Challenge
Located on the eastern end of Long Island and including ocean, bay, and estuary shorelines, the Town is vulnerable to coastal flooding and shoreline erosion. The long-term effects of climate change (including sea level rise) will increase these coastal risks. During the next 30 years, the chance of experiencing a flood event with a magnitude similar to that of the Hurricane of ‘38, at least once, is about 60%. Overtime, the currently projected range of sea level rise will transform East Hampton into a series of islands with permanent submergence of low-lying areas, as early as 2070.
Solution
GZA’s scope of work included: (1) Gathering and Analyzing Asset and Risk Data, (2) Review of Existing Programs, Plans, and Capabilities; (3) Review of Existing Vulnerability Analysis and Pilot Study Results completed by others, (4) Vulnerability and Risk Assessment, (5) Developing and Conducting Public Awareness and Education, (6) Developing Adaptation Options: Strategies, Projects, Programs and Actions, (7) Setting an Implementation Schedule and (8) Final CARP Report Preparation. The goal of CARP is to integrate coastal resiliency principles and facilitate the Town’s ability to adapt to changing conditions within the coastal zone.
The CARP included:
- An analysis of the coastal hazards affecting East Hampton, including wind, precipitation, tides, storm surge and waves;
- A comprehensive assessment of the Town’s vulnerability to coastal hazards;
- Stakeholder outreach, including three public workshops;
- A review of the existing plans, policies and regulations that form the Town’s current capabilities to create coastal resilience and adapt to sea level rise; and
- Recommendations for coastal resilience and adaptation strategies and implementation actions that are consistent with the Town’s vision, vulnerabilities and capabilities.
Benefit
The CARP is a key step toward implementing policies and projects that reduce the Town’s vulnerability and facilitate adaptation to our changing environment.
