Whatcom

In the area you have selected (Whatcom) coastal flood hazard is classified as high according to the information that is currently available. This means that potentially-damaging waves are expected to flood the coast at least once in the next 10 years. Based on this information, the impact of coastal flood must be considered in different phases of the project for any activities located near the coast. Project planning decisions, project design, and construction methods must take into account the level of coastal flood hazard. Further detailed information should be obtained to adequately account for the level of hazard.

Climate change impact: According to the IPCC (2013), there is high confidence that extremes in sea level will increase with mean sea level rise yet there is low confidence in region-specific projections in storm surges. Projects in low-lying coastal areas such as deltas, or in island states should be designed to be robust to projected increases in global sea level.

Recommendations

  • INTERACTING HAZARDS: Project planning, design, and construction practices should account for coastal flood and storm surge from cyclones and other weather events occurring in your project area. More information
  • EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANS: Identify the regional and national government’s emergency response policy and protocols to coastal flooding in your project area and incorporate as necessary. More information
  • TECHNICAL EXPERTISE: Consult with an expert familiar with coastal flooding risk that has experience with natural hazards and/or construction practices in your local area. Such consulting professionals include structural engineers, civil engineers, and atmospheric scientists. Incorporate local and subject-matter expertise in the design, construction, and maintenance phases of your project. More information
  • INSURANCE: For coastal flooding risks that cannot be mitigated, consider insurance products specifically aimed at alleviating the financial costs associated with flooding. More information
  • CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE: If the project involves the development of critical infrastructure (e.g., a hospital, fire station, or power transmission line), or will support critical infrastructure, you should consider how your project can be affected by coastal flooding that occurs outside of the specific project location. More information
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