Town of Barnstable 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Town of Barnstable 2022 HazardMitigation PlanUpdate
June 2022
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) i Woodard & Curran
2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE NO.
1. THE PLANNING PROCESS ............................................................................................................................1-1
1.1 Purpose of the Plan.........................................................................................................................1-1
1.2 The Planning Team.........................................................................................................................1-1
1.3 The Planning Process.....................................................................................................................1-2
1.4 Regional Cooperation .....................................................................................................................1-3
1.5 Public Participation..........................................................................................................................1-3
1.6 Uses of the 2010 Hazard Mitigation Plan........................................................................................1-4
2. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES.............................................................................................................................2-1
2.1 Hazard Identification .......................................................................................................................2-1
3. NATURAL HAZARDS......................................................................................................................................3-1
3.1 Hazard Identification .......................................................................................................................3-1
3.1.1 Natural Hazards Impacting Barnstable.................................................................................3-1
3.1.2 Definition of Probability.........................................................................................................3-5
3.2 Hazard Profiles................................................................................................................................3-5
3.2.1 Coastal Erosion/Shoreline Change......................................................................................3-5
3.2.1.1 Hazard Location.....................................................................................................3-6
3.2.1.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent of the Hazard........................................3-7
3.2.1.3 Impact & Vulnerability............................................................................................3-8
3.2.1.4 Probability of Future Occurrence...........................................................................3-8
3.2.2 Hurricane..............................................................................................................................3-8
3.2.2.1 Hazard Location.....................................................................................................3-8
3.2.2.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent of the Hazard........................................3-9
3.2.2.3 Impact & Vulnerability..........................................................................................3-11
3.2.2.4 Probability of Future Occurrence.........................................................................3-12
3.2.3 Dam Failure........................................................................................................................3-14
3.2.3.1 Hazard Location...................................................................................................3-14
3.2.3.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent of the Hazard......................................3-15
3.2.3.3 Impact & Vulnerability..........................................................................................3-15
3.2.3.4 Probability of Future Occurrence.........................................................................3-16
3.2.4 Earthquake.........................................................................................................................3-16
3.2.4.1 Hazard Location...................................................................................................3-16
3.2.4.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent............................................................3-17
3.2.4.3 Impact & Vulnerability..........................................................................................3-22
3.2.4.4 Probability of Future Occurrence.........................................................................3-22
3.2.5 Wildfire ...............................................................................................................................3-22
3.2.5.1 Hazard Location...................................................................................................3-22
3.2.5.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent............................................................3-24
3.2.5.3 Impact & Vulnerability..........................................................................................3-24
3.2.5.4 Probability of Future Occurrence.........................................................................3-25
3.2.6 Flood ..................................................................................................................................3-25
3.2.6.1 Hazard Location...................................................................................................3-26
3.2.6.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent............................................................3-27
3.2.6.3 Impact & Vulnerability..........................................................................................3-28
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) ii Woodard & Curran
2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022
3.2.6.4 Probability of Future Occurrence.........................................................................3-29
3.2.7 Nor’easter/Coastal Storm...................................................................................................3-29
3.2.7.1 Hazard Location...................................................................................................3-29
3.2.7.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent............................................................3-29
3.2.7.3 Impact & Vulnerability..........................................................................................3-30
3.2.7.4 Probability of Future Occurrence.........................................................................3-31
3.2.8 Windstorm..........................................................................................................................3-31
3.2.8.1 Hazard Location...................................................................................................3-31
3.2.8.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent............................................................3-32
3.2.8.3 Impact & Vulnerability..........................................................................................3-33
3.2.8.4 Probability of Future Occurrence.........................................................................3-33
3.2.9 Tornado..............................................................................................................................3-34
3.2.9.1 Hazard Location...................................................................................................3-34
3.2.9.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent............................................................3-34
3.2.9.3 Impact & Vulnerability..........................................................................................3-36
3.2.9.4 Probability of Future Occurrence.........................................................................3-36
3.2.10 Drought...............................................................................................................................3-37
3.2.10.1 Hazard Location...................................................................................................3-37
3.2.10.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent............................................................3-38
3.2.10.3 Drought Indices....................................................................................................3-39
3.2.10.4 Impact & Vulnerability..........................................................................................3-41
3.2.10.5 Probability of Future Occurrence.........................................................................3-41
3.2.11 Severe Winter Weather......................................................................................................3-41
3.2.11.1 Hazard Location...................................................................................................3-41
3.2.11.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent............................................................3-42
3.2.11.3 Impact & Vulnerability..........................................................................................3-44
3.2.11.4 Probability of Future Occurrence.........................................................................3-45
3.2.12 Tsunami..............................................................................................................................3-45
3.2.12.1 Hazard Location...................................................................................................3-45
3.2.12.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent............................................................3-46
3.2.12.3 Impact & Vulnerability..........................................................................................3-47
3.2.12.4 Probability of Future Occurrence.........................................................................3-48
3.2.13 Extreme Temperatures.......................................................................................................3-48
3.2.13.1 Hazard Location...................................................................................................3-48
3.2.13.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent............................................................3-49
3.2.13.3 Impact & Vulnerability..........................................................................................3-50
3.2.13.4 Probability of Future Occurrence.........................................................................3-50
3.2.14 Sea Level Rise...................................................................................................................3-51
3.2.14.1 Hazard Location...................................................................................................3-51
3.2.14.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent............................................................3-51
3.2.14.3 Impact & Vulnerability..........................................................................................3-52
3.2.14.4 Probability of Future Occurrence.........................................................................3-52
3.2.15 Climate Change..................................................................................................................3-52
4. VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT ...................................................................................................................4-1
4.1 Community Profile...........................................................................................................................4-1
4.2 Critical Facilities Inventory ..............................................................................................................4-2
4.3 Hurricane Surge Inundation Areas..................................................................................................4-2
4.4 Wildfire Hazards Areas ...................................................................................................................4-3
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) iii Woodard & Curran
2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022
4.5 Flood Zones – Vulnerability Analysis [to be updated].....................................................................4-4
4.6 National Flood Insurance Program and Repetitive Loss Properties ...............................................4-5
4.7 Community Development................................................................................................................4-6
4.8 Future Planning...............................................................................................................................4-6
5. MITIGATION ACTIONS....................................................................................................................................5-1
5.1 Capabilities Assessment.................................................................................................................5-1
5.1.1 Plans and Policies................................................................................................................5-1
5.1.2 Financial Capabilities ...........................................................................................................5-2
5.1.3 Department Staffing .............................................................................................................5-3
5.1.4 Regional Cooperation...........................................................................................................5-4
5.2 Mitigation Actions............................................................................................................................5-4
5.3 Mitigation Actions for 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update..........................................................5-16
5.4 Mitigation Project Prioritization......................................................................................................5-24
5.5 Potential Funding Sources............................................................................................................5-34
6. PLAN REVIEW AND ADOPTION....................................................................................................................6-1
6.1 Plan Maintenance ...........................................................................................................................6-1
6.2 Local Adoption ................................................................................................................................6-1
TABLES
Table 2-1: Barnstable 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Goals..........................................................................................2-1
Table 2-2: Barnstable 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Objectives..................................................................................2-1
Table 3-1: Natural Hazards Impacting Barnstable.......................................................................................................3-1
Table 3-2: Barnstable Average Shoreline Change Rates and Uncertainty..................................................................3-7
Table 3-3: Massachusetts Hurricane Major Disaster Declarations (1954 – Present)................................................3-10
Table 3-4: Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS)......................................................................................3-11
Table 3-5: USACE Hazard Potential Classification...................................................................................................3-15
Table 3-6: Earthquake Events Greater Than Magnitude 2.0 in Massachusetts........................................................3-18
Table 3-7: Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale – Earthquake Intensity.........................................................................3-21
Table 3-8: Earthquake Magnitude Scale...................................................................................................................3-21
Table 3-9: National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) – Barnstable..........................................................................3-27
Table 3-10: Massachusetts Flooding Major Disaster Declarations (1995 – Present)................................................3-27
Table 3-11: Massachusetts Coastal Storm Major Disaster Declarations (1953 – Present).......................................3-30
Table 3-12: High Wind Event Data for Barnstable County February 2006 – December 2020..................................3-33
Table 3-13: Massachusetts Tornado Major Disaster Declarations (1954 – Present)................................................3-35
Table 3-14: Drought Index Indices (Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, 2013)...........................................3-40
Table 3-15: Massachusetts Winter Storm Disaster Declarations (1954 – Present)...................................................3-42
Table 3-16: Winter Storm/ Blizzard Data for Bristol County (2003– Present)............................................................3-43
Table 3-17: NCDC Regional Snowfall Index (RSI)....................................................................................................3-44
Table 5-1: Progress Determination of Mitigation Actions from 2010 Hazard Mitigation Plan......................................5-6
Table 5-2: Mitigation Actions 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan.......................................................................................5-17
Table 5-3: STAPLEE Criteria.....................................................................................................................................5-24
Table 5-4: Barnstable Project Prioritization...............................................................................................................5-26
Table 5-5: Potential Funding Sources.......................................................................................................................5-34
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) iv Woodard & Curran
2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022
FIGURES
Figure 1: Historic Shoreline Change for Barnstable, MA (North Coast)......................................................................3-6
Figure 2: Historic Shoreline Change, Barnstable, MA (South Coast)..........................................................................3-7
Figure 3: Historical Hurricane Tracks..........................................................................................................................3-9
Figure 4: Hurricane Inundation Zones.......................................................................................................................3-12
Figure 5: Number of Hurricanes for a 100-year Return Period..................................................................................3-13
Figure 6: Probability of Hurricane or Tropical Storm Events across Massachusetts.................................................3-14
Figure 7: Earthquakes in the Northeastern US and Adjacent Canada......................................................................3-17
Figure 8: Earthquakes in New England, United States and Canada (1990 – 2010)..................................................3-18
Figure 9: Massachusetts Seismicity (1973 – 2021)...................................................................................................3-19
Figure 10: Massachusetts Seismic Hazards..............................................................................................................3-20
Figure 11: Spatial Probabilities for New England......................................................................................................3-20
Figure 12: Wildfire Hazard Areas...............................................................................................................................3-23
Figure 13: Wildfire Risk Areas for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.................................................................3-23
Figure 13b: Locations of Historical Wildfires and Acres Burned in Massachusetts (2001-2009)..............................3-24
Figure 14: Wildfire Risk Areas...................................................................................................................................3-25
Figure 15: Wind Zones in the United States..............................................................................................................3-32
Figure 16: Annual Average Number of Tornadoes (1991 – 2010).............................................................................3-34
Figure 17: Barnstable County Tornadoes (1950 – 2021)..........................................................................................3-35
Figure 18: Enhanced Fujita Scale..............................................................................................................................3-36
Figure 19: Tornadoes in the United States................................................................................................................3-37
Figure 20: Drought Emergencies Per 100 Years in Massachusetts..........................................................................3-38
Figure 21: New England Average Annual Snowfall (1991 – 2020)............................................................................3-42
Figure 22: Earthquake Generated Tsunamis in the United States from 1900 to 1964..............................................3-46
Figure 23: Total Number of Tsunami Events.............................................................................................................3-47
Figure 24: NOAA’s Massachusetts Climate Regions................................................................................................3-48
Figure 25: NOAA’s National Weather Service Wind Chill Chart................................................................................3-49
Figure 26: NOAA’s National Weather Service Heat Index.........................................................................................3-50
Figure 27: Sea Level Rise Inundation – Long Term Scenario...................................................................................3-51
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Documentation of Public Engagement Process
Appendix B: Town of Barnstable Comprehensive Figures
Appendix C: Barnstable Town Council Resolution
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 1-1 Woodard & Curran
2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022
1. THE PLANNING PROCESS
The Town of Barnstable (the “Town” or “Barnstable”), located in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, has developed
this Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) update to identify and profile the town’s risk and vulnerability to potential natural
hazards and to build upon the resiliency efforts first outlined in its 2010 HMP. Specifically, this update assesses the
potential impacts of shoreline change/coastal erosion, hurricanes, dam failure, earthquakes, drought/wildfire, flooding,
winter storms, tornadoes, and tsunami and identifies properties, resources, and critical facilities which may be impacted
by these hazard events. The update identifies mitigation strategies and actions aimed at reducing the loss of or damage
to life, property, infrastructure and natural, cultural, and economic resources. A corresponding implementation plan has
been prepared to address the prioritization and administration of the identified strategies and actions. Lastly, the
update includes a schedule for monitoring, evaluating, and further updating the plan in the future.
This plan was prepared in compliance with the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, the
Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, and 44 CFR §201.6. Furthermore, this plan was developed in collaboration with the
Cape Cod Commission (CCC), the Cape’s regional land use planning and regulatory agency.
1.1 PURPOSE OF THE PLAN
Hazard mitigation is defined as any sustained action to reduce and/or eliminate short or long-term risk to life and
property from natural hazards. The purpose of this plan update is to lessen the impact of a disaster before it occurs
and provide the following benefits to the Town of Barnstable:
1. Protect lives and reduce social, emotional, and economic disruption following a disaster event;
2. Prevent the loss of property, infrastructure, and natural and cultural resources from natural disasters;
3. Increase public awareness of risk and vulnerability to natural disasters;
4. Increase access to funding sources for hazard mitigation projects; and
5. Improve the ability to implement post-disaster recovery projects.
These disaster mitigation goals are an effort to reduce or avoid both short and long-term vulnerabilities to the identified
hazards. The objectives of the proposed mitigation strategies will include a section that identifies specific mitigation
actions and analysis to reduce the effects of each hazard with particular attention on new and existing buildings and
structures.
1.2 THE PLANNING TEAM
The hazard mitigation planning team consisted of representatives from a comprehensive range of Town Departments
and local agencies dealing with issues related to hazard mitigation and risk assessment. The team was comprised of
the following members that either attended the HMP update workshop at Town Hall or participated via separate virtual
meeting session with Woodard & Curran and the Planning Staff for the Town of Barnstable:
Workshop Attendees:
Elizabeth Jenkins, AICP, Director of Planning & Development
Kate Maldonado, Assistant Director Planning & Development
James Kupfer, AICP, MPA, Senior Planner, Planning & Development
Derek Lawson, Marine and Environmental Affairs Director
Brian Taylor, Harbor Master, Marine and Environmental Affairs
Peter Burke, Hyannis Fire Chief
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 1-2 Woodard & Curran
2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022
David Wedd, Hyannis Fire Department
Megan Savage, Safety Officer
Gordon Starr, Town Council
Mary House and Matthew Jones, Woodard & Curran
Joe Maruca, West Barnstable Fire Chief
Amber Unruh, Senior Project Manager, DPW
Nathan Collins, Assistant Town Engineer, DPW
Darcy Karle, Conservation Administrator
Jeff Carter, Deputy Director, Inspectional Services
Nina Z Coleman, Natural Resources Director/Sandy Neck Park Manager
Virtual Meeting Attendees:
Shannon Hulst, Deputy Director; Floodplain Specialist & CRS Coordinator, Cape Cod Cooperative Extension
& Woods Hole Sea Grant
Greg Berman, Coastal Processes Specialist, Cape Cod Cooperative Extension & Woods Hole Sea Grant
Heather McElroy, Natural Resources Specialist, Cape Cod Commission
Chloe Schaefer, Chief Planner, Cape Cod Commission
Martha Hevenor, Planner, Cape Cod Commission
1.3 THE PLANNING PROCESS
The Town’s Planning & Development Department oversaw the development of this HMP plan update. The Planning
& Development project lead, James Kupfer, identified the HMP update team and convened the team at a half day
workshop on November 8, 2021, to review the 2010 HMP and evaluate hazards, risks, and vulnerabilities and
recommend and prioritize mitigation actions.
An HMP team was originally assembled in 2004, in conjunction with the Cape Cod Commission’s initiative to develop
a multi-jurisdictional multi-hazard mitigation plan in compliance with the Disaster Management Act of 2000. The Town
of Barnstable Planning Department (GMD) completed a considerable amount of work on a local HMP plan during 2004,
but the plan was never locally adopted or submitted to FEMA for certification. The GMD resumed the HMP planning
process in 2010 by reviewing and updating the original draft of the plan and reconvening the HMP team. The following
provides a summary of the planning process.
The HMP team first identified and reviewed the goals of the multi-hazard mitigation plan for the Town of Barnstable
and reviewed the natural hazards that could potentially affect the Town. In the initial planning stages, the MHM team
accomplished the following:
A review of a history of past events, which are represented primarily by the Regional Hazard Risk Maps.
An evaluation of the risk or frequency of each hazard occurring.
An evaluation of the potential extent, or severity, of each identified hazard.
A determination of the scope of potential damage that could be inflicted by each identified hazard.
The HMP team reviewed the Town’s overall vulnerability to the hazards addressed in this plan and the Hazard
Identification Matrix to ensure the scope and severity of potential disasters were accurately represented. The team
reviewed the Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Map and Regional Hazard Risk Maps to ensure they represented all
specific geographic locations that are vulnerable for the identified hazards. An existing list of critical facilities was
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 1-3 Woodard & Curran
2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022
reviewed, updated, and analyzed for this plan. The Town’s GIS department conducted an analysis of structures
vulnerable to flooding. Finally, the Town’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program was reviewed.
Led by the Town’s Planning & Development department with outside support from Woodard & Curran, an update to
the 2010 HMP was attempted and several of the plan’s components were completed in 2016, but the HMP was not
finalized or submitted. At this time, a workshop was held with key stakeholders to obtain input on hazards,
vulnerabilities and critical facilities and develop mitigation actions. Goals and objectives were revised to be more
comprehensive and encompass the top hazards identified.
In 2018, the Town received a grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program to identify vulnerabilities from natural hazards and climate
change and develop actions to mitigate the hazards. The Town of Barnstable contracted with staff from the Cape Cod
Commission and Woods Hole Sea Grant & Cape Cod Cooperative Extension to guide the process to become an MVP
certified community and engage community stakeholders through a community resilience building workshop held on
March 29, 2019. The 2010 Hazard Mitigation Plan was relied upon greatly to support the MVP effort and was used to
review critical facilities, past hazard events and impacts, and mitigation goals and actions. Subsequently, The Town
published the findings from the community resilience building workshop and achieved its MVP designation.
In 2021, the Town’s Planning & Development department contracted with Woodard & Curran to revisit the work
completed in 2016 and to refresh and finalize an update to the 2010 HMP. The Town of Barnstable held a half day
workshop with the planning team on November 8, 2021, to discuss the 2022 HMP update. At this meeting, the Town
of Barnstable reviewed the components of previous hazard mitigation documents, discussed proposed revisions and
project timelines, presented major hazard concerns, identified asset changes, reviewed recent emergency events and
planned preventative actions, discussed repetitive losses, and determined mitigation projects to continue and introduce
in the 2022 update. To close out the meeting, the Town of Barnstable discussed the next steps for public involvement,
formal adoption, and submission to MEMA and FEMA.
On November 19, 2021 and December 10, 2021 members of the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension and the Cape Cod
Commission respectively, had a virtual meeting to provide input into the plan. Conversations focused on crucial
mitigation project interests and implementation.
1.4 REGIONAL COOPERATION
The Cape Cod Commission (CCC) led a regional effort to develop a multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan for
Barnstable County. The Barnstable County Natural Hazards Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan (the Regional PDM plan)
addresses natural hazards affecting all of Cape Cod. The Town of Barnstable has maintained continuing
representation on the regional Multiple Hazard Community Planning Team. The regional team consists of
representatives from all 15 Cape Cod communities and representatives from regional environmental, social, and
emergency management groups. The CCC began the process to update the 2004 regional plan in June of 2009 and
has provided ongoing technical support for the development of this plan, and other local plans.
1.5 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
This plan update was formulated and reviewed by the Town’s HMP Team, but also benefited from review by the general
public. A Public review process is essential to the development of an inclusive and effective plan. A draft of the plan
was made available for review on the Town website on February 22, 2022 and a public comment period was open
through March 21, 2022.
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2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022
The Town of Barnstable Site Plan Review Committee and Planning Board are the two primary local reviewing
authorities responsible for regulating development in the town. The Site Plan Review Committee is an administrative
committee made up of various town departments such as Building, Fire, Health, and Planning. All applicable
departments sat on and played a vital role for the Hazard Mitigation Update Team. In addition, the Cape Cod
Commission is a regional planning and review authority. The Commission played an important role in providing early
review of the draft plan and provided important comments that were integrated in the final update.
The draft plan was presented to the Town of Barnstable Planning Board at its March 14, 2022 regularly scheduled
meeting of the Planning Board staff and the Town’s consultant, Woodard & Curran. The meeting was advertised,
televised and open to the public for public comment. Planners from surrounding communities were invited by special
invitation and included the Town of Yarmouth, Town of Sandwich and Town of Mashpee. The contents of the plan were
reviewed with the Board at the meeting and the Planning Board provided feedback. Comments regarding the
accessibility to future funding were addressed.
Appendix A provides documentation on the public engagement process.
1.6 USES OF THE 2010 HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
The 2010 Hazard Mitigation Plan was used for multiple purposes in various Town planning initiatives. It has been
referred to numerous times to guide emergency responses efforts and to examine potential impacts to critical facilities
during hazard events. The Town has taken steps to implement the findings of the plan into the newly adopted Floodplain
bylaws, the low-lying streets study, certification to become a Complete Streets certified community and to support the
development of mitigation actions under the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program.
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2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022
2. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
This section outlines the goals and objectives identified by the Town of Barnstable to guide its philosophy and approach
to creating a more resilient community. The goals were expanded significantly from the 2010 HMP to more directly
address the top priority hazards faced by this coastal community.
2.1 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
According to FEMA guidance documentation, a goal serves as a general guideline that explains what a community
would like to achieve and an objective defines a specific strategy or implementation step that will help reach a specific
goal. The following goals and objectives in Table 2-1 are reflective of goals articulated in Barnstable’s previous hazard
mitigation plans and include changes and updates based on stakeholder and staff input to guide the implementation of
the 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Table 2-1: Barnstable 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Goals
Goal #Details
Goal 1 Protect public safety and welfare during and following disaster events.
Goal 2 Prevent or reduce the loss of property, infrastructure, and natural and cultural
resources from natural disasters.
Goal 3 Increase public awareness of risk and vulnerability to natural disasters.
Goal 4 Increase access to funding sources for hazard mitigation projects.
Goal 5 Improve the ability to implement post-disaster recovery projects.
Barnstable reviewed the 2010 Mitigation Strategies and made some modifications including referring to them in this
2022 plan update as objectives to accompany and help achieve the identified goals. The strategy for the goals and
objectives is to address the threat and impact of natural hazard events through preventative regulations, property and
natural resource protection, structural improvements and increased public awareness. Mitigation Objectives were
reviewed and revised for this 2022 Barnstable Hazard Mitigation Plan update, which are shown in Table 2-2.
Table 2-2: Barnstable 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Objectives
Objective #Details
Objective 1 Preserve the natural and beneficial functions of the town’s floodplain, wetlands, beaches
and dunes through continued support of natural resource protection.
Objective 2 Limit development in high hazard and environmentally-sensitive areas to minimize loss
of life and structures, reduce erosion and prevent other environmental damage resulting
from natural hazards.
Objective 3 Support the protection and restoration of barrier beaches and coastal banks to the
greatest extent possible to protect important wildlife habitat from storm surge, preserve
recreational amenities and enhance these natural features that provide flood protection.
Objective 4 Reduce wildfire hazard within vulnerable open space lands and urban interface zones
through integrated and proactive land management programs as well as education and
outreach efforts.
Objective 5 Adopt and/or amend (re)development regulations applicable to land, structures and
wastewater systems in hazard-prone areas to ensure structures are designed to
withstand potential events and to prevent the disturbance of natural areas.
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2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022
Objective #Details
Objective 6 Incorporate hazard mitigation goals into the Town’s land acquisition strategy,
considering both direct acquisition and acquisition of development rights. Focus on
acquiring parcels with high development pressure in hazard-prone areas and reducing
the number of repetitive loss properties.
Objective 7 Continue to foster educational outreach programs that promote awareness of hazard
risks and vulnerabilities and increase community responsibility for actions and their
impacts.
Objective 8 Educate property owners on the affordable, individual mitigation and preparedness
measures that can be taken before a hazard event.
Objective 9 Increase the resilience of critical facilities and infrastructure so that it is capable of
withstanding or being protected from the impacts of natural hazards.
Objective 10 Coordinate local hazard mitigation planning, climate change and resiliency and
associated activities with the Cape Cod Commission, Barnstable County Regional
Emergency Planning Committee and neighboring towns.
Objective 11 Enhance and support the Town’s capability to conduct hazard risk assessments,
demonstrate funding needs and track mitigation activities. Improve institutional
knowledge of cost-effective mitigation and preparedness measures.
Objective 12 Identify and implement infrastructure projects that will increase the level of protection of
vulnerable areas from natural hazards and will provide long-term mitigation benefits.
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 3-1 Woodard & Curran
2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022
3. NATURAL HAZARDS
The Town of Barnstable has the potential to be impacted by a wide range of natural hazards and each one presents
certain risks to life and property. Understanding what specific hazards have and may impact the community is required
by FEMA regulations and guidance detailed in the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. This section identifies the natural
hazards that have impacted Barnstable in the past and those that could affect the community in the future.
3.1 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
The term hazard in this plan is defined as an extreme natural event that poses a risk to people, infrastructure, property
or resources. The natural hazards identified and included in this plan received their initial consideration from FEMA
Guidance documentation. The hazards were then further researched by utilizing current and historical data points from
various sources including but not limited to NOAA, US Census, FEMA Disaster Declarations and other regional/state
planning documents, including the Massachusetts Hazard Mitigation Plan (2013). The Town of Barnstable reviewed
the findings of each identified natural hazard and considered them against local knowledge to finalize the list of natural
hazards that have impacted Barnstable in the past or could impact the community in the future.
3.1.1 Natural Hazards Impacting Barnstable
Table 3-1 identifies hazards that may affect the Town of Barnstable, a profile of the associated risks, and a record of
previous occurrences.
Table 3-1: Natural Hazards Impacting Barnstable
Natural
Hazard
Impacted
Barnstable
in the
Past?
Sources Used to Make
Determination
Verified by
Barnstable
Local Plan
Review
Team
Why is this Natural
Hazard Relevant to
Barnstable?
Coastal
Erosion,
Shoreline
Change
Yes Town of Barnstable Multi-Hazard
Mitigation Plan (2010)
Town of Barnstable MVP
Summary of Findings Report
(2019)
Massachusetts Integrated State
Hazard Mitigation and Climate
Adaptation Plan (2018)
Barnstable County, Cape Cod
Hazard Mitigation Plan (2010)
StormSmart Coasts -
Massachusetts Shoreline Change
Project
Local Knowledge from Town Staff
Yes There is a strong history
and documentation of
coastal erosion and
shoreline change in
Barnstable.
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2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022
Natural
Hazard
Impacted
Barnstable
in the
Past?
Sources Used to Make
Determination
Verified by
Barnstable
Local Plan
Review
Team
Why is this Natural
Hazard Relevant to
Barnstable?
Hurricane Yes Town of Barnstable Multi-Hazard
Mitigation Plan (2010)
Town of Barnstable MVP
Summary of Findings Report
(2019)
Massachusetts Integrated State
Hazard Mitigation and Climate
Adaptation Plan (2018)
Barnstable County, Cape Cod
Hazard Mitigation Plan (2010)
Local Knowledge from Town Staff
Yes There is a history of
hurricane events impacting
Barnstable.
Dam Failure No Town of Barnstable Multi-Hazard
Mitigation Plan (2010)
Massachusetts Integrated State
Hazard Mitigation and Climate
Adaptation Plan (2018)
Local Knowledge from Town
Staff
Yes Barnstable has several
“significant” hazard dams
located in the community.
Earthquake No Town of Barnstable Multi-Hazard
Mitigation Plan (2010)
Massachusetts Integrated State
Hazard Mitigation and Climate
Adaptation Plan (2018)
Barnstable County, Cape Cod
Hazard Mitigation Plan (2010)
USGS Information by Region:
Massachusetts (2021)
Local Knowledge from Town Staff
Yes The state plan
acknowledges
Massachusetts is at risk for
an earthquake event.
Wildfire Yes Town of Barnstable Multi-Hazard
Mitigation Plan (2010)
Town of Barnstable MVP
Summary of Findings Report
(2019)
Massachusetts Integrated State
Hazard Mitigation and Climate
Adaptation Plan (2018)
Local Knowledge from Town
Staff
Yes There is a history of
wildfires in Barnstable.
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 3-3 Woodard & Curran
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Natural
Hazard
Impacted
Barnstable
in the
Past?
Sources Used to Make
Determination
Verified by
Barnstable
Local Plan
Review
Team
Why is this Natural
Hazard Relevant to
Barnstable?
Flood Yes Town of Barnstable Multi-Hazard
Mitigation Plan (2010)
Town of Barnstable MVP
Summary of Findings Report
(2019)
Massachusetts Integrated State
Hazard Mitigation and Climate
Adaptation Plan (2018)
Barnstable County, Cape Cod
Hazard Mitigation Plan (2010)
Local Knowledge from Town Staff
Yes There is a history of
flooding occurrences in
Barnstable.
Nor’easter Yes Town of Barnstable Multi-Hazard
Mitigation Plan (2010)
Town of Barnstable MVP
Summary of Findings Report
(2019)
Massachusetts Integrated State
Hazard Mitigation and Climate
Adaptation Plan (2018)
Barnstable County, Cape Cod
Hazard Mitigation Plan (2010)
Local Knowledge from Town Staff
Yes There is a history of
nor’easter events in
Barnstable.
Windstorm Yes Town of Barnstable Multi-Hazard
Mitigation Plan (2010)
Town of Barnstable MVP
Summary of Findings Report
(2019)
Massachusetts Integrated State
Hazard Mitigation and Climate
Adaptation Plan (2018)
Local Knowledge from Town Staff
Yes There is a history of
windstorm events in
Barnstable.
Tornado Yes Town of Barnstable Multi-Hazard
Mitigation Plan (2010)
Massachusetts Integrated State
Hazard Mitigation and Climate
Adaptation Plan (2018)
Barnstable County, Cape Cod
Hazard Mitigation Plan (2010)
Local Knowledge from Town Staff
Yes In August 1977, an F1
tornado touched down in
Barnstable. There have also
been tornado warnings in
Barnstable County.
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 3-4 Woodard & Curran
2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022
Natural
Hazard
Impacted
Barnstable
in the
Past?
Sources Used to Make
Determination
Verified by
Barnstable
Local Plan
Review
Team
Why is this Natural
Hazard Relevant to
Barnstable?
Drought Yes Town of Barnstable Multi-Hazard
Mitigation Plan (2010)
Massachusetts Integrated State
Hazard Mitigation and Climate
Adaptation Plan (2018)
Barnstable County, Cape Cod
Hazard Mitigation Plan (2010)
Local Knowledge from Town Staff
Yes There is a history of drought
in Barnstable County.
Severe
Winter
Weather
Yes Town of Barnstable Multi-Hazard
Mitigation Plan (2010)
Town of Barnstable MVP
Summary of Findings Report
(2019)
Massachusetts Integrated State
Hazard Mitigation and Climate
Adaptation Plan (2018)
Barnstable County, Cape Cod
Hazard Mitigation Plan (2010)
Local Knowledge from Town Staff
Yes There is a history of severe
winter weather in
Barnstable.
Tsunami No Massachusetts Integrated State
Hazard Mitigation and Climate
Adaptation Plan (2018)
Yes The state plan
acknowledges coastal
areas in Massachusetts are
at risk with this type of
natural hazard event.
Sea Level
Rise
Yes Town of Barnstable Multi-Hazard
Mitigation Plan (2010)
Town of Barnstable MVP
Summary of Findings Report
(2019)
Massachusetts Integrated State
Hazard Mitigation and Climate
Adaptation Plan (2018)
Barnstable County, Cape Cod
Hazard Mitigation Plan (2010)
Cape Cod Commission Sea Level
Rise Viewer
2014 New England Climate
Adaptation Project
Local Knowledge from Town Staff
Yes There is a history of Sea
Level Rise in Barnstable.
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 3-5 Woodard & Curran
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Natural
Hazard
Impacted
Barnstable
in the
Past?
Sources Used to Make
Determination
Verified by
Barnstable
Local Plan
Review
Team
Why is this Natural
Hazard Relevant to
Barnstable?
Climate
Change
Yes Barnstable County, Cape Cod
Hazard Mitigation Plan (2010)
Town of Barnstable MVP
Summary of Findings Report
(2019)
Massachusetts Integrated State
Hazard Mitigation and Climate
Adaptation Plan (2018)
2014 New England Climate
Adaptation Project
Local Knowledge from Town Staff
Yes There is evidence of
Climate Change in
Barnstable.
Extreme
Temperatures
Yes Town of Barnstable MVP
Summary of Findings Report
(2019)
Massachusetts Integrated State
Hazard Mitigation and Climate
Adaptation Plan (2018)
2014 New England Climate
Adaptation Project
Local Knowledge from Town Staff
Yes There is a history of
Extreme Temperatures in
Barnstable.
3.1.2 Definition of Probability
The Barnstable Hazard Mitigation Plan considers the probability of natural hazard events profiled in the plan and the
potential for them to occur in the future. General descriptors to discuss the probability of these natural hazard events
for the purposes of this planning effort include:
Highly likely – Hazard event occurs every 1-10 years.
Likely – Hazard event occurs every 10-50 years.
Unlikely – Hazard event occurs infrequently and greater than every 50 years.
Unknown – Insufficient data exists to make a more specific determination.
In some instances, a natural hazard event is more likely to occur during a specific time of year such as a winter storm
or hurricane and this additional information is included in the individual hazard profiles.
3.2 HAZARD PROFILES
3.2.1 Coastal Erosion/Shoreline Change
In general, coastal erosion refers to the wearing away of land that may result in the removal of beaches, dunes or other
shoreline vegetation by substantial wave action, tidal currents or drainage. Coastal erosion may result in long-term
sediment, rock and sand loss or the redistribution of these features. In severe cases, the shoreline can be temporarily
displaced landward and cause damage to personal property. Shoreline structures are a method of mitigation but while
they may protect some structures and assets, they can also cause more damage in other areas as a result.
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In Barnstable, the coastline is constantly changing, but long-term trends indicate that 73% of Barnstable’s shores are
experiencing erosion and 25% are experiencing accretion. Shoreline change, specifically erosion, can result in a direct
threat to waterfront property and indirectly impacts the developed environment by increasing vulnerability to storm
damage and flooding. Erosion and accretion are important natural processes that mitigation actions must respect to
protect the long-term health of Barnstable’s beaches and dunes.
Shoreline change can result from both natural and human activity. Gradual sea-level rise and coastal storms are the
primary natural causes of erosion. The extent of the erosion or accretion in a particular location is affected by several
variables, including the site’s exposure to storms and waves and sediment size and transport rates. Human-induced
shoreline change results from the interruption of sediment sources by armoring coastal bluffs and the interruption of
longshore sediment transport by the construction of jetties and groins.
3.2.1.1 Hazard Location
Coastal erosion and accretion rates along Barnstable’s coast are represented in Figure 1 in Appendix B. Areas most
adversely impacted by erosion are found on Sandy Neck Beach and the north shore west of Barnstable Harbor where
rates of erosion exceed two feet per year. On the south shore of Barnstable, areas with the most extreme erosion
impacts are found in small areas west of Hyannis Point and along the west side of Long Beach in Centerville Harbor.
Figure 1 and Figure 2 illustrate the historic shoreline change in Barnstable using data from the Massachusetts Ocean
Resource Information System (MORIS).
Figure 1: Historic Shoreline Change for Barnstable, MA (North Coast)
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 3-7 Woodard & Curran
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Figure 2: Historic Shoreline Change, Barnstable, MA (South Coast)
3.2.1.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent of the Hazard
In Massachusetts, the shoreline is eroding and has been over a long period of time at a rate of approximately .56 feet
per year1. A study of shoreline change in Massachusetts by the USGS survey, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Sea Grant Program, and Cape Cod Cooperative Extension reveals that approximately 68 percent, or 513 miles, of
Massachusetts' ocean-facing shore exhibits a long-term erosion trend, 30 percent, or 226 miles, shows long-term
accretion, and two percent, or 15 miles, shows no net change.
In December 2015, the Report of the Massachusetts Coastal Erosion Commission Volume 1: Findings and
Recommendations was released which is the work, findings, and recommendations of the Massachusetts Coastal
Erosion Commission. The tasks of the Commission included making a reasonable assessment of coastal erosion and
corresponding financial damage, making a reasonable estimate of damages to occur in the next 10 years under current
conditions, evaluating current rules, regulations and laws governing shoreline management, and examining possible
changes and cost-effective measures to improve the potential to reduce or eliminate impacts of coastal erosion.
Shoreline change analysis was conducted for each community covered by the Shoreline Change Project and the results
for Barnstable are included in Table 3-2.
Table 3-2: Barnstable Average Shoreline Change Rates and Uncertainty
Short Term Rate Long Term Rate
Mean (ft/yr)Standard Dev
(ft/yd)
Mean (ft/yr)Standard Dev (ft/yr)
Entire Town 0.4 5.2 -0.4 2.2
Cape Cod Bay 1.1 7.2 -0.2 2.3
Nantucket Sound -0.3 2.1 -0.7 2.0
1 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, “Shoreline Change and the Importance of Coastal Erosion,”
[http://www.whoi.edu/seagrant/page.do?pid=51817&tid=282&cid=88713], 2021
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Barnstable has experienced coastal erosion throughout the community due to its coastal location. Since 2013, the
Town has taken emergency parking lot stabilization efforts by bringing in over 28,000 cubic yards of sediment in the
Sandy Neck beach area.
3.2.1.3 Impact & Vulnerability
The Town of Barnstable is vulnerable to coastal erosion in the future. Erosion is a natural process, however when it
occurs near coastal property, infrastructure or natural resource areas, damage can occur. Coastal erosion in general
does not necessarily have an immediate impact on life, property or operations. The impacts of this hazard are a result
of repeated occurrences over time of coastal storms that can result in property loss or severe consequences that often
require hard infrastructure solutions to protect the built environment. However, coastal erosion and shoreline change
can cause significant economic loss due to destruction of buildings, roads, infrastructure, natural resources and habitat
areas either through one storm event or through repetitive storm events over time. In 2018, the Town collaborated with
the University of Massachusetts to identify landscape-based adaptations for sea level rise documented in “At the
Water’s Edge” report.
3.2.1.4 Probability of Future Occurrence
According to FEMA, there has never been a Presidential Disaster Declaration made for coastal erosion in the State of
Massachusetts. The NCDC Storm Database does not keep record of erosion events, and the data in this section is
anecdotal and research based.
According to the 2018 Massachusetts Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan, the probability
of future occurrences is defined by the number of events over a specified period of time. For the purpose of this plan,
the probability of a future coastal erosion in Barnstable is highly likely. High rates of coastal erosion occur most
frequently along long sections of shoreline which are consistently subjected to high wave energy and coastal storms.
The factors that determine whether or not a community or area may exhibit greater probability for long term coastal
erosion include:
Exposure to high-energy storms;
Exposure to high-energy storm waves;
Sediment size and composition of eroding coastal landforms adjacent to shorelines;
Relative sea level rise, and
Human interference with sediment supply (seawalls, jetties).
3.2.2 Hurricane
Hurricanes are characterized by a sustained wind speed of 74 miles per hour or more, wind that blows in a large spiral
motion around a rotating “eye” (calm center of the storm), and an expansive reach that can extend for hundreds of
miles. Powerful in nature, hurricanes can be short in duration or last for several days impacting numerous states,
counties and towns along the coastline. The aftermath of a hurricane frequently causes additional damage due to
lasting high winds, storm surge, and flooding. Storms that have associated wind speeds between 39 mph and 73 mph
are classified as tropical storms. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th. Based on
the number and intensity of storms, mid-August through mid-October is defined as the peak period.
3.2.2.1 Hazard Location
Barnstable is susceptible to experiencing hurricane events. According to the 2018 Massachusetts Integrated State
Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan, the entire state is susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms, but
the coastal areas are more susceptible due to the combination of high winds and surge. Figure 3 shows the historical
hurricane tracks that have impacted Barnstable. A map showing Hurricane Inundation Zones is located in Appendix
B.
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Since hurricane tracking began, there have been 10 direct hurricane hits to the Massachusetts coastline. The only
other New England state to have as many direct hits was Connecticut. A “direct hit” means that the core of strong
winds and/or storm surge was experienced. The Town of Barnstable, as a coastal community, is subject to flooding,
storm surge, episodic erosion, tornadoes, and wind damage from hurricanes.
Figure 3: Historical Hurricane Tracks
Source: NOAA Office for Coastal Management
3.2.2.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent of the Hazard
Since 1954, there have been six Major Disaster Declarations in the State of Massachusetts due to a hurricane or
tropical storm and four of those have resulted in Barnstable County receiving a designated area status from FEMA
(see Table 3-3). Historically, the Town of Barnstable has been directly impacted by at least 3 hurricanes and 1 Tropical
Storm (Irene), the most recent storm to impact Barnstable was Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
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Table 3-3: Massachusetts Hurricane Major Disaster Declarations (1954 – Present)
Disaster
No.
Incident
Period
Date
Disaster
Declared
Barnstable
County a
Designated
Area?
Notes
Tropical
Storm Henri 3566 8/20/2021 --
continuing 8/22/2021 No Mainly impacted Mashpee
Wampanoag Tribe on Cape Cod
Hurricane
Sandy 4097 10/27/2012 –
11/08/2012 12/19/2012 Yes Second costliest hurricane in U.S.
history.
Tropical
Storm Irene 4028 8/27/2011 –
8/29/2011 9/23/2011 Yes
Impacted most of east coast and is
ranked as 6th costliest hurricane in
United States history.
Hurricane
Bob 914 8/19/1991 8/26/1991 Yes
60% southern MA and RI residents
lost power and the storm surge in
Buzzards Bay was 10-15 feet.
Hurricane
Gloria 751 9/27/1985 10/28/1985 Yes
Dramatic coastal impact including
beach erosion and many flooding
issues.
Hurricane
Diane 43 8/20/1955 8/20/1955 Unknown
Was a Tropical Storm when it
reached New England, had heavy
rain of 10” – 20”.
Hurricane 22 9/2/1954 9/2/1954 Unknown
There was heavy storm surge to
Narragansett Bay and New Bedford
Harbor.
Source: FEMA Major Disaster Declarations 1954 – 2021
Some of the more notable hurricane events include:
Hurricane Sandy (2012) – In the fall of 2012, Hurricane Sandy had a major impact on the New York and New
Jersey coastline. The storm broke an all-time record for storm surge height in New York harbor, caused over
100 fatalities, and has reached a cost of over $79 billion for federal aid to cover damages, recovery and
mitigation measures. In Massachusetts, Sandy knocked out power to over 200,000 customers, disrupted
travel and closed schools. Downed trees, power lines and flooding were also present during and after the
storm. Heavy coastal flooding impacted 3,662 properties in Barnstable County while high winds caused
destruction and downed utilities.
Hurricane Bob (1991) – This was a costly hurricane at approximately $1.5 billion and left extensive damage
throughout New England. The loss of life and most of the damage occurred as a result of high winds and
rough seas. There were six confirmed tornadoes during its passage. Power outages and a lack of running
water were universal across Cape Cod, even at shelters. The Bourne and Sagamore Bridge were closed by
officials, isolating the Cape from the mainland. Southern-facing shorelines experienced the most significant
erosion, up to 50 feet in some places. Telephone lines were unreliable, if operable, and shelters across the
Cape were overfilled with vacationers and boat residents, as well as those who lost their homes in the storm.
Hurricane Gloria (1985) – A storm that hit Long Island, NY and New Jersey that caused minor storm surge,
erosion damage and substantial wind damage. Gloria made landfall in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and
was a fast-moving hurricane that struck at low tide, reducing storm surges and passing quickly before inflicting
maximum wind damage to coastal communities. Its main track passed over eastern Massachusetts, sparing
Cape Cod from any significant damage.
For reference and tracking purposes, hurricanes are categorized by class in accordance with the Saffir-Simpson
Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS) summarized in Table 3-4. The SSHWS uses a 1-minute sustained wind speed at a
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height of 33 feet over open water as the sole parameter to categorize storm damage potential.2 A storm with organized
circulation and sustained winds below a Category 1 Hurricane threshold (winds range from 39 to 73 mph) is categorized
as a tropical storm.
Table 3-4: Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS)
Category Wind
Speed
Storm
Surge (feet
above
normal sea
level)
Expected Damage
1 74-95 mph 4-5 feet
Minimal: Damage is done primarily to shrubbery and trees,
unanchored mobile homes are damaged, some signs are damaged,
damage to structures is minimal or none.
2 96-110
mph 6-8 feet Moderate: Some trees are toppled, some roof coverings are damaged,
and mobile homes may have major damage.
3 111-130
mph 9-12 feet
Extensive: Large trees are toppled, some structural roof damage
occurs, mobile homes are destroyed, structural damage to small homes
and utility buildings is possible.
4 131-155
mph 13-18 feet Extreme: Extensive damage is done to roofs, windows and doors; roof
systems on small buildings completely fail; some curtain walls fail.
5 > 155 mph > 18 feet
Catastrophic: Roof damage is considerable and widespread, window
and door damage is severe, there are extensive glass failures, and
entire buildings could fall.
It is important to note that lower category storms, including tropical storms, can inflict greater damage than higher
category storms depending on where and when the storm strikes. Tropical storms have been known to produce
significant damage and loss of life, mainly due to flooding.
3.2.2.3 Impact & Vulnerability
Barnstable is vulnerable to hurricanes due to its proximity to the coast. According to the 2018 Massachusetts Integrated
State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan, impacts to the state in addition to a direct hit can include effects
from tropical remnants such as heavy rain, localized flooding and storm surge. The greatest impacts from hurricanes
to property and infrastructure include wind and water damage: flooding, utility failure, building damage, shoreline
erosion, natural resource damage; interruptions with emergency, fire, and police services, and economic loss due to
business property damage and loss of inventory. A hurricane can have devastating effects on a large area if directly
in the path of a hurricane causing long term affects to the local economy and environment.
One unique impact to Barnstable is that ferry service to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard operate from the Hyannis
Terminal in the inner harbor. During a large-scale hurricane event which would require evacuating these communities,
Barnstable would be impacted by a large influx of residents and visitors who may have to leave abruptly and require
emergency shelter or other services. Barnstable serves as a lifeline to these two island communities. There is a general
concern about the damage that would occur in the inner harbor during a substantial hurricane. The potential impacts
2 FEMA Coastal Construction Manual, 2011
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to the hospital could also be problematic. If a hurricane does impact Barnstable, areas could be cut off from services,
which could impact emergency shelters or the ability to evacuate neighborhoods, most specifically, Osterville Grand
Island and could reach the hospital itself. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has recently updated the
hurricane inundation maps for coastal Massachusetts. Each community received a map created using a Sea, Land,
and Overland Surges from Hurricanes (SLOSH) model developed by the National Weather Service. The model
estimates the potential for storm surge for categories 1-4 hurricanes. Figure 4 shows the varying degrees of inundation
Barnstable may be able to expect from each type of hurricane. Access to Osterville Grand Island, which was previously
mentioned as an area of concern, would potentially become limited or impossible during even a Category 1 event.
Figure 4: Hurricane Inundation Zones
Source: Massachusetts Hurricane Inundation Zones (arcgis.com)
3.2.2.4 Probability of Future Occurrence
According to the 2018 Massachusetts Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan, the probability
of future occurrences is defined by the number of events over a specified period of time. For the purpose of this plan,
the probability of Barnstable experiencing a hurricane is highly likely. Based on NOAA’s Adapting to Climate Change
Guide3, the power and frequency of Atlantic Ocean hurricanes has increased in recent decades and the intensity of
Atlantic hurricanes is likely to increase over the extended long term.
Figure 5 shows the Number of Hurricanes for 100-year Return Period along the eastern seaboard. The light blue area
over Massachusetts represents that the state can expect 20 to 40 hurricanes over a 100- year return period.
3 Source: NOAA’s Adapting to Climate Change: A Planning Guide for State Coastal Managers (2010)
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Figure 5: Number of Hurricanes for a 100-year Return Period
Source: 2018 Massachusetts Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan
NOAA published a map (Figure 6) showing the possibility that a tropical storm or hurricane will affect a given area
during the hurricane season. Based on this research, Massachusetts has a 6 to 30 percent chance of a tropical storm
or hurricane impacting the state in any given year. There is a greater probability along the coast.
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Figure 6: Probability of Hurricane or Tropical Storm Events across Massachusetts
Source: http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/G11.html
3.2.3 Dam Failure
Dam failures are a catastrophic type of failure characterized by the sudden, rapid, and uncontrolled release of water.
They can result from natural events, human-induced events, or a combination of the two. Failures due to natural events
such as prolonged periods of rainfall and flooding can result in overtopping, which is the most common cause of dam
failure.
3.2.3.1 Hazard Location
Barnstable currently has 10 dams in the community and three have been assigned a hazard potential classification of
“significant.” The State determined that the Town is responsible for the ownership, maintenance, and operation of the
Wequaquet Lake and Mill Pond Dams. The Lumbert Pond Dam is under private ownership. The Santuit Pond Dam in
Mashpee has also been identified as a potential hazard for the town of Barnstable should the dam fail.
Wequaquet Lake Dam - Wequaquet Lake is the largest lake in the Town of Barnstable and the third largest
on Cape Cod. The 654-acre lake is located south of Route 6 and Route 132 in Centerville. The lake has 7.5
acres of shoreline that is heavily developed with cottages and year-round homes. The lake discharges
through a man-made channel into Long Pond and ultimately to the Centerville River. The Wequaquet Lake
dam consists of a concrete box culvert extending 37 feet under Phinney’s Lane with a concrete retaining wall
on either side of the road. Although the dam carries a hazard ranking of “significant”, as of 2009, the condition
of the dam is in satisfactory condition with no major deficiencies.
Mill Pond Dam - Mill Pond is located northwest of the intersection of Route 28 and Route 149 in Marstons
Mills. The warm-water pond is fed by the Marstons Mills River and discharges into wetlands adjacent to
Prince Cove and ultimately to the Three Bays. The Mill Pond dam is 52 feet in length and located at the
southeast end of the pond, just east west of Route 149. The dam structure consists of an uncontrolled
spillway, a tier pool, and a fish ladder pool outlet. Flows then pass through a trash rack and a 4’ pipe culvert
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extending 280 feet under Route 149. Although the dam carries a hazard ranking of “significant”, the dam is
in fair condition, as determined by a December 2009 inspection.
Santuit Pond Dam - Santuit Pond is located just west of Barnstable in the Town of Mashpee; however, the
Santuit Pond dam is a potential hazard for the Town of Barnstable should this dam fail. Santuit Pond is a
172-acre warm-water pond approximately a mile north of Route 28 and east of Route 130. The MCDR has
assigned the Santuit Pond dam a hazard ranking of significant. In 2013, a new fish ladder and dam separating
the Santuit River from Santuit Pond was completed.
A map showing the location of dams in Barnstable is located in Appendix B.
3.2.3.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent of the Hazard
According to FEMA, there has not been a Presidential Disaster Declaration made for dam failures in the State of
Massachusetts since 1953 nor have there been any instances in Barnstable.
The Massachusetts Office of Dam Safety is responsible for maintaining records of dams statewide. The Office ensures
compliance with practices pertaining to dam inspection, maintenance, repair and operation. As displayed in Table 3-5,
the State utilizes the USACE classification system for the hazard potential of dam failures. The classification system
outlines the expected impacts should a dam failure occur.
Table 3-5: USACE Hazard Potential Classification
Hazard Type Description
High Hazard Refers to dams located where failure will likely cause loss of life and serious damage to home(s),
industrial or commercial facilities, important public utilities, main highway(s) or railroad(s).
Significant
Hazards
Refers to dams located where failure may cause loss of life and damage home(s), industrial or
commercial facilities, secondary highway(s) or railroad(s) or cause interruption of use of service
of relatively important facilities.
Low Hazard Refers to dams located where failure may cause minimal property damage to others. Loss of life
is not expected.
According to Massachusetts State law, dam owners are required to prepare, maintain, and update Emergency Action
Plans for all High Hazard Potential dams and certain Significant Hazard Potential dams. The Emergency Action Plans
include the following information:
Identification of equipment and materials required and available to execute the plan;
Notification procedures for informing local emergency agencies;
An inundation map that identifies potential flood areas; and
A process for warning nearby residents if failure of the dam is imminent including a list of addresses and
phone numbers for property owners who may be affected in the event of a dam failure.
3.2.3.3 Impact & Vulnerability
The Town of Barnstable is vulnerable to dam failures. According to the 2018 Massachusetts Integrated State Hazard
Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan, as infrastructure ages and maintenance and inspection costs increase, there
is an increased likelihood of higher risk for full or partial dam failures. The location of several significant hazard dams
in Barnstable contributes its dam failure vulnerability. Should a dam failure occur, it would likely cause serious damage
and potentially loss of life to the surrounding area.
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3.2.3.4 Probability of Future Occurrence
Based on the 2018 Massachusetts Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan, the probability of
future occurrences is defined by the number of events over a specified period of time. For the purpose of this plan, the
probability of future dam failures in Barnstable is unknown. Likelihood would increase if the following events did occur:
Natural hazards such as an earthquake/flood;
Deliberate acts of sabotage;
Structural failure of dam materials;
Dam structures are overtopped or about to be overtopped due to floodwaters;
Earth embankments breached by erosion or slope failure; and
Spillways are blocked or seepage exists downstream.
3.2.4 Earthquake
Earthquakes are the result of a release of energy (which can be observed by shifting and fracturing of rock materials
beneath the surface) in the Earth’s crust that creates seismic activity. Seismic activity is defined by the frequency, type
and size of earthquakes that occur. Earthquakes are measured by the Richter magnitude scale or the Maximum
Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (MMI Scale) that assign a value number to each earthquake event as a form of
measuring the energy released. Unfortunately, earthquakes can be large in magnitude, impact thousands of square
miles and cause billions of dollars in damage to property.
3.2.4.1 Hazard Location
Earthquakes are possible in Massachusetts, including Barnstable. The Northeast States Emergency Consortium map
in Figure 7 indicates where the epicenters of specific events have occurred in the past. While an epicenter can be
located far from Barnstable and still produce a Barnstable-affecting earthquake, the earthquake hazard possibility is
low for the Northeast region in general. The rate of earthquakes in the Northeast is about 1% of the earthquake rate in
California. A strongly damaging earthquake is expected once every 200-300 years in the Northeast.
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Figure 7: Earthquakes in the Northeastern US and Adjacent Canada
Source: Earthquakes Hazards: Northeast States Emergency Consortium (nesec.org) 2021
The 2018 Massachusetts Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan notes that the New England
epicenters do not follow major mapped faults of the region, nor are they confined to specific geologic structures or
terrain. In addition, past earthquakes in New England have not aligned along fault lines that are known or mapped by
geologists. Due to the wide-ranging occurrences of earthquakes in New England, it is suspected that a strong event
could occur anywhere in the region.
3.2.4.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent
As of 2021, there has never been an earthquake recorded in the Town of Barnstable. According to FEMA, there has
never been a Presidential Disaster Declaration made for an earthquake in the State of Massachusetts. Between 1668
- 2021, Massachusetts experienced 379 earthquakes of varying magnitudes.4 According to the 2018 Massachusetts
Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan, the last major earthquake to affect Massachusetts
was more than 200 years ago in 1755 with an estimated magnitude of about 6.0 to 6.25. The epicenter was probably
located off the coast of Cape Ann, north of Boston. The area of greatest damage in Massachusetts stretched along
the northern coast of the state from Cape Ann to Boston. Figure 8 shows earthquakes in New England, the United
States, and Canada from 1990-2010. Other earthquake events relevant to the Barnstable area are listed in Table 3-6.
4 The Northeast States Emergency Consortium, “Earthquakes,” [http://nesec.org/earthquakes-hazards/], 2021
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Figure 8: Earthquakes in New England, United States and Canada (1990 – 2010)
Table 3-6: Earthquake Events Greater Than Magnitude 2.0 in Massachusetts
Date Magnitude Location
November 8, 2020 3.6 Bliss Corner
December 3, 2019 2.1 Plymouth
December 23, 2018 2.2 Gardner
December 21, 2018 2.1 Templeton
April 2012 4.4 Offshore
May 15, 2011 2.1 Buzzard’s Bay
July 22, 2003 3.6 Offshore
October 25, 1965 5 Nantucket
April 24, 1925 5 Wareham
January 7, 1925 5.0 Cape Ann
August 8, 1847 4.2 Brewster
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Date Magnitude Location
January 2, 1785 5.4 Offshore
November 18, 1755 6.0 Cape Ann
Figure 9: Massachusetts Seismicity (1973 – 2021)
Source: Information by Region - Massachusetts | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov)
Figure 9 is an earthquake hazard map, commonly referred to as a PGA map, for Massachusetts that shows ground
motion values with a 2% probability in 50 years. For moderate earthquakes, PGA is the best determinate of damage.
According to Figure 10, Barnstable has a 2% probability of having ground movement with a severity of 14 to 20%,
equivalent to a VI on the MMI Scale.
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Figure 10: Massachusetts Seismic Hazards
Source: USGS 2014 Seismic Hazard Map- Massachusetts | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov)
The Weston Observatory at Boston College conducted an analysis on spatial probabilities in New England. According
to the analysis there is a 66% chance that the next earthquake of magnitude 2.7 or greater in the region will occur in
one of the green areas in Figure 11. Barnstable is in a higher probability area.
Figure 11: Spatial Probabilities for New England
Source: 2013 Massachusetts State Hazard Mitigation Plan
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Earthquake impacts are measured by how much energy releases from the epicenter of the event and how far any given
location is from the epicenter. Severity can be expressed for an earthquake by comparing the acceleration of the event
to normal acceleration due to gravity. Peak ground acceleration (PGA) is how the strength of the ground movements
can be measured and is expressed as a percent of the established rate of acceleration due to gravity. A common
method used to describe the severity of an earthquake is the MMI Scale (see Table 3-7). The MMI Scale has preceded
the Richter Scale (used until 1970) to measure the size of earthquakes in terms of how much energy is released. The
scale identifies 12 increasing levels of intensity which are designated by a Roman numeral.
Table 3-7: Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale – Earthquake Intensity
MMI Scale
Number Typical Earthquake Impacts
I Not felt except by a very few under especially favorable conditions.
II Felt only by a few persons at rest, especially on upper floors of buildings.
III
Felt quite noticeably by persons indoors, especially on upper floors of buildings. Many people do
not recognize it as an earthquake. Standing motor cars may rock slightly. Vibrations similar to the
passing of a truck. Duration estimated.
IV
Felt indoors by many, outdoors by few during the day. At night, some awakened. Dishes,
windows, doors disturbed; walls make cracking sound. Sensation like heavy truck striking building.
Standing motor cars rocked noticeably.
V Felt by nearly everyone; many awakened. Some dishes, windows broken. Unstable objects
overturned. Pendulum clocks may stop.
VI Felt by all, many frightened. Some heavy furniture moved; a few instances of fallen plaster.
Damage slight.
VII
Damage negligible in buildings of good design and construction; slight to moderate in well-built
ordinary structures; considerable damage in poorly built or badly designed structures; some
chimneys broken.
VIII
Damage slight in specially designed structures; considerable damage in ordinary substantial
buildings with partial collapse. Damage great in poorly built structures. Fall of chimneys, factory
stacks, columns, monuments, walls. Heavy furniture overturned.
IX Damage considerable in specially designed structures. Damage great in substantial buildings, with
partial collapse. Buildings shifted off foundations.
X Some well-built wooden structures destroyed; most masonry and frame structures destroyed with
foundations. Rails bent.
XI Few, if any (masonry) structures remain standing. Bridges destroyed. Rails bent greatly.
XII Damage total. Lines of sight and level are distorted. Objects thrown into the air.
Earthquakes are also often referred to on a magnitude base-10 logarithmic scale, which is noted in Table 3-8.
Table 3-8: Earthquake Magnitude Scale
Magnitude Earthquake Effects Estimated Number
Each Year
2.5 or less Usually not felt but can be recorded by seismograph.900,000
2.5 to 5.4 Often felt, but only causes minor damage.30,000
5.5 to 6.0 Slight damage to buildings and other structures.500
6.1 to 6.9 May cause a lot of damage in very populated areas.100
7.0 to 7.9 Major earthquake. Serious damage.20
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Magnitude Earthquake Effects Estimated Number
Each Year
8.0 or greater Great earthquake. Can totally destroy communities near the epicenter.One every 5 to 10
years
3.2.4.3 Impact & Vulnerability
Barnstable is vulnerable to earthquakes according to data provided by Weston Observatory and USGS earthquake
hazard maps. In general, earthquake vulnerability is based on cross referencing the built environment with the
population for an area. Developed areas in high hazard zones are the most vulnerable due to their densely developed
nature, age of structures and infrastructure and number of people. Structures that are newer construction are more
resistant to earthquakes than older construction due to updated building codes and enforcement. Common impacts of
an earthquake may include building and infrastructure damage or failure, rupture of underground utilities, fire, landslides
and other disruptions. Secondary impacts of earthquakes can be just as serious and may include dam failure or
explosions.
3.2.4.4 Probability of Future Occurrence
According to the 2018 Massachusetts Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan, the probability
of future occurrences is defined by the number of events over a specified period of time. For the purpose of this plan,
the probability of future earthquakes in Barnstable is likely even though they cannot be predicted and may occur
anytime. The State Plan also reports there have been 366 earthquakes of varying degrees recorded from 1627 to
2012 in Massachusetts. Due to inferior recording and reporting instruments, prior to the 20th century, it is difficult to
estimate the probability of future occurrences based on historical data.
As also noted in the 2018 Massachusetts Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan, a 1994
USGS report found that the probability of a magnitude 5.0 or greater earthquake centered in New England in a 10-year
period is about 10%-15%. The probability is expected to rise to 41% - 56% for a 50-year period. The last earthquake
with a magnitude above 5.0 took place in New Hampshire’s Ossipee Mountains in 1940.
3.2.5 Wildfire
Wildfires are typically non-structural fires that occur in vegetated areas such as grass, shrubs and forested areas. In
Massachusetts, the cause of a wildfire can either be the result of human impacts or natural events such as a lightning
strike. Drought and/or windstorm conditions can fuel wildfires or cause them to spread rapidly. Wildfires not only
destroy the vegetated areas where they occur, but they can also impact the built environment including structures, if in
close proximity.
3.2.5.1 Hazard Location
According to the 2018 Massachusetts Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan, the southern
part of Massachusetts is particularly susceptible to wildfire due to the availability of fuel, impact of offshore winds and
increasing development. The Plan notes that a US Forest Service study identified Barnstable and Plymouth Counties
as the most fire-prone due to their vegetation, sandy soil, and the presence of a drying wind. Pitch pine and oak forests
are especially susceptible to wildfires. Areas on Cape Cod have some high susceptibility and in Barnstable, this is
particularly true along the north coast of the community. Figure 12 displays the wildfire throughout the state by Census
block.
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Figure 12: Wildfire Hazard Areas
The 2018 Massachusetts Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan outlines regions from no
risk to extreme risk of wildfire. Barnstable’s vegetated areas are at high risk of wildfire, while the salt marsh regions
are at no risk of burning as show in Figure 13.
Figure 13: Wildfire Risk Areas for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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3.2.5.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent
According to FEMA, there have been no Presidential Disaster Declarations made for wildfire in Massachusetts since
1953. The NCDC tracks storm events and there have been no reported instances of wildfire in Barnstable County.
The 2013 Massachusetts State Hazard Mitigation Plan mapped the number of wildfire events statewide from 2001 to
2009 in Figure 13b. The figure illustrates, based on best available data, there were between 0-20 fires burning less
than 100 acres during the eight-year span and some of the more substantial ones were in or near Barnstable.
Figure 13b: Locations of Historical Wildfires and Acres Burned in Massachusetts (2001-2009)
Source: 2013 Massachusetts State Hazard Mitigation Plan
3.2.5.3 Impact & Vulnerability
Over the course of Barnstable’s development, urban areas, both residential and commercial, have encroached into
natural wildlife areas. People, structures, and facilities in urban/wildland interface areas are at the greatest risk from
wildfires. The vast majority of wildfires are started by humans; some fires are attributable to accidents and negligence,
but historically almost half have been attributed to arson. Although most wildfires begin unnaturally, it is important to
keep in mind that wildfires can play an important role in the natural cycle of plant succession and can have positive
impacts on wildlife areas. These benefits should be considered when developing mitigation actions and response
strategies.
Barnstable is vulnerable to wildfires because of the type and amount of potential fuel in the community for this type of
natural hazard event. The Cape is one of the highest risk areas for wildfire in the state; a U.S. Forest Service study
found that Barnstable and Plymouth counties, with their sandy soils, drying winds and fuel types are as wildfire prone
as the often fire ravaged regions of southern California. According to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public
Safety and Security, there are three classes of wildfires: surface fire, ground fire and crown fire. Crown fires would
likely have the greatest probability of causing the greatest losses because of the speed at which the fire spreads.
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The 2012 Barnstable County Wildfire Preparedness Plan included the preparation of wildfire risk areas (shown in
Figure 14) which illustrates the areas of greatest wildfire risk on Cape Cod and in Barnstable. According to the
assessment, portions of Barnstable are classified as “high” risk wildfire areas or areas for mitigation activities.
Figure 14: Wildfire Risk Areas
3.2.5.4 Probability of Future Occurrence
According to the 2018 Massachusetts Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan, the probability
of future occurrences is defined by the number of events over a specified period of time. For the purpose of this plan,
the probability of future wildfires in Barnstable is likely. Wildfires are likely to most often occur in Barnstable County
(including Barnstable) from late March to early June.
3.2.6 Flood
A flood is when there is a high flow or inundation of water that submerges land which is normally dry and causes or
threatens damage. The most frequently flooded type of area is land adjacent to a water body and in a defined
floodplain. Flooding can either be coastal, riverine or shallow flooding (associated with ponding or urban drainage).
Flooding situations can develop slowly or very quickly in a situation known as a flash flood. Floods can be dangerous
because the flow of water can be rapid and either impact a neighborhood, community or the larger watershed area.
Varying types of floods can occur including5:
Coastal Flood: Flooding of coastal areas due to the vertical rise above normal water level caused by strong,
persistent onshore wind, high astronomical tide, and/or low atmospheric pressure, resulting in damage,
5 National Weather Service Instruction 10-1605 (August 17, 2007), Operations and Services Performance, NWSPD 10-16 Storm
Data Preparation document (http://www.nws.noaa.gov/directives)
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erosion, flooding, fatalities, or injuries. Coastal areas are defined as those portions of coastal land zones
(coastal county/parish) adjacent to the waters and bays of the oceans. Farther inland, flood events are defined
as Flash Flood or Flood. Terrain (elevation) features determine how far inland the coastal flooding extends.
Flash Flood: Rapid and extreme flow of high water into a normally dry area, or a rapid water level rise in a
stream or creek above a predetermined flood level, beginning within six hours of the causative event (e.g.,
intense rainfall, dam failure, ice jam-related), on a widespread or localized basis. Ongoing flooding can
intensify to flash flooding in cases where intense rainfall results in a rapid surge of rising flood waters. Flash
floods do not exist for two or three consecutive days.
Riverine Flooding: The flooding of rivers and streams over their pre-defined banks. In coastal regions, the
riverine floodplain is generally a flat area along a larger river or in low-lying coastal areas. The volume that is
manageable depends on the watershed, and climate and land use characteristics. Spring snowmelt, frozen
ground conditions, and strong storms may all lead to riverine flooding.
Urban Flooding: In densely developed areas, heavy rains/precipitation can produce flooding when
groundwater levels are high and there is insufficient drainage infrastructure in place.
Other terminology frequently used to describe flood conditions includes:
Base Flood (100 Year Flood) – Flood that has a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
A 100 Year flood can occur more than once in a short period of time. The term measures the size of the flood,
not frequency of occurrence.
500 Year Flood – Flood that has a .2% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. The 500-
Year flood is an infrequent event and can occur between once in eight years to once in fifty years. The term
does not mean a flood occurs once in 500 years.
3.2.6.1 Hazard Location
Flooding is a regular occurrence in Massachusetts and is also one of the highest impact hazards. This type of natural
hazard event typically occurs during other weather events like a hurricane, nor’easter, winter storm or heavy rain. The
2018 Massachusetts Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan indicates that flooding affects the
majority of communities in the state.
FEMA defines flood hazard areas on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA).
A SFHA is an area that will be inundated or impacted by the flood event that has a 1% chance of happening during the
year. At times, the 1% annual chance of flood is called the base flood. The flood areas are defined as follows:
Special Flood Hazard Areas
o Zone A, Zone AO, Zone AH, Zones A1-A30, Zone AE, Zone A99, Zone AR, Zone AR/AE, Zone
AR/AO, Zone AR/A1-A30, Zone AR/A, Zone V, Zone VE, Zone V1-V30
Moderate Flood Hazard Areas
o Zone X (areas between the base flood and the .2% annual chance (or 500-year flood)
Areas of Minimal Flood Hazard
o Zone X (areas of minimal flood hazard, outside the SFHA and higher than the elevation of the .2%
annual chance of flood)
Areas at risk for flooding are shown in Appendix B.
According to the Barnstable County Flood Insurance Study (2016), flooding in the Town of Barnstable is generally
limited to coastal areas where waters can inundate during high tide conditions. The NFIP tracks information regarding
the number of flood insurance policies in force, the dollar value in force, total losses and total payments as shown in
Table 3-9.
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Table 3-9: National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) – Barnstable
# Policies in Force Premium Coverage Total Claims 1978-2016 Total Payments 1978-2016
1,189 $341,069,900 301 $3,058,512
3.2.6.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent
In the past 50 years, there have been 20 major flood events in Massachusetts. The coastal counties experienced the
greatest number of federal declarations. According to FEMA, there have been 17 Presidential Disaster declarations
for a flooding incident in Massachusetts and six of those have impacted Barnstable County (see Table 3-10).
Table 3-10: Massachusetts Flooding Major Disaster Declarations (1995 – Present)
Disaster
No.Incident Period Date Disaster
Declared
Barnstable County a
Designated Area?
Severe Winter Storm and
Flooding DR-4379 3/13/2018 – 3/14/2018 6/19/2018 No
Severe Winter Storm and
Flooding DR-4372 3/2/2018 – 3/3/2018 6/25/2018 Yes
Severe Winter Storm,
Snowstorm, Flooding DR-4214 1/26/2015 – 4/13/2015 4/13/2015 Yes
Severe Winter Storm,
Snowstorm, Flooding DR-4110 2/8/2013 – 2/9/2013 4/19/2013 Yes
Hurricane Sandy DR-4097 10/27/2012- 11/8/2012 12/19/12 Yes
Tropical Storm Irene DR-4028 8/27/2011-8/29/2011 9/3/2011 Yes
Severe Storm and Flooding DR-1895 3/12/2010 – 4/26/2010 3/29/2010 No
Severe Winter Storm and
Flooding DR-1813 12/11/2008 –
12/18/2008 1/5/2009 No
Severe Storms, Inland and
Coastal Flooding DR-1701 4/15/2007 – 4/25/2007 5/16/2007 Yes
Severe Storms and Flooding DR-1642 5/12/2006 – 5/23/2006 5/25/2006 No
Severe Storms and Flooding DR-1614 10/7/2005 – 10/16/2005 11/10/2005 No
Flooding DR-1512 4/1/2004 – 4/30/2004 4/24/2004 No
Severe Storms and Flooding DR-1364 3/5/2001 – 4/16/2001 4/10/2001 No
Heavy Rain and Flooding DR-1224 6/13/1998-7/6/1998 6/23/1998 No
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Disaster
No.Incident Period Date Disaster
Declared
Barnstable County a
Designated Area?
Severe Storms and Flooding DR-1142 10/20/1996-10/25/1996 10/25/1996 No
Severe Storms and Flooding DR-790 3/30/1987-4/13/1987 4/18/1987 No
Coastal Storms, Flood, Ice,
Snow DR-546 2/6/1978-2/8/1978 2/10/1978 Yes
Severe Storms, Flooding DR-325 3/6/1972 3/6/1972 No
Hurricane, Floods DR-43 8/20/1955 8/20/1955 Unknown
The NCDC tracks storm events and the information below was available for Barnstable County regarding some of the
flooding occurrences.
March 8, 2018 – The third Nor’easter in two weeks hit Massachusetts, with the eastern end of the state most
effected. Widespread power outages accompanied high winds (greater than 60mph) and nearly two feet of
snowfall.
March 2, 2018 – Nor-easter brought floodwaters making Route 6A impassable and flooding the Barnstable
Marine parking area. Waterflow was under and around buildings and damaged windows and sidings. Beaches
and dunes suffered erosion and overwashing after water breached barrier beaches. Wrack infiltrated
wetlands.
January 4, 2018 – The storm of record, bringing high waters up to 100-year floodplain and damaging winds.
Structures had waterflow around and under them and damage affected stairs, decks, windows, sidings, walls,
and roofs. Other effects included eroded beaches, damaged sand fencing, overwashed dunes, and wrack in
wetlands. The Milway neighborhood experienced major damage and most structures were flooded.
November 11, 2014 – Heavy rain and strong wind impacted Cape Cod and two cars became stuck in flood
waters on Megan Road in Hyannis.
January 3, 2014 – Moderate coastal flooding impacted various parts of Cape Cod.
June 3, 2012 – Sandy Neck Road in Barnstable was flooded and impassable due to minor coastal flooding.
February 6-7, 1978 – Blizzard of the century permanently altered the shape of Cape Cod and nearly one
hundred lives were lost across the Massachusetts coastal region. Waves as high as thirty feet and a
seventeen-foot tide caused extensive flooding damage. Heavy snow and rain fell across the cape and many
residents experienced power outages, stranded vehicles, and property damage.
3.2.6.3 Impact & Vulnerability
The Town of Barnstable is highly susceptible to coastal flooding, but inland flooding is also a risk. Flooding results
from heavy rains and storm surges and can be exacerbated by tidal restrictions and coastal erosion. The most
dangerous type of flooding occurs from storm surges, which can accompany hurricane and nor’easter events. Storm
surge is a dome of water that comes ashore during or after a hurricane event. Flooding from storm surges poses the
greatest risk to life during hurricanes and necessitates evacuation of vulnerable areas. Storm surges can wash out
roads, damage infrastructure, overwhelm storm sewers, and contaminate drinking water. Local staff noted that Hyannis
Harbor and the surrounding area floods on a consistent basis.
Flooding occurrences can have devastating impacts on life, property and operations in a community – particularly if
the proper flood insurance is not in place. Throughout Massachusetts, there are no areas that are exempt from flooding
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impacts, what varies is the type of flooding. Flooding can also alter the natural landscape and habitat areas and in
Barnstable, this has been seen in the Sandy Neck area of the community on the northern coastline.
Barnstable’s pump stations have flooded in the past. The community has set up a system where if a storm event may
be predicted which could result in flooding, they have the ability to vacuum shut pump stations with the proper advanced
warning. Other emergency systems in place include the use of installed and portable generators. During a large storm
event, staff may intentionally and strategically shut down some pump stations.
There are also health impacts which can be associated with flooding, such as potential exposure to mold, pathogens
in flood waters and long-term mental health issues. Rebuilding homes and buildings impacted by flooding can be
extremely costly and time consuming. There is also a risk that rebuilding costs may be repetitive as often the same
locations can be impacted more than once.
3.2.6.4 Probability of Future Occurrence
According to the 2018 Massachusetts Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan, the probability
of future occurrences is defined by the number of events over a specified period of time. For the purpose of this plan,
the probability of Barnstable experiencing a flood event is highly likely. The historical record indicates that the State
experienced 20 flood-related disaster declarations from 1955 to 2012. Therefore, based on statistics, a flood event of
disaster declaration proportions may occur somewhere in Massachusetts once every three years.
3.2.7 Nor’easter/Coastal Storm
A nor’easter is a non-tropical storm that produces gale-force winds and precipitation in the form of heavy rain or snow.
Nor’easters (also referred to as coastal storms) are common occurrences in the eastern United States. Events may
cause substantial damage to coastal (and at times, inland) areas due to strong winds (can be hurricane force), storm
surge and substantial rainfall or snow amounts. A storm is specifically a Nor’easter when the wind blows in from the
northeast and pushes the storm up the east coast of the United States. Due to the slow movement of these weather
events, storm surge can be in excess of 2 feet above normal high tide and impact the coastline over multiple high tide
cycles making coastal erosion and flooding a common secondary effect of these storm events. These types of storms
can occur anytime of the year but are more common in the winter months.
3.2.7.1 Hazard Location
In Massachusetts, typically one or two nor’easter events impact the coastline between October and April each year
which may cause flooding, property damage and coastal erosion. The coastal areas of Barnstable are susceptible to
property and natural resource damage from storm surge and wind while the entire community is often impacted by
heavy rain, flooding and snow associated with nor’easter events.
3.2.7.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent
Nor’easters are the most frequently occurring natural hazard in the state. According to FEMA, there have been four
Presidential Disaster Declarations made for “Coastal Storms” in the State of Massachusetts. In Barnstable, there have
been varying degrees of impacts from the storms listed (Table 3-11).
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Table 3-11: Massachusetts Coastal Storm Major Disaster Declarations (1953 – Present)
Disaster No.Incident Period Date Disaster
Declared
Barnstable County a
Designated Area?
Severe Winter Storm and
Flooding DR-4372 3/2/2018 –
3/3/2018 6/25/2018 Yes
Severe Winter Storm,
Snowstorm and Flooding DR-4214 1/29/2015 –
4/13/2015 4/13/2015 Yes
Severe Storms and Inland
and Coastal Flooding 1701 4/15/2007 –
4/25/2007 5/16/2007 Yes
Winter Coastal Storm 975 12/11/1992 -
12/13/1992 12/21/1992 Yes
Severe Coastal Storm 920 10/30/1991 –
11/4/1991 11/4/1991 Yes
Coastal Storms, Flood,
Ice, Snow 546 2/6/1978 –
2/8/1978 2/10/1978 Yes
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations 1953- Present
Nor’easter events may occur as a single type storm event or develop from a hurricane or tropical storm that has
weakened. The following is a list of some nor’easter events that have impacted Barnstable County in the past.
January 2015 – Winter storm Juno impacted New England and a state of emergency was declared for
Massachusetts. In Barnstable County, there were power outages, shelters were opened and there was heavy
snow, storm surge, coastal flooding and erosion throughout Cape Cod. This event resulted in a federal
disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4214). In Barnstable, shelters were open and over 200 people were served.
October 29, 2012 – Hurricane Sandy brought high winds and coastal flooding to the area with storm surge
reports of 2.5 – 4.5 feet.
April 15-16, 2007 – Nor’easter caused widespread impacts to portions of Massachusetts. Some areas were
impacted by coastal flooding while others experienced debris, snow, river and stream flooding.
October-November 1991 – A large nor’easter occurred, and it was unusual because it moved south and
strengthened when it joined with Hurricane Grace producing what is known as the “perfect storm”. Winds
measured over 80 mph with waves over 30 feet high in some parts of the coastline.
February 1978 – A blizzard/nor’easter produced 8-12 inches of snow, ice and flooding and damaged buildings
and infrastructure across Barnstable County.
3.2.7.3 Impact & Vulnerability
Barnstable is vulnerable to nor’easter occurrence events in the future as they will continue to impact the community
and all of Cape Cod. Impacts will be seen from the heavy rain, wind, snow, storm surge, flooding and erosion from this
type of weather events. Depending on the length and strength of the storm, death or serious injury, property damage
and operations of local government and businesses can all occur. A common secondary impact of a coastal storm is
short- and long-term electrical power outages. Nor’easters are a serious concern because of the damage potential and
frequent rate of occurrence.
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3.2.7.4 Probability of Future Occurrence
According to the 2018 Massachusetts Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan, the probability
of future occurrences is defined by the number of events over a specified period of time. For the purpose of this plan,
the probability of Barnstable experiencing a nor’easter is highly likely. The historical record for the State indicates
that there have been three nor’easter-related federally declared disasters between 1954 and 2012. The State Plan
notes that this figure likely underestimates how often nor’easters occur and impact Massachusetts.
3.2.8 Windstorm
In general, wind is the horizontal motion of the air past a given point. Wind is in constant motion and windstorms can
occur suddenly and without warning. Differences in air pressure is how a wind event begins and pressure that is higher
at one place versus another sets up a force that pushes from the high toward the low pressure. Wind is used to
describe the prevailing direction from which the air is blowing with the speed given usually in miles per hour or knots.
Extreme wind events are more often associated with a larger meteorological event such as a winter storm, hurricane,
tornado, nor’easter or severe thunderstorm. In the absence of accompanying characteristics of these other events,
the event would be considered a windstorm.
3.2.8.1 Hazard Location
According to FEMA’s Winds Zone map (see Figure 15), the entire state of Massachusetts is susceptible to wind
speeds. The map indicates various areas of the United States and their susceptibility to wind speeds in addition to
highlighting Special Wind and Hurricane-Susceptible regions. Barnstable is located in a Zone II, as is the rest of the
state, which means the community is susceptible to winds of up to 160 mph and is also located in a hurricane
susceptible region.
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Figure 15: Wind Zones in the United States
3.2.8.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent
Windstorm occurrences may be classified by the NWS as a Wind Advisory (winds sustained at 31-39 mph for at least
an hour or gusts of 46-57 mph) or a High Wind Warning (sustained winds 40+ mph or gusts of 58+mph). Wind that is
measured at less than 30 mph does not typically create a hazardous condition.
Windstorm events can occur regularly in Barnstable. The entire State of Massachusetts is susceptible to both extreme
wind events such as hurricanes and tornadoes but also windstorms that do not have any other associated
characteristics other than the movement of air (i.e., no precipitation). Impacts of a high wind event may include fallen
trees or power lines, roof damage and dangerous marine conditions. According to the Massachusetts Hazard Mitigation
Plan, the state is susceptible to high winds from extreme weather events and before and after frontal systems.
The information in Table 3-12 was available for high wind (wind gusts greater than 55 knots) occurrences in Barnstable
County from February 2006 to February 2016.
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Table 3-12: High Wind Event Data for Barnstable County February 2006 – December 2020
Location Date
Wind
Speed
(knots)
Event Type Death Injury Property
Damage
Barnstable
Municipal Airport
11/1/2019 55 High Wind 0 0 0
Barnstable
Municipal Airport
10/17/2019 56 High Wind 0 0 Unavailable
Barnstable
Municipal Airport
3/2/2018 56 High Wind 0 0 Unavailable
Barnstable
Municipal Airport
2/9/2017 55 High Wind 0 0 0
Barnstable County 1/27/2015 65 High Wind 0 0 $50,000
Barnstable County 1/31/2013 56 High Wind 0 0 0
Barnstable County 10/29/2012 69 High Wind 0 0 $500,000
Barnstable County 12/26/2010 70 High Wind 0 0 0
Barnstable County 1/25/2010 58 High Wind 0 0 $5,000
Barnstable County 3/8/2008 66 High Wind 0 0 $10,000
Barnstable County 11/3/2007 77 High Wind 0 0 $50,000
Barnstable County 4/15/2007 58 High Wind 0 0 $30,000
Barnstable County 10/28/2006 57 High Wind 0 0 $8,000
Barnstable County 2/12/2006 69 High Wind 0 0 $10,000
3.2.8.3 Impact & Vulnerability
Barnstable is vulnerable to windstorms and will continue to be impacted in the future. Impacts may include power
outages that can impact residents and businesses, downed power lines, severe marine forecast that could damage
coastal infrastructure and downed trees and branches.
3.2.8.4 Probability of Future Occurrence
According to the 2018 Massachusetts Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan, the probability
of future occurrences is defined by the number of events over a specified period of time. For the purpose of this plan,
the probability of future windstorms in Barnstable is highly likely. The community is also susceptible to other natural
hazards that typically have wind associated characteristics.
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3.2.9 Tornado
Tornadoes typically appear as a violently rotating visible funnel cloud that is a rotating air column in contact with the
ground. A loud, freight train-like, roaring noise will accompany a tornado. Wind speeds can range from 40 mph to 300
mph and are measured on what is known as the Fujita scale. Tornadoes generate in strong atmospheric winds where
cool, dry air meets warm, humid air. Damage from a tornado can vary widely and be minimal to completely catastrophic.
On a local level, a tornado is the most destructive of all atmospheric conditions. In Massachusetts, tornadoes are not
a common occurrence, with an average of 1.7 events per year, mostly in central counties.
3.2.9.1 Hazard Location
Barnstable County is vulnerable to tornadoes. Based on the wind zone map provided earlier in the Windstorm section,
Massachusetts is in wind zone II that can include winds up to 160 mph which may be associated with tornadoes.
Tornadoes can occur in any region of Massachusetts. According to Figure 16, Massachusetts experienced one
tornado event annually between 1991 and 2010.
Figure 16: Annual Average Number of Tornadoes (1991 – 2010)
Source: http://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/data/cmb/images/tornado/clim/ann-avg-torn1991-2010.gif
3.2.9.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent
Since 1950, two F1 tornadoes have been recorded in Barnstable County (August 9, 1968 and August 22, 1977). There
were no fatalities associated with the events. One occurrence was directly in Barnstable while the other was in nearby
Osterville (see Figure 17).
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Figure 17: Barnstable County Tornadoes (1950 – 2021)
Source: Barnstable County Tornadoes, 1950 – 2021, Massachusetts Tornadoes (tornadoproject.com)
Since 1954, there have been two Major Disaster Declarations in the State of Massachusetts for Tornadoes (see Table
3-13). The State Hazard Mitigation plan indicates that a tornado may occur anywhere in Massachusetts with the right
atmospheric conditions and typically, there are 1-3 tornados in New England per year.
Table 3-13: Massachusetts Tornado Major Disaster Declarations (1954 – Present)
Disaster No.Incident Period Date Disaster
Declared
Barnstable County a
Designated Area?
Severe Storms and
Tornadoes DR-1994 6/1/2011 6/15/2011 No
Tornado DR-7 6/11/1953 6/11/1953 Unknown
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations 1954 – Present
Tornadoes are rated using the commonly known Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF-scale) which provides a rating of the wind
speed from the tornado event to a category from EF0 to EF5. The degree of damage helps to define the rating of an
individual storm. The EF-scale below (Figure 18) has been updated and in use since 2007.
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Figure 18: Enhanced Fujita Scale
NOAA Storm Prediction Center issues tornado watches and warnings. A watch means tornadoes are possible and a
warning means a tornado has been sighed or indicated by weather radar. The current average lead time for tornado
warnings is only 13 minutes resulting in greater emphasis being placed on a watch for tornado preparedness compared
to other hazards.
3.2.9.3 Impact & Vulnerability
Barnstable is vulnerable to tornadoes and in Barnstable County, since 1951, there have been two recorded F1
tornadoes. The impact of a tornado can be sudden and significant with regard to property, human life and infrastructure.
Heavy winds and hail are often associated with a tornado and injuries and fatalities can result from flying debris, building
damage or being outside without cover. Post tornado, there are still dangerous situations due to damaged buildings,
power outages and downed power lines and either delayed or inability to receive emergency services.
Property and operation impacts include damage to residential and commercial buildings, trees and vegetation, and
exposed infrastructure that can be destroyed by a tornado. Damaged bridges and infrastructure may be weakened for
use resulting in delays for individuals to move within the community to receive basic services. Although tornadoes are
confined to certain areas, the impacts on communities affected can be devastating with major damage and destruction.
3.2.9.4 Probability of Future Occurrence
According to the 2018 Massachusetts Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan, the probability
of future occurrences is defined by the number of events over a specified period of time. For the purpose of this plan,
the probability of future tornadoes in Barnstable is unlikely. NOAA’s National Severe Storm Laboratory (NSSL) has
estimated the likelihood for a tornado on a given day in the United States. The probability for a tornado in Massachusetts
is 0.2 to 0.4 days per year based on tornado data from 1995 to 2020. Figure 19 shows tornado tracks across the
United States from 1950-2019.
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Figure 19: Tornadoes in the United States
3.2.10 Drought
Drought occurs when there is an insufficient amount of moisture that has adverse impacts on people, animals or
vegetation over a geographic area. Drought can occur over a prolonged period of time where the lack of precipitation
directly impacts the hydrologic balance of the environment. Examples of impact include water supply shortages, dry
soils which may result in crop failure and changed fish and wildlife behavior including death. Other weather
characteristics like consistently high temperatures and low humidity can exacerbate the problem. Results of prolonged
drought periods can also have a disastrous economic impact on communities and regions that rely upon water for
agriculture and tourism.
3.2.10.1 Hazard Location
Massachusetts generally receives between 40 and 50 inches of precipitation on an annual basis, but it is not immune
from experiencing drought conditions which often occur when there has been a dry winter. Barnstable and all of Cape
Cod could be affected by drought. Figure 20 indicates the number of drought occurrences based on precipitation
indices for each of the six drought regions in Massachusetts.
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Figure 20: Drought Emergencies Per 100 Years in Massachusetts
Source: 2018 Massachusetts Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan
3.2.10.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent
According to FEMA, there has never been a Presidential Disaster Declaration made for drought in the State of
Massachusetts. The NCDC Storm Events Database listed the following two drought occurrence in Barnstable County:
April to May 2012 – The U.S. Drought Monitor declared a severe drought across the eastern half of
Massachusetts, Rhode Island and a portion of Connecticut from April 12 – May 15, 2012. Precipitation had
been half of the normal amount between January 2012 and April 2012, which caused rivers and streams to
run at low levels during the spring run-off season. One major impact of this meteorological drought was an
increase in fire danger.
August to November 2016 – The U.S. Drought Monitor expanded the ongoing drought in New England to
include Barnstable County of August 30th, 2016, after a month of receiving below-average rainfall. The
designation for Barnstable was upgraded to a Severe Drought (D2) at the beginning of October through
October 11 when it was downgraded to Moderate Drought (D1). The Moderate Drought continued through
the end of November 2016 as rainfall and streamflow continued at below-normal levels.
The most severe drought, on record, in Massachusetts occurred from 1961 - 1969. The eastern portion of the state
experienced two drought scenarios in the past ten years, or an average of 0.18 drought events per year. As noted in
the 2018 Massachusetts Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan, the drought in 2016 was the
most extensive drought event in Massachusetts since the 1960s.
According to the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, a number of drought indices are available to assess the
various impacts of dry conditions. The state uses a multi-index system that takes advantage of several of these indices
to determine the severity of a given drought or extended period of dry conditions.
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3.2.10.3 Drought Indices6
Palmer Drought Index (PDI) – an index that reflects soil moisture and weather conditions, available from the
National Weather Service or National Climate Data Center.
Crop Moisture Index (CMI) – an index that reflects short-term soil moisture conditions as used for agriculture,
available from the National Climate Data Center.
Fire Danger – the fire danger level reflects how favorable conditions are for brush fires. Data factored into
the index include weather conditions and available fuel. This is a short-term index, which can change daily.
The duration of the index will be used to determine relative drought levels.
Precipitation – a comparison of measured precipitation amounts to 30-year averages. Cumulative amounts
for 3, 6 and 12-month periods are factored into the drought determination. This data is available from the
DCR, Office of Water Resources.
Groundwater Levels – a drought level determination is based on the number of consecutive months
groundwater levels are below normal (lowest 25% of period of record). Groundwater conditions maps showing
areas of above normal, normal and below normal are provided monthly by the USGS.
Streamflows – a drought level determination is based on the number of consecutive months streamflow levels
are below normal (lowest 25% of period of record). Streamflow condition maps showing areas of above
normal, normal and below normal are provided monthly by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Reservoirs – a drought level determination will be based on the level of small, medium and large index
reservoirs across the state. The reservoir level relative to normal conditions will be considered. DCR and
Office of Water Resources, as part of its monthly conditions report, will maintain a list of index water supply
reservoirs and their percent full.
Table 3-14 defines the drought indices for Massachusetts according to the 2013 Drought Management Plan.
6 Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, 2013, website: http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/eea/wrc/droughtplan.pdf
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 3-40 Woodard & Curran 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022 Table 3-14: Drought Index Indices (Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, 2013) Drought Level PDI CMI* Fire* Precipitation Groundwater Streamflow Reservoir Normal -1.0 to –1.99 0.0 to -1.0 slightly dry Low 1 month below normal 2 consecutive months below normal** 1 month below normal** Reservoir levels at or near normal for the time of year Advisory -2.0 to -2.99 -1.0 to –1.9 abnormally dry Moderate 2 month cumulative below 65% of normal 3 consecutive months below normal** At least 2 out of 3 consecutive months below normal** Small index Reservoirs below normal Watch -3.0 to 3.99 -2.0 to –2.9 excessively dry High 1 of the following criteria met: 3 month cumulative. < 65% or 6 month cumulative < 70% or 12 month cumulative < 70% 4-5 consecutive months below normal** At least 4 out of 5 consecutive months below normal** Medium index Reservoirs below normal Warning -4.0 and below < -2.9 severely dry V. High 1 of the following criteria met: 3 month cumulative < 65% and 6 month cumulative <65% Or 6 month cumulative <65% and 12 month cumulative <65% Or 3 month cumulative <65% and 12 month cumulative <65% 6-7 consecutive months below normal** At least 6 out of 7 consecutive months below normal** Large index reservoirs below normal Emergency -4.0 and below <-2.9 severely dry Extreme Same criteria as Warning And Previous month was Warning or Emergency >8 months below normal >7 months below normal Continuation of previous month’s conditions
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3.2.10.4 Impact & Vulnerability
Massachusetts and all of Cape Cod experience regular rainfall events on an annual basis. According to the
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Cape receives on average, 44 inches of precipitation.
Barnstable is vulnerable to drought which can cause public safety, health and social impacts. Drought can impact
agriculture, wildlife, recreation, energy usage, municipal business, fish and wildlife and their associated habitats.
The majority of the Town of Barnstable, with the exception of west Barnstable, receives its water from the Hyannis
Water System which consists of four water treatment facilities, two storage tanks, 12 well pumping stations and 107
miles of distribution system. Supplying its drinking water from ground sources, the Hyannis Water System draws about
2.77 million gallons per day (MGD) from wells with an annual production of 902 million gallons. The Hyannis Water
System is currently registered through the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to withdraw water from
twelve groundwater wells. The duration and frequency of drought is what would determine how it would impact the
water supply.
Decreasing flow of streams and rivers due to a lack of precipitation can secondarily impact drinking water supplies,
wildlife and recreational activities. It can also affect other users such as power generation and water and wastewater
utilities. In Barnstable, drought conditions could impact landscaping, and potable water for homeowner and business
use.
3.2.10.5 Probability of Future Occurrence
According to the 2018 Massachusetts Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan, the probability
of future occurrences is defined by the number of events over a specified period of time. For the purpose of this plan,
the probability of future drought events in Barnstable is likely. The 2018 Massachusetts Integrated State Hazard
Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan, designated drought as a low frequency hazard even though there is a potential
for widespread impact.
3.2.11 Severe Winter Weather
Winter storms typically consist of varying forms of precipitation including snow, sleet, freezing rain or a mix of these
wintry conditions. Blizzards are the most dangerous and severe type of winter storm and are characterized by strong,
sustained winds of at least 35 mph that last for a prolonged period of time – typically 3 hours or more. An ice storm is
another form of winter storm that is defined as an event which results in the accumulation of at least .25-inch of ice on
exposed surfaces and they occur when moisture falls and freezes immediately upon impact on trees, power lines,
roads, structures and other surfaces. These types of storms can down trees, cause lengthy, widespread power outages,
damage property and even cause fatalities.
3.2.11.1 Hazard Location
Winter storms are common on an annual basis throughout Massachusetts. Figure 21 represents the normal (30-year
average) annual snow totals in New England. The entire State of Massachusetts is at risk of snow, higher snow
accumulations appear to be more common at higher elevations in Western and Central Massachusetts. Despite the
ocean moisture and coastal proximity, Barnstable is susceptible to a combination of both snow and coastal flooding
during a winter storm event.
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Figure 21: New England Average Annual Snowfall (1991 – 2020)
3.2.11.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent
According to FEMA, there have been eight Presidential Disaster Declarations in the State of Massachusetts due to
some form of winter storms and five have resulted in Barnstable County receiving a designated area status from FEMA
(see Table 3-15).
Table 3-15: Massachusetts Winter Storm Disaster Declarations (1954 – Present)
Disaster
No. Incident Period Date Disaster
Declared
Barnstable
County a
Designated
Area?
Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm DR-4379 3/13/2018 – 3/14/2018 7/19/2018 No
Severe Winter Storm and Flooding DR-4372 3/2/2018 – 3/3/208 7/25/2018 Yes
Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm,
Flooding 4214 Multiple Events 4/13/2015 Yes
Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm,
Flooding 4110 2/8/2013 – 2/9/2013 4/19/2013 Yes
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Disaster
No. Incident Period Date Disaster
Declared
Barnstable
County a
Designated
Area?
Severe Storm and Snowstorm 4051 10/29/2011 –
10/30/2011 1/6/2012 No
Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm 1959 1/11/2011 – 1/12/2011 3/7/2011 No
Severe Winter Storm and Flooding 1813 12/11/2008 –
12/18/2008 1/5/2009 No
Severe Storms and Inland and Coastal
Flooding 1701 4/15/2007 – 4/25/2007 5/16/2007 Yes
Blizzard 1090 1/7/1996 – 1/13/1996 1/24/1996 Yes
Winter Coastal Storm 975 12/11/1992 –
12/13/1992 12/21/1992 No
Coastal Storm, Flood, Ice, Snow 546 2/6/1978 – 2/8/1978 2/10/1978 Yes
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations 1954 - Present
The NCDC tracks storm events and the information below was available for Barnstable County regarding winter storm
and blizzard occurrences (see Table 3-16).
Table 3-16: Winter Storm/ Blizzard Data for Bristol County (2003– Present)
Location (County)Date Type Death Injury Property Damage
Barnstable 2/12/2006 Winter Storm 0 0 $10,000
Barnstable 12/19/2009 Winter Storm 0 0 $25,000
Barnstable 2/10/2010 Winter Storm 0 0 $15,000
Barnstable 2/8/2013 Blizzard 0 0 0
Barnstable 1/3/2014 Blizzard 0 0 0
Barnstable 3/26/2014 Blizzard 0 0 $65,000
Barnstable 1/26/2015 Blizzard 0 0 0
Barnstable 2/14/2015 Blizzard 0 0 0
Barnstable 1/23/2016 Blizzard 0 0 $70,000
Totals:0 0 $185,000
Source: NCDC Storm Events Database http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/
Specific details from the more significant events noted in the table above that have impacted Barnstable County include:
January 2016 - Six to sixteen inches of snow fell across Cape Cod and winds gusted as high as 63 mph.
February 2015 – Blizzard conditions were met briefly and near blizzard conditions continued for 24 hours on
Cape Cod. Gusts of wind were measured at 64 mph.
January 2015 – Blizzard conditions occurred on Cape Cod including at the Barnstable municipal airport.
Between fourteen and thirty inches of snow fell across Cape Cod.
March 2014 – This storm consisted of strong winds (gusts of over 80 mph) and heavy snow.
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NOAA’s NCDC has implemented the Regional Snowfall Index (RSI) to categorize significant snowstorms that impact
the eastern two thirds of the United States. RSI includes a regional index for the northeast that includes Massachusetts
and replaced with the Northeast Snowfall Impact Scale (NESIS) to account for snowfall accumulations, population data,
and area affected (see Table 3-17). The index is similar to the Fujita scale for tornadoes or the Saffir-Simpson scale
for hurricanes.
Table 3-17: NCDC Regional Snowfall Index (RSI)
Category RSI Value Description
1 1-3 Notable
2 3-6 Significant
3 6-10 Major
4 10-18 Crippling
5 18.0+Extreme
3.2.11.3 Impact & Vulnerability
Barnstable is vulnerable to winter storm events. Winter storm events on Cape Cod are typically associated with heavy
snow, high winds, storm surge and flooding which makes the coastline especially vulnerable to flooding. The Barnstable
County Hazard Mitigation Plan notes that winter storms that impact Cape Cod tend to have the most effect on the north
shore. As a developed coastline, particularly in Barnstable, infrastructure is at risk and may be impacted directly by the
winter storm event or by associated power outages and the inability to use safe transportation routes. Route 6 is the
main roadway in and out of Cape Cod and it also serves as the evacuation route but during winter storm events, may
become impassable.
Impacts to property and operations are usually temporary and include snow removal. However, heavy snow can lead
to significant snow removal costs, infrastructure damages (such as weight of snow on roofs), and loss of business that
can financially impact communities. Other potential impacts include knocked down trees, power lines, and utility poles.
Freezing temperatures can result in downed trees, power lines, utility poles, ice jams that can cause flooding, and
building pipe bursts due to poor insulation or lack of heat. Risks related to snow and ice are most often associated with
automobile accidents followed by individuals caught outside in the storm. Winter storms can also result in fatalities
that are most often not directly related to the storm itself. Fatalities due to traffic accidents on icy roads, heart attacks
from excessive shoveling, and hypothermia from prolonged exposure to the cold are typical. Fatalities due to cold
exposure are most often associated with infants and the elderly that are most susceptible.
During winter storm Juno in January 2015, Barnstable sheltered over 200 residents. In reflecting on this event, local
staff indicated a challenge in the community is the number of older or elderly residents that don’t require hospitalization
but have medical conditions or medications that need to be taken. A potential collaboration with Cape Cod hospital to
monitor these residents as “social admits” in the future may be necessary. The DPW Director noted during the
discussion of whether or not the community should reconsider opening shelters for each village in the community that
it is hard for DPW to keep roads open during a winter storm if there are many shelters open. It is easier to focus on
one facility and the need to keep that access point open during an emergency. Another area of concern is long term
power loss because much of West Barnstable is served by wells, and if residents lose the ability to have clean water,
water quality could quickly become a problem.
In the summer of 2015, the Barnstable DPW conducted a Snow and Ice workshop to discuss snow and ice operations
in the community. Some of the outcomes included adoption of a GPS based form of snow management and snow
removal crew management and rest policies. Communicating through the Town website has been effective but there
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should also be a way for citizens to call and hear a recorded version of the website message for those that do not have
computer access. Better utilization of Channel 18 and radio announcements could also enhance communication efforts.
3.2.11.4 Probability of Future Occurrence
According to the 2018 Massachusetts Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan, the probability
of future occurrences is defined by the number of events over a specified period of time. For the purpose of this plan,
the probability of Barnstable experiencing a winter storm is highly likely. Research indicates that the entire state is at
risk for frequent winter storms. Moderate storms frequently impact Cape Cod and in addition to snow and ice
accumulation and wind hazards, winter storms can produce storm surges and coastal erosion, particularly affecting
Barnstable’s north coast.
3.2.12 Tsunami
A tsunami occurrence is typically characterized by a series of waves that are generated by an undersea disturbance
such as an earthquake, landslide, meteorite impact, glacier calving, or volcanic eruption. According to NOAA, the
speed of a tsunami can range from 500 miles per hour to 20-30 miles per hour in shallower coastline conditions. A
tsunami is different from a regular ocean wave because it is associated with a current that travels from the water surface
down to the ocean floor. As tsunami waves approach shore, they slow down and cause a “wave pile-up” which causes
wave heights to increase along with a continuously flowing “wall of water” which can cause devastating damage in
coastal areas.
Tsunamis are rare, but not unprecedented in the Atlantic Ocean. For a tsunami to cause major damage, there must
be an earthquake of a magnitude of at least 7 with an epicenter in the ocean. This is rare on the East Coast.
3.2.12.1 Hazard Location
The largest source region for tsunamis is the Pacific Ocean with approximately 70 percent of all world occurrences.
Within the continental United States, the most vulnerable states are those located near the Pacific Ocean. Figure 22
shows seven earthquake events that have caused tsunamis in the United States. The coastal areas of Massachusetts
are exposed to the threat of tsunamis. Tsunamis on the East Coast of the United States are rare and the primary
source of tsunamis is from landslides that occur along the continental slope in the Atlantic Ocean.
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Figure 22: Earthquake Generated Tsunamis in the United States from 1900 to 1964
3.2.12.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent
According to FEMA, there has not been a Presidential Disaster Declarations made for tsunamis in the State of
Massachusetts since 1953. A significant tsunami has never struck the Massachusetts coast. The NCDC Storm Events
Database does not report a tsunami occurring in any part of Massachusetts. Figure 23 displays how many tsunami
events have occurred in the Atlantic Ocean causing run-up heights of 0.01 m to greater than 3.0 m for U.S. states and
territories. The figure shows how there have been no occurrences of tsunamis along the Eastern continental U.S.
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Figure 23: Total Number of Tsunami Events
According to the 2018 Massachusetts Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan, the probability
of future occurrences is defined by the number of events over a specified period of time. For the purpose of this plan,
the probability of future tsunamis in Barnstable is unlikely. The likelihood of damaging tsunami along the
Massachusetts coastline is low compared to other hazards; however, the impacts could be very high. Most destructive
tsunamis are classified as local or regional and caused by earthquakes.
A tsunami is classified according to its intensity; often characterized by one of the following types:
Microtsunami – tsunami with a small amplitude that must be observed with instruments but is not observed
visually.
Local Tsunami – tsunami with destructive effects confined to the coast, usually caused from a nearby source
less than 200 km (124 miles) away. Tsunami is usually generated by a small earthquake or landslide.
Regional Tsunami – tsunami capable of destruction in a geographic region, generally within 1,000 km (621
miles) of its source.
Pacific-wide tsunami – tsunami capable of widespread destruction in an immediate region or across the
Pacific Ocean.
3.2.12.3 Impact & Vulnerability
Impacts of a tsunami vary depending on the size of the occurrence and can vary from minor damage to coastal
infrastructure to complete destruction of everything in its path including buildings and severe land erosion. Tsunamis
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can also impact human life and cause long term social and economic impacts depending on how much damage they
cause. While not common, tsunamis are possible in the Atlantic Ocean and the Massachusetts Hazard Mitigation Plan
notes that all of the coastal areas of the state are exposed to the threat of a tsunami event which could occur from a
local offshore earthquake or from a major earthquake across the Atlantic Ocean.
3.2.12.4 Probability of Future Occurrence
According to the 2018 Massachusetts Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan, the probability
of future occurrences is defined by the number of events over a specified period of time. The probability of future
tsunamis in Barnstable is unlikely. The likelihood of damaging tsunami along the Massachusetts coastline is low
compared to other hazards; however, the impacts could be very high. According to Boston College research, the most
probable cause of a tsunami on the East Coast could be from eruptions or underwater landslides of volcanic islands
on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, such as the Canary Islands. Historical frequency of tsunamis on the East Coast
is approximately one event every 39 years, based on data from 1668-2017.
3.2.13 Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperatures include both cold and hot events, which can have significant effects on human health,
commercial businesses and primary or secondary impacts on infrastructure. An extreme cold event is recognized
when temperatures drop below normal and increased wind speeds can cause harmful wind-chill factors. Wind Chill
Advisories are issued if wind chill is forecasted to dip below -15*F for at least three hours. An extreme heat event for
Massachusetts is defined as three or more days above 90*F.
3.2.13.1 Hazard Location
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has identified 359 climate divisions nationwide, which
typically coincide with county lines. Massachusetts has been divided into three regions; Barnstable is located in Region
3 as shown in Figure 24.
Figure 24: NOAA’s Massachusetts Climate Regions
Source: 2018 Massachusetts Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan
Extreme temperatures can occur anywhere in Massachusetts. Colder temperatures are most common in higher
elevations. Even though coastal areas may also have lower daily temperatures, they do not typically sustain them for
as great an amount of time. Inland urban areas are more prone to extreme heat events due to the increased population,
dark colored infrastructure and limited vegetation.
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3.2.13.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent
According to FEMA, there has never been a Presidential Disaster Declaration made for an extreme temperature event
in the State of Massachusetts. The NCDC Storm Events Database listed the following as extreme temperature events
in Barnstable County:
February 4, 2016 – Extremely cold wind chills impacted New England and wind chills as low as 32 below
zero were reported in Falmouth and Hyannis.
Additional extreme temperature events were highlighted in the 2018 Massachusetts Integrated State Hazard Mitigation
and Climate Adaptation Plan. Since 1994, there have been 33 cold weather events and 43 warm-weather events.
Over the last two decades, an average of 1.5 extreme cold weather events (below 0 degrees Fahrenheit with wind
chill) and an average of 2 extreme hot weather events (over 90 degrees Fahrenheit) have occurred in the state annually.
The severity of extreme cold temperatures is generally measured using NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) Wind
Chill Temperature Index provided in Figure 25. The index uses advances in science, technology, and computer
modeling to provide an accurate, understandable and useful formula for calculating the dangers from winter winds and
freezing temperatures. Extreme cold temperatures are characterized by the air temperature dropping to approximately
0 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
Figure 25: NOAA’s National Weather Service Wind Chill Chart
The severity of extreme heat temperatures is generally measured using NOAA’s NWS Heat Index. The Heat Index
provided as Figure 26 assigns indices of caution, extreme caution, danger, and extreme danger based on relative
humidity and temperatures. The Heat Index is derived for shady, light wind conditions. Exposure to full sunshine can
increase the index values by up to 15 degrees.
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Figure 26: NOAA’s National Weather Service Heat Index
3.2.13.3 Impact & Vulnerability
Barnstable is vulnerable to extreme temperature events. According to the National Weather Service, in 2013, cold
weather events resulted in 24 fatalities with an average of 27 cases from 2004 to 2013. In the same year, there were
92 heat-related fatalities with 123 average cases from 2004 to 2013.
The most prominent impact of extreme temperatures is on human health. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) identified populations most at risk from extreme cold or heat to include the following: the elderly,
infants and children under four years of age, individuals who are physically ill, low-income persons who cannot afford
proper heating or cooling, and the general public who may overexert themselves during times of extreme heat or
experience hypothermia during extreme cold events. 1 In Barnstable, according to the 2010 US Census, 21% of the
population is age 65 and older while 4.6% is five years old or younger.
Extreme high temperatures have also resulted in power failures due to high demand for air conditioning. During
extended power outages, the lack of refrigeration results in food spoilage, transportation problems, closure of schools
and businesses, and places the sick at greater risk. Extended power failures associated with blackouts can result in
significant property damage.
3.2.13.4 Probability of Future Occurrence
According to the 2018 Massachusetts Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan, the probability
of future occurrences is defined by the number of events over a specified period of time. For the purpose of this plan,
the probability of future extreme temperature events in Barnstable is likely. The CDC indicates that climate change will
result in longer, more severe, and more frequent extreme temperature events. Studies have shown that by the end of
the century, the number of days with temperatures reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more is projected to increase
1 2018 Massachusetts Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan, website:
https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/09/17/SHMCAP-September2018-Chapter4.pdf
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dramatically in the United States. Climate change is predicted to increase the frequency and intensity of heat waves,
with significant increases in heat-related deaths.
3.2.14 Sea Level Rise
Sea level rise is the increase in mean sea level over time. During the last century, tide gauges and satellites recorded
measurements that indicate an acceleration of sea level rise relative to the past rate globally, including Cape Cod.
Relative sea level rise refers to the combination of eustatic, isostatic, and other effects at a specific location. Eustatic
contributions to sea level rise are global‐scale changes and include thermal expansion of seawater as it warms and
the addition of water volume from melting land‐based glacial ice sheets. Isostatic effects are more localized changes
in land surface elevations (e.g., subsidence or sinking)
3.2.14.1 Hazard Location
Resilient MA Climate Change Clearinghouse for the Commonwealth provides sea level rise projections under a range
of scenarios. The intermediate-high scenario projects 1.7’ by 2050 and 5.1’ by 2100. The high emission scenario
projects 2.4’ of sea level rise by 2050 and 7.7’ by 2100 for Barnstable (see Figure 27). While the “bathtub” or still-water
models of sea level rise provide estimations for salt-water inundation over a broad area, continually changing factors
such as groundwater depth and geomorphology ought to be looked at when considering sea level impacts in a specific
area.
A community wide sea level rise map is included in Appendix B.
Figure 27: Sea Level Rise Inundation – Long Term Scenario
3.2.14.2 Previous Occurrences, Severity & Extent
Contributing to the severity of coastal storms is climate change and sea level rise which increase the volume of water
in the ocean from melting ice sheets and glaciers. According to a report by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone
Management (CZM) the relative sea level has risen approximately 9 inches during the 20th century. A sea level rise of
two feet will eliminate an estimated 10,000 square miles of land, including up to 43% of the country’s current wetlands.
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The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted that sea level rise and the risks that it poses to
the shoreline communities will continue to accelerate. Cape Cod and the Mid-Atlantic will likely be disproportionately
affected, as threats of sea level rise are accompanied by observed subsidence of coastal land.
3.2.14.3 Impact & Vulnerability
In Barnstable, sea level rise will have a direct and indirect impact. One reason is that there will be an increased risk of
flooding inland is due to sea level rise reducing the ability of rivers and streams to absorb water during precipitation
events and potentially raising groundwater levels. A high groundwater level limits the capacity of water bodies and
natural resource areas to absorb water during a storm event which can cause more severe inland flooding. Additional
development in Barnstable could also contribute to the problem by increasing stormwater runoff and eliminating open
spaces that may serve as natural water storage areas for excess precipitation. Salt-water intrusion of estuarine habitats
poses a threat to native species and their ecosystems, as well as fresh-water resources for drinking water.
The increasing sea level will increasingly impact homes, businesses, roads, utilities, infrastructure, wastewater
treatment plants, and natural habits. These impacts are already evident in Millway and adjacent neighborhoods where
beach access stairs are submerged during king tides. In time, the temporarily inaccessible roads and power outages
experienced during storms will become the constant norm in increasingly widespread areas of Barnstable County.
Storm surges will inundate increasingly larger areas and will occur more frequently. Elderly, disabled, and impoverished
residents along the coast will be the most sensitive to the impacts of sea level rise due to a disproportionate lack of
adaptive capacity and resources. However, all coastal residents will be impacted to some degree.
The adverse effects of rising waters are evidenced by the submersion of low-lying lands, erosion of beaches,
conversion of wetlands to open water, and exacerbated coastal flooding. Rising seas can inundate coastal areas,
increase storm-surge flooding, erode shorelines, and increase the salinity of estuaries and aquifers. A report by the
EPA entitled “Coastal Sensitivity to Sea Level Rise” highlights the increased flooding risks associated with sea-level
rise:
“Rising sea level increases the vulnerability of coastal areas to flooding because higher sea level increases
the frequency of floods by providing a higher base for flooding to build upon. Erosion of the shoreline could
also make flooding more likely because erosion removes dunes and other natural protections against storm
waves. Higher sea level also raises groundwater levels, which can increase basement flooding and increase
standing water. Both the higher groundwater tables and higher surface water levels can slow the rate at which
areas drain, and thereby increase the flooding from rainstorms.”
A major challenge for Barnstable in the future will be evaluating the ecological and social impacts of sea level rise and
developing planning and adaption strategies that will address both environmental and human interests.
3.2.14.4 Probability of Future Occurrence
The 2020 MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Climate Change indicates that sea level rise is
expected to significantly increase flood risks along both the north and south shores of town. Higher sea levels will also
mean higher storm surges during severe weather events. In high and low emission scenarios, the projections show
ongoing sea level rise throughout the century. For long term planning purposes, sea level in Barnstable has the
potential to rise by 7.7 feet in the high emission scenario. The probability of future sea level rise in Barnstable is highly
likely.
3.2.15 Climate Change
Climate is defined as average temperature and precipitation and includes the type, frequency, and intensity of weather
events. At the local, regional and state level, climate change will alter the number and severity of extreme weather
events, particularly those associated with high winds and precipitation. Understanding the impacts to infrastructure,
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environment and human life is critical to developing a full picture of what climate change impacts will be. In general,
the earth’s average temperature has risen by 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit in the past 100 years, and it is expected to
continue that trend.
In 2014, Barnstable worked with the MIT Collaborative Consensus Building Institute on a summary Climate Change
Risk Assessment for the community. The report acknowledges Barnstable faces a number of climate related risks,
some of which include increased occurrences of flooding, more intense coastal storms and more extreme and frequent
precipitation events. These climate changes will have a direct impact on the local population, buildings, infrastructure
and natural resources. The report indicates the following climate projections for Barnstable, they include:
Hotter Annual Temperatures – The average annual maximum temperatures could increase between 2.9-
and 6.4-degrees Fahrenheit
More Extreme Heat Events, Less Extreme Cold Events – Barnstable historically experienced on average
2 extreme heat events per year (when temperatures rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit), long term projections
indicate Barnstable may see as many as 27 extreme heat events per day under high emission scenarios.
Barnstable may experience between 20-40 fewer annual extreme cold events which is far below the historic
average of 103 events per year.
More Annual Precipitation – Barnstable may see as much as 2.8 additional inches of annual precipitation
per year.
More Extreme Precipitation – In the past, Barnstable has experienced an average of 1.8 events per decade
where 4 inches of precipitation were present in 48 hours. Under the high emissions scenario, Barnstable could
see as many as 4.1 events per decade.
Wetter Winters, Drier Summers – Under the high emissions scenario, Barnstable may see up to 2.2 inches
of precipitation during the winter.
According to the MIT report, major risks for Barnstable include:
Flooding – Coastal and inland flood hazard risk will increase which is a concern because flooding is already
one of the predominant natural hazards in the community and region.
Drought – With a reduction in precipitation and higher temperatures possible due to climate change, drought
could cause water supply shortages or water quality issues in Barnstable as well as increase the risk of
wildfires.
Tourism & Economic Conditions – Barnstable relies on a strong tourism economy. Longer summers and
warmer winters may offer the opportunity to extend the season for residents and visitors. The potential
downside to climate change impacts are impacts climate change may have on the local beaches and natural
resource areas which would limit the public’s ability to enjoy these areas. Barnstable has residential homes
and commercial properties in floodplain areas (including coastal) vulnerable to flooding and sea level rise. As
a part of the residential tax base, any damage to these properties could impact the tax base.
Ecosystem Change – Barnstable is home to an abundance of natural resource areas including coastal
habitats, freshwater wetlands and a designated Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). These areas
will be impacted by climate change when sea level rise inundates coastal habitats and freshwater wetlands,
threatening the plant and animal species that live there and impacting water quality.
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4. VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT
Vulnerability refers to the susceptibility of the Town’s residents, infrastructure and natural, cultural, and historic
resources to hazard events. Vulnerability indicates what is likely to be damaged by a hazard and how severe the
damage might be. The vulnerability assessment conducted for the Town of Barnstable includes a profile of the Town’s
existing development patterns and natural environment. Critical facilities such as hospitals, public safety facilities, and
schools are identified, mapped, and surveyed for potential vulnerability. GIS analysis was used to assess vulnerability
of existing structures to flooding and estimates potential dollar losses. Finally, a review of the Town’s participation in
the National Flood Insurance Program is included.
4.1 COMMUNITY PROFILE
The Town of Barnstable is located in Barnstable County in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The total land area of the Town
is approximately 40,000 acres. Barnstable is one of the most urbanized towns on the Cape and is a regional center of
administrative and commercial activity. Hyannis Village functions as a regional commercial center and Barnstable
Village is the Barnstable County seat. Originally founded in 1639, the Town contains numerous historic resources;
there are more than 40 known Native American archaeological sites, 14 national historic districts, two local historic
districts, and an additional 74 individually designated sites. The town’s coastal location, wetland habitats, and forested
open spaces collectively create a high susceptibility to natural hazards. Specific information assembled by the Town’s
GIS Department is provided below:
Population 228,996 (2020 census)
Acres of Developed Land 11,812
Acres of Conservation Land 9,922
Miles of Coastline 104 (saltwater), 76 (freshwater)
Centerline Miles of Roads 542 (303 public, 239 private)
Acres of Open Water 7,197 (including inland bays), 2,971 (excluding inland bays)
Number of Great Ponds 13
Acres of Forested Woodland 17,653
Acres of Salt Marsh 3,946
Acres of Fresh Marsh 864
Acres of Cranberry Bogs 864
Acres of Shrub Swamp 434
Acres of Barrier Beach/Dunes 1,776
Acres in Hurricane Surge Zones 9,834
Acres in Flood Zones 15,240
Hazardous Waste Sites 10
Critical Facilities 109
Repetitive Loss Properties [insert current data]
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4.2 CRITICAL FACILITIES INVENTORY
A critical facilities inventory was compiled for the Town of Barnstable. Critical facilities identified within the Town of
Barnstable include:
Emergency Facilities/Shelters
Public Safety Services
Hospitals
Town Government Facilities
Wastewater Infrastructure
Transportation Facilities
Hazardous Material Facilities
Schools
Nursing Homes/Elderly Housing
Group Day Care Facilities
Senior/Youth/Recreation Facilities
Designated Emergency Animal Shelters
Marinas/Boat Yards
The critical facilities inventory is represented on the Critical Facilities Map in Appendix B. Ten of the critical facilities
identified in the Town of Barnstable are also identified as regional critical facilities by the Cape Cod Commission. The
regional facilities are the American Red Cross, the Barnstable County Complex, Cape Cod Hospital, Barnstable
Municipal Airport, Cape Cod Community College, the Barnstable County Fire and Rescue Training Academy, the
Humane Society, and the MSPCA Animal Shelter.
4.3 HURRICANE SURGE INUNDATION AREAS
Hurricane Surge Inundation Areas, also known as Sea, Lake, and Overland Surges from Hurricanes (SLOSH) zones,
are based on a computer model designed by the National Weather Service to forecast storm surges and potential
flooding from hurricanes that may make landfall in New England. Surge limits shown on the community maps represent
potential flooding that may occur from critical combinations of hurricane track direction, forward speed, landfall location,
and high astronomical tide.
The Town of Barnstable has approximately 15 square miles (9,834 acres) of property in Hurricane Inundation zones.
In addition, critical facilities located in Hurricane Inundation zones are represented on the Risk Assessment and
Vulnerability Map and as follows:
Data: Town of Barnstable GIS
# of Critical Facilities
in Hurricane Zone
# of Critical Facilities
in
Flood Zones
Total # of Critical
Facilities
Regional Critical
Facilities in
Hurricane Zone
Total # of Regional
Critical Facilities
27 23 109 2 1
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23 Cape Cod Hospital, Hyannis (Regional)
31 Barnstable Housing Authority, Hyannis
47 Pope John Paul II High School, Hyannis
71 Hyannis Head Start, Hyannis
83 Humane Society of the US, Barnstable
86 Anchor and Marine Ltd, Hyannis
87 Barnstable Harbor Marina, Barnstable
88 Barnstable Marine Service, Barnstable*
89 Bismore Park Marina, Hyannis
90 Crosby Yacht Yard, Osterville*
91 Gateway Marina, Hyannis
92 Hyannis Marine, Hyannis*
95 Millway Marina, Barnstable
96 Nauticus Marina, Osterville
97 Oyster Harbors Marine, Osterville
98 Sandy Neck Gatehouse, West Barnstable
99 West Bay (Oyster Harbors) Bridge, Osterville
100 Harbormaster’s Building and Visitors Center, Hyannis
101 South Street Pump Station
102 Mill Way Pump Station
103 Steamship Authority, Hyannis
104 Lewis Bay Boat Ramp, Hyannis
105 Blish Point Boat Ramp, Barnstable
106 Bay Shore Road/Old Harbor Road Boat Ramp
4.4 WILDFIRE HAZARDS AREAS
A significant percentage of the Town’s total acreage is identified as a wildfire hazard area. Wildfire hazard areas are
defined as unfragmented forest habitat greater than 40 acres in size or salt marsh areas greater than three acres in
size.
There are 13 Critical Facilities located in wildfire hazard areas or in wildfire/urban interface zones in the Town of
Barnstable.
12 Osterville Elementary
26 Barnstable Water Department at 1841 Phinney’s Lane
29 Cotuit Water Department
33 Hyannis Water Department
38 Town Offices – Marine and Environmental Affairs at 1189 Phinney’s Lane
45 Cape Cod Academy
52 Cape Cod Community College
62 Bright Promises Preschool
64 Cape Cod Conservatory Preschool
78 West Parish Family School
82 Bayview Kennels
83 Humane Society of the U.S.
85 Special K Kennels
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4.5 FLOOD ZONES – VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS [TO BE UPDATED]
To assess the vulnerability of the Town’s built environment to flood hazards, an analysis of the structures and land
uses in FEMA flood zones was conducted by the Town’s GIS Department1. The following table summarizes that
analysis; the table represents the number of parcels located in FEMA A and V flood zones, building square footage,
and assessed building values. The vulnerability analysis was conducted using the [update] FEMA Flood Insurance
Rate Maps. Although these maps were not officially adopted by the Town at the time of the analysis, they provided
the opportunity for the most accurate analysis.
Loss Estimates/Area Vulnerability Assessment
Town of Barnstable
Development in Flood Zones by Land Use
Land Use
# of Parcels
(including condo
units)
# of Parcels (not
including condo
units)
Building Area
(Sq.Ft.)
Assessed Building
Value
Residential 1,114 924 5,018,550 $425,944,300
Commercial 178 42 533,146 $38,354,100
Industrial 0 0 0 $0
Recreational 0 0 0 $0
Agricultural 0 0 0 $0
Tax Exempt 19 19 88,625 $7,905,400
Mixed Use 13 13 116,619 $14353,900
TOTAL 1,354 998 5,756,940 $486,557,700
Loss Estimates/Area Vulnerability Assessment
Town of Barnstable
Development in Flood Zones by Village
Land Use # of Parcels
(including
condo units)
# of Parcels
(not including
condo units)
Building Area
(Sq.Ft.)
Assessed Building
Value
Barnstable 123 119 366,397 $22,412,500
Centerville 309 272 1,101,363 $84,563,200
Cotuit 73 73 501,117 $38,342,100
Hyannis 596 281 1,508,021 $148,064,500
Marstons Mills 15 15 124,134 $11,526,500
Osterville 225 225 2,128,547 $179,963,100
West Barnstable 13 13 27,391 $1,685,800
TOTAL 1,354 998 5,756,940 $486,557,700
1 The methodology used by the Town of Barnstable GIS Department to calculate these figures can be found in Appendix B.
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As expected, residential properties are the most vulnerable to flood damage in terms of numbers, square footage, and
assessed value; 1,114 housing units totaling over $425.9 million in value are located in flood hazard areas. Potential
commercial losses from flooding total over $38 million, not including commercial enterprises that might be included in
the mixed-use category. Many of these uses are likely marine-related businesses that rely on having good access to
the water. A closer evaluation of the locations and functions of these commercial properties would be valuable and
facilitate efforts to minimize economic losses after major flood events.
The Village of Hyannis has the greatest number of structures vulnerable to flood damage; many of these structures
are located around the Inner Harbor, Lewis Bay, Hyannis Harbor, and Stewart’s Creek. The Village of Osterville faces
the greatest potential dollar losses from flooding. The average assessed value of a structure in the flood zone in
Osterville is almost $800,000. This data reflects the vulnerability of high dollar homes located on Vineyard Sound and
the Three Bays. The Village of Centerville also has a high number of structures vulnerable to flooding; these properties
are located primarily around the Centerville Harbor and Centerville River.
In addition to concerns regarding vulnerability of structures, the MHM Planning Team identified several roads that are
prone to flooding. Flooding of these roadways could potentially interfere with travel of emergency vehicles and
evacuation of residents. The following areas are of concern:
Route 6 in Barnstable (evacuation route)
Mill Way in Barnstable
Commerce Road in Barnstable
West Bay (Oyster Harbors) Bridge (also vulnerable to wind hazards)
4.6 NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM AND REPETITIVE LOSS PROPERTIES
The Town of Barnstable participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The most recently available
data associated with NFIP is dated March 2010. As of March 31, 2010, the town had 1,065 NFIP policies in force,
totaling $288,793,300 of coverage. Between 2002 and 2010, the number of policies held in Barnstable increased by
123, increasing the total coverage amount in force by $106,065,100. From the inception of NFIP in 1972 to March 31,
2010, 277 loss claims were filed in the Town; 115 of those claims were paid totaling $2,901,868.
Repetitive loss properties have been paid two or more claims by the NFIP worth at least $1,000 each over a ten-year
rolling period. The Town of Barnstable has 27 repetitive loss properties, which is a significant increase from the 17
repetitive loss properties present in 2010. The properties are located in Cape Cod Bay near Barnstable Harbor, on
Nantucket Sound with a concentration on Centerville Harbor, and in the Village of Hyannis, near the intersection of
Route 28 and Bearse’s Way. Some of the repetitive loss properties are located in “A” zones and one in a “V” zone.
One property has 5 paid loss claims (a non-residential property), one has 4, and two have three paid loss claims. The
areas where repetitive loss properties are located are shown on the Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Map.
Barnstable’s floodplains are managed through zoning, wetlands, and health regulations. The Local Capital
Improvement Plan outlined undersized culverts that will be improved upon to reduce flooding. The Town also regularly
completes significant catch basin cleaning in flood prone areas. Any new construction in flood areas is managed
through the newly adopted Floodplain bylaws and are reviewed by the Conservation Commission. The Town is
committed to the ongoing enforcement of these regulations and will continue to review and enhance requirements to
best protect the environment and vulnerable properties. Additionally, the Town is engaged in public outreach programs
to promote private floodplain management best practices and continued participation in the NFIP.
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community development
The maps in Appendix B show flood zones and sea level rise projections for the Town. Due to the coastal nature of
the community, coastal areas are those most impacted by flooding. Approximately 20% of the critical facilities are
located in flood zones and are carefully managed to reduce vulnerabilities to the extent possible. Sine the 2010
Hazard Mitigation Plan was developed, there have been no significant increases in development in these areas for
critical facilities or in general. In addition, there are no current plans for significant future development in hazard
areas. The Town recently updated its floodplain bylaw which requires any new development in the floodplain to have
a review by the Conservation Commission and approval under the Wetlands Protection Act. Overall, Barnstable’s
potential future development would not significantly increase the Town’s vulnerability if existing regulations are
adhered to. The Town is also actively, studying low lying roads, will assist in prioritizing areas to consider for further
reduced development and improve infrastructure.
4.7 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The maps in Appendix B show flood zones and sea level rise projections for the Town. Due to the coastal nature of
the community, coastal areas are those most impacted by flooding. Approximately 20% of the critical facilities are
located in flood zones and are carefully managed to reduce vulnerabilities to the extent possible. Since the 2010
Hazard Mitigation Plan was developed, there have been no significant increases in development in these areas for
critical facilities or in general. In addition, there are no current plans for significant future development in hazard areas.
The Town recently updated its floodplain bylaw which requires any new development in the floodplain to have a review
by the Conservation Commission and approval under the Wetlands Protection Act. Overall, Barnstable’s potential
future development would not significantly increase the Town’s vulnerability if existing regulations are adhered to. The
Town is also actively, studying low lying roads, will assist in prioritizing areas to consider for further reduced
development and improve infrastructure.
4.8 FUTURE PLANNING
This Hazard Mitigation Plan update will be incorporated into future planning mechanisms as applicable, most
immediately the low-lying roads work and the upcoming Comprehensive Plan update. The update will inform and work
in conjunction with the low-lying roads initiative to identify and prioritize areas to consider for further reduced
development and areas in need of infrastructure improvements. The update will also be used to provide valuable
insights to the Comprehensive Plan that will target potential areas for development and planning around critical facilities
and community needs. The update will continue to be a tool to support the Local Capital Improvement Plan that
identifies culverts to be upsized to address flooding. As always, we will rely on the update to inform emergency
management and hazard mitigation and response.
942
1,065
NFIP Policies in Force
2010
2002
$182,728,200
$288,793,300
NFIP Coverage Amount in Force
2010
2002
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5. MITIGATION ACTIONS
This section describes the mitigation actions identified to contribute to the Town of Barnstable’s resiliency and the
capabilities available within the Town to implement the mitigation actions. The capabilities reside in Town leaders that
are committed to resiliency and strong partnerships that support regional hazard mitigation planning efforts. The
mitigation actions identified area intended to be comprehensive and far reaching to address the identified Town goals
and objectives.
5.1 CAPABILITIES ASSESSMENT
Barnstable’s commitment to hazard mitigation has been reinvigorated since the development of the 2010 plan based
on new resources available within the Town departments and a strong commitment to support the community’s
resilience. Barnstable recognizes its coastal location presents added challenges for resilience. Barnstable has strong
capabilities, such as plans, policies, staff, funding and other related resources, to continue to work toward resiliency.
These existing capabilities, as well as opportunities to expand or improve these capabilities, are described below.
5.1.1 Plans and Policies
Barnstable has a variety of planning documents and policies that address natural hazards. These documents
incorporate aspects of Barnstable’s hazard mitigation plan goals and mitigation strategies. As Barnstable continues to
implement these plans and policies, resiliency will be advanced and vulnerabilities will be reduced. These plans and
policies include:
Local Comprehensive Plan (2010, update in process) – The Plan describes actions and strategies the Town
should implement to attain a better balance between land use and community resources and to ensure a
sustainable future. This plan also refocuses on the need to direct growth to designated areas, protect and
reconnect sensitive habitat areas, protect and improve drinking water, fresh water and coastal water quality,
manage traffic to improve congestion and preserve heritage and community character. A major emphasis of
this plan is implementation, the specific actions to be taken to turn the visions of this plan into a reality for a
sustainable future. As part of the current update, Barnstable’s hazard mitigation strategies will be incorporated
and advanced.
Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP) (2020) - The CWMP addresses various wastewater
related issues within the community. The primary focus is nutrient removal, particularly nitrogen removal, as
nitrogen has been shown to be causing eutrophication in coastal embayments. The prevalence of nitrogen
has become an issue due to the widespread reliance on on-site septic systems as a means of addressing
wastewater. The Plan also addresses nutrient contamination of ponds and Contaminants of Emerging
Concern which have been affecting drinking water sources within the community.
Open Space and Recreation Plan (2018) – The purpose of the Plan is to guide the Town’s plans, investments,
policies and regulations in support of protecting and enhancing open space and recreation resources. Specific
goals are to: Protect and maintain a maximum amount of open space to enhance environmental protection,
recreational opportunities and community character; use land protection to protect water supply, protect fresh
and marine surface waters, preserve historic, scenic and cultural resources, and provide opportunities for
farming and agriculture; provide diverse recreational opportunities and access throughout Barnstable and
ensure that the current and future needs of all user groups are met appropriately; provide adequate public
access to and safe enjoyment of the Town’s open space and recreational resources and programs, particularly
its fresh and marine shoreline areas, and promote greater coordination and communication about community
open space and recreation needs within government and among stakeholder groups in the Town.
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Town of Barnstable Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) (2020) – The CEMP provides a
framework for community-wide emergency management and pre-planning for designated events. The plan
is designed to support the welfare and safety of the community during times of disaster and series
emergencies. Disaster events can take a variety of forms, including natural disasters. The plan outlines the
roles and responsibilities of various departments and resources needed in times of emergencies.
EPA’s MS4 Stormwater Bylaws. Barnstable follows the requirements outlined in the MS4 bylaws that include
pollution prevention measures, treatment or removal techniques, monitoring, use of legal authority, and other
appropriate measures to control the quality of storm water discharged to the storm drains and waters of the
United States.
Town of Barnstable Zoning Ordinance. The Zoning ordinance promotes the health, safety, convenience,
morals and general welfare of the inhabitants of the Town, protects and conserves the value of the property
within the Town, increases the amenities of the Town, and secures safety from seasonal or periodic flooding,
fire, congestion or confusion, all in accord with the General Laws, Chapter 40A, as amended. The Floodplain
ordinance was recently updated and adopted this year.
Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program Plan (2020) – The MVP plan identifies vulnerabilities
from natural hazards and climate change and developed actions to mitigate the hazards. The process resulted
in Barnstable becoming an MVP certified community.
These plans provide a strong foundation to continue to advance hazard mitigation planning and address challenges
specific to Barnstable including flooding, coastal erosion, sea level rise and climate change. Future planning
documents can continue to be more specific regarding means to address the highest ranked natural hazards identified
in this plan, means to achieve identified hazard mitigation goals, and specific mitigation measures. The proposed
mitigation actions outlined in Sections 5.2 and 5.3 provide specific and actionable recommendations which will help
toward a current and focused approach to hazard mitigation.
Many of the existing Town policies and ordinances provide further support to mitigate hazards. Barnstable follows the
Massachusetts state building code to ensure new buildings and structures incorporate hazard preparedness.
Specifically, Barnstable has a floodplain district that includes all special flood hazard areas within the Town designated
as Zone AE, AO, or VE on the Barnstable County Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) issued by FEMA for the
administration of the NFIP. There are also groundwater protection overlay districts to protect the public health, safety,
and welfare by encouraging nonhazardous, compatible land uses within groundwater recharge areas. For both he
floodplain and groundwater protection districts, special provisions are outlined for each to ensure appropriate
protections. As Barnstable continues to advance its mitigation planning efforts, these codes and bylaws could be
further enhanced for greater hazard mitigation.
5.1.2 Financial Capabilities
While Barnstable continues to strive to identify and establish funding mechanisms to implement mitigation actions,
there are existing mechanisms in place that have and will continue to be used to advance Barnstable’s hazard
mitigation goals. Barnstable has the following potential funding sources to implement hazard mitigation actions:
FY 2022 Capital Budget and FY 2022 – 2026 Capital Improvement Plan – The Town Administration has
implemented a review process for capital submissions requesting financing that scores projects twice and
then averages the rank from each process to determine an overall ranking. The highest priority ranking
addresses public health and safety risks or alleviates an emergency service disruption.
Fees from water and sewer services – A percentage of water and sewer fees are dedicated to upgrading
infrastructure that will assist in reducing vulnerabilities.
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Incurring debt through general obligation bonds – Barnstable routinely bonds for large infrastructure
improvement projects to reduce vulnerabilities.
Community Preservation Act Funding – A percentage of the Community Preservation Act funding is used to
preserve open space to limit development.
While Barnstable can independently fund some mitigation actions, other outside funding will be necessary to advance
all of Barnstable’s mitigation actions. In 2018, Barnstable received a grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office
of Energy and Environmental Affairs Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program to identify vulnerabilities
from natural hazards and climate change and develop actions to mitigate the hazards. Barnstable has also received
funding from the Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management (CZM) program for the Fiscal Year 2022 Coast Pollutant
Remediation Grant. Additional grant funding will be required to implement the mitigation actions outlined in Sections
5.2 and 5.3, especially for the project requiring larger funding allocations. Table 5-5 identified possible funding sources
that could be accessed, and Table 5-2 matches those funding sources with the identified mitigation actions.
5.1.3 Department Staffing
Barnstable has various departmental and staffing resources to help implement the goals and actions outlines in this
plan. In addition, Barnstable is committed to adding a Certified Floodplain Manager to its existing capabilities. Specific
departmental and regional capabilities are discussed below.
Planning & Development
The Town of Barnstable has a strong Planning & Development department and committed Director that has
spearheaded this planning effort. Recent staff additions have included a Senior Planner that has experience in hazard
mitigation planning, having led this effort at a previous municipality. Planning & Development also led the charge for
the 2019 Municipal Vulnerability Planning effort and became designated as a MVP community. The department is also
in the process of updating its 2010 Local Comprehensive Plan, with climate change as being one of the major drivers
for the update. These efforts demonstrate the department’s commitment to resiliency and its willingness to dedicate
resources toward this effort.
Marine and Environmental Affairs
The Marine and Environmental Affairs Department strives to protect and preserve the Town’s waterways and natural
resources. Natural Resource officers patrol town conservation areas and beaches to enforce local by-laws and state
and federal wildlife, fisheries, and environmental regulations. The program provides support for over sand operations
at Sandy Neck, including environmental functions associated with endangered species and resource management.
The Harbormaster is also very focused on community education associated with storm events. These resources are
important in Barnstable’s overall climate resiliency efforts.
Public Works
The Barnstable Department of Public Works mission is to preserve and improve the Town's infrastructure and related
assets in a manner which meets and enhances the current and future social and economic needs of the community,
to contribute to a healthy, safe, and quality environment for the town's citizens and visitors, and to provide a cost
effective and environmentally sound means of disposing of solid waste and wastewater. Public Works is very involved
in wastewater and clean water management and recycling. They are focused on driving resiliency in the Town’s
infrastructure.
Police and Fire Departments
The Barnstable Police and Fire are very active partners in the path toward resilience. The department utilize CodeRED
as its emergency notification service by which town officials can notify Barnstable residents and businesses by
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telephone, cellular phone, text message, or electronic mail about time‐sensitive emergency situations or important
community alerts. Both departments actively support emergency management associated with natural hazard events.
They have a deep understanding of vulnerable areas and supporting vulnerable populations within the community.
5.1.4 Regional Cooperation
The Town of Barnstable is committed to fostering relationships and establishing partnerships to achieve resiliency.
Important regional relationship are discussed below.
The Cape Cod Commission
Within Barnstable County, the Cape Cod Commission’s (CCC) mission is to protect the unique values and quality of
life on Cape Cod by coordinating a balanced relationship between environmental protection and economic progress.
The CCC is housed in Barnstable and Barnstable is an active community participant. The CCC completes various
studies and projects associated with resilience that benefits the various Cape Cod communities.
The CCC includes the Cape Cod Climate Imitative which was created to mitigate the challenges of climate change.
Through the Cape Cod Climate Initiative, the Commission worked with stakeholders and partners to develop the 2021
Cape Cod Climate Action Plan. There are many other collaborations ongoing between CCC and the Town focused on
resiliency and climate change adaptation.
Cape Cod Cooperative Extension
The Cape Cod Cooperative Extension (CCCE) focuses on hands-on work with towns across the county in regards to
community health, nature conservation, and strengthening food systems. As the education department for Barnstable
County, the CCCE plans and conducts programs based on local needs and interests, linking academia with practical
applications to serve Barnstable County communities via staff, volunteers, and CCCE trustees.
Barnstable County Regional Emergency Response Planning Committee
The committee is responsible for planning and implementing a regional response to emergencies and disasters.
Barnstable, being the largest community on the Cape plays a large role in these regional emergency response efforts.
The committee’s plans are documented in the Barnstable County Regional Emergency Response Plan.
5.2 MITIGATION ACTIONS
Barnstable identified the mitigation actions and projects noted in this section based on the goals and objectives
prepared during the planning process, mitigation actions proposed during the 2010 planning effort, past occurrences
of natural hazard events and the ability and commitment to work closely with staff, residents, neighboring communities
and other key stakeholders to ensure public safety.
Below is a progress determination on mitigation actions from the 2010 Hazard Mitigation Plan and an explanation on
whether or not the action was completed, if it’s in progress, deferred or deleted. The actions were reviewed with Local
Plan Review Team members to comprehensively evaluate plan implementation progress and to provide a starting point
for identifying new mitigation actions. Complete/Ongoing, In Progress and some Deferred actions identified in Table
5-1 were carried forward into the Future Mitigation Action List. The following status determinations were assigned to
each action from the 2010 plan:
Complete: the project was implemented and completed in 2010-2021.
Complete/Ongoing: the project was implemented and completed in 2010-2021, but it will continue to be
implemented on an annual basis.
In Progress: The project was started in the 2010 – 2021 timeframe and it is still in progress.
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Deferred: The project is important, but it was deferred because there was no funding available, or it is not
feasible to complete the project.
Deleted: The project is no longer relevant to the community.
Table 5-1 is a summary of the status of the mitigation actions identified in the 2010 plan and subsequent mitigation
actions. The status of each action is provided as well as how it continues to be implemented, if applicable.
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-6 Woodard & Curran 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022 Table 5-1: Progress Determination of Mitigation Actions from 2010 Hazard Mitigation Plan Mitigation Action Hazard to Mitigate Responsible Department Status Explanation Mitigation Action #1 - Develop necessary implementing regulations to adopt a “No Adverse Impact” policy and/or addressing EPA’s MS4 bylaws to mitigate the risks of flooding impacts on properties or public safety. Flooding, Shoreline Change/ Coastal Erosion GMD, DPW In progress The Town of Barnstable is currently in the process of addressing EPA’s MS4 stormwater bylaws. Mitigation Action #2 - Develop additional Coastal Resources Management Plans for vulnerable coastal areas within the Town of Barnstable. Management plans should include: · An inventory of existing coastal resources, existing public and private access, and all available water quality data; · An overview of existing federal, state and local regulations; · An assessment of potential impacts from coastal storms; · Projections for future conditions including a buildout analysis for FEMA A and V zones, barrier beaches and coastal banks; and · Recommendations for protecting critical habitats and important resources while providing for recreational and commercial uses. · Construction of mitigation actions identified. Flooding, Shoreline Change/ Coastal Erosion GMD, MEA, DNR, DPW In Progress A 2023 Coastal Resource plan has been submitted which requests a detailed analysis of the long-term viability of the Sandy Neck beach parking and supporting facilities. This plan was submitted as part of a grant from Coastal Zone Management (CZM) in the Fall of 2016. The analysis demonstrated that to provide protection to the existing infrastructure and maintain the viability of the parking, a relocation of the parking area was the most viable alternative. The Town is currently undertaking an evaluation of alternatives to supplement the information from this report. The selected alternative will be designed and permitted, which will increase the possibilities for grant funding and will prepare the Town to act quickly should a future storm even result in damage to the parking lot.
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-7 Woodard & Curran 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022 Mitigation Action Hazard to Mitigate Responsible Department Status Explanation Mitigation Action #3 - Develop a Resource Management Plan for the Sandy Neck ACEC that meets Department of Environmental Protection and Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management requirements to aid in the management of this important resource. Shoreline Change/ Coastal Erosion GMD, Mass Estuaries Program, DNR, DPW In progress A 2023 Coastal Resource plan has been submitted which requests a detailed analysis of the long-term viability of the sandy Neck beach parking and supporting facilities. This plan was submitted as part of a grant from Coastal Zone Management (CZM) in the Fall of 2016. The analysis demonstrated that to provide protection to the existing infrastructure and maintain the viability of the parking, a relocation of the parking area was the most viable alternative. The Town is currently undertaking an evaluation of alternatives to supplement the information from this report. The selected alternative will be designed and permitted, which will increase the possibilities for grant funding and will prepare the Town to act quickly should a future storm even result in damage to the parking lot. Mitigation Action #4 - Explore the adoption of regulations and incentives to restrict new development and redevelopment in A and V zones, on barrier beaches, or on coastal dunes where there is known to be danger of significant flood damage. · Inventory and map vacant land in velocity zones. · Existing structures may be reconstructed or renovated in conformance with all regulatory requirements provided there is no increase in area or intensity of use. · Where applicable, non-water dependent development shall be concentrated on that part of the lot outside the A and V Zones. Flooding, Shoreline Change GMD, Town Council, Conservation Board of Health Deferred The adopted District of Critical Planning Concern regulations, Wetland Protection Act, and other regulations continue to provide some limitations and protections in sensitive areas prone to flooding. The Conservation Commission adopted Guidelines for Activities in Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage (LSCSF) Velocity (V) Zones and Coastal A Zones Only 1/8/2019. Higher minimum standards for zoning and wetlands are currently being updated by the County.
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-8 Woodard & Curran 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022 Mitigation Action Hazard to Mitigate Responsible Department Status Explanation Mitigation Action #5 - Adopt a sewer neutral regulation through a General Ordinance. · Where new sewers are proposed, residential development and redevelopment shall be permitted to have only the number of bedrooms allowed under Title V and local regulations for that property whether or not town sewer is available. · In barrier beach areas and FEMA A and V Zones where there is existing development, the Town may install wastewater infrastructure to better protect or improve coastal waters or sensitive habitat areas subject to the sewer neutral regulation. Flooding, Shoreline Change/ Erosion Control GMD, Planning Board, Town Council, Board of Health, DPW Not Completed The Citizen Advisory Committee raised the issue of considering a sewer neutral regulation in 2014. The regulation did not obtain sufficient community support to move forward. Mitigation Action #6 - To prevent earth placement or removal that interferes with the natural flood protective function of barrier beaches and other coastal formations, develop a regulation that limits earth removal and placement and develop an appropriate building height definition. Flooding, Shoreline Change/ Coastal Erosion GMD, Planning Board, Town Council Ongoing Earth disturbance is being addressed in the proposed MS4 bylaws. Mitigation Action #7 - Explore adoption of a regulation that prevents armoring structures and mounded septic systems from interfering with the natural flood protective function of barrier beaches and other coastal formations. Flooding, Shoreline Change/ Coastal Erosion GMD, Planning Board, Town Council, Conservation, Board of Health Deferred No new regulations have been adopted. There have been some limited examples of conditions and limitations placed on individual projects by the Conservation Commission.
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-9 Woodard & Curran 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022 Mitigation Action Hazard to Mitigate Responsible Department Status Explanation Mitigation Action #8 - Explore updating the floodplain bylaw to incorporate the additional provisions in the Cape Cod Commission’s Model Floodplain Bylaw to better protect land subject to coastal storm flowage. Flooding, Shoreline Change/ Coastal Erosion GMD, Planning Board, Town Council Ongoing No new regulations have been adopted. Mitigation Action #9 - Reduce impacts in FEMA A and V zones by amending the Zoning Ordinance to require floor area ratio requirements that allow development and redevelopment that does not create large impervious surface. Flooding, Shoreline Change/ Coastal Erosion GMD, Planning Board, Town Council Ongoing No new regulations have been adopted. The adopted District of Critical Planning Concern regulations and Wetlands Regulations continue to provide some regulatory controls over impervious surfaces in certain areas. Mitigation Action #10 - Review and, if necessary, revise regulations to ensure development or redevelopment on a coastal bank or dune or within 100 feet landward of these resources shall be designed to have no adverse effect on the height, stability or use of the bank or dune as a natural sediment source. Flooding, Shoreline Change/ Coastal Erosion Conservation, Board of Health Deferred No new regulations have been adopted. Mitigation Action #11 - Buildings and infrastructure in areas of projected sea level rise should be designed for protection from flooding as well as to minimize risk to human health and safety. · Determine the extent of protection needed from the real threat of sea level rise. Flooding, Shoreline Change/ Coastal Erosion GMD, Regulatory Services In progress The Town, in partnership with the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, completed a conceptual sea level rise viewer to raise awareness of the changing extent of floodplains. Additional study of the impacts of sea level rise is planned as part of the Town’s partnership with the Cape Cod Commission’s “Resilient Cape Cod” project. Also – DPW CIP for Coastal Resiliency Master Plan. Mitigation Action #12 - Design new stormwater management systems and replacement septic systems within FEMA A and V zones to accommodate sea level rise. Flooding, Shoreline Change/ Coastal Erosion DPW, Board of Health, Regulatory Services Deferred No new regulations have been adopted. Recent upgrades made to septic systems serving Town-owned water dependent facilities have included systems design to accommodate flooding, such as submersible pump stations.
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-10 Woodard & Curran 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022 Mitigation Action Hazard to Mitigate Responsible Department Status Explanation Mitigation Action #13 - Continue to identify, certify and map vernal pools and other isolated lands subject to flooding. Determine their flood control and flood mitigation value and assess the need for additional regulation to protect this vital function. Flooding GMD, Conservation Division Deferred Identification and certification of vernal pools on private properties requires the cooperation of individual owners. The Town continues to recommend updating GIS data on these important resources. Mitigation Action #14 - To increase preparedness for flood hazard events, explore certifying a member of the Town staff or hiring a Floodplain Manager with the Association of Floodplain Managers. Certified managers are kept up-to-date on flood mitigation requirements and strategies and work to reduce flood losses and protect and enhance the natural resources and functions of floodplains. Flooding Conservation Division Deferred The Town has benefited from the expertise of the Barnstable County CRS/Floodplain Coordinator, who is a certified CFM. The Town will explore hiring a Certified Floodplain manager in the future. Mitigation Action #15 - Identify, pursue, and fund actions, regulations, or outreach efforts necessary to qualify for the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System (CRS). CRS is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements. Flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community actions meeting the three goals of the CRS: 1) reduce flood losses; 2) facilitate accurate insurance rating; and 3) promote the awareness of flood insurance. Flooding Conservation, GMD, Board of Health, Town Council, DPW, Regulatory Services In Progress With the benefit of a Coastal Community Resilience Grant from the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, the Town will work with the Barnstable County CRS Coordinator to continue the CRS application process that was begun in 2015.
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-11 Woodard & Curran 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022 Mitigation Action Hazard to Mitigate Responsible Department Status Explanation Mitigation Action #16 - Continue wildfire assessment and preparedness planning for conservation parcels with the highest risk, specifically the areas largest in size and in closest proximity to residential development. · Consider developing a plan for the 95-acre Crocker Neck Conservation Area in Cotuit; this area consists of pine/oak forest and salt marshes and is in close proximity to residential development to the west. Drought/ Wildfire Conservation Division, DPW, Fire Departments Ongoing/ In Progress Controlled burns took place at Crocker Neck Conservation Area 2017 and 2018.and West Barnstable Conservation Area 2019 and 2020. In addition, the West Barnstable Conservation Area annual trail maintenance and spot clearing was completed. Annual maintenance of the Old Jail Line was also completed. Mitigation Action #17 - Coordinate with the Town Mashpee on the upkeep, monitoring and maintenance of the Santuit Pond Dam. Explore the need for a Memorandum of Understanding to ensure the ongoing structural integrity of the dam. Dam Failure DPW, Town Manager, Natural Resources Ongoing Barnstable will develop a maintenance plan with the Town of Mashpee to maintain the Santuit Pond Dam. Mitigation Action #18 - Incorporate multi-hazard mitigation actions into the Town’s land acquisition program by: · Selecting parcels to protect natural resources in flood pone areas of the Town; · Preserving ecological systems in coastal, riverine and all areas subject to flooding; · Acquiring properties and relocating flood prone structures; and · Removing repetitive loss structures and preserving the land as open space. Flooding, Shoreline Change/ Coastal Erosion, Drought/ Wildfire GMD, DNR Ongoing The Barnstable Community Preservation Committee’s 2021 Plan outlines criteria that will receive preference in allocating CPA Open Space funds; those criteria include properties that provide flood control/storage, along with a number of criteria that address wetland preservation.
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-12 Woodard & Curran 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022 Mitigation Action Hazard to Mitigate Responsible Department Status Explanation Mitigation Action #19 - To reduce or prevent future property damage and the loss of life or injury as a result of flooding, apply for HMGP and other federal and state funding, as available, for the acquisition and demolition of damaged property. Flooding, Shoreline Change/ Coastal Erosion GMD, DNR Deferred No acquisition projects were identified or implemented since the last plan update. Local funding was not available for the acquisition of property. Although no property was acquired, the Town continues to be proactive in making coastal infrastructure more resilient to flooding and related hazards. Mitigation Action #20 - Identify, evaluate, and fund measures to reduce the vulnerability of critical facilities, including fire stations, hospitals and airports, to natural hazards. Flooding, Drought/ Wildfire Fire Departments DPW, Conservation Division, Natural Resources Ongoing The Town has developed an updated list of critical facilities including local emergency shelters, public safety facilities, hospitals, transportation facilities, wastewater infrastructure, hazardous materials facilities, schools, housing facilities, and animal shelters. Mitigation Action #21 - Increase public awareness of hazard risk and vulnerability through a public education program. · Provide natural hazard seminars for contractors as well as the general public; · Provide natural hazard pre-mitigation materials to all residents of the Town via the website, cable shows, etc.; · Maintain, review and publicize the current action plan on an annual basis; · Coordinate with the County to maintain, review and publicize evacuation routes on an annual basis. All GMD, Conservation CSD, Town Manager, Town Council Ongoing/ In Progress The update of the FEMA FIRMs in July 2014 provided ample opportunity for outreach and education regarding the risks of coastal flooding. Educational materials are regularly distributed at Town buildings and posted on the new CRS webpage. The Town continues to coordinate with Barnstable County to help distribute educational materials to residents across Cape Cod. The Town engaged a wide range of stakeholders to discuss climate-change risks as part of their partnership in the New England Climate Adaptation Project and as part of the MVP certification process. The Town continues to pursue opportunities for public education regarding coastal flooding and shoreline change as part of its pending participation in the CRS program and its partnership with the CCC.
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-13 Woodard & Curran 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022 Mitigation Action Hazard to Mitigate Responsible Department Status Explanation Mitigation Action #22 - Increase public awareness of the hazards posed by wind-born debris. Provide public information about: · Protection of people and personal property. · Window glazing and other prevention techniques. · Benefits of tree trimming and removal around homes at risk. Wind Regulatory Services, CSD, Fire Departments Ongoing Educational materials are regularly distributed at Town buildings and posted on the CRS webpage. The Town continues to coordinate with Barnstable County to help distribute educational materials to residents across Cape Cod. Mitigation Action #23 - Prioritize public education about flood action and flood proofing. Make materials available describing simple and inexpensive means of flood proofing, which may be obtained from agencies such as FEMA. Flooding Conservation CSD Ongoing/ In Progress The update of the FEMA FIRMs in July 2014 and the 2019 MVP certification process provided ample opportunity for outreach and education regarding the risks of coastal flooding. Educational materials are regularly distributed at Town buildings and posted on the new CRS webpage, which includes information about flood proofing. Mitigation Action #24 - Provide landowners abutting wildfire hazard areas with information regarding fire hazards and recommendations to protect life and property from wildfire. · The Town should advocate applicable “firewise standards” for dwellings, other structures, propane storage, and vegetation around dwellings in the wildland/residential interface. · Provide information to appropriate landowners on fire hazards and the recommendations to protect life and property from wildfire through a series of information workshops at local fire stations. Drought/ Wildfire Conservation Division, Fire Departments Ongoing The Fire Department has developed multiple programs/resources regarding citizen fire preparedness and prevention such as the Ready, Set, Go program and the Firewire program.
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-14 Woodard & Curran 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022 Mitigation Action Hazard to Mitigate Responsible Department Status Explanation Mitigation Action #25 - Continue to implement the recommendations of the Wildland Fire Preparedness Plan for the West Barnstable Conservation Area, the Old Jail Lane Conservation Area, and the Hyannis Ponds WMA. · Explore possible sources of sustained funding for the ongoing maintenance of improvements made as a result of plan recommendations. Drought/ Wildfire Conservation Fire Depts, DCR Complete/ Ongoing Ongoing maintenance of these conservation areas continues. West Barnstable Conservation Area – annual trail maintenance and spot clearing and Old Jail Lane – annual maintenance Mitigation Action #26 - Restore tidally restricted salt marshes by upsizing or improving culverts, pipes, or other structures to provide increased protection from flooding and storm surges. Flooding DPW, Conservation Division, in coordination with US Army Corps of Engineers In Progress See Stewart’s Creek project highlight. The Town continues to explore opportunities to remove tidal restrictions and restore salt marshes. Mitigation Action #27 - Ensure continuing ability of the Barnstable Municipal Airport to aid in disaster response and recovery. Explore the need for training and awareness programs to improve the Airport's ability to respond and the potential vulnerability of the airport to disasters. Flooding, Snow & Ice, Wildfire Barnstable Municipal Airport In progress The Barnstable Municipal Airport has provided an Emergency/Hazard management update. Mitigation Action #28 - Implement the recommendations of the Wequaquet Lake Dam Inspection and Evaluation Report. Recommendations of the report include: · Conduct a detailed hydrological and hydraulic analysis for the impoundment drainage area and spillway outlet capacity; · Complete a stability analysis of the spillway structure; and · Develop an Operations and Maintenance Plan. Dam Failure DPW, Natural Resources In Progress/Ongoing A Lake Wequaguet Study has been completed, and development of an Operations and Maintenance Plan is in progress.
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-15 Woodard & Curran 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022 Mitigation Action Hazard to Mitigate Responsible Department Status Explanation Mitigation Action #29 - Implement the recommendations of the Mill Pond Dam Inspection and Evaluation Report. Recommendations of the report include: · Repair deteriorated concrete and stone/masonry at fish ladder entrance; · Repair left side of man-made channel, downstream of fish ladder entrance; · Repair spalled concrete and Notched Weirs No. 1 and 2; · Remove vegetation and debris from Notched Weirs No. 1 and 2 and trash rack. Dam Failure DPW, Natural Resources In Progress In FY 2014, $42,000 was appropriated for the design of improvements to the Mill Pond and Long Pond Fish Ways. The Mill Pond Dam required substantial rehabilitation. A 2023 Capital Improvement Plan will be submitted which will request funding the design and permitting to bring the dam and fish ladder into conformance with modern design standards. Final designs, specifications, and construction cost estimates will be prepared, and permit applications will be acquired in preparation for project implementation. Mitigation Action #30 - Evaluate the condition of breakwaters and make repairs as necessary to ensure their long-term effectiveness for mitigating storm damage · Repair the inner (Town) portion of the Hyannisport breakwater · Repair the two breakwaters that protect the entrance into West Bay Flooding, Shoreline Change/ Coastal Erosion DPW, Natural Resources, Conservation in coordination w/ USACOE In Progress In March of 2014 a detailed existing conditions survey, analysis, and preliminary design report was completed for the West Bay breakwater. Additionally, a federal portion of Hyannisport Breakwater is scheduled for $2.8 Million in repairs from the USACE in the near future. A 2023 Capital Improvement Plan will be submitted which will request funding for repairs of a navigational beacon located on the West Bay Breakwater. The plan will include design and permitting of breakwater repairs and construction of those repairs.
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5.3 MITIGATION ACTIONS FOR 2022 HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE
The Mitigation Actions listed below will be routinely reviewed to make sure they are consistent with current town
priorities. The team carried forward Mitigation Actions from 2010 that were identified as “In Progress” and developed
new Mitigation Actions based on other work conducted in the community over the past five years, input from key
stakeholders and the hazard identification and risk assessment portion of this planning effort. Each project is tied to
the specific hazard addressed and objective achieved. An estimated project cost, duration, implementation timeframe
and potential funding source for each mitigation project is identified. The project duration is intended to be the amount
of time needed for the Town to complete the project from start to finish. The implementation timeframe is the year from
the Hazard Mitigation Plan approval date in which the Barnstable will try to move forward with the project. A short
(within 1-2 years from Hazard Mitigation Plan update approval date), medium (within 3-4 years from Hazard Mitigation
Plan update approval date) or long (5 years from the Hazard Mitigation Plan update approval date) reference was
used to indicate what year of the five-year Hazard Mitigation Plan implementation Barnstable will try to focus on the
project. The specific funding sources are discussed in Table 5-2.
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-17 Woodard & Curran 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022 Table 5-2: Mitigation Actions 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan # Hazard Addressed Project Description Objectives Addressed Estimated Cost Project Duration/ Implementation Timeframe Potential Funding Source 1 Flooding, Shoreline Change/ Coastal Erosion Develop additional Coastal Resources Management Plans for vulnerable coastal areas within the Town Barnstable. Plans should incorporate other relevant work that has been completed such as the Sediment Budget conducted by the Center for Coastal Studies and the Resiliency Study completed for Sandy Neck. 1, 2, 3, 7, 10, 11 $70,000 Medium 3, 13, 14, 22 2 Flooding, Shoreline Change Explore the adoption of regulations and incentives to restrict new development and redevelopment in FEMA A and V zones, on barrier beaches, or on coastal dunes where there is known to be danger of significant flood damage. · Inventory and map vacant land in velocity zones. · Existing structures may be reconstructed or renovated in conformance with all regulatory requirements provided there is no increase in area or intensity of use. Where applicable, non-water dependent development shall be concentrated on that part of the lot outside the A and V Zones. 2, 5, 6 $10,000 Medium 22 3 Flooding, Shoreline Change/ Erosion Control · Explore adopting a General Ordinance specifically targeted at coastal areas that applies to residential and public development to better protect or improve coastal waters or sensitive habitat areas regarding wastewater infrastructure resiliency during storm events. 2, 5, 9, 12 $5,000 Medium 22, 22 4 Flooding, Shoreline Change/ Coastal Erosion Reduce impacts in FEMA A and V zones by amending the Zoning Ordinance to require floor area ratio requirements that allow development and redevelopment that does not create large impervious surface and maintains coastal flood resiliency. 2, 5, 9, 12 $5,000 Medium 22
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-18 Woodard & Curran 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022 # Hazard Addressed Project Description Objectives Addressed Estimated Cost Project Duration/ Implementation Timeframe Potential Funding Source 5 Flooding, Shoreline Change/ Coastal Erosion Explore updating the floodplain bylaw to incorporate the additional provisions in the Cape Cod Commission’s Model Floodplain Bylaw to better protect land subject to coastal storm flowage. 1, 2, 10-, 11 $10,000 Short 22 6 Flooding, Shoreline Change/ Coastal Erosion Review and, if necessary, revise regulations to ensure development or redevelopment on coastal banks or dunes or within 100 feet landward of these resources shall be designed to minimize risk of flooding. 1, 2, 5, 9, 12 $5,000 Medium 22 7 Flooding To increase preparedness for flood hazard events, explore training a member of the Town staff or hiring a Floodplain Manager with the Association of Floodplain Managers. Certified managers are kept up-to-date on flood mitigation requirements and strategies and work to reduce flood losses and protect and enhance the natural resources and functions of floodplains. 1, 2, 7, 8, 10, 12 $75,000 Short 1, 22 8 Flooding Identify, pursue, and fund actions, regulations or outreach efforts necessary to qualify for the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System (CRS). Integrate CRS into the location Open Space and Recreation Plan during future planning efforts and/or updates to maximize CRS credit points for open space preservation. This may include creating an Elevation Certificate inventory for the NFIP. 1, 2, 7, 8, 10, 12 $10,000 Short 1, 11, 22 9 Drought/ Wildfire Continue wildfire assessment and preparedness planning for conservation parcels with the highest risk, specifically the areas largest in size and in closest proximity to residential development. · Control burn on the west side of West Barnstable Conservation Area 1, 2, 4, 12 $40,000 Medium 22
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-19 Woodard & Curran 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022 # Hazard Addressed Project Description Objectives Addressed Estimated Cost Project Duration/ Implementation Timeframe Potential Funding Source 10 Dam Failure · Coordinate with the Town of Mashpee on the upkeep, monitoring and maintenance of the Santuit Pond Dam. Explore the need for a Memorandum of Understanding to ensure the ongoing structural integrity of the dam. 1, 2, 10, 11, 12 $5,000 Short 22 11 Flooding, Drought/ Wildfire Identify, evaluate, and fund measures to reduce the vulnerability of critical facilities, including fire stations, hospitals and airports, to natural hazards. This may include incorporating mitigation for the development or expansion of these facilities. 1, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12 $50,000 Medium 9, 10, 13, 14, 22 12 All Increase public awareness of hazard risk and vulnerability through published education materials. These materials may be communicated through the Town’s website which will help develop a common communications framework on community hazards and emergency resources (such as shelters and evacuation routes). 7, 8. 10, 11 $20,000 Medium 13, 14, 22 13 Drought/ Wildfire Continue to implement the recommendations of the Wildland Fire Preparedness Plan for the West Barnstable Conservation Area, the Old Jail Lane Conservation Area, Crocker Neck and the Hyannis Ponds WMA. Explore possible sources of sustained funding for the ongoing maintenance of improvements made as a result of plan recommendations. 4, 7, 8, 10, 11 $25,000 Medium 3, 22 14 Flooding · Restore stormwater infrastructure by identifying failed/degraded stormwater systems. This may include upsizing or improving culverts, pipes, or other structures to provide increased protection from flooding and storm surges. Additionally, design new stormwater management systems and replacement septic systems within FEMA A and V zones to accommodate sea level rise. 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 11, 12 $150,000 Medium 9, 10, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-20 Woodard & Curran 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022 # Hazard Addressed Project Description Objectives Addressed Estimated Cost Project Duration/ Implementation Timeframe Potential Funding Source 15 Flooding, Snow & Ice, Wildfire Ensure continuing ability of the Barnstable Municipal Airport to aid in disaster response and recovery. Explore the need for training and awareness programs to improve the Airport's ability to respond and the potential vulnerability of the airport to disasters. 7, 8, 11, 12 $70,000 Medium 9, 10, 22 16 Dam Failure Implement the recommendations of the Wequaquet Lake Dam Inspection and Evaluation Report. Recommendations of the report include: · Conduct a detailed hydrological and hydraulic analysis for the impoundment drainage area and spillway outlet capacity; · Complete a stability analysis of the spillway structure; and · Develop an Operations and Maintenance Plan. 1, 2, 10, 11, 12 $100,000 Medium 9, 10, 17, 22 17 Dam Failure Implement the recommendations of the Mill Pond Dam Inspection and Evaluation Report. Recommendations of the report include: · Repair deteriorated concrete and stone/masonry at fish ladder entrance; · Repair left side of man-made channel, downstream of fish ladder entrance; · Repair spalled concrete and Notched Weirs No. 1 and 2; · Remove vegetation and debris from Notched Weirs No. 1 and 2 and trash rack. 1, 2, 10, 11, 12 $800,000 Medium 21 19 Flooding Develop an inventory of mitigated floodplain properties and develop an inventory of properties for potential flood mitigation projects. 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12 $10,000 Short 22
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-21 Woodard & Curran 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022 # Hazard Addressed Project Description Objectives Addressed Estimated Cost Project Duration/ Implementation Timeframe Potential Funding Source 20 Drought To help Barnstable assess risks, conduct a study on well depths of the water supply, and the present relative location of the freshwater/saltwater interface in the aquifers and soil characteristics. This project may also include researching additional water supply sources. 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 $100,000 Medium 8, 13, 19, 22 21 All Help organize and participate in a regional planning effort focused on Route 6 and emergency planning. This would include planning for bottlenecking that occurs/can occur when massive amounts of people are exiting or need to exit Cape Cod in an emergency. Additionally, this project would include developing a response plan for any hazardous spills that may occur during flooding. The goal would be to develop key action items or recommendations to address these issues. 7, 8, 10 $30,000 Short 22 22 All Investigate the potential of reinvigorating and supporting village shelter capacity and purchasing generators for all critical facilities. 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 $150,000 Short 22 23 All Develop a debris management plan. Currently Barnstable does not have any designated land to handle large amounts of debris. 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 $40,000 Short 9, 22 24 All Conduct tree trimming to move branches away from power lines and bury power lines where feasible to eliminate the potential for power outages. Focus on West Barnstable. 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 $200,000 Short 22 25 All Conduct a vulnerability and risk assessment of all critical facilities and infrastructure including pump stations. Considerations for hardening might include elevation, electrical improvements, generators, etc. 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 $70,000 Short 9, 10, 13, 14, 22
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-22 Woodard & Curran 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022 # Hazard Addressed Project Description Objectives Addressed Estimated Cost Project Duration/ Implementation Timeframe Potential Funding Source 26 All Educate and coordinate with the management of private facilities like hotels and grocery stores that may provide shelter. Identify other private sector partners that may be helpful in an emergency. 7, 8, 10 $5,000 Short 22 27 All Purchase and maintain a portable water tank/water buffalo for use during emergencies. 7, 8 $40,000 Medium 22 28 All Develop a fueling plan for generators and other emergency equipment. 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 $10,000 Short 22 29 All Monitor beach conditions and evaluate all vulnerable shoreline areas for possible future nourishment and beach stabilization projects. 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 12 $200,000 Long 13, 14, 22 30 All Fill gaps and add redundancy in the current communications system which relies on functioning landlines, internet access, and cellular services. Consider upgrading to fiber optics. By introducing an additional form of communication that would be used when these systems fail, internal and external emergency communication would be supplemented in emergencies. 7, 8 $500,000 Short 1, 22 31 Flooding Implement the findings of the Cape Cod Commission’s low-lying roads assessment which may require road maintenance or re-design. The project will identify potential road work to improve the resiliency and reduce the risk of flooded roads during storm events in addition to identifying critical evacuation roads for the public. 5, 9, 12 $200,000 Medium 1, 6, 9,10 32 All Collect social vulnerability data of high-risk areas. This data should include social stressors, health issues/immobility, those requiring in-home medical treatment, displaced peoples, and other relevant social data. 7, 8 $10,000 Short 22
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-23 Woodard & Curran 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022 # Hazard Addressed Project Description Objectives Addressed Estimated Cost Project Duration/ Implementation Timeframe Potential Funding Source 33 Flooding, Shoreline Change/ Coastal Erosion The Town is in the process of replacing the Bismore Bulkhead to reduce risk of flooding. This project involves consulting model predictions of Nor-Easter storms and high tides that may impact the design of the sea wall. 9 $100,000 Short 9, 10, 11, 13, 14 34 Flooding, Shoreline change Incorporate storm tide pathways maps into the community planning and emergency preparedness for storm events. 11 $50,000 Medium 1, 9, 10,13, 14 35 All As recommended by the Cape Cod Commission in their Cape Cod Climate Action Plan, develop regional and local initiatives to address greenhouse gas emissions, carbon sequestration, and coastal resilience relevant to Cape Cod communities. 12 $100,000 Medium 9,13,14, 22 36 All As recommended by the Cape Cod Commission in their Cape Cod Climate Action Plan, Barnstable communities should pursue obtaining the Green Communities designation through the Green Communities Act. 12 $20,000 Medium 22 37 Flooding, Erosion Control Identify, design, and implement stormwater infrastructure that increases infiltration capacity and reduces runoff to nearby ponds, rivers, wetlands, and estuaries. Particularly, in flood prone areas and areas with environmental hazards, such as harmful algal blooms. 12 $2,000,000 Medium 3, 9,10, 18, 21, 22 38 All Identify, evaluate, and fund measures to reduce the vulnerability of hospitals to natural hazards. This may include incorporating mitigation for the development or expansion of healthcare facilities. Cape Cod Hospital is not only critical for Barnstable but for a lot of surrounding communities as well. 1, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12 Medium 9, 10, 13, 14, 22
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-24 Woodard & Curran
2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022
5.4 MITIGATION PROJECT PRIORITIZATION
The projects and mitigation activities noted in the previous section that have been proposed meet the FEMA STAPLEE
criteria. To meet the STAPLEE criteria, projects and activities must be socially acceptable to the community, technically
feasible, protective of or beneficial to the environment and are backed by legal authority and consistent with current
laws, consider economic benefits and costs and include environmental considerations. The goals and objectives
proposed in this Plan are intended to fulfill at a minimum the following STAPLEE criteria identified in Table 5-3.
Table 5-3: STAPLEE Criteria
STAPLEE CRITERIA
Social Improve the quality of life and reduce neighborhood impacts.
· Include public support and involvement.
· Consider effects on selected segments of the population.
· Compatible with present and future community.
· Consider cultural impacts on the community.
Technical Develop technically feasible mitigation efforts.
· Effective in reduction of long-term losses, impacts and risks.
· Effective in minimizing secondary losses.
· Effective in solving the problem and not only the symptoms.
Administrative Provide resources and staffing to implement proposed actions.
· Jurisdiction and capability necessary to implement an action.
· Ability to accomplish activities in a timely manner.
· Ability to maintain and manage the mitigation measure.
Political Acceptable to and supported by community politicians.
· Have full support of the Town Manager and other key stakeholders.
· Involve political leaders in the planning process.
· Support and involvement of stakeholders.
· Public support and involvement.
Legal Legal authority to undertake an action.
· Meet all applicable regulatory requirements.
· Define the roles of Local, State and Federal governments.
· Provide a legal basis for mitigation actions.
· Assure laws, regulations, ordinances, and resolutions are in place.
· Identify liabilities for an action or lack of an action.
· Consider needs for legal counsel.
Economic Develop affordable and cost-effective mitigation efforts.
· Obtain budget and funding for an action.
· Economic costs and benefits of a mitigation action.
· Burden to the tax base or local economy.
Environmental Improve environmental quality.
· Identify and evaluate environmental impacts.
· Compliance with all environmental laws and regulations.
· Benefit the environment from a mitigation action.
Implementation of projects and mitigation activities were prioritized by a qualitative ranking of high, medium or low.
STAPLEE criteria was applied to the extent possible to all of the projects and mitigation activities that have been
identified in the Hazard Mitigation Plan and priorities were evaluated based on need, cost-effectiveness, number of
hazards addressed, number of objectives met and funding eligibility.
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-25 Woodard & Curran
2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022
Barnstable utilized a qualitative assessment (high, medium, low) for prioritizing projects and mitigation activities for this
plan.
· High Priority – Denotes a project or mitigation activity that meets multiple plan objectives, addresses multiple
hazards, has benefits that outweigh potential costs, has funding secured or is able to be funded through the
municipal budget and may be eligible for grant funding. Projects of high priority have the potential to be
completed within the next 5 years.
· Medium Priority – Denotes a project or mitigation activity that meets some goals and objectives, addresses
some hazards, has benefits that outweigh potential costs, funding is not in place but could be through
municipal allocation or grant funding.
· Low Priority – Denotes a project that meets at least one goal/objective, addresses at least on hazard, costs
may outweigh the benefits, funding has not been secured and grant eligibility is unclear and the timeframe for
completion is probably long term.
Plan implementation will focus on the projects and mitigation activities that have the highest level priority associated
with them. Over time and as the plan is implemented, priorities may change due to new funding sources, information
or future hazard events. During the annual review of this Plan there will be a specific review of the list of projects and
mitigation activities to make sure that the prioritization ranking for each one is still the most appropriate.
Table 5-4 indicates the project number, responsible party and whether or not the project meets each individual
STAPLEE criteria at a high, medium or low level. After taking this information into consideration, each project was
given a qualitative high, medium or low ranking.
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-26 Woodard & Curran 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022 Table 5-4: Barnstable Project Prioritization # Project Description Responsible Party Cost Effectiveness of Activity Socially Acceptable Technically Feasible Protect/Benefit Environment Legal Economic Benefit Project Priority 1 Develop additional Coastal Resources Management Plans for vulnerable coastal areas within the Town Barnstable. Plans should incorporate other relevant work that has been completed such as the Sediment Budget conducted by the Center for Coastal Studies and the Resiliency Study completed for Sandy Neck. Planning Conservation Commission, Harbor Master High High High High Medium High High 2 Explore the adoption of regulations and incentives to restrict new development and redevelopment in A and V zones, on barrier beaches, or on coastal dunes where there is known to be danger of significant flood damage. · Inventory and map vacant land in velocity zones. · Existing structures may be reconstructed or renovated in conformance with all regulatory requirements provided there is no increase in area or intensity of use. · Where applicable, non-water dependent development shall be concentrated on that part of the lot outside the A and V Zones. Planning High Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium 3 Explore adopting a General Ordinance specifically targeted at coastal areas that applies to residential and public development to better protect or improve coastal waters or sensitive habitat areas regarding wastewater infrastructure resiliency during storm events. Planning, Public Works Low Medium Medium Medium Medium Low Low 4 Reduce impacts in FEMA A and V zones by amending the Zoning Ordinance to require floor area ratio requirements that allow development and redevelopment that does not create large impervious surface and maintains coastal flood resiliency. Planning, Building Division High Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-27 Woodard & Curran 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022 # Project Description Responsible Party Cost Effectiveness of Activity Socially Acceptable Technically Feasible Protect/Benefit Environment Legal Economic Benefit Project Priority 5 Explore updating the floodplain bylaw to incorporate the additional provisions in the Cape Cod Commission’s Model Floodplain Bylaw to better protect land subject to coastal storm flowage. Planning High Medium High High Medium High High 6 Review and, if necessary, revise regulations to ensure development or redevelopment on coastal banks or dunes or within 100 feet landward of these resources shall be designed to minimize risk of flooding. Planning, Conservation High Medium High High Medium High High 7 To increase preparedness for flood hazard events, explore hiring a member of the Town staff as a Floodplain Manager with the Association of Floodplain Managers. Certified managers are kept up to date on flood mitigation requirements and strategies and work to reduce flood losses and protect and enhance the natural resources and functions of floodplains. Planning High High High High High High High 8 Identify, pursue, and fund actions, regulations or outreach efforts necessary to qualify for the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System (CRS). Integrate CRS into the location Open Space and Recreation Plan during future planning efforts and/or updates to maximize CRS credit points for open space preservation. This may include creating an Elevation Certificate inventory for the NFIP. Planning High Medium High High Medium High High
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-28 Woodard & Curran 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022 # Project Description Responsible Party Cost Effectiveness of Activity Socially Acceptable Technically Feasible Protect/Benefit Environment Legal Economic Benefit Project Priority 9 Continue wildfire assessment and preparedness planning for conservation parcels with the highest risk, specifically the areas largest in size and in closest proximity to residential development. · Consider developing a plan for the 95-acre Crocker Neck Conservation Area in Cotuit; this area consists of pine/oak forest and salt marshes and is in close proximity to residential development to the west. · Develop maintenance plan for mechanical clearing of fire roads to reduce fuels and create fire breaks for wildfire response. Planning, Fire Department High High High High High High High 10 Coordinate with the Town Mashpee on the upkeep, monitoring and maintenance of the Santuit Pond Dam. Explore the need for a Memorandum of Understanding to ensure the ongoing structural integrity of the dam. DPW Division Medium Medium Medium High Medium Medium Medium 11 Identify, evaluate, and fund measures to reduce the vulnerability of critical facilities, including fire stations, hospitals and airports, to natural hazards. This may include incorporating mitigation for the development or expansion of these facilities. Planning, DPW Division High High High Medium High High High 12 Increase public awareness of hazard risk and vulnerability through published education materials. These materials may be communicated through the Town’s website which will help develop a common communications framework on community hazards and emergency resources (such as shelters and evacuation routes). Planning, DPW, Fire, MEA High High High Medium Medium High High
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-29 Woodard & Curran 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022 # Project Description Responsible Party Cost Effectiveness of Activity Socially Acceptable Technically Feasible Protect/Benefit Environment Legal Economic Benefit Project Priority 13 Continue to implement the recommendations of the Wildland Fire Preparedness Plan for the West Barnstable Conservation Area, the Old Jail Lane Conservation Area, and the Hyannis Ponds WMA. · Explore possible sources of sustained funding for the ongoing maintenance of improvements made as a result of plan recommendations. Planning, Fire Department High High High Medium Medium High High 14 Restore stormwater infrastructure by identifying failed/degraded stormwater systems. This may include upsizing or improving culverts, pipes, or other structures to provide increased protection from flooding and storm surges. Additionally, design new stormwater management systems and replacement septic systems within FEMA A and V zones to accommodate sea level rise. Planning, Conservation Commission, DPW High Medium High High Medium High High 15 Ensure continuing ability of the Barnstable Municipal Airport to aid in disaster response and recovery. Explore the need for training and awareness programs to improve the Airport's ability to respond and the potential vulnerability of the airport to disasters. Airport High High Medium Medium Medium High High 16 Implement the recommendations of the Wequaquet Lake Dam Inspection and Evaluation Report. Recommendations of the report include: · Conduct a detailed hydrological and hydraulic analysis for the impoundment drainage area and spillway outlet capacity; · Complete a stability analysis of the spillway structure; and · Develop an Operations and Maintenance Plan. DPW Division Medium Medium Medium High Medium High Medium
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-30 Woodard & Curran 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022 # Project Description Responsible Party Cost Effectiveness of Activity Socially Acceptable Technically Feasible Protect/Benefit Environment Legal Economic Benefit Project Priority 17 Implement the recommendations of the Mill Pond Dam Inspection and Evaluation Report. Recommendations of the report include: · Repair deteriorated concrete and stone/masonry at fish ladder entrance; · Repair left side of man-made channel, downstream of fish ladder entrance; · Repair spalled concrete and Notched Weirs No. 1 and 2; · Remove vegetation and debris from Notched Weirs No. 1 and 2 and trash rack. DPW Division Medium Medium Medium High Medium High Medium 18 Create and maintain a CRS Impact Adjustment Map(s) Planning High High High Medium Medium High High 19 Develop an inventory of mitigated floodplain properties and develop an inventory of properties for potential flood mitigation projects. Planning, Building Division High Medium High Medium Medium Medium Medium 20 To help Barnstable assess risks, conduct a study on well depths of the water supply, and the present relative location of the freshwater/saltwater interface in the aquifers and soil characteristics. This project may also include researching additional water supply sources. DPW Division Medium High High High Medium High High
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-31 Woodard & Curran 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022 # Project Description Responsible Party Cost Effectiveness of Activity Socially Acceptable Technically Feasible Protect/Benefit Environment Legal Economic Benefit Project Priority 21 Help organize and participate in a regional planning effort focused on Route 6 and emergency planning. This would include planning for bottlenecking that occurs/can occur when massive amounts of people are exiting or need to exit Cape Cod in an emergency. Additionally, this project would include developing a response plan for any hazardous spills that may occur during flooding. The goal would be to develop key action items or recommendations to address these issues. Planning, Emergency Services High High High Medium Medium Medium High 22 Investigate the potential of reinvigorating and supporting village shelter capacity and purchasing generators for all critical facilities. Planning, Emergency Services, DPW Division Medium High High Medium Medium Medium Medium 23 Develop a debris management plan. Currently Barnstable does not have any designated land to handle large amounts of debris. DPW Division Medium Medium High High Medium High High 24 Conduct tree trimming to move branches away from power lines and bury power lines where feasible to eliminate the potential for power outages. Focus on West Barnstable. DPW Division High High High High Medium High High 25 Conduct a vulnerability and risk assessment of all critical facilities and infrastructure including pump stations. Considerations for hardening might include elevation, electrical improvements, generators, etc. Planning, DPW Division High High High Medium Medium High High 26 Educate and coordinate with the management of private facilities like hotels and grocery stores that may provide shelter. Identify other private sector partners that may be helpful in an emergency. Planning, Emergency Services High High High Low Medium Low Medium
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-32 Woodard & Curran 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022 # Project Description Responsible Party Cost Effectiveness of Activity Socially Acceptable Technically Feasible Protect/Benefit Environment Legal Economic Benefit Project Priority 27 Purchase and maintain a portable water tank/water buffalo for use during emergencies. Planning, Emergency Services, DPW Division High High High Low Medium High Medium 28 Develop a fueling plan for generators and other emergency equipment. Planning, Emergency Services, DPW Division High High High Low Medium High High 29 Monitor beach conditions and evaluate all vulnerable shoreline areas for possible future nourishment and beach stabilization projects. Planning, DPW Division, Conservation Commission Medium High High High Medium Medium Medium 30 Fill gaps and add redundancy in the current communications system which relies on functioning landlines, internet access, and cellular services. Consider upgrading to fiber optics. By introducing an additional form of communication that would be used when these systems fail, internal and external emergency communication would be supplemented in emergencies. Planning, Emergency Services Medium High High Low Medium Medium High 31 Implement the findings of the low-lying roads assessment which may require road maintenance or re-design. The project will identify potential road work to improve the resiliency and reduce the risk of flooded roads during storm events in addition to identifying critical evacuation roads for the public. DPW Division High High High Low Medium High High
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-33 Woodard & Curran 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022 # Project Description Responsible Party Cost Effectiveness of Activity Socially Acceptable Technically Feasible Protect/Benefit Environment Legal Economic Benefit Project Priority 32 Collect social vulnerability data of high-risk areas. This should include social stressors, health issues/immobility, those requiring in-home medical treatment, displaced peoples, and other social data. Planning Medium High Low Medium Low Medium 33 The Town is in the process of replacing the Bismore Bulkhead to reduce risk of flooding. This project involves consulting model predictions of Nor-Easter storms and tides that may impact the design of the sea wall. DPW Division High Medium Low Medium High High 34 Develop a plan to map storm tide pathways and incorporate these maps into the community planning and emergency preparedness for storm events. DPW Division Medium Medium High Medium High High Medium 35 As recommended by the Cape Cod Commission in their Cape Cod Climate Action Plan, develop regional and local initiatives to address greenhouse gas emissions, carbon sequestration, and coastal resilience relevant to Cape Cod communities. Planning Medium High High High High Medium Medium 36 As recommended by the Cape Cod Commission in their Cape Cod Climate Action Plan, Barnstable communities should pursue obtaining the Green Communities designation through the Green Communities Act. Planning Medium High High High High Medium Medium 37 Identify, design, and implement stormwater infrastructure that increases infiltration capacity and reduces runoff to nearby ponds, rivers, wetlands, and estuaries. Particularly, in flood prone areas and areas with environmental hazards, such as harmful algal blooms. DPW Medium High Medium High Medium High High
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-34 Woodard & Curran
2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022
5.5 POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES
Various funding sources may be available for Barnstable to pursue as they consider implementing various action
items from this planning effort. Table 5-5 details various federal, state and local agencies and programs that may
be available.
Table 5-5: Potential Funding Sources
# Agency Program Description For More Information
FEDERAL
1 DOD-USACE Beneficial Uses of
Dredged
Materials
Direct assistance for projects that protect,
restore, and create aquatic and ecologically
related habitats, including wetlands, in
connection with dredging an authorized
Federal navigation project.
http://water.epa.gov/type/oce
b/oceandumping/dredgedma
terial/beneficial_use.cfm
2 USDA-NRCS Emergency
Watershed
Protection (EWP)
Provides technical and financial assistance
Program for relief from imminent hazards in
small watersheds, and to reduce vulnerability
of life and property in small watershed areas
damaged by severe natural hazard events.
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wp
s/portal/nrcs/main/national/pr
ograms/landscape/ewpp/
3 DOD-USACE Section 205 of
1948 Flood
Control Act
Resources for small flood damage reduction
projects.
http://www.nww.usace.army.
mil/Portals/28/docs/assistanc
eprograms/sec205.pdf
4 Department of
the Interior or
National Park
Service
Federal Land
Transfer / Federal
Land to Parks
Program
Identifies federal real property available for
open space transfer to states and local
governments for development of parks and
recreation.
http://www.nps.gov/ncrc/prog
rams/flp/index.htm
5 USDOT FHWA Bridge
Replacement and
Rehabilitation
Funding for eligible bridges on any public
road.
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/brid
ge/hbrrp.cfm
6 USDOT FHWA
Recreational
Trails
Funding for trails used by motorized and
non-motorized recreational vehicles.
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/en
vironment/recreational_trails/
7 US Economic
Development
Administration
(EDA)
Disaster Relief
Opportunity –
Economic
Adjustment
Assistance
The EDA program provides recipients with
flexible tools to develop and implement
regionally based long term economic
development strategies in response to major
Federally declared disasters. The EDA
program provides a wide range of technical,
disaster recovery, economic recovery
planning, and public works assistance. It
responds adaptively to pressing economic
recovery issues and is well-suited to help
address challenges faced by regions
affected by natural disasters.
https://eda.gov/disaster-
recovery/
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-35 Woodard & Curran
2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022
# Agency Program Description For More Information
STATE
8 FEMA, MEMA Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program
The HMGP program is available after a
presidentially declared disaster. It allows for
the completion of post-disaster mitigation
projects that will reduce or mitigate future
disaster losses due to natural hazards.
Mitigation projects must be cost-effective
and designed to increase resilience and
public safety; reduce injuries and loss of life;
and reduce damage and destruction to
property, critical services, facilities, and
damage (e.g., stormwater drainage, culvert
improvements, flood control, diversion, and
storage: slope stabilization; etc.). The BRIC
program also supports capability and
capacity building projects (e.g., new and
updated hazard mitigation plans, planning
related activities, and project
scoping/advanced assistance).
https://www.mass.gov/servic
e-details/hazard-mitigation-
grant-program-hmgp
9 FEMA, MEMA Building Resilient
Infrastructure and
Communities
The nationally-competitive BRIC grant
program provides funds to States, territories,
Indian Tribal governments and communities
for hazard mitigation planning and the
implementation of mitigation projects prior to
a disaster Mitigation projects must be cost-
effective and designed to increase resilience
and public safety; reduce injuries and loss of
life; and reduce damage and destruction to
property, critical services, facilities, and
damage (e.g., stormwater drainage, culvert
improvements, flood control, diversion, and
storage: slope stabilization; etc.). The BRIC
program also supports capability and
capacity building projects (e.g., new and
updated hazard mitigation plans, planning
related activities, and project
scoping/advanced assistance).
https://www.mass.gov/servic
e-details/building-resilient-
infrastructure-and-
communities-bric-flood-
mitigation-assistance-fma-
grant-programs
10 FEMA, MEMA Flood Mitigation
Assistance
The goal of the FMA program is to
implement cost-effective measures that
reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of
flood damage to buildings, manufactured
homes, and other structures insured under
the National Flood Insurance Program.
https://www.mass.gov/servic
e-details/building-resilient-
infrastructure-and-
communities-bric-flood-
mitigation-assistance-fma-
grant-programs
11 Executive Office
Housing and
Economic
Development
MassWorks The MassWorks Infrastructure Program
provides a one-stop shop for municipalities
and other eligible public entities seeking
public infrastructure funding to support
economic development and job creation.
http://www.mass.gov/hed/ec
onomic/eohed/pro/infrastruct
ure/massworks/
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-36 Woodard & Curran
2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022
# Agency Program Description For More Information
12 EEA Municipal
Vulnerability
Preparedness
Action Grant
Program
The MVP Action Grant provides funding to
designated MVP Communities, such as
Barnstable, to advance priority climate
adaptation actions to address climate
change impacts resulting from extreme
weather, sea level rise, inland and coastal
flooding, severe heat, and other climate
impacts.
https://www.mass.gov/servi
ce-details/mvp-action-grant
13 Coastal Zone
Management
Coastal
Resilience Grant
Program
The Coastal Resilience Program is open to
the 78 municipalities located within the
Massachusetts coastal zone, including
Barnstable. Projects must focus on coastal
resiliency.
https://www.mass.gov/servic
e-details/coastal-resilience-
grant-program
14 Coastal Zone
Management
Coastal Pollutant
Remediation
Program
The CPR program provides funding to the
220 Massachusetts municipalities located
within the coastal watershed boundaries to
assess and treat stormwater pollution from
paved surfaces and to design and construct
commercial boat waste pump out facilities.
https://www.mass.gov/servic
e-details/coastal-pollutant-
remediation-cpr-grant-
program-eligible-
communities
15 MassDOT Chapter 90
Program
This program reimburses municipalities for
costs incurred for eligible transportation
projects on locally owned roads, including
improvements to drainage and culverts.
https://www.mass.gov/chap
ter-90-program
Error! Hyperlink
reference not valid.
16 EEA Dam and Seawall
Repair or
Removal Program
This program funds the design, permitting,
and construction of projects for the repair
and removal of dams, levees, seawalls, and
other forms of flood control.
https://www.mass.gov/dam-
and-seawall-repair-or-
removal-program
17 MassDEP Clean Water
State Revolving
Funds
This program funds planning and
construction of projects that are aimed at
meeting water quality standards,
emphasizing watershed management
priorities, stormwater management, and
green infrastructure. The program has
recently offered an asset management grant
program that can be used for stormwater
assets.
https://www.mass.gov/servi
ce-details/srf-clean-water-
program
18 MassDEP Drinking Water
State Revolving
Funds
This program funds planning and
construction of projects that are needed to
achieve or maintain compliance with the
Safe Drinking Water Act requirements and
protect public health. aimed at meeting
water quality
https://www.mass.gov/servi
ce-details/srf-drinking-
water-program
19 DER Culvert
Replacement
Municipal
Assistance Grant
This program funds projects to replace
undersized, perched, and/or degraded
culverts located in areas of high ecological
value.
https://www.mass.gov/how-
to/culvert-replacement-
municipal-assistance-grant-
program
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 5-37 Woodard & Curran
2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022
# Agency Program Description For More Information
20 Massachusetts
Bays National
Estuary
Partnership
MassBays
Healthy Estuaries
Grants
The program focuses on protecting,
restoring, and enhancing the estuarine
ecosystems of Massachusetts and Cape
Cod Bays (e.g., seagrass beds, salt
marshes, beaches, and rocky shores) and to
inform management efforts to reduce
stressors (e.g., climate change, wastewater,
stormwater, habitat fragmentation) impacting
these habitats.
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/
massachusetts-bays-
national-estuary-
partnership
21 FEMA Safeguarding
Tomorrow
through Ongoing
Risk Mitigation
Act (STORM Act)
The program would allow FEMA to help
states to establish revolving loan funds to be
used by local governments to complete
mitigation projects to reduce risks from
natural hazards, specifically including
shoreline erosion and rising water levels.
All Info - S.3418 - 116th
Congress (2019-2020):
STORM Act |
Congress.gov | Library of
Congress
22 DCR Volunteer Fire
Assistance
Program (VFA)
The West Barnstable FD is eligible for
wildland fire grants for up to 50%
reimbursement for projects up to $6,000.
Volunteer Fire Assistance
Grants / Grant
Opportunities / Business
Services / Home - Florida
Department of Agriculture
& Consumer Services
(fdacs.gov)
LOCAL
23 Town of
Barnstable
Town Budget Through mechanisms such as the Capital
Improvement Plan Budget, Community
Preservation Act or other means, fund the
implementation of mitigation projects.
Town Manager, Town
Council, Planning
Department, DPW
Department
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) 6-1 Woodard & Curran
2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022
6. PLAN REVIEW AND ADOPTION
The implementation of this HMP update will be overseen by the Town of Barnstable Planning & Development
Department. The Planning & Development Director will be supported by departmental resources and the HMP
team to engage the Town and community on how various action items might be implemented and to ensure that
they are prioritized in the highest order of importance.
6.1 PLAN MAINTENANCE
Periodic monitoring and reporting on this plan is necessary to ensure appropriate and timely plan implementation.
The HMP team, led by the Planning and Development department, will be responsible for conducting an annual
review of the plan. The annual review will include an evaluation of the identified mitigation actions to monitor their
appropriateness, progress that has been made to date, and if prioritization may need to be adjusted. East year
the HMP team, led by the Planning and Development department, will review grant opportunities to further achieve
the stated mitigation actions.
The HMP team, led by the Planning and Development department, will also evaluate the Plan after disaster events
to examine the effectiveness of mitigation strategies and the impact of disasters on critical facilities and other
infrastructure. An additional evaluation will be initiated if any funding opportunities are introduced. If necessary,
recommendations for revisions or amendments should be made in response to the evaluation.
Any revisions or amendments made to the Plan should be done with the approval of the Town Council. Proposed
amendments should be distributed to all relevant Town Departments and other interested parties for review. The
public should be made aware of pending changes through traditional channels and an open review and comment
period should be established. Proposed and adopted amendments should be sent to the Cape Cod Commission
and to MEMA.
The HMP team, led by the Planning and Development department, will also evaluate the Plan and prepare an
update at least every five years in accordance with FEMA requirements under 44 CFR § 201.6(d)(3) and MEMA
and FEMA program requirements. This is essential in order to continue eligibility for FEMA hazard mitigation
project grant funding. The HMP team, led by the Planning and Development department, will reconvene to
reevaluate the Town’s risks and vulnerabilities. The team will evaluate new development patterns, increased
exposure to risk, advances in mitigation capabilities or techniques, or changes in Federal, State, or County
legislation. An analysis of the plan mitigation strategy and action items will be conducted to ensure all measures
are appropriate.
This plan will be made available to the public on the Town of Barnstable’s website.
6.2 LOCAL ADOPTION
Once the 2022 HMP update is determined to be Approved Pending Adoption (APA) by FEMA, the proposed
mitigation approach will be put into action and the plan will be adopted. Adoption must occur within one calendar
of FEMA’s approval. Plan implementation progress will be contingent on the availability of staff and funding towards
mitigation. On [date] the Barnstable Town Council voted to pass a resolution adopting the 2022 Barnstable Hazard
Mitigation Plan as presented (Appendix C).
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) Woodard & Curran
2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022
APPENDIX A: DOCUMENTATION OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
PROCESS
1. Town of Barnstable Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Workshop Agenda
2. Workshop Attendees
3. Barnstable Website Announcement for Public Input
4. Cape Top Story Announcement for Public Input
5. Barnstable Public Comment Period Media Release
6. Barnstable Notification to Surrounding Communities for Public Input
7. Barnstable Planning Board Agenda, March 14, 2022
8. 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update PowerPoint Presentation
250 Royall Street | Suite 200E
Canton, Massachusetts 02021
www.woodardcurran.com
T 800.426.4262
T 781.251.0200
F 781.251.0847
MEMORANDUM
TO: James Kupfer, Senior Planner (Town of Barnstable)
FROM: Mary House, Project Manager (Woodard & Curran)
DATE: November 1, 2021
RE: Town of Barnstable Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Workshop Agenda
Meeting Logistics: James H. Crocker, Jr. Hearing Room, 367 Main Street, Second Floor; Monday,
November 8, 2021, 9:00 am – Noon
Agenda:
I. Opening (9:00 – 9:15)
a. Introductions – Please state your name, position and role in hazard mitigation planning
and emergency response
b. Meeting Goals and Objectives – Overview of the plan update process and timeline
II. Hazard Mitigation Plan Visioning (9:15-9:30)
a. Review Hazard Mitigation Planning Process and MVP – Overview of the drivers for
each planning process, the tie in to funding access, and the relationship between
hazard mitigation planning and MVP
b. Review and Refine Community Mitigation Goals – Set strategic direction for hazard
mitigation
III. Hazard Identification and Vulnerability Assessment (9:30 – 10:15)
a. Review/Update Hazard Identification and Rankings – Discuss recent hazard events
and if they are consistent with current rankings; discuss climate change and the state
hazard mitigation plan
b. Review/Update Vulnerability Assessment – Discuss critical assets and potential
vulnerabilities in light of recent hazard mitigation events
c. Discuss Repetitive Losses – Discuss repetitive losses experienced and how to
prioritize them in the hazard mitigation planning process
BREAK (10 min)
IV. Mitigation Actions (10:25 – 11:40)
a. Review/Update Mitigation Projects – Review past mitigation projects outlined in the
hazard mitigation plan and MVP plan; identify new projects to address recent events
b. Understand the Status of Previously Identified Projects – Assess the status of projects
V. Implementation (11:40 – noon)
Town of Barnstable 2 Woodard & Curran, Inc.
HMP Workshop Agenda November 1, 2021
a. Public Input Process – Review and plan public engagement process
b. Plan Approval and Adoption – Review and plan approval and adoption process
CLOSE
2021 Hazard
Mitigation Plan
Update
Town of Barnstable
March 14, 2022
Planning Process
Hazard Mitigation Goals
Goal #Details
Goal 1 Protect lives and reduce social, emotional, and economic disruption
following a disaster event as soon as practicable.
Goal 2 Prevent the loss and reduction in value of property, infrastructure,
and natural and cultural resources from natural disasters.
Goal 3 Increase public awareness of risk and vulnerability to natural
disasters.
Goal 4 Increase access to funding sources for hazard mitigation projects.
Goal 5 Improve the ability to implement post-disaster recovery projects.
Hazards Reviewed
‣Coastal Erosion, Shoreline Change
‣Hurricane
‣Dam Failure
‣Earthquake
‣Wildfire
‣Flood
‣Nor’easter
‣Windstorm
‣Tornado
‣Drought
‣Severe Winter Weather
‣Tsunami
‣Sea Level Rise
‣Climate Change
‣Extreme Temperatures
38
Hazard Mitigation
Actions
15
Natural
Hazards
20
Core Team
Members
109
Critical
Facilities
23
Critical Facilities
in Flood Zones
27
Critical Facilities in
Hurricane Zones
22
Potential
Funding Sources
Town of Barnstable (233963.00) Woodard & Curran
2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022
APPENDIX B: TOWN OF BARNSTABLE COMPREHENSIVE
FIGURES
1: Regional Hazard Risk (Shoreline Erosion)
2: Hurricane Inundation Areas
3: Dams
4: Flood Zones
5: Sea Level Rise
6: Critical Facilities
HazMap1_ArchE.mxd, Updated 06/14/04
Historic Earthquake Activity
Earthquakes: 144 recorded events in MA, 1668 − 1990
Tornadoes: 142 recorded events in MA, dates unknown
Historic Tornado Activity
Landslide Susceptibility
2.1, 1981SEP12
3.1, 1977DEC20
2.8, 1976MAR144.2, 1847AUG08
F1
F1
F0
Regional Hazard Risk (Map I), Cape Cod, Massachusetts
− Landslide Susceptibility
− Long − Term Shoreline Change Susceptibility
− Historic Tornado Activity
− Historic Earthquake Activity
Figure A: Long−term Shoreline Change (Mid 1800s − 1994)
Comparison: MA, Cape Cod, & Islands
68 66 70 78
30 32 29 20
2 2 1 2
0
20
40
60
80
100
MA Cape Cod Nantucket Martha’s Vineyard% of shorelineeroding
accreting
no net change
Figure B: Cape Cod Communities
Long−term Shoreline Change (Mid 1800s − 1994)
75 73 67 74 71 69
98
81 83
70 67 576263
37 48 36 39292916
2
18232532252530
52
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
SandwichBarnstableYarmouthDennis BrewsterOrleansEasthamWellfleetTruroProvincetownChathamHarwichMashpeeFalmouthBourneCape Cod Communities% of shoreline % eroding % accreting % no net change
Figure C: Cape Cod Communities
Long−term Shoreline Change Rates (Mid 1800s − 1994)
−1.06 −0.9 −1.14
1.8
0.69
−0.25
−3.72
−1.85
−0.65
0.4
−0.51−0.65
−2.01−1.45
−0.48
−4
−3
−2
−1
0
1
2
3
BourneSandwichBarnstableYarmouthDennisBrewsterOrleansEasthamWellfleetTruroP−townChathamHarwichMashpeeFalmouthShoreline Change Rate (ft/yr)Avg Annual Shoreline Change Rates (ft/yr: 1800s−1994)
Shoreline Erosion Susceptibility *
Shoreline Change Index
Landslide Susceptibility
Tornadoes (Fujita Scale)
Tornado Density (# of Tornados/20 miles)
Earthquake Magnitudes (Richter Scale)
Fault Lines
Peak Ground Acceleration
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TOWN OF BARNSTABLEGEOGRAPHIC INFORMATIONSYSTEMS UNIT
2021 Hazard MtigationPlan Update
HurricaneInundation AreasFigure 2
TOWN OFBARNSTABLEMASSACHUSETTS
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Town ofMashpee
Town ofYarmouth
( May be obscured )
Category 1 Hurricane
Category 2 Hurricane
Category 3 Hurricane
Category 4 Hurricane
Note: Missing Data for Grand Island AreaSource: US Army Corps of Engineers / Cape Cod Commission
Hurricane Surge Inundation Areas
Critical Facilities
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flood.mxd 2-15-22
0 1 20.5
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0
TOWN OF BARNSTABLEGEOGRAPHIC INFORMATIONSYSTEMS UNIT
2021 Hazard MitigationPlan UpdateFlood ZonesFigure 4
TOWN OFBARNSTABLEMASSACHUSETTS
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Town ofSandwich
Town ofMashpee
Town ofYarmouth
( May be obscured )
Other Flood AreasAreas of 0.2% annual chance flood;areas of 1% annual chance floodwith average depths of less than 1foot or with drainage areas less than1 square mile; and areas protected bylevees from 1%annual chance flood.
NOTE: The flood zones shown here represent the 2009Preliminary Revised FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps.These maps are preliminary and have not yet been adopted.These are preliminary data that may be subject to appealand may change before final adoption and cannot be usedfor making final determinations.
Special Flood Hazard Areas(SFHAs) Subject to Inundation bythe 1% Annual Chance Flood
Zone AE - Base Flood Elevationsdetermined.Zone AO - Flood depths of 1 to 3 feet(usually sheet flow on slopingterrain); average depths determined.Zone AH - Flood depths of 1 to 3 feet(usually areas of ponding); BaseFlood Elevations determined.Zone VE - Coastal flood zone withvelocity hazard (wave action); BaseFlood Elevations determined.
The 1% annual chance flood (100-year flood), also known asthe base flood, is the flood that has a 1% chance of beingequaled or exceeded in any given year. The Special FloodHazard Area is the area subject to flooding by the 1% annualchance flood.
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TOWN OF BARNSTABLEGEOGRAPHIC INFORMATIONSYSTEMS UNIT
2021 Hazard MitigationPlan Update
Sea level Rise
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TOWN OFBARNSTABLEMASSACHUSETTS
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Town ofMashpee
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Potential Extent of MHHW with Sea Level Rise
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critical_facilities.mxd 2-15-22
0 1 20.5
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TOWN OF BARNSTABLEGEOGRAPHIC INFORMATIONSYSTEMS UNIT
2021 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Critical Facilities
Figure 6
TOWN OFBARNSTABLEMASSACHUSETTS
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Town ofMashpee
Town ofYarmouth
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Critical Facilities
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Town of Barnstable (233963.00) Woodard & Curran
2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update June 2022
APPENDIX C: BARNSTABLE TOWN COUNCIL RESOLUTION
CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION
Town of Barnstable, MA
Town Council
A Resolution Adopting the Town of Barnstable Hazard Mitigation Plan
WHEREAS, the Town of Barnstable established a Hazard Mitigation Planning Team to prepare the Hazard
Mitigation Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Barnstable Hazard Mitigation Planning Team and other stakeholders,
participated in the development of the Town of Barnstable 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Barnstable 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update contains several potential future
projects to mitigate potential impacts from natural hazards in the Town of Barnstable, and
WHEREAS, a duly-noticed public meeting was held by the Town of Barnstable Hazard Mitigation
Planning Team on March 14, 2022 for the public to review prior to consideration of this resolution; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Barnstable authorizes the Hazard Mitigation Planning Team to execute their
responsibilities demonstrated in the plan, and
Now, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Barnstable, formally approved and adopts the Town
of Barnstable 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update.
March 15, 2022
Sarah White
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
400 Worcester Road
Framingham, Massachusetts 02114
On behalf of the Town of Barnstable Planning Board, I would like to express our
support for the Town of Barnstable (Barnstable) 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan
Update and recommend its approval by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency and Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.
We believe the Barnstable 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update acknowledges
the town’s risk and vulnerability to potential natural hazards and to build upon
the resiliency efforts by identifying key mitigation strategies and actions aimed at
reducing the loss of or damage to life, property, infrastructure and natural,
cultural, and economic resources. The plan provides a valuable implementation
strategy to guide the community in the coming years.
Sincerely,
Steve Costello, Chair
Barnstable Planning Board
Town of Barnstable
Planning Board
www.townofbarnstable.us/planningboard