What's New in Flood Hazard Mapping
- Available for Review - Updated Version of APPENDIX C: Guidance for Riverine Flooding Analyses and Mapping
- New Fact Sheet for Procedure Memorandum No. 53
- New Address for LOMC Submissions and Launch of LOMC Clearinghouse
- Coastal Barrier Resources System Draft Maps
- FEMA Issues Procedure Clarifications for Evaluation and Mapping of Areas Impacted by Levee Systems
- Risk MAP Multi Year Plan
- FEMA Issues Policy and Procedures Protocol for Contractors Who Use and/or Order Paper Flood Insurance Maps and Map Products
- FEMA Issues Guidance for Mapping of Non-Levee Embankments Previously Identified as Accredited
- Letter of Final Determination (LFD) Distribution Change
- FEMA Issues Policy and Procedures for Identifying and Mapping Areas Subject To Wave Heights Greater Than 1.5 Feet
- FEMA Issues Updated Quality Control Requirements for DFIRM Production Process
- Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) Program Guidance for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 Available
- Revised Draft Version of Appendix C, "Guidance for Riverine Flooding Analyses and Mapping," Available for Public Review and Comment
Keep up with the latest developments and find out what's new in Flood Hazard Mapping. Follow the links above to view or download important resources pertaining to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Flood Hazard Mapping program, and the Flood Map Modernization (Map Mod) effort. Sign up for e-mail updates on Flood Hazard Mapping Activities.
Available for Review - Updated Version of APPENDIX C: Guidance for Riverine Flooding Analyses and Mapping
October 2009
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has updated and revised the previously posted draft of Appendix C that was available online for public review and comment from November 2008 to February 2009. This Appendix describes the standards and methods to be applied by Mapping Partners in the performance and presentation of results for riverine flooding analyses and mapping. This updated and revised version will be available for public review and comment through November 2, 2009. Written comments and suggestions may be submitted to FEMA electronically by sending an e-mail message to FEMAGS@riskmapcds.com. Alternatively, comments and suggestions may be mailed to the address below or transmitted by facsimile to the number below:
RAMPP
8401 Arlington Boulevard
Fairfax, VA 22031-4666
Fax: 703-849-0648
Attention: Mathini Sreetharan
New Fact Sheet for Procedure Memorandum No. 53
September 2009
FEMA has developed a new Fact Sheet summarizing the requirements for the mapping of impacted areas landward of Provisionally Accredited Levee systems when the 24-month data and documentation submittal period expires. The requirements in Procedure Memorandum No. 53.
New Address for LOMC Submissions and Launch of LOMC Clearinghouse
July 2009
Effective July 9, 2009, FEMA's Customer and Data Services (CDS) will launch the Letters of Map Change (LOMC) Clearinghouse, which will centralize the administrative functions associated with processing MT-EZ, MT-1 and MT-2 requests. Specific activities include creation of LOMC case files, upload and scanning of data, processing of associated fees, and distribution to the appropriate Production and Technical Services (PTS) firm for processing.
As a result, there is a new mailing address. Beginning immediately, requestors should mail their applications and supporting data to:
LOMC Clearinghouse
6730 Santa Barbara Court
Elkridge, MD 21075
Attn: LOMC Manager
Implementation of the LOMC Clearinghouse will benefit FEMA and its customers in several ways:
- Supports FEMA's overall vision to move from a paper-based process to an all-digital process
- Leverages existing systems already available through FEMA's Map Service Center (such as Automated Clearing House payment options and refunds), which provides more convenient and efficient fee processing options
- Keeps fee payment information with the LOMC case file from the beginning, which allows for faster and easier tracking
For more information about the LOMC Clearinghouse, please contact FEMA's Map Assistance Center at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or e-mail a Map Specialist at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com
Coastal Barrier Resources System Draft Maps
May 2009
On April 7, 2009, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released to the public its Report to Congress: John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System Digital Mapping Pilot Project and announced the start of a 90-day public comment period. The report, which was directed by the Coastal Barrier Resources Reauthorization Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-514), highlights the benefits of updating Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) maps with more accurate and precise digital maps to better protect people, coastal areas and natural resources.
The public is invited to review and comment on the report to Congress and draft maps created for the 70 pilot project units. Comments must be received on or before July 6, 2009. Mail or hand-deliver comments to: Coastal Barriers Coordinator, Division of Habitat and Resource Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Room 860A, Arlington, VA 22203 or send comments by e-mail to: CBRAcomments@fws.gov.
FEMA Issues Procedure Clarifications for Evaluation and Mapping of Areas Impacted by Levee Systems
April 2009
On April 24, 2009, FEMA issued two Procedure Memorandums to clarify guidance regarding the evaluation and mapping of levee systems provided in Appendix H of FEMA's Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners.
Procedure Memorandum No. 52 (PM 52) provides guidelines for the mapping of impacted areas landward of levee systems. PM 52 provides mapping alternatives associated with accredited, non-accredited, and de-accredited levee systems based on the urbanization of the impacted area. PM 52 also establishes a nationally consistent process for notifying communities, non-community levee system owners and operators, and other stakeholders. Sample letters that can be used for the notifications are provided as attachments to PM 52.
Procedure Memorandum No. 53 (PM 53) provides procedures for the mapping of impacted areas landward of Provisionally Accredited Levee (PAL) systems when the 24-month data and documentation submittal period expires. PM 53 also provides guidelines for sending written notifications to communities, levee system owners, and other stakeholders when a PAL period is about to expire. A sample letter that can be used for this notification is provided as an attachment to PM 53.
Risk MAP Multi Year Plan
April 2009
FEMA is initiating Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning (Risk MAP) and has developed a multi year plan spanning FY10-FY14. The vision for Risk MAP is to deliver quality data that increases public awareness and leads to action that reduces risk to life and property. The plan was approved on March 16, 2009 and you can access the plan through this link: www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=3587.
FEMA Issues Policy and Procedures Protocol for Contractors Who Use and/or Order Paper Flood Insurance Maps and Map Products
March 2009
On March 31, 2009, FEMA issued Procedure Memorandum No. 48 (PM 48), "Protocol for Contractors Who Use and/or Order Paper Flood Insurance Maps and Map Products." As part of the transition to digital products, PM 48 changes FEMA's policy for providing paper products to contractors:
- After March 31, 2009, the Map Service Center will charge FEMA contractors for paper maps.
- Starting on October 1, 2009, only digital products will be available to FEMA contractors.
FEMA will continue to provide digital products to contractors at no charge during and after this transition. Contractors who use paper maps and reports in the study process should start planning now to transition to digital maps and reports. Information about the new digital tools is available through the FEMA Map Service Center.
FEMA Issues Guidance for Mapping of Non-Levee Embankments Previously Identified as Accredited
February 2009
On February 27, 2009, FEMA issued Procedure Memorandum No. 51 (PM 51), "Guidance for Mapping of Non-Levee Embankments Previously Identified as Accredited." PM 50 applies to studies/DFIRMS that meet both of the following criteria:
- An area was incorrectly identified as not subject to the base flood on a Preliminary DFIRM issued after August 22, 2005.
- A sound technical justification for the delineation of the flood hazards in the vicinity of the embankment is unavailable.
The procedures provided in PM 51 are for situations where the community does, and where the community does not, agree to undertake further study.
Letter of Final Determination (LFD) Distribution Change
January 2009
As part of its Digital Vision initiative, FEMA set a goal of converting hard-copy flood hazard information to digital data. In keeping with this initiative, FEMA discontinued mailing hard copies of documents enclosed with LFDs as of January 1, 2009.
Communities will still receive a hard copy of the LFD, but instead of receiving enclosures with the letter, FEMA now makes them available on FEMA's Web site at www.floodmaps.fema.gov/lfd.The five enclosures to the LFD that will no longer be included with the letter include:
- Answers to Questions about the NFIP
- Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations
- Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Effect that Revised Flood Hazards Have on Existing Structures
- Use of Flood Insurance Study (FIS) Data as Available Data; and
- The Elevation Certificates necessary to ensure compliance with community floodplain ordinances.
FEMA Issues Policy and Procedures for Identifying and Mapping Areas Subject To Wave Heights Greater Than 1.5 Feet
December 2008
On December 3, 2008, FEMA issued Procedure Memorandum No. 50 (PM 50), "Policy and Procedures for Identifying and Mapping Areas Subject to Wave Heights Greater than 1.5 Feet on Flood Insurance Rate Maps." For all new detailed coastal study starts in Fiscal Year (FY) 2009, the landward limit of waves 1.5 feet in height will be delineated on the Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) and included in the DFIRM database as an informational layer with no NFIP floodplain management requirements or special insurance ratings. As indicated in PM 50, FEMA encourages, but does not require, communities to adopt higher standards than the minimum NFIP requirements in these areas.
FEMA Issues Updated Quality Control Requirements for DFIRM Production Process
December 2008
On December 1, 2008, FEMA issued a revised version of Procedure Memorandum No. 42 (PM 42), "Quality Control Requirements in the Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRM) Process," which provides guidance for seven quality control reviews to be performed during the DFIRM production process. FEMA issued the original version of PM 42 on June 20, 2007. The revised version of PM 42 only partially supersedes the requirements in the original version of PM 42; therefore, both memorandums are effective for their relevant sections
Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) Program Guidance for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 Available
December 2008
FEMA has developed a guidance document for FY 2009 (October 1, 2008 - September 30, 2009). The guidance in this document assists FEMA and Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP) participants with preparing, developing, and managing CTP Program activities. This document addresses administration, funded activities, eligibility and evaluation criteria, reporting requirements, technical capabilities, contracting requirements, standards, certification, funding, and cooperative agreement management for the CTP Program. This guidance document is updated each fiscal year. Visit the CTP Program main page for additional information on this program.
Revised Draft Version of Appendix C, "Guidance for Riverine Flooding Analyses and Mapping," Available for Public Review and Comment
November 2008
FEMA has developed a revised draft version of Appendix C , Guidance for Riverine Flooding Analyses and Mapping, of FEMA's Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners. This Appendix describes the standards and methods to be applied by Mapping Partners in the performance of, and presentation of results for, riverine flooding analyses and mapping. The revised document and an accompanying summary of changes included in the revised draft version will be available in the FEMA Library for public review and comment through February 20, 2009.
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