Duxbury, Kingston, and Plymouth—neighboring towns located between Boston and Cape Cod with nearly 85,000 residents—have more than 86 combined miles of diverse shoreline. These towns manage coastal beaches, tidal flats, salt marsh, rocky intertidal shores, developed coastal banks, undeveloped barrier beaches, and salt ponds. Coastal storms with high winds and waves impact much of this area.
Project Goal
The primary goal for the towns was to improve coastal floodplain development trends in the future through targeted education and outreach.
Approach and Results
The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) assisted the project team with the development of an outreach strategy that included a brochure for homeowners and a workshop series primarily for local officials.
- Public Information Brochure on Flood Hazards: Through this pilot project, a brochure entitled Information on Flood Hazards (PDF, 169 KB) was developed to provide concise information on understanding flood risk, preventing losses, and planning ahead. Public safety and financial benefits of elevating utilities and homes are also emphasized in the brochure.
- Targeted Workshops: This series of workshops brought technical experts directly to local officials and the building community and addressed the following topics:
- No Adverse Impact approach (PDF, 2 MB) to ensure development will not exacerbate flooding
- Low Impact Development techniques to reduce inundation impacts
- Erosion control and stormwater management (PDF, 4 MB) at construction sites
- Floodplain building techniques for public safety and prevention of loss