The provincial government announced Thursday it has released a flood risk mapping study of the Waterford River and its major tributaries.
The flood risk mapping study, maps and GIS files are available at: www.mae.gov.nl.ca/waterres/flooding/frm.html.
A news release states that the new study was undertaken in November 2015 as an update to the previous 1988 study. The study maps the river from its originating point in the eastern tip of the Town of Paradise through the City of Mount Pearl to where it discharges in St. John’s Harbour, as well as all major tributaries.
The maps demonstrate the depth and velocity of flooding, identifying hazards for emergency responders, and includes a detailed hydraulic capacity assessment of bridges and culverts for climate change flood flows. The study results will be used to derive precipitation-based flood triggers that will inform the Hurricane Season Flood Alert System. This system tracks all weather systems 72 hours ahead and generates flood alerts from June to December.
The maps also incorporate the impact of climate change including increased rainfall and rising sea levels.
“This important new flood risk mapping initiative for the Waterford River will assist our government, residents, municipalities, and emergency management organizations in planning for and addressing emergency events,” said Andrew Parsons, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment. “This work supports our government’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure that communities develop in a safe and sustainable manner.”
