City of Irvine
2020 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
C HAPTER 3 - RISK A SSESSMENT This chapter discusses the types of hazards that might reasonably occur in Irvine. It describes these hazards and how they are measured, wherein Irvine they may occur, a history of these hazards in and around Irvine, and the future risk they pose. The discussion of future risks includes any changes to the frequency, intensity, and/or location of these hazards as a result of climate change. This chapter also discusses how the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC) selected and prioritized the hazards in this Plan.
H AZARD I DENTIFICATION
FEMA guidance identifies several hazards that communities should evaluate for inclusion in a hazard mitigation plan. Communities may also consider additional hazards for their plans. The HMPC reviewed an extensive list of hazards and excluded the ones that do not pose a threat to Irvine. Table 3-1 lists the hazards considered and explains the reasoning for inclusion/exclusion. For context, this table also shows if a hazard is recommended for consideration by FEMA, if it is included in the 2018 California State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP), and if it is included in the Orange County Hazard Mitigation Plan (OC HMP).
Table 3-1: Hazard Evaluation for Irvine LHMP
Hazard
Recommended for Consideration
Included in LHMP?
Reason for Inclusion or Exclusion
Agricultural Pests
SHMP
Yes
Irvine has agricultural uses within the City that contribute to the economy. Since agricultural resources are present, the City identified pest as a hazard of concern. Air pollution is a state and regional issue that is addressed through plans and regulations administered by the South Coast Air Quality Management District and/or California Air Resources Board. The City is located adjacent to John Wayne Airport (located adjacent to the City’s northern border ). Given this proximity and past incidents associated with aircraft, the HMPC determined that this hazard should be included in the plan. There are no major riparian environments in Irvine where aquatic invasive species could endanger the community. Irvine is not located within potential avalanche zones. The HMPC determined that civil disturbances of the degree that would endanger property or life to residents have the potential to occur, especially in locations of the City where large populations visit/congregate (Irvine Spectrum, UCI, etc.). Climate change is discussed as a function of each relevant hazard and is mentioned throughout the Plan. Irvine is not located along the coast of California. Coastal flooding and storms are not anticipated to impact the community.
Air Pollution
SHMP
No
Aircraft Incident
SHMP
Yes
Aquatic Invasive Species
SHMP
No
Avalanche
FEMA guidance SHMP
No
Civil Disturbance or Riot
SHMP
Yes
Climate Change
SHMP OC HMP
Yes
Coastal Flooding and Storm
FEMA guidance SHMP
No
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