US Army Corps of Engineers Levee Safety Program

1. US Army Corps of EngineersLevee Safety Program Good morning everyone! Introduction - My name is Neal Lewis of the Vicksburg District. Today we want to share information about the USACE Levee Safety Program. …..But, first I want to thank Rich Brontoli for inviting us to participate in this annual meeting with all the local levee districts. I’ve been working with red river levee districts in AR and LA for about 2 years now. I’ve enjoyed working with you folks on levee inspections. I hope this information is useful. I also want to thank David Dupre’ and Doyle Mothershed of our Red River Resident Office, for participating in this meeting. I look to David and Doyle for institutional knowledge about the red river levee system as well as their support with evaluating permit requests for work near levees. I don’t know what I would do without them to lead me on these annual levee inspections an all their support. Carl Pigott is also with us today. Carl works with us in our flood control section. Carl also carries a wealth of institutional knowledge about levee systems, maintenance, and just about anything you want to know about levees. Good morning everyone! Introduction - My name is Neal Lewis of the Vicksburg District. Today we want to share information about the USACE Levee Safety Program. …..But, first I want to thank Rich Brontoli for inviting us to participate in this annual meeting with all the local levee districts. I’ve been working with red river levee districts in AR and LA for about 2 years now. I’ve enjoyed working with you folks on levee inspections. I hope this information is useful. I also want to thank David Dupre’ and Doyle Mothershed of our Red River Resident Office, for participating in this meeting. I look to David and Doyle for institutional knowledge about the red river levee system as well as their support with evaluating permit requests for work near levees. I don’t know what I would do without them to lead me on these annual levee inspections an all their support. Carl Pigott is also with us today. Carl works with us in our flood control section. Carl also carries a wealth of institutional knowledge about levee systems, maintenance, and just about anything you want to know about levees.

2. TOPICS Levee Safety Program Overview Regulations/Guidance Permit/Maintenance Levee Certification FEMA Map Mod Program (Region VI) Levee Certification With that said, today we want to talk a little bit about the Corps … -Levee Safety Program -regulations and guidance David will present information about our construction permit process for work near levees and levee maintenance. After we speak, FEMA Region VI representative will present information about FEMA’s map modernization program. We look forward to hearing an update from FEMA on levee certification/map mod program. With that said, today we want to talk a little bit about the Corps … -Levee Safety Program -regulations and guidance David will present information about our construction permit process for work near levees and levee maintenance. After we speak, FEMA Region VI representative will present information about FEMA’s map modernization program. We look forward to hearing an update from FEMA on levee certification/map mod program.

4. Levee Safety… …is the art and science of ensuring the integrity and viability of levees such that they do not present unacceptable risks to the public, property, and the environment What is Levee Safety? Well, here is one definition that the USACE has embraced. What does this say? (Read Slide) The Underlying principles here are: Hold life safety paramount above all other objectives Integrate risk informed methods to safety management Communicate risks openly to the public and stakeholders Risks are shared responsibilities – an informed public is empowered to participate in risk management Build public trustWhat is Levee Safety? Well, here is one definition that the USACE has embraced. What does this say? (Read Slide) The Underlying principles here are: Hold life safety paramount above all other objectives Integrate risk informed methods to safety management Communicate risks openly to the public and stakeholders Risks are shared responsibilities – an informed public is empowered to participate in risk management Build public trust

5. National Levee Safety Program Background: USACE Flood Damage Reduction mission began with the 1917 Flood Control Act Significant Role in flood activities nationwide to include the protection of life and property behind federal levee systems. Hurricane Katrina and Rita devastation in 2005 brought levee safety to the forefront of public awareness Findings of investigations into flood damage reduction system’s performance in New Orleans prompted the need for a comprehensive and risk-informed approach to national levee safety, including periodic assessments. I thought I would give you a little background on how the Corps is involved with the new National Levee Safety Program. The USACE flood damage reduction mission began with the 1917 Flood Control Act. The Act gave the USACE a significant role in flood activities nationwide, to include the protection of life and property behind federal program levee systems. Hurricane Katrina’s and Rita ‘s devastation in 2005 brought levee safety to the forefront of public awareness. The findings of subsequent investigations into the flood damage reduction system’s performance in New Orleans identified a need for a comprehensive and risk-informed approach to national levee safety, including periodic inspections.I thought I would give you a little background on how the Corps is involved with the new National Levee Safety Program. The USACE flood damage reduction mission began with the 1917 Flood Control Act. The Act gave the USACE a significant role in flood activities nationwide, to include the protection of life and property behind federal program levee systems. Hurricane Katrina’s and Rita ‘s devastation in 2005 brought levee safety to the forefront of public awareness. The findings of subsequent investigations into the flood damage reduction system’s performance in New Orleans identified a need for a comprehensive and risk-informed approach to national levee safety, including periodic inspections.

6. National Levee Safety Program Emphasizes Role of Levees in Flood Damage Reduction to avoid loss of life and property damage. NLSP will help achieve 3 goals: Reduce risk and increase public safety through informed public Develop a clear national levee safety policy and standards Maintain a sustainable flood damage reduction system that meets public safety needs National Levee Safety Program – Title IX of Water Resources Development Act of 2007 The Corps’ Levee Safety Program emphasizes the role of levees in flood damage reduction to avoid loss of life and property damage. The program will help achieve 3 goals: Reduce risk and increase public safety through an informed public, empowered to take responsibility for its safety Develop a national levee safety policy and standards Maintain a sustainable flood damage reduction system that meets public safety needs The NLSP was authorized by Title iX of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007.The Corps’ Levee Safety Program emphasizes the role of levees in flood damage reduction to avoid loss of life and property damage. The program will help achieve 3 goals: Reduce risk and increase public safety through an informed public, empowered to take responsibility for its safety Develop a national levee safety policy and standards Maintain a sustainable flood damage reduction system that meets public safety needs The NLSP was authorized by Title iX of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007.

7. National Levee Safety Program The program is divided into three areas: Levee Inventory Technical Risk Assessments Revised Inspection of Completed Works Procedures To fully understand the scope of this critical part of our nation’s flood damage reduction system, Congress appropriated funds for the Corps to initiate a national levee inventory and assessment program to determine the status and condition of the federal program levee systems in the nation. The data gathered from this and future inventories will help identify public safety risks associated with levee systems across the nation. The NLSP is divided in to 3 areas: Levee Inventory Technical Risk Assessments Revised ICW Procedures So, now you have a brief synopsis of where the new Levee Owners Manual, checklists, and regulations are coming from! We didn’t make this stuff up at the Vicksburg District. Have you ever heard the term don’t kill the messenger?!To fully understand the scope of this critical part of our nation’s flood damage reduction system, Congress appropriated funds for the Corps to initiate a national levee inventory and assessment program to determine the status and condition of the federal program levee systems in the nation. The data gathered from this and future inventories will help identify public safety risks associated with levee systems across the nation. The NLSP is divided in to 3 areas: Levee Inventory Technical Risk Assessments Revised ICW Procedures So, now you have a brief synopsis of where the new Levee Owners Manual, checklists, and regulations are coming from! We didn’t make this stuff up at the Vicksburg District. Have you ever heard the term don’t kill the messenger?!

8. National Levee Safety Program Levee Inventory: The Corps competed an initial survey of federal program levee systems in July 2006 and developed a National Levee Database to capture information about each levee, including the location and last recorded inspection rating. 2,000 levees; 13,000 miles 9,800 miles of levees surveyed in 2008 3,200 miles to be completed in 2009. Vicksburg District – Surveys complete, mapping in progress NLD – a continuing action The Corps completed an initial survey of federal program levee systems in July of 2006 and developed a national database to capture information about each levee, including the location and last recorded rating. The levees included in this initial survey area: Federally owned and maintained Federally built and locally maintained And, locally built and maintained and meet specified Corps standards. The initial survey included approximately 2,000 levees, and approximately 13,000 miles of ICW levees. Many of these projects were authorized by Congress for federal construction and later turned over to state and local sponsors, like yourselves, to operate and maintain. As you are aware, these projects are inspected annually by the Vicksburg District. The local levee districts conduct semiannual inspections and submit semiannual inspection reports to our office.The Corps completed an initial survey of federal program levee systems in July of 2006 and developed a national database to capture information about each levee, including the location and last recorded rating. The levees included in this initial survey area: Federally owned and maintained Federally built and locally maintained And, locally built and maintained and meet specified Corps standards. The initial survey included approximately 2,000 levees, and approximately 13,000 miles of ICW levees. Many of these projects were authorized by Congress for federal construction and later turned over to state and local sponsors, like yourselves, to operate and maintain. As you are aware, these projects are inspected annually by the Vicksburg District. The local levee districts conduct semiannual inspections and submit semiannual inspection reports to our office.

9. National Levee Safety Program Technical Risk Assessments USACE will be assessing all of the levees in the inventory 5 years to complete Developing analytical methodology to evaluate risk associated with levees in national database Still developing/evolving The Corps will be assessing all of the levees in the inventory. The assessment is expected to take 5 years to complete and will begin in 2008 if funds are appropriated. The Corps is currently developing an analytical methodology to evaluate the risk associated with levees in the NLD. As I understand, the ITL documents are still being finalized. The Corps will be assessing all of the levees in the inventory. The assessment is expected to take 5 years to complete and will begin in 2008 if funds are appropriated. The Corps is currently developing an analytical methodology to evaluate the risk associated with levees in the NLD. As I understand, the ITL documents are still being finalized.

10. National Levee Safety Program Revised Inspection of Completed Works Procedures Interim Guidance and Levee Owners Manual Incorporate risk assessments into current ICW program Technical risk assessments will clearly identify reporting requirements to local communities, states, and other agencies. Ongoing. Now, this item you, as a levee district member, are very familiar with. The HQUSACE revised regulations and issued interim guidance for operations and maintenance on levees and created a new document called a Levee Owners Manual (LOM). These documents were mailed out to all local sponsors in January 2007. If you need additional copies we can help you get a copy of the regulations and LOM off the website if you are interested. The corps is continuing to consolidate guidance and will incorporate risk assessments in to the current ICW program. The information from technical assessments will be available for local communities, states, and other federal agencies. This phase is ongoing. Now, this item you, as a levee district member, are very familiar with. The HQUSACE revised regulations and issued interim guidance for operations and maintenance on levees and created a new document called a Levee Owners Manual (LOM). These documents were mailed out to all local sponsors in January 2007. If you need additional copies we can help you get a copy of the regulations and LOM off the website if you are interested. The corps is continuing to consolidate guidance and will incorporate risk assessments in to the current ICW program. The information from technical assessments will be available for local communities, states, and other federal agencies. This phase is ongoing.

11. Here is a slide that HQ prepared showing all levees and how the Corps will be involved. Here is a slide that HQ prepared showing all levees and how the Corps will be involved.

12. Here is a slide that shows the 4 Major Functional Areas in the USACE Levee Safety Program Inventory & Database Assessment Methodology Inspection Team Policy & Procedures Team Here is a slide that shows the 4 Major Functional Areas in the USACE Levee Safety Program Inventory & Database Assessment Methodology Inspection Team Policy & Procedures Team

13. Phase I - Initial questionnaire - Completed updates through March 2007. Phase II – 95% Complete with Field Surveys and over 75% data now entered in NLD of the 5 pilot Districts. Phase III – Initiated detailed surveys and DB work in 12 additional Districts (Chosen by Districts with most mileage at greater than 100yr LOP). (By the end of 2007, approximately 2/3rds of Corps Inventory will be surveyed and entered into the NLD.) Jack Smith, who is over the NLD survey effort for the Vicksburg District had the levee segments surveyed in 2008. Should have stationing included in the Laptop Inspection Tool. Phase IV - dependent on appropriations, initiate detailed surveys on remaining 21 Districts Phase I - Initial questionnaire - Completed updates through March 2007. Phase II – 95% Complete with Field Surveys and over 75% data now entered in NLD of the 5 pilot Districts. Phase III – Initiated detailed surveys and DB work in 12 additional Districts (Chosen by Districts with most mileage at greater than 100yr LOP). (By the end of 2007, approximately 2/3rds of Corps Inventory will be surveyed and entered into the NLD.) Jack Smith, who is over the NLD survey effort for the Vicksburg District had the levee segments surveyed in 2008. Should have stationing included in the Laptop Inspection Tool. Phase IV - dependent on appropriations, initiate detailed surveys on remaining 21 Districts

14. Graduated Levee Assessments FY07 Developed new, more robust procedures and checklist for routine inspection process. Developed Framework for graduated assessment process – Routine Inspections, Periodic Inspections Developed Levee Inspector Tool (GPS based) for inspections and report preparation Developed initial Periodic Inspection Criteria (based on Dam Safety requirements) FY08 Inspections 3 Regional Training Classes for new inspection procedures and Levee Inspector Tool Finalize Periodic Inspection Criteria for FY09 implementation (to be completed by Policy & procedures team with input from Assessment Methodology team) Used levee inspection tool (laptop) FY07 Developed new, more robust procedures and checklist for routine inspection process. Developed Framework for graduated assessment process – Routine Inspections, Periodic Inspections Developed Levee Inspector Tool (GPS based) for inspections and report preparation Developed initial Periodic Inspection Criteria (based on Dam Safety requirements) FY08 Inspections 3 Regional Training Classes for new inspection procedures and Levee Inspector Tool Finalize Periodic Inspection Criteria for FY09 implementation (to be completed by Policy & procedures team with input from Assessment Methodology team) Used levee inspection tool (laptop)

17. This Levee Owner’s Manual also applies to Federal Flood Control Works If you don’t have a copy it can be downloaded from the web at: http://www.usace.army.mil/inet/functions/cw/cecwhs/em/fcw/fcw.html

18. District Regulation No. 1130-2-530 If you don’t have a copy, one will be provided upon request.

19. General. (1) The structures and facilities constructed by the United States for local flood protection shall be continuously maintained in such a manner and operated at such times and for such periods as may be necessary to obtain the maximum benefits. (2) The State, political subdivision thereof, or other responsible local agency, which furnished assurance that it will maintain and operate flood control works in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Army, as required by law, shall appoint a permanent committee consisting of or headed by an official hereinafter called the ‘‘Superintendent,’’ who shall be responsible for the development and maintenance of, and directly in charge of, an organization responsible for the efficient operation and maintenance of all of the structures and facilities during flood periods and for continuous inspection and maintenance of the project works during periods of low water, all without cost to the United States. Code of Federal Regulations Title 33 § 208.10 Everyone here should be familiar with the Code of Federal Regulation Title 33 Part 208.10. The regulations governs the maintenance of federally constructed flood control works. Quick review of the CFR – Basically states – Federal Projects will be maintained. The local sponsor is responsible for project.Everyone here should be familiar with the Code of Federal Regulation Title 33 Part 208.10. The regulations governs the maintenance of federally constructed flood control works. Quick review of the CFR – Basically states – Federal Projects will be maintained. The local sponsor is responsible for project.

20. (3) A reserve supply of materials needed during a flood emergency shall be kept on hand at all times. (4) No encroachment or trespass which will adversely affect the efficient operation or maintenance of the project works shall be permitted upon the rights-of-way for the protective facilities. Code of Federal Regulations Title 33 § 208.10 (3) Flood Fight material will be on hand (4) No encroachments that adversely affect the integrity of the levee – key is “adversely” – some things are permitted.(3) Flood Fight material will be on hand (4) No encroachments that adversely affect the integrity of the levee – key is “adversely” – some things are permitted.

21. (5) No improvement shall be passed over, under, or through the walls, levees, improved channels or floodways, nor shall any excavation or construction be permitted within the limits of the project right-of-way, nor shall any change be made in any feature of the works without prior determination by the District Engineer of the Department of the Army or his authorized representative that such improvement, excavation, construction, or alteration will not adversely affect the functioning of the protective facilities. Such improvements or alterations as may be found to be desirable and permissible under the above determination shall be constructed in accordance with standard engineering practice. Advice regarding the effect of proposed improvements or alterations on the functioning of the project and information concerning methods of construction acceptable under standard engineering practice shall be obtained from the District Engineer or, if otherwise obtained, shall be submitted for his approval. Drawings or prints showing such improvements or alterations as finally constructed shall be furnished the District Engineer after completion of the work. Code of Federal Regulations Title 33 § 208.10 (5) No changes to flood control works without permission from the Corps – In in the case of Louisiana – LADOTD per Title 38.(5) No changes to flood control works without permission from the Corps – In in the case of Louisiana – LADOTD per Title 38.

22. (6) It shall be the duty of the superintendent to submit a semiannual report to the District Engineer covering inspection, maintenance, and operation of the protective works. (7) The District Engineer or his authorized representatives shall have access at all times to all portions of the protective works. (8) Maintenance measures or repairs which the District Engineer deems necessary shall be promptly taken or made. Code of Federal Regulations Title 33 § 208.10 (6) Requires a semi-annual report to be submitted to the Corps (7) Requires Corps access to the projects (8) Repairs will be made as deemed necessary by the DE (Note – in the case of MR&T projects, the sponsor is responsible for minor maintenance and the Corps major maintenance. In O&M General projects are responsible for all maintenance. (6) Requires a semi-annual report to be submitted to the Corps (7) Requires Corps access to the projects (8) Repairs will be made as deemed necessary by the DE (Note – in the case of MR&T projects, the sponsor is responsible for minor maintenance and the Corps major maintenance. In O&M General projects are responsible for all maintenance.

23. (9) Appropriate measures shall be taken by local authorities to insure that the activities of all local organizations operating public or private facilities connected with the protective works are coordinated with those of the Superintendent’s organization during flood periods. (10) The Department of the Army will furnish local interests with an Operation and Maintenance Manual for each completed project, or separate useful part thereof, to assist them in carrying out their obligations under this part. Code of Federal Regulations Title 33 § 208.10 (9) Command & Control by locals sponsor during flood & non-flood events (10) Corps will provide an O&M Manual – we have provided a copy of the Levee Owners Manual. (9) Command & Control by locals sponsor during flood & non-flood events (10) Corps will provide an O&M Manual – we have provided a copy of the Levee Owners Manual.

24. Levee Board is responsible for submitting semi- annual inspection reports By January 31 and July 31 Reference: DR 1130-2-530 Appendix D Here is an example semi-annual report that levee districts may use to report semi-annual inspections. Here is an example semi-annual report that levee districts may use to report semi-annual inspections.

25. Q1. What gives the Corps of Engineers and the state levee districts authority to permit work on or near Federal flood protection projects? A1. Title 33, Section 208.10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) requires the Secretary of the Army, through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and its authorized delegates (levee districts and other local project sponsors), to operate and maintain federally authorized and constructed flood control projects. Q2. What is the primary purpose of levee districts? A2. As state sponsors of most federally authorized and constructed flood control projects, levee districts are partners with the Corps and often cost share construction of the project. As part of their partnership and in accordance with CFR Title 33, Section 208.10, levee districts or other local sponsors must operate and maintain the projects to ensure its structural integrity and that it will function as designed when necessary to prevent or mitigate flood damages. Q4. Why is the Corps involved with levee district permitting? A4. Most levee districts do not have engineering personnel working on their staff; therefore, the Corps acts as a Federal engineering consultant on permits and other flood control matters. FAQ No changes to flood control works without permission from the Corps – In in the case of Louisiana – LADOTD per Title 38.No changes to flood control works without permission from the Corps – In in the case of Louisiana – LADOTD per Title 38.

26. Q5. Which agencies establish permitting distances for work close to Federal projects? A5. The Corps of Engineers establish distances for certain types of work that can adversely affect the structural integrity of Federal levees and structures. CFR Title 33, Section 208.10, gives the Corps’ District Engineer and delegated authorities wide latitude to protect the Federal projects. There is No Distance Limitation for permitting work that can affect the Federal levees and structures; however, based on state and Federal laws and regulations, standard engineering practices, hydraulic and geotechnical conditions for this region, and lessons learned from historical events or incidents, the Vicksburg District has established the following distances and river stage elevations for flood control permits within its boundary: a. All work within 300 feet of the levee centerline for projects. b. All subsurface work within 1,500 feet of a levee centerline. Subsurface work includes excavations (digging), ponds, swimming pools, drainage ditches, soil borings, wells, shafts, pile driving, drilling, etc. c. Seismic surveys and demolition using explosives within 5,000 feet of both MR&T and hurricane protection levees and structures. FAQ FAQs. Corps has authority to protect levees with not set distance limitations. Guidelines – we want to know of any work within 1,500 ft of a levee. Especially, seismic work and subsurface work that may affect the levee.FAQs. Corps has authority to protect levees with not set distance limitations. Guidelines – we want to know of any work within 1,500 ft of a levee. Especially, seismic work and subsurface work that may affect the levee.

27. IMPORTANT NOTES: Subsurface, seismic, and demolition work have the greatest potential to cause levee failure. Levee failure during high river stages can be catastrophic! Therefore, subsurface work within 1,500 feet of a levee and seismic surveys/demolition using explosives within 5,000 feet of any project is restricted by stipulations in the permit to being conducted only when the stage of the River is below a site/gage specific elevation, unless a waiver is granted for higher stages. No work of this kind is allowed within those distances when the river stage is against the levee toe or above. Waivers are considered on a case-by-case basis, and are dependent on the surrounding subsurface ground conditions in the vicinity of the project, the distance the project is away from the levee, and the forecasted river stages. Permittees are advised to monitor river stages by calling (601) 631-5672 or checking www.rivergages.com for daily updates and forecasts. FAQ FAQs. Especially seismic work and subsurface work that may affect the levee. References include www.rivergages.com and vicksburg district water control office. FAQs. Especially seismic work and subsurface work that may affect the levee. References include www.rivergages.com and vicksburg district water control office.

28. Levee Owner’s Manual Inspection Form Item 2 Under Levees

29. Inspection of Structures Operations Division has a remote controlled track mounted camera that may be used to inspect a dewatered and cleaned structure. This inspection may be scheduled upon request. We have no project funding meaning we can’t make repairs on O&M projects. However, we do have ICW funds that allow us to provide technical assistance to you levee district. If you think you have a failed pipe and need a remote controlled track mounted camera to inspect the inside of a pipe, give us a call and we’ll schedule a time that we can use our track mounted camera for inspection purposes. We have no project funding meaning we can’t make repairs on O&M projects. However, we do have ICW funds that allow us to provide technical assistance to you levee district. If you think you have a failed pipe and need a remote controlled track mounted camera to inspect the inside of a pipe, give us a call and we’ll schedule a time that we can use our track mounted camera for inspection purposes.

30. On the Horizon Continue Routine Annual Inspections 5yr Periodic Inspections 10yr Periodic/Risk Assessments As you are aware, easement limits on practically all of our projects is not known. Our regulations require us to inspect your levee projects based on your easement limits. From that standpoint, we have requested that you determine your easement limits and provide those limits to us for future inspections. Cover Letter & Annual Insp. Report - In our most recent cover letter on our reports we have included a report and a tree report. We hope you will use these reports as a baseline to work from in improving your levees and where maintenance is needed. If you have any questions about your report please don’t hesitate to contact David, Doyle, or myself and we’ll be glad to talk to you about it. As you are aware, easement limits on practically all of our projects is not known. Our regulations require us to inspect your levee projects based on your easement limits. From that standpoint, we have requested that you determine your easement limits and provide those limits to us for future inspections. Cover Letter & Annual Insp. Report - In our most recent cover letter on our reports we have included a report and a tree report. We hope you will use these reports as a baseline to work from in improving your levees and where maintenance is needed. If you have any questions about your report please don’t hesitate to contact David, Doyle, or myself and we’ll be glad to talk to you about it.

31. This triangle shows the relationship that exists between the levee districts, the Corps of Engineers, and Congress. The Corps can only do what is authorized and funded by Congress. The local levee boards identify funding needs and seeks funding by working through their congressional delegates. PARTNERSHIP

32. Katrina Surge overtopping a Levee(Orleans Levee District) Here is a photo I wanted to show you from pre and post Katrina effects. This is during Katrina………notice the levee and bridge piers, and fence along the levee.Here is a photo I wanted to show you from pre and post Katrina effects. This is during Katrina………notice the levee and bridge piers, and fence along the levee.

33. Post katrina shot….notice the erosion around the fence and bridge pier on the levee embankment. Here is a prime example of why we don’t like encroachments on a levee! Post katrina shot….notice the erosion around the fence and bridge pier on the levee embankment. Here is a prime example of why we don’t like encroachments on a levee!

34. Questions?