As their name implies, floodplains are subject to periodic flooding. When there is a flood,healthy floodplains provide storage areas for flood waters, reduce flood velocities and reduce flood peaks. A properly functioning floodplain can also provide other benefits like filtering pollutants and wastes. It can help to moderate temperature, and provides vital habitat. A stream can be disconnected from its floodplain by filling and developing the floodplain or digging in the stream channel. Once disconnected, instability and erosion throughout the stream system can result. It is typically recommended to avoid building structures in the 100-year floodplain-the area which has a 1% chance of being inundated in any given year. Remember, anything in the floodplain (including buildings) is at risk of being washed downstream. Visit your town clerk’s office to learn whether or not your house or any structures on your property are built within the 100-year floodplain.
Links and Resources
Click on the links below for more information:
USDA/NRCS – Emergency Watershed Protection Program: The Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) was set up by Congress to respond to emergencies created by natural disasters. It is designed to relieve imminent hazards to life and property caused by floods, fires, windstorms, and other natural occurrences.
FEMA Map Service Center
Floodsmart Gives a rating of flood risk as well as a variety of other information for local landowners.
Delaware County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan