I compute that filling the parcel in question would reduce the water
storage capacity of the floodplain at flood stage by about one acre-foot.
That translates to about 1 cubic foot per second over a twelve hour period
that would have to go elsewhere since it would not be stored on the parcel.
That may not sound like much, but when you add up all the similar parcels
along Paradise Creek that have been filled, or might be filled in the
future, it seems that floodplain filling must have a very important effect
on the severity of our flooding problems.
Joel Hamilton
At 08:58 PM 4/30/96 -0700, you wrote:
>>
>> There will be a special meeting of the Moscow Planning & Zoning
>>Commission this Wednesday, May 1, 1996 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers
>>of City Hall. The purpose of the meeting will be to hear floodplain
>>mitigation strategies for Paradise Creek presented by University of Idaho
>>Landscape Architecture students.
>>
>> In light of our recent runoff and flooding problems, it should be an
>>interesting discussion. The public is invited -- please pass the word.
>>
>>Joel Hamilton
>>Member Moscow P&Z Commission
>>
>
>Joel,
>
>I recall that just two or three weeks ago there was an application for a
>plat in the flood plain. Dave Plummer was seeking approval for a plat of a
>parcel just off Styner Ave., adjacent to Paradise Creek.
>
>As I recall, that plat called for filling in the flood plain 3 - 4 feet
>above its present elevation next to the creek.
>
>If you think about it, filling in the flood plain by four feet on one parcel
>next to the creek only makes floods worse for everyone else in the flood
>plain. The water flow is restricted by what amounts to a dam in the creek
>in its flooded state. And water levels rise due to displacement. The
>effects of a flood are significantly worsened by this type of reckless
>development.
>
>Right there, only two weeks ago, and six weeks after the flood, was an
>opportunity for P & Z to do something meaningful for flood mitigation at
>zero cost. You could have denied a plat that involved dangerous (during a
>flood) filling the flood plain on a parcel.
>
>By the way, was that plat approved?
>
>Fritz
>
>
>