One common result of excessive bedload sediment is the reduction of channel capacity downstream, which can cause increased frequency and severity of flooding downstream. Generally, the greatest source of sediment in the forested watershed is from roads and landslides. By identifying and treating the upstream sediment sources (drainage problems on roads such as failed culverts, landslides, etc.) impacts may be lessened.
Fund additional inspectors at Idaho Department of Lands for forest land and at Idaho Department of Water Resources for non-forest land.
Apply the same stream crossing standards (Idaho Department of Water Resources has standards adopted under the Stream Channel Protection Act) to non-forest roads, not covered by the Forest Practices Act.
Encourage landowners to remove culverts and stabilize abandoned roads.
Fund road condition surveys on National Forest lands.
Fully fund road maintenance programs on National Forest lands.
Implement watershed restoration programs which will eliminate roads at high risk of failure and/or no longer needed for the forest transportation system.
Lead
Idaho Department of Water Resources and Idaho Department of Lands
Funding
State of Idaho
Schedule
Initiate immediately and establish schedules
Minimum design standards for culverts exists under the Forest Practice Act using a 50-year event. A range between the 5 0 and 100-year flood event may be the best solution. Culvert design standards should encompass the Idaho Code 36-906 to ensure culverts do not impede fish passage. Undersized and blocked culverts can lead to washing out roads, parking lots, etc.
Develop and enforce statewide uniform design standards for culvert construction. Intermittent streams should use same standards;
Disseminate information or agency guidance for culvert design/placement criteria.
Lead
Idaho Department of Water Resources, Idaho Fish and Game, Idaho
Transportation Department and local highway and street departments
Funding
Idaho Department of Water Resources, Idaho Transportation Department
and local government departments
Schedule
Initiate within 12 months, complete in 5 years
A major cause of flood damage is often due to the lack of stream clearance and maintenance, which should be a priority coordinated at all levels of government. Downed trees, sediment deposits and other debris in stream and river channels can restrict the flow of water and increase the severity of flooding. Bridges, openings and culverts must be periodically inspected and routinely cleaned. Normal existing debris, that is not restricting bridge or culvert openings, should not be removed as it provides for fish habitat and stream stabilization.
Move or remove in-channel debris only where it directly threatens essential structures. Relocation of debris to "safe" locations within the channel to maintain fish habitat is preferred over complete removal.
Continue working with counties to establish clearance and maintenance procedures for road systems.
Use Best Management Practices and expand landowner awareness for implementing agricultural, mining and forest practices.
Identify sponsors for stream debris removal and emergency maintenance measures.
Coordinate work with the appropriate agencies before implementing clearance measures.
Lead
U.S. Forest Service. Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Department
of Water Resources and Idaho Fish and Game
Support
Idaho Transportation. Department, Idaho Department of Lands, counties,
Agency cities and private landowners
Funding
Army Corps of Engineers (Sect 208). Natural Resource Conservation
Service (Emergency Watershed Protection)
Schedule
6-12 months
Stabilization of disturbed reaches can play an important role in controlling flood damage. In some severely disturbed stream reaches, bulldozing and channelization has resulted in highly unstable channels. Headcutting, channel migration and increased velocity can lead to the downstream migration of gravel which then is deposited in lower velocity areas. This is of particular concern above bridges and where the channel is leveed adjacent to residences and roads. All stabilization work must be in accordance with adopted rules for stream channel alterations.
Identify suitable. highly unstable stream reaches as part of an overall plan of action to reduce flood hazards with appropriate measures, including the following:
Implement stream channel rehabilitation projects using techniques which are accepted and appropriate from the standpoint of stabilizing the channel, maximizing floodplain function and maintaining or restoring beneficial uses including fisheries habitat.
Use sediment bedload traps if deemed appropriate and maintain traps to function during highflow events.
Identify and implement headwater and floodplain restoration projects to ensure success of downstream projects.
Lead
Army Corps of Engineers, Idaho Department of Water Resources and
Natural Resource Conservation Service
Support
Idaho Fish and Game, counties, cities and appropriate land management
agencies
Funding
State legislature. Federal agencies
Schedule
1 to 5 years
Several tributary drainage experienced large volumes of gravel deposition in their lower reaches, particularly on the alluvial fans. The gravel erosion/deposition phenomena is dynamic and may, over a long period of time. tend to increase the height and breadth of the fans. Proper land management will address frequency and flows. vegetation, erosion, and reduce the need for short-term solutions following flooding. While some of these areas appear to be desirable for development and transportation infrastructure, they result in significant damage.
Evaluate and select long-term measures to correct flood damages as part of the flood recovery effort, such as excavating gravel deposits, raising bridges and roadways, or relocation and zoning. Realign roads/infrastructure to avoid alluvial fans where feasible.
Study long-term trends and dynamic aspects of alluvial fans to ensure problems are not necessarily perpetuated.
Address upstream sources of bedload that are increasing the instability of alluvial areas by initiating watershed restoration projects.
Include funding for studies to analyze and recommend specific flood measures.
Lead
Army Corps of Engineers, Idaho Department of Water Resources and
United States Geological Survey
Support
Idaho Geological Survey, Idaho Transportation Department and counties
Funding
Army Corps of Engineers, United States Geological Survey, Idaho
Geological Survey and Idaho Transportation Department
Schedule
Initiate in 6 months, implement in 3 years
Hydrologic modifications in upland areas of watersheds increase the amount and velocity of surface runoff from storm events. Best Management Practices in these areas to increase water infiltration and decrease velocity would reduce both flood risk and the magnitude of flood damages sustained by downstream property owners.
Implement Best Management Practices and strategies with private and public landowners that would reduce the risk of flooding and provide upland water control.
Lead
Soil and Water Conservation District, Idaho Soil Conservation Commission
and Natural Resource Conservation Service
Funding
State Water Quality Programs. Army Corps of Engineers (PL-566) and
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Schedule
Immediately
The location of levees and roads have usually been built adjacent to river channels and actually restrict access to the normal floodplain. In order for damaged non-federal levees to be eligible for assistance, levees need to be upgraded and maintained to the Army Corps of Engineer standards. This is essential where existing levees may reduce potential for additional flooding of protected areas.
Seek opportunities to allow more floodwater access to floodplains, either through attainment of floodplain easements on undeveloped areas or by making better use of setback levees.
Identify sites and develop partnerships between dike districts and counties with Army Corps of Engineers for rehabilitation and maintenance of dikes.
Install pump stations where appropriate.
Lead
Army Corps of Engineers and Idaho Department of Water Resources
Support
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. Idaho Transportation Department
and local governments
Funding
Counties, Union Pacific Railroad. Insurance industry, and Idaho
Department of Parks and Recreation, and dike district fees
Schedule
Initiate in 1996 and continue on an annual basis
Extensive public and private damages resulted from overtopping or breaching of levees. Diking districts or counties need a long-term plan and financing sources to maintain levee systems to Army Corps of Engineers standards to remain eligible for their assistance.
Activate Dike Commissions while utilizing established programs at the local level (flood control and watershed improvement districts).
Evaluate the feasibility and funding sources to upgrade levees to provide 100-year flood protection where possible. Evaluate the feasibility and funding sources for dredging where appropriate.
Explore the creation of flood control districts under Idaho Code. Title 42. Chapter 31 (42.3101).
Consider the implementation of local funding for levee maintenance and repair through already established dike districts.
Lead
Army Corps of Engineers, Idaho Transportation Department with county
and dike districts
Funding Federal Highway Administration, Idaho Transportation Department, Diking districts, counties, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration, Army Corps of Engineers, Natural Resource Conservation Service and Insurance industry
Schedule
Initiate in 1996 and continue on an annual basis
Several communities have structures in regulatory floodways that were damaged from this flood event. Moving people and structures out of harms way has proven to be cost-effective and allows streams and rivers to function properly. This event provides the opportunity to restore the floodplain function in high flood prone areas to minimize risk to people and property.
Develop plans to remove man-made structures outside the 100-year floodplain or away from stream or river banks susceptible to erosion.
Identify funding sources to implement plan schedules.
Lead
Local governments
Support
Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development, Small Business Administration, Idaho Bureau
of Disaster Services and Idaho Department of Water Resources
Funding
Federal Emergency Management Agency (Hazard Mitigation Grant Program),
Small Business Administration (loans). Department of Housing and Urban Development (Community Development Block Grant). Army Corps of Engineers (Floodplain Management Services)
Schedule
Initiate plans immediately
Technical advice for reducing life and property immediately following a disaster without seriously compromising hydrologic function/integrity and fish and wildlife habitat is essential. A system for providing this assistance directly to landowners should be addressed. There is a need for an interagency cooperative agreement for initial response teams.
Draft an interagency plan and agreement to delegate emergency authority for technical personnel from involved agencies to provide assistance/information on emergency response work in channels.
Lead
National Resource Conservation Service, Department of Environmental
Quality. Idaho Department of Fish and Game and Idaho Department
of Water Resources
Support Army Corps of Engineers, Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Idaho Department of Lands and Soil Water Conservation Districts
Funding
Within existing budgets
Schedule
Complete by 1997
Non-compliance with existing local ordinances and codes was apparent in some locations. Smaller jurisdictions do not have the staff or resources to monitor and implement technical requirements. Structures are not being built to established flood elevations and basements continue to be built in houses located in the floodplain. Elevation certificates, as required by local floodplain ordinances, are not being properly completed. Floodway encroachment standards are not being enforced and therefore jeopardizes community participation in the National Flood Insurance Program and can lead to migrating individual flood insurance policies.
Increase staffing and frequency of contact to provide floodplain management. Training and technical assistance for planning and proper interpretation and implementation of floodplain management standards to local jurisdictions.
Lead
Idaho Department of Water Resources and local governments
Funding
Idaho legislature to appropriate funding for floodplain management
Schedule
18 months
Building and development is taking place in the floodways along numerous rivers in the state. While the National Flood Insurance Program standards allow floodplain development under certain standards, they may not be adequately enforced. Building on levees or behind them creates a false sense of security. Counties have the option to adopt higher standards to minimize risks to people and property.
Identify through ordinances what structures can be located in the floodway. Allowed structures might include picnic shelters, RV parks with warnng systems, golf courses, etc.
Identify and designate floodways in all areas that are in close proximity to developed areas. Disseminate information to communities.
Establish minimum set-back requirements from rivers and streams.
Lead
Department of Labor and Industrial Services, Idaho Department of
Water Resources, Federal Emergency Management Agency and local communities
Funding
Legislature - fund to state codes
Schedule
Complete in 12 months
New construction is required to elevate only to the 100-year flood level yet flood levels are exceeding this. Local ordinances that exceed the National Flood Insurance Program minimum requirements are rarely adopted. Communities need to be made aware that adoption of stronger floodplain management standards will reduce their need for future disaster costs and avoid destruction of property.
Actions:
Review current regulations and develop more effective codes and regulations regarding floodplain development and management. Where appropriate, the following options should be implemented:
Statewide guidelines and requirements for floodplain development,
Requiring elevation or relocation for structures that have experienced repetitive damage.
Encouraging county responsibility to establish and maintain floodplain control and management (adequate compensation must be available).
Adopting permanent floodplain designations.
Prohibiting mobile homes in floodplain or assure manufactured (mobile) homes are properly elevated and anchored.
Lead
Idaho Department of Water Resources
Funding
Idaho Legislature
Schedule
18 to 24 months
In an effort to promote wise development practices in special flood hazard areas. communities in the National Flood Insurance Program need to enact floodplain management standards to reduce future losses. These standards would address the cumulative effect of development, increased flood heights and inadequately anchored structures. The establishment of development permit procedures assists a community in monitoring floodplain development and provides a check and balance for compliance purposes.
Develop objectives, deadlines and follow-up actions to reach non-participating communities in conjunction with Idaho Department of Water Resources planned community visits.
Consider National Flood Insurance Program participation as a prerequisite for any flood-prone community requesting inclusion in a Governor's disaster declaration or withhold the non-federal share (if the State contributes to the Human Services, Infrastructure and/or Hazard Mitigation Grant Program disaster recovery programs).
Lead
Idaho Bureau of Disaster Services and local governments
Support
Idaho Department of Water Resources and Federal Emergency Management
Agency
Funding
To be determined
Schedule
Complete in I year, continue annually
New construction that does not provide minimum standards for life-safety in residential and commercial structures does not complement the investment in mitigation measures directed at floodprone areas.
Adopt a statewide building code, i.e., Uniform Building Code for new construction.
Lead
Department of Labor and Industrial Services, Building jurisdictions
- county and city and Idaho Legislature
Funding
Idaho Legislature and local jurisdictions - possible contract with
Department of Labor and Industrial Services
Schedule
18 months
In order to avoid or minimize repetitive losses suffered from the floods of February 1996, state and local communities need to develop long-term strategies and solutions to mitigate future events. At this time, it is uncertain as to what physical and hydrological conditions produced flooding within the affected watersheds. Mitigation is at least particularly dependent on the transient data which will soon be gone. Also, flood characteristics, land use practices and other types of information need to be collected. By bringing all the information together. experts should be able to relate flood conditions to the various parameters. These results can then be a guide for current and future mitigation activities.
Study the cause and effect of the flooding by watershed.
Collect flood data which was not gathered during the flood.
Establish flood frequency data for 1996 event.
Develop long-term mitigation plans for affected watersheds which incorporate cost/benefit and environmental issues.
Lead
Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Idaho Department of Water
Resources and Idaho Geological Survey
Support
Army Corps of Engineers, United States Geological Survey, Natural
Resource Conservation Service, National Weather Service, Bureau
of Land Management, United States Forest Service and Idaho Department
of Lands
Funding
Idaho Department of Water Resources, Army Corps of Engineers and
Natural Resource Conservation Service, United States Geological
Survey, United States Forest Service and United States Department
of Agriculture
Schedule
Initiate immediately
Long-term hydrologic data is a critical element for meeting floodplain management strategies. For example, the data is necessary to accurately delineate floodplains for the design of various structures such as roads. bridges and levees. This data, if available on a real time basis, can be invaluable to emergency response agencies during the actual flood event. An example would be providing accurate public information to citizens, businesses and other agencies.
Evaluate existing hydrologic monitoring networks to determine their adequacy for floodplain management. Expand monitoring networks in areas where hydrologic data is unavailable or limited.
Design an early warning system to provide response agencies with accurate real-time information for public distribution. This system could work in conjunction with the longest term hydrologic monitoring network by the use of satellite telemetry and phone (dial-up) instrumentation to facilitate immediate flood information.
Lead
Bureau of Disaster Services, National Weather Service, United States
Geological Survey, Army Corps of Engineers and Natural Resource
Conservation Service (snow survey)
Support
Idaho Geological Survey, US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management
Funding
United States Geological Survey, Federal Emergency Management Agency,
Idaho Department of Water Resources, Army Corps of Engineers, National
Weather Service, Natural Resource Conservation Service, local governments
and tribes
Schedule
Begin evaluation within 3 months; expand as funds are identified
Landslides and slope failures were widespread in the affected counties. Storm and flood conditions initiated slope failures as well as small slumps both on natural slopes and man-made structures. This material is in transit downslope and eventually will reach the river and stream areas and exacerbate flood hazards.
Inventory the extent of slope failures and categorize problem areas. Include slope failure as a hazard in a community hazard analysis and planning.
Fund Geographic Information System/Global Positioning System for rural addressing and mapping.
Encourage planning officials to include zoning as a means of restricting development within slope failure-prone areas.
Lead
Idaho Department of Lands, Idaho Geological Survey, Natural Resource
Conservation Service and United States Geological Survey
Support
United States Geological Survey, Idaho Transportation Department,
Idaho Department of Water Resources, Environmental Protection Agency,
United States Forest Service and local governments
Funding
State and Federal agencies as determined
Schedule
Initiate in 6 months. Continue as funding is available.
Recent flood events heightened awareness and concerns about the storage practices for hazardous materials including. but not limited to, petroleum products, agri-chemicals and other materials. If these materials are released during flood events or other natural disasters, they pose a significant threat to human health and the environment. A special team was activated to remove floating barrels and containers following the flood.
Develop and enforce regulations that restrict the storage of hazardous materials in the floodplain.
Lead
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Idaho Department of Agriculture
and Local Building Officials
Support
Federal, State and local agencies
Funding
Idaho legislative appropriations
Schedule
Begin in 3 months and adopt new regulations within a year
Recent flood events identified a need for procedures for identification and disposal of hazardous materials transported by flooding.
Develop a long-range plan for the identification and disposal of hazardous materials that has been transported by flooding.
Lead
Environmental Protection Agency. Idaho Department of Environmental
Quality and Idaho Department of Agriculture
Support
State Emergency Response Commission, Local Emergency Planning Committees,
Regional Response Teams, Environmental Protection Agency, local
governments and the private sector
Funding
Environmental Protection Agency and State funds
Schedule
6 months preliminary, 12 months final
Recent flood events identified a need for procedures for identification and disposal of hazardous materials transported by flooding.
Develop or upgrade Interagency and Intra-agency Memorandums of
Agreement that define the various agencies' scope of responsibility
for future environmental events.
Lead
Idaho Bureau of Disaster Services and Idaho Department of Environmental
Quality
Funding
Existing budgets
Schedule
6 months
A hazardous materials inventory should be maintained in a central location and readily accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. The State Emergency Response Commission and the Local Emergency Response Committees are required to keep these inventories as part of the Superfund Amendment ReAuthorization Act Title I I 1. Local and State government entities seeking Army Corps of Engineers assistance for long-term measures. such as relocation and floodproofing should contact the Army Corps of Engineers directly to initiate the process.
Develop hazardous materials inventory in identified hazard areas, particularly the floodplains.
Develop, maintain and promulgate the inventory of hazardous materials.
Lead
Local Emergency Response Committees, State Emergency Response Commission
and local governments
Support
Idaho Department of Agriculture
Funding
Within existing budget
Schedule
12 months
Recent flood events identified a need for procedures for identification and disposal of non-hazardous waste transported by flooding.
Define procedures for disposal of non-hazardous, non-putricible solid waste, dead/unclaimed animals and household hazardous waste.
Disseminate procedures to all government agencies and the private sector.
Lead
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. Idaho Department of Agriculture
and Health Districts and county solid waste organizations
Funding
Existing budgets
Schedule
12 months
Heavy metals from mine waste and contaminated sediments have been documented being re-suspended and transported down the Coeur d'Alene River system. This material is being deposited on the floodplain, in slow moving reaches of the river and in the lake. This contamination poses a risk to human and animal health and the environment.
Assess contaminated materials to determine methods that are appropriate to lower the risks of these materials entering the water. Evaluate, develop and implement appropriate methods to reduce the risk and impact. This may include removal and in situ stabilization.
Site and construct mine waste repositories for the disposal of excavated contaminated materials that are located outside of the Superfund site boundary.
Develop/encourage a program to enable voluntary clean up of heavy metal contaminated sites including handling guidelines and disposal options.
Support continuing efforts by private sector and government agencies within the Coeur d'Alene Basin to aggressively address the remediation of high priority mine related sites. Priority of the sites is based on the potential for heavy metal leaching into water bodies.
Coordinate actions with other mining districts in the State.
Lead
Coeur d'Alene Basin Restoration Project and Idaho Department of
Environmental Quality
Funding
Federal, State, local, and private
Schedule
1 to 5 years
Take advantage of the post-disaster recovery phase to increase community awareness of local and state emergency operations planning, resources and information. There seems to be a fragmentation of funding and other resources at the county level.
Inventory public and private available resource material.
Explore avenues for increasing public awareness of preparedness and mitigation through videos, flyers/brochures and web resources.
Update and promote local plans for risk assessment and mitigation strategies,
Encourage counties to develop a community disaster education program based on an inventory of local, State and Federal assistance and program eligibility.
Educate local government officials and planners on floodplain management and stream morphology. Training courses can be provided to these officials.
Lead
Soil and Water Conservation Districts and Idaho Bureau of Disaster
Services
Support
Federal Emergency Management Agency, Idaho Department of Water Resources,
Army Corps of Engineers and local governments
Funding
Within existing budgets and materials
Schedule
6-12 months
Coordination of agency resources and information are key to understanding responsibilities to the disaster situation. The opportunity now exists to review and update existing emergency operations plans to create an all hazards risk analysis task force at all governmental levels.
Develop or update Emergency Operation Plans to include standard operating procedures, Memorandums of Agreement and mutual aid. Develop a central repository of data maintained by Idaho Bureau of Disaster Services and review annually.
Conduct annual exercises and training activities of State and local plans. Develop procedures for notification, call-down rosters and evacuation.
Provide planning/training with media about the Emergency Broadcast to Emergency Alert System transition.
Lead
Idaho Bureau of Disaster Services, Local Emergency Managers and
Tribes
Support
Federal and State agencies
Funding
Incorporate into existing budgets
Schedule
Initiate in 6 months and maintain annually
Continued education efforts are needed for local governments to be aware of the full range of their alternatives. Counties issue permits and have the ability to adopt and enforce culvert design requirements.
Increase awareness regarding regulatory and enforcement ability.
Lead
Idaho Department of Water Resources. Idaho Fish and Game and local
governments
Funding
Idaho Department of Water Resources and United States Geologic Survey
Watershed restoration and sound floodplain management practices need to be integrated in decision-making at all levels of government and the private sector.
Encourage private and public entities responsible for facilities/structures in the floodplain to understand the natural floodplain process through education on riparian techniques, open space values and natural habitat options.
Lead
Idaho Fish and Game, Soil and Water Conservation Districts and Idaho
Department of Water Resources
Funding
Within existing budgets
Schedule
Initiate media or agency awareness program within one year