FLOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE
January 8, 2002
MEETING SUMMARY

The Flood Advisory Committee (FAC) meeting, chaired by Clark Gilman, began at 10:00 a.m. at the Commission (DRBC) office in West Trenton, N.J.

REVIEW OF MINUTES

Mr. Gilman asked if there were any corrections, modifications or changes to the Minutes of October 2, 2001. There being none, the Minutes were accepted.

DRBC STAFF SUPPORT FOR FLOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Mr. Fromuth informed the committee that recent increased demands on staff time has limited the time needed to devote to preparations for the committee. With the many suggestions that have been made during the course of the meetings from committee participants to expand and improve basinwide flood loss reduction efforts, additional DRBC staff support will be required to provide adequate committee support. He prepared a list of potential priority tasks to provide a basis for establishing staff priorities for improved committee support to the FAC. He noted that the DRBC staff will make every effort to accommodate as much of the list as possible but felt the need to make the committee aware of the tasks to be addressed.

Mr. Gilman noted that most of the flood mitigation programs currently available through federal agencies are reactive rather than proactive and this is where the funds are spent.

Mr. Mangeri stated the theory aforementioned appears to be changing with the pre-mitigation fund that was just formalized. He further commented that the activities listed in the priority task list are covering several of the same areas within his office's jurisdiction (NJ OEM). He offered to have both agencies work together to develop an application to perhaps perform technical and planning support in the counties in New Jersey within DRBC's area of expertise.

Mr. Tudor addressed the committee about last year's unsuccessful attempt in obtaining funding for the flood warning recommendations and his desire to build on the strategies of last year in an attempt to obtain funding this year. He suggested the proposal could be more effective by working through some of the state governor's Washington offices. He also offered to work with Mr. Mangeri in developing contacts with key legislators on appropriations committees, etc.

Mr. Tamm informed the committee there were a number of ongoing efforts in Pennsylvania for inventorying land use regulations, comprehensive plans and zoning regulations which should be made accessible within the next year which may ease part of the burden. He also stated all the state emergency management agencies are tasked with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 in having all the communities identify where their risks are and what their goals are, which are generally based on historical losses. He noted the data on flood losses and flood claims should be available in the next five years but assured the committee this is an ongoing process. He also offered assistance to DRBC in an attempt to achieve better safety for the citizens.

Mr. Hainly summarized his belief of this committee's framework in relationship with the Commission is that the FAC is a panel of experts looked upon for advice on any particular issue or advice and recommendations as a group on a specific direction to take. Once the committee completes a task, it is given to the DRBC staff or Commission to do the basin-wide work or lobbying for funding, etc.

FLOOD WARNING RECOMMENDATIONS - PROGRESS REPORT

Mr. Fromuth noted there has been little progress on the recommendations that were made in the report endorsed by the Commission. A copy of the progress report on the Flood Warning Improvements, which addressed areas of equipment, the Advanced Hydrologic Prediction System (AHPS) and funding is attached. (Attachment No. 1)

FLOOD WARNING RECOMMENDATIONS - PLANS

Mr. Fromuth distributed a summary of the flood recommendations endorsed by the DRBC in April 2001. There were eight site-specific recommendations and six more general recommendations all based on identified deficiencies. Estimated costs were $2.1 million one-time costs and $0.3 million for Operation and Maintenance. Potential funding sources and implementation strategies are two areas to be addressed by the FAC especially in conjunction with the comprehensive planning effort the Commission is undertaking.

It was noted that with various agencies continuing to take on some of the smaller tasks, prioritizing the tasks which can be completed without additional funding should occur, as well as, compartmentalizing tasks to accommodate lower funding amounts or shifting funding amounts.

Mr. Mangeri suggested DRBC connect with NYC SEMA. Because of the World Trade Center disaster, there is currently a mitigation grant active and applications are being accepted for project activities that are natural hazard risk management.

Mr. Gabrielsen noted that AHPS has received much national support recently with a push being made to go forth in implementing AHPS nationally. Therefore, the items identified in the summary should be reviewed for an application of AHPS in the Delaware Basin.

Mr. Petrewski of PPL noted that the new lake level gage in Recommendation S-4 will not be installed. The existing gage readings are now posted on the web and available to the National Weather Service.

STATUS REPORT ON DRBC COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING ACTIVITIES

Mr. Fromuth gave the committee a summary update. He noted the most recent version of the Goals and Objectives document was issued on December 5th which is the product of the Watershed Advisory Council (WAC) and the Commission staff. It was revised due to several public meetings and workshops to develop and refine the five Key Result Areas (KRAs) which are the general areas of water resource management and which the WAC feels the basin should be moving toward. He further noted the intent of the document is to be coordinated among various organizations.

Mr. Fromuth stated the document has now been finalized and is before the Commissioners for action at their February, 2002 meeting. If approved, they will assign the development of management strategies to the advisory committees.

Mr. Fromuth reviewed the preliminary assignment of responsibilities of the comprehensive plan and the goals and objectives to various advisory committees. He noted the FAC would be assigned the lead under Goal No. 1 -- Flood Mitigation that is within the KRA -- Waterway Corridor Management.

Mr. Fromuth commented it is doubtful that the more general objectives under flood loss reduction are going to be condensed into a specific list of tasks in eight months, however, what is being sought in the comprehensive plan is a direction to move towards for the five different areas that have been recognized.

The five objectives listed under Goal No. 1 in the December 5th draft were reviewed.

A concern was raised by Mr. Mangeri about the objectives not focusing on the communities with regard to community planning, land use management, sustainability, viability, etc. or helping develop models for municipalities. It was noted under the new federal law, Disaster Mitigation Act 2000, each municipality will have to do a flood or hazard mitigation plan.

It was further noted that even though it may not be mentioned under the FAC's key result area, there is another key result area dealing specifically with land use and management and some of the concerns mentioned are addressed there and that this could occur with several other issues. Another point of interest mentioned was that the WAC recognizes that once the document goes out to the experts, some of the timing, wording and focus of the objectives may be changed based upon their professional opinions.

Lance Miller, DRBC Planning Branch Head, addressed the committee concerning the flexibility of how the process is to work and his ideas on the substance of the implementation strategy that is being sought.

He informed the committee that the goals and objectives were developed by the WAC with the assistance of input from committee members through the committee's chair and the process has been identified as an interim process to allow for revisions and modifications by the advisory committees which is part of the development of the actual management strategies. A template will then be formatted in the form of a summary document for the following planning principles:

• what needs to be accomplished in order to achieve the objective;
• who will be charged with performing task(s);
• when will the task(s) be done;
• how will it be financed; and
• what indicators of performance would be appropriate to indicate objective achievement.
  

DEVELOPMENT OF IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Mr. Fromuth asked any committee members who would like to participate on the sub-committee responsible for refining the document and working towards the development of the strategies over the next eight months to accomplish the goals and objectives, which would involve approximately three additional meetings, contact him within the next two weeks. He also asked to be contacted with any comments or concerns about the plan as it can still be modified and/or revised. It was also noted that the sub-committees will have access to facilitators who will work with them in providing assistance in developing the basic strategy outlines.

Mr. Gilman offered to assign his own staff to work with the sub-committee as he felt there were many strategies within the plan that have already been addressed and implemented by New Jersey. Ms. Falone stated although she was unaware of the progress made by the committee already as she is new to the FAC, she felt confident Delaware would contribute to the development of strategies as they also have many programs currently underway.

Mr. Hainly asked if it was premature to have the FAC or its sub-committee start work on the proposed goal before the Commission finalizes what goal is assigned to what committee. Mr. Fromuth commented it is possible but unlikely that the assignments would change.

Mr. Petrewski asked if there were any areas within the basin that need expertise from other sources outside of the FAC.

SELECTION OF SPRING WORKSHOP TOPIC, LOCATION AND LEAD PARTICIPANTS

Mr. Fromuth noted at the last meeting Chris Roberts, the DRBC Public Information Officer, expressed an interest in supporting a workshop held within the basin on flood loss reduction. Further discussion concerning the topic revealed the opinion that a workshop to cover all topics would not be feasible but perhaps workshops with a specific focus i.e. flood warnings, AHPS products, flood mitigation programs be attempted. He asked the committee for their input concerning timeframes and topics.

Mr. Gilman suggested a meeting on flood warning products. Mr. Gabrielsen commented the NWS attempted a briefing in the Susquehanna Basin in November during the day to discuss new flood products but it wasn't well attended. Mr. Gabrielsen further noted that the NWS has a scheduled group of spring flood potential outlook summaries that begin mid-January and run ever other week through mid-April and suggested the two meetings join together to offer a real time summary outlook with the products available for flood warning.

A suggestion that an area such as Bucks County, PA be considered for such a meeting as they have an intense interest in flood warning, etc. due to the issues they have had to deal with in recent years. The upper part of the basin was also suggested as an area that would have intense interest in such programs especially with some potential funding opportunities through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

A discussion occurred on the specifics of the meeting - day or night meeting(s), the number of meetings to take place and the locations. Dr. Tortoriello commented even though the basin is currently in drought the workshops should be held prior to April or spring. Mr. Gilman suggested Anthony Mangeri, as coordinator for the State Police Office of Emergency Management of New Jersey, be a main source to see that these proposed seminars are attended as he is in contact with all the local and county emergency management coordinators.

Mr. Mangeri noted that this topic will be added to the county coordinators upcoming agenda. He also commented there is a New Jersey Emergency Management conference coming up and suggested consideration be given for a speaker or presenter and for recommendations on workshops. Mr. Burd suggested consideration be given to inviting local level officials to coordinate issues of funding and lobbying for support.

Mr. Mangeri asked if the committee would also like to consider entertaining land use planning or sustainable smart growth as potential for discussion at a workshop as it may then involve the planning and zoning officials. It was suggested it be its own workshop.

Mr. Gabrielsen offered to work with Mr. Fromuth in the development of a program and agenda.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Flood Advisory Committee was scheduled for Tuesday, April 2, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. at DRBC offices in West Trenton, N.J. (subsequently moved to Wednesday, April 10th due to a conflict).

Mr. Fromuth noted that if he receives names of interested people concerning the sub-committee for the Comprehensive Plan, there may be a meeting of the group prior to the next FAC meeting.

Prior to adjournment, Mr. Mangeri asked the committee for feedback on an issue concerning the annual conference of the Association of Floodplain Managers of which he is a member. He offered to pursue the idea of having the conference brought to this area if the committee representing a multiple state group expressed interest. He believes this would give opportunity for our local floodplain managers and others involved at a local level to attend a national ranked conference that otherwise they may not have access to. He further noted he believed the host group generally has to facilitate some coordination with the hotels and conference site which should not be a problem in our area and to assist in 3 or 4 field trips dealing with watershed management, floodplain management and land use planning, etc.

Mr. Gabrielsen agreed that it would be a great opportunity. Mr. Mangeri asked the committee members to contact him with their comments.

There being no other business, meeting adjourned at 12:10 p.m.

ATTACHMENT 1

FLOOD WARNING IMPROVEMENTS FUNDED OR COMPLETED SINCE APRIL 2001
DELAWARE RIVER BASIN

1. Full coverage of the basin by NOAA Weather Radio transmitters except for local terrain interference. (NWS)
   
   
2. Modernization of NWS Mount Holly Weather Radio system. (NWS)
   
   
3. New stream gages at the following locations:
   • Schuylkill River at Norristown, PA. (USGS)
   • Little Neshaminy Creek near Rushland, PA (Bucks County)
   • Neshaminy Creek at Second Street Pike (Bucks County)
     
     
4. Re-installed or modernized stream gages at the following locations:
   • Delaware River at Tocks Island, NJ (USGS)
   • Brodhead Creek at Minisink Hills, PA (USGS)
   • Neshaminy Creek at Langhorne, PA (USGS)
     
     
5. Funding for rating curve extension and maintenance:
   • Lehigh River at Lehighton, PA (USGS)
   • Schuylkill River at Berne, PA (USGS)
   • Brodhead Creek at Minisink Hills, PA (USGS)
   • Perkiomen Creek at Grateford, PA (USGS)
     
     
6. Emergency Telephone Notification for Lower Neshaminy Creek using Community Alert System. (Bucks County)
   
   
7. Web posting of 5-day significant flood outlook and flood frequency analysis products by the National Weather Service Mid-Atlantic River Forecast Center.
   
   
8. Initial development by NWS Mid-Atlantic River Forecast Center of AHPS test products for 30-day probabilistic forecasts for the Lehigh River Basin. Posted on web. (NWS)
   
   
9. Web posting of contoured Precipitation forecast maps for the region by NWS Mid-Atlantic River Forecast Center (up to 24 hours lead time).

Items Pending

1. Letter from National Weather Service to NYCDEP on October 10, 2001 requesting technical coordination to provide NWS with near real time data from stream and precipitation monitors in the New York City reservoir watershed. This pertains to Recommendation S-1 in the flood warning recommendations report endorsed by the Flood Advisory Committee.

FLOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE
JANUARY 8, 2002

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