R2009-203 - 2009-12-14 RESOLUTION NO. R2009 -203
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PEARLAND, TEXAS, ADOPTING AN UPDATED HAZARD
MITIGATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS
OF THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY.
WHEREAS, The City of Pearland, Texas has experienced natural hazards that
result in public safety hazards and damage to private and public property; and
WHEREAS, the hazard mitigation planning process set forth by the State of
Texas and the Federal Emergency Management Agency offers the opportunity to
consider natural hazards and risks, and to identify mitigation actions to reduce future
risk; and
WHEREAS, the State of Texas is providing federal mitigation funds to support
development of the mitigation plan; and
WHEREAS, a Hazard Mitigation Plan has been developed by the Mitigation
Planning Committee; and
WHEREAS, the Hazard Mitigation Plan includes a prioritized list of mitigation
actions including activities that, over time, will help minimize and reduce safety threats
and damage to private and public property; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS:
Section 1. The updated Hazard Mitigation Plan is hereby adopted as an
official plan of the City of Pearland, TX.
Section 2. The City offices identified in the Plan are hereby directed to pursue
implementation of the recommended high priority activities that are assigned to their
agencies.
RESOLUTION NO. R2009 -203
Section 3. Any action proposed by the Plan shall be subject to and contingent
upon budget approval, if required, which shall be at the discretion of the City Council,
and this resolution shall not be interpreted so as to mandate any such appropriations.
Section 4. The City of Pearland Emergency Management Department
designated to coordinate with other offices and shall periodically report on the activities,
accomplishments, and progress, and shall prepare an annual progress report to be
submitted to the Texas Division of Emergency Management and the Texas Water
Development Board. The status reports shall be submitted by October 1 of each year.
Section 5. The City of Pearland Emergency Management Department is
designated to maintain this plan to include annual progress meetings with the Mitigation
Planning Committee and a comprehensive plan review and update every five years.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this the 14 day of December, A.D.,
2009.
pt_t,
REID
MAYOR
ATTEST:
,QEAgyo•.
SONIA WEBB
DEPUTY CITY SECRETARY
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
DARRIN M. COKER
CITY ATTORNEY
2
City of Pearland
Texas
2009 Hazard Mitigation Plan
Update
! / 1
A,:. AEEE
December 2009
Table of Contents
Executive Summary vi
Part 1. Introduction 1-1
1.1 Introduction 1-1
1.2 Authority 1-1
1.3 Pearland's Geographic Location 1=1
1.4 Planning Area, Climate,and Population 1-2
1.4.1 Population and Growth 1-4
1.4.2 Special Consideration Communities 1-5
1.5 Composition of the City of Pearland's Mitigation Planning Committee
and Stakeholders 1-6
1.6 Acknowledgments 1-7
Part 2. Introduction to Mitigation Planning 2-1
2.1 Introduction 2-1
2.2 Interim Final Rule Requirements for the Planning Process 2-1
2.3 The Mitigation Planning Process 2-2
2.2.1 The Plan Update Process 2-2
2.4 Public Involvement in Mitigation Planning 2-3
2.4.1 Public Work Session at City Council 2-3
2.4.2 Public Questionnaire 2-3
2.4.3 Public Meetings 2-3
2.4.4 Public Session of City Council 2-4
2.5 Other Local Planning Mechanisms 2-4
2.6 Review and Incorporation of Plans, Studies,Reports,and
Other Information 2-4
2.7 The State Mitigation Plan 2-5
2.8 Federal Mitigation Planning Requirements 2-6
Part 3. Mitigation Goal Statements 3-1
3.1 Introduction 3-1
3.2 Pearland's Short-Term.Goals 3-2
3.3 Pearland's Mitigation Goal 3-3
3.4 State of Texas Mitigation Goals 3-4
3.5 FEMA's Mitigation Goal 3-4
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009)
BITNIQ
Table of Contents
Part 4. Hazards in Pearland 4-1
4.1 Introduction 4-1
4.2 Overview of Risks 4-1
4.2.1 Weather-Related Deaths 4-2
4.3 Public Awareness of Hazards&Risk 4-4
4.4 Overview of Pearland's Natural Hazards History 4-5
4.5 Losses Due to Major Disasters 4-8
4.6 Hazards Other than Flood 4-9
4.6.1 High Winds/Tornadoes 4-10
4.6.2 Extreme Heat 4-14
4.6.3 Drought 4-16
4.6.4 Wildland Fire 4-16
4.6.5 Winter Storm 4-17
4.6.6 Hazardous Materials 4-18
4.6.7 Pipelines 4-21
4.6.8 Seismic/Earthquakes 4-23
4.6.9 Landslides 4-23
4.6.10 Hurricanes and Tropical Storms 4-24
Part 5. Flood Hazards in Pearland 5-1
5.1 Flood Hazards: Overview 5-1
5.1.1 Defining Flood Hazards 5-1
5.1.2 Subsidence-Related Flooding 5-4
5.1.3 Dams and Flooding 5-4
5.2 Flood Risks—Buildings 5-5
5.2.1 NFIP Repetitive Loss Properties 5-9
5.2.2 NFIP Severe Repetitive Loss Properties 5-22
5.3 Flood Risks—Public Buildings 5-24
5.4 Flood Risks—Roads 5-29
5.5 Flood Risks—Hazardous Materials 5-33
5.6 Flood Risks—Local Drainage 5-34
5.7 Summary: Exposure to Flood Risks 5-34
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) ii
[y ,
IRtErOf
Table of Contents
Part 6. Pearland's Capability to Address Hazards 6-1
6.1 Pearland Government Structure 6-1
6.2 Emergency Response 6-2
6.3 Communicating about Hazards 6-4
6.4 How the City Addresses Hazards 6-5
6.4.1 Regulating Development 6-5
6.4.2. Future Development Trends In Pearland 6-7
6.4.3 Hazards Other than Flood 6-10
6.4.4 Flood Hazards 6-11
6.5 Continued Compliance with the NFIP 6-14 •
6.6 . Ongoing and Previous Mitigation Initiatives 6-17
6.6.1 Clear Creek Improvements 6-17
6.6.2 Evaluation of Detention 6-20
6.6.3. Drainage Maintenance 6-20
6.6.4 Regional Stormwater Detention 6-20
6.6.5 Corrigan Subdivision Drainage 6-21
6.6.6 Floodplain Acquisitions 6-22
6.6.7 Public-Private Partnerships 6-22
6.7 Natural Resources 6-22
Part 7. Mitigation Actions 7-1
7.1 Identifying Priority Actions 7-1
7.2 IFR Requirements for Mitigation Strategy 7-1
7.3 Mitigation Actions 7-2
7.4 Links to Mitigation Goal Statement 7-6
Part 8. Texas Agencies,Organizations&
FEMA Programs 8-1
8.1 Overview 8-1
8.2 Texas Division of Emergency Management 8-1
8.3 Texas Water Development Board 8-1
8.4 Texas Commission on Environmental Quality 8-1
8.5 FEMA National Flood Insurance Program 8-2
Part 9. Implementation 9-1
9.1 IFR Requirements for Plan Monitoring and Maintenance 9-1
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) iii
NZitzeif
Table of Contents
9.2 Distribution 9-1
9.3 Implementation 9-1
9.4 Monitoring&Progress Reports 9-1
9.5 Revisions 9-2
Appendices
A. Public Notice Documents and Meeting Minutes A-1
B. Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting Minutes B-1
C. Change Notes; Modifications, Changes to the June,2004 Plan C-1
D. Adoption Resolution for the City of Pearland D-1
E. GDEM and FEMA Approval Letters E-1
F. Sources F-1
G. Acronyms G-1
H Key Terms H-1
Annual Progress Reports I-1
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) iv
Executive Summary
The City of Pearland,Texas undertook development of the original Hazard Mitigation Plan("the Plan")
because of increasing awareness that natural and man-made hazards,especially flood hazards, may
affect many people and property in the area. The Plan is a requirement associated with receipt of
certain federal mitigation grant program funds administered by the Texas Division of Emergency
Management and the Texas Water Development Board. In addition,the Plan is a pre-qualification of
eligibility for other mitigation funds.
The original Plan was prepared by a Mitigation Planning Committee(MPC)composed of staff
representatives from a range of City Departments.The 2009 update was completed using a similar
process,with a Planning Committee that included representatives from several departments,and a
Stakeholders group.Specifics of the process are discussed in the sections below.
The City of Pearland has experienced number of flood events,most resulting in localized damage.
Some of the worst flooding has occurred around Clear Creek and Mary's Creek, but other waterways
within the City have also risen out of their backs and have flooded homes. Most creeks in the City have
some existing buildings that are at-risk to flood damage. Nearly 17%of all buildings in the City are
prone to some degree of flooding.
Located in close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico,the City is also exposed to Hazardous Materials risks
along major routes used to transport various chemicals associated with petroleum production. A major
rail system(Santa Fe Railway)and a major state highway(SH 35)cross the City. It is well known that
both of these transportation routes are heavily used to transport hazardous materials; SH 35 is reported
to carry more HazMat traffic than any other highway in the State.
The original Hazard Mitigation Plan was completed in June of 2004,and set the stage for long-term
disaster resistance through identification of actions that will,over time, reduce the exposure of people
and property to natural hazards. Sections of the Plan:
• Provide overviews of the hazards that threaten the City,
• Characterize the people and property that are exposed to some risk due to those hazards,
• Outline the planning process,
• Describe how hazards are recognized in the City's normal processes and functions,and
• Identify the priority of mitigation action items.
As of mid-2009,the City of Pearland estimated that nearly 2,500 buildings and many more parcels of
undeveloped land in the City are located within areas shown on flood hazard maps prepared by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA). As of August,2009 there were 8,264 buildings in
Pearland that were insured through the National Flood insurance Program(NFIP), (a number that
exceeds the total number of buildings that plot as being"in"the mapped floodplain,see Table 5-2).
This is an indication that many homeowners outside the floodplain are aware of the flooding risks
throughout the area and have chosen to carry flood insurance even though it is not required.
While flooding has occurred in several locations,severe flooding along Clear Creek has caused
repetitive and substantial damage to homes in the area along this waterway. Clear Creek is a multi-
jurisdictional watershed,draining portions of Brazoria, Galveston, Harris, and Fort Bend County,and
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) vi
IRkag
Executive Summary
many cities, including Houston and Pearland. The City has received mitigation grant funds to support
acquisition and demolition of many homes along Clear Creek.
The citizens of the City have benefited from the actions proposed in the original Plan.The City will
continue to benefit from the Plan Update in that actions proposed for implementation over the next 5-10
years will reduce exposure to hazards.Three high-priority actions that will directly benefit citizens are:
■ Development of a communications plan will improve interactions with the public, both before
and after floods.
■ Increase flood predictive capability for streams and creeks that affect the City(stream
gages)and coordinate with Harris County Flood Control District.
■ Continued efforts to identify and implement mitigation options in high-risk areas will reduce
future losses.
Copies of the originally adopted plan are available for review at the City of Pearland Office of
Emergency Management located at the following address.
City of Pearland Office of Emergency Management
2010A Old Alvin Rd
Pearland,TX 77581
The original structure of the HMP was retained for the 2009 update. Development of the original(2004)
HMP was guided by a Mitigation Planning Committee(MPC),and the same basic process was used for
the update. The 2009 MPC carried out most of the planning duties. A Stakeholders group was
responsible for reviewing the document at key points,and providing feedback. Membership in these
groups,and the specifics of their tasks are described later in this document.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) vii
Section 1
Introduction
1.1 Introduction
The City of Pearland,Texas undertook development of its original Hazard Mitigation Plan(HMP)in
2003 because of increasing awareness that natural and man-made hazards,especially flood hazards,
may affect many people and property in the area. The Plan was a requirement associated with
eligibility for certain kinds of FEMA assistance, including grants through the Agency's various mitigation
programs,among others.
In accordance with 44 Code of Federal Regulations(CFR)201.6(d)(3), local mitigation plans must be
"reviewed, revised if appropriate,and resubmitted for approval within five years in order to continue to
be eligible for... grant project funding."This section of the CFR specifically states:
Interim Final Rule(IFR)§201.6(d)(3): A local jurisdiction must review and revise its plan to
reflect changes in development,progress in local mitigation efforts, and changes in priorities,
and re-submit it for approval within five years in order to continue to be eligible for mitigation
project grant funding.
This 2009 Plan update entailed a complete re-evaluation and update of all sections of the Plan
including the original hazards,the risk assessment, mitigation goals,strategies,and mitigation priorities.
The plan update is supplemented by an updated FEMA crosswalk that documents all the changes to
the original HMP.
1.2 Authority
For the original plan development,the City Manager and the Administration Department were
designated by the City Council to coordinate with other appropriate departments and agencies to
facilitate the development of the Plan in conformance with state and federal guidelines.The Pearland
Engineering Department was tasked with coordinating the 2009 Plan update. The 2004 HMP was
prepared pursuant to the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program(44 Code of Federal Regulations(CFR)
78.6),the Hazard Mitigation and Pre-Disaster Mitigation Programs(44 CFR Parts 201 and 206),and
the process outlined in materials prepared by FEMA for the Community Rating System of the National
Flood Insurance Program. The 2009 HMP Update was prepared in accordance with current FEMA
requirements, including the provision of a crosswalk document.
1.3 Pearland's Geographic.Location
The City of Pearland is located in southeast Texas,about 14 miles southeast of downtown Houston
(Figure 1-1). Ground surface elevations across the City vary from 31 feet to 65 feet above mean sea
level. However,only minimally perceptible gradient changes are found along major drainage ways.
Soils are mostly in the Lake Charles clay and.Bernard clay loam complexes. Typical of the region,the
dark gray soils are poorly drained, limiting private septic systems and increasing storm water runoff.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 1-1
gleba
Aanke
Section 1
Introduction
Figure 1-1
Vicinity Map:State of Texas
(Source:City of Pearland—GIS Department)
City of Pearlanuji
s 111.120
11� 0
�1 I fil
l.
`' ®a il' jr1
Llil
'' Pg. ' .t.','A milliiiiteolet lifirtt. ,, ' t,-
M..s. x R�ry�p` IA,
Nral
` . z F
•
„,..h..4.14,w4741,1-,:11 '-`'-- I it. - ' -
1.4 Planning Area, Climate, and Population
Most of the City's 46.5 square miles lie in northern Brazoria County,with portions extending into Harris
and Fort Bend Counties.As of January,2007 the geographic boundaries of the City are as shown in
Figure 1-2. The revised figure was provided by the Pearland Engineering Department as part of the
2009 HMP update.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 1-2
ten-M
f
Section 1
Introduction
Figure 1-2
City of Pearland
(Source:City of Pear
City Limits and Extraterritorial Jurisdictions(ETJ)as of January,2007
land web site-Map Library)
,. -, -._-,.. ,,,,,,.'..,-*••,:.,-.-','- -'•'‘'''',.,;-;,-;..):::`'i;''.,7-L-0, .-- :- , ,,,1,:: ::,..,i- :„.•,,,;-.:4.„ii-,,:, 1,1 ,f.: ,. , . 14,iro-'-. ,-.i-k,,,,,..,:,,,-,..-,,,;..., ,,::::;:,:,..,::,..,:-.:::::,,,
...,..,,....,-:::,,....-,,,,.„...'„,•. ,:., ,„.... , k 1 ..,-•,-_,.:..'2,--;:ii'77, ''... ''' , :.!'l'.:;..rA tJ'I 7.t'; ni-1
4 / ' ! . �/ I J
'ir
xr. c..rv.r g7. 'I ice` :2 IF i V. �� :
. I i tt-c,--,, .
ttj r �.q"""1'"lJ‘oir
� D $ LIJ. • f'•4 gllU} �. aI�' �. � v/
iii
s k
l
- a : , ' R I Zf Sj i a' tookN arai ` �'. i`, Sr
1 `l
g ,,a A�G1 s, ,.�� t sl. ;! ' ms x
1 aJ�1 ' r ' 1 ;
I▪ {j a �'n
,1!9 : ''` ��j ▪ v � , -� ,', -, lam
�", `'a ' �� fl. Peaid¢ad
' t
* e -- h9ajor Roads I
Zgatclaa
;'--
3 , 'i LimitsETJ i'.`.1 ETJ
Page 1-3
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009)
At%
Section 1
Introduction
The climate of the region is humid subtropical,with hot summers and mild winters. The area is typically
sunny and mild with an average annual temperature of 68.9 degrees. The climate during the summer is
moderated by prevailing cool southeasterly winds from the Gulf of Mexico. Summers are long with high
daytime and moderate nighttime temperatures. Normally,the winters are short and mild. The average
minimum January temperature is in the low 40's. During December,January,and February,the winds
are generally northerly, but during the balance of the year southerly winds predominate.
Generally,the heaviest precipitation occurs during thunderstorms in the spring,summer, and fall,and
often is associated with tropical systems and hurricanes moving through the region. Rainfall averages
about 48 inches per year and,although generally evenly distributed,the heaviest occurs in late spring
or early fall.
1.4.1 Population and Growth
Pearland is the fastest growing city in Brazoria County,positioned on a growth curve that extends well
into the 21st century. In 2007, Pearland was the fastest growing suburb of Houston and 34th fastest in
the nation. The U.S Census Bureau estimated the City's population in 2006 at 68,305, a 63.7%
increase since 2000.2 This growth was substantially higher than that of Brazoria County as a whole,
which experienced a 21.7%increase. According to the 2000 Census,Pearland had the 6th highest
percent increase from 1990 among Texas cities with populations of at least 35,000. Pearland,which is
home to nearly one-fourth of Brazoria's 294,233 residents,is now the most populated city in Brazoria
County with an average density of 957 persons per square mile(statewide average is 79.6 persons per
square mile). The Texas Department of Human Services reported 973 births and 268 deaths in 2001.
The long-term rapid population increase contributes to development pressure and has the potential for
long-lasting impacts on the quality of life.
Table 1-1 shows the number of residential, non-residential,and City-owned parcels of land,
distinguished between vacant and improved. These figures were reviewed and verified by the City as
part of the 2009 Plan Update.
Table 1-1
Parcels(improved and unimproved)of Land in Pearland
Residential Non-
City Owned Total
Residential y
Vacant Parcels I 3,597 i 442 I 2 I 4,041
Improved Parcels I 25,842 I 1,528 ! 287 1 27,657
Total - 29,439 j 1970 289 ; 31,698
Based on US Census estimates from the 2005-2007 American Community Survey,the City estimates
26,639 housing units(up from almost 7,000 in 1990). The bulk of homes are less than 15 years old.
This is notable because the City began managing mapped floodplain areas in 1985,thus homes in
flood hazard areas should be reasonably protected through elevation. In 2007,the median value of
owner-occupied housing units was$163,500.
Forbes,2007.America's Fastest-Growing Suburbs
2 U.S.Census Bureau.City of Pearland—QuickFacts
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 1-4
Section 1
Introduction
According to U.S.census data, Pearland's housing and population doubled between 1990 and 2000.
As shown from the statistics above,growth within Pearland has continued at a strong pace between
2000 and 2007. Clearly this growth can increase the people and property at risk from hazards. Section
5 provides an estimate of the annual dollar value of loss to future development from relevant hazards.
The City of Pearland strictly enforces their floodplain ordinance,with its one-foot freeboard requirement,
and requires all new construction to be designed and constructed for 110 mile per hour wind loads,
which significantly reduce the potential impact to new development from hazards that have had the
highest historical impact on property.
The information provided in Table 1-2,based on labor force figures,indicates that employment is not
dominated by any single industry. In 2006 the Texas Workforce Commission estimated Pearland's
unemployment rate at 4%.3 This rate was below the State's estimated 6.5%unemployment rate as of
February,2009 and the national unemployment rate of 8.1%.4
Table 1-2
Employment,by Industry
(Source:City of Pearland Economic Development
Corporation)
Industry Percentage
Industrial I 36%
Retail/Leisure i 33%
Office ; 10 /°
Health Care j 6
Other 15%
1.4.2 Special Consideration Communities
For the purpose of this plan,the City of Pearland is not a"special consideration community." The
federal government defines special consideration communities to be those with 3,000 or fewer
individuals that is a rural community, and is not a remote area within the corporate boundaries of a
larger community. The City noted that just over 1200 residents(3.4%)were living at or below the
poverty level according to the 2000 Census data. In 2009,the"federal poverty level"was defined as
annual incomes of$10,830 for an individual and$22,050 for a family of four.5
3 Texas Workforce Commission,2007.
4 Bureau of Labor Statistics,February 2009,Texas Workforce Commission
5 U.S.Department of Health and Human Services.Federal Register,Vol.74,No.14,January 23,2009
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 1-5
Section 1
Introduction
1.5 Composition of the City of Pearland Mitigation
Planning Committee and Stakeholders
The process used to develop the 2004 version of the Plan was guided by a Mitigation Planning
Committee(MPC).The original plan included a list of representatives from numerous City Departments
and offices such as Emergency Management, Engineering/Floodplain Management,and Water and
Sewer.A description of each participating office was included in the original Plan.This list has been
edited out of the Plan Update.See Section 1.5(Planning Committee Membership)of the original HMP
for a complete list and description of departments that participated in the original plan development.
The update process also included a Mitigation Planning Committee,which carried out most of the
planning duties,and a Stakeholders group,which was responsible for reviewing the document at key
points,and providing feedback. At the first Plan Update meeting held on April 24,2009 it was
determined that the MPC was to be represented by a small group of individuals.The Stakeholders
group was larger and comprised of individuals and organizations from outside the City.The MPC
decided the list of participants would be greatly expanded for the Stakeholders Group.The MPC was
comprised of the following individuals:
Table 1-3
City of Pearland Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Mitigation Planning Committee(MPC)
Team Member Job Title Organization
Narciso Lira j City Engineer . City of Pearland
Roland Garcia Fire Marshal/Emergency Management City of Pearland
Coordinator
Joyce Hawkins I Emergency Management Planner City of Pearland
At the initial Plan Update meeting held on April 24,2009 the City determined that a group of interested
groups,neighboring communities, businesses,academia and other organizations and individuals with
an interest in the Plan Update should be identified.This Stakeholders Group was provided regular
updates on the planning process and given the opportunity to review the Plan at key points in its
development. Members of the Stakeholders group were also invited to attend and participate in all
public_meetings.The Stakeholder Group was identified by the MPC.
As drafts of the Updated Plan were prepared,the City used email to distribute them to Stakeholders,
and requested that they provide comments.Stakeholders were requested to provide feedback through
email or by telephoning the City of Pearland POC,Mr. Narciso Lira or a member of the consultant team.
At various points during the update process comments from Stakeholders were periodically emailed to
Mr.Lira or a member of the consultation team. The consultant was responsible for archiving the
comments and including them in edited versions of the Plan update.The Stakeholders Group was
comprised of the following individuals:
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 1-6
WiNg
Section 1
Introduction
Table 1-4
City of Pearland Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Stakeholders Group
Group Member Title Organization
Jeff Sundseth i .. EMS Director I Pearland Emergency Medical Services EMS)
Chris Doyle Police Chief Pearland Police Department
Michelle Smith Director j Pearland Parks and Recreation
Claire Bogard ---! Director Pearland Finance Department
Danny Cameron Public Works Director I Pearland Public Works
Michael Masters j GIS Coordinator — — Pearland GIS
Lata Krishnarao Director of Planning Pearland Planning Department
Bill Eisen: Pearland City Manager j City of Pearland
Mike Hodge I Pearland Assistant City Manager City of Pearland
Jon Branson Pearland Assistant City Manager ; City of Pearland
Jack Colbath ' Director of Fire Services City of Pearland
Dr. Kirk Lewis _ Superintendent Pasadena Independent School District
Kenneth Carter Compliance Coordinator Alvin School District
Senior Assistant Superintendent for
Cary1 —
Partin_ — I Support Services Pearland Independent School District
Curtis Lampley Project Coordinator, Precinct 1 { Harris County Flood Control District
Larry Heckathorn, P.E. District Engineer Texas DOT-Brazoria County Area Office
Jim Hunt,P.E. District Engineer Texas DOT—Fort Bend County Area Office
Bruce Fundling Mayor Brookside Village
Mike Yost Superintendent Brazoria Drainage District No.4
Jeff Braun Emergency Management Coordinator Fort Bend County
Doc Adams Emergency Management Coordinator I Brazoria County
Mark Sloan j Emergency Management Coordinator Harris County
Carol Artz i Chamber President Chamber of Commerce
1.6 Acknowledgments
The original Plan was supported by two planning grants provided by FEMA and administered by the
Texas Division of Emergency Management and the Texas Water Development Board. .Funding for the
2009 HMP update was provided solely by the City of Pearland.The original plan was facilitated by
Donald R.Ward&Associates, Naples, FL,with support from RCQuinn Consulting, Inc.,Annapolis, MD.
The City's Plan Update was facilitated by Jeffrey S.Ward Associates,and Vissering Pardue&
Associates:
The 2004 HMP included three additional subsections that have been relocated to the Appendix as part
of the Plan Update.These subsections include Key Terms(Section 1.7),Acronyms(Section 1.8), and
References(Section 1.9).These subsections can be found in Appendices H, G and F respectively of
the Plan Update.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 1-7
f' .'F;n,S p
*err
Part 2
Introduction to Mitigation Planning
2.1 Introduction
An important step in the lengthy process of improving resistance to hazards is the development of a
hazard mitigation plan. The Pearland Hazard Mitigation Plan was prepared in accordance with the
guidelines provided by FEMA,advice from the GDEM and the Texas Water Development Board
(TWDB),and steps outlined in guidance documents for the National Flood Insurance Program's(NFIP)
Community Rating System(see Section 2.4).
The Hazard Mitigation Plan serves several purposes. It sets the stage for long-term disaster resistance
through identification of actions that will,over time, reduce the exposure of people and property to
hazards. In addition,the City will be seeking recognition under the NFIP's Community Rating System, .
and the Plan will provide additional credit. Further,the Plan may establish eligibility for certain
mitigation grant funds.
Sections of the Plan provide overviews of the natural hazards that threaten the City,the people and
property exposed to those hazards,the planning process, how hazards are recognized in the City's
normal processes and functions, and priority mitigation action items. The hazards summary and
disaster history help to characterize future hazards. When taking into account,the magnitude of past
events,the number of people and properties affected,and the severity off damage,flood hazards clearly
are the most significant natural hazard to threaten Pearland. Therefore,this Plan concentrates
primarily on flood hazards.
This Plan acknowledges that many buildings were built before the creation of the National Floodplain
mapping system. Current regulations require new development to recognize reasonably anticipated
flood hazards. Older buildings,then,may reasonably be expected to sustain more property damage
than new buildings.
2.2 Interim.Final Rule Requirements for the Planning Process
IFR§201.6(c)(1): [The Plan shall document]the planning process used to develop the Plan,
including how it was prepared, who was involved in the process, and how the public was
involved.
IFR§201.6(b): In order to develop a more comprehensive approach to reducing the effects of
natural disasters,the planning process shall include:
(1) An opportunity for the public to comment on the Plan during the drafting stage and prior to
Plan approval;
(2) An opportunity for neighboring communities,local and regional agencies involved in
hazard mitigation activities, and agencies that have the authority to regulate development,
as well as businesses, academia and other private and non-profit interests to be involved
in the planning process;and
(3) Review and incorporation, if appropriate, of existing Plans,studies,reports, and technical
information.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 2-1
141.6
Section 2
Introduction to Mitigation Planning
IFR§201.6(c)(4)(ii): [The Plan shall include a]process by which local governments
incorporate the requirements of the mitigation Plan into other planning mechanisms such as
comprehensive or capital improvement Plans, when appropriate:..
2.3 The Mitigation Planning Process
Pearland followed a well-established planning process to develop the original.Hazard Mitigation Plan
and to fulfill multiple requirements. The process is fully documented in the original plan, but substantial
parts of that plan have been eliminated from the update in order to keep the current document to a
reasonable length.The City maintains a copy of the original plan,which can be reviewed upon request,
The 2009 update entailed a very streamlined process,since there were only a few points in the plan
where significant updates were required.The MPC met twice during the update process.The first
meeting took place on April 24,2009 at the City offices in Pearland.The purpose of the meeting was to
begin the planning process,to make certain decisions about contents of the plan, and to assign specific
tasks to City staff and consultants. Most of the tasks were related to updating information and maps as
well as identifying which areas(of each section)from the original plan required updating.To assist with
identifying which areas needed updating or additional information a gap analysis of the original plan
was presented and reviewed.Each section of the original plan was reviewed and analyzed to determine
which areas required updating.This included areas of the plan such as the hazards profiled(and
hazard data),the risk assessment,goals and objectives, maps,and the action items from the original
plan.A second MPC meeting was held on August 19,2009 at the City offices.The purpose of the
meeting was to review the status of various tasks assigned and discuss the proposed schedule for
completing the update. The team reviewed the status of all remaining tasks such as collecting any
remaining data,and integrating the information into the plan update.Subsequent interactions among
the group were conducted through email and telephone calls.Details of the MPC meetings are found in
Appendix B.
The 2004 version of the plan included a general description of the planning process in this subsection.
It has been eliminated in the update for reasons of brevity.The original plan can be reviewed at the City
of.Pearland Engineering Department offices.
2.3.1 Plan Update Process
The mitigation planning process for the 2009 HMP Update was also facilitated by a mitigation planning
consultant. The Plan Update process followed the FEMA guidance document titled Local Multi-Hazard
Mitigation Planning Guidance(July 1, 2008).This document interprets and explains the Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan regulations from the 44 Code of Federal Regulations(CFR)Part 201,and is FEMA's
official source for defining the requirements for original and updated local hazard mitigation plans. The
mitigation planning regulation at 44 CFR 201.6(d)(3)states:
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 2-2
Section 2
Introduction to Mitigation Planning
A local jurisdiction must review and revise its plan to reflect changes in development,progress
in local mitigation efforts, and changes in priorities, and re-submit it for approval within five
years in order to continue to be eligible for mitigation project grant funding.6
2.4 Public Involvement in Mitigation Planning
Consistent with the City's standard objective to inform and involve citizens,and to fulfill the public
involvement requirements of the mitigation planning programs,the City solicited input and notified and
invited residents to review the original Plan and attend a public meeting.The plan update process
included two public events.On August 19,2009 the City's consultant provided a presentation about the
plan update.A summary of the presentation and a sign-in sheet can be found in Appendix A. The City
provided a public presentation regarding the plan update on August 19,2009. Minutes of the meeting
and a a copy of the public notice can be found in Appendix A.On ih; -,,,i o''A,l a the Pearland City
Council heard a presentation regarding the plan update,and adopted the,document in accordance with
FEMA requirements.Minutes of the meeting can also be found in Appendix A.
2.4.1 Public Work Session at City Council
As part of the original HMP,two City Council public work sessions were held during the planning
process.Details of these sessions can be found in the 2004 version of the plan, but are deleted in the
update.
2.4.2 Public Questionnaire
• The original 2004 plan development process included a questionnaire that the City sent to
about 4,000 households that location in mapped floodplains or had reported drainage
problems in the past.The questionnaire was posted on the City's web page(Appendix B of
the original Plan),including a summary of responses). Two-hundred eighty-two
homeowners returned completed questionnaires. Highlights of the responses were reported
in the 2004 version of the plan, but are deleted in the update.
As part of the HMP update the MPC reviewed the original questionnaire(and comments)and
determined that another questionnaire was not needed for the 2009 version.This was determined at
the first MPC meeting held on April 24,2009(see Appendix B:Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting
Minutes).
2.4.3 Public Meetings
The City of Pearland's original 2004 HMP(Public Review Draft)was presented to the public at a
meeting held on October 29,2003. The 2004 version of the plan included a short description of the
meeting.The subsection is deleted in the update.:As noted above,the 2009 update process included a
public presentation on August 19,2009,and a City Council presentation one tl'o;Jtr> ;The
6 Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Guidance,July 1,2008
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 2-3
Section 2
Introduction to Mitigation Planning
minutes of these presentations and meetings,copies of advertisements,and sign-in sheets,can be
found at(Appendix A)
2.4.4 Public Session of City Council
The original Hazard Mitigation Plan was presented for adoption during the October 11,2004 public
session of the City Council and adopted effective immediately. The Emergency Management
Department was directed to forward the Plan to the TWDB and the GDEM for appropriate review and
action. The 2009 HMP update was presented for consideration and adoption during the ran
u. ._iiI]City Council meeting.
2.5 Other Local Planning Mechanisms
As required by FEMA Interim Final Rule that governs mitigation planning,the project requirements from
the Hazard Mitigation Plan shall be incorporated into other planning mechanisms, as applicable,during
the routine re-evaluation and update of the City Plans. As part of the original HMP development the-
City did not consider integrating components of the plan into other planning mechanisms. The MPC is
currently reviewing the plans listed in Section 2.6 and looking for opportunities where components of
the HMP Update can be integrated into these other plans and studies.
The City of Pearland is a member of the NFIP and has a Floodplain Management Ordinance.The MPC
reviewed the most recent version of the City's Floodplain Ordinance and confirmed there have been no
modifications since approval of the original Plan in June of 2004.The City will periodically review the
Floodplain Ordinance to determine if elements of the Plan Update can be integrated into the document.
The City of Pearland also participates in the Community Rating System(CRS), a voluntary program for
NFIP participating communities. The goals of the CRS are to reduce flood losses,to facilitate accurate
insurance rating,and to promote:the awareness of flood insurance. The CRS rewards communities
that undertake activities beyond the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program(NFIP).
The CRS is a point system program that reduces flood insurance premiums for the citizens of
participating communities(Source; EMI web site; CRS Resource Center). All communities start with a
Class 10 rating and activities are offered to earn credit points that reduce a city's classification.The
lower a City's Class rating,the greater the premium discounts offered by the NFIP. The City of
Pearland's Class rating is currently eight. Any future CRS activities such as flood damage reduction or
flood preparedness will consider the requirements of this plan update.
2.6 Review and Incorporation of Plans, Studies, Reports and
Other Information
Other planning documents can be used as a valuable resource for integrating information related to
hazard mitigation into the Pearland HMP.As part of the 2009 Plan update,other Plans,studies,and
reports that are applicable to the hazards discussed in the Plan were reviewed and incorporated where
applicable.
The following Plans are available:the City of Pearland Comprehensive Plan(Updated in 2004),
Emergency Management Plan(EMP), Pearland Flood Insurance Studies(FIS),and 2005 Hazmat
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 2-4
owe,
Niffor
Section 2
Introduction to Mitigation Planning
Response Plan. In addition,any changes or updates to the,Flood Insurance Rate Maps(FIRM), and
Flood Insurance Study are reflected in the HMP as part of the Update.The specific Plans,Studies and
Reports are listed below along with a discussion on how they were incorporated into the Plan Update.
• 1999 City of Pearland Comprehensive Plan.The Land Use section of the Comprehensive
Plan was reviewed to identify future development trends within the City of Pearland.The Land
Use Plan for Pearland reflects the existing city and presents an arrangement for future growth
of the entire Planning Area through the year 2020 and beyond.
• 2004 City of Pearland Comprehensive Plan Update.The 2004 Plan Update was reviewed
to identify future development trends within the City of Pearland.The 2004 future land use
map from the Comprehensive Plan was included in the Plan update to assist with identifying
future development trends.
• Brazoria County Flood Insurance Study(FIS).The Brazoria County FIS dated September
22, 1999 was reviewed to identify past flooding events and flood characteristics within the City.
• City of Pearland Emergency Management Plan(EMP).As part of the Plan update,the May
2005 Pearland EMP was reviewed to assist with identifying the hazards profiled in the HMP
update.Table 4-2 of the Plan update was taken directly from the City of Pearland's Basic EMP
approved by the TDEM in 2003(and revised in May 2005).
• City of Pearland's Storm Drainage Criteria Manual. The latest version of the City's Storm
Drainage Criteria Manual was reviewed and revisions and updates summarized in Section
6.6.2.
• Flood Insurance Rate Maps(FIRMs).The Pearland FIRMs were reviewed to assist with
identifying areas vulnerable to flooding within the City.
• Hazmat Response Plan(Annex Q of City's EMP).The City's Hazmat Response Plan was
reviewed to identify hazmat sites in the City of Pearland.
•: Harris County FIS.The Harris County FIS dated June.18,2007 was reviewed to identify past
flooding and flood characteristics within the City.The FIS was reviewed along with the Tropical
Storm Allison Recovery Project(TSARP),a joint study between FEMA and the Harris County
Flood Control District. In June,2007 the TSARP produced new floodplain maps for Harris
County.These maps are official FIRMs produced by FEMA in coordination with the TSARP
and identify the new delineations within the special flood hazard area(SFHA). See Figure 6-3
for the revised floodplain map for the Harris County portion of the City.
2.7 The State Mitigation Plan
The State of Texas has long been aware that it is:exposed to a variety of natural hazards. Of particular
concern are flood hazards associated with thunderstorms,hurricanes,and tropical storms. The 2009
State of Texas Hazard Mitigation Plan Update is summarized below.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 2-5
n
Section 2
Introduction to Mitigation Planning
Originally prepared by GDEM to fulfill the requirements set forth by Congress in the Stafford Act
(Section 409),the State's Hazard Mitigation Plan was originally completed in 2004 to satisfy new
planning requirements prompted by the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000.As part of the required three
year cyclical update,the State Plan was updated in 2009.
The State's plan acknowledges that people and property in Texas are at risk from a variety of hazards
that have the potential to cause widespread loss of life and damage to property, infrastructure, and the
environment. The plan"establishes hazard mitigation goals,strategies, and specific measures
designed to reduce the occurrence or severity of the consequences of hazards." It also documents
procedures for implementation and administration of certain mitigation grant programs.
The State Hazard Mitigation Team is designated to coordinate and influence mitigation and is
composed of several agencies that participate on the Emergency Management Council. Primary
agencies are the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs;Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department;Texas Department of Environmental Quality(formerly the Texas Natural Resource
Conservation Commission);Texas Department of Transportation,General Land Office; Railroad
Commission of Texas;Texas Department of Insurance;Texas Forest Service;Texas Engineering
Extension Service;and Texas Division of Emergency Management. Brief summaries of each of these
primary agencies are provided, noting key natural hazard mitigation measures associated with each
agency. For the most part,existing measures are ongoing agency functions and responsibilities.
As currently structured,the State's Hazard Mitigation Plan contains attachments outlining specific
strategies for dealing with hazards related to floods,wildfires,and tornadoes. Strategies particularly
pertinent to local jurisdictions are described below:
• Flood Mitigation. Eleven percent of the state's land area is mapped as flood-prone,with an
estimated 675,000 households located in these areas.Mitigation recommendations include:
— Passage by the Texas Legislature of new laws that create/mandate sound floodplain
management by all political subdivisions.
— That all owners of dams,levees, floodwalls and other protective works conduct studies to
evaluate effectiveness and soundness and to incorporate evacuation and warning into
operations plans.
— Implementation of a statewide information and education program, with local emphasis,to
address sale of flood insurance and public awareness.
— Seek broader authority to protect,restore, and preserve natural and cultural floodplain
resources.
• Wildfire Mitigation. In an average year, 1.5 million acres burn in Texas. Many areas are
vulnerable to wildfire during dry years,although those with very sparse vegetation are less
likely to burn due to low quantities of fuel. Mitigation recommendations include:
— Development of a statewide wildfire reporting system.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 2-6
Section 2
Introduction to Mitigation Planning
— Establishment of mutual aid agreements and improvements in training.
— Installation of automated weather systems at key locations.
— Assistance to rural communities via centralized purchasing and development of dry
hydrants.
• Tornado Mitigation. Texas tornadoes occur with greatest frequency during the spring and
early summer months,with the majority occurring in April,May,and June. Mitigation
recommendations include:
— Promotion of expanded normal peril and windstorm insurance.
— Promotion of enhanced public awareness.
— Adoption and enforcement of building codes and/or design criteria, especially for shelters
in public facilities, schools, and mobile home parks.
— Enhancement of warning capabilities to ensure that+90%of the state's population
receives accurate and timely warnings to allow adequate response.
2.8 Federal Mitigation Planning Requirements:
Requirements for mitigation planning are set forth in programs administered by FEMA. These are
described below. Although the programs differ in their eligibility requirements,funding amounts,etc.,
requirements related to mitigation planning are substantially similar. In 2008-2009, requirements for all
the mitigation grant programs except for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program were unified under the
Hazard Mitigation Assistance(HMA)program guidance.
• Flood Mitigation Assistance Program(FMA). To qualify to receive grant funds to implement
projects such as acquisition or elevation of flood-prone homes,local jurisdictions must
prepare a mitigation plan. The plan must include specific elements and be prepared
following the process outlined in the NFIP's Community Rating System.
• Hazard Mitigation Grant Program(HMGP). By November 2004,to qualify for post-disaster
mitigation funds,local jurisdictions must adopt a mitigation plan that is approved by FEMA.
• Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program. By November 2003,to qualify for pre-disaster
mitigation funds, local jurisdictions must adopt a mitigation plan that is approved by FEMA.
• NFIP's Community Rating System(CRS). The CRS offers recognition to communities that
exceed minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program. Recognition
comes in the form of discounts on flood insurance policies purchased by citizens. The CRS
offers credit for mitigation plans that are prepared according to a multi-step process.
• FEMA/NFIP Severe Repetitive Loss Program(SRL).The SRL program was authorized by
the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004 to provide funding to reduce or eliminate the long-
term risk of flood damage to residential structures under the NFIP which have suffered
repetitive losses.SRL properties have at least four NFIP claim payments over$5,000,with
at least two of the claims within a 10 year period. SRL properties are also residential
structures that have at least two separate claim payments made within a 10 year period with
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 2-7
tiati
Section 2
Introduction to Mitigation Planning
the cumulative amount of the building portion of the claims exceeding the value of the
property.;States are required to have SRL mitigation plans in order for local communities to
be eligible for grant funds through this program.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 2-8
rFr.a
Section 3
Mitigation Goal Statements
3.1 Introduction
In 1997,the City Council established a broad vision statement to guide its long-term and short-term
actions. In 2009 the Pearland City Council reviewed the City's Vision Statement and considered the
statement valid with no changes necessary.
Pearland Vision Statement
Pearland,Texas is identified as one of the most livable places m the United
States in 2020. This feat is accomplished through a public-private partnership of
citizens and institutions who',selflessly commit their time,energy,and.resources
toward achieving this common goal. This family-oriented,Gulf Coast-city manages
its growth through proactive involvement of citizens who are committed to
improving their quality of life and preserving their community values.
Pearland offers a vigorous,diversified economy solidly based upon a pro
growth business environment,a highly skilled and motivated workforce, and an
environmentally friendly industrial base. It is an economy that offers a full;spectrum
of retail,health,transportation and business services that meet all the needs of the -
community. The community boasts of one of the highest per capita incomes in the
state. The community:provides a wide range of attractive and affordable housing in
some of America's best planned neighborhoods. These developments offer many
recreational amenities which blend in aesthetically with the environment and-are
conveniently accessible by a modern thoroughfare plan. -
Pearland's-local government sets a national standard in providing open,
inclusive,and equitable government grounded in consensus planning. This
government is proactive in ensuring that Pearland's citizens enjoy an attractive,
safe,and wholesome environment where the quality of life is second to none.
Based upon its"good-partner"approach to economic development,the city is
exemplary in attracting industry that makes a positive contribution to the tax base
and the quality of the community's business portfolio.
Recognizing that education is the key that unlocks the benefits of future growth and
development,the citizens of Pearland
maintain an interactive communication p
network among parents,teachers,administrators,and community leaders;maintain
relationships with business to ensure educational objectives are meeting -
industrial requirements;and offer a world class educational system that utilizes
the most progressive communication and computing technologies in teaching,
training,and re-training students and workers of all ages in the community.
The citizens of Pearland recognize that their future will always lie with
themselves. They.know that the-present is built upon the past.-Recognizing that
the culture of the community is grounded in-the traditional values of being good
neighbors and good citizens,they are committed to preserving those values in the.
face of a changing world. They support each other in times of need and celebrate
in
and eachne other's sucods at s. They newcomers open their nssou civic organizations,churches,schools
They
ices of new ideas,knowledge, and ..
friendships. The multi-cultural diversity of the community provides for a wide range
of activities and organizations for residents to involve themselves. When it comes
to accomplishing community projects,they believe their individual efforts will be
maximized through collective actions. Therefore,the residents are committed to
working together to plan the future.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 3-1
1
Section 3
Mitigation Goal Statements
3.2 Pearland's Short-Term Goals
As part of the original plan, in January 2003,the City Council established a series of eight goals for
2003-2004. Three goals(and supporting objectives)were identified as high priorities: Flooding and
Drainage,Managing Growth,and Codes and Ordinances. The remaining goals were not prioritized,
and included Fiscal Responsibility, Bond Program Implementation, Infrastructure,Additional Mobility,
and Communications. As outlined in Table 3-1,the Flooding and Drainage goal is supported by five
specific objectives(see Section 6.6 for current status). Other goals and objectives also are related to
growth and exposure to hazards.
As part of the 2009 Plan Update,the eight goals from the original plan were reviewed and updated by
the MPC. Table 3-1 provides the status of Pearland's three high priority goals and objectives for 2004=
2009. Objective 4 of Goal#2, improving maintenance of detention ponds,was partially completed by
the City formalizing drainage maintenance and inspection procedures.Goal#3(Objective#1)was
partially completed in February,2006 when the City Council adopted the Unified Development Code
(UDC). The UDC replaces the previous Land Use and Urban Development Ordinance,Subdivision
Ordinance,and Tree Ordinance. As of mid-2009,all remaining goals and objectives included in Table
3-1 are currently in progress.
Table 3-1
Pearland's High Priority Goals for 2004-2009
Goals and Objectives
Goal#2: Flooding and Drainage
Objective 1—Continue lobbying for Clear Creek improvements through a
coalition with the City of.Friendswood,Brazoria Drainage District#4
(BDD#4),and Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District(CCDD).
Objective 2—Evaluate detention and other requirements for new
development to determine if additional provisions should be added,or if
current requirements should be modified.
Status:Complete.
Objective 3—Determine causes and evaluate solutions for new drainage
problems in areas that did not previously experience drainage difficulties.
Objective 4-Improve maintenance of detention ponds and City-controlled
secondary ditches. Work with BDD#4 to clearly define maintenance
responsibilities of each entity for drainage facilities in the City.
Status:The City has formalized drainage maintenance and inspection
procedures that define maintenance responsibilities.
Objective 5—Evaluate the feasibility of drainage impact fees to fund
additional detention and drainage facilities.
Goal#3: Managing Growth
Objective 1—Develop a Unified Development Code(UDC)that
incorporates all development-related ordinances of the City.
Status:This goal was achieved in February of 2006 when the City adopted
the UDC.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 3-2
I AREAL
Section 3
Mitigation Goal Statements
Table 3-1
Pearland's High Priority Goals for 2004-2009
Objective 2—Employ a consultant to update the land use ordinance and
subdivision regulations to reflect the current wishes of the community.
Goal#5: Codes and Ordinances
Objective 1 —Review all City Ordinances for timeliness,relevance,and
enforceability.
3.3 Pearland's Mitigation Goal
State and federal guidance and regulations pertaining to mitigation planning require the development of
a mitigation goal statement that is consistent with other goals, mission statements and vision.
statements. The MPC reviewed FEMA's national mitigation goals, Pearland's Vision Statement,the
City Council's goals,several examples of goal statements from other states and communities,and the
State of Texas Mitigation Goal. The committee also considered information about natural hazards that
may occur in the City and their potential consequences and losses.
As part of the Plan Update,the City's mitigation goal statement was reviewed by the MPC during the
initial meeting held on April 24,2009.The MPC decided to modify the statement by removing the
reference to"man-made hazards."This portion of the statement was deleted.The updated 2009
mitigation goal statement is as follows:
The City of Pearland Mitigation Goal Statement
The goal of this plan is to support the City of Pearland's efforts
to protect the community's health, safety, and welfare by
identifying and increasing public awareness of, natural hazards,
and mitigating risks due to those hazards without creating new
problems.
The Mitigation Planning Committee discussed the value of making the goal statement broad enough to
allow for a more comprehensive interpretation of its phrasing,for example:
• "Protect health,safety, and welfare"is broad enough to include the concept of applying
development controls(permits)in floodplains,to include building according to regulations
that reduce the potential for damage. The phrase is also broad enough to include
undertaking projects intended to deal with specific properties,such as administering grants
for acquisition,protecting park buildings,or working with others if a structural flood control
project is deemed appropriate.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 3-3
iq
Section 3
Mitigation Goal Statements
• "Public Awareness"can include helping citizens to understand hazards,to know how to
respond when asked to evacuate,to learn how to protect themselves and their property,to
understand the value of flood insurance,and to obtain and comply with permit requirements.
3.4 State of Texas. Mitigation Goals
The Texas Division of Emergency.Management(DEM)is designated by the Governor as the state's
coordinating agency for disaster preparedness,emergency response,and disaster recovery assistance.
DEM also is tasked to coordinate the state's natural disaster mitigation initiatives and administer grant
funding provided by the FEMA. A key element in that task is the preparation of the State of.Texas
Hazard Mitigation Plan(Rev 2,2000). The State's plan includes a series of mitigation goals,as follows:
Texas State Mitigation Goals
■ Reduce or eliminate hazardous conditions that
cause loss of life;
• Reduce or eliminate hazardous conditions which
inflict injuries;
• Reduce or eliminate:hazardous conditions which
cause property damage;and
• Reduce or eliminate hazardous conditions which
degrade important natural resources.
Texas Hazard Mitigation Plan (2000)
3.5 FEMA's Mitigation Goal
FEMA's mitigation strategy is set forth in a document originally prepared in the late 1990s. This
strategy is the basis on which FEMA implements mitigation programs authorized and funded by the
U.S.Congress. The national mitigation goal statement is as follows:
■ To engender fundamental changes in perception so that the public demands safer
environments in which to live and work;and
• To reduce,by at least half,the loss of life, injuries,economic costs,and destruction of
natural and cultural resources that result from natural disasters.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 3-4
Atta
Section 4
Hazards In Pearland
A Little History about a Growing City
The City of Pearland began as a small railroad switching station in the
years after the.Civil War. Platted in 1894,the town drew a number of
businesses and families from all over the world, spurred by
newspaper ads touting "perfect climate .. . is fertile and easily
cultivated.
Then,the Great Hurricane of 1900 miraculously spared the,lives of
the town's residents, but threw them into total poverty by destroying
businesses, homes,and farms. Many families left,taking the
railroad's offer of a free trip out of town. The handful that remained
dug in and turned the town around after years of struggle.
Today,their descendents carry on this legacy, overcoming adversity
and teaching newcomers that building towards a future is done by -
planning in the present based on lessons learned in the past.
wwwcL •earland.txus
4.1 Introduction
As part of its efforts to support and encourage hazard mitigation initiatives,the GDEM prepared an
assessment of hazards that have caused or have the potential to cause disaster situations in
communities throughout the State of Texas. Results of the study are found in the State of Texas
Hazard Assessment:(2000). Other public sources of information provide some information about
natural hazards and past events. Of the 75 Presidential Disaster Declarations that Texas received
between 1961 and 2008,39 were for floods, 15 for tornadoes, 3 for hurricane/tropical storms,one for
winter storm,and the remaining were a combination of events,or designated as"other."
The following subsections provide an overview of past hazard events and associated losses. Natural
hazards other than flood hazards that are deemed pertinent to Pearland are described,along with
summary statements about exposure to risks associated with those hazards. Because flooding poses
the most significant risk in Pearland, Part 5 outlines flood hazards, past flood events,and summaries of
the people and property that are at risk.
4.2 IFR Requirement for Hazard Identification, Profiling, and Risk
Assessments
• IFR§201.6(c)(2)(i): [The risk assessment shall include a]description of the...
location and extent of all natural hazards that can affect the jurisdiction. The plan
shall include information on previous occurrences of hazard events and on the
probability of future hazard events.
• IFR§201.6(c)(2): The plan shall include a risk assessment that provides the factual basis for
activities proposed in the strategy to reduce losses from identified hazards. Local risk
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 4-1
@
Section 4
Hazards In Pearland
assessments must provide sufficient information to enable the jurisdiction to identify and prioritize
appropriate mitigation actions to reduce losses from identified hazards.
■ IFR§201.6(c)(2)(ii): [The risk assessment shall include a]description of the jurisdiction's
vulnerability to the hazards described in paragraph(c)(2)(i)'of this section. This description shall
include an overall summary of each hazard and its impact on the community.
4.3 Overview of Risks
Damage and losses(including physical damage, indirect and economic losses,and injuries and deaths)
that are associated with hazards result when an event affects areas where people and improved
property are located. After hazards are identified,then estimates of how exposed people and property
are(how"at-risk")can be prepared,especially if the hazards can be characterized by areas on a map.
When the full range of possible natural and man-made hazards is reviewed, it becomes apparent that
some events occur frequently and some are extremely rare. Some hazards impact large numbers of
people to a limited degree,while others may cause very localized but significant damage. As described
in Section 5.1,floods and flash floods have historically caused the most property damage in Pearland.
Between 1950-2008,the City of Pearland area experienced 118 severe thunderstorms(seven of which
had greater than 0 knot winds), 33 tornadoes,9 severe droughts,76 hail storms(25 of which had
greater then 1"diameter hail), 1 hurricane,5 tropical storms,6 extreme heat waves,and 41 floods/flash
floods. A number of these events caused property damage and loss of life?
4.3.1 Weather-Related Deaths
The National Weather Service maintains data on weather-related deaths. Summary statistics for the
State of Texas based on those data are provided in Table 4-1. Because the reporting periods are
different,percentages, not actual numbers,are provided.
NOAA database and"Major and Catastrophic Storms and Flooding in Texas",by Raymond M.Slade,Jr.and
John Patton,U.S.G.S.Open-file Report 03-193
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 4-2
gat
Section 4
Hazards In Pearland
Table 4-1
Texas Weather-Related Deaths
(as percent of all weather-related deaths)
Statewide Brazoria
Hazard County/Pearland
(1989-2000) (1989-2002)
Flood/Flash Flood 35% 1%
Tornado : L 10% 0%
Lightning 8% 1%
Winter Storm/Ice Storm 6% — — 4% —_
Extreme Heat 34% ( . 56%
Severe Thunder Storm i 4% °
Hurricane/Tropical Storm 3% 37%
The following table is an overview of the likelihood of occurrence and the estimated impact to public
health,safety,and property for various hazards. Table 4-2 was taken directly from the City of
Pearland's Basic Emergency Management Plan(EMP)approved by the TDEM in 2003(and revised in
May 2005).As indicated in the Sample Planning Notes for the Basic Plan information in this summary is
based on a Hazard Analysis conducted by the City of Pearland's Emergency Management Department.
The likelihood of a hazard occurring is categorized as Unlikely,Occasional, Likely,or Highly Likely
based on historical data and, in the absence of historical data,estimates.
The table was reviewed again as part of the Plan Update,and changes to the May 2005 version from
the EMP were integrated into Table 4-2.Only a few minor changes were identified in comparison to the
original table,such as the likelihood of the tornado hazard changing from the occasional category to
likely..As part of the 2009 HMP update process,the MPC reviewed the hazard ratings in the table
below,and verified that they remain valid.
Table 4-2
Hazard Summary
(Source:City of Pearland-2005 Emergency Management Plan-Basic Plan Version 2.0)
Likelihood of Estimated Impact on Estimated Impact
Occurrence* Public Health&Safety on Property
Hazard Type: j (See below) Limited Moderate Major I Limited Moderate Major
Natural:'.
Drought Occasional Note 1 �� I Note 2 �►
Earthquake j Unlikely N/A N/A
Flash FloodingHighly
� Likel Y ,—_---_—,.-
Flooding (river or tidal) ! Highly Likely ~�
Hurricane Highly Likely
—� 4
Subsidence(Note 3) Occasional -0
Tornado j Likely 14-0. — -14—I►
Wildfire Unlikely N/A j N/A
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 4-3
f'6:$illn
Section 4
Hazards In Pearland
Table 4-2
Hazard Summary
(Source:City of Pearland-2005 Emergency Management Plan-Basic Plan Version 2.0)
Likelihood of ' Estimated Impact on Estimated Impact
Occurrence Public Health&Safety on Property
Hazard Type:. �•(See below) Limited Moderate Major .Limited Moderate Major
Winter Storm I Unlikely : N/AN/A
Technological
Energy/Fuel Shortage ! Occasional N/A ' N/A
Hazmat/Oil Spill(fixed site) j Highly Likely i ♦—°'
Hazmat/Oil Spill(transport) Highly Likely i I — `- �! �'►
---�
Major Structural Fire �-�Occasional I_ •�^Y � �_
Water System Failure I Unlikely i N/A' N/A
Civil Disorder F Unlikely 1 N/A r N/A
Enemy Military Attack ' Unlikely j N/A I N/A
Terrorism I Unlikely N/A ' N/A
■ Notes:
■ (1) Likelihood of Occurrence: Unlikely,Occasional,Likely,or Highly Likely
• (2)The estimated impact for drought is focused on crop damage,not building damage
• (3)The subsidence hazard is categorized as occasional in the Pearland EMP for the
occurrence of large, periodic subsidence events.The occurrence of this hazard can also be
continuous and ongoing.
4.4 Public Awareness of Hazards &
The public becomes aware of local hazards in a number of ways. For example,public awareness of
flood hazards is enhanced during the following activities:
• Buying property in a floodplain triggers the federal requirement to obtain flood insurance
when obtaining a federally insured and regulated mortgage. Federally insured and regulated
mortgage lenders are required to make homebuyers purchase flood insurance if the building
is located in a mapped flood hazard area. Buyers are supposed to be notified well in
advance of closing.
• Applying for permits leads to a determination that the property or construction site is within a
mapped floodplain and therefore subject to floodplain management requirements.
• When flooding occurs the news media frequently carries stories about travel hampered by
flooded roads and homes damaged by floodwaters. Research has shown that many flood
victims themselves tend to discount the likelihood that flooding will occur again. This
tendency is attributed to a general lack of understanding of probability(see Comparing
Risks, below). All too often,people interpret the phrase"100-year storm"to mean that it only
occurs once every 100 years,rather than that such an event has a 1-in-100 chance of
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan.Update(December 2009) Page 4-4
NziErie
Section 4
Hazards In Pearland
happening each year. FEMA reports that, based on insurance statistics,a building in the
floodplain is five times more likely to be damaged by flood than to sustain major damage by
fire.
Flood warnings reach the public as regional warnings from the National Weather Service.
Comparing Risks
What's the chance that in the next year, a person whose house
is in the floodplain will:
• Be involved in a car accident? 3 chances in 100
• Be in 100-year flood? 1 chance in 100
• Have a car stolen? 1 chance in 300
• Be a victim of robbery? 1 chance in 1,000
• Have a residential fire? 4 chances in 10,000'
www.floodsafety.corn
a project of the Texas Environmental Center
Since approval of the original Plan in 2004 the City has been actively involved in informing the public
about hazards by completing projects such as Connect-CTY(a reverse 911 system),producing
emergency preparedness brochures,and providing written handouts to citizens during Hurricane Ike in
September,2008. In addition,each year the City has distributed an annual mailing related to floodplain
management as part of an effort to improve the City's rating with the Community Rating System(CRS).
4.5 . Overview of Pearland's Natural Hazards History
Numerous federal agencies maintain a variety of records regarding losses associated with natural
hazards. Unfortunately, no single source is considered to offer a definitive accounting of all losses.
FEMA maintains records on federal expenditures associated with declared major disasters. The U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers and the Natural Resources Conservation Service collect data on losses
during the course of some of their ongoing projects and studies. Additionally,the National Climatic
Data Center(NCDC)of the National Oceanographic&Atmospheric Administration(NOAA)collects and
maintains certain data in summary format, indicating injuries,deaths, and costs. The basis of the cost
estimates,however,is not identified.
In the absence of definitive data on some of the natural hazards that may occur in Pearland,illustrative
examples are useful. Table 4-3 provides brief descriptions of particularly significant natural hazard
events occurring in the City's recent history.
Data on Presidential Disaster Declarations characterize some natural disasters that have affected the
area. In 1965,the federal government began to maintain records of events determined to be significant
enough to warrant declaration of a major disaster by the President of the United States. Presidential
Disaster Declarations are made at the county level and are not specific to any one city. It should be
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 4-5
� -3 A
Section 4
Hazards In Pearland
noted that not all disaster declarations for Brazoria County affected the City of Pearland. However,as
of 2008, 13 such disasters had been declared in Brazoria County and are identified as part of the
summary in Table:4-3. Declared disasters that directly affected Pearland are noted.
Table 4-3
Natural Hazard Events and Declared Major Disasters in
Brazoria County
(Sources:Public Entity Risk Institute(PERI)website,FEMA,NCDC database)
Date& Disaster(DR) Nature of Event
1 Severe Storm and Flooding(Limited damage in the City).
July 11,1973 !Clear Creek,Chigger Creek,Cowards Creek,and Mary's
DR 398 Creek flooded due to protracted rains.The storms
responsible for the rains also triggered tornadoes within the
area.The flooding event inundated roads within the City:
;Storms and Flash Floods. (265 flood insurance claims in
I the City) Tropical Storm Claudette formed in the Central
I Atlantic the morning of July 15, 1979. It never reached
1 hurricane intensity as it wandered across the northern
I Caribbean,and the Gulf of Mexico 10 days,making landfall
July 28, 1979 I near Port Arthur the evening of the 24th. The storm veered
DR-595 . I left and stalled over Alvin,TX the evening/early morning
j hours of the 25th/26th.This was a weak tropical storm,and
I went through the"Core Rain"phase during that period.An
I observer 3.2 miles northwest of Alvin reported 8.0"in one 4-
Ihour period. Alvin recorded the maximum 24-hour rainfall on
record for the United States of 43 inches. • __ _ _
- 1 Severe Storm and Flooding. (146 flood insurance claims
September 25, 1979 in the City). Torrential rains caused Clear Creek to overflow
DR-603 I its banks.Many streets and homes within the City were
!flooded.
August 19, 1983 1 Hurricane Alicia. (172 flood insurance claims in the City)
DR-689 ,Category 3 hurricane which caused$3.0 billion damage/costs
I and 21 deaths statewide.
April 12,1991 1 Severe Storms,Tornadoes,and Flooding—(limited
DR-900 :damage in the City)
Severe Thunderstorms. (Limited damage in the City)
"Christmas Flood".This was not a historic event in terms of
I large rainfall totals.But in terms of total rain volume that fell
December 26, 1991 I from the sky in one event,this certainly was one of the
DR-930 I largest in Texas recorded history, if not the largest.
Thousands of previously unsuspecting home owners were
i flooded as Oyster Creek became several miles wide in
Brazoria County where five hundred homes suffered serious
flood damage.
1 Tornado. The public reported a tornado near the grade
February 25, 1993 I school at Southdown and Highway 288..This tornado was
100 yards wide and caused about$5,000 in damages.
Hail. A SkyWarn spotter reported golf ball-size hail on the
April 25, 1993 I east side of Pearland. The hail was 1.75"in diameter and
_,caused$5,000 in damages
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 4-6
Section 4
Hazards In Pearland
Table 4-3
Natural Hazard Events and Declared Major Disasters in
Brazoria County
(Sources:Public Entity Risk Institute(PERI)website,FEMA,NCDC database)
Date& Disaster(DR) Nature of Event
Severe Thunderstorms and Flooding. (344 flood
insurance claims in the City). Disastrous flooding passed
down Cypress and Spring Creeks,the W and E Fork San
I Jacinto Rivers,producing a record elevation in Lake Houston
October 18, 1994 I by nearly 3 feet.Three hundred forty thousand cfs passed.
DR-1041 ;over the emergency spillway down the San Jacinto River
Ibelow Lake Houston.The Houston Chronicle listed 15,775
homes damaged-3,069 destroyed-22 flood related deaths
along these streams.Some homes flooded to the roofs of two
story homes.—IA Only
Heat Wave. Heat Advisories were issued covering all of
Southeast Texas for an eight day period.Overnight lows
hovered around 80 degrees,while afternoon highs were near
July 21, 1995 100 each day.The afternoon heat indices ranged from 105-
115 degrees.Approximately 200 people reported signs of
heat stress or exhaustion.There were also two deaths
reported due to the excessive heat.
Drought. Continuation of drought conditions from April.May,
normally one of the wettest months,had very little rainfall
across Southeast Texas.Many stations actually received less
April—May 1996 than 0.10 of an inch of rain during May.The effects on
agricultural products continued to worsen with many spring
crops being lost due to lack of rainfall. Property damage for
Southeast Texas this month were$10 million,agricultural
losses$50 million.
Severe Storm and Flooding-Tropical Storm Francis(10
flood insurance claims in the City).—Tropical Storm
September 23, 1998 Frances,and a localized thunderstorm that followed later in
DR 1245 the same month,resulted in widespread flooding.The Harris
County Area including the City of Pearland,received a
Presidential disaster declaration for this storm event.
IA Only
Thunderstorm. Severe wind damage at Clover Field.Two
airplane hangars,8 trailers,1 helicopter,and an unknown
May 20,2000 number of small airplanes overturned or destroyed. Large.
awning and billboard down at FM 518 and SH 35.Large trees
and power lines down in the Pearland area. There was over
$1 M in property damage.
Severe Storm and Flooding-Tropical Storm Allison(741
flood insurance claims in the City). Tropical Storm Allison
produced flooding throughout Southeast Texas, Louisiana,
June 9,2001 and across the eastern United States. Rainfall rates in the
DR 1379 Houston area exceeded both the 100 and 500-year rainfall
rates resulting in over 50,000 homes flooded.Damages were
estimated at$5 Billion and prompted a Presidential disaster
declaration for 30 counties in Texas.The City of Pearland
experienced devastating flooding from this storm
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan.Update(December 2009) Page 4-7
.loft
Section 4
Hazards In Pearland
Table 4-3
Natural Hazard Events and Declared Major Disasters in
Brazoria County
(Sources:Public Entity Risk Institute(PERI)website,FEMA,NCDC database)
Date&Disaster(DR) Nature of Event
Flash Floods. Heavy rains caused street flooding in the
April 8,2002 I neighborhood of Corrigan. Many roads in this neighborhood
were impassable. There was$5,000 in property damage.
September 26,2002 Tropical Storm Fay.Limited damage in the City
DR1434
September,24,2005 Hurricane Rita.Minimal damage and no flooding reported in
DR 1606 Pearland from the event. Four neighborhoods experienced
isolated and intermittent power outages.
Hurricane Ike The City of Pearland experienced a direct
strike from Hurricane Ike an extremely large Category 2
September 13,2008 storm with maximum sustained winds near 90 miles per hour
DR 1791 and gusts exceeding 100 miles per hour.Ike caused severe
damage to City facilities,damaged approximately two
thousand homes and businesses,and created citywide power
outages. .
Severe thunderstorms in Pearland dumped six to seven
inches of rain in four hours.The heavy rains caused localized
flooding along area creeks.Several subdivisions in Pearland
April 18,2009 had street flooding with water threatening homes. The South
side of the City from Fite South and along Magnolia and:
Bailey the ditches were overflowing and there was extensive
field flooding.
4.5 Losses Due to Major Disasters
No definitive record exists of all losses—public and private—due to disasters for Pearland. For the
United States as a whole,estimates of the total public and private costs of natural hazards range from
$2 billion to over$6 billion per year. Most of those costs can only be estimated. In most declared
major disasters,the federal government reimburses 75%of the costs of cleanup and recovery,with the
remaining 25%covered by the state and affected local jurisdictions.
FEMA's estimate of its expenditures in the State of Texas for flood disasters alone for the period from
1991 through 2009 is more than$8 billion. This period includes Tropical Storm Allison and Hurricanes
Ike and Gustay. These costs,which do not include costs incurred by other federal agencies or by state
and local agencies,include those associated with:
• Public assistance for debris removal,emergency services,roads and bridges,flood control
facilities, public buildings and equipment, public utilities, and parks and recreational facilities.
• Assistance paid out for individual and family grants,emergency food and shelter, and other
assistance to individuals.
• Funds set aside to support hazard mitigation grants.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan.Update(December 2009) Page 4-8
Section 4
Hazards In Pearland
The City of Pearland received Public Assistance(PA)funds after several of the events described above
in Table 4-3. The majority of the assistance was for damages incurred after Hurricane Ike in
September,2008. In addition to PA funds,the City has also received hazard mitigation funds to support
the following mitigation initiatives:
• $300,000 for buyouts of homes damaged in 1994(DR 1041)(see Section 6.6.6);
■ $7.65 million for buyouts of homes damaged in 2001 by Tropical Storm Allison(DR 1379)
(see Section 6.6.6);and
• $37,425 in Flood Mitigation Assistance program funds to support development of the flood
mitigation plan and$7,500 in Pre-Disaster Mitigation planning funds to expand this effort to
satisfy all of FEMA's planning requirements.
• $987,903 in funding in 2008 from the Repetitive Flood Claims(RFC)program for the buyout
of seven residential properties included on Pearland''s NFIP repetitive loss property list.The
properties are at various locations in the City.
4.6 Hazards Other than Flood
The MPC organized for the original Plan in 2004 considered all potential hazards that may affect
Pearland. As part of the update process,the MPC reviewed the hazards included as part of the 2004
Plan,and determined that with the exception of terrorism(a man-made hazard),the same hazards
would addressed in the Plan Update.The MPC determined that the Plan Update should focus
predominately on natural hazards and not man-made hazards such as terrorism. Numerous changes
from the original Plan were incorporated,including updated maps and inserting tables displaying the
event history from the National Climatic Data Center(NCDC)for numerous hazards,as well as many
other less significant modifications.
After reviewing all hazards that could potentially impact Pearland,the 2009 MPC considered the flood
hazard the most significant.Section 5 of this Plan update addresses the flood hazard,while the
following subsections describes the other hazards selected and how they can affect Pearland. The
hazards addressed in this subsection include the following
• High Winds/Tomadoes
• Extreme Heat
• Drought
• Wildland Fire
• Winter Storm
• Hazardous Material
• Pipelines
• Seismic/Earthquake
• Landslides
• Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan.Update(December 2009) Page 4-9
igne
W
Section 4
Hazards In Pearland
Table 4-4 identifies the total number and estimated value of buildings/infrastructure within Pearland.
Table 4-4
Buildings/Infrastructure
Type Number of Structures/Estimated Value
People 68,305* N/A
Residential Buildings(with 10,834 $1.77B**
Certificate of Occupancy) _
Commercial Buildings 855 $66.5MM**
Public
Buildings/Infrastructure I 261 $29.6M***
Notes:
Based on 2000 U.S. Census Data(2006 estimate)
** Data obtained from Central Appraisal District
***Value based on insured value of City owned structures
4.6.1 High Winds/Tornadoes
Several meteorological conditions can result in winds severe enough to cause property damage. High
winds have been associated with extreme hurricanes traveling inland,tornadoes,and locally strong
thunderstorms. Thunderstorms are the by-products of atmospheric instability,which promotes vigorous
rising of air particles. A typical thunderstorm may cover an area three miles wide. The National
Weather Service considers a thunderstorm"severe"if it produces tornadoes, hail of 0.75 inches or
more in diameter,or winds of 58 miles per hour or more. Structural wind damage may imply the
occurrence of a severe thunderstorm.
NOAA and the NCDC collect and maintain data about natural hazards in summary format.The data
includes occurrences,dates,injuries,deaths,and costs.The data is maintained at the county-wide
level,with more recent entries listing the specific location within the county.Although not always
specific to the City of Pearland,this county-wide hazard data from the NCDC is often the best available
resource for documenting historical events.
The NCDC database indicates that between 1950 and 2008,Brazoria County experienced 118 severe
thunderstorms(seven of which had greater than 60 knot winds).There are most likely additional events
prior to 1975 that were not reported in the database. It is unclear why the database does not include
any events prior to 1975.Also note that the thunderstorm and high winds category of the NDCD
database excludes hurricane wind events. High winds associated with hurricanes are captured under
the Hurricanes and tropical storms category of the database.Therefore,events such as Hurricane Ike
in September of 2008 are not included as part of the query results for high winds.Table 4-5
summarizes the seven high wind events with greater than 60 knot winds.
Table 4-5
High Wind Events Over 60 Knots,Excluding Tornado Winds,1950—2008
(Source:NOAA/NCDC)
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan.Update(December 2009) Page 4-10
Ofe
Section 4
Hazards In Pearland
.7 TRUNDERSTORM&HIGH:WIND evOn0 Mag dtude;
repotted in Brazoiia County,Texas between 01/0111950 and Ddi Deaths
12131/2003: �i.Tajuties.:barrage:
Prl> Property
.Click on Location erCortnty to display beta ls:'_„ CeD Crop Dnnage'
Teas -
Location Or County Date Fin;t777,Type' .i 1Ueg Dth Inj &D CrD
1 IBRAZORIA 0513011975 .FOTT Tstm Wmd 737.s I O
2 BRAZORLq 0513011975 ; 1406 Tapn Wmd 73 kis '0 0 0 O
3 BRAZORL4 05/02t1978 2245 Tstm Wmd 63 kts
4 BRAZORI, 0U151980,'. 1450 Tints Wmd 70 kp Q 0r 0
5 BRAZORIA 01114f 1991 2010 Tsai 75 kts I I O
6 Freeport 09106f2002 10 25 PM Tstm Wmd.. 61 kta 0; 0 SOR 0
7 Lake Jackeor 12130/2002 ;,08.45 PM Tatm Wnd 65 kts �0 1R
TOTALS A 0., 0 S1R 0 .
Figure 4-1 shows the"basic wind speed"map from the International Building Code. This map is used
to design buildings to withstand reasonably anticipated winds in order to minimize property damage
(reference: ASCE 2002). The City falls within the area where the"design wind"speed is 110 miles per
hour(mph).At the time of the Plan Update in June of 2009,the City was in the process of instituting a
140 mph design wind speed. Although not a requirement,the 140 mph standard is informally applied
by the City for all new construction.
Tornadoes pose a significant threat to life and safety in Pearland. The National Weather Service
defines a tornado as a violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from the
base of a thunderstorm. Tornadoes can form any time of the year;but the season of greatest activity
runs from March to August.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 4-11
•
Section 4
Hazards In Pearland
Figure 4-1
Basic Wind Speed:Texas
(Source:International Building Code)
IIIIIIIIIIIIIII
IIIIIIIIIIIIIII
simminso
imimen. "ASV
■■v■■■■■■■■■�illw its
��::
�� C"
■■■■■■. �1t4.r .121: 4i41
,oracklillibillikO.,40 Itt'fillirgaii6111411-21
/10„.
ligiMEN
r 1P:- 14a(ez)
�nll .��w�1w� 140(63) 150(67)
�INIa Special Wind Region Il� ss`
�I� ����I� I-'; Notes:
��/� 1.Values are nominal design 3-second gust wind
IIL•rr`/ speeds In miles per hour(mis)at 33 R(10 m)
' `'1II above ground for Exposure C category.
r 2.Linear interpolation between wind contours is
90(40) 71t permitted.
�.11l� 3.Islands and coastal areas outside the last
contour hall use the last wind speed contour
100(45) 130(58) of the coastal area.
4.Mountainous terrain,gorges,ocean
110(49)120454) promontories,and special wind regions shall
be examined for unusual wind conditions.
FIGURE a-le
BASIC WIND SPEED—WESTERN GULF OF MEXICO HURRICANE COASTLINE
Figure 4-2 illustrates the frequency of tornado strikes in the U.S.per 1,000 square miles. With an
average of 153 tornadoes touching down each year,Texas is considered the U.S."tornado capital.11
While Texas tornadoes can occur in any month and at all hours of the day or night,they occur with
greatest frequency during the late spring and early summer months during late afternoon and early
evening hours. Northern Texas is most vulnerable, but the area around Pearland experiences
considerable activity.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 4-12
,, f=2
AHOY
Section 4
Hazards In Pearland
Figure 4-2
Tornado Activity in the U.S.
(Source:NOAA—Storm Prediction Center)
*� TORNADO ACTIVITY IN THE UNITED STATES*
L... Yy
• Summary Par 1,000 Square Milos
c •
•e.,. ':tea r }
•
o.w
.r• I x
e,..,. .. 1�• NN mbef kca6ed
ALASNA t., a 4 ,� 71114, 1eW 04:NL
�>15
I wewae eAaw.QUarr `^'HAWAII
euemo.w,w uuno5 0•e,ua NOM 3uus P,u05aneonmraIu 3o3•
In Pearland, most wind damage has been limited to downed trees, blocked roads, and disabled power
lines; Since 1989,in the Brazoria region there have been no weather-related deaths associated with
tornadoes,and only 2%were associated with lightning and severe thunderstorms combined. The
NCDC indicates that between 1950 and 2008 there were 69 tornadoes in Brazoria County.For these
events,the NCDC database reported no deaths,45 injuries and a total of$6.4 million in damages.
Table 4-5 summarizes the seven tornadoes that resulted in injuries.
Table 4-5
Brazoria County:Tornadoes Resulting in Injuries,1950-2008
(Source:NOAA/NCDC)
7-TORNADO(s)Were rcpofted in Brazoria Comity,Texas 1M120Dd Deaths
b'etaecu 0LOL14V1 mid 120S'Aith at least 1 itUmies -liC::Nudes
'Click on Locslloa oi,Cauaytfu dvf'10'1??farLc .CYD
Teias ...�
Lacedaa ar Camay r Date .Thee Type 11L�Q Dth Err A3) , CcD..
1 ARAZORrA'' 0M12n197Y I0445 Tornado FI 'l V 1` OR
2BIt.4ZOFIA .:.0511211972 "0476 ; Tornado F] �u
3BRAZORLQ 03108n1976;=1301 .Tosatdo I" 1�1• 2.SM..-; IO
14 R� 5P03/1 0 1 98 1840 Tosoado —18 F2 I 10 250R IO
5BRAZORLk 0326rt983_:0630 Toiaedo F1 /7 2508�.
6 BR42ORIq .;:0711511983. 1055. . Tornado 1/7.11CC ,PT 250R,
I7�cuona 11/172003 0250 PM To tiado F0 l 75177F
I TOTALS;FITT 3.575M
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 4-13
LeA
Section 4
Hazards In Pearland
The building code administered by the City requires all new construction to be designed and
constructed for 110 mile per hour wind loads. All people and assets are considered to have the same
degree of exposure. Within the City of Pearland,High Winds/Tornadoes risks to people and property
cannot be distinguished by area;the hazard is reasonably predicted to have uniform probability of
occurrence across the entire City. All people and assets are considered to have the same degree of
exposure.
To estimate potential dollar value of losses to existing buildings,the City of Pearland evaluated the prior
loss data from the NCDC database.This data indicated that between 1950 and 2008,there has only
been one tornado that has touched down within the City. This tornado occurred on February 25, 1993
near South Downs grade school and Highway 288.The tornado resulted in no:deaths or injuries, but
caused an estimated$5,000 in damages. This data further indicates that between 1950 and 2008 there
have been 12 damaging high wind events within Pearland that have caused an estimated$1,063,000 in
damage.8 Dividing this prior loss by the span of years in which this loss was incurred,it is estimated
that the City of Pearland has a potential annual loss from high winds/tornadoes of$18,017.
The following approach was used to estimate the potential losses to new future buildings. As indicated
in Table 4-4,total City of Pearland building values are estimated at$1.68 billion. Using historical loss
data,it is estimated that these$1.68 billion in buildings will experience annual losses in the amount of
$10,422,which is.0006%annual estimated damage. Given that there is no way to predict the
geographic location of high winds/tornadoes,existing and new construction are at equal risk.Therefore,
it is estimated that there will be.0006%of new building values damaged on an annual basis as a result
of this hazard. It should be noted that the City requires all new development to be designed and
constructed for 100 mile per hour wind loads. Therefore,given that the majority of historical damage
within the City has been from high wind events with less than 110 mile an hour winds,it is likely that this
estimate of damage to future buildings is on the high side.
4.6.2 Extreme Heat
Extreme heat kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits.Under normal conditions,the body's
internal thermostat produces perspiration that evaporates and cools the body.However,in extreme
heat and high humidity,evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal
temperature.
Temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for the region and
last for several weeks are defined as extreme heat.Humid or muggy conditions,which add to the
discomfort of high temperatures,occur when a"dome"of high atmospheric pressure traps hazy,damp
air near the ground. Excessively dry and hot conditions can provoke dust storms.
Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or has over-exercised for
his or her age and physical condition. Other conditions that can induce heat-related illnesses include
stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality.
In Pearland and the surrounding area, numerous heat-related deaths have occurred. The climate is
humid subtropical,with hot summers and frequent, prolonged heat waves. Many of these deaths are
8 NOAA—NCDC Database.Brazoria County-Tornados
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 4-14
Section 4
Hazards In Pearland
likely to have occurred in more rural areas of Brazoria County(and thus outside the City of Pearland)
where there are a greater number of homes without air conditioning. Within the City of Pearland,
Extreme Heat risks to people and property cannot be distinguished by area;the hazard is reasonably
predicted to have uniform probability of occurrence across the entire City. All people and assets are
considered to have the same degree of exposure.
To estimate potential dollar value of losses to existing building,the City of Pearland evaluated the prior
loss data from the NCDC database. This data indicated that between 1950 and 2008,there were six
extreme heat events that affected the entire County,to include the City of Pearland. These events are
summarized below in Table 4-6.The NCDC database indicates that for the six extreme heat events
there were a total of 38 deaths, 200 injuries and no property damage in Brazoria County.9 As part of
the original plan development a member of the public highlighted that there was a prolonged heat wave
in July of 1980 that affected the City. This event was not listed in the NCDC database of extreme
events.
Table 4-6
Extreme Heat Events in Brazoria County,1950-2008
(Source:NOAA/NCDC)
6 TFMPFR,�TURE EXTREMES ct cat(s)wac t tposted ut IUa�`M�uAida
Srazoda Couuty,Texas between OLUU'1950.and Dtk Deaths
'12/3112003: tu}Iajusies.
_PrD"PtoperiyDamage
C1ckon1omti000,Coaa0,to44;bytes. CiD CropDemoge.'•
Texas
Lacadonorcomity Dote_..., Tsme Type : I:tag Dth st CrD!
1TXZ176>179-226>227- - 07/21/1995 2050 •'Ilea Wave N/A 2 200:0
19S>200.235a238.210>214 �I I I
2TXZ163>164•176>179 062611999 0400 AM,:Excessive N!A 3 0 0 0
.195>200-2100214 226>227 -Heat -
-23s>a3$
3;TXZ163>164 176>179 08/01/1999 0600AM•Excessive N!A 6 0 0
195>200 210.214 226>227 Heat
4 T7Z163>164 176a179• Q7/06/2000 0600 Alt Excessive NtA'19 0 0 0"
1235>23 2100214 226>227 _-_ Feat235>238 ;
5TXZ163>164 176>179 > 0829/2000 06,00 AM,Excessive N/A 3 0 f(0 0
19S>200 10>214 226,227 ._.� Had �4
235a238
6TXZ163>164 176>179- Q9/01/2000 1200AM Excessive N//A•5 0 0 0
195>200 210.214 226>227 Heat
TOTALS.t'a •200sr( ,1°,..
None of these events caused any property damage. Due to the fact that there is no record of any
historical building damage as a result of extreme heat,the estimated annual dollar value damage to
existing or future buildings due to extreme heat is negligible.
9 NOAA—NCDC Database.Brazoria County—Extreme Heat Events
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan.Update(December 2009) Page 4-15
Section 4
Hazards In Pearland
4.6.3 Drought .
Drought is generally defined as a condition of climatic dryness severe enough to reduce soil moisture
and water supplies below the requirements necessary to sustain normal plant,animal,and human life.
In Texas,drought is often defined in terms of agricultural and hydrologic drought:
Agricultural drought is considered a dry period of sufficient duration and intensity that crop and animal
agriculture are markedly affected. Hydrologic drought is considered a long-term condition of
abnormally dry weather that ultimately leads to the depletion of surface and ground water supplies.
During hydrologic drought,a significant reduction in flow of rivers,streams,and springs is notable.
Texas is divided into ten climatic divisions that range from substantially heavy precipitation through
semi-arid to arid climates. Most of Texas is prone to periodic droughts of differing degrees of severity.
One reason is the state's proximity to the Great American Desert of the southwestern United States. In
every decade of this century,Texas has fallen victim to one or more serious droughts. The severe-to-
extreme drought that affected every region of the state in the early to mid-1950s was the most serious
in recorded U.S. history.
In Pearland,drought periods were experienced in 1996, 1998,and 2000. The 1996 drought affected
the entire state. Its impacts were greatest on major population centers,prompting water conservation
and reduction measures over an extended period. The Texas.Agricultural Extension Service projected
a$4 billion statewide economic loss as a result of the 1996 drought. In the Southeast Texas area,
damage from the extended drought reached record proportions as many crops were completely lost
and large numbers of animals were sold because of lack of grass. In the Southeast Texas region,
property damage was estimated at$10 million and agricultural losses were estimated at$100 million.
Specific numbers for Pearland are not available.
Within the City of Pearland, Drought risks to people and property cannot be distinguished by area;the
hazard is reasonably predicted to have uniform probability of occurrence across the entire City.All
people and assets are considered to have the same degree of exposure.
To estimate potential dollar value of losses to existing building,the City of Pearland evaluated the prior
loss data from the NCDC database. This data indicated that between 1950 and 2008,there were nine
severe drought events that affected the County as a whole,including the City of Pearland. The nine
events caused$23,000,000 in property damage across the entire County. There was no property
damage as a result of drought reported for the City of Pearland.1° As of June 2009,the MPC identified
no significant drought events since the original plan was prepared in 2004.Due to the fact that there is
no record of any historical building damage as a result of drought,the estimated annual dollar value
damage to existing or future buildings due to drought is zero.
4.6.4 Wildland Fire
The U.S. Department of the Interior has developed the Wildland Fire Assessment System Web site to
communicate information to the public via the Internet. Web visitors can view real-time maps showing
potential for fire on any given day,including satellite-derived"greenness" maps.
10 NOAA—NCDC Database.Brazoria County—Drought
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 4-16
eliN
.44
Section 4
Hazards In Pearland
Parts of Texas face major wildfire problems each year. The risk is increased and compounded by
increasing development within the zone commonly referred to as the"urban-wildland interface." Within
this zone of natural landscape, buildings become additional fuel for fires when fires do occur. Most
wildland fires are man-caused and occur in the interface of developed lands and forest and range
lands: In particular,the dry conditions, high temperatures,and low humidity that characterize drought
periods set the stage for wildfires. In 1998,in what is considered the worst wildfire in state history,
wildfires throughout the State burned a total of 422,939 acres and threatened 4,031 structures.
In Pearland, because there is little.urban-wildland interface,there is limited risk for wildfires..:As part of
the original plan,the MPC staff determined that there had been no wildfires within the City in recent
memory. A member:of the public highlighted that there have been small brush and grass fires in the
City over the past couple of decades.As of June 2009,the MPC identified no significant wildfire events
since the original plan was prepared in 2004.
To estimate potential dollar value of losses to existing building,the City of Pearland evaluated the prior
loss data from the NCDC database. This data indicated that between 1950 and 2008,there were no
wild fire events that affected the County or the City of Pearland.11 Due to the fact that there is no record
of any historical building damage as a result of wild fire,the estimated annual dollar value damage to
existing or future buildings due to wild fire is zero.
4.6.5 Winter Storm
Winter storms in Texas,although not as numerous or severe as in the northern states,do occur often
enough and with sufficient severity to be a threat to people and property. Generally,the winter storm
season in Texas runs from late November to mid-March,although severe winter weather has occurred
as early as October and as late as May in some areas. On average,central Texas is affected by one to
two winter storms each year.
In Pearland,where the climate is subtropical,winter storms of such severity that property damage
results are rare. The Texas Department of Transportation has posted a number of bridges to warn
drivers that icy conditions may occur. The MPC staff determined that there has been no damage
associated with winter storms in recent memory. A member of the public highlighted that a winter storm
in the late 1970's caused pipes to freeze and burst in several areas of the City. As part of the 2009
HMP Update,the MPC reviewed the event history from the NCDC as well as other sources and
determined that there have been no additional winter storm events in the City of Pearland since 2004.
Within the City of Pearland,Winter Storm risks to people and property cannot be distinguished by area;
the hazard is reasonably predicted to have uniform probability of occurrence across the entire City.All
people and assets are considered to have the same degree of exposure.
To estimate potential dollar value of losses to existing building,the City of Pearland evaluated the prior
loss data from the NCDC database. This data indicated that between 1950 and 2008,there was one
winter storm event(an Ice Storm in January of 1997)that affected the County.as a whole,to include the
City of Pearland.12 This event caused no building damage anywhere in the County. Due to the fact that
11 NOAA—NCDC Database.Brazoria County—Severe Weather\Extremes
12.NOAA—NCDC Database.Brazoria County—Winter Weather
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan.Update(December 2009) . Page 4-17
Section 4
Hazards In Pearland
there is no record of any historical building damage as a result of winter storms,the estimated annual
dollar value damage:to existing or future buildings due to winter storms is zero.
4.6.6 Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials are chemical substances that, if released or misused,can pose a threat to health
or the environment. Hazardous materials incidents are most often caused by transportation accidents
or industrial chemical accidents. A natural disaster such as flooding might also result in spills.
Hazardous materials come in many forms,such as explosives,flammable and combustible substances,
poisons,and radioactive materials. Since their chemical properties vary significantly, an incident could
be obvious(e.g.,airborne plume,spill on the ground,bad smell)or not readily apparent(eg., beneath
the surface of the ground,no odor or color).
Hazardous material incidents are one of the most common technological threats to public health and
the environment. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality(TCEQ)is the state's lead agency
in the response to most hazardous substance spills,certain island oil spills,and spills of other
substances that cause pollution or damage to the environment. TCEQ maintains a database of all
hazardous substance incidents reported by the state. TCEQ statewide data for the years 1993 to 1997
reveal that an average of 1,282 hazardous material incidents were reported each year.
An analysis of TCEQ data indicates that the number of incidents reported is declining, probably
because manufacturers, users,and transporters of hazardous materials are becoming more aware of
the financial and political costs of hazardous materials incidents. Roughly 65%of all incidents occur at
fixed facilities,and some 25% involve highway,rail,water,or pipeline transportation. The remaining
10% involve other situations or undetermined causes.
In Pearland, Emergency Services coordinates planning and response for hazardous materials incidents
with Brazoria County Local Emergency Planning Council, Houston Fire Department,and Harris County.
The City's HAZMAT response plan is in Annex Q of the City's Emergency Management Plan. There
are 32 fixed sites in the City where hazardous materials are used.
Transportation of hazardous materials poses a daily threat,given that the Burlington National Santa Fe
Railroad and State Highway 35 run through the middle of the City and both are major transportation
routes.
The following is a list of HazMat incidences that have occurred within or just outside the City in recent
years:
• Third Coast fire occurred May 2001, involving a large chemical plant fire near SH 288 just
outside the City.
• Tanker truck caught fire while unloading in Rosharon—10 miles outside of the City.
• Entegris,a large industrial company,was cleaning out drains and dumped acid into the
stormwater management system—killing wildlife near the dump site.
• A site on East Industrial is a State-designated superfund site where abandoned storage
tanks with HazMat material have been found.
• In 1990,a large fire broke out at a package and solvents plant on Mykawa Rd.(solvents and
chemicals).
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 4-18
Pam;'`�AyNf�
Afrer
Section 4
Hazards In Pearland
The Harkey Road site is located at 17111 Harkey Road in an unincorporated section of
Brazoria County, approximately 2 miles south of the City.The site,approximately 2/3 acre in
size,is currently abandoned and fenced with posted warning signs consists of Lots 4 and 5
in Hasting Acres.The description of the site is based on information available at the time the
site was evaluated with the Hazard Ranking System(HRS). The site was formerly owned by
the late George Hastings and Nola Hastings. The contaminant is lead, believed to be from
lead-acid battery chips placed on the property to backfill low areas. Between August 2000
and January 2001,a site investigation was conducted by the TNRCC. One mobile home,
one utility shed and one propane tank were removed from the fenced area. In early 2002
the TNRCC project manager reported that cleanup was complete,and conditions at the site
met residential cleanup standards. No further remedial action was planned for the Harkey
Road site: For additional information on this site please visit http://www.tnrcc.state.tx.us
/permitting/remed/superfund/harkey.html.
In Pearland, in close:proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, is exposed to asks along major routes used to
transport various chemicals associated with petroleum production. A major rail system(Santa Fe
Railway)and a major state highway(SH 35)cross the City. It is well known that both of these
transportation routes are heavily used to transport hazardous materials;SH 35 is reported to carry more
HazMat traffic than any other highway in the State.
As part of the Plan Update in 2009 the MPC identified no additional hazmat incidents within or near the
City of Pearland. However,since 2004 the City has taken action to improve transportation safety along
roadways and potentially dangerous intersections.Since the original plan,the City has modified the
traffic pattern near the intersection of Fruge and Hooper to reduce the potential for trucks to overturn at
this site.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan.Update(December 2009) Page 4-19
•
•
•
•
Section 4
Hazards In Pearland
•
•
•
•
Figure 4-2
Hazardous Materials in Pearland •
(Source:City of Pearland)
• .L" ,,. , t. '''_'-'7.,',,,: ;:'''''''''' ' ' 1 i'l?': .. . \
•
•
O r
.r ,� ,.�---,'a� Bar vA - r".... .�.
Hazanclous Materials.
gDFie e ! n ^C'' .+: . y.i1'/nri c�n
... R L * y "�' ..kq b S 'QF kr; 1'� l ` lal }^^` /v. 1 WM la�mza+n q. p !:
r Y ,z i i,: ,s� ylq .n �. mr
-tA Y t tt4 ;
�Jf081 • '? t4;,'' - J e s a.
��• t '.list :) 1 G, tRill tli� rt• • .' `� -� r'r^n •0 1
•
.. 3 a IN 'F cs 7.'' tNta girt s. 3 C e V�.t�
cwv� ., tul:rutm Itli� E t' .s
gyilinvo
- 1 rf•
t -r : h:
•
w•. " , . vi A..ani Q J .i • � ! E 1114 t"' � /rFQ es cn i+,�.
•
•
.Naoa � (E-_, "i^1, _ —I'"D x l tt ' ' A . / ,- I ra :.7n4 :,` : ,• ;1 ithil{r• -•g p G , kmp�P: R m 1-j pc 6y �,. '- uIt y ig S kii 1 - � J "„+ e n 'dW " " ` &, „ ` - pi _® a .. -' . r� .� �44 �.�a ''c Asy _ -' "a t ,t4 k f mr a Y' I: . g .� wa moo."eY '''..
iim
.: .rt w M1 ti1 1':; `�Ol 19141 p c w ar.u we tbc.
` , u .�`.t..•. 1 6 1 - I'M .In 7-'' la� .'� .-
� n �im_�JJI z - � am!! .
�-'� -GicOo t :Imi,I,4, \ ,a' r tri r a u D..m,re wa _
k
t .. ..'+. •
1 �� 1 . WWPAmI- . bus
r• "w `� r��. `.�G. ^-•--�^'' s- ' sir,. tor. 1 ( ar Una. _--.•uNtnmrt:
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 4-20
N.;
Section 4
Hazards In Pearland
As stated earlier in this section,there are 32 fixed sites in various locations throughout the City where
hazardous materials are used(see Map 5-5). Further and the Burlington National Santa Fe Railroad
and State Highway 35, major Hazmat transportation routes,run through the middle of the City. Given
these facts and the fact that the entire City is only 46.5 square miles in size, it is estimated that all
people and property within the City are at relatively the same degree of risk from Hazardous Materials.
See Table 4-4 for an overview of people and assets at risk.
To estimate potential dollar value of losses to existing building,the City of Pearland evaluated prior loss
data as reported.by City officials and data from TCEQ. This data indicated that between 1950 and
2004,there has been one hazmat incident within the City that have caused building damage. This was
the 1990 fire in a package and solvents plant on Mykawa Rd.. This event caused an estimated
$100,000 in building damage and may not have been a direct result of hazardous materials. Due to the
fact that there is very limited historical building damage as a result of hazardous materials,the
estimated annual dollar value damage to existing or future buildings due to hazardous materials is near
zero.
4.6.7 Pipelines
Throughout the Texas Gulf Coast Plain are numerous pipelines that transport crude oil, natural gas,
and various petrochemical products. Pipelines are at risk for cracking or breaking, releasing potentially
harmful chemicals into the environment. With the number or pipelines that intersect with the floodplain,
flooding might also result in damage to pipelines.
In Pearland,numerous pipelines cross under the City,transporting crude oil, natural gas,and various
petrochemical products. The heaviest concentration is in the southeastern part of the City,especially
near Dixie Farm Road. Pipelines and the potential environmental impacts of a break,leak,or explosion
are a real concern to City officials and residents of Pearland. In the late'70s,an explosion resulted
from a 36"natural gas pipeline at Stone and Max Road;no injuries were reported. Since development
of the original Plan in 2004,there have been no significant changes to the pipeline infrastructure in
Pearland.There have also been no reported incidents.Although there have been no pipeline incidents
in Pearland for nearly 30 years,there is still significant risk.
As stated earlier in this section,numerous pipelines cross under the City,transporting crude oil, natural
gas,and various petrochemical products.Figure 4-3 identifies the location of all pipelines traveling
through the City of Pearland. The map also identifies the 100-year floodplain,shaded light blue. With
the majority of pipelines concentrated in the southeastern part of the City,this area is predominately
outside of the 100-year floodplain. Since the entire City is only 46.5 square miles in size,it is estimated
that all people and property within the City are at relatively the.same degree of risk from pipelines. See
Table 4-4 for an overview of people and assets at risk.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan.Update(December 2009) Page 4-21
dE 44
Section 4
Hazards In Pearland
•
Figure 4-3
•
Pipelines throughout Pearland
(Source:City of Pearland)
/ /
J E
i „f7. ''"` ,k,,jy m ew ;,�,: y, °" - !m .R..� y"` it! 'NI
p Y
/
' -,-,,, ,. •, ,,,y,:,_,:-,,`,---',„,. ".,1...„,,,,. ,,,,.,,,,.,,,,-__--..--_- , - - , taw-- --•'-,',-;', ‘--Z-•••• '- - ?),...1-',J;',,;*/: ,^,
1 " - t o t � fa; $ '� � A r
;/, < t 'sue•' ii�`�I.H.t t 0 . k' $ / ` � • to
� �, �e.�� 1�_L ��. ��> , �'*��§� tl. A.,'
u7Itir i u,L.n ��. h � p:,
7,t �(1 T11 silt r d :, `0'
�_� it 1titG On ,�
iMENI
101
FOYitiE"3, /� 1�`4ai• �`'?� ��.. ° _ _ 1. } „ J�7fF ') '�!
; 4: .51,4*-1'r"`a �,l -ram f i*A;§ rt.1
}, ''; k` 0_ ^' 1'
pp ix� �f�" " 'w rjkla3 1� �( - 1 n l 'y. U:71 a �4 .. ; 1
� `� �; ��� m .. 111i u � I f �
rit d
1 i tfa •. :
sI v \f
k #?X,M ., +� • ae r m •Ry, '�.. /x ;:, „ .^M"r s.,, 7h
r�y yS _
l i `1e., Pipelines.Through Pearland
°uzaall...,
} -:: lit Fl°j, _Plain �Pi H°ad°
,�,.., :r ,d I.`'. ! C.V.L b CentaiVnc
fi •• 4
I ^-g4-'-,„,,-,,. P
,, `-,r '' f ! 'v Guoy. .Pipeline .urd.4.Sst ale
•
.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 4-22
Fi 4*-2
4776-,
Section 4
Hazards In Pearland
To estimate potential dollar value of losses to existing buildings,the City of Pearland evaluated prior
loss data as reported by City officials. This data indicated that over the past 25 years,there have been
no pipeline incidents within the City that have caused building damage. Due to the fact that there is no
historical building damage as a result of pipelines,the estimated annual dollar value damage to existing
or future buildings due to pipelines is near zero.
4.6.8 Seismic/Earthquakes
An earthquake is a sudden motion or trembling caused by an abrupt release of accumulated strain on
the tectonic plates that comprise the Earth's crust. Ground motion may be vertical or horizontal
shaking. Figure 4-4 presents the general"earthquake risk"map prepared by the U.S.Geological
Survey. It shows relative risk to compare seismic risks across the country. Most of Texas, including
Pearland,is designated the lowest hazard rating.
Figure 4-4
Seismic Hazards in the United States
(Source:USGS)
z� z
c..� l
,. A _ ty t
,��y. il , _r > t. � t
-,,,':t„'5:;=A,( . ;-if.., ,,4,,,4„..--3_,Lai,,,-,,e,#',;::
I~ '� 'Ill -�s ii. - --0 1� A .,
LJ J., 11 ?l' I ' d` . Nlgigi-i;' ari
,I ((��. iiifff/,
1 '.fir, LVFL----/4 -.*4
',r.z—a tl d r:Eft
uouestgazard
In Pearland,seismic risks to people and property cannot be distinguished by area;the hazard is
reasonably predicted to have uniform probability of occurrence(extremely rare)across the entire City.
All people and assets are considered to have the same degree of exposure.
Due to the extremely low probability of an earthquake within the City of Pearland and the fact that there
is no record of any historical building damage as:a result of seismic activity in the City,the estimated
dollar value damage to existing or future buildings due to earthquakes is zero.
4.6.9 Landslides
The term landslide is used to describe the downward and outward movement of soils and rocks moving
down a slope under the force of gravity. Landslides include mudflows, mudslides,debris flows, rock
falls, rock slides,debris avalanches,debris slides,and earth flows. Most landslides are associated with
heavy, prolonged rains which saturate soils.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 4-23
EA4PAE
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
In 1997,the U.S.Geological Survey published a national map to illustrate landslide risk areas. The
map combines past incidents with a measure of"susceptibility",defined as the"probable degree of
response of rocks and soils to natural or artificial cutting or loading of slopes,or to anomalously high
precipitation." The entire Texas coastal plain, including Pearland, is shown has having had less than
1.5%of its land area affected by movement of soils on slopes(no planning period is identified).
In Pearland, landslide risks to people and property cannot be distinguished by area;the hazard is
reasonably predicted to have uniform probability of occurrence(extremely rare)across the entire City.
All people and assets are considered to have the same degree of exposure.
Due to the extremely low probability of a landslide within the City of Pearland and the fact that there is
no record of any historical building damage as a result of landslides in the City,the estimated dollar
value damage to existing or future buildings due to earthquakes is zero.
4.6.10 Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
A hurricane is a tropical storm with winds that have reached a constant speed of 74 miles per hour or
more. Hurricane winds blow in a large spiral around a relative calm center known as the"eye." The
"eye"is generally 20 to 30 miles wide,and the storm may extend outward 400 miles. As a hurricane
approaches land,the skies will begin to darken and winds will grow in strength,often accompanied by
torrential rains,high Winds,and storm surges. A single hurricane can last for more than 2 weeks over
open waters and can run a path across the entire length of the Eastern Seaboard. While coastal
counties are exposed to storm surge flooding, inland area experience flooding due to intense and
prolonged rainfall. August and September are peak months during the hurricane season that lasts from
June 1 through November 30.
In Pearland, located within close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico,the City is exposed to risk from
hurricanes. The NCDC database indicates that between 1950 and 2008 there were nine hurricanes or
tropical storms that impacted Brazoria County.The events occurred between 1995 and 2005.There are
most likely additional events prior to 1995 that were not reported in the database. It is unclear why the
database does not include any events prior to 1995. In addition,Hurricane Ike in September of 2008
was also not included as part of the query results.
For the events listed,the NCDC database reported 28 deaths,8 injuries and a total of$5.6 billion in
property damages.Table 4-7 summarizes the nine hurricanes and tropical storms that have impacted
Brazoria County.
•
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 4-24
•
•
•
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland •
• Table 4-7
Hurricane and Tropical Storm Events in Brazoria County, 1950-2008 .
(Source:NOAAINCDC)
•
Loudon or Date Time Type Nlaai Ddi Inj PtD GrD
I TXZ 200 07/30/1995 1400 • Tropical Storm ±NIA i 0 a 0 400K 50K
213>214 235>238 Dean
2 TXZ213>214 08121/1998 12 00 AM Tropical Storm N//A 0 r0 25K 0
235>238 i _..._ ... . _ ...___.. ._ ,. - L ._..il.._.._'� `
3'TXZ163>164- •' 0.9/07/1998 s 05 00 PM Tropical Storm N/A 13 0 287 2M 0' '•
176>179 •195>200
210>214 .' t .
•
• 226>227 235>238 i
4 TXZ163>164 06105120011 01:00 PM Tropical Storm N/A 1 22 0 5.25 i 0
177>179-197>200 i ' { j
212>214 .227 ,:€ i
237>238
..
5 TXZ226>22? 09/05/2002 12:00 AM Tropical Storm NIA 0 r 4 SM 0
235>2381 _,:.._. . ._. .. L,_
6•TXZ213>214 0711412003:06 00 PM 'Hurrrcaneltpphoon`NIA,0 2 10 9M i 0
235>238
7TXZ200 08130/2003 1100 AM Tropical Stoma NIA I
0 60K 0.
213>214 237>238
; .. 1 � ._. . '
8 TXZ164-177 09/0112003_i 12 00 AM Tropical Storm NIA I 0 l 0 63K 0
•
214 236>238
9TXZ163>164 0912312005` 09 00 PM Huriicaneltyphoon.NIA '3 3 159 5M 0';' .
177>179 199>200 ' • ,
•
• . -213>214. • .
•
237>238;
TOTALS,,28 E 8 5 6138 30K.
•
•
After Tropical Storm Allison in 2001, high winds and wind driven rain caused water intrusion at the
Green Tee Number 1 air-lift station. The City submitted a request for Public Assistance for the damage;
the request was denied due to FEMAs determination that the station was leaking prior to the flood.
In Pearland high winds associated with Hurricane Ike damaged approximately 12 public buildings,44
city vehicles(mainly blown out windows),and destroyed 908 City street signs(an additional 694
straightened). In addition,the storm caused widespread debris on public roadways.The extent of the
public building damages varied from minor water intrusion from high winds to significant roof damages.
•Detailed engineering assessments are required to accurately calculate wind risk to public facilities.
Without engineering study,the best source of vulnerability and risk data about public facilities is from
insurance records or FEMA Public Assistance(PA) program Project Worksheets(PWs).After
.•
Presidentially-Declared disasters, FEMA engineers visit communities to determine the nature and dollar
amount of damages,so that federal funds can be provided to the community.To document storm
•
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 4-24
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
related damages after a declared disaster, FEMA prepares PWs that are assigned a category of work
(categories A—G).A brief description of each PA category is provided after Table 5-10.
In the past ten years the City of Pearland has experienced three Presidentially-Declared disasters. The
most recent event was Hurricane Ike which was declared a disaster on September 13,2008.As
mentioned above,Hurricane Ike caused severe damage to City facilities,damaged approximately two
thousand homes and businesses,and created citywide power outages.The FEMA PA program
provided grants to the City to support its recovery and rebuilding efforts. Table 5-10 summaries the
Public Assistance funds provided for the 19 PWs that have been completed as of May,2009 for the City
of Pearland. The damage descriptions from the PWs indicate that the majority of the public building
damages from Ike were caused by a combination of high winds and wind-driven rain.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 4-24
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
Table 4-8
Hurricane Ike FEMA Public Assistance
City of Pearland—List of Completed Project Worksheets(PW),ordered by PW Category
(Source:City of Pearland)
Date PW Ref.# Date Category Damaged Facility Project Cost
Estimate
12/30/2008 PW01289(0) 12/30/2008. ; A In-house debris removal
$258,630.89
02/12/2009 I PW01289(1) 02/12/2009 1 A j In-house debris removal
Total—
Cat A $258,630.89
2/27/2009 P040 2/27/2009 B City Hall Temp. $65,786.46
Relocation Lease
2/27/2009 P039 2/27/2009 1 B ( City Hall Temp. $59,064.00
Relocation Extension
Total;-Cat.B _ , j^$124,850.46
2/12/2009 P032 . 2/12/2009 _1�. C j Traffic Signals $7,375.25
Total'-Cat.C $7,375.25
1/5/2009 P017 1/5/2009 i E i City Vehicles $29,124.89
1/17/2009 P074 1/17/2009 I E Police Department $1,991.00
Building Carpets
2/7/2009 ..P026 I 2/7/2009 E City Fences $30,560.00
2/7/2009 P027 ) 2/7/2009 j E i City Fences $10,648.08
j� Brick wall fence at the
2/18/2009 P075 2/18/2009 E entrances to the $9,735.84
Pearland City Service
Center
I I Neighborhood Center
2/27/2009 P019 2/27/2009 E $57,539.95
�.. _ Building
2/27/2009 I_P029 1 2/27/2009 E Fire Station#4 Roof $14,269.76
3/18/2009 tj P021 j 3/18/2009 j E I Animal Shelter i $3,369.62
3/19/2009 P018 3/19/2009 E Chamber of Commerce $24,001.56
3/20/2009 P022 3/20/2009 ; E Centrifuge Buildings ' $3,771.45
1(Equi ment Sheds)
Total Category E $185,012.15
2/9/2009 P073 2/9/2009 G Independence Park $38,759.00
Picnic Table Shelters
2/24/2009 P072 2/24/2009 • G Independence Park $45,057.25
i Facilities
3/23/2009 PW02833(0) 3/23/2009 G Southdown and Hyde $4,095.25
j Parks _ _
3/27/2009 P035 3/27/2009 ^ G I Centennial Park $37,708.84
Total Category G .' $125,620.34.
Grand Total .1 . . 701,489.09
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 4-24
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
The FEMA Public Assistance categories are generally defined as follows
• Category A: Emergency work,primarily debris clearance.
• Category B: Emergency protective measures.
• Category C:Permanent repair work, roads and bridges.
• Category D:Permanent repair work,water control facilities.
• Category E: Permanent repair work, public buildings.
• Category F:Permanent repair work, utilities.
• Category G: Permanent repair work, parks and recreation facilities.
This list of completed PWs in Table 5-8 probably somewhat under-represent the damages that occurred
to the City's infrastructure after Hurricane Ike. The City of Pearland has estimated the storm caused an
additional$6.5 million in debris removal costs and an additional$2.3 million in damages to public
buildings.As of June 2009, PWs:were in the process of being completed,or still to be completed,to
capture the additional debris removal costs and building damages.The table will be revised to include
any additional PW data that may be available as part of any future plan update.
The table above shows that for FEMA categories C-G(permanent work),the highest estimated
damages were related to Category E, public buildings.This category totaled approximately$185,000,
or about 26%of the grand total.This analysis uses previous wind damages,as shown by PWs from
Hurricane Ike,to indicate a rough dollar value of assets at risk by PA category.As mentioned above,
without a detailed engineering study the PW records offer the best source of vulnerability and risk data
about public facilities. It should be noted that the table is a summary of a more detailed FEMA database
of PWs,which includes specific information about the location and nature of damages, based on post-
event FEMA inspections.The summary data can be used by the City as one means of identifying
general vulnerabilities,by examining categories of damages,where damages have occurred and/or
which infrastructure appear to have the most vulnerability. It should be understood that damages alone
are not a strong indicator of vulnerabilities,because in many cases facilities that were damaged in prior
events have been replaced with stronger facilities or themselves hardened to better resist hazards.
After Hurricane Ike the City of Pearland developed a list of actions to reduce disaster damages and
interruptions from future hurricane events.As of October,2009 the City has completed several hazard
mitigation projects,including the installation of emergency backup generators at the Police Department
building and all lift stations.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 4-24
Esn 'iA_ 0,
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
5.1 Flood Hazards:. Overview
Floods have been and continue to be the most frequent,destructive,and costly natural hazard facing
the State of Texas: Ninety percent of the State's damage reported for major disasters is associated
with floods. Records indicate that the streams draining Pearland have flooded throughout the City's
history. Most recently,since 1990 Pearland has been impacted by five significant flood events
including: 1994, 1998,2001,2005,and 2008.
The NDCD indicates that Brazoria County has experienced 51 flood events between 1950 and 2008. Of
this total, 17 flood events have resulted in property damage in excess of$25,000. Property damages
for these events totaled just over$52 million.The NDCD reported one death and no injuries from the 51
flood events. The one death Occurred during a flood event in October of 1998 when an individual drove
into a flooded road along Spring Creek.The 17 flood events with damages greater than$25,000 are
summarized below in Table 5-1.
Table 5-1
• Flood Events in Brazoria County,1950-2008
(Source:NOAA/NCDC)
Location or County Date Tune Type `Mac; Dtlt IItI' P1D CrD
1 BRAZORIA 10f1711994I 1800 Flash WA i 0 ' 0 $0 OM 50K.
_., _,. ._ L. ., :.,i., .j Flood/flood 'I,�
2BRAZORIA 12f1711995= 1 1 15 FlashYFlood N(A (0 : 0� 100K 20K:
3 South Portion 09f 13f2000 tt 04 00 AM 'Flash Flood N/A 0 0 150K 0
4'East Portion :08f30f2001107:30 PM Flash Flood 's i ; 0 0 30K 0
11II�,
5 North Portion 08f31f2001' 10 00 AM 'Flash flood NIA (0`[0-77 500K 0
6 North Portion 09f02f2001 O1 10 PM Flash Flood i 0 0 80K 0
7 Angleton i 0811:5f2002105 45 AM Flash Flood 'NIA O 0 50K '0
8 Alvin ' 08115f2002! 11:00 AM 'Flash Flood l NIA I" f 90K 0 -
9 Freeport 09f06f2002 07 55 PM Flash Flood FiTII 0 0 25K 0
10•Swweeny' 09f07f2002.02b0 AM i Flash Flood NfA 0 0 . 250K 0
11 Freeport t 09109f2002 1 07 40 A11 Flash Flood 11. 0--7F 30K :0
12':Countywide 09I1012002;01:10 AM `Flash Flood ;PT. 0 0 30K 0
•13 Pearland 10f24f2002 02`26 PM !Flash Flood N(A ! 0 0 151r .0
14'Countynvide 11105l2002 0125 AM : Flash Flood N/A 35K. ..... '0
15Brazzo:ia 10116f2006:;00:01 AM Flash Flood i NIA 0 0 500K 'OK
16 DU,213 1 237 1146f2006 i 02 52 AM Coastal Flood NfA 0 0 75K 0( '
238 ���
1-„aleton: .I05f28f2007r 12 00 PM JI Flash Flood :• NIA F 110I OK
TOTALS: I D (D 52.130M I70K
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(October 2009) Page 5-1
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
Figures maintained by the NCDC and the Centers for Disease Control indicate that Texas leads the
country with more flood-related deaths than any other state(see Table 4-1). Deaths due to floods,
tropical storms and flash floods accounted for 38% of all weather-related deaths statewide and 38% in
the Brazoria County/Pearland area.
5.1.1 Defining Flood Hazards
When rainfall runoff collects in rivers,creeks,and streams and exceeds the capacity of channels,
floodwaters overflow onto adjacent lands. Floods result from rain events,whether short and intense or
long and gentle. In recent years, most flooding in Pearland has been associated with storms that
originate as hurricanes and tropical storms that subsequently move inland. Flood hazards are
categorized as follows:
• Flash floods not only occur suddenly, but also involve forceful flows that can destroy
buildings and bridges, uproot trees,and scour out new channels. Most flash flooding is
caused by slow-moving thunderstorms, repeated thunderstorms in a local area,or heavy
rains from hurricanes and tropical storms. Although flash flooding occurs often along
mountain streams, it is also common in urban areas,where much of the ground is covered
by impervious surfaces and drainageways are designed for smaller flows. Flood Insurance
Rate Maps typically show the 1%-annual-chance(100-year)floodplain for waterways with at
least 1 square mile of drainage area. The flood hazard areas for waterways with less than
one square mile of drainage area typically are not shown.
• Riverine floods are a function of precipitation levels and water runoff volumes,and occur
when water rises out of the banks of the waterway. Flooding along waterways that drain
larger watersheds often can be predicted in advance,especially where it takes 24 hours or
more for the flood crest(maximum depth of flooding)to pass. In Pearland,riverine flooding
is caused by large rainfall systems and thunderstorm activity associated with seasonal cold
fronts. These systems can take as long as a day to pass,giving ample opportunity for large
amounts of rain to fall over large areas. The Flood Insurance Rate Maps show the 1%-
annual-chance floodplains.
• Urban drainage flooding occurs where development has altered hydrology through changes
in the ground surface and modification of natural drainageways. Urbanization increases the
magnitude and frequency of floods by increasing impervious surfaces, increasing the speed
of drainage collection, reducing the carrying capacity of the land,and,occasionally,
overwhelming sewer systems. Localized urban flooding is not usually shown on the Flood
Insurance Rate Maps in areas with less than one square mile of contributing drainage area.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-2
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
The Flood Insurance Rate Maps(FIRMs)prepared by FEMA offer the best overview of flood risk.
FIRMs are used to regulate new development and to control the substantial improvement and repair of.
substantially damaged buildings. Flood Insurance Studies(FISs)are often developed in conjunction
with FIRMs. The FIS typically contains a narrative of the flood history of a community and discusses
the engineering methods used to develop the FIRMs.The study also contains flood profiles for studied
flooding sources and can be used to determine Base Flood Elevations for some areas(Source: FEMA).
The City of Pearland is partially located in two counties(Brazoria and Harris),and therefore portions of
the City are included in two separate FISs.The FIS dated September 22, 1999,covers Brazoria County
and its incorporated municipalities, including the majority of the City of Pearland. FIRMs for the portion
of the City that is in Brazoria County are dated 1999,while maps for the portion of the City in Harris
County are dated 2007. The area of the City near Clear Creek,along the City's northern boundary,was
recently studied and new flood maps were produced by FEMA in June of 2007. Both FISs compile all
previous flood information into the countywide format and includes data collected on numerous
waterways. The FISs indicate that riverine flooding results primarily from overflow of the streams and
drainage ditches caused by rainfall runoff,ponding, and sheet flow. Storms occurring during the
summer months are often associated with tropical storms moving inland from the Gulf of Mexico.
Thunderstorms are common throughout the spring,summer,and fall months. The frequent hurricanes
and tropical storms interrupt the summer with high winds,heavy rainfalls,and high storm surges.
The FIRMs for the City of Pearland include the following flood zones:
■ AE Zones along rivers and streams for which detailed engineering methods were used to
determine Base Flood Elevations. AE Zones(or Al-30 Zones)are shaded in gray. Four
waterways are mapped using detailed methods and have designated floodways: Clear
Creek, Cowart Creek,Hickory Slough,and Mary's Creek.
▪ B Zones and Shaded X Zones,which are areas of"moderate"flood hazard,typically
associated with the 500-year flood (or 0.2% annual chance).
• C Zones and Unshaded X Zones are areas of'minimal"flood hazard,typically considered
to be"out of the floodplain." Although local drainage problems and ponding may still occur,
these minor flood problems typically are not shown on the FIRM.
•
Figure 5-1*is an aerial map of the City of Pearland showing the mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas
(SFHAs)i.e.,the100-year floodplain.At 9.85 square miles,the SFHA makes up 22.3%of the City's total
land area of 46.5 square miles.The City of Pearland floodplain map is current as of July 2009, and
includes the modifications to the floodplain included as part of the revised Harris County FIRM's
released by FEMA in June,2007.
Maps included in this Plan are available for viewing at the City of Pearland GIS Department. The scale required
for hardcopy maps does not allow sufficient detail to show all of the elements described in this section.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-2
a'/`+
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
Figure 5-1
City of Pearland:Special Flood Hazard Area(100-year Floodplain)
(Source:City of Pearland,GIS Department,July 2009)
"t',•-ec to Y .-it416. . d.
�,. f
;mod tr lt
{' �,= ' { fyY_��• , o, 9,, `;tit .4.
VI
t}F ��' ' -{+ ;� t. {r W.n f ��rl a': "fare�Quui2f �sy� � '��..
, 1� '"1 ' J� tF ,�� LF�� �Ifa♦k .,
..t, 0, r . ..,„,. , -..,,,, .. ,, .. ,, ..: 7, , .. , , .. J,,,,....1,,,,a4 .. . 3.,,m.„. t„,....,..*,,,i,..;, ,,,..., ;4
t } Y4 '„L., ..-hi 17 _, , i,,; sts�s ,' ?^• s' q .r_Yti, #4l4
•
.
x, yt
;>' 4=r"1 41.
- + .Y ♦�� ,t� City of Pearland
� e i - T' r 444 ,►f it. 4• 20U8 Aerial Flood Plain
it � 1 ,.:r -'d1i 14v 47 ,, � Plead PUN - ,Mdr:r
r/ Clle twits
I + iiir;t fir .q'' �'r nAy (I .. �,. , ,x,. G7 0
y `
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(October 2009) Page 5-3
/41-14
�L:FR :3,
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
5.1.2 Subsidence-Related Flooding
Brazoria County and incorporated communities in the region are affected by land subsidence. Land
subsidence is defined in the FIS as"the lowering of the ground as a result of water,oil,gas extraction,
as well as other phenomena such as soil compaction,decomposition of organic material,and tectonic
movement." Most City residents get their water supply from one of nine City-owned wells. A few
residents, primarily in recently annexed areas,are on private wells. The City also purchases treated
surface water from the City of Houston. Removal of groundwater may have contributed to subsidence
within the City.
Due to subsidence,some or all of the benchmarks used to develop the base flood elevations on the
FIRM are no longer accurate. Periodically,the federal government re-levels some benchmarks to
determine new elevations above datum; however, not all benchmarks are re-leveled each time.
Relatively extensive re-levelings were performed in 1978, 1987,and 1995.
The following passage,"Effects of Land Subsidence", is taken from the Brazoria County FIS Report
dated September 22, 1999:
"The prevalence of land subsidence in the study area complicates the determination of the
amount a given property lays above or below the base flood elevation. Complicating factors
include determining which benchmark re-leveling to use to determine a property elevation and
possible changes in flood hazards as a result of subsidence. Changes in flood hazards,
caused by changed hydrologic and hydraulic conditions,could include increases or decreases
in(1)depths of flooding,(2)the amount of land inundated,and(3)the intensity of wave action
in coastal areas. The nature and extent of possible flood-hazard changes are different
depending on the type of flooding(riverine,coastal,or combined riverine and coastal)
present."
To account for the increased future flood hazard,the FIS text recommends that"consideration should
be given to setting the lowest-floor elevation above the base flood elevation by an amount associated
with potential increases in flood depths as a result of past and future subsidence." The City is pursuing
long-term contracts to purchase treated surface water to reduce its reliance on groundwater.
As part of the Plan Update subsidence related flooding was discussed at the initial MPC meeting held
on April 24,2009. During this meeting,the City Engineer indicated that there were no know changes in
subsidence rates.The City also indicated that Harris County has adjusted benchmark elevations on all
maps to 2001 reference(See Appendix B:MPC Meeting Minutes).
5.1.3 Dams and Flooding
FEMA and the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers maintain the National Inventory of Dams(1998), a
database of high and significant hazard dams. For the most part,data are provided by state agencies
responsible for regulation and inspection of dams or by the Corps of Engineers. Based on that
inventory,there are no high hazard dams that affect the watersheds in or draining through the City of
Pearland.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-4
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
5.2 Flood Risks — Buildings
Pearland has had maps showing flood-prone areas for many years,and utilizes Geographic Information
System(GIS)to develop more specific information about flood-prone buildings. The tool that makes
this possible is the GIS computer software application that relates physical features on the ground in
mapping applications and analyses. In Pearland,the GIS functions are located in the Projects
Department.
The Pearland GIS maintains and accesses numerous digital map products and electronic data files.
Among the data and maps is a digital map of the floodplain prepared as an overlay for the property
parcel maps(derived from the Flood Insurance Rate Maps). Other GIS layers include City boundaries,
waterways and watershed boundaries,and"footprints"of buildings and other facilities,from which a
wide variety of maps can be prepared.
There are two ways to characterize buildings subject to flooding:
• Using GIS to compare the flood map with the locations of buildings yields an estimate that
1,607 residential properties are located"in"the 100-year floodplain of Pearland. Therefore,
not counting buildings that are susceptible but that are outside of the mapped floodplain,
approximately 15%of all buildings in the City are prone to some degree of flooding. U.S.
Census data are used to develop"average"values for residential buildings($163,500),
yielding estimates of the total value of buildings that plot within the mapped floodplain(Table
5-2).
• Flood insurance policies and claims information can be used to identify buildings in mapped
floodplains(where lenders require insurance)and where flooding has occurred(where
owners are sufficiently concerned that they purchase flood insurance even if not required).
This characterization of flood risk is described in the following text.
Table 5-2
Buildings and Estimated Values
Residential(With Non-Residential/Public
Certificate of Occupancy)
Total number of 10,834 $1.77B 881 $96.1 M*
buildings
Number of
buildings in the
floodplain** 1,607 $262.7M 351 $38.3M*
(as%of total (14.8%) (39.8%)
buildings)
*Average commercial building values from City tax roles,times number of buildings.
**Not including buildings known to be flood-prone that are outside of the mapped
floodplain.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-5
NkrisfPr
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
The following maps of Pearland show the location and number of residential properties(with a
certificate of occupancy)located within and outside of the100-year floodplain.The maps were prepared
in June,2009 by the Pearland Projects Department.The legend of Figures 5-2 and Figure 5-3 show
there are 1,607 residential structures located within the 100-year floodplain,and 9,227 properties
outside of the 100-year floodplain.With a total of 10,834 residential structures in Pearland,
approximately 15% are located in the floodplain.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-5
i,r,,a,'
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
Figure 5-2
City of Pearland: Residential Structures Located within the 100-year Floodplain
(Source:City of Pearland,GIS Department,July 2009)
i..
eSit
AIM -.----••• ar '7"'t 1- qL 4'+..'¢ r' y 'Ir'+a..,,r"v,
qi
n
7
q
r ••
y.
t
.
CITY OF PEARLAND
C S STRUCTURES m Roo clan
exe.-14C7
• cces+�.:r.ga 1 EM
,ET, FA e
doro.
—St.3 C ty Limits
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-7
illiiiikkaii
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
Figure 5-3
City of Pearland: Residential Structures Located outside the 100-year Floodplain
(Source:City of Pearland,GIS Department,July 2009)
��z.ti mow•
1 ro - ..i w
l -..
N `
1 .ta 1 ii c ,4 s fi R `r .,
i tit, - ..
• CITY OF PEARLAND 4.f.:\
xS STRUCTURES ate Aoodpan ILALA(1
mar ..
• 21s4•— LJ Eli ,EMA e
-Sfris C*1 unlit%
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-8
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
NFIP Policies In-Force. The City of Pearland-Planning Department indicated that as of August 2009,
federal flood insurance policies were in-force on 8,264 buildings in Pearland.The number of policies as
of 2009 exceeds the total number of buildings located within the 100-year floodplain(See Table 5-2).
This is an indication that many homeowners outside the floodplain are aware of the flooding risks
throughout the area and have chosen to carry flood insurance even though it is not required. These
insurance policies are administered by the National Flood Insurance Program(NFIP). This represents
a dollar value of property and contents coverage in excess of$1 billion.
For the most part,two factors prompt people to purchase flood insurance—when mortgage lenders
require it and when actual flood damage makes it clear to homeowners that a building is, indeed,
located in a flood-prone area. Thus,the number and distribution of flood insurance policies is one way
to characterize potential risk throughout the City.
NFIP Claims Paid. Between 1978 and April 30,2009,2,599 flood insurance claims were paid on
buildings in Pearland,many of which are not"in"the mapped floodplain(Table 5-2). It appears that the
vast majority of these claims were for residential properties. Total claims paid for building and contents
payments exceed$45.4 million.
5.2.1 NFIP Repetitive Loss Properties
In recent years,FEMA has focused considerable attention on the Repetitive Loss(RL)subset of
insured buildings. These properties have received two or more claim payments of at least$1,000 over
a ten-year period. At the time the original plan was developed in 2004, FEMA's database identified 252
properties as"repetitive loss properties"in the City of Pearland:Of this total,54 were included in
FEMA's Target Group. In 2004 FEMA developed the Severe Repetitive Loss(SRL)program.This
program replaced what FEMA considered"Target Group"properties.
As part of the Plan Update a FEMA Bureaunet NFIP query was performed in May,2009 to compile the
most recent repetitive loss statistics for the City of Pearland.The query results indicated there were 216
repetitive loss properties within Pearland.Of this total,204 were categorized as residential properties
and 12 were non-residential. The 216 repetitive loss properties are 36 fewer than the 252 properties
identified in the database in 2004.The reduction in repetitive loss properties is most likely a result of
efforts undertaken by the City to reduce flood risk,such as acquiring homes in the floodplain after
Tropical Storm Allison in 2001,and completing local drainage projects such as Corrigan Subdivision
drainage improvement project.
Residential Repetitive Loss Properties
Table 5-3 provides a summary of residential repetitive flood insurance claims for individual streets in
Pearland that include repetitive loss properties.The building,contents,and total claims data has been
combined for streets that include more than one repetitive loss property.Address data about individual
sites is omitted for reasons of confidentiality.The table shows that the 204 residential repetitive loss
properties received claim payments nearing$17 million(includes payments for building damage and
contents damage)as of May,2009 The data shows that Green Tea Street clearly has the street with
the most repetitive loss properties in Pearland.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-9
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
Table 5-3
Summary of Residential NFIP Repetitive Loss Statistics,City of Pearland,ordered
by number of Properties on each Street
(Source:FEMA NFIP query May,2009)
Street Name Properties Building Contents Total #of Average
Claims (Per Policy)
Green Tea Drive 1 19 I $1 221,591 $584,283 I $1,805,874 I 52 $34,728
Robinson Drive i 14 1_$1,039,115 $469,717 $1,508,832 I 38I $39,706-
Glastonbury Drive
Carmona Lane ; 11 $981,530 ; $472,239 ; $1,453,768 1- 48 j $30,287-
r; .__.- 8-- I $528,124 -- I $256,716 -I$784,841 �! 28 -� $28,030
Apple Springs Drive i 7 I $339,364 I $145,016 , $484,380 I 21 , $23,066
Bishopton Drive_-_- ' 6 ' $353,644 i $149,769- ! $503,413 j 23 ' $21,888_
East Broadway Street 1 6 1 $303,546 I $14,803 r$318,350Y-i- 16 ,-$19,897
Cunningham Drive .. _. .6i $207,186 -Y- 1 $47,480 i$254,666-_- _ 22--- _ $11.576 -
Sleepy Hollow Drive I 6 I $518,689
_.-•_•- -_ ___ � $205,444 _, $724,133 � 22 _� _$32,915 _
Austin Avenue -
5 I $282,309 y $105,630 �$387,938 14 $27,710-
Union Valley Road I -5__ -I $466,166 1$150,429 - $616,595 1 .16 j $38,537__
- - t
Colmesneil Street 4 ! -1 $196,314---1 $102 991 I $299,304 I 12 $24,942
Comal Street 1 4 f • -_6
I$148,695 $42,426 $191,121 9' $21,236
Francis Drive 4 $198,398 $57,905 $256,303 12 $21,359 _
- --------
Livingston Drive 4 $145,786 $58,738 i$204,524 9 $2-----.-2,725
Leggett Lane . 4 . $233,835 $85 ,.$319,021 .. I 12 • $26,585
Rockland Drive I 4 $243,701� $61,534 L$305,236 I 15 $20,349
Ryan Acres Drive j __...__4__.._._._._.1_$509,355�_ 1 $179,668 1$689,024---I- 18 $38,279
Scott Road I 4 $161,251 $42,859 L$204,110 1 13 $15,701
Camden Lane -�_ 3 :-• 1 $119,104 . $34,453 ( $153,558 j- 8 -F�$19:195___-
Glenda.Street 3 $354 098 _.._ j $124,380 L$478 478 ' 15 I $31,899:
Meadowville Drive 3 I $110,928 I $68,193 $179,121 I 6 $29,853
Trelawney Drive 3 I $129,490 $68,195 $197,685 1 9 $21,965
Woodville Lane 3 $254 576 -z-___.__._.__.-----._____-•.----____-- ------.----_.----_-._-.
Woodville._.••..._• .___--_...-.•.•_..1_._.___-•_.___._....1 '.---_.____.__ I_.$84,566_.._..•.__$339,,141 110 $33,914
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-11
Section
The Flood Hazard In Pemdand
Street Name Properties Building Contents Total #»f Average
u|uimn Per Policy)
Bobby Street 2 $140,572 | $49,595 $190,107 B *28,771
- - . Dixie Farm Road J z $13,444
Lo. 10 $22,430
_ Marys Creek Lane _ _ 2- � � �1D4�10 �32�837 | 11
Neches River Drive ' o `' $127,900` $31J87 $158,687 8 $19,961. '
Robert Street
683
' Regal Oaks Drive |
Becky Street /
'
omm Bones Boulevard I
1 so
Cork Circle 1 $12,052
Cantu-Road '
� 1 . . `.
^ | ~~''-~.
Hawk Meadows - 1 '2 $7,028 '
Halbert Drive 2
J
/ 7
_ CityofPoodond.Toxoo: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2OO9 Pogo5'12
' '
N
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
Street Name Properties Building Contents Total l of Average
Claims (Per Policy
Jerrycrest Drive 1 $44,679 $7,820 $52,500 5 $10,500
Lazy Bend 1 $30,486 $3,772 $34,258 2 $17,129
Lethbridge Street 1 $16,458 $659 $17,117 2 $8,558
Limrick Drive 1 1 $38,196 $2,548 $40,744 2 r $20,372
Mclean Road 1 $51,991 $19,359 $71,350 4 $17,838
Melainie Lane 1 $51,616 $23,893 $75,510 2 $37,755 _
East Marys Creek Street 1 $110,596 $2,717 $113,313 2 $56,656
Myrtlewood Drive 1 $84,609 ' $31,997 $116,605 3 i $38,868
East Orange Street 1 $4,504 $5,431 I $9,935 2 $4,967
Peach Court 1 $58,268 $13,091__- $71,359 4 $17,840
Pine Tree Drive 1 $104,677 $30,336 $135,013 I 3 :_ $45,004
$3,350
Price
Circle 1 $1,600 $4,950 2 $2,475
Pearland Avenue 1 $6,250 $1,043 $7,293 1 2 $3,646
Sprite Lane 1 $39,802 j $3,335 ' $43,137 I 3 L $14,379
Spring Creek Lane 1 $7,831 • $2,498 $10,329 2 $5,164
Shadycrest Drive 1 $3,103 i $1,476 $4,579 2 M $2,289
Skylark Way 1 $44,580 ] $18,950 $63,529 l 2 $31,765
Shank Road 1 $71,577 ! $20,861 $92,438 ( 2 , $46,219
San Antonio Street 1 $34,482 $0 $34,482 9 1 $3,831
Texas Street 1 $29,885 $8,045 $37,930 2 $18,965
Thelma Street �- 1 $106,165--1 $30,393 $136,558 4 $34,140
Wellborn Road d j 1 $53,585 $43,715 $97,299 2 $48,650
Willits Drive 1 $23,482 $3,005 $26,487 2 $13,243
Wingtail Way 1 $46,395 $16,561 $62,957 2 $31,478
Yost Boulevard 1 $16,984 $3,453 $20,437 5 $4,087
• : Grand'Total 204 ��$12,234,599 j $4,666,531 1 $16,901,130 ., 637_ $26,532
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-13
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
Flood Risk to Residential Repetitive Loss Properties
The City of Pearland has an extensive history of repetitive loss flood claims,so it is possible to perform
a relatively simple statistical risk assessment using average annual losses and a present value
coefficient calculation to project losses over a planning horizon.Residential flood risk is calculated by a
simple methodology that uses the FEMA default present-value coefficients from the benefit-cost
analysis software modules.To perform this calculation,the repetitive loss data were reviewed to
determine an approximate period over which the claims occurred. This method should not be used for
risk assessments for individual properties because of the generalizations that are used, but the method
is appropriate for larger numbers of properties and policies that are spread over an entire jurisdiction, It
is presumed that more accurate figures would be somewhat higher because the underlying statistics
are for properties that had flood insurance,were flooded,and had paid claims:There are nearly always
some properties in a jurisdiction that are flooded in big events,and do not have flood insurance(or did
not make claims),and are thus not represented in the sample.
Most of the flood claims in this query recent query occurred between 1981 and the present,a period of
28 years.As shown in Table 5-4,there have been 637 claims in the 28-year period,for an average
number of claims per year of 22.75. Based on a 100-year horizon and a present value coefficient of
14.27(the coefficient for 100 years:using the mandatory OMB discount rate of 7.0 percent),the
projected flood risk to these properties is shown at the bottom of the table. It must be understood that
individuals can obtain and cancel flood insurance policies,and the flood hazard depends on many
variables, including the weather,so this projection is simply an estimate of potential damages.
Nevertheless,it offers a useful metric that can be used in assessing the potential cost effectiveness of
mitigation actions.
Table 5-4
Projected 100-year Flood Risk in Pearland Repetitive Loss Areas
(Source:FEMA NFIP query May,2009)
Data Value
Period in years i 28
Number of claims 1 637
Average claims per year 22.75
Total value of claims 1 $16,901,130
Average value of claims per year $603,612
Projected risk,100-year horizon'i $8,613,543
The risk assessment for residential repetitive loss properties can be further broken down to the street
level.Streets in Pearland with ten or more repetitive loss claims were considered to have sufficient
claims history to perform a risk assessment.Table 5-5 shows the annual and 100-year risk for streets
with ten or more NFIP claims.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-14
fifilWa-
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
Table 5-5 •
Projected Future Damages(Risk)to NFIP Repetitive Flood Loss Properties in
Pearland,ordered by Number of Claims
(Source:FEMA NFIP query May,2009)
Street Name Claims Properties Building Contents Total Annual 100-year
Risk Risk
Green Tea Drive 52 19 $1,221,591 $584,283 $1,805,874 $64,495 $920,351
Carmona Lane 48 11 $981,530. $472,239 $1,453,768 $51,920 $740,903
Robinson Drive 38 14 $1,039,115 $469,717 $1,508,832 $53,887 $768,966
Glastonbury Drive 28 8 --- $528,124 $256,716 $784,841 $28,030 $399,988
Bishopton Drive 23 6 $353,644 $149,769 $503,413 $17,979 $256,561
Cunningham Drive 22 1� +�6 r $207,186 I $47,480 $254,666 $9,095 $129,789
Sleepy Hollow Drive 22 6 $518,689: $205,444 $724,133 I $25,862 $369,049
Apple Springs Drive 21 7 i $339,364 i $145,016 ; $484,380 $17,299 ' $246,861
Ryan Acres Drive I 18 4 $509,355 $179,668 r $689,024 $24,608 $351,156
East Broadway Street I 16 6 $303,546 I. $14,803 $318,350 ; $11,370 $162,245
Union Valley Road 16 5 $466,166 $150,429 $616,595 $22,021 ' $314,243
Rockland Drive 15 ' 4 ; $243,701 E $61,534 $305,236 $10,901 $155,561
Glenda Street 15 3 $354,098 $124,380 $478,478 $17,089 $243,853
Austin Avenue 14 ' . 5 $282,309 $105,630 $387,938 $13,855 $197,710
Scott Road 13 4 $161,251 L $42,859 $204,110 ( $7,290 $104,023
Colmesneil Street 12 4 $196,314 L_$102,991 $299,304 $10,689 $152,538
Francis Drive 12 4 $198,398 $57,905 $256,303 $9,154 $130,623
Leggett Lane 12 4 .. $233,835 $85,185 $319,021 .. $11,394 $162,587
Marys Creek Lane 11 '2 $225,927 $104,010 $329,937 I '$11,783 $168,150
Woodville Lane 10 3 $254,576 j $84,566 $339,141 $12,112 $172,841
Longherridge Drive ( 10 , 2 $162,109 $62,196 $224,305 i $8,011 $114,315
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-15
ETA--
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
Non-Residential Repetitive Loss Properties
As noted earlier in this section,as of May,2009,Pearland had 12 non-residential repetitive loss
properties in the NFIP database.Table 5-6 provides a summary of non-residential repetitive loss claims
for individual streets in Pearland with repetitive loss properties.The building,contents,and total claims
data has been combined for streets that include more than one repetitive loss property.Similar to the
residential repetitive loss data, address data about individual sites is omitted for reasons of
confidentiality.
The data shows that East Broadway and Cherry Streets have the most non-residential repetitive loss
properties in Pearland.Both of these streets have three repetitive loss properties. The data also shows
that East Broadway Street ranks highest in total number of claims with 17.The single property along
north Galveston is ranked second along with Cherry Street for the total number of claims.The property
along North Galveston has had eleven prior claims, indicating a significant history of flooding at this
site.
Table 5-6
Summary of Non-Residential Repetitive Flood Loss Claims in Pearland,Ordered by
Number of Properties on each Street
(Source:FEMA NFIP query May,2009)
Street Name Properties Building Contents Total #Claims Average
East Broadway Street ! 3 j $1,142,271I $48,095 $1,190,367 17 $70,022
Cherry Street I 3 $103,232 I-t $76,747 $179,979 11:: ? $16,362
North Main Street 2 $35,660 I $6,267 � $41,926 4 $10,482
North Galveston j 1 I $171,165 E $62,437 $233,602 11 $21,237
Robinson Drive 1 $30,995� $2,879 I $33,874 2 ; $16,937
Broadway Street 1 $11,545 j $0 j $11,545 I 2: $5,772
Industrial Drive i 1 I $148,148 I $81,415 j $229,563 I 2 ; $1142781
Grand Total 12 i'$1,643,016 E, $277,840 1 `$1,920,856 : 49 - . 1 $39,201..:.
Flood Risk to Non-Residential Repetitive Loss Properties
As with the residential flood loss history,the past claims information can be used to project future flood
losses,as shown in Table 5-7 below.The methodology is the same as what is described in.the
residential section. Results for properties with larger numbers of claims are more reliable.Streets with
more than 11 claims were considered to have sufficient data to perform a risk assessment.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-16
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
Table 5-7
Projected 100-year Flood Risk,
Non-Residential Repetitive Loss Properties in Pearland
(Source:FEMA NFIP query May,2009)
Street Name Claims Properties Total Annual Risk 100-year risk
Claims $)
East Broadway Street 17 j 3 � i $1,190,367 $70,022 $42,513
Cherry Street 3 11 t 3 I $179,979 l -V-$16,362 ; $6,428
North Galveston 11 I 1 I $233,602 i $21,237 $8,343
North Main Street 4 ! 2 ' $41,926 l Note 1 Note 1
Robinson Drive ! 2 i 1 . $33,874 Note 1 I Note 1
Broadway Street i 2 l 1 $11,545 I Note 1 I Note 1
Industrial Drive i 2 1 ; $229,563 I Note 1 Note 1
Grand Total 49 12; ;;'.$1,920,856 i --- -�
Note 1:These properties have insufficient claims history for this calculation methodology
to be valid.
It should be noted that some of the non-residential properties on this list may be at far greater flood risk
than indicated, because there may be have been periods where the owner(s)did not carry flood
insurance,with the result that they may have been damaged but there is no record of it.This type of
analysis is not totally conclusive, but for certain the properties along East Broadway Street,Cherry
Street,and North Galveston clearly have significant future flood risk based on the NFIP claims history.
It would be possible to perform relatively simple engineering studies to better assess risks for properties
with just a few claims, but where data suggests that sites may be vulnerable to additional flood-related
losses.
Figure 5-4 identifies the locations of both the residential and non-residential repetitive loss properties in
the City of Pearland as of November, 2006. The map shows there are predominately three clusters of
repetitive loss properties in Pearland. Two of the repetitive loss clusters are located in the northeast
area of the City near Clear Creek.The other cluster of repetitive loss properties is located near a
tributary of Mary's Creek and Hatfield Road. Figure 5-4 is followed by a series of maps that provide a
more detailed view of the three repetitive loss areas in Pearland.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-17
�oT•h ;T%
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
Figure 5-4
Repetitive Loss Properties in the City of Pearland
(Source:City of Pearland,GIS Department,November,2006)
(
-- I y_ - . it, ,,_ ,_ ,,, ., ...,.,,,,r,,,4r. ... ,..1. , ,c......
PORT MN) - 11116, IIj1� :fir /�' gr
<_ '. + } ,
,,,,Al c"..A',.....,,x4
' rap5 A .
�i I
s
gra0Awn
I J Aij
i� till
y„tea j �e —
'_ ��
. i
N. °._ tliiel 1 01,a•1 ril • I_ .
i
�.'. - ' 1 ..
i ~ . r ix
I ., —
it r-
„ Qj -"'r" — City of Pearland
IiIIIV
Nf>P Repetitive Lott Properties
/� % ® AW Rah — 'taw Rwb
I 1 c r Ur,u tNMntr.
•
1 1-.3 l I
Er, Miele*
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-18
Iiiititi
-.}T..Id94
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
Figure 5-5
Repetitive Loss Properties near Clear Creek and Old Alvin Road in Northeast Pearland
(Source:City of Pearland,GIS Department,November 2006)
.. .
•
cc . I WI. lalitilliwil liMi.... ....
... li a
O l ,„:„,....A.,AI . ,,,,,,
I
• • I BROOKSIDERDii 'sjmw4
If
Man
1111 :fr
Lan•
r Q co }SIIII
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-19
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
Figure 5-6
Repetitive Loss Properties Near Mary's Creek(Corrigan Subdivision)in Central Pearland
(Source:City of Pearland,GIS Department,November 2006)
,.•r am • ` —Z ��' `
NI > /4 /
•
I c: 111j
44"
BRO AY ST I M At11� o 4 6 '/1,.... 'ill"'"IN NI ima illiTS D :vcc\c �
i •Ii go --1 i aro,
• FI bobili
w,q y, �l
M . * 1E1T iS'NC- ,J.
�'� t
&r.T.:c.,,
=�"" I —��O J 1 o\\ ' 7-Tdainat, C
I
BAI�EY Rd I i 1 '311111 'MI ((j. _. *1116h4,-
ioith.
LLI '
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-20
AA¢/11 PP
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
Figure 5-7
Repetitive Loss Properties near Clear Creek and Country Club Drive in Central Pearland
(Source:City of Pearland,GIS Department,November 2006)
a " 'It' )
<, " /-,
id .
l ,o a�+,.!#
„ „ ,
It Ii, 4k,
. / cY 4 I a!so•AboW4ot
414 pS 4# A .
Arri / 011111111/111
) a *L, li • O4o,Orft AP 4
0. i 44 , fr
*7 io 'I )" 7 P .. s irA4%
*44,;4, ...
jII &Wfr ? . 4
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-21
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
As shown in the figures above,there are a number of clusters of repetitive loss properties in Pearland.
A review of the repetitive loss properties yields the following observations:
• Until recently,many homes in the Corrigan subdivision have experienced repetitive flood
looses. In 2007,the City implemented a mitigation project to help alleviate flooding in
Corrigan. This project diverted the rainfall runoff from north of Broadway around Corrigan by
constructing a by-pass channel that takes the flow directly to Mary's Creek;constructed a
barrier north of Corrigan to prevent off-site sheet flow from entering Corrigan from that
direction;constructed a barrier to prevent water from Mary's Creek from backing up in
Corrigan; Realign the Corrigan Ditch outfall into an existing pumped detention facility and
retaining the internal Corrigan rainfall runoff;and constructed internal street and drainage
improvements to provide capacity for higher intensity storm events and provide overland
sheet flow paths to the Corrigan Ditch.These improvements have significantly reduced the
flood risk in the Corrigan area.
• Homes in the Northeast section of the City,along Clear Creek, have experienced repetitive
flooding. In 2001 the Texas Water Development Board(TWDB)completed a
comprehensive drainage study for the Clear Creek Drainage District and the City of
Friendswood planning area.A revised preliminary study of the area has been completed by
the TWDB,and the proposed project is currently seeking Federal funding from the 2010
budget.
Pearland continues to evaluate both structural and non-
structural solutions to the flood prone areas within.the City-
these areas include many properties on the NFIP"repetitive
loss"property list.
5.2.2 NFIP Severe Repetitive Loss Properties
In 2004 FEMA began to develop the Severe Repetitive Loss(SRL)Grant Program in an effort to reduce
or eliminate flood damages to residential properties that met certain minimum requirements.FEMA
initiated the program early in 2008.An SRL property is defined as a residential property that is covered
under an NFIP flood insurance policy and:
• has at least four NFIP claim payments(including building and contents)over$5,000 each,and
the cumulative amount of such claims payments exceeds$20,000;or
• for which at least two separate claims payments(building payments only)have been made
with the cumulative amount of the building portion of such claims exceeding the market value
of the building.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-22
�6
.•
Section 5
•• The Flood Hazard In Pearland
•
•
•
SRL properties are a subset of the RL list and include only residential structures. As of July,2009 the
City of Pearland had 27 properties on the SRL list.
•
FEMA provided States with actuarial calculations of risk(maximum benefits of mitigation)for 30-and
100-year planning horizons,as part of States'initiation into the SRL grant program.The data provided
by FEMA includes more details about claims histories at the policy level,but that information is not
included here because of data confidentiality restrictions.The information can be obtained from the City •
of Pearland on a need-to-know basis.Table 5-8 provides loss estimates for SRL properties in Pearland
summarized at the street level,as calculated by FEMA and the NFIP.The table shows that within the
City of Pearland, Carmona Lanehas the highest number of SRL properties,paid claims,cumulative
claims dollars,and highest 30 and 100-year risk.
Table 5-8 •
FEMA NFIP Actuarial Calculation of Potential Maximum Benefits
for-Mitigating SRL Properties:in the City of Pearland,ordered by Number of Properties on each
individual Street
(Source:FEMA/NFIP,Query July,2009)
Street Name Properties Paid Cumulative 30-year 100-year Average
Claims Claims($) Risk Risk Pa ment
Carmona Lane 6 31 $1,456,941 $587,229 ( $675,260 I $46,998
Glenda Street 2 13 $675,598 $300,934 I $346,047 I $51,969
Union Valley Drive 2 9 $522,689 $204,441 $235,088 $58,077
Rip Van Winkle Drive 2 1 6 $867,574 $410,855 $472,446 $144,596
. Glastonbury Drive . 2 13 $790;415 ( $319,035 $366,861 I $60,801.
Bishopton Street • ( 2 10 $507,740 $203,661 $234,122 I $50,774
West Marys Creek Lane 1 3 $350,550 $142,378 $163,722 1 $116,850
Sleepy Hollow Drive 1 : 5 $293,563 $119,931 $137,910 1 $58,713
Cunningham Drive • _ 1i 7 $90;357 ( $47,917 $55,100 1 $12,908
Francis Drive 1 4 $93,150 $48,267 $55,503 1 $23,288
Austin Avenue I_ 1 4 $233,068 $94,526 $108,696 1 $58,267
Neches River Drive 1 4 I $128,567 $53,201 $61,176 I $32,142
Piper Road 1 4 $199,884 $132,270 $152,099 I $49;971
Longherridge Drive 1 6 $469,843 $189,725 $218,166 I $78,307
Leggett Street 1 5 ^ $191,009_ $77,614 $89,249 I $38,202
Rockland Drive 1 5 $191,382 L $78,109 $89,819 i $38,276
Colmesneil Street j 1 j 5 j $205,186 j $81,012 I $93,156 1 $41;037
Grand Total '.; '; :27 ':' 134 11 .$7,267,513 _$3;091',047 53,554,419 $54,235.
The columns labeled"30-year Risk"and"100-year Risk"show the expected future losses over those
respective planning horizons,for the streets in Pearland with SRL properties.As noted,the FEMA/NFIP
calculations include these figures on the level of individual addresses and policies. It should be noted
that the FEMA methodology does not express a complete range of potential risk(and benefits if the
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-23
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
data is used in a Benefit-Cost Analysis(BCA)for a mitigation project),so individual properties should
not be dropped from consideration for mitigation based solely on this calculation.More extensive risk
assessment and benefit-cost analysis would include additional loss calculations that would likely
increase the apparent risk along with the associated benefits of reducing or eliminating it.
5.3 Flood Risks — Public Buildings
The City of Pearland owns eleven buildings and many parcels of land in various locations throughout
the City(Figure 5-8). In the past ten years the most significant flood event in Pearland occurred in
2001.In June of 2001,Tropical Storm Allison caused significant flooding in areas of Pearland.Although
hundreds of residential homes were flooded,the only significant flooding to public facilities occurred at
Fire Station#2 and a concession stand at Central Park.After Hurricane Ike in September of 2008,
Pearland's public facilities experienced no significant flood related damages associated with overbank
flooding or local drainage issues.As mentioned in Section 4.6.10 of the Plan update,the majority of the
public building damages from Ike resulted from wind related damages and water intrusion from high
winds and wind driven rains.
City facilities are described below along with notes regarding flood exposure.The descriptions are
followed by Figure 5-8,a map identifying the location of Pearland's public facilities as well as the 100-
year floodplain. The map shows that as of August,2009 a total of six facilities were located within the
100-year floodplain,including two schools,two fire stations,the police station;and the recycling center.
Although the map indicates several public facilities in the floodplain,no facility has experienced
significant flood damage in the past.
• Wastewater Treatment Plants. The City of Pearland owns four wastewater treatment facilities
and associated sewage collection systems.The four facilities are described below:
• Longwood Water—Built in 1965,expanded in 1985,and again in 2000. After Tropical
Storm Allison flooding around the plant was 5-6"in depth, but no flooding occurred in the
plant and there were no service disruptions. There is an emergency response plan. Primary
emergency generator for backup power and a contract with an environmental contractor for
emergency response for spills. Chlorine and SO2 are stored on-site.
> Barry Rose Water—Built in 1965,expanded in 1985,and again in 2000. No prior
disruption of service. There is an emergency response plan. Primary emergency
generator for backup power and a contract with an environmental contractor for
emergency response for spills. Chlorine and SO2 are stored on-site.
■. Southwest Environmental Center(SWEC)—Began service on April 26,2000. This plant
has its own self-contained generator and has experienced no disruption of service.
Emergency support is provided under a contract with Gardener environmental. The facility is
a chemical-free plant.
• Shadow Creek Ranch(Northwest Environmental Center)—This plant is due to come on-
line in July 2003. This plant has its own self-contained generator and is a chemical-free
plant.
•
• Water Supply Facilities. The City owns six water towers and nine water supply wells that provide
the majority of the water to City residences and businesses. Two of the six water towers have
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-24
1,
r
100411
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
been constructed since the original hazard mitigation plan was written in 2004. None of these
facilities are in the floodplain.
• Public Schools. The Pearland Independent School District owns the City's 27 public schools.
Based on a review of the FIRM,of the 27 schools, 25 are in Zone X. The only addresses that fall
within the 100-year floodplain are Pearland Junior High South located at 4719 Bailey Road and
Alexander Middle School located at 3001 Old Alvin Road.The school buildings were permitted as
being in the 100-year floodplain and are elevated at least one foot above the base flood elevation.
• City Buildings. City buildings and facilities have sustained limited damage due to flooding in the
past. Interviews with staff resulted in the following characterizations of past events:
■ Fire Station#2 floods often,with water in and around the building. Tropical Storm Allison
resulted in the most significant flooding recorded,at only 2-feet deep. This is an unmanned
fire station—equipment storage only. As shown in Figure 5-9 the lower 2-feet of the exterior
walls have been reinforced; Figure 5-10 shows that a storage cabinet is raised on two rows
of concrete blocks. When heavy rains are forecasted, personnel move the emergency
equipment to high ground away from the station. No permanent physical damage has been
experienced during prior flood events. The fire station is in the 100-year floodplain on panel
number 45 of the City's FIRMs. The BFE is approximately between elevation 48.8 and48.9
(1978 Datum Adjustment)across the site. This fire station is on the outer fringes of the
floodplain and depth of flooding is not anticipated to be too great. The fire station has an
estimated/insured value of$90,000.
• A concession stand in Centennial Park received minor flooding during Tropical Storm
Allison, but did not sustain structural damage.
Figure 5-9
Fire Station#2, Reinforced Walls
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-25
Kosotoo
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
Figure 5-10
Cabinet Elevated on Concrete Blocks
ii. tea i.
.,',
•
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-26
f1� t
r1i
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
Figure 5-8
City of Pearland:Public Buildings at Risk
(Source:City of Pearland,GIS Department)
' I Sao.II.t..t,„..XL.,w.MM.,
,
- ,, .,„ , ,, , , _, ;_ Irv; ... -.-•:;,;.
/i % (r a" 6� ,'� , 1 ,,t, i , I . L 4,.. I_ ,r„- t ,; .. k
t" n -1 r141
40:1 'SC . n ,� •� ^/4IR
�'„^xy 3 ,,, '' ��a - <..r� ") +]igliir .ail '��/T , / Y •�5s�-F n
f'- - w, .'t ir 911.1�jIiN11 t fy -�i.�� y x•
i, --, ..*'. -'4":44..7404.':'.
3ol �r NF
1 I 1 1 .-4`V`•7-C /A ij:f,t.__y taw, ( `\al {''• 4'',S/Y i,,,`
: � ii,
_IrE� ba\ {� 1 I�It% u �+
N
R Jr .N . �/ �lx
) .�t1 _ r f
t
iiiiL
/ 1 L....1111 I,'', , ,,,,,,t1 . \ ,,,_.; ',n 1 , i,',:.. ..,,..-1, 1,--- - - .-
A1.11,/ ,ll, ,, ,,,„1, ,
6 ., 777
' `.. ---` - City of Pearland
y a►. - r,r w ♦s r.•..+•n. • .anaso- - ft Map propflD
..� J . **awe isa •• purrs:.•n•, Ptyysl Y'OY
Y k•C1
�ww c•: ,. �m xwu GI):nt
-- - I _ 0 • -.�.d _
qc•:, F.,Wp W«
• F✓4.f1 • W1r�.2./01t
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-27
Pa.
it
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
5.4 Flood Risks — Roads
Nationwide,flooded roads pose the greatest threat to people during floods. Most of the more than 200
people who die in floods each year are lost when they try to drive across flooded roads. Driving into
water is the number one weather-related cause of death in Central Texas. Statewide,between 1960
and 1996,76%of flood-related deaths were vehicle-related(Texas Environmental Center,online).As
illustrated in Figure 5-9,flood hazards for cars vary with both velocity and depth of floodwaters. Many
cars will float in less than 24 inches of water. Fast-moving water can quickly wash cars off the road or
wash out a low section of road.
Figure 5-9
Flood Hazard Chart for Cars
(Source:Downstream Hazard Classification Guidelines,1988)
Flood Hazard Chart for Cars
4 � I i
3.5-- =HIGH DANGER ZONE- -{---
•
O 3 I
O• 2.5 .f ',=•�.:ra: -
12. Min
C 1 9} r
0.5 -AN,.
0
0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00 12.00 14.00 16.00
VELOCITY(fps)
SOURCE:USER,'Downstream Hazard Classification Guidelines,'1988
Within the City limits of Pearland there are
• 806 miles of city-maintained roads
• 362 centerline miles
• 34.5 miles of roadway in the mapped floodplain
• 31.71 miles of road and 5 large bridges are owned by the Texas Department of
Transportation(TxDOT), including the following roads: SH 35; FM 518;FM 1128; FM 865;
SH 288;and FM 2234.
•
Although most roads in Pearland are unlikely to have deep or fast-moving water during flood conditions
up to the level of the 100-year flood, many can experience minor flooding conditions on a regular basis.
Table 5-9, prepared by Pearland's Road and Bridge Maintenance, lists roads and intersections that
where flood warning signs are placed due to frequent flooding.As part of the 2009 Plan Update,the
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-28
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
MPC reviewed the flood prone roads included in Table 5-9 and considered the list valid with no
additions or changes. In addition to the permanent flood warning signs,the City also has 50 portable
high water signs that are placed along roadways during severe storms to warn motorists of possible
floodwaters.
Table 5-9
Locations Posted with Flood Warning Signs
(Source:City of Pearland)
Flood-Prone Roads
Apple Springs&Mclean I Neches River&Fite Rockland&S.Hatfield
Carmona&S. Hatfield I Corrigan&W. Broadway Piper&:W.Broadway
Piper&Fite I Cedar&Orange Cedar&Cherry
Willow&Orange I Willow&Cherry Mykawa&Orange
Mykawa&Broadway j Mykawa&Cherry Cherry&Pear
Cherry&Peach I Austin&Jasmine Francis.&Woody
Francis&W Broadway i Halbert&Woody Halbert&W Broadway
Cunningham&Woody i Cunningham&W Broadway Lynn&Woody
Lynn&W Broadway Plum &Briar Circle I Plum&Linwood Oaks
Plum&Yupen Circle {I Wheat Ridge&Robinson I Union Valley&Robinson
Bishopton&Robinson !Union Valley&Lethbridge I Glastonbury&Robinson
Regal Oaks&E i Patricia&E Broadway County Club&E Broadway
Broadway
Country Club&Golf Crest I Golf Crest&Kil Kenny Golf Crest&Green Tee
Yost&Sleepy Hollow 1 Taylor&Sleepy Hollow Creek Ridge&McGinnis
Sleepy Hollow&Rip Van Washington Irving&Rip Van Dixie Hollow&N.Dixie
Winkle i Winkle Farm
Sleepy Hollow&Elm (Wood Creek&Washington Wood Creek&Winding
Hollow Irving Creek
Mykawa&Clear Creek Crain&Washington Irving Hamm&Lazy Creek
Bridge
Mykawa&Knapp Rd: I Ryan Acres •
When building new state roads or upgrading existing roads,TxDOT considers the NFIP's floodplain and
floodway requirements to evaluate the impact of new and replacement structures. The City considers
floodplain and floodway impacts in its planning and design for City roads. Developers must satisfy the
City's drainage criteria and other aspects of road designs in order for the City to accept ownership.
Specific to reducing flood risks,the low chord of any new bridges must be at least one-foot above the
Base Flood Elevation.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-29
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
Figure 5-9
Flooded Road Hazards in Pearland
Hooded Road Hazards
7
r
1 Yt c\
1,.
/1' . ,,,...,,,,,,,*.. A 1 11
.t�
4 iL�x 1 �.3 ! 1
4
j rIIII
IF
C4KN°r f{
�' MI PIP,
COO ernes
�- •
i
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-33
d;
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
• Replacing roads and bridges damaged or washed out by floods costs millions of dollars each
year. If the damage is caused by a Presidentially-declared disaster, FEMA may pay up to
75%of the repair or replacement costs,with the remaining 25%covered by the state and
local governments. The full costs of a damaging event that is not declared a major disaster
must be borne by the state and local communities.
TxDOT inspects state bridges for structural integrity and to determine if erosion is a risk. Where
erosion has been identified,stabilization measures have been put into place.
City roads and drainage structures have sustained only limited erosion damage due to flooding,even
during Tropical Storm Allison. Staff interviews resulted in the following characterizations of past road
flooding:
■ There was some erosion:to the wooden bridge into Centennial Park as a result of Tropical
Storm Allison;the erosion and the bridge were repaired by Brazoria Drainage District No.4.
• Debris collects at bridges during major storms;TxDOT cleans bridges on state roads,
Brazoria Drainage District No.4 and/or City are responsible for debris clearance at other
bridges.
5.5 Flood Risks — Hazardous Materials
When floodwaters affect locations where hazardous materials are stored or used,the stage is set for
potential effects that go far beyond the physical onsite damage. Certain materials are reactive in water
and others may pose health and safety risks if distributed downstream by rising waters.
Another potential hazard is the stores of chlorine used at the City's water treatment plants,some of
which are located adjacent to the mapped floodplain. The database of the locations of hazardous
materials,when plotted on the FEMA flood map,indicates 18 locations of hazardous materials that plot
as within the mapped floodplain or within a 1,000-foot buffer around the floodplain boundary(Map 5-5).
Sites within the buffer are shown in part to account for uncertainties in the geocoding of the physical
locations of the materials.
Despite the apparent risk,there have yet been no reported hazardous materials incidences related to
flooding. Depending on the nature of the hazardous materials and the facilities containing them, it may
be appropriate for facility owners to examine the potential for damage under reasonably anticipated
flood conditions. In addition,owners may find it prudent to examine the sites to determine if it is
appropriate and feasible to provide protection measures to minimize risks.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-34
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
5.6 Flood Risks — Local Drainage
Many areas and streets experience accumulations of rainfall that are slow to drain away,which may
cause disruption of normal traffic,soil erosion,and water quality.problems. Local drainage problems
contribute to the frequency of flooding, increase ditch maintenance costs,and are perceived to
adversely affect the quality of life in some neighborhoods.
As outlined in Section 3.2,the City Council has identified flooding and drainage as a high priority goal
and a number of supporting objectives are intended to help identify solutions. Section 6.6 addresses
each objective in more detail.
Many areas prone to shallow, local drainage flooding are not shown on the City's FIRMs. One measure
of,the:magnitude of this problem is the number of flood insurance policies in-force on buildings that are
outside of the mapped floodplain. Until recently, local drainage flooding throughout the Corrigan
Subdivision was a problem,even during frequent rain storms(see Section 6.6). In general,local
drainage flooding is a concern because access for emergency services(fire,emergency medical)can
be limited. While the depth of water generally is relatively shallow, a number of homes have been
flooded repetitively and are identified by FEMA as"repetitive loss properties."
5.7 Summary: Exposure to Flood Risks
As described in Section 5.3, digital maps of the floodplain are used for flood hazard identification and
assessments of risk. The data,combined with the footprint information for buildings,allow
determination of residents and assets of the built environment that are"at risk"only by identifying
whether such assets are"in"or"out"of the flood hazard area. No other characterization of flood risk
can be made,i.e.,depth of flooding or whether houses are in the floodway or the flood fringe.
Table 5-10 is a summary of flood risks based on a form provided in the State's Mitigation Handbook
(DEM 21). As part of the 2009 Plan Update the table was reviewed and updated based on the most
recent number of residential properties(with a certificate of occupancy),and other facilities located in
the floodplain.For the purpose of this table,number of people per home is based on the U.S.Census
value of 2.82 occupants per household for Pearland. Special facilities include fire stations and schools
(nursing homes and day care centers are not identified in the City's GIS).
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 5-35
Section 5
The Flood Hazard In Pearland
Table 5-10
DEM 21: Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Worksheet
for Flood Hazard
Total
People(estimate) 4,532
Housing(with Certificate of 1 607
Occupancy)..
Commercial Facilities 491
City-Owned Buildings 1 _
Critical Facilities 0
Special Facilities(schools;fire 2
stations)
Infrastructure&Lifelines TBD
HazMat sites(including 1000' 16
buffer)
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) • Page 5-36
Section 6
Pearland's Capability To Address Hazards
6.1 Pearland Government Structure
The City of Pearland is governed by the Council/Manager form of government in accordance with the
Home Rule Charter adopted by the voters in February, 1971. The City Council is the legislative and
policy-making body of the City. It consists of the Mayor and 5 members elected at-large for 3-year,
staggered terms. Elections are held annually the second Saturday in May. The Mayor and Council
provide community leadership,develop policies to guide the City in delivering services and achieving
community goals,and encourage citizen awareness and involvement.
In addition to the Council/Manager structure,the City government is organized into the following
departments(www.ci.pearland.tx.us): Administration,Animal Control,City Secretary, Community
Development,Economic Development, Emergency Medical Services(EMS), Fire, Police,Planning,
Engineering, Finance,Human Resources, Information Technology, Parks&Recreation, Projects,
Public Affairs,and Public Works.With respect to planning for and responding to natural hazard events,
the key elements of the City's organization are:
• Administration—Day-to-day management and oversight of City departments.
• Fire Marshal/Emergency.Management-Responsible for maintaining the City's Emergency
Management Plan in accordance with State and Federal standards. Responsible for the
Emergency.Operations Center. Facilitates coordination of emergency response to disasters
and conducts disaster training exercises. The Fire Marshal is also the Emergency
Management Coordinator- The Fire Marshals Office is responsible for fire prevention fire
code enforcement,fire/arson investigation,and environmental code enforcement.
• Community Development—responsible for code enforcement, permit and inspections,and
planning and zoning. This department is responsible for enforcing specific city ordinances
related to dangerous or substandard buildings,environmental health issues and zoning
laws.
• Engineering Services—provides engineering planning,design,and construction
administration for street,storm drainage;water,and sewer projects in Pearland,in addition
to providing technical support to otherCity departments. The department also provides
engineering review of subdivision plats and plans, building site plans for proposal inside the
City limits and review and construction inspections of subdivision improvements within the
City and the ETJ. The department maintains record drawings of construction improvements
and topographic maps.
• Projects—management and oversight of all projects approved by the City Council,including
roads,bridges,and public buildings.
• Public Works—consists of administration,streets and drainage,water and sewer
construction and wastewater treatment. Streets&Drainage maintains approximately 185
miles of streets and 300 miles of ditches(cleaning 70-80 miles each year). During times of
emergency the department is responsible for opening shelters and procuring food.
• Police-The Pearland Police Department currently has 135 police personnel.The police
department is supported by dozens of civilian employees including telecommunication
operators,jailers,clerks,administrative assistants and liaisons.
• Fire-The department consists of 18 full-time salaried firefighters and approximately 65
volunteers.The department serves an area of nearly 75 square miles with a population of
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 6-1
E,Ai `
Section 6
Pearland's Capability To Address Hazards
approximately 122,400 including the Pearland city limits and extra territorial jurisdiction(ETJ)
areas.
• Emergency Medical Services(EMS)-Pearland EMS consists of volunteers, part-time,and
full time staff supported by the City of Pearland.Each day in Pearland there are 5 fully
staffed ambulances located in three strategically located stations across the City..EMS
serves a rapidly growing population that covers an area of approximately 80 square miles.
The Pearland Planning and Zoning Commission is composed of seven members appointed by the City
Council. It is an advisory board to the City Council on land use matters and also is the final decision-
making authority on matters related to subdivision plat approval. The Commission's fundamental
powers include: ..
■ Amend,extend and add to the master plan for the physical development of the City;
• Recommend, approve or disapprove plats of proposed subdivisions submitted in accordance
with city ordinances;
• Recommend to the City Council the approval or disapproval of proposed changes in the
zoning plan;
• Make and recommend to the City Council for adoption, plans for the clearance and
rebuilding of slum districts and blighted areas;
• Recommend to the City Council the amendment,extension and revision of the building code;
and
■ Submit annually a prioritized list of recommendations for capital improvements.
6.2 Emergency Response
The City's Emergency Services Department is responsible for coordinating emergency management
and response,with the Fire Marshal serving as the Emergency Management Coordinator. The City
maintains an Emergency Management Plan(EMP)-Version 2.0 that was last reviewed and updated in
May,2005. Due to the number of new City staff, it is important that all appropriate personnel be trained.
The.Police, Fire,and EMS departments all have specific responsibilities that are defined in the EMP.
Pearland has early warning capability. Citizens and the City rely mostly on local weather,which is
reported to be very capable. The City pays for a weather service that sends weather updates and
alerts to Emergency Services, including the Police, Fire,and EMS departments. Emergency Services
sends daily weather update emails to all City Departments. As mentioned earlier,the City has also
completed Connect-CTY,a reverse 911 system for public notification of hazardous circumstances.
To assist with the City's early flood warning capabilities it has recently completed a project to install
nine stream gages that are linked to the Harris County Flood Control network. Figure 6-1 shows the
location of the nine stream gages.The nine locations are identified on the map by red squares with
either"NA"or 0.00.The 0.00 at each location represent the rainfall totals in the past 24 hours for the
day selected;May 20,2009.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December2009). Page 6-2
,
Section 6
Pearland's Capability To Address Hazards
Figure 6-1
Location of Pearland Stream Gages
(Source:City of Pearland)
City of Pearland Interactive Rainfall Map
Quick Maps: 15 min 30 min 1 hr 3 hr 6 hr 12 hr 24 hr "Click Here"to Return Home
ig I
s S Sus Houston Toweav E iiiII11Ston S Sean Houston Tolway W , fr i
-- 4-1 - •-r4elovitiiNino pm fillIZ., ..-rn:•"-- '''„-AlTui‘,70;ti*
gr
288 ,--1"— ; erookside Rd R ,'K. ''''
A J
Count y11,884 .:' g o Y a o Ati
67, NA
'-:n-"T 1�I I 6e1yyy 199 Q . >.•y
.
`I-sa" a03 L05 z; '.1
m1.
I [555 114 E Orange St ,'• ,0, - r _ t 1 `0o00 v
Q3; Pearland d� 0s
1 W Broadway St _5 8 I' c3 tr § G
'yIt 9I 1 Skyway Wino;Arpo4}, t:'' n J apt, „At'
t 0 00 DaugMery Rd 4.
i z ads �, I ;, �+ lo.00�
John Liter Rd
1 Sout'wvgd dill Clah., � ��� sc�'
1 1 ` ^ II I 'G'Lm 1i7691 l:e 253. i31
tot _. . ® ..,w,�. ... wl t
'4 ` _ j \ 127 In
libo
1 9
_ - _.— --i 911 it,. �W ®j', �, Cioti.�Fld1
r :I ` tt�'i!!;�If t� 'Si, } 13
li F ® "`t {t 129� �:.r 100 ..�. .-:� ; ._...413 0
"I ` •' II �� 0 00' t'
{ 3---Croix Rd ;: 1' �t ata ,,Hastings
129
''YO' 0.00 r .{eta
•19991iwad Wq.M Riyb Ru4na1
These values represent rainfall totals for a duration of: 24 Hours as of May 20, 2009, 11:45 am
Relative to disasters,the following highlights were reported from the City's EMP:
• City emergency management personnel participate in hurricane exercises.
• Four schools and the City's recreation centers may be used for shelters;the primary shelter
is stocked with blankets and cots.
• After Tropical Storm Allison,shelter was made available by opening two recreation centers;
sheltering was provided for more than two weeks.
• Flood rescue efforts are supported by three 6x6 trucks,flat bottom boats,and new Zodiac
boat for rescues.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December2009) Page 6-3
iiEOlAg
Section 6
Pearland's Capability To Address Hazards
6.3 Communicating about Hazards
The City of Pearland actively communicates with its residents using a variety of media,each of which
have been used to convey information,including content about hazards:
• The quarterly newsletter Pearland in Motion,is mailed to every address in town. This large-
format,full color newsletter regularly reports on the City's activities, progress on various
initiatives,and conveys information important to the residents. The Spring 2003 issue
outlined the City Council's goals for 2003-2004(see Section 3.2), reported on the City's
recent receipt of an environmental award for managing stormwater to prevent non-point-
source pollution,the annual Household Hazardous materials Collection Day,and the City's
• efforts to ensure long-term water supply. Flood issues have periodically been addressed in
quarterly newsletter.
• The City's web site posts information about activities and upcoming events. The City's
regulations are posted and public access to GIS maps is provided. To support the mitigation
planning effort,a public questionnaire was posted so that citizens could report on hazards
and ideas for reducing future losses(see Appendix B of the original Plan).
■ Group Builder:Citizens can subscribe to City of Pearland email alerts to obtain a variety of
hazard related information including emergency management news and ongoing public
works projects.
• The Streets&Drainage page on the City's web site includes answers to typical questions
posed by citizens regarding street flooding and drainage.
• Residents with Internet access may submit suggestions,questions,information requests and
complaints to the City using the"Community Action Center Online Request Form."
Complaints and reports of flooding/drainage problems have been submitted online.
■.. The City has implemented Connect-CTY,a reverse 911 system that provides the ability to
inform citizens of pending hazards.The system is used to inform citizens about severe
weather warnings(and updates),hazardous traffic or road conditions,or any other situation
that could impact property or safety in Pearland.
• The local government public access channel is accessible to residents who subscribe to
Time Warner Cable. Council meetings and other public meetings are shown on this
channel. The channel is used to disseminate information during hazardous events. In
addition,after major flooding,the City posts information slides to include information of the
City's post-disaster permit requirements.
• The City hangs banners across gateway entrances to the City to inform the public about
upcoming events and public meetings. After Tropical Storm Allison,banners alerted
residents about public meetings.
• Door hangers and targeted direct mailings have been used after floods to inform people of
their post-flood responsibilities;the mailing list is considered to be comprehensive,including
addresses in the floodplain and other homes that have flooded.
• After Tropical Storm Allison,Hurricane.Ike,and other significant,flood events,City officials
met with citizens to answer questions,address concerns,and share information.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December2009) Page 6-4
1''
tet
t'Ea
Section 6
Pearland's Capability To Address Hazards
Survey about Communication with Residents
Completed in 2001, a survey was conducted to evaluate
methods of communicating with residents. Among the
results:
Where Pearland residents get information about the
City:
48%look at the City's website.
46%look at the cable TV channel.
80%look at utility bill stuffers
45%get information from a newspaper or Pearland In
Motion
Internet Interest:
53%indicated interest in receiving e-mailed information
43%would use it to obtain a building permit
58%would use it to report service requests(including
drainage complaints)
6.4 How the City Addresses Hazards
As part of the original Plan,members of the MPC were interviewed to gain an understanding of
awareness of hazards and how they are addressed,and to gather information about damage
associated with past hazard events. Minutes of committee meetings are in Appendix A of the 2004
HMP. Ordinances and documents were reviewed to identify specific provisions pertinent to Pearland's
hazards(report on file with the Administration Department).
6.4.1 Regulating Development
The City of Pearland regulates development in a well-planned manner that is consistent with the City's
vision for its future. As a fast-growing community,the City is committed to developing to serve the best
interests of all citizens.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December2009) Page 6-5
FETE.s a
Section 6
Pearland's Capability To Address Hazards
Creation of a Unified Development Code(UDC)and
Permitting Protocol
In 2003-2004 the City evaluated its ordinances and
processing procedures to achieve improved coordination and
to ensure that the City's goals are met On February 27,
2006, the UDC was adopted by the City Council. The UDC
replaces the previous Land Use and Urban Development
Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, and Tree Ordinance.The
UDC has been amended several times since February 2006.
Source:City of Pearland Planning Department
Comprehensive Plan of the City of Pearland(September 13,1999). State of Texas statutes require
that in order for a city to regulate the use of land(zoning)within its corporate limits,a comprehensive
plan must be prepared to demonstrate the city's overall development goals,objectives,policies,and
criteria for physical growth. The plan is a decision-making tool to help staff evaluate proposals for new
land use. It is a flexible document that can be evaluated and adjusted for changing conditions that
occur over time within the City. In 2004 the City completed the Comprehensive Plan Update:The
updated Plan can be found on the City's website at: http://www.ci.pearland.tx.uslindex.2004
comprehensive plan.
Land Use&Urban Development Ordinance No.50941(revised April 22,2002). The purpose of the
ordinance is to"zone the entire area of the city of Pearland into districts in accordance with a
comprehensive plan for the purpose of promoting health,safety, morals and the general welfare of the
general public."
Building Code. The 1997 edition of the Southern Building Code,with revisions,was adopted in 1998.
In 2002,the City adopted the International Residential Code for one-and two-family dwellings. The
adopted building codes for the City are 2003 International Code Council Series.The City currently has
a Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule(BCEGS)rating of 4/3.
Citizens Code Advisory Committee
Appointed by the City Council to consider the City's land use
plan and subdivision regulations, this committee held its first
meeting on May 20,2003.As of mid-2009 there have been
changes to the land use plan or subdivision regulations.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December2009) Page 6-6
eA
K±I\6
Section 6
Pearland's Capability To Address Hazards
The City of Pearland has experienced significant growth in recent years,especially in residential
construction. Table 6-1 summarizes the residential and commercial building permit statistics between
2000 and 2008. The table shows that the number of residential building permits during this time period
peaked in 2005 at 2,610. In 2008 the City issued a total of 1,240 residential building permits.
Table 6-1
Buildings Permits and Development Permits(2000-2008)
(Source:City of Pearland)
Year Single Family Multi-Family Commercial Total
2000 818 1 1 i 17 I 836
2001 _— 1,243 ..._ r. 0__-1 20 I: .._ 1,263
2002 1,430 j 0 ; 29 1,459
2003 ! 1,684 I 12 I 49 i 1,745
2004 2,102 I 0 T_ 43 —^"' 2 145
. --1—.. — _L_.._.__,_._________
2005 j 2,610 j 0I 51 i 2,661
2006 ; 2,072 .. ; _ 286 I 66 j 2,424
2007 j 1,589 1 54 I 77 j 1,720
2008 1 1,240 I 2 I 52 1 1,294
Staff Capabilities
The City employs five building inspectors, three plans
examiners,and three code enforcement officers;all are
certified or licensed by the State.
Inspections. Pearland conducts inspections of all permitted development. A series of inspections is
conducted on every building,ranging from foundation and framing,to electrical,plumbing,and fire code
inspections. As a consequence of recent growth,the total number of inspections has risen significantly
in recent years.
With regard to floodplain development,elevations of fill pads in subdivisions are checked as part of the
grading inspection. Elevation Certificates are collected before the CO is issued for buildings in the
SFHA.
6.4.2 Future Development Trends in Pearland
To identify future development trends in Pearland,the 1999 Pearland Comprehensive Plan and the
2004 Comprehensive Plan Update were reviewed. In the 1990s,the City of Pearland experienced
tremendous growth and the 1999 Comprehensive Plan indicates that the rate of growth has been
accelerating.The Plan projects that the population of the City is expected to at least double over the
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December2009) Page 6-7
Section 6
Pearland's Capability To Address Hazards
next two decades. Most of the future development is anticipated to occur on the western portion of the
City. In preparing for this continued development,the City has established nine land use plan initiatives
that include the following13
1. Reinvent the old townsite as a modem village with a compatible mix of residential and
nonresidential uses.
2.Establish Pearland Parkway as a central axis linking many of the City's major
recreational,educational and institutional assets.
3. Develop a restaurant and entertainment district in a park setting with convenient regional
access.
4.Establish an attractive business park environment along the State Highway 288 corridor.
5.Provide well-defined residential neighborhoods with centrally located parks.
6.Concentrate local retail,offices and services into nodes centered at the intersections of
major thoroughfares, instead of continuous commercial strips.
7.Designate sizeable areas for industrial and light industrial economic development.
8.Preserve major drainageways as open space, recreation corridors,and natural habitat.
9.Develop a series of gateways within and around the periphery of the City.
In addition to the recommendations listed above,the Parks Master Plan, presented in Section 6.0 of the
1999 Comprehensive Plan, proposes linear parks along selected major drainageways.Linear parks are
recommended along Clear Creek,most of Mary's Creek,and portions of Cowart Creek and Mustang
Bayou. In addition,the Parks Master Plan also proposes neighborhood and community parks alongside
Clear Creek,Mary's Creek and Mustang Bayou.14
Figure 6-2 identifies the future Land Use Plan as proposed in the 2004 Comprehensive Plan Update.
13 City of Pearland Comprehensive Plan—Section 5(Land Use)
14 City of Pearland Comprehensive Plan—Section 5(Land Use)
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December2009) • Page 6-8
Section 6
Pearland's Capability To Address Hazards
Figure 6-2
2004 Future Land Use Map
(Source:2004 Comprehensive Plan Update—City of Pearland)
:. .::.:.,. :.d.4..;,... + t L
ry4
g r_•; t k: _7 is - 1 i
aro �.. 1 u 1. r I• � j
` ', \J t 1' r I'I ' - ` " I
,�„�_V,. mot' ' - Ii 1.1;',l f YIh 1 � ,., - • ?f..
x
. . Islam' I Isla Iaad I.tl .-.d �1.♦ - 1 __7 f• l
} J s W t.. .. , L_ .ir ..aea ..W b,A. • - _ -
- 1 SA/aa trM.rW RIM aFI .
Pol..
1,41.c.,far Rolle t �./ I - 1
r
P
-I. �,,,4 "1 I *14.n 1•' : I
;), 'M*moll*Pawl1 r_ __—_"`•. � .�. ..:.d..Mowllbi nor f%..:n _ „\ 1!--I I_1 f eq.si.erSr `� �^, ° .
1 = +J I _
• Nw w..caviar*. �'" _.'' City of Pearland,Texas
lSit/ — l /J to Low
.1 _.K /
>� n trw ' lJ/ ,, 2004 Future Land Use Plan
O,....::.Au C..u....a.4. v ti..«n....�..b•x•Pia, j
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(October 2009) Page 6-9
E" D
Section 6
Pearland's Capability To Address Hazards
6.4.3 Hazards Other than Flood
As part of its rules for regulating growth,the City recognizes the importance of certain measures to limit
damage and exposure of citizens to high winds hazards,incidents involving pipelines,hazardous
materials,and drought.
Insured City Buildings
The City maintains property insurance coverage on its
buildings to cover damage due to structural fire, wind and
lightning(other than flood).
The City carries$76M of insurance for all City owned
buildings/facilities.
High Wind Hazards. The City of Pearland is located in the area of the State in which the Texas
Windstorm Insurance Association functions as the insurer of last resort for wind and hail coverage when
other insurers exclude coverage for those perils from homeowners and other property policies. In order
for new construction or modifications to existing structures to qualify, inspections must be performed by
inspectors from the Texas Department of Insurance or licensed professional engineers who are
appointed by the Department. Several inspections may be performed to determine compliance with the
wind provisions of the buildings code,and a certificate of compliance is issued.
Pearland addresses wind hazards through the building code and land use regulations:
• The building code administered by the City requires all new construction to be designed and
constructed for 110 mile per hour wind loads at three second gusts. This level of protection
has been part of the building code since 1989;thus buildings constructed after that date are
expected to be resistant to wind damage.
• The Land Use&Urban Development Ordinance(Sec.24.8)requires that ground signs,and
building signs that extend above the roof line,are to be designed,constructed and installed
to withstand a wind pressure of not less than thirty(30)pounds per square foot per sign
face.
■ The Land Use&Urban Development Ordinance(Sec.28.4)specifies that the right to a
nonconforming use terminates if a structure becomes substandard under any applicable
ordinance and the cost of placing it in lawful conformance exceeds fifty(50)percent of the
replacement cost of the structure on the date that it was determined to be substandard.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 6-10
ito
Section 6
Pearland's Capability To Address Hazards
Pipeline Hazards. The City's Subdivision Ordinance,at Sec.27-4, requires the building setback lines
be delineated. When residential lots are crossed by or come within 100 feet of any existing oil or gas
pipeline or pipeline easement,the subdivider is required to execute and record a waiver and hold
harmless agreement that includes the following: "the City of Pearland considers building near such
pipeline or pipeline easement to have certain inherent dangers,including but not limited to,explosion
and release of noxious,toxic and flammable substances."
Hazardous Materials. The Fire Marshal's responsibilities include the annual inspection of fixed sites
that store, handle or process hazardous materials and explosives. Facilities are required to comply with
the appropriate sections of the City Code of Ordinances,Standard Fire Prevention Code, National Fire
Protection Association Standards,and Bureau of Alcohol,Tobacco&Firearms Regulations. Annex Q
of the City's Emergency Management Plan addresses the local plan for Hazardous Material Incident
and Oil Spill response.
Drought. The City of Pearland prepared a drought contingency plan,which is posted on the City's web
page. The purpose of the plan is to conserve the available water supply and to protect the integrity of
water supply facilities. The plan places emphasis on domestic water use,sanitation,and fire protection,
and protection of public health,welfare,and safety. To minimize the adverse impacts of water supply
shortage or other water supply emergency conditions,the City adopted regulations and restrictions on
the delivery and consumption of water. Certain non-essential uses are regulated and may be curtailed
during times of water shortage or other emer9ency water supply conditions. Violators may be assessed
penalties.
6.4.4 Flood Hazards
The City of Pearland administers a suite of regulations and ordinances that combine to
comprehensively regulate flood hazard areas to minimize exposure of people and property(Flood
Hazard Prevention Ordinance(No:532-2),dated October 9,2000,and Subdivision Ordinance(Chapter
27),dated May 25,2001).Administration of these provisions is the joint responsibility of the City's
Floodplain Manager(in the Engineering Department)and the Building Code Official(in the Community
Development Department). In approved subdivisions that include floodplain areas,a development
permit is issued for construction of individual homes. The minimum elevation approved as part of the.
subdivision approval is verified by the building plans reviewers. Further,subdivision plats are checked
for special notes,even if there is no floodplain within the subdivision.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December2009) Page 6-11
111-54.
Section 6
Pearland's Capability To Address Hazards
Floodplain Administrator
The City Engineer, a registered Professional Engineer, is
designated as the City's floodplain administrator. He has,
been involved in floodplain management since 1974 and has been the City of Pearland's floodplain manager since 1997.
Processing Floodplain Development Proposals. Most homes built in the floodplain are:slab-on-
grade,elevated by the placement of a minimum quantity of fill. Elevation Certificates are required
before the slab is poured as part of the Form Frame inspection. The City's regulations require that the
lowest floor, including basement,be at least one-foot above the Base Flood Elevation.
The City's standard procedure for determining the extent of the mapped flood hazard area"on the
ground"is to measure off of the centerline of the waterway shown on the FIRM and apply that distance
to the applicant's site plan. Where Base Flood Elevation are shown,there is no cross check with the
topography. For regulatory purposes the City strives to superimpose the site plan on top of the
effective floodplain map. The floodplain maps are either on 1973 adjusted datum(Clear Creek only)or
1978 adjusted datum(all remaining streams). The site plan maps may be on various datum
adjustments and are submitted by numerous different surveyors and engineers.
If for example the floodplain boundary measured from the paper copy of the floodplain map is 200 feet
south of the centerline of Clear Creek that is what is used for regulation. If the applicant submits a
topographic that indicates the 100-year water surface elevation only extends 180 south of Clear Creek
the City cannot accept this information unless it is in the form of an approved Letter of Map Revision
(LOMR). Following this process ensures the City is consistent with the procedures in place for LOMR's.
Reviewing and Approving Subdivisions.Subdivision Ordinance(Chapter 27;print date May 25,
2001)outlines the requirements for the design, review and approval of subdivisions within the City and
the area designated as the extra-territorial jurisdiction(within 5 miles of the corporate limits).
Preliminary plans(plat plans)are required to show waterways,drainage structures,and the flood
elevations and boundaries of flood-prone areas(including floodways). If the proposal includes fills or
other structure elevating techniques,levees,channel modifications,or other methods to overcome flood
or erosion-related hazards,they must be designed in compliance with the City's base flood elevation
standards and the City's flood hazard prevention requirements.
The subdivision ordinance includes a strong link to the floodplain management ordinance. For lots that
are affected by the floodplain,each recorded plat indicates the proposed location of the building and
identifies the required lowest floor elevation. When permit applications for individual buildings are
received,the building permit includes the elevation requirements specified on the plat.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December2009) Page 6-12
Et i;
Section 6
Pearland's Capability To Address Hazards
The City conducts an inspection of subdivision grading and drainage work to determine compliance with
the grading plan. At this time,elevations of the fill pads for proposed buildings in flood hazard areas
are checked for the proper elevation. •
Permitting for Substantial Improvements. Every application for renovation, improvement,or repair
of existing buildings is checked by.City staff to determine if the building is located in the mapped flood
hazard areas. The City's Floodplain Manager must review and sign-off on any permits on existing,
flood-prone buildings.
Applicants are required to submit the value of work proposed. For applications in the floodplain,that
value is compared to the assessed value as a screening for whether the proposed work constitutes a
substantial improvement(50%or more of market value).
After Tropical Storm Allison,the City sent notices to all damaged homes to inform owners of the
requirement to obtain a permit before starting repairs. 114 homeowners that experienced flood damage
as a result of Tropical Storm Allison requested permits. Home inspections were conducted upon
request,to help homeowners decide appropriate repairs.
Manufactured Home Parks. According to the Pearland Planning Department,as of mid-2009,there
were 395 mobile homes in the City of Pearland.Two existing manufactured home parks are partially
located within mapped flood hazards areas;Magnolia Place and Country Meadows. Permits are
required to place new units or to replace existing units,and the requirement to elevate the units is
imposed and Elevation Certificates are required. In addition,ground anchors are required to provide
stability and to resist overturning during high wind conditions.
Requiring Stormwater Management. The City is actively involved in addressing stormwater problems
(see Section 6.4)and applies requirements on new development to control increases in runoff. Small
developments with little opportunity for on-site detention may be allowed to purchase capacity in the
City's regional detention facilities.
The City's Storm Drainage Design Criteria and Design Requirements(September 2000)is a
sophisticated manual that outlines criteria and requirements in considerable detail. Notably, it provides
clear explanations and guidance for the various requirements,especially describing the differences
related to drainage area. Highlights of selected provisions include:
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December2009) Page 6-13
LUPPIT
T14160--
Section 6
Pearland's Capability To Address Hazards
■ The criteria for newly designed areas provide protection of habitable areas from flooding by
large events through application of drainage enhancements(including storm sewers,
roadside ditches,open channels,detention and overland(sheet)runoff). The combined
system is intended to prevent flooding of houses by extreme events up to the level of a 100-
year storm.
■ Short-duration street ponding is anticipated and part of the overall drainage capacity. It is
recognized that storm sewers and ditches are designed as a balance of"capacity and
economics,"and that capacity is intended for"less intense,more frequent rainfalls".
• Fill placed in the 100-year flood plain as designated on the Flood Insurance Rate Map below
the 100-year base flood elevation shall be mitigated by removal of like amount of
compensating cut in the vicinity of the fill. All runoff impacts created by development shall be
mitigated to the equivalent of pre-project runoff rates.
• For drainage through existing developed areas,requires assessment of the hydraulic
gradient for the 100-year flow,and if the gradient is"at or below one foot below the floor
levels of adjacent existing habitable structures"no improvements to the existing system are
required.
■ All open channels are to be designed to contain the runoff from the 100-year frequency
storm within the right-of-way,except where channel improvements are necessary to offset
increased flows from a proposed development. In those cases,the 100-year flood profile
under existing conditions of development should not be increased.
• New driveway culverts must be accompanied by evidence that they will handle flow without
increasing flooding.
• For detention system designs,review and approval is contingent upon assurances that(a)
adequate storage is available for necessary peak flow reduction;(b)performance over the
expected life of project;(c)provisions for funding maintenance;and(c)maintenance will be
performed for long-term operations. On-site and off-site detention facilities may be
proposed.
Design Rainfall Events
For Brazoria County and Pearland, the 24-hour design
rainfalls(not adjusted by area):.
➢ 100-year rainfall= 12.9"
• 10-year rainfall=8.3
2-year rainfall=5.25"
6.5 Continued Compliance with the NFIP
Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program(NFIP)is important to the City of Pearland and
over 6,000 of its residents. This is evidenced by the City's commitment to regulating development and
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December2009) Page 6-14
• Section 6
Pearland's Capability To Address Hazards
redevelopment,by its adoption of provisions that exceed the minimum requirements,and by its active
pursuit of mitigation opportunities. The City is firmly committed to continued compliance with the NFIP.
Pearland satisfied requirements for initial participation in the NFIP and joined the Emergency Program
in 1978. Upon issuance and final approval of the Flood Insurance Rate Map in July 1984,the City
joined the Regular Program. The effective Flood Insurance Rate Map for Pearland has been revised a
number of times to reflect more detailed information and changes to the floodplain,and is now used as
the minimum flood hazard area within which development must conform to floodplain management
regulations.
Regulations Review. A review of the City's floodplain regulations and subdivision standards was
prepared and City staff were interviewed. The review,on file with the Administration Department,was
performed to ensure continued compliance with the NFIP and to identify opportunities to clarify
regulatory language.The regulations are consistent with the NFIP. The findings suggest the following:
• Minor revisions could remove language not pertinent to Pearland(e.g.,related to coastal
floodplains,AO Zones);
■. Clarification of provisions related to substantial improvement and substantial damage may
improve administration;
• Using the boundaries of the SFHA to determine regulated areas, regardless of the
relationship of topography and the Base Flood Elevation, may overlook some low areas;and
■ If a builder changes a building design after approval of the subdivision plat(on which BFE
and lowest floor elevations are specified);current processing procedures may not ensure
that the City's floodplain manager reviews the changes. However,there is no indication that
this situation has occurred in the past.
Land Use&Urban Development Ordinance No.509-H(revised April 22,2002). The ordinance
provides for and defines the Floodway District,and has been incorporated into the City's Unified
Development Code. See Section 6.4.1, Regulating Development,for additional information about the
City's UDC.The Land Use Plan is a map that shows future land use by color comparison;the mapped
floodplain is not delineated as a separate land use. A separate report on the flood provisions of the
ordinance is on file with the Administration Department.
Community Assistance Visit. The final determination of a 1999 Community Assistance Visit was that
"the City has an excellent floodplain management program."
The Community Rating System. The review of the floodplain regulations also served to identify
measures adopted by Pearland that may qualify for credit under the NFIP's Community Rating System
(CRS). The CRS is intended to recognize and encourage management of flood hazard areas above
the minimum requirements of the NFIP. The CRS offers discounts on the cost of federal flood
insurance to those citizens who reside within recognized communities. The City completed and
submitted a CRS application in mid-2003. A verification visit was completed on November 11,2003. In
May of 2005,the City of Pearland was accepted into the National Flood Insurance Program's
Community Rating System(CRS)as a Class 8 community.15 Based on 2009 Repetitive Loss data,
15 Pearland in Motion.Volume 11.No.3.Fall 2008.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December2009) Page 6-15
Section 6
Pearland's Capability To Address Hazards
there were 216 RL properties within the City. Of the 216 repetitive loss properties,27 are considered
severe repetitive loss properties.See sections 5.2.1 and 5.2.2 for additional details about repetitive loss
and severe repetitive loss properties in Pearland.
Nationwide,the average NFIP premium for$100,000 in coverage property in A Zones and AE Zones is
on the order of$500. Thus, in communities with a 5% CRS discount, policyholders see,on average,
annual savings of$25. The cost of the average B, C,and X Zone policy is$150;thus policyholder
savings in these zones outside of the 100-year floodplain would be only$7.50 per year. Regardless of
the CRS discount available in A and AE Zones,which goes up in 5-percent increments,the discount on
B,C, and X Zones is capped at 5%.
For the City of Pearland's residents,cost savings due to the CRS discount can be estimated. It is
important to note that the total number of flood insurance policies exceeds the number of buildings
within the mapped flood hazard area. Therefore,for the purpose of this estimate,a CRS discount of
only 5% is assumed to apply to all policies. As of December 2002,the NFIP reports that 6,419 flood
insurance policies are in force in Pearland and policyholders pay almost$2 million per year in
premiums. Therefore,a 5%discount would yield a total savings for property owners of about$100,000
each year.
An independent report identifying possible points based on the City's current program,as well as a
number of reasonable and feasible additional activities that may qualify for CRS points,is on file with
the Administration Department. The following are the key opportunities:
■ Floodplain ordinance requires the lowest floor,including basement,to be elevated at t least
one-foot above the Base Flood Elevation.
■ Floodplain ordinance requires that all fill places in the floodplain be mitigated by
compensating cut so that no increase in flood levels results.
■ New development is required to provide on-site management of increased runoff associated
with the 100-year storm(or contribute to regional detention).
■ Significant efforts related to drainage maintenance and improvements are underway.
■ More than 90 homes have been acquired and demolished to provide open space.
■ Significant public information efforts provide opportunities to continue to reach out to
residents about flood hazards, mitigating damage,and flood insurance.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December2009) Page 6-16
Section 6
Pearland's Capability To Address Hazards
6.6 Ongoing and.Previous Mitigation Initiatives
Dealing with flood hazards,the most significant natural hazard in Pearland, is not a new proposition for
the City. Indeed,as described in Section 3.2,several of the City's goals and objectives for 2004-2009
are directly related to flooding and drainage. Those objectives and specific studies and projects are
described in the following subsections.
6.6.1 Clear Creek Improvements
As part of the original plan in 2004 the Pearland City Council established the objective of lobbying for
Clear Creak Improvements that were identified as part of Goal#2(Reduce Flooding and Drainage)
within the City's 2003-2004 short term goals.In support of this goal,on June 16,2003,the City
Council adopted Resolution No.R2003-84 supporting the request made by Congressman Tom DeLay
that funding be reinstated in the 2004 federal budget to provide:for general evaluation review of the
U.S.Army Corps of Engineers'Clear Creek Project.This objective was still ongoing at the time of the
2009 update(See Table 3.1)and lobbying efforts have continued for Clear Creek improvements
through a coalition with the City of Friendswood, BDD#4,and GCCDD.
Clear Creek is a multi-jurisdictional watershed,draining portions of Brazoria,Galveston,Harris,and
Fort Bend County,and many cities,including Houston and Pearland. The Creek forms most of
Pearland's northern border and,as demonstrated by past flood events,is a significant source of
repetitive and severe flood damage.
The following summary of the Clear Creek Project is prepared from material available online at
www.clearcreekDroiect.com:
■ The Galveston District of the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers(USAGE) is engaged in a
complete re-evaluation of flood damage reduction measures for Clear Creek. The study
has expanded well beyond what was formerly planned for only the main stem of the Creek.
At the request of the local sponsors,six tributaries were added to the investigation so that
'the watershed could be more thoroughly understood. Three other agencies representing
constituents within the watershed are co-sponsoring the new study. These sponsors include
the Harris County Flood Control District,Galveston County,and Brazoria Drainage District
Number Four.
■ Significant progress has been made since June 2002 and a number of project milestones
have been reached. Baseline data compiled includes hydraulic/hydrologic information and
Geographic Information system mapping of roads, FEMA floodplains, habitat types,wetlands
and biological areas,elevations and contours,stream cross-sections,.cultural resources,
recreational facilities,census information,and structural inventory information. Work on the
Environmental Impact Statement has progressed,and data collection necessary to establish
an environmental baseline is complete.
■ In 2005 the Study Team continued with hydraulic and hydrologic analysis of the 20 flood
damage reduction measures that have been identified,and economic and"benefits-to-cost"
analyses performed for each measure. Environmental mitigation and eco-restoration actions
necessary to offset project impacts were also evaluated.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December2009) Page 6-17
itteN
Riikx
Section 6
Pearland's Capability To Address Hazards
■ The new study,completed in 2005,completely re-evaluate options for a federally:funded
flood control plan that was developed many years ago. The original plan included
deepening and widening Clear Creek. In 2005 additional measures were modeled until a
Preliminary National Economic Development(NED)Alternative was identified.This
alternative was the result of a comprehensive engineering,economic and environmental
analysis and community input.The Project Team and Interagency Coordination Team(ICT)
developed an initial list of ecosystem restoration and mitigation measures.16 Numerous
alternatives have been suggested by both project sponsors and private citizens,including
combinations of channelization,bypass channels,and floodwater detention areas.
Importantly, non-structural options such as buying out frequently flooded homeowners,
raising structures, improving flood warnings,and strengthening local floodplain regulations
are also being considered.
■ In 2009 a study called a General Reevaluation Report(GRR)was being conducted.Three
agencies representing constituents within the watershed are co-sponsoring the study:The
Harris County Flood Control District,Galveston County and Brazoria Drainage District
Number Four.17
Another Clear Creek initiative involved preparation of new floodplain studies under the umbrella of the
Tropical Storm Allison Recovery Project(TSARP)for the portion of the City that lies within Harris
County. The TSARP is a joint study between FEMA and the Harris County Flood Control District.The
purpose of the TSARP project is to develop technical products that will assist local communities in
recovering from the devastating flooding that occurred after Allison,and provide communities with a
greater understanding of flooding and flood risks.18
The City entered into a Community Partner Memorandum of Agreement with FEMA in which they
agreed to work with FEMA in the flood hazard identification process and to identify and prioritize its
flood mapping needs and develop digital flood maps for areas of the City that are within Harris County.
In June,2007 the TSARP produced new floodplain maps for Harris County.These maps are official
FIRMs produced by FEMA in coordination with the TSARP and identify the new delineations within the
special flood hazard area(SFHA). Figure 6-3 identifies the revised floodplain for the Harris County
portion of Southeast Houston. The TSARP web site(www.tsarp.com)posts a series of questions and
answers about flood insurance and how changes in the flood maps may affect property owners.
16 USACE—Galveston District. The Clear Facts on Clear Creek.September,2005.
17.USACE—Galveston District.Clear Creek Project Review
18.Tropical Storm Allison Recovery Project
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December2009) Page 6-18
t
Section 6
Pearland's Capability To Address Hazards
Figure 6-3
Southeast Houston Floodplain Map
(Source:Tropical Storm Allison Recovery Project)
Lt 8. ti, �,
Y` ' .1,, Acs�s spa E Mrorb Aerie./ LEGEND_
Rr v� y na, '1 , - "" ""8 {{
-- ii - y t�> C g` i_FEtU1 fbodploino
T fir Y IK , ��¢¢;• � E}bctiw Juno 114 2007
' i' L' F- l _• �� ry
II
' ORE9A A �.— D p��-. YOECIOARO ••ar , .-", f�oeM.y(fEMA Zm.AE)
1%fleeCpan.
1 , rn �`a' Z E OR DR I E)
% a - _ .1 ALI�EDAOENOA RO• _-:_,.. > �„� �f. )
(tOG YRaFEYA Zen.A
.+•" r (SOO VR n Zeno X
+ ".7.
O .,ALLISON RD f
1 VEAmes on Lowest Ittsk
a.'„ P pUOIIA ST r ^—w FUOUA ST„;, _ ""S'T '°/ (FEW ZoneX
Q —FIRM Fail
f i:1. , _ Mtjor Reds
i. ,ryrye, _ - --� �C . 44
"i * w..u/Rw.r
j / 0.
t•' 1 Y / le•. 2'Mame.
40 Is
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 6-19
;BA -ANIO
NtTEOr
Section 6
Pearland's Capability To Address Hazards
6.6.2 Evaluation of Detention
The City evaluated the effectiveness of its stormwater detention requirements for new development to
determine if revisions are appropriate. In February,2004 the City's Storm Drainage Criteria Manual
was revised and updated based on results from the TSARP described in Section 6.6.1.One of the more
significant changes to the manual requires that a detention pond discharge be designed to ensure there
is no impact to the three,ten,and 100-year receiving streams.Another significant modification was the
24-hour rainfall amount for a 100-year event was changed from 12.9 inches to 13.5 inches. In addition
to the changes,an inventory of detention ponds has been prepared and an inspection program was
initiated in June 2003.
6.6.3 Drainage Maintenance
The City of Pearland and the Brazoria Drainage District#4(BDD#4)are responsible for maintaining
public drainage infrastructure in the area.Within the City, BDD#4 is responsible for major drainage
ditches,sloughs,and creeks. In August,2009 the City developed inspection and maintenance
procedures as part of a CRS update.The Drainage System Maintenance Procedures indicates the City
of Pearland Public Works Department shares responsibility for drainage maintenance with the Street
and Drainage Department. Both offices inspect,maintain and repair underground storm sewers
servicing city streets.19
The drainage system maintenance program includes annual inspection as well as inspection after each
major storm. All necessary repairs or debris removal will be completed within five days of identifying
the need through inspection.Sites with historical drainage problems are inspected on a more frequent
basis.These sites include
• The Corrigan Ditch
• Mary's Creek at the detention pond on Fite Road
• Mary's Creek at the McLean Bridge
• Mary's Creek at the Independence Park detention pond
• Town Ditch
• Clear Creek at Country Club Drive
6.6.4 Regional Stormwater Detention
The City currently has six regional stormwater detention sites and one in the planning stages.
Construction is scheduled to begin on the East St.Mary's Regional Detention Pond in the summer,
2009.All sites are designed with 50%capacity to manage runoff from existing development and 50%
capacity to manage increases anticipated due to future development. The sites are:
• David L.Smith detention located on Clear Creek in Northeast Pearland contains
approximately 204 acre-feet of stormwater
detention.
19 540 Drainage System Maintenance:Procedures
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December2009) Page 6-20
Section 6
Pearland's Capability To Address Hazards
• Southwest Environmental Center detention located on Mary's Creek contains approximately
366 acre-feet of stormwater detention.
• Independence Park detention located on Mary's Creek in East Pearland contains
approximately 34 acre-feet of stormwater detention.
• West Mary's Creek detention located on Mary's Creek in W.Central Pearland contains
approximately 600 acre-feet of stormwater detention.
• Collen Detention located on Hickory Slough in W.Central Pearland contains approximately
30 acre-feet of stormwater detention.
■ West St.Mary's Regional Detention Pond.
• East St.Mary's Regional Detention Pond to begin construction in summer 2009.
Shadow Creek Ranch development also has a regional component. This site is a 3,305 acre Planned
Unit Development that is privately owned and maintained.The site is being built in several phases.The
development will encompass almost the entire area west of S.H.288 from Clear Creek to County Road
92. In addition to the detention ponds listed above,the City is also planning a Cowart Creek Diversion
Project.The project is in the final design stage,with construction anticipated to begin in 2010.
6.6.5 Corrigan Subdivision Drainage
The Corrigan subdivision is located in a large shallow bowl that in the past has suffered frequently from
inadequate drainage. In 2007 the City completed a local drainage project to reduce flooding in this
area.During major storm events over the Mary's Creek watershed,water from the creek would"back
up"into Corrigan by way of the Corrigan Ditch,overflowing into the streets since the elevations are
below BFE. Not only did the Corrigan Ditch provide a path for flooding from:Mary's Creek,the
floodwater flowed around and across the streets throughout Corrigan. The area also flooded during
intense,localized rainfall due to inadequate capacity in the main outfall channel(Corrigan Ditch),
inadequate storm sewer capacity,and limited flow paths for sheet flow."Nuisance"flooding caused by
heavy localized rainfall events was generally limited to street flooding for one to two hour periods.
Occasionally, both types of flooding occur simultaneously,causing significant flooding. As shown on
the graphics above, many homeowners in Corrigan have obtained NFIP flood insurance policies and
several are listed by the NFIP as having received repetitive flood insurance claims.
To address the frequent flooding in Corrigan,the City completed a drainage improvement project in
February,2007 at an estimated cost of$10 million.The project was completed in three phases
■ Phase I:This Phase included construction of Hatfield Ditch.
• Phase II:This Phase included the construction of the pumping station in the Fite Road
detention pond,coupled with the improvement of Corrigan Ditch and the blocking off of the
ditch from Mary's Creek backwater.
• Phase Ill:The third phase included the improvement of the interior storm piping and storm
inlets in South Corrigan and the walling in of South Corrigan from Mary's Creek backwater in
McLean Road and the land/improvements north of South Corrigan south of Broadway.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December2009) Page 6-21
Section 6
Pearland's Capability To Address Hazards
6.6.6 Floodplain Acquisitions
Prompted by significant flooding in 1994,which resulted in Presidential Declaration DR-1041,the City
initiated acquisition of a number of flood-damaged homes. A Hazard Mitigation Grant Program(HMGP)
grant of$300,000 was awarded through the GDEM for the acquisition and removal of three
substantially damaged properties. The City provided the 25% non-federal match.
Tropical Storm Allison(DR-1379)caused near-record flooding and damage,prompting a new effort to
acquire flood-damage homes. An HMGP grant of$7,650,000 was awarded for the acquisition of 89
homes.Subsequently,the City initiated an HMGP application to"fast track"acquisition of homes
damaged by the flood. Two separate acquisition and relocation programs were initiated,one by the
properties located in the part of the City that is in Brazoria County. The other effort,undertaken with the
Harris County Flood Control District,was for properties located within the portion of the City that is in
Harris County. The acquisition project was completed in 2005.
In 2008,the City of Pearland received$987,903 in funds from FEMA's Repetitive Flood Claims(RFC)
program to acquire seven repetitive loss properties in various locations. As of mid-2009 all the homes
had been acquired and demolition and clearance were in progress.
As a condition of the mitigation grants,the acquired lands must be retained as open space.
Consequently,the City maintaining the vacant lots through a mowing contract to provide 39 mows per
lot, per year. Due to this high,on-going cost,the.City is exploring compatible uses by adjacent property
owners in exchange for maintenance. In addition,where there are four or more contiguous lots,the
City is working with the neighborhood associations to explore re-use as neighborhood parks.
6.6.7 Public-Private Partnerships
The City of Pearland has not formed any public-private partnerships that are related to natural hazards
and hazard mitigation.
6.7 Natural Resources
The City of Pearland values its open space and encourages protection of trees and wetlands in its
development processes. The approval process for subdivisions within the City and the area designated
as the extra-territorial jurisdiction(within 5 miles of the corporate limits)requires developers to delineate
waterways,drainage structures,the boundaries of flood-prone areas(including floodways). Activity
proposed within wetland areas must be approved by the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers under the
authority of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
Open space is addressed in the subdivision ordinance:
• Sec.27-4(E)Public Use and Service Areas—the City may require up to 10%of gross area
or water frontage for park,school or recreational purposes.
• Sec.27-11 Parkland Dedication—sites for park and recreation purposes to be recorded;
locations to be approved by the Parks and Recreation Director(ratio of one acre of park for
every 100 dwelling units). Area to be appropriate in area,shape and terrain for intended
park uses. Pipeline easement shall not be considered part of park dedication;other
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December2009) Page 6-22
OFM-
Section 6
Pearland's Capability To Address Hazards
easements or detention ponds may be acceptable. City may elect to accept a fee as
alternate to dedication,in whole or in part,to maximize accessible locations.
Pearland Tree Protection and Preservation Ordinance(Ordinance No.1108).This document was
adopted July 2003. The City Council of Pearland determined:that the urban forest is of great value in
the maintenance of public health and welfare;the urban forest can aid in the conservation of vital
energy resources and natural resources and in the preservation of the City's heritage and quality of life.
Seeking to balance the benefits of protecting and preserving trees with the rights of individual property
owners,the Council determined that the best approaches for accomplishing numerous benefits involves
the preservation or replacement of existing trees that may be removed by the following methods: (i)
avoid tree damage(including removal)whenever feasible;(ii)mitigate damage when it occurs;(iii)
require on-site replacement of trees that must be removed,and(iv)require off-site replacement of trees
that cannot be replaced on-site,either by direct planting or through a"tree trust". Excepted activities
include public utility work if it takes place in dedicated and accepted easements,right-of-way and
floodways;and removal of trees which pose a hazard or harm(with appropriate documentation and
approval by the City).
As part of the 2009 Plan Update,the MPC reviewed the Subdivision and Tree Protection and
Preservation Ordinances and confirmed no changes to either ordinance. Future plan updates
will continue to review these ordinances for possible changes.
City Projects & Environmental Compliance
Capital projects that impact wetlands or remove trees must satisfy the same mitigation requirements imposed on private
development projects.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December2009) Page 6-23
45:41.Eirr'3C6
Section 7
Mitigation Actions
7.1 Identifying Priority Actions
Throughout the original 2004 planning process and the 2009 update,the MPC discussed hazards,the
number of people and types of property that are exposed,and the development review process. As
part of the original Plan in 2004,the Mitigation Planning Committee(MPC)identified 27 potential
actions.These actions were circulated, reviewed,and prioritized. Of these 27 draft mitigation action
items,several were combined and/or slightly modified.As part of the 2009 Plan Update,the MPC
reviewed and updated the original action items.
Factors that influenced prioritizing for the original Plan included the Committee's review of available
information on flood hazards,other hazards, past hazard events,the number of people and types of
property exposed to those hazards,and the elements of the development approval process. High
priority was placed on those actions that are considered consistent with current City policies,those that
are technically feasible and have high political and social acceptance,and those that can be achieved
using existing authorities, budget levels,and staff.
Composites were made of the priorities indicated by each Committee member in the context of his or
her agency's responsibilities. This analysis initially yielded eight high-priority actions and five medium-
priority actions;subsequent discussions resulted in further refinement of the list.
7.2 IFR Requirements for Mitigation Strategy
IFR§201.6(c)(3): The plan shall include a mitigation strategy that provides the jurisdiction's blueprint
for reducing the potential losses identified in the risk assessment,based on existing authorities,
policies,programs and resources, and its ability to expand on and improve these existing tools.
IFR§201.6(c)(3)(i): (The hazard mitigation strategy shall include a]description of mitigation goals to
reduce or avoid long-term vulnerabilities to the identified hazards.
IFR§201.6(c)(3)(ii): (The mitigation strategy shall include a]section that identifies and analyzes a
comprehensive range of specific mitigation actions and projects being considered to reduce the effects
of each hazard, with particular emphasis on new and existing buildings and infrastructure.
IFR§201.6(c)(3)(iii): /The mitigation strategy section shall include]an action plan describing how the
actions identified in section(c)(3)(ii)will be prioritized,implemented, and administered by the local
jurisdiction. Prioritization shall include a special emphasis on the extent to which benefits are
maximized according to a cost benefit review of the proposed projects and their associated costs.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December2009) Page 7-1
NIztitior
Section 7
Mitigation Actions
7.3 Mitigation Actions
Table 7-1 identifies the link between mitigation actions and identified hazards. Table 7-2 identifies each
high priority mitigation action and identifies the proposed lead office and support assignments, priority
level,and timeframe. The proposed timeframes are consistent with the five-year review cycle required
for this Plan Update. For each high priority action,the Committee identified the lead office,
characterized anticipated support by elected officials and the community at-large,discussed funding
limitations and status,and developed a qualitative statement regarding cost effectiveness. In this
context,the cost of accomplishing the action was compared to the perceived benefits, including
community-wide safety. Note: Mitigation action items pertain to both current and future.development
as well as infrastructure,as applicable,within the City of Pearland.
Table 7-1
Linking Actions to Hazards
Probability of Estimated
Hazard Occurrence' Annual$ Action Item(s)
Damage**
Floods l High High 1,2a,2b,3,4,5,6, M1,
; M2,M3,M4,L1, L2
Winter Storm Hazards Low 1 Low j 2a,5,6,M4
High Wind ___..._
Hazards/Tornadoes Low Low 12.a,5,6,M1,M2, M4
Drought Medium Low 12a,5,6,M4
Wildland Fire Low Low I 2a,5,6,M4
Hazardous Materials Low I Low 12a,5,6,M4, L1
Seismic Hazards N/A N/A
(Earthquakes)
Landslides.. N/A N/A
Notes:
*Based on Historical Occurrences as indicated in section 5
**'Based on calculated estimate of annual damage
Less than$250,000 annual estimate of damage=Low
Less than$1,000,000 annual estimate of damage= Medium
Greater than$1,000,000 annual estimate of damage=High
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 7-2
i` ,
Section 7
Mitigation Actions
The high priority actions(Table 7-2)and medium and low priority actions(Table 7-3)were reviewed as
part of the 2009 Plan Update. The MPC discussed the action items with each of the Lead offices and
status updates have been added for several of the action items. As part of the Plan Update,an
updated version of this table will be included in periodic progress reports submitted to the Texas
Division of Emergency Management,the Texas Water Development Board,and FEMA.
Table 7-2
High Priority Mitigation Actions
Mitigation Actions&Notes on Implementation
HIGH PRIORITY: Time Period(2004—2009)
Action#1: Improve Regulatory and Administrative Capability.
a. Formalize inspection procedures,specifically for flood
b. At least one staff member should have training specific to making substantial
damage determinations
c. Standardize procedures and worksheets for handling substantial improvement and
substantial damage
Lead Office Lead: Building Official
Support: City Engineer,Permits, Inspections
Support Strong support(improves consistency;maximizes
eligibility for ICC and grants)
Within existing budget:
a. Incorporate in on-going review of permit
Status&Funding Notes procedures
b.Training available from State/FEMA.
c. Tailor materials available in FEMA manuals.
Very cost effective due to long-term improvement of
Cost Effectiveness2 non-conforming buildings and protecting the City's
"good standing"with the NFIP.
Action#2: Public Information
a.Develop communications plan to increase internal and public communication capability
—pre-and post-disaster
b.Periodic informational mailings to SFHA property owners(flood insurance,importance
of maintaining drainage,flood safety,easy mitigation measures,permit requirements)
Lead Office Lead: Public Affairs
Support: Mayor's office;multiple agencies
Support Strong support
Status&Funding Notes Within existing budget:
a.Materials developed as part of mitigation plan
Very cost effective due to increased public
Cost Effectiveness awareness and consistency of City's messages to
citizens,especially post-flood.
Status as of August,2009-Action#2: Each year the City has distributed an annual
mailing to property owners within the SFHA related to floodplain management.
Estimate of community support(elected officials and citizens).
2 Based on qualitative assessment of cost/effort and long-term benefits.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 7-3
gaRaitig
Section 7
Mitigation Actions
Table 7-2
High Priority Mitigation Actions
Mitigation Actions&Notes on Implementation
Action#3: Flood Warning
a. Increase flood predictive capability for streams and creeks that affect the City
(stream gages),coordinate with Harris County Flood Control
b. Augment Reverse 911 System to notify floodplain occupants of pending conditions
Lead: a. City Engineer
Lead Office b. Emergency management
Support: City Engineer,GIS,and EM
Support Strong Support
Requires budget request if evaluation determines
Status&Funding Notes that additional stream gages are required(initial
costs and maintenance)
Initial stream gages are induced in FY04 budget
Cost Effectiveness Very cost effective,especially after initial
investment.
Status as of August,2009 -Action#3:
■ (a)The City has installed nine stream gages in coordination with Harris County
Flood Control.
• (b)The City has implemented Connect-C7Y,a reverse 911 system that
provides the ability to inform citizens of pending hazards.The system is used to
inform citizens about severe weather warnings(and updates),hazardous traffic
or road conditions,or any other situation that could impact property or safety in
Pearland.
Action#4: City-Owned Buildings/Infrastructure
a. For public buildings that are in the SFHA and based on preliminary evaluations,
conduct more detailed assessment of full range of ways to minimize damage(retrofit
floodproofing,use of flood-resistant materials,elevate utilities,etc.);determine
appropriateness of flood insurance
b. Sanitary water treatment plants,if in SFHA,examine for measures to preserve
functioning and protect property/contents;if not already in place,prepare response
plans for pending flooding
c. For sewage pump stations located in high-risk areas,develop floodproofing plans
Lead Office Lead: Public Works
Support: Risk management and Parks&Recreation
Support Moderate support(no prior damage suggests
relatively low risk)
Initial evaluations are within existing budget;if
Status&Funding Notes reasonable protective measures are found to be
appropriate,budget request will be necessary.
Cost Effectiveness Unknown(will be a function of degree of exposure)
Status as of August,2009 -Action#4:
After Hurricane Ike the City purchased small generators to run critical lift stations
after a storm.Standing contract with generator supplier for larger generators as
needed after a storm.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 7-4
Section 7
Mitigation Actions
Table 7-2
High Priority Mitigation Actions
Mitigation Actions&Notes on Implementation
Action#5: Coordinated Emergency Management
Train all department heads and appropriate other personnel about the Emergency
Management Plan—roles and responsibilities pre-and post-event
Lead Office Lead: Emergency Management
_ Support: Mayor's Office
Support Strong Support
Status&Funding Notes May be within existing budget if existing training
modules from FEMA can be deployed locally.
Cost Effectiveness Very cost effective
Action#6: Mitigation Projects
a. Develop procedures to quickly identify mitigation projects and seek funding(from
RSDE and HMGP application development,identification of reuse(recreation,
reforestation,wetlands mitigation required by capital projects),through maintenance
of purchased/demolished properties).
b. Continue to pursue cost effective flood mitigation projects(elevation,buyout,local
drainage and storm water detention projects);apply for federal funding,as
appropriate
c. Continue to pursue cost effective mitigation projects for other natural hazards that
may impact the City of Pearland
d. Collect"sunny day"data for at-risk buildings to have available for quick post disaster
recovery and mitigation grant application development
Status as of August,2009 -Action#6(b):
• East Mary's Regional Detention Pond is currently being constructed to provide
watershed and drainage improvements.
• Clear Creek.The USACE—Galveston District is currently re-evaluating
potential flood mitigation opportunities along Clear Creek.
• Cowart Creek Diversion and Detention Pond constructed to divert the drainage
ditch towards the south and allow the ditch to convey a 100-year storm event.
Lead Office Lead: Administration
Support: City Engineer,Grants
Support Strong Support
• • Limited funds for mitigation projects in FY04
Operating Budget
• On-gong joint projects with BDD#4
• Pending Grant Application with Corps of Eng.
Status&Funding Notes (section 205)
•. Recent Bond election included funds for
Mitigation projects
Implementation of additional projects(above those
already approved and funded)will require grant
award
Cost Effectiveness Will need to be evaluated on a project-by-project
basis
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 7-5
Ltf T
Section 7
Mitigation Actions
Table 7-3
Medium and Low Priority Mitigation Actions.
Mitigation Actions&Notes on Implementation
MEDIUM PRIORITY: Time Period(2008+)
Mi. Public-Private Partnership
Sponsor building code training(available from code organizations)for local engineers,
architects,contractors,home improvement contractors(with emphasis on wind and flood
provisions)
M2. Road Safety
Based on existing knowledge of roads that flood frequently:
a. If considered critical for emergency response,explore options to upgrade.
b. If predicted to have more than 2'of water(especially long duration),explore options
to upgrade
M3. Shelter Survey
If not already done,request county/state evaluation of identified shelters for resistance to
wind&flood
M4. Training and Certification
Establish training requirements,minimum job skill base,and certification requirements
for all City positions requiring hazard preparation and response.
Mitigation Actions&Notes on Implementation
LOW PRIORITY: Time Period(2008+)
Li Identify whether hazardous materials handlers/waste sites are in the mapped
floodplain;if flood-prone,notify company and encourage protective measures and
response plan for flood
L2. Require designated floodplain manager position to be a Texas Certified Floodplain
Manager(CFM).
7.4 Links to Mitigation Goal Statement
The City of Pearland Mitigation Goal Statement
The goal of this plan is to support the City of Pearland's efforts to
protect the community's health, safety, and welfare by
identifying and increasing public awareness of, natural and man-
mad mi
tigating hazards, and miti ating risks due to those hazards without
creating new problems.
Table 7-4 shows how the proposed actions listed in Section 7.1 directly support the City's Mitigation
Goal Statement. A number of actions individually support more than one element of the goal.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 7-6
rLE P A g
,-;,sue
Section 7
Mitigation Actions
Table 7-4
Linking Mitigation Goals&Actions
Element of Goal Statement Actions Relating to Goal
Protect public health,safety and welfare 1,3,4,5,6
Increasing public awareness of hazards I 2,3,6
Mitigating risks due to those hazards 1,2,3,4,5,6
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 7-7
FAM
Section 8
Texas Agencies,Organizations and FEMA NFIP.
8.1 Overview
Mitigation of flood hazards traces its roots to Congressional deliberations about how to address
continued and repetitive flood disasters throughout the first half of the 20th Century. The National Flood
Insurance Program, authorized in 1968, prompted state and local government actions primarily
intended to recognize and account for flood hazards in decisions on local development. It was not until
1988 that the concept of mitigation planning was articulated in a statute,known as"Section 409"
planning. In 2000,the statute was revised under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000.
At the federal level,the Federal Emergency Management Agency administers mitigation programs that
foster planning and project implementation to address existing risks. At the state and regional levels,
several agencies and organizations sponsor programs that bear on hazard mitigation. The following
sections provide an overview of existing Texas agencies,organizations,and programs addressing
hazard mitigation.
8.2 Texas Division of Emergency Management
The Texas Division of Emergency Management(GDEM)is designated by the Governor as the state's
coordinating agency for disaster preparedness,emergency response,and disaster recovery:assistance.
DEM is also tasked with coordinating the state's natural disaster mitigation initiatives,chairing the State
Hazard Mitigation Team,and maintaining the State of Texas Emergency Management Plan. DEM
fosters local mitigation planning and administers Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds provided
through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Additional information about the GDEM can be
found online at www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem.
8.3 Texas Water Development Board
The Texas Water Development Board(TWDB)administers a variety of programs related to water. The
TWDB is the agency charged with statewide water planning and administration of financial assistance
programs for the planning,design,and construction of water supply,wastewater treatment,flood
control,and agricultural water conservation projects. TWDB administers funding from FEMA under the
Flood Mitigation Assistance Program(see Section 8.8).Additional information about the TWDB can be
found online at www.twdb.state,tx.us.
8.4 Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality(TCEQ)is a diversified agency dealing with
permitting,licensing,compliance,enforcement,pollution prevention,and educational programs related
to preservation and protection of air and water quality and the safe disposal of waste. Related to
mitigation of natural hazards are TCEQ programs that deal with drought,darn safety,and flood control
and floodplain management.Additional information about the TCEQ can be found online at
www.tceg.state.tx.us.
TCEQ is designated by the Governor as the State Coordinating Agency for the National Flood
Insurance Program. In this capacity,the agency assists communities with floodplain mapping matters
and interpretation and enforcement of local floodplain management regulations.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 8-1
ta*B1:;!
Section 8
Texas Agencies,Organizations and FEMA Programs
8.5 FEMA National Flood Insurance.Program
In 1968, Congress authorized FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program(NFIP)for two primary
purposes: (1)to have flood-prone property owners contribute to their own recovery from flood damage
through an insurance program;and(2)to guide development such that it is less prone to flood damage.
To facilitate implementation,the NFIP created Flood Insurance Rate Maps(FIRMs)that, based on best
available information and engineering methodologies,show areas subject to flooding by the 1-percent-
annual chance flood(also called the"100-year flood"). Communities use the maps to guide and
regulate development. Citizens and insurance professionals use the maps to determine insurance
needs.
It is notable that,whereas flood insurance claims are paid when damage is sustained from any
qualifying flood event,federal disaster assistance is available only after a flood is determined to be a
"major disaster." A major disaster exceeds state and local capabilities. In addition,disaster grants to
individuals and families are limited to approximately$14,000(average payment is$6,000). Therefore,
owners of insured buildings that are in areas known to flood,especially as shown on FIRMs,are
protected financially as long as they carry sufficient flood insurance coverage. Additional information on
flood insurance coverage for property owners and consumers is available online at www.fema.gov/nfip.
Basic federal flood insurance helps pay for property damage and loss of contents. Under certain
circumstances—for example,if flood damage causes"substantial damage"-an additional mitigation
claim payment is available to help owners bring buildings into compliance with NFIP flood protection
standards(as of May, 2003,this additional payment is capped at$30,000). In addition,compliance is
required when a building is substantially improved(includes repair of substantial damage). Substantial
improvement is defined as improvements valued at 50%or more of the building's market value before
improvement.
Flood Insurance in Texas(as of 9/2007)
• With 660,959 NFIP policies in force.(10%of all policies
nationwide), Texas ranks second among all states in number
of flood-insured properties(Florida is#1).
• Property owners in Texas;have received over230,850 claim
payments totaling$5.07 billion;only Louisiana has had more
claims paid.
• Source: NFIP Statistics online at www.fema.gov/nfip
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 8-2
*
owIN .
.g
,ttiaer
Section 9
Implementation
9.1 IFR Requirements for Plan Monitoring and Maintenance
IFR§201.6(c)(4)(I):[The plan maintenance process shall include a]section
describing the method and schedule of monitoring, evaluating, and updating the
mitigation plan within a five-year cycle
IFR§201.6(c)(4)(ii): [The plan shall include a]process by which local governments
incorporate the requirements of the mitigation plan into other planning mechanisms
such as comprehensive or capital improvement plans, when appropriate.
IFR§201.6(c)(4)(iii): [The plan maintenance process shall include a]discussion on
how the community will continue public participation in the plan maintenance
process.
9.2 Distribution
The City of Pearland's 2009 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update will be posted on the City's Web site and
notices of its availability will be distributed to the following:
• The federal and state agencies that were notified and invited to participate in Plan
development(see Sec..1.3);
• Adjacent counties and cities;
• Citizens who attended public meetings and provided contact information;and
• The organizations,agencies,and elected officials who received notices of public meetings.
9.3 Implementation
Through the mitigation planning process,the Pearland Departments that are involved in managing
hazards and implementing measures to minimize future risk considered a range of mitigation actions.
High priority actions were identified and prioritized, and are shown in Table 7-2.
For each mitigation action,Table 7-2 identifies the lead agency,support agencies,priority level,and
time period for implementation. Each lead agency is responsible for factoring the action into its work
plan and schedule over the indicated time period. Annual reports on the status of implementation,
including obstacles to progress,will be submitted by lead Departments to the Pearland Emergency
Services Department.
9.4 Monitoring & Progress Reports
As part of its responsibilities as described under Annex P of the Pearland Emergency Management
Plan,the Hazard Mitigation Coordinator is charged with monitoring and preparing progress reports.
The Hazard Mitigation Coordinator will note progress made on the mitigation action items listed in Table
7-2.The updated Action Items will be documented as part of the annual progress reports maintained in
Appendix I of the Plan Update. To this end,the Hazard Mitigation Coordinator may convene a meeting
of the appropriate City Departments to discuss and determine progress,and to identify obstacles to
progress,if any.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 9-1
Section 9
Implementation
In addition to the scheduled reports,the Hazard Mitigation Coordinator will convene meetings after
damage-causing natural hazard events to review the effects of such events. Based on those effects,
adjustments to the mitigation priorities listed in Table 7-2 may be made or additional event-specific
actions identified. Such revisions shall be documented as outlined in Section 9.4.
9.5 Revisions
Revisions that warrant changing the text of this Plan Update or incorporating new information may be
prompted by a number of circumstances, including identification of specific new mitigation projects,
completion of several mitigation actions,or requirements for qualifying for specific funding...Minor
revisions may be handled by addenda.
Major comprehensive review of and revisions to this Hazard Mitigation Plan Update will be considered
on a five-year cycle. To be adopted in 2009,the Plan will enter its next review cycle sometime in 2014,
with adoption of revisions anticipated in 2015. The MPC will be reconvened to conduct the
comprehensive evaluation and revision.
Pearland will involve the public in the plan maintenance process and during the major comprehensive
review to the Plan in the same ways used during the original plan development. The public will be
notified when the revision process is started and provided the opportunity to review and comment on
changes to the plan and priority action items. It is expected that a combination of informational public
meetings,surveys and questionnaires,draft documents posted on the web site,and public Council
meetings will be undertaken.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page 9-2
o 41.4ek
vivirepA
Appendix A
Public Notice Documents and Meeting Minutes
Appendix A
•
Public Notice Documents and Meeting Minutes
August 19,2009
A public meeting to review the plan update process,current status of the draft plan,and next steps was
scheduled and publicized for August 19,2009 at 6:00 pm at Pearland City offices.The Mitigation Planning
Committee members were all in attendance:The only others to show for this meeting was a member of
Pearland EMT and the City Major.At 6:20 pm it was decided to give the presentation to the Mayor and the
other City staff in attendance.
Participants
Narciso Lira City of Pearland(NL)
Roland Garcia City of Pearland(RG)
Joyce Hawkins City of Pearland(JH)
Tom Reid City of Pearland(TR)
Jeff Ward Jeffrey S.Ward&Associates(consultant,via teleconference)(JW)
All participants were provided with a Pearland HMP update Fact Sheet handout prior to the presentation.
Presentation Overview
1. Introductions
2. Brief review of Plan update process
3. Federal requirement to complete update
4. Summary of Plan Sections
5. Hazards profiled in Plan
6. Summary of Risk Assessment
7. Status of current plan
8. Other questions,comments
Minutes
1. Introductions(Sign-in)
A sign-in sheet was distributed to all meeting members
Deleted:October
,'Deleted:August
I City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December,2009) Page A-1 :�
it3g4i*
Appendix A
Public Notice Documents and Meeting Minutes
2. Power Point Presentation
JW conducted approximately a 20 minute Power Point presentation that included a brief overview of the
planning process,some of the significant changes made as part of the Plan update,the current status of the
Plan,and next steps.
3. Question and Answer
A brief question and answer session occurred after the Power Point presentation.
The meeting adjourned at 6:45 pm.A copy of the public notice is included below(Figure A-1).
Deleted:October
Deleted:August
I City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December,2009J Page B-2
Appendix A •
Public Notice Documents and Meeting Minutes
Figure A-1
City of Pearland Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Meeting
: Public Notice advertised in The Reporter News for meeting August 19,2009
•
12 t1EPORT's7t WW1 mast L,daxe
.. . IP .
• .
, .
._
. ,
. , ,. .: joE
Buy Sell Grade .
LEGAL I Eili21 L LEGAISinilm. mil
,.,,„A Seta _y, heel ire, memo:aa te4r ThattreJwwthwe 135t15r Repots war*crtmerfr: exseraa en be ( .
AAo1C1:i.Ztte zoos treat*d ltf Ctt,le.Atetm t 12,8a1e l ratan atci�ba+ta't,e1 t
Eamtetadartx Panta.d't Peidxeo 501M errshara Rs, *Vise t}tral leek Ayr(?adapt WS t •
. •
Tra It to Wu the opuad we *:heap GFaltl titsiiilt>7#Soden Me 9;1a 115 . 'aim cat a Dew b Wed 8 Adealat 5
.. . 1a519Lbey tee, • N.at%a:4x5stta8: Wale ed'e4 ajae h Cam
erlWMA ha parse Poura%Tmmt181I, ertergro Tasty . - tr senite% 81 the ITC5101Aen51aad 1 .
avnatleastattain NUP • :mum*eeh=PI t8c. CRY or Puituab,fladw1 may owl A wham l et Ctyat Pea19tl6Tt`ffit 1
'molls;a9=pre par.womenlyeateaaa R bye rim .coaphle&A et the Elders, netts CCP t?t e•rea 1
Wets C Ce Gaye maul,KNEON4�hi uthtre a s he Caca:I Eoat t19. it11ntl:1 WAWA ft 6RNtli at44 1
• bather•�: and tNr4 6 Deus aNt'atj aexm twiny. Peehd Ma et! be Tetemt tint:tpre Gldsat relfelhle 1
•
.15r:etrn !ha Tee Autmeneu 6 cear�ay are)a hr a at',to 0� at n1m t ee I ttc ere to e114rt;'A tetmlaK.ty at64v. 1
rov8Im.pbhfcc- RECCh1E1QDAIDh] eall •' la: teleretrnirp eNottr:00.1c110.0 alda ray tatwfme-asse emerge aem
tiro3t5 the aye rare rITTM510titate1514,1 Ova le the Q$ee et elbu Z PE.at;6 tam trail 1ro:ttctr Met of tee cit., at
sltrti,apt eb rms, marotlttropagat,as • ar itottopme7,ter-Auads hq tte 2Ef0 Wed 9t the USN:!etrlyd.Day Net et I .
• 0442etotetdwtwd tare apt al aent-.ty bfea:a$ctlesT traits et Pasant.Ctr sal•ROW Erg Btdmta\ ihtoacrla MIDedhNf Eeae, I •
Rt I t 0fcetl sae rbaA6ta*taly Era Jla 1asAal atatle:bly Tway 71519 apa'f a .PettlmZ Tat&Min t .
lee Ran d Na alined•ewer to tam Pavane,Tem tap�erdPgrtet d ,1'a C•K.,a pt Par,6rd 18x0o I 21•Ce tAst
Maid SMer RAecastre boa,. lt !thrit 4'd osa 4 tit emu�at 2E0.aC.-a Ism Welk!motet arena la Mt to A r
=s.A rearm are arMYt d95tet,sale d Caal erh Mesh, ILtNl iy Jam to ct o Muted dash cl aayaeM bdt, t
. en3NW Wee ad tot. 2M2.Pedal,R1dn Carted Cboda,ar Ell=7tad' Itroai mg no tall IMMU ti .: ThetreyeEemelthe' ..
'has The retctte ;x„!,, tree ewe es B�dcalatieta0 y wi to gig"cpc aned. The tat rate A to eat tee bran odjffp x to Cry el .
air hb Isi!a!8 pa on ce Perarg:et the a*teal Mail tr to all NCTte' hat *nee ray re:1e isemed kvM d'
M1dtmstry,l gcd 1A b,,,.,,, e1 5a d.the itateremee • =XIS'tht l 6,Li.y0a,Carr ess' '
:ell,t1 Eli 04 d heal setrepricmid *ad aril':o tech-ae WWII ae o a n Indtde.da3 SLltb9,
r,daaetxttAtle 1 'dsreIC*WWI!te Ire ddatt'xt •crititaha'.'C6t 6Cas
ty
Fed-Arad Get%siA1 Rhv.__ShciSea ;at The c Dry cup Rom mdmtoe
f10Nly Ym t;as31 j'em",.. ,..aaa heat CO i a tuLtWA i otta+ -PIHrio a tat*d that(Alleta Ae :,cat a ii+ter e
•
UdT eta f i ny. Pildet mail ter 1 ; �l Forded,.d�a e,mtQxn to ma lampLtet000 NP red
• TxFisll.Caaikima 1C9 Pu4.taaatraa era TM; • Itdepmtg.'adaTtai Ctyseaehflt
C.a r00. b she Newt Acres h the ay cr leakAhn tat mrtz•411 cr to D4 Ce1 at+P,mmd ht eelaat ere 6d
.mmMc1 shoal bt Pe cei Merles ate et'tcfC ot ct*terETS TIXAl drtnlrIL Weaeh-
yassns dir=st te .tee dadomp*,,,,e b lean tle0a)et ate EJN ;rm.9 e7 earess;':tat,PuNktied Artal/2 cr cc .
}iOM ci 1i1l i:2. tide Yba=tpialnda Kean ice' TIN NI esi.al Naar=bra sap:t8,28:9 an: Tcatriat
1E9:=da teal C c wheat=d NA&IIYdea aa�r ap A Ic3:deWy ptBBit 3 1L�itf ON;beta - tiaaai'Idro etdPms
. Ia1CA CN tee P a QJetldd laaa'tFaam eta W rifi stilt Ma cE¢ y rn al i.hat:.*NIATININ1 NOM Of ouuic aic a IC to Foe NC*
Pealed, XMI. ,,i as Viral l'atet0.ro �0et to P12e322 NEARING eke TNE'lecta td itatIAsaa
tathIttAl 116:fete. CD'Nth alb-mmuatty worifegaedeurat tatcrosEo CPENAT-
PAcceat A laid teSos meat*el fart 31r11msaam Care,
Newt,T ay.Bit Ur—el It to fain Bib mom OP ME CO et Pae NA�l
Aay1'i. t0d.lis et @etia+e Cosa. CITY CP MEARIANO rant
Pvto*g Dtadm at • T1res•,y 4¢at la,Cet*d pptt.of Elf NA Om muamitJtege
.cNYCfiFARLMIO (Miami-n!31.RRatee Na ad Mg,m mb.850, L CCiat$tto*cOtt Tessapat20ID atstauteort r1
MOM 6itQlA! sa a nrtexnY,,.,,,.atr$". CONINCIIX1 IN eallt t 18C1 The erieaelE!a c1 a!e t to eta to eel cf to• Penal,alaet,Ti�4
•
.aeolro"Cm:a .11 pA atstr-2"lA:.Ott t bile m'nt et tan*Cr**0t:kpclutr3 atlo ilItctTmn, MINIMUM',
RtEAee at In my:ee$.�''&A:BG#;hllaghhjid.-a.0cS �d .ayp,a �ai eayt Flo.el toe a Punk i g55.11ee
CeesasMer`8an der ffi . tig of dart-7:a'Cb e..+ .+.... .m,.. dilly. 11d xmom'a immrc,m Pa oparck 4a1f Syame '
Deleted:October
,, Deleted:August
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(Decembe42009J Page B-3
PET' "AFL ),
Appendix B
Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting Minutes
Appendix B
Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting Minutes
Meeting #1
April 24, 2009
These minutes document the proceedings of the first meeting of the City of Pearland Mitigation Planning
Committee(MPC).The MPC held its first meeting on Friday,April 24,2009 beginning at 9:00 a.m.,at the
Pearland City Hall temporary annex.These minutes were prepared by Steve Pardue.
Participants
Narciso Lira City of Pearland(NL)
Roland Garcia City of Pearland(RG)
Joyce Hawkins City of Pearland(JH)
Steve Pardue Vissering Pardue&Associates(consultant)(SP)
Jeff Ward Jeffrey S.Ward&Associates(consultant,via teleconference)(JW)
The MCT was provided with handout materials including an agenda and a multi-page list of information
(RFI)to be gathered as part of the plan update.Except for the first paragraphs below,the structure of these
minutes parallels the RFI,with matching numbering.
Agenda
1. Introductions
2. Brief review of process
3. Proposed schedule(team meetings, public meetings,submit to State and FEMA,council approval)
4. Review of draft documents
5. Status of current plan
6. Establish Planning Committee and Stakeholder group(to include civic group/s)
7. Review Request for Information document+task assignments
8. Other questions,comments
9. Adjourn
Minutes
1. Introductions(Sign-in)
A sign-in sheet was distributed to all meeting members(see attached).
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page B-1
.1
Appendix B
Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting Minutes
2. Brief Review of Process
SP explained the process for updating the plan,including the FEMA Interim Final Rule(IFR)that identifies
the requirements and provides guidance for how the plan must be completed. SP also mentioned the
crosswalk,which is the document that FEMA uses to review and score the hazard mitigation plan after it is
completed.
3. Proposed Schedule
NL noted that the deadline to have the updated plan completed and approved is September 8,and that the.
Pearland City Council will be very busy with budget issues after the middle of summer.Because of this,it is
advisable that the plan is completed in draft and submitted for Council consideration in June.The Council
meets on June 22 for its regular session, and the MCT agreed that the plan update would be completed in
advance of that date,and the update would be presented to the Council and public on that date.
Action Items:
1. Item approved and placed on Council agenda(NL)
2. Prepare legal ad for publication in newspaper(SP and NL)
3. Complete draft plan(all, per task assignments and schedule)
4. Presentation(JW)
5. Review of Draft Documents
There was a brief discussion of the existing plan,and SP explained how the update process will be
managed,specifically noting the methods by which the updates will be incorporated into the existing
document.
6. Status of Current Plan
SP briefly reviewed the current plan,and noted that the update process will be relatively straightforward
because the original document is properly structured and includes all the elements required by FEMA.
7. Establish Planning Committee and Stakeholder Group
SP explained that the usual process for mitigation planning includes a core group(the Mitigation Core
Team/MCT)that is responsible for most of the basic decisions about the content of the plan/update,and
acts as the primary point of contact for the City.The Stakeholder group is comprised of individuals who
represent a range of interests in and surrounding the City.These typically include nearby jurisdictions,
representatives of the City Council or City Manager,civic groups,school districts,fire and police,etc.This
group receives occasional updates about the process,and is invited to review draft documents at key points
in the process.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page B-2
E'A[Z. t�
Appendix B
Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting Minutes
There was some discussion about who should be included in each of these groups. It was decided that the
MCT group should remain very small,and that one of the Assistant City Managers should be invited to be
part of the group that has already been established(including the participants in the present meeting).
There was a discussion about who to include in the Stakeholders group—names and organizations that
came up in the discussion as follows:
• Pearland EMS—Jeff Sundseth
• Pearland Police—Chief Chris Doyle
• Pearland Public Works—Danny Cameron
• Pearland Planning—Lita Krishnaro(spelling please!)
• Pearland Assistant City Manager
• School Districts(Pasadena,Alvin, Pearland)
• Harris County Flood Control District
• Brazoria Flood Control District
• Brookside Village
• Brazoria Drainage District
• Fort Bend County
• Harris County
• City of Houston
NL indicated that he would review this list and advise SP of final Stakeholder list.
Action Items:
1. NL to advise SP on final Stakeholder list and provide as much contact information as available-
consultants can track down whatever is not immediately available, but would appreciate getting
suggestions for specific names to contact.
8. Review Request for Information Document(RFI)and Make Task Assignments
The group had a detailed discussion about all the items on the RFI.Notes below refer to the numbers on the
RFI.Task assignments are noted immediately after each item that requires action.
1. City boundaries and annexations since 2005 version of plan.Action: NL to research and forward
any changes to SP.Would be good to have an updated map in .jpg or.pdf form to add to plan if
possible.
2. See#1 above.
3. Map on page 1-2 is good as-is—no change.Note this appears to conflict with#s 1 and 2 above—
NL can you verify that this map is/is not current?
4. 2006 census is acceptable for population of City.See also handout from City.
5. Count of improved/unimproved parcels in City.Noted that this information is probably on web site.
NL to advise on correct source of information. SP to check web site and other sources to see if this
data is current/correct.
6. Median home value is okay as listed in RFI per 2006 census. SP will also check Economic
Development Council data to cross-check.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page B-3
Appendix B
Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting Minutes
7. 1'freeboard requirement is still in effect.
8. New construction still to 110-mph standard,though the City has begun the process of instituting a
140-mph standard—so far informally applied to new City construction. City uses IBC 2003.
9. Unemployment rate/source are okay.
10. Membership in MCT and Stakeholders—NL to verify and advise.
11. Names/contact info for above—NL will provide as much as possible;anything additional SP will
secure data or work with MCT to determine best approach.
12. As above.
13. No discussion; no specific action from this meeting.
14. No need for another questionnaire.
15. City/Council goals—probably no change, but NL will verify with City Manager.
16. City Council will be discussing modifications to goals/objectives/vision statement in a June retreat.
NL will follow up and advise SP of any changes,once documentation is provided by Council.
17. City mitigation goal—no change except remove manmade hazard from statement.
18. MCT to review Table 4-2 on page 4-4.SP will send most current working plan document to MCT—
MCT will review this and other sections and send SP a single"response"document(in track
changes)with City comments/updates/corrections. RG will provide list of FEMA Project
Worksheets from most recent disasters.
19. Since the original version of the plan,the City has implemented Connect CTY(a reverse 9-1-1
system, provided written handouts to citizens during hurricane Ike,and produced emergency
preparedness brochures.The City has also done an annual mailing related to floodplain
management/regulations to citizens.as part of the effort to improve the CRS rating.
20. City will provide PWs through finance department,and either RG or LR will write(very)brief
summaries of the events(mainly Ike)that have impacted the City since plan was originally
adopted.LR and/or RG as noted.
21. City has sought only one mitigation grant since the plan was adopted—this was an RFC grant for
the 2008 cycle.All other projects are already in the plan. JW to provide summary/details about the
RFC funding request.
22. Re insured value of City-owned structures—notes are slightly ambiguous—both RL and JW
indicated that they would be working on this.SP will coordinate this.
23. Need#s of building permits and any other metrics/data that might be available.RL will get numbers
of permits issued.Noted that a lot of development requires LOMAR—can we get a count of how
many LOMARs issued, plus some indication of where most development in the City is occurring
now, if there is a pattern?LR to provide data please—if possible need#permits in vs.out of
floodplain.
24. No additional heat-related deaths known. RG to check w/EMS to verify.
25. No drought damages since last plan.
26. No wildfire damages since last plan.
27. No winter storm damages since last plan.
28. Generally no change in hazmat status since last plan,except that City modified roads
(Fruge/Hooper)to reduce potential for trucks to overturn at the site.
29. Pipelines map- need to verify still current.NL to check/verify/advise of any changes.Would like to
get a re-map if there are changes.
30. Section on terrorism to be removed entirely.
31. Need FEMA PWs,after action reports and flood claims data. NL/RG will get PWs from finance
department,RG to provide AARs(done week after this meeting),JW to get claims and RL data.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page B-4
Appendix B
Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting Minutes
32. General description of Ike in AARs—SP to review and see if any additional data is needed.Cross
check with.NCDC database/descriptions.
33. Harris County SFHA maps after TS Allison.This information should be available via FEMA web
site/FIRMettes.SP to check on this and advise if any further details needed to incorporate into
plan.
34. Map 5-1—Pearland GIS department can provide updated map showing floodplain boundaries as
modified.NL to coordinate this—probably eliminates need for action in Item#33 above.
35. No known changes in subsidence rates in the City.Harris County has adjusted benchmark
elevations on their maps to 2001 reference.
36. #s structures in/out of the floodplain—notes ambiguous about this.Assuming the City can probably
do this on GIS.NL to verify that City can.provide counts(and maps)showing structures vs.SFHA.
37. NFIP policies in force.JW to get this data from SQnet.
38. Need most recent claims, RL and SRL.JW to get data from SQnet.
39. Corrigan project seems to have solved the flooding problem in the neighborhood.These were
outfall and drainage improvements.NL please provide a couple of details about the project,
including cost and when completed.Was this self-funded?
40. No change in vulnerability of public structures.Fire station#2 still floods,though damage limited—
information in AARs.A new police station includes a hardened second floor EOC.
41. Two new water towers in City.
42. Number of schools to be verified.NL please verify current number of schools in City.
43. Fire Station#2 flooding—see above and AARs.
44. Some change in road miles in City.NL to get data and forward to SP.
45. #of flood warning signs has changed.NL to get most recent count/locations and forward to SP.
46. No significant erosion problems reported during recent events.
47. No hazmat incidents related to flooding since last plan adoption.
48. Changes:in government structure?Group to read section in existing plan and advise if any change.
49. Ref City EM plan being updated—newest version on web site.Need to add Police, Fire and EMS
to second paragraph in existing section in plan.Modifications to existing plan based on review of
document on web site.SP to review EM plan on web site and draft changes to this section.
50. Stream gages—discussion indicates this information is available on Harris County DEM web site.
SP to look at this site and update as needed.
51. Recreation center not used as a shelter.City now has.3 6X6 trucks, and has purchased a new
Zodiac boat for rescue.
52. See notes above about Connect CTY—information about this on City web site.City has local
access channel that is used to disseminate information during hazard events.City has also
instituted program called'group builder'to get information to citizens—check web site for details.
SP to look at web site and modify existing plan based on information there.Any additional
questions directed back to MCT.
53. City is currently working on updated land use plan-this is now part of a Unified Development
Code that includes various related regulations—on web site.Building code information on web site.
UDC implemented in 2006—see web site. NL to advise on status of updated land use.
54. Building/development permits—info on web is current.
55. #s of building/site inspections. NL to provide this information.
56. City is currently considering its drought contingency plan(second reading by Council—no draft yet
on web).Will be adopted soon.SP to check next month to update status.
57. City to review subsection on processes and capabilities for reducing flood hazards—advise SP of
any changes to this section.NL to review and provide updates/feedback,etc.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page B-5
Appendix B
Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting Minutes
58. Mitigation actions and initiatives. MCT(all)to review this section and either verify that still current,
or provide detailed modifications/updates/etc.
59. Clear Creek—no final report etc.NL to provide brief writeup of current status.Study by TWDB—
NL to provide this to SP.
60. Flood maps update—see previous notes about Harris County above.
61. Ref City evaluation of stormwater detention requirements—new manual on City web site—
evaluation was completed and was basis of the changes.Calculations were used to determine
detention volume, and rainfall data were updated.NL to provide Council memo explaining
differences in new vs.old detention requirements.
62. West St.Mary's regional detention pond has been completed.East St. Mary's RDP to begin
construction this summer.Cowart Creek diversion project is in final design stage,construction
anticipated in 2010. NL to provide additional details as needed.
63. Corrigan project completed. NL to provide details on project as needed.Could use completion
date,cost,funding source/s.
64. Buyout/demo completed under DR1379—89 structures.As noted above,another project submitted
under 08 RFC.
65. No public private partnerships.
66. Natural resources—needs review/verification that still current,or updates.NL to review and
provide any changes/additional data as needed.
67. MCT to review tables that start on 7-2.This is an important element in the planning process—
assume that this will be part of the City team review process,and that the City/MCT will provide
any changes as part of its review and unified response.
68. Review of agencies and documents.As with#67 above,City to review and comment.
69. Annual progress reports probably not done.
9. Other Questions and Comments
• Can City provide an electronic version of its logo?
• MCT agreed that most/all data as described above will be provided within two weeks of this
meeting.
10. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 12:15 p.m. .
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page B-6
t4
EA. 'A, a
Appendix B
Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting Minutes
Table B-1
Sign-In Sheet from MPC meeting of April 24,2009
City of Pearland
Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting#1
April 29,2009
.Namo . Affiliation Phone Email
Fev< ra%v Pro ttta 1s8 �t9 f .cri:n<o v.f s.,<r.w,rqr lNe e.,01-,
// 713 MSy4 0,.erc
'o£*rp �yiNc clot CoJ� .9945--7-e45'o /?a.a��H./o..i.. fx•�s
--.lithe. i!ins 6
6. Pearksvi /94a"...pywdkj t.dve ets
_1.Gape/SD 11rn - vt-'l Ir?/rhx�„r. zti-4.t1-/6.9•9 nice..,aed...10eArta M-. a
Meeting #2
August 19, 2009
These minutes document the proceedings of the second meeting of the City of Pearland Mitigation Core
Team(MCT).The MCT held its second meeting on Thursday,August 19,2009 beginning at 3:30 p.m.,at
the Pearland City offices.These minutes were prepared by Jeff Ward.
Participants
Narciso Lira City of Pearland(NL)
Roland Garcia City of Pearland(RG)
Joyce Hawkins City of Pearland(JH)
Jeff Ward Jeffrey S.Ward&Associates(consultant)(JW)
The MCT was provided with a copy of the draft plan and a list of open items in the draft. The purpose of this
meeting was to go through the open items and to provide an overview of what will be presented at tonight's
public meeting.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page B-7
11
Appendix B
Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting Minutes
Minutes
4. Introductions(Sign-in)
A sign-in sheet was distributed to all meeting members(see attached).
5. Proposed Schedule
NL noted that the deadline to have the updated plan completed and approved is September 8,and that the
Pearland City Council will be very busy with budget issues after the middle of summer. Because of this,it is
advisable that the plan is completed in draft and submitted for Council consideration in June.The Council
meets on June 22 for its regular session,and the MCT agreed that the plan update would be completed in
advance of that date,and the update would be presented to the Council and public on that date.
6. The following is a list of open items from the draft and status,as appropriate:
City
1. Provide parcels improved/unimproved(count,Table 1-1)
• NL is working on this item
2. Provide an update to permits issued since last plan—by type and floodplain location
• NL is working on this item
3. Decide on date for Council consideration/adoption
• Date set as 28 Sep.
4. Provide updated roads data ref.p.5-30.
• NL is working
5. Provide updated data for locations of flood warning signs ref.table 5-12,or verify still current
• Verified as current
6. Provide BCEGS rating
• BCEGS rating is 4/3
7. Any changes to land use or subdivision regs since last plan?
• Answer from.NL is no changes
8. Verify level of insurance for City-owned facilities ref.subsection 6.4.3
• Finance was called during the meeting and will provide shortly
9: Ref.subsection 6.6.2 City to provide drainage manual and work with JSW to characterize changes
(City/JSW)
• NL to provide by Aug 30
10. Did drainage maintenance and inspection procedures get formalized ref.subsection 6.6.3
• Yes—NL to provide
JSWNPA
1. Repaginate document and ensure final formatting is correct(JSWNPA)
2. Complete crosswalk.(JSWNPA)
3. Reconcile goals listed on p.vii with those in goals/actions section(JSW/VPA)
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page B-8
iNto
/06
Appendix B
Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting Minutes
4. Send document to stakeholders with request for review(JSWNPA)
5. Add to section 2.5 discussion of changes to floodplain ordinance(JSWNPA)
• Per NL,there have been no changes
6. Discuss with MPC/City potential for adding some new goals/objectives in section 3.2,etc.(JSW)
• Discussed—considering adding: New EOC construction, Fire Station plan(2 new,2
upgrades), Items from Post-Ike improvement plan(plan emailed to JW for review/use),
Mitigation alternatives from Cowards Creek and Clear Creek Drainage Study(studies to
be reviewed and list of actions to be provided by NL
7. Discuss w N. Lira and MPC information in table 5-1 see note under table
• Finance called during meeting,they are researching and will provide update. It was felt
that some new,very large,commercial developments may be driving this large increase in
average values.
8. Need full set of claims data(not just RL)and policy count in City if keeping table 5-2(JSW)
9. Need detailed description of Clear Creek project ref.p.5-22(JSW/City)
• NL to provide Executive Summary from report
10. Add list of City facilities damaged in Sept 2008 ref.p.5-26(JSWNPA)
• Finance called during meeting and they will provide
11. Additional review of comprehensive plan to determine any language indicating flood risks
considered(JSWNPA)
12. Ref.p.6-17 first paragraph-assumed to mean CRS class-verify and indicate current
class(JSWNPA)
13. Section 7-need STATUS of all mitigation actions listed in original plan(City/JSWNPA)
14. Any new actions/objectives/goals?(City/JSWNPA)
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page B-9
Appendix B
Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting Minutes
Table B-2
Sign-In Sheet from MPC meeting.#2 on August 19,2009
g~ O
#4.46i7S
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page B-10
gritelw
Appendix C
Change Notes;Modifications to the June 2004 Plan
Appendix C
Change Notes; Modifications to the June 2004 Plan
Section 1: Introduction
■ Section 1.1:Explanation added to explain why the original Plan is being updated, and update
requirements.
■ Section 1.4:Updated City boundary map.Current as of January 2007.
• Section 1.4:Updated the estimated City population based on the 2006 US Census:
• Section 1.4:Updated Employment by Industry(Table 1.2)
• Section 1.5:The original plan included a list of representatives from numerous City Departments
and offices such as Emergency Management, Engineering/Floodplain Management,and Water.
and Sewer.This list,and description of each office,has been edited out of the Plan Update.
▪ Section 1.5:Added description of the Mitigation Core Team(MCT)and members
• Section 1.5:Added description of the Stakeholders Group and members
• Section 1.7-1.9:These three subsections from the original Plan(Key Terms,Acronyms,and
References)have been moved to the Appendix of the Plan Update.
Section 2: Introduction to Mitigation Planning
• Section 2.2:This subsection has been added to include the specific Interim Final Rule(IFR)
requirements associated with the planning process
• Section 2.3:A brief summary of the MPC meetings held as part of the Plan Update has been
added to this subsection. Detailed meeting notes can be found in Appendix B.
• Section 2.3:Removed summary bullet items for the five MPC meetings held as part of the original
Plan.A summary of these meetings can be found in Section 2.2 of the original Plan.
• Section 2.5:Added subsection titled Other Local Planning Mechanisms.This subsection
discusses incorporating aspects of the Pearland HMP into other local planning documens.
• Section 2.6:Added subsection titled Review and Incorporation of Plans,Studies,Reports,and
other Information.This subsection added to summarize other planning documents applicable to the
hazards discussed in the Pearland HMP update.
• Section 2.8:Added description of the Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA)/National
Flood Insurance Program(NFIP)Severe Repetitive Loss(SRL)program.
• Section 2.8:Added description of the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program(HMA)initiated in FY
2009.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page C-1
11
Appendix C
Change Notes;Modifications to the June 2004 Plan
Section 3: Mitigation Goal Statements
■ Section 3.2:Updated Pearland's Short-term Goals.
■. Section 3.3:The mitigation goal statement was modified to remove"man-made hazards from the
statement.
Section 4: Hazards in Pearland
• Section 4.2: Added Section 4.2 to include the IFR requirements for Hazard Identification,
Profiling,and Risk Assessments.
• Section 4.3: Updated Hazard Summary Table from latest version of the City's Emergency
Management Plan(May 2005,Version 2.0)
■ Section 4.5: Updated Table 4-3 identifying the Natural Hazard Events and Declared Major
Disasters in Brazoria County.
• Section 4.6: Updated Table 4-4 identifying the buildings and infrastructure in the City of
Pearland.
■ Section 4.6.1:Updated event history for all hazards,and added screen captures listing past
events from the National Climatic Data Center(NCDC)for the following hazards: High
Wind/Tornadoes,extreme heat,and Hurricane and Tropical Storms.
• Section 4.6: Removed Section 4.6.10(Terrorism)from the original plan.
• Section 4.6.10:Added discussion about how FEMA Public Assistance records can be used as
one method of calculating flood risk to public buildings.
• Section 4.6.10:Added table of completed PW's for the City of Pearland.
• Section 4.6.10:Added summary of projects completed by the City after Hurricane Ike.
Section 5: Flood Hazards in Pearland
• Section 5.1:Modified Section 5.1.1 to reflect the updated FIRM's produced in June,2007 for
the Harris County portion of the City
• Section 5.2:Updated buildings and values table.
• Section 5.2:Added two floodplain maps showing the number of residential properties in
Pearland located within and outside of the 100-year floodplain as of June,2009.
• Section 5.2:Added sub-section 5.2.2 to discuss the SRL Grant Program.
• Section 5.2-1:Add summary of NFIP Repetitive Loss(RL)properties in Pearland
• Section 5.2-1:Table added to summarize residential RL statistics for streets in Pearland that
include RL properties.
• Section 5.2-1:Table added to summarize non-residential RL statistics for streets in Pearland
that include RL properties.
• Section 5.2-1:Added repetitive loss(RL)flood maps for the City of Pearland.Also included
more detailed maps for the three clusters of RL properties.
• Section 5.2-1:Added table showing the 100-year risk for Pearland's repetitive loss properties.
• Section 5.2-1:Added table summarizing the 100-year risk for individual streets in Pearland.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page C-2
Appendix C
Change Notes;Modifications to the June 2004 Plan
• Section 5.2.2:Subsection added table to list SRL properties in Pearland and the FEMA/NFIIP
actuarial calculation of potential maximum benefits.
• Section 5.3:Updated Flood Risk to Public Buildings map,and the number of public facilities in
the floodplain.
• Section 5.4: Updated the number road miles in Pearland.
Section 6: Pearland's Capability to Address Hazards
• Section 6.2: Updated last review data and relevant information from the City's Emergency
Management Plan(Version 2.0).
• Section 6.2:Added summary(and map)of the nine stream gages added to assist with the
City's early flood warning capabilities.All nine gages have been installed since completion of
the original plan in 2004.
• Section 6.3:Updated media sources used to communicate with the citizens of Pearland.
Added summary of Connect-CTY and Group Builder.
• Section 6.4:Updated building permits and development permits table to include years 2003-
2008.
• Section 6.4:Updated Unified Development Code(UDC).UDC adopted by the City Council in
February,2006.
• Section 6.4:Updated building permits and development permits.Added years 2003-2008.
•. Section 6.4:Added the City's Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule(BCEGS)rating
of 4/3.
• Section 6.4:Section 6.4.2 added to discuss future development trends in Pearland.
• Section 6.4.1:Updated Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule(BCEGS).
• Section 6.4.2:Added the 2004 Future Land Use map.
• Section 6.5: Updated Pearland's acceptance into the Community Rating System(CRS)in
May,2005.
• Section 6.6.1:Additional description explaining the purpose of the Tropical Storm Allison
Recovery Project(TSARP).
• Section 6.6.1:Added map to this section showing the floodplain(official FEMA FIRMs)for the
Harris County portion of Southeast Houston.Map produced by FEMA in coordination with
TSARP in June,2007.
• Section 6.6.2:Summarized revisions and modifications to the City of Pearland Drainage
Manual based on results from the Tropical Storm Allison Recovery Project(TSARP).
• Section 6.6.3:Updated drainage inspection and maintenance procedures.
• Section 6.6.4: Updated the City's Regional Detention Ponds and plans for any additional
sites.
• Section 6.6.5:Updated Corrigan Subdivision Drainage Project.
• Section 6.6.6:-Updated floodplain acquisition projects and added the 2008 Repetitive Flood
Claims(RFC)Project to acquire seven residential repetitive loss properties.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page C-3
Appendix C
Change Notes;Modifications to the June 2004 Plan
Section 7: Mitigation Actions
• Section 7.2:Added Section 7.2 to identify the IFR requirements associated with mitigation
actions.
• Section 7.3:Provided the status as of August,2009 for high priority mitigation action items
numbers 2,3,4, and 6(b)for table 7-2.
Section 8: Texas Agencies, Organizations and FEMA Programs
• Section 8.6:Removed Section 8.6, FEMA Mitigation Grant Programs,from the original plan
which included repetitive information about FEMA programs already included in Section 2.8.
Section 9: Distribution .
• Section 9.1:Added Section 9.1 to identify the IFR requirements associated with plan
maintenance.
• Section 9.5: Updated review cycle to reflect current Plan Update.The Plan Update will enter its
next review cycle in 2014with revisions anticipated to be adopted in 2015.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page C-4
fia2,
Appendix D
Adoption Resolution for the City of Pearland
To be added to final version of plan.
Deleted:October
Deleted:August
'
I City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(Decembet,2009) Page D-1 1
'k.lAx
Appendix E:
Governor's Office of Emergency Management(GDEM)and FEMA Approval Letters
To be added to final version of plan.
Deleted:October
y
Deleted:August
I City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(Decembec,2009) Page E-1 1 ;'
b'L.."n'
C a,h
Appendix F
Sources
Appendix F
Sources.
F.1 . Sources for Introduction (Section 1)
• Bureau of Labor Statistic, National Unemployment Rates,2009,Available from the Web at:
http:/ldata.bls.qov/PDQ/servlet/SurvevQutoutServlet?data tool=latest numbers&series id=LNS14000000
• City of Pearland Economic Development Commission,Workforce Overview,Available on the Web at:
http://www.oearlandedc.com/about pearland/workforce.asp
• City of Pearland.City Limits and Extraterritorial Jurisdictions.City of Pearland—Map Library.Available on
the Web at:http://gisweb2.ci,pearland.tx.us/web/maplibrary/
• City of Pearland. Pearland Vicinity Map State of Texas. Pearland GIS Department.
• Forbes.America's Fastest-Growing Suburbs.Available on the Web at:
http://www.forbes.com/2007/07/16/suburbs-growth-housing-forbeslife-cx mw 0716realestate.html
• Texas Workforce Commission,Texas Workforce Press Release March 26,2009,Available from the Web at:
htto://www.twc.state.tx.usinews/press/2009/032609eDress.pdf
• U.S.Census Bureau.City of Pearland QuickFacts.Available on the Web at:
http:llquickfacts.census.gov10fdlstates/48/4856348.html
• U.S.Department of Health and Human Services.The 2009 Poverty Guidelines for the 48 Contiguous States
and the District of Columbia Federal Register,Vol.74,No. 14,January 23,2009,pp.4199-4201,Available
on the Web at: http:l/aspe.hhs.qov/poverty/09povertv.shtrnl
F.2 Sources for Introduction to Mitigation Planning (Section.2)
• Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA).Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Guidance:July 1,
2008.Available on the web at: http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=3336
• Texas Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management. State of Texas Emergency
Management 2009 Plan Update. Austin,TX. Available online at http://www.txdps.state.tx.usldem.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page F-1
Appendix F
Sources
F.3 Sources.for Hazards in Pearland (Section 4)
• City of Pearland. City of Pearland-Emergency Management Plan(Version 2.0).Sample planning notes for
the basic Plan(Hazard Analysis.May 2005.
• FEMA. Disaster Declarations database. Available on the web at: http://www.fema.aov/news/disasters.fema
• National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA)National Climatic Data Center(NCDC)
database. History and description of major hazard events.Available from the web at: ..
http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/coi-win/wwcqi.dll?wwevent-storrns
• NOAA, NCDC(U.S.Local Storm Reports); Online at
http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.aov/oa/climate/severeweather/extremes.html.http://ncdc/ Accessed June 19,2003.
• NOAA.Storm Prediction Center.Tornado Activity in the United States.Available on.the web at:
http://www.fema.aov/plan/prevent/saferoom/tsfs02 torn activitv.shtm
• Public Entity Risk Institute. Presidential Disaster Declarations,Available on the web at:
http://www.peripresdecusa.ora/mainframe.htm
• Texas Department of Public Safety,Division of Emergency Management. State of Texas Hazard
Assessment(2000). Austin,TX.
• Texas Environment Center. Online at http://www.floodsafetv.com. Accessed January,2003.
• United States Geological Survey(USGS).Major and Catastrophic Storms and Floods in Texas(U.S.
Geological Survey,Open File Report 03-193).Slade, R.M.,and Patton,J. Online at
http://www.floodsafety.com/USGSdemo/patton.htm#1. Accessed June,2003.
F.4 Sources for Flood Hazards in Pearland (Section 5)
• American Society of Civil Engineers. 2002. Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures
(SEI/ASCE 7-02). Reston,VA.
• FEMA. 1997. Multi-Hazard Mitigation and Risk Assessment. Washington, DC. Online at
http://www.fema.aov/mit/tsd/ft mhira.htm.
•. FEMA National Flood Insurance Program Query.May 2009.
• FEMA. Various Panel Dates. Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Washington,DC.
[Available for public review at the Pearland Engineering Services Department]
• N1FIP.NFIP Loss Statistics by State From 1978-April 30,2009.Available on the web at:
http://bsa.nfipstat.com/reports/1040.htm#48
• Texas Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management. State of Texas Mitigation
Handbook(DEM 21), (June 2002). Austin,TX. Available online at http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page F-2
Appendix F
Sources
• Texas Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management. Online at
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Accessed 2002/2003.
F.5 Sources for Pearland's Ability To Address Hazards (Section 6)
• City of Pearland.Building Permits and Development Permits:2000-2008.Available on the web at:
http:llwww.citvofpearland.com/index.permits-inspections
• City of Pearland.2004 Comprehensive Plan Update—City of Pearland.Available on the web at:
http://www.citvofpearland.com/index.comprehensive plan
• City of Pearland.Connect-CTY. Frequently Asked Questions.Available on the Web at:
httpa/www.citvofpearland.com/connect-ctv-FAQ
• City of Pearland.540 Drainage System Maintenance: Procedures.August,2009.
• City of Pearland.Map of Pearland Stream Gage Locations.
• NFIP.Flood Insurance Policies in Force(by State).Available on the web at
http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/statistics/fv2007st.shtm
• Pearland in Motion.Volume 11, Number 3,Page 5.Pearland's acceptance into the Community Rating
System(CRS).Available on the Web at: http://www.citvofpearland.com/pearlandinmotion.PDF
• Tropical Storm Allison Recovery Project(TSARP).Available from the.Web at:
http:/lwww.tsarp.oraltsarp over/index.html
• . U.S.Army Corps.of Engineers(USACE)—Galveston District. The Clear Facts on Clear Creek.September,
2005.Available on the Web at: http://www.clearcreekproiect.com/obiects/NEDhandout.pdf
• USACE—Galveston District.Clear Creek Project Review.Available on the Web at:
httphttp://www.clearcreekproject.com/default.htm
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page F-3
119T-
Appendix G
Acronyms
Appendix G
Acronyms
The following acronyms are used within the 2009 HMP Update:
• BDD#4-Brazoria Drainage District No. Four
• CFR Code of Federal Regulations
• CRS—Community Rating System(NFIP)
• GCCDD—Galveston County Central Drainage District
• GDEM—Governor's Division of Emergency Management
• FEMA-Federal Emergency Management Agency
• FIRM—Flood Insurance Rate Map
• FIS—Flood Insurance Study
• FMA-Flood Mitigation Assistance(FEMA)
• GIS.-Geographic Information System
• HMGP—Hazard Mitigation Grant Program(FEMA)
• MPC—Mitigation Planning Committee
• NFIP—National Flood Insurance Program(FEMA)
• NOAA—National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• SFHA—Special Flood Hazard Area
• TCEQ—Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
• TxDOT—Texas Department of Transportation
• TWDB—Texas Water Development Board
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page G-1
eF'
K A A
Appendix H
Key Terms
Appendix H
Key Terms.
For the most part,terms used in the Plan have the meanings that are commonly associated with them:
• Disaster.The occurrence of widespread or severe damage,injury,loss of life or property,or
such severe economic or social disruption that supplemental disaster relief assistance is
necessary for the affected political jurisdiction(s)to recover and to alleviate the damage,loss,
hardship,or suffering caused thereby(DEM).
• Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA).Coordinates the federal government's
efforts to plan for, respond to,recover from, and mitigate the effects of natural and man-made
hazards.
• Flood Insurance Rate Map(FIRM).Prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
to show Special Flood Hazard Areas;this map is the basis for regulating development according
to the Regulations for Flood Plain Management.
• Floodplain: See"Special Flood Hazard Area(SFHA)"below.
• Hazard.Defined as the natural or technological phenomenon,event,or physical condition that
has the potential to cause property damage,infrastructure damage,other physical losses,and
injuries and fatalities.
• Mitigation.Defined as actions taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to life and property
from hazards. Mitigation actions are intended to reduce the need for emergency response—as
opposed to improving the ability to respond.
• National Flood Insurance Program(NFIP).Located within.FEMA, is charged with preparing
FIRMs,developing regulations to guide development,and providing insurance for flood damage.
• Risk.Defined as the potential losses associated with a hazard. Ideally, risk is defined in terms of
expected probability and frequency.of the hazard occurring,people and property exposed,and
potential consequences.
• Special Flood Hazard Area(SFHA)or Floodplain.The area adjoining a river,stream,
shoreline,or other body of water that is subject to partial or complete inundation. The SFHA is
the area predicted to flood during the 1%annual chance flood,commonly called the"100-year"
flood.
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page H-1
6pfa
Appendix I
Annual Progress Reports
As part of the 2009 Plan Update,annual status reports will be prepared, reviewed by the appropriate City
officials,and forwarded to the Texas Division of Management and the Texas Water Development Board. The
reports will be noted below and copies will be inserted in this appendix.
Comprehensive review and revisions to the Hazard Mitigation Plan will be completed on a 5-year cycle. The
next Plan Update is scheduled for 2014.
Table I-1
Annual Progress Reports(2009—2014)
Note:Table to Be filled in as Progress Reports are completed Annually
Date of
Progress Summary of Progress Accomplished
Report
' I
City of Pearland,Texas: Hazard Mitigation Plan Update(December 2009) Page I-1