C.M.R. 06, 096, ch. 600, app 096-600-D
The following reference materials and map resources are available to assist with due diligence for any rule requirements associated with natural hazards, climate change, and flood risks. Reports, data, and maps should be reviewed for the location where a project is located to inform a license application or renewal.
Natural Hazards and Climate Change.
The Maine Climate Hub, hosted by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, is a centralized climate directory of decision-support information and resources to assist with natural hazard risk assessment and planning for climate change. The directory includes scientific assessments of climate change over time in Maine and future scenarios as well as available risk assessment decision support data for temperature, precipitation, coastal and inland flooding, and changes in ocean, aquatic, and terrestrial systems.
Climate Trends & Data.
https://www.maine.gov/dep/sustainability/climate/trends-data.html
Scientific Assessment of Climate Change and its Effects in Maine report (PDF) - Prepared by the Maine Climate Council's Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STS), this report summarizes the impacts of climate change in Maine and how it might impact our state in the future. The report includes detailed chapters on climate, hydrology, sea level rise and storm surge, and other relevant information for risk assessment and climate change planning.
Flood Risk Information.
Precipitation:
The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Northeast Regional Climate Center (NRCC), United States Geological Survey (USGS), and the Maine Climate Council's Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STS) have developed and maintain information that can be used for due diligence. Studies and data should be retrieved for precipitation tables, distribution curves, and intensity duration and frequency graphs to look at associated rainfall totals with design storms (including the 24-hour storm, 100-year precipitation event).
Precipitation Data from Northeast Regional Climate Center
http://precip.eas.cornell.edu/
Precipitation Data from National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration
https://hdsc.nws.noaa.gov/hdsc/pfds/index.html
Coastal flooding.
Viewing the 100-year floodplain:
In most areas of Maine, floodplains have been mapped by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Maps are available at most municipal offices and are also provided by the Maine Floodplain Management Program which is part of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (under Flood Mapping Resources).
FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer & Flood Insurance Studies.
https://www.fema.gov/flood-maps/national-flood-hazard-layer
Maine Flood Hazard Maps.
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/flood/mapping.shtml
Viewing sea level rise:
The Maine Climate Council and Maine Geological Survey have developed and maintain reports and information on sea level rise. Sea level rise scenarios show the different amounts of sea level rise under different greenhouse gas emission scenarios (including intermediate or high emission scenarios). The amount of sea level rise can be mapped to show the different extents and depths of inundation at locations in Maine. The Maine Geological Survey provides coastal hazard map viewers that show flooding from sea level rise, storm surge, hurricanes and other hazards that can be used for planning purposes.
Sea Level Rise Scenarios
Scientific Assessment of Climate Change and its Effects in Maine report (PDF) - for intermediate and high emission scenarios for Maine, reference Sea Level Rise Chapter, pages 71-132.
Sea Level Rise Trend.
https://www.maine.gov/climateplan/climate-impacts/climate-data
Coastal Hazards
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mgs/hazards/coastal/index.shtml
Related seal level rise legislation:
LD 1970, An Act to Implement Agency Recommendations Relating to Sea Level Rise and Climate Resilience, Provided Pursuant to Resolve 2021, Chapter 67 (approved April 12, 2022).
Result of Analysis Required by 2021 Public Law, Chapter 67, Resolve, To Analyze the Impact of Sea Level Rise (January 10, 2022). A report to the Legislature by Maine Executive Branch Agencies of the Analysis required by 2021 Public Law, Chapter 67: https://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=6446306&an=1
LD 1572, To Analyze the Impact of Sea Level Rise, Public Law, Chapter 67, Resolve (enacted June 16, 2021).
Shoreline Change and Other Site Considerations:
Coastal Sand Dune Geology Maps (Maine Geological Survey)
http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mgs/pubs/online/dunes/dunes.htm
Coastal Bluff Maps (Maine Geological Survey)
http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mgs/pubs/online/bluffs/bluffs.htm
Beginning with Habitat (Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife)
https://beginningwithhabitat.org/index.html
C.M.R. 06, 096, ch. 600, app 096-600-D