0 15
Total 1186 115 177 13 198 1689 1917 1 235 2152 F7 61 23 84
Use Codes
Single Family Residential 1
Multi Family Residential 2
Commercial 3
Industrial 4
Vacant 6
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 8131106
• Potter • • Protective •
Project Type: Preventive
Workgroup agencies
Potter Park Zoo
Lansing Parks & Recreation
Ingham County Parks & Recreation
Lansing Public Service - Engineering
Lansing City Attorney
Lansing Emergency Management Office
Lansing Safety Officer
Overview
The Dakin Street bridge spans the railroad tracks on the north side of Potter Park Zoo.
It is the only emergency egress for the zoo once floodwaters have closed the park
entrance. (The park drive becomes flooded at approximately 7.4 feet on the Farm Lane
gage, and is sandbagged to prevent flooding on Pennsylvania Avenue by 7.5 feet. 5
year flood level at that location is 8.5 feet.)
The bridge was constructed in about 1918 and is in very poor condition. In 2001 the
bridge was evaluated and a 5 ton weight limit was imposed. The 2001 study is no
longer considered to be valid. The 5 ton weight limit was not sufficient to allow the
evacuation of the zoo's larger animals in a flood, or to allow access of emergency
vehicles.
The bridge is owned by the Parks & Recreation
Department and is not maintained by the Public a
L
Service Department. The bridge is normally o J a
closed to vehicle traffic, but the public uses the Park Entrance""""""""""""""' 'RR"'
bridge as pedestrian access to Potter Park. Zoo
In a 1917 agreement, the Grand Trunk Railroad
agreed to maintain the bridge structure, while
the city was to maintain the deck. The city does
not have a signed copy of the agreement with a the railroad on record. It is not known when any
work was last done on the bridge, which is deteriorating rapidly.
Above and beyond the humane interest of protecting the animals, the zoo's collection
represents a sizeable monetary investment. The bridge is the only means of evacuating
animals in flood conditions or of allowing zoo staff access to feed and monitor animals.
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 1117112
Other safety concerns include possibly injury to members of the public using the bridge
to enter the park, injury to employees and emergency responders who must use the
bridge for access during flood conditions, and damage or injury that could be caused if
debris from the bridge were to fall onto the railroad tracks or a passing train.
If the bridge cannot be repaired or replaced, an alternative entrance to the zoo should
be created. An entrance could be created at grade by extending either Lathrop or Allen
Street into the zoo. Lathrop and Allen are at grade, and outside the 500 year floodplain.
An entrance at either of these streets would probably have to be gated and would
restrict public access. The height of the power lines along the railroad bed may also be
a concern.
The bridge platform is 110 ft long and 18.5 feet wide. A visual inspection by the city
Safety Administrator in July 2006 revealed that the south side earthen and cement
ramp is fractured from top to bottom and is falling into the railroad track trench. The
crack in the cement retaining wall is a little more than 2 inches wide. The pressure of
the falling ramp is causing the buckling in the center of the abandoned walkway and
the bubbling of the platform on the north end of the bridge platform.
Grand Trunk/Canadian National Railroad does not intend to pay for replacement or
repairs of the bridge, and opposes any additional at grade crossings.
Options
• Replacement with a conventional bridge structure
• Replacement with a permanently installed Bailey bridge
• Removal of bridge and creation of an at grade crossing at Lathrop or Allen streets
• Repair of the existing structure is not considered a feasible option
Issues to consider
• Cost - Because the bridge is only indirectly connected with flooding, it is not eligible
for mitigation grant funding. Because it not a public bridge, it is not eligible for
federal transportation funding.
• Public Access - access by the neighborhoods surrounding the zoo should be a
consideration if an alternate entrance is created.
Next steps
• Determine costs for options
• Investigate private grants, and MDOT enhancement grants
• Meet with City Attorney regarding the railroad's responsibility for replacement, and
legal process for creating a private at grade crossing
• Discuss other possible mitigation efforts with workgroup (improvements to exhibits
and infrastructure to improve emergency response, evacuation, and provide
additional protection for zoo animals)
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 1117112
Potter Park Flooding Overview
The park entrance is at 825 ft above sea level (MSI_). Park Drive is no longer
sandbagged during flooding on the Red Cedar. Sandbagging was only effective in flood
levels between 825 and 829 feet. At 829 the Red Cedar overtops the Pennsylvania
Avenue bridge.
At 100 year flood levels there will be 10 feet of water at the park entrance and more
than half of the zoo exhibits will be flooded.
840
500
• 100
• 50 year
830
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10 year
5 year flood (estimated)
Park Drive C Penn
820
Penn Ave Bridge
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 1117112
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 1117112
• Protective •
Project Type: Preventive
Workgroup agencies
Public Service Dept
Planning Dept
Lansing Emergency Management Office
RE Olds Museum
Impression 5
Riverwalk Theatre
Overview
The following facilities are located in the floodplain on Museum Drive in downtown
Lansing:
RE Olds Transportation Museum
Impression Five Museum and Science Center
Riverwalk Theatre
Michigan Museum of Surveying
Much of the contents of these buildings are irreplaceable. In order to protect these
unique cultural resources, the staff of each facility must have:
• Adequate warning of possible flooding
• Plans for relocating both museum collections and administrative records, given the
time and resources likely to be available.
Warning— Place a staff gage on the Michigan Avenue Bridge, in a location that can be
read by museum staff. Provide training to museum staff on reading gauges and
interpreting readings. Encourage use of other means of warning, such as NOAA
weather radios. Provide with contact numbers for Emergency Management.
Planning— Assist staff with crisis and consequence management planning.
Methods of floodproofing the facilities should also be examined (raising utilities,
protecting key areas, etc.)
Issues to consider
• Possible adverse impact of floodproofing
• If facilities relocate, how will land be used?
Next steps
The museum drive facilities are currently considering moving to another location. We
will continue to move forward with the low investment options (staff gauge, planning,
training) while this decision is being made.
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 6117105
• If facilities are staying, determine feasibility of floodproofing
• Meet with Public Service to finalize location and installation of staff gages
• Place staff gages, and offer gage training/orientation to facilities, combined with
flood awareness
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 6117105
Project M8: Community Tornado Shelters
Project Type:Structural
Workgroup agencies
Lansing Office of Emergency Management
Planning and Neighborhood Development
Mobile Home Park representatives
HMA Eligibility:
Overview
Community tornado shelters are buildings or rooms that are built to the standards outlined
in FEMA 453 - Design Guidance for Shelters and Safe Rooms. They are intended to shelter a
specific group of people. Some communities have elected to open them to residents within
five minutes walking distance of the shelter. The Lansing Office of Emergency Management
is NOT recommending a shelter for the general public. Leaving a relatively safe place (a
house) to walk through a dangerous place (the outdoors) even to reach a very safe place (a
designated tornado shelter) during a tornado warning creates an unacceptable amount of
risk. However, a mobile home does not offer greater safety than being outdoors.
Community tornado shelters for those residents make sense.
The goal of this project would be to create tornado shelters in mobile home parks or other
areas where existing structures do not offer safe shelter from tornadoes.
Lansing Mobile Home Communities
Mill Pond Village - 1500 Old Mill Lane
Riverview Estates Mobile Community- 3407 W Mount Hope Ave
Life O'Riley Mobile Home & RV Park- 6726 S Washington Avenue
Kensington Meadows - 4245 W Jolly Rd
In 2007 Riverview Estates inquired about community tornado shelters. It is also a smaller
park and might be a good first candidate.
Est# Est Est Sq Ft to FEMA Local Cost
Park Lots Pop Shelter Pop Est Cost Share Share
Mill Pond Village 300 717 4302 600,000 450,000 150,000
Kensington Meadows 200 478 2868 400,000 300,000 100,000
Riverview Estates 100 239 1434 200,000 150,000 50,000
Life O'Riley 1 75 1 180 1 1080 1 150,000 1 112,500 1 37,500
Square feet estimated at 6 sq ft per person(recommendation for seated adult)
Issues to consider
• Security- If the shelter is locked at any time,what are the procedures for making sure
residents are able to access the shelter when needed?Access should be immediate, and
redundancy should be ensured.
Lansing Hazard Mitigation Taskforce 212111
• Cost- Shelters will cost about$2000 per lot. Who will pay for the 25% match for any
grants received?
• Size - shelters must be large enough to accommodate all residents
• Project management-who will oversee project implementation and manage the grant
funds?
Next steps
• Contact mobile home communities to assess interest
• Determine project scope and guidelines
Lansing Hazard Mitigation Taskforce 212111
Draft Letter for Mobile Home Parks:
In the past ten years, six tornadoes have struck in the mid-Michigan area with wind speeds
up to 140 miles per hour. Most tornadoes occur outside of business hours. They can occur
at any time that thunderstorms can occur,which in Michigan is any month of the year.
Mobile home residents are actually less safe inside their homes than outdoors in a tornado.
More than 2000 people live in mobile homes in the City of Lansing. Creating community
tornado shelters in mobile home communities could save hundreds of lives in a tornado.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can fund 75% of the cost of these
shelters.We would be glad to work with you to obtain FEMA funding if you are interested
in this project.
The cost of a shelter is based on the size of the community and whether an existing building
can be adapted for sheltering. To estimate shelter size, assume that 15 square feet is
needed for each home in your community.A community with 100 mobile homes would
need approximately 1500 square feet of shelter space.
A ballpark cost estimate for a new tornado shelter would be $2000 per mobile home in the
community. FEMA would pay for 75% of the project cost, leaving a local cost of$500 per
home. The City of Lansing may be able to defray part of that local cost, but the remainder
would be paid for by the mobile home community. The shelter would have to be built to
FEMA specifications to be eligible for FEMA funding.
The Lansing Office of Emergency Management staff often assesses shelter areas and makes
recommendations to improve sheltering for schools and businesses.We would be glad to
help you assess any existing buildings that could provide shelter space in your community.
Lansing Hazard Mitigation Taskforce 212111
Project ■ Protection •
Project Type: Preventive
Workgroup agencies
Lansing Board of Water & Light
Planning Dept
Lansing Emergency Management Office
Michigan State Police Emergency Management Division
Overview
Eckert Station, the Board of Water and Light's primary power plant for Lansing, is
located in the 100 year flood plain. The plant is adjacent to the Moores Park Dam on
the Grand River.
The lower floors of the plant will be inundated in a 100 year flood and the plant will
become unusable. Because two key substations are also located in the floodplain at the
same site, the Board will be unable to distribute power from any other source to many
areas of the city.
In a best case scenario some switching could be done, leaving only 12,000 customers in
central Lansing, including the GM plant on Townsend. If the switching could not be
done, the effect would be much greater and would affect most of the downtown area.
Two potential solutions have been identified:
Add a third story to the two affected substations and move the critical equipment to the
third floor, which would be above the 500 year flood level. Some protective actions
would also be needed for the transformers located next to the 13.2 substation.
Build a downtown substation to replace those at Eckert. It would be located out of the
floodplain and could be used to distribute purchased power to facilities outside of the
flooded area. This project would cost more than $4M and could not be funded solely
through grants.
Issues to consider
• Long term planning for Eckert Station
Next steps
• Meet with BWL to determine the extent to which the new downtown power plant will
address these issues
Lansing Flood Mitigation Taskforce 411112
City of
Lansing
Hazard/Vulnerabslaity
Analysis
-a -
2010 - Public
Table of Contents
ExecutiveSummary.............................................................................................................................. 3
HazardEvaluation Criteria.................................................................................................................... 5
Natural Hazards
ExtremeCold............................................................................................................................................ 8
ExtremeHeat..........................................................................................................................................10
Flood.........................................................................................................................................................12
FloodplainMap ......................................................................................................................................12
Ice &Sleet Storms..................................................................................................................................17
SevereWind............................................................................................................................................19
Snowstorms............................................................................................................................................21
Tornado ...................................................................................................................................................24
Mitigation: Weather Warnings...........................................................................................................26
SirenMap.................................................................................................................................................21
Technological Hazards
CivilDisturbance....................................................................................................................................28
DamFailure.............................................................................................................................................29
Fire............................................................................................................................................................31
HazmatIncident- Fixed Site...............................................................................................................34
Hazmat Incident- Transportation.....................................................................................................35
InfrastructureFailure...........................................................................................................................36
PipelineIncidents..................................................................................................................................37
PublicHealth Emergencies..................................................................................................................39
RadiologicalIncidents ..........................................................................................................................41
Terrorism................................................................................................................................................42
TransportationAccident......................................................................................................................43
Appendix: 2007 Homeless Population Hazard Vulnerability Analysis
Introduction
The City of Lansing performs a hazard/vulnerability assessment every five years. The last
one was performed in 2010. The purpose of the assessment is to determine what hazards
could threaten the city, and in what ways city infrastructure and residents might be
vulnerable.
Eighteen hazards were assessed by a group of subject area experts, including police, fire,
human service providers, utility representatives, meteorologists, emergency managers,
engineers, and representatives from Lansing's neighborhoods.
The hazards were ranked using fifteen different criteria:
• Historical Occurrence - How often does the event occur?
• Affected Area - How large an area could be affected?
• Speed of Onset- How much warning time is available?
• Population Impact- How many deaths or injuries that are likely to occur?
• Economic Effects -What are costs and losses likely to be?
• Duration - How long will the hazard be present and causing damage?
• Predictability- How easy is it predict the time, location and severity of the hazard
before it happens
• Collateral Damage -Are secondary effects or damage likely?
• Availability of Public Warning- Is there time and technology available to warn the
public?
• Mitigative Potential - Is it possible to mitigate the hazard or lessen its effects?
• Preparedness - How prepared is the community to respond to and recover from the
hazard?
• Victim Impact-What is the potential impact on an individual once they are affected by
the hazard?
• Community Impact- How likely is the hazard to have long-term effects on the
community?
• Poverty-Are residents living below poverty more likely to be impacted by the hazard
because of the area that they live, or lack of individual resources?
• Special Populations -Are people with disabilities, low English proficiency, or other
vulnerabilities likely to be affected more severely by the hazard?
There are two purposes for analyzing hazards. The first is to look for ways to improve
emergency response and recovery through planning,training, or technology. The second is
to guide future mitigation efforts. The hazard/vulnerability analysis is the basis for the
city's Hazard Mitigation Plan.
The results of the 2010 hazard ranking are listed on the following page.
Rank Hazard
1 Extreme Cold
2 Tornado
3 Ice &Sleet
4 Infrastructure Failure
5 Flood
6 Structural Fire
7 Extreme Heat
8 Snow
9 Trans Accident
10 Pipeline
11 Radiological
12 Severe Wind
13 Public Health
14 Hazmat Trans
15 Hazmat Fixed
16 Terrorism
17 Dam Failure
18 Civil Disturbance
HAZARD PROFILE AND EVALUATION
HAZARD:
Score
Historical Occurrence Occurs with regularity(10) x 3
Frequency of Event Has occurred many times(7)
Has occurred 1-2 times(4)
Has occurred, but not to the extent described (1)
Has never occurred (0)
Affected Area Large Area [100%of city] (10)
Geographic extent Small Area [25%of city] (7)
Multiple Sites(4)
Single Site(1)
Speed of Onset Minimal/No(10)
Warning Time >12 hours(7)
12-24 hours(4)
<24 hours(1)
Population Impact 10+casualties(10)
Number of deaths and injuries 6-10 casualties(7)
1-5 casualties(4)
None(0)
Economic Effects Significant [120K+] (10)
Damages, response and recovery costs, monetary losses Medium (7)
Low(4)
Minimal (1)
Duration 2 weeks+(10)
Time during which hazard is actively present and causing damage 1 week(7)
2-3 days(4)
1 day or less(1)
Predictability Unpredictable(10)
Ease with which time, location and magnitude of hazard can be predicted Somewhat unpredictable(7)
Predictable(4)
Highly predictable(1)
Collateral Damage High (10)
Possibility of causing secondary damage or effects Good (7)
Some(4)
No(0)
Availability of Public Warning Unavailable(10)
Is there time and technology available to warn the public Generally not(7)
Sometimes(4)
Available(1)
Mitigative Potential Impossible(10)
Ease with which the hazard, or its effects, can be mitigated against Difficult(7)
Possible(4)
Easy(1)
Preparedness No plans, unprepared (10)
Level to which the community is prepared to respond to and recover from Plans/Equipment out of date(7)
hazard Plans prepared, not tested (4)
Plans prepared and exercised (1)
Victim Impact Life changing(10)
Potential impact on affected individuals Significant losses, long term recovery(7)
Effects primarily economic, recovery quick(4)
No lasting effects(1)
Community Impact Recovery will take several years,community will not be the same,
Potential for lasting impact on the community memorials established (10)
A year or more recovery,economic or demographic shifts in
community(7)
Recovery up to a year, no significant impact on community(4)
Localized impact,quick recovery(1)
Poverty Effects significantly greater on residents below poverty level (10)
Effects on residents living below poverty level may be greater because of Effects somewhat greater below poverty level (7)
the areas in which they live, or lack of individual resources such as Effects slightly greater(4)
insurance or safety features. Effects the same on all income levels(1)
Special Populations Effects significantly greater on special populations(10)
A special population is a group of people who may not be able to receive, Effects somewhat greater(7)
understand, or act on emergency instructions as traditionally given. Could Effects slightly greater(4)
include recent immigrants, those with disabilities,frail elderly, hospice Effects the same on all residents(1)
patients, the homeless, and others.
TOTALSCORE
Natural
00 .►� -
June 2008 Tornado
-_mom%milts_ plop �--- I -
- - w
Flood April 1975 +
—mole- - - =
Extreme Cold
Prolonged periods of very low temperatures, often accompanied by other extreme
meteorological conditions.
'Hazard Ranking: 1
Hazard Description
EXTREME COLD emergencies are characterized by single digit temperatures, or a -20'wind
chill for a period of 48 hours or more. These conditions can pose severe and often life-
threatening problems to citizens,particularly the elderly, those at risk to heart or respiratory
problems, and the homeless.
Local Events
In February, 2007 Lansing experienced what Lansing Temperature Ranges
meteorologists described as the local "worst February 2007
likely scenario" for a cold weather event.
Temperatures were below normal for much of
the month,with five consecutive days of subzero
lows and highs in the teens or below. 4,
Vulnerability 20 ------ --- - --- �--- --- -
!VP
Cold affects vulnerable populations to a greater 11 1111
extent than the general public. The elderly, those
with chronic health conditions, and people with z�
disabilities may not be able to physically bear the
cold without ill effects. People living in poverty s .0 F , s
may not be able to sufficiently heat their homes. source:National Irleatber Service
Some homeless people may not be willing to seek
out available shelters, or may not comprehend the risk.
• 50% of people who die of exposure to the cold are over 60 years old
• Over 75% are males
• About 20% of cold-related deaths occur in the home
In 2007, the Office of Emergency Management performed a hazard vulnerability
assessment for the homeless population. Extreme cold and extreme heat were the hazards
ranked as the greatest threat by organizations providing services to the homeless.
Preparedness
The ability to heat homes is the primary concern for the safety of Lansing citizens during an
extreme cold event. Many agencies offer assistance in home weatherization and energy bill
assistance, including local utilities, the Tri-County Office on Aging, Michigan Family
Independence Agency and Capital Area Community Services.
Mitigation
Infrastructure components, such as underground sewer lines, are also vulnerable to
extreme cold. In 1994 a deep freeze event in the upper peninsula caused $7 million in
damage. Existing codes and standards require infrastructure components be built to
withstand extreme temperatures, but it is not cost effective to attempt to completely
`disaster-proof local infrastructure.
Response Capabilities
Cold can't be prevented, but the city is taking steps to minimize its effect by making citizens
aware of the danger of extremely low temperatures and by supporting agencies serving the
most vulnerable residents. The Tri-County Office on Aging operates a warming center
program, in cooperation with CATA (Capital Area Transportation Authority) and area
human service providers,to encourage seniors and other vulnerable residents to stay safe
in cold weather.
Conclusion
Extreme temperatures,whether hot or cold, cause many of the same problems: high energy
bills; danger to the very young, the very old, and those in poor health; and stress on local
infrastructure. Steps have been taken to protect the infrastructure in extreme
temperatures, but an unusually severe event could still disrupt utilities.
Many community programs exist to address public health issues in extreme temperatures.
These programs are designed to assist those who would otherwise not be able to maintain
safe temperatures in their homes during winter weather.
• Lansing Hazard Analysis
Extreme Heat
Prolonged periods of very high temperatures, often accompanied by high humidity or other
extreme meteorological conditions.
Hazard Ranking: 7 2002 Ranking: 15
The change in ranking for this hazard was primarily due to the addition of four social
vulnerability categories in the 2010 assessment. Extreme heat, particularly prolonged
events, can have a far more serious effect on the physically vulnerable and people living in
poverty than on the general public.
Hazard Description
The definition of EXTREME HEAT varies throughout the country, based on the normal
temperatures of the region. In Lansing, extreme heat emergencies are characterized by
temperatures of 89° or higher for at least 48 hours.
These conditions can pose severe and often life-threatening problems to citizens,
particularly the elderly, those at risk to heart or respiratory problems, and the homeless.
Local Events Normal high temperatures-Lansing MI(30y averages)
July, 2012 - July was the hottest
month on record in the 90
contiguous United States. 80
Lansing's average high 70
temperature for the month was 60
90°.A new record high of 1037 50
was set on July 6, 2012. Through 40 —
the end of July, Lansing 30
experienced seven days with 20
temperatures over 90 degrees in 10
June and 15 in July. °
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Summer, 1988 - The 1988 heat Source:National weather Service
wave began in June with 11 days
over the 90° mark,with temperatures reaching 99° on June 25. In July,temperatures
continued above normal, averaging 98.2° for six days during the peak of the heat wave,
between July 4th and July 10. The temperature reached 100° on July 6. Temperatures
continued in the 80s and 90s into August. Over 60 days went by with no significant rainfall,
from mid-May to mid-July in Lansing.
DROUGHT
A drought is a water shortage brought on by a
0 ❑I Droughmally t
deficiency in rainfall over an extended period of time.
Q p1 Drought—Moderate
p ❑a❑rought—Severe It is often difficult to determine the exact beginning
- 03 Drought—Extreme and end of a drought, since its effects may accumulate
❑a❑r°ught- 0°Pt°Dst slowly and linger even after the event is generally
Drought Conditions August, 2012 10 Lansing Hazard Analysis
thought of as being over. In 2012, Michigan was affected by a widespread drought. Over
60% of the contiguous US was abnormally dry during the summer months. Rainfall was
significantly below normal for much of the state. Much of Ingham County was considered to
be in severe drought conditions by the National Weather Service.
In Lansing the effects of drought are less serious than in surrounding agricultural
communities. In an extended drought however, water shortages may affect urban areas as
well. In an extreme drought water shortages may affect public health.
In 1988 a 16 car train derailment near Haslett was blamed on shrinkage of the soil on
which the tracks were laid due to the extremely dry conditions.
Public Health
Extreme heat in an urban environment can result in the increase of ground level ozone.
Ozone develops through the reaction of sunlight with nitrogen oxides and volatile organic
compounds (VOCs). Ozone damages crops, forests, and materials such as plastics and rubber.
Health effects include eye irritation, decreased vision, increased asthma and chronic lung
disease incidence, coughing, dizziness, nausea, and reduced heart and lung capacity.
Air pollution, vast stretches of pavement, tall buildings and heavy traffic all contribute to
the problems of heat in the city, often referred to as urban "heat islands". Pollution and the
lower airflow in urban areas can contribute to respiratory problems. Poverty is often most
prevalent in the inner city, where these conditions are likely to hit hardest. Poor ventilation
and lack of air-conditioning in homes contribute to the high death rate due to heat in
America's inner cities.
Mitigation
The City of Lansing partners with other local meteorologists, transit companies and human
service providers in the "It's a Cool Thing To Do" program to educate residents about heat-
related dangers and to provide accessible cooling centers for area residents.
Response Capabilities
Heat is dangerous to the same people and for the same reasons as extreme cold. Heat
cannot be mitigated,but preparedness (public education) and response capabilities
(cooling centers) are high in this community.
Conclusion
Lansing is less affected by heat island conditions than many larger cities.A large amount of
green space and the presence of two rivers in the downtown area helps to disperse heat.
However, extreme heat still presents a problem, particularly for the elderly and those with
poor health. Even healthy people doing strenuous work outdoors in extreme temperatures
are at risk.
Although it is impossible to measure the exact effect, programs like "A Cool Thing to do"
combined with public information during times of extreme temperature, have lowered the
risk of heat-related casualties in our community.
11 Lansing Analysis
Flood
The overflowing of rivers, streams, drains and lakes due to excessive rainfall, snowmelt, or ice.
Hazard Ranking: 5
Hazard Description
FLOODING in Lansing is caused by rainfall, snowmelt or ice jams. Floods on the Grand
River, the Red Cedar River and Sycamore Creek affect residential and businesses areas
across the city. The National Flood Insurance Program has also identified floodplains along
Pawlowski Creek (also called the Mud Lake drain) between Sycamore Creek and Mud Lake
and the Reynolds Drain in north Lansing.
There are several factors that affect the severity of flooding:
• The amount of precipitation received within a time period. Heavy rain in a short period
of time may overwhelm the ability of normal systems—storm sewers, ground
absorption, or even the flow of the river--to dispose of the water. Greater than normal
amounts of precipitation over a long period of time will cause gradual flooding, more
predictable, but no less damaging.
• Where the rainfall occurs. Whether the rain falls upstream, downstream or locally
affects both the nature and the predictability of the event.
• Ground saturation. The ground can only absorb so much water, and it can only absorb it
so quickly. If the ground has already been saturated by previous rainfall or snowmelt,
water will run off into streets and rivers.A fast, heavy rain event will also cause runoff
flooding, often even if the ground is dry, because the ground is unable to absorb the
volume of water quickly.
L _ Forecasting Issues
Grand River at
a� N.Grand River Ave Flood levels in central Lansing are
"_........... difficult to predict because of the
_............:
Red Cedar River at Farm Lane convergence of Sycamore Creek,the Red
€
Cedar, and the Grand River. The three
Forecasting Problem Area rivers converge within a mile of each
,......... .
p other.Whether each river is high or low
. . �
may affect flood levels on the other
rivers. Gage readings from East Lansing
and the north Lansing gage do not give
any indication what flood levels are on
e...................... the Red Cedar between Sycamore Creek
Grand River at and the Grand.Approximately 1300
Bridge Street ycamore Creek
3 at Holt Rd people live in the floodplain in that area.
................... .....................
0 4
imondale Flood Water vs. Storm Water
Storm water flooding is similar to the
riverine flooding discussed in this
section, but it is a different event. When
water from rain or snowmelt fills the streets or flows into the storm water system, it is
storm water. When the storm water flows to the rivers (as all storm water does) and causes
the rivers to rise, it becomes floodwater.When damage occurs to a structure that is
covered by flood insurance, it doesn't matter whether the water came from a river or from
a storm. For determining vulnerability and hazard mitigation, however, they are very
different events.
Systems designed to minimize storm water flooding cannot protect against riverine
flooding.
Flood Terminology
A lot of different terms are used to describe areas at risk from flooding, and the levels of
floods that occur. The most common term is "100 year flood" or"100 year floodplain". The
term "100 year" refers to the statistical likelihood that a flood of a certain level will occur.
A hydraulic study is performed for a body of water like a lake, or a stretch of river.
Engineers determine the area that has at least a 1% chance of flooding from that waterway
in any given year. That area is called the "100 year floodplain" or the "regulatory
floodplain". It doesn't mean that a home immediately outside the designated area isn't at
risk for flooding, but homes and businesses inside the designated floodplain are required to
have flood insurance if they have a federally insured mortgage (most mortgages are
federally insured).
100 year floodplain, Regulatory Area with a 1% chance of flooding in any
Floodplain, Zone A, Zone AE year. This is the area where flood
insurance is required if you have a
mortgage.
100 year flood, 1% chance flood, Base Flood level that has a 1% chance of being
Flood Elevation reached in any year. Flood levels are
measured by the feet above sea level that
they reach. For much of Lansing, the 100
year flood level is about 836 feet above
sea level. If your home is located in an
area where the ground elevation is 836
feet above sea level, or lower, you might
be in the 100 year floodplain. The 100
year flood level isn't the worst possible
flood, or even the most likely flood. It's
just the level that has been determined
that falls under flood regulations.
500 year flood/floodplain, .5% chance Flood level that has a .5% chance of
flood, Zone C occurring in any year. It is typically the
area immediately outside of the
regulatory floodplain. Being in the 500
year floodplain doesn't mean that your
risk of flooding is significantly less than
our neighbors in the 100 year
13 Lansing Analysis
floodplain.You should still have flood
insurance, and you will find that flood
insurance rates are considerably lower
than for structures in the 100 year.
50 year flood, 5% chance flood Area inside the 100 year floodplain that
has a 5% chance of flooding. This is
typically closer to the water source than
other parts of the 100 year floodplain
and may experience minor flooding
more often.
10 year flood, 10% chance flood
Local Events
Lansing has experienced minor riverine flooding seven times since 2003, including three
separate events on the Red Cedar in 2008. In January and September 2008, the water was
high enough to close the drive to the Potter Park Zoo.
Sycamore Creek reached 10-year flood levels in September 2008. The flooding was
localized around Cavanaugh Road and was probably made worse by debris in the stream
from the wind events earlier that year. One family was displaced when two feet of water
flooded their home.
In July 28, 2010, an estimated six inches of rain fell in southwest Lansing overnight.
Drainage systems were overwhelmed and severe stormwater flooding occurred in low-
lying neighborhoods. Over 100 homes were affected, and dozens were evacuated. Six
families were sheltered by the Red Cross. Four homes and one business were destroyed.
Damage totals were between two and three million dollars. Heavy rains fell again on 7/29,
causing additional damage to many homes. During the two days, the Grand River rose 7.5
feet, cresting at just above flood stage. Flooding also occurred on Sycamore Creek. The
home on Cavanaugh Road that was damaged in the 2008 riverine flood was among those
destroyed in this event.
Vulnerability
Lansing's floodplains are primarily low-income areas. Well over half of the homes in the
floodplain are estimated to be rentals. Only 17% of the structures in the floodplain
currently have flood insurance. Normal homeowners or renter's insurance policies will not
cover flood damage. Flood insurance can be purchased through any licensed insurance
agent, but must be purchased in addition to a standard policy.
In 2011, new Flood Insurance Rate Maps were adopted by the City. There were only minor
changes to the designated floodplain.
Mitigation
Several flood mitigation projects are underway to reduce Lansing's vulnerability to
flooding, including:
14 Lansing Hazard Analysis
Acquisition - The city has been awarded $2.8M from FEMA to purchase 47 homes in the
floodplain. The acquisition program is voluntary.Acquired homes will be demolished and
the land maintained as greenspace. Removing homes from the floodplain not only reduces
damage from flooding, it reduces response cost,the cost of infrastructure restoration, and
it lessens the impact of flooding on the surrounding areas. The city's acquisition program
focuses on low income neighborhoods that are either in deep flooding areas or are at risk
of high velocity flooding.
Improved Flood Forecasting- The City is currently working with the US Geological Survey,
the US Army Corps of Engineers,the National Weather Service, Michigan State University,
and other local partners to implement an Enhanced Warning Project for the Lansing area.
By updating river gages in the area,the project would provide real-time modeling for
flooding in central Lansing.
Conclusion
Lansing's most recent major flood was in 1975,when the Red Cedar flooded to 25-year
flood levels and dozens of homes were flooded on the Grand River. The city's flood risk
today is the same as or greater than it was in 1975.
The response priority for a flood event would be evacuation.At this time there is no plan to
sandbag at any location in the city. In the past, the entrance to Potter Park was sandbagged
in minor flood events in order to keep Pennsylvania Avenue open for as long as possible. In
2008 it was determined that the limited protection that could be obtained by sandbagging
at that location did not justify the resources required.
15 Lansing Analysis
i
L
i
f
it
5
0 100 Year Floodplain (1%Annual Cha:nce)
500 Year Floodplain (.02%Annual Chance)
Lansing Floodplain
Ice & Sleet Storms
A storm that generates sufficient quantities of ice or sleet to result in hazardous conditions
and/or property damage.
Like snow, this is a hazard that occurs frequently, but extreme events are rare. Ice and sleet
can have potentially devastating collateral effects and a more severe effect on vulnerable
populations than the general public.
Hazard Description
Although ICE and SLEET present similar hazards, they are two different storms. Sleet is
rain that is frozen as it falls,while ice storms result when rain freezes as it contacts the
surface. Sleet tends to bounce as it falls and does not stick to trees,wires and surfaces the
way that ice does. Sleet may accumulate like snow, however, and present driving hazards
equal to those of ice.
Ice and sleet storms occur primarily in the early spring or late fall when precipitation levels
are high and temperatures often fluctuate above and below freezing. Historically, more
than a third of all ice and sleet storms in Michigan occur in the month of March.
Local Events
October 27. 1997 -An early winter storm covered Lansing with ice and snow in the early
hours of October 27, causing fallen tree limbs and power outages. Power outages affected
45,000 people, but power was almost completely restored by the end of the same day.
Although warming weather kept the ice from remaining a problem, cleanup costs for the
city cost nearly$150,000.
March 14. 1972 - Over an inch of ice blanketed mid-Michigan overnight, leaving thousands
without power. Tree limbs were knocked down and several minor fires were attributed to
downed power lines. It took more than a month to clean up from the storm
Collateral Effects
The most serious effect of ice storms is infrastructure failure. Damage to power lines and
electrical masts can cause widespread power outages. The Lansing Board of Water and
Light typically prioritizes restoration by the number of people affected—a power line that
will restore power to 500 customers has priority over one that affects 100 customers.
Priority is also given to customers with critical needs, such as life support equipment,who
have been identified by their physicians to the Board. Not everyone with critical needs has
been identified.
The elderly and people with disabilities or chronic health conditions are more likely to be
affected by the cold associated with a winter power failure. People who live in poverty are
less likely to have the resources to protect themselves, such as a generator or the ability to
go to a hotel.
17 Lansing Analysis
Population Impact
On average, Lansing experiences between 90 and 100 days with freezing temperatures
annually. In the early spring and late fall, high precipitation and fluctuating temperatures
can result in ice or sleet storms. Like other winter storms, injuries are likely to occur from
slip and fall or car accidents. Power outages and downed power lines create additional
dangers.
People with disabilities or chronic illnesses, as well those with low income or low English
proficiency, are likely to feel the effects of winter storms more than others. They may not
receive warnings about upcoming storms in time to make preparations. They may not be
able to go to a hotel or to stay with friends or family in an extended power outage.
Conclusion
The primary impact of ice storms in Lansing is to the infrastructure—power outages, road
and school closings, and loss of business due to the weather. Downed tree branches and
ice-covered roads cause the majority of damage and injuries. Downed power lines can
cause fires and the loss of power in cold weather can lead to medical complications from
lack of heat or loss of life-support equipment. Pipes may burst, flooding basements or
damaging businesses. In an extended power outage emergency shelters would be opened
by the Mid-Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross.
18 Lansing Analysis
Severe Wind
Wind of 58 miles per hour or greater.
Hazard Ranking: 12
Hazard Description
SEVERE WINDS are classified as a wind with a velocity of 58 miles per hour or greater. In a
severe wind event,winds may gust to 74 miles per hour (hurricane velocity) or greater.
Some straight-line winds are just strong winds associated with severe storms. Other
straight-line winds are associated with specific storm formations, such as downbursts and
derechos.
A downburst is a straight-line wind caused by a small area of air descending rapidly
beneath a thunderstorm, creating winds that may be in excess of 100 mph. Downbursts can
equal the damaging forces of a tornado. Downbursts are typically difficult to predict and
identify.
A derecho (pronounced deh-REY-cho) is a long-lived straight-line windstorm associated
with strong thunderstorms, often in a "bow echo" formation. Derecho events usually affect
several states.
Lansing Derecho Events
Date Event Wind Speed in MI States Affected
7/4/1977 Independence Day Derecho of 1977 60-70 mph ND, MN,WI, MI,OH
7/7/1991 Southern Great Lakes Derecho of 1991 68-85 mph SD, IA, MN,WI, MI, IN,OH, NY,
PA
7/13/1995 Right Turn Derecho 58-88 mph MT, ND, MN,WI, MI, OH, PA,
WV
5/31/1998 Southern Great Lakes Derecho of 1998 60-130 mph MN, IA,WI, MI, NY
6/18/2010 Great Lakes Derecho of 2010 60-90 mph IA, IL,WI, MI
Local Events
June 2008 set a new record for total severe storm events in the Southwestern Lower
Michigan forecast area,with 112. Overnight June 6-7, Lansing experienced severe
thunderstorms with strong winds. The wind, combined with heavy rain, took down trees
and electrical lines across the city. Damage was reported from I-96 in the south to Lake
Lansing Road on the north side. The heaviest damage was concentrated in the between I-
496 and Holmes Road, the same area that would be hit by an EF-1 tornado the following
day.
On May 17, 1999 a powerful straight line wind storm swept across Michigan.Wind gusts up
to 120 miles per hour were reported on the west side of the state. In Lansing, I-496 was
temporarily closed when several utility poles, designed to withstand 100 mph winds, were
downed. Interruptions to communications and power presented difficulties to emergency
responders, three house fires were caused by the storm and 27,000 people lost power.
• Lansing Hazard Analysis
Downed power lines and trees caused problems for several days. Costs of the storm in
Lansing totaled nearly a million dollars.
Other severe wind events occurred in May and November of 1998, costing hundreds of
thousands of dollars and causing power outages in over 50,000 homes. The May event was
part of the Southern Great Lakes Derecho of 1998.
Expanded Warning
In 2010 the City of Lansing began to sound outdoor warning sirens for winds over 76 mph,
in accordance with National Weather Service recommendations. The new procedure is
being publicized and will be included in future siren education. The City is leading a
regional effort to standardize how communities will sound their sirens. This will enable
more effective siren education, and will minimize confusion during an event.
Mitigation
Public Education - Severe Weather Safety week is declared annually by the governor.
Lansing Emergency Management uses this week to promote severe weather awareness
and safety through news releases and special programs with schools, community groups
and local media.
Urban Forestry- The most severe wind storm damage generally comes from downed trees
and branches. Lansing's Urban Forestry program is designed to minimize this damage
through regular trimming of trees on city property and right-of-ways. In addition, Lansing
has developed a debris management plan to streamline the process of clearing and
disposing of storm related debris.
Conclusion
Lansing values its trees and green spaces. The city's strong urban forestry program
minimizes the damage that most storms do, but a severe storm can still cause extensive
tree damage, often leading to power outages and structural damage. Lansing has developed
a debris management plan to manage the consequences of these storms more effectively.
Snowstorms
A rapid accumulation of snow(6 or more inches in a 12 hour period) often accompanied by high
winds, cold temperatures and low visibility.
Hazard Ranking: 8 2002 Ranking: 2
Hazard Description
SNOWSTORMS are defined by the amount of snow and the rate at which it accumulates.An
accumulation of 6 or more inches in 12 hours is considered a serious event in Lansing, as
defined by local meteorologists. The National Weather Service defines a blizzard as winds
over 35 mph with snow and blowing snow reducing visibility to near zero for an extended
period of time (greater than three hours).
The National Weather Service uses the following terms to describe snow activity.
Flurries - Light snow falling for short durations. No accumulation or a light dusting is all
that is expected.
Snow Showers - Snow falling at varying intensities for brief periods of time. Some
accumulation is possible.
Squalls - Brief, intense snow showers accompanied by strong, gusty winds.
Accumulation may be significant. Snow squalls are best known in the Great Lakes region.
Blowing Snow-Wind-driven snow that reduces visibility and causes significant drifting.
Blowing snow may be snow that is falling and/or loose snow on the ground picked up by
the wind.
Blizzard - Winds over 35 mph with snow and blowing snow reducing visibility to near zero
for an extended period of time (greater than three hours).
Local Events
2/2/2011 - Blizzard 14
11 inches of snow fell in seven 12
hours,with several additional 10
inches in the six hours following.
The initial storm had winds of 20- 8
30 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph. 6
Major roads were kept clear
4
throughout the storm, and
plowing of local roads began the z
same day. 0
On December 11-12, 2000 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
seventeen inches of snow fell in Snowfall in Lansing by month(96y average)Source:National Weather Service
Lansing, according to local
meteorologists.An additional 4.5 inches fell over the next two days. The total snowfall for
the month was 3 3.5 inches, making it the second snowiest month in Lansing history.
21 Lansing Analysis
No deaths and very little damage were attributed to the storm. Storm removal costs totaled
hundreds of thousands of dollars.A presidential disaster was declared for much of
southern lower Michigan.
On January 26-27. 1978 a blizzard caused 24 inches of snow to fall in Lansing. The State
Police closed all area roads and the National Guard was called out. The total snowfall for
the month of January 1978 was 34 inches, making it the snowiest month in Lansing's
history.
From January 26-28. 1967 a snowstorm left 24 inches of snow in Mid-Michigan, causing
Lansing and other area communities to virtually come to a standstill. The storm
contributed to 17 deaths across the region. Hundreds of motorists were stranded in their
cars and had to be rescued by the National Guard and local law enforcement.
The heavy snowfall caused the collapse of roofs on numerous homes and businesses, and
shut down public transportation services. Several public shelters were opened to
accommodate those stranded by the snow or without heat or electricity due to downed
power lines.
Vulnerable Populations
Statistically, most deaths related to winter storms occur among males over 40 years old.
Heart attacks while shoveling snow are common. Deep snow accumulation can be a
problem for those with mobility issues or those who depend on outside assistance on a
regular basis. Tri-County Office on Aging gives extra meals to their Meals On Wheels clients
that can be stored for times when drivers are unable to deliver due to the weather.
Infrastructure Impact
Although the city has the means to keep major roads clear even during heavy snow events,
a significant snowfall will still affect transportation.
Plowing- Cars on secondary and neighborhood roads, intentionally parked or abandoned
in the storm, may make it difficult or impossible for plows to get down streets. Tow trucks
are being called upon to assist in emergency response vehicles and are often not available
to help stranded motorists. Even if plows can negotiate partially blocked streets,those with
cars parked on them must be plowed again at a later time.
Bus Stops - CATA bus stops may be filled with plowed snow, commuters may stand in the
street to wait for buses. It may take several days for CATA to clear all bus stops.
Parking- Downtown parking spots may be filled with plowed snow. Parked cars may
partially block streets. Parking meters are inaccessible.
Sidewalks - Residents and facilities need a longer than normal period to clear sidewalks.
Children walking to school have a difficult time on sidewalks and many walk in the street.
Schools may find that their equipment is not sufficient to clear significant snowfall in a
reasonable amount of time.
Emergency Response - Police may borrow four wheel drive vehicles from other city
departments to respond to calls.Ambulances and fire trucks, due to the specialized nature
of their vehicles, often must be accompanied by snow plows to respond to calls on
secondary and neighborhood roads.
Preparedness
Because of its position in the middle of the state, Lansing has a lower average snowfall (50
inches) than communities located closer to the Great Lakes. However, snowstorms that
close roads and schools are still a common occurrence. Because of the frequency with
which this hazard occurs, the City of Lansing has the equipment and trained personnel to
respond quickly and effectively.
Snow Removal - The City of Lansing spends an average of 1.2 million dollars each year for
snow removal. Snow is generally removed from all major and secondary roads within 24
hours of a snowfall. Neighborhood roads are only plowed following an accumulation of 4
inches or more.
Urban Forestry- Lansing also has an extensive urban forestry program to clear branches
and trees which might fall in a storm.
Winter Weather Awareness Campaign - The Emergency Management Division participates
with local broadcasters to promote winter weather awareness week each year in
November. This program educates citizens on winter hazards and offers important safety
information from local, state and federal agencies.
Conclusion
Snowstorms are a routine event in Lansing. The city receives an average of 54.5 inches of
snow per year. In Lansing, snow is generally removed from all major and secondary roads
within 24 hours of a snowfall. Neighborhood roads are only plowed following an
accumulation of 4 inches or more.
Some improvements have been made to the city's ability to communicate with residents
during a disaster. See page 26 for an overview of current capabilities.Winter weather
awareness is the key to keeping Lansing safe in a snowstorm.
23 Lansing Analysis
Tornado
An intense, rotating column of wind that extends from the base of a severe thunderstorm to the
ground.
Hazard Ranking: 2
Hazard Description
A TORNADO is defined as a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm
to the ground. Michigan experiences an average of 18 tornadoes and five tornado related
deaths each year. Most fatalities occur when people do not leave vehicles and mobile
homes. There have been five tornado deaths in the tri-county area in the past 50 years,
including three in Ingham County.All occurred between 7 p.m. and midnight.
The six tornadoes that struck mid-Michigan over the last ten years had a typical damage
path 300 yards wide and 6 miles long. Wind speeds ranged from 90 to 140 miles per hour.
June is the most common month for tornadoes, but they can occur at any time of year. In
Michigan,we have experienced tornadoes in every month of the year except December and
February.Any time there can be thunderstorms, there can be tornadoes.
Most tornadoes happen within two hours of six p.m., but they have happened at every hour
of the day and night in Michigan.
Local Events
Since 1962,twenty-one tornadoes have occurred in Ingham County, fortunately resulting in
only one death and two injuries. Five of those tornadoes occurred within the City of
Lansing.
Lansing received a presidential disaster declaration for damage from two back to back
storms in June 2008, which were part of a larger regional weather event.Almost 200
tornadoes were confirmed in the US between June 3 and June 11, 2008. Public damage and
response costs for the storms in Lansing totaled more than $800,000.
Date Rating Description
June 8, 2008 EF1 The tornado touched down in Delta Township and followed a path along the Grand
River in the city,damaging cooling towers at the BWL's Eckert Station before lifting
immediately east of the plant. Extensive tree damage was made worse by heavy
rains and strong thunderstorms the preceding day.
August 24, 2007 EF1 The tornado touched down near Waverly and M-99 and moved northwest across the
city, damaging buildings and blowing down trees. No injuries were reported.
May 21, 2001 FO Eighteen tornadoes touched down in Michigan.An FO tornado damaged cooling
towers at the Board of Water and Light's Erickson Power Station and uprooted trees
in Eaton County,just west of Lansing. One person was killed in Clinton County.
24 Lansing Hazard Analysis
i
Storm Based Warnings
In 2007 the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids began to issues -
"storm-based warnings" for potential tornado events.Warning areas
are represented by a polygon, rather than being issued by county.
More detailed forecasting means that those who are not in the direct
path of the storm are not told to shelter unnecessarily. ;
Enhanced Fujita Scale
The National Weather Service has replaced the Fujita Tornado Scale with the Enhanced
Fujita Scale. The new scale is based on a better understanding of how wind affects
structures.
F Scale Wind Speed EF-Scale Wind Speed
FO 45-78 EFO 65-85
F1 79-117 EF1 86-109
F2 118-161 EF2 110-137
F3 162-209 EF3 138-167
F4 210-261 EF4 168-199
F5 262-317 EF5 200-234
Conclusion
In the past 10 years, mid-Michigan has experienced six tornadoes with wind speeds
between 90 and 140 mph. In the two of the three storms that affected the city, local
ARES/RACES storm spotters were able to notify the 911 center and outdoor warning sirens
were activated before the National Weather Service issued a warning. In 2007,the tornado
struck after the sirens were activated but before the NWS warning was issued. The city's
ARES/RACES group is an extremely valuable component in preventing deaths and injuries
from tornadoes.
TORNADO MYTHS
MYTH: Tornadoes don't occur where two rivers meet.
FACT: Rivers and valleys have no effect on mature tornadoes. The fact that a specific place where two rivers
meet has not been hit by a tornado has more to do with the laws of probability than topography.
MYTH: Highway overpasses make good tornado shelters if caught out in your car.
FACT: Sheltering under a highway overpass makes you more of a target for flying debris. Also, due to the
vortex action of the tornadic winds, the side of the overpass that shelters you from winds as the tornado
approaches will be the side hit by the tornado as it moves away. The best shelter outside is a ditch or
depression in the ground.
MYTH: Windows should be opened before a tornado approaches to equalize pressure and minimize damage.
FACT: Opening windows allows damaging winds to enter the structure. Leave the windows alone; instead,
immediately go to a safe place.
25 Lansing HazardA
Mitigation : Weather Warnings
Emergency Alert IPAWS is a web-based addition to the EAS. It allows emergency managers to send messages
System/IPAWS directly to the public through the EAS without relying on a specific television or radio station to act
as a link. Messages are received by the public through television and radio,as with the traditional
EAS system. Notifications are made county-wide and can be for civil emergencies as well as
weather.
• Add-on to EAS
• County-wide notification
• Civil, in addition to weather,emergencies
• Activation through EOC and 911 Center
• Sends message to TV and FM Radio
Local Radar Both WILX and WLNS television stations have local radar installations.The National Weather
Service has Doppler sites in Grand Rapids and White Lake(near Pontiac), but due to the curvature
of the earth the radar beams pass over Lansing at about 6,000 to 8,000 feet. Nothing below that
level is visible to National Weather Service Radar.The beam from the local sites in Mid-Michigan
passes through Lansing at an elevation of 400-800 feet and can be adjusted to pass higher or
lower based on the weather situation being monitored.
Nixie Nixie is a web-based service that sends messages to email or text-enabled devices. It is a free
service that sends messages based on geographical location set by the user.The user also has the
ability to choose the type of messages they want to receive,from community updates to
emergency alerts. Nixie alerts are also distributed through the city's Twitter account.
Internet/Social The city posts updates and public information to its website during an emergency. Information is
Networking also disseminated through Twitter.
NOAA Weather The EAS is also designed to work with NOAA weather radios—radios that are designed to allow
Radios/Civil anyone to receive area-specific emergency weather information in their home, directly from the
Emergency Alert National Weather Service.
Radios Three weather radio distributions have taken place with local schools.The Ingham County LEPC
purchased and distributed radios to all schools in the county in 2004.Subsequently,the National
Weather Service has done two more school distributions,first to all public schools,and then to all
private and parochial schools.The Lansing Emergency Management Office performed two school
radio"audits",visiting each school,seeing if the radios had been set up and assisting with any
problems they may have had with the radio.The most recent audit was in 2008.
Outdoor Warning The City of Lansing has a system of 20 outdoor warning sirens to alert the public to an imminent
Sirens hazard.The sirens are only intended to warn people who are outdoors.Since 2007 the City has
participated in a regional Alert and Warning Workgroup, intended to improve warning systems
throughout Mid-Michigan.One of the tasks of the workgroup is to standardize outdoor warning
systems so that the sirens mean the same thing in every community.The Ingham County 911
center can currently activate sirens for the City of Lansing, Delhi Township, Meridian Township
and Williamston.About 92%of city residents are currently covered by an outdoor warning siren.
26 Lansing Hazard Analysis
Technological
Waverly Park Fire February 2005
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y Potterville Derailment May 2002
Civil Disturbance
A public demonstration or gathering, or a prison uprising, that results in a disruption of essential
functions, rioting, looting, arson or other unlawful behavior.
Hazard Ranking: 18
Hazard Description
CIVIL DISTURBANCES are rare and usually arise from other events, such as labor disputes,
controversial rallies or judicial proceedings, and high profile sporting events. They may
also be a reaction to controversial actions taken by the government, or a perceived
injustice. Civil disturbances can quickly overwhelm local resources and the resulting
violence may affect communities for decades following the event.
I Recent Events
5up?0k1 Y,...11 In 2003, 2005 and 2008 riots occurred at Michigan State
1 +� University,which is located outside the city. Lansing police
�1 1' typically assist with events at MSU that might become
unruly, but no recent events have occurred within the City
of Lansing.
As the state capital, Lansing hosts protests and counter-
protests involving many controversial groups, such as the
Ku Klux Klan and National Socialist Movement.
Counter-protesters at NSM Rally June 06 Controversial legislation can also spark massive protests,
as with the 2012 Right to Work law. These events require
extensive interagency planning and intelligence sharing to prevent incidents from
occurring.
Long Term Effects
Civil disturbances, at their worst, can result in millions of dollars in looting and damages. It
may take years to restore affected neighborhoods to their previous level of economic
stability. Many areas affected by riots never recover. Business continuity planning is one
key to lessening the overall impacts of riots on a community.
Conclusion
The Lansing Police Department would be the lead agency in responding to a civil
disturbance. They may request assistance from other area police departments, or in an
extreme event the Michigan National Guard.As in any event, however, the local jurisdiction
would still maintain control of the incident.
A lack of historical occurrence does not mean that Lansing is not at risk of a civil
disturbance. Responders' experience assisting with events at MSU, and experience in
preventing events from occurring means that the city's preparedness is high.
28 Lansing Analysis
Dam Failure
The collapse or failure of an impoundment resulting in downstream flooding.
Hazard Ranking: 17
Hazard Description
Lansing has two DAMS, both on the Grand River. The Moores Park Dam is rated as high risk
and is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The North Lansing
Dam has been downgraded to a significant risk dam and is regulated by MDEQ. The risk
rating is based on the potential downstream impact in the event of failure not the physical
condition of the dam, and does not indicate the potential for the dam to fail. The owner of
the dams, the Lansing Board of Water and Light, is required to maintain an Emergency
Action Plan (EAP) for each facility.
It is estimated that failure of a dam break at the Moores Park Dam at normal river levels
would result in downstream flooding at the levels of a 10 year flood (approximately 3 feet
over normal river levels). Failure when river levels were already high, in the worst case,
would result in flooding slightly worse than a 100 year flood (approximately 8 feet over
flood stage). The worst flood recorded in Lansing was in 1904,when river levels reached
approximately 7 feet above flood stage.
The Moores Park Dam,with a pond of 2000 acre feet, presents a greater hazard than the
smaller North Lansing Dam,which has a pond of approximately 500 acre feet.A breach of
the North Lansing Dam in normal river levels would not cause the river to reach flood
stage.
Flooding from the Moores Park Dam would reach the Red Cedar River in about seven
minutes during dry weather conditions. Flood water could reach Potter Park Zoo within 10
minutes.
Public Warning
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission,which licenses hydroelectric facilities, requires
that a public warning system be in place downstream of a dam. The Board of Water and
Light maintains electronic sirens at Cherry Hill Park on River Street and in River Point Park
near the intersection of South Grand Avenue and East Hazel Street to warn residents to seek
high ground if a problem were to occur at the Moores Park dam.
The sirens are capable of producing both voice messages and a whooping tone used to
signal a dam break warning. Voice messages are broadcast in both English and Spanish. The
warning system can be heard by all residents, businesses, and passersby who would need to
seek high ground in the event of an emergency at the dam.
29 Lansing Hazard .
Preparedness
In accordance with FERC requirements, the Board of Water and Light exercises emergency
procedures for the two Lansing dams every three years. More than 100 people participate in
these exercises,which include agencies who would respond to a dam break including fire,
police and city public service.
Conclusion
Both dams in Lansing are well maintained and under normal circumstances present a low
risk to the community. The Board of Water and Light and the City of Lansing hold a series
of dam break exercises every five years to test the response to a possible dam break.
Fire
Afire, of any origin, that ignites one or more structures, causing injury, loss of life, and/or
damage to property and which requires the response of 70%of the Lansing Fire Department's
resources.
Hazard Description
For the purposes of this analysis, a significant fire is one that requires more than 70% of
resources of the Lansing Fire Department to control. Under normal circumstances this
would be a third alarm fire. Some examples of potential third alarm fires are apartment
complexes with 30 or more units, more than 50% involved; a large office or industrial
complex; a warehouse, or a high rise building. On average, Lansing experiences about one
of these fires each year. Response to a third alarm fire includes seven fire engines,two
ladder trucks, two ambulances, a Battalion Chief, and a Safety Officer.
Recent Events
Since 2005, 15 people have died in fires in Lansing. The Lansing Fire Department responds
to approximately 200 structure fires each year.
Structure Fire
On April 25, 2010 a fire at Trappers Cove
Apartments destroyed a building and displaced 41
families.A Red Cross Shelter was opened. One
person was injured.
On May 3, 2008 27 LFD units responded to a fire at
Discount Dave's Furniture. The building was
completely destroyed and an adjacent vacant
building suffered damage. Two firefighters suffered
minor injuries.
On February 8, 2005 a car drove into the side of a building at Waverly Park Apartments,
breaking a gas line. The gas ignited and the building was completely destroyed. No one was
injured in the fire.
In February, 2000 a series of fires at Oliver Towers apartments injured 11 people and killed
one.A 63 year old resident was charged with setting three fires over two days.
Many of the residents of Oliver Towers, a subsidized housing facilities,were elderly or
disabled.
On December 11, 1934 an early morning fire at the Kerns Hotel killed at least 34 people,
including seven Michigan legislators. The fire response involved 72 out of 97 Lansing
firefighters and eight of the department's eleven fire trucks. Fourteen firefighters were
among those injured.
31 Lansing Analysis
Wildfire
On July 5, 2009 a small fire was started by fireworks in the grasslands at Fenner Nature
Center. The fire was contained, with no injuries or structural damage.About 2.5 acres were
burned. Two large fires have occurred at Fenner, in March 1983 and March 1994. Both
started in the grassland. The grasslands, like the adjacent wooded areas, are maintained in
a natural state,with no trimming or clearing of brush.
If a fire were to spread to the wooded area it would become very hard to control. It is
unlikely to become a crown fire, given the makeup of the forest, but the lack of access for
fire equipment is a serious concern. In addition, two new condominium complexes have
been built directly adjacent to the nature center.
Urban/Wildland Interface
Lansing's primary urban/wildland interface is on the east side of the city, from Forest Road
north through Fenner Nature Center, Crego and Shubel Parks, and across the Red Cedar
River to Potter Park.
Fenner Nature Center provides a unique challenge to firefighters. The nature center covers
130 acres, primarily wooded,with some wild grass lands.Almost the entire park is left in
its natural state. Trees and brush are not removed. The grass areas, except near buildings,
are not mowed. Fire load is very high and most of the park is not accessible by traditional
firefighting apparatus.
Crego and Shubel parks are not recreational areas, but both are in a natural state and have
a high fire load. The cemeteries and golf courses that make up the rest of this area are well
maintained and present a much lower risk.
A fire starting at Fenner would most likely spread north and east. Depending on conditions,
two apartment complexes and homes along Forest and Aurelius roads may be at risk.
It is possible, although not likely, that a strong fire could cross Mount Hope to the north and
spread into Crego and Shubel parks. In this case it would be unchecked until it reached the
river to the north and the highway to the east. There are some homes in this area, but it is
not heavily populated.
Mitigation Potential
A Firewise assessment has been performed for Fenner Arboretum that identifies about 20
potential mitigation projects. Several of those projects are underway.
The City is considering reopening Crego Park for public use. The park is across the street
from Fenner and much of it is also in a natural state.A Firewise assessment should be
performed for Crego if it is reopened.
Preparedness
In addition to fire suppression and emergency medical response capabilities, the
department also has a Fire Prevention Division,which is responsible for fire inspections
and investigations, Training and Maintenance/Alarm Divisions which work to support fire
suppression, and an Emergency Management Office which provides emergency
preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation services for the entire city.
The Fire Chief is the designated Emergency Management Director for the city and the Fire
Department staffs the city's Emergency Management Division.
Fire prevention programs include fire safety presentations in local schools, a juvenile
firesetter program to work with children who have set fires, enforcement of the city's
fireworks ordinance, and a smoke detector giveaway program for low-income families.
The Lansing Fire Department is a key partner in the Metro-Lansing Hazmat and Technical
Rescue Teams.
Conclusion
The Lansing Fire Department has 200 fulltime firefighters. The department responds to
over 14,000 runs each year. LFD also maintains mutual aid agreements with other area fire
departments for additional assistance when needed. In 2012 Lansing entered into a shared
services agreement with East Lansing Fire Department to better serve both communities.
Additional shared services are being considered within the metro-Lansing region.
A Fenner Wildfire Access plan was developed in 2010 to identify access routes and
resources for fire department response. Fire Department personnel will receive training on
the plan. Fire safety education is provided annually in city elementary schools. Education is
the best tool we have for reducing the city's fire risk.
Hazmat Incident - Fixed Site
An uncontrolled release of hazardous materials from a fixed site capable of posing a risk to life,
health, safety, property or the environment.
'Hazard Ranking: 15
Hazard Description
Lansing has many sites that house HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. There are 29 sites in the city
that store extremely hazardous substances (EHS) as identified by the 1986 Superfund
Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA Title 111). Of the 29 identified EHS sites, 14
store sulfuric acid in batteries. Because of the way that the chemicals are stored at these
sites,there is a very low potential for offsite release. The remaining sites store large
amounts of anhydrous ammonia, hydrofluoric acid, and other chemicals. There are five
additional sites located outside the city that have a vulnerable zone that could impact the
city.
Eighty-four thousand Lansing residents live in the vulnerable zones of these facilities. The
demographics of these areas mirror the demographics of the city as a whole. There is no
one age, race, or income level that is at greater risk than any other. The two areas with the
greatest vulnerability are southeast Lansing and downtown.
Vulnerable zones from these sites could also include portions of Alaiedon Township,
Lansing Township, and East Lansing.
Recent Events
On December 27, 2010 a fire broke out at Adam's Plating, an EHS site located in Lansing
Township. The vulnerable zone for Adam's Plating includes areas of the City. Residents in a
quarter mile radius were asked to shelter in place due to concerns about toxic smoke from
the fire. Efforts to fight the fire resulted in 60,000 gallons of contaminated water at the site.
Contaminated snow and soil also had to be removed from the site. The US Environmental
Protection Agency monitored ground water for six months following the event and found
no contamination.
Conclusion
Lansing's risk of a release from a fixed hazmat site has been drastically reduced over the
past ten years. There are no longer any sites storing significant amounts of chlorine.
Several other chemicals with the potential to impact very large areas have also been
removed. There is still a risk: 71% of the city's residents live in the vulnerable zones of one
or more EHS site. There are 50 schools, three nursing homes, eight homeless shelters, nine
medical treatment centers and over 100 other critical facilities in the at risk area. See page
29 for information about Lansing's hazmat response capabilities.
34 Lansing Analysis
Hazmat Incident - Transportation
An uncontrolled release of hazardous materials during transport capable of posing a risk to life,
health, safety, property or the environment.
'Hazard Ranking: 17
Hazard Description
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS pass through Lansing every day, carried by plane, truck and train
through industrial and residential areas, over waterways and past our schools. In many
ways,the transport of hazardous materials provides a greater threat than their storage in
our community since we cannot predict where an incident might occur or what materials
might be involved. It is estimated that annual shipments of hazardous materials now total
more than 3.1 billion tons.
There are about 500 serious hazmat incidents annually during shipping, primarily during
highway transportation'. The definition of a serious incident includes an incident that
results in a fatality, a release of more than 80 pounds, closing of a major transportation
artery, or evacuation of 25 or more people.
Recent Events
There have been no major hazmat events in Lansing since 2005.
Response Capabilities
The City of Lansing's Hazmat team primarily responds to toxic chemical spills or releases
that require the team's specialized training and equipment.
The team utilizes a hazmat apparatus (HM46 located at Station 6) which serves as a mobile
laboratory for analyzing materials on site. In addition to dealing with typical emergency
challenges, hazmat team members intervene in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear,
and explosive (CBRNE) accidents.As a result of the duties assigned to the hazmat team,
team members attend hundreds of hours of training to ensure response preparedness and
technical competencies in an all-hazards mission orientation. The hazmat team is a critical
part of the Type 1 Regional Response team that can respond to known and unknown toxic
industrial chemicals, as well as events involving WMDs throughout Region 1 and the State
of Michigan via the Regional Response Team Network.
All hazmat units are equipped with state-of-the-art protective clothing and chemical
detection devices. Their primary duties are to rescue people at hazmat incidents and
stabilize chemical emergencies.
1 Dept of Transportation Hazardous Materials Safety Information System, 6/1/2010
35 Lansing Hazard Analysis
Infrastructure Failure
A significant failure of critical public or private physical infrastructure resulting in a temporary
loss of essential functions and/or services. Failure of gas, electricity, or wastewater treatment
services for 12 hours, or failure of phone or water services for any period of time is considered
significant.
Hazard Ranking: 4 2002 Ranking: 12
The change in ranking for this hazard was largely due to its effects on vulnerable
populations.
Hazard Description
The citizens of Lansing rely on a system of public and private agencies for essential services
such as electricity, heat,water, sewage disposal and treatment, storm drainage,
communications, emergency services and transportation. These are basics that we take for
granted and when one of these systems fails the results can be devastating. Failure of the
water treatment system can lead to disease. Failure of the electrical system during a heat
wave can lead to widespread heat injury and even death. Failure of the telecommunications
system could delay the response of essential medical, fire and police services to citizens.
Recent Events
Infrastructure failure events in Lansing tend to be caused by inclement weather and are
usually of short duration. No significant events have occurred in the last five years.
Vulnerabilities
Special populations may be more affected by infrastructure failure than the general public.
People with chronic health conditions may be dependent on electrical equipment for their
health and safety. They may also be less able to withstand the heat or cold that may
accompany an infrastructure failure in the summer or winter.
Mitigation Potential
Burying electrical lines would reduce the risk of power outages related to weather events.
Although this is a popular option with residents, it is not something that is being actively
considered at this time.
Response Capabilities
Over the past century we have become increasingly reliant on utility infrastructure in our
daily lives. Power, communication, transportation and safety all rely on physical systems.
Redundancy exists in most systems, but any system can fail. Lansing's emergency response
plans address infrastructure failure.
36 Lansing Analysis
Pipeline Incidents
A significant uncontrolled release of petroleum or natural gas, or the poisonous by-product
hydrogen sulfide,from a pipeline.
'Hazard Ranking: 10 2002 Ranking: 11
Hazard Description
PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS PIPELINE accidents occur when pipelines leak or
fracture, generally due to third party damage, such as construction, or inadequate
maintenance. Michigan is both a major consumer and a major producer of natural gas and
petroleum products. Natural gas in Lansing is provided by Consumers Energy.
Transmission pipelines are steel pipes which transport petroleum products and natural gas
to a site for further distribution. They are high pressure lines with an average of 800-
1200psi. No transmission pipelines pass through the city'.
Local transmission pipelines are also steel pipes,but are under less pressure: typically 200-
1000psi. They are used to move petroleum or natural gas from the transmission pipeline
for local delivery.
Local gas mains and services may be steel or plastic pipes used to deliver petroleum or
natural gas directly to the customer. They are low to medium pressure lines. Gas mains
may be up to 300psi, while services are usually about 30-45psi. Service lines may be from
60-100psi in industrial areas.
Natural Gas
Although consumption of natural gas has risen nationwide, consumption has steadily
declined in Michigan since 20022.All natural gas pipelines in the city are owned by
Consumers Energy3.
Recent Events
Lansing averages about one pipeline incident a year, but no event has escalated to a
significant level. Events typically occur during construction or maintenance, when heavy
equipment strikes a natural gas pipeline. They occur most commonly in the downtown
area. Limited evacuation has occurred while hazmat personnel controlled the release.
In June 2008 a vacant home in south Lansing was destroyed by a natural gas explosion. The
incident was attributed to vandalism.
On September 28. 2009 a construction crew broke a high pressure natural gas pipeline on
South Washington Avenue near Mount Hope Avenue. The downwind area was evacuated
for about a quarter mile. No one was injured.
1 2010 Michigan Pipeline Emergency Response Planning Information, Paradigm Liaison Services
Z U.S. Energy Information Administration, Natural Gas Consumption by End Use, 5/28/2010
3 U.S. Dept of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Pipeline Integrity
Management Mapping Application, 2010
37 Lansing Hazard Analysis
On July 26, 2010 a petroleum pipeline broke in Calhoun County, releasing more than
800,000 gallons of crude oil to a stream leading to the Kalamazoo River. Damage from the
event was primarily environmental. One family was advised to evacuate. Several other
families evacuated voluntarily because of health concerns.
Mitigation Potential
In 2003 Wolverine Pipeline proposed building a petroleum pipeline through socially and
environmentally vulnerable areas in the southern part of the city. In 2008, after a lengthy
legal battle, the city lost its bid to stop the project. However,Wolverine is not moving
forward with construction of the pipeline at this time.
If the proposed Wolverine pipeline is eventually constructed, additional planning would be
needed for an environmental response to a spill in a groundwater recharge area, and for
evacuation of two mobile home parks in South Lansing.
The worst case scenario for existing natural gas pipelines would be for an incident to occur
downtown.At this time no plan has been developed for the evacuation of the entire
downtown area.
Response Capabilities
Pipelines are not intrinsically less safe than transporting hazardous materials by truck or
rail. Natural gas pipelines are a necessary part of the city's infrastructure. In response to
the risk of a chemical release,the Lansing Fire Department maintains a well-trained
hazmat response team and is part of the Metro Lansing Hazardous Materials Team.
38 Lansing Analysis
Public Health Emergencies
A widespread or severe epidemic, incident of contamination, or other situation that presents a
danger or otherwise negatively impacts the general health and well being of the public.
'Hazard Ranking: 13 2002 Ranking: 17
Hazard Description
PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES are events of disease or contamination that affect—or
have the potential to affect—a large number of people. They may take the form of disease
epidemics, contamination of food or water supplies, infestation of disease-carrying insects
or animals, or harmful exposure to hazardous materials. These may be isolated incidents or
they may be caused by another incident, such as a flood, water system failure, or act of
terrorism.
Recent Events
H1N1 Influenza Pandemic - Between April and December 2009, the CDC estimates that
there were between 39 million and 80 million cases of H1N1 influenza in the United States,
resulting in between 7,000 and 16,000 deaths. People between the ages of 18 and 64 were
hardest hit, accounting for 58% of all cases and 77% of all deaths'.
Each health department in the state created their own plan for distributing H1N1
vaccinations, which caused some difficulty for area residents. The Ingham County Health
Department elected to administer the vaccines themselves using the City/County Medical
Surge Plan. Barry-Eaton District Health Department, which covers neighboring Eaton
County, chose to distribute the vaccine through physicians in the county. Many Eaton
County residents use doctors in Ingham County. Because they were not Ingham County
residents and their doctors had not received the vaccine, those residents were unable to
receive vaccine during the first few months of distribution.
In Ingham County there were two confirmed deaths and 98 hospitalizations from H1N1.
Between October 2009 and January 2010 over 48,000 people were vaccinatedz.
Nationwide more than 86 million people were vaccinated.
Vulnerabilities
Vulnerable populations such as the elderly and people with chronic health conditions are
often more likely to be affected by a disease outbreak. The homeless may also be
inordinately affected because of poor healthcare and an unwillingness or inability to
participate in public health programs, such as vaccination clinics. The Ingham County
Health Department has a successful outreach program to the homeless in Lansing.
However, the high instance of mental illness and substance abuse in the homeless
population means that many people do not take advantage of available resources.
1 CDC Estimates of 2009 H1N1 Influenza Cases, Hospitalizations and Deaths in the United States,April—December
12, 2009(http://www.cdc.gov/hlnlflu/estimates/April December 12.htm)
Z Ingham County Health Department
39 Lansing Hazard .
In a separate homeless hazard vulnerability analysis in 2007, service providers for the
homeless ranked public health incidents as one of the hazards with the greatest potential
impact on their clients.
Response Capabilities
The H1N1 2009 strain was included in the 2010 seasonal influenza vaccine. This, combined
with the number of people who were already infected, and the number of people who
received the H1N1 2009 vaccination, should significantly reduce the risk of a serious
outbreak from this strain in the future.
However, pandemics are a recurring phenomenon that cannot be fully prevented. Local
effects can be minimized, to some extent, by proper protective action and interagency
planning.
40 Lansing Hazard .
Radiological Incidents
A release of ionizing radiation into the atmosphere from a facility or during transportation; or
fallout from a nuclear attack outside of the City of Lansing.
Hazard Ranking: 11 2002 Ranking: 14
Hazard Description
RADIOLOGICAL materials are transported regularly through Lansing and are stored at
hospitals and research facilities throughout the area.An unintentional release of these
materials could present a public health and an environmental risk.An intentional release,
due to an attack on a storage facility or vehicle, or through theft of these materials, must
also be considered.
Scenarios for release of radiological material include:
Transportation accident-About 3 million packages of radiological material are transported
in the US each year.
Unintentional or intentional release from a fixed site -A nuclear power reactor would
provide the only opportunity for a significant off-site release in this area. Lansing is outside
the planning zone for radiation release from Michigan's nuclear plants,but would be
residually affected by a major release.A release from the Palisades plant in Van Buren
county, or the DC Cook plant in Berrien County would likely have the most serious effect on
Lansing because of prevailing weather patterns. Those plants are about 100 miles
southwest of the city. There are about 500 other sites in Michigan that use or store
radiological material in amounts that are regulated under the public health code. None of
these present a serious risk of offsite release.
Radiological dispersal device - There has not been an incident involving detonation of a
dirty bomb to date.
Nuclear Attack- If Lansing were the target of a nuclear attack, extensive damage would
occur from heat, shock wave, and electromagnetic pulse, in addition to radioactive fallout.
The effects of such an attack are discussed in the 2003 Hazard Vulnerability Analysis.A
nuclear attack in another city could have radiological consequences for Lansing.
Recent Events
None
Response Capabilities
All Lansing Fire Department personnel have been trained to Radiological Awareness level.
LFD personnel on the Metro Hazmat Team are trained to Radiological Operations and
Technician levels. LFD has the ability to perform remote radiological monitoring as needed.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Environment also maintains a
radiological emergency response team. The MDNRE performs ongoing radiological
monitoring at each of the active nuclear power plants and at a reference point in Lansing'.
1 Michigan Environmental Monitoring Program Report, Supplement 4, 2005-2007 (MDNRE)
41 Lansing Hazard Analysis
Terrorism
An intentional, unlawful use of force, violence, or subversion against persons or property to
intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in
furtherance of political, social, or religious objectives.
Hazard Ra 2002 Ranking: 1
The drop in ranking for this hazard was primarily due to a change of perspective. In the
2002 analysis, events that occurred at Michigan State University were included as historical
occurrences. Since they took place outside of the city, they were not included in the 2010
analysis and historical occurrence dropped to 0, resulting in a significant change in score.
Hazard Description
TERRORISM has many forms: domestic and international; religiously, environmentally, or
politically motivated; accomplished with biological, chemical, radiological, nuclear or
explosive weapons; and cyberterrorism.
Nuclear Attack
Nuclear attack is not being considered as a separate hazard. Since the target of a nuclear
attack would most likely be the downtown area, most of Lansing's response resources
would be lost or severely damaged in the event. The result of a direct nuclear attack would
likely be a catastrophic event requiring a response directed by resources outside of the city.
The risk of such an event is relatively low at this time.
Designated fallout shelters remain in some older buildings, but resources are not being
allocated to specifically plan for this hazard at this time.An attack on a city near Lansing
would result in a radiological event and is discussed in that section.
Response Capabilities
In spite of the change in ranking, Lansing's risk of terrorism is as high as, or higher than, it
has ever been. Terrorism experts warn that during the next ten years the threat of
domestic terrorism may be greater than that of international terrorism. Much has been
done to harden critical facilities and to increase the city's resiliency to an event, but as the
state capital and the site of several critical facilities, the risk cannot be reduced.
There have been a number of federal initiatives to promote terrorism preparedness,
including the development and funding of the Regional Response Team Network (RRTN).
The network is intended to enhance existing hazmat and technical rescue teams and make
them available to respond to a terrorist event anywhere within their designated region.
The Lansing Metro Team has been designated as an RRTN team. The team is made up of
responders from Lansing, East Lansing, Delta Township and Meridian Township. They may
eventually be called on to respond anywhere in Mid-Michigan, or to assist RRTN teams in
other regions. There are currently 14 teams in Michigan's Regional Response Team
Network.
42 Lansing Analysis
Transportation Accident
A crash or accident involving an air, land, or water based commercial passenger carrier resulting
in mass casualties or having a significant economic or environmental effect.
Ranking:Hazard 2002 Ranking: 10
Hazard Description
The definition of a TRANSPORTATION ACCIDENT, for the purpose of this analysis, is an
incident involving a land, air or water vehicle, which results in mass casualties, or which
causes significant economic impact or collateral damage. For instance, an accident
involving a vehicle carrying cargo may not involve a large number of victims, but it may
disrupt utilities, cause a fire, or release hazardous materials. In Lansing, passengers and
goods are transported by road, rail,water and air. Bridges are the most critical component
of Lansing's transportation system. There are over 60 bridges and overpasses in Lansing.
Utilities are routed under many bridges.An accident that damages the structure of a bridge
could also damage utility infrastructure.
Recent Events
On January 13. 2005 a 200 car pile-up killed two and injured 37 others on 1-96 just
southeast of the city. The incident was caused by heavy fog. Both east and westbound lanes
were impacted.
On August 1. 2007, a bridge spanning the Mississippi river in Minneapolis, MN collapsed.
The incident was caused by a design flaw, compounded by increases to the weight of the
structure over time, and a large amount of heavy equipment that was parked on the bridge
at the time of the collapse. Thirty people were killed. The incident sparked concern about
the nation's aging infrastructure.
Capital Region International Airport
In 2009 the Capital City Airport became an international port. The airport has expanded its
footprint and lengthened its east-west runway to accommodate larger aircraft.
Response Capabilities
Despite the decrease in residential population, traffic in Lansing increased by about 10%
between 2005 and 20081. The most significant increase was in the Cedar Street corridor,
which increased by 17%. Traffic on 496 is up by 8% in the city.
Response to a transportation incident is primarily from local police and fire, and could
include county, state and federal agencies. In a plane crash, the American Red Cross also
has a federally mandated human services role.As the state capitol, Lansing Police and Fire
have regular opportunities to work with agencies at all levels of government. Having these
1 Michigan Department of Transportation Average Daily Traffic Maps 2005 and 2008.
43 Lansing Hazard Analysis
relationships in place will improve the effectiveness of the response to a major
transportation incident.
44 Lansing Hazard Analysis
U.S.Department of homeland Security
Region V
536 South Clark Street,Floor 6
Chicago,IL 60605
a
o PFEMA
L l�l,€G.a,
E-
4000ate police
Mr, Matt Schnepp
2012
State Hazard Mitigation Officer Emergencya ( merlt
and
Michigan State Police rit l €t�l ►crt
Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division
Collins Rd
Lansing, MI 48910
Dear Mr. § hlu epp:
Thank you for submitting the City of Lansing Hazard Mitigation Plan update for our review. The
plan was reviewed based on the local plan criteria contained in 44 CFR Part 201, as authorized by
the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. The City of Lansing met the required criteria for a single
jurisdiction hazard mitigation plan. Formal approval of this plan is contingent upon the adoption of
the current version of the plan by the city. Once FEMA Region V receives documentation of
adoption we will send a letter of official approval to your office.
We look forward to receiving the adoption documentation and completing the approval process for
the City of Lansing plan.
If you or the community has any questions, please contact Kirstin Kuenzi at(312)408-4460.
Sincerely,
Christine Stack, Director
Mitigation Division
Attachments: Local Plan Review Sheets
www'fell)n.gov
I
APPENDIX A:
LOCAL MITIGATION PLAN REVIEW TOOL
The Local Mitigation Plan Review Tool demonstrates how the Local Mitigation Plan meets
the regulation in 44 CFR §201.6 and offers States and FEMA Mitigation Planners an
opportunity to provide feedback to the community.
• The Regulation Checklist provides a summary of FEMA's evaluation of whether the
Plan has addressed all requirements.
• The Plan Assessment identifies the plans strengths as well as documents areas for
future improvement.
• The Multi-jurisdiction Summary Sheet is an optional worksheet that can be used to
document how each jurisdiction met the requirements of the each Element of the
Plan (Planning Process; Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment; Mitigation
Strategy; Plan Review, Evaluation, and Implementation; and Plan Adoption).
The FEMA Mitigation Planner must reference this Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide when
completing the Local Mitigation Plan Review Tool.
Jurisdiction: Title of plan: Date of Plan:
City of Lansing,MI —7Hazard Mitigation Plan May 2013
Local Point of Contact: Address:
Rhonda Oberlin Lansing Office of Emergency Management
Title: 120 E.Shiawassee
Project Manager Lansing,MI 48933
Agency:
Lansing Office of Emergency Management
Phone Number: E-Mail:
(517)483-4110 Roberlin@lansingmi.gov
State Reviewer: Title: Date:
Mitch Graham State Planner
FEMA Reviewer: Title: Date:
Kirstin Kuenzi Community Planning 8/22/2013
Specialist
Date Received in FEMA Region(insert#) 11/8/2012;update August 2013
Plan Not Approved
Plan Approvable Pending Adoption XX
Plan Approved o
Local Mitigation Plan Review Tool A-1
SECTION 1:
REGULATION CHECKLIST
INSTRUCTIONS: The Regulation Checklist must be completed by FEMA. The purpose of the
Checklist is to identify the location of relevant or applicable content in the Plan by
Element/sub-element and to determine if each requirement has been 'Met' or `Not Met.'
The 'Required Revisions' summary at the bottom of each Element must be completed by
FEMA to provide a clear explanation of the revisions that are required for plan approval.
Required revisions must be explained for each plan sub-element that is 'Not Met.' Sub-
elements should be referenced in each summary by using the appropriate numbers (Al. B3,
etc.), where applicable. Requirements for each Element and sub-element are described in
detail in this Plan Review Guide in Section 4, Regulation Checklist.
I.-REGULATION
(section and/or Not
Regulation f4 CFR 201.6
ELEMENT A.`PLANNING PROCESS
Al.Does the Plan document the planning process,including how it Planning Process,pp.
was prepared and who was involved in the process for each 23-25.Planning
jurisdiction?(Requirement §201.6(c)(1)) members present at X*
each meeting are
documented.
A2.Does the Plan document an opportunity for neighboring Planning Team,pp.
communities,local and regional agencies involved in hazard 23-25. The planning
mitigation activities,agencies that have the authority to regulate team involved local
development as well as other interests to be involved in the planning and regional agencies
process?(Requirement§201.6(b)(2)) as well as residents X
and partners such as
utility companies,
nature centers,and
the Red Cross.
A3. Does the Plan document how the public was involved in the Planning Process, pp.
planning process during the drafting stage?(Requirement 23.Three public
§201.6(b)(1)) meetings were held;
one for the city and X
two for specific
neighborhoods within
the city.
A4. Does the Plan describe the review and incorporation of existing Planning Process,pp.
plans,studies,reports,and technical information?(Requirement 23-25.Plan reviews
§201.6(b)(3)) weather data as well X
as the city's
Comprehensive Plan.
A5. Is there discussion of how the community(ies)will continue Plan Maintenance,
public participation in the plan maintenance process?(Requirement pp.26.Public
§201.6(c)(4)(iii)) meetings will be held X
annually to discuss
mitigation projects
and priorities.
A-2 Local Mitigation Plan Review Tool
1. REGULATION
(section and/or Not
201.6 Local Mitigation Plans)
A6. Is there a description of the method and schedule for keeping the Plan Maintenance,
plan current(monitoring,evaluating and updating the mitigation pp. 26. The plan will
plan within a 5-year cycle)?(Requirement§201.6(c)(4)(i)) be reviewed annually
by the Emergency X
Management Office
and planning team
members.
ELEMENT A:REQUIRED REVISIONS
*All meetings, except for one held in 2012, took place in 2010.
ELEMENT B HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND RISK ASSESSMENT
B1. Does the Plan include a description of the type, location,and Hazard/Vulnerability X
extent of all natural hazards that can affect each jurisdiction(s)? Analysis,pp.115-158.
(Requirement§201.6(c)(2)(1)) Hazards noted
include extreme
temperatures,
tornado,
ice/sleet/snow,
infrastructure,flood,
fire, transportation
accident,pipeline,
radiological,severe
wind,public health,
hazmat, terrorism,
dom failure,and civil
disturbance.
B2. Does the Plan include information on previous occurrences of Events 2005-2011, X
hazard events and on the probability of future hazard events for each pp. 13.Previous
jurisdiction?(Requirement§201.6(c)(2)(i)) occurrences(until
2012)are covered as
well as general
probability.
B3. Is there a description of each identified hazard's impact on the Hazard/Vulnerability X
community as well as an overall summary of the community's Analysis,pp. 115-158.
vulnerability for each jurisdiction?(Requirement§201.6(c)(2)(1i)) Impact is discussed in
terms of injuries and
the types of
populations affected.
B4. Does the Pian address NFIP insured structures within the Repetitive Loss,pp. X*
jurisdiction that have been repetitively damaged by floods? 36.Lansing has three
(Requirement§201.6(c)(2)(ii)) repetitive loss
structures;one has
been mitigated.
ELEMENT B: REQUIRED REVISIONS
"For future plan iterations, FEMA's BureauNet states that the city has 4 repetitive loss properties and one has
been mitigated, leaving a total of 3 unmitigated repetitive loss properties.
Local Mitigation Plan Review Tool A-3
1. REGULATION CHECKLIST Location in Plan
(section and/or Not
Regulation 44 CFR 201.6page number) Met Met
ELEMENT C.`MITIGATION STRATEGY
C1.Does the plan document each jurisdiction's existing authorities, Zoning and X
policies,programs and resources and its ability to expand on and Community
improve these existing policies and programs?(Requirement Development, pp.6.
§201.6(c)(3)) The city has a zoning
code,floodplain
ordinance,
international building
code,and requires a
special land use
review process.
Lansing also has a
Planning and
Neighborhood
Development Office
with capabilities and
an annual budget of
$112 million.
C2.Does the Plan address each jurisdiction's participation in the NFIP Zoning and X
and continued compliance with NFIP requirements,as appropriate? Community
(Requirement§201.6(c)(3)(11)) Development,pp.6.
The city participates
in the NFIP.
C3. Does the Plan include goals to reduce/avoid long-term Goals and Objectives, X
vulnerabilities to the identified hazards?(Requirement pp. 16.8 new goals
§201.6(c)(3)(i)) are added to d
overarching goals
from the 2005 LNMP.
C4. Does the Plan identify and analyze a comprehensive range of Preferred Strategies, X
specific mitigation actions and projects for each jurisdiction being pp. 17-20.Mitigation
considered to reduce the effects of hazards,with emphasis on new actions cover many
and existing buildings and infrastructure?(Requirement hazards and are
§201.6(c)(3)(11)) specific to
infrastructure such as
homes,roads,and
bridges.
C5. Does the Plan contain an action plan that describes how the Appendix D: X
actions identified will be prioritized(including cost benefit review), Mitigation Projects,
implemented,and administered by each jurisdiction?(Requirement pp.62-114.
§201.6(c)(3)(iv));(Requirement§201.6(c)(3)(ili)) Prioritization,
timelines,and
preliminary costs are
included in the
section for mitigation
projects.
A-4 local Mitigation Plan Review Tool
1. REGULATION
(section and/or Not
Regulation +4 CFR 201.6 ► Plans)
C6. Does the Plan describe a process by which local governments will Goals and Objectives, X
integrate the requirements of the mitigation plan into other planning pp. 16. The
mechanisms,such as comprehensive or capital improvement plans, mitigation plan was
when appropriate?(Requirement§201.6(c)(4)(ii)) developed in partner
with the
Comprehensive Plan.
ELEMENT C: REQUIRED REVISIONS
N/A
ELEMENT D. PLAN REVIEW, EVALUATION, AND IMPLEMENTATION (applicable to plan updates -
only)
D1.Was the plan revised to reflect changes in development? Zoning and X
(Requirement§201.6(d)(3)) Community
Development,pp.6.
There have been no
significant
developments
affecting the city's
vulnerability.
D2.Was the plan revised to reflect progress in local mitigation Mitigation X
efforts?(Requirement§201.6(d)(3)) Implemented 2005-
2011,pp. 15.4
mitigation projects
identified in the 2005
plan have progressed.
D3.Was the plan revised to reflect changes in priorities? Goals and Objectives, X
(Requirement§201.6(d)(3)) pp.16.Priorities hove
been updated in
conjunction with the
city's 2010
Comprehensive Plan.
ELEMENT D: REQUIRED REVISIONS
NIA
ELEMENT E PLAN ADOPTION
E1. Does the Plan include documentation that the plan has been Plan can be adopted X
formally adopted by the governing body of the jurisdiction post-FEMA approval.
requesting approval?(Requirement§201.6(c)(5))
E2. For multi-jurisdictional plans,has each jurisdiction requesting Plan can be adapted X
approval of the plan documented formal plan adoption? post-FEMA approval.
(Requirement§201.6(c)(5))
ELEMENT E: REQUIRED REVISIONS
N/A
Local Mitigation Plan Review Tool A-5
1. REGULATION
(section and/or Not
Regulation 44 CFR 201.6
ELEMENT F. ADDITIONAL STATE REQUIREMENTS (OPTIONAL FOR STATE REVIEWERS ONLY;
NOT TO BE COMPLETED BY'FEMA) -
F1.
F2.
ELEMENT F. REQUIRED REVISIONS
A-6 Local Mitigation Plant Review Tool
SECTION 2:
PLAID ASSESSMENT
A. Plan Strengths and Opportunities for Improvement
This section provides a discussion of the strengths of the plan document and identifies areas
where these could be improved beyond minimum requirements,
Element A: Planning Process
Element B: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Strengths:
• Special attention is given to at-risk populations in the plans risk assessment.
Element C. Mitigation Strategy
Element D: Plan Update, Evaluation, and Implementation (Plan Updates Only)
B. Resources for Implementing Your Approved Plan
There are many different resources that can assist your community in plan implementation.
FEMA sources of funding include the following:
HMGP: The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)is authorized by Section 404 of the
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as amended. The key
purpose of HMGP is to ensure that the opportunity to take critical mitigation measures to
reduce the risk of loss of life and property from future disasters is not lost during the
reconstruction process following a disaster. HMGP is available, when authorized under the
Presidential major disaster declaration, in the areas of the State requested by the Governor.
PDM: The Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM)program is authorized by Section 203 of the
Stafford Act, 42 U.S.C. 5133. The ADM program is designed to assist States, Territories,
Indian Tribal governments, and local communities to implement a sustained pre-disaster
natural hazard mitigation program to reduce overall risk to the population and structures
from future hazard events, while also reducing reliance on Federal funding from future
major disaster declarations.
"*The following are only available if you are a participating community in the NFIP**
FMA: The Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA)program is authorized by Section 1366 of the
National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, as amended with the goal of reducing or eliminating
claims under the National Flood Insurance Program (NF1P). The Repetitive Flood Claims (RFC)
program has the goal of reducing flood damages to individual properties far which one or
more claim payments for losses have been made under flood insurance coverage and that
will result in the greatest savings to the National Flood Insurance Fund(NFIF)in the shortest
period of time.
Local Mitigation Plan Review Tool A-7
SLR: The Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL)program is authorized by Section 1361A of the NFIA
has the goal of reducing flood damages to residential properties that have experienced
severe repetitive losses under flood insurance coverage and that will result in the greatest
amount of savings to the NFIF in the shortest period of time.
RFC: The Repetitive Flood Claims program is authorized by Section 1361A of the NFIA, 42
U.S.C. 4030 with the goal of reducing flood damages to Individual properties for which one
or more claim payment for losses have been made under flood insurance coverage and that
will result in the greatest savings to the National Flood Insurance Fund in the shortest period
of time.
A-8 Focal Mitigation Plan Review Tool
SECTION 3:
MULTI-JURISDICTION SUMMARY SHEET (OPTIONAL)
INSTRUCTIONS: For multi-jurisdictional plans, a Multi-jurisdiction Summary Spreadsheet may
be completed by listing each participating jurisdiction,which required Elements for each
jurisdiction were 'Met' or `Not Met,' and when the adoption resolutions were received. This
Summary Sheet does not imply that a mini-plan be developed for each jurisdiction; it should be
used as an optional worksheet to ensure that each jurisdiction participating in the Plan has
been documented and has met the requirements for those Elements (A through E).
City of Lansing.
Local Mitigation Plan Review Tool A-9