Preparing for spring flooding
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7
About Our Association
- Nebraska Floodplain and Stormwater Managers Association
- The Nebraska Floodplain and Stormwater Managers Association (NeFSMA) is an active organization of over 100 members representing over 50 organizations. NeFSMA pursues multiple purposes including: 1.)promote public awareness of floodplain and stormwater management; 2.) promote the professional status of floodplain and stormwater management and secure all benefits resulting there from; 3.) promote cooperation and information exchange between individuals and entities concerned with floodplain and stormwater management; 4.) keep individuals concerned with floodplain and stormwater management well informed through educational and professional seminars and to provide a method for dissemination of information, both general and technical; 5.) inform and educate concerned individuals of pending floodplain or stormwater legislation, funding and other related management matters. Please browse our website to learn more about NeFSMA at www.nefsma.net. If you are interested in joining, either contact one of the board members or complete the membership form.
Friday, February 25, 2011
FPF (Floodplain Fridays) 2/25/2011
And as usual, people will read this map and assume we will not get floods in Nebraska this Spring.
Preparing for spring flooding
Preparing for spring flooding
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
LB683 Committee Hearing Date - 3/10/2011
The Natural Resources Committee of the Nebraska Legislature will hold a hearing on LB683 which would establish a Stormwater Management Commission. The hearing is scheduled for March 10 in Room 1525. It is last item on the agenda that starts at 1:30. The link below will take you to the February 22 Legislative Journal which printed the notice on page 619.
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Journal/r1day32.pdf
And here is a link to the site we are following to get updates.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=12829
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Journal/r1day32.pdf
And here is a link to the site we are following to get updates.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=12829
Friday, February 18, 2011
OWH Article
An article from the OWH detailing some of the challenges associated with funding the City of Omaha's CSO Program.
Will sewer fees push some out? - Omaha.com
NeFSMA does not support or oppose any current legislative issues.
Will sewer fees push some out? - Omaha.com
NeFSMA does not support or oppose any current legislative issues.
Floodplain Friday
Welcome to Floodplain Friday! Each Friday we will post a topic related to floodplain management. If you have ideas or questions you would like answered, please email Lori Laster and we will find the answer for you.
In Nebraska, many houses have basements or crawl spaces. And most lots have been graded to make them more suitable for building. So how does a floodplain administrator determine if a structure is "reasonably safe from flooding"?
FEMA Technical Bulletin 10-01 can help (click here to download). Entitled "Ensuring That Structures Built on Fill In or Near Special Flood Hazard Areas Are Reasonably Safe From Flooding," this Technical Bulletin provides guidance as to what can be considered reasonable safe, along with illustrations of many common scenarios.
This is an excellent resource if you have been asked to sign a Community Acknowledgement Form and are unsure about the FEMA requirements.
In Nebraska, many houses have basements or crawl spaces. And most lots have been graded to make them more suitable for building. So how does a floodplain administrator determine if a structure is "reasonably safe from flooding"?
FEMA Technical Bulletin 10-01 can help (click here to download). Entitled "Ensuring That Structures Built on Fill In or Near Special Flood Hazard Areas Are Reasonably Safe From Flooding," this Technical Bulletin provides guidance as to what can be considered reasonable safe, along with illustrations of many common scenarios.
This is an excellent resource if you have been asked to sign a Community Acknowledgement Form and are unsure about the FEMA requirements.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
NeFSMA First Quarter 2011 Meeting Presentations
For your viewing and downloading pleasure, all of the powerpoint presentations from the 10 February NeFSMA meeting have been placed on the web for download until Wednesday, March 2, 2011. Get 'em while the're hot! They can be found at the following links:
The file 'S1 - Stormwater Management & UNL.pdf' (3.4 MB) is available for download at :
http://dropbox.unl.edu/uploads/20110302/54c38f17c24037bf/S1%20-%20Stormwater%20Management%20%26%20UNL.pdf
The file 'S2 - NDEQ Planning and Permitting.pdf' (47 KB) is available for download at
http://dropbox.unl.edu/uploads/20110302/506c4e55ffabd959/S2%20-%20NDEQ%20Planning%20and%20Permitting.pdf
The file 'S3 - NDOR Inspection by EPA.pdf' (1.0 MB) is available for download at
http://dropbox.unl.edu/uploads/20110302/d9654e04c8643bc8/S3%20-%20NDOR%20Inspection%20by%20EPA.pdf
The file 'S4a - Lincoln Large Sites Construction Program.pdf' (1.2 MB) is available for download at
http://dropbox.unl.edu/uploads/20110302/8df4e80af752ee30/S4a%20-%20Lincoln%20Large%20Sites%20Construction%20Program.pdf
The file 'S4b - Lincoln Small Sites Construction Program.pdf' (6.3 MB) is available for download at
http://dropbox.unl.edu/uploads/20110302/1add363185dbfe2e/S4b%20-%20Lincoln%20Small%20Sites%20Construction%20Program.pdf
The file 'S5 - Omaha Construction Enforcement Program.pdf' (2.6 MB) is available for download at
http://dropbox.unl.edu/uploads/20110302/90f7b87783fe19a7/S5%20-%20Omaha%20Construction%20Enforcement%20Program.pdf
The file 'S6 - Inspection Findings Model Framework.pdf' (235 KB) is available for download at
http://dropbox.unl.edu/uploads/20110302/dbe23a219ae6ea63/S6%20-%20Inspection%20Findings%20Model%20Framework.pdf
Thanks to Bobbi Holm with UNL Extension in Douglas and Sarpy Counties for uploading these for us. If you wish to receive the presentations after the expiration date, please let us know.
The file 'S1 - Stormwater Management & UNL.pdf' (3.4 MB) is available for download at :
http://dropbox.unl.edu/uploads/20110302/54c38f17c24037bf/S1%20-%20Stormwater%20Management%20%26%20UNL.pdf
The file 'S2 - NDEQ Planning and Permitting.pdf' (47 KB) is available for download at
http://dropbox.unl.edu/uploads/20110302/506c4e55ffabd959/S2%20-%20NDEQ%20Planning%20and%20Permitting.pdf
The file 'S3 - NDOR Inspection by EPA.pdf' (1.0 MB) is available for download at
http://dropbox.unl.edu/uploads/20110302/d9654e04c8643bc8/S3%20-%20NDOR%20Inspection%20by%20EPA.pdf
The file 'S4a - Lincoln Large Sites Construction Program.pdf' (1.2 MB) is available for download at
http://dropbox.unl.edu/uploads/20110302/8df4e80af752ee30/S4a%20-%20Lincoln%20Large%20Sites%20Construction%20Program.pdf
The file 'S4b - Lincoln Small Sites Construction Program.pdf' (6.3 MB) is available for download at
http://dropbox.unl.edu/uploads/20110302/1add363185dbfe2e/S4b%20-%20Lincoln%20Small%20Sites%20Construction%20Program.pdf
The file 'S5 - Omaha Construction Enforcement Program.pdf' (2.6 MB) is available for download at
http://dropbox.unl.edu/uploads/20110302/90f7b87783fe19a7/S5%20-%20Omaha%20Construction%20Enforcement%20Program.pdf
The file 'S6 - Inspection Findings Model Framework.pdf' (235 KB) is available for download at
http://dropbox.unl.edu/uploads/20110302/dbe23a219ae6ea63/S6%20-%20Inspection%20Findings%20Model%20Framework.pdf
Thanks to Bobbi Holm with UNL Extension in Douglas and Sarpy Counties for uploading these for us. If you wish to receive the presentations after the expiration date, please let us know.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Name That Newsletter
How would you like $25? NeFSMA is looking for a name for our quarterly newsletter (other than NeFSMA Newsletter). If you have a creative streak and have an idea, leave a comment on this post. In March, we will take all the entries and put it to a vote of our members. The person who submits the winning title will receive a $25 VISA giftcard.
And since you're here, why don't you add your email address to our FeedBurner if you haven't already done so. NeFSMA utilizes this blog to get information to our members quickly. The FeedBurner will deliver our posts directly to your email inbox. NeFSMA will not share your information with any other orgainization.
And since you're here, why don't you add your email address to our FeedBurner if you haven't already done so. NeFSMA utilizes this blog to get information to our members quickly. The FeedBurner will deliver our posts directly to your email inbox. NeFSMA will not share your information with any other orgainization.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
ASIWPCA Link Added to NeFSMA Blog - Check it Out
We have added a link to the website maintained by Association of State & Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators (ASIWPCA) for the benefit of our water quality focused members.
For anyone following the EPA Proposed New Rulemaking detate, you may find their Stormwater Rulemaking Input Letter interesting. It is available for free download on their homepage.
ASIWPCA urges EPA to consider the significant benefit fo regulating precipitation-driven discharges in a different way than traditional point sources.
Other recommendations include:
- meaningful engagement with states at national and regional levels
- the need for prioritization and risk-based approach
- support for a national stormwater strategy for lands inproduction
- directing Farm Bill funds to impaired water
- redevelopment standards that do not facilitate further urban sprawl
- increased funding to state nonpoint source programs
- recommendations that the Chesapeake Bay requiremetns and retrofitting both be proposed in separate rulemakings
For anyone following the EPA Proposed New Rulemaking detate, you may find their Stormwater Rulemaking Input Letter interesting. It is available for free download on their homepage.
ASIWPCA urges EPA to consider the significant benefit fo regulating precipitation-driven discharges in a different way than traditional point sources.
Other recommendations include:
- meaningful engagement with states at national and regional levels
- the need for prioritization and risk-based approach
- support for a national stormwater strategy for lands inproduction
- directing Farm Bill funds to impaired water
- redevelopment standards that do not facilitate further urban sprawl
- increased funding to state nonpoint source programs
- recommendations that the Chesapeake Bay requiremetns and retrofitting both be proposed in separate rulemakings
ASFPM Associate Director - Operations
ASFPM Announces Position of Associate Director - Operations
Closing Date: March 3, 2011
Join a mission driven non-profit organization established to promote education, flood related policy, and activities that reduce current and future flood losses and protect natural and beneficial functions of floodplains.
The Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) is actively seeking an Associate Director – Operations to assist the Executive Director in duties including administration, project management, certification program, member service activities, and national flood policy. ASFPM is a national, nonprofit, professional membership association with 14,000 members and 29 chapters throughout the U.S., and an operating budget of nearly $2 million. This is a permanent full-time position located in the Executive Office in Madison, WI. The position is currently filled, but the individual in this position has submitted his resignation. In order to facilitate a smooth transition, ASFPM plans to fill this position before the incumbent leaves.
We would greatly appreciate you sharing this announcement with your colleagues through your newsletters and websites.
Primary responsibilities:
• Manage ongoing day-to-day operations of the Association
• Supervise ASFPM staff
• Oversee financial and records management
• Oversee the Certified Floodplain Manager program and serve on its Board of Regents
• Support work planning, conferences, workshops, and meetings
• Maintain relationships and oversee agreements with contractors, members, and partners
• Oversee the Association’s Information Technology (IT) process and activities
• Supervise publications, projects, professional certification activities, and contracts
• Assist the Executive Director with liaison and national policy initiatives
Required qualifications:
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree in a field related to floodplain management
• Minimum five years experience in progressively responsible management positions
• Direct experience in floodplain management
• Demonstrated proficiency with all aspects of financial management
• Effectively supervise staff to achieve goals of organization
• Ability to take initiative to accomplish broad goals
• Develop, refine, implement, and evaluate administrative procedures
• Knowledge of and direct network experience among FPM industry players and issues
• Experience in project development and completion
• Passion for the ASFPM mission and goals
• Certified Floodplain Manager (or obtain within 6 months of hire)
The application closing date is March 3, 2011. Interested parties should view the full position announcement at View Position Description. To apply, please send your resume, a cover letter, two writing samples, and examples of previous management experience to Diane Brown, Communication and Events Manager, at diane@floods.org
Closing Date: March 3, 2011
Join a mission driven non-profit organization established to promote education, flood related policy, and activities that reduce current and future flood losses and protect natural and beneficial functions of floodplains.
The Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) is actively seeking an Associate Director – Operations to assist the Executive Director in duties including administration, project management, certification program, member service activities, and national flood policy. ASFPM is a national, nonprofit, professional membership association with 14,000 members and 29 chapters throughout the U.S., and an operating budget of nearly $2 million. This is a permanent full-time position located in the Executive Office in Madison, WI. The position is currently filled, but the individual in this position has submitted his resignation. In order to facilitate a smooth transition, ASFPM plans to fill this position before the incumbent leaves.
We would greatly appreciate you sharing this announcement with your colleagues through your newsletters and websites.
Primary responsibilities:
• Manage ongoing day-to-day operations of the Association
• Supervise ASFPM staff
• Oversee financial and records management
• Oversee the Certified Floodplain Manager program and serve on its Board of Regents
• Support work planning, conferences, workshops, and meetings
• Maintain relationships and oversee agreements with contractors, members, and partners
• Oversee the Association’s Information Technology (IT) process and activities
• Supervise publications, projects, professional certification activities, and contracts
• Assist the Executive Director with liaison and national policy initiatives
Required qualifications:
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree in a field related to floodplain management
• Minimum five years experience in progressively responsible management positions
• Direct experience in floodplain management
• Demonstrated proficiency with all aspects of financial management
• Effectively supervise staff to achieve goals of organization
• Ability to take initiative to accomplish broad goals
• Develop, refine, implement, and evaluate administrative procedures
• Knowledge of and direct network experience among FPM industry players and issues
• Experience in project development and completion
• Passion for the ASFPM mission and goals
• Certified Floodplain Manager (or obtain within 6 months of hire)
The application closing date is March 3, 2011. Interested parties should view the full position announcement at View Position Description. To apply, please send your resume, a cover letter, two writing samples, and examples of previous management experience to Diane Brown, Communication and Events Manager, at diane@floods.org
Friday, February 4, 2011
Stormwater Research for Roadway Runoff in Olympia, Washington
In 2003, when I began doing research for my Masters Thesis in Community and Regional Planning at University of Nebraska, YouTube didn't even exist. At the time, I was exploring the best examples around the country of land development codes that supported the ideas of watershed protection. These ideas have come to be called anything from Conservation Design, Low Impact Development, Better Site Design, Green Infrastrucutre, and others. Whatever you call it in your community or professional circle, the idea is that we shed a lot of additional water from newly developed sites that the existing water resources can't keep up with. Besides the increased runoff velocity, pollutants also load these stormwater flows at increased levels that have compounding negative impacts both locally and downstream.
There are many creative ways to manage stormwater runoff within a traditional land development. NeFSMA has provided members with tours from time to time of sites around Lincoln and Omaha who have demonstrated these opportunities. UNL-Extension Stormwater Management Team is helping install rain gardens in communities across the State. Examples are growing, but a significant barrier to alternative stormwater management practices exists when we're thinking about linear roadway systems. These systems transport almost 100% of the rainfall (and related pollutants) that falls on the footprint into a collection system and downstream. That is not the barrier though. The barrier is that the public wants to keep the cost of their roadways as low as possible. Additional right-of-way for a road that gets me to school/work/play is paid for by my taxes. If you start taking more right-of-way for things like stormwater treatment that requires sophisticated maintenance, our taxes are expected to go up, with no percieved benefit by the user.
Public Works Departments aren't typically given blank checks to run out and add a bunch of features that the City Council, Mayor, or the public aren't strongly behind. And in Nebraska, I'd say from experience that although most feel "it is important" to consider the environment, they are less inclined to pay that full price-tag when it comes to stormwater management on public projects. It's just not the way municipal business has been done in the past. Change is difficult and many examples of success are going to have to be seen before a transition can be made.
NeFSMA will continue to highlight those good (and bad) examples of stormwater management on public projects. Our hope is that the barrier to responsible stormwater management can start eroding away (we'll be sure to dispose of them properly). I was pleased to see the following video from the City of Olympia, Washington which was one of my case study examples in my Thesis. If you have 10 minutes to learn about this research project, I encourage you to listen for the way information is presented. The narrator paints an honest picture of why this project even occured and what they hope to learn from it.
So what do you think? What do we need to do in Nebraska to start breaking down barriers to responsible stormwater management on public infrastructure projects? Can it be done? Does it need to be done?
Article Respectfully Submitted by Jesse Poore of Felsburg Holt & Ullevig
There are many creative ways to manage stormwater runoff within a traditional land development. NeFSMA has provided members with tours from time to time of sites around Lincoln and Omaha who have demonstrated these opportunities. UNL-Extension Stormwater Management Team is helping install rain gardens in communities across the State. Examples are growing, but a significant barrier to alternative stormwater management practices exists when we're thinking about linear roadway systems. These systems transport almost 100% of the rainfall (and related pollutants) that falls on the footprint into a collection system and downstream. That is not the barrier though. The barrier is that the public wants to keep the cost of their roadways as low as possible. Additional right-of-way for a road that gets me to school/work/play is paid for by my taxes. If you start taking more right-of-way for things like stormwater treatment that requires sophisticated maintenance, our taxes are expected to go up, with no percieved benefit by the user.
Public Works Departments aren't typically given blank checks to run out and add a bunch of features that the City Council, Mayor, or the public aren't strongly behind. And in Nebraska, I'd say from experience that although most feel "it is important" to consider the environment, they are less inclined to pay that full price-tag when it comes to stormwater management on public projects. It's just not the way municipal business has been done in the past. Change is difficult and many examples of success are going to have to be seen before a transition can be made.
NeFSMA will continue to highlight those good (and bad) examples of stormwater management on public projects. Our hope is that the barrier to responsible stormwater management can start eroding away (we'll be sure to dispose of them properly). I was pleased to see the following video from the City of Olympia, Washington which was one of my case study examples in my Thesis. If you have 10 minutes to learn about this research project, I encourage you to listen for the way information is presented. The narrator paints an honest picture of why this project even occured and what they hope to learn from it.
So what do you think? What do we need to do in Nebraska to start breaking down barriers to responsible stormwater management on public infrastructure projects? Can it be done? Does it need to be done?
Article Respectfully Submitted by Jesse Poore of Felsburg Holt & Ullevig
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)