Ell Pond FEMA Base Flood Elevation Reevaluation Project

The City of Melrose has been working with CDM Smith environmental consultants to evaluate the base flood elevation established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the area surrounding Ell Pond. Base flood elevation (BFE) is the one-percent annual chance flood elevation, that is, the flood elevation with a 1% probability of occurrence each year. This is commonly referred to as the 100-year flood elevation. The BFE is used to manage flood insurance requirements.

During the course of this project, CDM Smith took the previous BFE data, developed in the early 1980s, and compared it to existing conditions. After modeling both the prior and current conditions, they submitted a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) document on behalf of the City proposing new, lower base flood elevations. These new elevations were based on a combination of more detailed information than was previously available, and drainage improvements that have been made since the original elevations were set in the 1980s. The information included in this document was also presented at a public meeting held in November 2017. The presentation from the public meeting can be viewed here.

In response to our LOMR application, FEMA has now issued a letter accepting our proposed new base flood elevations. As shown in the letter, as well as in follow up correspondence from FEMA, the effective date of this change is December 3, 2018.

Please be reminded that you must work directly with your insurance agencies, mortgage companies, and/or FEMA in order to modify your flood insurance for the December 3, 2018, effective date. Some information pertaining to insurance modifications can be found using the following link:

FEMA Flood Insurance Manual: https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/162601

Inquiries may also be directed to Bob Desaulniers, FEMA Insurance Specialist for our region. He can be reached at 617-832-4760 or at robert.desaulniers@fema.dhs.gov.