Hocking County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan-2005

Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Page of 37 I Documentation of the Planning Process The four phases of Emergency Management are: (1) Mitigation: Any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to life and property from a hazard event Mitigation, also known as prevention, encourages long-term reduction of hazard vulnerability The goal of mitigation is to save lives and reduce property damage Mitigation can accomplish this, and should be cost effective and environmentally sound This, in turn, can reduce the enormous cost of disasters to property owners and all levels of government In addition, mitigation can protect critical community facilities, reduce exposure to liability, and minimize community disruption (2) Preparedness: Plans and preparations made to save lives and property and to facilitate response operations (3) Response: Actions taken to provide emergency assistance, save lives, minimize property damage, and speed recovery immediately following a disaster (4) Recovery: Actions taken to return to a normal or improved operating condition following a disaster.(FEMA) These are the basic building blocks that the Hocking County Emergency Management Agency (HCEMA) follows to protect lives and property, and to reduce economic loss and any future damages that the county may endure HCEMA has taken on the task of participating in the Fiscal Year 2003 Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Planning Initiative A plan will be developed to address mitigation for natural hazards in Hocking County This document will identify natural hazard risks in Hocking County, along with possible mitigation activities in order to eliminate and/or lessen damages associated with these disasters This plan was established by following the rules and regulations of the Federal Register under 201.6 Local Mitigation Plans The plan was then revised following suggested guidelines in the Ohio planning guidebook interim guidance document, prepared by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) The CORE group members were active in developing this plan The most current information available was used and dates are noted with the statistics Information in this document is subject to change (new buildings/structures, updated statistics etc.) and will be implemented into the plan when available Hocking County was awarded a grant in the amount of $19,471.00 to develop a PreDisaster Mitigation Plan for natural hazards A local match of $6,490.00 is required The plan must be completed prior to November, 2004, to maintain eligibility for Stafford Act disaster assistance Various agencies and departments contributed information to the Plan Some of the agencies include but are not limited to: Hocking County Regional Planning Office, Hocking County Auditors’ Office, Hocking County Mapping and Drafting Department, Hocking County Engineer, Hocking County EMA, Hocking County Sewer Department, ODNR-Division of Forestry, Ohio Emergency Management Agency, Hocking County Commissioners, Township Trustees and Clerks, Logan Mayor, Logan City Water and Sewer Departments, Logan-Hocking School District, Hocking Soil and Water Conservation District, Hocking County Health Department, Ohio EPA, The Ohio State University Extension, Fire Departments, Hocking County Firefighters Association, Logan Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Page of 37 Hocking Chamber of Commerce/Hocking County Community Improvement Corporation, Hocking Hills Tourism Association, Murray City Mayor, and Laurelville Village Council A CORE GROUP Bob Burris, Hocking County Regional Planner, Barbara Bunthoff, Hocking County EMA Director, Gary Starner, Hocking County Commissioner, and Debbie Later, Hocking Soil and Water Conservation District Program Administrator, met and selected a list of CORE committee members to be included in the development of the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (NHMP) The group was formed based upon the information and knowledge that was needed to develop the NHMP The following individuals are experts in their fields with the knowledge and leadership needed to help organize the plan These committee members will offer insight into the problems and concerns that Hocking County is faced with The CORE Group included the following members: Barbara Bunthoff ………………………………… Hocking County EMA Director Robert Burris, P.E… ………… …………… Hocking County Regional Planning Office Audie Wykle……… Appalachia Ohio Alliance Advisory Committee Technical Advisor Gary Starner……… …………………………………….Hocking County Commissioner Allan Johnson……… ………… Hocking Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) Debbie Later………………………………………………………………Hocking SWCD Clark Sheets, Jr.………………………………Hocking SWCD/Marion Township Trustee Bob West……… ………………….……… Laurelville Village Council Roger Shaw………….….… ………………………………………………… Developer Don Davis…….……….………………… … ……The Ohio State University Extension Steve Williams……………… …………………………………………………Ohio EPA Mark Samuels…….…….………… ………………………… …The Logan Daily News Sharon Koon…… ……………………………………………Murray City Village Mayor Steve Stirn……………….……………….Logan-Hocking School District Superintendent Bill Rinehart…… Logan-Hocking Chamber of Commerce/Hocking County Community Improvement Corporation Ray Dennis… …………….…………………… … Hocking County Health Department Mike Walsh…………….… …………………………….……….Mayor of City of Logan Dave Glass…………………………………………………Hocking State Forest Manager In addition to the Core Group listed above, Trustees or Clerks from nine of the eleven townships participated in one or more of the Core Group meetings The jurisdictions’ information was provided through their representatives on the Core Group All Township Trustees and Clerks were invited to all Core Group Meetings by individual personal letters sent to their homes Bob Miller, President of the Hocking County Fire Fighters’ Association, which represents all fire departments in Hocking County (including volunteer fire departments) was invited to the meetings and attended or had a representative attend the meetings and gave input into the plan on behalf of all the fire departments Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Page of 37 Local businesses and companies were represented through the Logan-Hocking Chamber of Commerce/Hocking County Community Improvement Corporation representative Educators were represented through the Logan-Hocking School District Superintendent or his representative The Appalachia Ohio Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to the stewardship of Appalachia Ohio and the cultural heritage of its people, was represented on the Core Group by Audie Wykle, their Advisory Committee Technical Advisor The Hocking Soil and Water Conservation District, whose staff worked on the research and writing of this plan and was represented by two Board Members on the Core Group, is a non-profit government agency with a Board of Supervisors who are elected by the public to represent them in charting the course for soil and water conservation and natural resources management The representatives mentioned in this paragraph were invited to all Core Group Meetings, by personal letter We held four Core Group Meetings during the development of the Draft Plan and all jurisdictions were invited The local newspaper was invited to all meetings and all meetings were open to the public A representative of the newspaper attended some of the meetings Representatives of the Hocking SWCD and Hocking County Regional Planning Office met with Dave Glass, ODNR-Division of Forestry, Hocking State Forest Manager, on May 26, 2004, and discussed in detail the wildfire strategies for both hazards and training for the County A public review of the proposed plan was held on December 15, 2004, from p.m to p.m., at the Hocking County Emergency Operations Center, 52 East Second Street, Logan, Ohio All Core Group Members, Township Trustees and Clerks, Logan City Mayor, Murray City Village Mayor, Laurelville Village Mayor, and surrounding jurisdictions through the Athens, Fairfield, Perry, Pickaway, Ross and Vinton County Emergency Management Agencies were invited by personal letters The public was notified by a public meeting notice in the Logan Daily News, as well as a personal invitation to Mark Samuels, Editor/Publisher of the Logan Daily News These letters were mailed November 24, 2004 A request for the public notice to be published was emailed to Mark Samuels, Editor/Publisher of the Logan Daily News on November 24, 2004, and again on December 9, 2004 The public review meeting was also discussed with Logan Daily News reporter Jeremy Hauck on December 13, 2004, and an article was on the front page of the Logan Daily News on December 14, 2004 Notice of the public review was posted on the bulletin boards at the Hocking County Courthouse, Hocking County Emergency Operations Center and Hocking Soil and Water Conservation District Hocking County Regional Planners Robert Burris and Audie Wykle, attended the Hocking County Township Trustees Association Meeting on December 20, 2004 They reviewed and discussed the Hocking County Natural Hazards Mitigation Draft Plan They passed out resolution forms to the townships present and requested that they adopt the plan for their townships and return the resolution to the Hocking Soil and Water Conservation District so it could be included in the plan Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Page of 37 A Timeline for Preparing the Plan The PDM Planning timeline was used in preparing the Hocking County Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan 8/8/03 – 12/1/03 Implementation Meetings Start Planning Process Form Core Group 2/1/05 - 5/1/05 Public Meeting FEMA Review Draft Write and Adopt Final Plan 12/1/03 – 8/1/04 Hazard Identification Hazard Profile Risk Assessment Vulnerability/Loss Estimate Start Draft Plan 5/1/05 thru 8/8/05 OEMA Review/Final FEMA Approval/Closeout 8/1/04 – 2/1/05 Setting Goals Identifying Activities Developing Action Plans FEMA Review HA Finish Draft Plan 8/8/05 Grant Closed B Core Group Meetings Grant Implementation Meeting–October 10, 2003, Hocking County Natural Hazard Mitigation Planning The Grant Implementation meeting was held October 10, 2003 The Hocking County Emergency Management Agency will contract with the Hocking Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the Hocking County Regional Planning Office for support on preparing the Mitigation Plan The Hocking County Regional Planning Office will oversee the project and the Hocking SWCD will conduct the research Brigitte Bouska, State Pre-Disaster Mitigation Coordinator for Ohio EMA, provided a detailed description of the planning and grant process, presented the guidebook and the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (NHMP) Barb Bunthoff, Hocking County EMA Director, Robert Burris, Hocking County Regional Planner, and Debbie Later, Hocking Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Program Administrator attended It was agreed Barb Bunthoff would complete the W9 forms and submit a resolution to the Commissioners for Approval A Mitigation Planning Workshop was scheduled for November 13, 2003 Core Group Members were discussed among the group and with input from Hocking County Commissioner Gary Starner The Core Group members were selected as listed later in this document It was agreed to invite all Township Trustees and Clerks as well Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Page of 37 as Village and City Mayors to all meetings The first Core Group Meeting was scheduled for October 23, 2003, at p.m at the EOC Conference Room at 52 East Second Street in Logan The Hocking SWCD sent out a letter to all Core Group Members, Township Trustees and Clerks, and Village Mayors notifying them that we are in the process of writing a Mitigation Plan for Hocking County and asking them to become involved and help with the project Meeting – October 23, 2003 – Initial Core Group/Hazard Identification Meeting The purpose for this meeting was to meet and familiarize the Core Group with the purpose, process and objectives for writing the plan and to begin to identify hazards in the county Eighteen Core Group Members, etc attended the meeting Barb Bunthoff, Hocking County EMA Director, explained that we can absolutely no mitigation in the County if we not get this plan completed She explained that if an entity does not want to participate, they will have to pass a resolution that they don’t want to participate and then that entity will have to write their own plan in order to get mitigation funding Robert Burris explained the steps of the hazard identification process are: identify, profile, inventory assets, estimate of losses, and prioritize things we can to minimize loss Robert Burris led the group in Identifying the Hazards by using Worksheet #1 Task A The following hazards were identified as hazards that may occur in Hocking County: Dam Failure Landslide Drought Severe Winter Storm Earthquake Tornado Expansive Soils Wildfire Extreme Heat Wind Storm Flood Insect Damage Hail Storm Thunder Storm Land Subsidence Work Sheet #1 Task B - The most prevalent hazards in our county were identified as follows: Dam Failure Severe Winter Storm Drought Wildfire Extreme Heat Wind Storm Flood Thunder Storm Land Subsidence The group discussed past hazards that have occurred in the county and identified possible sources of information on these occurrences The next meeting scheduled is the Mitigation Planning Workshop on November 13, 2003, at 1:00 p.m at the Emergency Operations Center in Logan Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Page of 37 Meeting – November 13, 2003 – Mitigation Planning Workshop The Mitigation Planning Workshop was held at the Emergency Operations Center Conference Room with 20 Core Group Members, Township Trustees and Clerks, etc attending Rick Warren gave the presentation Meeting – February26, 2004 – Core Group Meeting This meeting was held at the Keynes Building Conference Room located at 88 South Market Street in Logan It was originally scheduled for the EOC Conference Room but had to be moved at the scheduled meeting time due to a scheduling conflict with the room Attendees were notified as they entered the EOC that the meeting had been moved to the Keynes Building just across the alley Fifteen Core Group Members, Township Trustees and Clerks, etc attended Robert Burris conducted the meeting The purpose of this meeting was to select the most prevalent natural hazards, look at damage factors associated with these hazards, and discuss possible mitigation projects The group discussed principal areas where the damages occur and estimated dollar values for property in these areas This information was further discussed at the April 21 Core Group Meeting and the information gathered as these two meetings will be addressed later in this plan Meeting – April 21, 2004 – Core Group Meeting This meeting was held at the EOC Conference Room in Logan with 12 Core Group Members, Township Trustees and Clerks, etc attending The meeting was conducted by Robert Burris The purpose of this meeting was to further discuss principal areas where damages occur, estimated dollar value and to begin discussing and selecting possible projects for the major hazards Meeting – December 15, 2004 – Public Review Meeting This meeting was held at the EOC Conference Room in Logan with 13 Core Group Members, Township Trustees and Clerks, etc attending The meeting was conducted by Robert Burris The purpose of this meeting was to give the core group, townships, and jurisdictions, as well as the public, a chance to review the second draft of the Hocking County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan and give their input Robert Burris explained the purpose of the plan and the process of the development of the plan He also explained that it had been submitted to the state for review and we received their comments on November 5, 2004 Robert Burris and Audie Wykle reviewed the plan’s contents and discussed the mitigation strategies Barbara Bunthoff noted that mitigation buyouts can only be done immediately after an emergency declaration Barbara Bunthoff, Hocking County EMA Director, noted that Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Page of 37 Salt Creek Township should be mentioned in the plan because they have had more declarations for flooding than any other township, and the roads need elevated and culverts need resized She also requested that information be added concerning the snow in 1993 and 1994 She has a list of emergency declarations for Hocking County that she will provide so they can be added to the plan Don Davis, of The Ohio State University Extension, suggested reconsidering including insect damage in the plan due to the threat of Gypsy Moth, Emerald Ash Borer and the new problems with oak trees and the affect these could have on tourism in the county Don Davis also suggested encouraging the Ohio Department of Transportation to elevate low places in the state highways to increase access for emergency vehicles during flooding Two areas where this is an issue during flooding is State Route 93 South and North Eugene Taulbee, Falls Township Trustee, reported that they are having problems with beaver dams causing flooding and damage to some of their roads and requested that they be added to Mitigation Strategy number 10 D Jurisdictions The Jurisdictions that participated in the NHMP were: Hocking County Village of Laurelville Village of Murray City City of Logan Benton Township Falls Township (includes Falls Gore Township) Good Hope Township Green Township Laurel Township Marion Township Perry Township Salt Creek Township Starr Township Ward Township Washington Township Village Mayors agreed to participate in the planning process A letter was sent out stating the following: We are in the process of writing a Mitigation Plan for Hocking County The Hocking County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has received a grant to write the plan The Hocking County EMA has contracted with Bob Burris and Audie Wykle of the Hocking County Regional Planning Office to oversee the project and the Hocking Soil and Water Conservation District to the research and write the plan We are asking you to become involved and help with this project by sitting on the Core Group It is important to have a wide variety of participation in the group This project is very crucial for the county because after 2005, if we not have a Mitigation Plan in place, all entities in the county will not be eligible for FEMA funding or any mitigation work This would also include funding for any disasters (natural or manmade) such as flooding, tornadoes, etc Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Page of 37 We have scheduled the first meeting for the Core Group for Thursday, October 23, 2003, at p.m in the Emergency Operations Center Conference Room located at 52 East Second Street, Logan Please plan to attend Each township, village or city will need to come up with a project for their jurisdiction, so if funding becomes available, the project is planned and ready to be implemented (Robert Burris, Hocking County Regional Planner) Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment A Community Profile Hocking County Ohio, was formed from parts of Athens, Fairfield and Ross Counties by an act of the Ohio Legislature on March 1, 1818 As new counties were formed, the boundaries of Hocking County changed until 1850, when the current boundaries were established Hocking County is located in the southeastern part of Ohio It is bounded on the north by Perry and Fairfield Counties, on the west by Pickaway and Ross Counties, on the south by Vinton County, and on the east and southeast by Athens County Hocking County has an area of 269,440 acres, or 421 square miles The population in 2000 was 28,241 The County Seat of Hocking County is Logan The primary land use in Hocking County is woodland Forest land comprises approximately 198,854 acres, or about 74 percent of the total land in the county Recreation and tourism are also very important land uses in the county The Hocking Hills had 2,021,126 people visit in 2003 (Logan Daily News 2/27/04) The county has Hocking Hills State Park (which contains many different parks), Hocking Hills State Forest, Tar Hollow State Park, Wayne National Forest, and Clear Creek Metro Park These parks and forests cover approximately 39,617 acres (ODNR brochures, US Forest Service, and Hocking County Plat Book) U.S Route 33 and State Routes 56, 78, 93, 180, 216, 278, 312, 327, 328, 374, 595, 664, 668, and 678 along with the Hocking River run through the county With the scheduled opening of the U.S Route 33/Lancaster ByPass, the County has and will continue to see major population growth and development Residential growth will likely occur along the U.S Route 33 corridor Flood Plain regulations will prohibit development in any flood prone areas Based on census data, the population of Hocking County is growing at less than percent Probably no more than (20 to 30 lot) subdivision will be approved per year Subdivisions are regulated by the City and County Planning Commissions (See Exhibit H for a table of existing land use densities in the identified hazard areas.) Hocking County has a continental climate characterized by wide annual and daily ranges in temperatures Winters are cold and snowy Summers are warm and humid and are occasionally marked by very hot days Rainfall is well distributed throughout the year Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Page of 37 The normal annual precipitation is adequate for all the crops commonly grown in the county The growing season in the valleys differs slightly from that on the ridgetops In the winter, the average temperature is 32 degrees F, and the average daily minimum temperature is 21 degrees The lowest temperature on record, which occurred on January 28, 1963, is -27 degrees In the Summer the average temperature is 71 degrees, and the average daily maximum temperature is 85 degrees The highest recorded temperature, which occurred on July 14, 1954, is 104 degrees The average annual rainfall is about 40 inches Heavy rains, which occur at any time of the year, and severe thunderstorms in summer cause flash flooding, particularly in narrow valleys Thunderstorms occur on about 45 days each year The average seasonal snowfall is about 30 inches The prevailing wind is from the northwest Average wind speed is highest, miles per hour, in spring (Soil Survey of Hocking County, Ohio, USDA Soil Conservation Service, Sept 1989; Ohio Department of Transportation; and World Climate.Com) Roads – Total 794.38 miles State Roads …………………………………………………………………164.81 miles County Roads…………………………………………………………… 213.70 miles Township Roads…………………………………………………………….415.87 miles Infrastructure/Bridges/Roads: Bridges Total number of bridges within the county…………………………………………… 272 2003 Replacement Cost……………………………………….… ………$18,842,400.00 (Hocking County Engineers Office) Water Supply Systems and Water Distribution Lines Subdivision: Hocking County Engineer Infrastructure Replacement Cost Water Supply Systems N/A Water Distribution $207,000 Total (Units) Thousand Linear Feet Subdivision: Village of Laurelville Infrastructure Replacement Cost Water Supply Systems $ 600,000 Water Distribution $1,260,000 18 Thousand Linear Feet Subdivision: City of Logan Infrastructure Water Supply Systems Water Distribution Total (Units) 13 158 Thousand Linear Feet Replacement Cost $10,000,000 $ 8,000,000 Total (Units) Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 10 of 37 Subdivision: Village of Murray City Infrastructure Replacement Cost Total (Units) Water Supply Systems $ 208,000 Water Distribution $1,015,000 21 Thousand Linear Feet (Ohio Public Works Commission Capital Improvement Reports) LE-AX Water District has approximately 60 miles of water distribution lines and Old Straitsville Water Association, Inc has approximately 75 miles of water distribution lines in Hocking County These companies supply water to rural areas in the County Wastewater Systems and Collection Subdivision: Hocking County Infrastructure Replacement Cost Wastewater Systems $864,000 Wastewater Collection $797,600 Total (Units) 25 Thousand Linear Feet Subdivision: Village of Laurelville Infrastructure Replacement Cost Wastewater Systems $403,500 Wastewater Collection $700,000 23.35 6.93 Thousand Linear Feet Subdivision: City of Logan Infrastructure Wastewater Systems Wastewater Collection Total (Units) 10 90 Thousand Linear Feet Replacement Cost $20,000,000 $ 9,000,000 Total (Units) Subdivision: Village of Murray City Infrastructure Replacement Cost Wastewater Systems N/A Wastewater Collection N/A (Ohio Public Works Commission Capital Improvement Reports) Total (Units) Public Utilities The Public Utility Value of the utilities in Hocking County is approximately $144,446,371 Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 23 of 37 to mine subsidence Insurance coverage is mandatory in 27 of the 37 counties Hocking County is one of the counties in which mine subsidence insurance coverage is mandatory (See Exhibit L for map) The Hocking County Regional Planning Office is aware of a mine subsidence incident which occurred at the General Clay Plant at Diamond in Starr Township General Clay experienced the loss of a D9 dozer in a collapse of an underground mine cavity The Hocking Soil and Water Conservation District has received several calls from county residents concerning sink holes in yards and fields surrounding home sites Mine Subsidence: The lowering of the earth’s surface due to the deterioration and collapse of rock into underground mines Vulnerability and Estimate of Losses Land subsidence does not pose a big threat to the entire county, but is a serious threat in Falls Gore Township, Green Township, Starr Township and especially Ward Township where there has been heavy mining activity and there are a large number of abandoned underground mines The entire Village of Murray City with potentially 200 structures is at high risk of damage from land subsidence (See Exhibit M for map It is noted that not all mines are mapped, particularly old mines dating to pre-1874.) This part of the county is considered high risk and the risk will only get greater as time passes Subsidence seems to be increasing owing to the age of underground mines The ultimate extent of mine-subsidence in Ohio is uncertain Due to the complexity of the variables which contribute to mine-related subsidence, no acceptable system exists which is capable of accurately predicting the time or amount of subsidence in a variety of geological settings, especially for mines that have an irregular pattern of room-and-pillar mining Mine subsidence can strike with little or no warning and can result in very costly damage Hocking County has seen an increasing number of people starting to develop abandoned mineland As these areas are developed, the risk of damage will increase With a 1% damage estimate, Hocking County could see a loss of $2,710,000 (ODNR and Ohio Mine Subsidence Insurance Underwriting Association/Ohio Insurance Institute) Detailed maps are being incorporated into the updated Hocking County Comprehensive Plan for affected townships and a detailed discussion on risks and vulnerability are being included in the comprehensive plan Severe Winter Storm Profile of Hazard Events (see Exhibit D for NCDC severe winter storm history) January, 1978 – Hocking County: An inch of rain followed by inches of snow, with blinding winds and temperatures tumbled all the way from a balmy 52 degrees on Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 24 of 37 January to an overnight low of degrees Driving conditions were described as nightmarish Area highways were reduced to one lane tracks, and in some places roadways were obliterated altogether by snow drifts By noon on the 9th all state routes were reported as “bad” ice and snow covered, with drifting snow and temperatures were only 10 degrees by 11 a.m January 10 saw sub-zero temperatures overnight Roads were still blocked by drifting snow and high winds caused power outages January 11Temperatures fell to an overnight low of degrees below zero and all highways in the area were still reporting slippery conditions with road surfaces ice covered January 12temperatures reached a season low of 10 degrees below zero overnight January 13-Two inches of snow fell overnight Primary roads reported to be in fair condition, with secondary roads reported to be partly snow-covered January 14-Three inches of fresh snow fell overnight There is a total of inches on the ground now All roads are reported as snow covered, although road crews continued their efforts to keep highways passable January 17-Six inches of snow fell today on top of an earlier accumulation of inches State road crews reported they were making little headway in clearing snow covered state routes and County crews said they are “not gaining a thing” as they continue to plow roadways January 18-The snow finally stopped falling and the Hocking Valley was digging out from under a 16 inch blanket built up over the last nine days January 20-Over inches of new snow fell, making a total accumulation of 22 plus inches on the ground in less than weeks All roads were considered extremely hazardous with motorists being warned to travel at their own risk January 21-The total snowfall for the month in Hocking County is 26 inches The County Highway Department reported that crews are running out of room to push snow aside resulting in the roads becoming narrower An additional inches of new snow fell January 23-The season’s low temperature of 12 degrees below zero was recorded early today January 24-A fierce blizzard powered by winds up to 80 mph hammered the Hocking Valley The area was punished by a wild variety of weather ranging from a 46 degree high at noon on January 23 to inches of snow and near zero temperatures by noon today The 1.1 inches of rain plus snow brought flooding and road closings in some areas A number of families were without heat due to power outages and high winds Blowing and drifting snow made travel extremely difficult due to limited visibility and drifting It was 10 degrees at 7:30 p.m and had fallen further to degrees by 11:30 p.m with a wind chill factor of 44 degrees below zero The State Highway Garage reported that several roads were closed because of high water and that downed trees were blocking traffic in other locations January 25-Freezing rain and fog January 26-State Route 56 between Coonville and Starr was closed because of high water, trees were down on State Routes 374 and 664 blocking traffic, and high water was causing problems on State Routes 56, 595, 93 South and 93 North County Roads closed due to high water, drifting snow and fallen trees included: Maysville-Williams Road, Voris Road, Logan-Horn’s Mill Road, and Zwickle Road Power and telephone service has been out in Laurelville since early this morning January 27-The Hocking Valley and all of Ohio were virtually paralyzed this morning in the wake of what has been called the state’s worst blizzard as high winds produced severe drifting Two more inches of snow fell overnight contributing to the heavy drifting that isolated many rural residents in their homes State and County crews battling to reopen roadways throughout Hocking County reported drifts well over feet deep in some places It was degrees above zero overnight and 14 degrees at 11 a.m Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 25 of 37 Several roads were closed due to snow drifts January 28-County road crews reported some drifts as high as 15 feet Approximately 90 percent of Perry Township is still without electricity for the third day and 75 percent of Perry Township’s roads are still closed January 30-The Logan National Guard Unit answered almost 400 calls for assistance spending most of their time transporting residents to the homes of neighbors and friends The Red Cross has helped over 450 people since the blizzard began on Thursday Medicine, food and fuel oil have been purchased by the Red Cross and delivered by the National Guard (The Logan Daily News) January 6, 1996 – A severe winter storm hit Ohio The ODOT at Logan reported there was a total of 14” of snow over the weekend in Hocking County (The Logan Daily News) The Blizzard of '96 developed near the Gulf Coast and moved up the East Coast This massive system produced the greatest total and 24 hour snowfall at Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky airport This one storm brought 14.3 inches of snowfall to the airport, which normally receives 23 inches for an entire season The heaviest snow fell near the Ohio River in the extreme south The worst blizzard conditions occurred over West Central areas as dry and powdery snow was blown around by high winds causing whiteouts Some areas had more than 30 continuous hours of snowfall, and many people in Southern Ohio felt this was the worst winter storm since the Blizzard of '78 In Fayette County, the airport reported a wind gust to 56 mph during the height of the storm By the end of the storm many homes and businesses had their roof collapse or partially collapse from the weight of the new snow, and snow from a storm earlier in the week By late in the day on the 7th arctic air was pouring into the region A 47 year old man died of exposure under an overpass in Miami County A 76 year old man died of exposure on his front porch in Montgomery County (NCDC) February, 2003 A level snow emergency was declared by the sheriff Over 18 inches of snow fell in a day period-February 14-17 Rescue for 20 special need campers from Camp Buckeye was necessary Fire personnel transported medical personnel to and from the hospital Most political jurisdictions applied for public assistance grants Severe Winter Storms can consist of ice, snow, and freezing rain Ice: to cover or surround with frozen water Snow Storm: A storm with the fall of abundant snow Freezing rain: Extremely cold precipitation usually in the form of rain that has the potential of the formation of ice Vulnerability and Estimate Losses Since 1950, severe winter storms have caused major problems for Hocking County An estimated $19.961 million dollars has been spent on response and recovery efforts With high winds, ice, accumulating snow, freezing rain and other hazards (such as downed trees and power lines) associated with this weather; the county is extremely vulnerable to these events Based on past history, the probability of such an event is medium Severe winter storms are a countywide issue At 11% of Hocking County being affected by a severe winter storm, damages could reach $8,547,000 Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 26 of 37 2.7 Thunderstorms/Windstorms Profile of Hazard Events (see Exhibit D for NCDC thunderstorm/windstorm history) Thunderstorms and Windstorms are common and very destructive hazards in Hocking County with 66 reported incidents since 1950 with major destruction being associated with them (See Exhibit N for Wind Zones map) Wind Storm: A violent wind usually with little or no precipitation Thunderstorm: A thunderstorm that produces a tornado, winds of at least 58 mph and/or hail at least 3/4” in diameter Structural wind damage may imply the occurrence of a severe thunderstorm A thunderstorm wind equal or greater than 40 mph and/or hail of at least 1/2” is defined as approaching severe (National Weather Service) July 8, 2003 – Numerous trees and powerlines were knocked down May 31, 2002 –Several trees and power poles were downed A tree fell on a house on Burns Road causing minor damage Property damage estimate was $20,000 for the event July 26, 1997 – Hundreds of trees were downed of which many fell across power lines Sixteen telephone poles were broken during the storm A warm front which was across central Ohio at peak heating on the 26th, became the focus for a Mesoscale Convective System that lasted well into the early morning hours on the 27th Severe thunderstorms moved repeatedly over the same areas causing substantial damage The continuous rainfall also caused flash flooding in Licking County Over 400 homes received damage from the combined severe thunderstorm and flooding event Vulnerability and Estimate Losses Thunderstorms/Windstorms have been linked to two deaths and 2.773 million dollars in damage The entire county is at risk where people and structures are very vulnerable Windstorms and thunderstorms lead to fallen trees and downed lines, flooding, lightning fire as well a variety of other hazards Hocking County is located in Wind Zone IV where winds can exceed 250mph There are five mobile home parks with a total of approximately 200 mobile homes and randomly scattered mobile homes throughout the county for a total of approximately 2500 mobile homes in the county With an 8% estimated loss to this hazard, costs would be around $62,160,000 Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 27 of 37 2.8 Wildfire Profile of Hazard Events Hocking County has a low observed fire danger classification at the current time due to the above average rainfalls during the last several springs (See Exhibit O for Observed Fire Danger Class Map and Exhibit P for Forecast Experimental Fire Potential Map.) Each year an average of 1,000 wildfires burn 4,000 to 6,000 acres of forest and grassland within Ohio’s forest fire protection district, which corresponds mostly to the state’s unglaciated hill country (which includes Hocking County) In a typical year it is estimated that more than 15,000 wildfire and natural fuel fire occurrences are encountered statewide These wildfires are attributed primarily to the careless burning of debris and household litter and arson and result in untold damage to trees and landscape, water quality, improvements such as fences and outbuildings, and place people and their homes at significant risk Ohio’s fire/wildfire seasons occur primarily in the spring (March, April and May) before vegetation has “greened-up”, and the fall (October and November) when leaf drop occurs During these times and especially when weather conditions are warm, windy and with low humidity, cured vegetation is particularly susceptible to burning Fuel (vegetation, woody debris), weather (wind, temperature, humidity) and topography (hills and valleys) when combined present an unpredictable danger to unwary civilians and firefighters in the path of a wildfire Hocking County has a huge amount of fuel and the topography of the county is very hilly There are no NCDC records of wildfires in Hocking County from 1/1/1950 through 6/30/2003; however, from 1974 through 2003, Hocking State Forest records show there were 486 fire reports Wild Fire: An uncontrolled fire spreading through vegetative fuels, exposing and possibly consuming structures Vulnerability and Estimate Losses Wildfires pose a significant risk to Hocking County Most areas where fires would occur are in the areas where there are numerous rental cabins, bed and breakfasts, inns, etc as well as the State Parks and Forests and National Forest There are approximately 165 cabin operators in the County with more than 500 cabins This greatly increases the risk of loss of life due to the large number of tourists who visit these areas each year The majority of the rental cabins, state parks, etc are located in very heavily forested, vulnerable, isolated areas The tourists are not familiar with the area and a large number of the rental cabins, etc are located on small county and township roads (many that are dead end) surrounded by forest The biggest threats would be the loss of life and property damage at the time of the fire The average value of the structures is $50,000 each With a loss of percent of the structures in the area due to wildfire, property damages would Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 28 of 37 be near $500,000 After the fire, with a percent loss of the income from the tourism in the area (destroyed businesses, as well as the loss of tourists visiting the area due to the destruction of the scenic area), the damages would be estimated at $15,360,000 (See Exhibit Q for the locations of cabins, etc and locations of existing dry fire hydrants) Mitigation Strategy This section of the plan will list the mitigation goals, activities and action plans for the NHMP for Hocking County The CORE Group discussed and unanimously agreed on the different activities A Core Group Activities The activities are based upon the CORE group’s input and decisions The following criterion was used to rate the action plans: Cost effective, technically feasible, environmentally sound, social impacts, activity addresses the problem, politically acceptable, and activity reduces the risk After discussion, research, etc., the Core Group, in meeting 3, recommended that the group concentrate on the three most prevalent natural hazards in Hocking County They selected the following from Task B that was discussed in Section II B: Wildfire Flooding Winter Storms/Thunderstorms/Windstorms Wildfire was chosen as the number hazard, even though it is infrequent, it has the highest potential for loss of life and the loss of structures if it should occur Flooding and Winter Storms/Thunderstorms/Windstorms are more chronic events Flooding is more frequent than Winter Storms/Thunderstorms/Windstorms Thus they were ranked as and respectively B Action Plans The action plans are listed in the order of priority and implementation 1.) Wildfire Applicable Jurisdictions: Hocking County, Laurelville, Logan, Murray City Goal: Protect the residents, visitors and firefighters of the county and protect and reduce the damage to property through better fire protection Activity: Provide the local fire departments with the brush fire equipment and training necessary for them to fight wildfire and meet their requirements Lead: Hocking County Firefighters Association Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 29 of 37 Project Time Frame: As soon as possible Task 1: Task 2: Task 3: Task 4: Task 5: Identify the equipment and training needed by each fire department in the county Prioritize equipment and training needs Identify local match Purchase equipment Set up and provide training for fire department personnel on the use of the equipment and techniques for fighting wildfires 2.) Wildfire Applicable Jurisdictions: Hocking County, Laurelville, Logan, Murray City Goal: Protect the residents and visitors of the county through education, preparedness and sufficient warning systems Activity: Hold workshops for local residents and cabin rental businesses to educate them on fire safety, evacuation, and ways to protect their property; prepare brochures for distribution to residents and tourists on fire safety and awareness; and publish news articles on appropriate topics Lead: Hocking Hills Tourism Association and Hocking State Forest Project Time Frame: One Year Task 1: Identify at risk areas and the residents and business owners in these areas Task 2: Plan topics for workshops and develop materials Task 3: Develop a brochure on fire safety and awareness Task 4: Print brochure and distribute to Welcome Center, cabin rental businesses, restaurants, and other local businesses Task 5: Schedule workshops, secure location and speakers Task 6: Publish notice of the workshop in the local newspaper and Hocking SWCD, Hocking County Tourism, OSU Extension, etc newsletters Task 7: Hold the workshop 3.) Wildfire Applicable Jurisdictions: Hocking County, Laurelville, Logan, Murray City Goal: Protect the residents and visitors of the county and protect and reduce the damage to property through better fire protection Activity: Expand the number of dry hydrants in the County Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 30 of 37 Lead: Hocking Soil and Water Conservation District and Hocking County Regional Planning Office Project Time Frame: One Year Task 1: Identify areas where water sources are needed for fire protection and ponds that meet the requirements for dry hydrant installation Task 2: Prioritize dry hydrant sites Task 3: Secure pond owner’s agreement for installation of hydrant Task 4: Identify local match (design) Task 5: Purchase dry hydrant kits and hire contractors Task 6: Install dry hydrants Task 7: Provide fire departments with information and maps of locations of dry hydrants and rental cabins, etc 4.) Flooding Applicable Jurisdictions: Hocking County, Laurelville, Logan, Murray City Goal: Improve the detailed information for flood plain identification Activity: Schedule detailed studies for flood plain delineation in certain areas and update County Flood Hazard Maps in urbanizing areas Lead: Hocking County Regional Planning Office Project Time Frame: One Year Task 1: Identify locations – Logan, Laurelville, Murray City, Rockbridge, Enterprise, Carbon Hill and Haydenville Task 2: Request funding and coordination by FEMA, ODNR Task 3: Conduct studies Task 4: Update maps 5.) Flooding Applicable Jurisdictions: Hocking County, Laurelville, Logan, Murray City Goal: Eliminate repetitive loss and claims for flood damage by returning land to green space Activity: Buyout repetitive loss structures located in Murray City, Rockbridge, and other areas of the County These projects would include the demolition of existing structures, grading of the land and replacement of grass The property could then be used as a park or green space depending on which use would best serve the community where the property is located Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 31 of 37 Lead: Hocking County Commissioners and Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Project Time Frame: Two Years Task 1: Identify areas that flood and have repetitive loss structures which meet the requirements for buyout Task 2: Prioritize areas with repetitive loss Task 3: Purchase property Task 4: Evaluate property and decide whether it would best serve the community as a park or as green space Task 5: Advertise and accept bids for the demolition, removal and regrading of property Task 6: Hire Contractor Task 7: Conduct work 6.) Flooding Applicable Jurisdictions: Hocking County, Laurelville, Logan, Murray City Goal: Decrease storm water runoff and erosion thus reducing flooding Activity: Re-size culverts/bridges that are undersized Lead: Township Trustees and County Engineer Project Time Frame: ongoing Task 1: Task 2: Task 3: Task 4: Identify culverts/bridges that are undersized Prioritize culverts/bridges that are undersized Identify local match (design) Upgrade culverts/bridges 7.) Flooding Applicable Jurisdictions: Hocking County-Rockbridge Goal: Provide safe water supplies for the residents of Rockbridge Activity: Extend well casings above the flood level or install a public water system for the residents of Rockbridge Lead: Hocking County Commissioners and Hocking County Health Department Project Time Frame: Two Years Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 32 of 37 Task 1: Identify water supplies that are contaminated during flooding Task 2: Evaluate the problem and decide best plan of action, i.e extend well casings or install public water system Task 3: Identify local match Task 4: Proceed with necessary steps to plan extension of well casings or installation of public water system Task 5: Design the projects and prepare necessary documents Task 6: Advertise and accept bids from contractors Task 7: Hire Contractor Task 8: Conduct work 8.) Flooding Applicable Jurisdictions: Hocking County- Good Hope Township-Rockbridge Goal: Reduce the amount of damage to structures in Rockbridge Activity: Flood-proof existing structures Lead: Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Project Time Frame: One Year Task 1: Identify structures that flood on a repetitive basis Task 2: Prioritize structures Task 3: Flood proof structures 9.) Flooding Applicable Jurisdictions: Hocking County, Laurelville, Logan, Murray City Goal: Decrease storm water runoff and erosion thus reducing flooding Activity: Install Water and Sediment Control Basins (WASCOBS), ponds and wetlands with ample free board to increase storage capacity Lead: Township Trustees and County Engineer Project Time Frame: Two Years Task 1: Task 2: Task 3: Task 4: Task 5: Task 6: Identify areas that flood and receive damage for possible sites Prioritize areas with damage Identify local match (design) Secure land to install projects on Design the projects and prepare necessary documents Advertise and accept bids from contractors Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 33 of 37 Task 7: Hire contractor Task 8: Conduct work 10.) Flooding Applicable Jurisdictions: Hocking County-Perry Township and Falls Township Goal: Decrease flooding caused by beaver dams obstructing the creek and culverts Activity: Hire a nuisance trapper to remove the beaver from the creeks where they have built dams and caused flooding and then remove the beaver dams Lead: Perry Township Trustees and Falls Township Trustees Project Time Frame: Six Months Task 1: Task 2: Task 3: Task 4: Task 5: Task 6: Identify areas that flood due to beaver dams in the creek or blocking culverts Prioritize areas with damage Secure the necessary permits from the wildlife officer and hire a nuisance trapper Trap and remove the beaver Remove the beaver dams from the creeks and culverts Monitor these areas to make sure more beaver not move into the area 11.) Flooding Applicable Jurisdictions: Starr Township Goal: Keep Wolet Road accessible for traffic during heavy rains Activity: Raise approximately 100 yards of the road near the river A portion of this road is next to the Hocking River and it floods whenever there are heavy rains – long before other areas in the county flood This road is a dead-end road and is the only access to one residence and a cell tower Every time the power goes out, the cell tower maintenance crew must get to the tower for repairs Lead: Starr Township Trustees Project Time Frame: undetermined Task 1: Determine how much of road needs to be raised Task 2: Determine best way to raise the road to the correct elevation Task 3: Conduct the project 12.) Flooding Applicable Jurisdictions: Hocking County, Laurelville, Logan, Murray City Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 34 of 37 Goal: Protect the lives of citizens in flood prone areas by providing equipment for emergency evacuation Activity: Purchase boats for use to evacuate victims of floods Lead: Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Project Time Frame: Six Months Task 1: Task 2: Task 3: Task 4: Task 5: Identify areas that have a history of flooding and the need to evacuate residents Prioritize areas needing equipment Identify local match Look at equipment available and get price quotes Purchase boats 13.) Flooding Applicable Jurisdictions: Hocking County-Green Township-Haydenville Goal: Reduce flooding of basements and yards for 20 residences in Northern Haydenville along Haydenville Road Activity: Evaluate and design a storm sewer system for Haydenville Lead: Hocking County Commissioners and Green Township Trustees Project Time Frame: years Task 1: Task 2: Task 3: Task 4: Identify problem areas through field surveys Design satisfactory storm sewer Request funding (possible community block grant funds) Implement project 14.) Flooding, Winter Storms/Thunderstorms/Windstorms Applicable Jurisdictions: Hocking County, Laurelville, Logan, Murray City Goal: Minimize the impact that severe weather and other hazards have on Hocking County through education, preparedness and sufficient warning systems Activity: Install 12 Severe Weather Warning Sirens Lead: Hocking County Emergency Management Agency and 911 Project Time Frame: ongoing Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 35 of 37 Task 1: Task 2: Task 3: Task 4: Task 5: Identify areas where sirens are needed and will warn the most people Prioritize areas where sirens are needed Identify local match Purchase and install 12 Severe Weather Warning Sirens Educate the public through newspaper articles, brochures, etc 15.) Flooding, Wildfire, Winter Storms/Thunderstorms/Windstorms Etc Applicable Jurisdictions: Hocking County, Laurelville, Logan, Murray City Goal: Minimize the impact that severe weather and other hazards have on Hocking County and protect the residents through education, preparedness and sufficient warning systems Activity: County-Wide Reverse 911 System Lead: Hocking County 911 Project Time Frame: ongoing Task 1: Task 2: Task 3: Task 4: Gather necessary data for project Identify local match Purchase and install Reverse 911 System Educate the public on the system through newspaper articles, brochures, etc 16.) Insect/Pest Damage Applicable Jurisdictions: Hocking County, Laurelville, Logan, Murray City Goal: Minimize the impact of insect damage and pests on our forests and protect our tourism and forestry industries through education Activity: Hold workshops for local residents and landowners on the insects and pests (such as Gypsy Moth, Emerald Ash Borer, and Sudden Oak Death) that can adversely affect the forests of Hocking County Lead: The Ohio State University Extension and Hocking State Forest Project Time Frame: ongoing Task 1: Plan topics for workshops and develop materials Task 2: Schedule workshops, secure location and speakers Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 36 of 37 Task 3: Publish notice of the workshop in the local newspaper and Hocking SWCD, Hocking County Tourism, OSU Extension, etc newsletters Task 4: Hold the workshop C Implementation, Monitoring and Updating Policies A Plan Incorporation/Existence The Hocking County Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan will be kept as a separate document but will be used along with all other plans, studies, reports and technical information of the County B Mitigation Strategy A mitigation strategy that provides the jurisdictions a blueprint for reducing the potential losses identified in the risk assessment, based on existing authorities, policies, programs and resources, and its ability to expand on and improve these existing tools C Implementation Through Existing Programs Plan Maintenance Procedures: Currently there are no such plans to address this issue, however any planning efforts in the future we would encourage The Regional Planning Commission (RPC) administers Subdivision Regulations and Floodplain Regulations for the unincorporated areas of the County Currently there is no zoning in the unincorporated areas of the County D Monitoring and Updating Policies The Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan will be distributed to different county agencies on an as needed basis Mitigation recommendations will be given to local officials and county planning departments and they will be strongly encouraged to address the NHMP activities in the following: comprehensive plans, capital improvement plans, zoning and building codes, site reviews, permitting, and other planning tools Notices and articles containing NHMP information will be published in the Logan Daily News informing the public of NHMP opportunities, updates and activities etc Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 37 of 37 The NHMP will be reviewed on an annual basis The Hocking County Emergency Management Agency along with CORE Group members will make recommendations, adjustments etc to the plan as needed Information that becomes available or changes relevant to areas of the plan will be added At the time of the evaluation, the following items will be assessed: Do the goals and objectives address current and expected conditions? Has the nature or magnitude of risks changed? Are the current recourses appropriate for implementing the plan? Are there implementation problems, such as technical, political, legal or coordination issues with other agencies? Have outcomes occurred as expected? These adjustments will take place during the annual review The NHMP will be addressed as mitigation funds become available to Hocking County When applying for a mitigation project, the NHMP will be used as a guide for possible activities The public will have the opportunity to view the document and make suggestions, comments etc at the HCEMA per request The person(s) wanting to review the NHMP will be scheduled to so by appointment There will be a meeting held once a year with the CORE Group members and public involved Postings on the web and local paper will give the date and time of the meeting ... vulnerable to any other natural hazards of Hocking County Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 12 of 37 Population Hocking County? ??.28,241 Incorporated……………………………………………………………………….. .Hocking County Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Page of 37 Hocking Chamber of Commerce /Hocking County Community Improvement Corporation, Hocking. .. Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorism Advisory Team, etc Natural Hazards in Hocking County Hocking County is susceptible to a variety of natural hazards, which include: dam failure, drought, earthquakes,