Coastal Resilience

Coastal Resilience and Adaptation Study (2018)

prepared for the Old Saybrook Planning Commission
prepared by GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. with Stantec and Alex Felson Landscape Architect
funded by the CT Dept. of Housing Community Development Block Grant (Storm Sandy Disaster Recovery)

The purpose of this project is to strengthen the environmental, social and economic resilience of the town to coastal flooding and the effects of sea level rise, and to the likely increases in the frequency and intensity of coastal storms, coastal flooding, storm surges, and coastal erosion. The Town retained GZA, a leading environmental and geotechnical consulting firm, to conduct a Community Coastal Resilience Study & Infrastructure Evaluation. Old Saybrook applied for and received notice in Winter 2016 that it had been awarded a $125,000 planning grant from the Connecticut Department of Housing through a "Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery" program.

In Spring 2017, the flood vulnerability analysis portion of the study was completed by GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. under contract to the Town, which evaluates the vulnerability of Town assets, essential and lifeline facilities, neighborhoods and natural resources, to coastal flooding including the effects of sea level rise. The vulnerability analysis evaluates multiple probable flood events and several different sea level rise scenarios and builds upon existing studies by FEMA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the University of Connecticut (CIRCA) and the December 2015 Report of Findings prepared by the Town’s Sea Level Rise Climate Adaptation Committee. High resolution numerical hydrodynamic modeling of tides, storm surge and waves was also performed as part of the vulnerability analysis. The findings of the Vulnerability Analysis were presented in a public meeting on Wednesday, June 6, 2017 at Vicki G. Duffy Pavilion at Saybrook Point Park, 155 College Street. About 60 people were in attendance; several from neighboring towns and the Borough. The slides from the presentation are available here.

In Fall 2017, the resilience strategy portion of the study was completed by GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. Dr. Alex Felson and Associates and Stantec supported GZA in conducting the work for this important coastal resilience project. This study provides a detailed assessment of the risks from sea level rise with respect to community assets including coastal infrastructure, essential facilities and structures, neighborhoods, natural and recreational resources, and other critical town owned assets. Based on this assessment, the GZA Team assisted the Town to develop resiliency strategies and adaptation actions to mitigate or reduce risks to vulnerable areas. The recommendations were presented in a public meeting on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at Vicki G. Duffy Pavilion at Saybrook Point Park, 155 College Street. About 50 people were in attendance; again, several from neighboring towns and the Borough. The slides from the presentation are available here.

In Winter 2018, the Town received the final report on the Coastal Resilience and Adaptation Study. The Study will prioritize where and how the Town focuses its efforts in the coming years to become more resilient to coastal hazards.

Contents:

• p.1   Introduction and Acknowledgements
• p.2   Study Approach and Methodology, Town Facts, Plans, Policies and Regulations
• p.3   Coastal Flood Risk
• p.22 Outreach: Community and Professionals
• p.29 Resilience and Adaptation Strategy
• p.35 Implementation

Attachments:

1. Approach and Methodology
2. Coastal Flood Hazards
3. Town Facts, Plans, Policies and Regulations
4. Vulnerability and Risk
5. Neighborhood Resilience and Adaptation Strategies
6. Coastal Structures Evaluation
7. Comprehensive Flood Mitigation
8. CIRCA Financing Resilience Fact Sheet

Study of the Effects of Sea Level Rise and Climate Change (2015)

prepared for the Old Saybrook Board of Selectmen
prepared by an ad hoc Sea Level Rise and Climate Change Committee of the Conservation Commission
funding and technical assistance from the Old Saybrook Land Use Department

The work follows on the recent report of the Town’s Sea Level Rise Climate Adaptation Committee, whose Report of Findings (2015) can be obtained in print at the Town Hall, Land Use Department, 302 Main Street.

Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (2014)

prepared for the Old Saybrook Board of Selectmen
prepared by an ad hoc Natural Hazard Mitigation Committee of the Planning Commission
funding by RiverCOG with technical assistance from the Old Saybrook Land Use Department

The Town first included the phenomenon of sea level rise in its Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (2014). This is a five-year plan that follows on the work of the State and the Region.