Floodplains are determined from FEMA Flood Hazard Zones.
Flood data are derived from the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) published by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The FIRM is the basis for
floodplain management, mitigation, and insurance activities for the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP). In addition to the identification of Special
Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), the risk zones shown on the FIRMs are the basis for the
establishment of premium rates for flood insurance coverage offered through the NFIP.
Primary floodplain areas in the Black Creek Watershed flank the main channel along
the lower portions of the stream channel. The largest flood zone is near the
junction of Black Creek and the Genesee River, and areas immediately upstream and
downstream of the Bergen swamp. Smaller floodplain areas occur upstream
of the Bergen Swamp and along the lower courses of principal tributaries.
FIRMs include 100-year and 500-year (1% and 0.2% annual chance) floodplain areas
and zone designations. The risk data to identify floodplain areas are
acquired through Flood Insurance Studies (FISs). FISs are hydrologic
and hydraulic studies of flood risks developed by FEMA. The FIRM is the
basis for floodplain management, mitigation, and insurance activities of the NFIP.
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