Media Release: Central Welland River – 100 Year Floodplain Mapping Status Update

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  January 23, 2012

The purpose of this release is to advise the public of a revised implementation schedule for updating the regulatory flood levels for the Welland River.

Floodplain mapping for the Welland River was last completed over a quarter century ago in 1985.  In 2010, as part of its ongoing floodplain mapping updates, the Authority began the process of reanalyzing and remapping the floodplain. Due to the complexity of the system the work was undertaken by a consulting engineering firm with specialized expertise in modelling tools used for non-standard systems. The first section of remapping to be completed was that portion extending from the new siphon in the City of Welland to Port Davidson in West Lincoln, and referred to as the “central” reach.  These new levels were available in the spring of 2011 and included in Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s online public GIS tool that was released in March of 2011.

In response to a number of public inquiries, at the January 18, 2012 meeting of the NPCA Board, in accordance with the recommendations from NPCA staff, the decision was made to downgrade the status of the new 2011 Central Welland River flood lines to that of “advisory”.  Simply put, this means that for Regulatory/Permitting purposes the previous flood lines that have been in effect since 1985 will continue to be used. In addition, the NPCA Board established a Working Committee comprised of Board Members and Staff to develop a process for implementing new Regulatory levels for the entire Welland River when they are available.  In this regard, we do not expect any new information until the end of June, at which time we will provide further information to affected residents.

Tony D’Amario, CAO explains: “we met with residents to discuss expressed concerns and as a result will be reviewing some of the information that was brought to light from these discussions.  We do not believe that levels on the main Welland River are significantly affected, but are recommending that for the time being, the status of the new levels for the Central Welland River project area be downgraded to that of “tentative” at this time.  Staff have met with the prime engineering consultant and asked that they conduct alternate simplified analyses on certain areas of the system.  This additional work should validate the existing and complex dynamic model that has been developed.  We believe that given the extent of the variances from the old to new levels, and the concerns expressed by residents, that this additional check is warranted before moving forward with implementation.”

In the interim, individuals wishing to construct in the now tentative floodplain expansion area are being advised of the pending levels and that they should consider undertaking flood proofing measures in accordance with the appended draft policy.

In conclusion, Mr. D’Amario acknowledges, “from a public safety perspective, flood risk is a key mandate of the NPCA and therefore, requiring all building in the tentative expansion area to undertake flood proofing would be preferable. I would like to reassure residents that the Authority is aware of its responsibility to protect the public from flood hazards while balancing this in a manner that does not put unnecessary/ undue hardship upon individuals.”

Contact: Tony D’Amario, CAO, Secretary-Treasurer 905-788-3135 ext. 251