Summary of findings, June 2018
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Town of Winthrop, MA
June 2018
(Funding for this project was provided by EEA’s Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Planning Grant Program)
Community Resiliency Building Workshop
Summary of Findings
Submitted to:
Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114
Contact:
Joseph Domelowicz
Assistant Town Manager
Winthrop Town Hall
1 Metcalf Square
Winthrop, MA 02152
Phone: 617.846.1852
Email: jdomelowicz@town.winthrop.ma.us
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE NO.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ......................................................................................................................................... ES-1
1. OVERVIEW ......................................................................................................................................................1-1
1.1 Workshop Core Team ....................................................................................................................1-1
1.2 Workshop Objectives......................................................................................................................1-2
1.3 Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................1-2
2. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS...............................................................................................................................2-1
2.1 Top Natural Hazards for Winthrop, MA...........................................................................................2-1
2.2 Identified Vulnerable Areas in the Community................................................................................2-2
2.3 Current Concerns & Challenges Presented by Hazards ................................................................2-4
2.3.1 Road Network Vulnerability & Isolation...........................................................................................2-4
2.3.2 Proximity to MWRA Deer Island Treatment Plant & MassPort’s Logan International Airport .........2-4
2.3.3 Water, Wastewater & Drainage System .........................................................................................2-5
2.3.4 Shoreline Structures .......................................................................................................................2-5
2.3.5 Local Capacity, Communication, Emergency Management ...........................................................2-6
2.3.6 Condition and Functioning of Natural Barriers ................................................................................2-7
2.4 Current Strengths & Assets ............................................................................................................2-7
3. RECOMMENDATIONS TO I MPROVE WINTHROP’S RE SILIENCY ..............................................................3-1
TABLES
Table 2-1: Natural Hazards Identified by CRB Participants
Table 3-1: Top Six Recommendations to Improve Resiliency
FIGURES
Figure 1: Winthrop, MA Shoreline Structures
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Event Announcement, Agenda & Sign-In Sheets
Appendix B: Community Challenges & Goals
Appendix C: Community Resiliency Building Workshop Presentations
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1. OVERVIEW
A coastal community, the Town of Winthrop, Massachusetts has a unique perspective on planning for climate change
and preparing for a sustainable future. The evidence for the need to further address resiliency and adaptation to natural
hazard events continues to become more evident each year. While several larger storm events have received much
notoriety in recent years (Tropical Storm Irene, Tropical Storm Sandy, Nor’easter NEMO), in the first quarter of 2018
alone, two major coastal storm events pounded communities throughout Massachusetts causing coastal flooding,
heavy-rain induced inland flooding, wind damage, power outages, coastal erosion and damage to property, including
the Town of Winthrop.
Some areas where Winthrop has been particularly hard hit in recent years include:
▪ Flooding at Jefferson Street/Putnam Street Intersection – Flooding has occurred in this location on a
frequent basis.
▪ Ingleside Park/Walden Street – This area of Winthrop floods when intense storm events coincide with rising
tides.
▪ Flooding Continues at the Winthrop Golf Course
▪ Morton Street, Pico Avenue, Washington Avenue and Shirley Street - Significant flooding has occurred
in these areas during recent storms.
▪ Coughlin Park Shoreline - Significant erosion continues to occur along this shoreline and the Town is
working on a shoreline stabilization concept.
In June 2017, the Baker-Polito Administration announced over $1 million in grant funding to 71 cities and towns
throughout Massachusetts for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program. The MVP Planning Grant
Program was designed to provide support for communities to plan for climate change resiliency and implement priority
projects. Upon completion of the MVP program, communities can become certified as an MVP Community and become
eligible for MVP Action Grant funding and other opportunities in the future. The Town of Winthrop applied for a MVP
Planning grant and was successful. In April 2018, Winthrop undertook the Community Resiliency Building (CRB)
Workshop process, a requirement of receiving MVP funding and this report serves as the Summary of Findings for that
planning process.
The CRB workshop process is based on a risk matrix exercise while also utilizing current information regarding natural
hazard events, understanding the latest climate change projections, evaluating information on Town efforts to address
resiliency and reviewing recent action items and projects to address resiliency issues.
1.1 Workshop Core Team
The Winthrop Community Resiliency Building Workshop was led by a local Core Team which included the following
individuals and Town departments:
• Joseph Domelowicz, Assistant Town Manager | Lead Project Manager for MVP/CRB
• Laurisa Wojcik, Administrative Secretary
• Kara Campbell, Conservation Agent
• Steve Calla, DPW Director
• Norman Hyett, Conservation Commission
• Chief Paul Flanagan, Fire Department
• Police Department
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In addition to staff participants, the Core Team involved residents and local business owners who participated in both
the MVP Kick-Off Meeting and the CRB Workshop. Sign in sheets for the kick off meeting and workshop have been
included in Appendix A .
Together, Winthrop’s Lead Project Manage r and Woodard & Curran (MVP Technical Services provider) formed the
project team responsible for the preparation work and execution associated with the CRB Workshop success.
1.2 Workshop Objectives
The Town of Winthrop held its Community Resiliency Building Workshop on April 6, 2018 at the Deer Island Wastewater
Treatment Plant Training Room. Partners for the CRB Workshop included technical services provider Woodard &
Curran, the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA), The Nature Conservancy and MassAudubon. The
workshop ’s central objectives were to:
• Define extreme weather and natural and climate related hazards impacting Winthrop,
• Identify existing and future vulnerabilities and strengths,
• Develop and prioritize actions for the community and broader stakeholder networks, and
• Identify opportunities for the community to advance actions to reduce risks and build resilience.
The focus of the workshop was to educate
participants and increase awareness of risks
facing the Town of Winthrop from natural and
climate-related hazards. Identifying vulnerabilities
and strengths in Winthrop from an infrastructure,
societal and environmental perspective would
serve as the foundation for discussion. Prior to the
workshop, outreach to key municipal staff,
residents, businesses and organizations was
conducted through the kick-off meeting.
1.3 Acknowledgements
The Winthrop Community Resiliency Building
Workshop was led and managed by the municipal
Core Team in partnership with Woodard &
Curran. The Core Team guided the work
throughout the project and numerous public
officials and industry professionals provided
leadership, technical expertise, ideas and insight
during workshop planning and execution.
Special thanks to the MWRA, The Nature
Conservancy and MassAudubon for their
participation and support during Winthrop’s CRB
Workshop.
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2. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
The purpose of the Community Resiliency Building Workshop Summary of Findings is to develop a comprehensive
summary of the event with the goal of Winthrop using this information to continue its focus on reducing vulnerabilities,
reinforcing strengths and continuing on the path toward greater community resilience. Winthrop’s CRB was held on
Friday, April 6, 2018 at the Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant Training Room. In total, there were 53 attendees
who were present for the daylong event. With the goal of the workshop being to listen and learn from attendees on how
to meet the overall workshop objectives, prior to starting the formal CRB agenda, participants were asked to think about
and write down on a note card answers to the following two questions:
1) What are Winthrop’s biggest challenges? (think infrastructure, societal, environment)
2) What are your goals for the day and what do you hope to gain from your participation in the workshop?
Participants provided feedback for both of these questions which is summarized in Appendix B .
2.1 Top Natural Hazards for Winthrop, MA
Prior to discussing the top natural hazards faced by Winthrop, participants in the CRB workshop listened to two
presentations that included background information about Winthrop and up to date information regarding Climate
Change and its impact to the community and surrounding area (see Appendix C ). Upon completion of these two
presentations, attendees were asked to work with the other participants at their table to define and characterize the top
natural hazards being faced by Winthrop. In total, there were six separate tables working on this task and participants
were encouraged to come up with their own list of natural hazards that they felt to be the most relevant and pressing
to the community.
Photo: April 6, 2018 Winthrop CRB Challenge and Goal Comment Cards
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Winthrop is a densely developed coastal town with a population of approximately 18,000. Located on a peninsula
(approximately 1.6 square miles) with a seven-mile shoreline, the majority of the flooding experienced by Winthrop is
related to its coastal location due to impacts from coastal storms, waves, storm surge and sea level rise. The natural
hazards facing Winthrop that were identified at the CRB workshop include:
• Sea Level Rise
• Flooding
• Hurricanes/Wind/Extreme Storms
• Wave Action/Storm Surge
• Extreme Heat
• Fire
• Erosion
• Increasing Precipitation
• Isolation
Sea level rise was identified by all of the tables as one of the top natural hazards while flooding was identified by five
of the six tables. Table 2-1 indicates the top natural hazards that were identified by each table of CRB participants.
Table 2-1: Natural Hazards Identified by CRB Participants
Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 Table 4 Table 5 Table 6
• Flooding
• Wind/Storms
• Wave Action
• Sea Level Rise
• Flooding
• Sea Level
Rise
• Hurricane
• Heat or
Extreme
Weather
• Flooding
• Sea Level
Rise
• Wind
• Isolation
• Flooding
• Wind/Storms
• Wave Action
• Sea Level Rise
• Flooding
• Sea Level
Rise
• Heat Wave
• Fire
• Sea Level
Rise
• Increased
Precipitation
• Heat or
Extreme
Weather
• Wind
2.2 Identified Vulnerable Areas in the Community
During the CRB process, the entire Town was highlighted as being vulnerable to natural hazard events due to its
location and the fact that it is surrounded by the ocean – not just a specific neighborhood. There were specific areas
mentioned by attendees at the workshop as being vulnerable and those include:
• Neighborhoods:
o Morton Street/Belle Isle Marsh – Low lying area, coastal surge and flooding.
o Pico Avenue /Fisherman’s Bend – Experiences flooding during storm events.
o Ingleside Park – Backup and flooding due to lack of stormwater storage capacity and undersized
drains. Floods during coastal storm/precipitation events.
o Point Shirley/Shirley Street – Low-lying street and adjacent seawall experience wave overtopping
and flooding during storm events.
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o Lewis Lake – Serves as a drainage area for part of the downtown area – lake overflows during storm
events and causes localized flooding in adjacent areas.
o Yirrell Beach – Coastal surge and flooding
o Lower Nahant Avenue – Coastal surge, high tide and high precipitation events all cause backup in
undersized drain lines and flooding within adjacent neighborhood.
o Coughlin Park – Coastal erosion and flooding during coastal storms.
o Bayou Street Neighborhood – Flooding due to undersized drainage line that backs up during high
precipitation events.
• Ecosystems: Belle Isle Marsh, Coughlin Park, Yirrell Beach, Ingleside Park, Lewis Lake, Beaches
• Transportation: Route 145 and Winthrop Parkway (also evacuation routes), Shore Drive, Morton Street,
bridges, all roads in Town
• Infrastructure: Drainage system, Water/Sewer Infrastructure, Pump Stations, Sea Walls, Utility Power, Public
Safety Building, Culverts, MWRA Deer Island Treatment Plant, Municipal Services (police, fire, emergency,
shelters), Existing Buildings, Proximity to MassPort/Logan International Airport
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2.3 Current Concerns & Challenges Presented by Hazards
The Town of Winthrop faces numerous challenges and has major concerns related to the impacts of natural hazard
weather events from the past and those that will occur in the future and be further exacerbated by climate change. In
the first quarter of 2018 alone, Winthrop was severely impacted by two large coastal storm events in January and
March which caused coastal flooding, heavy-rain
induced inland flooding, wind damage, power outages,
unpassable streets, coastal erosion and damage to
residential homes and businesses.
In prior years, Winthrop has suffered from similar coastal
storms in addition to Tropical Storm Irene (August 2011),
Tropical Storm Sandy (October 2012) and a Nor’easter
referred to as NEMO (February 2013). In general,
Winthrop is subjected to three types of flooding –
coastal, inland/riverine and urban. The FEMA Flood
Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) issued in 2016 for
Winthrop indicate that approximately 45% of the town is
within the 1% annual chance flood (also known as the
100-year storm).
The impacts from the 2018 storm events to date as well
as previous storms have made the topic of natural
hazards and climate change in Winthrop of high
importance. Improving the community’s ability to be
resilient before, during and after a storm event was
discussed in detail at the Community Resiliency Building
workshop.
2.3.1 Road Network Vulnerability & Isolation
Access to the Town of Winthrop is primarily along Route
145, Winthrop Parkway or across the Belle Isle Bridge
(Main Street). Winthrop Parkway connects the town to
Revere along a narrow strip of land and this connection
has been closed by the Town of Revere in the past due
to storm conditions resulting in unsafe passage. With only two main roadways to access Winthrop, managing this
infrastructure is critical for emergency evacuation and response. Or, if evacuation and response is not possible,
managing isolation and sheltering in place becomes critical. Discussion included the town’s preparedness to remain
isolated for a period of time and successfully shelter in place. CRB attendees expressed their concern over the need
to be better prepared for this type of situation.
2.3.2 Proximity to MWRA Deer Island Treatment Plant & MassPort’s Logan International Airport
The enormity of the road network vulnerability issue is raised even further since the primary travel route to M WRA’s
Deer Island Sewage Treatment Plant (which treats wastewater from 2.5 million people in Greater Boston) is located in
Winthrop and can be compromised. In addition, concern was raised over the potential for a major incident to occur at
the treatment plant or nearby Logan International Airport which could impact Winthrop and/or require the evacuation
of the community.
Photo: Pico Avenue, March 3, 2018
Photo: Morton Street at Banks, March 3, 2018
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2.3.3 Water, Wastewater & Drainage System
During a coastal storm or heavy
precipitation event, Wi nthrop’s drainage
system can become overwhelmed and
cause flooding at the street level. Future
climate change impacts, sea level rise
and more severe storms will continue to
exacerbate the conditions that the
community has seen repeatedly in the
past. This combined with the age of the
drainage system and changing
underground conditions can cause
additional damage – the magnitude
which may currently be unknown.
The water and wastewater systems in
Winthrop are owned by the Department
of Public Works and the Massachusetts
Water Resources Authority (MWRA).
Sewer pump stations are located at
Revere Street, Pico Avenue and Pleasant Court. Winthrop’s stormwater system has over 20 miles of underground
piping, outfalls, catch basins and manholes. Approximately 115 outfalls are installed throughout Town in low-lying areas
to help with some of the inland flooding during certain types of storm events. Many of these outfalls do not have check
valves to prevent coastal flooding from entering the system.
Workshop participants discussed the need for drainage system upgrades and cleaning and education about how the
drainage system functions in Winthrop. Other suggestions include identifying a local staff person to work with DPW
and other Town departments on increasing the visibility of this infrastructure and developing Low Impact
Development/Green Infrastructure solutions that would improve their function and condition along with funding
opportunities to pay for the projects. Starting programs such as adopt a drain, using artwork to better identify location
and seeking out funding opportunities for upgrades are all suggestions for improving this critical infrastructure.
2.3.4 Shoreline Structures
The Town of Winthrop has a variety of shoreline structures in place that offer a barrier between the built environment
and the ocean. Some of the infrastructure includes stone revetments, concrete seawalls, bulkheads and breakwaters.
According to data managed by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) regarding coastal
infrastructure, Winthrop has six structures owned by DCR and 27 town owned structures in varying condition. Half of
the public shoreline structures need moderate to significant levels of repair (see Figure 1 ).
Photo: April 6, 2018 Winthrop CRB Workshop
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Figure 1: Winthrop, MA Shoreline Structures
At the CRB workshop, participants expressed the need to preserve and maintain existing and exposed seawalls so
they continue to function and provide protection for the built environment. Suggestions included making the existing
seawalls higher, expandable (or flexible) or investigate floating dams.
2.3.5 Local Capacity, Communication, Emergency Management
During the Community Resiliency Building process, the topic of local capacity, communication and emergency
management was discussed. Concern was raised about the use of the Senior Center as a shelter and accepting
residents who need to be evacuated from their homes during severe weather. Currently there is no back up power or
generator at the Senior Center should a power outage occur during a storm event. Another issue identified by the
Housing Authority was that in the past, some of their senior housing developments have lost power, but it is difficult to
get their tenants to evacuate. More communication is needed about how to manage these types of situations in the
community.
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In addition, a more clear, defined means of communication was indicated as an area of improvement during
emergencies. Currently information is shared via phone but continuing to use resources like Facebook and Twitter will
be beneficial. There was also a discussion of creating a formal Emergency Manager position (even part time) who
helps manage current emergencies including operations, but also the recovery. Documentation and photographs are
all necessary to obtain and manage for proper recovery and reimbursement depending on the severity of the event.
Currently, Winthrop does this on an as needed, informal basis. Having designated staff for residents and businesses
to call would allow for other departments like Police, Fire and DPW to focus on their roles during an emergency event.
An Emergency Manager could also oversee operations during an emergency, manage a command center, help
deploy/manage town staff and work with other towns and regional dispatch to provide the best service possible.
The need for a consolidated, updated Public Safety Building was identified during the CRB workshop as one of
Winthrop’s biggest challenges.
2.3.6 Condition and Functioning of Natural Barriers
Winthrop is fortunate to have numerous beaches, conservation areas and places of recreation to offer residents and
visitors in the community. They include:
• Winthrop Beach
• Yirrell Beach
• Donovan’s Beach
• Pico Playground & Beach
• Fisherman’s Bend
• Belle Isle Marsh
• Coughlin Park
• Lewis Lake/Winthrop Golf Club
• Ingleside Park
One of the key issues raised during the CRB was the need to preserve, maintain and enhance natural infrastructure in
Winthrop so that it can continue to function as a natural barrier for the community. Ideas include dune enhancement,
building additional trees to lessen heat island impact, add more natural vegetation where it is needed, develop an
overall Town wide natural barrier enhancement plan and conducting feasibility studies to determine what types of
enhancement will make sense and their anticipated impact. Additional education regarding the benefits and importance
of natural resource areas including regulations was also identified as important so that the value in helping reduce risk
and improve resilience is better understood.
2.4 Current Strengths & Assets
Winthrop has had the opportunity during recent storm events to see how the community functions and identify areas
of strength. The presence of natural barriers for residential neighborhoods in Winthrop was recognized as beneficial to
the community in addition to existing seawalls and other barriers.
Other strengths identified during the CRB include:
• The local conservation commission has been working with homeowners to provide information about natural
resources, building code requirements and homeowner incentives.
• Wetland restoration, floodplain and open space and enhancement through various projects in the community
were recognized as a strength and continuing to support these projects and find funding for next phases is
critical – Coughlin Park is an example where the Town has been investigation the feasibility of mitigating
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shoreline erosion using living shoreline techniques to increase coastal resiliency. A plan was prepared that
quantified sea level rise for the location, assessed existing conditions, performed an alternatives analysis and
identified an appropriate living shoreline project. CRB attendees expressed their support for the Town to
continue doing this type of work (specifically this project) and reach the implementation phase.
• Winthrop has dedicated Police, Fire and DPW personnel who respond during natural hazard events.
• The existing reverse 911 system was recognized for the role it plays during emergency events and continuing
to maintain and advertise the availability of this system will be key for future emergencies.
• Winthrop’s existing water, wastewater and drainage infrastructure was identified as a strength. The need to
keep this updated, maintained and managed was recognized. Recent upgrades to some of the sewer pumping
stations such as elevating them, installing water resistant panels and emergency generators was recognized
as a strength. Other recent infrastructure improvements include:
o Sewer improvements on Putnam Street, Putnam Place and Walden Street.
o Water main replacement on Jefferson Street and Fremont Street and upgrades to a section of the
drainage system at the intersection of Jefferson Street and Putnam Street.
o Sewer, water, drain and sidewalk improvements on Walden Street, Lincoln Street, Read Street, Walden
Place and Jerald Street.
o Water main, drain and sewer improvements on Bellevue Avenue, Prescott Street, Somerset Avenue,
Nahant Avenue and Sewall Avenue.
o Water main improvements with some sewer repairs on Plummer Avenue, Woodside Avenue, Woodside
Park, Frances Street, Sunnyside Avenue, Pico Avenue, Corinha Beach Road and throughout the
neighborhoods surrounding the water tower.
o Sewer and water main improvements on Franklin Street and Harvard Street.
o Lewis Lake Tide Gate project included replacement of existing failed automated tide gate with new
automated tide gate.
o Miller Field/Lewis Lake Drainage and Site Improvements included a complete renovation of Miller Field
including site drainage improvements and improvements to swales along the Veterans Road and Cross
Street at the Winthrop Golf Club.
• Supportive social services such as
the local health center, Senior
Center, Senior Housing and
Housing Authority.
• Proximity to MWRA Deer Island
Treatment Plant & MassPort’s
Logan International Airport was
identified as a challenge but also a
strength. The Town of Winthrop
acts as a natural buffer to both of
these key regional economic and
environmental resources.
Photo: MWRA Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant
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Photo: April 6, 2018 Winthrop CRB Workshop Matrix Board
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3. RECOMMENDATIONS TO I MPROVE WINTHROP’S RE SILIENCY
Improving Winthrop’s resiliency was discussed by each individual group at the CRB based on the natural hazards,
strengths, vulnerabilities and actions that they defined. At the end of the CRB workshop, each group presented their
findings on key actions the community should focus on to improve overall resiliency and they were asked to identify
their top three. Upon completion of each group’s presentation, each attendee was given six dots to identify of all the
key actions each group mentioned, which is the most critical/most important for the community. Table 3-1 is a summary
of the dot exercise.
Table 3-1: Top Six Recommendations to Improve Resiliency
Rank Action Notes
1 Sewer & Drainage Infrastructure Clean, maintain and upgrade (particularly in the Town Center
and low-lying areas) sewer and drainage infrastructure. Seek
funding for repair and replacement, design additional storage
capacity and modify bylaws and incentives that would support
improved conditions for projects. Work would also include
flood control projects.
2 Maintain, Replace, Upgrade Seawalls Various existing infrastructure is in place throughout Winthrop
and is in need of repair and upgrade.
3 Natural and Green Infrastructure
Solutions, Low Impact Development
To support or enhance the functioning of seawalls and the
shoreline as a barrier and for improved stormwater
management. Work would also include flood control projects.
4 Develop or redevelop a new public safety
building (police, fire, ambulance)
This includes finding a site, designing the building, securing
funding and completing construction of a new facility.
5 Maintain and protect Belle Isle Marsh,
Coughlin Park and beaches as assets to
the community for both recreation and
resiliency support.
Work for areas of the community that act as natural barriers
includes dune enhancement, plantings, berms, etc.
6 Identify funding for projects to increase
resilience
This includes further developing the tax base to increase
revenue in the community and securing the money along with
leveraging local resources and representatives to seek out
and secure funding for Winthrop.
Resiliency actions that were in the top three for the groups when they reported out but did not receive the most votes
include:
• Development of an Evacuation and/or Shelter In Place Plan to be better prepared for storm events. This would
include consideration of food, a formal evacuation plan, multi-phase shelter strategy, emergency response
and emergency communication.
• Development of a culvert ID owner and repair program where someone would be assigned to monitoring the
functioning of culverts and informing the Town of any potential needed repairs.
The following are additional recommendations for the Town of Winthrop generated by the CRB Workshop participants
organized from highest to lowest priority.
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Highest Priority
• Develop and implement an Evacuation Plan and Shelter In Place Plan – this includes bridge and tunnel routes
and coordinating with MWRA and Deer Island. This plan would include a discussion of where charging,
warming and cooling stations in Winthrop are located. Reevaluate Winthrop’s current emergency
communication and improve the plan. Need to include emergency information in multiple languages.
Consideration should be given to having Town Hall be reachable during an emergency. There is a need to
publicize pet shelters and where to get emergency supplies.
• Evaluate emergency power during emergencies and make sure the Emergency Operations Center, Beach
Fire Station and Council on Aging can all function.
• Evaluate back up power for elderly housing and confirm shelter in place plans for these locations.
• Update building codes so utilities are built above flooding levels and also encourage the planting of living trees
and vegetation to support resiliency.
• Evaluate the need for stormwater pump stations at various locations throughout Town that would improve
flooding conditions.
• Develop a Master Plan for the Town and incorporate building code and zoning.
• Complete the MVP Planning process and apply for MVP Action Grants.
• Define low lying areas of the Town that would benefit from mobile pumps during storm events and proactively
position them.
• Evaluate manhole covers protecting underground utilities and floodproof if necessary.
• Support homeowners to retrofit their properties to better withstand storm events including flooding. Educate
homeowners about potential funding support. This could include developing a website for people who have
been displaced or do not have flood insurance. Monitor additional changes to FEMA Floodplain maps and
proactively communicate about this. Offer incentives to homeowners who desire to make improvements either
through community grants, low interest loans or tax incentives.
• Relocate key community functions out of floodplains and consider moving utilities or modifying utilities to better
allow for their function during storm events.
• Increase and expand the Town’s capacity to seek out and secure funding sources for projects and action item
implementation.
• Seek to enhance and develop a better relationship with Deer Island Treatment Plant and MWRA. Participate
in climate change and emergency planning discussions with these two organizations.
• Support the Conservation Commission and undertake more education and outreach to local homeowners to
build their awareness for accountability of their property during storm events and flooding.
• Use message boards at key locations to inform people about the potential for flooding. Purchase or fund the
purchase of these if needed.
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• Develop a culvert program that identifies volunteer ownership of the structure and create a plan to decrease
flooding.
• Designate neighborhood captains to know and understand who may need help in their designated area during
an emergency. Where vulnerable people are identified, indicate any special needs they may have (medication,
power for oxygen) and make sure they are prioritized for evacuation or storm assistance.
• To support Winthrop’s business and help the community be more economically resilient, make the Town a
tourist destination through marketing and attracting visitors. Support more mixed use and commercial
development. Offer a shuttle from the public landing to the center of town.
• Concrete revetment on Deer Island that causes flooding needs attention from the MWRA.
• Need a seawall solution for Pico Avenue and elsewhere in Town that would improve existing conditions and
help mitigation flood impacts and damage.
• Investigate the use of Yacht Clubs and Marinas during emergencies and ask them to open to non-members.
• Raise public awareness about electrical currents during flooding events and teach them how to shut off circuit
breakers.
Moderate Priority
• At school and shelter locations, evaluate and maintain renewable power sources (solar, batteries) so that
these community resources can function during emergencies or natural hazard events.
• Stockpile food and medical supplies like water and dry goods to support any shelter in place plans Winthrop
develops should the community become isolated.
• Focus on smart Harbor Development and Management and include Low Impact Development techniques and
environmentally friendly yacht clubs and marinas. Leverage Harbor Management Plan.
• Analyze past 911 data to pinpoint historic calls and more specifically how Winthrop will respond and where
during storm events. Work will include proactive measures/advanced planning.
• Develop ability to mobilize a special marine rescue unit with necessary boats and equipment.
• Conduct regionalized service discussions for evacuation coordination and emergency response.
• Consider elevating Revere Street for boat passage.
• Investigate the potential of an underground tunnel for egress to allow people to evacuate Winthrop if needed.
• Address perceived politics of Winthrop not being a regional asset by having workshops and Town Hall style
discussions to show Winthrop as the asset that it is. Use of social media and other outreach platforms could
support this effort.
• Address community discourse by increasing local government resources and accessibility to staff and
representatives.
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• Research and understand the best type of salt water vegetation that would benefit the community and the
existing natural resources and seek to incorporate this where it makes sense.
• Develop a hazardous waste collection program that would allow people to dispose of hazardous waste safely
and more regularly.
Lower Priority
• Maintain and advertise the Reverse 911 system.
• Maintain, update and enforce the Town’s regulations for property maintenance at Yacht Clubs and Marina
Buildings.
• Maintain and support the local health center on Route 145 so that it can continue to provide services during
natural hazard events.
• Plant trees and maintain condition of town parks, cemeteries and the golf course.
• Conduct an erosion feasibility study for the Water Tower location to determine any potential future issues.
• Engage youth in emergency management and have them help increase awareness and participation through
training.
3.1 CRB Workshop Project Team: Organization and Role
Town of Winthrop, MA
Joseph Domelowicz, Assistant Town Manager | Lead Project Manager for MVP/CRB
Laurisa Wojcik | Support
Kara Campbell | Small Group Facilitator
Woodard & Curran
Mary McCrann, AICP | Lead Facilitator
Michael Hansen, PE, CFM | Small Group Facilitator
The Nature Conservancy
Sara Burns | Presenter & Small Group Facilitator
MassAudubon
Stefanie Covino | Presenter & Small Group Facilitator
Ariel Maiorano | Small Group Facilitator
Winthrop, MA (0231471.00) Woodard & Curran
CRB – Summary of Findings June 2018
APPENDIX A: EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT, AGENDA & SIGN-IN SHEETS
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WOODARD
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MUNICIPAL VULNERABILITY PREPAREDNESS
KICK-OFF MEETING
TOWN OF WINTHROP, MA
MARCH 6, 2018 | 10:00AM
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Please contact Terence Delehanty, Town Manager
if you have any questions at
townmanageroffi ce@town.winthrop.ma.us
Winthrop, MA
When: Friday, April 6, 2018 | Time: 8am to 4pm
Where: MWRA Training Room on Deer Island
The Town of Winthrop received funding from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to complete a Community Resilience Building Workshop.
Given previous and ongoing events like the January and March coastal storm events, like other Massachusetts communities, Winthrop now finds itself in a new
era of more unpredictable and severe weather that can potentially cause more damage to our community. We are working on a Municipal Vulnerability
Preparedness project that will involve an 8 hour workshop which must include input from community members. Please consider participating!
We will be providing breakfast and lunch to those who participate. If you are interested please contact the Town Manager’s office at (617) 846-1705 or
townmanageroffice@town.winthrop.ma.us by March 30th to pre-register or to receive more information on this program. Space is limited so please sign up today!
Community Resilience
Building Workshop
WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES
■ Define extreme weather and natural and
climate related hazards impacting Winthrop,
■ Identify existing and future vulnerabilities
and strengths,
■ Develop and prioritize actions for the community
and broader stakeholder networks, and
■ Identify opportunities for the community to ad -
vance actions to reduce risks and build resilience.
Community Resiliency Building Workshop
Friday | April 6, 2018
M WRA Training Room at Deer Island, Winthrop, MA
8:00am – 4:00pm
WORKSHOP AGENDA
7:30am – 8:00am .............. Registration
8:00am – 8:30am .............. Welcome & Overview (Town Manager and Assistant Town Manager)
8:30am – 9:00am .............. Community Resilience Building Workshop – Why Are We Here?
(Woodard & Curran)
9:00am – 9:30am .............. Identify Challenges & Goals (Facilitated Activity – What Do You think
Winthrop’s Biggest Challenges Are? What Are Your Goals/Do You Hope
to Gain From Participating in the Workshop?)
9:30am – 10:00am ............ Background Information About Winthrop (Woodard & Curran)
10:00am – 10:30am ......... Climate Change (Mass Audubon)
10:30am – 11:00am .......... Characterize Natural Hazards
11:00am – 12:30pm ......... Identify Community Vulnerabilities and Strengths
12:30pm – 1:30pm ............ Lunch!
1:30pm – 2:00pm .............. Natural Infrastructure Solutions (Sara Burns, Nature Conservancy)
2:00pm – 3:30pm ............. Identify and Prioritize Community Actions
3:30pm – 4:00pm ............. CRB Workshop Recap and Wrap Up
Thank you for participating in Winthrop’s Community Resiliency Building Workshop!
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Michael Herbert
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jdomelowicz@town.winthrop.ma.us
jgooodwin@town.winthrop.ma.us
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Stefanie Covino
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scalla@town.winthrop.ma.us
suewoodcock@reverejournal.com
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Winthrop, MA (0231471.00) Woodard & Curran
CRB – Summary of Findings June 2018
APPENDIX B: COMMUNITY CHALLENGES & GOALS
40 Shattuck Road | Suite 110
Andover, Massachusetts 01810
www.woodardcurran.com
T 866.702.6371
T 978.557.8150
F 978.557.7948
MEMORANDUM
TO: Joe Domelowicz, Assistant Town Manager
FROM: Mary McCrann, AICP
DATE: April 27, 2018
RE: Winthrop CRB – Community Challenges & Goals
TABLE 1
What are Winthrop’s biggest challenges?
The community is in need of a plan to prevent chronic flooding which seems to be the new normal.
Where to find the funding to implement short/long term solutions.
Flood map lines and flood insurance requirements.
Infrastructure update and replacement for stormwater drainage.
Coastal protection on the ocean side and bayside of town.
Increase funds for public safety and public works.
Flooding on Morton Street side of town and inclusion in plan to stop erosion and damage to property.
Vulnerable constituents – seniors, disabled, poor families need to be considered and valued even
though they don’t pay high taxes. They need a voice.
Drainage, sewer line replacement to be fair and equitable.
Question about why people who live in upland areas of the town/state pay for damage caused to
people’s property who live in a flood zone.
Lack of money. Winthrop is a great community, great people, but it can’t afford to fiscally support
many of the needed programs. Regarding emergency preparedness… concern over frail citizens,
particularly those who are on oxygen or require electricity for medical purposes. Concern with the
limited ability to get around town during emergencies. People need to do a better job of clearing their
own areas.
Parking/getting cars off the street.
Flooding!
The Town does not have a youth center.
Flood control and recovery.
Communication – town-wide… radio frequency similar to highways, not all homes have WCAT
Additional barriers are flood control and avoiding permits
Portable pumps and a sand bag station
Military surplus vehicles
High water
Funding, grants, loans
Drainage
Seawall in marsh – move our heat and light funding money to do this.
Helping people get back in their homes and saving our own homes.
Army Corps of Engineers
Flooding on Morton Street at Belle Isle Marsh – Pleasant Park Road. 10 feet of soil on Morton Street
eroded into the marsh and bay. Channels are clogged with mud, etc. Need for dredging? Deepening
center of the bay off the marsh?
Winthrop, MA 2 Woodard & Curran
CRB Challenges & Goals Summary April 27, 2018
What are your goals for the day?
To arrive at a more clear picture of how I would like to become more involved with action items
toward solutions.
Gather insight into concerns and proposed improvements from other Winthrop citizens.
To be the voice of vulnerable seniors who feel irrelevant and not valued because of money or
disability.
Information gathering
Triage in order of effectiveness.
Can waterway by Belle Isle Marsh be dredged? Soil eroded in recent storms… mud flats.
Find resources to get my community back to the way it was.
TABLE 2
What are Winthrop’s biggest challenges?
Engaging the community
Science/education
Understanding short and long term trade offs of nature based solutions.
Create inclusive action plan.
Winthrop is the #1 most vulnerable community in MA to sea level rise/flooding.
Winthrop is broke.
Winthrop is not perceived as a municipality of regional importance.
Winthrop is geographically isolated and lacks political and municipal accountability. Can’t afford even
basic maintenance/state of repair.
Infrastructure/streets and maintain/improve
Safety and protection of waterfront properties
Emergency Evacuation Plan for Point Shirley Residents
Flooding throughout the town
Police security 24/7 on Deer Island – prohibiting public use after sundown.
Add sand dunes at Yerrill Beach
Limited ability to come and go in and out of town
Repeated flooding of some homes in big storms
Airport pollution
Most vulnerable community to storms
Would like to see Senators support for federal funding. Get Senator Warren to visit Winthrop or
Governor baker!
Use of natural stabilization for Coughlin Park erosion.
Flooding and not enough resources (money, equipment)
Evacuation routes – you can be stranded for hours in certain parts of town.
Power outages
Communication from officials
Get state representative to exercise leadership (DeLeo) in the state house to address climate change
mitigation and adaptation
Coastal flooding
What are your goals for the day?
Winthrop, MA 3 Woodard & Curran
CRB Challenges & Goals Summary April 27, 2018
Understand the community’s understanding/knowledge of climate change and nature based
solutions
Understand work accomplished to date
Share our communities strengths and weaknesses to better inform the action plan.
Identify funding opportunities.
Increase local political will and leadership.
Community engagement
Identify target priorities
Better understanding of how to help with emergency preparedness
Communicate concerns regarding flood insurance
Communicate concerns regarding Grand View rip rap
Communicate concerns over being cut off/pump outs/senior neighbor impacts from storm events
Communicate concerns about the disconnect/inability to protect personal home and rip rap on
property
Assistance with seasonal berms – presently berms slowly erode and we need money and equipment
to keep up.
Seawall repair and building
Natural dunes to minimize flooding
Educated interpretation of future flood potential and ocean levels!
Better understand how Winthrop is being affected by climate change
Network with community members and leaders and connect with people who wish to take action to
influence Representative DeLeo
To gain knowledge and insight to help the community
Want to understand and be able to communicate efforts to date to the community, funding partners
and developers/businesses
TABLE 3
What are Winthrop’s biggest challenges?
Would like to see the storm drainage system updates, repaired and maintained
Infrastructure
Coastal flooding/erosion
Implementing productive change
Low lying land
Surrounded by the ocean
Winthrop is essentially an island with only two ways in or out
On the coast with rest of the state less concerned than coastal communities about climate change
Over development
Infrastructure including drainage
Upgrade the sewer system (street, storm drains) in the low lying areas of town with an upgrade of
pumping stations in those areas
What are your goals for the day?
To make the town aware of what actually happens during a storm… what I have personally done
(built a seawall) and what needs to be done to further remedy the situation.
To create a group of ideas that will lead to an actionable plan, allowing for funding to execute the
plan.
Learn about legislative actions and potential money
Winthrop, MA 4 Woodard & Curran
CRB Challenges & Goals Summary April 27, 2018
Learn more about Winthrop’s challenges
Express concerns about severe impacts to Winthrop courtesy of climate change
Better understand how to secure my property
How the neighborhood can better partner in emergencies
Better understand the future plans for our town.
TABLE 4
What are Winthrop’s biggest challenges?
Repair of seawalls – relaxing ACOE and DEP/CZM rules for emergencies
Protect environmental concerns
Drainage
Maintain and build berms
Looking at temperature change from a facilities standpoint
The need for EMS systems and equipment – how an we better insulate our facilities to sustain
preferred temperatures for longer periods. Change power sources or have multi fuel options
Need for beach nourishment involving the movement of sand from Point Shirley
Weather changes and flood mitigation
Insurance coverage and affordability of premiums
Funding to make building improvements to be better prepared for severe storms
Drainage, infrastructure, erosion
Figure out the future of homes in low lying areas
Improving parks
Improvement water, sewer and stormwater
Education
Investment in trees and their maintenance
Funding, storm surge, flooding, aging infrastructure, drainage, sand
Located on the ocean – limited to two egresses in and out of town
Need for an evacuation plan from extreme weather or an incident at the airport or Deer Island
Isolation of the community
Funding
Storm surge as sea level rises
Seawall protection
Flooding
How does the community reduce carbon footprint and increase energy efficiency
Public safety issue of coastal flooding and preparing for future storms now that we have seen the
impacts three times in 2018
Getting enough money for sand removal, wall building without overrides and burdening people
Drainage (aged system, reliant on tide cycles, insufficient capacity)
Water and sewer systems (funding upgrades, aged systems)
Coastal resiliency (erosion, unable to extend seawalls, maintenance costs to existing)
Rising sea levels
Isolation during storms
Aging infrastructure
Limited budget
Winthrop, MA 5 Woodard & Curran
CRB Challenges & Goals Summary April 27, 2018
What are your goals for the day?
Learn more about long term effects of extreme weather and the impact to Winthrop
What improvements and funding solutions can be considered to protect Town buildings from severe
weather conditions and costly repairs?
Support the Governor’s energy star home rating system
Funding incentives for solar and efficiency
Adding wave energy buoys and barriers
Removal and relocation of sand on Yirrell Beach and reinforce walls along the harbor
Save Coughlin Park
Be given the ability to replace sand from private property back to where it came from
To heighten awareness
To contribute solutions
TABLE 5
What are Winthrop’s biggest challenges?
Please keep Winthrop a cute, small town and not an overcrowded City.
Building coastal infrastructure to mitigate flooding, high tides and damage as a results of storms and
rising tides.
Improve drainage system to expedite flood recession, reduce ground table levels and minimize
road/street damage.
Implement a plan for future disaster readiness, awareness and safety.
Fix remedy problem areas
Need more help and collaboration with MWRA and Airport where Winthrop protects them.
Repair erosion and maintain
Isolation during storms – no help
Building a seawall at Frances Street/Pico Area (wooden wall with slats as of now which stops
nothing)
Help in restoring homes that were affected in the Frances Street/Pico area.
Better preparation in that area including sandbags, etc by the Town for future coastal storms until a
wall is built.
Better flow of the water when it comes over the walls/drainage.
Actually putting these plans into action.
Lack of education of importance of vegetation in retaining floodwater.
Need more nature-based infrastructure solutions instead of hard seawalls and gray infrastructure.
Flooding, wind
Golf course sinking
Business development
Ingleside Park flooding
Town Center development
Recreation, youth, family, senior
Harbor Walk
Golf Club/Course sinking
Fortify Winthrop Beach, but don’t ruin use
What are your goals for the day?
Learn about where flood zones are
Winthrop, MA 6 Woodard & Curran
CRB Challenges & Goals Summary April 27, 2018
Learn about coastal resiliency – a good outcome is a decision to not build in flood zones (could new
construction at Suffolk Downs cause more flooding in Winthrop Marsh?)
Realistic report identifying Winthrop’s MVP in order to obtain grant money to address coastal
infrastructure
To learn and grow.
Grants, communication, have a community go to station identified and supplied.
Advocate for seawall at Pico Beach and close up openings.
To see funding for damage to our homes.
Repair erosion areas and private property erosion areas.
Take home ideas to implement
Develop relationships with homeowners to help them with permitting process and development
(pervious pavement, green infrastructure)
TABLE 6
What are Winthrop’s biggest challenges?
Flooding
Groundwater (Lewis Lake, Ingleside Park)
Coastal flooding (infrastructure, aging system)
Funding
Economic development and growth
Smart development
Winthrop Beach flood prevention and protection of beach neighbors
Public safety response at all parts of Winthrop
Plan for public education using Cable TV and Social Media
Plan for sea wall protection
Not enough is being done to address climate change
Sea level rise, especially looking at Category 4 Hurricane near Deer Island on the map
Need innovative trash solutions (ban plastic composting, paper solutions
Energy resilience – would like to increase battery storage capabilities for town to help longevity of
emergency shelter locations for long term displacement or destruction of natural gas pipeline
infrastructure.
Resilient construction practices for new development being in building codes – equipment above
groundwater levels, etc.
More state assistance for residents to electrify their heating systems and implement battery storage
What are your goals for the day?
Learn about what long term preventative changes can be set in place to ensure changed needed to
be ready for future conditions.
Gain better understanding of Winthrop’s vulnerabilities
To meet other neighbors
Action plan
Specific tasks ahead
Hope to gather enough information to be a strong advocate and participate towards greater resiliency
Better understand concerns and desires of residents and how they want the town to focus on climate
mitigation.
Winthrop, MA 7 Woodard & Curran
CRB Challenges & Goals Summary April 27, 2018
Push to electrify heating systems, this and residential electric battery storage capability can island
homes and provide power when electric grid is down.
Effective flood mitigation technologies for commercial buildings, pump stations, etc. A lining that rolls
out over walls – can this be adapted and subsidized for homeowners to protect basements from
flooding??
New construction requirements – green/cool roofs, green space requirements/stormwater runoff
maintenance/gray water reuse and rainwater collection.
Winthrop, MA (0231471.00) Woodard & Curran
CRB – Summary of Findings June 2018
APPENDIX C: COMMUNITY RESILIENCY BUILDING WORKSHOP PRESENTATIONS
Winthrop, MA
2018
Recent Storm Event Photographs
Ingleside Park
Jee
Winthrop Golf Course
“Morton Street
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GOOD MORNING &
WELCOME!
Winthrop Community Resiliency Building Workshop
April 6, 2018
Winthrop, MA
April 6, 2018
Community Resiliency Building Workshop
Community Resiliency Building Workshop
"Gomifianihy Resiliency Building Workshop
A Mass Audubon
Protecting the Nature of Massachusetts
The Nature Ce
Conservancy ~
Agenda
▪ 7:30 – 8:00 | Registration
▪ 8:00 – 8:30 | Welcome & Overview
▪ 8:30 – 9:00 | CRB Workshop Why Are We Here?
▪ 9:00 – 9:30 | Identify Challenges & Goals
▪ 9:30 – 10:00 | Background Information About Winthrop
▪ 10:00 – 10:30 | Climate Change (Mass Audubon)
▪ 10:30 – 11:00 | Characterize Natural Hazards
▪ 11:00 – 12:30 | Identify Community Vulnerabilities & Strengths
▪ 12:30 – 1:30 | LUNCH!
▪ 1:30 – 2:00 | Natural Infrastructure Solutions (The Nature Conservancy)
▪ 2:00 – 3:30 | Identify & Prioritize Community Actions
▪ 3:30 – 4:00 | CRB Workshop Recap & Wrap Up
Executive Order 569
▪ In September 2016,
Governor Charlie Baker
signed Executive Order
569, instructing state
government to provide
assistance to cities and
towns to complete climate
change vulnerability
assessments and
resiliency planning .
March 2018 Legislation
▪ Baker/ Polito filed $1.4B
legislation to authorize
investments for safeguarding
municipalities from the
impacts of climate change,
protecting environmental
resources, and investing in
communities.
▪ Hearing on the Bond Bill held
on April 3 rd to see if there is
enough money available.
Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Grant Program
▪ The MVP grant program provides support for cities and towns in
Massachusetts to begin or continue the process of planning for resiliency.
▪ The state awards communities with funding to complete vulnerability
assessments and develop action - oriented resiliency plans.
Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Grant Program
▪ The program helps communities achieve the following objectives:
• Define extreme weather and natural and climate related hazards
• Identify existing and future vulnerabilities and strengths
• Develop and prioritize actions for the community
• Identify opportunities to take action to reduce risk and build resilience
Winthrop, MA
Photo: Town Center (2017)
Photo: Town Center (2017)
Photo: Banks at Wilshire (March 2018)
Photo: Ingleside Park (2017)
Photo: Pico Avenue (March 2018)
Photo: January 2018
Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Grant Program
▪ Communities who complete the MVP
program become certified as an MVP
community and are eligible for potential follow -
up grant funding and other opportunities.
What Other Communities Are in the MVP Program?
Community Resiliency Building Workshop
▪ As part of the MVP program,
participating communities MUST
complete a Community Resiliency
Building Workshop!
▪ Upon completion of the workshop, a
summary report will be submitted to
EEA.
▪ Winthrop will continue to use this
guiding report to reinforce future
planning and action item
implementation.
Two Questions for You!
The goal of the workshop is to listen and learn from attendees
regarding your thoughts and ideas for meeting workshop
objectives!
• What are Winthrop’s biggest challenges?
• Think infrastructure, societal, environment
• What are your goals for the day and do you hope to gain
from your participation in the workshop today?
Agenda
▪ 7:30 – 8:00 | Registration
▪ 8:00 – 8:30 | Welcome & Overview
▪ 8:30 – 9:00 | CRB Workshop Why Are We Here?
▪ 9:00 – 9:30 | Identify Challenges & Goals
▪ 9:30 – 10:00 | Background Information About Winthrop
▪ 10:00 – 10:30 | Climate Change (Mass Audubon)
▪ 10:30 – 11:00 | Characterize Natural Hazards
▪ 11:00 – 12:30 | Identify Community Vulnerabilities & Strengths
▪ 12:30 – 1:30 | LUNCH!
▪ 1:30 – 2:00 | Natural Infrastructure Solutions (The Nature Conservancy)
▪ 2:00 – 3:30 | Identify & Prioritize Community Actions
▪ 3:30 – 4:00 | CRB Workshop Recap & Wrap Up
Winthrop, MA
April 6, 2018
Community Resiliency Building Workshop
Winthrop, MA
April 6, 2018
Background Information
Agenda
▪ 7:30 – 8:00 | Registration
▪ 8:00 – 8:30 | Welcome & Overview
▪ 8:30 – 9:00 | CRB Workshop Why Are We Here?
▪ 9:00 – 9:30 | Identify Challenges & Goals
▪ 9:30 – 10:00 | Background Information About Winthrop
▪ 10:00 – 10:30 | Climate Change (Mass Audubon)
▪ 10:30 – 11:00 | Characterize Natural Hazards
▪ 11:00 – 12:30 | Identify Community Vulnerabilities & Strengths
▪ 12:30 – 1:30 | LUNCH!
▪ 1:30 – 2:00 | Natural Infrastructure Solutions (The Nature Conservancy)
▪ 2:00 – 3:30 | Identify & Prioritize Community Actions
▪ 3:30 – 4:00 | CRB Workshop Recap & Wrap Up
Background Information
▪ Population: 17,497 (as of 2010
Census)
▪ Located on a peninsula
▪ 1.6 square miles | 7 mile shoreline
▪ Connected to Revere by a narrow
piece of land and to East Boston by a
bridge over the Belle Isle Marsh
▪ Densely populated
▪ One of the oldest communities in the
United States (settled in 1630)
Winthrop Age Distribution
▪ Median Age in 2010: 43.7
Population Projections
▪ Population projected to get older
▪ Slight increase in age 25 – 34
Environmental Justice Population – English Isolation
Background Information
▪ Winthrop is the only
landside connection to
the Massachusetts
Water Resource
Authority Deer Island
Wastewater Treatment
Plant
▪ The plant removes
human, household,
business and
industrial pollutants
from wastewater that
originates in homes
and businesses in 43
greater Boston
communities.
Transportation, Water, Sewer & Solid Waste
▪ Winthrop is served by State Route
145 which connects community to
Revere.
▪ Served by bus service.
▪ Water is supplied by the MWRA.
• The Town maintains an extensive
distribution system.
▪ Sewer is Town owned and
maintained – connects to MWRA
interceptor and is treated at Deer
Island.
▪ Curbside solid waste recycling
contract managed by DPW.
Environmental Features
▪ Located in Mystic River
Watershed.
▪ Only body of surface water in
town is Lewis Lake.
▪ Home to a portion of Belle Isle
Marsh – the last remaining salt
marsh in the metro Boston area.
▪ Major wetland areas in Town are
all coastal/tidal.
Environmental/Natural Features & Parks
▪ Winthrop Beach
▪ Yirrell Beach
▪ Donovan’s Beach
▪ Pico Playground & Beach
▪ Fisherman’s Bend
▪ Belle Isle Marsh
▪ Lewis Lake/Winthrop Golf Club
▪ Coughlin Park
▪ Ingleside Park
Severe Weather
▪ 16 coastal flood events between
2006 – 2014 resulting in over
$3M in property damage
• 3 coastal flood events during the
first quarter of 2018!
▪ 40 heavy snowfall events
between 1996 – 2014
▪ 10 severe winter storms recorded
between 1978 – 2013 – seven of
which occurred after the year
2000
Winthrop Hazard Mitigation Plan
▪ FEMA Approved
▪ Identifies the following natural hazards that impact
Winthrop: flooding, wind, hurricane, nor’easter,
wildfire, tornado, landslide, earthquake
“Winthrop Hazard Mitigation Plan
Highlighted Potential Hazard Mitigation Actions
* Complete the Yurrell Beach seawall extension.
* Upgrade the storm drain system in the area between Winthrop Shore Dnve and Lewis Lake.
+ Add coastal storm surge and flooding protection for the Shirley Street neighborhood adjacent
to Winthrop Shore Drive.
+ Complete the drainage assessment at Ingleside Park and upgrade existing drainage
infrastructure.
Provide for more frequent maintenance of Town-owned drainage infrastructure.
Finish mapping all stormwater outfalls and catch basins on GIS.
Incorporate hazard education awareness, mitigation planning and natural hazard incentives into
Town planning and community development operations.
TOWN OF WINTHROp
HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
2014 UPDATE
FINAL PLAN APPROVED By FEMA
August 3, 2015
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Resilient Winthrop
▪ Goal of project to identify and prioritize
critical public infrastructure and explore
adaptation measures to improve
infrastructure and natural resource
resilience in a number of future
conditions.
▪ Within mapped coastal flooding areas
are critical public infrastructure
assets/facilities that support daily life in
Winthrop
• Sewer Pump Stations, Evacuation
Routes, Substation, Pressure Reducing
Valve Stations, Winthrop High School,
Fire Station, Town Landing, others…
“Critical Public Infrastructure
A) Beach Fire Station
O Belle Isle Bridge
@ Loring Rd. Boat Ramp
(D) Main Street (evacuation route)
@ Pico Sewer Pump Station
@ Pleasant Court Sewer Pump Station
(G) Pleasant Street (evacuation route)
@ Power Substation (Argyle Street)
@ Pressure Reducing Valve Station (Bayview Ave)
J) Pressure Reducing Valve Station (Revere St)
K) Pressure Reducing Valve Station (Underhill St)
@ Public Landing
@ Revere St. Sewer Pump Station
(Ni) Shirley Street (evacuation route)
© Washington Street (evacuation route)
@ Winthrop High School
Figure 4-1 Town-identified i
Critical Public Infrastructure %
Locations DEER
ISLAND
A
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Coastal Resiliency at Coughlin Park
▪ Specific plan to increase resiliency at
Coughlin Park.
▪ Report evaluated installations that could
help slow erosion and identified green
infrastructure along the western
shoreline as the best alternative to
increase coastal resilience of the park.
Other Work in Winthrop
▪ Winthrop Harbor Plan
▪ Improvements along Winthrop Shore
Drive, Winthrop Beach, Tafts Avenue,
Lewis Lake
▪ Community Development Plan
Other Work in Winthrop
▪ Sewer improvements on Putnam Street, Putnam Place and Walden Street. Project
included water main replacement on Jefferson Street and Fremont Street and upgrades
to a section of the drainage system at the intersection of Jefferson Street and Putnam
Street.
▪ Sewer, water, drain and sidewalk improvements on Walden Street, Lincoln Street, Read
Street, Walden Place and Jerald Street. Drainage improvements included upgrading
existing drainage to increase capacity in portions of Walden St., Lincoln St. and
approximately 550 LF along Brookfield Rd. to the outfall structure at Donovan’s Beach.
▪ Water main, drain and sewer improvements on Bellevue Avenue, Prescott Street,
Somerset Avenue, Nahant Avenue and Sewall Avenue.
▪ Water main improvements with some sewer repairs on Plummer Ave., Woodside Ave,
Woodside Park, Frances St., Sunnyside Ave, Pico Ave, Corinha Beach Rd. and
throughout the neighborhoods surrounding the water tower.
▪ Sewer and water main improvements on Franklin Street and Harvard Street.
Other Work in Winthrop
▪ Water main on Central Street, South Main Street, Hutchinson Street, Taylor Street
and Underhill Street. Drainage improvements on Taylor Street and Hadassah
Way. Pavement and sidewalk improvements on Winthrop Street.
▪ Lewis Lake Tide Gate – Replace existing failed automated tide gate with new
automated tide gate. Provided a manually operated tide gate on seaward side to
provide needed redundancy.
▪ Miller Field/Lewis Lake Drainage and Site Improvements: Complete renovation of
Miller Field including site drainage improvements and improvements to swales
along the Veterans Road and Cross Street at the Winthrop Golf Club.
▪ Various water and sewer emergency repairs.
▪ Current projects include infrastructure improvements in the Centre Business
District and shoreline stabilization at Coughlin Park.
Severe Weather
▪ Areas of local flooding include:
• Yirrell Beach
• Nahant Avenue
• Belle Isle Marsh
• Winthrop Beach
• Point Shirley
• Lewis Lake
• Ingleside Park
• Lower Nahant Avenue
• Coughlin Park
• Fisherman’s Bend Marsh
• Pico Avenue
• Morton Street
Severe Weather
▪ Flooding at Jefferson Street/Putnam Street intersection: Previous improvements helped reduce the
frequency of flooding in this area. Additional infrastructure improvements planned under the Centre
Business District project are designed to provide additional capacity for larger storm events.
▪ Ingleside Park/Walden Street: Area floods when intense storm events coincide with rising tides. Previous
improvements have reportedly helped alleviate the frequency and duration of flooding in this
area. Additional improvements to the outfall and outfall structure at Donovan’s Beach and the drainage
system in Ingleside Park have been recommended to further alleviate flooding issues.
▪ Flooding continues at the Winthrop Golf Course. Grading proposed to improve these conditions under the
Miller Field/Lewis Lake Drainage and Site Improvements project were not constructed due to funding
concerns.
▪ Morton Street, Pico Avenue, Washington Avenue and Shirley Street: Significant flooding has occurred in
these areas during recent storms. The Town will be evaluating options to improve these conditions.
▪ Coughlin Park shoreline: Significant erosion continues to occur along this shoreline. The Town is in the
process of permitting improvements for a shoreline stabilization project. Construction of these
improvements is anticipated to begin in late 2018 or early 2019.
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WHAT ABOUT THE
FUTURE?
Flood Risk
▪ According to Boston Harbor Flood
Risk Model – 480 acres (45%) of
Winthrop’s 1.6 miles is within a
coastal flooding area.
▪ By 2070, 800 acres (60%) will be
within a coastal flooding area.
▪ The flood area does not expand
dramatically, but the depth of flooding
during a storm event DOES.
Areas of Probable Flooding
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Figure 3-3 Winthrop Areas of Probable Flooding TY
Depth of Flooding (1% Change Water Level)
Annual Maximum Temperature
Annual Maximum Temperature Observed
Suffolk County, MA °F
Ve 5-yr Mean ' [
= 0 \ ad
7448 @resiuent MA
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240
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if 2056-2060 N E C SC &
70 Max 68.44 Ww Nowheas onatinatace 5S
68 - Median 64.64 4
Min 61.53 “YY
66-4
Changes from
64- 1971-2000 for:
2020 - 3.40°
62-5 2049 F
2040 - 4.64"
60 - - 8 2069 F
- 2060 - 5.69°
58 2089 F
56- 2080 - 6.38"
Year
T T T T T T T 1 2097 F A
1960 1980 2000 2020 2040 2060 #2080 ym
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Annual Minimum Temperature Observed
Suffolk County, MA °F ) mye
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507 Min 4282 4
48 - Changes from
46 1971-2000 for:
4 2020 - 3.62°
44 2049 F
427 2040 - 5.02"
40- 2069 F
38-4 2060 - 6.25
2089 F
36 | T T T T T T T Year 2080 7 6.81"
1960 1980 2000 2020 2040 2060 2080 2097 F A
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Annual Days With Maximum Temperature Above 90
Annual Days With Maximum Temperature Above 100
“Annual Total Precipitation
Annual Total Precipitation
Observed
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2020 - "
2049 0.94
304 2040 - 1
2069 2.42
257 2060 -
2.78"
Year 2089 /
20 T T T T T T T 1 2080 _
1960 1980 2000 2020 2040 2060 2080 377'
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Agenda
▪ 7:30 – 8:00 | Registration
▪ 8:00 – 8:30 | Welcome & Overview
▪ 8:30 – 9:00 | CRB Workshop Why Are We Here?
▪ 9:00 – 9:30 | Identify Challenges & Goals
▪ 9:30 – 10:00 | Background Information About Winthrop
▪ 10:00 – 10:30 | Climate Change (Mass Audubon)
▪ 10:30 – 11:00 | Characterize Natural Hazards
▪ 11:00 – 12:30 | Identify Community Vulnerabilities & Strengths
▪ 12:30 – 1:30 | LUNCH!
▪ 1:30 – 2:00 | Natural Infrastructure Solutions (The Nature Conservancy)
▪ 2:00 – 3:30 | Identify & Prioritize Community Actions
▪ 3:30 – 4:00 | CRB Workshop Recap & Wrap Up
Winthrop, MA
April 6, 2018
Community Resiliency Building Workshop
www.CommunityResilienceBuilding.com
Community Resilience Building Risk Matrix rate
Top Priority Hazards (tornado, floods, wildfire, hurricanes, earthquake, drought, sea level rise, heat wave, etc.)
Priority Time
|H-M-L priority for action over the Short or Long term (and Ongoing)
Short Long
H-M-L Ongoing
V = Vulnerability $= Strength
Features | Location |Ownership| V or S
Infrastructural
Societal
Environmental
A
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Daniel Brown
Climate Change Program Coordinator
dbrown@massaudubon.org
Climate Change in Winthrop
Key changes already observed in
Massachusetts.
2.9 ° F
Since 1895
Temperature:
11 Days
Since 1950
Growing Season:
11 inches
Since 1922
Sea Level Rise:
55%
Since 1958
Strong Storms:
Source: Climate Science Special Report, 2017; NOAA NCEI nClimDiv ; NOAA Ocean Service
Suffolk County Projected Changes
(2040 - 2069)
4.9 ° F
Annual Average
Temperature
2.4 feet Sea Level Rise
44%
Days with >2”
Precipitation
Source: Northeast Climate Science Center, MassClimateChange.org, Values shown for the Blackstone River Watershed.
19 Days Days Above 90 ° F
15000 BCE
What’s in a degree?
During the last ice
age, temperatures
were 9°F cooler
than today.
©2010,
Google
et
Source: NCICS State Climate Summaries. Observational data from NOAA nClimDiv dataset. Accessed 2017.
Adaptation Mitigation
Source: Northeast Climate Science Center, MassClimateChange.org, accessed 2018.
Changing Energy Use and Demand
More Warm Winter Days, Less Heating Demand
(based on annual Heating Degree - Days, base 65)
More Warm Summer Days, More Cooling Demand
(based on annual Cooling Degree - Days, base 65)
11 – 24%
by the 2050s
44 – 120%
by the 2050s
1971 - 2000
6079 Heating Degree - days
1971 - 2000
636 Cooling Degree - days
Source: Northeast Climate Science Center, MassClimateChange.org, accessed 2018.
With drastic global emissions reductions
With “business - as - usual” emissions
Belle,|s leg
Marsh
mW
Belle
Isle Inlet
Boston Harbor
3’ SLR
Boston Harbor
SF ae
Marsh
Ne A
Belle
Isle Inlet
Golf Club:
Boston Harbor
Boston Harbor
Typical Downscaled and Global Climate
Model Resolution
Elevation data from PRISM, shown at 200 km and 24 km resolutions. Elevation profile is a key local and regional factor on cli mat e .
Climate Change Indicators by Geographic Scale
HUC - 8 Watersheds State
2050s Annual Average Temperature Change
Climate Data and Planning
• The current and projected trajectory of many
changes in climate are clear.
• Local variations are most often within the projected
margin of error of climate models. Local variations
are usually not practically significant.
• The resolution of climate data is not usually a
limiting factor in planning. At the local scale, other
factors may play a larger role.
More Precipitation
Source: NOAA Changes are calculated from a linear regression of annual totals from 1895 - 2015, 1901 - 2000 reference period.
1.2 trillion more gallons of
water equivalent falling on
Massachusetts each year.
~9,700 filled Prudential Towers
Total annual precipitation
has increased by:
15%
Change in 24 - hour, 100 - year
Design Storms (inches)
NOAA TP - 40 NOAA Atlas 14 Change
Taunton 6.9” 7.7” 12%
Boston 6.6” 7.8” 18%
Worcester 6.5” 7.6” 17%
NOAA Atlas 14: http://hdsc.nws.noaa.gov/hdsc/pfds/
An anecdotal rule of thumb for
anticipating changes in extreme
precipitation…
Models often project a return
period shorter by a factor of 2 to 4.
Often:
But projections vary place - to - place.
10 - year
storm
25 - year
storm
100 - year
storm
An anecdotal rule of thumb for
anticipating changes in extreme
precipitation…
Models often project a return
period shorter by a factor of 2 to 4.
Often:
But projections vary place - to - place.
10%
Annual Chance
4%
Annual Chance
1%
Annual Chance
Long - term change doesn’t rule
out shorter - term variability.
Example: Even as average
temperatures warm, we will
still experience winter storms.
Impact Example: Water Infrastructure
Freeze Vulnerability
Rising winter temperatures
reduce spring snow cover.
+
Risk of spring cold snaps
remains relatively stable.
=
Increased subsurface
freeze risk
Impact Example: Public Health
Algal Blooms
Warmer Lake
Temperatures
Stronger Storms
Changed Lake
Dynamics
Greater Nutrient Loading
More Runoff
Algal Blooms,
Fish Kills
West Monponsett Pond, Halifax, Massachusetts
Suffolk County Projected Changes
(2040 - 2069)
4.9 ° F
Annual Average
Temperature
2.4 feet Sea Level Rise
44%
Days with >2”
Precipitation
Source: Northeast Climate Science Center, MassClimateChange.org, Values shown for the Blackstone River Watershed.
19 Days Days Above 90 ° F
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY //1
N AT U R A L & N AT U R E - B A S E D
S O LU T I O N S FO R V U L B E R A B I L I T Y
R E D U C T I O N & R E S I L I E N C E Sara Burns
Sara.burns@tnc.org
What We’ve Learned Today
• We are all here to be
proactive and find solutions!
• Climate change is already
affecting how we experience
storms.
• Winthrop is a great place
with many strengths and
coming challenges.
Suffolk County Projected Changes
(2040 - 2069)
4.9 ° F
Annual Average
Temperature
2.4 feet Sea Level Rise
44%
Days with >2”
Precipitation
Source: Northeast Climate Science Center, MassClimateChange.org, Values shown for the Blackstone River Watershed.
19 Days Days Above 90 ° F
Key Observed Climate Changes in
Suffolk County
What’s the problem?
Source: EPA
Impervious
surface Runoff
Large lawns Fertilizer
impervious
surfaces increased
precipitation
stormwater &
WQ issues
flooding &
infrastructure
damage
increased
temperature
heat - related
illnesses
Climate change Development
more cooling
shelters
Impacts : dry rivers, flooding, algae blooms,
erosion, beach closures
There are real solutions.
One of the best adaptation
practices is preserving natural
areas.
Nature - Based Solutions
Nature - Based Solutions use natural systems, mimic natural processes, or
work in tandem with traditional approaches to address natural hazards like flooding ,
erosion , drought , and heat islands .
Green
Infrastructure
Low Impact
Development (LID)
Solutions for Every Place
Conserve the natural green infrastructure already providing free ecosystem
services
Integrate LID and green infrastructure design into development
Restore the resiliency of landscapes through LID
Conserve
Pingry Hill, Ayer,
MA
Conserve the natural green infrastructure already providing free
ecosystem services
Integrate LID and green infrastructure design into development
Restore the resiliency of landscapes through LID
Integrate
Conserve the natural green infrastructure already providing free ecosystem services
Integrate LID and green infrastructure design into development
Restore the resiliency of landscapes through LID
Restore
North Street, Pittsfield, MA
Conserve the natural green infrastructure already providing free ecosystem services
Integrate LID and green infrastructure design into development
Restore resiliency of landscapes through nature based solutions
Avoided Costs
Heat island
effects
Stormwater
flooding
Riverine
flooding
Coastal
flooding
Coastal
erosion
Nature - based
solutions
Hazards Municipal benefits
Environmental
Services
Ecosystem restoration
Open space preservation
Low Impact Development
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Enhanced Safety
Integrate
Conserve
Restore
Source: Center for Neighborhood Technology’s The Value of Green Infrastructure
Co - benefits
Land Protection as
Water Protection
• Quabbin & Wachusett Reservoirs
serve 2.5 million
• Over 20 years, Massachusetts Water
Resources Authority spent $130M to
protect 22,000 acres of watershed
lands
• Avoided ratepayer cost of $250M on
a filtration plant and $4M/ yr in
operations
MassLive
Avoided Costs
Avoided costs
Enhance Safety: Charles River Natural Valley
Storage Area. US Army Corps of Engineers
● 8,095 Acres Conserved
● From 1977 - 2016, the
project has provided
$11,932,000 in flood
protective services
● Co - benefits include
recreation and natural
resource benefits
http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil - Works/Flood -
Risk - Management/Massachusetts/Charles - River - NVS/
Enhanced Safety
Massachusetts Forests
Mitigate Climate Change
• MA forests sequester 14% of
the state’s gross annual carbon
emissions
• Average acre stores 85 tons
carbon
• Capacity increases over time as
forests mature
Environmental
Services
Environmental
Services
Return on Investment
Studies in MA
Trust for Public Land
• Outdoor recreation generates:
• $10 billion in consumer spending
• $739 million in state and local tax
revenue
• 90,000 jobs
• $3.5 billion in annual wages and salaries
• Agriculture, forestry, commercial fishing, and
related activities generate:
• $13 billion in output
• 147,000 MA Jobs
• Conservation Projects Return $4 : $1 spent Environmental
Services Avoided Costs
Restoration results in
• 12.5 jobs and
• $1.75 Million economic output
• “Restoration economy” in
Massachusetts
Return on Investment
Studies in MA
Div. of Ecological Restoration
Avoided Costs
Environmental
Services Enhanced Safety
• Wetlands saved $625,000,000 in
direct flooding damages in New
Jersey
• In New England, wetlands reduce
storm damage by approximately
16%
Return on Investment
Studies Northeast US
Scientific Reports
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598 - 017 - 09269 - z
Avoided
Costs
Environmental
Services Enhanced
Safety
Resources for Nature - Based Solutions
Bylaws/Ordinances
• EEA’s Smart Growth Toolkit access to information on planning, zoning, subdivision, site design, and building construction
techniques
• Guide for Supporting LID in Local Land Use Regulations provides a framework for communities to review their zoning, rules,
and regulations for a number of factors.
Guidance/Case Studies
• Naturally Resilient Communities successful project case studies from across the country to help communities learn and
identify nature - based solutions
• EPA’s Soak Up the Rain stormwater outreach tools, how - to guides and resources
• EPA’s RAINE database of vulnerability, resilience and adaptation reports, plans and webpages at the state, regional and
community level.
• Climate Action Tool explore adaptation strategies and actions to help maintain healthy, resilient wildlife communities in the
face of climate change.
Cost/Benefit
• EPA’s Green Infrastructure cost/cost - benefit/tools Database of tools for comparing solution costs
• Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration’s economic benefits of aquatic restoration based on MA case studies
Mapping/Planning
• Mapping and Prioritizing Parcels for Resilience (MAPPR) ID priority parcels for protection and climate change resilience
• Living Shorelines in New England: State of the Practice and Profile Pages for Solutions are case studies, siting criteria, and
regulatory challenges for coastal resilience in New England.
• Low Impact Development Fact Sheets cover valuing green infrastructure, conservation design, development techniques,
regulations, urban waters, and cost calculations.
> Naturally RESILIENT Communities
HELP ME CHOOSE
Hazard Types
C Coastal Erosion
I Tidal Flooding
Coastal Flooding
fl Riverine Erosion
ll Riverine Flooding
CO) Stormwater Flooding
Region
O Coastal West
O Great Lakes
Gut of Mexico
0 Mid-Atiantic
O Midwest
1 Northeast
O Pacific Northwest
(1 Rocky Mountain West
O Southeast
O Southwest
Community Type
OD Rural
OO Suburban
@ Urban
Scale
1 Community
Neighborhood
@ Site
Cost
™@s
Oss
sss
O ssss
CLEAR ALL
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SOLUTIONS
14 Results
CASE STUDIES
0 Results
Coastal Marshes
| Const Erston |
| Coastal Flooding
Coastal wetlands occur along marine, estuarine, and
freshwater coastlines and may be
Restoring Coastal Features
Natural coastlines have evolved to absorb wave
energy and provide a buffer
fe yer
rin
Waterfront Parks
Peveene roo]
Waterfront parks are communal recreational spaces
that are intentionally designed to be
Beaches and Dunes
Beaches and dunes occur in a variety of shapes,
sizes, compositions, and
Open Space Preservation through
Land Acquisition
— -] a4 '
Restoring Offshore Features
Restoration is the process of establishing or
reestablishing a habitat that closely.
Moving People Out of Harm's Way:
Property Buyouts
ee Gn)
This strategy focuses on the public acquisition of
undeveloped land to lessen.
Breakwaters are offshore structures designed to limit
wave energy by creating a
Property buyouts are a means by which communities
can remove development from
Rain Gardens
Rain gardens are planted basins which have several
key purposes including, increasing
http://nrcsolutions.org/
Living Shorelines Green Roofs
| Stonmuater Flooding
Living shorelines are a suite of shoreline erosion A green roof is a contained vegetated space that is
control techniques that combine built on top.
Bioswales
Daylighting Rivers and Streams
| stormaater Flooding |
Daylighting rivers or streams is the process of
removing obstructions (such as
Bioswales are an aesthetically-pleasing alternative to
concrete gutters and storm sewers, employing
Green Parking Lots
Green parking lots incorporate permeable or semi-
permeable paving and porous design techniques.
Dune - Natural
Dune building projects involve the placement of compatible sediment on an existing dune, or creation of an artificial dune by building up a mound of sediment at
the back of the beach. This may be a component of a beach nourishment effort or a stand alone project.
Objectives: erosion control; shoreline protection; dissipate wave energy; enhanced wildlife and shorebird habitat.
Design Schematics
Added Sedimant to Back Dune Area for Dune Restaration
Added Sediment for Dune Restoration
NOT TO SCALE
Case Study Project Ferry Beach Park Association (FBPA)
Proponent
Ferry Beach, Saco, Maine ; ; == Completed 2009
Relatively high beach and dune erosion (approximately 3 feet
per year) prompted the FPA to undertake a dune restoration | Permitting Permit-by-Rule needed from Maine DEP
project to help protect roads and homes from flooding and | Insights
erosion. Given the relatively high erosion rate, it was decided - ‘An 800 foot long dune was built to 4
‘that placing sediment for restoration seaward of the existing os secondary
dur - - Notes foot above the effective FEMA 100-year BFE. A
ne would be short-lived. A secondary frontal dune ridge : =
es secondary dune was built because erosion of the
landward of the existing dune crest was constructed . =
instead, allowing native vegetation to establish. TS SE SIS SS
a year) to have a successful project. 1,800 cy of
truck from a local gravel pit. Construction and
“ a « planting occurred in early spring. Volunteers
Maintenance Sand fencing was used to help trap sediment in
Issues the constructed dune, and to help maintain the
seaward edge of the original dune. However,
shoreline erosion has continued; as of May 2017
the restored dune has started to erode.
Final Cost $29,000 and volunteer hours
Challenges Trucking $0 dump-truck loads of sediment
Ferry Beach, Saco, ME
Photo courtesy of Peter Slovinsky
through the community. Construction and
planting timing windows associated with piping
plover nesting. Continued erosion.
Overview of Technique
Materials
Habitat Components
Durability and Maintenance
Design Life
Ecological Services Provided
Unique Adaptations to NE
Challenges (e.g. ice, winter
storms, cold temps)
Sediment is brought in from an offsite source, such as a sand and gravel pit or coastal
dredging project.+ Planting the dune with native, salt-tolerant, erosion-control
vegetation (e.g., beach grass Ammophilia breviliguiata) with extensive root systems is
highly recommended to help hold the sediments in place.+*+ Sand fencing can also be
installed to trap windblown sand to help maintain and build the volume of a dune.+**
Dunes planted with native beach grass can provide significant wildlife habitat.$
The height, length, and width of a dune relative to the size of the predicted storm waves
and storm surge determines the level of protection the dune can provide.* To maintain
an effective dune, sediment may need to be added regularly to keep dune's height,
width, and volume at appropriate levels.* The seaward slope of the dune should
typically be less steep than 3:1 (base:height).+° Dunes with vegetation perform more
effidently, ensuring stability, greater energy dissipation, and resistance to erosion.*° If
plantings were included, plants should be replaced if they are removed by storm or die.*
Dunes typically erode during storm events. In areas with no beach at high tide, dune
projects will be short lived as sediments are rapidly eroded and redistributed to the
nearshore.* Designs should consider techniques that enhance or maintain the dune
(e.g. sand fencing and/or vegetation to trap wind blown sand).
The added sediment from dune projects supports the protective capacity of the entire
beach system (i.e., dune, beach, and nearshore area). Any sand eroded from the dune
during a storm, supplies a reservoir of sand to the fronting beach and nearshore area.+?
Dunes dissipate rather than reflect wave energy, as is the case with hard structures.*
Dunes also act as a barrier to storm surges and flooding, protecting landward coastal
resources, and reducing overwash events.*° Sand dunes provide a unique wildlife
habitat?
Shorter planting and construction window due to shorter growing season. Utilization of
irrigation to establish plants quickly. Presence of sensitive species may require design
(e.g. slope, plant density) and timing adjustments.
Beach Nourishment
Beach nourishment is the placement of sediment along the shoreline of an eroding beach from outside source. It widens and/or elevates the beach and usually
moves the shoreline seaward, increasing the natural protection that a beach can provide against wave energy and storms. This may be a component of a dune
restoration/creation effort or a stand alone project.
Objectives: erosion control; shoreline protection; enhance recreation; increased access; dissipate wave energy; enhanced wildlife and shorebird habitat.
Design Schematics
Case Study
Winthrop, MA Beach Nourishment
Applied Coastal Research & Engineering, inc. designed the
Winthrop Beach Nourishment Program to provide storm
protection to an upland urban area fronted by a seawall
originally constructed in 1899. The project utilized 460,000 cy
of compatible sediment to nourish approximately 4,200 linear
feet and to create the equilibrated designed berm width of
100 feet. Once the beach nourishment was completed in late
2014, the high tide shoreline was pushed more than 150 feet
from the seawall, with a gradual slope extending
approximately 350 feet offshore.
Massachusetts Division of Conservation and
Recreation (DCR)
Phase 1: 2013; Phase 2: 2014
Offshore sediment source was denied by Army
Corps after 2 12-year permitting process.
Conservation Permit required from NHESP to
address potential impacts to Piping Plovers.
Upland derived mix of sand, gravel and cobble to
match the existing beach sediments was
from two sources: sand borrow (80%) and
naturally rounded cobble & gravel (205).
| i ui
Cobble berms have begun forming along the
beach, which conflicts with community recreation
goals, requiring additional sand for aestheitcs.
Permitting: $2,000,000 {including attempt to
permit offshore borrow site.
Construction: $22,000,000 (included work on
coastal engineering structures).
community with two roads in and out, as well as
roadway damage and air quality impacts
associated with 16,000+ truck trips. Public
perception of compatible sediment.
Materials
Habitat Components
Durability and Maintenance
Design Life
Ecological Services Provided
Unique Adaptations to NE
Challenges (e.g. ice, winter
storms, cold temps)
Sediment is brought in from an offsite source, such as a sand and gravel pit or coastal
dredging project.*
Beaches nourished with compatible sediments can provide significant wildlife
habitat.+*
A coarser sand may erode more slowly than a finer sand.* To maintain an effective
beach berm, sediment may need to be added regularly maintain the desired beach
profile.£4+ The need to replenish the beach depends upon the rate of erosion at the
particular site, but is typically once every 1-5 years.©
To increase erosion and flooding protection, nourished beaches are frequently built
higher and wider than would occur naturally.** Grain size (e.g. sand, gravel, cobble)
drives appropriate design slopes; gentler slopes generally perform better than steep
areas. However, coarser grain sizes allow for steeper project slopes.
A nourishment beach can provide additional beach habitat area. Added sediment used
for the nourishment can also provide a sand source for surrounding areas. The
increased width and height of the beach berm can help attenuate wave energy.*°
Beach nourishment sites subject to ice impacts are generally most successfully
stabilized with gentler slopes (e.g., 6:1-10:1).* Presence of sensitive species may
require design (e.g. slope, plant density) and timing adjustments.
Coastal Bank — Coastal bank protection, including slope grading, terracing, and toe protection and vegetation planting will reduce the steepness and protect the toe of the bank
from further erosion. Engineered cores, of sand filled tubes, provide added protection from future bank erosion.
Engineered Core
Objectives: erosion control; shoreline protection; dissipate wave energy; enhanced wildlife habitat.
Design Schematics Design Overview
Max diheerathal eau teciytseatid cas Siseictnand Materials An engineered core could be constructed using coir envelopes, which are coir fabric
filled with sand. Cutback/excavated material should be used to fill the coir envelopes
a ae BE ERY but supplemental offsite material may be required. Anchors are necessary to secure
Pranted Sa-Tolerent, Netive Vegetation the envelopes. Native vegetation with extensive root systems are often used in
conjunction with coir envelopes to help stabilize the site. Also, natural fiber blankets
can also be used to stabilize the ground surface while plants become established.
Regrade stone 1 i
g Ae as ibesa ign wae (Blankets should be run up and down the slope rather than horizontally across it.)
Fee a * = _ Habitat Components Because they are made with natural fibers and planted with vegetation, natural fiber
Aroa to be Excavatod Tubes for Added Existing Geach Topograp! blankets also help preserve the natural character and habitat value of the coastal
fo lostall Sand FiNed Tubes: Too Protection environment.
NOT TO SCALE Durability and Maintenance Aveneer of sand/sediment should be maintained over the sand filled tubes to prolong
their lifetime. Regular maintenance, such as resetting, anchoring, replacement, or
recovering, can increase the effectiveness of the project.* Invasive species management
Case Study Project City of Cranston, Ri, Edgewood Waterfront should be incorporated into the project. Runoff management and groundwater will also
Proponent Preservation Association (EWPA), Save The Bay, be crucial to project success.
i Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
a Cove, Garston o 4 ai vest Design Life As the sand tube material and natural fiber blankets disintegrate, typically over 5-10
Stillhouse Cove is the site of a public park and a previous | status ‘Completed in 2013. Maintained in 2014 {added a - eae
salt marsh restoration project that was completed in 2007. coir logs and plantings). years, the plants take over the job of site stabilization.
Restoration of the coastal bank was initiated after = = — . . .
Superstorm Sandy caused extensive erosion which over- | Permitting The project had several iterations but was finally Ecological Services Provided Upland plantings stabilize bluffs and reduce rainwater runoff*+
steepened the bank and washed fill and soil into the Insights permitted =e Sandy Emergency Assent. An
adjacent marsh. Save The Bay and EWA, working closely Sap PR TERE SEAL Unique Adaptations to NE Shorter planting and construction window due to shorter growing season. Utilization of
with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, seaming fonding within the permit time frame: . a irrigati fi i i
: s g 7 — Challenges (e.g. ice, winter irrigation to establish plants quickly. Freeze and thaw processes can damage this
developed a design to reinforce and protect the eroding | Construction A key component of this project was regrading design. Consideration should be given to the slope aspect and the implications on
bank by reconfiguring the slope and using natural materials | Notes the bank from a vertical cut to create a more storms, cold temps) ESERIES ARSE SSS ate
and vegetation. gradual slope. Once the slope was regraded, PI gro ng ee .
sand filled coir envelopes were installed, covered
. with soil and planted with salt tolerant
Construction at Stilihouse Cove, Ri vegetation.
Photos courtesy of Janet Freedman
3 coir logs were installed at the southern end of
project and planted with warm season grasses as
part of the Dept. of interior Hurricane Sandy
Relief Grant Program. The base of the bank will
be more frequently inundated as sea levels rise_
Construction: $59,006 plus volunteer labor.
Funding and coordination with partners and
volunteers.
HELP ME CHOOSE
Hazard Types
SOLUTIONS
10 Results
CASE STUDIES
O Results
@ Coastal Erosion
1 Tidal Flooding
@@ Coastal Flooding
@ Riverine Erosion - :
Regulatory and Policy Approaches Enhanced Floodplain Mapping Bioswales
to Address Hazards Natural Hazards [Coarin Erocion | Riverina Fiooaing | Foverina Econ
[ Cosetat Erocion | Riverine Ficoding | Feveries Erocoe [coastal Erosion | overt Ficocina | [ceaciat Fooaing | or Flooding | Tidal Fooaing | tormatar Fading |
. | Casctat Flooding jf 8 ter Flooding | Thdat Flocains | | Comctal Flooding | Btormusier Floeding fj Tidal Flooding | Flooding is a natural process that, in the absence of Bioswales are an aesthetically-pleasing alternative to
Region Flooding is a natural process that, in the absence of Flooding is 3 natural process that, in the absence of Sasser Concenin Guitars sacl shoroy saurets, employee
oO Coastal West human settiements. human settlements,
C0 Great Lakes
CO Gulf of Mexico
0 Mid-Atlantic
0 Midwest
If Northeast
CO Pacific Northwest
(© Rocky Mountain West
OO Southeast i |
1 Southwest sy a
_ Ee oe “3
Community Type Open Space Preservation through Urban Trees * Forests Rain Gardens
0 Rural Land Acquisition
[eosctat eset | rowan ooana | = == ==
a a) ee) Urban foresty is the planned instaliston and Rain gardens are planted basins which have several
: This strategy focuses on the public acquisition of management of trees within an key purposes including, increasing
undeveloped land to lessen
Scale
1 Community
IB Neighborhood
I Site
Cost
$
Oss
O sss
0 ssss ‘ aa =
Green Roofs Green Parking Lots Daylighting Rivers and Streams
lo
CLEAR ALL [tsrirerte Feo a [ iormentar Foostna]
Aggreen roof is a contained vegetated space that is Green parking lots incorporate permeable or semi- Daylighting rivers or streams is the process of
built on top. permeable paving and porous design techniques. removing obstructions (such as.
DOWNLOAD PDF
MVP Example:
identified intersection that floods?
Bioretention bump outs & street trees can
help to…
• capture & filter excess water – alleviate
pressure on MS4
• improved pedestrian safety – better
visibility, shorter walkway
• enhance aesthetics to encourage visitors &
walking
without altering existing parking or bus stops
Enhanced Safety Environmental Services
• MA Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program (CWSRF)
• MA Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM)
• MA Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR)
• MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)
• MA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
• Mass Environmental Trust (MET)
Certified MVP Communities
Receive Priority Ranking Funding
1. Divert your
downspouts
2. Plant a rain garden
3. Replace impervious
surfaces
4. Adopt a drain – and
encourage others to
5. Don’t wash your car
in the driveway
6. Pick up pet waste
7. Reduce fertilizer and
pesticide use
8. Replace lawn with native
plants
9. Reduce lawn watering and
mowing
10. Pick up leaf litter
(compost/dispose of properly)
Ten things local homeowners &
citizens can do
Thank you!
Questions!
Sara Burns
Sara.burns@tnc.org
woodardcurran.com
COMMITMENT & INTEGRITY DRIVE RESULTSrelated records
Records whose documents say similar things, nearest first.
- Flooding & resilienceTown of WinthropMVP action grant applications: Ingleside Park and Morton Street, 2018
- Flooding & resilienceTown of WinthropResilient Winthrop: coastal infrastructure and climate change, 2017
- Flooding & resilienceMetropolitan Area Planning CouncilHazard Mitigation Plan, 2025 update (draft)