TR-2016-41 MITIGATION PLAN 2016 UPDATE • r-
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U.S.Department of Homeland Security
FEMA Region 1
99 High Street,Sixth Floor
oMhR Boston,MA 021 I0-2132
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FEMA
D SE`Ja
AUG 1 1 2016
Kurt Schwartz, Director
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
400 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01702-5399
Dear Mr. Schwartz:
Thank you for the opportunity to review the Town of Agawam Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
2016. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) Region I has evaluated the plan for compliance with 44 C.F.R. Pt. 201. The plan
satisfactorily meets all of the mandatory requirements set forth by the regulations.
With this plan approval, the Town of Agawam is eligible to apply to Massachusetts Emergency
Management Agency for mitigation grants administered by FEMA. Requests for mitigation funding
will be evaluated individually according to the specific eligibility requirements identified for each of
these programs. A specific mitigation activity or project identified in your community's plan may
not meet the eligibility requirements for FEMA funding;even eligible mitigation activities or
projects are not automatically approved.
Approved mitigation plans are eligible for points under the National Flood Insurance Program's
Community Rating System(CRS). Complete information regarding the CRS can be found at
htW://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program-communiiy-rating-system,or through your
local floodplain administrator.
The Town of Agawam Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 must be reviewed,revised as
appropriate, and resubmitted to FEMA for approval within five years of the plan approval
date of August 2,2016 in order to maintain eligibility for mitigation grant funding. We
encourage the Town to continually update the plan's assessment of vulnerability, adhere to
its maintenance schedule, and implement,when possible,the mitigation actions proposed in
the plan.
Kurt Schwartz
Page 2
AUG 1 2016
Once again, thank you for your continued dedication to public service demonstrated by
preparing and adopting a strategy for reducing future disaster losses. Should you have any
questions,please do not hesitate to contact Melissa Surette at(617)956-7559.
Sincerely,
Paul F. Ford
Regional Administrator
PFF: ms
cc: Joy Duperault, SHMO and NFIP Coordinator
Sarah White, Mitigation Grants Supervisor, MEMA
Beth Dubrawski, Hazard Mitigation Contract Specialist, MEMA
Enclosure
AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL
4, 36 MAIN STREET
AGAWAM, MASSACHUSETTS 01001
(sl ARLS
5
��-6 ,"-
July 12, 2016 M4PRESIDENT
James C. Cichetti
VICE. PRESIDENT
Joseph Mimeo
COUNCILORS Mayor Richard Cohen
George Bitzas 36 Main Street
Cecilia P. Calabrese Agawam, MA. 01001
Paul C. Cavallo
Christophtx C Johnson
Gina M. Letellic:r Re: TR-2016-41 Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan
Donald M. Rheault
Robert E. Rossi Dear Mayor Cohen:
Anthony R Suf j`riti
Richard Al Theroux As Administrative Assistant to the City Council, please consider
ADMINISTRATIVE this letter as certification that TR-2016-41 which is a Resolution
ASSISTANT adopting the City of Agawam's Local Natural Hazards Mitigation
Barbara A. Bard Plan Update 2016 was approved at the July 11, 2016 Regular City
Council meeting by a vote of 10 YES, 0 No, 1 Absent. A copy of
the approved resolution is enclosed for your convenience.
If you require further information or assistance, please do not
hesitate to contact this office.
Sincerely,
&4axa-- &Ak
Barbara A. Bard
Administrative Assistant to the City Council
TELEPHONE
(413) 726-9716
FAX
(413) 7264717
EMAIL
bbard a agaivam.ma.us
f ito
TR-2016-_4
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE
CITY OF AGAWAM LOCAL
NATURAL HAZARDS MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE 2016
WHEREAS, The City of Agawam adopted a Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan on
December 15,2008; and
WHEREAS, it is advantageous for The City of Agawam to update its Natural
Hazards Mitigation Plan;and
WHEREAS, the City of Agawam established the Agawam Natural Hazards
Mitigation Planning Committee to prepare its Local Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan
Update 2016; and
WHEREAS, public planning meetings were held on February 10, 2015, February
24, 2015 and March 3, 2015 regarding the development and review of the City of
Agawam's Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016; and
WHEREAS, the City of Agawam Local Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan Update
2016 contains several potential future projects to mitigate potential impacts from natural
hazards in the Town of Agawam;and
WHEREAS, F.E.M.A. regulations provide that the local mitigation plan update
is the representation of Agawam's commitment to reduce risks from natural hazards,
serving as a guide for decision makers as they commit resources to reducing the effects of
natural hazards. The plan also serves as the basis for the state and federal governments to
provide technical assistance and to prioritize project funding; and
WHEREAS, F.E.M.A. regulations require that the plan be formally adopted by
the governing body of the City of Agawam;and
WHEREAS, a duly noticed public meeting was held by the Agawam City
Council on Aaw
NOW THEREFORE, the Agawam City Council hereby resolves to adopt the
Town of Agawam Local Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan Update 2016 which is attached
hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
DATED THIS JMDAY OF 2016.
QQ C Co it fuu
e'—
&&�J
PER ORDER OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL ff e .r M
'D Pk.,'
OC - CAA .
JOles Cichettr, President
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
/ja( `
C/
Patrick M. Torrey, Solicitor
MAYORAL ACTION
Received this 1 day of ,2016 from Council Clerk.-
Signed by Council President this day of (. 1 , 2016.
APPROVAL OF LEGISLATION
By the powers vested in me pursuant to Article 3, Section 3-6 of the Agawam garter, as
amen , I hereby approve the passage of the above legislation on this��_ ay of
(^{ f , 2016.
Richard A. Cohen, Mayor
DISAPPROVAL OF LEGISLATION
By the powers vested in me pursuant to Article 3, Section 3-6 of the Agawam Charter, as
amended, I hereby veto the passage of the above legislation on this day of
2016 for the following reason(s):
Richard A. Cohen, Mayor
RETURN OF LEGISLATION TO COUNCIL CLERK
Returned to Council Clerk this day of , 2016.
`- AGAWAM CITE' COUNCIL
36 JVL4,1N STREET
AGAWAM, MASSACHUSETTS 01001
July 12,2016
PRESIDENT
James C. Cichetti
VICE PRESIDENT
Joseph Mimeo
COUNCILORS Mayor Richard Cohen
George Bitzas 36 Main Street
Cecilia P.Calabrese Agawam, MA. 01001
Paul C. Cavalla
Christopher C Johnson Re: TR-2016-41 Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan
Gina M.Letellier
Donald M. Rheault
Robert F- Rossi Dear Mayor Cohen:
Awhony R.Su,(frtti
Richard M Therour As Administrative Assistant to the City Council, please consider
ADMINISTRATIVE this letter as certification that TR-2016-41 which is a Resolution
ASSISTANT adopting the City of Agawam's Local Natural Hazards Mitigation
Barbara A.Bard Plan Update 2016 was approved at the July 11, 2016 Regular City
Council meeting by a vote of 10 YES, 0 No, 1 Absent. A copy of
the approved resolution is enclosed for your convenience.
If you require further information or assistance, please do not
hesitate to contact this office.
Sincerely,
OOAWL�L— &)�k
Barbara A. Bard
Administrative Assistant to the City Council
TELEPHONE
(413) 726-9716
FAX
(413) 726-9717
EMAIL
bbarduagawanr.ma.us
TR-2016-44
A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF$15,000.00
PURSUANT TO M.G. L. e.44,§53A FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TO THE
TOWN OF AGAWAM
Sponsored by Mayor Richard A Cohen
WHEREAS,the Town of Agawam applied for and received a Planning Assistance
toward Housing ('PATH) grant from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Com-
munity Development; and
WHEREAS,the Town of Agawam desires to accept said grant; and
WHEREAS, the grant is in the amount of fifteen thousand dollars and no cents
($15,000.00); and
WHEREAS,the Town of Agawam will use the grant funds to assist the Town in
creating a Housing Production Plan (HPP)that will moves the municipality along the path to
housing production; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the Town of Agawam to accept the grant
from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development.
NOW THEREFORE, the Agawam City Council resolves pursuant to M. G. L.
c.44, §53A to accept this grant from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and
Community Development in the amount of$15,000.00.
� — C4urf;c. �
Dated this day of , 2016. ~L° �',(,[,��.(r1UY
C
PER ORDER OF THE IT AGAW M _ Y iGZ.(LL.1
A CITY COUNCIL
ow4 1)4�rr —
.lam e.
Cichetti, President
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
Patrick M. Toney, City Solicitor
MAYORAL ACTION
3
Received this day of (- L j 2016 from Council Cleric.
Signed by Council President this 4h day of L L , 2016.
APPROVAL OF LEGISLATION
By the powers vested in me pursuant to Article 3, Section 3-6 of the Agaarter, as
ame ,Ahpreby approve the passage of the above legislation on this ay of
2016.
Richard A. Cohen,Mayor
DISAPPROVAL OF LEGISLATION
By the powers vested in me pursuant to Article 3, Section 3-6 of the Agawam Charter,as
amended, I hereby veto the passage of the above legislation on this day of
2016 for the following reason(s):
Richard A. Cohen, Mayor
RETURN OF LEGrrII�SLATION TO COUNCIL CLERK
Returned to Council Clerk this � P-� day of Lj 2016.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING &
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Charles D.Baler,Governor ♦ Karyn E.Pdito,Lt Gov== ♦ Chrpsral Kor Wy,lhrdersa cwy
MAY 17 2016
The Honorable Richard A.Cohen
Mayor
City of Agawam
36 Main Street
Agawam,MA 01001
Dear Mayor Cohen:
The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is pleased to award $15,000 in Planning
Assistance Towards Housing(PATH)funds to create a Housing Production Plan(HPP)for the City of Agawam.
The PATH funds will fund the following activities:
D Create housing inventory, needs,demand analysis;
➢ Create.future housing goals and implementation plan;
➢ Completion of a Housing Production Plan pursuant to 760 CMR 56 03 (4).
This PATH assistance is dependent upon an executed contract between the City of Agawam and DHCD. DHCD will
process and forward the final budget associated with the scope of services.
Should you have any questions, please contact Phillip DeMartino, Technical Assistance Program Coordinator, at
(617)573-1357orPhillip,DeMartin2@state.ma.us. I applaud your efforts to plan for the housing needs of Agawam.
Sincerely,
j
Chrystal rnegay
Undersecretary
Department of Housing and Community Development
cc: Senator Donald F. Humason
Representative Nicholas A Boldyga
Marc Strange,Director of Planning and Community Development,Agawam
Corinne M. Wingard,Vice Chair,Agawam Housing Authority
I00 Cambridge Street,Suite 300 www.mam.gov/dhed
Boston.Massachusetts 02114 617.573.1100
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
_- STATE MOUSE • BOSTON, MA 02133
- - - (617) 725-4000
CHARLES D. BAKER KARYN E. POLITO
GOVERNOR LIEUTENANT GOVEFMR
June 6,2016
The Honorable Richard A.Cohen, Mayor
City of Agawam
36 Main Street
Agawam,MA 01001
Dear Mayor Cohen:
Congratulations! I am pleased to notify you that the City of Agawam has been awarded a
Planning Assistance toward Housing(PATH)grant of$15,000. I want to thank you for your
commitment to providing increased housing opportunities in the City of Agawam.Through
this funding and your continued support,we hope to assist you in creating a Housing
Production Plan (HPP).
You will be receiving further instructions from the Department of Housing and Community
Development on next steps,and please feel free to contact Phillip DeMartino,
(Phillip.De Martino(@state.ma,u]if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Governor Charles D. Baker Lt. Governor Karyn E.Polito
Legals
Legal Ad ted by the Mayor. TR-2016- Agawam, MA 01001 or by
AGAWAM HISTORICAL 41 is available for public email to:
COMMISSION inspection at the City Clerk's Procurement@agawam.ma.us
The Agawam Historical Office, 36 Main Street, Sealed Bids will be
Commission will be hold- Agawam, MA between the received at the Procurement
ing a public hearing at 7:00 hours of 8:30am to 4:30pm, Office; Basement Level, 36
PM on Tuesday, July 5, Monday through Friday. Main Street, Agawam, MA
2016. at the Captain Charles BY ORDER OF: 01001 until 2:00 PM on July
Leonard House, 663 Main James P.Cichetti 15, 2016 at which time they
Street. The purpose of this City Council President will be publicly opened and
hearing will be to review the 6/30/16 read aloud in the Procurement
Demolition Permit for 497 Conference Room. Bids
South Westfield Street which INVITATION TO BID shall be in a sealed envelope
comes under the Town of Under MGL 30, 39M, clearly marked "Wade Park
Agawam's Demolition Delay The Town of Agawam Chief Playground Equipment Instal-
Ordinance. Procurement Officer, on lation - iFB # 16-620-001-
By Order of David Ceechi, behalf of the Park & Rec- RE-BID". All bids must be
Chairman reation Department hereby accompanied by a bid deposit
AGAWAM HISTORICAL invites sealed bids from qual- in an amount that is not less
COMMISSION ified contractors the Wade than five percent {5%n} of
6/23,6/30/16 Park Playground Equipment the value of the bid in the
Installation. The project form of a bid bond or certi-
LEGAL NOTICE scope consists of Installation feed, treasurer's or cashier's
PUBLIC HEARING and Assembly of Playground check issuedby a responsible
AGAWAM CITY Equipment purchased by the bank or trust company. 50%
COUNCIL Owner from the manufactur- Payment Bond and Insurance
The Agawam City Council er and preparation of the site Coverage are required at time
will conduct a public hearing for poured in place rubber of award. Bids are subject
on Monday, July 11, 2016, surfacing. Installation to be to the provisions of M.G.L.
at 7:00pm, at a Regular done at Wade Park located on Chapter 149, Section 44A to
Meeting of the Agawam City Franklin Street in the Town J as amended to date. Wages
Council in the Conference of Agawam, Massachusetts are subject to minimum wage
Room at the Agawam Public per the manufacturers instal- rates as per M,G.L. Chapter
Library, 750 Cooper Street, lation instructions and speci- 149, Section 26-27H as
Agawam, MA on the pro- fications provided, amended.
posed TR-2016-41 which is a A full bid package with 6130l16
Resolution adopting the'City specifications will be avail-
of Agawam's Local Natural able beginning June 29, 2016
Hazards Mitigation Plan at 10:00 AM in the Procure-
Update for 2016 as submit- ment Office 36 Main Street
•TR-2016-_' I
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE
CITY OF AGAWAM LOCAL
NATURAL HAZARDS MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE 2016
WHEREAS, The City of Agawam adopted a Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan on
December 15, 2008; and
WHEREAS, it is advantageous for The City of Agawam to update its Natural
Hazards Mitigation flan; and
WHEREAS, the City of Agawam established the Agawam Natural Hazards
Mitigation Planning Committee to prepare its Local Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan
Update 2016; and
WHEREAS, public planning meetings were held on February 10, 2015, February
24, 2015 and March 3, 2015 regarding the development and review of the City of
Agawam's Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016; and
WHEREAS, the City of Agawam Local Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan Update
2016 contains several potential future projects to mitigate potential impacts from natural
hazards in the Town of Agawam; and
WHEREAS, F.E.M.A. regulations provide that the local mitigation plan update
is the representation of Agawam's commitment to reduce risks from natural hazards,
serving as a guide for decision makers as they commit resources to reducing the effects of
natural hazards. The plan also serves as the basis for the state and federal governments to
provide technical assistance and to prioritize project funding; and
WHEREAS, F.E.M.A. regulations require that the plan be formally adopted by
the governing body of the City of Agawam; and
WHEREAS, a duly noticed public meeting was held by the Agawam City
Council on
NOW THEREFORE, the Agawam City Council hereby resolves to adopt the
Town of Agawam Local Natural Hazards Mitigation PIan Update 20I6 which is attached
hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
DATED THIS DAY OF , 2016.
PER ORDER OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL
James Cichetti, President
APPROVED AS TO
FORM AND LEGALITY
C�
Patrick M. Toney, Solicitor
I
Mayor Richard Cohen
From: Michael Albro
Sent: Thursday, May 26, 2016 2:46 PM
To: Mayor Richard Cohen; Patrick Toney
Cc: Christopher Golba; Michelle Chase;Chet Nicora
Subject: FW: Agawam, MA Approvable pending Adoption
Attachments: AgawamHMP_Update_FINAL toadopt.doc;Appendix C -All Docs.pdf,Agawam HMP
2015 Map Update 3-25-15.pdf;AgawamHMP_Adoption Resolution.doc
Mayor/Patrick,
FEMA has issued an Adoption Pending Approval for the final version of the Agawam Hazard Mitigation Plan (see
attached). in order to adopt the plan for final approval from FEMA,the City Council must hold a public hearing to
approve the plan and the attached Adoption Resolution must be signed. I spoke with Barbara Bard and she would need
to be notified by noon on June 2"d in order to put the Mitigation Plan on the June 6 meeting agenda.
Michael F. Albro, P.E.
Assistant Town Engineer
Department of Public works
1000 Suffield Street
Agawam, MA 01001
Phone.413.726.2803
Fax:413.821.0631
From: Ratte, Catherine [mailto:CRATTE@PVPC.ORG]
Sent: Tuesday, May 17, 2016 9:22 AM
To: Michael Albro
Subject: RE: Agawam, MA Approvable pending Adoption
Hi Michael:Attached is the final version of the plan ready for adoption.
Per FEMA's guidance, please follow the procedure to adopt that is described in your adoption certificate--copied below,
after the Town Council has adopted the plan, insert the completed adoption certificate into the plan and send it back to
MEMA.
Please let me know if you require any additional assistance.
Thanks
-Catherine
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE
AGAWAM HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE 2016
WHEREAS, the Town of Agawam established a Committee to prepare the Agawam Hazard Mitigation
Plan Update 2016; and
1
WHEREAS, several public planning meetings were held between February and March 2015 regarding the
development and review of the Agawam Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016; and
WHEREAS, the Agawam Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 contains several potential future projects to
mitigate hazard damage in the Town of Agawam; and
WHEREAS, a duly-noticed public hearing was held by the Agawam Town Council on _ , 2016 to
formally approve and adopt the Agawam Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016.
NOW, THEREFORE WIT RESOLVED that the Mayor of Agawam adopts the Agawam Hazard Mitigation
Plan Update 2016.
ADOPTED AND SIGNED this . 2015.
Catherine Ratte'
Principal Planner/Section Manager
Land Use Environment
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
60 Congress Street First Floor
Springfield MA 01104
Agency Phone:413/781-6045, ext 311
Direct Line:413/285-1174
Cell:413/695-0074
www.pvpc.o rQ
From: Michael Albro [mailto:MAlbro@agawam.ma.us]
Sent: Friday, May 13, 2016 2:10 PM
To: Ratte, Catherine
Subject: FW: Agawam, MA Approvable pending Adoption
Importance: High
Hello, Catherine,
Will PVPC be preparing the final version of the Hazard Mitigation Plan or is Agawam supposed to do it?
Michael F.Albro, P.E.
Assistant Town Engineer
Department of Public Works
1000 Suffield Street
Agawam, MA 01001
Phone:413.726.2803
Fax:413.821,0631
2
From: White, Sarah (CDA) fmailto Sarah.White(&MassMail.State.MA.US)
Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2016 8:15 AM
To: Catherine Ratte (CRATfE(&PVPC_QRG); Mayor Richard Cohen; Douglas White; Michael Albro
Cc: Groff, Marybeth (CDA); O'Toole, Michelle(CDA)
Subject: FW: Agawam, MA Approvable pending Adoption
Importance: High
Congratulations! Now that FEMA has issued the Approved Pending Adoption you can officially adopt the Agawam
Hazard Mitigation Plan which will allow you to then implement the plan as written as well as be eligible for FEMA's
Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants. When adopting please be sure to adopt the exact version of the plan that received
APA. Prior to adoption be sure to remove all references to "draft" and remove any highlighting that may have been
done to show changes etc.. In other words, make it a final version. Once you have the signed resolution please insert it
in to the appropriate placeholder in the final plan and submit to me so I may pass it along to FEMA for final approval.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Sarah
PS: Hello Mayor Cohen— Happy Belated Birthday from your favorite Zingarellil1
Sarah White
Mitigation Unit Supervisor
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
400 Worcester Road
Framingham MA 01702
Desk 508-820-2053
Sarah.white2state.ma.us
From: Surette, Melissa [mai Ito:Meiissa.Surette@fema.dhs.govl
Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2016 8:01 AM
To: mayor@agawam.ma.us
Cc: Hilliard, Marilyn; Lavallee, Denise; White, Sarah (CDA); Ndikum-Nyada, Brigitte; Groff, Marybeth (CDA); Dubrawski,
Beth (CDA); MAlbLo@agawam.ma,us
Subject: Agawam, MA Approvable pending Adoption
Importance: High
Congratulations!
FEMA Region I has completed its review of the Agawam, MA Hazard Mitigation Plan and found it approvable
pending adoption. With this approval, the jurisdiction meets the local mitigation planning requirements under
44 CFR 201 pending FEMA's recent of electronic copies of the adoption documentation and the ,final
plan.
These items should be provided to your State's mitigation planning point of contact who will ensure they are
forwarded to FEMA. Acceptable electronic formats include Word or PDF files and must be submitted to us via
email at fema-r_l-mitigationplansnfema.dhs;gov. Upon FEMA's receipt of these documents, a formal letter of
approval will be issued, along with.the final FEMA Checklist and Assessment.
3
The FEMA letter of formal approval will confirm the jurisdiction's eligibility to apply for Mitigation grants
administered by FEMA and identify related issues affecting eligibility, if any. If the plan is not adopted within
one calendar year of FEMA's Approval Pending Adoption, the jurisdiction must update the entire plan and
resubmit it for FEMA review. If you have questions or wish to discuss this determination further, please
contact me at Melissa,Surette fema.dh.s. ov or 617-956-7559.
Thank you for submitting the Agawam, MA Hazard Mitigation Plan and congratulations again on your
successful community planning efforts.
Sincerely,
Melissa A. Surette
Senior Planner, Risk Analysis Branch
FEMA Region I
99 High Street
Boston, MA 02110
Email: Melissa.SuretteWemaAhs.gov
Office: 617.956.7559
Cellular: 617.794.0292
4
CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION
TOWN OF AGAWAM, MASSACHUSETTS
MAYOR RICHARD A.COHEN
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE
AGAWAM HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE 2016
WHEREAS, the Town of Agawam established a Committee to prepare the Agawam
Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016; and
WHEREAS, several public-planning meetings were held between February and March 2015
regarding the development and review of the Agawam Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016;
and
WHEREAS, the Agawam Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 contains several potential
future projects to mitigate hazard damage in the Town of Agawam;and
WHEREAS, a duly-noticed public hearing was held by the Agawam- Town Council on
. 2016 to formally approve and adopt the Agawam Hazard Mitigation Plan
Update 2016.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor of Agawam adopts the Agawam
Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016.
ADOPTED AND SIGNED this , 2015.
Richard A. Cohen
Mayor
ATTEST
Catalyst for Regional Progress
PVPC.
Timothy W.Brennan, Executive Director
MEDIA RELEASE
CONTACTS: Patty Gambarini, PVPC Senior Environmental Planner,
(413)781-6045 or pgambarini@pvpc.org
Chet Nicora,Agawam Emergency Management Director
(413)786-0400,ext.8925, or emdirector@agawam.ma.us
Michael Albro,Agawam Assistant Town Engineer
(413)821-0628 or malbro@agawam.ma.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13,2015
Town of Agawam to Hold Public Engagement Events for Hazard Mitigation Plan
Agawam residents are invited to provide comments on the update of the Town of Agawam Hazard
Mitigation Plan at 10 a.m.on Tuesday,February 24 and Tuesday,March 3,at the Agawam Department
of Public Works, 1000 Suffield Street.The plan is being produced by the Town with assistance from the
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA)and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency(MEMA).All members of the public are
welcome to attend these events.
The first meeting will include an introduction to the planning process,a summary of existing mitigation
initiatives,and a discussion of strategies for addressing natural hazards in Agawam. The second meeting
will include an overview of the planning process,summary of existing mitigation initiatives,and detail on
recommended strategies for addressing natural hazards going forward. Municipal officials and PVPC
staff will be available to answer questions and listen to comments on the draft plan,which is posted at:
httyllwww.agawarn.ma.us/. A paper copy of the plan will also be available at the Agawam Department
of Public Works. If you are unable to attend the meetings,written comments can be submitted by
March 3rd to: pgambarini@pvpc.org.
This planning effort is being undertaken to help the Town of Agawam assess the risks faced from natural
hazards, identify action steps that can be taken to prevent damage to property and loss of life,and
prioritize funding for mitigation efforts.A mitigation action is any action taken to reduce or eliminate
the long-term risk to human fife and property from hazards.
For more information, please contact Michael Albro,Agawam Assistant Town Engineer,at (413)821-
0628 or malbro@agawam.ma.us or Chet Nicora,Agawam Emergency Management Director,at (413)
786-0400,ext.8925, or emdirector@agawam.ma.us
-30-
Media (Updated 1/20/15)
John Appleton
Reporter
Republican
1860 Main Street
Springfield,MA 01102
Tel: 413178E-1300/Fax: 413/788-1301
E-mail: jappleton@xwub.com
Charlie Bennett
Editor
Wilbraham-Hampden Times
2341 Boston Road
Wilbraham,MA 01095
Tel: 413/682-0007/Fax: 413/682-0013 /Cell:
E-mail: cbennett turle .com
Berkshire Eagle
Editor
75 South Church Street
P.O. Box 1171
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E-mail: news@bLrkshireeagle.com
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Urban Compass
83 Girard Avenue
Hartford,CT 06105
Tel: 413/788-0841 /Fax: 413/237-6085/Cell:
E-mail: heath anco s-net
Brattleboro Reformer
News Department
62 Black Mountain Road
Brattleboro,VT 05301
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CBS-3 Springfield
Newsroom
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Springfield,MA 01
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Page 1 of 1 l
Media (Updated 1/20/15)
Thomas Coburn
Managing Editor
West Springfield Record
P.O.Box 357
West Springfield,MA 01098
Tel: 413/736-1587/Fax: 413/739-2477
E-mail: wsrecordAcomcast.net
Lisa Connell
Editor
Country Journal
5 Main Street
PO Box 429
Huntington,MA 01050
Tel: 413/667-3211 /Fax: 413/667-3011
E-mail: coung-)joumal(@—turley.com
Daily Hampshire Gazette
Newsroom
115 Conz Street
Northampton,MA 01060
Tel: 413/584-5000/Fax: 413/585-5299
E-mail: newsroom(n),Qazettenet.com
Daily Hampshire Gazette Editor
115 Conz Street
Northampton,MA 01060
Tel: 413/584-5000/Fax: 413/585-5299
E-mail: editor@,gazettenet.com
Daily Hampshire Gazette Publisher
115 Conz Street
Northampton,MA 01060
Tel: 413/584-5000/Fax: 413/585-5299
E-mail: publisher(a)gazettenet.com
Carley Dangona
Assistant Editor
Reminder
280 N. Main Street
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Tel: 413/525-3247/Fax: 413/592-5286
E-mail: carley@thereminder.com
Joseph Deburro
Online Editor
Republican
1860 Main Street
Springfield,MA 01102
Tel: 413/788-1300/Fax: 413/788-1301
E-mail: 'deburro a ub.com
Page 2 of 11
Media (Updated 1/20/15)
G.Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
Reminder
280 N.Main Street
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Tel: 413/525-3247/Fax: 413/592-5286
E-mail: mdobbs reniinderl3ublications.com
Rebecca Everett
Daily Hampshire Gazette
115 Conz Street
Northampton,MA 01060
Tel: 413/584-5000/Fax: 413/585-5299
E-mail: reverettOgazettenet.com
El Sol Latino
P.O. Box 572
Amherst,MA 01004
Tel: 413/320-3826
E-mail: manuejftAu@gmail.co
Doug Farmer
Editor
Journal Register
24 Water Street
Palmer,MA 0I069
Tel: 413/283-3779
E-mail: dfarmer@hwley.com
Chris Harris
Editor
Going Green
PO Box 1367
14 Hope Street
Greenfield,MA 01302
Tel: 413/772-0261 /Fax: 413/774-5020/Cell:
E-mail: charnisaj=order.com
Katelyn Gendron
Assistant Managing Editor
Reminder
280 N.Main Street
East Longmeadow,MA 01028
Tel: 4131525-3247/Fax: 413/592-5286
E-mail: katel3M thereminder.com
Gabrielle Gurley
Senior Associate Editor
CommonWealth Magazine
18 Tremont Street, Suite 1120
Boston,MA 02108-2301
Tel: 617/742-6800/Fax: 617/589-0929
E-mail: RgurleviRmassinc.org
Page 3 of I 1
Media (Updated 1/20/15)
Aimee Henderson
Editor
Belchertown Sentinel
PO Box 601
1 Main Street, Suite 100
Belchertown,MA 01007
Tel: 413/323-5999/Fax: 413/323-9424
E-mail:ahenderson@turley.com
Steve Hill
Reporter
Daily Hampshire Gazette
115 Conz Street
Northampton,MA 01060
Tel: 413/584-5000/Fax: 413/585-5299
E-mail: shill aAgazettenet.com
Marjorie Hurst
Editor
African American Point of View
688 Boston Road,Suite B
Springfield,MA 01119
Tel: 413/796-1500/Fax: 413/796-6100
E-mail:info(@A[wnpointofview.com.mihurst(@afammintofview.com
Michael Jonas
Executive Editor
CommonWealth Magazine
18 Tremont Street, Suite 1120
Boston,MA 02108-2301
Tel: 617/742-6800/Fax: 617/589-0929
E-mail:mjonas@gMsinc.or
Tim Kane
Executive Editor
Quaboag Current
80 Main Street
Ware,MA 01082
Tel: 413/967-3505/Fax: 413/967-6009
E-mail: tkane r�4turley.com
Tim Kane
Editor
Southwick Suffield News
23 Southwick Street
Feeding Hills,MA 01030
Tel: 413/786-7747/Fax: 413/786-8457
tkane(@—turley.com
Tim Kane
Executive Editor
Tantasqua Town Common
80 Main Street
Ware,MA 01082
Tel: 413/967-3505/Fax: 413/967-6009
E-mail: tkane@_qLrley.com
Page 4 of 11
Media (Updated 1/20/15)
Tim Kane
Editor
Ware River News
80 Main Street
Ware,MA 01082
Tel: 413/967-3505/Fax: 413/967-6009
E-mail: tkane(@—tUT]ey.com
Jill Kaufman
News Director
WFCR-Public Radio
Hampshire House
131 County Circle
Amherst,MA 01003
Tel: 413/545-0100/Fax: 413/545-2546
E-mail: ikaufinan@AMT.net
_AMT.net
Ray Kelly
PLUS Papers
Republican
1860 Main Street
Springfield,MA 01102
Tel: 413/788-1331
E-mail:rkel�%ub.com
Paula Killough
Editor
Ludlow Register
24 Water Street
Palmer,MA 01069
Tel: 413/283-3779
E-mail: killou t rrl .com
Jim Kinney
Business Reporter
Republican
1860 Main Street
Springfield,MA 01102
Tel: 413/788-1307/Fax: 413/788-l 136
E-mail- ikinne-v@Mpub.com
La Voz Hispana
133 Maple Street #201
Springfield,MA 01105
Tel:413/306-6868
E-mail: adsf@lavozhispanact.com
Doug Lazette
News Director
CBS 3 Springfield
One Monarch Place,Suite 300
Springfield,MA 01144
Tel: 413/736-4333/Fax: 413/5234934
E-mail: newsQcbs3sprinafield.com
Page 5 of I I
Media (Updated I/20/15)
Laurie Loisel
Managing Editor
Daily Hampshire Gazette
115 Conz Street
Northampton,MA 01060
Tel: 413/584-5000/Fax: 413/585-5299
E-mail: lloisel azettenet.com
Jim Madigan
Director of Public Affairs Programming
WGBY-Public TV
44 Hampden Street
Springfield,MA 01103
Tel: 413/781-2801 /Fax: 413/731-5093
E-mail: jmadi an w b .or
Chris Maza
Assistant Editor
Reminder
280 N.Main Street
East Longmeadow,MA 01028
Tel: 413/525-3247/Fax: 413/592-5286
E-mail: chrism(@thereminder.com
Jim McKeever
Director of Content
The Westfield News
62 School Street
Westfield,MA 01085
Tel: 413/562-4181 /Fax: 413/562-4185
E-mail: iimmckeever[a),thewestfieldnewsgrou .com
Kathy Mitchell
Editor
Chicopee Register
380 Union Street
West Springfield,MA 01089
Tel: 413/592-3599/Fax: 413/592-3568
E-mail: kmitchell_,turley.com
Bruce Mohl
Editor
CommonWealth Magazine
18 Tremont Street,Suite 1120
Boston,MA 02108-2301
Tel: 617/742-6800/Fax: 617/589-0929
E-mail: bmohl@,massinc.or
Dan Moriarty
Managing Editor
The Westfield News
62 School Street
Westfield,MA 01085
Tel: 413/5624181 /Fax: 413/562-4185
E-mail: danmoiia!ly@thewestfieldnews.com
Page 6 of 11
Media (Updated 1/20/15)
Stan Moulton
Online Managing Editor
Daily Hampshire Gazette
115 Conz Street
Northampton,MA 01060
Tel: 413/584-5000/Fax: 413/585-5299
E-mail: smoulton0gazettenet.com
Natalie Munoz
Editor
La Prensa of Western Massachusetts
Tel: 413/586-1900
E-mail:nmunoz@IaRrensama.com
George O'Brien
Editor
BusinessWest Inc
1441 Main Street
Springfield,MA 01103
Tel: 413/781-8600/Fax: 413/781-3930
E-mail: obrien Y businesswest.com
John Ouelette
Publications Editor&Web Director
Massachusetts Municipal Association
One Winthrop Street
Boston,MA 02110
Tel: 617/426-7272/Fax: 617-695-1314
E-mail: iouellette_,mma.org
Larry Parnass
Editor
Daily Hampshire Gazette
H 5 Conz Street
Northampton,MA 01060
Tel: 413/584-5000/Fax: 413/585-5299
E-mail: 14M.pAmass@gazettenet.com
Russell Peotter
General Manager
WGBY-Public TV
44 Hampden Street
Springfield,MA 01103
Tel: 413/781-2801 /Fax: 413/731-5093
E-mail: ryeotter@wgby.org
Wayne Phaneuf
Executive Editor
Republican
1860 Main Street
Springfield,MA 01102
Tel: 413/788-1313/Fax: 413/788-1301
E-mail: yMhaneuf&enub.com
Page 7 of 11
Media (Updated 1/20/15)
Recorder
PO Box 1367
14 Hope Street
Greenfield,MA 01302
Tel: 413/772-0261 /Fax: 413/774-5020/Cell:
E-mail: newsinfo recorder.com
Larry Rivais
Assignment Editor
Republican
1860 Main Street
Springfield,MA 01102
Tel: 413/788-1300/Fax: 413n88-1301
E-mail: lrivais(@—LQub.com
Sergio Rivera Jr.,Editor
Vocero Hispano
335 Chandler Street
Worcester,MA 01602
Tel: 508/792-1942/Fax: 508/792-1608
E-mail: voceronewsna,aol.com
John Robertson
Legislative Director
Massachusetts Municipal Association
One Winthrop Street
Boston,MA 02110
Tel: 617/426-7272/Fax: 617-695-1314
E-mail: irobertsonOrrima.o
Jim Russell
Republican
1860 Main Street
Springfield,MA 01102
Tel: 413/788-1300/Fax: 413/788-1301
E-mail:newstil)s-L2-3@wmil.com
Craig Sandler
General Manager
State House News Service
Room 458, State House
Boston,MA 02133
Tel: 617-722-2439
E-mail: craia.sandler(a3statehousenews.com
Debra Scherban
Editor
Amherst Bulletin
115 Conz Street
Northampton,MA 01060
Tel: 413/584-5000/Fax: 413/585-5299
E-mail: dscherban@gazettenet.com
.Page 8 of l l
Media (Updated 1/20/15)
Cynthia Simison
Managing Editor
Republican
1860 Main Street
Springfield,MA 0)102
Tel: 413/788-1214/Fax: 413/788-1301
E-mail: csimison(a nub.com
Stephen Smith
City Editor
Republican
1860 Main Street
Springfield,MA 01102
Tel: 413/788-1304/Fax: 413/788-1301
E-mail: ssmith@pMub.com
Barbara Solow
Correspondent
Daily Hampshire Gazette
115 Conz Street
Northampton,MA 01060
Tel. 413/341-3224
E-mail:bisolow@comcast.net
Jack Sullivan
Senior Investigative Reporter
CommonWealth Magazine
18 Tremont Street,Suite 1120
Boston,MA 02108-2301
Tel: 617/742-6800/Fax: 617/589-0929
E-mail: isullivapQrnassinc.org
Paul Tuthill
Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief
WAMC Northeast Public Radio
1215 Wilbraham Road#R5401
Springfield,MA 01119
Tel: 413/782-1434
E-mail: ptuthillRwamc.or�
Tom Vannah
Editor
Valley Advocate
115 Conz Street
PO Box 477
Northampton,MA 01061
Tel: 413/529-2840/Fax: 413/529-2844
E-mail: tvannah@valleyadvocate.co
Danielle Veronesi
News Director
WRNX/WHYN/WPKR Radio
1331 Main Street, Suite 4
Springfield,MA 01103
Tel: 413/536-1105/Fax: 413/536-1153
E-mail: danielleveronesi clearcharmel.com
Page 9 of 11
Media (Updated 1/20/15)
Denise Vozella
News Director
WHMP-FM
15 Hampton Avenue
Northampton,MA 01060,
Tel: 413/586-7400/Fax:4I3/585-0927
E-mail: dvozella cQwhmn.com
The Westfield News
62 School Street
Westfield,MA 01085
Tel: 413/5624181 /Fax: 413/5624185
E-mail: pressreleases(@thewestfieldnews.com
WGGB ABC40/FOX 6 News
Assignment Editor
1300 Liberty Street
Springfield,MA 01104
Tel: 413/785-1912/Fax: 413/788-7640
assiwmentdesk@,wRkb_.com
newstins@wszp,b.com
Sienna Wildfield
Editor
Hilltown Families
P.O.Box 98
West Chesterfield, MA 01084
E-mail: hilltownfamilies@oiigil.com
Kristin Will
Editor
Town Reminder
138 College Street, Suite B
South Hadley,MA 01075
Tel: 413/536-5333
E-mail: kwill�(a.turlgy.com
Kristin Will
Editor
Holyoke Sun
138 College Street,Suite B
South Hadley,MA 01075
Tel: 413/536-5333
E-mail: kw_ ill u@turley.com
Worcester Telegram&Gazette
Newsroom
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Worcester,MA 01615
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newstips(d)teleglam.com
Page 10 of I I
Media (Updated 1/20/15)
Jennifer Wroblewski
Editor
Agawam Advertiser News
23 Southwick Street
Feeding Hills,MA 01030
Tel: 4131786-7747
E-mail: jroblewski turle .com
WWLP-TV 22
Assignments Desk/Newsroom
WWLP-TV 22
PO Box 2210
Springfield,MA 01102
Tel: 413/377-1160/Fax: 413/377-2261
news_,wwlp.com
Page 11 of 11
2015 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Committee
Schedule of meetings
Meeting location: DPW Conference Room, 1000 Suffield Street, Agawam
3 planning team meetings 2 public meetings
Review and update:
Tuesday, February 10, 10 a.m. Introduction
Chapters 1 through 4 (hazard id and risk,
critical facilities)
Review and update:
Chapters 5 through 6 (current mitigation Overview of process,
Tuesday, February 24, 10 a.m. strategies and future mitigation Tuesday, February 24, 9:30 a.m. get public input
- strategies, plan review and adoption)
Tuesday, March 3, 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, 9:30 a.m. Present draft plan,
get public input
r� Town of Agawam can M .A 0 S rrs •
.@srwEnasaihE I aaeerrtraswhsf 1 A_A ATIXrSn
a � :a••a a a as
7.
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gpgmnencs f Public Wong>mpg>Engine"Biome
DEPARTMENTS Engineering
Additional Links
Town Staff The Engineering Divislan provides ch R engineering services,advice and Engineering Staff
technical reviews to Town Departments,Planning Board,Conservation +Standard Details
Assessor Cammisslon,Board of Appeals,other boards
+Town of Agawam GIS
Auditor Services Available +MPDES Phase U Stormwater
Building Maintenance Regulations
• Record research of utilities and layout of street right of +Permits
way.Copies of records can be made for fees Usted below. +Fees
Clerk • Construction Details:Please Contact the Agawam Engineering
Division to have a copy of the latest Engineering Standard Details +Road Opening Moratorium
• Bert to you. +Manual on Uniform Traffic
• Copies of Assemes Maps and topography derived from 1983 Control Devices(MUTCD)
Engineering rlyover data. More up to date data Is available in Assessor's office +Massachusetts Appendix to
and using the Agarwm's online GIS we6siee. MUTCD
Health/School Nursing • Conviction Standards are available to contractors and +Massachusetts office of
deretgx"for any wort which will be donne In the street right of Geographic and
Inspection Services way.
• Property Pins-Frord property pfn locations can be foetid,If Environmental Information
IT Department
Pit (aisssli15)
• Reviews of subdivisions,site plans,and Conservation Commisslon +Find a Professional Engineer
Law Department flUrgs for consideration by the Ptanning Board,Conservation or Land Surveyor at The
Commission,and the Board of Appeals. Massachusetts Division of
Professional Ucensure
Library
Current Projects
Municipal GMf Course Contact Information
spdngUde Serete 5ldarratk hrn pratarrerrb
Parks&Recreation Address:
The Town of Agawam Is currently In the preliminary phase of designing public Works Munldpal Annex
Personnel Improvements to the sidewalks and overall pedestrian dreuL7don system 1000 Suffield Street
along the Springfield Street corridor between Mill Street and Franklin Aga,,an,MA 020DI
Street This work wIU Include removing the erdsthrg asphalt sldemlks, Attn:Engineering Dept
Planning&Community installing new concrete sidewalks and painting new crosswalks at street
Development Intersections. Phone:(4A 821.060D
Public Works The plans shown below are preliminary and are not to be taken as the Frnc(413)821 0631
final design Residents are encouraged to review the plans listed below Hours:
School Department and contact the DPW if there are arty concerm or would Uke any MondayFdday 8:30 A.M.•4:30
additional Infbmutlon about the pogect P.M.
Fire#mtmk1pat hoUdsys
'Springfield Street Sidewalle`
Veteran's Services + Preliminary Sidewalk Plans for Springfield Street
Flararp M111pallon Plan Update 201E
The Town of Agawam Is in the process of updating its Hazard Mitigation
Pion in conjunction with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission.
Hazard mitigation Is arty sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate
longterm risk to people and property from natural hazards such as
flooding.storms,wildfires,tornados,etc. Mitigation efforts mWertaken
by communities will help to minimize damages to buildings and
Infrastructure,such as water supplies,sewers,and utility transmission
Unes,as well as natural.cultural and historic resources.
Agawam residents are Invhed to review the Draft Hazard Mitigation Plan
below. Questions and comments about the plan can be submitted to the
town during two public meetings at 10 am w Twaday,February 24 and
Tuesday,March 3,at the Agawam Departmemt of Public Works,10D0
Suffield Street Please see the Public Meeting Announcement below for
more information.
'Hazard Mitigation Plan'
. 'M
.Q
Agawam Hazard Mitigation Committee
Meeting Agenda
DPW Conference Room
1000 Suffield Street, Agawam
February 10, 2015, 10:00 a.m.
I. Welcome and introductions
2. Overview of hazard mitigation planning process (Chapter 1)
3. Local profile (Chapter 2)
4. Hazard identification and risk assessment (Chapter 3)
a. Types of hazards affecting Agawam
b. Previous occurrences, extent, location, impact, future probability, and
vulnerability of each hazard
5. Critical facilities (Chapter 4)
6. Next steps
Please post this notice per Massachusetts General Laws,
Chapter 39, Section 23,A-C
•
2015 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Committee
February 10, 2014 Meeting
INITIALS NAME TITLE PHONE EXT E-MAIL
Michael Albro Assistant Town Engineer (413) 821-0628 malbro(&aaawam.ma.us�F�
Michelle Chase Town Engineer (413) 821-0625 mchaseaagawam.ma.us
� — Christopher Golba Superintendent (413) 821-0623 dpw@aaawam.ma.us
n .Chet Nicora Emergency Management (413) 786-0404 _ _
Director/Assessor 88- Z �m dram•• , '-ls
ee c �8 6 C'7ry�'� pe
v�+ c VO,
Patty Gambarini PVPC Senior 781-6045 333 j2gambadni@pvwc.oEg
Environmental Planner
Agawam Hazard Mitigation Plan
Public Input and Workshop
Agenda
Agawam Department of Public Works Conference Room
1000 Suffield Street
Tuesday, February 24,9:30 a.m.
1. Welcome and introductions
2. Overview of hazard mitigation planning process
3. Hazard identification and risk assessment
a. Types of hazards affecting Agawam
b. Previous occurrences, extent, location, impact,future probability, and
vulnerability of each hazard
4. Existing mitigation measures
5. Recommended new mitigation strategies or changes to existing mitigation strategies
6. Discussion
7. Next steps
Please post this notice per Massachusetts General Laws,
Chapter 39,Section 23,A-C
e
Sign in for Agawam 2015 Hazard Mitigation
1st Public Meeting - February 24,2015
NAME ADDRESS AFFILIATION E-MAIL
2015 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Committee
February 24, 2015 Meeting
INITIALS NAME TITLE PHONE EXT E-MAIL
Michael Albro Assistant Town Engineer (413) 821-0628 malbro@agawam.ma.us
A FA
/"I BJ Cali! Deputy Fire Chief (413) 786-0657 af(IdeDutyQaqamn.ma.us
Michelle Chase Town Engineer (413) 821-0625 mchase(&-agawam.ma.us
John Decker Deputy Superintendent, (413) 821-0627 idecke @aaawam.ma.us
Public Works
GAG . Christopher Golba Superintendent, Public (413) 821-0623 dpMAagawam.ma.us
Works .
k • Chet Nicora Emergency Management (413) 786-0400 6925 director agawamem.org
Director/Assessor
Patty Gambanni PVPC Senior 781-6045 333 pg mbarini pvpc.or
Environmental Planner
I
Agawam Hazard Mitigation Plan
Public Input and Workshop
Agenda
Agawam Department of Public Works Conference Room
1000 Suffield Street
Tuesday, March 3,9:30 a.m.
1. Welcome and introductions
2. Overview of hazard mitigation planning process
3. Hazard identification and risk assessment
a. Types of hazards affecting Agawam
b. Previous occurrences, extent, location, impact, future probability, and
vulnerability of each hazard
4. Existing mitigation measures
5. Recommended new mitigation strategies or changes to existing mitigation strategies
6. Discussion
7. Next steps
Please post this notice per Massachusetts General Laws,
Chapter 39,Section 23,A-C
Sign in for Agawam 2015 Hazard Mitigation
2nd Public Meeting - March 3, 2015
NAME ADDRESS AFFILIATION E-MAIL
A"6ad q WOW
2015 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Committee
March 3, 2015 Meeting
INITIALS NAME TITLE PHONE EXT E-MAIL
Michael Aibro Assistant Town Engineer (413) 821-0628 malbro(M-agawam.ma.us
zM FA
BJ Calvi Deputy Fire Chief (413) 786-0657 afddeputy@agmmm.ma.us
MCC- Michelle Chase Town Engineer (413) 821-0625 mchasej§ag awam.ma.us
John Decker Deputy Superintendent, (413)-821-0627 ideckerAagawam.ma.us
Public Works
Christopher Golba Superintendent, Public (413) 821-0623 d w a awam.ma.us
Works
Chet Nicora Emergency Management (413) 786-0400 8925 director(aPagawamem.org
Director/Assessor
Patty Gambarini PVPC Senior 781-6045 333 Ipga barjni Pvpc.orc;
Environmental Planner
TOWN OF / / /
HAZARD
l MITIGATION / UPDATE f
�� ,!+ � -y�•�i� ��y. y5"�.Y,rt..s-'�, �I FI �?Iff�i, ��...�7.... �ary�+.
Adopted by • of Agawam on
Prepared r
Agawam Hazard Mitigation Committee
and
The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
•1 Congress
Springfield, MA 01104
f .If
www.pvps.org
This project r r r by r grant r rm the Massachusetts Emergencyr rrAgency
and the MassachusettsDepartment of r r rn Services fformerly the Department of
Environmental Management
OF •
Tableof Contents................................................................................................................1
1: Planning Process.............................................................................................................2
Introduction..............................................................................................................................2
HazardMitigation Committee..................................................................................................3
Participation by Stakeholders ..................................................................................................4
Participation by Public and Neighboring Communities...........................................................6
TownCouncil Meeting ............................................................................................................7
2: Local Profile....................................................................................................................8
CommunitySetting. .................................................................................................................8
Infrastructure ..................................... .....................................................................................8
NaturalResources .................................................................................................................10
Development..........................................................................................................................10
3: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment....................................................................13
Natural Hazard Analysis Methodology.............................. ....................................................13
Floods.....................................................................................................................................17
Severe Snowstorms/ Ice Storms............................................................................................24
Hurricanes/Tropical Storms ...................................................................................................28
Severe Thunderstorms/Wind/Tornadoes/Microbursts .....................................................32
Wildfire/ Brushfire.................................................................................................................36
Earthquakes............................................................................................................................34
DamFailure ............................................................................................................................43
Drought...................................................................................................................................47
OtherHazards.........................................................................................................................50
4: Critical Facilities............................................................................................................52
Category 1— Emergency Response Services..........................................................................52
Category 2 Non Emergency Response Facilities .................................................................54
Category 3— Facilities/Populations to Protect.......................................................................55
5: Mitigation Capabilities &Strategies...............................................................................58
Overview of Mitigation Capabilities by Hazard......................................................................59
Existing Mitigation Capabilities.......................... ...................................................................61
Deleted/Completed Mitigation Strategies.............................................................................64
Deleted/Completed Mitigation Strategies.............................................................................64
Prioritized Implementation Plan............................................................................................66
6: Plan Review, Evaluation, Implementation, and Adoption...............................................72
PlanAdoption.........................................................................................................................72
PlanImplementation..............................................................................................................72
Incorporation with Other Planning Documents.....................................................................72
7:Appendices...................................................................................................................76
Appendix A:Technical Resources...........................................................................................77
AppendixB: List of Acronyms.................................................................................................82
Appendix C: Documentation of Planning Process..................................................................83
Appendix D: Critical Facilities Map.........................................................................................84
Town of Agawam-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 2
Acknowledgements
The Agawam Mayor and Town Council extends special thanks to the Agawam Natural Hazards
Mitigation Planning Committee as follows:
Michael Albro,Assistant Town Engineer
B.J. Calvi, Deputy Fire Chief
Michelle Chase,Town Engineer
John Decker, Deputy Superintendent, Department of Public Works
Christopher Golba, Superintendent, Department of Public Works
Chet Nicora, Emergency Management Director
The Agawam Mayor and Town Council offers thanks to the Massachusetts Emergency Management
Agency(MEMA)for developing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan
(http://www.state.ma.us/dem amrams/mitigate/index.htm)which served as a model for this plan. In
addition, special thanks are extended to the staff of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission for
professional services, process facilitation and preparation of this document.
The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
Catherine Ratt6, Principal Planner/Project Manager
Patty Gambarini/Senior Environmental Planner
Josiah Neiderbach, Planner
Todd Zukowski, Principal Planner/GIS-Graphics Section Head
Jake Dolinger,GIS Specialist
Alexander Train, Planner/Data and Policy Analyst
Brendan Conboy, Intern
1: PLANNING PROCESS
Introduction
The Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA)and the Massachusetts Emergency Management
Agency(MEMA) define hazard mitigation as any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term
risk to people and property from natural hazards such as flooding,storms, high winds, hurricanes,
wildfires,earthquakes, etc. Mitigation efforts undertaken by communities will help to minimize
damages to buildings and infrastructure, such as water supplies, sewers, and utility transmission lines,as
well as natural, cultural and historic resources.
Planning efforts, like the one undertaken by the Town of Agawam and the Pioneer Valley Planning
Commission, make mitigation a proactive process. Pre-disaster planning emphasizes actions that can be
taken before a natural disaster occurs. Future property damage and loss of life can be reduced or
prevented by a mitigation program that addresses the unique geography, demography,economy,and
land use of a community within the context of each of the specific potential natural hazards that may
threaten it.
Preparing, and updating every five years, a hazard mitigation plan before a disaster saves communities
money and facilitates post-disaster funding. Costly repairs or replacement of buildings and
infrastructure,as well as the high cost of providing emergency services and rescue/recovery operations,
can be avoided or significantly lessened if a community implements the mitigation measures detailed in
their plan.
FEMA requires that a community adopt a hazard mitigation plan to be eligible for mitigation funding
from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP),the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMA), and
the Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Program are programs with this requirement.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 2
Hazard Mitigation Committee
Planning for hazard mitigation in Agawam involved a six-member committee:
Michael Albro, Assistant Town Engineer
B.J. Calvi, Deputy Fire Chief
Michelle Chase,Town Engineer
John Decker, Deputy Superintendent, Department of Public Works
Christopher Golba,Superintendent, Department of Public Works
Chet Nicora, Emergency Management Director
The process followed by the Agawam local Hazard Mitigation Planning committee to update their
existing Hazard Mitigation plan included the following tasks:
• Reviewing and incorporating existing plans and other information.
• Identifying the natural hazards that may impact the community.
• Conducting a Vulnerability/Risk Assessment to identify the infrastructure at the highest risk for
being damaged by the identified natural hazards, particularly flooding.
• Identifying and assessing the policies, programs, and regulations the community is currently
implementing to protect against future disaster damages.
• Identifying deficiencies in the current strategies and establishing goals for updating, revising or
adopting new strategies.
• Adopting and implementing the final updated Hazard Mitigation Plan.
The key product of this process was the development of a list of prioritized new mitigation strategies to
be implemented in the next five years.
Committee Meetings
Meetings of the Hazard Mitigation Committee, which took place at the Department of Public Works
offices at 1000 Suffield Street, Agawam,were held on the dates listed below.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Overview of hazard mitigation planning, identification and organizing of the planning team,
Identification of critical facilities, discussion of hazard identification and risk assessment, and
Review of existing mitigation strategies undertaken by the Town.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Re-visitation of critical facilities,
Discussion of history of natural hazard events
Discussion of potential mitigation strategies to be implemented.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 3
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Reviewing of draft prioritized list of mitigation strategies, based on conversation at previous
meeting.
Finalization of prioritized implementation strategies,
Discussion of the plan adoption process,and
Procedures for regular maintenance of the plan.
Agendas and sign-in sheets for each meeting can be found in Appendix C. While not all members of the
Hazard Mitigation Committee were able to attend each meeting, all members collaborated on the plan
and were updated on progress by fellow Committee members after meetings occurred.
Participation by Stakeholders
A variety of stakeholders were provided with an opportunity to be involved in the update of the
Agawam Hazard Mitigation Plan.The different categories of stakeholders that were involved, and the
engagement activities that occurred,are described below.
Local and regional agencies involved in hazard mitigation activities and surrounding community
engagement and input
The Mayor's office assured input and participation from all Town Departments, providing verbal updates
on the Hazard Mitigation planning process at his regular meetings with Town Department heads, and
giving his Department heads the opportunity to comment and provide input on the plan update process.
All Town staff and departments were also informed of the public meetings on the plan update and had
the opportunity to participate in those meetings as well as the meetings of the Hazard Mitigation
planning committee as all meeting notices were posted per requirements of the State Open Meetings
law.All input received was integrated into the plan.The kind of input received included local
information not readily available through internet research, updates on the status of implementation of
the previous action plan and changes in local rules and regulations as well as other updates on
capabilities.
The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission is a regional planning agency for 43 towns and cities in
Massachusetts' Hampden and Hampshire Counties. PVPC regularly engages with the Town of Agawam
as part of its regional planning efforts, which include the following:
• Developing the Pioneer Valley Regional Land Use Plan,Valley Vision 2, which advocates for
sustainable land use throughout the region and consideration for the impact of flooding and
other natural hazards on development.
• Developing the Pioneer Valley Climate Action and Clean Energy Plan, which assesses the impact
that climate change will have on the region and recommends strategies for mitigation that can
be implemented by local municipalities and businesses.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 4
• Collaborating with state agencies, such as the Department of Conservation and Recreation,to
maintain inventories of critical infrastructure throughout the region.
All of these PVPC initiatives considered the impact of natural hazards on the region and strategies for
reducing their impact to people and property through hazard mitigation activities.The facilitation of the
Agawam Hazard Mitigation Plan by PVPC ensured that the information from these plans was
incorporated into the Hazard Mitigation Planning process.
In addition,the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission is actively involved in the Western Region
Homeland Security Advisory Council (WRHSAC).WHRSAC,which includes representatives from Western
Massachusetts municipalities, Fire Departments, Public Works Departments, Police Departments, area
hospitals and regional transit from throughout the four counties of western Massachusetts, is
responsible for allocating emergency preparedness funding from the US Department of Homeland
Security.The representatives of these disciplines who serve on the WRHSAC are charged with sharing
the information discussed at meetings with their colleagues at their regular meetings. PVPC attends all
WRHSAC meetings and all WRHSAC members are aware of the fact that Agawam was updating its
Hazard Mitigation plan. Meetings of WRHSAC regularly involve discussion about how to improve
emergency preparedness in western Massachusetts,and hazard mitigation activities are included in this
discussion.
For the update of this Hazard Mitigation Plan, PVPC provided feedback from WRHSAC on regional
mitigation activities and natural hazards pertaining to Agawam.This was the method through which
WRHSAC was engaged in the planning process. WRHSAC Contact List on p. 81.
In addition, PVPC staff regularly present to their Executive Committee and Commission (representatives
from the 43 cities and towns that comprise the Pioneer Valley, when new projects are launched and
when funding opportunities are available).As result, all the communities in the region were informed of
Agawam's Hazard Mitigation Plan update process and encouraged to comment. In addition, PVPC is
facilitating Hazard Mitigation work in Agawam's neighboring municipalities of Southwick, Longmeadow,
Westfield, and many surrounding communities at the same time as working with Agawam,so all these
municipalities were aware of and had the opportunity to share hazard mitigation information with one
another. We did not receive any comments from these neighboring municipalities on Agawam's draft
plan update.
PVPC staff included summary articles on the status of Hazard Mitigation planning in the region in the
quarterly Regional Reporter that is mailed to area Chambers of Commerce,all member municipalities,
area colleges and universities and other key stakeholders in the region in December 2012,April 2013
and January 2015. In this way, businesses, educational institutions and other key stakeholders were
educated about and informed of Agawam's hazard mitigation planning work. We did not receive any
comments from any of these organization or entities on the draft Agawam plan update.
Capability Assessment Summary: Existing Authorities Policies, Programs, & Resources and
Ability to Expand on & improve Existing Policies & Programs
The local Hazard Committee, with assistance provided by the PVPC, used the FEMA Capability
Assessment worksheet as a guide to systematically document and assess Agawam's existing hazard
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 5
mitigation capabilities.A discussion of existing capabilities is included in chapter 5, culminating in a chart
of existing mitigation capabilities.
Agawam has most of the no cost or low cost hazard mitigation capabilities in place. Land use zoning,
subdivision regulations and an array of specific policies and regulations that include hazard mitigation
best practices,such as limitations on development in floodplains, stormwater management, tree
maintenance,etc.Agawam also has appropriate staff dedicated to hazard mitigation-related work for a
community its size, including the Mayor's involvement,an Emergency Management Director,a
professionally run Department of Public Works,a Building inspector, a Planner, and a Tree Warden,and
Agawam has recommended plans in place, including a Master Plan, an Open Space and Recreation Plan,
and a Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. Not only does Agawam have these capabilities in
place, but they are also deployed for hazard mitigation as appropriate.The Town also has very
committed and dedicated volunteers who serve on Boards and Committees and in Volunteer positions.
The Town collaborates closely with surrounding communities and is party to Mutual Aid agreements
through the MEMA. Agawam is also an active member community of the Pioneer Valley Planning
Commission (PVPC)and can take advantage of no cost local technical assistance as needed provided by
the professional planning staff at the PVPC.
Agawam's most obvious hazard mitigation need is for federal funds to implement prioritized actions.
While Agawam is a well-managed fiscally sound Town, it is not a wealthy community and with state
constraints on municipalities raising their own funds,Agawam has very limited financial resources to
invest in costly hazard mitigation measures.Agawam is, however,committed to locally matching all
HMGP grants received.
Participation by Public and Neighboring Communities
Two public planning sessions were held as part of the development of the Agawam plan—on February
24, 2015 and March 3, 2015, Both meetings occurred after the Hazard Mitigation Committee had
provided input on hazards and mitigation strategies relevant to the community. Notice of both public
meetings was posted at Agawam Town Hall in compliance with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts'
open meeting law. Public meeting agendas and notices can be found in Appendix C.
On February 13, 2015,the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission sent a press release to all area media
outlets announcing that the hazard mitigation planning process was underway and that the first public
outreach meeting would be held on February 24 and that the second public outreach meeting would
take place on March 3 and that a draft of the plan is available for review on the town's website.
Appendix C includes a screen capture of the town website where the plan was available for download.
The press release also indicated that hard copies of the plan were available at the Agawam Department
of Public Works,and that all residents, businesses and other concerned parties of Agawam were
encouraged to comment on the plan by e-mailing or calling staff contacts at PVPC or the Town.
The press release also encouraged citizens and municipal officials from nearby communities to comment
on Agawam's plan by e-mailing or calling staff contacts at PVPC or the Town.The Pioneer Valley
Town of Agawam—!-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 6
Planning Commission's regional scope ensured that residents and government officials throughout the
Pioneer Valley saw the press release and request for comments. No comments were received.
A list of media organizations that were sent the two press releases is provided in Appendix C.The list of
media included television stations, radio stations, and newspapers located in western Massachusetts,
northern Connecticut,and southern Vermont.
Public participation will be a critical component of the Hazard Mitigation Plan maintenance process,as
discussed in Chapter b: Plan Review, Evaluation, Implementation, and Adoption.
Town Council Meeting
In 2011,the Town Council agreed to begin the process of developing a Hazard Mitigation Plan. Once the
plan was provisionally approved by FEMA,the Council held a public hearing on the plan and adopted it.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 7
LOCAL "PROFILE
Community Setting
Geography
Agawam is located in Hampden County within the Pioneer Valley region of Massachusetts. It is bordered
by West Springfield to the north,Southwick to the west, Longmeadow to the east, Springfield to the
northeast, Westfield to the northwest, and Suffield, Connecticut to the south.Agawam is also 25 miles
north of Hartford, Connecticut.
Population Characteristics
There are 28,438 Agawam residents(2010 US Census) and a total of 11,952 housing units (2009-2013
American Community Survey).The median household income is$63,609 with 9.9 percent of residents
below the poverty line (ACS 2009-2013).
Climate
Annual rainfall averages 44 inches and is distributed throughout the year. In addition to rain, snowfall
averages 40 inches per season. Prevailing winds from the south (and from the north/northwest to a
lesser extent) reach their highest average speed during the month of April. In the past few decades,
Agawam and all of New England have seen an increase in the number of extreme rainfall events, defined
as large amounts of rain in a short period of time. in Massachusetts,the increase since 1948 has been 81
percent (Environment America Research & Policy Center, 2012). Extreme rainfall is a cause of flooding,
which is a major concern of this plan. In the last five years,there has also been an increased occurrence
of tornadoes and large storms that generate strong wind gusts.
Infrastructure
Agawam's location, centralized in the region and a border community along the Connecticut state line,
has played a major role in facilitating the expansion of its infrastructure. Several major thoroughfares
exist in the town and development patterns have followed these corridors. In addition,the town's
physical characteristics and topography couple with its location to define its boundaries and guide its
development.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 8
Roads and Highways
Agawam is at the hub of major north-south and east-west transportation corridors in the Pioneer Valley.
Major thoroughfares are:
• State Route 57 (Henry Bodurtha Highway)
• State Route 187 (Westfield Street)
• State Route 75 (Suffield Street)
• State Route 159(Main Street)
• State Route 147 (Memorial Ave)
U.S. Route 5, a major regional transportation corridor, is also located in Agawam's northeastern corner
and crosses over the Connecticut River to connect with Interstate 91 in Springfield.
Rail
There is no passenger or freight rail service in Agawam.
Public Transportation
Bus service is provided by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority from Agawam to many locations
throughout the Pioneer Valley, usually via the Springfield Bus Terminal. in addition, limited bus service
is provided to the Agawam Regional Industrial Park,the Pheasant Hill Apartments, and the Heritage
Nursing Home.
Water and Sewer
Agawam obtains its water from the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission, but operates its own
system for the distribution of water among residents.The system is comprised of one pump station and
approximately 150 miles of pipe, ranging in diameter from 4"to 16", and 10,043 service accounts, as of
2013. Residential water use accounted for 60 percent of total usage and overall annual consumption
was about even with 2012 at 1,277,407,472 gallons of water in 2013.
The majority of Agawam is connected to its public sewer infrastructure, which was upgraded in the
1970s using state and federal dollars. Sewage is pumped to a treatment plant that is owned by the Town
of Springfield on Bondi's Island. Agawam pays for its share of the maintenance and operating costs
based on the volume and strength of the sewage that comes from the community.
Schools
Public schools serving Agawam include the Early Childhood Center, Benjamin J. Phelps School,Clifford
M. Granger School,James Clark School, Robinson Park School,Agawam Middle School, Agawam Junior
High School,and Agawam High School.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 9
Natural Resources
Water Resources
Agawam has approximately 532 acres of open fresh water, most of which is contained in the Westfield
and Connecticut Rivers. The Connecticut River runs along the eastern boundary of Agawam for 5 miles.
The section of the Westfield River that runs along the northern boundary of Agawam is approximately 8
miles long, and runs from the Westfield town line to its confluence with the Connecticut River at
Pynchon Point. Because Agawam is located at the confluence of these two rivers, much of the eastern
portion of the community is in the 100-year floodplain.
Ponds that are over three acres include: Silver Lake, Mawaga Pond, Leonard Pond, Robinson Park Pond,
Springfield Turnverein Lake, Hathaway Pond, and the Lake in the Meadows. In addition, Agawam has
many small steams or brooks, including: Three Mile Brook, Tarkill Brook, Still Brook, Philo Brook, Miller
Brook, Worthington Brook, and Adams Brook. There are also a number of smaller unnamed intermittent
streams, wetlands, and vernal pools.
Forests and Vegetation
Agawam's rapid suburbanization over the past few decades has resulted in an appreciable loss of
agricultural vegetation as those lands most suitable for agricultural use are also the most desirable for
development. During this period, however, pockets of natural vegetation in the town's wetlands and
hilly areas have been less severely impacted. Currently, approximately 2,143 acres (14 percent) of
Agawam is cropland or pasture and 5,093 acres(33 percent) is forested.
Development
Agawam was established as a town in 1855, but remained primarily a farming community until as late as
the 1950s,when the construction of highways facilitated suburban growth. Since this time,Agawam has
witnessed a dramatic shift in land use patterns with over a 70 percent decrease in agricultural land.
Between 1960 and 2010,Agawam's population increased by 81 percent. The majority of the town's
developed land is for residential use.
Today,Agawam is both a residential community for those who commute to Springfield and neighboring
Connecticut, as well as a commercial and industrial center itself.The largest amusement park in New
England, Six Flags New England, is also located in Agawam and attracts visitors from throughout the
Northeast.
Most parts of Agawam are widely developed with the most concentrated development in north
Agawam.The least developed area is on Provin Mountain,which is undeveloped primarily because of
steep slopes. Parts of Feeding Hills and some areas along North and South Westfield Roads are also not
heavily developed, due a lack of sewer lines and soil inappropriate for septic systems.
Ten percent of Agawam's land is permanently protected and about 1,607 acres temporarily protected
under the state's Chapter 61A Program.Agawam is approximately 33 percent forestland, most of which
is fragmented,except along the western border on Provin Mountain and in along the Westfield River in
Robinson State Park.
Town of Agawam--Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 10
According to US Census Building Permit Data,there have been 122 building permits issued,in Agawam
since 2008, for an average of about 24 per year.This is a decrease in the number of annual permits
issued in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Following a thorough hazard vulnerability and risk assessment completed as part of this plan update
process, which included mapping critical infrastructure, past hazards and also analyzing new
development (since Hazard Mitigation Plan approval), the committee has determined that no changes in
development impacted the Town's vulnerability.
Zoning
Agawam has 13 zoning districts. The districts define the allowed uses and dimensional requirements in
all parts of the town. These districts are:
• Residence A-1 Districts: Single family residences
• Residence A-2 Districts:Single-, 2-&4-family residences
• Residence A-3 Districts:Apartments, garden-type apartments, &condominiums
• Residence A-4 Districts: Elderly housing
• Residence A-5 Districts:Age-restricted housing
• Residence A-6: Low density community
• Residence B Districts:Single-& 2-family residences
• Agriculture Districts:Single family residences, agriculture &administrative offices
• Business A Districts: Retail uses, all residential and agricultural uses
• Business B Districts: Mixed commercial, including light industrial
• Business C Districts: Mixed use
• Industrial District A: Industrial, mixed commercial&agricultural
• Industrial District B: Industrial, mixed commercial&agricultural
National Flood Insurance Program
Agawam is a participating member of the National Flood Insurance Program,and had the following NFIP
policy and claim statistics as of 2014:
• Flood Insurance Maps(FIRMS) are used for flood insurance purposes and are on file with the
Agawam Inspection Services at 1000 Suffield Street.
• FIRMs have been effective since February 1, 1978 with the current map in effect since July 16,
2013.
• Agawam has 312 in-force policies in effect for a total of$55,867,200 worth of insurance.
• There have been a total of 49 NFIP claims for which $132,345 has been paid.
• There are currently no "Repetitive Loss Properties" insured under the NFIP within the Town of
Agawam.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 11
The Town will maintain compliance with the NFIP throughout the next 5-year hazard mitigation planning
cycle by monitoring its Floodplain Zone and ensuring that this zoning district accurately reflects the 100-
year floodplain and FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 12
HAZARD IDENTIFICATIONASSESSMENT
This chapter examines all hazards identified by the Massachusetts State Hazard Mitigation Plan
(2013)which are identified as likely to affect Agawam. Historical research, conversations with local
officials and emergency management personnel,available hazard mapping and other weather-related
databases were used to develop this list. Identified hazards are the following:
• Floods
• Severe snowstorms/ice storms
• Hurricanes/tropical storms
• Severe thunderstorms/wind/tornadoes/microbursts
• Wildfires/brushfires
• Earthquakes
• Dam failures
• Drought
Natural Hazard Analysis Methodology
The hazard analysis is organized into the following sections: Hazard Description, Location, Extent,
Previous Occurrences, Probability of Future Events, Impact,and Vulnerability. A description of each of
these analysis categories is provided below.
Hazard Description
The natural hazards identified for Agawam are: floods, severe snowstorms/ice storms, hurricanes,
severe thunderstorms/wind/tornadoes,wildfire/brushfire, earthquakes, dam failure, and drought.
Many of these hazards result in similar impacts to a community. For example, hurricanes, tornadoes
and severe snowstorms may cause wind-related damage.
Location
Location refers to the geographic areas within the planning area that are affected by the hazard. Some
hazards affect the entire planning area universally,while others apply to a specific portion,such as a
floodplain or area that is susceptible to wild fires. Classifications are based on the area that would
potentially be affected by the hazard,on the following scale:
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 13
Location of Occurrence, Percentage of •wn Impacted by •
Location of Occurrence Percentage of Town Impacted
Large More than 50%of the town affected
Medium 10 to 50%of the town affected
small Less than 10%of the town affected
Extent
Extent describes the strength or magnitude of a hazard. Where appropriate, extent is described using an
established scientific scale or measurement system. Other descriptions of extent include water depth,
wind speed, and duration.
Previous Occurrences
Previous hazard events that have occurred are described. Depending on the nature of the hazard,events
listed may have occurred on a local, regional, or state-wide level.
Probability of Future Events
The likelihood of a future event for each natural hazard was classified according to the following scale:
Frequency of Occurrence and Annual Probability
Frequency of Occurrence Probability of Future Events
Very High 70-100%probability in the next year
High 40-70% probability in the next year
Moderate 10-40%probability in the next year
Low 1-10%probability in the next year
Very Low Less than 1%probability in the next year
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 14
Impact
Impact refers to the effect that a hazard may have on the people and property in the community, based
on the assessment of extent described above. Impacts are classified according to the following scale:
Magnitudeof Given Natural Hazard
Impacts Magnitude of Multiple Impacts
Multiple deaths and injuries possible. More than 50%of
Catastrophic property in affected area damaged or destroyed. Complete
shutdown of facilities for 30 days or more.
Multiple injuries possible. More than 25%of property in
Critical affected area damaged or destroyed. Complete shutdown
of facilities for more than 1 week.
Minor injuries only. More than 10%of property in affected
Limited area damaged or destroyed. Complete shutdown of
facilities for more than 1 day.
Very few injuries, if any. Only minor property damage and
Minor minimal disruption on quality of life. Temporary shutdown
of facilities.
Vulnerability(hazard index rating)
Based on the above metrics, a hazard index rating was determined for each hazard.The hazard index
ratings are based on a scale of 1 through 5 as follows:
1—Very high risk
2—High risk
3—Medium risk
4--Low risk
5—Very low risk
The ranking is qualitative and is based, in part,on local knowledge of past experiences with each type of
hazard. The size and impacts of a natural hazard can be unpredictable. However, many of the mitigation
strategies currently in place and many of those proposed for implementation can be applied to the
expected natural hazards, regardless of their unpredictability.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 15
Hazard Identification
Type of Hazard Location of Probability of Impact Vulnerability
Occurrence Future Events
Flooding Medium Moderate Critical 2—High Risk
Severe Snowstorms/ Large High Critical 1—Very High
Ice storms Risk
Hurricanes Large Low Critical 2—High Risk
Tropical Storms Large Moderate Critical 2—High Risk
Severe Thunderstorms
/Wind/ Small High Critical 3—Medium
Tornadoes/Microbursts Risk
Wildfires/Brushfires Small Very Low Minor 4—Low Risk
Earthquakes Large Low Catastrophic 4—Low Risk
Dam Failures Medium Low Critical 3—Medium Risk
Drought Large Moderate Minor 4—Low Risk
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 16
Floods
Hazard Description
There are three major types of storms that can generate flooding in Agawam:
• Continental storms are typically low-pressure systems that can be either slow-or fast moving.
These storms originate from the west and occur throughout the year.
• Coastal storms, also known as nor'easters, usually occur in late summer or early fall and
originate from the south.The most severe coastal storms, hurricanes,occasionally reach
Massachusetts and generate very large amounts of rainfall.
• Thunderstorms form on warm, humid summer days and cause locally significant rainfall, usually
over the course of several hours.These storms can form quickly and are more difficult to predict
than continental and coastal storms.
A floodplain is the relatively flat, lowland area adjacent to a river, lake or stream. Floodplains serve an
important function,acting like large"sponges"to absorb and slowly release floodwaters back to surface
waters and groundwater. Over time,sediments that are deposited in floodplains develop into fertile,
productive farmland like that found in the Connecticut River valley. In the past, floodplain areas were
also often seen as prime locations for development. Industries were located on the banks of rivers for
access to hydropower. Residential and commercial development occurred in floodplains because of
their scenic qualities and proximity to the water. Although periodic flooding of a floodplain area is a
natural occurrence, past and current development and alteration of these areas will result in flooding
that is a costly and frequent hazard.
Location
There are approximately 1022 acres of land within the FEMA mapped 100-year floodplain and 252 acres
of land within the 500-year floodplain within the Town of Agawam. Most of this area is located adjacent
to the Connecticut River. This includes Bondi's Island where the Springfield Water and Sewer
Commission operates its wastewater treatment plan and to which numerous sewer pipes flow.
Based on these locations,flooding has a "medium" location of occurrence,with 10 to 50 percent of land
affected.
The following specific locations are prone to flooding:
River Road
The River Road neighborhood is located in the floodplain. It consists of 37 streets and approximately
370 residential homes northwest of River Road.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 17
Lower Suffield Street(Route 75)
Localized flooding has occurred in the past on lower Suffield Street at the crossing with Westfield Brook.
Flooding has occurred in this area in recent years due to inadequate culvert capaTown.Approximately 3
residential structures could be affected by localized flooding.There is potential for damage to Route 75.
Upper Suffield Stree_t_(Route 75)
Portions of upper Suffield Street have experienced localized flooding in the past. Flooding has occurred
in this area in recent years due to inadequate culvert capaTown and is exacerbated by beaver dams.
There are no structures in the area where the flooding occurs,though there is potential for damage to
Route 75.
North Street
The road has experienced minor flooding, due to culvert problems over White Brook.There is no record
of major flooding in this area. Approximately 4 residential structures and a sewer pump station could be
affected by flooding at this location.
Leonard Pond
A 75-year storm in the 1980s caused significant damage to residential homes along Kathy Terrace.
Approximately 15 residential structures could be affected by a flood incident at this location. Beaver
issues contribute to flooding in this location.
Extent
The Hazard Mitigation Committee indicated that all locations of localized flooding can receive high
water marks of up to several feet during sufficiently large rainstorms. Water levels in Agawam's rivers,
streams, and wetlands rise and fall seasonally and during high rainfall events. High water levels are
typical in spring,due to snowmelt and ground thaw. This is the period when flood hazards are normally
expected. Low water levels occur in summer due to high evaporation and plant uptake (transpiration).
At any time, heavy rainfall may create conditions that raise water levels in rivers and streams above
bank full stage, which then overflow adjacent lands.
The worst flooding recorded in Agawam's recent history occurred following Hurricane Diane in August
1955. While Agawam does not have records,the region recorded levels of nearly 20 inches in the
greater Springfield area, according to the US Geological survey Report "Floods of August 1955 in the
Northeastern States".
Floods can be classified as one of two types:flash floods and general floods.
Flash floods are the product of heavy, localized precipitation in a short time period over a given
location. Flash flooding events typically occur within minutes or hours after a period of heavy
precipitation,after a dam or levee failure,or from a sudden release of water from an ice jam. Most
often,flash flooding is the result of a slow-moving thunderstorm or the heavy rains from a hurricane. In
rural areas,flash flooding often occurs when small streams spill over their banks. However, in urbanized
areas,flash flooding is often the result of clogged storm drains(leaves and other debris)and the higher
amount of impervious surface area (roadways, parking lots, roof tops).
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 18
'General floods may last for several days or weeks and are caused by precipitation over a longer time
period in a particular river basin. Excessive precipitation within a watershed of a stream or river can
result in flooding particularly when development in the floodplain has obstructed the natural flow of the
water and/or decreased the natural ability of the groundcover to absorb and retain surface water runoff
(e.g.,the loss of wetlands and the higher amounts of impervious surface area in urban areas).
The average annual precipitation for Agawam and surrounding areas in western Massachusetts is 46
inches.
Previous Occurrences
Historically, the majority of flooding in Agawam has been localized,affecting particular neighborhoods
or areas containing small ponds or wetlands that overflow when the town receives heavy rainfall.The
locations in the previous section (lower and upper Suffield Street, North Street,and Leonard Pond) are
places in Agawam at which flooding has occurred. Suffield Street experiences annual flooding due to
inadequate culvert capaTown and beaver dams,while North Street receives minor flooding on an annual
basis and Leonard Pond flooded due to a storm in 1983.
The one major flood event on record occurred in March of 1936,when an unusually cold and snowy
winter,followed by a spell of warm and rainy weather,turned the normal spring rising of the
Connecticut River into an unprecedented natural catastrophe.The flood inundated Agawam, as well as
Hadley, Hatfield, Northampton, and Springfield. In Massachusetts,the flood resulted in 10 deaths and
left 50,000 people homeless. Estimated damage statewide was$200 million in 1936 dollars,or$3.4
billion in 2014 dollars.
Flooding during Tropical Storm Irene in 2011 caused sheet piling in a 250' section of levy along the
Westfield River to erode and fold. The Army Corps of Engineers has since worked with Agawam to
reinforce the levy in this location, but there are already signs of slope failure. This is especially
concerning because a sewer line runs within this section of slope. Relocation of the sewer line away
from the river is a high priority. The DPW has allocated funding in the coming fiscal year budget to
pursue design work toward this end, but will need funding for implementation.
The Town of Agawam has a gauge on the Connecticut River to indicate height of river at the Campbell
Road pump stations.
The National Weather Service monitors flooding crests for the Connecticut River,at the nearest National
Weather Service station located directly upstream from Agawam in Springfield, Massachusetts.There is
also a station located in Westfield, Massachusetts to monitor the Westfield river. The NWS has various
flooding classifications based on water level.These classifications and their definitions are:
Action Stage-the stage which, when reached by a rising stream, represents the level where the NWS or
a partner/user needs to take some type of mitigation action in preparation for possible significant
hydrologic activity.The type of action taken varies for each gage location. Gage data should be closely
monitored by any affected people if the stage is above action stage.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 19
Minor Flooding is defined to have minimal or no property damage, but possibly some public threat.A
Flood Advisory product is issued to advise the public of flood events that are expected not to exceed the
minor flood category. Examples of conditions that would be considered minor flooding include:
• water over banks and in yards
• no building flooded, but some water may be under buildings built on stilts (elevated)
• personal property in low lying areas needs to be moved or it will get wet
• water overtopping roads, but not very deep or fast flowing
• water in campgrounds or on bike paths
• inconvenience or nuisance flooding
• small part of the airstrip flooded, and aircraft can still land
• one or two homes in the lowest parts of the community may be cut off or get a little water in
the crawl spaces or homes themselves if they are not elevated
Moderate Flooding is defined to have some inundation of structures and roads near the stream. Some
evacuations of people and/or transfer of property to higher elevations may be necessary. A Flood
Warning is issued if moderate flooding is expected during the event. Examples of conditions that would
be considered moderate flooding include:
• several buildings flooded with minor or moderate damage
• various types of infrastructure rendered temporarily useless (i.e. fuel tanks cannot be reached
due to high water, roads flooded that have no alternates,generator station flooded)
• elders and those living in the lowest parts of the village are evacuated to higher ground
• access to the airstrip is cut off or requires a boat
• water over the road is deep enough to make driving unsafe
• gravel roads likely eroded due to current moving over them
• widespread flooding, but not deep enough to float ice chunks through the community
• water deep enough to make life difficult, normal life is disrupted and some hardship is endured
• airstrip closed
• travel is most likely restricted to boats
Major Flooding is defined to have extensive inundation of structures and roads.Significant evacuations
of people and/or transfer of property to higher elevations are necessary.A Flood Warning is issued if
major flooding is expected during the event. Examples of conditions that would be considered major
flooding include:
• many buildings flooded,some with substantial damage or destruction
• infrastructure destroyed or rendered useless for an extended period of time
• multiple homes are flooded or moved off foundations
• everyone in threatened area is asked to evacuate
• National Guard units assist in evacuation efforts
• erosion problems are extreme
• the airstrip, fuel tanks, and the generator station are likely flooded
• loss of transportation access, communication, power and/or fuel spills are likely
• fuel tanks may float and spill and possibly float downstream
• ice chunks floating though the community that could cause structural damage
• high damage estimates and high degree of danger to residents
The flood categories for the Connecticut River at the Springfield station are:
• Major flood stage: 24 feet
• Moderate flood stage: 22 feet
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan update 2016 20
• Flood stage: 20 feet
• Action stage: 18 feet
The previous occurrences of these flooding categories being reached by the Connecticut River in
Springfield are as follows:
Historic Crests of the Connecticut River in Springfield, MA
Crest(feet) Date Stage
28.6 3/20/1936 Major flood
25.75 9/23/1938 Major flood
22.65 6/1/1984 Moderate flood
22.45 11/6/1927 Moderate flood
21.1 8/19/1955 Flood
Source:National Weather Service,
http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/h ydrograph.php?wfo=box&gage=spgm3
The flood categories for the Westfield River at the Westfield station are:
• Major flood stage:20 feet
• Moderate flood stage: 16 feet
• Flood stage: 13 feet
• Action stage: 12 feet
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 21
The previous occurrences of these flooding categories being reached by the Westfield River in Westfield,
Massachusetts are as follows:
Historic Crests of the Westfield River in Westfield, MA
Crest(feet) Date Stage
34.2 8/19/1955 Major flood
27.2 3/18/1936 Major flood
25.41 11/4/1928 Major flood
22.66 6/16/1933 Major flood
22.13 4/7/1924 Major flood
22 12/31/1948 Major flood
21.79 10/16/1955 Major flood
19.95 3/22/1980 Moderate flood
19.92 8/28/2011 Moderate flood
18.78 4/16/2007 Moderate flood
18.26 2/25/1915 Moderate flood
17.91 4/5/1987 Moderate flood
17.9 9/22/1938 Moderate flood
17 4/13/1920 Moderate flood
16.63 10/9/2005 Moderate flood
16.54 4/12/1934 Moderate flood
16.51 11/26/1951 Moderate flood
15.45 1/10/1935 Flood stage
14.3 2/20/1981 Flood stage
14.25 3/7/2011 Flood stage
13.25 3/22/1999 Flood stage
13.1 9/17/1999 Flood stage
12.92 9/26/1975 Action stage
12.9 10/15/2005 Action stage
12.87 4/3/2005 Action stage
12.8 1/28/1996 Action stage
12.55 6/7/2000 Action stage
12.47 4/5/1960 Action stage
12.22 3/29/1993 Action stage
Source:National Weather Service,
http://water.weather.gov/ah ps2/h ydrogro ph.ph p?wfo=box&gage=wsfm3
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 22
Probability of Future Events
Based upon previous data,there is a moderate frequency(10 to 40 probability in any given year)'of flash
flooding or general flooding occurring in Agawam.
Flooding frequencies for the various floodplains in Agawam are defined by FEMA as the following:
• 10-year floodplain—10 percent chance of flooding in any given year
• 25-year floodplain—2.5 percent chance of flooding in any given year
• 100-year floodplain—1 percent chance of flooding in any given year
• 500-year floodplain—0.2 percent chance of flooding in any given year
Climate scientists predict that in the next few decades, climate change will increase the frequency and
intensity of all storms that can cause flooding. Currently,floods are the most costly natural hazard in the
United States, and climate change will only increase this damage. More information about the effect of
Climate Change can be found in the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission's Climate Action Plan, available
at www.sustainableknowledgecorridor.org.
The Massachusetts State Climate Change Adaptation Report has additional information about the
impact of climate change and can be accessed at www.mass.pov/eea/air-water-climate-change climate-
change/climate-change-adaptation-report.html.
Impact
The town faces a "critical" impact, with 25 percent of property in the affected area damaged or
destroyed,from flooding.
Based on the town's median home value of$230,500 and an estimated 25 percent of damage to 100
percent of affected structures,the following are the estimated impacts from flooding:
• River Road neighborhood (100-year floodplain) -370 structures,$21,321,250
• Lower Suffield Street-3 structures,$172,875
• Upper Suffield Street- no structures, no impact
• North Street-4 structures,$230,500
• Leonard Pond- 15 structures, $864,375
The cost of repairing or replacing the roads, bridges, utilities, and contents of structures is not included in
this estimate.
Vulnerability
Based on the above analysis, Agawam has a hazard index rating of"2- High Risk"for flooding.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 23
Severe Snowstorms / Ice Storms
Hazard Description
Severe winter storms can pose a significant risk to property and human life.The rain, freezing rain, ice,
snow,cold temperatures and wind associated with these storms can cause the following risks:
• Disrupted power and phone service
• Unsafe roadways and increased traffic accidents
• Infrastructure and other property are also at risk from severe winter storms and the associated
flooding that can occur following heavy snow melt
• Tree damage and fallen branches that cause utility line damage and roadway blockages
• Damage to telecommunications structures
• Reduced ability of emergency officials to respond promptly to medical emergencies or fires
Location
The entire town of Agawam is susceptible to severe snowstorms, making the location of occurrence
"large," with over 50 percent of land affected.Agawam has also had specific problems in the following
areas:
• North Agawam,which has the oldest • Municipal buildings with flat roofs,
trees in town including schools and DPW building
• North Street • Poplar Street
• North and South Westfield Street • Mill Street
• Pine Street • Springfield Street
• Agawam High School
Extent
The Northeast Snowfall Impact Scale(NESIS)developed by Paul Kocin of The Weather Channel and Louis
Uccellini of the National Weather Service (Kocin and Uccellini, 2004)characterizes and ranks high-impact
Northeast snowstorms.These storms have large areas of 10-inch snowfall accumulations and greater.
NESTS has five categories: Extreme,Crippling, Major,Significant, and Notable.The index differs from
other meteorological indices in that it uses population information in addition to meteorological
measurements.Thus NESIS gives an indication of a storm's societal impacts.
NESIS scores are a function of the area affected by the snowstorm,the amount of snow, and the
number of people living in the path of the storm.The aerial distribution of snowfall and population
information are combined in an equation that calculates a NESiS score which varies from around one for
smaller storms to over ten for extreme storms.The raw score is then converted into one of the five
NESIS categories.The largest NESIS values result from storms producing heavy snowfall over large areas
that include major metropolitan centers.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 24
Northeast Snowfall Impact Scale Categories
Category NESIS Value Description
1 1-2.499 Notable
2 2.5-3.99 Significant
3 4-5.99 Major
4 6-9.99 Crippling
5 10.0+ Extreme
Source: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/snow-and-ice/rsi/nesis
Previous Occurrences
Agawam generally experiences at least one or two severe winter storms each year with varying degrees
of severity. Severe winter storms typically occur during January and February; however,they can occur
from late September through late May.
Based on data available from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,there are 47 winter
storms since 1958 that have registered on the NESIS scale. Of these, approximately 26 storms resulted in
snow falls in the Pioneer Valley of at least 10 inches.These storms are listed in the table on the next
page, in order of their NESIS severity. It is important to note that this data averages snowfall over a
region so that local impacts during a particular storm may not be reflected here.
On October 30, 2011,an early winter storm dumped more than 1 foot of heavy wet snow. Because
many trees still had leaves the snow load caused trees and limbs to fall, downing power and phone lines,
and crippling travel. A town wide power outage left many without electricity for up to 5 days. Damage
was severe and the town received FEMA funding to help recover. Approximately 186,000 cubic yards of
debris was removed and hauled.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 25
Winter Storms Producing Over 1 inches of Snow in Agawam, 1958-2014
Date NESIS NESIS Category NESTS Classification
Value
3/12/1993 13.2 5 Extreme
3/2/1960 8.77 4 Crippling
2/15/2003 7.5 4 Crippling
2/2/1961 7.06 4 Crippling
1/21/2005 6.8 4 Crippling
1/19/1978 6.53 4 Crippling
12/25/1969 6.29 4 Crippling
2/10/1983 6.25 4 Crippling
2/14/1958 6.25 4 Crippling
2/5/1978 5.78 3 Major
2/23/2010 5.46 3 Major
2/8/1994 5.39 3 Major
1/9/2011 5.31 3 Major
2/18/1972 4.77 3 Major
12/11/1960 4.53 3 Major
2/7/2013 4.35 3 Major
2/22/1969 4.29 3 Major
1/18/1961 4.04 3 Major
2/8/1969 3.51 2 Significant
2/5/1967 3.5 2 Significant
4/6/1982 3.35 2 Significant
3/4/2013 3.05 2 Significant
3/15/2007 2.54 2 Significant
3/31/1997 2.29 1 Notable
2/2/1995 1.43 1 Notable
1/25/1987 1.19 1 Notable
Source: NOAA, http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/snow-and-ice/rsi/nesis
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 26
Probability of Future Events
Based upon the availability of records for Hampshire County,there is a "high" frequency(40 to 70
percent probability in any given year) that a severe snow storm or ice storm will occur in Agawam.
Research on climate change indicates that there is great potential for stronger, more frequent storms as
the global temperature increases. More information about the effect of Climate Change can be found in
the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission's Climate Action Plan, available at
www.sustainableknowledgecorridor.ore.
The Massachusetts State Climate Change Adaptation Report has additional information about the
impact of climate change and can be accessed at www.mass.gov/eea air-water-climate-change/climate-
chanee/climate-change-adaptation-rer)ort.html.
Impact
The impact of a potential severe snow storm or ice storm is "critical,"with more than 25 percent of
property in the affected area damaged or destroyed.
To approximate the potential impact to property and people that could be affected by this hazard,the
total value of all property of$2,759,776,500 is used. An estimated 25 percent of damage would occur to
10 percent of structures, resulting in a total of$68,994,412 worth of damage.The cost of repairing or
replacing the roads, bridges, utilities,and contents of structures is not included in this estimate.
Vulnerability
Based on the above assessment,Agawam faces a hazard index rating of"1-very high risk" from severe
snowstorms and ice storms.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 27
Hurricanes/Tropical Storms
Hazard Description
Hurricanes are classified as cyclones and defined as any closed circulation developing around a low-
pressure center in which the winds rotate counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere(or clockwise
in the Southern Hemisphere) and whose diameter averages 10 to 30 miles across.The primary damaging
forces associated with these storms are high-level sustained winds and heavy precipitation. Hurricanes
are violent rainstorms with strong winds that can reach speeds of up to 200 miles per hour and which
generate large amounts of precipitation. Hurricanes generally occur between June and November and
can result in flooding and wind damage to structures and above-ground utilities.
Location
Because of the hazard's regional nature, all of Agawam is at risk from hurricanes, meaning the location
of occurrence is "large," or over 50 percent of land area affected. Ridge tops are more susceptible to
wind damage.Areas susceptible to flooding are also likely to be affected by heavy rainfall.
Extent
As an incipient hurricane develops,barometric pressure (measured in millibars or inches) at its center
falls and winds increase. If the atmospheric and oceanic conditions are favorable, it can intensify into a
tropical depression. When maximum sustained winds reach or exceed 39 miles per hour,the system is
designated a tropical storm,given a name, and is closely monitored by the National Hurricane Center in
Miami, Florida. When sustained winds reach or exceed 74 miles per hour the storm is deemed a
hurricane. Hurricane intensity is further classified by the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which
rates hurricane wind intensity on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most intense.
Saffir-Simpson
Category Maximum Sustained
Wind Speed (MPH)
1 74-95
Z 96-110
111-129
130-156
157 +
Source: National Hurricane Center, 2012
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Alan Update 2016 28
Previous Occurrences
Hurricanes that have affected Agawam are shown in the following table. Tropical Storm Irene eroded a
levy along the Westfield River that contains a sewer line, but otherwise storm impacts were minimal in
Agawam.
Major Hurricanes and Storms Affecting Agawam
Hurricane/Storm Name Year Samar/Simpson Category
(when reached MA)
Great Hurricane of 1938 1938 3
Great Atlantic Hurricane 1944 1
Carol 1954 3
Edna 1954 1
Diane 1955 Tropical Storm
Donna 1960 Unclear, 1 or 2
Groundhog Day Gale 1976 Not Applicable
Gloria 1985 1
Bob 1991 2
Floyd 1999 Tropical Storm
Irene 2011 Tropical Storm
Sandy 2012 Super Storm
Probability of Future Events
Agawam's location in western Massachusetts reduces the risk of extremely high winds that are
associated with hurricanes,although it can experience some high wind events. Based upon past
occurrences, it is reasonable to say that there is a "low"frequency of hurricanes in Agawam,or a 1 to 10
percent chance in the next year. Climate change research indicates that storms like hurricanes will
become more intense and more frequent in the future. So it also seems reasonable to say that there is
a "moderate" probability of tropical storms in Agawam.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan update 2016 29
Impact
A description of the damages that could occur due to a hurricane is described by the Saffir-Simpson
scale,as shown below.
Hurricane Damage Classifications
Storm Damage Wind Speed
Category Level Description of Damages (MPH)
MINIMAL No real damage to building structures.
Damage primarily to unanchored mobile
homes, shrubbery, and trees. Also, some
1 Very dangerous winds will coastal flooding and minor pier damage. An 74-95
produce some damage example of a Category 1 hurricane is Hurricane
Dolly(2008).
MODERATE Some roofing material, door,and window
damage. Considerable damage to vegetation,
mobile homes, etc. Flooding damages piers
2 Extremely dangerous and small craft in unprotected moorings may 96-110
winds will cause extensive break their moorings.An example of a
damage Category 2 hurricane is Hurricane Francis in
2004.
EXTENSIVE Some structural damage to small residences
and utility buildings, with a minor amount of
curtain wall failures. Mobile homes are
destroyed. Flooding near the coast destroys
Devastating damage will smaller structures, with larger structures 111-129
occur damaged by floating debris. Terrain may be
flooded well inland.An example of a Category
3 hurricane is Hurricane Ivan (2004).
EXTREME More extensive curtain wall failures with some
complete roof structure failure on small
residences. Major erosion of beach areas. 130-156
Catastrophic damage will Terrain may be flooded well inland. An
occur example of a Category 4 hurricane is Hurricane
Charley (2004).
Complete roof failure on many residences and
industrial buildings. Some complete building
CATASTROPHIC failures with small utility buildings blown over
or away. Flooding causes major damage to 157+
lower floors of all structures near the shoreline.
Massive evacuation of residential areas may be
Catastrophic damage will required.An example of a Category 5 hurricane
occur is Hurricane Andrew(1992).
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 30
The impact of a hurricane would be "critical," with more than 25 percent of property in affected areas
damaged or destroyed.
To approximate the potential impact to property and people that could be affected by this hazard, the
total value of all property of$2,759,776,500 is used. Wind damage of 5 percent to 10 percent of
structures would result in an estimated $13,798,882 damage. Flood damage of 10 percent to 20 percent
of structures would result in $55,195,530 of damage.The cost of repairing or replacing roads, bridges,
utilities, and contents of structures is not included in this estimatE.
Vulnerability
Based on the above analysis, Agawam faces a hazard index rating of"2 - high risk"from hurricanes and
tropical storms.
Town of Agawam-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 31
Severe Thunderstorms / Wind / Tornadoes/Microbursts
A thunderstorm is a storm with lightning and thunder produced by a cumulonimbus cloud, usually
producing gusty winds, heavy rain, and sometimes hail. Effective January 5, 2010,the NWS modified the
hail size criterion to classify a thunderstorm as"severe"when it produces damaging wind gusts in excess
of 58 mph (50 knots), hail that is 1 inch in diameter or larger(quarter size),or a tornado (NWS, 2013).
Wind is air in motion relative to the surface of the earth. For non-tropical events over land,the NWS
issues a Wind Advisory(sustained winds of 31 to 39 mph for at least 1 hour or any gusts 46 to 57 mph)
or a High Wind Warning (sustained winds 40+ mph or any gusts 58+ mph). For tropical systems,the NWS
issues a tropical storm warning for any areas (inland or coastal)that are expecting sustained winds from
39 to 73 mph.A hurricane warning is issued for any areas (inland or coastal)that are expecting
sustained winds of 74 mph. Effects from high winds can include downed trees and/or power lines and
damage to roofs,windows, etc. High winds can cause scattered power outages. High winds are also a
hazard for the boating, shipping, and aviation industry sectors.
Tornadoes are swirling columns of air that typically form in the spring and summer during severe
thunderstorm events. In a relatively short period of time and with little or no advance warning, a
tornado can attain rotational wind speeds in excess of 250 miles per hour and can cause severe
devastation along a path that ranges from a few dozen yards to over a mile in width. The path of a
tornado may be hard to predict because they can stall or change direction abruptly. Within
Massachusetts,tornadoes have occurred most frequently in Worcester County and in communities west
of Worcester. High wind speeds, hail,and debris generated by tornadoes can result in loss of life,
downed trees and power lines, and damage to structures and other personal property.
Microbursts are localized columns of sinking air(downdrafts)within a thunderstorm.Wind speeds in
microbursts can reach up to 100 mph, or even higher, which is equivalent to an EF-1 tornado. They can
can cause extensive damage at the surface,and in some instances, can be life-threatening. Microbursts
occur when the large core of rain/hail held up in the thunderstorm through an updraft suddenly
plummets to the ground. As it hits the ground it spreads in all directions, but the location where the
microburst first hits the ground experiences the highest winds and greatest damage.
Location
As per the Massachusetts Hazard Mitigation Plan,the entire town is at risk of high winds, severe
thunderstorms, tornadoes,and microbursts. However, because the actual area affected by these
hazards is usually quite isolated, the location of occurrence is "small," with less than 10 percent of land
area affected.
Extent
An average thunderstorm is 15 miles across and lasts 30 minutes;severe thunderstorms can be much
larger and longer. Southern New England typically experiences 10 to 15 days per year with severe
thunderstorms. Thunderstorms can cause hail, wind, and flooding.
Town of Agawam-Hazard Mitigation Flan Update 2016 32
Tornadoes are measured using the enhanced F-Scale, shown with the following categories and
corresponding descriptions of damage:
Enhanced Fujita Scale Levels • Descriptions of
EF-Scale Intensity 3-Second Gust
N Type of Damage Done
Number Phrase (MPH)
Some damage to chimneys; breaks branches off trees;
EFO Gale 65-85 pushes over shallow-rooted trees; damages to sign
boards.
The lower limit is the beginning of hurricane wind
EF1 Moderate 86-110 speed; peels surface off roofs; mobile homes pushed
off foundations or overturned; moving autos pushed
off the roads; attached garages may be destroyed.
Considerable damage. Roofs torn off frame houses;
mobile homes demolished; boxcars pushed over; large
�EF2` Significant 111-135 trees snapped or uprooted; light object missiles
generated.
Severe 136-165 Roof and some walls torn off well-constructed houses;
trains overturned; most trees in forest uprooted.
well-constructed houses leveled; structures with weak
Devastating 166-200 foundations blown off some distance;cars thrown and
large missiles generated.
Previous Occurrences
Because thunderstorms and wind affect Agawam on an annual basis, there are not significant records
available for these events.As per the Massachusetts Hazard Mitigation Plan,there are approximately 10
to 30 days of thunderstorm activity in the state each year.
There are typically 1 to 3 tornadoes somewhere in southern New England per year. Most occur in the
late afternoon and evening hours,when the heating is the greatest. In the last fifty years,three known
tornados have touched down in Agawam, and there have been several high-wind storms and hail
events. One notable example occurred on October 3, 1979, when a tornado that reached category 4
(max. wind speeds 207-260 mph)tornado 4.1 miles away from the Agawam town center killed 3 people
and injured 500 people and caused between $50,000,000 and $500,000,000 in damages.The tornado
was likely less than category 4 when it reached Agawam.
In June 2011 an EF3 tornado traveled from Westfield to Charlton, ripping its way through Agawam along
the northern part of town, including Robinson Park. While neighboring towns had significant impacts
from the tornado,Agawam escaped the event with minimal damage.
In June of 2013,a microburst created two areas of straight line wind damage. One in the area of Harvey
Johnson Drive downed several trees, damaging a few houses. The other produced more significant
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 33
damage around Meadow Street, uprooting 40 to 50 trees that damaged 6 to 8 vehicles. Estimated
winds were 80 miles per hour.
In 2006, a microburst occurred along River Road, which damaged nearby trees and homes.
Probability of Future Events
One measure of tornado activity is the tornado index value. It is calculated based on historical tornado
events data using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the tornado level in a region.A higher
tornado index value means a higher chance of tornado events. Data was used for Hampden County to
determine the Tornado Index Value as shown in the table below.
Tornado index for Hampden County
Hampden County 138.23
Massachusetts 87.60
United States 136.45
Source: USA.com
htt p://www.usa.com/hamod en-county-ma-natural-disasters-extremes.htm
Based upon the available historical record, as well as Agawam's location in a high-density cluster of
state-wide tornado activity, it is reasonable to estimate that there is a "high" frequency of tornado
occurrence in Agawam,with a 40 to 70 percent chance in any given year.
As per the Massachusetts Hazard Mitigation Plan,there are approximately 10 to 30 days of
thunderstorm activity in the state each year. Therefore,the frequency for thunderstorms/winds is
"high," with a 40 to 70 percent chance in any given year.
Impact
The potential for locally catastrophic damage is a factor in any tornado, severe thunderstorm, or wind
event. In Agawam,a tornado that hit the residential areas would leave much more damage than a
tornado with a travel path that ran along the town's forested uplands,where little settlement has
occurred. Most buildings in the Town of Agawam have not been built to Zone 1, Design Wind Speed
Codes.The first edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code went into effect on January 1, 1975,
with most of the Town's housing built before this date.
The estimated impact of a severe thunderstorm, wind,or tornado to Agawam is"limited," with more
than 10 percent of affected property damaged or destroyed.To approximate the potential impact to
property and people that could be affected by this hazard, the total value of all property in town,
$2,759,776,500 is used. An estimated 20 percent of damage would occur to 10 percent of structures,
resulting in a total of$55,195,530 worth of damage.The cost of repairing or replacing the roads,
bridges, utilities,and contents of structures is not included in this estimate.
Town of Agawam-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 34
Vulnerability
Based on the above assessment,Agawam has a hazard index rating of"3—medium risk" for severe
thunderstorms,winds, and tornadoes.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 35
Wildfire / Brushfire
Hazard Description
Wildfires are typically larger fires, involving full-sized trees as well as meadows and scrublands.
Brushfires are uncontrolled fires that occur in meadows and scrublands, but do not involve full-sized
trees. Both wildfires fires and brushfires can consume homes,other buildings and/or agricultural
resources. FEMA has classifications for 3 different classes of wildfires:
• Surface fires are the most common type of wildland fire and burn slowly along the floor of a
forest, killing or damaging trees
• Ground fires burn on or below the forest floor and are usually started by lightening
• Crown fires move quickly by jumping along the tops of trees. A crown fire may spread rapidly,
especially under windy conditions
The wildfire season in Massachusetts usually begins in late March and typically culminates in early June,
corresponding with the driest live fuel periods of the year.April is historically the month in which
wildfire danger is the highest. However, wildfires can occur every month of the year. Drought, snow
pack,and local weather conditions can expand the length of the fire season.The early and late
shoulders of the fire season usually are associated with human-caused fires.
Location
Hampden County has approximately 273,000 acres of forested land,which accounts for 67 percent of
total land area. However, wildfire is unlikely to affect large areas of Agawam as most forest areas are
fragmented.Areas on or near Provin Mountain and Robinson State Park are most at risk from wildfires.
Due to the amount of timber within Robinson State Park, this 800-acre area has the potential to burn,
especially during a drought season.
The location of occurrence of a wildfire in Agawam is determined to be"small," with less than 10
percent of total land affected.
Extent
Wildfires can cause widespread damage to the areas that they affect.They can spread very rapidly,
depending on local wind speeds and be very difficult to control. Fires can last for several hours up to
several days.As of 1999,approximately 5,093 acres(33 percent)of Agawam is forested.
There have not been any major wildfires recorded in Agawam. However, based on other major wildfires
that have occurred in western Massachusetts, it is estimated that such a fire would likely destroy around
50 to 500 acres of forested area.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 36
Previous Occurrences
Agawam has averaged 6 brushfires per year since 2008. No damage to structures or people was
associated with these brushfires.There is no record of wildfires occurring in Agawam. There were 5
brushfires reported in Agawam in 2013. As a point of comparison,the Fire Department issued 654
burning permits to Agawam residents during that same year.
During the past 100 years,there have not been many wildfires occurring in the Pioneer Valley. However,
several have occurred during the past 20 years, as shown in the list below:
0 1995—Russell, 500 acres burned on Mt.Tekoa
0 2000—South Hadley, 310 acres burned over 14 days in the Litihia Springs Watershed
0 2001—Ware,400 acres burned
0 2010—Russell, 320 acres burned on Mt.Tekoa
0 2012—Eastern Hampden County,dry conditions and wind gusts created a brush fire in
Brimfield, and burned 50 acres
Wildland Fires in Massachusetts,2001-2009
-1T�_�i�- �� �i "�`-�:•• � •1,, �� � � �L`•}�""""
IAL
WIdUmd Ayes
, .� ;;, dcr Q -� - -
zoos noon o 0
C/
n o 0 7
Source: Massachusetts Hazard Mitigation Plan
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 37
Probability of Future Events
In accordance with the Massachusetts Hazard Mitigation Plan, the Hazard Mitigation Committee found
it is difficult to predict the likelihood of wildfires in a probabilistic manner because the number of
variables involved. However, it was agreed upon'that there is a "very low" likelihood of a future wildfire
event,with a less than 1 percent chance in any given year.
Climate scenarios project summer temperature increases between 22C and 52C and precipitation
decreases of up to 15 percent. Such conditions would exacerbate summer drought and further promote
high-elevation wildfires, releasing stores of carbon and further contributing to the buildup of
greenhouse gases. Forest response to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide—the so-called "fertilization
effect"—could also contribute to more tree growth and thus more fuel for fires, but the effects of
carbon dioxide on mature forests are still largely unknown.
Hazard mitigation planning committee members also noted that active managed forestry seems to be
on the decline on state and privately owned woodlands, including Provin Mountain In the future this
could lead to greater incidence of fire.
Impact
The impact of this hazard is considered "minor," with minimal property damage.
Vulnerability
Based on the above assessment,Agawam faces a hazard index rating of"4- low risk"from wildfires and
brushfires.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 38
Earthquakes
Hazard Description
An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the,ground that is caused by the breaking and shifting of
rock beneath the Earth's surface. Earthquakes can occur suddenly,without warning,at any time of the
year. New England experiences an average of 30 to 40 earthquakes each year although most are not
noticed by people. Ground shaking from earthquakes can rupture gas mains and disrupt other utility
service.They can also damage buildings, bridges and roads, and trigger other hazardous events such as
avalanches,flash floods, dam failure,and fires. Un-reinforced masonry buildings, buildings with
foundations that rest on filled land or unconsolidated, unstable soil, and mobile homes not tied to their
foundations are most at risk during an earthquake.
Location
Because of the regional nature of the hazard,the entire Town of Agawam is susceptible to earthquakes.
This makes the location of occurrence "large,"or over 50 percent of the total land area affected.
Extent
The magnitude of an earthquake is measured using the Richter Scale, which measures the energy of an
earthquake by determining the size of the greatest vibrations recorded on the seismogram. On this
scale,one step up in magnitude(from 5.0 to 6.0, for example) increases the energy more than 30 times.
The intensity of an earthquake is measured using the Modified Mercalli Scale. This scale quantifies the
effects of.an earthquake on the Earth's surface, humans, objects of nature, and man-made structures on
a scale of I through XII,with I denoting a weak earthquake and XI denoting a earthquake that causes
almost complete destruction.
Richter Scale Magnitudes and Effects
Magnitude Effects
<3.5 Generally not felt,but recorded.
3.5-5.4 Often felt, but rarely causes damage.
At most slight damage to well-designed buildings. Can cause major damage to
poorly constructed buildings over small regions.
Can be destructive in areas up to about 100 kilometers across where people live.
Major earthquake. Can cause serious damage over larger areas.
Great earthquake. Can cause serious damage in areas several hundred kilometers
across.
Source:US Federal Emergency Management Agency
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 39
Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale for and Effects
Corresponding
Scale Intensity Description Of Effects Richter Scale
Magnitude
Instrumental Detected only on seismographs.
Feeble Some people feel it. <4.2
Slight Felt by people resting; like a truck rumbling
by.
IV Moderate Felt by people walking.
V Slightly Strong Sleepers awake;church bells ring. <4.8
Trees sway;suspended objects swing, < 5.4
VI Strong objects fall off shelves.
VII Very Strong Mild alarm;walls crack; plaster fails. <6.1
Moving cars uncontrollable; masonry
Vill Destructive fractures, poorly constructed buildings
damaged.
Some houses collapse;ground cracks; pipes
IX Ruinous < 6.9
break open.
Ground cracks profusely; many buildings
Disastrous destroyed; liquefaction and landslides <7.3
widespread.
Most buildings and bridges collapse; roads,
Very Disastrous railways, pipes and cables destroyed; <8.1
general triggering of other hazards.
Catastrophic Total destruction;trees fall; ground rises >8.1
and falls in waves.
Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 40
Previous Occurrences
The most recent earthquakes in the region are shown in the table below.
Largest Earthquakes Affecting the Region, MA, 1924—2014
Location Date Magnitude
Ossipee, NH December 20, 1940 5.5
Ossipee, NH December 24, 1940 5.5
Dover-Foxcroft, ME December 28, 1947 4.5
Kingston, Ri June 10, 1951 4.6
Portland, ME April 26, 1957 4.7
Middlebury, VT April 10, 1962 4.2
Near NH Quebec Border, NH June 15, 1973 4.8
West of Laconia, NH Jan. 19, 1982 4.5
Plattsburg, NY April 20, 2002 5.1
Bar Harbor, NH October 3,2006 4.2
Hollis Center, ME October 16, 2012 4.6
Source: Northeast States Emergency Consortium website,www.nesec.org/hazards/earthquakes.cfm
New England States of Historic Earthquakes
State Years of Record Number Of
Earthquakes
Connecticut 1668-2007 137
Maine 1766-2007 544
Massachusetts 1668- 2007 355
New Hampshire 1638-2007 360
Rhode Island 1776-2007 38
Vermont 1843-2007 73
New York 1840-2007 755
Total Number of Earthquakes within the New England states between
1638 and 1989 is 2262.
Source: Northeast States Emergency Consortium,
www.nesec.org/hazards/earthquakes.cfm
The Agawam Hazard Mitigation Committee reports no effects from any of the earthquakes in the region
in Agawam.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 41
Probability of Future Events
One measure of earthquake activity is the Earthquake Index Value. It is calculated based on historical
earthquake events data using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the earthquake activity level in a
region.A higher earthquake index value means a higher chance of earthquake events. Data was used for
Hampden County to determine the Earthquake Index Value as shown in the table below.
Earthquake Index for Hampden County
Hampden County 0.24
Massachusetts 0.70
United States 1.81
Based upon existing records, there is a "low"frequency of earthquakes in Agawam with between a 1 to
10 percent chance of an earthquake occurring in any given year.
Impact
Massachusetts introduced earthquake design requirements into their building code in 1975 and
improved building code for seismic reasons in the 1980s. However,these specifications apply only to
new buildings or to extensively-modified existing buildings. Buildings, bridges, water supply lines,
electrical power lines and facilities built before the 1980s may not have been designed to withstand the
forces of an earthquake. The seismic standards have also been upgraded with the 1997 revision of the
State Building Code.
The impact incurred from an earthquake would be"catastrophic," with more than 50 percent of-
property in the affected area damaged or destroyed.To approximate the potential impact to property
and people that could be affected by this hazard, the total value of all property in town of
$2,759,776,500 is used.An estimated 100 percent of damage would occur to 20 percent of structures,
resulting in a total of$551,955,300 worth of damage. The cost of repairing or replacing roads, bridges,
utilities, and the contents of structures is not included in this estimate.
Vulnerability
Based on this analysis,Agawam faces a hazard index rating of"4-low risk"from earthquakes.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 42
Dam Failure
Hazard Description
Dams, levees, and their associated impoundments can provide important benefits to a community,
including water supply, recreation, hydroelectric power generation,and flood control. However, they
also pose a potential risk to fives and property. Dam or levee failure is not a common occurrence, but
dams do represent a potentially disastrous hazard. When a dam fails,the potential energy of the stored
water behind the dam is released rapidly. Most dam failures occur when floodwaters overtop and
erode the material components of the dam.
Many dams in Massachusetts were built during the 19th century without the benefit of modern
engineering design and construction oversight. Dams of this age can fail because of structural problems
due to age and/or lack of proper maintenance, as well as from structural damage caused by an
earthquake or flooding.
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation's Office of Dam Safety is responsible for
regulating dams in the state (M.G.L. Chapter 253, Section 44 and the implementing regulations 302 CMR
10.00). Dams regulated by the Office of Dam Safety must be in excess of 6 feet in height (regardless of
storage capaTown) and have more than 15 acre feet of storage capaTown (regardless of height). Dams
that fall below these parameters are known as non jurisdictional dams. Hydropower dams, such as the
West Springfield Dam/Strathmore Paper Co. Dam, are typically regulated through licensing they obtain
through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Dam safety regulations enacted in 2005 transferred significant responsibilities for dams from the State
of Massachusetts to dam owners. The financial burden associated with these responsibilities can vary
greatly,depending on the number of dams for which an owner is responsible, and the dam's condition
and hazard index rating. A hazard index rating(see description of this rating in "Extent"section below)
brings with it different requirements related to frequency of inspections by engineers and the need for
development of emergency action plans. With these inspections,a dam determined to be in poor or
unsafe condition can involve very costly repairs.
In January 2013,the Governor signed into law additional provisions to promote greater dam safety by:
1. extending the requirement of emergency action plans to significant hazard dams(in addition
to high hazard dams);
2. strengthening the authority of the Office of Dam Safety by increasing fines for non
compliance;and
3. establishing the Dam and Sea Wall Repair and Removal Fund, an annual grant and loan
program available to dam owners.
As of March 2015, it is noted on the Office of Dam Safety website, " Prior to implementation of the
legislated changes, regulations must be drafted, reviewed and promulgated. Draft regulations will be
made available for public comment as part of the promulgation process.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 43
Location
Agawam has 12 dams located on private and public land. It is important to note that while the Provin
Mountain facility meets the definition of a dam, it is not a dam in the traditional sense. It consists of
four water storage tanks with 60 million gallon capacity on Provin Mountain. There are agricultural
exemptions that make some dams non-jurisdictional, meaning the state cannot require an inspection
report.
Dams in Agawam
ID# Dam Hazard Index Emergency Action
Rating Plan
MA00528 Provin Mountain High 10/1/14
Reservoir Dam
MA00066 Silver Lake Dam Significant Will be required
with new
regulations
MA00611 West Springfield Dam/Strathmore Low Not Required (NR)
Paper Co.Dam
MA01813 Mawaga Dam Low NR
MA01333 Nine Lot Dam Low NR
MA01811 Rising Dam (Leonard) Low NR
MA02527 Robinson Pond Dam Low NR
MA00527 West Springfield Fish & Game Club Low NR
Dam
MA01812 Didonato Dam Non NR
jurisdictional
MA02686 Zerra Dam Non NR
jurisdictional
MA00526 Provost Dam Non NR
jurisdictional
MA01810 Gogulski Dam Non NR
jurisdictional
Source:Based on periodic and partial updates to PVPC's dams data base from the Massachusetts
Office of Dom Safety.
A series of dams including the Didonato, Zerra, Provost,West Springfield Fish &Game Club, and Silver
Lake (listed from upstream to down) are located in a series and a failure at any upstream dam would be
likely to cause the failure of downstream dams enlarging the extent of damage from any individual dam.
It is also important to consider and plan for the potential critical failure of facilities on Provin Mountain
and Cobble Mountain. Located in the town of Blandford, Cobble Mountain Reservoir is owned by the
Springfield Water and Sewer Commission and is the main water supply for the municipalities of
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 44
Agawam, Springfield, Ludlow, East Longmeadow, and Longmeadow. Water from Cobble Mountain is
treated at the West Parish Water Filtration Plant in Westfield and then piped and stored in the four
storage tanks on Provin Mountain in Agawam, as mentioned above. A breech in the dam on Cobble
Mountain Reservoir, and/or any damage to the water tanks on Provin Mountain would have a
catastrophic effect.
Based on this analysis,a dam failure is estimated to affect 10 to 50 percent of land in Agawam, meaning
that the location of occurrence is"medium."
Extent
Often dam breaches lead to catastrophic consequences as the water ultimately rushes in a torrent
downstream flooding an area engineers refer to as an "inundation area."The number of casualties and
the amount of property damage will depend upon the timing of the warning provided to downstream
residents, the number of people living or working in the inundation area, and the number of structures
in the inundation area.
Dams in Massachusetts are assessed according to their risk to life and property through a hazard index
rating-a level of risk determined by the likelihood that a dam failure (an uncontrolled release of
impounded water) would result in loss of life or substantial property damage.The state's hazard index
ratings for dams are:
• High Hazard: a dam located where structural failure will likely cause loss of life and serious
damage to homes, industrial or commercial facilities, essential public utilities, main highways,or
railroads.
• Significant Hazard: a dam located where structural failure may cause loss of life and damage to
homes, industrial or commercial facilities,secondary highways or railroads or interruption of use
or service of relatively important facilities.
• Low Hazard: a dam located where structural failure may cause minimal property damage and
loss of life is not expected.
Previous Occurrences
There has been one recorded dam failure in Agawam in 1955. There are no records indicating the
damage associated with the failure and this dam was not rebuilt.
Probability of Future Events
As Agawam's dams age, and if maintenance is deferred,the likelihood of a dam failure will increase.
However, the current frequency of a dam failure is "low,"with a 1 to 10 percent chance in any given
year.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 45
With the more frequent larger storm events in the northeastern United States, dams will be tested and
dam failure may increase in likelihood.' The extreme storm flows produced by Tropical Storm Irene in
2011,for example, led to the failure of at least two dams in the Pioneer Valley region. An unnamed
private dam in Blandford failed, sending a surge of water downstream to inundate and damage nearby
roads. At the Granville Reservoir Dam owned by the Town of Westfield, the spillway failed when waters
overwhelmed and then undermined the structure. Since then,the Town of Westfield has had to spend
$3 million in repairs and improvements to the dam and spillway.
These storm events raise questions about dams and their current capaTown to pass more frequent
extreme flows. Poor condition dams in the region—as may have been the case in Blandford—will
certainly be tested, but so will other dams—such as the Granville Reservoir Dam, which was reportedly
in fair condition at the time of the storm.
Where a dam is no longer providing a specific beneficial function,such as water supply or power
generation, it makes sense to focus resources on removal to avoid what could be the larger costs of
damages in the wake of a failure. Throughout the state,there have been some 38 dam removal projects
in the past 8 years,with permitting and costs decreasing as professionals, local boards, and state
agencies gain more experience with design, permitting, and construction. Within the Pioneer Valley,
there is a good recent example of a dam removal in Pelham along Amethyst Brook that can help inform
other local projects going forward. The project in Pelham involved removing the 20-foot high/170-foot
wide significant hazard Bartlett Rod Shop Co. Dam. Located upstream of West Pelham Road and Route
9, the dam was in poor repair and estimated costs to bring it to good condition were$300,000.
Removal, funded through a combination of grants, cost a total of$193,000, and involved a coalition that
included the Massachusetts Department of Fish &Game,and the Pelham and Amherst conservation
commissions.
Impact
The impact from a dam failure in Agawam would be "critical," with more than 25 percent of property in
affected areas damaged or destroyed.
To approximate the potential impact,the total value of all property in town,$2,759,776,500 is used.An
estimated 100 percent of damage would occur to 20 percent of structures, resulting in a total of
$551,955,300 worth of damage.The cost of repairing or replacing roads, bridges, utilities,and the
contents of structures is not included in this estimate.
Vulnerability
Based on this analysis, Agawam faces a hazard index rating of"3—medium risk"from dam failure.
1 A study examining climate records,found that New England has experienced the greatest change,with intense
rainstorms and snowstorms now happening 85 percent more often than in 1948. This study also found that the
biggest rainstorms and snowstorms are getting bigger. Extreme downpours are more frequent and more intense.
See: When it Rains,it Pours:Global Warming and the increase in Extreme Participation from 1948 to 2011,
Environment America Research&Policy Center,Summer 2012.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 46
Drought
Hazard Description
Drought is a normal, recurrent feature of climate. It occurs almost everywhere, although its features
vary from region to region. In the most general sense, drought originates from a deficiency of
precipitation over an extended period of time, resulting in a water shortage for some activity,group,or
environmental sector. Reduced crop, rangeland, and forest productivity; increased fire hazard; reduced
water levels; increased livestock and wildlife mortality rates; and damage to wildlife and fish habitat are
a few examples of the direct impacts of drought.These impacts can have far-reaching effects
throughout the region.
Location
Because of this hazard's regional nature, a drought would impact the entire town, meaning the location
of occurrence is"large," or over 50 percent of total land area affected.
Extent
The U.S. Drought Monitor records information on historical drought occurrence. Unfortunately,data
could only be found at the state level.The U.S. Drought Monitor categorizes drought on a DO-D4 scale as
shown below.
U.S. Drought Monitor
Classification 1 Category Description
Going into drought:short-term dryness slowing planting,growth
DO Abnormally Dry of crops or pastures. Coming out of drought:some lingering
water deficits;}pastures or crops not fully recovered
Some damage to crops, pastures; streams, reservoirs,or wells
Di Moderate Drought low,some water shortages developing or imminent;voluntary
water-use restrictions requested
Crvp or pasture lassesjlikely,«water shortagesicommon,lwater
D2 Seve`rell l) h# �
SFlmposed
Exceptional and widespread . . losses,- shortages of
D4 Exceptional Drought water in reservoirs, • wells creating watec
emergencies
Source:US Drought Monitor, http://droughtmonitor.uni.edu/class!fV.htm
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 47
Previous Occurrences
In Agawam,six major droughts have occurred statewide since 1930.They range in severity and length,
from three to eight years. In many of these droughts,water-supply systems were found to be
inadequate. Water was piped in to urban areas, and water-supply systems were modified to permit
withdrawals at lower water levels.The following table indicates previous occurrences of drought since
2000, based on the US Drought Monitor:
AgawamAnnual Drought Status in
Year Maximum Severity
2000 No drought
2001 D2 conditions in 21°%of the state
2002 D2 conditions in 99%of the state
2003 No drought
2004 DO conditions in 44%of the state
2005 D1 conditions in 7%of the state
2006 DO conditions in 98%of the state
2007 D1 conditions in 71%of the state
2008 DO conditions in 57%of the state
2009 DO conditions in 44%of the state
2010 D1 conditions in 27%of the state
2011 DO conditions in 0.01%of the state
2012 D2 conditions in 51%of the state
Source:US Drought Monitor
Agawam has not been affected by any previous droughts in the state.
Probability of Future Events
In Agawam,as in the rest of the state,the frequency of drought is "moderate,"with a 10 to 40 percent
chance in any given year.
Based on past events and current criteria outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, it
appears that western Massachusetts may be more vulnerable than eastern Massachusetts to severe
drought conditions. However, many factors, such as water supply sources, population,economic factors
(i.e., agriculture based economy), and infrastructure, may affect the severity and length of a drought
event. When evaluating the region's risk for drought on a national level, utilizing a measure called the
Palmer Drought Severity Index, Massachusetts is historically in the lowest percentile for severity and risk
of drought. However,global warming and climate change may have an effect on drought risk in the
region. With the projected temperature increases,some scientists think that the global hydrological
cycle will also intensify.This would cause, among other effects,the potential for more severe, longer-
lasting droughts.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 48
Palmer Drought Severity Index
1896-1995
Percent of tim a in severe and extr•em a drought
a
r
% of time PDSI < 3
Less than 6%
1 5%to 9.99%
15% to 19.9%
20% or grater
Impact
Due to the water richness of western Massachusetts,Agawam is unlikely to be adversely affected by
anything other than a major, extended drought. While such a drought would require water saving
measures to be implemented, there would be no foreseeable damage to structures or loss of life
resulting from the hazard. Because of this,the Hazard Mitigation Committee has determined the impact
from this hazard to be "minor,"with minimal damage to people and property.
Vulnerability
Based on the above assessment,Agawam has a hazard index rating of"4- low risk" from drought.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 49
Other Hazards
In addition to the hazards identified above, the Hazard Mitigation Committee reviewed the full list of
hazards listed in the Massachusetts Hazard Mitigation Plan. Due to the location and context of Agawam,
coastal erosion, landslides,and tsunamis were determined to not be a threat.
Extreme temperatures,while identified in the State Hazard Mitigation Plan (2013),was determined by
the Agawam Hazard Mitigation Committee to not currently be a primary hazard to people, property,or
critical infrastructure in Agawam.While extreme temperatures can result in increased risk of wildfire,
this effect is addressed as part of the "Wildfire/Brushfire" hazard assessment.The Hazard Mitigation
Committee will continue to assess the impact of extreme temperature and update the Hazard Mitigation
Plan accordingly.
The Committee noted that Tennessee Gas' natural gas pipeline that extends across the southern part of
town from east to west presents a hazard in itself. It is understood that gas is transmitted through the
pipeline at 800 pounds per square inch. The severity of an event based on anyone of the hazards noted
above would increase greatly if it were to impact the pipeline in any way.
Town of Agawam-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 50
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Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 51
4: CRITICAL FACILITIES
A Critical Facility is defined as a building, structure,or location which:
• Is vital to the hazard response effort
• Maintains an existing level of protection from hazards for community residents and property
• Would create a secondary disaster if a hazard were to impact it
The Critical Facilities List for the Town of Agawam has been identified utilizing a Critical Facilities List
provided by the State Hazard Mitigation Officer. Agawam's Hazard Mitigation Committee has broken up
this list of facilities into three categories:
• Facilities needed for emergency response in the event of a hazard event.
• Facilities identified as non-essential and not required in an emergency response event, but
which are considered essential for the everyday operation of the town.
• Facilities or institutions that include special populations which would need additional attention
in the event of a hazard event.
The critical facilities and evacuation routes potentially affected by hazard areas are identified following
this list. The Past and Potential Hazards/Critical Facilities Map (Appendix D)also identifies these
facilities.
Category 1 —Emergency Response Services
The Town has identified the Emergency Response Facilities and Services as the highest priority in
regards to protection from natural hazards.
I. Emergency Operations Center
Emergency Management Office—1000 Suffield Street
2. Fire Station
Agawam Fire Department Headquarters—800 Main Street
Fire Station#2--1200 Springfield Street
3. Police Station
Agawam Police Department—681 Springfield Street
4. Highway Garage
Department of Public Works Headquarters-1000 Suffield Street
S. Water Department
Department of Public Works Headquarters-1000 Suffield Street
6. Emergency Fuel Stations
Department of Public Works Headquarters-1000 Suffield Street
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 52
7. Emergency Electrical Power Facility(with emergency back-up generators)
Agawam Senior Center—954 Main Street
Department of Public Works Headquarters-1000 Suffield Street
Town Hall—36 Main Street(to come)
Police Station—681 Springfield Street
Fire Station—800 Main Street
Fire Station#12—1200 Springfield Street
Agawam Junior High School—1305 Springfield Street(generator for lights only)
Agawam Middle School/Roberta G. Doering School —68 Main Street(generator for lights only)
S. Emergency Shelters
Agawam Senior Center—954 Main Street
Agawam Junior High School—1305 Springfield Street
Agawam Middle School/Roberta G. Doering School—68 Main Street
9. Dry Hydrants-Fire Ponds-Water Sources
None
10. Transfer Station
None
11. Utilities
Electrical Substations—Silver Street, Moylan Drive, Springfield Street
Tennessee Gas Pipeline-across southern part of town from east to west
Verizon Switch Station —Rowley Street
Provin Mountain Water Tanks- Provin Mountain
12. Helicopter Landing Sites
Tennessee Gas —1615 Suffield Street
Industrial Lane —80Industrial Lane
High School-760 Copper Street
13. Communications
MEMA Antenna, 1000 Suffield Street
Police 911
14. Primary Evacuation Routes
Route 57
Southwick Street (Route 57)
Route 75 (Suffield Street)
Route 187 (Pine Street, South Westfield Street, North Westfield Street)
Route 147(Springfield Street)
Route 159 (Main Street)
Route 5
15. Bridges Located on Evacuation Routes
Morgan-Sullivan Bridge—Springfield,Suffield and Main Streets
Julia Buxton Memorial Bridge—Route 5 North
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 53
Strathmore Bridge—Bridge and River Streets
Category 2 —Non Emergency Response Facilities
The town has identified these facilities as non-emergency facilities; however, they are considered
essential for the everyday operation of Agawam.
1. Water Supply
Cobble Mountain Reservoir(Towns of Blandford and Granville)
Provin Mountain Storage Reservoir
Water Transmission Lines(3)from Provin Mountain (60",42", S4/48")
Water Pump Stations: Halladay Drive
2. Sewer Infrastructure(Pump Stations)- all have back-up generators
Water Treatment Plant—188 M. Street
983 River Road
380 River Road
Hendon Drive
Losito Lane
233 Main Street(rear HP Hood Inc.)
North Street
895 N.Westfield Street
100 Pleasant Valley Road
Riverview Avenue
School Street
South Street
Valley Street
3. Problem Culverts
Suffield Street at Worthington Brook
North Street at White Brook
f
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 54
Category 3 — Facilities/Populations to Protect
The third category contains people and facilities that need to be protected in event of a disaster.
1. Special Needs Population
None
2. Elderly Housing/Assisted Living
Atrium—153 Cardinal Drive
Colonial Haven—Colonial Haven Drive
Country Estates Partnership— 1200 Suffield Street
Country View Apartments—N.Westfield Street
Danahy School House—51 Maple Street
Heritage Hail East—464 Main Street
Heritage Hall North—55 Cooper Street
Heritage Hall South—100 Harvey Johnson Drive
Heritage Hall West—61 Cooper Street
Meadowbrook Manor—66 Meadowbrook Manor
Pheasant Hill Estates—S. West Street
Quail Run Estates—50 Cardinal Drive
3. Recreation Areas
Agawam Municipal Golf Course—128 Southwick Street
Crestview Country Club—281 Shoemaker Lane
Oak Ridge Golf Club—850 S. Westfield Street
Perry Lane Park—107 Perry Lane
Robinson State Park—428 North Street
School Street Park-511 School Street
Six Flags New England—1623 Main Street
St.Anne Country Club—781 Shoemaker Lane
4. Schools
Agawam Middle School/Roberta G. Doering School -68 Main Street
Agawam Junior High School- 1305 Springfield Street
Agawam High School-760 Cooper Street
Bambi Nursery School—22 Vernon Street
Benjamin J. Phelps School-689 Main Street
Clifford M. Granger School-31 South Westfield Street
Department of Special Education -760 Cooper Street
Early Childhood Center- 108 Perry Lane
James Clark School- 65 Oxford Street
Kid's Place Pre-School—901 Springfield Street
Pam's Place Child Care Center—605 Springfield Street
Robinson Park School-65 Begley Street
Smart Start Pre-School(F.H.Congregational Church)—21 N. Westfield Street
Westfield Head Start—733 Main Street
S. Churches
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 55
Agawam Church of the Bible—335 Walnut Street Ext.
Agawam Congregational Church—745 Main Street
Agawam United Methodist Church—459 Mill Street
Bethany Assembly of God—580 Main Street
Church of Redemption—74 Bridge Street
Faith Bible Church—370 Shoemaker Lane
First Baptist Church—760 Main Street
Greater Springfield Korean Church—22 Hunt Street
Kingdom Hall—N.Westfield Street
Lighthouse Christian Center—522 Springfield Street
Sacred Heart Church -1065 Springfield Street
St.John's Church—823 Main Street
Valley Community Church—152 South Westfield Street
6. Historic Buildings/Sites
Agawam Center Historic District(24-196 Elm St.; 551-1008 Main St.)
Capt. Charles Leonard House—663 Main Street
Puchase-Ferre House—1289 Main Street
Thomas and Esther Smith House—251 North West Street
7. Apartment Complexes(over 8 units)
Coach Light Apartments—Beldon Court(88)
Elizabeth Manor—238 Maple Street (40)
Gramacy Park Apartments—156 Suffield Street(32)
Hale Haven Apartments—21 River Road (12)
Hallmark Apartments—24 Dwight Street (38)
Hillside Apartments—49 North Street(8)
Lamplighter Apartments—. 23-42 Amherst Avenue (87)
Lantern Court Apartments—438 Springfield Street(16)
Maple Garden Apartments(Sutton Place)--191 Maple Street(96)
Meadow House Apartments—408-410 Meadow Street (36)
Mill House Apartments—643 Suffield Street(32)
Pheasant Hill Village—Pheasant Hill Drive (200)
Rivervista Apartments—110 through 122 Main Street(52)
Riviera Apartments—Riviera Drive (120)
Royal Lane Apartments—415 Springfield Street (10)
Shibley Court Apartments—33 Norman Terrace (119)
Stockade Apartments—619 Springfield Street(10)
Town Crier Apartments--873 Springfield Street(28)
Village Apartments—65-67 Bridge Street(20)
Country Manor(Village Arms Apartments)—59-63 South Westfield Street (60)
Walnut Hill Apartments—21 Dwight Street (22)
William Pynchon Apartments— 336 Meadow Street(10)
William Pynchon Apartments— 338 Meadow Street (50)
William Pynchon Apartments— 350 Meadow Street(10)
Worthy Mills-5 Walnut Street(12)
S. Condominium Developments (over 8 units)
Beekman Place Estates—430 Main Street
Castle Hills—133 Silver Lane
Town of Agawam-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 56
Corey Colonial—60 Corey Street
Heritage—418 Meadow Street
Longbrook Estates—1485 Suffield Street
Mansion Woods—562 Suffield Street
Maple View Commons-232 Garden Street
Northfield Common—420 Main Street
Overlook—Autumn Street
Plantation—School Street
Regency—391 Meadow Street
Sheri Lane—Sheri Lane
9. Employment Centers
Six Flags New England (seasonal)—1623 Main Street
Country Estates of Agawam—1200 Suffield Street
HP Hood Inc.—233 Main Street
Genesis Health Care—462 Main Street
Heritage Hall East—464 Main Street
Heritage Hail North—55 Cooper Street
Heritage Hall South—100 Harvey Johnson Drive
Heritage Hall West—61 Cooper Street
Olympic Manufacturing Group—153 Bowles Road
Simmons Co.—320 Bowles Road
10. Camps
Perry Lane Summer Camp
11. Mobile Home Parks
72-74 Springfield Street
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 57
MITIGATION CAPABILITIES STRATEGIES
One of the steps of this Hazard Mitigation Plan update process is to evaluate all of the Town's existing
policies and practices related to natural hazards and identify potential gaps in protection.Agawam's
local Hazard Mitigation Committee worked with PVPC to complete a Capability Assessment using the ,
FEMA Capability Assessment Worksheet as a guide.
Agawam has most of the no cost or low cost hazard mitigation capabilities in place. Land use zoning,
subdivision regulations and an array of specific policies and regulations that include hazard mitigation
best practices, such as limitations on development in floodplains, stormwater management, tree
maintenance, etc.Agawam also has appropriate staff dedicated to hazard mitigation-related work for a
community its size, including an involved Mayor,an Emergency Management Director,a professionally
run Department of Public Works,a Building Inspector,a Planner,and a Tree Warden,and Agawam has
recommended plans in place, including a Master Plan, an Open Space and Recreation Plan, and a
Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. Not only does Agawam have these capabilities in place,
but they are also deployed for hazard mitigation as appropriate.The Town also has very committed and
dedicated volunteers who serve on Boards and Committees and in Volunteer positions.The Town
collaborates closely with surrounding communities and is party to Mutual Aid agreements through the
MEMA. Agawam is also an active member community of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
(PVPC) and can take advantage of no cost local technical assistance as needed provided by the
professional planning staff at the PVPC.
Agawam's most obvious hazard mitigation need is for federal funds to implement prioritized actions.
While Agawam is a well-managed fiscally sound Town, it is not a wealthy community and with state
constraints on municipalities raising their own funds,Agawam has very limited financial resources to
invest in costly hazard mitigation measures. Agawam is, however, committed to locally matching all
HMGP grants received.
After reviewing existing policies and the hazard identification and assessment,the local Hazard
Mitigation Committee developed a set of hazard mitigation strategies it would like to implement.
The Town of Agawam has developed the following goal to serve as a framework for mitigation of the
hazards identified in this plan.
Goal Statement, ,.
,,To minimize the loss of life, damage to property,and the disruption of governor ntal
services and general business activities due to the following hazards-#hooding, severe
sno storms/ice storms severe thunderstorms,hurricanes,tornadoes,`
hfire earthquakes; dam-failures, and drought.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 58
Overview of Mitigation Capabilities by Hazard
An overview of the general concepts underlying mitigation strategies for each of the hazards identified
in this plan is as follows:
Flooding
The key factors in flooding are the water capaTown of water bodies and waterways,the regulation of
waterways by flood control structures, and the preservation of flood storage areas and wetlands. As
more land is developed, more flood storage is demanded of the town's water bodies and waterways.
The Town of Agawam currently addresses this problem with a variety of mitigation tools and strategies.
Flood-related regulations and strategies are included in the Town's zoning bylaw and subdivision
regulations,such as ensuring adequate driveway drainage, restricting development in the floodplain,
requiring drainage easements where applicable for subdivisions,and following the Wetlands Protection
Act.The Town also participates in the National Flood Insurance Program.
Severe Snowstorms/Ice Storms
The Town's current mitigation strategy is to restrict the location and height of telecommunications
facilities.To the extent that some of the damages from a winter storm can be caused by flooding, flood
protection mitigation measures also assist with severe snowstorms and ice storms.The State Building
Code provides minimum snow load requirements for roofs,that also assist in mitigation of severe snow
storms and ice storms.Additionally,the Town works with the Western Massachusetts Energy Company
to identify and prune trees near power lines, which reduces the potential of power outages caused by
falling branches.
Hurricanes
The flooding associated with hurricanes can be a major source of damage to buildings, infrastructure
and a potential threat to human lives. Flood protection measures can thus also be considered hurricane
mitigation measures.The high winds that often accompany hurricanes can also damage buildings and
infrastructure,similar to tornadoes and other strong wind events. Meeting the requirements of the
State Building code also reduce damages from hurricanes.
Severe Thunderstorms/Winds/Tornadoes
Most damage from tornadoes and severe thunderstorms come from high winds that can fell trees and
electrical wires, as well as generate hurtling debris. Adherence to the Massachusetts Building Code is a
primary current mitigation strategy.
Wildfires/ Brushfires
Residents must notify the Fire Department when they plan to have a controlled burn on their property.
In addition, the Town conducts local outreach to schools about fire safety.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 59
Earthquakes
Most buildings and structures in the state were constructed without specific earthquake resistant
design features. However,the State Building Code helps maintain the structural integrity of structures
and helps to mitigate earthquakes.
Dam Failure
The mitigation measures currently in place focus on regular inspections and permitting process
required by the Massachusetts DCR.
Drought
The Town regularly inspects its water system to identify and repair leaks.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 60
Existing Mitigation Capabilities
The Town of Agawam currently has a variety of mitigation capabilities put in place that existed prior to the previous Hazard Mitigation Plan.
These strategies are listed on the following pages and have been evaluated in the "Effectiveness" column.
Existing Mitigation Capabilities
Existing Action Description Hazards Mitigated Effectiveness potential
Changes
State Building Code Agawam continues to follow the Massachusetts State All hazards Effective None
Building Code.
A list of DPW emergency contacts and personnel on duty
each weekend is readily available so that in the case of an
Standby personnel urgent problem with sewer,water,highway, parks and All hazards Effective None
grounds,etc.,police or fire can make contact and the
appropriate personnel will respond quickly to the scene.
Town uses Facebook,Twitter,and its web page to get
Social media information out about coming hazards,including road All hazards Effective None
closures and any information put out by National Weather
Service and MEMA.
Vehicle and equipment Town has crew that can repair town vehicle or equipment at All hazards Effective None
repair crew any time of day or night as needed.
As of June 18,2008,the Town of Agawam has been
StormReady Community recognized as a StormReady community by the National All hazards Effective None
Weather Service.
New development projects must maintain pre-development Anticipate
Agawam Stormwater revisions based
Management Ordinance Peak Stormwater discharge rates,reducing the possibility of on complying
flooding. Redevelopment projects must meet Stormwater Flooding Effective
(Ch. 175-35):Peak standards to the maximum extent practicable and at the with forthcoming
Discharge very least be designed to improve existing conditions. EPA NPDES Small
MS4 permit
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 61
CapabilitiesExisting Mitigation
Existing Action Description Hazards Mitigated Effectiveness Potential
Changes
The DPW routinely clears and inspects outfalls to reduce inspections will
Culvert clearing and chances of drainage blockages that would cause localized Floodin Effective likely increase
outfall inspections flooding. This includes follow up on any complaints relative g with forthcoming
to the stormwater drainage system. Small MS4 permit
Agawam Zoning Site plan must delineate adjacent topography,wetlands,
Ordinance: waterways,and floodplains,as well as erosion control,and Flooding Effective None
Site Plan Review drainage infrastructure.
Any changes to
Agawam Zoning Areas delineated as part of the 100-year floodplain are FEMA flood maps
Ordinance:Floodplain protected by strict use regulations that prevent structures Flooding Effective will be
Zone from being constructed that will be damaged by flooding. incorporated into
regulation.
Wetlands Ordinance Town enforces the standards established by Wetlands Flooding Effective None
Protection Act.
Participation in the The Town current) Town to stay
p y participates in the National Flood any
updated with
National Flood Insurance Insurance Program,which includes enforcing the Flooding Effective changes
Program requirements of the Floodplain Zone.
to
Floodplain maps.
Agawam Subdivision The Town recommends that building lots,beyond setback
area,shall not drain to roadways and be managed insofar as Flooding/Severe
Regulations Effective None
(Ch.159,Sec. 12)
possible,within the lots themselves by the use of swales, Snowstorms/Ice storms
yard drains,etc.
Agawam Roadway Design The Town recommends that roads within all new Severe Snowstorms/Ice
Recommendations subdivision developments have a maximum road grade of 8 storms Effective None
percent.
Complaints to DPW/Tree Warden are forwarded
immediately to EverSource/WMECO,which has become
Tree Management extremely aggressive in addressing tree issues relative to Severe snowstorms ice Effective None
utility lines since the problems with the October ice storm in storms
2011.
Town of Agawam-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 62
CapabilitiesExisting Mitigation
Existing Action Description Hazards Mitigated Effectiveness Potential
Changes
Agawam Zoning The Town has a Wireless Telecommunications Overlay' Severe Snowstorms/Ice
Regulations:Wireless District for cell phone towers that restricts towers to storms
Hurricane Effective None
Communication District specific locations in town through special permit
Severe Thunderstorm/
(Chapter 180-94) application. Wind/Tornado
Zoning Regulations: Hurricane
Mobile Homes Mobile homes are prohibited in all zoning districts. Severe Thunderstorm/ Effective None
Wind/Tornado
Burning Permits Residents are required to obtain a burning permit from the Wildfire/Brushfire Effective None
Town in order to have a controlled burn on their property.
Subdivision Review: The Fire Department is involved in the review of subdivision
Fire Safety plans to ensure design does not increase risk of wildfire or Wildfire/Brushfire Effective None
brushfire.
Department of Public Works has planning map for road
Winter road management plowing,sanding, and salting with 15 different routes Severe snowstorms/ice
planning through Town. Mapping helps with deployment and storms Effective None
coordination of town and hired contractors during major
winter storms.
Interdepartmental in advance of severe winter storms, Mayor calls meeting to Severe snowstorms/ice Effective None
coordination facilitate coordination among all Town departments. storms
Agawam has town-wide notification system(Blackboard
Mass notification system Connect)to let people know about parking bans during Severe snowstorms/ice Effective None
severe winter storms storms
Identification and The Department of Public Works routinely inspects and
Reduction of Water repairs water system leaks. Drought Effective None
System Leaks
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 63
Deleted/Completed Mitigation Strategies
The Town of Agawam has decided not to pursue certain mitigation strategies that were identified in the previous version of its Hazard Mitigation
Plan.These deleted strategies,as well as the reason for their deletion,are indicated in the table below. In addition,some of the strategies from
the previous plan have been completed.These are also described below.
Deleted/
Existing Action Description Hazards Mitigated Reason for Deletion
Potential Changes
Flood Control There are twelve dams in Agawam that assist in flood The 12 dams in Agawam are not
Structures control. Flood operated for flood control
Subdivision There are only 1 to 2 wells in Town as
Regulations:Water Water supply wells for subdivision applications require Drought most of the municipality is serviced by
Supply percolation test approval to ensure proper functioning. supply from Cobble Mountain
Town Hall Emergency Install new emergency electrical backup generators at Town All Hazards Complete
Back-up Generator Hall—36 Main Street.
Town has agreement with PVTA to provide residents with
Evacuation Plan bus transportation to emergency shelters or to evacuate All Hazards Complete
parts of town if needed.
Police,fire, DPW,and EMD have developed a protocol to
Emergency personnel Severe snowstorms/Ice
mobilization transport emergency personnel to areas of town as needed storms Complete
during severe winter storms.
Town has established a plan to rent or borrow large pumps Flooding, Hurricanes,
Flood control pumps Complete
and piping to control flooding during an emergency. Tropical Storm
Create pamphlets that describe important measures for kids
Fire Safety Education and adult audiences. State police personnel to provide Wildfires/ Complete
and Outreach information on safe burn practices for on-site controlled brushfires
burns.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 64
Flat roofs Discourage flat roofs on new buildings to avoid potential for Severe Snowstorms Complete
problems with heavy snow loads
Dam failure map Town has created map of area impacted in case of a dam Dam Failures Complete
failure
Evaluation of
Emergency
Operations Centers Evaluate EOCs and emergency shelters to determine if they Hurricanes,Tornados, Complete
(EOCs)and shelters are resistant to hazards. Earthquakes
with respect to
hazards
Town encourages utility lines in all new subdivision Flooding,Hurricanes,
Underground utility developments be located underground. Not feasible to bury Tornado,Severe Complete
lines existing aboveground lines. snowstorms/ice storms,
Dam failure
Town of Agawam-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 65
Prioritized Implementation Plan
Several of the action items previously identified in the previous version of this plan are currently
continuing, either because they require more time to secure funding or their construction process is
ongoing. in addition,the Hazard Mitigation Committee identified several new strategies that are also
being pursued.These new strategies are based on experience with currently implemented strategies, as
well as the hazard identification and risk assessment in this plan.
Prioritization Methodology
The Hazard Mitigation Committee reviewed and prioritized a list of previously identified and new
mitigation strategies using the following criteria:
Application to multiple hazards—Strategies are given a higher priority if they assist in the mitigation of
several natural hazards.
rime required for completion—Projects that are faster to implement, either due to the nature of the
permitting process or other regulatory procedures, or because of the time it takes to secure funding, are
given higher priority.
Estimated benefit—Strategies which would provide the highest degree of reduction in loss of property
and life are given a higher priority.This estimate is based on the Hazard Identification and Analysis
Chapter, particularly with regard to how much of each hazard's impact would be mitigated.
Cost effectiveness—in order to maximize the effect of mitigation efforts using limited funds, priority is
given to low-cost strategies. For example, regular tree maintenance is a relatively low-cost operational
strategy that can significantly reduce the length of time of power outages during a winter storm.
Strategies that have identified potential funding streams, such as the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program,
are also given higher priority.
Eligibility Under Hazard Mitigation Grant Program—The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
provides grants to states and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures
after a major disaster declaration.The purpose of the HMGP is to reduce the loss of life and property
due to natural disasters and to enable mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate
recovery from a disaster. Funding is made available through FEMA by the Massachusetts Emergency
Management Agency. Municipalities apply for grants to fund specific mitigation projects under MEMA
requirements.
The following categories are used to define the priority of each mitigation strategy:
Low—Strategies that would not have a significant benefit to property or people,address only one or
two hazards, or would require funding and time resources that are impractical
Medium—Strategies that would have some benefit to people and property and are somewhat cost
effective at reducing damage to property and people
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 66
High—Strategies that provide mitigation of several hazards and have a large benefit that warrants their
cost and time to complete
Very High—extremely beneficial projects that will greatly contribute to mitigation of multiple hazards
and the protection of people and property.These projects are also given a numeric ranking within the
category.
Several hazard mitigation strategies identified in the previous Hazard Mitigation Plan have not yet been
completed, but were changed in priority during the update of this plan by the Hazard Mitigation
Committee.The Committee changed priorities by evaluating the entire list of mitigation strategies in a
comprehensive manner according to the factors listed above.
Prioritized mitigation strategies in the previous Hazard Mitigation Plan were listed within a single table
of Priority Mitigation Actions and were not prioritized with the same rankings as described above. For
purposes of comparison,strategies that were listed as a high priority in the previous Hazard Mitigation
Plan are listed in bold in the table below.
Cost Estimates
Each of the following implementation strategies is provided with a cost estimate. Projects that already
have secured funding are noted as such. Where precise financial estimates are not currently available,
categories were used with the following assigned dollar ranges:
• Low—cost less than $50,000
• Medium—cost between$50,000—$100,000
• High—cost over$100,000
Cost estimates take into account the following resources:
• Town staff time for grant application and administration (at a rate of$25 per hour)
• Consultant design and construction cost(based on estimates for projects obtained from town
and general knowledge of previous work in town)
• Town staff time for construction, maintenance,and operation activities(rate of$25 per hour)
Project Timeframe
Each strategy is provided with an estimated length of time it will take for implementation.Where
funding has been secured for the project, a specific future date is provided for when completion will
occur. However, some projects do not currently have funding and thus it is difficult to know exactly
when they will be completed. For these projects, an estimate is provided for the amount of time it will
take to complete the project once funding becomes available.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 67
Previously Identified and New Strategies Prioritized by the Town of Agawam
Timeframe
Mitigation Hazards Responsible (from whenFunding
Action Status Action Type Description Mitigated Entity funding Source Cost Priority
becomes
available)
Carr Replace culvert on Apply after
Avenue North Street. announceme
Complete; Suffield Street culvert DPW, nt of
New-Culvert Capital Flooding, Conservation
replacements Other construction also important to Hurricanes Commission, availability HMGP High Very high
Culverts replace, but need help Private 1 Year after
Pending to better coordinate receipt of
Funding with Tennessee Gas funds
New-Relocate Engineering Move sewer line away Town for
sewer line and Slope from slope that Flooding, DPW,Army Start design
stabilize slope Stabilization design and becomes increasingly Hurricanes, Corps of July 2016- design High Very High
along Complete implementati destabilized with each Tropical Engineers Dec 2016 HMGP for
Westfield River on large storm. Storm construction
Maintain existing
Completed back-up generators at Spring
Back-up but Maintenance EMD shelters to ensure all All,except maintenance
generators maintenance shelters have Drought check starting Town Staff N/A High
is ongoing sufficient back-up April 2017.
utility service.
Encourage clustered
residential
development while
Open space Portions conserving valuable Initiate
planning: open space,which Planning Board, regulatory
Complete, Flood, Town Staff,
and new Hurricane
promote Planning increases the amount Conservation change in State DLTA N/A High
preservation priority of pervious surface Commission Jan 2018-
of floodplains and reduces potential May 2019
flooding in accordance
with the Open Space
and Recreation Plan.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 68
IdentifiedPreviously and New Strategies Prioritized by the Town of Agawam
Timeframe
Mitigation Hazards Responsible from when Funding
Action Status Action Type ' Description Mitigated Entity funding Source Cost Priority
becomes
available)
New-Reduce
Promote more active fuel material in Fire Dept. forest management
with owners of more Start Spring
local forests will work Education than 10 acres of wildfires/ Fire Department 2017-Spring Town Staff, Low High
that would together and outreach brushfires DCR
promote larger with DCR woodland, including 2019
wildfires both public and
private landowners
Implement developed
agreement with
WHYN Radio station to
Completed provide emergency
Emergency and requires Education information to April 2016
Broadcast ongoingand outreach All DPW Town Staff Low High
residents including and annually
oversight how to prepare homes
for emergencies and
proper evacuation
procedures.
Maintain inventory of
Sandbag Completed Emergency 5,000 sandbags to Flooding, EMD Complete Town Staff Low Medium
inventory preparedness ensure adequate Hurricanes
supply.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 69
Previously identified and New Strategies Prioritized by the Town of Agawam
Timeframe
Mitigation Hazards Responsible (from when Funding
Action Status Action Type Description funding Cost Priority
Mitigated Entity becomes Source
available)
High hazard dams
must have an
Emergency Action Plan
approved by the Office
Emergency Completed of Dam Safety which Review and
Action Plans and includes a list of Department of update
(302 CMR important Planning available equipment Dam failures Public Works— Town Staff N/A Medium
ongoing and materials, annually Jan-
oversight procedure for
informing emergency
agencies, inundation
map and procedure
for warning residents.
Facilitate Dam owners
to have dams
inspected by a Jan-March
professional engineer 2017:
Comaccording to a communicate
Dam and plated schedule based on a
responsibilities
Inspections Department of
p important Planning dam'S hazard index Dam failures Public Works-- to dam
(302 CMR Town Staff N/A Medium
h hazard
10:07) ongoing rating. High g Engineering, DCR owners and
oversight dams-every 2 yrs explain
Significant hazard resources to
dams-every 5 yrs assist
Low hazard dams-
every 10 yrs
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 70
Previously Identified . New Strategies Prioritized by the Town of Agawam
Timefraine
Mitigation Hazards Responsible (from when Funding
Action Status Action Type Description Mitigated Entity funding Source Cost Priority
becomes
available)
Obtain
dam break
analysis
informatio
n from
Emergency Determine which
New-Dam critical facilities would Department of
Action Jan 2017-
failure impact Planning be impacted in case of Dam failures Public Works— Town Staff N/A Medium
identification Plans for dam failure at these Engineering June 2017
Provin
locations.
Mountain
Dam and
Silver Lake
Dam(when
available)
Carried State DLTA
Water Forward Start Jan
Municipal Adopt a Water Conservation via PVPC
Conservation from regulations Conservation bylaw. Drought Commission 2018 Oct Technical Low Low
bylaw previous 2016 Assistance
plan
Become part Carried Town has adopted the
of FEMA's forward latest versions of the Mayor,Town July 2017-
Community from Planning FEMA Flood Insurance Flooding Council June 2018 Town Staff Low Low
Rating System Previous Rate Maps and will
plan now act on CRS
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 71
PLAN REVIEW, EVALUATION.. ►
ADOPTION
Plan Adoption
Upon completion of the draft Hazard Mitigation Plan, a public meeting was held by the town staff and
the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission on March 3,2015 to present and request comments from
residents.The Hazard Mitigation Plan was then submitted to the Massachusetts Emergency
Management Agency(MEMA)and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for their review. Upon
receiving conditional approval of the plan by FEMA,the plan was presented to the Town Council and
adopted by the Mayor.
Plan Implementation
The implementation of this plan began upon its formal adoption by the Town Council and approval by
MEMA and FEMA. Those Town departments and boards responsible for ensuring the development of
policies, ordinance revisions, and programs as described in Chapter 5 of this plan will be notified of their
responsibilities immediately following approval.The Hazard Mitigation Committee will oversee the
implementation of the plan.
Incorporation with Other Planning Documents
Existing plans, studies, reports and municipal documents were incorporated throughout the planning
process.This included a review and incorporation of significant information from the following key
documents:
• Agawam Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan- used to identify critical infrastructure,
current emergency operations, and special needs populations
• Agawam Community Development Plan-used to identify existing hazard mitigation strategies,
already proposed mitigation strategies, natural resources, and critical infrastructure
• Agawam Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations-used to identify existing mitigation
strategies
• Massachusetts'State Hazard Mitigation Plan(2013)-used to ensure consistency with state
identification of mitigation strategies, critical infrastructure, and hazards
The Hazard Mitigation Plan will also be incorporated into updates of the Town's Comprehensive
Emergency Management Plan.
During regular update meetings for the Hazard Mitigation Plan,the Hazard Mitigation Committee will
review whether any of these plans are in the process of being updated. If so, the Hazard Mitigation
Committee will provide copies of the Hazard Mitigation Plan to relevant Town staff and brief them on
the content of the Hazard Mitigation Plan.The Hazard Mitigation Committee will also review current
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 72
Town programs and policies to ensure that they are consistent with the mitigation strategies described
in this plan.
After this plan has been approved by both FEMA and the local government, links to the plan will be
emailed to all appropriate Town staff, boards, and committees, with a reminder to review the plan
periodically and work to incorporate its contents, especially the action plan, into other planning
processes and documents. In addition, during annual monitoring meetings for the Hazard Mitigation
Plan implementation process, the Hazard Mitigation Committee will review whether any of these plans
are in the process of being updated. If so,the Hazard Mitigation Committee will remind people working
on these plans, policies etc of the Hazard Mitigation plan, and urge them to incorporate the Hazard
Mitigation plan into their efforts. The Hazard Mitigation Committee will also review current Town
programs and policies to ensure that they are consistent with the mitigation strategies described in this
plan.The Hazard Mitigation Plan will also be incorporated into updates of the Town Comprehensive
Emergency Management Plan.
Members of the local Hazard Mitigation committee do not have written evidence that the previous
Hazard Mitigation plan was formally integrated into Town plans that may have been developed and/or
updated since the previous plan was approved. However, it is the understanding of the members of the
local Hazard Mitigation committee that this was the case. Going forward,the process of cross
integration will be more closely monitored.
Plan Monitoring and Evaluation
The Town's Emergency Management Director will call meetings of all responsible parties to review plan
progress as needed, based on occurrence of hazard events.The public will be notified of these meetings
in advance through a posting of the agenda at Town Hall. Responsible parties identified for specific
mitigation actions will be asked to submit their reports in advance of the meeting.
Meetings will involve evaluation and assessment of the plan, regarding its effectiveness at achieving the
plan's goals and stated purpose.The following questions will serve as the criteria that is used to evaluate
the plan:
Plan Mission and Goal
• Is the Plan's stated goal and mission still accurate and up to date, reflecting any changes to local
hazard mitigation activities?
• Are there any changes or improvements that can be made to the goal and mission?
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
• Have there been any new occurrences of hazard events since the plan was last reviewed? if so,
these hazards should be incorporated into the Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment.
• Have any new occurrences of hazards varied from previous occurrences in terms of their extent
or impact? If so, the stated impact, extent, probability of future occurrence, or overall
assessment of risk and vulnerability should be edited to reflect these changes.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 73
• Is there any new data available from local, state, or Federal sources about the impact of
previous hazard events, or any new data for the probability of future occurrences? If so, this
information should be incorporated into the plan.
Existing Mitigation Strategies
• Are the current strategies effectively mitigating the effect of any recent hazard events?
• Has there been any damage to property since the plan was last reviewed?
• How could the existing mitigation strategies be improved upon to reduce the impact from
recent occurrences of hazards? If there are improvements, these should be incorporated into
the plan.
Proposed Mitigation Strategies
• What progress has been accomplished for each of the previously identified proposed mitigation
strategies?
• How have any recently completed mitigation strategies affected the Town's vulnerability and
impact from hazards that have occurred since the strategy was completed?
• Should the criteria for prioritizing the proposed mitigation strategies be altered in any way?
• Should the priority given to individual mitigation strategies be changed, based on any recent
changes to financial and staffing resources,or recent hazard events?
Review of the Plan and integration with Other Planning Documents
• Is the current process for reviewing the Hazard Mitigation Plan effective?Could it be improved?
• Are there any Town plans in the process of being updated that should have the content of this
Hazard Mitigation Plan incorporated into them?
• How can the current Hazard Mitigation Plan be better integrated with other Town planning tools
and operational procedures, including the zoning bylaw,the Comprehensive Emergency
Management Plan,and the Capital Improvement Plan?
Following these discussions, it is anticipated that the committee may decide to reassign the roles and
responsibilities for implementing mitigation strategies to different town departments and/or revise the
goals and objectives contained in the plan. The committee will review and update the Hazard Mitigation
Plan every five years.
Public participation will be a critical component of the Hazard Mitigation Plan maintenance process.The
Hazard Mitigation Committee will hold all meetings in accordance with Massachusetts open meeting
laws and the public invited to attend. The public will be notified of any changes to the Plan via the
meeting notices board at Town Hall, and copies of the revised Plan will be made available to the public
at Town Hall.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 74
CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION
TOWN OF AGAWAM, MASSACHUSETTS
MAYOR RICHARD A.COHEN
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE
AGAWAM HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE 2016
WHEREAS, the Town of Agawam established a Committee to prepare the Agawam
Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016; and
WHEREAS, several public planning meetings were held between February and March 2015
regarding the development and review of the Agawam Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016;
and
WHEREAS, the Agawam Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 contains several potential
future projects to mitigate hazard damage in the Town of Agawam; and
WHEREAS, a duly-noticed public hearing was held by the Agawam Town Council on
2016 to formally approve and adopt the Agawam Hazard Mitigation Plan
Update 2016.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor of Agawam adopts the Agawam
Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016.
ADOPTED AND SIGNED this , 2016.
Richard A. Cohen
Mayor
ATTEST
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 75
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 76
Appendix A: Technical Resources
1) Agencies
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency(MEMA)..........................................................508/820-2000
Hazard Mitigation Section .......................................................................................................617/626-1356
Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA) ..................................................................617/223-4175
SelectedMA Regional Planning Commissions:
Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC)..........................................................................413/442-1521
Franklin Regional Council of Governments(FRCOG).....................................................................413/774-3167
Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC)...:.............................................................................617/451-2770
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC).................................................................................413/781-6045
MA Board of Building Regulations&Standards(BBRS)................................................................617/227-1754
DCR Water Supply Protection..........................................................................................................617/626-1379
DCRWaterways...................................................................................................................................617/626-1371
DCR Office of Dam Safety..................................................................................................................508/792-7716
DFWRiverways...................................................................................................................................617/626-1540
MA Dept.of Housing& Community Development.......................................................................617/573-1100
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.............................................................................................508/457-2180
UMass-Amherst Cooperative Extension.........................................................................................413/545-4800
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)..................................................................................617/770-3000
New England Disaster Recovery Information X-Change(NEDRIX—an association of private companies&
industries involved in disaster recovery planning)......................................................................781/485-0279
MA Board of Library Commissioners..............................................................................................617/725-1860
MA Highway Dept, District 1............................................................................................................413/582-0599
MA Division of Marine Fisheries.....................................................................................................617/626-1520
MA Division of Capital&Asset Management(DCAM).................................................................617/727-4050
University of Massachusetts/Amherst...........................................................................................413/545-0111
Natural Resources Conservation Services(MRCS)......................... .................413/253-4350
MA Historical Commission................................................................................................................617/727-8470
U.S.Army Corps of Engineers...........................................................................................................978/318-8502
Northeast States Emergency Consortium, Inc. (NESEC)...........................................................781/224-9876
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: National Weather Service......................508/824-5116
US Department of the Interior: US Fish and Wildlife Service ..................................................413/253-8200
USGeological Survey...............................................................................................................508/490-5000
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 77
2) Mitigation.Funding Resources
404 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) ....................................MA Emergency Management Agency
406 Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation .....................................MA Emergency Management Agency
Community Development Block Grant(CDBG).........................................................DHCD, also refer to RPC
Dam Safety Program................................................................MA Division of Conservation and Recreation
Disaster Preparedness Improvement Grant (DPIG) ..............................MA Emergency Management Agency
Emergency Generators Program by NESEC# ......................................MA Emergency Management Agency
Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program..........................USDA, Natural Resources Conservation
Service Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMAP)..........................MA Emergency Management Agency
Flood Plain Management Services(FPMS).........................................................US Army Corps of Engineers
Mitigation Assistance Planning(MAP)................................................MA Emergency Management Agency
Mutual Aid for Public Works..........Western Massachusetts Regional Homeland Security Advisory Council
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) t ..........................................MA Emergency Management Agency
Power of Prevention Grant by NESEC$ ..............................................MA Emergency Management Agency
Roadway Repair& Maintenance Program(s)......................................Massachusetts Highway Department
Section 14 Emergency Stream Bank Erosion& Shoreline Protection ...............US Army Corps of Engineers
Section 103 Beach Erosion.......................................................................................US Army Corps of Engineers
Section 205 Flood Damage Reduction....................................................................US Army Corps of Engineers
Section 208 Snagging and Clearing.......................................................................US Army Corps of Engineers
Shoreline Protection Program.............................................MA Department of Conservation and Recreation
Various Forest and Lands Program(s)....................................MA Department of Environmental Protection
Wetlands Programs...............................................................MA Department of Environmental Protection
#NESEC—Northeast States Emergency Consortium, Inc. is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit natural disaster,
multi-hazard mitigation and emergency management organization located in Wakefield, Massachusetts.
Please, contact NESEC for more information.
# Note regarding National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and Community Rating System (CRS):The
National Flood Insurance Program has developed suggested floodplain management activities for those
communities who wish to more thoroughly manage or reduce the impact of flooding in their jurisdiction.
Through use of a rating system (CRS rating), a community's floodplain management efforts can be
evaluated for effectiveness.The rating,which indicates an above average floodplain management effort,
is then factored into the premium cost for flood insurance policies sold in the community. The higher
the rating achieved in that community, the greater the reduction in flood insurance premium costs for
local property owners. MEMA can provide additional information regarding participation in the NFIP-
CRS Program.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 78
3) Internet Resources
� - A ,�+. 1. } ..},$-,I u -0m2i Yk�ff ty�3�'3'.�'.T� � _- � Y'
Sponsor Internet;Address { .' Summary of Contents.::
Searchable database of
Natural Hazards
references and links to
Research Center, U. http://www.colorado.edu/litbase/hazard-s./
many disaster-related
of Colorado
websites.
Hurricane track maps
Atlantic Hurricane http://wxp.eas.purdue.edu/hurricane
for each year, 1886—
Tracking Data by Year
1996
Association of state
National Emergency emergency
httg://nemaweb.org
Management management directors;
Association list of mitigation
projects.
NASA—Goddard Searchable database of
Space Flight Center http://www.psfc.nasa.gov/ndrd/dis aster sites that encompass a
"Disaster Finder: wide range of natural
disasters.
NASA Natural Searchable database of
http:/Zltpwww.,sfc.nasa.gov/ndrd/main/html
Disaster Reference worldwide natural
Database disasters.
General information
U.S. State& Local http:lLwww.statelocal.gov/
through the federal-
Gateway
state partnership.
Central page for
National Weather http://nws.noaa.gov/ National Weather
Service Warnings, updated
every 60 seconds.
USGS Real Time http,//h20.usgs.gov/public/realtime.html Provisional hydrological
Hydrologic Data data
Dartmouth Flood Observations of flooding
' http://www.dartmouth_.edu/ar_tsci/e eog/floodl
Observatory — situations.
FEMA, National Flood Searchable site for
Insurance Program, httn://www.fema.povlfema/csb.htmi access of Community
Community Status I I Status Books
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 79
" S onsor Y"'i Internet-Addre s i r
Summary of Contents.
ter. . -
Book
Florida State Tracking and NWS
University Atlantic http://www.met.fsu.edu/explores/tropical.html warnings for Atlantic
Hurricanes and other
Hurricane Site
links
Information on
The Tornado Project htt13:LJwww.tornadoro*ect.com/ tornadoes, including
Online details of recent
impacts.
Information about and
National Severe http://www.nssl.uoknor.edu/
Storms Laboratory tracking of severe
storms.
Independent
Insurance Agents of http://www.iiaa.iix.com/ndcmap.htmi A multi-disaster risk
America IIAA Natural map.
Disaster Risk Map
Earth Satellite http://www.earthsat.com/ Flood risk maps
Corporation searchable by state.
USDA Forest Service http://www.fs.fed.us/land Information on forest
fires and land
Web
management.
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 80
WRHSAC Contacts
Chair Sheriff Bowler/Lt.Col. Berkshire County Sheriffs Office
Thomas Grady
Vice Chair Thomas Lynch Baystate Health
Corrections Sheriff Bowler/Maj. Berkshire County Sheriffs Office
Thomas Grady
Law Enforcement Chief Stephen Monson Police Department
Kozloski
Law Enforcement Chief Michael Wynn Pittsfield Police Department
Law Enforcement Chief John Paciorek Deerfield Police Department
Fire Chief Mark Babineau Ludlow Fire Department
Fire Chief John Pond Holyoke Fire Department
Fire Chief Francis Nothe Wilbraham Fire Department
Emergency Mgt. Robert Hassett Springfield
Office of Emergency Preparedness
Regional Transit Jamin Carroll Pioneer Valley Transit Authority
Hospital Thomas Lynch Baystate Health
Public Safety Melissa Nazzaro Springfield Public Safety
Communications
Public Works Christopher Town of Beckett Highway
Brouchard Superintendent
Public Health Ed Lesko Town of Hatfield Board of Health
Emergency Linda Moriarty WMEMS
Medical Services
Municipal Carolyn Shores Ness Board of Selectmen Town of
Government Deerfield
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 81
Appendix B: List of Acronyms
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
MEMA Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
PVPC Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
DEP Massachusetts' Department of Environmental Protection
NWS National Weather Service
HMGP Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
FMA Flood Mitigation Assistance Program
SFHA Special Flood Hazard Area
CIS Community Information System
DCR Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
TRI Toxics Release Inventory
FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Map
NFIP National Flood Insurance Program
CRS Community Rating System
BOS Board of Selectmen
DPW Department of Public Works
LEPC Local Emergency Planning Committee
EMD Emergency Management Director
Con Com Conservation Commission
Ag Com Agricultural Commission
EOC Emergency Operations Center
CEM Plan Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
EMA Emergency Management Agency
RACES Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service
WMECO Western Massachusetts Electric Company
HAZMAT Hazardous Materials
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 82
Appendix C: Documentation of Planning Process
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 83
Appendix D; Critical Facilities Map
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 $4
CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION
TOWN OF AGAWAM, MASSACHUSETTS
MAYOR RICHARD A.COHEN
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE
AGAWAM HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE 2016
WHEREAS, the Town of Agawam established.a Committee to prepare the Agawam
Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016; and
WHEREAS, several public planning meetings were held between February and March 2015
regarding the development and review of the Agawam Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016;
and
WHEREAS, the Agawam Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 contains several potential
future projects to mitigate hazard damage in the Town of Agawam; and
WHEREAS, a duly-noticed public hearing was held by the Agawam Town Council on
, 2016 to formally approve and adopt the Agawam Hazard Mitigation Plan
Update 2016.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor of Agawam adopts the Agawam
Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016.
ADOPTED AND SIGNED this , 2015.
Richard A. Cohen
Mayor
ATTEST
Town of Agawam—Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2016 85
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