the municipality), and the structure’s elevation data (obtained by hiring a surveyor or engineer). If the structure is not in a SFHA, the homeowner will not be bound by the town’s flood hazard regulations and will not be required to purchase flood insurance, thus, it may prove to be a worthwhile investment where it appears there may be an error on the FIRM map or where the waterway has shifted course such that the floodplain itself has been altered.
Flood Hazard Regulations Pertaining to Alterations to Waterways Prior to making any change to a waterway, including efforts to restore the
waterway to its pre-disaster condition, the client must obtain a permit from the ZA and, depending upon the amount of work to be done, may need to obtain a permit from ANR as well.
If a homeowner’s land may be facing imminent damage because it is next to a
river or stream that has eroded its banks, the homeowner may be able to obtain free and immediate assistance from the Natural Resources Conservation Services’ Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP). The EWP is administered through the Vermont offices of the USDA located in White River Junction and Colchester. The program is designed to help protect property that is in threat of further damage if not immediately repaired. Homeowners cannot apply for assistance on their own. Grants are made to a sponsoring agency, usually the local municipality, which then administers the grant to construct embankment erosion measures to protect existing buildings and structures threatened by erosion.
In applying for funds from the EWP, the sponsoring municipality must sign a
document entitled “Assurances Relating to Real Property Acquisition” and provide the NRCS with an attorney’s opinion that it has sufficient rights from the fee owner of the property to implement the project. In turn, the sponsoring municipality will seek an agreement directly with the fee owner which passes all of the obligations to implement the project to the fee owner including any monetary or in kind contributions. It will also seek indemnifications and hold harmless agreements with the fee owner and impose future restrictions on the use of any land directly involved in the project. More information and contact information for NRCS offices can be found here:
http://www.vt.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/EWP/EWP.pdf.
Water Supplies and Wastewater Disposal Certain natural disasters may adversely affect your water supply or wastewater
disposal system. Flowing waters may disturb the area around your well or debris may damage the well resulting in contamination. As soon as it is safe, you should have your water tested for contaminants. The Vermont Department of health performs these tests. You may obtain a kit from the Vermont Department of Health:
http://healthvermont.gov/enviro/ph_lab/water_test.aspx. Private testing labs can conduct more extensive tests but there is a cost to having a private lab test your water. You
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