A I™ United States
I Environmental Protection
¦5: jt i - ¦ | % Agency
EPA 903-K-18-001
March 2018
STORM SMART CITIES
Integrating Green Infrastructure into Local Hazard Mitigation Plans
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STORM SMART CITIES
Acknowledgments
This Storm Smart Cities Guide was made possible through assistance provided by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds and the United States
Army Corps of Engineers'(USACE) Silver Jackets Program.
Special Thanks to our Stakeholders and Planning Team:
Sherry Wilkins, Director | Huntington Stormwater Utility
Chris Chiles, Executive Director | Region 2 Planning & Development Council and KYOVA Interstate Planning
Commission
Kathy Elliott | Region 2 Planning & Development Council and KYOVA Interstate Planning Commission
Beth Wild | KYOVA Interstate Planning Commission
Breanna Shell | Planning Director, Huntington City Planning
Rebecca Albert | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Huntington District
Steve O'Leary | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Huntington District
JoeTrimboli | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Huntington District
Megan Thompson | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Huntington District
Mari Radford | Federal Emergency Management Agency Region III, Mitigation Division
Kathryn Lipiecki | Federal Emergency Management Agency Region III, Mitigation Division
Matt McCullough | Federal Emergency Management Agency Region III, Mitigation Division
Michelle Price-Fay, Associate Director | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, Water Protection
Division
Ken Hendrickson, Green Infrastructure Lead | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, Water
Protection Division
Samantha Rachko | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, Water Protection Division
Susan Spielberger | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, Environmental Assessment and
Innovation Division
Patricia Corbett | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, Hazardous Site Cleanup Division
Jada Goodwin | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, Water Protection Division
Diana Saintignon | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, Water Protection Division
Daniel Taylor | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, Water Protection Division
Special Thanks to:
Lisa Hair | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water
Laura Bachle | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water
Jamie Piziali | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water
Region III EPA Contract Support provided by:
CSRA International, Inc.
JH Consulting, LLC
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A GUIDE TO INTEGRATE GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE
Contents
Acknowledgments ii
Foreword iv
Introduction iv
Background 1
Understanding the Issues and Requirements 1
Why did we Focus on Local Hazard Mitigation Planning? 2
Stormwater, Flooding, and Green Infrastructure 3
Why Green Infrastructure? 3
Evolution of Stormwater Management 5
Flooding and Green Infrastructure in Huntington, WV 6
Aligning Plans to Include Green Infrastructure 8
How to Include Green infrastructure in the Local Hazard Mitigation Planning Process 11
Public Involvement 13
The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Approval Process 13
WV Region 2 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Crosswalk 14
Implementing Mitigation Projects 14
Lessons Learned 15
Conclusion 18
Appendix A: WV Region 2 Hazard Mitigation Plan/Green Infrastructure Crosswalk 19
Appendix B: Green Infrastructure & Local Hazard Mitigation Planning Resources 23
Appendix C: References 25
List of Acronyms 26
in
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STORM SMART CITIES
Foreword
Public health and environmental impacts affect
people most significantly where they live; at the
community level. Many of the EPA's programs
focus on providing support to communities,
especially in environmentally overburdened,
underserved, and economically distressed areas,
which have the greatest needs.
Communities across the United States are
facing a variety of challenges, from outdated
infrastructure, to water quality protection, to
the need to increase community resilience and
mitigate the impacts of flooding and other
hazards. These communities are looking for
multi-purpose solutions to these challenges.
Green infrastructure is one approach to improve
water quality and address flooding challenges.
Green infrastructure yields many benefits,
including improved water quality, reduced
flooding, infrastructure cost savings, and healthier
communities. While green infrastructure alone
may not fully address these issues, it adds
capacity, flexibility, and resilience to other
infrastructure systems and provides multiple
community benefits.
Communities are also realizing the need for
integrated planning; looking for overlap in the
various plans they need to secure funding, meet
regulations, ensure public safety, and encourage
sustainable economic growth. When these plans
interconnect, and include similar approaches and
solutions, communities increase the likelihood
that these plans will be realized. This approach
also ensures that communities can take full
advantage of available funding. As a result,
communities across the United States are starting
to look at how to integrate green infrastructure
into their Local Hazard Mitigation Plans.
This Storm Smart Cities Guide examines how
communities can integrate green infrastructure
into their Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. It
provides a case study of green infrastructure
integration efforts in the City of Huntington, West
Virginia (WV) and the WV Region 2 Planning &
Development Area.
This guide serves several purposes. It:
Provides an overview of Local Hazard
Mitigation Planning;
Captures an approach used to establish a
planning team;
Identifies lessons learned and important
considerations for other communities
interested in pursuing this approach; and
Provides a crosswalk between the steps
in Local Hazard Mitigation Planning,
considerations for integrating green
infrastructure, and examples from the
Huntington, West Virginia Case Study.
Introduction
In the summer of 2016, the EPA Region III Water
Protection Division, Office of State and Watershed
Partnerships began organizing a group of local,
regional, state, and federal agencies with the
intent of understanding how to better integrate
green infrastructure into local hazard mitigation
planning. The effort focused on Huntington, WV
and the surrounding area.
This group included representatives from:
the Huntington Stormwater Utility (HSU);
Huntington City Planning;
The WV Region 2 Planning & Development
Council (PDC2);
The KYOVA Interstate Planning Commission;
The Huntington District Office of the USACE;
The West Virginia Department of
Environmental Protection (WVDEP);
The Federal Emergency Management
Agency, Region III (FEMA); and
EPA Region III.
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A GUIDE TO INTEGRATE GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE
Hazard Mitigation -
the effort to reduce
loss of life and
property by lessening
the impact of disasters
(FEMA).
While the initial
focus of the
group was to
explore how to
incorporate green
infrastructure into
the WV Region
2 Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan,
the overall goal was to better align plans and
resources toward reducing the impact of flooding
and helping to protect and improve local water
quality. As an extension of early EPA outreach
efforts, the team developed, and was approved
for, additional support under the USACE "Silver
Jackets" program creating the Huntington Silver
Jackets Team.
AstheTeam was formed, the Region 2 Planning
& Development Council was just beginning
the process of updating its required Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan.Through team meetings,
stakeholder meetings and workshops, the team
worked to:
Develop a shared understanding of local
flooding issues;
Better understand green infrastructure and
frame it in the context of Huntington, WV;
Identify opportunities within the local
hazard mitigation planning process to better
incorporate green infrastructure as a tool for
local flood hazard mitigation; and
Identify next steps toward implementing
green infrastructure practices.
Background
Understanding the Issues
and Requirements
Stormwater management is essential for healthy
communities in the 21 st century. Without it,
pollution entering local waterbodies and the
risk of flooding increases. Stormwater runoff
is one of the largest sources of water pollution
in urban and suburban areas. It presents many
environmental, social, and economic challenges.
Rain and snowmelt that flows over land or
impervious surfaces, such as paved streets,
parking lots and building rooftops, does not
soak into the ground, generating stormwater
runoff. The runoff picks up pollutants such
as trash, chemicals, oils and dirt/sediment
that harm rivers, streams, lakes and coastal
waters. These pollutants directly impact water
quality. Increases in stormwater runoff are
not only a concern for water quality, it also
directly contributes to urban flooding. Along
with protecting their environmental health,
communities must also plan for how they will
reduce the threats from natural disasters. FEMA
requires communities to develop a Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan. These plans list all the potential
hazards and natural disasters that a community
might experience and describe the actions that
the community will take to reduce or mitigate
those threats. Flooding is one of the most
common natural disasters that communities
face and the impact to the community can be
significant and costly.
The link between stormwater and flooding, and
their associated planning and management
requirements, provide communities with the
opportunity to consider multi-benefit solutions.
Green infrastructure is a prime example of a
multi-benefit solution. It can be used to both
improve water quality and reduce the amount of
stormwater runoff.
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STORM SMART CITIES
Why did we Focus on Local
Hazard Mitigation Planning?
FEMA has different types of funding that are
available to states, tribes, and local communities
to use for hazard mitigation. FEMA requires
communities to develop a Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan and update that plan every five
years. Local Hazard Mitigation Plans should
cover all types of hazards that a community
might face, and discuss ways to reduce the
impacts of each hazard. Local Hazard Mitigation
Plans may be developed at the city, county,
or regional level based on capacity and local
preference. This Storm Smart Cities Guide
highlights a Case Study focused on Local Hazard
Mitigation Plans because they are developed
by local stakeholders and reflect local priorities.
This process of engaging local stakeholders,
discussing the potential hazards in a community,
and developing plans to address those hazards
provides is an opportunity for communities
to think strategically about aligning resources
toward solving problems.
In West Virginia, most local hazard mitigation
plans are developed at a regional level through
Regional Planning & Development Councils.
This regional approach was adopted between
2011 and 2012, with the support of the West
Virginia Department of Homeland Security and
Emergency Management (WVDHSEM). The
WVDHSEM is the state level emergency
management agency in West Virginia
responsible, along with FEMA, for approving
local hazard mitigation plans. This regional
planning approach adds capacity to
communities that may not have the budget or
personnel to develop individual plans.
It promotes thinking across local political
boundaries and seeks to mitigate hazards
that have the potential to impact multiple
communities at the same time.
The City of Huntington is part of the WV Region
2 planning district and includes Mason, Cabell,
Wayne, Lincoln, Mingo, and Logan counties. The
WV Regional Planning & Development Council
(PDC2) represents 31 units of government and
is responsible for developing the Region 2
Hazard Mitigation Plan {see Figure 1, below).
Huntington,
West Virginia
Putnam
Cabell
Hampshire
Wayne
Taylor
Wood
Linco n
Ritchie
Barbour nicker
Randolph
pshur -j
-ri .:,ni
-II
r l><: jhont-js
?
Wayne
Nicholas
4
Greenbrier
Boone
Fayette
Mingo Logan
Raleigh
summer#
Monroe
VVyomin-i
Mercer
McDowell
Figure 1: Map of West Virginia: Regional Planning and pevelopmefit Areas.
2
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A GUIDE TO INTEGRATE GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE
Stormwater, Flooding,
and Green Infrastructure
Why Green Infrastructure?
This collaborative planning effort focused on
green infrastructure because of its ability to
address multiple water related issues. In its
simplest terms, green infrastructure is an approach
to stormwater management and flood mitigation
that provides areas for water to soak into the
ground, or evaporate back into the air, rather than
forming runoff and leading to flooding.
As communities historically developed, the
amount of impervious surfaces such as roads,
sidewalks, and parking lots within the community
increased. These surfaces are referred to as
impervious because they do not allow rainwater
to soak into the ground. Community flood risk
increases as the area of impervious surface
increases. Since rainwater falling on impervious
surfaces is not able to soak into the ground, it
must either run off of that surface or collect in
low-lying areas.
Most communities have some type of stormwater
collection system comprised of storm drains
and pipes. These systems are referred to as grey
infrastructure because they are constructed of
man-made materials and are engineered and
designed to collect water and move rainwater
rapidly out of the community. However, these
systems are often undersized and outdated
compared to the increases in impervious surfaces
within the community over time. As these grey
infrastructure systems become overwhelmed, they
are no longer able to collect additional stormwater
runoff. That excess runoff then flows across the
surface of the community and collects in low-lying
areas, leading to localized flooding.
Stormwater runoff in urban areas is also a major
cause of water pollution. As rain water runs
off the ground, it can collect and carry trash,
bacteria, and heavy metals. These pollutants are
ultimately carried to local streams and rivers. As
high volumes of runoff enter local streams, there
Watershed - An area of land that drains to a
single point, usually the outlet of a stream or
river. Planning for stormwater management
and flood mitigation should consider the
entire watershed.
is also a rapid increase in the water levels in those
streams.This increases the impacts of localized
flooding, streambank erosion, destruction of
property, and in some cases flash flooding.
These flooding events can be highly damaging
even though they are localized. It is important
to note that increases in impervious surface area
in a community mean that even smaller storm
events can lead to flooding because the overall
volume of stormwater runoff increases. Trends
show that storm intensity and frequency are
increasing causing even greater concern. Western
WV experienced an overall increase of 2% to 10%
in annual precipitation volume between 1901 and
2015 (US EPA, 2016).
A green infrastructure approach to stormwater
management and flood risk reduction seeks to
capture rainwater as close to where it falls as
possible and let that water soak back into the
ground. It integrates multiple smaller practices
throughout the watershed, encourages the
preservation of existing green space, increases
tree canopy cover, works to restore degraded
natural areas, and adds green space where
possible. All of this is done with consideration
of traditional piped stormwater systems, so
that the green infrastructure elements reduce
the volume of runoff that streams and piped
systems need to carry.
Green infrastructure includes natural systems
and areas of land as well as practices that
are engineered to mimic natural systems,
using soils and vegetation, in a smaller area.
These smaller practices can be integrated into
the community, adding both aesthetic and
functional benefits. Green infrastructure
systems can also be flexible and adaptable.
They can be installed in the community over
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STORM SMART CITIES
Downspout Disconnect - This simple practice reroutes rooftop drainage pipes
from draining rainwater into the storm sewer to draining it into rain barrels, cisterns,
or permeable areas. It can be used to store stormwater and/or allow stormwater to
infiltrate into the soil.
Rainwater Harvesting - Rainwater harvesting systems collect and store rainfall for
later use. When designed appropriately, they slow and reduce runoff and provide a
source of water. This practice is particularly valuable in arid regions, where it could
reduce demands on increasingly limited water supplies.
Rain Gardens - Rain gardens are versatile features that can be installed in almost any
unpaved space. Also, known as bioretention, or micro-bioretention cells, these shallow,
vegetated basins collect and absorb runoff from rooftops, sidewalks, and streets.
This practice mimics natural hydrology by infiltrating, evaporating, and transpiring
stormwater runoff.
Planter Boxes - Planter boxes are urban rain gardens with vertical walls and either
open or closed bottoms. They collect and absorb runoff from roofs, sidewalks, parking
lots, and streets and are ideal for space-iimited school sites in dense urban areas.
Bioswales - Bioswales are vegetated, mulched, or xeriscaped channels that provide
stormwater treatment and retention as it moves from one place to another. Vegetated
swales slow, infiltrate, and filter stormwater flows. As linear features, they are
particularly well suited to being placed along streets and parking lots.
Permeable Pavements - Permeable pavements infiltrate, treat, and/or store rainwater
where it falls. They can be made of pervious concrete, porous asphalt, or permeable
interlocking pavers. This practice could be particularly cost effective where land values
are high and flooding or icing is a problem.
Green Roofs - Green roofs are covered with growing media and vegetation that
enable rainfall infiltration and evapotranspiration of stored water. They are particularly
cost-effective in dense urban areas where land values and stormwater management
costs are likely to be high.
Urban Tree Canopy - Trees reduce and slow stormwater by intercepting precipitation
in their leaves and branches. Many cities have set tree canopy goals to restore some
of the benefits of trees that were lost when the areas were developed. Homeowners,
businesses and community groups can participate in planting and maintaining trees
throughout the urban environment.
Figure 2; Examples of Green Infrastructure Practices;-
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A GUIDE TO INTEGRATE GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE
time. Figure 2 (see previous page) provides
some example green infrastructure practices
and a description of how they are used.
Green infrastructure solutions can be as
unique as the landscapes in which they are
implemented. This flexibility is a major benefit
of the approach. Many times, successful
programs have locally-tailored guidance and
standards that reflect community priorities
and regulatory needs. Communities can easily
integrate green infrastructure initiatives into
other community improvement or capital
projects such as transportation corridor
upgrades, pedestrian safety upgrades,
neighborhood revitalization efforts, road re-
paving, and utility work. By integrating green
infrastructure into these planned projects,
communities can achieve significant cost
savings as compared to retrofit projects
focused solely on installing green infrastructure
practices. Education for private developers can
help them include green infrastructure into
their designs.
In the past, green space has been viewed as
something that may be aesthetically pleasing
and nice to have, but it was not viewed as
a valuable, functional part of a community.
Communities are making the shift to recognize
space as necessary for maintaining healthy
social, ecological, and economic systems. Green
infrastructure provides essential services to a
community.These benefits include:
Improved water quality and increased water
supply;
Reduced flooding;
Increased property values;
Reduced filtration costs;
Infrastructure cost savings;
Improved air quality;
Increased community resilience;
Increased habitat improvement and
connectivity; and
Healthier communities.
Evolution of Stormwater
Management
Prior to the 1980s, the importance of treating
stormwater runoff was not fully recognized.
When passed in 1972, the Clean Water Act's
(CWA) primary emphasis was to reduce the
amount of pollution discharging into waterways
from wastewater treatment plants and industrial
facilities. By the 1980s, regulators and others
began to understand the importance of treating
stormwater runoff from farmland, city streets,
construction sites and suburban lawns. In 1987,
Congress amended the CWA, which spurred new
regulations and programs with requirements for
different sized communities.
Issued in 1990, EPA established Phase I of
the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm
Sewer System (MS4) regulations requiring MS4
operators serving populations of 100,000 or
more to develop comprehensive stormwater
management programs (SWMP) to reduce the
discharge of pollutants from their storm sewer
systems. In 1999, EPA extended regulations to
cover smaller communities, known as Phase
II MS4s. Phase II MS4 regulations apply to
communities located in urbanized areas as
defined by the Bureau of Census, or on a case-
by-case basis by the NPDES permitting authority.
Phase II requires smaller entities that operate
MS4s in urban areas to obtain NPDES permits.
Individual NPDES permits generally cover Phase
I MS4s and general NPDES permits cover Phase
II MS4s. NPDES permits for regulated MS4s
require permittees to develop a SWMP, which
describes the stormwater control practices that
the permittee implements to comply with permit
requirements and minimize the discharge of
pollutants from the sewer system. Phase II permit
holders must implement six minimum control
measures to reduce polluted stormwater runoff.
Together, the Phase I and Phase II regulations
aim to keep harmful pollutants out of local
waterbodies.
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STORM SMART CITIES
Flooding and Green
Infrastructure in Huntington, WV
Flooding is a significant concern for the City of
Huntington. Large floods along the Ohio River
in 1913 and 1937 heavily damaged portions of
the city. During the 1937 flood, as many as
25,000 city residents were affected, with 11,000
requesting Red Cross services (Tabler, 2015).
As a result, the USACE built a floodwall along
the Ohio River between 1938 and 1940.The
Floodwall runs from West 3rd Street on the
city's western edge to 24th Street on the city's
eastern edge.
While the floodwall has significantly reduced
the risk of larger flooding from the Ohio River, it
does not mitigate localized flooding. As the city
grew over the years, other waterbodies have
been impacted by increased surface water flow.
In 2016, flooding in Fourpole Creek caused
significant flooding in Huntington's Ritter Park
area. Huntington also faces regular flooding in
low-lying areas of the city. The city is bisected by
a major active CSX railway moving commodities
in the Region. Part of the railway is elevated in
the city, separating the northern side of the city
from the southern side of the city. Roadways are
connected by underpasses that carry the north-
south streets below the rail line. These low-lying
underpasses frequently flood, blocking traffic
(see Figure 3). The flooded underpasses impede
vital emergency services, cutting off downtown
and Marshall University from the rest of the city.
Cabell Huntington Hospital is less than one mile
south of the 16th Street underpass and
ambulances have experienced problems getting
to the hospital when the underpasses are
flooded.
Flooding not only physically impacts the
community, it has considerable financial
impacts as well. City residents maintain a total
of 259 National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
policies, with $39 million coverage in force.
When flooding damages properties, owners can
FiguteB; Flooding in tbeCify of Huntington. Photo er;ecfit: Herald Dispatch
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A GUIDE TO INTEGRATE GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE
make claims against their policies for losses.
Historically, 173 losses have been paid, totaling
$1.4 million. While this number is significant,
it does not fully capture the magnitude of the
flooding concerns in Huntington as there are
most likely city residents who may not have
flood insurance policies and/or may not have
filed claims for losses.
HSU is the local agency responsible for
managing both the floodwall along the Ohio
River, and stormwater runoff within the city.
HSU's authority for managing stormwater runoff
within the city comes from its responsibility to
manage the city's Phase II MS4 permit issued by
the WVDEP.
Under the MS4 permit, the HSU implements the
following components:
public education and outreach regarding
development permitting requirements;
public participation and involvement in the
process;
detection and elimination of illicit discharges;
runoff control at construction sites; and
post-construction stormwater management,
and pollution prevention.
Under the MS4 permit, the HSU is responsible for
maintaining and repairing existing stormwater
infrastructure, but they are also responsible
for educating the public and ensuring that
stormwater runoff from redevelopment and
new development sites is reduced, according to
WVDEP requirements (see Figure 5). The WVDEP
Stormwater Management and Design Guidance
Manual, Chapter 2, specifies that all new and
redevelopment sites (disturbing 1 acre or
greater) must capture and manage on site the
first inch of rainfall in a 24-hour storm using,
"canopy interception, soil amendments,
evaporation, rainfall harvesting, engineered
infiltration, extended filtration and/or
evapotranspiration and any combination of
[these] practices."
This regulatory requirement has been the
primary driver for green infrastructure projects in
the City of Huntington. As of 2017, the HSU had
approved 29 green infrastructure projects. A list
of completed projects is shown in Table 1. These
practices are helping to reduce stormwater
runoff and flooding in the City, while also
improving water quality.
Six Minimum Control Measures
Public Education and Outreach to distribute learning materials and personally inform citizens
about the impact polluted stormwater runoff has on water quality.
Public Involvement/Participation to provide for citizen representation in program development
and implementation.
Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination program to detect and eliminate illicit discharges to
the storm sewer system and enforce penalties, where appropriate.
Construction Site Runoff Controls to control sediment and erosion from construction sites for any
construction activities that disturb 1 acre or more of earth.
Post-Construction Runoff Control to address the discharge of post-construction stormwater runoff
from new development and redevelopment for any projects that disturb 1 acre or more of earth.
Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping methods and procedures to reduce polluted runoff
from municipal operations.
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STORM SMART CITIES
Aligning Plans to Include
Green Infrastructure
incorporating green infrastructure projects into
hazard mitigation planning is not difficult. In
fact, the federal guidelines outlining mitigation
plan requirements strongly advocate that
projects beyond those traditionally funded
by FEMA be included in the plan to address
vulnerabilities. Regulations guiding the
hazard mitigation planning process require two-
way alignment of mitigation with other planning
efforts to helps support resiliency. Communities
should integrate mitigation considerations into
their other plans, and include measures
suggested by the other plans in the hazard
mitigation document. For example, a
community's comprehensive development,
economic development and land use plans are
applicable for integration. Other documents
that focus on watershed protection and
stormwater management plans may also apply.
It is important to look for points of integration
across regional-level plans as well as local-level
plans. Regional plans allow for an examination
of hazard impacts that cross jurisdictional lines,
both from a mitigation perspective, and a green
infrastructure perspective. Local level plans may
provide more detail about local flood hazards
or identify local projects that could incorporate
green infrastructure. Aligning plans at both the
regional and local levels increases the likelihood
that plan goals will be realized.
While the HSU's management of the
Huntington MS4 permit has led to multiple
green infrastructure practices, the Huntington
Silver Jackets Team realized that the Region
2 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan provided
additional opportunities to advance green
infrastructure in the city and throughout the
Region. For Huntington, the plan broadens the
applicability of the HSU's green infrastructure
efforts. Initially implemented as a response
to the MS4 regulatory driver, the mitigation
planning process allows HSU to explore green
infrastructure program applicability beyond new
and re-development efforts. A joint stormwater
management-hazard mitigation focus can
highlight green infrastructure options that
benefit both water quality and flood mitigation.
For the other communities in the region,
participating in the mitigation plan update
process provides exposure to the green
infrastructure approaches and practices and
their benefits. It offers the chance for Huntington
and the HSU to become regional leaders in
planning and implementing green infrastructure.
This leadership will be important in promoting
regional awareness of green infrastructure and
Figure 4; Localized flooding at railway underpasses: impacts traffic movement in the City of Huntington. Photo credit; Sherry Wilkins, HSU
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A GUIDE TO INTEGRATE GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE
Type of
Project
Name
Location
Bioretention
Cell
Amp Gymnastic
Kinetic Park
Residential
Apartments
10th Street
Cabell-Huntington
Hospital
Parking Lot
13th Avenue &
Cypress St.
15th Street
16th Street
CVS Pharmacy
Fifth Avenue
Dollar General
Monroe Avenue
Family Dollar
Waverly Road
RMS Pro Finishes
Third Avenue
Sheetz
Fifth Avenue
Beltone
6th Avenue
Fairfield Inn
Kinetic Park
Residential
Apartments
6th Avenue
Taco Bell
Kinetic Park
Atomic
Distribution
7th Avenue
Bimbo Bakery
Parking Lot
14th Street West
& Adams
St. Mary's Hospital
1st Avenue
Texas Roadhouse
US Route 60
Uptowner Inn
Impoundment Lot
Madison Avenue
& 16th Street W.
Infiltration
System
Huntington
Gardens
Doulton Avenue
Sheetz
6th Avenue
Porous
Pavement
River Park
Hospital Gym
6th Avenue
Sheetz
6th Avenue & 8th
Street
Residential
Apartments
6th Avenue
Buffalo Crossing
Development
Third Avenue
Parking Lot
First Street
Cookout
Restaurant
25th Street
Stormwater
Planters
Taco Bell
Kinetic Park
building stakeholder support. Huntington's
success will serve as an example to other
local government representatives.The hazard
mitigation planning process provides the
opportunity for other community leaders in WV
Region 2 to speak directly with, and learn from
their peers.The planning process also serves as a
starting point for expanding the conversation on
multiple uses for green infrastructure.
One important benefit of aligning plans to
address related issues is the potential to expand
the sources of project funding and be strategic
about the use of funding. When projects are
linked to multiple outcomes - flood reduction,
water quality improvement, public safety and
property loss prevention - communities can seek
funding from multiple agencies and organizations
to realize project goals. FEMA has traditionally
funded hazard mitigation efforts, while state
and federal environmental agencies are likely to
focus more on water quality. Other organizations
may be interested in establishing wildlife habitat,
protecting stream health, or creating safer routes
for children to walkto school.
Green infrastructure can accomplish multiple
goals. The same green infrastructure project
that helps mitigate flooding might also protect
water quality, provide habitat, and help control
traffic patterns so students can more safely cross
a busy intersection. This increases the likelihood
that communities will be able to fund these
projects. Communities have the opportunity to
demonstrate responsible fiscal stewardship by
choosing solutions that address multiple issues.
Plan alignment helps community leaders identify
opportunities to reduce cost and deliver multiple
benefits from all planned projects in their
community. Planned road repaving or realignment
projects may provide the opportunity to install
green infrastructure within the public right-of-
way. Utility or sewer upgrades may offer similar
opportunities. The cost savings of adding green
infrastructure to other planned infrastructure
projects can be considerable when compared to
installing green infrastructure as a stand-alone
project.The key lesson is identifying those projects
and opportunities early in the planning process.
Table 1: Completed Green Infrastructure Projects in Huntington
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STORM SMART CITIES
As the custodial agency of the regional
mitigation plan in the Huntington area, the PDC2
has begun integrating mitigation projects, where
appropriate, into its regional comprehensive
economic development strategy (CEDS).The
CEDS provides another way to raise awareness
of mitigation efforts, and may provide a venue
for sharing the economic benefits of green
infrastructure.
As the PDC2 updates the region's Hazard
Mitigation Plan, Huntington is considering the
integration of green infrastructure solutions
to help address flooding in the Highlawn area
of the city, the underpasses on 1st, 8th, 10th,
16th, and 20th streets, US 60 near St. Mary's
Medical Center, at various Brownfields sites in
the city, and along Fourpole Creek at Ritter Park.
Local officials also continue to look for ways to
integrate green infrastructure into other projects
such as pedestrian walkways, intersection re-
designs, urban revitalization, road repaving and
utility work. To date, all green infrastructure
projects in Huntington have been on privately
owned property. However, local officials are
eager to explore the feasibility of these projects
on publicly held lands as well.
Minimum Measure #5 contains provisions for watershed protection and site and neighborhood design
(see Section 2.1).These provisions must translate into local codes, policies, and planning documents so
that they become design standards for new development and redevelopment projects.The watershed
protection provisions are likely to be incorporated into local zoning and/or subdivision codes because they
relate to site design, reduction of impervious cover and protection of sensitive areas, trees and vegetation,
and soils.The site and neighborhood design provisions can be incorporated into local zoning and/or
subdivision codes or into a stand-alone stormwater or environmental code.This step is a prerequisite to
having a functioning stormwater program that follows the stipulations of the MS4 general permit.
Part II, Section C.b.5.a.i of the MS4 General Permit outlines the Watershed Protection Elements of Minimum
Measure #5. This section requires the MS4 or permittee to incorporate six watershed protection elements
into local development codes, policies, and ordinances, as well as comprehensive and master plans for land
use, transportation, and neighborhoods.The six elements include:
1. minimize impervious surfaces;
2. preserve, protect, create and restore ecologically sensitive areas;
3. prevent or reduce thermal impacts to streams;
4. avoid or prevent hydromodification of streams and other waterbodies;
5. protect trees and other vegetation; and
6. protect native soils.
Part II, Section C.b.5.a.ii of the MS4 general permit outlines the site and neighborhood design elements
of Minimum Measure #5. The general objectives of this section are stated as follows."The permittee shall
develop a program to protect water resources by requiring all new and redevelopment projects to control
stormwater discharge rates, volumes, velocities, durations and temperatures.These standards shall apply
at a minimum to all new development and redevelopment disturbing one acre or greater, including
projects less than one acre that are part of a larger common plan of development or sale."The specific
performance standard of this section contains the primary design goal for post-construction stormwater
designs and practices."Site design standards for all new and redevelopment that require, in combination
or alone, management measures that keep and manage on site the first one inch of rainfall from a 24-hour
storm preceded by 48 hours of no measurable precipitation." Runoff volume reduction can be achieved by
canopy interception, soil amendments, evaporation, rainfall harvesting, engineered infiltration, extended
filtration and/or evapotranspiration and any combination of the aforementioned practices.
Figure 5: West Virginia Stormwater Management and Design Guidance manual - Chapter 2
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A GUIDE TO INTEGRATE GREEN STORM WATER INFRASTRUCTURE
How to Include Green
Infrastructure in the Local Hazard
Mitigation Planning Process
The requirements for hazard mitigation planning
are governed by 44 Code of Federal Regulation
(CFR) Part 201 and FEMA is the agency that
oversees the process. The regulations require
that Hazard Mitigation Plans include two
primary sections, 1. the hazard identification and
risk assessment (HIRA) and 2. the mitigation
strategy. The HIRA provides the building blocks
and context for specific projects that are later
described in the action plan.
it is important for the Local Hazard Mitigation
Plan to make clear connections between
identified hazards and recommended mitigation
strategies and actions. Because the HIRA is
used to identify hazards and justify the need
for future actions, planners should be familiar
with potential mitigation strategies early in the
HIRA phase. Therefore, to fully integrate green
infrastructure into the plan, the core planning
team must be aware of the types and benefits
of green infrastructure projects as the HIRA is
developed. The team should begin the planning
process with a shared understanding of the
opportunities that green infrastructure can
provide. This may mean that the planning team
will require training on green infrastructure
before they start the planning process.
During the HIRA phase, planners "profile"the
hazards that could impact their communities.
These profiles provide a well-rounded overview
of the hazard, ranging from dictionary-style
definitions to detailed discussions on the
extent of the hazard and the specific negative
impacts the hazard could create in the
community. Profiles list historical occurrences,
Figure Screen infrastructurein Huntington, Welt Virginia. Phatc>-credit: Sherry Wjlkins, HSU
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STORM SMART CITIES
contain graphic risk maps, and often include
loss estimates. In the context of green
infrastructure, when HIRA planners establish
a flooding profile, they should acknowledge
stormwater-related flooding issues.This
includes describing the connections between
impervious surfaces, increases in stormwater
runoff, and local flooding. Identifying areas with
high concentrations of impervious surfaces in
the HIRA phase, as well as identifying how and
where green infrastructure might be effective
in the community, provides a backdrop for the
inclusion of green infrastructure projects later in
the mitigation strategy phase.
The mitigation strategy phase of the planning
process requires communities to set goals
related to risk reduction and then further
outline actions that work toward achieving
those goals. It is important to understand
that goals may be very broad and could be
aspirational, such as "completely eliminating
flood-related losses." Actions, in this sense,
identify specific mitigation projects.
Goals and actions should be based on the
findings of the HIRA. As such, it is important to:
acknowledge specific flood impact areas;
prioritize green infrastructure-related actions
and goals; and
describe the implementation of green
infrastructure-related projects in the action plan.
This approach not only supports the cost and
benefit of specific projects, it also helps to
frame the thinking with respect to where green
infrastructure projects should be located, and
how those locations were determined.
Green infrastructure can be integrated in
the plan as both a larger goal and as specific
actions or projects. An example goal may be
to "significantly reduce localized flooding by
capturing stormwater runoff from impervious
surfaces using green infrastructure." A goal
might also be more specific, such as identifying
targeted geographic areas - "eliminate flooding
in the Mapleview neighborhood by using
green infrastructure to capture stormwater
runoff along Highmark Road". Actions could list
specific programs through which this might be
accomplished, or specific areas where green
infrastructure practices would be installed.
It is important to note that the mitigation
strategy does not need to include all the
specific sites where green infrastructure might
be installed. While identifying specific actions
at specific sites can illustrate the intent of a
strategy, planners are not expected to know
every site where green infrastructure might be
installed in their local area. It is more important
for the mitigation strategy to include green
infrastructure in goals, outline how specific
actions will be determined, and provide
examples of those actions.
Also, green infrastructure strategies might
not all focus on direct construction of green
infrastructure practices. The plan might also
include green infrastructure strategies related
to the adoption of ordinances, education and
outreach, or partnership programs to increase
the adoption of green infrastructure. Green
infrastructure projects will likely be identified
as potential subset of many other flood risk
reduction efforts that are identified in the plan.
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A GUIDE TO INTEGRATE GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE
Public Involvement
Public involvement in the mitigation planning
process is crucial. The plan itself serves as
a mechanism for garnering input from the
members of a community, especially those with
diverse interests.The involvement requirement in
the mitigation planning process includes both the
general public and a select team of stakeholders.
Stakeholders represent key organizations in a
community, ranging from local governments, to
education, non-profits and the private sector.
Involvement should be via multiple means,
including town hall meetings, document review,
online surveying, social media, etc.
Incorporating green infrastructure into the
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan will require
consideration of the public involvement process.
The public and stakeholder groups may need
workshops or training to learn and understand
more about what green infrastructure is, how it
works, and how it relates to hazards identified
in the plan. The core planning team should
consider how to fold this training into the public
outreach process. They should also allow time
for the public to ask questions and discuss
green infrastructure in the simplest of terms.
In the case of the West Virginia Region 2 Local
Hazard Mitigation Planning Process, the team
held multiple stakeholder meetings, as well as
public workshops, to build a shared
understanding of green infrastructure and it's
use and application in southwest WV.
Representatives from EPA, FEMA, USACE, HSU,
and the PDC2 presented on the connections
between stormwater, flooding, green
infrastructure and hazard mitigation. Workshop
attendees commented that it was helpful to hear
from federal, state and local agencies in the
same meeting.
The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Approval Process
Once the local planning team has completed the
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, it requires approval
at both the state and federal levels. Figure 7
(see following page) provides an overview of
the steps in the review process. State review
is conducted by the State Hazard Mitigation
Officer (SHMO), or State Mitigation Planner, at
the state level emergency management agency.
Prior to submitting the plan to the SHMO, the
local planning team should ensure that the plan
meets all requirements of Title 44 CFR 201.6.
FEMA provides multiple guides and tools to
assist local planners in developing their plan.
The Local Mitigation Planning Handbook-
provides overview and guidance on the steps in
the planning process.The Local Mitigation Plan
Review Tool - provides a checklist that can be
used to identify where the local plan meets the
regulations. Appendix B provides links to both
documents.
After the SHMO has received the Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan and is satisfied that it meets
federal requirements, the state will send the plan
to the FEMA Regional Office. FEMA will conduct
its review within 45 days and provide a completed
Local Mitigation Plan Review Tool to the state.
In either of these steps, the SHMO may request
additional clarification or revisions to the plan.
Once the FEMA Regional office has approved the
plan, they will notify the SHMO that the plan is,
"approvable pending adoption"(APA).This means
that once the local elected officials have formally
adopted the plan, it will become the approved
plan for that region. The final step is for the
planning group to send documentation of formal
adoption of the plan to the SHMO.
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STORM SMART CITIES
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Approval Process
Local / regional stakeholders
develop the Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan (LHMP)
LHMP is submitted to the State
Hazard Mitigation Officer
(SHMO) for State Review
FEMA reviews the LHMP using
the Local Mitigation Plan
Review tool
FEMA issues"approvable
pending adoption"
Local jurisdictions adopt plan
and submit resolutions
Required Revisions
Required Revisions
State submits the LHMP to
Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA)
Regional Office for Review
WV Region 2 Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan Crosswalk
FEMA's Local Mitigation Planning
Handbook breaks down the local
planning process into nine tasks. While
each of the nine tasks is important,
this guide does not review each
of the tasks, but rather provides a
crosswalk between the FEMA planning
tasks and suggestions for how green
infrastructure could be incorporated in
each task (Appendix A). It also provides
examples of how green infrastructure
was considered in the WV Region 2
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan being
developed by PDC2.
Implementing Mitigation
Projects
Communities undertake mitigation
projects in a variety of ways. In many
cases, communities issue permitting
requirements through floodplain
development ordinances, stormwater
management regulations and other
mechanisms that encourage
development to be more resilient. In
other instances, communities may apply
for FEMA funding for implementing
mitigation projects, either on an annual
basis, or following a Presidential Major
Disaster Declaration. Communities must
have an approved Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan to be eligible for these
funds.
FEMA issues approval letter
and final plan review tool
Figure 7: Local Hazard Mitigation Approval Process. Adapted from FEMA
Local Mitigation Planning Handbook Figure 8.1: httDs://www.fema.aov/
media-librarv-data/20130726-1910-25045-9160/fema local mitigation
handbook.Ddf
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A GUIDE TO INTEGRATE GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE
Funding Mitigation Projects
FEMA's Local Hazard Mitigation Planning
Handbook* lists the following funding
opportunities:
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
assists in implementing long-term
hazard mitigation measures following
Presidential disaster declarations.
Funding may be authorized after a
declaration to implement projects in
accordance with State,Tribal, and local
priorities.
Pre-Disaster Mitigation. FEMA's Pre-
Disaster Mitigation Grant Program
provides funds on an annual basis
for hazard mitigation planning and
mitigation project implementation
prior to a disaster. The goal of the
program is to reduce overall risk to the
population and structures, while at the
same time also reducing reliance on
Federal funding from actual disaster
declarations.
Flood Mitigation Assistance. FEMA's
Flood Mitigation Assistance Program
provides funds on an annual basis so
that communities can take measures to
reduce or eliminate risk of flood damage
to buildings insured under the National
Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
* FEMA Local Mitigation Planning Handbook:
httDs://www.fema.aov/media-librarv-
data/20730726- 7970-25045-9160/fema local
mitigation handbook.pdf
Lessons Learned
Huntington's experience with green
infrastructure and this project contain lessons for
other communities considering the approach.
This section provides a list of those lessons along
with a brief discussion.
1. Form a coalition of stakeholders-
A coalition of stakeholders improves
accountability and motivation. This project
started by gathering a diverse group of local,
regional, state, and federal stakeholders. Each
stakeholder organization brought a unique
perspective that helped the group to better
understand the challenges and opportunities.
State and federal stakeholders helped to
provide the regulatory context for hazard
mitigation planning, stormwater
management and flood mitigation. They also
helped the group understand technical and
financial resources that could be used to
support local activity. Local stakeholders
provided input on impacts of flooding and
stormwater in their communities. They
understood local perspectives and local
knowledge of green infrastructure. Regional
stakeholders understood the similarities and
differences across neighboring communities.
As much of the planning takes place at both
the local and regional levels, regional
stakeholders provided insight on how local
plans were developed, when they were
developed, who was involved, and where
there might be points of alignment between
these plans.
Communities interested in pursuing a similar
effort should consider including
representatives from the following
organizations at the start of planning
discussions:
The local utility or authority responsible for
managing stormwater;
The organization responsible for local
hazard mitigation planning;
The City, County, and Regional Planning
organizations;
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STORM SMART CITIES
Local floodplain managers;
Local watershed association managers;
County or Regional Conservation Districts
and/or agricultural offices;
Community or Neighborhood
associations;
Local universities or other large
institutions;
The SHMO or State Mitigation Planner;
The State Environmental Protection
Agency (MS4/stormwater, green
infrastructure, and watershed planning
contacts);
The FEMA Regional Mitigation Planning
Office; and
The EPA Regional green infrastructure
contact.
2. Identify local champions - In any local effort,
it is important to have a local champion. Local
champions are more than just stakeholders;
they are engaged and invested in the issues.
They want a positive outcome for their local
community. Local champions understand
local drivers and keep stakeholders engaged.
Champions can emerge in several ways, and
regulatory drivers may create conditions
fora local champion. In this effort, there were
multiple local champions. HSU is a champion
for stormwater management and green
infrastructure. The Huntington City Planning
Office is a champion for a livable City. PDC2 is a
champion for engaged planning that leads to
tangible results for the Region. Each of these
champions was important to understanding
local needs, involving local stakeholders, and
keeping this project moving forward.They
were invested in both the process and the
outcomes for their community. Identifying and
engaging local champions is an important step
toward success.
3. Build on previous successes - This effort
started as an outgrowth of previous successes
in Huntington, WV including the EPA "Making a
Visible Difference"initiative, Brownfields
revitalization efforts, stormwater management
efforts, and other locally driven projects to
promote a livable and economically successful
city.The relationships formed during previous
engagement helped build momentum and
interest in this planning effort. Communities
should lookto build on their own previous
successes, knowledge, understanding, and
relationships when undertaking a similar
effort.This engagement can help to reframe
problems and keep stakeholders engaged in
the process.
4. Understand local experience and capacity
for green infrastructure -
Each community will have a different level of
understanding and capacity for green
infrastructure. Local motivations or drivers for
green infrastructure may differ across
communities. In this effort, HSU and Marshall
University were the primary organizations
engaged in green infrastructure projects. This
engagement was initially motivated
by regulatory MS4 drivers.This planning
effort introduced new possibilities to expand
interest in the benefits of green
infrastructure. However, it was important to
understand how flood mitigation strategies
might align with processes already in
place and what new approaches were
necessary to expand local capacity. New
approaches might include; changes to the
planning and implementation process for
infrastructure maintenance and replacement
(road repaving, water/sewer upgrades, etc.),
adopting new policies or ordinances,
establishing new partnerships, and creating
new funding strategies.
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A GUIDE TO INTEGRATE GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE
FEMA offers the following advice to
communities as they work to implement
their Local Hazard Mitigation Plan:
Focus on Quality over Quantity
As you move forward with transitioning from
plan development to plan implementation,
it is important to achieve a few"early wins,"or
successfully complete some initial mitigation
actions.These could be low-cost actions that
can be implemented quickly or a single high-
priority project. Demonstrating progress can go
a long way in gaining the support needed to
implement more complex actions in the future.
From FEMA Local Mitigation Planning
Flandbook: www.fema.aov/media-librarv-
data/20130726-1910-25045-9160/fema local
mitigation handbook.pdf
These considerations were important
from both a planning and implementation
perspective. Communities can consider
the following questions as they work to
understand local capacity:
Will the use of green infrastructure for
flood hazard mitigation require new
approaches to get practices in the
ground?
What is the capacity of existing
organizations to take on these new
approaches?
Can existing approaches to stormwater
management or flood mitigation be
modified or expanded?
Will new or different organizations need
to be engaged in order add capacity?
Will the expanded use of green
infrastructure require "new" technical
expertise for project designs and
construction?
How may we need to change the way
that we are working to integrate green
infrastructure?
Do we have the right partners and
stakeholders engaged in the process?
Considering these questions can help
planners understand local capacity, reframe
the issues and consider alternative solutions.
Another important consideration is engaging
the community to understand their level
of knowledge and comfort with green
infrastructure, how it works, and the benefits
it can provide. The mechanics of stormwater
management, absorption and infiltration,
water treatment, and the science behind
green infrastructure are technical concepts
that can be difficult to understand. As partners
build support for their efforts, they need to
find a way to connect the effort to something
of value for communities. Providing scientific
studies may not be the most effective tactic.
Though effective for some, numbers and
graphs may not convey the cultural fabric of
a community, or what makes that community
unique for its residents. Planners should be
ready to connect green infrastructure benefits
with community needs, preserving and
supporting the unique characteristics of a
community, its diversity and its history.
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STORM SMART CITIES
Conclusion
This report provides any overview of efforts to
include green infrastructure in the WV Region
2 Locai Hazard Mitigation Plan. It is intended
to share information on the processes used
and lessons learned through this process, with
communities and stakeholders interested in
taking a similar approach Though stormwater
management and green infrastructure are not
new ideas, including them in larger planning
efforts represents a different way of thinking
about concepts like mitigation. Community case
studies provide opportunities for learning about
green infrastructure successes and challenges,
and highlight how communities identify,
address, and overcome challenges. Like many
communities, the City of Huntington is still on its
journey to address stormwater management and
flooding challenges. The integration of efforts
presents the opportunity to better align resources
and take full advantage of the multiple benefits
that green infrastructure can provide.
Local stakeholders and communities can utilize
FEMA's hazard mitigation planning process, a
regulatory requirement tied to eligibility for
mitigation funding, to educate partners and build
support for green infrastructure development.
The planning process identifies risks that can
be mitigated by green infrastructure solutions,
provides opportunities for stakeholders to
consider and prioritize implementation of green
infrastructure, and outlines a mechanism by
which communities can integrate the approach
into their overall mitigation strategy. Appendix
B of this report provides a list of additional
tools that can be used to assist in these efforts.
Stakeholders and communities are encouraged
to take advantage of hazard mitigation guides
and tools provided by FEMA along with tools
provided by EPA and other organizations to better
understand the potential to integrate green
infrastructure in planning efforts.
Figure 8: Flooding !n thgCJty Of Huntington. Photo credit Chris Chiles, WV Region 2 Planning & Development Council
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A GUIDE TO INTEGRATE GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE
Appendix A: WV Region 2 Hazard Mitigation Plan /
Green Infrastructure Crosswalk
Task
(per FEMA Local
Mitigation Planning
Handbook)
Task 1: Determine
the Planning Area
and Resources
Task 2: Build the
Planning Team
Suggestion(s) for Including Green
Infrastructure in the Hazard
Mitigation Plan
Examples from Region 2 Process
Describe the community's
experience with flooding,
particularly nuisance flooding
• "Description of the Planning Area" identifies
watersheds in the region
• "Analyze Development Trends" section
describes how development patterns have
contributed to or lessened losses
• "Flooding" profile lists nuisance flooding
problem areas
Describe the community's history of
stormwater management
• Narrative lists watershed planning efforts
and coordinating agencies, including detail
on historical efforts in the Fourpole Creek
Watershed
Identify and describe changes to land
area and land use that could impact
flooding, such as an increase in
impervious surfaces, loss of wetlands
and functioning floodplains, etc.
• Risk assessment includes a land use map that
identifies the locations of wetlands
• Mapping in the flooding profile identifies
existing floodplains and flood ways, including
naturally functioning, hydric soil floodplains
Identify stormwater management,
hydrology, wetlands mapping
and management, conservation
planning, community sustainability
and smart-growth planning, parks
and recreation, and economic
development subject-matter experts
to participate on the planning team
Partners participating in the mitigation plan
update include those that have participated
in the green infrastructure planning project
(including USACE-West Virginia Silver Jackets,
Marshall University, etc.)
Narrative identifies federal, state, and local
resources for watershed planning
Planning team includes floodplain managers
from within the region
Extended partners include floodplain
managers from Community Rating System
(CRS) communities in West Virginia for
reference and use as a resource
Identify the need to integrate partners
with additional skill sets to develop a green
infrastructure hazard mitigation approach in
subsequent updates
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Task
(per FEMA Local
Mitigation Planning
Handbook)
Task 2: Build the
Planning Team
(cont.)
Task 3: Create an
Outreach Strategy
Suggestion(s) for Including Green
Infrastructure in the Hazard
Mitigation Plan
Include funding specialists (i.e.,
grants, financing plans) on the
planning team
Identify opportunities to educate
stakeholders and the public about
green infrastructure choices
Add mitigation information
to required outreach for other
compatible initiatives (e.g., MS4
outreach, community and economic
development planning public
meetings, trade shows, etc.) to
educate community members on
how they can build mitigation,
resilient construction, and green
infrastructure into existing efforts
Identify jurisdictions that would
like to learn more about green
infrastructure and low-impact
development approaches
Examples from Region 2 Process
Planning team contains significant
representation from the Region 2 Planning &
Development Council, which routinely works
with funding sources to compile project
funding packages
Include specialists in green infrastructure/
low-impact development funding, such as
CWSRF, 319 grants, watershed protection,
and forestry/agriculture areas (these types
of funding programs are new to this hazard
mitigation planning process)
Include overviews of programs from non-
profit funding sectors like the Trust of Public
Land and American Rivers
Include exploratory efforts for creating
public-private partnerships with green
infrastructure resources
Narrative describes the August 29, 2017,
public meeting on green infrastructure as
part of the planning process
Narrative describes how local authorities
combine mitigation information with
required MS4 outreach
Narrative recognizes Huntington Stormwater
Utility as an "in-region" subject-matter expert
to provide technical assistance to other
communities in the region that are interested
in green infrastructure approaches
Action plan narrative includes projects
for other jurisdictions in the region that
have chosen to learn more about green
infrastructure project implementation from
Huntington
Project list includes educating engineers and
developers as to green infrastructure options
20
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A GUIDE TO INTEGRATE GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE
Task
(per FEMA Local
Mitigation Planning
Handbook)
Task 4: Review
Community
Capabilities
Task 5: Conduct a
Risk Assessment
Suggestion(s) for Including Green
Infrastructure in the Hazard
Mitigation Plan
Review any local-level MS4 or
other relevant ordinances and
plans (such as greenway plans,
transportation development plans,
land use plans, etc.)
Consider local abilities to implement
tax or other credits for those that
build green infrastructure
Survey participating community
capabilities (e.g., personnel with
special skills, available volunteer
organizations, public-private
partnerships, etc.)
Examples from Region 2 Process
Narrative discusses the connections between
stormwater regulations and flood mitigation
Narrative outlines which communities
participate in state-led stormwater
management efforts
Narrative outlines relevant partners (e.g.,
Huntington Stormwater Utility)
Narrative discusses opportunities to integrate
mitigation with watershed-based plans and
non-point source plans; narrative identifies
projects in those plans that benefit mitigation
Narrative identifies potential for education
on plan integration, instances where code
reviews for consistency with mitigation
tenants, etc. would be appropriate
Reach out to communities that have
implemented these types of efforts to learn
about the potential pitfalls associated with
implementing them
Recognize the coordination that will be
necessary with state and other agencies
regarding implementation of tax credits
Narrative describes partnerships with
agencies that participated in the green
infrastructure project
Narrative includes integration of the
USACE-West Virginia Silver Jackets'GIS
tool for locating areas suitable for green
infrastructure projects
Identify instances of flooding, with
potential causes, throughout the
community
• Narrative differentiates between riverine
flooding and flash flooding (as well as
nuisance flooding)
• Narrative integrates findings from KYOVA
study of streets, viaducts/underpasses, and
stormwater
• Narrative describes recent efforts to refine
flood mapping in the Guyandotte Watershed
as an example of an initiative to consider
flood mitigation at the watershed level
Describe the types of problems
associated with nuisance flooding
(e.g., flooded homes, blocked roads)
and identify any resultant impacted
critical facilities and infrastructure
• Narrative lists problem areas in City of
Huntington and identifies/describes past
green infrastructure projects and their
benefits on flooding in those areas
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Task
(per FEMA Local
Mitigation Planning
Handbook)
Task 6: Develop a
Mitigation Strategy
Task 7: Keep the
Plan Current
Suggestion(s) for Including Green
Infrastructure in the Hazard
Mitigation Plan
Engage green infrastructure subject
matter experts for reviewing flood
risk areas and potential project ideas
Add green infrastructure projects,
where appropriate, to the mitigation
project list (e.g., bioretention areas,
bioswales, floodplain restoration,
green streets, increasing natural or
constructed features to slow and
infiltrate stormwater, open space
preservation, permeable pavement,
restoration of upland forests, retention
ponds, stream buggers, etc.)
Describe how green infrastructure
projects will lessen or eliminate flood
losses (as a result of those projects)
Include a history of relevant projects,
describe their status and the benefits
that have been realized from them
Frequently engage stormwater
management, hydrology, etc.
subject-matter experts
Invite subject-matter experts to
annual mitigation plan review
meetings
Examples from Region 2 Process
Include green infrastructure expertise on all
mitigation planning teams
Create a plan review step where natural
resources and stormwater staff are engaged
in initial planning and final selection of flood
mitigation projects
Action plan narrative includes completed
green infrastructure projects and describes
their benefits
Narrative lists individual mitigation projects
by jurisdiction, along with coordinating
agencies and potential funding sources (to
include non-FEMA funding sources)
Action plan includes a short series of regional
mitigation projects (either coordinated by the
Region 2 Planning & Development Council or
those that affect/impact/benefit a large area
of the region)
Project narratives identify potential
supporting partners on a project-by-project
basis
Green infrastructure projects in the action
plan refer to specific listings of nuisance
flooding and associated loss estimates in the
flooding profile
Narrative includes a list of previously-
completed mitigation projects, including
TMDL history, 319 grant/project history,
USDA/NRCS water resource grant/projects
history, etc.
Action plan narrative includes general
stormwater management planning projects
at the jurisdictional level
Use new knowledge to incorporate green
infrastructure as a routine component of
local/regional mitigation planning
"Plan Development & Maintenance"section
notes continued partnership with WVSJ, HSU,
etc.
Narrative encourages future participation
from relevant subject-matter experts from
Marshall University
PDC plans to invite green infrastructure
project partners to annual Hazard Mitigation
Plan reviews
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A GUIDE TO INTEGRATE GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE
Appendix B: Green Infrastructure & Local Hazard
Mitigation Planning Resources
FEMA - Local Mitigation Planning Handbook
h ftps://www, fern a. aov/m edia-librarv-
data/20130726-1910-25045-9160/fema local
mitigation handbook.pdf
A guide for Local Hazard Mitigation Planning.
FEMA - Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide &
Plan Review Tool
h ftps://www, fern a. aov/m edia-librarv-
data/20130726-1809-25045-7498/Dlan review
guide final 9 30 71.pdf
A tool that communities can use to make sure
their Local Hazard Mitigation Plan meets FEMA
requirements.
EPA's Green Infrastructure Website
https://www.epa.aov/areen-infrastructure
Provides a variety of information on planning,
constructing, and maintaining green
infrastructure.
EPA Green Infrastructure Contacts Page
https://www.epa.aov/areen-infrastructure/forms/
contact-us-about-areen-infrastructure
Provides contact information for EPA staff in your
Region.
EPA Green Infrastructure Wizard (GlWiz)
https://www.epa.aov/sustainabilitv/aiwiz
GlWiz is an interactive web application that
connects communities to EPA green infrastructure
tools and resources. It provides access to tools and
resources that can support and promote water
management and community planning decisions.
EPA National Stormwater Calculator
httDs://www.eDa.aov/water-research/national-
stormwater-calculator
A desktop application that estimates the annual
amount of rainwater and frequency of runoff
from a specific site anywhere in the United States
(including Puerto Rico). Estimates are based on
local soil conditions, land cover, and historical
rainfall records.
EPA Watershed Management Optimization
Support Tool (WMOST)
h ftps://www, epa. aov/exposu re-assessmen t-m ode Is/
wmost
The WMOST serves as a public-domain, efficient,
and user-friendly tool for local water resources
managers and planners to screen a wide range
of potential water resources management
options across their watershed or jurisdiction for
cost-effectiveness as well as environmental and
economic sustainability.
FEMA, Hazard Mitigation Planning
https://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-planning
General website with extensive overview
information on hazard mitigation and hazard
mitigation planning. Contains links to more
specific information and guidance on mitigation
planning and considering/implementing
mitigation projects.
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STORM SMART CITIES
FEMA, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
https://www.fema.aov/hazard-mitiaation-arant-
proaram
The purpose of this program is to help
communities implement hazard mitigation
measures following a Presidential Major Disaster
Declaration in the areas of a state, tribe, or
territory requested by a Governor or Tribal
Executive. The key purpose of this grant program
is to enact mitigation measures that reduce
the risk of loss of life and property from future
disasters.
FEMA, HAZUS-MH
https://msc.fema.aov/portal/resources/hazus
HAZUS is a nationally-applicable standardized
methodology that contains models for estimating
potential losses from earthquakes, floods, and
hurricanes. It uses geographic information
systems technology to estimate physical,
economic, and social impacts of disasters.
Georgetown Climate Center, Green
Infrastructure Toolkit
http://www.aeoraetowndimate.ora/adaptation/
toolkits/areen-infrastructure-toolkit/introduction.html
This resource analyzes common trends in the
approaches various cities are taking to planning,
implementing, and funding green infrastructure
to manage stormwater. The toolkit is intended to
aid local governments nationwide in comparing
best practices across cities, drawing lessons from
different approaches, and crafting similar policies
for their own jurisdictions.
H20 Capture NRDC Green Infrastructure
Benefits Calculator
h ttp://www. adap tationdearin a house, org/
resources/h2o-capture-nrdc-areen-infrastructure-
benefits-calculator.html
H20 Capture is a green infrastructure benefits
"calculator"that can estimate the benefits of
a new project. It quickly presents benefits in a
concrete numerical fashion meant to be a tool in
deciding the feasibility of projects.
West Virginia Stormwater Management and
Design Guidance Manual
h tto://www, dep. wv. aov/WWE/Proarams/
stormwater/MS4/Paaes/
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A GUIDE TO INTEGRATE GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE
Appendix C: References
1. Federal Emergency Management Agency,
National Flood Insurance Program. (2016).
NFIP statistics. Retrieved from https://www.
floodsmart.aov/floodsmart/paaes/media
resources/stats.isp
2. Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(2013a). Flood risks nationwide. Washington,
DC: Federal Government.
3. Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(2013b). Local mitigation planning handbook.
Washington, DC: Federal Government.
4. Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(2013c). Mitigation ideas: A resource for
reducing risk to natural hazards. Washington,
DC: Federal Government.
5. Huntington, City of. (2017). City of
Huntington dot com:The official website
of Huntington, WV. Retrieved from
h ttp://www. ci tvofh untinaton.com/
6. National Research Council. (2009). Urban
stormwater management in the United States.
Washington, DC: The National Academies
Press. ISBN: 978-0-309-12539-0.
7. National Weather Service. (2017). Flood
related hazards. Retrieved from http://www.
fIoodsafetv.noaa.gov/hazards.shtml
8. Region 2 Planning & Development Council.
(2015). Home page. Retrieved from
h ttp://www. reaion2pdc. org/
9. United States Bureau of the Census.
(2015). QuickFacts: Huntington city,
West Virginia. Retrieved from https://
www.census.gov/guickfacts/fact/table/
huntinatoncitvwestvirainia,WV/PST045216
10. United States Department of Homeland
Security, Federal Emergency Management
Agency. (2016). Hazard mitigation grant
program. Retrieved from h ftps://www, fern a.
aov/hazard-mitiaation-arant-proaram
11. United States Environmental Protection
Agency. (2009). Water quality scorecard
(EPA 231B09001). Washington, DC: Federal
Government.
12. United States Environmental Protection
Agency. (2014). Planning for flood recovery
and long-term resilience in Vermont: Smart
growth approaches for disaster-resilient
communities (EPA 231-R-14-003). Washington,
DC: Federal Government.
13. United States Environmental Protection
Agency. (2015).Tools, strategies, and lessons
learned from EPA green infrastructure
technical assistance projects (EPA 832-R-15-
016). Washington, DC: Federal Government.
14. United States Environmental Protection
Agency. (2017a). Benefits of green
infrastructure. Retrieved from https://www,
epa.aov/areen-infrastructure/benefits-areen-
infrastructure
15. United States Environmental Protection
Agency. (2017b). Stormwater discharges from
municipal sources? Retrieved from https://
www.epa.aov/npdes/stormwater-discharaes-
municipal-sources
16. United States Geological Survey. (2000).
Significant floods in the United States during
the 20th century - USGS measures a century
of floods (USGS Fact Sheet 024-00). Retrieved
fro m h tips://pubs, usas. aov/fs/2000/0024/
report.pdf
17. Villarreal, E. L., Semadeni-Davies, A.,
& Bengtsson, L. (2004). Inner city
stormwater control using a combination
of best management practices. Ecological
Engineering, 22,279-298.
18. West Virginia Department of Environmental
Protection. (2012). West Virginia stormwater
management and design guidance manual.
Charleston, WV: State Government.
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STORM SMART CITIES
19. West Virginia Department of Environmental
Protection. (2017). Watershed plans. Retrieved
fro m h ttp://www. dep. wv. aov/WWE/Proarams/
nonptsou rce/WBP/Paaes/plann in a. aspx
20. United States Environmental Protection
Agency. (2016). Climate change indicators in
the United States (4th edition). Washington,
DC: Federal Government.
21. Tabler, D. (2015). The flood that convinced
Huntington to build a flood wall. Appalachian
History, online. Retrieved from htto://www.
appalachianhistorv.net/2015/03/appalachias-
katrina.html
22. United States Environmental Protection
Agency. (2017). What is green infrastructure?
Online. Retrieved from hftps://www.epa.gov/
areen-infrastructure/what-areen-infrastructure
List of Acronyms
APA Approvable Pending Adoption
CEDS Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategy
CFR Code of Federal Regulation
CWA Clean Water Act
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
FEMA Federal Emergency Management
Agency
GlWiz Green Infrastructure Wizard
HIRA Hazard Identification and
Risk Assessment
HSU Huntington Stormwater Utility
MS4 Municipal Separate Storm
Sewer System
NFIP National Flood Insurance Program
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System
PDC2 West Virginia Region 2 Planning &
Development Council
SHMO State Hazard Mitigation Officer
SWMP Stormwater Management Program
USACE United States Army Corps of
Engineers
WMOST Watershed Management
Optimization Support Tool
WV West Virginia
WV-DEP West Virginia Department of
Environmental Protection
WVDHSEM West Virginia Department
of Homeland Security and
Emergency Management
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A GUIDE TO INTEGRATE GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE
Front and Back Cover Photos:
Top photo: Green infrastructure in Huntington, West Virginia. Photo credit: Sherry Wilkins, HSU.
Bottom row, left to right: Flooding in Huntington, West Virginia.
Photo credit: Chris Chiles, WVRegion 2 Planning & Development Council
27
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