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<br />Ramsey County | Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan 42 <br />more intense than at any time on record. Climate projections indicate these big rains will <br />continue increasing into the future. <br />• Increased extreme weather events – more frequent and severe storms can cause a higher risk <br />for dam or levee overtopping. <br />• Temperature changes, including increased freeze-thaw cycles – this could impact the integrity of <br />dam and levee foundations. <br />• Increased demand on water resources – increased demand has the potential for more frequent <br />drawdowns of reservoirs and added stress on dam operations and structures. <br />3.6.7 VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT <br />3.6.7.1 People <br />All individuals who live, work, and recreate in areas downstream of the dams are at risk if they are <br />unable to escape the inundation zone following a failure. Inadequate warning from public warning <br />systems, such as those provided through Everbridge, local radio stations, and other means can increase <br />the number of people at risk. <br />Rising water from a dam failure can cause the same type of impacts as riverine and/or flash flooding, <br />including injuries and fatalities from drowning, blunt force trauma, or exposure. If inundation is <br />expected, populations will likely need to be evacuated and may lose access temporarily or long-term to <br />housing, workplace, and other facilities. Not only can this have immediate physical impacts on people, it <br />can also have longer-term mental health impacts as people work through the process of having their <br />lives drastically altered. <br />3.6.7.2 Property <br />Inundation from dam failure can cause minor damage up to total loss of structures, utilities, and <br />roadways. In addition, inundation is likely to impact phone lines, potable water, cable, and electricity; <br />wastewater and recovery time for these lifelines may be extended. The one high hazard dam located in <br />Ramsey County, Battle Creek Dam, is situated within Battle Creek Regional Park. Battle Creek runs <br />through the central eastern metropolitan area of the county. It primarily flows through wooded parks <br />before emptying into Pigs Eye Lake and eventually discharging to the Mississippi River. Neighborhoods <br />and public spaces adjacent to the creek, particularly near Pigs Eye Lake could be inundated by a sudden <br />release of water if the Battle Creek Dam were to fail. <br />Based on available data and stakeholder input, there have been no significant developments or land use <br />changes since the last plan update that have increased or decreased the overall risk or exposure to this <br />hazard. <br />3.6.7.3 Environment <br />The natural environment is also at risk for impacts caused by dam failure. River habitats, and nearby <br />wetlands, meadows, and wooded areas may suffer from sedimentation and pollution caused by <br />hazardous materials (e.g., pesticides, fuel, sewage). Floodwaters may cause significant erosion and can <br />harm wildlife through drowning, disease, and disruption of habitat. A sudden release of water could <br />erode stream banks, damage wetlands, and disrupt the ecosystems and wildlife habitats of Battle Creek