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15
PLANNING AND POLICY-MAKING PHASE
HAZARD MITIGATION PLANNING
Hazard mitigation activities are typically guided by a Hazard
Mitigation Plan (HMP), which is updated on a ve-year
cycle. The HMP identies specic risk reduction projects
as mitigation actions. Each action is linked to a plan that
describes how and when the project will be completed.
ENGAGE: A Steering Committee typically leads the
development of the HMP. The committee often includes
planners, emergency managers, and other local ofcials.
To enable joint investments in nature-based solutions,
invite other departments to help dene the HMP’s goals
and mitigation actions. Include staff with roles in parks
and recreation, public works, planning, environmental
protection, utilities management, and transportation
planning. They can participate in both the ve-year plan
update process and the annual reviews and updates.
ASSESS: Hazard mitigation planning can drive investments
in nearly every type of nature-based solution. To prioritize
nature-based solutions, consider the community’s most
pressing hazards. For example, addressing droughts may be
most important for communities in arid environments with high
water demand. FEMA’s Local Mitigation Planning Handbook
specically identies projects that protect natural systems as
important mitigation activities. These actions minimize losses
and preserve or restore the functions of natural systems.
UPDATE: Nature-based solutions can be integrated into HMPs
through both long-term goals and specic mitigation actions.
Mitigation actions may include nature-based projects, but they
should also promote nature-based solutions more broadly.
Consider policies and regulations, education and outreach, and
incentive-based programs. Develop these projects, policies,
and incentives with relevant departmental staff so that they
can also integrate nature-based solutions into their programs
and planning processes.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Stormwater management programs typically aim to reduce
water pollution, preserve aquatic ecosystems, and protect the
public from stormwater ooding. Many must also comply with
federal and state stormwater management regulations. These
regulations are designed to reduce pollutant discharges from
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) and CSOs.
Communities with MS4s typically base their program on a
Stormwater Management Program Plan (SMPP). Those with
CSOs typically use a local Long-Term Control Plan (LTCP).
These plans are carried out by various local programs,
ordinances, and development procedures.
ENGAGE: Stormwater or public works departments typically
develop the SMPP or LTCP. To coordinate investments in
nature-based solutions, invite others to help develop the
plan and put it into action. Include staff with roles in parks
and recreation planning, environmental protection, utilities
planning, transportation planning, oodplain management,
and emergency management.
ASSESS: Stormwater management programs are best
suited to drive investments in neighborhood- or site-scale
nature-based solutions that retain and treat stormwater
onsite. To choose which nature-based solutions to
emphasize, consider the community’s most pressing
stormwater issues and priorities. Communities with a lot
of existing development and limited new development
might emphasize tree trenches, green roofs, and rainwater
harvesting. These nature-based practices have smaller
footprints and are easily integrated into tighter spaces.
If that community also had limited water supplies, it might
prioritize rainwater harvesting; if it did not have enough
tree cover, it might prioritize tree trenches.
UPDATE: Updating a community’s stormwater management
program should begin with its SMPP or LTCP. To encourage
the use of nature-based solutions, many communities
are adding stormwater retention standards to their
post-construction stormwater programs. According to
an EPA summary, 28 states and two territories have
post-construction retention standards. This type of standard
requires some runoff volume to be managed onsite. This
reduces both pollutant loads and erosive peak ows.
Communities can also develop a hierarchy of acceptable
nature-based solutions. For example, the Philadelphia Water
Department divides these practices into three preference
levels: Highest, Medium, and Low.
The Capital Region Council of Governments
in Connecticut established the following goal
in its 2019-2024 HMP: Increase the use of
natural, “green,” or “soft” hazard mitigation
measures such as open space preservation and
green infrastructure. Specic mitigation actions
encouraged adopting regulations to promote low
impact development and nature-based techniques.
They also supported education initiatives to help
municipal staff and elected ofcials understand
nature-based solutions practices.