Sustainable Sites Credit 1

Site Selection

Among other criteria, to earn a point under Credit 1: Site Selection, the site must be previously developed or at least 5 feet above the 100-year flood line as documented by FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The FIRM, Flood Insurance Rate Map, above shows the 100-year flood elevations around the project site. This map is hosted on FEMA's website. GIS, Geographic Information Systems format files, are available on FEMA's website and are called DFIRMs, Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps.

The USGS, United States Geologic Survey, map above was used to determine elevations of contour lines near the site before we were able to view the GIS files with labeled contour lines.

The GIS map at the top of this post was generated from GIS files posted on tnris at 

http://www.tnris.state.tx.us/StratMap.aspx

and has the contour lines labeled in a clear manor that is easier to read the USGS maps.Do not develop buildings, hardscape, roads or parking areas on portions of sites that meet any one of the following criteria:

(No area on this property falls into to any of the categories listed below.)

A) - Prime farmland as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture in the United States Code of Federal Regulations, Title 7, Volume 6, Parts 400 to 699, Section 657.5 (citation 7CFR657.5)

http://www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=6cfc353dabdeb9236447dadcaf843784&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title07/7cfr657_main_02.tpl
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=6cfc353dabdeb9236447dadcaf843784&rgn=div8&view=text&node=7:6.1.3.6.27.1.13.5&idno=7
It is easier to simply state that the site was previously developed than discussing the average grading and permeability of the soil. This was not prime farmland or farmland of any kind when purchased.

B) - Previously undeveloped land whose elevation is lower than 5 feet above the elevation of the 100-year flood as defined by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)

(this land was previously developed, however it is not clear whether the property is more than 5' above the elevation of the 100-year flood. The FIRM above designates the site as being in Zone X. Zone X is described as being in the 500-year flood zone and Areas of 500-year flood; areas of 100-year flood with average depths of less than 1 foot or with drainage areas less than 1 square mile and areas protected by levees from 100-year flood.)

The FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) FIRM (Flood Insurance Rate Map) above shows the closest near-by 100-year flood elevation at 409' in marked Zone AE. There is also a 100-year flood that is listed as 'contained in channel' marked as Zone A to the south-east. Further away to the south-west there is a 100-year flood elevation of 416' in a Zone AE.

The 7.5 Minute USGS (United States Geological Survey) map above shows the contour lines and spot elevations near our site. This information is missing from the FEMA FIRM at the top of this post. Although the FEMA FIRM shows the 100 year flood, it does not show the contours and elevations that would allow us to determine the elevation of our property in relationship to the 100-year flood line. That's reason for the two maps.

C) - Land that is specifically identified as habitat for any species on Federal or State threatened or endangered lists

(need to find listing for endangered species)

D) -Within 100 feet of any wetlands as defined by the United States Code of Federal Regulations 40 CFR, Parts 230-233 and Part 22, and isolated wetlands or areas of special concern identified by the state or local rule, OR within setback distances from wetlands setback distances from wetlands prescribed in state or local regulations, as defined by local or state rule or law, whichever is more stringent

(The nearest water is more than 2100' away)

E) - Previously undeveloped land that is within 50 feet of water body, defined as seas, lakes, rivers, rivers, streams and tributaries which support or could support fish, recreation or industrial use, consistent with the terminology of the Clean Water Act

(This property was previously developed and demolished in the 1980s)

F) -Land which prior to acquisition for the project was public parkland, unless land of equal or greater value as parkland is accepted in trade by the public landowner (Park Authority projects are exempt)

(when purchased from Anne Marie Bristow, this was not parkland)