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Walker Town of Peterborough Fire Chief / EMD
| Ware Pennichuck Water Works, Inc. Chief Operating Officer
Northeast States Emergency GIS & Emergency Management
Watermulder Consortium Specialist
Weeks ReVision Energy Director of Market Developmen
NH Homeland Security &
ay Welch Emergency Management State Hazard Mitigation Officer
NH Department of Health &
la Window Human Services - ESU Volunteer Program Coordinator
inie Woit-Rosenblum Nashua Board of Health Mernber
n Woodard Nashua Baptist Church Pastor
Yu Texas A&M University PhD Student

the first Resilient Nashua Initiative meeting, held on February 5, 2018 Justin Kates, Director of Emergency Management, informed t
ees of all the methods currently employed to notify the public of mitigation planning meetings and news. These methods include tl
hua’s website and meeting calendar (www.nashuanh.gov), City of Nashua Office of Emergency Management Twitter account

//eattter.com/NashuaOEM) and Facebook account (hitps://www.facebook.com/NashuaOEM), City of Nashua Community Developn
n Twitter account (httos://twitter.com/NashuaCDD) and Facebook account (hitps://www.facebook.com/Nashua.cdd)Nashua Comrr

ion (htlus://wnww nashuanh gov/318/CTV---Nashua-Community-Television), e-mail distribution to various municipal boards and

ttees, and Public Meeting notices distributed to the media by our Legislative Affairs Manager and posted publicly at Nashua City Hal
yublic facilities. The group determined that these methods should also be used to encourage public participation in the Hazard Mitis
adate process. Examples and photos of meeting notices appear in the Public Notice section of the Appendix to this Plan.

tion, the Nashua Office of Emergency Management developed a webpage for the Nashua Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2018

/ Aas veolenashua.org/resilient-nashua-initiative/) which allows members of the public to participate in the update process even

innot attend meetings. The webpage was updated throughout the planning process and includes the Nashua Hazard Mitigation Pla
2 2013, the Nashua Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2018 draft for review, and the Public Meeting Schedule. It also provides meeting
ns, agendas, minutes, and meeting presentations. The City of Nashua’s website links to this webpage. The Nashua Office of Emerg
ment & the Nashua Community Development Division will keep the website active and will add information about ongoing update
xt 5 years. A screenshot of the website appears in the Nashua Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Website section of the Appendix to th

. the City established a public participation website using the coUrbanize platform for the Resilient Nashua Initiative

/cours.co/resilient). This website enabled community members to provide feedback on hazards they have experienced in the City a:
imunity resources and facilities that are important to them. This tool was innovative as it allowed community members who may no
ble to participate in a Resilient Nashua Initiative meeting to provide comments and input into the Nashua Hazard Mitigation Plan Ur
The coUrbanize platform is currently in a static mode which does not allow for any additional comments but is archived publicly for
2 input. A screenshot of the website appears in the Nashua Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Website section of the Appendix to this P

J the input provided by Resilient Nashua Initiative stakeholders during meetings and documented in meeting minutes, a letter was

‘ted by Local Emergency Planning Committee partner Worthen Industries regarding flooding concerns surrounding and impacting tt
ty on Spit Brook Road. As a response to their public response to the mitigation planning process, efforts were coordinated between
gineer and Worthen to review flood studies and future mitigation actions that can be taken at the area of concern. Mitigation actio1
een included in the Mitigation Strategy portion of this document related to Worthen’s letter and concerns. There was no other publ
se to provide input to the Nashua Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2018 process.

-'y of Nashua is required to update its Hazard Mitigation Plan at least every five years. In order to monitor, evaluate, and update the
tion Strategies identified in Table 10—Implementation and Administration, the Resilient Nashua Initiative will continue to meet and
nate updates to the plan. Efforts will be made to ensure that key City staff members also participate, such as representatives from
ig, engineering, and building safety. The Resilient Nashua Initiative, will be responsible for working on updates to the Plan throughc
cycle. They will meet every 3 months or more frequently if a project is underway. Proposals or suggestions regarding the Hazard
tion Plan will go directly to this group. This will allow for the most efficient way to address hazard mitigation related issues. Due to
-ommunity Rating System requirements, a formal progress report is required on an annual basis including hazard impacts and mitigz
status since the last update.

2s should be made to the Plan to accommodate projects that have failed or are not considered feasible after an evaluation and revie
ansistency with the benefit cost analysis, STAPLEE analysis, timeframe, community’s priorities, and funding resources. Mitigation
ties that were not ranked as priorities during the 2018 update should be reviewed as well during the monitoring, evaluation, and upi
Plan to determine the feasibility of future implementation. New mitigation actions or plans proposed upon adoption of this Plan sh
the benefit cost and STAPLEE analysis methods utilized in this Plan to ensure consistency with the adopted Plan and to help the Resi
3 Initiative stakeholders evaluate overall potential for success.

tion to Resilient Nashua Initiative quarterly meetings, these stakeholders will meet after any hazard occurrence as part of the City’s
fing exercise. The Hazard Mitigation Plan will be updated following this meeting to reflect changes in priorities and mitigation strat:
ive resulted fram the hazard event. It is especially important to incorporate updates within one year after a Presidential Disaster

ation.

‘y of Nashua will utilize its website, official posted meeting notices, local cable channels, and existing social media outlets, including
10k and Twitter to notify members of the public about the Resilient Nashua Initiative meetings and to involve them in the update pri
iblic input that is received will be incorporated into the Plan update. All Resilient Nashua initiative agendas, meeting minutes, and s!
ttee minutes are available to the public to aid with their continued involvement in the update process. Furthermore, public meetin;
ly held prior to implementing mitigation projects or when addressing specific issues related to hazard mitigation. For example, a ser
meetings were held regarding the Jackson Mills Dam, Crest Gate Flood Mitigation Project. Meetings and associated outreach are
sted by the department responsible for the project.

'TER 2. EXISTING AND POTENTIAL AUTHORITIES, POLICIES, PROGRAMS, AND RESOURCES

June 13", 2018 Resilient Nashua Initiative meeting, the stakeholders discussed Nashua’s existing authorities, policies, programs, anc
ces related to hazard mitigation and its ability to expand and improve on these. The purpose of this discussion was to determine th
of the City to implement its hazard mitigation strategies and to identify potential opportunities to enhance specific policies, progran
ts. The evaluation of Nashua’s existing authorities, policies, programs, and resources includes planning and regulatory capabilities,
strative & technical capabilities, financial capabilities, education & outreach capabilities, and floodplain management capabilities. E
areas provides an opportunity to integrate hazard mitigation principles and practices into the local decision making process.

ig and regulatory capability is based on the implementation of plans, ordinances, and programs that demonstrate Nashua’s commit
ling and managing growth in a responsible manner. The following is a summary of the relevant local plans, ordinances, and progran
/ in place in the City of Nashua. Each one should be considered as an available mechanism for incorporating the recommendations «
a Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2018.

2000 Master Plan (https://www.nashuanh.gzov/DocumentCenter/View/4550/Nashua-Master-Plan-2…) - This Plan
minimally addresses hazards and does not identify projects to include in the mitigation strategy or be used to implement mitigatio
actions. Funding to update this plan is expected within the next year and a focus will be incorporating mitigation and resilience
throughout the master planning process.

Annual Capital Improvements Plan (https://www.nashuanh.gov/590/Capiial-improvement-Commiitee) -The plan addresses only
projects submitted by departments annually. It does identify mitigation related projects to include and can be used to implement

actions.

2018 Economic Development Plan (https://www.nashuanh.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13542/MIT-2018-Economic-Re… | -
MENT) - This Plan minimally addresses hazards and does not identify projects to include in the mitigation strategy or be usec

implement mitigation actions.

2014 Nashua Comprehensive Emergency Plan (https://www.nashuanh.gov/334/Emergency-Management) - Plan includes a numb:
hazards (natural, technological, or human-caused) that impact the City of Nashua. Plan includes the projects from the 2013 Mitigat

Plan though they are all duplicate, no additional projects. This plan highlights a process after a disaster to include mitigation in the
recovery phases. This plan is expected to be updated in 2019 and will shift to an Emergency Operations Plan and these recovery ar
mitigation portions will be removed.

2016-2025 NTS Comprehensive Plan (htips://www.nashuarpc.org/files/5814/8397/3814/NTS_ 2016-2025 CormpPlan Final.odt) —
plan minimally addresses hazards and does not identify projects to include in the mitigation strategy. It could be used to implemer
mitigation actions.

2003 Downtown Master Plan (hitps://www.nashuanh.gov/DocumentCenter/View/308/Downtown-Master-Plan-PDF?bidid=) - This
minimally addresses hazards. There were potentially projects that would reduce risk along the Nashua River although the vision
expressed was 5 years ago and some are not applicable today. This plan cannot be used to implement mitigation actions.

2004 East Hollis Street Master Plan (hitps://www.nashuanh.gov/299/Easi-Hollis-Street-Plan) - This plan minimally addresses hazar
The Plan addresses issue of traffic congestion with existing road infrastructure, railroad crossings; the Taylor Falls Bridge crossing t
Hudson; safety of pedestrians; and future land use. This plan does not identify mitigation projects cannot be used to implement
mitigation actions.

2009 Quadrant Plan — This plan shows wetland soils and steep slopes in excess of 20%. This plan does not identify mitigation proje:
cannot be used to implement mitigation actions.

2017 Riverfront Master Plan (https:/Avww.nashuanh.gzov/DocumentCenter/View/11236/NDRDP Report Final 170829-4?bidid=)
Plan promotes flood resiliency for future riverfront development and retrofit or relocate critical infrastructure to improve flood
resiliency. The plan proposes projects along the Nashua River that assist in the mitigation and proposes projects that will contain h
mitigation strategies to implement the projects.

2005 NRPC Region-Wide Buildout Impact Analysis (http://www.nashuarpc.org/files/5713/9463/5247/Regionwide buildout final.
The Buildout Summary provides information on the amount of buildable space and lots in the City. This document may be outdate
some parts of the City as it was created over a decade ago.

olancing/) — Climate change in southern New Hampshire will impact the environment, ecosystem services, economy, public healt
quality of life. According to a 2014 study by the Sustainability Institute at the University of NH, southern NH is expected to become

warmer and wetter over the next century with more extreme precipitation events. This weather pattern puts significant stress on '
region’s already aging water infrastructure. Furthermore, climate change is likely to cause a number of public health impacts on NI
most vulnerable residents. Despite efforts taking place to siow the rate of climate change, some level of change is inevitable. There
municipalities must make sound decisions to help their communities adapt to a new climate normal. The goal of the Nashua Regio
Water Resiliency Action Plan is to help municipalities become more resilient to the impacts that climate change has on their water
infrastructure and vulnerable populations. This plan addresses hazards projected to see significant changes due to a warming climi
and identifies projects to include in the mitigation strategy. It could be used to implement mitigation actions.

2017 Climate and Health Adaptation Plan for the Greater Nashua Region (htips://www.nashuarpc.org/hot-projects/chap-lan/) -1
Nashua Regional Planning Commission (NRPC) partnered with the City of Nashua Division of Public Health and Community Service:
the Greater Nashua Region Public Health Network (GNRPHN) to prepare a Climate and Health Adaptation Plan (CHAP). Funding we
provided by the Centers for Disease Control administered by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. This
project was designed to examine the impact a changing climate has on health in the Nashua Region. Heat-related illness was ident
as the primary health impact affecting the region, which led to the development of an educational intervention program in order t
increase the Region’s resilience. Through this process, the GNRPHN is now well positioned to address heat-related illnesses and co
outreach to vulnerable populations. This document also became a chapter of the 2017 Nashua Community Health Assessment to
guide policy and decision-making for the future. This plan addresses hazards projected to see significant changes due to a warming
climate and identifies projects to include in the mitigation strategy. It could be used to implement mitigation actions.

2017 Community Health Assessment (hitps://www.nashuanh.gov/560/Community-Health-Assessment) - A CHA is a process by wh
community members gain an understanding of the health concerns and needs of the community by identifying, collecting, analyzir
disseminating information on the community’s assets, strengths, resources and needs. There are many health topics covered in thi
including access to healthcare, maternal health, chronic conditions, emergency preparedness, and substance misuse. This Assessm
does address public health hazards.

2018-2021 Community Health Improvement Plan (ottes://www.nashuanh.gov/564/Community-Health-improvement-Plan-CHIP) -
Following the CHA, the Division and its regional partners continue the improvement process by developing a CHIP. The CHIP acts a:
guidebook and prioritizes health topics and creates an action plan to address those issues over the next three years. This plan doe:
identify actions for the public health hazards identified in the CHA, however many are not projects that can fit within the mitigatio
strategy. This plan can be used to implement mitigation actions in the future.

Building Code (https:/Avww.nashuanh.gov/275/Building-Safety-Department) - The City has currently adopted and adequately enf
the following codes with amendments:

0 2009 International Building Code (Amendments)

0 2009 International Residential Code (Amendments)

0 2009 International Existing Building Code (Amendments)

o 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (Amendments)

o 2009 International Mechanical Code (Amendments)

0 2009 International Plumbing Code (Amendments)

0 2017 National Electric Code (Amendments)

o 2015 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 (Amendments)
o 2009 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1 (Amendments)

codes are out of date and efforts have been made by the Building Safety Department and advocacy groups to move the State towar
current set of building codes.

Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS) Score: 8 out of 10
Fire Department ISO Rating: The Fire Department is an ISO Class 02/2X.

Site Plan Procedures (htio://ecode360.com/8732703) - Review of sites to ensure compliance with all ordinances, codes, and stanc
ensures risk reduction measures are taken into consideration prior to construction or modification. Site Plan review is conducted kt
multidisciplinary group including the Planning Department, Building Safety Department, Code Enforcement Department, Engineeri
Department, Environmental Health Department, and the Fire Marshal’s Office.

Land Use Ordinances (http://ecode360,com/8730563) — Including Administrative, Zoning, Subdivision, Site Plan, and other procedi

City of Nashua Zoning Ordinances (hitps://ecode360.com/8732477) - FEMA approved floodplain/floodway ordinances for develop
wetlands ordinance; water supply protection district; and airport approach zone and landfill groundwater protection overlay. Plan
Board, the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Conservation Commission and the Planning Department staff administer the ordinanci
works with Code Enforcement Department in the enforcement if necessary.

Subdivision Procedures (hitp://ecode360.com/8732565) - The Planning Department Staff in conjunction with other review
agencies/departments review plans prior to being presented to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Conservation
Commission for mitigating any know hazard attenuated with the site, development or adjacent issues that may affect the develop
Terms of the applicable ordinances are adhered to through the development review process and enforcement of the approvals do
through the Planning Department working with Code Enforcement Department.

City of Nashua Floodplain Development Ordinance (http://ecode360.com/8731853) - The floodplain ordinance we have in place is
minimum requirements for eligibility in the NFIP. Addition of a freeboard requirement would provide additional protection against
flooding hazards. The existing ordinance is adequately administered and enforced.

Stormwater Management Ordinance (httos://ecoce360.com/8733254) - The purpose of this ordinance is to protect, maintain and
enhance public health, safety, and general welfare by establishing minimum requirements and procedures to control the adverse
impacts associated with stormwater runoff, and soil erosion and sedimentation from site construction and development. Subdivisi
and site plans shall include plans for managing stormwater and controlling erosion and sedimentation as provided herein. This ord
meets requirements for Nashua’s participation in Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permitting program which has be
permitted by EPA since 2003.

Fire Prevention Ordinances - Fire codes and land use codes the address topics including overgrown vegetation and excessive storaj
debris on a property. Due to current staffing levels these codes/ordinances are usually only enforced by the Fire Marshal’s Office w
complaint come in.

Flood insurance rate maps - Both the Merrimack River and Nashua River watershed FIRMs are in the process of being revised and i
expected that most of the FIRMs in Nashua will be updated soon. Requirements for flood insurance associated with FIRMs and NFI
reduce hazard impacts however there are major issues, such as rising costs of premiums, with NFIP that need to be addressed at tl
federal level,

Acquisition of land for open space and public recreational uses - This is conducted in the City but there is not enough funding to
implement sizable land acquisition projects.

3's ability to develop and implement mitigation projects, policies, and programs is closely related to the staff time and resources it
es to that purpose. Administrative capability can be improved by coordinating across departments and integrating mitigation plann
isting City procedures. The following departments, boards, and personnel are critical to Nashua’s hazard mitigation administrative ¢

cal capabilities:

Nashua Planning Board - The Planning Board consists of appointed volunteers and the Mayor (or personal representative) and the
Engineer as ex-offico members. It has no specific budget except through the Planning Department or the Capital Improvement pro
fund mitigation actions except through review or enforcement of development process or post development for violations. The pr
and procedures of the board are effective at identifying issues associated with hazards within their purview.

Resilient Nashua Initiative/Local Emergency Planning Committee - This committee is responsible for the development and executi
the Hazard Mitigation Plan, annual updates to the plan, community mitigation outreach projects, and the creation of new mitigatic
projects for inclusion in future plans.

Maintenance programs to reduce risk - The Parks &Recreation Department has the capability to respond to tree issues year round
bucket truck, chippers and saws. They can handle most trees up to 65 feet tall. They also have a list of contractors to respond to w
outside of their capabilities. General tree maintenance is performed mostly during the months of November through March. The
Wastewater Department has Vactor vehicles, a CCTV truck, and other equipment that are regularly involved in maintenance of
infrastructure. The Street Department., has equipment including dump trucks, excavators, loaders, trench boxes, and sandbags to
maintain infrastructure throughout the year, more so during the warmer construction months. The Engineering Department
coordinates larger maintenance projects for City infrastructure that include external contractors. Coordination between the Divisic
very good through unified planning and operations at the Division level. The work order system provides a way to follow up and
complete request that come in during the year.

Mutual aid agreements - There are response related mutual aid agreements. Likely the only mutual aid agreement that would havi
connection to mitigation would be Public Works Mutual Aid which the City is not a member of. In addition there is NH Architects &
Engineers Emergency Response Task Force which has been developed and can be activated through the State, but this is not a mul

aid agreement. City is not a member of Public Works Mutual Aid, the process for activating NH Architects & Engineers Emergency
Response Task Force through the State is unclear.

City of Nashua Office of Emergency Management and Director of Emergency Management — Hazard mitigation is a key component
emergency management, along with preparedness, response, and recovery. Opportunities to reduce potential losses through miti
practices are typically implemented before a hazard event occurs, such as enforcement of policies to regulate development that is
vulnerable to hazards due to its location or design. Existing emergency management capabilities for the City of Nashua fall primar
under the Nashua Office of Emergency Management (OEM). Staffing is adequate because OEM does not enforce regulations in thi
Staff is trained on hazards and mitigation techniques (through FEMA courses) and is very proactive with mitigation as a key compo
of Emergency Management. Coordination between agencies and staff is average. OEM sits on Site Plan Review committee to provi
insight from a mitigation perspective. OEM is included in Building Safety week to an extent. There have been efforts to improve
coordination among physical safety/security organizations in the City regarding assessments of buildings. Coordination could be
improved between OEM and Public Works/Engineering on infrastructure mitigation projects. OEM’s responsibilities and capabilitie
include:

0 Coordinates the planning, organizing, and carrying-out of emergency management activities. Serves as the lead point of cc
in any emergency situation other than Police and Fire emergencies.

o Responsible for the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) outlining what each local agency/city departme
support agencies would do in case of any emergency. Coordinates the development, maintenance, and review of the CEM
other plans as needed.

o Establishes, develops, maintains, and runs an Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

o Develops EOC staffing and internal procedures to permit key officials to conduct coordinated operations in emergencies.
Coordinates the use of resources, equipment, and manpower.

o During emergencies coordinates emergency resources, reports activities and conditions to State Emergency Management,
requests assistance as needed.

o Coordinates damage assessment activities and promptly reports all damage assessment reports to the State.