CLIMATE CHANGE
Energy & Climate Change in New England
WATER RESOURCES
Flooding:
Is Your Water Utility Prepared?
U.S. EPA | CLIMATE CHANGE OUTREACH AT EPA NEW ENGLAND
WATER RESOURCES:
•
1
INTRO:
Small water utilities are particularly vulnerable to floods because they might not have adequate funds or resources for
repairing unexpected damage to treatment plants, intakes, and sewage collection and water distribution systems Although
some may have generators and enough water storage for several days to compensate for disruption of services, many do not
EPA New England encourages all systems to take action now to plan, prepare, and protect against future flooding.
PLAN AHEAD:
First assess the vulnerability of all assets by answering these
questions: Which components (e.g., pump stations, genera-
tors) are in the floodplain? Are existing protection infra-
structure such as dams and levees structurally sound and
designed for extreme flooding? And, can back-op power
satisfy all essential functions? FEM A. the Army Corp of Engi-
neers, and municipal engineers can help provide answers.
Next work with town officials and modify long-term plan-
ning strategies, budgets, and insurance coverage to address
flood protection needs. If the system is flooded, insurance
companies and FEMA require records of all damaged assets;
therefore, it is important to inventory everything from
pumps to computers (include purchase date, model number,
and photos). Document all staff time because salary expens-
es might be reimbursed. Update maps and emergency
response plans and identify a location outside the floodplain
where vehicles and equipment can be moved. Emergency
situations are overwhelming; staff, equipment and supplies
will be limited. Flan for shortages by establishing relation-
ships with local utilities and entering mutual aid agreements
(e.g., WARNs). Do not hesitate to ask for help!
PREPARE AND PRACTICE:
Preparation without practice can lead to unanticipated
complications. Simply preparing an emergency response
plan is not enough. Work with local emergency response
contacts and con duct tabtetop exercises to ensure smoother
operations during a flood. All employees should participate
and be cross-trained. Establish contracts with vendors for
emergency deliveries, Test generators and ensure adequate
fuel supply is stored or available under flooding condrtions. If
a generator is not on-site, install a transfer switch.
Prepare a risk communication plan which includes a
list of critical customers. Write the plan now and draft
public notification announcements answering the ques-
tions: how, when, and what will the public want to know?
PROTECT ASSETS:
Take these immediate actions which require less capital
and can be easily accomplished in the short-term: protect
design drawings and operational plans, store chemicals in
secure cabinets above counter level, install door flaps to
prevent water intrusion, and install close-tight cabinets
to prevent objects from moving. Long-term protection
requiring substantial capital funds and planning include
raising vulnerable well casings, installing waterproof
cabinets around electrical systems, and moving or elevat-
ing electrical, SCADA, generators and important equip-
ment out of flood-prone areas.
Work with community leaders to protect the utility and
town by developing riparian buffer zones for infiltrating
flood waters, improving drainage infrastructure systems
to reduce localized flooding, and building new or upgrad-
ing existing berms and levees. Remember: water and
wastewater utilities serve everyone. Remind the commu-
nity and gain their support!
EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1 (800) 426-4791
KEY CONTACTS:
DENISE SPRINCBORC
EPA New England
Environmental Engineer
(617) 918-1681
springborg.denise@epa.gov
MARK SCEERY
EPA New England
Environmental Engineer
(617) 918-1559
sceery.mark@epa.gov
GENERAL INFO:
EPA NEW ENGLAND
5 Post Office Square
Suite 100
Boston, MA 02109-3912
(617) 918-1111
www.epa.gov/region 1/
TOLL-FREE
CUSTOMER SERVICE
1-888-EPA-7341
LEARN MORE AT:
http://water.epa.gov/
infrastructure/
watersecunty/climate/
v>EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
EPA-420-F-12-007
March 2012
® printed on 100% recycled paper, with a minimum of 50% post-consumer waste, using vegetable-based inks
------- |