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Three Years after Sandy: Recovery and Resiliency at Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission

EATONTOWN, N.J. — Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission’s Newark Bay Treatment Plant is New Jersey’s largest sewer treatment plant and the fifth largest sewage treatment facility in the nation.

An outside shot of the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission Newark Bay Treatment Plant Situated on a low-lying, 140-acre site at the edge of Newark Bay, the PVSC plant treats the wastewater, municipal sewage sludge and drinking water sludge from 3.43 million residents of New Jersey and New York. This represents approximately 25 percent of New Jersey and 15 percent of New York City wastewater treatment.

When Hurricane Sandy made landfall along the coast of New Jersey on Oct. 29, 2012, a twelve-foot wall of water pushed across the PVSC’s Newark Bay Treatment Plant. The saltwater flooded a network of tunnels and equipment, knocking out the plant’s main power feeder lines and disabling the backup emergency generators.

A shot of the interior pipe system within the plant. With raw sewage backing up into the pipes that normally transfer sewage from homes and businesses to the plant for treatment, plant operators acted to prevent a widespread public health emergency by opening the plant’s discharge gates, allowing the untreated sewage to flow into Newark Bay.

Before operations could be restored, eight hundred and forty million gallons of raw sewage flowed untreated into the Passaic River. The plant would remain inoperable for 48 hours. On November 3, workers succeeded in restoring primary wastewater treatment and disinfection capabilities.

The Newark Bay facility had sustained an estimated $200 million in damages to vehicles, buildings, inventory, equipment and contents on the ground level as well as catastrophic damages to plant facilities located below ground. The resulting damages caused an extended loss of treatment capability with severe economic impacts on the region. The facility would not achieve full permit compliance until July 2013.

A view of the Achimedes screws used in the plant. Over the past three years, FEMA has obligated 46 projects for the Passaic Valley Sewerage Authority to date for a total obligated amount of $443,288.037. Three amendments are under review and several more are being written for a total of $8.8 million.

PVSC applied for approximately $800 million in grants to underwrite a long term mitigation plan for this facility. The plan called for the construction of a flood wall capable of withstanding a 500-year flood event. Mitigation funds will pay for the flood wall to be built around the entire perimeter of the facility. These major mitigation initiatives are intended to prevent a recurrence in any future events. The time frame for design and construction of the flood wall is estimated to be 5 to 7 years.

The Plant is also undertaking short term mitigation measures that include the installation of ‘muscle walls’ (temporary flood barriers) around critical infrastructure, elevation of high-voltage electrical lines on 27-foot utility poles, adding pump stations and installing three natural gas-fired turbines as a backup power source in a similar emergency. PVSC is awaiting a determination from FEMA on this application.

When approved, PVSC Mitigation project will be the largest mitigation project in the state of New Jersey.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/FEMASandy,www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/fema, www.fema.gov/blog, and www.youtube.com/fema.Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.”

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Three Years after Sandy: Recovery and Resiliency at Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission

FEMA Rebuilding Experts to Provide Advice in Saipan

SAIPAN, CNMI – Typhoon Soudelor survivors on Saipan can learn how to build or rebuild to reduce the likelihood of damage the next time disaster strikes. Federal Emergency Management Agency Mitigation experts know how and are sharing.

FEMA Mitigation specialists are at the following location to discuss specific ways to rebuild with anyone who stops by. They will have free booklets and pamphlets with more details on how to rebuild.

The first in a series will be:

Tuesday, Sept. 22, through Sunday, Oct. 4:

TruValue

Beach Blvd.

Saipan, CNMI

Hours Mitigation specialists will be there (within but not necessarily the same as the store hours): weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

More locations will be announced shortly.

Survivors on Saipan may be eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program. They can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with speech disability or hearing loss who use TTY can call 800-462-7585; those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) can call 800-621-3362.

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FEMA Rebuilding Experts to Provide Advice in Saipan

Communities urged to apply for aid that helps build more disaster-resistant infrastructure

NORTH LITTLE ROCK – Federal assistance may be available to help Arkansas communities rebuild infrastructure to higher, more disaster-resistant standards and state officials are encouraging local governments to take advantage of that funding.

The assistance to communities is part of the aid that became available following the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding during the period of May 7 to June 15, 2015.

“Generally, the federal Public Assistance program restores disaster damaged infrastructure to pre-disaster conditions,” said Nancy M. Casper, federal coordinating officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “But when cost effective and technically feasible, it makes sense to rebuild to higher standards that can prevent future loss.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides federal funds to reimburse a minimum of 75 percent of the costs for removing debris, conducting emergency protective measures and repairing levees, roads, bridges, public utilities, water control facilities, public buildings and parks. Mitigation funding may be considered in each project category.

Eligible applicants may include:

state agencies
local and county governments
private nonprofit organizations that own or operate facilities that provide essential government-type services

“Studies show that every $1 paid toward mitigation saves an average of $4 in future disaster-related costs,” said State Coordinating Officer Scott Bass of the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management Agency. “By adding mitigation money to repair costs, our goal is to reduce or eliminate damages from future disasters.”

As part of the process for applying for federal assistance, experts from ADEM and FEMA help identify projects that will qualify for the special mitigation program. Officials urge applicants to take advantage of the funds.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

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Communities urged to apply for aid that helps build more disaster-resistant infrastructure

FEMA Announces Funding Opportunity for Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants

WASHINGTON – Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is announcing $180 million in funding available through two Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs: Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) and Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM). These two grant programs assist state, local, tribal, and territorial governments in strengthening our nation’s ability to reduce the potential cost of natural disasters to communities and their citizens.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs provide states, tribes, territories, and local governments funding for eligible mitigation activities to strengthen our nation’s ability to reduce disaster losses and protect life and property from future disaster damages.

The Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program provides funds on an annual basis so that measures can be taken to reduce or eliminate risk of flood damage to buildings insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The FY 2015 Flood Mitigation Assistance grants will continue to focus on reducing or eliminating claims under the NFIP with a focus on mitigation planning and the mitigation of severe repetitive loss properties.

The Pre-Disaster Mitigation grant program provides funds on an annual basis for hazard mitigation planning and the implementation of mitigation projects prior to a disaster. The goal of the Pre-Disaster Mitigation grant program is to reduce overall risk to the population and structures, while at the same time, also reducing reliance on Federal funding from actual disaster declarations. The FY 2015 Pre-Disaster Mitigation grants will continue to focus on implementing a sustained pre-disaster natural hazard mitigation program and provide the grant funding set aside as required in the Stafford Act to states and tribes to support overall mitigation planning and projects.

Both Hazard Mitigation Assistance FY 2015 Funding Opportunity Announcements can be found at www.grants.gov. Eligible applicants must apply for funding through the Mitigation eGrants system on the FEMA Grants Portal accessible at https://portal.fema.gov. FEMA opened the application period on May 29, 2015. All applications must be submitted no later than 3:00 PM EDT on August 28, 2015.

Further information on these grant programs is available at http://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-assistance.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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FEMA Announces Funding Opportunity for Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants

FEMA Awards $2,999,810 Grant to the City of Des Plaines

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released $2,999,810 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to the city of Des Plaines, Ill., for the acquisition and demolition of 13 residential structures in the Des Plaines River floodplain.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding for mitigation activities that reduce disaster losses and protect life and property from future disasters,” said Andrew Velasquez III, regional administrator, FEMA Region V. “The acquisition and demolition of these homes permanently removes the structures from the floodplain and greatly reduces the financial impact on individuals and the community when future flooding occurs in this area.”

“This grant is great news for these Des Plaines residents who have been hit by flooding many times in the past,” said James K. Joseph, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.” The residents can now move to higher ground and avoid future heartache and property losses, and local response agencies will no longer need to wage costly flood fights.”

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay $2,999,810 of the $4,380,100 eligible project cost, and the city of Des Plaines will contribute $1,380,290.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

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FEMA Awards $2,999,810 Grant to the City of Des Plaines

FEMA Awards $921,790 Grant to the Village of Valley View and $224,670 Grant to Medina County

CHICAGO — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) funds in the amount of $921,790 to the village of Valley View, Ohio, and $224,670 to Medina County, Ohio, for the mitigation of flood prone residential structures. The Medina County funding will be used to acquire and demolish one structure in the floodplain of the Rocky River. The village of Valley View will use their funding to acquire and demolish four structures and elevate one so the first floor is two feet above the base flood elevation of the Cuyahoga River floodplain.

FMA provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. “Flood Mitigation Assistance enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce the risk of loss of life and property,” said FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III. “The projects funded by this program will lessen the financial impact on individuals and these communities when future flooding occurs in this area.”

“Removing or elevating flood prone structures reduces future flood damages and aids recovery efforts,” said Evan Schumann, director of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency. “Ohio is pleased to be able to extend our mitigation efforts into these two communities.”

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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

FEMA Awards $921,790 Grant to the Village of Valley View and $224,670 Grant to Medina County

FEMA Awards $2,952,257 Grant to Village of Machesney Park

CHICAGO –The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $2,952,257 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to the village of Machesney Park, Ill., for the acquisition and demolition of 24 residential structures in the Rock River floodplain.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce the risk of loss of life and property,” said FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III. “The acquisition and demolition of these homes permanently removes the structures from the floodplain and greatly reduces the financial impact on individuals and the community when future flooding occurs in this area.”

“This grant is great news for Machesney Park and residents who have been hit by flooding many times in the past,” said James Joseph, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. “The state of Illinois already has purchased more than 60 flood-prone properties in this area. This grant will enable even more residents to move to higher ground and avoid future heartache and property losses from future floods.”

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the $3,936,343 eligible project cost. The remaining 25 percent of the funds, $984,086, will be provided by the village of Machesney Park.

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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

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FEMA Awards $2,952,257 Grant to Village of Machesney Park

CORRECTION: FEMA 2014 Funding for Arkansas Tops $43 Million

DENTON, Texas — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided more than $43 million in 2014 funding to the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) and community partners for disaster recovery, mitigation and preparedness.

“FEMA, in partnership with ADEM, continues to provide funding to assist communities recovering from and mitigating against future damage,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “We are committed to helping Arkansas residents strengthen their resilience.”

The $43 million includes more than $3 million from FEMA’s Individual Assistance program, $23 million in Public Assistance dollars for repair and replacement of infrastructure after a disaster, $6 million in Hazard Mitigation, and more than $11 million in Preparedness funding to mitigate damage from future disasters.

“We at Arkansas Department of Emergency Management and all Arkansans affected by disaster appreciate the partnership we have with FEMA,” said ADEM Director David W. Maxell. “This relationship allows governmental entities and individuals to better protect themselves before an emergency and then begin down the road to recovery if a disaster occurs.”

The 2014 federal funding covered numerous projects in Arkansas including:
•   More than $2.3 million to individuals for rental and lodging expenses, home repair, and replacement for those who suffered damage during the April severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding.
•   Over $3 million was used to either replace or repair bridges and low water crossings destroyed or substantially damaged during the declared events.
•   $2.2 million was provided for school safe rooms throughout the state increasing the capacity to protect students, faculty/staff and residents.

In addition to providing federal funding, FEMA’s Mitigation Division has taken steps to improve the on-line resources for communities. In 2014 the Risk Communications Guidebook was updated to include the most recent information on the National Flood Insurance Program reform.

CORRECTION: FEMA 2014 Funding for Arkansas Tops $43 Million

FEMA 2014 Funding for Arkansas Tops $47 Million

DENTON, Texas — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided more than $47 million in 2014 funding to the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) and community partners for disaster recovery, mitigation and preparedness.

The $47 million includes more than $7 million from FEMA’s Individual Assistance program, $23 million in Public Assistance dollars for repair and replacement of infrastructure after a disaster, $6 million in Hazard Mitigation, and more than $11 million in Preparedness funding to mitigate damage from future disasters.

“We at Arkansas Department of Emergency Management and all Arkansans affected by disaster appreciate the partnership we have with FEMA,” said ADEM Director David Maxell. “This relationship allows governmental entities and individuals to better protect themselves before an emergency and then begin down the road to recovery if a disaster occurs.”

The 2014 federal funding covered numerous projects in Arkansas including:
•   More than $7 million to individuals for rental and lodging expenses, home repair, and replacement for those who suffered damage during the April severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding.
•   Over $3 million was used to either replace or repair bridges and low water crossings destroyed or substantially damaged during the declared events.
•   $2.2 million was provided for school safe rooms throughout the state increasing the capacity to protect students, faculty/staff and residents.

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FEMA 2014 Funding for Arkansas Tops $47 Million

FEMA Awards $454,808 Grant to Vernon County: Hazard mitigation funds will be used to acquire and demolish seven flood prone structures

CHICAGO –The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $454,808 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to Vernon County, Wis., for the acquisition and demolition of seven residential structures in the floodplain. Following demolition, these properties located in the Town of Webster and Town of Christiana will be maintained as permanent open space in the community.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce the risk of loss of life and property,” said FEMA Region V acting administrator Janet Odeshoo. “The acquisition and demolition of these structures permanently removes them from the floodplain and greatly reduces the financial impact on individuals and the community when future flooding occurs in this area.”

“These homes have flooded several times in recent years,” said Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Brian Satula. “Through this voluntary buyout program, we are reducing the risks of future flood damage and helping these homeowners move from the floodplain.”

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the $606,410 eligible project cost. The remaining 25 percent of the funds, $151,602, will be provided by the Wisconsin Emergency Management Agency and Vernon County.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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FEMA Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455
WEM Media Contact: Lori Getter, (608) 242-3239

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FEMA Awards $454,808 Grant to Vernon County: Hazard mitigation funds will be used to acquire and demolish seven flood prone structures

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