Title
Annual Update and Guidance on Sea Level Rise
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Provide an informational update on the City's efforts to manage downtown flooding and potential sea level rise. Receive City Council input.
Report
Issue:
The implications of climate change and sea level rise are long-term concerns for Olympia. City staff responds to sea rise concerns by understanding how Olympia could be affected and implementing appropriate site-specific actions. City Staff provides annual updates to City Council and the community.
Staff Contact:
Eric Christensen, Engineer, Public Works Water Resources, 360.570.3741
Andy Haub, Interim Director, Public Works Water Resources, 360.753.8475
Presenter(s):
Eric Christensen, Engineer, Public Works Water Resources, 360.570.3741
Background and Analysis:
The City acknowledges the risk that sea level rise poses to its Downtown. Built on low-lying historical fill, the Downtown has a long history of flooding. In recent years, several construction projects and improved emergency response actions have appreciably reduced flooding. The City first documented its vulnerability to climate change and sea level rise in 1991. Since 2007, staff has updated City Council and completed annual work plans that improve our understanding of the Olympia-specific implications of potential sea rise. The work plans seek to provide tangible, straightforward information regarding potentially increasing tides that could affect built and public infrastructure systems in Downtown. The work consistently confirms Olympia's vulnerability to sea rise and helps identify needed actions to reduce risks. While City staff is challenged to predict the magnitude or timing of future sea rise, we do understand the Downtown landscape, its flood potential and appropriate actions to take at this time.
In October 2010, City Council adopted near-term sea rise poli...
Click here for full text