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RESOLUTION NO. 13684
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE NATURAL HAZARD
MITIGATION PLAN FOR PUEBLO COUNTY, COLORADO (2017),
AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION 12070
WHEREAS, the Natural Hazards Mitigation Steering Committee ("Committee") under the
supervision of the Pueblo County Sheriff Office, Emergency Services Bureau, whom is charged
with the responsibility to prepare plans and develop guidance for mitigating the perils arising as a
result of any natural disaster or emergency; and
WHEREAS, the Committee has caused to be prepared and published a Natural Hazard
Mitigation Plan for Pueblo County, Colorado (2017) (the "Plan") which constitutes a mitigation
plan for various agencies, departments, individual government officials, and supporting agencies
in Pueblo County designed to coordinate available resources and foster cooperation among
governmental entities to mitigate natural hazards to the extent reasonably possible; NOW,
THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PUEBLO, COLORADO, that:
SECTION 1.
City Council hereby finds and declares that the Plan, a true copy of which is on file and
available for inspection in the Office of the City Clerk, is a useful planning document for
coordinated mitigation activities, and as such, is in the best interests of the residents of the City.
Council further finds that the Plan is not an intergovernmental or interjurisdictional agreement and
is not intended to modify the terms of any existing intergovernmental agreements by or among
the governmental entities referenced in the Plan.
SECTION 2.
The Plan is hereby approved solely as a planning document providing general guidelines
for action necessary to prevent, minimize the effects of, and/or assist in recovery from, certain
identified emergencies or disasters; provided, however, that no expenditure of City's funds shall
be made, committed or obligated in any manner without prior separate authorization by the City
Council; and provided further, that nothing contained in said Plan shall preempt or interfere with
operation plans of City bureaus or departments, nor shall said Plan be construed to limit or
relinquish City's independent authority under C.R.S. §§24-33.5-701, et seq. and the City Charter,
to declare or respond to any local disaster as City deems in the best interest of its citizens.
SECTION 3.
All agencies, departments and individuals who are assigned responsibilities, specifically
or by implication, in the Plan, and who fall under the direct legislative control of City Council, are
hereby urged to recognize the Plan as an expression of public policy and that the responsibilities
assigned therein shall constitute an integral part of their official functions; provided however, that
no employee or agent of the City shall take any action thereunder without the prior approval of
the City Manager or his duly authorized representative.
SECTION 4.
Minor revisions, as determined necessary by the Coordinator of the Pueblo County
Sheriff’s Emergency Services Bureau, may be incorporated into the Plan as the need arises
without recourse to formal action by City Council, provided such changes are fully consistent with
the basic doctrine and concept of the Plan as approved herein. Any revisions to the Plan which
may affect City policy or the operations of City bureaus or departments shall require approval by
City Council in order to become effective.
SECTION 5.
The Plan supersedes and replaces the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan for Pueblo County,
Colorado (2010) approved January 4, 2011 by Resolution No. 12070.
SECTION 6.
The officers and staff of the City are directed and authorized to perform any and all acts
consistent with the intent of this Resolution to effectuate the policies and procedures described
herein.
SECTION 7.
This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon final passage.
INTRODUCED May 22, 2017
BY: Ed Brown
City Clerk’s Office Item # M-2
Background Paper for Proposed
Resolution
COUNCIL MEETING DATE: May 22, 2017
TO: President Stephen G. Nawrocki and Members of City Council
CC: Sam Azad, City Manager
VIA: Gina Dutcher, City Clerk
FROM: Shawn Shelton, Fire Chief – Fire Department
SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE NATURAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
FOR PUEBLO COUNTY, COLORADO (2017), AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION
12070
SUMMARY:
This Resolution approves the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan for Pueblo County, Colorado (2017).
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION:
Reference Resolution 12070. Approved the 2010 Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan.
BACKGROUND:
The Plan is hereby approved solely as a planning document providing general guidelines for
action necessary to prevent, minimize the effects of, and/or assist in recovery from, certain
identified emergencies or disasters; provided, however, that no expenditure of City's funds shall
be made, committed or obligated in any manner without prior separate authorization by the City
Council; and provided further, that nothing contained in said Plan shall preempt or interfere with
operation plans of City bureaus or departments, nor shall said Plan be construed to limit or
relinquish City's independent authority under C.R.S. §§24-33.5-701, et seq. and the City Charter,
to declare or respond to any local disaster as City deems in the best interest of its citizens
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
Not applicable.
STAKEHOLDER PROCESS:
Not applicable.
ALTERNATIVES:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approval of the Resolution.
NATURAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
FOR PUEBLO COUNTY, COLORADO
JURISDICTIONS WITHIN PUEBLO COUNTY: Beulah, City of Pueblo, Colorado City Metropolitan
District, Pueblo County, Pueblo West Metropolitan District, Town of Rye, Town of Boone
Sheriff Kirk M. Taylor
Emergency Services Bureau
Special Thanks to FEMA, DPS, CDHSEM for providing support to enable the development and
implementation of this plan.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The following agencies and organizations contributed information or have provided reference
material that is used or referred to in this Pueblo County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan
(NHMP). Their contributions were critical to the development of this document.
Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District (
Beulah FP&AD)
Board of Water Works of Pueblo
City of Pueblo
Colorado City Metropolitan District
Colorado State Forest Service
Colorado State Parks/Lake Pueblo
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
Local governments included:
Community development
Emergency managers
Fire
Geographic Information Systems
Planning
Law Enforcement
Public works
Mountain Park Environmental Center Pueblo Mountain Park
National Weather Service Pueblo (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration-NOAA)
Pine Drive Water District - Beulah
Pueblo City-County Health Department
Pueblo County
Pueblo West Metropolitan District
St. Charles Mesa Water District
Town of Rye
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency
Input on the plan was also solicited from other organizations and agencies including:
Insurance Agencies
Local chambers of commerce
Neighborhood associations
Schools
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Table of Contents
I.INTRODUCTION 5
Purpose and Need ................................................................................................................... 5
Scope ....................................................................................................................................... 6
Authority ................................................................................................................................. 6
Relationship to Other Emergency Management Activities .................................................... 8
Other Supporting FEMA Programs ......................................................................................... 8
Relationship to Other Regional and Community Plans .......................................................... 8
Public Involvement Activities .................................................................................................. 9
Plan Development Process and Local Government Participants ......................................... 10
II.COMMUNITY PROFILE 14
Geography and Environment ................................................................................................ 14
Population and Demographics .............................................................................................. 14
Land and Development ......................................................................................................... 15
Housing and Community Development ................................................................................ 22
Economy and Employment ................................................................................................... 22
Income and Poverty .............................................................................................................. 23
Transportation Infrastructure and Utilities .......................................................................... 23
III.RISK ASSESSMENT 25
The Risk Assessment Process ................................................................................................ 25
Community Asset and Critical Facilities Inventory ............................................................... 28
Methodology ......................................................................................................................... 28
Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District response data over the past 3 years was
used for cost statistics in their District. ................................................................................ 29
Vulnerable Populations ......................................................................................................... 29
Other Community Assets ...................................................................................................... 29
IV.Natural Hazard Profiles 30
A.Drought ............................................................................................................................. 32
USDA Disaster Declarations for Colorado ............................................................................. 35
Future Impacts: ..................................................................................................................... 36
B.Flood ................................................................................................................................. 37
......................................................... 40
Flood Damage Prevention .................................................................................................... 40
The Pueblo Community Waterways ..................................................................................... 41
Streams in the Pueblo Area .................................................................................................. 41
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Pueblo County Flooding History...........................................................................................44
Pueblo County Levees ........................................................................................................... 47
C.Severe Weather Hazards .................................................................................................. 50
D.Tumbleweeds .................................................................................................................... 66
E.Wildland Fire ..................................................................................................................... 67
F.Zoonotic Disease ............................................................................................................... 80
Control Measures .................................................................................................................. 83
Mitigation of Vectors after a Disaster................................................................................... 84
V.MITIGATION STRATEGY 86
General .................................................................................................................................. 86
Assumptions: ......................................................................................................................... 86
Hazard Mitigation Goals, Objectives, and Actions................................................................ 87
Goals ..................................................................................................................................... 87
Actions .................................................................................................................................. 87
Prioritization and Benefit Cost Review ................................................................................. 90
Mitigation Actions ................................................................................................................. 90
Funding Options .................................................................................................................. 117
Other Mitigation Planning Efforts ....................................................................................... 117
VI.Plan Maintenance Procedures 118
Adoption by Participating Jurisdictions .............................................................................. 118
Implementation through Existing Programs ....................................................................... 118
Continued Public Involvement ............................................................................................ 119
VII.ADOPTION DOCUMENTATION 120
VIII.REFERENCES 121
APPENDIX A NHMP Committee Membership
APPENDIX B Planning Process
APPENDIX C Glossary
ATTACHMENT 1 Public Involvement
ATTACHMENT 2 Pueblo County Code
ATTACHMENT 3 City of Pueblo Code
ATTACHMENT 4 Pueblo Dam
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I.INTRODUCTION
Natural hazards in Pueblo County historically are associated with significant disasters resulting
in loss of life and property. The rising cost of natural disasters, in terms of loss of human life
and injuries, and property and natural resources damage, has led to a renewed interest in
identifying effective ways to reduce vulnerability to disasters. The purpose of this plan is to
identify natural hazards and the people and places at risk at a countywide scale and then
identify locally implemented actions and measures to reduce or eliminate long-term risk from
natural hazards and their effects.
The plan provides a comprehensive set of existing and planned local government action items
to achieve County goals of reducing risk from natural hazards. These actions include
preventative measures such as increasing public awareness, measures to protect property and
natural resources, and enhance emergency services and structural assets. Planning for such
hazards and undertaking mitigation measures can reduce the loss of life and property.
This section of the Pueblo County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (NHMP) outlines the purpose
and need for such a plan, the scope and authority of the planning effort, and the relationship of
this effort to other emergency management plans and activities.
Purpose and Need
Across the United States, natural and human-made emergency and disaster events have led to
increased levels of injury, property damage, interruption of business and government services,
and even death. The impact of emergencies and/or disasters on families and individuals can be
immense, and damages to businesses can result in regional economic consequences. The time,
money, and effort to respond to and recover from these emergencies and disasters divert
public resources and attention from other important programs and problems. Each year, these
hazards also cause damage that is not significant enough for a disaster declaration but
nonetheless costs County residents, businesses, and taxpayers millions of dollars. The risks
jurisdictions within Pueblo County recognize the consequences of disasters and the need to
reduce the impacts of natural and human-made hazards. Elected and appointed officials as well
as private business leaders know that with careful selection, mitigation actions in the form of
projects and programs can become long-term, cost-effective means for reducing the impact of
natural hazards.
As the Countywide office responsible for emergency preparedness and disaster response, the
s Bureau, Office of Emergency Management
(PCSO-ESB-OEM) has coordinated preparation of the Pueblo County NHMP with valuable input
from a variety of government agencies and public entities including the Colorado Division of
Homeland Security & Emergency Management (CDHS&EM), the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA), County residents, adjacent jurisdictions, and other interested
local, state, and federal agencies.
The NHMP will guide the County toward greater disaster resistance in correlation with the
character and needs of the community.
The purpose of the NHMP is to identify natural hazards, the people and places at risk, and then
identify actions and measures to reduce or eliminate long-term risk. These mitigation measures
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are developed and implemented locally in order to protect people, structures, and natural
resources from natural hazards and their effects.
Natural hazards of primary concern in Pueblo County include: drought (domestic and
agricultural), floods, hail, thunderstorms and lightning, snowstorms/blizzards, tornados and
windstorms, tumbleweeds, wildland fire, and zoonotic disease. These naturally occurring
events have affected nearly every area within Pueblo County. The rising cost of natural
disasters, in terms of loss of human life and injuries, and property and natural resources
damage, has led to a renewed interest in identifying effective ways to reduce vulnerability.
Scope
The NHMP identifies goals, information, and measures for hazard mitigation and risk reduction
to make communities more disaster resistant and sustainable. A mitigation plan should help
reduce the cost of disaster response and recovery to property owners and government. In
addition, mitigation actions can protect critical community facilities, reduce exposure to
liability, and minimize community disruption. Information in the plan can also be used to
coordinate mitigation and preparedness activities. As well as local policy initiatives for future
land use and zoning decisions within communities.
The NHMP provides a comprehensive set of existin action
items to achieve goals of reducing the risk from natural hazards. These actions include
measures to protect property and natural resources, and measures to enhance emergency
services and structural assets. Many communities have mitigation measures and action
strategies in emergency preparedness plans, comprehensive plans, building codes, and local
ordinances. The purpose of the NHMP is to link the specific natural hazards that present a risk
in the community with the mitigation elements found in local government plans.
Authority
Federal legislation has historically provided funding for disaster response, recovery and hazard
mitigation. The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA) is the federal legislation that requires
proactive, pre-disaster planning as a prerequisite for some funding available under the Robert
T. Stafford Act. The DMA encourages state and local authorities to work together on pre-
disaster planning. The planning network called for by the DMA helps local government
articulate accurate needs for mitigation, resulting in faster allocation of funding and more cost-
effective risk reduction projects.
Hazard mitigation is the use of long and short-term strategies to reduce or alleviate the loss of
life, personal injury, and property damage that can result from a disaster. It involves strategies
such as planning, policy changes, programs, projects, and other activities that can mitigate the
impacts of hazards. It is impossible to predict exactly when and where disasters will occur or
the extent to which they will impact an area but with careful planning and collaboration among
public agencies, stakeholders, and citizens, it is possible to minimize losses that disasters can
cause. The responsibility for hazard mitigation lies with many, including private property
owners; business and industry; and local, state, and federal government.
Section 322 of the DMA specifically addresses mitigation planning at the state and local levels.
It identifies new requirements that allow Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and Pre-
Disaster Mitigation (PDM) funds to be used for planning activities and increases the amount of
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HMGP funds available to states that have developed a comprehensive, enhanced mitigation
plan prior to a disaster. States and communities must have an approved mitigation plan in place
prior to receiving both pre-disaster mitigation (PDM) and post-disaster HMGP funds. PDM
planning and project grants will help mitigate risks in the community, preventing or reducing
future need for HMGP (post-disaster) mitigation. Local mitigation plans must demonstrate that
proposed mitigation measures are based on a sound planning process that accounts for the
risks to and the capabilities of the individual communities.
The DMA is intended to facilitate cooperation between state and local authorities, prompting
them to work together to address hazard mitigation planning in a comprehensive manner. The
legislation encourages and rewards local and state pre-disaster planning and promotes
sustainability as a strategy for disaster resistance. This enhanced planning network is intended
to enable local and state governments to articulate accurate needs for mitigation, resulting in
faster allocation of funding and more effective risk reduction projects.
The NHMP meets the requirements of the DMA, which calls for all communities to prepare
mitigation plans. By adopting this NHMP and being compliant with the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP), participating jurisdictions in Pueblo County are eligible to receive
Federal HMGP and PDM funding.
This NHMP is intended to serve many purposes, including the following:
Enhance Public Awareness and Understanding to help residents, or visitors, of the
county better understand the natural and human-made hazards that threaten public
health, safety, and welfare; economic vitality; and the operational capability of
important institutions.
Create a Decision Tool for Management to provide information that managers and
leaders of local government, business and industry, community associations, and other
key institutions and organizations need to take action to address vulnerabilities to
future disasters.
Promote Compliance with State and Federal Program Requirements to ensure that
the County complies with laws and regulations that encourage or mandate local
governments to develop comprehensive mitigation plans.
Enhance Local Policies for Hazard Mitigation Capability to provide the policy basis for
mitigation actions that should be promulgated by the County to create a more disaster-
resistant future.
Provide Inter-Jurisdictional Coordination of Mitigation-Related Programming to
ensure that proposals for mitigation initiatives are reviewed and coordinated among the
participating jurisdictions within the County.
Achieve Regulatory Compliance to qualify for the Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM)
program, local jurisdictions must have an approved mitigation plan to receive a project
grant.
The local mitigation planning requirements encourage agencies (at all levels), local residents,
businesses, and the nonprofit sector to participate in the mitigation planning and
implementation process. This broad public participation enables the development of mitigation
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actions that are supported by these various stakeholders and that reflect the needs of the
community.
Adoption by participating jurisdictions demonstrates their commitment to fulfilling the
mitigation goals and objectives outlined in the plan. Adoption legitimizes the plan and
authorizes agencies to execute their responsibilities. The plan shall include documentation of
the resolution(s) adopting the plan.
Relationship to Other Emergency Management Activities
Mitigation is the first phase in the cyclical four-phase emergency management process.
Mitigation, also known as prevention, encourages long-term reduction of hazard vulnerability.
Hazard mitigation is most effective when based on a comprehensive, long-term plan that is
developed before a disaster actually occurs and is integrated with plans and programs for the
other three phases of emergency management (preparedness, response, and recovery).
Communities with up-to-date mitigation plans will be better able to identify and articulate their
needs to state and federal officials, giving them a competitive edge when grant funding
becomes available.
Preparedness includes plans and preparations made to save lives and property and to facilitate
response operations such as Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs). Response includes actions
taken to provide emergency assistance, save lives, minimize property damage, and speed
recovery following a disaster. Recovery includes actions taken to return to a normal or
improved operating condition following a disaster.
Other Supporting FEMA Programs
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has several natural hazard grant funding
programs that share similar needs and requirements with the NHMP. These programs can
provide funds for local mitigation plans and projects. For example, the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP) offers federally backed flood insurance to help reduce disaster losses
from flooding. It provides flood insurance to property owners for structures that otherwise
would be uninsurable because of their susceptibility to flooding, in exchange for communities
adopting and implementing floodplain management regulations to minimize future flood losses
to new construction.
The Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMAP) is a program under the NFIP that provides
funding for states and communities for the preparation of mitigation plans and for flood
mitigation projects. Plans required under FMAP can serve as the basis of DMA plans and can be
expanded using the criteria in the Interim Final Rule implementing DMA.
R
Relationship to Other egional and Community Plans
Jurisdictions within Pueblo County utilize comprehensive land use or master planning, zoning
regulations, capital improvements planning, and building codes to guide and control local
building and land development. The purpose of hazard mitigation planning is to identify
community policies, actions, and tools for implementation over the long term that will result in
a reduction in risk and potential for future losses community-wide. When conducted in
coordination with other community planning, a mitigation plan will yield the most cost-effective
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and efficient results, optimal use of limited resources, and also serve to protect lives, property,
and natural resources.
Mitigation planning also enables communities and states to better identify sources of technical
and financial resources outside of traditional venues.
Hazard mitigation plans are most effective when coordinated with other community planning
and development activities. Integrating mitigation concepts and policies into existing plans
provides expanded means for implementing initiatives via well-established mechanisms.
The NHMP has a relationship to other Pueblo County Plans involving infrastructure
development such as the Pueblo County Emergency Operations Plan, the Fountain Creek
Watershed Plan, and the Pueblo County Stormwater Management Plan. The construction and
maintenance of costly regional storm drainage, flood control, and transportation improvements
such as highways, transit and bicycle and pedestrian facilities, all benefit when natural hazard
mitigation is considered a part of their planning and construction.
Public Involvement Activities
An open public planning process was provided to allow opportunities for the public and plan
stakeholders to comment on the NHMP with the plan on the internet, a survey, and a public
meeting.
Pueblo County solicited public input with a survey and a public meeting through the Emergency
press releases, email, Facebook, Twitter,
and venues throughout the community (Attachment 1). Local media spoke about the survey
and public meeting several times but our turnout was not as good as we anticipated or
expected, but the feedback we did receive added to our knowledge of the public perception of
the community hazards. The public meeting consisted of a meet and greet with various tables
with information throughout the room (i.e., GIS, Public Health, Fire, Public Works, Emergency
Preparedness, and Planning).
As the planning process commenced, local, state, and federal agencies and organizations were
notified of the NHMP and the planning process and were solicited for their input. In particular,
PCSO-ESB-OEM sent a letter from the Sheriff to the following agencies and organizations
regarding the NHMP (Attachment 1).
Local: Avondale Water, Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District, Beulah Water
District, Board of Water Works of Pueblo, Boone Volunteer Fire Department, City of
Pueblo, City Planning Department, City, County and Pueblo West Public Works,
City/County Health Department, Colorado City Metropolitan District, Communications
Center, County Assessor, County Department of Planning and Development, County GIS,
Homeowners Association, Pine Drive Water District, Pueblo Board of County
Commissioners, Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, Pueblo City Fire Department, Pueblo
City Schools, Pueblo County Sheriff, Pueblo Police Department, Pueblo Regional
Building, Pueblo Rural Fire Department, Pueblo West Fire Department, Pueblo West
Metropolitan District, Regional Homeland Security, Rye Fire Protection District, School
District #70, St. Charles Mesa Water District, Town of Boone, Town of Rye, West Park
Fire.
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State: Colorado Division of Water Resources, Colorado Division of Homeland Security
and Emergency Management, Colorado State Forest Service, Colorado State
Parks/Pueblo Reservoir, CSU Cooperative Extension/Pueblo County.
Federal: National Weather Service, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Department of
Agriculture and Farm Service Agency.
Plan Development Process and Local Government Participants
TheNatural Hazards Mitigation Steering Committee (NHMSC) began meeting to update the
plan in 2013 and again in 2015. The meetings, phone calls, and emails were used to update the
plan and bring in other information as needed. Event dates, description, outcome and current
year attendance records are attached in Appendix B.
Jurisdictions seeking approval from FEMA are as follows:
City of Pueblo
Pueblo County
Pueblo West Metropolitan District
Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District
Rye Fire Protection District
St. Charles Mesa Water District
To be considered a full participant, jurisdictions had to meet the following conditions:
Attend NHMSC meetings
Research historical documentation for their specific jurisdiction
Review existing hazard information
Provide input that identified disaster history and hazard analyses
Develop mitigation strategies for their participating jurisdiction
Prioritize mitigation actions included in the plan
Commit to adopting the plan
Not every member of the NHMSC represented a participating jurisdiction. Representatives
from jurisdictions and organizations within Pueblo County, State agencies, Federal agencies and
private non-profits, schools and the local university were all asked to serve on the NHMSC or
provide input on the plan. The following entities attended the NHMSC meetings and/or
provided data, information and feedback on the plan:
Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District
Board of Water Works of Pueblo
City of Pueblo
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
General Public
National Weather Service Pueblo
Pueblo City-County Health Department
Pueblo County
Pueblo West Metropolitan District
St. Charles Mesa Water District
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency
Local government:
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Police
o
Fire
o
Emergency management
o
Planning
o
Public works
o
GIS
o
Input on the plan was also solicited from other organizations and agencies including:
Local chambers of commerce
o
Public schools
o
Colorado State University-Pueblo
o
Pueblo Community College
o
Neighborhood associations
o
The Plan was submitted to the State Local Mitigation Planning Program Manager for review in
December 2015 along with a completed Local Mitigation Plan Review Tool.
A complete list of the review process with full descriptions of actions taken is in Appendix B.
Over the course of the Plan review, the NHMSC researched and reviewed the following:
State of Colorado Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan as well as local and out-of-state
FEMA approved mitigation plans,
FEMA planning standards, the FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance Program
System to determine a level of planning and identify stakeholders that should be
included in the development of the NHMP,
Major natural hazards facing Pueblo County (research material came from local,
state, and federal agencies), including:
Colorado Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
o
NOAA
o
Colorado Department of Transportation
o
FEMA
o
Historical information from:
Local media (TV, newspaper, etc.)
o
Scientific documentation
o
Internet references
o
Historical Society
o
Current mitigation activities, resources, programs, and potential action items from
research materials and stakeholder interviews.
Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan, the Stormwater Management Plan, the Fountain
Creek Watershed Plan, the Southwest Pueblo County Community Wildland Fire
Protection Plan, and the Snow and Ice Control Plan.
Existing Urban Wildland Interface Codes and International Fire Codes in place for
Pueblo County to identify existing mitigation strategies and their effectiveness.
Future development trends to determine whether this would make a difference in
exposure and vulnerability.
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Areas where damage from historic natural disasters have occurred and the severity
of the occurrence.
Facilities and areas that were considered to be important to the planning area for
emergency management purposes, types of hazards most likely to occur, for
provision of utilities and community services, evacuation routes, and for recreational
and social value. Information was solicited on:
historical occurrences
o
a review of past declarations
o
identification of NFIP properties
o
review of USDA Forage Loss reports
o
review of National Weather Service storm data
o
review of emergency response records and business interruption reports
o
input from the public and local agencies
o
The NHMSC reviewed the probable frequency and severity of natural hazard occurrences since
the last update and made changes to the Hazard Identification and Estimated Probable
Frequency and Severity Tables 1 and 2. They identified a variety of possible mitigation actions
to address preparedness objectives.
Existing mitigation strategies were incorporated into the NHMP following review of existing
resources, identification of past success stories, best management practices, and solicitation of
input from pertinent departments including planning, public works, and emergency
management staff. Each community reviewed current administrative and technical, legal and
regulatory, and fiscal capabilities to determine whether existing provisions and requirements
adequately address relevant hazards.
Proposed mitigation strategies and actions were reviewed and each strategy was rated for its
effectiveness according to technical and administrative applicability, political and social
acceptability, legal authority, environmental impact, and financial feasibility.
In addition to using the above criteria, the NHMSC also considered ease of implementation and
timing. They used an overall score for preliminary prioritization of ranked strategies for each
jurisdiction. A preliminary prioritization list was then reviewed to make changes and determine
a final prioritization for new hazard mitigation strategies within each jurisdiction.
After the hazards were ranked, an implementation strategy, which included departments
responsible for implementation, a time line for completion, a funding source and/or technical
source for each identified hazard mitigation action, was created.
A schedule for implementation was created by the NHMSC. The schedule included a timeline
for regular updates, along with individuals/organizations responsible to update the plan,
progress reviews, an explanation of how public input would be solicited, and development of a
schedule for monitoring and reporting.
Each step in the planning process was built upon the previous step, providing a high level of
assurance that the mitigation actions proposed by the participants and the priorities of
implementation are valid.
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Map 1: General Overview of Pueblo County, CO
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II.COMMUNITY PROFILE
Geography and Environment
Located in Southern Colorado and bisected by Interstate 25, the s
Pueblo County has served as a major transportation and trading center for more than 150
years.
-arid with more than 300 days of
sunshine annually. Precipitation, including both rain and snow, averages less than 12 inches
annually, except in the southwest portion where it can be twice that amount. The probability
of measurable precipitation during the summer months is one day out of four. In the winter
months, it is one day out of eight. Most of the precipitation arrives as scattered summer
afternoon thunder showers. Temperatures are moderate throughout its four seasons. The daily
high averages 67 degrees; the daily low average is 36 degrees. Summer highs frequently reach
degrees cooler. Southwestern Pueblo County occupies a portion of the Wet Mountains. As the
name implies, that area enjoys higher rates of precipitation and lower temperatures than the
plains portion of Pueblo County.
Population and Demographics
Today, with a population of 160,685 Pueblo County is ranked 10th among Col
populated counties. The City of Pueblo, with a population of 107,433 is now the 8th largest
municipality in the State. The City of Pueblo makes up less than 2% of the land area but
2020 is
162,938 according to ESRI Business Analyst.
statistics, approximately 43.1%
identified themselves as being Hispanic or Latino. That number is even higher when you look at
the City of Pueblo 57.1%. Approximately 2% of the population is Native American/Alaskan
Native and Asian combined, followed by African-American individuals who represent less than
2% of the population.
Based on ESRI annual 2015 reported statistics, the percentage of elderly persons, age 65 and
older, residing in Pueblo County 17.5% is higher than the National average 14.8% and Colorado
average 12.8%. Over the long term, the senior population can be expected to increase as the
, 1946 and 1964, enters the ranks of the elderly.
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Map 2: Terrain of Pueblo County, CO
Land and Development
An irregular square of about 54 miles in each direction, Pueblo County encompasses a
geographically diverse land mass of 2,401 square miles. From an elevation of 4,662 feet in the
City of Pueblo to 12,349 feet at Greenhorn Peak in the Wet Mountain Range, the County land
area consists of high plains, dry prairie, and rich farmland to the east as well as mountainous
terrain on the western boundary within the San Isabel National Forest. Major rivers and
waterways in Pueblo County consist of the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek.
Jurisdictions, located within the county, include the City of Pueblo, the Towns of Boone and
Rye; unincorporated communities of Avondale, North Avondale and Beulah; and metropolitan
districts of Colorado City and Pueblo West. These outlying communities vary from larger
residential and commercial developments to smaller, less populated mountain and agricultural
communities.
Avondale/Town of Boone
Located in eastern Pueblo County and situated along U.S. Highway 50 and Colorado Highway 96
near the Arkansas River, Avondale and Boone are small farm and ranching communities. The
Town of Boone, with a population of 320, is incorporated; while Avondale, with a population of
618, is within the unincorporated area of the County. A large high school, middle school, and
an elementary school serve these outlying communities. The households in the Avondale area
are 62.5% owned, 23.4% rented, and 14.1% vacant. The Town of Boone
58.2% owned, 18.1% rented, and 23.6% vacant. The Boone Volunteer Fire Department
provides services to this outlying town while the Pueblo Rural Fire District covers the Avondale
2/22/17 15
community and surrounding area. Law enforcement services are provided by the Pueblo
The Pueblo Memorial Airport Industrial Park, Pueblo Memorial Airport,
Transportation Technology Center,
this area. State Highways run through both of these communities as well as freight rail. Many
of the residents who live in these communities are either retired or commute to Pueblo for
employment. There is a fraction of these populations that are seasonally employed by the
surrounding farms.
Beulah
The unincorporated community of Beulah, nestled in the foothills of the Wet Mountain Range,
is located approximately 24 miles southwest of Pueblo with an estimated population of 2,100.
s based on ranching, farming, logging, and to a lesser degree,
mining. Its unique red marble graces the walls of the state capitol building. It historically serves
as a summer retreat and location for second homes. More recently, residents who enjoy the
area are occupying those homes year-round. The area has an elementary school, a community
center, several stores and commercial businesses, and the Pueblo Mountain Park. State
Highway 78 is the main means of transportation for the residents in this area. It is served by
the Pine Drive Telephone Company/Beulah Land Communications, Pine Drive Water District,
Beulah Water District, San Isabel Electric Association, Beulah Volunteer Fire Protection and
Ambulance District, School District 70,
Pueblo County Road and Bridge Department, and Colorado Department of
Transportation. Many Beulah residents commute to Pueblo for employment.
With Beulah being unincorporated, the geographic extent of the community varies, depending
on the context. For the purpose of this document, the special district boundary of the Beulah
Fire Protection and Ambulance District was used as a surrogate for Beulah. The 111 square
mile district is entirely within Pueblo County and includes all of the Beulah Valley, North Creek,
Signal Mountain, and Good Pasture, as well as other adjacent areas. It is made up of parts of
several census tracts, which makes it challenging to gather statistical data. Therefore, the
population is estimated at 2,100 with 62.6% of the housing units being owned and only 6.8%
rented. There are seasonal homes and cabins in this area leaving 30.9% of the properties listed
as vacant. The average household income for this area is $83,523 for 2015, which is typical of a
retirement, second home, and bedroom community.
* Special Notation: In 2012, Beulah Fire volunteers physically counted all occupied structures
(residences) in the Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District (District) and determined
there were 915 such structures. The District has recently extrapolated from the number of
residences counted to estimate its population to be 2,104 people. This documentation is not
available within the statistical data that the maps and table were created, so the numbers may
not reflect as accurately as expected.
Due to the community of Beulah being located in southwestern Pueblo County, much of the
District is in the Wet Mountains and experiences significantly higher precipitation (snow and
rain) than most of Pueblo County. That translates to higher potential for snow storms and
stream flooding. During winter and spring snow storms in the District create critically limited
access, resulting in power outages and generally posing serious public safety challenges. Stream
flooding has resulted in damage to private and public roads crossing those streams. Still, the
District is not exempt from drought conditions, such as were experienced in 2002. In that case,
2/22/17 16
the streams that provide water to the two community water systems (Pine Drive and Beulah
Water Districts) dried up, resulting in the need to haul water from Pueblo and impose severe
water restrictions on the residents.
The higher level of precipitation results in more extensive forested lands in the District relative
to most of Pueblo County. The majority of residences and other structures in the District are
located in wooded areas throughout the Beulah Valley, with some abutting the San Isabel
National Forest. There are also a growing number of ranches in the District that are being
converted to residential developments, increasing the number of structures and citizens at risk
from forest or grassland fires. This wildland-urban interface has become one of the most
challenging types of fire environment to control, often times requiring a very diverse set of
firefighting equipment and apparatus to adequately defend against fires. In addition, Colorado
as a whole has experienced unprecedented growth in the wildland-urban interface, and Beulah
is not immune to this phenomenon.
originally build nearly 100 years ago as summer homes. Most of them have since been
converted to year-round residences. This creates a few challenges in terms of fire protection,
namely (i) older homes may not meet current building code fire requirements and (ii) the older
homes usually have mature landscaping surrounding it, which increases the fire hazard.
The District is also subject to occasional high winds, resulting in damage to trees, either in
terms of the crowns of conifers breaking off or entire trees being uprooted. This results in
damage to homes and power lines, as well as occasional road blockages.
City of Pueblo
The City of Pueblo, established in 1870, is the most populated area in Pueblo County with an
estimated population of 107,433 in 2015. It is located approximately 103 miles south of the
Colorado State Capitol, Denver, with an average elevation of 4,662 feet above mean sea level.
The city has a total land area of over 54 square miles. It is situated near the confluence of the
Arkansas River and Fountain Creek. The area is considered to be semi-arid with approximately
14 inches of precipitation annually.
Two major highways, Interstate 25 and US Highway 50 intersect in Pueblo. Many of the state
highways also run through the city. Pueblo has its own police department and numerous fire
stations placed strategically throughout the city. The housing situation stands at 54.8% owned,
36.2% rented, and only a 9% vacancy rate at any time. The average home value is $152,469.
However, there are neighborhoods within the city that reflect extremely higher or extremely
lower home values. There are many recreational parks and facilities for people to enjoy and is
on trend to become a major tourist destination. It hosts many large events each year and pulls
in large populations on these occasions. The City of Pueblo is the hometown of four Medal of
Honor winne
The City of Pueblo is susceptible to the same hazards as other areas of the county to include
severe winter storms, severe thunderstorms, flooding and wildfires. The threat of flooding is
the most problematic since several waterways and drainages are within the city limits. Thus,
mitigation efforts are directed towards these areas to mitigate the potential from flooding, and
wildfire. There is a potential for tornadic, seismic and landslide events within the City of
Pueblo, fortunately the city has not been impacted by these events.
2/22/17 17
Flooding can and has occurred within the City of Pueblo from several different waterways. The
Arkansas River, Fountain Creek, Wild Horse-Dry Creek, Goodnight Arroyo, and the Bessemer
Ditch are some of the more common flood prone waterways. The Arkansas River is the only
waterway to have a controlled release from the Pueblo Dam upstream. The other waterways
will flood from heavy runoffs as well as high intensity rainfall. There are existing levee systems
in place on both the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek to help protect the City of Pueblo but
there still exists the possibility of these levees being overcome by large water flows. The Wild
Horse-Dry Creek drainage is currently having a levee system built which will connect with the
Arkansas River levee system that will help reduce flooding potential from this drainage.
Debris and sediment deposits have been a problem on Fountain Creek. The Fountain Creek
drainage contains erosive soils which allows for greater meandering of the creek. The location
of the main channel within the drainage frequently changes due to increased sediment deposits
during heavy runoff. Additionally, as this soil erodes around trees and causes these trees to fall
the debris flow is increased during high flow levels. This debris gathers on bridge pilings and
further increases the potential for flooding. It has been estimated that 370,000 tons of
sediment is deposited annually just above the confluence with the Arkansas River within the
City of Pueblo. Because of the continual sediment and debris deposits in the Fountain Creek
drainage the potential for flooding is increased.
Of concern for flooding are the low lying neighborhoods protected by the levee system. This
area also includes much of the downtown area where most critical governmental infrastructure
is located. Flooding in either the Arkansas River or Fountain Creek drainage can impact
emergency response if the bridges over these waterways become threatened by undermining
of the pilings due to high water flows combined with debris build-up.
The other concern posed by both the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek drainage is the urban
interface areas located near those drainages. The south bluff of the Arkansas River drainage is
heavily vegetated with residential neighborhoods built on the top of the bluff. A fire in this
vegetation poses a significant threat to homes located in this interface. The Fountain Creek
drainage is also heavily vegetated and a significant fire in this drainage can threaten
transportation infrastructure neighborhoods. Another concern in this drainage is the presence
of a reed type grass (Frag Mighty Grass), when this is involved in fire flaming debris can be
carried by winds into neighborhoods.
The City of Pueblo has had 20 vegetation or river bottom fires over an acre in size during the
last 3 years. Records of acreage burned are not available prior to 2013 but the average is 6 of
these fires per year. The largest burned 5 acres on June 11, 2013 in the Fountain Creek
nd
Drainage near the area of E. 2 Street and Erie Avenue. This fire is significant because of the
proximity to houses located east of Erie Avenue. Mitigation work is needed in this drainage to
prevent the growth of fires in this area.
The City of Pueblo is also susceptible to strong thunderstorm activity with large hail and
damaging winds. These storms have caused extensive damage to commercial and residential
buildings in the past. Microbursts from these storms have caused three separate roof collapses
in the last twenty-five years. These storms frequently are accompanied with heavy rainfall
which can flow to the Bessemer Ditch by way of storm drains causing the ditch to leave its
banks.
2/22/17 18
The City of Pueblo has two large developments planned for the near future one being
residential and business and the other being industrial. These developments will be on the
northern and northeastern city limits. Both of these land developments will result in the
addition of hard surfaces increasing runoff into storm water systems and drainages.
The residential development will encompass 1,200 acres of land north of Colorado State
University-Pueblo and will be platted for approximately 4,200 housing units. Some business
sites are planned to accommodate offices and convenience businesses. As with any residential
development this will increase the road miles of streets within the city creating an increase in
storm water runoff.
The industrial development is planned for 1,300 acres of land west of the Pueblo Memorial
Airport. It is unknown the number of industrial parcels that will be platted but it also will
increase the road miles inside the city. Additionally, the city continues to allow industrial
developmen
Colorado City
Colorado City is located 25 miles southwest of Pueblo in the Greenhorn Valley, in foothill
topography at the base of 12,349-foot Greenhorn Mountain. Located at the base of the
Greenhorn valley, Colorado City blends alpine views with a climate closer to that of Colorado's
Banana belt. While the elevation gives Colorado City more precipitation and greener summers
than much of Colorado, it is possible to golf year round - even with the sporadic snowfall of
southern Pueblo County. Colorado City residents enjoy public parks and lands, Lake Beckwith,
and easy access to state highway 165 and Interstate 25. The built environment includes banks,
retailers, restaurants, and a full size grocery store. Much of Colorado City is open space, and so
a high percentage of Colorado City's area is owned and managed by the Colorado City
Metropolitan District and will remain pristine for generations to come. Established in 1963, it is
a planned community encompassing 8,500 acres or 34 square miles subdivided into 16,800
separate lots. In this mountain-like setting, a metropolitan district and the recreation district
provide most of the services for a population of 2,107. There are areas within the district that
are sparsely populated and some areas that are more heavily populated. The households are
73.7% owned, 17.7% rented, and only 8.8% vacant at any one time. The community has an 18-
hole golf course and a large community park. A middle school is situated in Colorado City;
however, elementary and high school students travel a short distance by bus to school facilities
in nearby Rye. The Rye Telephone Company provides local service to the area. The Rye Fire
Protection District and the Pueblo County Sh
located in Colorado City. The main traffic flow for the area is State Highway 165 which runs
through the center of the District, in 2014 average daily traffic count varied between 2,500 and
5,200, dependent upon the season.
Pueblo West
The Pueblo West Metropolitan District was created as a Metropolitan District by the Colorado
Legislature under Article 3 of Chapter 89, Colorado Revised Statures. The area of Pueblo West
contains approximately 26,830 acres or 49.10 square miles of contiguous land extending west
by northwest from points approximately 1.5 miles west of the limits of the City of Pueblo.
Pueblo West is located immediately north of the Pueblo Dam and Reservoir, which is part of the
Fryingpan-Arkansas Water Project. Pueblo West is a planned community with over 30,000
2/22/17 19
residents. The District is governed by a Board of Directors and overseen by a District Manager.
Essential services provided by the District include: Streets and Roads; Fire and Emergency
Medical Services; Parks and Recreation; Water and Wastewater and administrative services to
manage the Districts operations.
Pueblo West averages approximately 13 inches of rainfall per year. Average snowfall is 20
inches. The total number of days with any measurable precipitation is generally 72. It is not
uncommon for Pueblo West to see a significant measurable snowfall from a spring snow storm.
These spring storms can cause area power outages and with the temperature changing rapidly,
has caused flooding. Sitting at an elevation of 5,079 feet, the climate temperature ranges from
January average lows of 17 to July average highs of 93 degrees. These weather situations places
Pueblo West in a unique environment for various natural events. The community has
experienced periods of drought conditions in previous years which has contributed to fire
danger concerns.
Pueblo West sits downstream from Ft. Carson and Walker Ranches. Storm events in these
neighboring areas can have significant impact to Pueblo West. The Turkey Creek arroyo bisects
west Pueblo West and is impacted by Teller Dam, an antiquated irrigation dam sitting on Ft.
Carson property. Porter Draw, Dry Creek, Wildhorse Creek and Williams Creek flow through
north-eastern Pueblo West and are subject to flash flooding from the over 100,000-acre
drainage basin contained on Ft. Carson and Walker Ranches.
Some properties within Pueblo West are subject to impacts from high ground water during
periods of above average precipitation. This is particularly evident in areas of significant sub-
surface shale formations.
Pueblo West was developed as a community with significant equestrian and open space
corridors. Because of significant Russian Thistle (tumbleweed) infestation these corridors have
become susceptible to wildfire. Coupled with higher than average winds the tumbleweed
growth presents challenges for our fire crews, as our wildland-urban interface includes many
open spaces surrounded by home development.
The volume of people in Pueblo West continues to grow, and this has had an impact on
development across the community in a number of ways. There were 81 single family
residences constructed in 2015. There have already been 62 single family residences approved
to date, not even half a year into 2016. The weed growth experienced last year with the spring
and early rains was unprecedented. This was the first year on record that letters were issued to
vacant property owners to get weeds mowed due to fire danger and rodent habitation. 2016
was also the first year that the District contracted with private individuals in an attempt to get
some of District properties mowed as well as to open the drainage easements to prevent
flooding issues. A plan was laid out to keep the easements clear of vegetation and debris to
allow for proper drainage.
mowing operations in 2016 spring, summer and fall.
St. Charles Mesa Water District
The District serves the area east of Pueblo that covers approximately 65 square miles. The
District is divided by two service areas Zone I and Zone II. The western portion of Zone I has the
highest population, the eastern portion of Zone I is more rural and has a large farming
community. Zone II is south of Zone I. It originally was the Huerfano Water District. The District
2/22/17 20
also has the Salt Creek, Blende and St. Charles Sanitation District within its boundaries. The St.
Charles Mesa Water District serves 4114 service connections providing water to 9,560 people.
The District serves one high school, two middle schools and three elementary schools. The
District has 4 treated water storage sites that have a total of 7.8-million-gallon capacity. The
District water treatment plant can produce 5 MGD and four ground water wells that produce 1
MGD. The water treatment has its own 750 KW generator for emergency power. The District
also has two off channel raw water storage reservoirs. A 90-acre foot and 1800 acre feet for
drought reserve and to ensure the water quality delivered to the water treatment plant. The
delivered through the Bessemer Ditch from March to November and from November to March
water is pumped directly from the Arkansas River.
Town of Rye
The small, mountain community of Rye, with a population of around 200, is the only
incorporated town in western Pueblo County. The incorporated area of Rye only covers about
0.1 square mile. Additional sub-divisions are located throughout the Rye area which
substantially increases the population. The population that lives in the town is 52.2% owner
with only 9.6% renters.
that are vacant. Most of the properties within the town boundary were built more than 50
years ago. The area immediately surrounding Rye has many ranches, retirement homes, and
second homes. Many of the residents commute to Pueblo to work and shop. The Rye Fire
Protection District and Pueblo County This rural town has
an elementary school and high school, with the middle school being in the neighboring
community of Colorado City.
Rye Fire Protection District Coverage Area (includes Colorado City)
Rye Fire Protection District was formed in 1938 as a volunteer organization. In January 2001
the district became a career/combination department. In 2003 Rye Fire moved to 24/7
coverage as a full career department. s
primarily due to access by Huerfano County Emergency Services had to access that area
through the District. A portion of Custer County was annexed in 2003 which contains San Isabel
and surrounding subdivisions such as Aspen Acres. In 2012 Hatchet Ranch was annexed. Today
the District covers approximately 151,040 acres (236 square miles) serving a population that
varies between 4,400 and 10,000 residents, depending on the season.
Terrain varies between grass lands on the plains at an elevation of 4,500 to the tall pines in the
mountains with elevation 12,249 feet above sea level. Due to the proximity to the mountains
and the plains, the weather varies extreme variances.
Rye Fire covers 20 miles of Interstate 25 and 20 miles of State Highway 165.
The District borders the South Eastern corner of San Isabel National Forest, designated by the
Colorado State Forest Service as high to extreme fire danger.
Rye Fire has two fire stations. One is located within Colorado City and the second station is
located within the Town of Rye.
2/22/17 21
Housing and Community Development
The cost of housing is far lower in Pueblo than in other communities along the Interstate 25
corridor and nationally. For 2015, the median value for existing homes in Pueblo was $156,322
compared to $275,983 in Colorado and $200,006 in the U.S.
While the cost of housing is lower in Pueblo than in other communities along the Interstate 25
corridor, lower income households still experience great difficulty in obtaining affordable
housing. According to the Colorado Division of Housing, approximately 52.8% of Pueblo renters
are rent burdened (paying more than 30% of their income for rent) and have less money for
other necessities, such as health care, groceries, and childcare.
Although Pueblo County had a high rate of home ownership 60.8% in 2010, the percentage has
dropped. In 2015, the home ownership is only 57.1%. Over half of the single family homes were
built more than 50 years ago and are valued at less than $100,000. This older, lower valued
housing places heavy demands on homeowners because of repair and renovation necessary to
maintain safe homes. Even with historically low mortgage interest rates and lower home prices
(compared to other Interstate 25 corridor communities), first time home buyers continue to
struggle to purchase homes due to low incomes, credit issues, and lack of monetary resources.
Economy and Employment
the time, at the Pueblo Chemical Depot, and at other sources of primary employment. This
resulted in jobs lost in secondary employment across the community. Unemployment rates
approached 20%. As a result of a unified community economic development effort, recovery
began in 1984 with the arrival of several new companies. Since then, Pueblo County has
establishment of new businesses or the expansion of existing ones. In the decades since then,
Pueblo has continued to grow slowly, broadening its economic base.
Pueblo County is among the largest crop and livestock producing counties in the state. With
crop sales being 35% of products sold and 65% livestock. According to 2012 data from the
USDA Census of Agriculture, Pueblo County has 894 farms that comprise an area of 895,269
acres.
care providers,
Colorado and U.S. rates, as well as those found in most counties along the Front Range of the
Rockies; however, that gap has narrowed over the past de
for September 2015 was 5.1%, higher than the state 4.0% but the same as the U.S. 5.1% rates
for the same period. Though unemployment is down, the average income and high paying jobs
are as well.
In recent years, Pueblo has undergone a gradual transformation from a manufacturing and
-oriented economy. Residents from more than a dozen
counties in southern Colorado depend on Pueblo for shopping, health care, recreation and
cultural activities. In particular, Pueblo is the medical hub of southern Colorado. Residents
from dozens of southern Colorado counties utilize health care services at two major hospitals,
2/22/17 22
Parkview Medical Center and St. Mary Corwin-Centura Medical Center, as well as specialized
clinics and long term care facilities. Colorado State University at Pueblo and Pueblo Community
College provide a wide range of educational offerings for southern Colorado residents.
Tourism has become a major economic focus for Pueblo and the surrounding region. Every
year, Pueblo hosts the Colorado State Fair drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors. It has
numerous attractions such as the Sangre de Cristo Arts & Conference Center, Historic Arkansas
Riverwalk Project (HARP), Union Avenue Historic District, and Lake Pueblo State Park. These
attractions, along with many other museums, art galleries, theatres, parks and trails, nature
center, historic sites, recreation activities, cultural festivals, and seasonal events, present an
excellent economic development opportunity for Pueblo County.
Income and Poverty
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average Pueblo County household income
in 2015 was $55,772. The City of Pueblo has an average household income of $48,509. The US
average household income is $74,699 and the Colorado average income is $81,096. Income
continues to be lower in Pueblo than in other Colorado communities such as Denver ($71,394)
and Colorado Springs ($73,103).
For 2015, approximately 28.7% of Pueblo Count
or less, compared to the estimated 18.7% statewide. In contrast, approximately 25.5% of
Pueblo County households have annual incomes at or above $75,000, compared to just over
40.9% of all Colorado households. In 2015, the reported Pueblo County per capita income was
The fact that income levels
are low compared to other communities is only somewhat offset by the lower cost of housing
in Pueblo County.
According to the most recent poverty data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the 2013 percent of
population that is below the poverty rate (for all ages) in Pueblo County is 19.1%, far higher
than the rates for Colorado 13.2% and the U.S. 15.4%. This goes hand in hand with the low
household incomes, older property that needs costly maintenance, lower cost of housing, and
low wage jobs that are prevalent in Pueblo County.
Transportation Infrastructure and Utilities
Today, Pueblo County continues to serve as a major transportation hub. It is served mainly by
Interstate 25 and Highway 50, several other state highways, as well as railroads. Interstate 25
travels north and south through the county while State Highway 96 and U.S. 50 extend east and
west. State Highway 78 travels from the City of Pueblo in a southwestern direction to the
community of Beulah and on to Custer County, where it intersects State Highway 165. Pueblo
Transit provides bus services within the City of Pueblo. Modern Pueblo is served by two
railroads, Burlington Northern-Santa Fe (BNSF) and Union Pacific (UP), used primarily for coal
shipments to the Comanche Power Plant and steel products from EVRAZ Rocky Mountain
Steel. The railroads also transport a considerable quantity of freight. Pueblo is home to the
Pueblo Memorial Airport, a modern facility capable of handling virtually any size aircraft.
Located on the east side of the City of Pueblo, the airport provides services for both private and
commercial air transportation. Xcel Energy (gas), Black Hills Energy (electric), San Isabel Electric
Association, Pueblo West Metropolitan District Water and Wastewater, and Board of Water
Works of Pueblo are the major providers of utility services in Pueblo County.
2/22/17 23
Map 3: Transportation Overview in Pueblo County, CO
2/22/17 24
III.RISK ASSESSMENT
The Risk Assessment Process
Risk from natural hazards is the result of a combination of hazard, vulnerability, and exposure.
Risk assessment is the process of measuring the potential loss of life, personal injury, economic
injury, and property damage resulting from natural or man-made hazards. The results of this
risk assessment will assist counties and incorporated municipalities in identifying and
understanding their risks from natural hazards. This information also serves as the foundation
for the development of the mitigation plan and strategies to help reduce risks from future
hazard events.
The NHMSC identified the following hazards that could affect the jurisdiction (Table 1).
Through collaboration with the NHMSC, PACOG, County staff, participating communities, and
special districts, the hazards chosen to expand on are those with the greatest potential for risk.
Table 1: Hazard Identification
HAZARD HOW WHY IMPACTED
IDENTIFIED IDENTIFIED JURISDICTIONS
Drought -Review of history -Economic Impact -All areas within
(Domestic & -Input from City/County -Development Pressure Pueblo County
Agricultural) Planning, CSU Extension, -Recent impact on community -Avondale
USDA, Utilities -Agricultural impact (crop & -Beulah
-Review USDA NAP livestock) -Town of Boone
Forage Loss Reports for -Environmental and ecological -City of Pueblo
Pueblo County shifts -Colorado City
-Air quality degradation from -Pueblo West
dust -Town of Rye
-Enhanced erosion and weeds
-Undeveloped and/or
uncultivated property within
Pueblo County
Earthquake -Review of FEMA and -Negligible seismic events in -All areas within
Colorado Geology Survey Pueblo County (intensity & Pueblo County
websites frequency) -Avondale
-Local agencies input -Beulah
-Town of Boone
-City of Pueblo
-Colorado City
-Pueblo West
-Town of Rye
Flooding -Past declarations & -Economic impact -All areas within
history review -Personal injury Pueblo County
-Local, state, federal, & -Flooding has caused loss of life -Avondale
public input and property -Beulah
-Risk assessments -Class I dam above community -Town of Boone
-NFIP loss of properties in -River and streams run through -City of Pueblo
areas identified communities -Colorado City
-Review Pueblo Flood -Pueblo West
Hazard Mitigation Plan -Town of Rye
2/22/17 25
HAZARD HOW WHY IMPACTED
IDENTIFIED IDENTIFIED JURISDICTIONS
-Pueblo County USDA -Volatile tributary activity
Flash Disaster reports flowing into watershed from
review other counties
Hailstorm -Review history in NWS -Economic impact -All areas within
Storm Data -Personal injury Pueblo County
-Review Pueblo County -Public/Private property -Avondale
USDA Flash Disaster damage -Beulah
Reports -Agricultural impact (crop & -Town of Boone
-Review economy impact, livestock) -City of Pueblo
newspaper articles -Repetitive loss -Colorado City
-Local agencies input -Threat to recreational areas -Pueblo West
-Storm Prediction Center and users -Town of Rye
risk assessments
Landslide & -Review newspaper -Repetitive localized loss from -All areas within
Rockslide stories infrequent occurrences in Pueblo County
-Local agencies input Pueblo County -Avondale
-Beulah
-Town of Boone
-City of Pueblo
-Colorado City
-Pueblo West
-Town of Rye
Blizzard & -Emergency response -Economic impact -All areas with in
Snowstorm records -Personal injury Pueblo County
-Business interruption -Loss from infrequent blizzards -Avondale
reports -Loss of life and property -Beulah
-Traffic reports -Public/Private property -Town of Boone
-NWS Storm Data review damage -City of Pueblo
-History review -Flooding -Colorado City
-Public, local agencies, -Traffic, utilities, school -Pueblo West
and utilities input systems, infrastructure, -Town of Rye
business interruption
Lightning & -NWS Storm Data review -Economic impact -All areas within
Thunderstorms -National Lightning -Personal injury Pueblo County
Detection Network -Public safety risk -Avondale
review -Related power outages -Beulah
-History review -Start of wildland fire -Town of Boone
-Public/Private property -City of Pueblo
damage -Colorado City
-Highly populated rec areas -Pueblo West
-Town of Rye
Tornados & -NWS Storm Data review -Economic impact -All areas within
Windstorms -History review -Personal injury Pueblo County
-Review past incident -Public/Private property -Western part of
reports damage Pueblo County
-Local agencies input -Potential threat -Avondale
-Beulah
2/22/17 26
HAZARD HOW WHY IMPACTED
IDENTIFIED IDENTIFIED JURISDICTIONS
-Repetitive localized loss from -Town of Boone
weak, infrequent tornados & -City of Pueblo
wind storms -Colorado City
-Increased growth/population -Pueblo West
in rural areas -Town of Rye
-Limited response/notification
infrastructure in exposure zone
-Threat to recreation
areas/users which could lead
to potential loss of life
-Associated power outages
Tumbleweeds -History review -Agricultural business impact -All areas within
-Newspaper and media -Traffic hazard/evacuation Pueblo County
review routes and response -Avondale
-Resident complaints -Entrapment -Beulah
-Annual mitigation -Road closures -Town of Boone
assessment -Flooding due to drainage -City of Pueblo
problems -Colorado City
-Fire hazard -Pueblo West
-Public safety hazard -Town of Rye
-Significant financial impact for
removal
Wildland Fire -Annual Wildland Fire -Economic impact -All areas within
Operations Plan -Personal injury Pueblo County
-(CWPP) Community -Potential loss of life and -Avondale
Wildfire Protection Plan-property -Beulah
Southwest -Increased population in -Town of Boone
-USFS input interface areas -City of Pueblo
-Satellite image review for -Undeveloped and/or -Colorado City
potential wildland areas uncultivated property within -Pueblo West
throughout communities Pueblo County -Town of Rye
-International Fire Code -Watershed loss
-Fire response call data
Zoonotic Disease -Documented -Threat to human/animal life -All areas within
outbreaks/risk of Plague, -Limited response structure Pueblo County
West Nile Virus, St. Louis -Suitable climate for recurrent -Beulah
and Western Equine, eruption -Town of Boone
Encephalitis, Avian Flu, -City of Pueblo
Tularemia, Anthrax, -Colorado City
Rabies, Hanta Virus, and -Pueblo West
other diseases -Town of Rye
2/22/17 27
Community Asset and Critical Facilities Inventory
The purpose of identifying critical facilities and infrastructure, as well as significant community
assets, is to evaluate the potential impact of natural hazards on the infrastructure and to
provide a basis for appropriate mitigation measures to protect said infrastructure. For the
purposes of this plan, critical facilities and infrastructure are those that provide critical or
essential products and services to the public before, during, or after a natural hazard disaster
occur. Community assets are those places, lands, structures, or facilities that provide important
(non-essential) functions and services to a community. These assets are both privately and
publicly owned. City and county land use, zoning and restriction codes are in effect for future
development of critical or non-critical facilities and infrastructure in hazardous areas.
Critical facilities include a wide range of emergency service facilities such as police, fire,
emergency operations centers, medical centers, clinics, and hospitals. Government offices and
buildings, including public works/road and bridge facilities, and schools, which can be used as
public shelters in times of emergency and disasters, are critical in providing services to the
public. Critical lifeline facilities include water supply facilities and wastewater treatment plants,
stormwater run-off systems, generation stations, transmission/distribution networks that
create and supply electricity to end-users, and natural gas pipelines. Critical communications
and transportation infrastructure includes communication towers, telephone, fiber optics,
airports, local regional roads and highways, bridges, overpasses, rail yard and fixed rail, and bus
routes. Banks and financial service companies, payment systems, investment companies, and
securities/commodities exchanges are identified as being critical and essential in helping a
community recover from disasters.
If damaged, facilities that contain hazardous materials could cause serious secondary impacts
Production and holding facilities for natural gas, crude and refined petroleum, and petroleum-
derived fuels have also been identified in this planning process. A comprehensive list of those
Methodology
Vulnerability estimates for each hazard were produced through GIS analysis. Shapefiles
(boundaries) of each analysis area were prepared and analyzed in ESRI
Online (BAO). Using BAO, Pueblo County EDGIS staff extracted 2010 Census statistics and 2015
Census population estimates. Likewise, using BAO, staff extracted statistics for the types of
properties below:
Residential Public
Single-Family Dwelling Non-Profit Religious Institute
Multi-Family Dwelling General Service (Government)
Mobile Home Emergency Response (Government)
Temporary Lodging School/University
Institutional Dormitory
Nursing Home
2/22/17 28
Commercial Industrial
Retail Trade Heavy
Wholesale Trade Light
Personal and Repair Service Food/Drugs/Chemicals
Professional/Technical Service Metals/Minerals Processing
Bank High Technology
Hospital Construction
Medical Office/Clinic Agriculture
Entertainment & Recreation
Theater
Parking
Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District response data over the past 3 years was used for
cost statistics in their District.
Vulnerable Populations
For the purposes of this NHMP, vulnerable populations include elderly and disabled persons, as
well as non-English speaking residents, who may need special assistance and medical care
before, during, and/or after a disaster. Persons who are isolated and living alone are
considered especially vulnerable as well as those who reside in nursing homes, assisted living
facilities, and group homes. Young children in day care settings may also be at risk before,
during, and after disasters.
Other Community Assets
As a major transportation and service center for southern Colorado, Pueblo County contains
several regional scale community assets that, if damaged or destroyed, could impact the local
or regional economy and/or result in high death or injury rates due to a concentration of
people. A comprehensive list of those assets identified as having significant value but not
critical to the defense or economic security of the community is on file with PCSO-ESB and will
not be presented in the NHMP.
While this plan does not identify every significant public and private facility within Pueblo
County, several key facilities that have intrinsic value to the community as a whole or that are
particularly susceptible to various hazard threats have been identified in this section. These
important (non-critical) community assets including historic, cultural, recreational and natural
resource areas such as Lake Pueblo, Sangre de Cristo Arts & Conference Center, El Pueblo
History Museum, Robert H. Rawlings Library, Historic Arkansas Riverwalk, Pueblo Convention
Center, Greenway & Nature Center, Pueblo Zoo, Dutch Clark Stadium, Mineral Palace Park,
Pueblo City Park, Pueblo Mountain Park (in Beulah), Rye Mountain Park, Colorado State
University-Pueblo, Pueblo Community College, Colorado State Fairgrounds, Runyon Field, and
numerous other public and private-owned historic structures.
While Pueblo County is expected to experience considerable population growth over the next
25 years, existing planning policies as well as this hazard mitigation plan are expected to direct
growth away from many hazardous conditions. As required by state law, Pueblo County has a
general plan with a safety element that identifies hazards affecting the County, including maps
of the hazard areas. The County also has planning policies, such as floodplain ordinances and
building codes, restricting new development in hazard areas and increasing construction
requirements.
2/22/17 29
IV.Natural Hazard Profiles
The NHMSC identified the following hazards that could affect Pueblo County. The hazards that
have been identified as high and very high will be focused on in the NHMP as well as the goals
and objectives established.
Hazards chosen for profiling are presented alphabetically in this section. Hazards may occur in
all jurisdictions within the County. A map is provided for each hazard when available. The
probability of future hazard events was estimated by the NHMSC based on historic data,
damage impact, etc. and expressed as the estimated frequency of each hazard event. A
summary table of the estimated probable frequency and severity of each natural hazard is
shown in Table 2. The risk assessment was prepared for each natural hazard and presented to
the NHMSC for review and local refinement. An estimation of potential future losses and the
analysis of future development trends for each hazard that could be mapped are included
within the plan.
Earthquakes for the Pueblo area are very low in frequency, so they will not be expanded upon
in this plan. According to the latest information available, Pueblo has never had an earthquake.
Pueblo has felt earthquakes from other areas, but have not experienced one since data has
been collected. Pueblo County has a moderate probability of an earthquake of moderate
intensity.
Landslides/Rockslides in the Pueblo area are medium in frequency, so they will not be
addressed in this plan either. The few landslides that may occur will be handled on a case by
case basis and if this prediction changes in the future, the plan will be updated to reflect the
change.
Table 3 shows total costs for worst case scenarios. The costs were arrived at by adding the
assessed land value to the values of improvement (building) on that assessed land. The cost is
based on assumed total devastation of said jurisdiction.
2/22/17 30
Table 2: Estimated Probable Frequency and Severity of Natural HazardsOn
Severity (to people, property, crops, other vegetation,
Hazard Frequency
infrastructure)
Serious (people, property, crops, other vegetation, and
Drought High
water resources)
Earthquake Low Extensive (people, property, infrastructure)
Flood High Extensive (people, property crops, infrastructure)
Serious (people, property. crops, other vegetation,
Hailstorm High
infrastructure)
Landslide/Rockslide Medium Serious (people, property, vegetation, infrastructure)
Thunderstorms and Lightning Very High Extensive (people, property)
Tornado - Windstorm High Serious (people, property, crops, other vegetation)
Tumbleweeds Very High Serious (people, property, crops, other vegetation)
Wildland Fire Very High Extensive (people, property, crops, other vegetation)
Snowstorm/Blizzard Medium Extensive (people, property, infrastructure,)
Zoonotic Disease High Extensive (people, property, vegetation)
Key for Table 2
Frequency Recurrence rate of:
Very High At least 1/year. (once a year)
High More than 0.1/year. (once every ten years)
Medium Between 0.1/year. and 0.01/year. (once every 10 to 100 years)
Low Between 0.01/year. and 0.001/year. (once every 100 to 1000 years)
Severity In affected area(s):
Multiple fatalities, complete shutdown of critical facilities for 30 days or longer, more
Catastrophic
than 50% of the property destroyed or sustaining major damage.
Fatalities and severe injury or illness, complete shutdown of critical facilities for 14 days
Extensive
or less, more than 25% of the property destroyed or sustaining major damage.
Injuries or illness not resulting in disability, complete shutdown of critical facilities for 7
Serious
days or less, more than 10% of the property destroyed or sustaining major damage.
First aid injuries, complete shutdown of critical facilities for 1 day or less, no more than
Minor
1% of the property destroyed or receiving major damage.
Table 3: Potential Damage Costs
Total Assessed Total Assessed Total Combined
Jurisdiction
Land Value Improvement Value Property Value
City of Pueblo $804,139,005 $4,771,109,821 $5,575,248,826
Pueblo West $291,107,193 $1,870,336,365 $2,161,443,558
Colorado City $29,287,907 $125,190,989 $154,478,896
Town of Rye $1,107,059 $7,864,459 $8,971,518
Beulah $2,935,834 $10,791,539 $13,727,373
Avondale $858,382 $16,927,907 $17,786,289
Town of Boone $330,203 $7,595,500 $7,925,703
Total $7,939,582,163
2/22/17 31
A.Drought
*This natural hazard did not lend itself to mapping and exposure calculation or have a uniform
regional distribution so no data tables are included for this hazard.
Hazard Profile: Drought is a condition of climatic dryness, which is severe enough to reduce soil
moisture and water below the minimum necessary for sustaining plant, animal, and human life
systems. Lack of annual precipitation and poor enforcement of conservation behavior could
result in drought conditions. A number of secondary hazards are associated with drought
including an increased fire danger in urban natural areas and the wildland/urban interface as
well as wildland/open space areas. This hazard also increases the risk to public safety personnel
as they respond to these incidents. The reduction in vegetation cover will expose soil to wind
and erosion. The quality of rivers and lake water will change and sediment transport regimes of
streams will be altered. Deterioration in water quality is the result. This particular hazard
affects the entire geographic area included in this plan.
Stagnant pools near rivers and streams will provide conditions favorable for insect habitat,
particularly mosquitoes, locusts, and grasshoppers. As rains return, more soil erosion and
flooding are likely to occur.
Severe drought could deplete water sources in the areas where natural water sources are used
for water supplies. Streams, ponds, and wells often dry up during a drought, thus wildlife and
livestock suffer and die. Although agriculture production is the most obvious recipient of this
type lost, this hazard will also impact urban areas by attacking the domestic and industrial
water supplies. This situation would affect the entire county and all the communities within.
Drought situations can last for several years and require many years to recover. Pueblo is
dependent on agricultural activity for a significant portion of its economic base. Loss of this
base due to drought conditions would have a tremendous impact on the economy, all of the
communities, the county, and the State of Colorado. Other industries that rely on water would
also be impacted and affect the overall economy of the county.
Drought is a weather-related natural hazard, a feature of climate that occurs in most areas at
one time or another, but with varying intensity. The definition of drought varies depending on
the type and location, so there are several definitions associated with the term drought. The
types of drought commonly discussed are meteorological, agricultural, hydrological, and
socioeconomic drought.
Meteorological drought is
normal over some period of time. Meteorological measurements are the first indicators
of drought.
Agricultural drought occurs when there is not enough soil moisture to meet the needs of
a particular crop at a particular time. Agricultural drought happens after meteorological
drought but before hydrological drought. Agriculture is usually the first economic sector
to be affected by drought.
Hydrological drought is when there is not enough soil moisture to meet the needs of a
particular crop at a particular time. Agriculture is usually the first economic sector to be
affected by drought.
2/22/17 32
Socioeconomic drought occurs when physical water shortage starts to affect people,
individually and collectively. Or, in more abstract terms, most socioeconomic definitions
of drought associate it with the supply and demand of an economic good.
Drought is perhaps one of the most complex natural hazards because it is not a distinct event
with a clearly defined beginning or end. It differs from other natural hazards in that it usually
has a rather slow onset, can affect a very large area, and does not cause much structural
damage. In addition, its effects impact various sectors in different manners and with varying
intensity. Drought can severely impact the county both physically and economically. Adequate
water is one of the most critical issues, which the citizens of this county are constantly forced to
address. Agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, commercial, and domestic use all require a
constant, reliable supply of water. As the population continues to grow, so too will the demand
for water, which is why mitigating the future impacts of drought are so important.
Tracking drought impacts can be difficult. The Drought Impact Reporter from the NDMC is a
useful reference tool that compiles reported drought impacts nationwide. Figure 1 shows
reported total drought impacts for all Colorado counties
FIGURE 1
2/22/17 33
Figure 2 shows total drought impacts for all Colorado counties from 1935 (earliest reported
drought impact) to May 8, 2013 for the same impact categories. Based on reports to the NDMC,
all counties recorded some impact from drought, and most counties recorded moderate to
major amounts of impacts; illustrating that drought affects all regions of the state in all impact
categories at one time or another. The data represented is skewed, with the majority of these
impacts from records within the past 10 to 15 years.
FIGURE 2
2/22/17 34
There are several ways to look at the various aspects of drought and its impacts in the county.
Caution needs to be taken when looking at data that may indicate the presence or absence of
drought because this hazard is not a localized phenomenon, but rather a climatic feature that
can cover large areas. A study conducted by the Department of Atmospheric Science at
Colorado State University- Ft. Collins (CSU) (McKee et al, 1999) attempted to document the dry
and wet periods for the State of Colorado (Table 4). This was accomplished by using
precipitation, snowpack, and stream flow observations throughout the state, based on the
major river basins. Summarized data indicate several periods of wet and dry in the state.
The 2002 and 2011-2013 drought occurred after the study was published, but the table has
been modified and updated to reflect Colorados most recent and intense droughts.
Table 4: Summary of Wet & Dry Periods for Colorado, 1893-Present
Date Wet/Dry
1893-1905 Dry
1905-1931 Wet
1931-1941 Dry
1941-1949 Wet
1953-1957 Dry
1957-1960 Wet
1963-1965 Dry
1967-1975 Wet
1976-1979 Dry
1979-1999 Wet
2000-2006 ** Dry
2007-2010 ** Wet
2010-2012 ** Dry
Source: Table created from the CSU Technical Report, Historical Dry
and Wet Periods in Colorado, McKee et al., 1999. ** - Updates
USDA Disaster Declarations for Colorado
In the past, USDA Secretarial Disaster Declarations must have been requested by a s
authorized representative or by an Indian Tribal Council leader. Damages and losses prompting
disaster designation must be due to a natural disaster and a minimum of 30% production loss in
at least one crop in the county must have occurred. The Secretarial Disaster Declaration is
widely used and makes low-interest loans and other emergency assistance available for those
affected (e.g., to farmers and ranchers in the case of agricultural disasters due to drought).
Under a new streamlined process by the Farm Services Agency (FSA), a nearly automatic USDA
Disaster Declaration can be made if any portion of a county has experienced eight consecutive
weeks of severe drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor (Congressional Research
Service, 2013). Table 5 lists the disaster declarations related to drought for Pueblo from 2003 to
the present. The calendar year is listed, along with the type of hazard and the declaration
number. As can be seen in Table 5, numerous drought declarations were declared from 2011
through 2013 in which Pueblo County was included. In early July 2012, 62 of the states 64
2/22/17 35
counties were included in a Secretarial Disaster Designation due to drought. Farmers were then
eligible to apply for FSA emergency loans for the next eight months.
Table 5:
Declaration Number
Year Type
that Affected Pueblo
2003 Drought, Insects S1843
2004 Drought, Freeze, Hail S1947
2005 Drought, Wind, Heavy Rain, Hail S2188
2005-2006 Drought, Fire, High Winds, Heat S2327
2008 Drought S2750
2011 Drought S3125 and S3133
2012 Drought S3229
Drought, Wind/High Winds,
2013* S3260
Heat/Excessive Heat
Source: USDA Colorado Farm Services Agency * Through June 26, 2013
Pueblo County was also declared in 2014 and a contiguous in the 2015 declaration.
Table 6 shows agricultural indemnities from 1998-2012 due to drought in Pueblo County. The
data was obtained from the USDA Risk Management Agency and filtered for losses incurred
specifically by drought.
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
- - $3,081 $124,949 $141,089 $125,409 $119,810 $131,607
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Total
$147,819 $199,391 $286,625 $113,814 $197,635 $174,188 356,155 $2,121,532
Future Impacts:
Pueblo County has been affected and received drought declarations 10 times in the last 13
years, so with the past history, Pueblo will continue to have agricultural, farming, and economic
loss at least yearly to some extent. Wildland fire and dust storms are also a greater risk due to
drought. The prediction for drought in Pueblo in the next 20 years, 1 in 5 years will be severe
and 1 in 20 years will be extreme.
2/22/17 36
B.Flood
Hazard Profile: A flood occurs when the existing channel of a stream, river, canyon, or other
watercourse cannot contain excess runoff from rainfall or snowmelt, resulting in overflow on to
adjacent lands.
Flash floods are particularly dangerous. The National Weather Service defines a flash flood as a
rapid and extreme flow of high water into a normally dry area, or a rapid water level rise in a
stream or creek above a predetermined flood level, beginning within six hours of the causative
event (e.g., intense rainfall, dam failure, ice jam). However, the actual time threshold may vary
in different parts of the country. Ongoing flooding can intensify to flash flooding in cases where
intense rainfall results in a rapid surge of rising flood waters.
recurring floods. Floodplains may change over time due to natural processes, changes in the
characteristics of a watershed, or human activity such as construction of bridges or channels. In
areas where flow contains a high sediment load, the course of a river or stream may shift
dramatically during a single flood event.
Nationwide, besides heat related deaths, floods result in more deaths than any other natural
hazard. Physical damage from floods includes the following:
Inundation of structures, causing water damage to structural elements and contents.
Erosion or scouring of stream banks, roadway embankments, foundations, footings for
bridge piers, and other features.
Impact damage to structures, roads, bridges, culverts, and other features from high
velocity flow and from debris carried by floodwaters. Such debris may also accumulate
on bridge piers and in culverts, increasing loads on these features or causing
overtopping or backwater effects.
Destruction of crops, erosion of topsoil, and deposition of debris and sediment on
croplands.
Release of sewage and hazardous or toxic materials as wastewater treatment plants are
inundated, storage tanks are damaged, and pipelines severed.
Floods also cause economic losses through closure of businesses and government facilities,
disrupt communications, disrupt in the provision of utilities such as water and sewer, result in
excessive expenditures for emergency response, and generally disrupt the normal function of a
community.
In Pueblo County, floods usually occur during the spring and summer, during heavy rainfalls
after prolonged dry periods, or in the spring following runoff from heavy mountain snowpack.
, Pueblo Dam was built to supply irrigation water into the lower Arkansas
Valley as part of the Arkansas Water Shortage Project. It also provides flood control and water
for industrial and municipal use.
The average annual precipitation in Pueblo County ranges from around 10 inches of liquid in
the far northeast part of the county to around 30 inches of liquid in the higher elevations of the
Wet Mountains in the extreme southwest part of the county. Infrequent weather patterns in
the area produce high-intensity rainfall. The peak historic rainfall intensity recorded in Pueblo
County was around 3 inches per hour in Pueblo, although it is likely that higher rainfall rates
2/22/17 37
infrequently occur at other points. These events can significantly contribute to the annual
averages even though they can be more damaging than beneficial.
Flood mapping has been performed in most communities as part of the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP was established in 1968 as a means of providing low-cost
-prone communities. The Flood Insurance Rate Map
(FIRM) and Flood Insurance Studies (FIS) are produced by FEMA and officially delineate Special
Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) in communities where NFIP regulations apply (Map 4). The FIRM is
currently being revised by FEMA.
NFIP PARTICIPATION INFORMATION PUEBLO COUNTY
Category Data Category Data
Date Joined NFIP 9/29/1989 Number of Policies in force 93
CRS class/discount N/A Insurance in Force $21,263,900
CAV date 10/26/2012 Number of Paid Losses 21
CAC date 12/1/1994 Total Losses Paid $137,257.48
Substantial Damage claims since
Date of Current FIRM 9/29/1989 2
1978
NFIP PARTICIPATION INFORMATION CITY OF PUEBLO
Category Data Category Data
Date Joined NFIP 8/24/1973 Number of Policies in force 90
CRS class/discount N/A Insurance in Force $22,179,500
CAV date 8/2/2012 Number of Paid Losses 51
CAC date 11/30/2006 Total Losses Paid $93,289.57
Substantial Damage claims since
Date of Current FIRM 9/29/1986 1
1978
FLOOD HAZARD AREA DEVELOPMENT PERMITS PUEBLO COUNTY
YEAR NO. YEAR NO. YEAR NO. YEAR NO. YEAR NO. YEAR NO.
2010 5 2011 6 2012 5 2013 5 2014 4 2015 5
FLOODPLAIN AMENDMENTS PUEBLO COUNTY
YEAR NO. YEAR NO. YEAR NO. YEAR NO. YEAR NO. YEAR NO.
2010 0 2011 2 2012 2 2013 1 2014 1 2015 1
2/22/17 38
Map 4 Floodplain for Pueblo County
2/22/17 39
Current climate models project that Colorado will warm by 2.5°F by 2025 and 4°F by
2050. Summers are likely to warm more than winters.
Warmer temperatures will affect evaporation rates in our rivers, streams and reservoirs,
perhaps making less water available for beneficial use.
A projected seasonal shift in precipitation may result in more mid-winter precipitation
throughout the state and, in some areas, a decrease in late spring and summer
precipitation.
Lower elevation snowpack (below 8200 ft.) is likely to decline, with modest declines
projected for high elevation snowpack (above 8200 ft.).
Flood Damage Prevention
Flood Hazard Area Regulations (Pueblo County Code)
It is the purpose of county regulations to regulate development in flood hazard areas so as to
minimize significant hazards to public health and safety; and to operate in coordination with
the National Flood Insurance Program; and to prevent substantial solid debris from being
carried downstream by flood waters.
The Pueblo County Zoning Administrator is appointed to administer and implement Chapter
17.108 by granting or denying development permit applications in accordance with its
provisions. Specific duties and responsibilities of the Pueblo County Zoning Administrator are
identified in Chapter 17.108 (Attachment 2).
The Legislature of the State of Colorado has in the Colorado Revised Statutes 1973 (as
amended) delegated the responsibility to local governmental units to adopt regulations
designed to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of its citizenry. The Board of
County Commissioners of the County of Pueblo hereby finds that there are within the
unincorporated areas of Pueblo County, flood hazard areas which constitute natural hazards of
state and local interest, that such flooding may cause serious damage to properties and subject
residents of such areas to hazards, that the occupation of such areas is likely to cause the loss
of human life and the destruction of property, and the imprudent use and occupation of these
areas will pose a continuing and greater future danger to life and property unless appropriate
regulations are adopted concerning the use and occupation of such hazard areas.
Chapter 17.108 Flood Hazard Area Regulation in Title 17 LAND USE of the Pueblo County Code
shall apply to all areas of special flood hazards within the unincorporated area of Pueblo County
under the jurisdiction of the Pueblo County Board of County Commissioners. The areas of
special flood hazard identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in a scientific
and engineering report titled "The Flood Insurance Study for the County of Pueblo," dated
September 29, 1989, with an accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) is adopted by
reference and declared to be a part of Chapter 17.108. The Flood Insurance Study and FIRM are
on file at the Count
Planning and Development, 229 West 12th Street, Pueblo, Colorado.
2/22/17 40
Establishment of area of special flood hazard. (City of Pueblo)
The Director of the Department of Stormwater Utility is appointed as the Administrative Official
to administer and implement the City Code by granting or denying development permit
applications in accordance with its provisions (Attachment 3).
The area of special flood hazard identified by the Federal Insurance Administration in a
Flood Boundary-Floodway Maps as revised September 29, 1986, are hereby adopted by
reference, incorporated herein as if set out herein in full, and declared to be a part of City Code.
The Flood Insurance Study is on file in the office of the Director of the Department of
Stormwater Utility (Ord.No.4529, 12-11-78; Ord. No. 5334, 8-25-86; Ord. No. 7340 §2, 7-11-05).
The Pueblo Community Waterways
Pueblo, situated at the confluence of the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek, is the county seat
of Pueblo County. Pueblo County was one of the original seventeen counties included in the
Colorado Territory created in 1861. In the 1840s, Fort Pueblo was built by fur traders and the
name remained even though the settlers did not. The Fort was abandoned following the Indian
Massacre in 1854. The settlers returned, however, with the advent of the gold rush in 1858. By
1880, the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad had found its way to Pueblo, and the Colorado Coal
and Iron Company (now EVRAZ Rocky Mountain Steel) was producing steel profitability. By
1900, nearly 35,000, more than half of whom were the families of
immigrants who had come to earn their living to grow to its current population of over 158,000.
The incredible growth in Pueblo has increased its potential vulnerability to flooding in areas of
the city. The Arkansas River flows through Pueblo and receives flow from many tributaries in
the Pueblo area. The city and county have taken and continue to take many steps to ensure the
safety of Pueblo from damaging floods. These structural (e.g. levees, dam) and nonstructural
(e.g. zoning) mitigation steps, to lessen vulnerability, often resulted from planning after a
devastating flood in Pueblo.
Streams in the Pueblo Area
The streams discussed here are major drainages in Pueblo County which flow in or near the
city. These waterways consist of the Arkansas River and its tributaries: Fountain Creek, St.
Charles River, Wild Horse-Dry Creek, Dry Creek, Goodnight Arroyo, Huerfano River, and Salt
Creek. The following stream information is taken from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Floodplain
Information studies. These tributaries lack records from stream gauges on the channels;
therefore, the flood history information must be compiled and analyzed from historic records.
These watersheds are similar in that they are subject to the same types of storms and flooding
which is due to similar stream channel characteristics and climates. The stream channels in
these watersheds are characterized by long, narrow stems and tributaries. Analysis of
climatological data and inspection of the flood history for the Arkansas River sub basin above
John Martin Reservoir (near Las Animas, CO) shows the most severe flood-producing storms
occur during the late spring or summer months. Warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico mixes
with cold, dry air from the Polar Regions to create increased thunderstorm activity in the area.
The runoff from these storms combine with snowmelt in the spring and can create high stream
2/22/17 41
flows. These high flows are of small volumes and short durations. Valley storage, high
infiltration rates, and irrigation diversions cause considerable attenuation of the flood flows
moving downstream to the Arkansas River.
Arkansas River originates near Climax, Colorado at an elevation of about 12,000 feet. It flows
in a southeasterly direction in the areas of Leadville, Salida, Cañon City, and through Pueblo.
Many streams flow into the Arkansas upstream from Pueblo, all of which are fed up primarily
through snowmelt.
Pueblo Dam, on the Arkansas River, is a 10,230 foot-long earthen and concrete structure
impounding one of the largest reservoirs in the state and is located six miles west of Pueblo.
Built, owned, and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation, Pueblo Dam and Reservoir are an
integral part of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project and provide a supplemental water supply for
southeastern Colorado.
Pueblo Dam was constructed between 1970 and 1975 as part of the FryingpanArkansas
Project. The project was authorized in 1962 for the purpose of supplying water for irrigation,
municipal, domestic, and industrial uses and for generating and transmitting hydro-electric
power.
Pueblo Dam is an earthen embankment dam, with a center concrete section that supports a
large spillway. The spillway is designed to safely pass floodwaters that would otherwise
overflow the dam. If filled to the spillway crest, Pueblo Reservoir can hold 349,940 acre feet of
water.
The Corps of Engineers requires that the level not exceed 265,000-acres feet by April 15th until
the end of the flood season, to provide sufficient capacity for snowmelt and spring rain. Also a
reduced so that by the time the water reaches the Avondale gauge (east of Pueblo), the flow
will not exceed 6,000 cubic feet per second- which could potentially flood downstream towns
and agricultural areas. At this gauge, the water is not just coming from the dam but from all the
previously mentioned tributaries of the Arkansas, therefore the dam can help reduce this
cumulative flow.
Pueblo Reservoir is one of the few Reclamation reservoirs in Colorado constructed for flood
control purposes. That means Pueblo Reservoir fills to its full capacity only in a flood event. By
keeping approximately 19 vertical feet, or 66,000 acre-feet, vacant, the dam helps prevent
flood water from raging down the Arkansas River, into Pueblo, and east through the plains.
The area around Pueblo Reservoir is managed by Colorado State Parks and is one of the most
visited state parks in Colorado. Pueblo State Park hosts over one million visitors each year. The
fish hatchery and Rock Canyon Swim Beach area were built by Reclamation and are equally
popular recreation areas.
amation Managing Water in the West
Attachment 4).
Bessemer Ditch is an irrigation water conveyance that flows easterly from the Pueblo Reservoir
Dam through the City of Pueblo and into Pueblo County. Approximately 5 miles of ditch flows
through the c
locations that precipitation runoff directly discharges into the ditch adding to already metered
2/22/17 42
irrigation water. On occasions, the precipitation runoff can be significant enough to overflow
the ditch causing damage to nearby properties and structures.
Dry Creek is a north-bank tributary which flows
The watershed spans a distance of 5.5 miles from the headwaters to the mouth. Its drainage
area covers only 5.4 square miles. Dry Creek is an ephemeral stream, which originated at the
southern extremity of Baculite Mesa in the high plains northeast of Pueblo. It flows in a
southerly direction to discharge into the Arkansas River just east of the city limits.
Fountain Creek flows south through the northeast sector of Pueblo. Fountain Creek, a north-
bank tributary of the Arkansas River, stretches approximately 65 miles long, as measured from
the Palmer Lake to the Arkansas River confluences at Pueblo. The watershed constitutes a
drainage area of 927 square miles over several counties. The creek originates about seven
miles northwest of Pikes Peak in the mountains of the Rampart Range. Elevations in the
watershed vary from 14,115 feet at Pikes Peak to 4,627 feet where it meets the Arkansas River.
Fountain Creek headwaters are fed from snow pack and springs of the alpine west slope
canyons of Pikes Peak. The creek emerged through the foothills and onto the high plains at
Colorado Springs where it enters a drainage area at the Monument Creek junction. Fountain
Creek is perennial except for a few days during the summer when irrigation and municipal
demands exceed the low summer flows. Some irrigation-return flows are experienced in the
plains sector of the creek.
The damaging floods in Pueblo on the Fountain Creek normally originate from storms in the
Colorado Springs area on the main stem and tributaries. Floods that originate in this area may
dissipate to negligible proportions prior to reaching Pueblo, depending upon precipitation
events and soil moisture content in the area between Colorado Springs and Pueblo. The
Fountain Creek Flood Control Project, designed to control up to a 200-year flood event in the
City, helps mitigate against flooding.
Goodnight Arroyo is an ephemeral south-bank tributary of the Arkansas River that originates in
the high plains southwest of Pueblo. The arroyo is 4.9 miles long. Its longest branch originates
just over one mile south of State Highway 78 and then meanders in a northerly direction. Just
, the arroyo passes under Bessemer ditch and State Highway
96 (Thatcher Avenue) and turns west toward the Arkansas River. The drainage area covers 5.9
square miles, and elevations range from 5,330 feet at the headwaters to 4,708 feet at the
Arkansas River confluence.
Huerfano River covers a drainage area of 1,876 square miles, stretching 90 miles in length. The
head waters begin at an elevation of about 10,500 feet where the stream is perennial. The
river flows north and east through the foothills and onto the plains. Here, irrigation diversions
dry out the stream in summer by the time it reaches the Arkansas River near Boone.
St. Charles River originates on the northeast flank of the Wet Mountains near San Isabel and
Beulah. This perennial mountain stream follows a 50 mile, northeasterly course, until its waters
enter the Arkansas River eight miles east of Pueblo. Elevations in the watershed range from
around 4,500 to 12,347 feet and its drainage area covers approximately 482 square miles.
Salt Creek is a right bank tributary with the confluence located in the southeast corner of the
City of Pueblo. The streams headwaters originate in the foothills about eight miles south and
ten miles west of the city. The Salt Creek watershed contains 37.2 square miles, which is minor
2/22/17 43
in regard to size but it is important in that it flows through the residential and major industrial
areas of southeast Pueblo. The stream stretches about 18 miles long, the upper 5 miles of
which are considered to be intermittent. At its confluence with the St. Charles River Flood
Ditch, it receives a maximum flow of approximately 635 cubic feet per second diverted from the
St. Charles River. This water provides a base flow in Salt Creek during the spring and summer
months. A few miles downstream from its junction with the Flood Ditch, Salt Creek flows into a
series of reservoirs (water from the ditch and creek is stored here and used by EVRAZ Rocky
Mountain Steel in their industrial processes), through EVRAZ, and finally into the Arkansas
River. Most of the Salt Creek channel is located on land owned by EVRAZ.
Wild Horse-Dry Creek, an Arkansas River north-bank tributary, conveys the combined stream
flows of Wild Horse Creek and Dry Creek (not to be confused with Dry Creek just east of the City
of Pueblo). This tributary flows southeasterly through the c
Arkansas River. The watershed is approximately 17 miles long as measured from its
headwaters to the Arkansas River confluence at Pueblo. Its drainage area covers 82.8 square
miles, starting at an elevation of 6,000 feet near the headwaters to 4,700 feet at the mouth.
The separate ephemeral (which often run dry in the summer) streams, Wild Horse and Dry
Creek, originate in the foothills of the frontal range northwest of Pueblo.
Pueblo County Flooding History
Pueblo has a history of damaging floods. Flood have been recorded in Pueblo in 1844, 1864,
1867, 1869, 1875, 1880, 1881, 1884, 1893, 1894, 1899, 1901, 1921, 1935, 1965, 1983, 1984,
1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2013, 2014, and 2015.
Pueblo has one (1) FEMA recognized repetitive loss property (a business) within the entirety of
Pueblo County, but no residential. NOTE: There has been repetitive loss of access to properties,
roads, agricultural land, in all areas of unincorporated Pueblo County, i.e. Beulah, Rye,
Avondale, Boone, Red Creek, to name a few due to major storm events.
Repetitive Loss Information City of Pueblo
Property Name of No. of Flood Flood Value of Value of SFHA?
Type Community Claims InsuranceStructure Flood Claim
?
Non-1. $5,785.89
City of Pueblo 2 No $111,020 No
Residential 2. $3,889.19
The first flood on the Arkansas River, for which detailed information has been found, occurred
June 11, 1864, as a result of a general storm over eastern Colorado. The early settlers agree
that this flood reached a point near Third and Santa Fe Avenues in Pueblo, and if, as seems
probable, the street has been graded down since 1864. The flood of that year may have been
nearly as high as the flood of 1921.
The Pueblo Commercial Standard of June 28, 1884, stated, The Fountain at Pueblo was wide,
swift, and deep on Thursday \[June 26\] and swept away both the wagon bridges on Fifth Street
and the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad Bridge. Although no reference to the cause of this
flood is made, its occurrence coincides within a few days of the flood peak caused by the rain
2/22/17 44
and melting snow in other basins. At Pueblo, east of the foothills, the precipitation from
January 1 to April 30, 1884, was 62% above normal.
In 1893, one of the driest years of record at Pueblo, a flood occurred on July 26, which reached
a stage 10 feet lower than that of the flood of 1921. The river rose 8 feet in 2 hours at Pueblo.
No gauging record of the discharge is available, but from the rating curve established for the
flood of 1921, with an allowance for channel clearance made after the flood of 1893, it appears
that the peak discharge was between 20,000 and 25,000 second-feet.
The issue of the news on June 1, 1894, stated that on Second Street between Santa Fe Avenue
and Main Street, the water was 4 feet deep over the floors of the buildings. Five lives were lost
in Pueblo, and damage amounting to nearly $2,000,000 was done to property.
The earliest recorded flood on the St. Charles River was that of May 20, 1901. The only
information regarding it is contained in the press. The Pueblo Chieftain of May 23, 1901,
included in a dispatch from Beulah, On Monday evening \[May 20\] about 6, rain began to fall
here with some hail. The storm increased until all the streams in the valley were out of their
banks, and the oldest settlers * * * declared they have never seen such a rainfall. All the bridges
were washed out. The issue of the Pueblo Chieftain of the day previous, May 22, had
contained the following, Rio Grande train 115 lies in the bed of the St. Charles River at San
Carlos \[about 12 miles above the mouth\] a snarl of wreckage. * * * It was accomplished in less
than 2 minutes * * * when the train bore down upon the trestle. Coincident with the striking of
the trestle by the train came a 10-foot wall of water, which swept everything before it. The
bridge is 12 feet high, 15 bents long, each bent being 16 feet.
In 1904, just north of Pueblo, a bridge failed and around 100 people drowned when a passenger
train plunged into Fountain Creek. A cloudburst caused the waters of Fountain River and Dry
Creek to move rapidly sweeping bridges and flooding mines.
The Great Flood of 1921 was caused by flooding of the Arkansas River. The number of known
deaths was 120 and the number unaccounted for was over 140. The flood badly damaged the
Rio Grande and Santa Fe railroad tracks and the town of Pueblo lost 1/3 of their businesses in
the downtown area. The property damage was estimated to be $19 million (in 1921 dollars). A
cloudburst dropping about 9 inches of rain caused the Arkansas River to swell in Pueblo. The
torrent of the water that rose 15 feet swept away bridges, homes, and railroad tracks. The
property loss estimated more than $10 million. The 4th Street Bridge collapsed with 100
people on it, all those lives were taken. Pueblo's gas, electricity, telephone lines, and water
piping were out of service, and there was no drinking water present because of the debris
pollution. Fires broke out and couldn't be extinguished because firemen didn't have water and
in flooded businesses, looting occurred.
The flood of 1935 overflowed the valley of Fountain Creek from Colorado Springs to the mouth,
at Pueblo, destroying bridges and damaging agricultural land. At Pueblo, the flood eroded the
banks in the vicinity of the State Hospital to such an extent that several small buildings were
swept away. According to a witness of the floods of both 1921 and 1935, at a point 1½ miles
above the mouth of Fountain Creek, the flood of 1935 was higher than that of 1921. During
both floods, the channel was scoured to bedrock, which lies at a depth of 3 to 9 feet below the
sand in the channel.
2/22/17 45
In 1965, when Colorado Springs was just a shadow of its present population, a heavy
thunderstorm in El Paso County brought such a rise in Fountain Creek waters that it caused
severe damages in Pueblo, including the Lower East Side and in the Lower Arkansas Valley. It
resulted in no deaths, but there was almost $4 million worth of damage (in 1965 dollars)
May 31, 1984: flash flood on Fountain Creek sweeps away train, many drowned.
June 1994: flash flooding damaged 160 homes and caused over $5 million dollars in property
damage in Pueblo.
July 1994: flash flooding damaged many basements and roadways in Pueblo.
June 1995: torrential rains caused flash flooding causing over $17 million in damages in Pueblo.
July 1996: flash flooding destroyed over 2,000 acres of crops and over $2 million in property
damage in Pueblo. Heavy rains fell over Pueblo which caused widespread flooding. The rain
caused the roof to collapse on three buildings and several roadways were covered with water.
Several underpasses on I-25 were flooded and vehicles were carried away by water. Three lives
were lost due to the flooding and the rain totaled to 1.22 inches in one hour.
August 1996: flash flooding in Pueblo caused one death.
July 1999: two persons were injured in a flash flood East of Boone.
July 2004: flash flooding East of Colorado City caused 5 to 6 feet of water standing on roadways.
July 2005: heavy rains caused flash flooding on the Mason Gulch Burn scar. Mainly flooding
roads north of Beulah.
July 2006: heavy rains within a week of each other caused major damage to roads, homes,
vehicles and drainage systems. Heavy rain flooded portions on I-25, forcing its closure for
nearly two hours. There was concern for the Avondale flooding with the flux of rain combined
with normal water release from Pueblo Dam. North Creek Road was closed twice in a week
following rainstorms. Overton Road was closed after a culvert under the road failed.
July 2007: heavy rains caused flooding in low-lying areas.
August 2007: heavy rains caused flash flooding, washing out a section of Highway 78, making
access to Beulah difficult. Other roads and bridges were damaged as well as basements being
flooded. The heaviest rainfall appeared to be over and in the vicinity of the 2005 Mason Gulch
September 2013: Pueblo experienced some localized flooding which damaged some homes and
roads, but did not have the devastating loss that the northern part of the state experienced.
Lists of damages were made but Pueblo was not included in the FEMA or Department of
Agriculture declarations.
July 15, 2014: rain came down so fast that it washed out the Pine Drive Water District Dam in
the St. Charles River by the water plant. There was minor damage on Rep Top Ranch Road and
the lower crossing on Red Creek Springs Road where they had to close the roads until the water
receded. Other localized flooding was also reported.
Pueblo County was included in the disaster declaration DR-4229 for the State of Colorado
issued by President Obama. The declaration triggered the release of Federal funds to help our
community recover from the flooding that occurred between May 4 and June 16, 2015.
2/22/17 46
The Pueblo community is aware they must be as prepared as possible for the potential problem
of flooding along the many streams in the area. At the present time, there are many different
types of mitigation in place along these rivers. The Arkansas River underwent channel
improvement and levee construction following the 1921 flood. Then, in 1975, the Pueblo Dam
was completed, which helped flood control on the Arkansas River downstream as well as
upstream of the dam. The Corps of Engineers authorized the Fountain Creek Flood Control
Project in 1986 and by 1990, portions of Fountain Creek consisted of a levee system with a 200-
year flood design composed of concrete, rip rap, and/or a soil cement mixture. Pueblo relies on
the Satellite Stream Gauging Program under the administration of the Office of the State
Engineer. Aside from natural waterways, Bessemer Ditch built concrete walls on portions of the
ditch in 1980 and on other portions in 1990. The ditch runs from Pueblo Dam through the city
and east to its owners, mostly farmers, on the St. Charles Mesa.
Pueblo County Levees
The levees in Pueblo are located along the Fountain Creek, the Arkansas River, and Wildhorse-
Dry Creek. The Fountain Creek Levee System started construction in the late 1980's by the
Army Corp of Engineers and was completed in 1989. The Arkansas River and Wildhorse-Dry
Creek Levee System started construction in the early 1920's and was completed in 1923. It is
unknown who constructed the Arkansas River and Wildhorse-Dry Creek Levee System (Map 5).
Levee Certification issues:
a)Both Fountain Creek and Arkansas River Levee System will need to be recertified in
accordance with 44 CFR 65.10.
b)The Fountain Creek Levee is owned by the city. Therefore, the city is responsible for
getting the levee recertified. The city has hired a consulting engineer to help in the
process of recertifying the levee.
c)The Arkansas Levee System and the Wildhorse-Dry Creek Levees are owned by the
Pueblo Conservancy District. They are the entity responsible for the recertification
of this levee system. They have started modifying the levee for recertification.
d)Currently,
levees from the 100-year flood.).
e)If the levees (both the Fountain Creek and the Arkansas River) do not get recertified
or are not certifiable (as is the case with the Wildhorse-Dry Creek Levee, in its
current condition), the new DFIRM maps will show much of the downtown area in
the 100-year floodplain. This would negatively impact future growth in the
downtown area. This would affect the issuance of building permits (remodel and
new construction) and the ability for banks to loan money for commercial sites in
the remapped 100-year floodplain of the downtown area (if the levees are not
recertified).
f)The City of Pueblo has not received our Provisional Accredited Letter (PAL) from
FEMA. Once we receive the letter, we have two years to get the levees recertified.
RFPs have been prepared and are ready to go to qualified consultants for the levee
recertification.
g)FEMA is currently analyzing the hydrology for Fountain Creek in order to determine
the 100-year flows and associated water surface elevation.
2/22/17 47
h)The city has initiated a demonstration project on Fountain Creek in Pueblo, in 2010,
to analyze the ability to consistently remove transported bedload material from the
upper portions of the watershed. It is anticipated the demonstration project could
last until 2017.
Map 5 Pueblo County Levees
2/22/17 48
Table 7: Approximate Potential Exposure of Population, Households & Businesses in Floodplains
Areas.
100 Year Floodplain
Municipality 2015 Population Total Structures Total Housing Total Mobile
Affected Affected Units (1 to 4) Homes
All of Pueblo 2,971 1,298 1,413 525
County
City of Pueblo 1,267 453 684 286
Rest of County 1,704 845 729 30
outside of City
of Pueblo
Avondale 0 0 0 1
Colorado City 30 55 10 4
Town of Rye 17 26 9 5
Beulah 24 114 20 5
*Town of Boone All lies outside of the established floodplain
500 Year Floodplain
Municipality 2015 Population Total Structures Total Housing Total Mobile
Affected Affects Units (1 to 4) Homes
All of Pueblo 6,215 4,873 3,038 525
County
City of Pueblo 6,215 4,873 3,038 286
Rest of County 0 0 0 239
outside City of
Pueblo
*additional flooding estimated by 500-year is only in the city area where the Arkansas and
Fountain merge.
Table 8: Potential Dollar Loss in Pueblo County for Floods
Jurisdiction Residential Commercial Public
Pueblo County $795,870,000 $399,150,000 $10,154,000
(non-incorporated areas)
Pueblo City $301,718,000 $90,320,000 $11,692,000
Avondale $0 $0 $0
Beulah $68,000 $15,000 $0
Town of Boone $0 $0 $0
Colorado City $41,091,000 $11,446,000 $0
Town of Rye $3,486,000 $1,635,000 $0
Pueblo West $59,671,000 $14,977,000 $0
Vineland $0 $0 $0
Indicates there is not any data available or recorded for this portion of the county.
2/22/17 49
C.Severe Weather Hazards
Regarding severe weather, it is difficult to estimate the duration, location, and strength of the
elements. Some preparation and mitigation can be accomplished in advance.
Pueblo County is frequently affected by severe weather (lightning, hail, wind, etc.). There are
several Pueblo County on-going initiatives in the severe weather arena. These are primarily in
the areas of weather monitoring, flood warning systems, and the dissemination of that
information.
The primary sources for information related to severe weather are the Colorado Climate Center
and the National Weather Service. NWS data became very comprehensive in 1995, when the
Pueblo office began its journey to become a full forecast office. This short time span is not
sufficient to draw long-term conclusions about severe weather.
2/22/17 50
1.Hail
Hazard Profile:
quency of large hail (3/4 inch and greater) in the
United States. The high frequency of larger stone sizes contributes directly to the excessive
property damage that occurs. Large stones can fall at speeds approaching 90 mph and livestock
fatalities from hail are fairly common. Hailstorms cause a major amount of damage to property
and crops across the United States and in Colorado every year.
Hail is precipitation in the form of lumps of ice that form in some storms. They are usually
round and typically vary from .25 inch to 3 inches in diameter. Hail larger than 1 inch in
diameter is responsible for the most frequent damage in the region. Hail generally forms in
thunderstorms between strong currents of rising air, called updrafts, and the current of air
descending toward the ground, or downdraft. Hail develops when updrafts carry water
droplets to a height where freezing occurs. Ice particles grow in size, eventually becoming too
heavy to be supported by the updraft and fall to the ground. Large hailstones indicate strong
updrafts in storms.
Hail forms during thunderstorms and Colorado has more thunderstorm days than any other
state (except Florida)
will form in a thunderstorm, making Colorado one of the hail capitals of the world.
Northeastern Colorado and the nearby Great Plains States get more hail each year than any
other part of the United States.
Severe hail is not a problem statewide, but rather is limited to eastern Colorado beginning in
the eastern foothills and extending across all of the Eastern Plains. El Paso and Weld Counties
are the leaders in reported storms. Meteorological evidence suggests that Monument Ridge
(the higher terrain between Denver and Colorado Springs that extends eastward beyond Limon)
is one of the most hail prone regions of Colorado.
Hail has occurred in every part of Pueblo County, with no one area favored over other areas.
Hail damage is often a function of the size of hail stones, which is not uniform across Pueblo
County, as shown on Map 6. Commercial construction that is made of brick, stone, or other
durable material tends to handle a hailstorm better than typical residential or a wood frame
constructed building. Automobiles and light trucks are very susceptible to hail damage if they
are not under a protective cover. All structures in Pueblo County are vulnerable to being struck
by hail and the damage is related to the type of materials used in construction.
The hail season in Colorado is March through October, with June having the highest frequency
of storms producing hail. Hail damage to crops, roofs, and automobiles is significant in
Colorado.
Future predictions of hail incidents for the whole of Pueblo County is yearly with large
damaging hail. Hail occurrences are high is probability and a high risk of damage to agriculture,
farming, structure and vehicle damage and the economy.
2/22/17 51
Major Hailstorms in Pueblo County 1956-2003
408 events were reported between 08/01/1950 and 08/31/2015 (23,772 days)
Summary Info:
Number of County/Zone Areas Affected 1
Number of Days with Event 208
Number of Days with Event and Death 0
Number of Days with Event and Death or Injury 3
Number of Days with Event and Property 9
Damage
Number of Days with Event and Crop Damage 2
Source: NOAA NCDC
Tables 9 and 10 were created using historical point data for hailstorm locations in the county
from 1956-2003, and querying the number of hailstorms that impacted each jurisdiction. This
point data was obtained from Severe Plot 2.0, which is a graphical database of specific severe
weather events in the United States. This software was developed by the Storm Prediction
Center at the National Weather Service. The software can be downloaded by visiting the
following URL: http://www.spc.noaa.gov/software/svrplot2/. Severe Plot produces output text
files containing relevant information for each storm, based on an area that can be specified by
the user. Using the information contained in these text files, specifically the latitude and
longitude of the event, it was possible to create geographic point locations for each
event. Each of these points contained information about the specific storm, such as the date of
the event and the hail stone size. It should be noted that the storms represented on the map
are only those with an average hailstone size of greater than 0.75 inches. This magnitude of
storm is what NOAA tracks and keeps on record. Map 6 was used primarily to approximate the
potential risk that large hailstorms pose to populations within the county.
Based on literature and observation, it was decided that hailstorm events would be buffered to
approximate the area of the actual storm. Each event was buffered at a distance of one
mile. With the new area information, it was possible to estimate the total population and
number of structures that could have been potentially affected by these hailstorms. The
estimates are included in the table below. This estimate was made using 2000 Census block
information. Using GIS, it was possible to find all census blocks that fell within the one-mile
storm radius. For this analysis, any block that touched this storm area was included. Similar
methods for estimating the total number of businesses and employees potentially affected
were used. Using InfoUSA business point data, it was possible to find all business locations
within each of these storm radiuses. Since the business data that was used is point data, no
business outside of the storm radius was counted. This is not the case with the Census block
data, however. As stated above, any block touching this storm radius was included. In some
situations, only part of the block fell within the storm area but the total block population and
structure information was used. It is acknowledged that in using this method, one could over
or under-estimate the potential exposure of population and structures.
2/22/17 52
Table 9: Approximate Potential Exposure of Population, Households, & Businesses- 1 Mile Radius
Storm/Hail Impact Area
Potentially Exposed to Hail Hazard
Jurisdiction Approx. 2015 Approx. Approx. Approx.
Population Households Forecasted Number of
Population in Business
2020 Locations
Avondale 690 247 694 19
Beulah 275 138 277 19
Town of Boone 361 152 352 11
Colorado City 166 59 168 11
City of Pueblo 53,257 21,351 53,598 2,638
Pueblo County 2,129 824 2,152 43
Pueblo West 7,084 2,641 7,213 419
Town of Rye 499 224 494 45
Table 10: Approximate Potential Number of Structures at Risk from Hail Hazard- 1 Mile Radius Storm
Impact Area
Approx. Number of Potentially Exposed Structures
Jurisdiction Residential Commercial Public
Avondale 196 7 5.075
Beulah 162 14 4.4
Town of Boone 145 6 3.775
Colorado City 25 8 0.825
City of Pueblo 21,660 2,140 595
Pueblo County 1,854 115 49.225
Pueblo West 1,740 260 50
Town of Rye 117 13 3.25
2/22/17 53
Map 6: Approximate Population Potentially Exposed to Hail Hazard
2/22/17 54
2.Lightning and Thunderstorms
Hazard Profile: Over the years, lightning has been the most dangerous weather phenomenon in
Colorado. Each year, on average, 500,000 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes occur in Colorado
with the flash density of around 5 cloud-to-ground flashes per square mile per year. On
average, lightning kills three people and injures twenty each year in Colorado. Many fires in the
western United States are started by lightning.
The hazards from thunderstorms include hail, lightning, severe winds, tornadoes, and flash
floods. The National Weather Service considers a thunderstorm severe if it produces hail at
least one inch in diameter, winds of 58 mph or stronger, or a tornado. Thunderstorms affect
relatively small areas typically 15 miles in diameter, yet are considered dangerous due to hail,
winds, flooding and lightning.
Since lightning occurs with every thunderstorm (by definition), residents and visitors of Pueblo
County must exercise caution when participating in outdoor activities. Pueblo County averages
between 40 and 80 thunderstorm days per year, with the average number of cloud-to-ground
lightning strikes per year around 15,000, amounting to nearly 7 cloud-to-ground flashes per
square mile per year.
Lightning is the most dangerous and frequently encountered weather hazard that most people
experience each year. It is the second most frequent weather related killer in the United
States.
Lightning safety awareness is an educational issue. Few people understand the dangers of
act to protect their lives, property, and the lives of others promptly
Thunderstorms are most likely to develop on warm summer days and go through various stages
of growth, development, and dissipation. Continued heating can cause these clouds to grow
vertically upward in the atmosphere into towering cumulus clouds. That may be one of the first
indications of a developing thunderstorm. During a thunderstorm, each flash of cloud-to-
ground lightning is a potential killer. The determining factor on whether a particular flash could
be deadly depends on whether a person is in the path of the lightning discharge. In addition to
the visible flash that travels through the air, the current associated with the lightning discharge
travels along the ground. Although some victims are struck directly by the main lightning
stroke, many victims are struck as the current moves in and along the ground. While virtually
all people take some protective actions during the most dangerous part of thunderstorms,
many leave themselves vulnerable to being struck by lightning as thunderstorms approach,
depart, or are nearby.
In a lightning study during the month of August 1999, NWS Pueblo staff logged a total of
153,602 CG flashes. 93% were negative flashes and 7% were more destructive, positive flashes.
On average, just fewer than 5,000 flashes occurred on any given day. However, some days had
more active lightning than others.
In general, lightning losses are poorly quantified. Holle et al. (1996) used a unique database on
insurance losses in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. The extrapolated result is 300,000 insurance
claims per year paid on claims by homeowners, for a total cost of one-third billion dollars per
year. This amount is about 5%
2/22/17 55
study published by the National Lightning Safety Institute estimates $4-5 billion per year (NWS,
NOAA NCDC).
Table 11 is lightning data compiled using the Data from Vaisala, Inc. in Tucson, AZ and from
Business Analyst in ESRI's ARCMap 9.2 software (1996 thru 2005 lightning flash activity Report
for Pueblo County). Population stats were only available for 2006 so that is what is in the table.
Table 11 Lightning Density Report
JURISDICTION SQUARE MILES FLASH DENSITY BY SQUARE Approximate 2015
BY FLASH Population by
MILE & LEVEL
DENSITY IN EACH Centroid for each
LEVEL "Flash Density Level"
405 SQ MILES LOW = approx. 45 strikes per sq. mi. 1,342
Pueblo County
1005 SQ MILES MEDIUM = approx. 53 strikes per sq. mi. 59,829
Total
990 SQ MILES HIGH = approx. 69 strikes per sq. mi. 99,525
1.1 SQ MILES LOW = approx. 45 strikes per sq. mi. 1
City of Pueblo 16.9 SQ MILES MEDIUM = approx. 57 strikes per sq. mi. 31,203
36.1 SQ MILES HIGH = approx. 68 strikes per sq. mi. 76,230
0.2 SQ MILES LOW = approx. 50.1 strikes per sq. mi. 1
Pueblo West
18.6 SQ MILES MEDIUM = approx. 53 strikes per sq. mi. 11,394
Metro District
30.1 SQ MILES HIGH = approx. 65 strikes per sq. mi.17 17,028
0.9 SQ MILES LOW = approx. 50 strikes per sq. mi. 1
Colorado City
10.05 SQ MILES MEDIUM = approx. 53 strikes per sq. mi. 1,438
Metro District
3.73 SQ MILES HIGH = approx. 64 strikes per sq. mi. 669
1.4 SQ MILES LOW = approx. 50 strikes per sq. mi. 2
Beulah
45.34 SQ MILES MEDIUM = approx. 53 strikes per sq. mi. 616
65.13 SQ MILES HIGH = approx. 68 strikes per sq. mi. 557
Town of Rye 0.1 SQ MILES MEDIUM = approx. 50 strikes per sq. mi. 150
Avondale 0.63 SQ MILES LOW = approx. 21 strikes per sq. mi. 618
0.21 SQ MILES LOW = approx. 50 strikes per sq. mi. 232
Town of Boone
0.18 SQ MILES MEDIUM = approx. 53 strikes per sq. mi. 89
Maps 7 and 8 better describe the jurisdictions and the levels of risk (low, med, high).
2/22/17 56
Map 7: Lightning Density
2/22/17 57
Map 8: Jurisdictions in Pueblo County
2/22/17 58
3.Severe Wind
High winds are defined by the NWS as non-thunderstorm winds sustained at 40 mph for an
hour or more, or 58 mph or more for any duration. These winds correspond to winds of force 8
or greater on the Beaufort scale shown in Table 12. High winds in Pueblo County cause more
damage in insurance claims than hailstorms.
Severe winds will continue to occur at least yearly to some extreme which causes dust storms
along the transportation corridors and extremely dangerous for wildfire spread. Pueblo fire
departments will continue to work diligently on public education regarding burn permits, fire
bans and safe burning.
Table 12: Beaufort Wind Scale
Beaufort Avg. Avg. Knots Surroundings
Number Miles/Km/Hour
Hour
0 0 0 0-1 Smoke rises vertically & water surfaces are
(calm) mirror smooth
1 1.2-3 2-5 1-3 Smoke moves slightly with breeze & shows
(light air) direction of wind
2 3.7-7.5 6-12 4-6 You can feel wind on your face & hear leaves
(light breeze) start to rustle
3 8-12.5 13-20 7-10 Smoke will move horizontally & small branches
(gentle start to sway; wind extends a light flag
breeze)
4 13-18.6 21-30 11-16 Loose dust/sand on the ground will move &
(moderate larger branches will sway; loose paper blows
breeze) around & fairly frequent whitecaps occur
5 19.3-25 31-40 17-21 Surface waves form on water and small trees
(fresh breeze) sway
6 25.5-31 41-50 22-27 Trees begin to bend with the force of the wind &
(strong causes whistling in telephone wires & some
breeze) spray on water surfaces
7 32-38 51-61 28-33 Large trees sway, whole tre
(moderate inconvenience felt walking against wind
Gale)
8 39-46 62-74 34-40 Twigs break from trees; wind generally impedes
(fresh gale) walking progress
9 47-55 75-89 41-47 Branches break from trees
(strong gale)
10 56-64 90-103 48-55 Trees are uprooted; damage to chimneys & TV
(whole gale) antennas; pushes over shallow-rooted trees
11 65-74 104-119 56-63 Widespread damage, peels surfaces off roofs;
(storm) windows broken; mobile homes over turned;
moving cars pushed off roads
12 75+ 120+ 64+ Structural damage on land; roofs torn off houses;
(hurricane) cars lifted off ground
2/22/17 59
Table 13: Approximate Potential Exposure of Population, Households & Businesses - 1 Mile
Radius Storm/Wind Impact Area
Potentially Exposed to Wind Hazard Approximations
Jurisdiction Population Households Forecasted Business
Population in Locations
2020
Avondale 690 247 694 19
Beulah 0 0 0 0
Town of Boone 361 152 352 11
Colorado City 0 0 0 0
City of Pueblo 19,682 7,911 19,934 1,934
Pueblo County 469 186 474 20
Pueblo West 1,029 327 1,069 17
Town of Rye 537 242 532 46
Indicates there is not any data available or recorded for this portion of the county.
Table 14: Approximate Potential Number of Structures at Risk from Wind Hazard - 1 Mile Radius
Storm Impact Area
Approximate Number of Potential Structures Exposed
Jurisdiction Residential Commercial Public
Avondale 196 7 5.075
Beulah 0 0 0
Town of Boone 145 6 3.775
Colorado City 0 0 0
City of Pueblo 15,637 2,126 444.075
Pueblo County 1,125 98 30.575
Pueblo West 1,392 183 39.375
Indicates there is not any data available or recorded for this portion of the county.
2/22/17 60
Map 9: Approximate Population Potentially Exposed to Wind Hazard
2/22/17 61
4. Tornado
Hazard Profile: In an average year in the United States, 1,200 tornados will cause 70 fatalities
and 1,500 injuries. Tornados can occur at any time of the year and are most frequent east of
the Rocky Mountains during the spring and summer months.
A tornado is a violent rotating column of air extending from a cloud tower to the ground.
Tornados may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms
within the funnel. In Colorado, tornados have been known to move in any direction, but
frequently move from west to east. In Pueblo County, tornados that do occur are usually weak
(EF0 category), last for less than 15 minutes, and cause little damage. However, one cannot
rule out the possibility of a strong, damaging tornado in the county. A few tornados of EF3
intensity (150-200 mph winds) have occurred on and near the slopes of the eastern mountains
of Colorado. Since 1950, only 19 tornados have been reported in Pueblo County, although, it is
likely that more have gone undetected. As the population in the rural areas grow, the number
of reported tornados may increase.
In the Colorado Front Range, tornados have been reported nine months of the year, and the
peak season for tornados extends from mid-May through mid-August. June is by far the month
with the most recorded tornados. Tornados have occurred every time of the day, with over half
of them developing between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., and 88% occurring between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m.
MDT.
On average, less than one tornado is reported per year in Pueblo County. With respect to
tornadoo you invest precious mitigation resources to address a
tornado when the probability is very low? The answer is likely no, since the majority of
tornados in the county are EF0 in intensity and only last for a few minutes.
An EF0 tornado can do damage to buildings under construction, to loose material that may be
at construction sites and in yards, and to objects like outdoor furniture.
An EF1 tornado can hurl loose items with the force of a missile.
EF2 tornados can destroy mobile homes, move vehicles, and do major damage to wood frame
homes.
Table 15: Enhanced F Scale for Tornado Damage*
FUJITA SCALE DERIVED EF SCALE OPERATIONAL EF SCALE
F Number Fastest ¼ 3-sec. gust EF Number 3-sec. gust EF Number 3-sec. gust
mi (mph) (mph) (mph) (mph)
0 40-72 45-78 0 65-85 0 65-85
1 73-112 79-117 1 86-109 1 86-110
2 113-157 117-161 2 110-137 2 111-135
3 158-207 162-209 3 138-167 3 136-165
4 208-260 210-261 4 168-199 4 166-200
5 261-318 262-317 5 200-234 5 Over 200
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT ENHANCED F-SCALE WINDS: The Enhanced F-scale is a set of wind
estimates (not measurements) based on damage. Its uses three-second gusts estimated at the
point of damage based on a judgment of 8 levels of damage to the 28 indicators listed below.
2/22/17 62
These estimates vary with height and exposure. Important: The 3 second gust is not the same
wind as in standard surface observations. Standard measurements are taken by weather
stations in open exposuone-minute mile" speed.
Table 16: Approximate Potential Exposure of Population, Households & Businesses - 1 Mile
Radius Storm/Tornado Impact Area.
Potentially Exposed Tornado Hazard Approximations
Jurisdiction Population Households Forecasted Business
Population in Locations
2020
Avondale 0 0 0 0
Beulah 136 101 137 4
Town of Boone 0 0 0 0
Colorado City 0 0 0 0
City of Pueblo 3,532 1,494 3,524 192
Pueblo County 2,470 984 2,492 107
Pueblo West 321 117 352 3
Town of Rye 0 0 0 0
Indicates there is not any data available or recorded for this portion of the county.
Table 17: Approximate Potential Number of Structures at Risk from Tornado Hazard - 1 Mile
Radius Storm Impact Area.
Approximate Number of Potentially Exposed Structures
Jurisdiction Residential Commercial Public
Avondale 0 0 0
Beulah 0 0 0
Town of Boone 0 0 0
Colorado City 0 0 0
City of Pueblo 1,633 189 45.55
Pueblo County 1,022 112 28.35
Pueblo West 43 2 1.125
Town of Rye 0 0 0
Indicates there is not any data available or recorded for this portion of the county.
2/22/17 63
Map 10: Approximate Population Potentially Exposed to Tornado Hazard
2/22/17 64
5.Snowstorm/Blizzard *
*This natural hazard did not lend itself to mapping and exposure calculation or have a uniform regional distribution
so no data tables are included.
Hazard Profile:
time from September until May. When blizzards and snowstorms occur, they cause significant
damage, delay, and service disruption. During the winter and spring months, cold arctic and
polar air masses intrude south into the United States. Disturbances forming along the boundary
between the cold polar air and the relatively warm, tropical air sometimes turn into
snowstorms. These are usually large, intense low-pressure systems. When conditions are right,
these storms can strike, leaving snow and ice for many days. Storms tend to form where there
are great contrasts in temperature. This occurs during the winter months when air masses
from the lee side of the Rockies and the western Gulf coast meet. Once the storms have
developed, the winds in the upper atmosphere determine where and how fast they move.
Low pressure areas can move through and rapidly develop across the area. These storms draw
in moisture from the Gulf of Mexico over a plunge of cold air from the north. Heavy snow
accumulations occasionally occur in the county, especially in and near the Wet Mountains.
Average annual snowfall in Pueblo County ranges from around 30 inches in eastern and central
sections to over 120 inches on the slopes of the Wet Mountains. Blizzards are infrequent in
Pueblo County. A blizzard is defined as visibilities frequently reduced to lower than ¼ mile in
falling or blowing snow, with sustained winds or frequent gusts above 35 mph.
Southeastern Colorado, including Pueblo, received two (2) FEMA Emergency Snow Declarations
for the heavy snow accumulation during the last couple of weeks in December 2006.
From March 17-20, 2003, higher terrain in
extreme accumulations of snow. In the Wet Mountains, snow accumulations ranged from 35 to
75 inches over a two day period. Cold, moist northeast air flow with storm systems typically
can yield 10 to 20 inches of snowfall in extreme western and southwestern parts of the county,
while the rest of the county sees only minor accumulations with hazardous travel conditions.
motorists, stopping the flow of supplies, and disrupting emergency and medical services.
Pueblo County has dealt with severe snowstorms/blizzards; the impact is usually temporary. In
Pueblo County, in the aftermath of snow accumulations (which usually are much less than a
foot), a quick return to sunny days is normal, which helps melt snow and clear roads and other
pathways in a matter of hours. This fact is taken into consideration by the county in reducing
the amount of snow clearing equipment that is needed to recover from a storm. When the
county receives any accumulation of snow, the school districts typically delay the start of school
by two hours. This is sufficient time for the sun to melt snow and the priority roads to be
cleared. Larger snow fall amounts take a little longer to clear but the impact is usually no more
than one or two days. All areas in Pueblo County are subject to large amounts of snowfall.
Sometimes only certain areas of the county will be affected (extreme west and southwest)
while during other storms, the entire county will be affected.
2/22/17 65
D.Tumbleweeds
Hazard Profile: Colorado's drought has sparked an explosion of tumbleweeds. Whipped by the
wind, they block roads, plug culverts, practically bury homes, and pile up in unanticipated
mergers. They are obviously a visual concern and could become a potential fire hazard. They are
prickly and sharp, and it's hard to break them down. They pile up, get caught under wooden
bridges and weather fencing, and have to be cleaned so as not to be a fire hazard.
Pueblo has a history of tumbleweed problems, requiring mitigation along roadways, around
buildings, fence lines, etc. Life safety, fire, flooding, road closures, and entrapment are some of
the problems tumbleweeds cause. Pueblo will continue to have tumbleweed issues due to
drought and agriculture decline.
The Colorado State University Extension labels both Kochia and Russian thistle as troublesome
summer annual weeds of rangelands, pastures, fields, disturbed areas, gardens, roadsides, ditch
banks, and small acreages. If uncontrolled, they become tumbleweeds that can disperse seeds
over a large area.
Nitrate, oxalate, sulfates, saponins, and alkaloids are found in kochia at levels that can cause
poisoning in cattle and sheep. The likelihood of poisoning increases as the plant matures or when
drought stressed. While it can be used as forage in some areas, other forage species should be
available to avoid the possibility of livestock poisoning.
Russian thistle can accumulate toxic levels of nitrates which can cause acute respiratory difficulty
and sudden death in cattle and sheep. Russian thistle contains oxalates, which may result in
kidney failure in cattle and sheep if ingested.
Weed Description: Kochia (Kochia scoparia L.) and Russian thistle (Salsola tragus L.). Both species
are non-native to the United States. Kochia, a native of Asia, was introduced from Europe.
contaminant of North Dakota flax seed. Kochia is found in all western states except Alaska.
Russian thistle is found in every state in the U.S., except Alaska and Florida. Both plants
reproduce only from seed; therefore, preventing seed-set is important for successful
management. Competition from desirable plant species will limit Russian thistle and kochia
establishment and site dominance.
Uses and Values: Kochia may provide good forage quality when the plant is young. However, the
forage quality declines as the plant matures. The value to wildlife is shared by many species. Deer
and pronghorn eat the foliage, while seeds are consumed by songbirds and upland game birds.
Kochia also provides loafing and nesting cover for upland game birds.
Russian thistle is fair forage when the plant is young. When the plant matures, it becomes
unpalatable due to the spike-like inflorescence. When mature, Russian thistle provides excellent
cover for pheasants, while small mammals and songbirds will feed on the seeds and foliage.
Integrated Weed Management Recommendation: The first step to controlling either of these
plants is to keep current plants from producing seed that is added to the seed repository in soils.
Limit disturbances such as tractor, animal and people traffic through infested areas to decrease
its spread. Remove tumbleweeds from fence lines to keep plants from continuing to spread seed.
2/22/17 66
E.Wildland Fire
Hazard Profile: A wildland fire is a fire that spreads through consumption of vegetation and
other combustible materials. They may begin unnoticed, spread quickly, and are often signaled
by dense smoke that may be visible for miles around. Wildland fires can be human-caused
through actions or incidents such as arson, vehicle accidents, accidental structural fires or
campfires, or they can be caused by natural events such as lightning.
Natural fuels needed to support wildland fire occur across Pueblo County and consist of grass,
brush, trees, and combinations of the three. Wildland fires may burn out of control, damaging
watersheds, agricultural lands and structures in the process. Such fires may occur in the plains,
riparian areas and foot hills of Pueblo County, and are not confined to the mountainous
portions of southwest Pueblo County. They may occur on public or private land alike, and often
involve both because of complex land ownership across the county. The wildland-urban
interface (WUI) is an area where residential, public, and commercial structures are constructed
in close proximity to or within areas of extensive natural vegetation, most notably in southwest
Pueblo County.
Wildland fire, under the right conditions, can be an important and productive wildland fuels
management process. Catastrophic wildland fire often requires a change in weather or fuel
conditions before it can be brought under control. In the meantime, it can be highly destructive
in terms of life, property, and the environment.
The following three factors contribute significantly to wildland fire behavior and they can be
used to identify wildland fire hazard areas:
Topography: As slope increases, the rate of wildland fire spread increases. South facing
slopes are also subject to greater solar radiation, making them drier and intensifying
wildland fire behavior. Canyons may concentrate heat and fire activity, functioning much
like a chimney and creating more hazardous building sites.
Fuel: The type and condition of vegetation plays a significant role in the occurrence and
spread of wildland fires. Certain types of plants are more susceptible to burning, or burn
with greater intensity. Dense or overgrown vegetation increases the amount of
combustible material available to fuel the fire. The ratio of living to dead plant matter is
also important. The risk of fire is increased significantly during periods of prolonged
drought, as the moisture content of both living and dead plant matter decreases.
Infestations of insects, such as the pine bark beetle, may also significantly increase the
amount of dead fuel available to an important factor, both
horizontally and vertically.
Weather: The most variable factor affecting wildland fire behavior is weather. Variables
such as temperature, humidity, wind, and lightning can affect chances for ignition and
spread of fire. Extreme weather, such as the combination of high temperatures, low
humidity and wind, can lead to extreme wildland fire activity. By contrast, reduced
temperatures and higher humidity often signal reduced potential for wildland fire activity
and easier containment.
If not promptly controlled, wildland fires may grow to the level of an emergency or disaster.
Even small fires can threaten lives, resources, and destroy improved properties. It is important
to note that in addition to affecting people, wildland fires may severely affect livestock and
2/22/17 67
pets. Such events may require emergency watering/feeding, shelter, evacuation, and even
burying of animals.
Wildland fire suppression in Pueblo County is performed by a combination of fire departments,
working independently in their respective response areas (Map 11) or collectively, through
mutual aid across the county. State and federal firefighting resources are also available in and
around the San Isabel National Forest. Cooperative wildland firefighting efforts and resources
are described in the Annual Fire Operations Plan.
The City and County of Pueblo and other local fire districts adopted the International Fire Code
2015 Edition (IFC, 2015) in 2015 or will in early 2016. The City of Pueblo formally adopted the
IFC 2015 on September 10, 2015.
Pueblo County Code 17.152.010 states the following for Wildland Fire Hazard Areas
1. To facilitate the administration of wildland fire hazard areas by establishing
requirements which must be met before development in such areas as permitted;
2. Establish requirements which are designed to minimize significant hazards to public
health and safety or to property in wildland fire hazard areas in which human activity is
to take place;
3. Require that authorized developments have adequate roads for service by fire trucks,
fire-fighting personnel, and other safety equipment and that fuel breaks and other
means of reducing conditions conducive to fire be provided;
4. Promote proper land use within wildland fire hazard areas;
5. Protect the public against the costs which may be incurred when unsuitable
development occurs in wildland fire hazard areas;
6. Preserve and maintain forestry and other natural resources;
7. Conserve natural conditions of air, water, land, vegetation, wildlife, and open spaces for
the education, recreation, and general welfare of the public.
The indirect effects of wildland fires can be catastrophic. In addition to stripping the land of
vegetation and destroying forest resources, large, intense fires can harm the soil, waterways,
and the land itself. Soil exposed to intense heat may lose its capability to absorb moisture and
support life. Exposed soils erode quickly and enhance siltation of waterways; thereby enhancing
flood potential, harming aquatic life, and degrading water quality. Lands stripped of vegetation
are also subject to increased debris flow.
Pueblo County is generally characterized by a continental, semi-arid climate, featuring hot,
fairly moist summers and mild, fairly dry winters. Precipitation and temperatures vary across
Pueblo County, with changing topography. Precipitation rates in the plains portion of the
county are approximately half of what is experienced in the mountainous portions of southwest
Pueblo County.
Moderate moisture levels during spring and summer significantly increase the growth of
vegetation. However, the vegetation may be dried during long, hot summers, decreasing fuel
moisture content and increasing the ratio of dead fuel to living fuel. As a result, fire
susceptibility increases dramatically, particularly in summer and early autumn. The history of
plant succession in Pueblo County is important in predicting the fire frequency. For several
years after a fire has occurred, easily flammable herbaceous species can predominate and
2/22/17 68
increase the likelihood of new fires. It is important to recognize the difference between fire
frequency and fire intensity. Frequent fires of low intensity tend to minimize the potential for
catastrophic wildland fires and generally support a healthier forest condition. Infrequent fires
of high intensity, supported by long-term buildup of combustible material tend to pose the
highest risk to life, property, and the environment.
It is not unusual for Pueblo County to experience 200 or more man-caused and naturally
occurring wildland fires each year. The majority of those fires are easily suppressed and result
in minimal impact to property or the environment. An
be easily addressed with a single agency, although fewer in number have seen a dramatic
increase . This in
its mostly drastic phase, noting extreme drought for 3 concurrent years, partners requiring
mutual aid of public safety resources within the county has become common play, and even
county, El Paso during our states 2 nd most
damaging fire Waldo Canyon. Although fires over 100 acres are scarce they tax the countywide
resources to the point that every day public safety and government services are hampered
f services during and after the large scale events.
Wildland Fire Risk: Risk is the function of combination of hazard, vulnerability and exposure.
Tables 18 through 22 were created to summarize the exposure of current and future
populations, households, and businesses to wildland fire hazard. In order to calculate this, five
ughout the
county is illustrated in Map 12. The information that was utilized for this analysis was from the
Colorado Wildland Urban Interface Hazard Assessment prepared by the Colorado State Forest
Service. Map 12 was created using the final output from this assessment. This assessment was
done for the entire state and was done in a number of steps. The data that was created and
utilized was in GIS grid format. Three grids were initially created to serve as the input to find
overall wildland fire risk in the state. These grids were Risk, Hazard, and Valu545es. The Risk
grid was composed of lightning strike density, buffered railways and buffered roads. The
Hazard grid was created from slope, aspect, and vegetation composition. The Value grid
attempted to account for housing density, life, and property. A final grid that was created was
a mask area that removed non-flammable areas, such as rock, water, and urbanized areas, from
the analysis.
Once the grids were re-classified, they were simply added together to create the final grid
showing wildland fire risk. This grid was reclassified on a scale of two to fifteen, with grid cells
with a value of fifteen having the highest risk. In order to use this data in the analysis for the
county, the statewide grid was reduced to cover only the jurisdictions included in the plan. It
was decided that the number of categories was too many to be used for this analysis. The final
grid discussed above was reclassified, using Spatial Analyst, into five classes ranging from one to
five. Areas having a value of one represent the lowest risk, while values of five represent the
highest risk. This reclassified grid was then converted to a vector polygon layer that would be
used in the analysis. In this layer, each polygon was assigned a grid code, which corresponded
to the wildland fire risk. It was then possible to do a point-on-polygon overlay using the
centroids for the 2000 Census blocks. Using an operation called identity, each centroid was
assigned the grid code value that corresponded with its location. So, centroids that were
located in an area where the grid code value was two got a value of two, and so on. For
centroids located within a mask area, a grid code value of zero was assigned. Once each
2/22/17 69
centroid had a grid code value it was possible to summarize these centroids, by grid code and
county, to see what the relative fire risk was for the county. These results are summarized in
tables 18 through 22. These tables are organized as low risk, moderate risk, high risk, very high
risk, and mask areas. This corresponds to the reclassified values of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 0 or no
value for the mask areas.
To illustrate potential impacts upon the economy of Pueblo County, business and employee
information is also included in tables 18 through 22. This data was extracted from ESRI/InfoUSA
Business Analyst data for 2006. In order to calculate the potential business and employee
impacts by jurisdiction, businesses were plotted according to geographic location and joined to
their associated reclassified wildland fire risk value.
It is important to note that the data utilized for this analysis was broad in scope, often based
on entire census block groups. As a consequence, values reported for small geographic areas
and/or small population centers (such as Beulah, Town of Boone, Town of Rye, Colorado City
and Avondale) are distorted. Specific small area surveys would be needed to produce more
realistic numbers. However, when viewed in more general terms, the values and associated
map (Map 12) are useful in assessing the c The data has not
been updated due to no new data collection process.
* Special Notation: In 2012, Beulah Fire volunteers physically counted all occupied structures
(residences) in the Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District (District) and determined
there were 915 such structures. The District has recently extrapolated from the number of
residences counted to estimate its population to be 2,104 people. This documentation is not
available within the statistical data that the maps and table were created, so the numbers may
not reflect as accurately as expected.
The data used in this analysis is most related to two elements of the risk equation (i.e., hazard
and exposure). The third element (vulnerability) is influenced by variables such as overall forest
health, defensible space around structures, and the FIREWISE siting and construction of those
structures. Discussion of those variables and a more detailed analysis of southwest Pueblo
County is provided in the Community Wildland Fire Protection Plan for southwest Pueblo
County. That plan includes Town of Rye, Colorado City, Beulah and the surrounding area.
2/22/17 70
Table 18: Approximate Population, Households, & Business Locations with a Low Fire Risk
Low Risk Area Approximations
Jurisdiction Population Households Forecasted Business Employees
Population in Locations
2020
Pueblo 3345 1322 3477 171 2116
County
(Total)
Avondale 0 0 0 0 0
Beulah 226 94 230 5 26
Town of 0 0 0 0 0
Boone
Colorado City 172 65 175 2 10
City of 985 459 1055 108 1556
Pueblo
Pueblo West 1962 704 2017 56 524
Town of Rye 0 0 0 0 0
Indicates there is not any data available or recorded for this portion of the county.
Table 19: Approximate Population, Households, & Business Locations with a Moderate Fire Risk
Moderate Risk Area Approximations
Jurisdiction Population Households Forecasted Business Employees
Population in Locations
2020
Pueblo 17,322 6,450 17,560 649 6,482
County
(Total)
Avondale 406 139 141 6 34
Beulah 364 136 373 7 38
Town of 0 0 0 0 0
Boone
Colorado City 1453 565 1481 39 195
City of 9902 3821 10265 395 4502
Pueblo
Pueblo West 5197 1789 5300 202 1713
Town of Rye 0 0 0 0 0
Indicates there is not any data available or recorded for this portion of the county.
2/22/17 71
Table 20: Approximate Population, Households, & Business Locations with a High Fire Risk
High Risk Area Approximations
Jurisdiction Population Households Forecasted Business Employees
Population Locations
for 2020
Pueblo 6663 2482 9696 171 1959
County
(Total)
Avondale 212 76 214 9 52
Beulah 583 284 588 31 149
Town of 320 132 3112 10 147
Boone
Colorado City 471 199 477 22 111
City of 5077 1791 5305 99 1500
Pueblo
Pueblo West 0 0 0 0 0
Town of Rye 0 0 0 0 0
Indicates there is not any data available or recorded for this portion of the county.
Table 21: Approximate Population, Households, & Business Locations with a Very High Fire Risk
Very High Risk Area Approximations
Jurisdiction Population Households Forecasted Business Employees
Population in Locations
2020
Pueblo 150 70 155 23 136
County
(Total)
Avondale 0 0 0 0 0
Beulah 140* 56* 145* 1 3
Town of 0 0 0 0 0
Boone
Colorado City 0 0 0 0 0
City of 0 0 0 0 0
Pueblo
Pueblo West 0 0 0 0 0
Town of Rye 150 70 149 22 133
* The numbers within the Very High Risk area have been extrapolated, based on the BFP&AD
counting of residential structures within the district.
the county.
2/22/17 72
Table 22: Approximate Population, Households, & Business Locations within the Mask Area*
Mask Area Approximations
Jurisdiction Population Households Forecasted Business Employees
Population in Locations
2020
Pueblo 112,731 45,628 113,844 4,435 50,206
County
(Total)
Avondale 0 0 0 0 0
Beulah 0 0 0 0 0
Town of 0 0 0 0 0
Boone
Colorado City 0 0 0 0 0
City of 91469 37725 92105 3942 46939
Pueblo
Pueblo West 21262 7903 21739 493 3267
Town of Rye 0 0 0 0 0
*Mask Areas are essentially non-flammable areas that were created to aid in analysis for
areas that will not carry fire such as urban areas and rock and water areas.
Indicates there is not any data available or recorded for this portion of the county.
2/22/17 73
Map 11: Fire Protection Areas
2/22/17 74
Map 12: Wildland Urban Interface Fire Risk
2/22/17 75
Pueblo County developed a /ƚƒƒǒƓźƷǤ źƌķƌğƓķ CźƩĻ tƩƚƷĻĭƷźƚƓ tƌğƓ ŅƚƩ {ƚǒƷŷǞĻƭƷ tǒĻĬƌƚ
/ƚǒƓƷǤ Λ/ttΜ in 2006. The plan has been reviewed and approved by the Colorado State
at http://www.sheriff.co.pueblo.co.us/esb/wildfire_plan.html. The plan describes the wildland
fire hazard, fire suppression resources, current wildland fire mitigation efforts, and proposed
wildland fire mitigation projects. It was updated in 2012 with the addition of Appendix D
Pueblo Mountain Park.
Map 13: Wildland Fire Hazard Areas
2/22/17 76
Recent wildland fire mitigation efforts in the area are illustrated in Maps 14 and 15 below.
Map 14: Local Mitigation Projects
2/22/17 77
Map 15: Mason Gulch Fire Treatment Area
2/22/17 78
Proposed mitigation projects include a number of shaded fuel breaks, intended to both break
the horizontal continuity of wildland fuels across the watershed and to give wildland fire
fighters critical access and escape routes.
Map 16: Proposed Mitigation Projects
The /tt ŅƚƩ {ƚǒƷŷǞĻƭƷ tǒĻĬƌƚ /ƚǒƓƷǤ is intended to provide the basis for smaller scale plans,
provide the backdrop for overall wildland fire mitigation planning, and action at the individual,
sub-division, community, state and national levels.
2/22/17 79
F.Zoonotic Disease
Insect and mammal vectors in Colorado carry numerous diseases. Rabies, plague, tularemia,
avian flu, and various forms of encephalitis viruses are a few diseases that are carried by
insects, birds, or mammals. These vectors occur naturally and can be more prolific or
pronounced after a natural disaster such as flooding, drought, or even wildland fire.
Of interest in this report are mosquitoes, which can be widespread over a geographical area
after flooding or can be higher in virus load during a drought. Mosquitoes are of great concern
because they are known to carry various diseases that cause meningitis, St. Louis Equine
Encephalitis (SLE), Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE), and West Nile Virus (WNV). West Nile
Virus has been the greatest concern in Pueblo County.
West Nile Virus
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has reported that West Nile virus has been described in
Africa, Europe, the Middle East, west and central Asia, Oceania (subtype Kunjin), and most
recently, North America, presenting a threat to public health as well as animal health. The most
serious manifestation of WNV infection is fatal encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) in
humans and horses, as well as mortality in certain domestic and wild birds. WNV has also been
a significant cause of human illness in the United States in 2002 and 2003.
It is carried by numerous birds and is transmitted to people by bites from mosquitoes that have
fed on infected birds. Female Culex mosquitoes, the species that carries the virus, usually start
emerging in late April or early May. Even as they emerge from winter hibernation, the female
Culex may have enough virus to cause infections.
The virus first appeared in the United States in 1999 in New York State. Since then, it has
moved west. In 2002, horses and birds were infected with the virus in Pueblo County, with
documented cases of several animal deaths as a result. In 2003, the spread of WNV grew
significantly. In 2003, Colorado had the most confirmed cases of WNV in the United States
(2,947 human cases with 63 deaths). Pueblo County had 183 cases of WNV fever and
meningitis and 6 deaths in 2003.
It was of interest to note that WNV was not seen before 1999 in the United States. It is
considered a fairly new emerging infectious disease. It tends to be more pronounced during
drought conditions. It is likely amplified in the birds as they congregate in the dwindling
watering holes during a drought. Mosquitoes feed on these birds, pass the virus amongst other
birds as well as become infectious themselves. Then the mosquito finds horses and humans to
feed on. -
on to others.
For consideration, mosquitoes can be quite prolific after a natural disaster event such as heavy
rainfall or flooding. Culex mosquitoes could be in greater numbers after such an event. The
literature has not linked the incidence of disease of West Nile Virus with a natural disaster
other than drought. Future documentation of this disease will reveal the role natural disasters
may play in its transmission.
2/22/17 80
St. Louis Equine Encephalitis, Western Equine Encephalitis
These viruses are of concern during drought or flooding conditions. They are passed into the
human and livestock population by mosquitoes. Luckily, the cases seen in the recent past have
not reached the numbers seen with West Nile Virus.
Avian Flu
Another emerging infectious disease is avian flu or H5N1. It is an unfamiliar virus to most of
the human population. The flu transmitted in 1918 was an avian flu virus and it caused
widespread death and decimation in the human population. It has spread across Asia, Africa,
and Europe. In December of 2014 and January of 2015, the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) confirmed the presence of avian flu viruses in birds. These viruses are new,
mixed viruses that are genetically different from the Asian Avian H5N1 virus that caused human
deaths in other countries. There have not been any human infections associated with these
new, mixed viruses thus far. The viruses not only cause economic harm by the infection of
chicken flocks that must be immediately destroyed, but it may mutate into a form that can be
transmitted human to human.
This virus has not been found to be more prolific under disaster conditions, but it may cause a
disaster if it mutates to become infectious human to human.
Tularemia
Tularemia is a potentially serious illness that occurs naturally in the United States. It is caused
by the bacterium Francisella tularensis found in animals (especially rodents, rabbits, and hares).
Tularemia is more common in the summer months but can occur anytime of the year especially
in people that handle animals and hunters. New evidence may suggest an environmental
exposure, possibly from the bacterium in soil or water.
Rabbits are more prolific during times of higher rainfall and could be in increased numbers after
a heavy rainfall and flooding event. During drought conditions, rabbits must compete for the
same food and water promoting their close contact. Tularemia is passed rabbit to rabbit
through ticks and arthropods. Such stressful, hazardous conditions could enhance the
prevalence of rabbits with tularemia.
Plague
According to the CDC, plague is an infectious disease of animals and humans caused by a
bacterium named Yersinia pestis.
People usually get plague from being bitten by a rodent flea that is carrying the plague
bacterium or by handling an infected animal. Millions of people in Europe died from plague in
the Middle Ages, when flea-infested rats inhabited human homes and places of work. Today,
modern antibiotics are effective against plague, but if an infected person is not treated
promptly, the disease is likely to cause illness or death.
Most human cases in the United States occur in two regions: 1) northern New Mexico, northern
Arizona, and Southern Colorado; and 2) California, southern Oregon, and far western Nevada.
In regions such as the American West where plague is widespread in wild rodents, the greatest
threat is to people living, working, or playing in areas where the infection is active. Public health
education of citizens and the medical community should include information on the following
plague prevention measures:
2/22/17 81
Eliminating food and shelter for rodents in and around homes, work places, and
recreation areas by making buildings rodent-proof, and by removing brush, rock piles,
junk, and food sources (such as pet food), from properties.
Surveillance for plague activity in rodent populations by public health workers or by
citizens reporting rodents found sick or dead to local health departments.
Use of appropriate and licensed insecticides to kill fleas during wild animal plague
outbreaks to reduce the risk to humans.
Treatment of pets (dogs and cats) for flea control once each week.
A natural disaster, such as a flood or tornado, may cause disruption of trash removal services to
an area of a community. It is possible that rodents would proliferate in these conditions. It is
imperative that trash removal be instituted as quickly as possible to eliminate a possibility of
rodents being infected with plague from a natural surrounding and bring it into an urban
disaster setting.
Rabies
Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a
rabid animal. The vast majority of rabies cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) each year occur in wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes.
Domestic animals account for less than 10% of the reported rabies cases, with cats, cattle, and
dogs most often reported rabid.
Rabies virus infects the central nervous system, causing encephalopathy and ultimately death.
Early symptoms of rabies in humans are nonspecific, consisting of fever, headache, and general
malaise. As the disease progresses, neurological symptoms appear and may include insomnia,
anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, hyper
salivation, difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia (fear of water). Death usually occurs within
days of the onset of symptoms.
Over the last 100 years, rabies in the United States has changed dramatically. More than 90% of
all animal cases reported annually to the CDC now occur in wildlife; before 1960 the majority
were in domestic animals. The principal rabies hosts today are wild carnivores and bats. The
number of rabies-related human deaths in the United States has declined from more than 100
annually at the turn of the century to one or two per year in the 1990's. Modern day
prophylaxis has proven nearly 100% successful. In the United States, human fatalities
associated with rabies occur in people who fail to seek medical assistance, usually because they
were unaware of their exposure.
Although human rabies deaths are rare, the estimated public health costs associated with
disease detection, prevention, and control have risen, exceeding $300 million annually. These
costs include the vaccination of companion animals, animal control programs, maintenance of
rabies laboratories, and medical costs, such as those incurred for rabies post exposure
prophylaxis (PEP).
Accurate estimates of these expenditures are not available. Although the number of PEPs given
in the United States each year is unknown, it is estimated to be about 40,000. When rabies
becomes epizootic or enzootic in a region, the number of PEPs in that area increases. Although
the cost varies, a course of rabies immune globulin and five doses of vaccine given over a 4-
week period typically exceed $1,000. The cost per human life saved from rabies ranges from
2/22/17 82
approximately $10,000 to $100 million, depending on the nature of the exposure and the
probability of rabies in a region.
Floods and wildland fires may cause unknown consequences with rabies. Animals displaced
from their natural habitat may enter into areas of human habitation. Their health conditions
with regards to rabies will be unknown. Their behavior may be erratic and they may appear to
be diseased when they are not. Disasters will require public education and outreach as well as
increased surveillance for diseases such as rabies, tularemia and plague.
Table 23 Zoonotic Diseases in Pueblo County, Colorado
Number of Cases in Pueblo County
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
St Louis Equine Encephalitis (SLE) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
West Nile Virus (Human) 2 2 0 1 5 7 4
Avian Flu N/D N/D N/D N/D N/D N/D N/D
Tularemia (Animals) 0 1 1 2 0 0 0
Tularemia (Human) 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Plague (Animal) 17 1 0 0 0 0 4
Plague (Human) 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Rabies (Animals) 0 9 17 27 4 15 8
Rabies (Human) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
N/D - No Data Available
Control Measures
The CDC has created guidance for the public regarding personal control measures after a
natural disaster. It is found at http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/animalhazards.asp. The
following information is part of this guidance.
Protect Yourself from Animal and Insect-Related Hazards after a Natural Disaster
General
Avoid wild or stray animals.
Call local authorities to handle animals.
Secure all food sources and remove any animal carcasses to avoid attracting rats.
Do not mow over dead animals.
Ensure pets have flea and tick protection.
Get rid of dead animals, according to guidelines from your local animal control
authority, as soon as you can. See Animal Disposal for answers to frequently asked
questions.
2/22/17 83
For guidance on caring for animals entering shelters and for people working with or
handling animals following an emergency, see Interim Guidelines for Animal Health and
Control of Disease Transmission in Pet Shelters.
For more information, contact your local animal shelter or services, a veterinarian, or
the Humane Society for advice on dealing with pets or stray or wild animals after an
emergency. Also see Resources for Planning How to Protect Your Pets in an Emergency.
Avoid Mosquitoes
Rain and flooding in a hurricane area may lead to an increase in numbers of mosquitoes,
which can carry diseases, such as West Nile virus or dengue fever. In most cases, the
mosquitoes will be pests but will not carry communicable diseases. Local, state, and
federal public health authorities will be actively working to control the spread of any
mosquito-borne diseases. For more information on West Nile virus, see
virus Web site.
To protect yourself from mosquitoes, use screens on dwellings; wear long pants, socks,
and long-sleeved shirts; and use insect repellents that contain DEET or Picaridin. Follow
directions on the product label and take care when using DEET on small children. More
information about these and other recommended repellents can be found in the fact
sheet Updated Information Regarding Insect Repellents.
To help control mosquito populations, drain all standing water left outdoors in open
containers, such as flower pots, tires, pet dishes, or buckets.
Prevent Contact with Rodents
Remove food sources, water, and items that can provide shelter for rodents. Wash
dishes, pans, and cooking utensils immediately after use.
Dispose of garbage and debris as soon as possible.
For more information, see Rodent Control after Hurricanes and Floods.
Mitigation of Vectors after a Disaster
The various vectors that may increase after a natural disaster may need to be controlled. There
are various controls measures that will work to reduce problems.
Mosquitoes:
Mosquitoes can be controlled through an integrated pest control management plan. This plan
would entail elimination of habitat, larvicide application, and adulticide application. These
various components need manpower as well as purchase of chemicals specifically designed for
the target species.
Waterfowl or Domestic Fowl with Avian Flu
The United States Department of Agriculture and the Colorado State Department of Agriculture
have been planning a response to this naturally occurring wildlife and domestic poultry disease,
which may be a natural disaster within itself! This eradication plan can be found at
www.pandemicflu.gov.
Plague
The spread of plague has been effectively reduced using public education as well as
intervention methods in the habitat of the infected flea. During outbreaks in a prairie dog
population that encroaches on urban habitat, public health officials will utilize an insecticide
application that kills fleas that may be lingering in a prairie dog burrow.
2/22/17 84
Other flea control methods designed for infected species of squirrels can be rodent tubes that
are baited with food. The tube is designed with rings of material saturated with either a
powder or a liquid insecticide effective for fleas. The squirrels will enter the tube for the bait
and become dusted with the insecticide.
The proliferation of solid waste (garbage) after a disaster must be eliminated. Trash disposal
must be instituted quickly to keep down rodent populations that could proliferate in stockpiles
of waste (such as food waste). Both urban and rural settings could be impacted by the increase
in trash and food waste. Rodent populations could increase in these settings and the possibility
of plague being introduced by the urban/rural interface should not be overlooked. Any
methods that eliminate the habitat for rodents should be implemented after a disaster.
Tularemia
Public education will be the very best method to eliminate this bacterial disease. However, flea
and insect sprays and quick disposal of carcasses are important control measures.
Rabies
Public education and thorough vaccinations of pets are the best control methods for rabies.
Elimination of habitat within or surrounding homes for wildlife, such as bats or wild animals
(skunks, woodchucks, raccoons, foxes and other canine species) is also an important control
measure. After a disaster, additional animal control officers, wildlife officers, and public health
staff may be needed to handle displaced wildlife and domestic animals that could transmit
rabies.
Conclusions
Diseases transmitted to humans after a natural disaster are often overlooked in response plans
to natural disasters. It is hoped that this aspect of response to disasters is incorporated into
this and future mitigation plans. As increases in natural disasters occur, adequate response
should be taken to mitigate vector borne diseases and their impact on human populations.
2/22/17 85
V.MITIGATION STRATEGY
General
Per FEMA, the Local Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (NHMP)
assessment, based on existing authorities, policies, programs and resources, and its ability to
expand on and improve t
The NHMP c
regulations and local requirements. Objectives are developed from goals and specific mitigation
actions, activities and projects are derived from the objectives. In the development process, if
applicable, mitigation actions, activities, and projects are prioritized according to a Benefit-Cost
Analysis and other key criteria. A large number of mitigation activities and projects are already
implemented as these programs were established at some point in the past and they are rolled
into the plan to provide a comprehensive overview.
The NHMP provides a comprehensive framework for current and future mitigation that
continuously improves the commun
and activities, when implemented, are a high value return on investment in mitigation and
preparedness because of the reduction in potential losses and the elimination of potential costs
for which there is no way to quantify the value (e.g. human lives, family treasures, personal and
business records, and so forth).
The programs and activities also have an additional benefit in that an investment in mitigation
and preparedness also enhances public safety, response and recovery, and helps protect life,
health and welfare, businesses, the economy, the quality of life, and other activities of the
population, governmental entities, businesses, and other organizations.
Assumptions:
1.Natural disasters are inherent to the geographic area. Natural disasters will continue to
occur and affect people, businesses, government functions, and other community
activities, functions, and processes.
2.Pro-active comprehensive preparedness and mitigation programs involving county
entities, in partnership with other agencies, other partners and the public is in the best
interest of the community by helping to reduce the effects of a disaster as well as
reducing the time and resources required for response and recovery.
3.The long-term strategy and vision for the NHMP is to sustain successful measures that
reduce exposure to future disaster losses and implement other measures that
strengthen the disaster preparedness of the community.
2/22/17 86
Hazard Mitigation Goals, Objectives, and Actions
The NHMSC developed natural hazard mitigation goals. These goals are general and can be
further detailed and adapted at all local government levels. The goals developed by the
committee express the overall, long-term vision for mitigating natural hazards throughout the
county.
Goals
1.Protect people, property, and natural resources.
2.Increase public awareness of natural hazards and their mitigation.
3.Strengthen communication and coordination among public agencies, non-
governmental organizations, businesses, and private citizens.
4.Coordinate and integrate natural hazard mitigation activities with local land
development planning activities and emergency operations planning.
5.Recognize and reduce or eliminate the exposure to damage, destruction, and other
losses from natural hazards.
6.Protect and maintain critical infrastructures.
Actions
Action items are listings of activities in which area agencies and citizens can be engaged to
reduce risk and effects on people, critical and non-critical facilities, and infrastructure. Short-
term action items are activities that may be implemented with existing resources and
authorities within one to two years. Long-term actions items may require new or additional
resources or authorities, and may take between one and five years to implement. All actions
will help minimize the intensity and/or probability of significant hazards to protect the public,
property, and environment, both existing and in the future.
When developing mitigation actions, committee members identified six categories: Prevention,
Property Protection, Natural Resource Protection, Emergency Services, Structural Projects, and
Public Information. The table below outlines the types of mitigation actions that are possible
within each category.
2/22/17 87
Table 24: Types of Actions Considered by Planning Committee
CATEGORY TYPE OF ACTIONS POTENTIAL COORDINATING
ORGANIZATION(S)
Adopt or Revise Building and Fire County Dept. of Planning &
Codes Development, City Land Use &
Planning, local Fire agencies
County Dept. of Planning &
Planning and Zoning: Land
Development, City Land Use and
Development Regulations
Planning
Open Space Preservation, County Dept. of Planning &
Floodplain Development Development, City Land Use &
Regulations Planning
Pueblo City Stormwater Department.,
PREVENTION
Pueblo West, Pueblo County, Pueblo
Stormwater Management Community College, CSU-Pueblo,
Pueblo City Schools, Colorado State
Fairgrounds,
Develop Inventories of at-risk
Pueblo County GIS
structures to prioritize mitigation
projects
Wildland Fuel Management
(Emergency Services Bureau), Local
Fire Agencies, USFS
Building Inspection and
Pueblo Regional Building
Modification
County Dept. of Planning &
Relocation
Development, City Land Use Dept.
County Dept. of Planning &
Acquisition
Development, City Land Use Dept.
PROPERTY PROTECTION
Building Elevation Pueblo Regional Building
Flood proofing Pueblo Regional Building
Sewer Backup Protection City Wastewater
Insurance Independent Insurance Businesses
County Planning, City Planning, Army
Wetlands Protection
Corps of Engineers
Erosion and Sedimentation Public Works Departments, Soil
Control Conservation Districts,
NATURAL RESOURCES
City of Pueblo, Pueblo County,
PROTECTION
Colorado City Metro District, Beulah
Watershed Protection
Water District, Pine Drive Water
District, USFS, Fountain Creek Water
Conservancy District
2/22/17 88
Flood Warning Systems Public Works Departments
Flood Response Public Works Departments
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Critical Facilities Protection Law Enforcement
Public Health and Safety City/County Health Dept.
Reservoirs Public Works, Stormwater Depts.
Levees Public Works, Stormwater Depts.
Diversions Public Works, Stormwater Depts.
STRUCTURAL PROJECTS Channel Modifications Public Works, Stormwater Depts.
Structural Design Standards Public Works, Stormwater Depts.
Storm Sewers Public Works, Stormwater Depts.
Shelter Areas American Red Cross
Map Information Pueblo County GIS
Outreach Projects Risk Communications Network
PUBLIC INFORMATION Real Estate Disclosure Local Real Estate Agents
Environmental Education City/County Health Dept.
Technical Assistance Pueblo County GIS
2/22/17 89
Prioritization and Benefit Cost Review
STAPLE/E criteria that FEMA suggested in their guide (Social, Technical, Administrative, Political,
Legal, Economic, and Environmental) was used to review alternatives. This process allowed the
NHMC to consider a number of factors, including the potential benefits and costs of the actions.
The NHMC decided that each community would prioritize its own actions in order to reflect the
priorities of each individual jurisdiction. Committee members considered some of the following
questions while developing and prioritizing the mitigation actions included in this plan:
Social Is the action socially acceptable? Is it compatible with community values?
Technical Is it technically feasible? Does it provide a long-term risk-reduction
solution? Does it minimize potential secondary impacts?
Administrative - Does the jurisdiction have the administrative capability to implement
and manage the project? Does the jurisdiction have sufficient funding?
Political Is there sufficient public support to carry out the project? Will it be possible
to give the public adequate input?
Legal Does the jurisdiction have the legal authority to implement this action? Does it
conform to all local, state, and federal laws?
Economic Is the project cost effective? Does it provide more economic benefit
(presumably from preventing future losses) than it costs to implement?
Environmental - Is the proposed action sustainable? Does it avoid any adverse impacts
on the environment? Does it comply with all environmental regulations (local, federal,
and state)?
Mitigation Actions
The following table shows the comprehensive mitigation action plan as developed by the
NHMC.
2/22/17 90
GOAL
4, 54, 54, 54, 54, 54, 5
66
#
91
PRIORITY
Medium Medium
HighHighHighHighHighHigh
TIMEFRAME/
ContinualContinualContinualContinual
DEADLINE
2020201820172017
lo, grants, various City of Pueblo, Administration,
various funding
POTENTIAL
GOCO, DOLA,
FUNDING
SOURCE(S)
City of Pueblo
Stormwater,
Stormwater
FHWA, City,
Stormwater
City of Pueb
Enterprise
Highway
Federal
funding
CDOT
City City City
City
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY(IES)
t, CDOT
City of Pueblo Public City of Pueblo Public
Table 25: Actions Strategies
artment
artmen
City of PuebloCity of PuebloCity of PuebloCity of PuebloCity of PuebloCity of Pueblo
Works DepWorks Dep
Remove debris, additional sediment and vegetation
flood plains to provide safe passage for pedestrians.
Street Bridge replacement.
from Fountain Creek river bottom to help maintain
Remove debris and sediment from trails within the Increase flood capacity in Wildhorse Dry Creek and
ter capacity of the channel with Wildhorse Dry Creek
plain to reduce potential flooding and damage to
neighborhood of Peppersauce Bottoms Drainage
Maintain and update drainage outfalls into flood
Reduce potential of flooding by the addition of
potential of flooding by increasing the
by upgrading
Reduce potential of flooding through stormwa
levee capacity and reduce flooding potential.
25 Dillon
detention ponds upstream of the impacted
detention; enhanced water quality at Lake
Reduce potential of flooding and improve
ACTION STRATEGIES
-
emergency evacuation routing at I
improved emergency evacuation
Minnequa Park and Open Space
change; Mile Marker 103.4
th
Channel Improvements
Westside with West 11
Improvements
operties.
Reduce
Inter
pr
Wildland Fire, Wildland Fire,
2/22/17
HAZARD
Flood Flood
FloodFloodFloodFloodFloodFlood
GOAL
4, 54, 54, 54, 51, 2
32
#
PRIORITY
ium Medium
HighHighHighHighHigh
Med
TIMEFRAME/
ContinualContinualalContinual
DEADLINE
Long TermAnnually
Continu
2016
Utility, County Various funding uding City and County
various funding
Staff time and
POTENTIAL
Pueblo West,
FUNDING
City, County,
SOURCE(S)
Stormwater
community
Stormwater
nations.
sources incl
Grants
92
Funds
dollars
Grants
City
do
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY(IES) City of Pueblo Stormwater Pueblo West West, Pueblo Community
Local fire agencies, ARC,
College, Colorado State
Department and Public
Government, business,
Public Works, irrigation
City of Pueblo, Pueblo
-
City, County, Pueblo
ESB, local, state and
County, Pueblo West
itizens, etc.
air, District 60, CSU
Works Department
City Stormwater
federal agencies
&
City, County
Department
companies
private c
Pueblo
F
Remove commercial and residential properties from information to citizens through community outreach
Development (LID) Techniques reduces potential of
Reduce potential flooding and disease prevention
mplementation of Low Impact
and effects on existing and future structures and
der
Promote historic preservation through advocacy, education, outreach and preservation services to
existing and future structures and infrastructure
as
Reduce the potential for flooding and effects on and upgrading
through
the need and expense for the upgrade of
Provide wildland fire, mitigation and evacuation
Adopt and implement New Municipal Separate
the floodplain as a result of certification of the
existing undersized storm sewer systems in ol
infrastructure through drainage maintenance
Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit to reduce
off.
containments entering receiving waters
-
ACTION STRATEGIES
flooding due to source control of run
.
through erosion control planning
enforcement of permit standards
.
through attrition
communities and individuals.
drainage structures.
by i
defined above.
neighborhoods
existing levees
venues.
Lessen
Flood, Zoonotic
Wildland Fire
Snowstorm,
2/22/17
HAZARD
Hazards
Blizzard
Flood,
FloodFlood
Flood
All
GOAL
4, 54, 54, 51, 31, 2
41
#
PRIORITY
HighHighHighHighHighHighHigh
TIMEFRAME/
ContinualContinualContinualContinualContinual
DEADLINE
Annually
2018
Pueblo County, City and County dollars, license fees and grants City and County
Pueblo, MPEC and volunteers
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
City, County,
SOURCE(S)
private match
Grants with
City, State
Staff time
Grants
93
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY(IES) County Health Health
(MPEC) and City of Pueblo
Emergency
Pueblo City and County
Environmental Center
Mitigation Planning
County
Departments, Fire
Management lead
Companies, CDOT
Property Owners
Agencies, Ditch
Mountain Park
Public Works
-artment-artment
-
Pueblo CityPueblo City
Committee
DepDep
Convene Mitigation Planning Committee meeting for Maintain 180 acres of shaded fuel breaks and other the Pueblo Mountain Park using federal grant funds Mitigate wildland fire hazards
and create defensible land fire and flooding on disinfection) safety in emergency situations; such as public housing, shelters, fire camps, etc. concerning
ducate populace concerning food and water (well
Inspect
eas where hazardous fuels have been thinned in
tumbleweeds along roadways, waterways, fences,
Continue to protect the public and increase public
Increase public safety through inspection of food
Manual for the health, welfare, and safety of the
Update, adopt and implement Drainage Criteria
through continual mitigation efforts.
afe food and water procedures.
awareness on Rabies, Plague, and Tularemia.
existing and future structures by controlling
lectrical power, drought, etc.
cedures for food and water.
ACTION STRATEGIES
Reduce the potential of wild
space on private property
public and properties.
progress reports
flooding, no e
s for s
since 2004
safe pro
facilitie
etc.
ar
E
Thunderstorms,
Wildland Fire, Wildland Fire,
Flood, Severe
Wildland Fire
Snowstorm,
2/22/17
Lightening,
HAZARD
HazardsHazards
Zoonotic
Flooding
zzard
Flood,
Wind
AllAll
Bli
GOAL
1, 24, 5
2433
#
PRIORITY
MediumMediumMedium
HighHighHigh
TIMEFRAME/ Seasonal and
ContinualContinualContinualContinualContinualContinual
DEADLINE
City and County Pueblo County Pueblo County, individual rate
POTENTIAL
onservation
Conservation
through
FUNDING
SOURCE(S)
,
State Health
dollars and Stormwater
grant (CDC
Colorado Colorado
and City
Water Water
ayers
funds)
grants
94
BoardBoard
-
City
pass
Cp
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY(IES) County Health County Health t, City, County and Development, City of and Development, City of
o County Planning
Pueblo County Planning Pueblo County Planning
Pueblo County and City
and Development, City
lic
Pueblo Stormwater Pueblo Stormwater
Pueblo West Pub
Public Works
Planning, GIS
-t-DepartmentDepartment
Pueblo Cityblo City
menartmen
art
Works
Puebl
DepDep
Pue
&
by means of trapping and identification of mosquito National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Issue and addresses management of the floodplain as it affects currently in force. Pueblo
County has approximately date Flood Control and Greenway District to prevent and
management practices through participation in the
structures and infrastructure through tree removal
The City
flood hazard data, by digitizing the flood maps and
.
Reduce damage to property on existing and future
Louis and Western Equine Encephalitis prevention
by
development within the floodplain. Said program
disseminating public information as defined above
Increase public awareness on West Nile Virus, St.
working with the Fountain Creek Watershed
has approximately 120 flood insurance policies
-
regulations, usage and impact on water quality
Continue with the current membership in the
mitigate flooding, sedimentation and erosion.
to
opment Permits for
-
Reduce potential flooding by developing up
development within the City and County.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Increase public awareness of stormwater
Continue to implement sound floodplain
ACTION STRATEGIES
monitor Floodplain Devel
.
and trimming
93 in force.
species.
by
Snowstorm, ire
2/22/17
HAZARD
F
Wildland
Zoonotic
Blizzard
Flood,
FloodFloodFlood
GOAL
666666
#6666
PRIORITY
MediumMediumMediumMediumMediumMediumMediumMediumMedium
High
TIMEFRAME/ onstruction 2015; construction 2015; construction 2013; construction 2014; construction
Continual
DEADLINE
Long TermLong Term
2016201620162016201720162017
----
DesignDesignDesignDesign
C
Pueblo County
POTENTIAL
s grant
FUNDING
SOURCE(S)
County/grantCounty/grantCounty/grant
County/grant
County/grantCounty/grantCounty/grant
unknown
Funding
County/
Pueblo Pueblo Pueblo Pueblo
Pueblo
Pueblo Pueblo Pueblo
95
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY(IES)
Pueblo County Public Pueblo County Public Pueblo County Public Pueblo County Public Pueblo County Public Pueblo County Public
lo County Public Pueblo County Public Pueblo County Public Pueblo County Public
Works Works
WorksWorksWorksWorks
WorksWorksWorkss
Work
Pueb
Reconstruction and widening from end of overlay on Reconstruction and widening including drainage and on existing Reduce potential of flooding and effects on existing
rainage improvements on 3 R Reconstruction and drainage improvements from Lane
access for emergency responders and public use as
upgrading drainage structures in Rye and Colorado
safety improvements from Platteville to Fairbanks
rainage improvements on
Lime
Reconstruction and drainage improvements from
Maintain Oldham Road (Beulah area) to serve as
upgrading drainage structures in Beulah area
-
and future structures and infrastructure by tructure by
Phase 2
Replace Bridge 216a on Apache City Road
Reduce potential of flooding and effects
ACTION STRATEGIES
-
Comanche south to railroad tracks
to Lane 30 on Gale Road
and future structures and infras
an emergency evacuation route
Road at Spring Branch Gulch
27 to Lane 30 on Gale RoadRoad and Comanche Road
esign and reconstruct dn and reconstruct d
on Purcell Blvd.
South Park Road
29
Lane
esig
DD
2/22/17
HAZARD
azards
Hazards
ood
FloodFloodFloodFlood
FloodFloodFlood
H
All
All
Fl
GOAL
4, 54, 5
666666
#6
PRIORITY
MediumMediumMediumMediumMediumMediumMediumMedium
High
TIMEFRAME/ 2015; construction 2015; struction
ContinualContinual
2016
DEADLINE
Long Term
20172017201720172016
--
-
DesignDesign
2015
con
Pueblo County Pueblo County, unty
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
SOURCE(S)
County/grantCounty/grantCounty/grantCounty/grantCounty/grant
County/grant
Pueblo Co
Pueblo Pueblo Pueblo Pueblo Pueblo
Pueblo
96
State
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY(IES)
ESB, local fire agencies
Pueblo County Public Pueblo County Public Pueblo County Public Pueblo County Public Pueblo County Public Pueblo County Public Pueblo County Public Pueblo County Public
Pueblo County Public
Works, CDOT
OT
CDOT
CD
,
Works,
WorkssWorksWorksWorks
Works
Work
Reduce potential of flooding and effects on existing Reconstruction and widening including drainage and Reconstruction and widening including drainage and Reduce the potential for wildland
fire and effects on
streets: Bent Street, Carson Street, Delta Street and
s in St. Charles Mesa,
Reconstruction and drainage improvements from Reconstruction and drainage improvements from Reconstruction and drainage improvements from
south
Reconstruction and drainage improvements from
safety improvements from Hwy. 50 E to McHarg
safety improvements from Hwy 50 E to River on
w fence in areas that have high potential for
Reduce livestock and road damage by Installing
existing and future structures and infrastructure
and future structures and infrastructure by
-
Aspen Road to Eagle Street. Including north
ACTION STRATEGIES
Hwy 50 to Everett Road on Lane 23.Hwy 50 to Everett Road on Lane 21.
on Gale Road
upgrading drainage structure
through mitigation efforts.
Park on James Street
23
to Lane
Frontier Street
blowing snow.
Eagle Street.
21
Lane
sno
Wildland Fire
Snowstorm,
2/22/17
HAZARD
Blizzard
ood
FloodFloodFloodFloodFlood
Flood
Fl
1, 2,
GOAL
4, 51, 23, 4
11416
#
PRIORITY
MediumMediumMediumMediumMedium
HighHighHigh
TIMEFRAME/
ContinualContinualContinual
2017
DEADLINE
2017201720162017
-
2016
Pueblo County,
State, Federal
County/Grants
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
SOURCE(S)
Unknown,
Staff time
Pueblo
GrantsGrantsGrantsGrantsGrants
97
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY(IES)
ESB, local fire agencies,
Office, ESB, Beulah Fire
Pueblo County Public
Pueblo County Sheriff
Office, ESB, National , National Office, ESB, National
Office, ESB, Rye Fire
MetroPueblo West Metro
OT, NFS, CSFS
Weather ServiceWeather Service
Forest Service
Pueblo Count
Department
Pueblo West
Office, ESB
CD
Reduce the potential of wildland fire and flooding on through the Installation of culverts on the two dead Bear Gulch and Bat Masterson in Provide planning and mitigation guidance as
a result
ting an analysis.
of ground water incursions in the Pueblo West Golf
radios to include the possibility of grant funds to
Eliminate the "trapping" of homeowners and/or
ather
emergency responders blocked by stormwater
existing and future structures by cutting back
Upgrade the RAWS Station at Lake Beckwith
Continue to be a Storm Ready Community
Encourage purchase and use of NOAA we
Create a helipad at the San Isabel Lake
help purchase radios for distribution.
ACTION STRATEGIES
Course area for residents by conduc
vegetation growth along roadways
Install a RAWS Station in Beulah
.
as defined above
sacs of
Pueblo West
-
de
-
end cul
Wildland Fire,
Snowstorm,
2/22/17
HAZARD Flood, Mold
HazardsHazards
All HazardsAll HazardsAll Hazards
Blizzard
Flood,
Flood
AllAll
GOAL
4, 54, 54, 54, 5
62
#
PRIORITY
MediumMedium Medium
HighHighHigh
TIMEFRAME/
ContinualContinualContinualContinual
DEADLINE
term
2016
-
Long
arles Mesa
entities, grants
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
SOURCE(S)
USDA, grants
Water District
companies
Individual
unknown
Funding
Utility
Grants
98
St. Ch
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY(IES) Pueblo West Public Works Pike & San Isabel National
government buildings, etc.
Rocky Mountain Region,
San Carlos
St. Charles Mesa Water
, Pine
-
Comanche National
&
Forests Cimarron &
USDA Forest Service
.
FS, Beulah Fire
Beulah Water Dist
.
Utility companies
.Drive Water Dist
School districts,
Dist
Protection and
Ranger District
-
Ambulance
Grasslands
District
US
Reduce potential of flooding and effects on existing upgrading and constructing new drainage structures Encourage design and use of tornado shelters in new to help return the forest
feet, raw water storage reservoir, the St. by rechanneling of the St.
Reduce damage to property on existing and future
infrastructure through tree removal and trimming
through public awareness.
Mitigate the potential of damage to their existing
Central Wet Mountain Fuels Reduction and
Protect the Beulah Watershed by mitigating
and future structures and infrastructure by
to a sustainable health ecosystem through
treatments best suited for each area.
ACTION STRATEGIES
as defined above.
-
Charles Mesa Water District
Forest Restoration Project
ys.
wildland hazardous fuels
or remodeled buildingswa
-
of
-
within their right
in Pueblo West
Charles River
-
2,000 acre
-
East
Wildland Fire,
Wildland Fire
2/22/17
Wildland fire
Severe Wind
HAZARD
Tornado,
Flood
Flood
Flood
Mitigation Action: Multi-Jurisdictional Beulah Fire Remote Automatic Weather
Stations (RAWS) Station
Jurisdiction: Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District
Action Item: Installation of a RAWS station in the Beulah response area.
Priority: High
Issue/Background: Currently there is no weather data collection process utilized or in place in the
Beulah response area. Such data is critical at the time of an emergency and aids
responders in determining future actions based on weather predictions. This
collection of rain, wind, temperatures, etc.
Implementation: The Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District will work with the
funding for the installation of the RAWS station.
Responsible Agency: Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District
Partners: vices Bureau, National
Forest Service
Potential Funding: Federal and State Grants
Cost Estimate: $25,000
Benefits: Provide timely weather data to emergency responders when an incident
occurs in the applicable area.
Timeline: Secure funding for 2017 with an installation once funding has been
secured.
2/22/17 99
Mitigation Action: Multi-Jurisdictional Beulah Fire Mountain Park Shaded Fuel
Break
Jurisdiction: Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District
Action Item: Continue to maintain 180 acres of shaded fuel breaks and other areas
where hazardous fuels have been thinned in the Pueblo Mountain Park
using federal grant funds since 2004
Priority: High
Issue/Background: Since 2004 the Pueblo Mountain Park along with the City of Pueblo and
the Beulah Fire Department have been working to maintain shaded fuel
breaks throughout the 180 acres of the park. As with any forested area,
this is a continual project as regrowth is a constant issue.
Implementation: The Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District along with the City of
Pueblo will work with the Pueblo Mountain Park to maintain and improve
the fire hazard mitigation projects throughout the park.
Responsible Agency: Mountain Park Environmental Center (MPEC) and City of Pueblo
Partners: Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District
Potential Funding: Federal and State Grants, Direct contribution from MPEC
Cost Estimate: Staff and volunteer time and community donations.
Benefits: Reduction of fuel loads help reduce potential for rapid wildland fire
growth.
Timeline: This is a continual project
2/22/17 100
Mitigation Action: Multi-Jurisdictional Beulah Fire Evacuation Information
Jurisdiction: Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District
Action Item: Provide wildland fire, mitigation and evacuation information to citizens
through community outreach venues.
Priority: High
Issue/Background: With an ever changing population of each jurisdiction annual wildland
mitigation and evacuation planning education is critical to the success of
any real life event within each respective response area.
Implementation: The Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District will continue to offer
wildland mitigation and evacuation information meetings annually for the
community.
Responsible Agency: Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District
Partners:
Forest Service
Potential Funding: Federal and State Grants
Cost Estimate: Staff time and community donations.
Benefits: Prepare citizens for an emergency
Timeline: This is a continual project
2/22/17 101
Mitigation Action: City of Pueblo Vegetation, Debris and Sedimentation from
Fountain Creek Removal
Jurisdiction: City of Pueblo
Action Item: Remove debris, additional sediment and vegetation from Fountain Creek
river bottom to help maintain levee capacity and reduce flooding and
wildland fire potential.
Priority: High
Issue/Background: Fountain Creek lies within a 930-square-mile watershed with an elevation
of 14,140 feet to 4,640 feet. Development in the upper portion of the
watershed continues to increase the runoff causing more frequent flood
events for Pueblo. Significant flood events have occurred on the
Fountain Creek causing damage to public infrastructure, utilities, adjacent
farmlands, and residential communities. More frequent flooding events
increases the sedimentation and debris being deposited within the City of
Pueblo which also reduces the capacity of the levee.
Implementation: Vegetation and debris will be removed mostly by mechanical means then
reduced as much as possible and disposed of properly. Sediment will be
removed by mechanical means and repurposed off site to help maintain
flood capacity within the levee system.
Responsible Agency: City of Pueblo
Potential Funding: City of Pueblo, grants, various funding sources
Cost Estimate: On-going
Benefits: Reduce flooding, damage to property and infrastructure
Timeline: Continual
2/22/17 102
Mitigation Action: City of Pueblo Fuels mitigation along bluff south side of
Arkansas River
Jurisdiction: City of Pueblo
Action Item: Reduce fuels on the side of this bluff below the Aberdeen neighborhood.
Increase the defensible space near homes on the top of this bluff.
Priority: Medium
Issue/Background: Vegetation growth on the slope has caused an increase in fuel loads and
places the residences on top of the bluff in danger should a fire occur in
this vegetation. The location of the properties makes structure
protection difficult and more defensible space is needed in this interface.
Implementation: Vegetation and debris will be removed mostly by mechanical means then
reduced as much as possible and disposed of properly. Education of the
home owners in the area through different media and possibly
neighborhood meetings.
Responsible Agency: City of Pueblo Fire Department
Potential Funding: City of Pueblo, grants, various funding sources
Cost Estimate: On-going
Benefits: Reduce potential for fire, damage to property and infrastructure
Timeline: Continual
2/22/17 103
Mitigation Action: Pueblo County Frontier Street Improvement
Jurisdiction: Pueblo County
Action Title: Reconstruction and widening including drainage and safety
improvements from Hwy. 50 E to river on Frontier Street.
Priority: Medium
Issue/Background: The existing drainage is inadequate and the roadway needs
reconstructed.
Implementation: Reconstruct roadway with drainage to include curb and gutter.
Responsible Agency: Pueblo County
Partners: Pueblo County
Potential Funding: Pueblo County/Grant
Cost Estimate: $370,000
Benefits: Improved drainage, better access
Timeline: 2017
2/22/17 104
Mitigation Action: Pueblo County Gale Road Drainage & Road Improvement
Jurisdiction: Pueblo County
Action Title: Reconstruction and drainage improvements from Lane 27 to Lane 30 on
Gale Road
Priority: Medium
Issue/Background: The existing roadway is narrow and has no drainage.
Implementation: Reconstruction and drainage improvements from Lane 27 to Lane 30 on
Gale Road.
Responsible Agency: Pueblo County
Partners: Pueblo County
Potential Funding: Pueblo County/Grant
Cost Estimate: $1.2 million
Benefits: Improved drainage, curb and gutter, safer road for North Mesa School.
Timeline: 2017
2/22/17 105
Mitigation Action: Pueblo County South Park Road Drainage Improvement
Jurisdiction: Pueblo County
Action Title: Design and reconstruct drainage improvements on South Park Road.
Priority: Medium
Issue/Background:
entrance to a residential area.
Implementation: Replace corrugated metal culverts and repave roadway.
Responsible Agency: Pueblo County
Partners: Pueblo County
Potential Funding: Pueblo County/Grant
Cost Estimate: $300,000
Benefits: Improved drainage, better access
Timeline: 2017
2/22/17 106
Mitigation Action: Pueblo West Metropolitan District - Bat Masterson Lane
Drainage Improvement
Jurisdiction: Pueblo West Metropolitan District / Pueblo County
Action Title: Construct drainage culverts across Bat Masterson Ln.
Priority: High
Issue/Background: An existing drainage arroyo crosses over the top of Bat Masterson Ln. (a
dead end cul-de-sac) and all emergency vehicle ingress and egress and
resident access to homes north of the arroyo is precluded during most
medium duration storm events
Implementation: Construct culverts across Bat Masterson Ln.
Responsible Agency: Pueblo West Metropolitan District
Partners: Pueblo County
Potential Funding: Pueblo West/ Pueblo County/Grants
Cost Estimate: $220,000
Benefits: Improved emergency vehicle and resident access during storm events
Timeline: 2018
2/22/17 107
Mitigation Action: Pueblo West Metropolitan District Bear Gulch Lane Drainage
Improvement
Jurisdiction: Pueblo West Metropolitan District / Pueblo County
Action Title: Construct drainage culverts across Bear Gulch Ln.
Priority: High
Issue/Background: An existing drainage arroyo crosses over the top of Bear Gulch Ln. (a dead
end cul-de-sac) and all emergency vehicle ingress and egress and resident
access to homes north of the arroyo is precluded during most medium
duration storm events
Implementation: Construct culverts across Bear Gulch Ln.
Responsible Agency: Pueblo West Metropolitan District
Partners: Pueblo County
Potential Funding: Pueblo West/ Pueblo County/Grants
Cost Estimate: $220,000
Benefits: Improved emergency vehicle and resident access during storm events
Timeline: 2018
2/22/17 108
Mitigation Action: Multi-Jurisdictional Rye Fire Protection District - Remote
Automatic Weather Stations (RAWS) Upgrade
Jurisdiction: Rye Fire Protection District
Action Item: Upgrade of a RAWS station in the Rye/Colorado City response area.
Priority: High
Issue/Background: Currently there is a weather data collection process utilized in the Rye
Fire response area. Such data is critical at the time of an emergency and
aids responders in determining future actions based on weather
predictions. However, the current model will no longer be supported for
parts updates as the equipment is no longer being constructed. The
upgrade will keep the system functional. Previous award for actual
weather station shows ongoing need and focus on upkeep and/or
system allowing unlimited access to all state and federal partners.
Implementation:
Office Emergency Services Bureau to secure funding for the upgrade of
the RAWS station located in Colorado City.
Responsible Agency Rye Fire Protection District
Partners
Forest Service
Potential Funding: Federal and State Grants
Cost Estimate: $20,000
Benefits: Provide timely weather data to emergency responders when an incident
occurs in the applicable area.
Timeline: Secure funding for 2017 with an installation of upgrade once funding has
been secured.
2/22/17 109
Mitigation Action: Multi-Jurisdictional Rye Fire Protection District Helipad San
Isabel
Jurisdiction: Rye Fire Protection District
Action Item: Construct an Emergency Helipad at the San Isabel work center.
Priority: High
Issue/Background: San Isabel is a high use tourist area. Summer-time sees an increase of
fishing, camping and hiking in the area. San Isabel is a mountain town
located on the Scenic byway and average daily traffic count of 2400 to
4000 varying with the seasons. With the potential emergencies in the
area a pre-constructed helipad will help in the aid of medical transport of
which could be a life-saving issue being in a remote area with ground
transportation to a hospital 30 60 minutes. The State of Colorado is
increasing the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control
resources as a focus on prompt initial attack, pre-staging and common
Implementation: Rye Fire Protection District will work with the Bureau of Land
Office Emergency Services Bureau.to secure funding for the construction
of an emergency helipad in San Isabel. USFS has and is currently doing
tree removal at the desired location for the helipad.
Responsible Agency Rye Fire Protection District
Partners United States Forest Service, BLM, Pue
Emergency Services Bureau.
Potential Funding: Federal and State Grants
Cost Estimate: $25,000.00
Benefits: Safer Landing Zone for medical helicopters and firefighting aircraft for
quicker transport times for critical medical issues or traumatic injuries
and initial attack on fires.
Timeline: Secure Funding for 2017 with construction once funding secured.
2/22/17 110
Mitigation Action: Multi-Jurisdictional Rye Fire Protection District - Evacuation
Information
Jurisdiction: Rye Fire Protection District
Action Item: Maintain current evacuation system that is in place throughout the
District.
Provide wildland fire, mitigation and evacuation information to citizens through community
outreach venues.
Priority: High
Issue/Background: With a changing population of each annual wildland mitigation and
evacuation planning education is critical to the success of any real life
event within each respective response area.
Implementation: The Rye Fire Protection District will continue to offer wildland mitigation
and evacuation information meetings annually for the community.
Responsible Agency Rye Fire Protection District
Partners
Colorado State Forest, Colorado Department of Public Safety
Potential Funding: Federal and State Grants
Cost Estimate: Staff time and community donations.
Benefits: Prepare citizens for an emergency
Timeline: This is a continual project
2/22/17 111
Mitigation Action: St. Charles Mesa Water District - St. Charles River Realignment
Jurisdiction: St. Charles Mesa Water District
Action Item: St. Charles River Realignment to stabilize North embankment next to
District raw water storage reservoir.
Priority: High
Issue / Background: In order to mitigate the potential of damage to their existing 1,800 acre-
feet, raw water storage reservoir, the St. Charles Mesa Water District
(SCMWD) wishes to re-align a portion of the St. Charles River. Over time,
the river is eroding the north bank toward the southern portion of the
reservoir (see attached aerial photograph). The District is concerned that
this process will continue, and in the future, could damage the reservoir.
The St. Charles River, in the area of the reservoir, does experience periodic high flow events
which serve to exacerbate this situation (see attached stream gauge
readings).
Implementation: In order to perform the re-alignment, the District shall be required to
obtain a 404 permit from the United States Army Corps of Engineers
(USACE). This will require hydraulic modeling of the River in its present
alignment, and the proposed alignment. In addition, there is some field
surveying which shall need to be performed and a detailed topographic
plan shall be created from the field data.
Responsible Agency: St. Charles Mesa Water District
Partners: St. Charles Mesa Water District, Pueblo County Emergency Management
Potential Funds: St. Charles Mesa Water District, Pueblo County, Gants
Cost Estimate: The fees associated with obtaining the permit will be approximately
$25,000 to $35,000 dollars, depending on the extent of the surveying and
hydraulic modeling
Upon receiving the 404 Permit the estimated cost of realigning the St.
Charles River and rip-raping north embankment is $300,000 to $500,000.
The cost estimate is also
requirements
Benefits: The protection of the Districts raw water supply is the goal of the
project. The District enlarged the reservoir in 2004 after the drought in
2002. The reservoir stores enough water to supply the District customers
for a year utilizing conservation measures. The reservoir also protects the
District customers from potential contamination from a Strom events or
contamination of the Arkansas River due to a chemical spill or other
event.
Time Line: The District is hoping to secure funds by 2017 to complete the
engineering and acquire the Corp of Engineering permit.
2/22/17 112
113
Mesa District Reservoir
St. Charles
2/22/17
114
St. Charles River Stream Flow 2000 to 2016
2/22/17
PRIORITY
MediumMediumMediumMediumMediumMediumMediumMediumMedium
HighHighHigh
20122011201120132014
nstruction 20164; construction 2015
-
onstruction
TIMEFRAME/ DEADLINE
-----
2011; construction2011; construction2010; construction2011; construction2012; construction
09; c
2015; co
-
20132008
201
2012
---------
DesignDesignDesignDesignDesignDesignDesignDesignDesign
-
2015201320102013
115
POTENTIAL FUNDING 2010 Colorado Wildland
Urban Interface Grant
Pueblo County/grantPueblo County/grantPueblo County/grantPueblo County/grantPueblo County/grantPueblo County/grantPueblo County/grantPueblo County/grantPueblo County/grant
SOURCE(S)
Pueblo County
(awarded)
Staff time
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY(IES)
Emergency Management,
National Weather Service
Environmental Center,
Pueblo County Public Pueblo County Public Pueblo County Public Pueblo County Public nty Public Pueblo County Public Pueblo County Public Pueblo County Public Pueblo County Public
Beulah, City of Pueblo
Mountain Park
Pueblo County
Pueblo Cou
WorksWorksWorksWorksWorksWorksWorksWorksWorks
to Bridge
drainage and safety improvements from Joe
improvements on 3 R Road at Spring Branch
tion and drainage improvements
Reconstruction and drainage improvements Reconstruction and drainage improvements Reconstruction and drainage improvements Reconstruction and drainage improvements
shaded
Drainage improvement from Platteville to
to North approach of Pinon
01
Continue to be a Storm Ready Community
from Gale Road to river outfall on Lane 27
Lane 30
from Lane 25 to Lane 27 on Everett Road
Reconstruction and widening including
Martinez to Palmer Lake on McCulloch
fuel breaks in Pueblo Mountain Park (1
-
from Lane 27 to Lane 30 on Gale Roadfrom Lane 25 to Lane 27 on Gale Road
row Cutoff Road over Muddy Creek
ETED ACTIONS
wide
rainage
ACTION STRATEGIES
-
from Everett Road to Gale Road
-
for wildfire protection.
foot
increase public awareness.
-
Fairbanks on Purcell Blvd.
300
esign and reconstruct d
Establish 2.7 miles of
L
COMP
Riprap
Road Bridge
Table 26:
Reconstruc
Boulevard
2/22/17
Added
ACRES)
Gulch
213B
DC
PRIORITY
MediumMediumMedium
HighHighHigh
201120132010
TIMEFRAME/ DEADLINE
---
2008; construction2012; construction
ruction
2009; const
Completed 2014
---
DesignDesignDesign
20102013
116
POTENTIAL FUNDING St. Charles Mesa Water
City Stormwater Dept.
Pueblo County/grantPueblo County/grantPueblo County/grant
SOURCE(S)
Pueblo County
District
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY(IES)
t, Charles Mesa Water
Pueblo County Public Pueblo County Public Pueblo County Public Pueblo County Public
City of Pueblo
District
WorksWorksWorksWorks
S
Spaulding to Hahns Peak and Joe Martinez on Reconstruction including drainage and safety Remap floodplain in Lake Minnequa area due
Red Creek Road West over Minnequa Canal
Lake
Purchased generator for water Treatment
Kimble to Hahns Peak on Purcell Boulevard
Minnequa Letter of Map Revision (LOMR)
drainage and safety improvements from age and safety improvements from
Reconstruction and widening including Reconstruction and widening including to Joe
-
to improvements to outlet structure
Martinez on McCulloch Boulevard
ACTION STRATEGIES
improvements from Highway 50
rehabilitation of Bridge 203D
Plant for backup power
Purcell Boulevard.
2/22/17
drain
Funding Options
State officials feel strongly about prevention activities and support local and regional projects
with funding, if available. Many mitigation programs exist at the state level and are funded
with federal taxpayer money, and many are significantly matched, as required, with state
sources of income. It is the role of the preparedness and mitigation staff of Colorado Division
of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (CDHSEM) to help communities locate
potential sources of available federal and state funding. As grants from different sources are
posted, CDHSEM staff advertises to the communities and special districts.
Local governments will continue to pursue grants from federal agencies to purchase
equipment, training, and planning. Department of Homeland Security funds are part of the
state strategy to fund interoperability and communications. FEMA and Division of Water
Resources provide funds to local dam owners to update and improve emergency preparedness
plans. Pre-Disaster Mitigation, Flood Mitigation Assistance, Emergency Management
Preparedness Grant and other funds may be utilized for pre-disaster plans. The state has loan
and grant programs for which prevention activities are eligible. Funding sources traditionally
used have been energy impact funds, gaming funds, general funds, and severance tax. Many
agencies have grant programs, including, but not limited to, the State Forest Service, Water
Conservation Board, Division of Water Resources, Division of Emergency Management, and the
Soil Conservation Service.
Local governments have the required TABOR (Taxpayers Bill of Rights) reserves for use during
emergencies. Local districts have used taxing mechanisms, such as mill levies, to support
prevention activities. Locals also actively pursue grant opportunities through federal and state
agencies. The local communities are constantly seeking sources of funding to maintain
programs and install or upgrade systems. Unfortunately, funds for these types of projects are
limited and the need strongly outweighs the availability. Although communities may get
startup funds, continuation of programs creates new financial needs on already very tight
budgets with competing demands.
Other Mitigation Planning Efforts
The Fountain Creek Corridor Restoration Master Plan was developed in 2011 to address the
need expressed by local governments, soil and water conservation districts, and private
property owners for a more comprehensive understanding of the Fountain Creek Watershed.
This plan describes the existing conditions in the Fountain Creek Watershed and serves as a
foundation to build upon in current and future planning efforts.
The plan documents the problems and issues related to erosion, sedimentation, and flooding
within the watershed; establishes priorities upon which to focus in future work; and makes
specific technical and policy implementation recommendations. The issues are addressed in the
context of a watershed and, as such, recognize that problems must be solved collectively by the
federal and state governments, local governments, and private property owners.
The mitigation strategies listed in the Fountain Creek Watershed Plan are not duplicated in this
plan. To access the Plan, please reference http://www.fountain-crk.org/studiesreports/fcw-
master-plan.html.
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VI.Plan Maintenance Procedures
Adoption by Participating Jurisdictions
The NHMP for Pueblo County will be submitted and reviewed by the State of Colorado Division
of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA). If FEMA determines the plan is not approvable, the committee will address
deficiencies before taking the plan through adoption. If FEMA determines that the plan is
, the plan will be presented to the Board of County
Commissioners, City Council, Pueblo West Metro District, Beulah Fire Protection and
Ambulance District, Rye Fire Protection District, St. Charles Mesa Water District for adoption
within one calendar year. The resolutions, ordinances, etc. will be attached to the plan in
Attachment 5. Other jurisdictions will have the opportunity to adopt the plan at the yearly
review if they choose to do so knowing that the timeline will not increase the 5-year FEMA
review and re-adoption.
Management will be the lead agency for the monitoring, evaluating and updating the plan. The
plan will be periodically reviewed by the public and other stakeholders, revised as needed, and
resubmitted to FEMA for approval every five (5) years. The plan will be updated before the
five-year cycle if risks, vulnerabilities, goals, objectives, or other components of the plan change
significantly. As objectives, activities, and projects are accomplished, they will be reviewed and
either removed or modified to reflect the current situation. The plan will be modified as
necessary in order to address changing requirements and to meet current conditions or
situations. The plan will be kept current to meet any changes in laws or regulations.
All involved jurisdictions, the public, and other stakeholders will be part of any review and
update process for the plan. A report will be provided to the Board of County Commissioners,
the State, and FEMA after each of the reviews and updates along with a revised document.
Implementation through Existing Programs
Within the list of action items that are included with this plan, there are a significant number
that are already implemented using existing programs and policies. Others will be implemented
as they go through the public process and are further coordinated and staffed to ensure they
are viable.
The jurisdictions of Pueblo County already practice many forms of mitigation activities. General
examples of mitigation practices include zoning, development standards and permitting,
building and fire code standards, land use regulations, and floodplain administration.
Specifically, the Rye Fire Protection District and Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District
actively incorporate ongoing FireWise mitigation activities for areas that include the Wildland
Urban Interface. The Pueblo Area Council of Government (PACOG) is an active participant in the
ongoing Fountain Creek Watershed Study. These mitigation activities will continue to be utilized
in their current format as well as be improved upon in the future.
Funding issues will prevent some of the activities and projects from being implemented. It is
too early in the process at this point to know how this will eventually fall out. Some of the
activities, projects, and programs will require action at the Board of County Commissioners
and/or City Council levels to authorize the expenditure of tax dollars for these programs. This is
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a formal process that will involve all of the affected jurisdictions working together to create the
legal documents and necessary support material in order for the appropriate authorities to
make a final decision for those activities that are implemented in this manner. The Pueblo ESB
has the lead on ensuring the NHMP is implemented after all changes are made and final
approvals are received.
Continued Public Involvement
The Pueblo County OEM has lead on the public process for the NHMP for Pueblo. During
subsequent reviews and updates, the public will also have an opportunity to suggest
constructive changes to the plan. The plan is available on the Emergency Services Bureau
website (http://www.sheriff.co.pueblo.co.us/esb/) as well as having hard copies located
throughout the community as needed. There will be formal public meetings at the time the
plan is being considered for revision. Minutes will be taken at these meetings and all action
items will be identified and acted upon as part of the process. Upon completion of the public
process, the Board of County Commissioners and City Council will be briefed and final approval
will rest with them. The Board and Council allows for comments during the time they are
considering the document for approval.
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VII.ADOPTION DOCUMENTATION
TO BE ATTACHED UPON FEMA APPROVAL
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VIII.REFERENCES
Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management -
http://www.dhsem.state.co.us/emergency-management/mitigation-recovery/mitigation
ent
Methodology- http://static.colostate.edu/client-
files/csfs/documents/ColoradoWUIHazardAssessmentFinal.pdf
Colorado State University Department of Atmo
-1 A, McKee et al, 1999 -
http://ccc.atmos.colostate.edu/pdfs/climo_rpt_99_1A.pdf
Federal Emergency Management Agency - http://www.fema.gov/
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service (NWS),
Pueblo Weather Forecast Office - http://www.crh.noaa.gov/pub/
Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Plan for Colorado Springs, Colorado -
http://www.dhsem.state.co.us/sites/default/files/City%20of%20Colorado%20Springs%2010.20
10.pdf
Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan for Fremont County -
http://www.fremontco.com/emergencyservices/
City of Pueblo, - http://www.pueblo.us/
Pueblo County - http://www.co.pueblo.co.us/
Pueblo County Geological Information Systems (GIS) -
http://county.pueblo.org/government/county/department/edgis
Pueblo County Community Wildland Fire Protection Plan -
http://www.sheriff.co.pueblo.co.us/esb/wildfire_plan.html
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APPENDIX A NHMP COMMITTEE
Beulah Fire Protection & Ambulance Steve Douglas Board Member
District
Bryan Ware Fire Chief
Board of County Commissioners Paris Carmichael Community Info. Manager
Board of Water Works- Pueblo Dan Golob Field Services Manager
Colorado Division of Water Resources John Van Oort Division 2 River Operations Coordinator
Colorado State Forest Service John Grieve District Forester
Colorado State Patrol Brian Lyons Captain
CSU Extension Tom Laca Extension Agent
Dept. of Homeland Security- South Larisa Oringdulph South Region Homeland Security
Region Coordinator
National Weather Service Tom Magnuson Warning Coordination Meteorologist
PCSO- Emergency Services Bureau Karen Ashcraft Emergency Management Coordinator
Dylan Jacketta Master Deputy
Mark Mears Bureau Chief
Tracy Swearingen Bureau Captain
Pine Drive Water District Catherine Halcomb Board Member
Gary Kyte Board Member
Pueblo City Fire Chris Harner Training Captain
Shawn Shelton Fire Chief
Pueblo City Public Works Jeff Bailey Asst. City Manager for Stormwater
Pueblo City Schools Dale Johnson Env. Health/Safety Coordinator
Any Winegardner Safe & Healthy Schools Supervisor
Pueblo City Radio Shop Brian Bate Radio Shop Supervisor
Pueblo City/County Health Dept. Jean Borrego CSEPP Medical Coordinator
Vicki Carlton Env. Health Specialist I
Bryan Montoya Env. Health Specialist III
Beth Penrod Env. Health Program Manager
Ken Williams Env. Health Director
Chad Wolgram Env. Health Program Manager
Pueblo County Communications Center Lisa Shorter Director
Pueblo County GIS Robert DeHerrera GIS Analyst
Shirley Schwinghammer GIS Analyst
Pueblo County Planning & Joan Armstrong Director
Development
Pueblo County Public Works Chuck Colletti Superintendent of Roads & Bridges
Pueblo County Undersheriff Justin Hall Undersheriff
Pueblo West Fire Brian Caserta Fire Chief
Pueblo West Public Works Dan Centa Director
Shawn Winters District Engineer
US Bureau of Reclamation Valda Terauds Water Resources Specialist
Rural Fire Department Bret Marascola Fire Chief
Rye Fire Steve Bennett Fire Chief
St. Charles Mesa Water District Dave Simpson District Manager
State Emergency Management Patricia Gavelda Local Hazard Mitigation Planning Program
Manager
Transportation Technology Center, Inc. Dan Gowin Fire Chief
USDA- NRCS Richard Rhoades District Conservationist
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APPENDIX B PLANNING PROCESS
DATE DESCRIPTION OF EVENT OUTCOME
Formal approval by Pueblo County Adoption of Plan
Formal approval by City of Pueblo Adoption of Plan
Formal approval by Beulah Fire Adoption of Plan
Protection and Ambulance District
Formal approval by Pueblo West Metro Adoption of Plan
District
Formal approval by Rye Fire Protection Adoption of Plan
District
Formal approval by St. Charles Mesa Adoption of Plan
Water District
FEMA approval notice Adoption of Plan
State approved plan sent to FEMA Review and approval
Re-submit Review Tool and plan to Approval
November 1, 2016
state
Posted newest version on webpage for Review and input as necessary
July 6, 2016
review and comment.
Submit updates to State for further Approval and acceptance.
June 21, 2016
review.
Month of June Update plan Inserted comments and corrections
Remaining month Received input for various agencies
Update of the plan
of May
Reviewed each comment from the state
5/12/2016 Held review meeting on Mitigation Plan and handed out assignments to various
jurisdictions for completion, due June 1.
Reviewed each comment from the state
Held review meeting on Mitigation Plan
and he took assignments to complete.
5/12/2016 with Beulah Fire Chief as he was unable
Updated the actions table, discussed
to attend meeting.
Received Review Tool with suggestions Planned a meeting and emailed
4/18/2016
from State information to committee.
April 14, 2016 Submitted changes to State Under review
January 29, 2016 Submitted Plan to State for review Under review
November-Formatted and reviewed plan
Format and review plan
December throughout the month as able.
10/30/15 Plan Review Kit Perused plan for checklist needs.
10/22/15 Mitigation plan final review meeting Final review of plan.
Held a public meeting/information
10/13/15 Public meeting
sharing get together. We had GIS,
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Health Dept., Planning, Fire, Emergency
Preparedness, Public Works represented.
Reviewed changes everyone sent. Got
9/24/15 Mitigation plan review meeting
commitments for Public Meeting.
Reviewed changes to Risk Assessment,
8/27/15 Mitigation plan review meeting Severity table, and action strategies.
Planned public meeting.
Reviewed Risk Assessment and Severity
7/23/15 Mitigation plan review meeting table, discussed history. Reviewed Goals
and Action strategies. Discussed survey.
Kick off meeting with partners from
multi-jurisdictions. Discussion on the
purpose of the plan and review of the
current plan. Established responsibilities
6/23/15 Mitigation plan review meeting and schedule of tasks and developed a
set a group meeting schedule. Reviewed
regulations, Plan Review Guide, Planning
Handbook and discussion for Public
meeting in the future.
Grant complete, reimbursement and
12/27/13 Grant completed
close out requested
Continue to review of the Natural
10/16/13 Mitigation plan review meeting
Hazards Mitigation Plan.
Began the review of the Natural Hazards
8/27/13 Mitigation plan review meeting
Mitigation Plan.
Updated the grant application for LIDAR
4/2/13 Updated grant application and Topo/Contour purchase for Pueblo
County as requested.
Forwarded grant contract to County
3/1/13 Received grant contract Attorney for review and signature of
County Commissioners.
Submitted grant application for Aerial
1/3/13 Submitted Grant application Photography and Topo/Contour
Acquisition for Pueblo County, CO
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125
PLANNING PROCESS
B
APPENDIX
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B
APPENDIX
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PLANNING PROCESS
B
APPENDIX
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APPENDIX B PLANNING PROCESS
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APPENDIX B PLANNING PROCESS
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131
PLANNING PROCESS
B
APPENDIX
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APPENDIX C GLOSSARY
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133
GLOSSARY
C
APPENDIX
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APPENDIX C GLOSSARY
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APPENDIX C GLOSSARY
GLOSSARY
Acquisition: Local governments can acquire lands in high hazard areas through conservation
easements, purchase of development rights, or outright purchase of property.
ArcView: A PC based geographic information system used for mapping and spatial analysis.
Asset: Any manmade or natural feature that has value, including, but not limited to people;
buildings; infrastructure like bridges, roads, and sewer and water systems; lifelines like
electricity and communication resources; or environmental, cultural, or recreational features
like parks, dunes, wetlands, or landmarks.
Building: A structure that is walled and roofed, principally above ground and permanently
affixed to a site. The term includes a manufactured home on a permanent foundation on which
the wheels and axles carry no weight.
Community Rating System (CRS): CRS is a program that provides incentives for National Flood
Insurance Program communities to complete activities that reduce flood hazard risk. When the
community completes specified activities, the insurance premiums of the policyholders in those
communities are reduced.
Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (CDHS&EM): The State
agency within the Colorado Department of Public Safety with responsibility for statewide
mitigation planning, training and support, and grant making to local governments for pre- and
post-disaster mitigation projects.
Debris: The scattered remains of assets broken or destroyed in a hazard event. Debris caused
by a wind or water hazard event can cause additional damage to other assets.
Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA (Public Law 106-390) is the latest legislation to improve
the planning process. It was signed into law on October 10, 2000. This new legislation reinforces
the importance of mitigation planning and emphasizes planning for disasters before they occur.
Earthquake: A sudden motion or trembling that is caused by a release of strain accumulated
Erosion: Wearing away of the land surface by detachment and movement of soil and rock
fragments, during a flood or storm or over a period of years, through the action of wind, water,
or other geologic processes.
Extent: The size of an area affected by a hazard or hazard event.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Agency created in 1979 to provide a single
point of accountability for all federal activities related to disaster mitigation and emergency
preparedness, response, and recovery.
Flood Depth: Height of the flood water surface above the ground surface.
Flood Hazard Area: The area shown to be inundated by a flood of a given magnitude on a map.
Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM): Map of a community, prepared by FEMA, shows both the
special flood hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community under the
National Flood Insurance Program.
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APPENDIX C GLOSSARY
Flood Zone: A geographical area shown on a FIRM that reflects the severity or type of flooding
in the area.
Floodplain: Any land area susceptible to being inundated by floodwaters.
Stakeholder: Individual or group that will be affected in any way by an action or policy.
Stakeholders include businesses, private organizations, and citizens.
State Hazard Mitigation Officer (SHMO): The representative of State government who is the
primary point of contact with FEMA, other state and federal agencies, and local units of
government in the planning and implementation of pre- and post-disaster mitigation activities
required under the Stafford Act.
Tornado: A violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground.
Vulnerability: Describes how exposed or susceptible to damage an asset is. Vulnerability
indirect damages, the vulnerability of one element of the community is often related to the
vulnerability of another. For example, since many businesses depend on uninterrupted
electrical power, if an electric substation is flooded it will affect not only the substation itself,
but a number of businesses as well. Often, indirect effects can be much more widespread and
damaging than direct ones.
Vulnerability Assessment: The extent of injury and damage that may result from a hazard
event of a given intensity in a given area. The vulnerability assessment should address impacts
of hazard events on the existing and future built environment.
Wildland fire: An uncontrolled fire spreading through vegetative fuels, exposing and possibly
consuming structures.
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ATTACHMENT 1
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ATTACHMENT 1
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ATTACHMENT 1
PUBLIC SURVEY RESULTS
Wildfire
1. Which natural hazards in
Pueblo County do you think pose
the most significant threat to
Drought
citizens, homes and business?
Severe Thunderstorms/ Hail
Storm/ Wind Events
Flooding
Severe Winter Weather
Tumbleweed Problems
Prolonged Utility Outage
Due to Natural Hazard Event
Dam Failure
Extreme Temperatures
Zoonotic Problems (West
Nile, Tularemia, Avian Flu,
etc.)
Tornado
Landslide/ Mudslide/ Sliding
Debris
None
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ATTACHMENT 1
PUBLIC SURVEY RESULTS
2. How prepared is your household to deal with a natural hazard
event? For example, how prepared is your household to sustain
itself for 72 hours without outside assistance?
Somewhat Prepared
Well Prepared
Adequately Prepared
Very Well Prepared
Not at All Prepared
3. Which of the following steps
Installed smoke detectors
has your household taken to
on each level of the house
prepare for a natural hazard
event?
Received first aid/CPR
training
Identified utility shutoffs
Made a fire escape plan
Prepared a 72 hour disaster
supply kit
Created wild land fire
defensible space around
property
Designated a meeting place
Prepared for small and large
animal evacuation and care
Natural hazard insurance
(Flood, Earthquake,
Wildfire)
Other
Sand bags
None
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ATTACHMENT 1
PUBLIC SURVEY RESULTS
4. Is your property located
in or near a FEMA
designated 100/500 year
floodplain?
No
I don't know
Yes
5. Do you have flood
insurance?
No
I don't know
Yes
6. Is your property
located in an area at risk
for wildland fires?
No
Yes
I don't know
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PUBLIC SURVEY RESULTS
7. When you moved into your home, did you consider the
impact a natural disaster could have on your home?
No
Yes
I don't know
8. Have you ever had problems getting homeowners or renters
insurance due to risks from natural hazards?
No
Yes
Not applicable
I don't know
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PUBLIC SURVEY RESULTS
9. What types of projects do you believe the city and county of Pueblo need to
do to reduce damage and disruption from hazard events?
Upgrade infrastructure such as
roads, bridges, drainage facilities,
levees, water supply, waste
water and power supply facilities.
Upgrade and strengthen essential
facilities such as police, fire,
schools and hospitals.
Provide better public information
about risk, and the exposure to
hazards within the operational
area.
Perform projects that restore the
natural environments capacity to
absorb the impacts from natural
hazards.
Capital projects such as dams,
levees, flood walls, drainage
improvements and bank
stabilization projects.
Assist vulnerable property
owners with securing funding for
mitigation.
Perform projects that mitigate
the potential impacts from
climate change.
Acquire vulnerable properties
and maintain as open space.
Strengthen codes and regulations
to include higher regulatory
standards in hazard areas.
Other:
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PUBLIC SURVEY RESULTS
10. Describe any current needs within your community for hazard mitigation?
Three homes less than 2 blocks from me have 5' DRY weeds!
Additional exit access
Better tumbleweed control
CERT training and program
Clearing growth near roadways for emergency access
Drainage (for flash flooding)
Education (about potential hazards)
Education on preparedness
Enforce weed and debris elimination
Fire mitigation in Rye and Beulah
Flood levee West from Bear Gulch to N Keymar (S of Walker Ranch) in PW
Flood Plan
Flooding mitigation on streets
Fountain Creek bank stabilization
Fountain Creek flooding. Colorado Springs needs to implement stormwater controls plans to prevent
Free defensible space mitigation
Free mitigation
Hazardous marijuana grow chemicals
Ingress and Egress improvements, storm water drainage
Loss of heat in a sustained hazard
Mitigation in Mountain Park in a more intensive way. Currently volunteers but not enough, more
responders
Most of the community will not take any part in it.
Move the EOC off the flood plain.
Preventing people from illegally diverting rivers
Pueblo West lots need weed mitigation
Rabbit and mosquito population control
Use of fireworks near our deserts
Rain (runoff drainage is very slow due to insufficient gutter and ditch capacities)
Safe drinking water preparation
Signal Mountain Ranch needs more education for absentee owners on fire mitigation
Stormwater runoff from surrounding private ranches into Pueblo West
Road infrastructure appears to be inadequate in some locations throughout the county
Inadequate drainage in the streets; during rain storms. water runs deep in the streets
Trash/weed control/mitigation/management/enforcement
Tree thinning
Tumbleweed control, removal and disposal, especially on vacant lots
Upgrade infrastructure
Wildfire risk information for river dam area
Wildland fire mitigation on private and public property and along public right-of-ways
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PUBLIC SURVEY RESULTS
11. Which of the following have provided you with useful information to
help you to be prepared for a natural hazard event?
Emergency preparedness
information from a government
source (e.g., federal, state, or
local emergency management)
Personal experience with one or
more natural hazards/disasters
Locally provided news or other
media information
Attended meetings that have
dealt with disaster
preparedness
Community Emergency
Response Training (CERT)
Schools and other academic
institutions
None
Church/ Religious Groups
Other:
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PUBLIC SURVEY RESULTS
12. What is the most effective way for you to receive
Internet
disaster information?
TV News
Social Media (Twitter,
Facebook, LinkedIn)
Radio News
Newspaper
Public Awareness Campaign
(e.g., Flood Awareness Week,
Winter Storm Preparedness
Month)
Fire Department/Rescue
Informational Brochures
Public Meetings
Law Enforcement
Community Safety Events
Workshops
Radio Ads
TV Ads
Schools
Red Cross Information
Church (faith-based institutions)
Public Library
Outdoor Advertisements
Academic Institutions
Fair Booths
Word of Mouth
City Newsletters
Telephone Book
Chamber of Commerce
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PUBLIC SURVEY RESULTS
13. Please enter your residence zip code
1234567891011
14. How long have you lived in Pueblo County?
More than 20 years
11 to 20 years
6 to 10 years
1 to 5 years
Less than 1 year
15. Do you own or rent your place of residence?
Rent
Own
16. Do you work in Pueblo County?
Yes
Retired
No
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PUBLIC SURVEY RESULTS
17. Please indicate your age range.
61 and older
51 to 60
41 to 50
31 to 40
18 to 30
Under 18
18. Please indicate the primary language spoken in your
household.
English
Spanish
Other Indo-European
Languages
Asian and Pacific Island
Languages
Other
19. Please indicate your gender
Female
Male
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PUBLIC SURVEY RESULTS
20. Please indicate your highest level of education.
College degree
Some college/ Trade
School
Graduate degree
High school graduate/
GED
21. Do you have any access or functional needs within your
household that would require early warning or specialized
response during disasters?
No
Yes
22. If you answered "yes" to the previous question, would you
like Pueblo County Emergency Management personnel to contact
you regarding your access or functional needs?
No Applicable
No
Yes
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ATTACHMENT 2
Pueblo County Code - Title 16
Chapter 16.76 GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATIONS
16.76.020 Floodplain.
A. Definition. A floodplain or flood-prone area is any land susceptible to being inundated as
the result of a flood, including the area of land over which floodwater would flow from the
spillway of a reservoir. 100-Year Floodplain is the area of land susceptible to being inundated as
a result of the occurrence of a one-hundred-year flood as designated by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency.
B. Subdivision.
1. Subdivision applications, including subdivision variance, incorporating land within a
floodplain shall be accompanied by a floodplain hydrology report, prepared by a registered
professional engineer, which establishes the water surface elevation of a flood with a 1%
chance of occurring in any given year.
2. The subdivision plat shall show the contour and elevation of the floodplain which shall be
identified as the "Special Flood Hazard Area--100-Year Floodplain" or similar informational
notation. A plat note shall also appear on the plat which advises that "A Flood Hazard Area
Development Permit and/or compliance with additional floodplain regulations may be required
prior to development in the Flood Hazard Area" or similar informational notation.
C. Utilities.
Comply with Title 17 Land Use Division I. Zoning Chapter 17.04 GENERAL PROVISIONS AND
DEFINITIONS Section 17.040.040 Definitions and Chapter 17.108 FLOOD HAZARD AREA
REGULATIONS.
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Pueblo County Code - Title 17
Chapter 17.108 FLOOD HAZARD AREA REGULATIONS
17.108.010 Statutory authorization.
The Legislature of the State of Colorado has, in Title 29, Article 20 of the Colorado Revised
Statutes, delegated the responsibility of local governmental units to adopt regulations designed
to minimize flood losses. Therefore, the Board of County Commissioners of the County of
Pueblo, Colorado, does hereby adopt the following floodplain management regulations.
17.108.020 Finding of fact.
A. The flood hazard areas of Pueblo County are subject to periodic inundation, which can
result in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and
governmental services, and extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, all
of which adversely affect the health, safety and general welfare of the public.
B. These flood losses are created by the cumulative effect of obstructions in floodplains which
cause an increase in flood heights and velocities, and by the occupancy of flood hazard areas by
uses vulnerable to floods and hazardous to other lands because they are inadequately elevated,
flood proofed or otherwise protected from flood damage.
17.108.030 Statement of purpose.
It is the purpose of this Chapter to promote the public health, safety and general welfare, and
to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions
designed:
A. To protect human life and health;
B. To minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects;
C. To minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally
undertaken at the expense of the general public;
D. To minimize prolonged business interruptions;
E. To minimize damage to critical facilities, infrastructure and other public facilities such as
water, sewer and gas mains; electric and communications stations; and streets and bridges
located in floodplains;
F. To help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the appropriate use and development of
flood-prone areas in such a manner as to minimize future flood blight areas;
G. To ensure that potential buyers are notified that property is located in a flood hazard area;
and
H. To ensure that those who occupy the areas of a flood hazard assume responsibility for their
actions.
17.108.040 Methods of reducing flood losses.
In order to accomplish its purposes, this Chapter includes methods and provisions for:
A. Restrict or prohibit uses which are dangerous to health, safety or property in times of flood,
or cause excessive increases in flood heights or velocities;
B. Require that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve such uses, be
protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction;
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ATTACHMENT 2
C. Control the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective
barriers, which are involved in the accommodation of flood waters;
D. Control filling, grading, dredging and other development which may increase flood damage;
and
E. Prevent or regulate the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert flood
waters or which may increase flood hazards to other lands.
17.108.050 Definitions.
Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this Chapter shall be interpreted
so as to give them the meaning they have in common usage and to give this Chapter its most
reasonable application.
"100-Year Flood" means a flood having a recurrence interval that has a 1% chance of being
equaled or exceeded during any given year (1% annual-chance flood). The terms "one-
hundred-year flood" and "1% chance flood" are synonymous with the term "100-year
flood". The term does not imply that the flood will necessarily happen once every one hundred
years.
"100-Year Floodplain" means the area of land susceptible to being inundated as a result of
the occurrence of a one-hundred-year flood.
"500-Year Flood" means a flood having a recurrence interval that has a 0.2% chance of being
equaled or exceeded during any given year (0.2%-chance-annual-flood). The term does not
imply that the flood will necessarily happen once every five hundred years.
"500-Year Floodplain" means the area of land susceptible to being inundated as a result of
the occurrence of a five-hundred-year flood.
"Addition" means any activity that expands the enclosed footprint or increases the square
footage of an existing structure.
"Alluvial Fan Flooding" means a fan-shaped sediment deposit formed by a stream that flows
from a steep mountain valley or gorge onto a plain or the junction of a tributary stream with
the main stream. Alluvial fans contain active stream channels and boulder bars, and recently
abandoned channels. Alluvial fans are predominantly formed by alluvial deposits and are
modified by infrequent sheet flood, channel avulsions and other stream processes.
"Appeal" means
Chapter or a request for a variance.
"Area of Shallow Flooding" means a designated Zone AO or AH on a community's Flood
Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) with a 1% chance or greater annual chance of flooding to an
average depth of one to three feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist, where the
path of flooding is unpredictable and where velocity flow may be evident. Such flooding is
characterized by ponding or sheet flow.
"Area of Special Flood Hazard" means the land in the floodplain within a community subject
to a 1% or greater chance of flooding in any given year.
"Base Flood" means the flood having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given
year.
"Base Flood Elevation (BFE)" means the elevation shown on a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate
Map for Zones AE, AH, A1-A30, AR, AR/A, AR/AE, AR/A1-A30, AR/AH, AR/AO, V1-V30, and VE
that indicates the water surface elevation resulting from a flood that has a 1% chance of
equaling or exceeding that level in any given year.
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"Basement" means any area of a building having its floor sub-grade (below ground level) on
all sides.
"Channel" means the physical confine of stream or waterway consisting of a bed and stream
banks, existing in a variety of geometries.
"Channelization" means the artificial creation, enlargement or realignment of a stream
channel.
"Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)" means the codification of the general and permanent
Rules published in the Federal Register by the executive departments and agencies of the
Federal Government. It is divided into 50 titles that represent broad areas subject to Federal
regulation.
"Community" means any political subdivision in the state of Colorado that has authority to
adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations through zoning, including, but not
limited to, cities, towns, unincorporated areas in the counties, Indian tribes and drainage and
flood control districts.
"Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR)" means FEMA's comment on a proposed
project, which does not revise an effective floodplain map that would, upon construction, affect
the hydrologic or hydraulic characteristics of a flooding source and thus result in the
modification of the existing regulatory floodplain.
"Critical Facility" means a structure or related infrastructure, but not the land on which it is
situated, as specified in Section 17.108.180 H, that if flooded may result in significant hazards to
public health and safety or interrupt essential services and operations for the community at any
time before, during and after a flood. See Section 17.108.190 H.
"Critical Feature" means an integral and readily identifiable part of a flood protection system,
without which the flood protection provided by the entire system would be compromised.
"Development" means any man-made change in improved and unimproved real estate,
including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading,
paving, excavation or drilling operations or storage of equipment or materials.
"DFIRM Database" means database (usually spreadsheets containing data and analyses that
accompany DFIRMs). The FEMA Mapping Specifications and Guidelines outline requirements
for the development and maintenance of DFIRM databases.
"Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM)" means FEMA digital floodplain map. These
purposes.
"Elevated Building" means a non-basement building (i) built, in the case of a building in Zones
A1-30, AE, A, A99, AO, AH, B, C, X, and D, to have the top of the elevated floor above the
ground level by means of pilings, columns (posts and piers), or shear walls parallel to the flow
of the water and (ii) adequately anchored so as not to impair the structural integrity of the
building during a flood of up to the magnitude of the base flood. In the case of Zones A1-30, AE,
A, A99, AO, AH, B, C, X, and D, "elevated building" also includes a building elevated by means of
fill or solid foundation perimeter walls with openings sufficient to facilitate the unimpeded
movement of flood waters.
"Existing Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision" means a manufactured home park or
subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the
manufactured homes are to be affixed (including, at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the
construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is
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completed before the effective date of the floodplain management regulations adopted by a
community.
This definition is for use in the Flood Hazard Area Regulations and is not to be used in other
Pueblo County land use regulations (e.g., zoning) without the expressed determination of the
Zoning Administrator.
"Expansion to an Existing Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision" means the preparation
of additional sites by the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the
manufactured homes are to be affixed (including the installation of utilities, the construction of
streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads).
"Federal Register" means the official daily publication for Rules, proposed Rules, and notices
of Federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other presidential
documents.
"FEMA" means Federal Emergency Management Agency, the agency responsible for
administering the National Flood Insurance Program.
"Flood or Flooding" means a general and temporary condition of partial or complete
inundation of normally dry land areas from:
1. The overflow of water from channels and reservoir spillways;
2. The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source; or
3. Mudslides or mudflows that occur from excess surface water that is combined with mud
or other debris that is sufficiently fluid so as to flow over the surface of normally dry land areas
(such as earth carried by a current of water and deposited along the path of the current).
"Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)" means an official map of a community, on which the
Federal Emergency Management Agency has delineated both the Special Flood Hazard Areas
and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.
"Flood Control Structure" means a physical structure designed and built expressly or partially
for the purpose of reducing, redirecting, or guiding flood flows along a particular
waterway. These specialized flood modifying works are those constructed in conformance with
sound engineering standards.
"Flood Insurance Study (FIS)" means the official report provided by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency. The report contains the Flood Insurance Rate Map as well as flood
profiles for studied flooding sources that can be used to determine Base Flood Elevations for
some areas.
"Flood, Intermediate Regional" means a type of flood, including the water surface elevation
and territorial occupation thereof, which can be expected to occur at any time in a given area
based upon recorded historical precipitation and other valid data, but with an average
statistical 1% flood or hundred (100) year flood.
"Floodplain or Flood-Prone Area" means any land area susceptible to being inundated as the
result of a flood, including the area of land over which floodwater would flow from the spillway
of a reservoir.
"Floodplain Administrator" means the community official designated by title to administer
and enforce the floodplain management regulations.
"Floodplain Development Permit" means a permit required before construction or
development begins within any Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). If FEMA has not defined the
SFHA within a community, the community shall require permits for all proposed construction or
other development in the community including the placement of manufactured homes, so that
it may determine whether such construction or other development is proposed within flood-
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prone areas. Permits are required to ensure that proposed development projects meet the
requirements of the NFIP and this floodplain management ordinance.
"Floodplain Management" means the operation of an overall program of corrective and
preventive measures for reducing flood damage, including but not limited to emergency
preparedness plans, flood control works and floodplain management regulations.
"Floodplain Management Regulations" means zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations,
building codes, health regulations, special purpose ordinances (such as a floodplain ordinance,
grading ordinance and erosion control ordinance) and other applications of police power. The
term describes such state or local regulations, in any combination thereof, which provide
standards for the purpose of flood damage prevention and reduction.
"Flood Profile" means engineering conclusions, based upon historical facts and/or generally
accepted engineering principles, represented on a graph or other medium, showing the
relationship of the water surface elevation of a flood to the lands surrounding the channel.
"Flood proofing" means any combination of structural and/or non-structural additions,
changes, or adjustments to structures which reduce or eliminate flood damage to real estate or
improved real property, water and sanitary facilities, structures and their contents.
"Floodway (Regulatory Floodway)" means the channel of a river or other watercourse and
adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without
cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than a designated height. The
Colorado statewide standard for the designated height to be used for all newly studied reaches
shall be one-half foot (six inches). Letters of Map Revision to existing floodway delineations
may continue to use the floodway criteria in place at the time of the existing floodway
delineation.
"Freeboard" means the vertical distance in feet above a predicted water surface elevation
intended to provide a margin of safety to compensate for unknown factors that could
contribute to flood heights greater than the height calculated for a selected size flood such as
debris blockage of bridge openings and the increased runoff due to urbanization of the
watershed.
"Functionally Dependent Use" means a use which cannot perform its intended purpose
unless it is located or carried out in close proximity to water. The term includes only docking
facilities, port facilities that are necessary for the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers,
and ship building and ship repair facilities, but does not include long-term storage or related
manufacturing facilities.
"Highest Adjacent Grade" means the highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior to
construction next to the proposed walls of a structure.
"Historic Structure" means any structure that is:
1. Listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places (a listing maintained by the
Department of Interior) or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as meeting
the requirements for individual listing on the National Register;
2. Certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as contributing to the
historical significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined by
the Secretary to qualify as a registered historic district;
3. Individually listed on a state inventory of historic places in states with historic preservation
programs which have been approved by the Secretary of Interior; or
4. Individually listed on a local inventory of historic places in communities with historic
preservation programs that have been certified either:
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a. By an approved state program as determined by the Secretary of the Interior or;
b. Directly by the Secretary of the Interior in states without approved programs.
"Letter of Map Revision (LOMR)" means FEMA's official revision of an effective Flood
Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), or Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM), or both. LOMRs are
generally based on the implementation of physical measures that affect the hydrologic or
hydraulic characteristics of a flooding source and thus result in the modification of the existing
regulatory floodway, the effective Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), or the Special Flood Hazard
Area (SFHA).
"Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F)" means
Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) based on the
placement of fill outside the existing regulatory floodway.
"Levee" means a man-made embankment, usually earthen, designed and constructed in
accordance with sound engineering practices to contain, control, or divert the flow of water so
as to provide protection from temporary flooding. For a levee structure to be reflected on the
FEMA FIRMs as providing flood protection, the levee structure must meet the requirements set
forth in 44 CFR 65.10.
"Levee System" means a flood protection system which consists of a levee, or levees, and
associated structures, such as closure and drainage devices, which are constructed and
operated in accordance with sound engineering practices.
"Lowest Flood" means the lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including
basement). Any floor used for living purposes which includes working, storage, sleeping,
cooking and eating, or recreation or any combination thereof. This includes any floor that could
be converted to such a use such as a basement or crawl space. The lowest floor is a
determinate for the flood insurance premium for a building, home or business. An unfinished
or flood resistant enclosure, usable solely for parking or vehicles, building access or storage in
an area other than a basement area is not considered a building's lowest floor; provided that
such enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in violation of the applicable non-
elevation design requirement of Section 60.3 of the National Flood Insurance Program
regulations.
"Manufactured Home" means a structure transportable in one or more sections, which is
built on a permanent chassis and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation
when connected to the required utilities. The term "manufactured home" does not include a
"recreational vehicle".
This definition is for use in the Flood Hazard Area Regulations and is not to be used in other
Pueblo County land use regulations (e.g., zoning) without the expressed determination of the
Zoning Administrator.
"Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision" means a parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land
divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.
This definition is for use in the Flood Hazard Area Regulations and is not to be used in other
Pueblo County land use regulations (e.g., zoning) without the expressed determination of the
Zoning Administrator.
"Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)" means a form with data regarding the properties of a
particular substance. An important component of product stewardship and workplace safety, it
is intended to provide workers and emergency personnel with procedures for handling or
working with that substance in a safe manner, and includes information such as physical data
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(melting point, boiling point, flash point, etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity,
storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill-handling procedures.
"Mean Sea Level" means for purposes of the National Flood Insurance Program, the North
American Vertical Datum (NAVD) of 1988 or other datum, to which Base Flood Elevations
shown on a community's Flood Insurance Rate Map are referenced.
"National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)" means nce
coverage and floodplain management administered in conjunction with the Robert T. Stafford
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The NFIP has applicable Federal regulations promulgated
in Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The U.S. Congress established the NFIP in 1968
with the passage of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968.
"New Construction" means structures for which the "start of construction" commenced on or
after the effective date of this Chapter.
"New Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision" means a manufactured home park or
subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the
manufactured homes are to be affixed (including at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the
construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is
completed on or after the effective date of floodplain management regulations adopted by a
community.
This definition is for use in the Flood Hazard Area Regulations and is not to be used in other
Pueblo County land use regulations (e.g., zoning) without the expressed determination of the
Zoning Administrator.
"No-Rise Certification" means a record of the results of an engineering analysis conducted to
determine whether a project will increase flood heights in a floodway. A No-Rise Certification
must be supported by technical data and signed by a registered Colorado Professional
Engineer. The supporting technical data should be based on the standard step-backwater
computer model used to develop the 100-year floodway shown on the Flood Insurance Rate
Map (FIRM) or Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM).
"Physical Map Revision (PMR)"
physically revised and republished. A PMR is used to change flood risk zones, floodplain and/or
floodway delineations, flood elevations, and/or plain metric features.
"Recreational Vehicle" - means a vehicle which is:
1. Built on a single chassis;
2. 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projections;
3. Designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light duty truck; and
4. Designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary living quarters
for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.
This definition is for use in the Flood Hazard Area Regulations and is not to be used in other
Pueblo County land use regulations (e.g., zoning) without the expressed determination of the
Zoning Administrator.
"Special Flood Hazard Area" means the land in the floodplain within a community subject to
a 1% or greater chance of flooding in any given year, i.e., the 100-year floodplain.
"Start of Construction" means the date the building permit was issued, including substantial
improvements, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation,
addition, placement, or other improvement was within 180 days of the permit date. The actual
start means either the first placement of permanent construction of a structure on a site, such
as the pouring of slab or footings, the installation of piles, the construction of columns, or any
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work beyond the stage of excavation; or the placement of a manufactured home on a
foundation. Permanent construction does not include land preparation, such as clearing,
grading and filling; nor does it include the installation of streets and/or walkways; nor does it
include excavation for basement, footings, piers or foundations or the erection of temporary
forms; nor does it include the installation on the property of accessory buildings, such as
garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main structure. For a
substantial improvement, the actual start of construction means the first alteration of any wall,
ceiling, floor, or other structural part of a building, whether or not that alteration affects the
external dimensions of the building.
"Structure" means a walled and roofed building, including a gas or liquid storage tank, which
is principally above ground, as well as a manufactured home.
This definition is for use in the Flood Hazard Area Regulations and is not to be used in other
Pueblo County land use regulations (e.g., zoning) without the expressed determination of the
Zoning Administrator.
"Substantial Damage" means damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost
of restoring the structure to its before-damaged condition would equal or exceed 50% of the
market value of the structure just prior to when the damage occurred.
"Substantial Improvement" means any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other
improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the
structure before "Start of Construction" of the improvement. The value of the structure shall
be determined by the local jurisdiction having land use authority in the area of interest. This
includes structures which have incurred "Substantial Damage", regardless of the actual repair
work performed. The term does not, however, include either:
1. Any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of state or local
health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which have been identified by the local code
enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary conditions or
2.
structure's continued designation as a "historic structure."
"Threshold Planning Quantity (TPQ)" means a quantity designated for each chemical on the
list of extremely hazardous substances that triggers notification by facilities to the state that
such facilities are subject to emergency planning requirements.
"Variance" means a grant of relief to a person from the requirement of this ordinance when
specific enforcement would result in unnecessary hardship. A variance, therefore, permits
construction or development in a manner otherwise prohibited by this ordinance. (For full
requirements see Section 60.6 of the National Flood Insurance Program regulations.)
"Violation" means the failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant with
the community's floodplain management regulations. A structure or other development
without the elevation certificate, other certifications, or other evidence of compliance required
in Section 60.3(b)(5), (c)(4), (c)(10), (d)(3), (e)(2), (e)(4), or (e)(5) is presumed to be in violation
until such time as that documentation is provided.
"Water Surface Elevation" means the height, in relation to the North American Vertical
Datum (NAVD) of 1988 (or other datum, where specified), of floods of various magnitudes and
frequencies in the floodplains of coastal or riverine areas.
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17.108.060 Land to which this Chapter applies.
This Chapter shall apply to all Special Flood Hazard Areas and areas removed from the
floodplain by the issuance of a FEMA Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F) within the
jurisdiction of Pueblo County, Colorado.
17.108.070 Basis for establishing the Special Flood Hazard Area.
The Special Flood Hazard Areas identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in a
scientific and engineering report entitled "The Flood Insurance Study (FIS) for the County of
Pueblo," dated September 29, 1989, with accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps and/or
Flood Boundary-Floodway Maps (FIRM and/or FBFM) and any revisions thereto are
hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this Chapter. These Special Flood
Hazard Areas identified by the FIS and attendant mapping are the minimum area of applicability
of this ordinance and may be supplemented by studies designated and approved by the Pueblo
Board of County Commissioners. The Floodplain Administrator shall keep a copy of the Flood
Insurance Study, DFIRMs, FIRMs and/or FBFMs on file and available for public inspection. The
Flood Insurance Study and FIRM
Pueblo County Department of Planning and Development, 229 West 12th Street, Pueblo,
Colorado.
17.108.080 Establishment of Floodplain Development Permit.
A Floodplain Development Permit shall be required to ensure conformance with the
provisions of this Chapter.
17.108.090 Compliance.
No structure or land shall hereafter be located, altered or have its use changed within the
Special Flood Hazard Area without full compliance with the terms of this Chapter and other
applicable regulations. Nothing herein shall prevent the Pueblo Board of County
Commissioners from taking such lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any
violation. These regulations meet the minimum requirements as set forth by the Colorado
Water Conservation Board and the National Flood Insurance Program.
17.108.100 Abrogation and greater restrictions.
This Chapter is not intended to repeal, abrogate or impair any existing easements, covenants
or deed restrictions. However, where this Chapter and another resolution, easement, covenant
or deed restriction conflict or overlap, whichever imposes the more stringent restrictions shall
prevail.
17.108.110 Interpretation.
In the interpretation and application of this Chapter, all provisions shall be:
A. Considered as minimum requirements;
B. Liberally construed in favor of the governing body; and
C. Deemed neither to limit nor repeal any other powers granted under State statutes.
17.108.120 Warning and disclaimer of liability.
The degree of flood protection required by this Chapter is considered reasonable for
regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and engineering considerations. On rare
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occasions greater floods can and will occur and flood heights may be increased by man-made or
natural causes.
This Chapter does not imply that land outside the Special Flood Hazard Area or uses permitted
within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damages. This Chapter shall not create
liability on the part of Pueblo County Board of Commissioners, or any officer or employee
thereof for any flood damages that result from reliance on this Chapter or any administrative
decision lawfully made thereunder.
17.108.130 Severability.
This Chapter and the various parts thereof are hereby declared to be severable. Should any
section of this Chapter be declared by the courts to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision
shall not affect the validity of the Chapter as a whole, or any portion thereof other than the
section so declared to be unconstitutional or invalid.
17.108.140 Designation of the Floodplain Administrator.
The Pueblo County Zoning Administrator is hereby appointed as Floodplain Administrator to
administer, implement and enforce the provisions of this ordinance and other appropriate
sections of 44 CFR (National Flood Insurance Program Regulations) pertaining to floodplain
management.
17.108.150 Duties and responsibilities of the Floodplain Administrator.
Duties and responsibilities of the Floodplain Administrator shall include, but not be limited to
the following:
A. Maintain and hold open for public inspection all records pertaining to the provisions of this
Chapter, including the actual elevation (in relation to mean sea level) of the lowest floor
(including basement) of all new or substantially improved structures and any flood proofing
certificate required by Section 17.108.160.
B. Review, approve, or deny all applications for Floodplain Development Permits required by
adoption of this Chapter.
C. Review Floodplain Development Permit applications to determine whether a proposed
building site, including the placement of manufactured homes, will be reasonably safe from
flooding.
D. Review permits for proposed development to assure that all necessary permits have been
obtained from those Federal, State or local governmental agencies (including Section 404 of the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, 33 U.S.C. 1334) from which prior
approval is required.
E. Inspect all development at appropriate times during the period of construction to ensure
compliance with all provisions of this Chapter, including proper elevation of the structure.
F. Where interpretation is needed as to the exact location of the boundaries of the Special
Flood Hazard Area (for example, where there appears to be a conflict between a mapped
boundary and actual field conditions) the Floodplain Administrator shall make the necessary
interpretation.
G. When Base Flood Elevation data has not been provided in accordance with Section
17.108.070, the Floodplain Administrator shall obtain, review and reasonably utilize any Base
Flood Elevation data and Floodway data available from a Federal, State, or other source, in
order to administer the provisions of Section 17.108.190.
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H. For waterways with Base Flood Elevations for which a regulatory Floodway has not been
designated, no new construction, substantial improvements, or other development (including
fill) shall be permitted within Zones A1-30 and AE on the community's FIRM, unless it is
demonstrated that the cumulative effect of the proposed development, when combined with
all other existing and anticipated proposed development, will not increase the water surface
elevation of the base flood more than one-half foot at any point within the community.
I. Under the provisions of 44 CFR Chapter 1, Section 65.12 of the National Flood Insurance
Program regulations, a community may approve certain development in Zones A1-30, AE, AH,
on the community's FIRM which increases the water surface elevation of the base flood by
more than one-half foot, provided that the community first applies for a conditional FIRM
revision through FEMA (Conditional Letter of Map Revision), fulfills the requirements for such
revisions as established under the provisions of Section 65.12 and receives FEMA approval.
J. Notify, in riverine situations, adjacent communities and the State Coordinating Agency,
which is the Colorado Water Conservation Board, prior to any alteration or relocation of a
watercourse, and submit evidence of such notification to FEMA.
K. Ensure that the flood carrying capacity within the altered or relocated portion of any
watercourse is maintained.
17.108.160 Permit procedures.
Application for a Floodplain Development Permit shall be presented to the Floodplain
Administrator on forms furnished by him/her and may include, but not be limited to, plans in
duplicate drawn to scale showing the location, dimensions, and elevation of proposed
landscape alterations, existing and proposed structures, including the placement of
manufactured homes, and the location of the foregoing in relation to Special Flood Hazard
Area. Additionally, the following information is required:
A. Elevation (in relation to mean sea level), of the lowest flood (including basement) of all new
and substantially improved structures;
B. Elevation in relation to mean sea level to which any nonresidential structure shall be flood
proofed;
C. A certificate from a registered Colorado Professional Engineer or architect that the
nonresidential flood proofed structure shall meet the flood proofing criteria of Section
17.108.190 B.2.;
D. Description of the extent to which any watercourse or natural drainage will be altered or
relocated as a result of proposed development.
E. Maintain a record of all such information in accordance with Section 17.108.150.
Approval or denial of a Floodplain Development Permit by the Floodplain Administrator shall
be based on all of the provisions of this ordinance and the following relevant factors:
A. The danger to life and property due to flooding or erosion damage;
B. The susceptibility of the proposed facility and its contents to flood damage and the effect
of such damage on the individual owner;
C. The danger that materials may be swept onto other lands to the injury of others;
D. The compatibility of the proposed use with existing and anticipated development;
E. The safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and emergency vehicles;
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F. The costs of providing governmental services during and after flood conditions including
maintenance and repair of streets and bridges, and public utilities and facilities such as sewer,
gas, electrical, and water systems;
G. The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise and sediment transport of the flood
waters, and the effects of wave action, if applicable, expected at the site;
H. The necessity to the facility of a waterfront location, where applicable;
I. The availability of alternative locations, not subject to flooding or erosion damage, for the
proposed use;
J. The relationship of the proposed use to the comprehensive plan for that area.
An application fee as established by the Board by resolution shall be paid at the time
application is made.
17.108.170 Appeal and variance procedure.
A. Appeal Board.
1. The Appeal Board being the Pueblo County Planning Commission shall hear and render
judgment on appeals and requests for variances from the requirements of this Chapter. An
appeal shall be made in writing filed with the Pueblo County Planning and Development
Department within ten (10) days of the final decision of the Floodplain Administrator. Such
request for an appeal shall include the grounds for the objection to the decision. Such time
limitation shall be jurisdictional and no request for an appeal will be considered if filed later
than the period specified herein.
2. The Appeal Board shall hear and render judgment on an appeal only when it is alleged
there is an error in any requirement, decision or determination made by the Floodplain
Administrator in the enforcement or administration of this Chapter. If the Appeal Board hears
the appeal, it shall be at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Pueblo County Planning
Commission.
3. Those aggrieved by the decision of the Appeal Board may appeal such decision to the
Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). An appeal shall be made in writing filed with the
Pueblo County Planning and Development Department within ten (10) days of the final decision
of the Appeal Board. Such request for an appeal shall include the grounds for the objection to
the decision. Such time limitation shall be jurisdictional and no request for an appeal will be
considered if filed later than the period specified herein.
final
decision is a matter addressed to, and to be determined by and within, the sound and sole
discretion of the BOCC. The considerations, while not limiting, measuring or completely
controlling the BOCC discretion, for the indication of the type and character of reasons which
will be considered by the BOCC deciding or not to hear an appeal are the same as those
considered by the Appeal Board identified below in item 5.
The BOCC shall consider such requests for appeal in accordance with the standards set
forth herein and shall, first, make a decision whether or not to grant and hear the appeal within
forty-five (45) days following the date of the appeal action taken by the Appeal Board. The
BOCC may issue a decision refusing to grant and hear the appeal and, upon the date which the
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BOCC issues such final action, the decision of the BOCC shall affirm the decision of the Appeal
Board and, shall, for all purposes, including further appeal to the Courts, be final.
Alternatively, the BOCC may decide to grant and hear the appeal, in such event, the
Pueblo County Department of Planning and Development shall notify the person or entity
initiating the appeal of the scheduled hearing date before the BOCC.
The BOCC may, in accordance with the provisions of this Section, reverse or modify the
decision of the Appeal Board or the Board may affirm the decision of the Appeal Board. The
Board shall enact its final decision on such appeals by a summary written action letter signed by
the BOCC Chair and the decision of the BOCC shall, for all purposes, including appeals to the
Courts, be final on the date of the enactment of the decision.
In the event the BOCC decides to hear an appeal in accordance with the provisions of this
Section, it shall render a final decision and the letter referenced herein no later than ninety (90)
days following the date upon which the Appeal Board action on the appeal request was entered
and became final.
4. Those aggrieved by the decision of the Appeal Board or the Board of County
Commissioner may appeal such decision to the District Court, as provided by law.
5. In passing upon such applications, the Appeal Board shall consider all technical
evaluations, all relevant factors, standards specified in other sections of this Chapter, and:
a. The danger that materials may be swept onto other lands to the injury of others;
b. The danger to life and property due to flooding or erosion damage;
c. The susceptibility of the proposed facility and its contents to flood damage and the
effect of such damage on the individual owner;
d. The importance of the services provided by the proposed facility to the community;
e. The necessity to the facility of a waterfront location, where applicable;
f. The availability of alternative locations for the proposed use which are not subject to
flooding or erosion damage;
g. The compatibility of the proposed use with existing and anticipated development;
h. The relationship of the proposed use to the comprehensive plan and floodplain
management program of that area;
i. The safety of access to the property in time of flood for ordinary and emergency
vehicles;
j. The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise, and sediment transport of the
flood waters and the effects of wave action, if applicable, expected at the site; and
k. The costs of providing governmental services during and after flood conditions,
including maintenance and repair of public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical,
and water systems, and streets and bridges.
6. Upon consideration of the factors of Section 17.108.170 (A)(4) and the purposes of this
Chapter, the Appeal Board may attach such conditions to the granting of variances as it deems
necessary to further the purposes of this Chapter as stated in Section 17.108.030.
7. The Administrator shall maintain the records of all appeal actions, including technical
information, and report any variances to the Federal Emergency Management Agency upon
request.
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B. Conditions for Variances.
1. Variances may be issued for new construction and substantial improvements to be
erected on a lot of one-half acre or less in size contiguous to and surrounded by lots with
existing structures constructed below the base flood level, providing items set out in items
(4)(a) through (k) of Section 17.108.170 (A)(4) and in Section 17.108.160 have been fully
considered. As the lot size increases beyond the one-half acre, the technical justification
required for issuing the variance increases.
2. Variances shall not be issued within any designated floodway if any increase in flood
levels during the base flood discharge would result.
3. Variances may be issued for the repair or rehabilitation of historic structures upon a
continued designation as a historic structure and the variance is the minimum necessary to
preserve the historic character and design of the structure.
4. Variances shall only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the minimum
necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.
5. Variances shall only be issued upon:
a. A showing of good and sufficient cause;
b. A determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship
to the applicant; and
c. A determination that the granting of a variance will not result in increased flood heights,
additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, create nuisances, cause fraud
on or victimization of the public as identified in Section 17.180.170 (A)(4), or conflict with
existing local laws or ordinances.
6. Any applicant to whom a variance is granted shall be given written notification that the
structure will be permitted to be built with a lowest floor elevation below the Base Flood
Elevation and that the cost of flood insurance will be commensurate with the increased risk
resulting from the reduced lowest floor elevation.
7. Variances may be issued by a community for new construction and substantial
improvements and for the development necessary for the conduct of a Functionally Dependent
Use provided that:
a. The criteria outlined in Section 17.108.170 A (1) - (6) and B (1) (4), and
b. The structure or other development is protected by methods that minimize flood
damages during the base flood and create no additional threats to public safety.
17.108.180 Penalties for noncompliance.
No structure or land shall hereafter be constructed, located, extended, converted, or altered
without full compliance with the terms of this ordinance and other applicable
regulations. Violation of the provisions of this ordinance by failure to comply with any of its
requirements (including violations of conditions and safeguards established in connection with
conditions) shall constitute a zoning violation and processed as such. Any person who violates
this Chapter or fails to comply with any of its requirements shall upon conviction thereof be
fined or imprisoned as provided by the laws of Pueblo County. Nothing herein contained shall
prevent the Pueblo County from taking such other lawful action as is necessary to prevent or
remedy any violation.
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17.108.190 Provisions for flood hazard reduction.
A. General Standards.
In all Special Flood Hazard Areas the following provisions are required for all new
construction and substantial improvements:
1. All new construction or substantial improvements shall be designed (or modified) and
adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement of the structure
resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy;
2. All new construction or substantial improvements shall be constructed by methods and
practices that minimize flood damage;
3. All new construction or substantial improvements shall be constructed with materials
resistant to flood damage;
4. All new construction or substantial improvements shall be constructed with electrical,
heating, ventilation, plumbing, and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities that
are designed and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the
components during conditions of flooding;
5. All manufactured homes shall be installed using methods and practices which minimize
flood damage. For the purposes of this requirement, manufactured homes must be elevated
and anchored to resist flotation, collapse, or lateral movement. Methods of anchoring may
include, but are not limited to, use of over-the-top or frame ties to ground anchors. This
requirement is in addition to applicable state and local anchoring requirements for resisting
wind forces.
6. All new and replacement water supply systems shall be designed to minimize or
eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the system;
7. New and replacement sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to minimize or
eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the system and discharge from the systems into flood
waters; and,
8. On-site waste disposal systems shall be located to avoid impairment to them or
contamination from them during flooding, as determined by the Pueblo City-County Health
Department and/or other agencies having jurisdiction.
B. Specific Standards.
In all Special Flood Hazard Areas where base flood elevation data has been provided as set
forth in (i) Section 17.108.070, (ii) Section 17.108.150 (7), or (iii) Section 17.108.190 G., the
following provisions are required:
1.RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
New construction and Substantial Improvement of any residential structure shall have
the lowest floor (including basement), electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, and air
conditioning equipment and other service facilities (including ductwork), elevated to one
foot above the base flood elevation. Upon completion of the structure, the elevation of
the lowest floor, including basement, shall be certified by a registered Colorado
Professional Engineer, architect, or land surveyor. Such certification shall be submitted to
the Floodplain Administrator.
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2. NONRESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
With the exception of Critical Facilities, outlined in Section 17.108.190 H, new
construction and Substantial Improvements of any commercial, industrial, or other
nonresidential structure shall either have the lowest floor (including basement),
electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, and air conditioning equipment and other
service facilities (including ductwork), elevated to one foot above the base flood
elevation or, together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities, be designed so that at
one foot above the base flood elevation the structure is watertight with walls
substantially impermeable to the passage of water and with structural components
having the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of
buoyancy.
A registered Colorado Professional Engineer or architect shall develop and/or review
structural design, specifications, and plans for the construction, and shall certify that the
design and methods of construction are in accordance with accepted standards of
practice as outlined in this subsection. Such certification shall be maintained by the
Floodplain Administrator, as proposed in Section 17.108.160.
3. ENCLOSURES
New construction and substantial improvements, with fully enclosed areas below the
lowest floor that are usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access, crawl space
(nonliving areas), or storage in an area other than a basement and which are subject to
flooding shall be designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior
walls by allowing for the entry and exit of floodwaters.
Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered Colorado
Professional Engineer or architect or meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:
a.A minimum of two openings having a total net area of not less than one square inch
for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding shall be provided.
b.The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade.
c.Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves, or other coverings or
devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.
4. MANUFACTURED HOMES
All manufactured homes that are placed or substantially improved within Zones A1-30,
AH, and AE on the community's FIRM on sites (i) outside of a manufactured home park or
subdivision, (ii) in a new manufactured home park or subdivision, (iii) in an expansion to
an existing manufactured home park or subdivision, or (iv) in an existing manufactured
home park or subdivision on which manufactured home has incurred "substantial
damage" as a result of a flood, be elevated on a permanent foundation such that the
lowest floor of the manufactured home, electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, and air
conditioning equipment and other service facilities (including ductwork), are elevated to
one foot above the base flood elevation and be securely anchored to an adequately
anchored foundation system to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement.
All manufactured homes placed or substantially improved on sites in an existing
manufactured home park or subdivision within Zones A1-30, AH and AE on the
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community's FIRM that are not subject to the provisions of the above paragraph, shall be
elevated so that either:
a.The lowest floor of the manufactured home, electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing,
and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities (including ductwork), are
one foot above the base flood elevation, or
b.The manufactured home chassis is supported by reinforced piers or other foundation
elements of at least equivalent strength that are no less than 36 inches in height
above grade and be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system
to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement.
5. RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
All recreational vehicles placed on sites within Zones A1-30, AH, and AE on the
community's FIRM either:
a.Be on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days,
b.Be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or
c.Meet the permit requirements of Section 17.108.160, and the elevation and
anchoring requirements for "manufactured homes" in paragraph (4) of this section.
A recreational vehicle is ready for highway use if it is on its wheels or jacking system, is
attached to the site only by quick disconnect type utilities and security devices, and has
no permanently attached additions.
6. PRIOR APPROVED ACTIVITIES
Any activity for which a Floodplain Development Permit was issued by Pueblo County or
a CLOMR was issued by FEMA prior to November 13, 2013 may be completed according
to the standards in place at the time of the permit or CLOMR issuance and will not be
considered in violation of this ordinance if it meets such standards.
C. Standards for Areas of Shallow Flooding (AO/AH Zones)
Located within the Special Flood Hazard Area established in Section 17.108.070, are areas
designated as shallow flooding. These areas have special flood hazards associated with base
flood depths of 1 to 3 feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist and where the path of
flooding is unpredictable and where velocity flow may be evident. Such flooding is
characterized by ponding or sheet flow; therefore, the following provisions apply:
1.RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
All new construction and Substantial Improvements of residential structures must have
the lowest floor (including basement), electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, and air
conditioning equipment and other service facilities (including ductwork), elevated above
the highest adjacent grade at least one foot above the depth number specified in feet
on the community's FIRM (at least three feet if no depth number is specified). Upon
completion of the structure, the elevation of the lowest floor, including basement, shall
be certified by a registered Colorado Professional Engineer, architect, or land surveyor.
Such certification shall be submitted to the Floodplain Administrator.
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2.NONRESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
With the exception of Critical Facilities, outlined in Section 17.108.190 H, all new
construction and Substantial Improvements of non-residential structures, must have the
lowest floor (including basement), electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, and air
conditioning equipment and other service facilities (including ductwork), elevated above
the highest adjacent grade at least one foot above the depth number specified in feet
on the community's FIRM (at least three feet if no depth number is specified), or
together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities, be designed so that the structure
is watertight to at least one foot above the base flood level with walls substantially
impermeable to the passage of water and with structural components having the
capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads of effects of buoyancy. A
registered Colorado Professional Engineer or architect shall submit a certification to the
Floodplain Administrator that the standards of this Section, as proposed in 17.108.160,
are satisfied.
Within Zones AH or AO, adequate drainage paths around structures on slopes are
required to guide flood waters around and away from proposed structures.
D. Floodways
Floodways are administrative limits and tools used to regulate existing and future
floodplain development. The State of Colorado has adopted Floodway standards that are more
stringent than the FEMA minimum standard (see definition of Floodway in Section
17.108.050). Located within Special Flood Hazard Area established in Section 17.108.070 are
areas designated as Floodways. Since the Floodway is an extremely hazardous area due to the
velocity of floodwaters which carry debris, potential projectiles and erosion potential, the
following provisions shall apply:
1.Encroachments are prohibited, including fill, new construction, substantial
improvements and other development within the adopted regulatory Floodway unless it
has been demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analyses performed by a
licensed Colorado Professional Engineer and in accordance with standard engineering
practice that the proposed encroachment would not result in any increase (requires a
No-Rise Certification) in flood levels within the community during the occurrence of the
base flood discharge.
2.If Section 17.108.190 D. 1. above is satisfied, all new construction and substantial
improvements shall comply with all applicable flood hazard reduction provisions of
Section 17.108.190.
3.Under the provisions of 44 CFR Chapter 1, Section 65.12, of the National Flood Insurance
Regulations, a community may permit encroachments within the adopted regulatory
floodway that would result in an increase in Base Flood Elevations, provided that the
community first applies for a CLOMR and floodway revision through FEMA.
E. Alteration of a Watercourse
For all proposed developments that alter a watercourse within a Special Flood Hazard Area,
the following standards apply:
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1.Channelization and flow diversion projects shall appropriately consider issues of
sediment transport, erosion, deposition, and channel migration and properly mitigate
potential problems through the project as well as upstream and downstream of any
improvement activity. A detailed analysis of sediment transport and overall channel
stability should be considered, when appropriate, to assist in determining the most
appropriate design.
2.Channelization and flow diversion projects shall evaluate the residual 100-year
floodplain.
3.Any channelization or other stream alteration activity proposed by a project proponent
must be evaluated for its impact on the regulatory floodplain and be in compliance with
all applicable Federal, State and local floodplain rules, regulations and ordinances.
4.Any stream alteration activity shall be designed and sealed by a registered Colorado
Professional Engineer or Certified Professional Hydrologist.
5.All activities within the regulatory floodplain shall meet all applicable Federal, State and
Pueblo County floodplain requirements and regulations.
6.Within the Regulatory Floodway, stream alteration activities shall not be constructed
unless the project proponent demonstrates through a Floodway analysis and report,
sealed by a registered Colorado Professional Engineer, that there is not more than a
0.00-foot rise in the proposed conditions compared to existing conditions Floodway
resulting from the project, otherwise known as a No-Rise Certification, unless the
community first applies for a CLOMR and Floodway revision in accordance with Section
17.108.190 D.
7.Maintenance shall be required for any altered or relocated portions of watercourses so
that the flood-carrying capacity is not diminished.
F. Properties Removed from the Floodplain by Fill
A Floodplain Development Permit shall not be issued for the construction of a new
structure or addition to an existing structure on a property removed from the floodplain by the
issuance of a FEMA Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F), unless such new structure or
addition complies with the following:
1.RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
The lowest floor (including basement), electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, and air
conditioning equipment and other service facilities (including ductwork), must be
elevated to one foot above the Base Flood Elevation that existed prior to the placement
of fill.
2.NONRESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
The lowest floor (including basement), electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, and air
conditioning equipment and other service facilities (including ductwork), must be
elevated to one foot above the Base Flood Elevation that existed prior to the placement
of fill, or together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities be designed so that the
structure or addition is watertight to at least one foot above the base flood level that
existed prior to the placement of fill with walls substantially impermeable to the
passage of water and with structural components having the capability of resisting
hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads of effects of buoyancy.
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G. Standards for Subdivision Proposals
1.All subdivision proposals including the placement of manufactured home parks and
subdivisions shall be reasonably safe from flooding. If a subdivision or other
development proposal is in a flood-prone area, the proposal shall minimize flood
damage.
2.All proposals for the development of subdivisions including the placement of
manufactured home parks and subdivisions shall meet Floodplain Development
Permit requirements of Section 17.108.080; Section 17.108.160; and the provisions of
Section 17.108.190 of this Chapter 17.108.
3.Base Flood Elevation data shall be generated for subdivision proposals and other
proposed development including the placement of manufactured home parks and
subdivisions which is greater than 50 lots or 5 acres, whichever is lesser, if not
otherwise provided pursuant to Section 17.108.070 or Section 17.108.150 of this
Chapter 17.108.
4.All subdivision proposals including the placement of manufactured home parks and
subdivisions shall have adequate drainage provided to reduce exposure to flood
hazards.
5.All subdivision proposals including the placement of manufactured home parks and
subdivisions shall have public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical and
water systems located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage.
H. Standards for Critical Facilities
A Critical Facility is a structure or related infrastructure, but not the land on which it is
situated, as specified in Rule 6 of the Rules and Regulations for Regulatory Floodplains in
Colorado, that if flooded may result in significant hazards to public health and safety or
interrupt essential services and operations for the community at any time before, during and
after a flood.
1.CLASSIFICATION OF CRITICAL FACILITIES
It is the responsibility of the Pueblo Board of County Commissioners to identify and confirm
that specific structures in their community meet the following criteria:
Critical Facilities are classified under the following categories: (a) Essential Services; (b)
Hazardous Materials; (c) At-risk Populations; and (d) Vital to Restoring Normal Services.
a.Essential services facilities include public safety, emergency response, emergency
medical, designated emergency shelters, communications, public utility plant
facilities, and transportation lifelines.
These facilities consist of:
i.Public safety (police stations, fire and rescue stations, emergency vehicle and
equipment storage, and, emergency operation centers);
ii.Emergency medical (hospitals, ambulance service centers, urgent care centers having
emergency treatment functions, and non-ambulatory surgical structures but
d non-urgent care medical structures that do not
provide these functions);
iii.Designated emergency shelters;
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iv.Communications (main hubs for telephone, broadcasting equipment for cable systems,
satellite dish systems, cellular systems, television, radio, and other emergency
warning systems, but excluding towers, poles, lines, cables, and conduits);
v.Public utility plant facilities for generation and distribution ( hubs, treatment plants,
substations and pumping stations for water, power and gas, but not including towers,
poles, power lines, buried pipelines, transmission lines, distribution lines, and service
lines); and
vi.Air Transportation lifelines (airports (municipal and larger), helicopter pads and
structures serving emergency functions, and associated infrastructure (aviation
control towers, air traffic control centers, and emergency equipment aircraft
hangars).
Specific exemptions to this category include wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), non-
potable water treatment and distribution systems, and hydroelectric power generating plants
and related appurtenances.
Public utility plant facilities may be exempted if it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of
the Pueblo Board of County Commissioners that the facility is an element of a redundant
system for which service will not be interrupted during a flood. At a minimum, it shall be
demonstrated that redundant facilities are available (either owned by the same utility or
available through an intergovernmental agreement or other contract) and connected, the
alternative facilities are either located outside of the 100-year floodplain or are compliant with
the provisions of this Article, and an operations plan is in effect that states how redundant
systems will provide service to the affected area in the event of a flood. Evidence of ongoing
redundancy shall be provided to the Pueblo Board of County Commissioners on an as-needed
basis upon request.
b. Hazardous materials facilities include facilities that produce or store highly volatile,
flammable, explosive, toxic and/or water-reactive materials.
These facilities may include:
i.Chemical and pharmaceutical plants (chemical plant, pharmaceutical manufacturing);
ii.Laboratories containing highly volatile, flammable, explosive, toxic and/or water-
reactive materials;
iii.Refineries;
iv.Hazardous waste storage and disposal sites; and
v.Above ground gasoline or propane storage or sales centers.
Facilities shall be determined to be Critical Facilities if they produce or store materials in excess
of threshold limits. If the owner of a facility is required by the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) to keep a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on file for any chemicals
stored or used in the work place, AND the chemical(s) is stored in quantities equal to or greater
than the Threshold Planning Quantity (TPQ) for that chemical, then that facility shall be
considered to be a Critical Facility. The TPQ for these chemicals is: either 500 pounds or the
TPQ listed (whichever is lower) for the 356 chemicals listed under 40 C.F.R. § 302 (2010), also
known as Extremely Hazardous Substances (EHS); or 10,000 pounds for any other chemical. This
threshold is consistent with the requirements for reportable chemicals established by the
Colorado Department of Health and Environment. OSHA requirements for MSDS can be found
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in 29 C.F.R. § 1910 (2010).
reference and include the regulations in existence at the time of the promulgation this
ordinance, but exclude later amendments to or editions of the regulations.
Specific exemptions to this category include:
i. Finished consumer products within retail centers and households containing hazardous
materials intended for household use, and agricultural products intended for agricultural use.
ii. Buildings and other structures containing hazardous materials for which it can be
demonstrated to the satisfaction of the local authority having jurisdiction by hazard assessment
and certification by a qualified professional (as determined by the local jurisdiction having land
use authority) that a release of the subject hazardous material does not pose a major threat to
the public.
iii. Pharmaceutical sales, use, storage, and distribution centers that do not manufacture
pharmaceutical products.
These exemptions shall not apply to buildings or other structures that also function as Critical
Facilities under another category outlined in this Section 17.108.190.
c. At-risk population facilities include medical care, congregate care, and schools.
These facilities consist of:
i. Elder care (nursing homes);
ii. Congregate care serving 12 or more individuals (day care and assisted living);
iii. Public and private schools (pre-schools, K-12 schools), before-school and after-school care
serving 12 or more children);
d. Facilities vital to restoring normal services including government operations.
These facilities consist of:
i. Essential government operations (public records, courts, jails, building permitting and
inspection services, community administration and management, maintenance and equipment
centers);
ii. Essential structures for public colleges and universities (dormitories, offices, and classrooms
only).
These facilities may be exempted if it is demonstrated to the Pueblo Board of County
Commissioners that the facility is an element of a redundant system for which service will not
be interrupted during a flood. At a minimum, it shall be demonstrated that redundant facilities
are available (either owned by the same entity or available through an intergovernmental
agreement or other contract), the alternative facilities are either located outside of the 100-
year floodplain or are compliant with this ordinance, and an operations plan is in effect that
states how redundant facilities will provide service to the affected area in the event of a
flood. Evidence of ongoing redundancy shall be provided to the Pueblo Board of County
Commissioners on an as-needed basis upon request.
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2. PROTECTION FOR CRITICAL FACILITIES
All new and substantially improved Critical Facilities and new additions to Critical Facilities
located within the Special Flood Hazard Area shall be regulated to a higher standard than
structures not determined to be Critical Facilities. For the purposes of this ordinance,
protection shall include one of the following:
a. Location outside the Special Flood Hazard Area; or
b. Elevation of the lowest floor or floodproofing of the structure, together with attendant utility
and sanitary facilities, to at least two feet above the Base Flood Elevation.
3. INGRESS AND EGRESS FOR NEW CRITICAL FACILITIES
New Critical Facilities shall, when practicable as determined by the Pueblo Board of County
Commissioners, have continuous non-inundated access (ingress and egress for evacuation and
emergency services) during a 100-year flood event.
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CITY OF PUEBLO CODE
CHAPTER 9
Flood Damage Prevention
Sec. 17-9-1. - Title and purpose.
(a) Authority. The regulations set forth in this Chapter are designed to minimize flood losses
and are enacted pursuant to the City's home rule authority under Article XX of the Constitution
of the State of Colorado.
(b) Findings of fact.
(1) The flood hazard areas of the City of Pueblo are subject to periodic inundation, which
can result in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and
governmental services, and extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, all
of which adversely affect the health, safety and general welfare of the public.
(2) These flood losses are created by the cumulative effect of obstructions in floodplains
which cause an increase in flood heights and velocities, and by the occupancy of flood hazard
areas by uses vulnerable to floods and hazardous to other lands because they are inadequately
elevated, floodproofed or otherwise protected from flood damage.
(c) Statement of purpose. It is the purpose of this Chapter to promote public health, safety
and general welfare and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific
areas by provisions designed to:
(1) Protect human life and health;
(2) Minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects;
(3) Minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally
undertaken at the expense of the general public;
(4) Minimize prolonged business interruptions;
(5) Minimize damage to critical facilities, infrastructure and other public facilities such as
water, sewer and gas mains; electric and communications stations; and streets and bridges
located in floodplains;
(6) Help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of
flood-prone areas in such a manner as to minimize future flood blight areas; and
(7) Ensure that potential buyers are notified that property is located in a flood hazard area.
(d) Methods of reducing flood losses. In order to accomplish its purposes, this Chapter uses
the following methods:
(1) Restrict or prohibit uses that are dangerous to health, safety or property in times of
flood, or cause excessive increases in flood heights or velocities;
(2) Require that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve such uses, be
protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction;
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(3) Control the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective
barriers, which are involved in the accommodation of flood waters;
(4) Control filling, grading, dredging and other development which may increase flood
damage;
(5) Prevent or regulate the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert flood
waters or which may increase flood hazards to other lands.
(Ord. No. 8668 §2, 11-25-2013)
Sec. 17-9-2. - Definitions.
(a) Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this Chapter shall be
interpreted to give them the meaning they have in common usage and to give this Chapter its
most reasonable application.
(1) 100-year Flood means a flood having a recurrence interval that has a 1% chance of being
equaled or exceeded during any given year (1% annual-chance flood). The terms "one-hundred-
year flood" and "1% chance flood" are synonymous with the term 100-year flood. The term
does not imply that the flood will necessarily happen once every one hundred years.
(2) 100-year Floodplain means the area of land susceptible to being inundated as a result of
the occurrence of a one-hundred-year flood.
(3) 500-year Flood means a flood having a recurrence interval that has a 0.2% chance of
being equaled or exceeded during any given year (0.2% chance-annual-flood). The term does
not imply that the flood will necessarily happen once every five hundred (500) years.
(4) 500-year Floodplain means the area of land susceptible to being inundated as a result of
the occurrence of a five-hundred-year flood.
(5) Addition means any activity that expands the enclosed footprint or increases the square
footage of an existing structure.
(6) Alluvial Fan Flooding means a fan-shaped sediment deposit formed by a stream that
flows from a steep mountain valley or gorge onto a plain or the junction of a tributary stream
with the main stream. Alluvial fans contain active stream channels and boulder bars, and
recently abandoned channels. Alluvial fans are predominantly formed by alluvial deposits and
are modified by infrequent sheet flood, channel avulsions and other stream processes.
(7) Area of Shallow Flooding means a designated Zone AO or AH on the Flood Insurance
Rate Map (FIRM) with a 1% chance or greater annual chance of flooding to an average depth of
one (1) to three (3) feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist, where the path of
flooding is unpredictable and where velocity flow may be evident. Such flooding is
characterized by ponding or sheet flow.
(8) Base Flood Elevation (BFE) means the elevation shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map
for Zones AE, AH, A1-A30, AR, AR/A, AR/AE, AR/A1-A30, AR/AH, AR/AO, V1-V30 and VE that
indicates the water surface elevation resulting from a flood that has a 1% chance of equaling or
exceeding that level in any given year.
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(9) Basement means any area of a building having its floor sub-grade (below ground level)
on all sides.
(10) Channel means the physical confine of stream or waterway consisting of a bed and
stream banks, existing in a variety of geometries.
(11) Channelization means the artificial creation, enlargement or realignment of a stream
channel.
(12) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) means the codification of the general and permanent
rules published in the Federal Register by the executive departments and agencies of the
Federal Government. It is divided into fifty (50) titles that represent broad areas subject to
Federal regulation.
(13) City means City of Pueblo, Colorado.
(14) Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) means FEMA's comment on a proposed
project, which does not revise an effective floodplain map that would, upon construction, affect
the hydrologic or hydraulic characteristics of a flooding source and thus result in the
modification of the existing regulatory floodplain.
(15) Critical Facility means a structure or related infrastructure, but not the land on which it
is situated, as specified in Subsection 17-9-5(h), that if flooded may result in significant hazards
to public health and safety or interrupt essential services and operations for the City at any
time before, during and after a flood.
(16) Development means any man-made change in improved and unimproved real estate,
including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading,
paving, excavation or drilling operations or storage of equipment or materials.
(17) DFIRM Database means database (usually spreadsheets containing data and analyses
that accompany DFIRMs). The FEMA Mapping Specifications and Guidelines outline
requirements for the development and maintenance of DFIRM databases.
(18) Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) means FEMA digital floodplain map. These
digital maps serve as "regulatory floodplain maps" for insurance and floodplain management
purposes.
(19) Elevated Building means a non-basement building (i) built, in the case of a building in
Zones A1-30, AE, A, A99, AO, AH, B, C, X and D, to have the top of the elevated floor above the
ground level by means of pilings, columns (posts and piers) or shear walls parallel to the flow of
the water and (ii) adequately anchored so as not to impair the structural integrity of the
building during a flood of up to the magnitude of the base flood. In the case of Zones A1-30, AE,
A, A99, AO, AH, B, C, X and D, elevated building also includes a building elevated by means of fill
or solid foundation perimeter walls with openings sufficient to facilitate the unimpeded
movement of flood waters.
(20) Existing Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision means a manufactured home park or
subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the
manufactured homes are to be affixed (including, at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the
construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is
completed before January 14, 2014.
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(21) Expansion to an Existing Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision means the
preparation of additional sites by the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which
the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including the installation of utilities, the
construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads).
(22) Federal Register means the official daily publication for Rules, proposed Rules and
notices of Federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other
presidential documents.
(23) FEMA means Federal Emergency Management Agency, the agency responsible for
administering the National Flood Insurance Program.
(24) Flood or Flooding means a general and temporary condition of partial or complete
inundation of normally dry land areas from:
a.The overflow of water from channels and reservoir spillways;
b.The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source; or
c.Mudslides or mudflows that occur from excess surface water that is combined with mud
or other debris that is sufficiently fluid so as to flow over the surface of normally dry
land areas (such as earth carried by a current of water and deposited along the path of
the current).
(25) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) means an official map of the City, on which the
Federal Emergency Management Agency has delineated both the Special Flood Hazard Areas
and the risk premium zones applicable to the City.
(26) Flood Insurance Study (FIS) means the official report provided by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency. The report contains the Flood Insurance Rate Map as well as flood
profiles for studied flooding sources that can be used to determine Base Flood Elevations for
some areas.
(27) Floodplain or Flood-prone Area means any land area susceptible to being inundated as
the result of a flood, including the area of land over which floodwater would flow from the
spillway of a reservoir.
(28) Floodplain Administrator means the Director of the Department of Stormwater Utility.
(29) Floodplain Development Permit means a permit required before construction or
development begins within any Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). If FEMA has not defined the
SFHA within the City, the City shall require permits for all proposed construction or other
development in the City including the placement of manufactured homes, so that it may
determine whether such construction or other development is proposed within flood-prone
areas. Permits are required to ensure that proposed development projects meet the
requirements of the NFIP and this Chapter.
(30) Floodplain Management means the operation of an overall program of corrective and
preventive measures for reducing flood damage, including but not limited to emergency
preparedness plans, flood control works and floodplain management regulations.
(31) Floodplain Management Regulations means zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations,
building codes, health regulations, special purpose ordinances (such as a floodplain ordinance,
grading ordinance and erosion control ordinance) and other applications of police power. The
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term describes such state or local regulations, in any combination thereof, which provide
standards for the purpose of flood damage prevention and reduction.
(32) Flood Control Structure means a physical structure designed and built expressly or
partially for the purpose of reducing, redirecting or guiding flood flows along a particular
waterway. These specialized flood-modifying works are those constructed in conformance with
sound engineering standards.
(33) Floodproofing means any combination of structural and/or nonstructural additions,
changes or adjustments to structures which reduce or eliminate flood damage to real estate or
improved real property, water and sanitary facilities, structures and their contents.
(34) Floodway (Regulatory Floodway) means the channel of a river or other watercourse and
adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without
cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than a designated height. The
Colorado statewide standard for the designated height to be used for all newly studied reaches
shall be one-half (½) foot (six inches). Letters of Map Revision to existing floodway delineations
may continue to use the floodway criteria in place at the time of the existing floodway
delineation.
(35) Freeboard means the vertical distance in feet above a predicted water surface elevation
intended to provide a margin of safety to compensate for unknown factors that could
contribute to flood heights greater than the height calculated for a selected size flood such as
debris blockage of bridge openings and the increased runoff due to urbanization of the
watershed.
(36) Functionally Dependent Use means a use which cannot perform its intended purpose
unless it is located or carried out in close proximity to water. The term includes only docking
facilities, port facilities that are necessary for the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers
and ship building and ship repair facilities, but does not include long-term storage or related
manufacturing facilities.
(37) Highest Adjacent Grade means the highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior
to construction next to the proposed walls of a structure.
(38) Historic Structure means any structure that is:
a.Listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places (a listing maintained by the
Department of Interior) or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as
meeting the requirements for individual listing on the National Register;
b.Certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as contributing to
the historical significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily
determined by the Secretary to qualify as a registered historic district;
c.Individually listed on a state inventory of historic places in states with historic
preservation programs which have been approved by the Secretary of the Interior; or
d.Individually listed on the Pueblo Inventory of Cultural Resources pursuant to Chapter 4
of Title XIV of the Code.
(39) Levee means a man-made embankment, usually earthen, designed and constructed in
accordance with sound engineering practices to contain, control or divert the flow of water so
as to provide protection from temporary flooding. For a levee structure to be reflected on the
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FEMA FIRMs as providing flood protection, the levee structure must meet the requirements set
forth in 44 C.F.R. 65.10.
(40) Levee System means a flood protection system which consists of a levee, or levees, and
associated structures, such as closure and drainage devices, which are constructed and
operated in accordance with sound engineering practices.
(41) Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) means FEMA's official revision of an effective Flood
Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), or Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM), or both. LOMRs are
generally based on the implementation of physical measures that affect the hydrologic or
hydraulic characteristics of a flooding source and thus result in the modification of the existing
regulatory floodway, the effective Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), or the Special Flood Hazard
Area (SFHA).
(42) Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F) means FEMA's modification of the Special
Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) based on the
placement of fill outside the existing regulatory floodway.
(43) Lowest Floor means the lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement).
Any floor used for living purposes which includes working, storage, sleeping, cooking and
eating, or recreation or any combination thereof. This includes any floor that could be
converted to such a use such as a basement or crawl space. The lowest floor is a determinate
for the flood insurance premium for a building, home or business. An unfinished or flood
resistant enclosure, usable solely for parking or vehicles, building access or storage in an area
other than a basement area is not considered a building's lowest floor; provided that such
enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in violation of the applicable non-elevation
design requirement of Section 60.3 of the National Flood insurance Program regulations.
(44) Manufactured Home means a structure transportable in one (1) or more sections, which
is built on a permanent chassis and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation
when connected to the required utilities. The term manufactured home does not include a
recreational vehicle.
(45) Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision means a parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land
divided into two (2) or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.
(46) Mean Sea Level means for purposes of the National Flood Insurance Program, the North
American Vertical Datum (NAVD) of 1988, or other datum, to which Base Flood Elevations
shown on the City's Flood Insurance Rate Map are referenced.
(47) Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDA) means a form with data regarding the properties of
a particular substance. An important component of product stewardship and workplace safety,
it is intended to provide workers and emergency personnel with procedures for handling or
working with that substance in a safe manner, and includes information such as physical data
(melting point, boiling point, flash point, etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity,
storage, disposal, protective equipment and spill-handling procedures.
(48) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) means FEMA's program of flood insurance
coverage and floodplain management administered in conjunction with the Robert T. Stafford
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The NFIP has applicable Federal regulations promulgated
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in Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The U.S. Congress established the NFIP in 1968
with the passage of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968.
(49) New Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision means a manufactured home park or
subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the
manufactured homes are to be affixed (including at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the
construction of streets and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is
completed on or after January 14, 2014.
(50) No-Rise Certification means a record of the results of an engineering analysis conducted
to determine whether a project will increase flood heights in a floodway. A No-Rise Certification
must be supported by technical data and signed by a registered Colorado Professional Engineer.
The supporting technical data should be based on the standard step-backwater computer
model used to develop the 100-year floodway shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)
or Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM).
(51) Physical Map Revision (PMR) means FEMA's action whereby one (1) or more map panels
are physically revised and republished. A PMR is used to change flood risk zones, floodplain
and/or floodway delineations, flood elevations and/or planimetric features.
(52) Recreational Vehicle means a vehicle which is:
a.Built on a single chassis;
b.Four hundred (400) square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal
projections;
c.Designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light duty truck; and
d.Designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary living quarters
for recreational, camping, travel or seasonal use.
(53) Special Flood Hazard Area means the land in the floodplain within the City subject to a
1% or greater chance of flooding in any given year, i.e., the 100-year floodplain.
(54) Start of Construction means the date the building permit was issued, including
substantial improvements, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction,
rehabilitation, addition, placement or other improvement was within one hundred eighty (180)
days of the permit date. The actual start means either the first placement of permanent
construction of a structure on a site, such as the pouring of slab or footings, the installation of
piles, the construction of columns or any work beyond the stage of excavation; or the
placement of a manufactured home on a foundation. Permanent construction does not include
land preparation, such as clearing, grading and filling; nor does it include the installation of
streets and/or walkways; nor does it include excavation for basement, footings, piers or
foundations or the erection of temporary forms; nor does it include the installation on the
property of accessory buildings, such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not
part of the main structure. For a substantial improvement, the actual start of construction
means the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor or other structural part of a building,
whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the building.
(55) Structure means a walled and roofed building, including a gas or liquid storage tank,
which is principally above ground, as well as a manufactured home.
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(56) Substantial Damage means damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the
cost of restoring the structure to its before-damaged condition would equal or exceed 50% of
the market value of the structure just prior to when the damage occurred.
(57) Substantial Improvement means any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition or other
improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the
structure before Start of Construction of the improvement. The value of the structure shall be
determined by the local jurisdiction having land use authority in the area of interest. This
includes structures which have incurred Substantial Damage, regardless of the actual repair
work performed. The term does not, however, include either:
a.Any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of state or local
health, sanitary or safety code specifications which have been identified by the local
code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary conditions, or
b.Any alteration of a "historic structure" provided that the alteration will not preclude the
structure's continued designation as a "historic structure."
(58) Threshold Planning Quantity (TPQ) means a quantity designated for each chemical on
the list of extremely hazardous substances that triggers notification by facilities to the State
that such facilities are subject to emergency planning requirements.
(59) Variance means a grant of relief to a person from the requirement of this Chapter when
specific enforcement would result in unnecessary hardship. A variance, therefore, permits
construction or development in a manner otherwise prohibited by this Chapter.
(60) Violation means the failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant
with this Chapter. A structure or other development without the elevation certificate, other
certifications, or other evidence of compliance required in 44 C.F.R. Section 60.3(b)(5), (c)(4),
(c)(10), (d)(3), (e)(2), (e)(4) or (e)(5) is presumed to be in violation until such time as that
documentation is provided.
(61) Water Surface Elevation means the height, in relation to the North American Vertical
Datum (NAVD) of 1988 (or other datum, where specified), of floods of various magnitudes and
frequencies in the floodplains of coastal or riverine areas.
(Ord. No. 8668 §2, 11-25-2013)
Sec. 17-9-3. - General provisions.
(a) Lands to which this Chapter applies. This Chapter shall apply to all Special Flood Hazard
Areas and areas removed from the floodplain by the issuance of a FEMA Letter of Map Revision
Based on Fill (LOMR-F) within the jurisdiction of the City of Pueblo, Colorado.
(b) Basis for establishing the Special Flood Hazard Area. The Special Flood Hazard Areas
identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in a scientific and engineering report
entitled, "The Flood Insurance Study for the City of Pueblo, Colorado," dated September, 29,
1986, with accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps and/or Flood Boundary-Floodway Maps
(FIRM and/or FBFM) and any revisions thereto are hereby adopted by reference and declared
to be a part of this Chapter. These Special Flood Hazard Areas identified by the FIS and
attendant mapping are the minimum area of applicability of this Chapter and may be
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supplemented by studies designated and approved by City Council. The Floodplain
Administrator shall keep a copy of the Flood Insurance Study (FIS), DFIRMs, FIRMs and/or
FBFMs on file and available for public inspection.
(c) Establishment of Floodplain Development Permit. A Floodplain Development Permit
shall be required to ensure conformance with the provisions of this Chapter.
(d) Compliance. No structure or land shall hereafter be located, altered or have its use
changed within the Special Flood Hazard Area without full compliance with the terms of this
Chapter and other applicable regulations. Nothing herein shall prevent the City Council from
taking such lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation. These regulations
meet the minimum requirements as set forth by the Colorado Water Conservation Board and
the National Flood Insurance Program.
(e) Abrogation and Greater Restrictions. This Chapter is not intended to repeal, abrogate or
impair any existing easements, covenants or deed restrictions. However, where this Chapter
and another ordinance, easement, covenant or deed restriction conflict or overlap, whichever
imposes the more stringent restrictions shall prevail.
(f) Interpretation. In the interpretation and application of this Chapter, all provisions shall
be:
(1) Considered as minimum requirements;
(2) Liberally construed in favor of the governing body; and
(3) Deemed neither to limit nor repeal any other powers granted under State statutes.
(g) Warning and Disclaimer of Liability. The degree of flood protection required by this
Chapter is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and
engineering considerations. On rare occasions greater floods can and will occur and flood
heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes.
This Chapter does not imply that land outside the Special Flood Hazard Area or uses permitted
within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damages. This Chapter shall not create
liability on the part of the City or any official or employee thereof for any flood damages that
result from reliance on this Chapter or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.
(h) Severability. This Chapter and the various parts thereof are hereby declared to be
severable. Should any section of this Chapter be declared by the courts to be unconstitutional
or invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of this Chapter as a whole, or any portion
thereof other than the section so declared to be unconstitutional or invalid.
(Ord. No. 8668 §2, 11-25-2013)
Sec. 17-9-4. - Administration.
(a) Designation of the Floodplain Administrator. The Director of the Department of
Stormwater Utility is hereby appointed as Floodplain Administrator to administer, implement
and enforce the provisions of this Chapter and other appropriate sections of 44 C.F.R. (National
Flood Insurance Program Regulations) pertaining to floodplain management.
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(b) Duties and responsibilities of the Floodplain Administrator. Duties and responsibilities of
the Floodplain Administrator shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1) Maintain and hold open for public inspection all records pertaining to the provisions of
this Chapter, including the actual elevation (in relation to mean sea level) of the lowest floor
(including basement) of all new or substantially improved structures and any floodproofing
certificate required by Subsection (d) of this Section.
(2) Review, approve or deny all applications for Floodplain Development Permits required
by adoption of this Chapter.
(3) Review Floodplain Development Permit applications to determine whether a proposed
building site, including the placement of manufactured homes, will be reasonably safe from
flooding.
(4) Review permits for proposed development to assure that all necessary permits have
been obtained from those Federal, State or local governmental agencies (including Section 404
of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, 33 U.S.C. 1334) from which
prior approval is required.
(5) Inspect all development at appropriate times during the period of construction to
ensure compliance with all provisions of this Chapter, including proper elevation of the
structure.
(6) Where interpretation is needed as to the exact location of the boundaries of the Special
Flood Hazard Area including, by way of example, where there appears to be a conflict between
a mapped boundary and actual field conditions, the Floodplain Administrator shall make the
necessary interpretation.
(7) When Base Flood Elevation data has not been provided in accordance with Section 17-9-
3, the Floodplain Administrator shall obtain, review and reasonably utilize any Base Flood
Elevation data and Floodway data available from a Federal, State or other source, in order to
administer the provisions of Section 17-9-5.
(8) For waterways with Base Flood Elevations for which a regulatory Floodway has not been
designated, no new construction, substantial improvements or other development (including
fill) shall be permitted within Zones A1-30 and AE on the City's FIRM, unless it is demonstrated
that the cumulative effect of the proposed development, when combined with all other existing
and anticipated development, will not increase the water surface elevation of the base flood
more than one-half (½) foot at any point within the City.
(9) Under the provisions of 44 CFR Chapter 1, Section 65.12, of the National Flood Insurance
Program regulations, a City may approve certain development in Zones A1-30, AE, AH, on the
City's FIRM which increases the water surface elevation of the base flood by more than one-half
(½) foot, provided that the City first applies for a conditional FIRM revision through FEMA
(Conditional Letter of Map Revision), fulfills the requirements for such revisions as established
under the provisions of Section 65.12 and receives FEMA approval.
(10) Notify, in riverine situations, adjacent communities and the State Coordinating Agency,
which is the Colorado Water Conservation Board, prior to any alteration or relocation of a
watercourse, and submit evidence of such notification to FEMA.
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(11) Ensure that the flood-carrying capacity within the altered or relocated portion of any
watercourse is maintained.
(c) Building permit. No building permit shall be issued for any development in areas of
special flood hazards by any official of the City under any provision of this Code until the
Floodplain Administrator shall first approve a Floodplain Permit therefor.
(d) Permit procedures. Application for a Floodplain Development Permit shall be presented
to the Floodplain Administrator on forms furnished by him/her and may include, but not be
limited to, plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing the location, dimensions, and elevation of
proposed landscape alterations, existing and proposed structures, including the placement of
manufactured homes, and the location of the foregoing in relation to Special Flood Hazard
Area. Additionally, the following information is required:
(1) Elevation (in relation to mean sea level), of the lowest floor (including basement) of all
new and substantially improved structures;
(2) Elevation in relation to mean sea level to which any nonresidential structure shall be
floodproofed;
(3) A certificate from a registered Colorado Professional Engineer or architect that the
nonresidential floodproofed structure shall meet the floodproofing criteria of Subsection 17-9-
5(b)(2);
(4) Description of the extent to which any watercourse or natural drainage will be altered
or relocated as a result of proposed development;
(5) Maintain a record of all such information in accordance with Subsection 17-9-4(b).
Approval or denial of a Floodplain Development Permit by the Floodplain Administrator shall be
based on all of the provisions of this Chapter and the following relevant factors:
(1) The danger to life and property due to flooding or erosion damage;
(2) The susceptibility of the proposed facility and its contents to flood damage and the
effect of such damage on the individual owner;
(3) The danger that materials may be swept onto other lands to the injury of others;
(4) The compatibility of the proposed use with existing and anticipated development;
(5) The safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and emergency
vehicles;
(6) The costs of providing governmental services during and after flood conditions including
maintenance and repair of streets and bridges, and public utilities and facilities such as sewer,
gas, electrical and water systems;
(7) The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise and sediment transport of the flood
waters and the effects of wave action, if applicable, expected at the site;
(8) The necessity to the facility of a waterfront location, where applicable;
(9) The availability of alternative locations, not subject to flooding or erosion damage, for
the proposed use;
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(10) The relationship of the proposed use to the comprehensive plan for that area.
(e) Variance procedures.
(1) The Zoning Board of Appeals, shall hear and render judgment on requests for variances
from the requirements of this Chapter.
(2) The Zoning Board of Appeals shall hear and render judgment on an appeal only when it
is alleged there is an error in any requirement, decision or determination made by the
Floodplain Administrator in the enforcement or administration of this Chapter, provided that
the written request for such appeal and hearing specifying the grounds therefor shall be filed in
the office of the Floodplain Administrator within fifteen (15) days after the date of the alleged
error, decision or determination of the Floodplain Administrator which is being appealed.
(3) Any person or persons aggrieved by the decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals may
appeal such decision in the courts of competent jurisdiction.
(4) The Floodplain Administrator shall maintain a record of all actions involving an appeal
and shall report variances to the Federal Emergency Management Agency upon request.
(5) Variances may be issued for the reconstruction, rehabilitation or restoration of
structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places or the State Inventory of Historic
Places, without regard to the procedures set forth in the remainder of this Chapter.
(6) Variances may be issued for new construction and substantial improvements to be
erected on a lot of one-half (½) acre or less in size contiguous to and surrounded by lots with
existing structures constructed below the base flood level, providing the relevant factors in
Subsection (d) of this Section have been fully considered. As the lot size increases beyond the
one-half (½) acre, the technical justification required for issuing the variance increases.
(7) Upon consideration of the factors noted above and the intent of this Chapter, the
Zoning Board of Appeals may attach such conditions to the granting of variances as it deems
necessary to further the purpose and objectives of this Chapter as stated in Section 17-9-1(c).
(8) Variances shall not be issued within any designated floodway if any increase in flood
levels during the base flood discharge would result.
(9) Variances may be issued for the repair or rehabilitation of historic structures upon a
determination that the proposed repair or rehabilitation will not preclude the structure's
continued designation as a historic structure and the variance is the minimum necessary to
preserve the historic character and design of the structure.
(10) Prerequisites for granting variances:
a.Variances shall only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the minimum
necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.
b.Variances shall only be issued upon:
1.Showing a good and sufficient cause;
2.A determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional
hardship to the applicant; and
3.A determination that the granting of a variance will not result in increased flood
heights, additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, create
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nuisances, cause fraud on or victimization of the public or conflict with existing local
laws or ordinances.
c.Any applicant to whom a variance is granted shall be given written notice that the
structure will be permitted to be built with the lowest floor elevation below the Base
Flood Elevation, and that the cost of flood insurance will be commensurate with the
increased risk resulting from the reduced lowest floor elevation.
(11) Variances may be issued for new construction and substantial improvements and for
other development necessary for the conduct of a Functionally Dependent Use provided that:
a.The criteria outlined in Subsections (e)(1) through (9) of this Section are met, and
b.The structure or other development is protected by methods that minimize flood
damages during the base flood and create no additional threats to public safety.
(f) Penalties for noncompliance. No structure or land shall hereafter be constructed,
located, extended, converted or altered without full compliance with the terms of this Chapter
and other applicable ordinances and regulations of the City. Violation of the provisions of this
Chapter by failure to comply with any of its requirements (including violations of conditions and
safeguards established in connection with conditions) shall constitute a violation of this Code.
Any person who violates this Chapter or fails to comply with any of its requirements shall be
punished as provided in Section 1-2-1 of this Code. Nothing herein contained shall prevent the
City from taking such other lawful action as is necessary to prevent, enjoin or remedy any
violation.
(Ord. No. 8668 §2, 11-25-2013)
Sec. 17-9-5. - Provisions for flood hazard reduction.
(a) General standards. In all Special Flood Hazard Areas the following provisions are
required for all new construction and substantial improvements:
(1) All new construction or substantial improvements shall be designed (or modified) and
adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement of the structure
resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy;
(2) All new construction or substantial improvements shall be constructed by methods and
practices that minimize flood damage;
(3) All new construction or substantial improvements shall be constructed with materials
resistant to flood damage;
(4) All new construction or substantial improvements shall be constructed with electrical,
heating, ventilation, plumbing and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities that
are designed and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the
components during conditions of flooding;
(5) All manufactured homes shall be installed using methods and practices which minimize
flood damage. For the purposes of this requirement, manufactured homes must be elevated
and anchored to resist flotation, collapse or lateral movement. Methods of anchoring may
include, but are not limited to, use of over-the-top or frame ties to ground anchors. This
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requirement is in addition to applicable state and local anchoring requirements for resisting
wind forces;
(6) All new and replacement water supply systems shall be designed to minimize or
eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the system;
(7) New and replacement sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to minimize or
eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the system and discharge from the systems into flood
waters; and
(8) On-site waste disposal systems shall be located to avoid impairment to them or
contamination from them during flooding.
(b) Specific standards. In all Special Flood Hazard Areas where base flood elevation data has
been provided as set forth in (i) Section 17-9-3(b), (ii) Section 17-9-4(b)(7) or (iii) Section 17-9-
5(g), the following provisions are required:
(1) Residential construction. New construction and Substantial Improvement of any
residential structure shall have the lowest floor (including basement), elevated to one (1) foot
above the base flood elevation. Upon completion of the structure, the elevation of the lowest
floor, including basement, shall be certified by a registered Colorado Professional Engineer,
architect or land surveyor. Such certification shall be submitted to the Floodplain Administrator.
(2) Nonresidential construction. With the exception of Critical Facilities, outlined in
Subsection (h) of this Section, new construction and Substantial Improvements of any
commercial, industrial or other nonresidential structure shall either have the lowest floor
(including basement) elevated to one (1) foot above the base flood elevation or, together with
attendant utility and sanitary facilities, be designed so that at one (1) foot above the base flood
elevation the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of
water and with structural components having the capability of resisting hydrostatic and
hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy.
A registered Colorado Professional Engineer or architect shall develop and/or review structural
design, specifications and plans for the construction, and shall certify that the design and
methods of construction are in accordance with accepted standards of practice as outlined in
this Subsection. Such certification shall be maintained by the Floodplain Administrator, as
proposed in Section 17-9-4(d).
(3) Enclosures. New construction and substantial improvements, with fully enclosed areas
below the lowest floor that are usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage
in an area other than a basement and which are subject to flooding shall be designed to
automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the entry and
exit of floodwaters.
Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered Colorado
Professional Engineer or architect or meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:
a.A minimum of two (2) openings having a total net area of not less than one (1) square
inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding shall be provided.
b.The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one (1) foot above grade.
c.Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves or other coverings or devices
provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.
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(4) Manufactured homes. All manufactured homes that are placed or substantially
improved within Zones A1-30, AH and AE on the City's FIRM on sites (i) outside of a
manufactured home park or subdivision, (ii) in a new manufactured home park or subdivision,
(iii) in an expansion to an existing manufactured home park or subdivision, or (iv) in an existing
manufactured home park or subdivision on which manufactured home has incurred
"substantial damage" as a result of a flood, be elevated on a permanent foundation such that
the lowest floor of the manufactured home is elevated to one (1) foot above the base flood
elevation and be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system to resist
flotation, collapse and lateral movement.
All manufactured homes placed or substantially improved on sites in an existing manufactured
home park or subdivision within Zones A1-30, AH and AE on the City's FIRM that are not subject
to the provisions of the above paragraph, shall be elevated so that either:
a.The lowest floor of the manufactured home is one (1) foot above the base flood
elevation, or
b.The manufactured home chassis is supported by reinforced piers or other foundation
elements of at least equivalent strength that are no less than thirty-six (36) inches in
height above grade and be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation
system to resist flotation, collapse and lateral movement.
(5) Recreational vehicles. All recreational vehicles placed on sites within Zones A1-30, AH
and AE on the City's FIRM shall either:
a.Be on the site for fewer than one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days,
b.Be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or
c.Meet the permit requirements of Section 17-9-4(d), and the elevation and anchoring
requirements for manufactured homes in Subsection (b)(4) of this Section.
A recreational vehicle is ready for highway use if it is on its wheels or jacking system, is attached
to the site only by quick disconnect type utilities and security devices and has no permanently
attached additions.
(6) Prior approved activities. Any activity for which a Floodplain Development Permit was
issued by the City or a CLOMR was issued by FEMA prior to January 14, 2014 may be completed
according to the standards in place at the time of the permit or CLOMR issuance and will not be
considered in violation of this Chapter if it meets such standards.
(c) Standards for areas of shallow flooding (AO/AH zones). Located within the Special Flood
Hazard Area established in Subsection 17-9-3(b), are areas designated as shallow flooding.
These areas have special flood hazards associated with base flood depths of one (1) to three (3)
feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist and where the path of flooding is
unpredictable and where velocity flow may be evident. Such flooding is characterized by
ponding or sheet flow; therefore, the following provisions apply:
(1) Residential construction. All new construction and Substantial Improvements of
residential structures must have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated above the
highest adjacent grade at least one (1) foot above the depth number specified in feet on the
City's FIRM (at least three \[3\] feet if no depth number is specified). Upon completion of the
structure, the elevation of the lowest floor, including basement, shall be certified by a
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registered Colorado Professional Engineer, architect or land surveyor. Such certification shall be
submitted to the Floodplain Administrator.
(2) Nonresidential construction. With the exception of critical facilities, outlined in
Subsection (h) of this Section, all new construction and Substantial Improvements of
nonresidential structures, must have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated above the
highest adjacent grade at least one (1) foot above the depth number specified in feet on the
City's FIRM (at least three \[3\] feet if no depth number is specified), or together with attendant
utility and sanitary facilities be designed so that the structure is watertight to at least one (1)
foot above the base flood level with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water
and with structural components having the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic
loads of effects of buoyancy. A registered Colorado Professional Engineer or architect shall
submit a certification to the Floodplain Administrator that the standards of this Section, as
proposed in Section 17-9-4(d), are satisfied.
Within Zones AH or AO, adequate drainage paths around structures on slopes are required to
guide flood waters around and away from proposed structures.
(d) Floodways. Floodways are administrative limits and tools used to regulate existing and
future floodplain development. The State of Colorado has adopted Floodway standards that are
more stringent than the FEMA minimum standard. Located within the Special Flood Hazard
Area established in Subsection 17-9-3(b), are areas designated as Floodways. Since the
Floodway is an extremely hazardous area due to the velocity of floodwaters which carry debris,
potential projectiles and erosion potential, the following provisions shall apply:
(1) Encroachments are prohibited, including fill, new construction, substantial
improvements and other development within the adopted regulatory Floodway unless it has
been demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analyses performed by a licensed
Colorado Professional Engineer and in accordance with standard engineering practice that the
proposed encroachment would not result in any increase (requires a No-Rise Certification) in
flood levels within the City during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
(2) If the above Paragraph (d)(1) of this Section is satisfied, all new construction and
substantial improvements shall comply with all applicable flood hazard reduction provisions of
this Section.
(3) Under the provisions of 44 C.F.R. Chapter 1, Section 65.12, of the National Flood
Insurance Regulations, the City may permit encroachments within the adopted regulatory
floodway that would result in an increase in Base Flood Elevations, provided that the City first
applies for a CLOMR and floodway revision through FEMA.
(e) Alteration of a watercourse. For all proposed developments that alter a watercourse
within a Special Flood Hazard Area, the following standards apply:
(1) Channelization and flow diversion projects shall appropriately consider issues of
sediment transport, erosion, deposition and channel migration and properly mitigate potential
problems through the project as well as upstream and downstream of any improvement
activity. A detailed analysis of sediment transport and overall channel stability should be
considered, when appropriate, to assist in determining the most appropriate design.
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(2) Channelization and flow diversion projects shall evaluate the residual 100-year
floodplain.
(3) Any channelization or other stream alteration activity proposed by a project proponent
must be evaluated for its impact on the regulatory floodplain and be in compliance with all
applicable Federal, State and local floodplain rules, regulations and ordinances.
(4) Any stream alteration activity shall be designed and sealed by a registered Colorado
Professional Engineer or Certified Professional Hydrologist.
(5) All activities within the regulatory floodplain shall meet all applicable Federal, State and
local floodplain requirements and regulations.
(6) Within the Regulatory Floodway, stream alteration activities shall not be constructed
unless the project proponent demonstrates through a Floodway analysis and report, sealed by
a registered Colorado Professional Engineer, that there is not more than a 0.00-foot rise in the
proposed conditions compared to existing conditions Floodway resulting from the project,
otherwise known as a No-Rise Certification, unless the City first applies for a CLOMR and
Floodway revision in accordance with Subsection (d) of this Section.
Maintenance shall be required for any altered or relocated portions of watercourses so that the
flood-carrying capacity is not diminished.
(f) Properties removed from the Floodplain by fill. A Floodplain Development Permit shall
not be issued for the construction of a new structure or addition to an existing structure on a
property removed from the floodplain by the issuance of a FEMA Letter of Map Revision Based
on Fill (LOMR-F), with a lowest floor elevation placed below the Base Flood Elevation with one
(1) foot of freeboard that existed prior to the placement of fill.
(g) Standards for subdivision proposals.
(1) All subdivision proposals including the placement of manufactured home parks and
subdivisions shall be reasonably safe from flooding. If a subdivision or other development
proposal is in a flood-prone area, the proposal shall minimize flood damage.
(2) All proposals for the development of subdivisions including the placement of
manufactured home parks and subdivisions shall meet Floodplain Development Permit
requirements of Subsections 17-9-3(c) and 17-9-4(d); and the provisions of Section 17-9-5 of
this Chapter.
(3) Base Flood Elevation data shall be generated for subdivision proposals and other
proposed development including the placement of manufactured home parks and subdivisions
which is greater than fifty (50) lots or five (5) acres, whichever is lesser, if not otherwise
provided pursuant to Subsection 17-9-3(b) or Subsection 17-9-4(b) of this Chapter.
(4) All subdivision proposals including the placement of manufactured home parks and
subdivisions shall have adequate drainage provided to reduce exposure to flood hazards.
(5) All subdivision proposals including the placement of manufactured home parks and
subdivisions shall have public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical and water
systems located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage.
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(h) Standards for critical facilities. A Critical Facility is a structure or related infrastructure,
but not the land on which it is situated, as specified in Rule 6 of the Rules and Regulations for
Regulatory Floodplains in Colorado, that if flooded may result in significant hazards to public
health and safety or interrupt essential services and operations for the City at any time before,
during and after a flood.
(1) Critical Facilities are classified under the following categories: (a) Essential Services; (b)
Hazardous Materials; (c) At-risk Populations; and (d) Vital to Restoring Normal Services.
a.Essential services facilities include public safety, emergency response, emergency
medical, designated emergency shelters, communications, public utility plant facilities
and transportation lifelines.
These facilities consist of:
1.Public safety (police stations, fire and rescue stations, emergency vehicle and
equipment storage, and, emergency operation centers);
2.Emergency medical (hospitals, ambulance service centers, urgent care centers
having emergency treatment functions, and non-ambulatory surgical structures
but excluding clinics, offices, and non-urgent care medical structures
that do not provide these functions);
3.Designated emergency shelters;
4.Communications (main hubs for telephone, broadcasting equipment for cable
systems, satellite dish systems, cellular systems, television, radio and other
emergency warning systems, but excluding towers, poles, lines, cables and
conduits);
5.Public utility plant facilities for generation and distribution (hubs, treatment
plants, substations and pumping stations for water, power and gas, but not
including towers, poles, power lines, buried pipelines, transmission lines,
distribution lines and service lines); and
6.Air Transportation lifelines (airports (municipal and larger), helicopter pads and
structures serving emergency functions and associated infrastructure (aviation
control towers, air traffic control centers and emergency equipment aircraft
hangars).
Specific exemptions to this category include wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), non-
potable water treatment and distribution systems and hydroelectric power-generating
plants and related appurtenances.
Public utility plant facilities may be exempted if it can be demonstrated to the
satisfaction of the Flood Plain Administrator that the facility is an element of a
redundant system for which service will not be interrupted during a flood. At a
minimum, it shall be demonstrated that redundant facilities are available (either owned
by the same utility or available through an intergovernmental agreement or other
contract) and connected, the alternative facilities are either located outside of the 100-
year floodplain or are compliant with the provisions of this Section, and an operations
plan is in effect that states how redundant systems will provide service to the affected
area in the event of a flood. Evidence of ongoing redundancy shall be provided to the
Flood Plain Administrator on an as-needed basis upon request.
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b.Hazardous materials facilities include facilities that produce or store highly volatile,
flammable, explosive, toxic and/or water-reactive materials.
These facilities may include:
1.Chemical and pharmaceutical plants (chemical plant, pharmaceutical
manufacturing);
2.Laboratories containing highly volatile, flammable, explosive, toxic and/or water-
reactive materials;
3.Refineries;
4.Hazardous waste storage and disposal sites; and
5.Aboveground gasoline or propane storage or sales centers.
Facilities shall be determined to be Critical Facilities if they produce or store materials in
excess of threshold limits. If the owner of a facility is required by the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to keep a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
on file for any chemicals stored or used in the workplace, AND the chemical(s) is stored
in quantities equal to or greater than the Threshold Planning Quantity (TPQ) for that
chemical, then that facility shall be considered to be a Critical Facility. The TPQ for these
chemicals is: either five hundred (500) pounds or the TPQ listed (whichever is lower) for
the three hundred fifty six (356) chemicals listed under 40 C.F.R. § 302 (2010), also
known as Extremely Hazardous Substances (EHS); or ten thousand (10,000) pounds for
any other chemical. This threshold is consistent with the requirements for reportable
chemicals established by the Colorado Department of Health and Environment. OSHA
requirements for MSDS can be found in 29 C.F.R. § 1910 (2010). The Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) regulation "Designation, Reportable Quantities, and
Notification," 40 C.F.R. § 302 (2010) and OSHA regulation "Occupational Safety and
Health Standards," 29 C.F.R. § 1910 (2010) are incorporated herein by reference and
include the regulations in existence at the time of the promulgation of this Chapter, but
exclude later amendments to or editions of the regulations
Specific exemptions to this category include:
1.Finished consumer products within retail centers and households containing
hazardous materials intended for household use, and agricultural products
intended for agricultural use;
2.Buildings and other structures containing hazardous materials for which it can be
demonstrated to the satisfaction of the local authority having jurisdiction by
hazard assessment and certification by a qualified professional (as determined
by the local jurisdiction having land use authority) that a release of the subject
hazardous material does not pose a major threat to the public; and
3.Pharmaceutical sales, use, storage and distribution centers that do not
manufacture pharmaceutical products.
These exemptions shall not apply to buildings or other structures that also function as
Critical Facilities under another category outlined in this Article.
c.At-risk population facilities include medical care, congregate care and schools.
These facilities consist of:
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1.Elder care (nursing homes);
2.Congregate care serving twelve (12) or more individuals (day care and assisted
living);
3.Public and private schools (pre-schools, K-12 schools), before-school and after-
school care serving twelve (12) or more children;
4.Facilities vital to restoring normal services including government operations.
These facilities consist of:
1.Essential government operations (public records, courts, jails, building permitting
and inspection services, administration and management, maintenance and
equipment centers);
2.Essential structures for public colleges and universities (dormitories, offices and
classrooms only).
These facilities may be exempted if it is demonstrated to the City Council that the facility
is an element of a redundant system for which service will not be interrupted during a
flood. At a minimum, it shall be demonstrated that redundant facilities are available
(either owned by the same entity or available through an intergovernmental agreement
or other contract), the alternative facilities are either located outside of the 100-year
floodplain or are compliant with this Chapter, and an operations plan is in effect that
states how redundant facilities will provide service to the affected area in the event of a
flood. Evidence of ongoing redundancy shall be provided to the City Council on an as-
needed basis upon request.
(2) Protection for critical facilities. All new and substantially improved Critical Facilities and
new additions to Critical Facilities located within the Special Flood Hazard Area shall be
regulated to a higher standard than structures not determined to be Critical Facilities. For the
purposes of this Chapter, protection shall include one (1) of the following:
a.Location outside the Special Flood Hazard Area, or
b.Elevation or floodproofing of the structure to at least two (2) feet above the Base Flood
Elevation.
(3) Ingress and egress for new critical facilities. New Critical Facilities shall, when practicable
as determined by the City Council have continuous non-inundated access (ingress and egress
for evacuation and emergency services) during a100-year flood event.
(4) Identification of critical facilities. All structures that clearly meet the intent of the
classification criteria shall be deemed Critical Facilities. For those structures for which it is
unclear or otherwise ambiguous if the criteria are met, the Floodplain Administrator shall have
the sole discretion to determine if the structure is a Critical Facility.
(Ord. No. 8668 §2, 11-25-2013)
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