Jefferson County - East-West Gateway Coordinating Council

Jefferson County Hazard Mitigation Plan i 

Table of Contents 

Section 1.........................................................................................................1 

Community Profiles.................................................................................................................. 1 

Jefferson County Profile........................................................................................................... 1 

Development/History………………....................................................................................... 1 

Geography, Geology and Climate .......................................................................................... 2 

Form of Government…........................................................................................................... 6 

Community Partnerships ......................................................................................................... 6 

Significant Cultural/Social Issues ............................................................................................ 7 

Public Awareness ..................................................................................................................... 7 

Media Relations........................................................................................................................ 7 

Demographic Information ...................................................................................................... 8 

Age............................................................................................................................................ 8 

Per Capita Income and Persons Below the Federal Poverty Level........................................ 9 

Education Levels.....................................................................................................................10 

Diversity...................................................................................................................................10 

Economy, Employment and Industry...................................................................................11 

Labor Force.............................................................................................................................11 

Unemployment Rate..............................................................................................................11 

Average Wage Rate ...............................................................................................................12 

Primary Employers and Industries ........................................................................................12 

Access to Employment; Incommuting and Outcommuting..............................................14 

Codes/Regulations for Building, Stormwater, Zoning, Fire ................................................14 

Existing Community Plans.....................................................................................................15 

Land Use Information............................................................................................................15 

Development Trends and Annexation..................................................................................16 

Floodplain Management.......................................................................................................18 

Wetlands Issues......................................................................................................................21 

NFIP Participation...................................................................................................................21 

Environmental Concerns .......................................................................................................21 

Endangered Species, Historic Properties/Districts, Archaeological Sites...........................22 

Identified Assets.....................................................................................................................23 

Inventory of Critical/Key/Essential Facilities..........................................................................23 

Medical Facilities....................................................................................................................23 

Long Term Care Facilities.......................................................................................................24 

Day Care Centers....................................................................................................................25 

Schools....................................................................................................................................27 

Government Facilities ............................................................................................................29 

Recreation Facilities................................................................................................................32 

Inventory of Infrastructure ....................................................................................................36 

Roadways/Transportation......................................................................................................36 

Railroads.................................................................................................................................37 

Airports ...................................................................................................................................38 

Public Transportation ............................................................................................................39

Jefferson County Hazard Mitigation Plan ii 

Communications....................................................................................................................39 

Water and Sewer Facilities....................................................................................................41 

Electricity and Natural Gas....................................................................................................48 

Solid Waste Disposal .............................................................................................................50 

Law Enforcement...................................................................................................................51 

Emergency Services (911) .....................................................................................................51 

Emergency Medical Services .................................................................................................52 

Fire Protection ........................................................................................................................52 

Underground Infrastructure..................................................................................................53 

Inventory of Key Industrial/Commercial Employment Facilities .........................................54 

Inventory of Housing Structures...........................................................................................55 

Number of Dwelling Units....................................................................................................55 

Average Unit Cost..................................................................................................................55 

Total Inventory of Structures ................................................................................................55 

Cities and Villages Profiles……………………………………………………….…………55 

Section 2.........................................................................................................1 

Risk Assessment ....................................................................................................................... 1 

Natural Hazard Identification and Elimination Process ........................................................ 1 

Community Wide Hazard Profile and List of Hazards Identified......................................... 1 

Flood......................................................................................................................................... 2 

Earthquake .............................................................................................................................36 

Tornado/Severe Thunderstorm .............................................................................................54 

Severe Winter Weather..........................................................................................................69 

Drought ..................................................................................................................................77 

Heat Wave..............................................................................................................................89 

Dam Failure ..........................................................................................................................103 

Wildfire .................................................................................................................................115 

Multi-Jurisdictional Risk Assessment ..................................................................................120 

Worksheets ..………………………………………………………………………………124 

Section 3.........................................................................................................1 

Jefferson County Capability Assessment................................................................................ 1 

Mitigation Management Policies............................................................................................ 1 

Existing Plans............................................................................................................................ 1 

Mitigation Programs................................................................................................................ 1 

Jefferson County Capabilities (Organization, Staffing, Training)......................................... 3 

Responsibilities and Authorities.............................................................................................. 3 

Intergovernmental and Interagency Coordination ............................................................... 4 

Vulnerability Assessment of County Policies and Development Trends….......................... 4 

Commitments to a Comprehensive Mitigation Program..................................................... 4 

Laws, Regulations, and Policies Related to Development in Hazard-Prone Areas ............. 4 

County Laws, Regulations and Policies Related to Hazard Mitigation in General ............. 4 

How Local Risk Assessments are Incorporated and Prioritized into Local Planning .......... 5 

Current Criteria Used to Prioritize Mitigation Funding......................................................... 5 

Integration of Hazard Mitigation with the County Department’s Plans……………….…5 

How the County Determines Cost-Effectiveness of Mitigation Programs………………...5

Jefferson County Hazard Mitigation Plan iii 

Mitigation Funding Options, Including Current and Potential Sources of Federal, State, 

Local and Private Funds........................................................................................................... 6 

How Governments Meet Requirements for Hazard Mitigation Funding Programs .......... 6 

Recommendations for Improvement ..................................................................................... 6 

County and Municipal Policies and Development Trends.................................................... 7 

Funding Sources....................................................................................................................... 7 

Worksheets………………………………………………………………………………….13 

Section 4.........................................................................................................1 

Introduction to Mitigation...................................................................................................... 1 

Definition of Mitigation........................................................................................................... 1 

Categories of Mitigation ......................................................................................................... 1 

Mitigation Versus Preparedness ............................................................................................. 2 

Mitigation Versus Response and Recovery ............................................................................ 3 

Mitigation Plan Benefits.......................................................................................................... 3 

Hazard Mitigation Goals, Objectives, Strategy and Coordination....................................... 3 

Evaluation................................................................................................................................. 4 

Strategic Implementation......................................................................................................10 

Cities with Higher Exposure to County Hazards……………………………………….….10 

Analysis and Prioritization of Mitigation Actions................................................................11 

Monitoring, Evaluating and Updating the Plan..................................................................12 

Worksheets ………………………………………………………………………………..16

A Regional Overview All-Hazard Mitigation Plan 

SECTION 1 

Community Profiles 

Natural hazards impact not only the citizens of the East-West Gateway Council of 

Governments (EWG) planning region, but also their property, the environment and the 

economy. Natural hazards, defined here as flooding, windstorms, severe winter storms, 

earthquakes, heat waves, drought, dam failure and wildfires, have exposed the region’s 

residents and businesses to the financial and emotional costs of recovering after disasters. 

The risk associated with hazards increases as more people move to areas affect by hazards. 

The inevitability of hazards and growing population and activity within the planning region 

create an urgent need to develop strategies, coordinate resources and increase public 

awareness to reduce risk and prevent loss from future hazard events. Identifying risks 

posed by hazards, as well as developing strategies to reduce the impact of a hazard event 

can assist in protecting life and property of citizens and communities. Local residents and 

businesses are encouraged to work together to implement a Hazard Mitigation Plan that 

addresses the potential impact of hazard events. 

Below is a description and profile of Jefferson County within the EWG planning region. 

County Profile: Jefferson County 

Development/History 

Jefferson County is located in eastern Missouri, just west of the Mississippi River. It is 

bordered on the north by St. Louis County and the Meramec River, on the south by Ste. 

Genevieve and St. Francois Counties, and on the west by Washington and Franklin 

Counties. The county is part of the St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area as defined by the 

United States Census Bureau. The county has an area of about 425,280 acres that includes 

about 2,176 acres of water in the Meramec, Mississippi and Big Rivers and other large 

impoundments. Interstate I-55 runs north and south through the county. Jefferson 

County was separated from St. Louis and St. Genevieve Counties and established in 1818 

(effective January 1, 1819). Prior to settlement by Europeans, Native Americans including 

the Delaware, Missouri, Osage and Shawnee tribes inhabited the region. Charles III, the 

King of Spain, encouraged settlements by offering land grants. John Hildebrand, 

recognized as the first settler, settled on Saline Creek in 1774, later known as the Meramec 

Settlement. Lead, silica, zinc, barite, limestone and other mineral deposits lured settlers to 

the area. The first lead shot tower west of Pennsylvania was erected in 1809 in the 

southern part of Herculaneum. Sandstone mined from the St. Peter Sandstone Formation 

was used to manufacture glass. See Figure J1 in the back of the Technical Appendix. 

The county had a population of 200,101 as of the 2000 Census. There are 89,302 

registered voters in Jefferson County comprising 74.2 percent of the voting age population. 

1

2 

Jefferson County – Section 1 

There are 59,137 households in the county with an average size of 2.87 persons and the 

median age of residents is 30.7 years. Median household income is $32,281 annually. Six 

percent of county families and 7.5 percent of the total population have incomes below the 

poverty level. There are 1,290 miles of roadways in Jefferson County with 75 percent 

maintained by municipal and county governments, and 25 percent maintained by the state 

of Missouri. Approximately 80 percent of workers drive to work alone and 0.3 percent take 

public transportation to work. 

While urbanization in the northern part of Jefferson County has been increasing, much of 

the remainder of the county retains its rural, small town character. Once predominantly 

rural, Jefferson County has experienced more than 50 years of growth pressure from the St. 

Louis area. This growth has influenced the county, putting pressure on existing land uses, 

natural resources and infrastructure. In 1997, the increase in sales tax revenues was only 

3.27 percent, while for the last three years the increase has averaged over 7 percent per 

year. This growth in sales tax increases not only impacts the general revenue monies, but 

also has a tremendous effect on the budgets for the Sheriff’s department and the highway 

department. 

Geography, Geology and Climate 

Jefferson County is divided into seven distinct physiographic regions. From the northeast 

to the south these regions include: a small area of Dissected Till Plains, the River Hills, the 

Zell Platform, the Burlington Escarpment, the Crystal Escarpment, the Salem Plateau and 

the Avon Escarpment. These regions have landscape shapes controlled by separate 

geologic units with variable bedding, thickness, weatherability and time of deposition. The 

Dissected Till Plains consist of rolling and partially dissected basin with low hills and broad 

ridges adjacent to the lower Meramec and Mississippi Rivers. Thick layers of alluvium and 

loess have covered glacial till and outwash materials. The River Hills consist of a narrow 

band of uplands bounded on the east by the Mississippi River and on the west by the 

Burlington Escarpment. The Glaize, Joachim, Plattin, Pomme and Rock Creeks dissect this 

area. Ridges and north and east slopes are covered with loess. West and south slopes 

consist of upper cherty red clays and limestone outcrops on the lower slopes. The Zell 

Platform is a small valley with rolling topography east of Selma south to Ste. Genevieve 

County. 

The River Hills are on the east and the Crystal Escarpment is on the west. The Burlington 

Escarpment is a band that thins from north to south and borders the River Hills and the 

Crystal Escarpment. The Salem Plateau is the largest area in the county and borders the 

Crystal Escarpment to the north and east and the Avon Escarpment to the south. The 

Avon Escarpment is the highest area in the county located in the southwest corner. The 

Salem Plateau is on the north. Major soils in this area are Goss and Wrengart. The highest 

point in the county on Vinegar Hill is about 1,060 feet above sea level. The lowest point is 

about 385 feet above sea level in the Mississippi River bottoms. Floodplains of the Big, 

Meramec and Mississippi Rivers and their tributaries are the most fertile of the county. 

Topography varies considerably throughout Jefferson County. Much of the county can be


classified as rugged. Large areas, with greater than 20 percent slopes are common 

throughout northern and southern portions of the county. The central one-third of the 

county consists of wider and flatter crests and shallower valleys. The three largest rivers in 

Jefferson County are the Mississippi River, Meramec River and Big River. These waterways 

offer commercial and recreational opportunities, but a significant portion of the county is 

subject to flooding due to the amount of waterways, as well as fluctuations in water levels. 

The Big River drains about 37 percent of the county; the Meramec River drains 

approximately 15 percent of the county. Smaller streams draining directly into the 

Mississippi River make up about 48 percent of the county. Water from the entire county 

flows into Mississippi River. Big River flows into Meramec River, which then flows into 

Mississippi River. Both the Joachim and Plattin Rivers flow into the Mississippi River. Refer 

to Figure J2 below. 

FIGURE J2 MISSOURI TOPOGRAPHY 

Source: Missouri Department of Natural Resources 

There are 22 geologic formations exposed in Jefferson County, which range from Cambrian 

to Pennsylvanian systems in age (Missouri Geological Survey, 1961). The Cambrian system 

has the oldest rocks that crop out, and are composed of massive dolostone. Lead and zinc 

ores and barite have been mined from Cambrian formations that occur in areas bordering 

Big River and larger creeks in the southern part of the county. The Ordovician system is 

exposed in almost three fourths of the county and has had a significant role in the 

economic growth and development of the area. Limestone and dolostone quarries have 

furnished building stones, aggregate and cement for highways, bridges, and buildings. 

Sand mined in the St. Peter Sandston is used by the glass industry. 

The Devonian system is represented by a narrow band of sandstone, shale and limestone 

that crosses the northeastern part of the county. The Mississippian system is 

3

4 


predominantly limestone and cherty limestone. The limestone weathers easily and 

produces deep cherty soils (in the northeastern part of the county). The Pennsylvanian 

system consists of reddish-brown sandstone and bluish-gray to purple shale found in 

sinkholes and vertical bedrock joints. Geologic units consist of flat to gently dipping 

bedrock dominated by dolostone, sandstone and limestone formations. Northwestsoutheast 

trending folds and faults where bedrock dip is over ten degrees has altered a 

slight regional dip of one to two degrees to the northeast. Several zones of high angle 

faults that are downthrown are considered to be extensions of the Ste. Genevieve Fault 

System. They are the Crystal City anticline, the Plattin Creek anticline, the Roselle 

lineament, the Rugley School fault block, the Summit Park structure and the Valles Mines- 

Vineland fault zone. A structure known as the Eureka-House Springs anticline has been 

traced from the Mississippi River to near Wright City (McCracken, 1971). The potential for 

landslide or slump occurs in areas of the Maquoketa and Warsaw shales. Sinkholes are 

numerous in the Kimmswick limestone. Refer to Figure J3 below. 

FIGURE J3 GEOLOGIC MAP OF MISSOURI 


Soils - There are a total of six soil associations in Jefferson County including the Haynie- 

Tice-Waldron Association, the Sonsac-Useful Association, the Wrengart-Goss Association, 

the Menfro-Gasconade Association, the Minnith-Pevely Association, and the Haymond- 

Freeburg-Horsecreek-Bloomdale Association. 

The Haynie-Tice Waldron Association includes zero to two percent slopes, formed in 

Mississippian River alluvium. It covers one percent of the county and is present mainly on 

natural levees, bottomlands and old meanders. It consists of 48 percent well drained 

Haynie soils (silty loam), 29 percent somewhat poorly drained Tice soils (silty loam), 20 

percent somewhat poorly drained Waldron soils (silty loam) and three percent minor soils.


The Sonsac-Useful-Moko Association ranges from three to 55 percent slope. It covers 

approximately 58 percent of the county. These soils are most commonly found on narrow 

ridgetops, backslopes and summits. The parent materials are loess and residuum. Welldrained 

Sonsac soils (gravelly silt loam-well drained) make up 44 percent of the association. 

Useful soils (silty loam-moderately well drained) make up 30 percent of the association. 

Well-drained Moko soils (stony soils) make up 15 percent of the association and the 

remaining 11 percent are minor soils. 

The Wrengart-Goss Association ranges from three to 55 percent slope. It covers about 13 

percent of the county and consists of soils located on summits, ridgetops, and backslopes. 

The parent materials are loess and residuum. The moderately well drained Wrengart soils 

(silty loam) make up 47 percent of the association, well-drained Goss soils (cobbly silty 

loam) make up 45 percent of the association and eight percent of minor soils make up the 

balance. 

The Menfro-Gasconade Association ranges from three to 50 percent slope. It covers about 

five percent of the county and is located mainly in the summit and backslope areas. Parent 

materials consist of loess and residuum. The well-drained Menfro soils (silty loam) make up 

69 percent of the association. Excessively well-drained Gasconade soils (rubbly soils) make 

up 17 percent and the remaining 14 percent are minor soils. 

The Minnith-Pevely Association ranges from three to 50 percent slope. It covers about 

eight percent of the county. These soils are commonly found on ridgetops and backslopes. 

The parent materials consist of loess and residuum. The moderately well drained Minnith 

soils (silty loam) consist of 51 percent of the association. The moderately well drained 

Pevely soils (silty loam) make up 32 percent of the association and minor soils make up the 

remaining 17 percent. 

The Haymond-Freeburg-Horsecreek-Bloomsdale Association ranges from zero to five 

percent slope. It covers about 15 percent of the county. It is commonly found in the 

floodplains and terraces. The parent material is alluvium. The well-drained Haymond soils 

(silty loam) make up 26 percent of the association. The somewhat poorly drained Freeburg 

soils (silty loam) make up 25 percent of the association. The well-drained Horsecreek soils 

(silty loam) make up 25 percent of the association and the well-drained Bloomsdale soils 

(silty loam) makes up about 24 percent of the association. Refer to Figure J4 below. 

5

6 

FIGURE J4 SURFICIAL MATERIALS MAP 



Climate - Surficial materials in Jefferson County consist of residuum from cherty limestone 

(clay and gravel) up to 50 feet in thickness. These materials are located in the northern half 

of the county. Surficial materials in the southern half of the county consist of residuum 

from cherty dolomite (clay, silt and gravel). The materials are normally less than ten feet 

thick, but can exceed 50 feet in thickness. Surficial materials in the southwest corner of the 

county consist of residuum from sandstone and cherty dolomite (clay, silt, sand, gravel and 

boulders) and can be up to 200 feet thick. 

Form of Government 

Jefferson County is classified as a first class county and has its county seat in Hillsboro. The 

county is governed by a three-member County Commission led by the Presiding 

Commissioner and has 13 municipalities. The county government is divided into the 

following departments and divisions: Assessors office, Auditor’s office, Circuit Court Clerk, 

Collector of Revenue, County Clerk, County Commission, Data Processing, Department of 

Administration, Economic Development, Jefferson County Health Center, Juvenile Office, 

Land Use Development and Code Enforcement, Parks and Recreation, Public 

Administrator’s Office, Public Works, Recorder of Deeds, and the Sheriff’s Department. 

Community Partnerships 

As part of the EWG region, Jefferson County collaborates on numerous issues including 

infrastructure, law enforcement and emergency services. MoDOT, Franklin, St. Francois, 

Washington, Ste. Genevieve and St. Louis Counties collaborate on county lines, as well as 

transportation issues where it applies to infrastructure systems across the Meramec Rivers. 

Other community partnerships include the Rock Creek Watershed Management Plan group 

and the St. Louis-Jefferson County Solid Waste Management District. Jefferson County 

Planning Division, along with the Missouri Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS),


and the Great Rivers Alliance of Natural-Resource Districts (GRAND) are working together 

to address watershed plans for Jefferson County. Organizations that closely participate 

with various hazard mitigation activities include Jefferson College, Jefferson County Soil 

and Water District, Jefferson Online Information Network, and the University of Missouri 

Outreach and Extension Office. 

Significant Social/Cultural Issues 

Jefferson County is currently experience a population emigration from the St. Louis urban 

areas to the county. Many residents in the county wish to preserve the rural atmosphere, 

while developing and improving various modes of transportation to the St. Louis urban 

area. 

Public Awareness 

Most of the communities contacted in Jefferson County have been very responsive to the 

Hazard Mitigation Plan initiative. The initial meeting was held on June 13, 2003. 

Approximately 100 representatives from the county and communities were invited to learn 

about the advantages of developing hazard mitigation plans. A second well-attended 

meeting for county residents and interested parties was held on October 22, 2003. 

Media Relations 

Newspapers published for Jefferson County are listed below: 

St. Louis Post Dispatch/Jefferson County Suburban Journals 

Festus - Jefferson County Leader 

Hillsboro - Jefferson County Watchman 

Arnold - Imperial Rock, Jefferson County Journal- Leader Publications 

Meramec Journal 

News Democrat Journal 

A variety of radio and television stations are available which include: 

Radio Television 

KDJR 100.1 FM 

KGNA 89.9 FM 

KTBJ 89.3 FM 

KDHX 88.1 FM KETC-PBS 

KEZK 102.5 FM KMOV-CBS 

KFUO 99 FM KPLR-Independent/WB 

KHITs 96 FM KTVI-Fox 

KLOU 103.3 FM KDNL- 30 

7

8 

KMOX 1120 AM KNLC-24 

KNSX 93.3 FM KSDK-NBC 

KPNT 105.7 FM Jefferson College JC-TV 

KSHE 95 FM CNN 

KSLQ 104.5 FM MSNBC 

KTRS 550 AM BBC 

KWMU 90.7 FM Cable Channel 3 

KYKY 98 FM 

WEW 770 AM 

WIL 92 FM 

WRTH 1430 AM 

WVRV 101 FM 

Missouri Digital News (MDN) 

KBGM FM 91.1 

KJFF AM 1400 

KTBJ-FM 

Demographic Information 


The population of Jefferson County has experienced a 421.2 percent change since 1950 

and a 15.6 increase in the last decade. See Figure J5 in the back of the Technical Appendix. 

Age 

According to the 2000 Census, Jefferson County has a total of 54,784 persons under the 

age of 18; 125,116 persons between the age of 18 to 64 and 18,199 persons 65 years of 

age and older. Jefferson County has a younger population and has fewer residents over 

the age of 64 years when compared to Missouri statewide population. The median age of 

34.9 in Jefferson County is lower than the 36.0 median age for Missouri. Refer to Table J1 

below. 

TABLE J1 

JEFFERSON COUNTY AGE 

DEMOGRAPHICS 

AGE CATEGORY NUMBER PERCENT 

Under 5 14,280 7.2 

Age 5 to 9 15,424 7.8 

10 to 14 15,878 8.0 

15 to 17 9,659 4.9 

18 to 19 5,434 2.7 

20 to 24 11,468 5.8 

25 to 34 27,290 13.8 

35 to 44 35,932 18.1 

45 to 54 27,193 13.7 

55 to 59 9,932 5.0 

60 to 64 7,461 3.8


TABLE J1 

JEFFERSON COUNTY AGE 

DEMOGRAPHICS 

AGE CATEGORY NUMBER PERCENT 

65 to 74 10,702 5.4 

75 to 84 5,691 2.9 

Over 85 1,755 0.9 

Under 18 55,264 27.9 

Over 18 142,858 72.1 

18 to 64 124,710 63.0 

Over 21 135,127 68.2 

Over 62 22,482 11.3 

Over 65 18,148 9.2 

Per Capita Income and Persons Below the Federal Poverty Level 

Compared to statewide statistics, most data categories show that Jefferson County had 

higher levels of income and lower levels of poverty. The 2000 Census noted that the per 

capita income for Jefferson County was $19,435, and 13,253 persons were living below 

the federal poverty level. Refer to Table J2 and Table J3 below. 

TABLE J2 JEFFERSON COUNTY INCOME AND POVERTY LEVEL 

CATEGORIES VALUE 

Per capita money income, 1999 $19,435 

Persons below poverty level, percent, 1999 6.8% 

In 2000 Jefferson County had a per capita personal income (PCPI) of $22,992. This PCPI 

ranked 24th in the state and was 84 percent of the state average. The 2000 PCPI reflected 

an increase of 6.6 percent from 1999. The 1999-2000 state change was 6.3 percent and 

the national change was 6.7 percent. 

TABLE J3 POVERTY STATUS IN JEFFERSON COUNTY- 1999 

CATEGORY NUMBER PERCENT 

Families 2,704 (X) 

Percent below poverty level (X) 4.9 

With related children under 18 years 2,142 (X) 




Families with female householder, no husband present 1,285 (X) 




With related children under 5 years 575 (X) 


Individuals 13,253 (X) 


9

10 


TABLE J3 POVERTY STATUS IN JEFFERSON COUNTY- 1999 


18 years and over 8,595 (X) 


65 years and over 1,084 (X) 


Related children under 18 years 4,359 (X) 


Related children 5 to 17 years 2,862 (X) 


Unrelated individuals 15 years and over 4,501 (X) 


Education Levels 

The 2000 Census noted that 25,996 individuals had not completed high school, 45,773 

persons had completed high school, and 10,650 persons had graduated from college with 

a Bachelor’s degree. Refer to Table J4 below. 

Diversity 

TABLE J4 EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT FOR JEFFERSON COUNTY 


Population 25 years and over 125,956 100.0 

Less than 9th grade 8,247 6.5 

9th to 12th grade, no diploma 17,749 14.1 

High school graduate (includes equivalency) 45,773 36.3 

Some college, no degree 30,175 24.0 

Associate degree 8,722 6.9 

Bachelor's degree 10,650 8.5 

Graduate or professional degree 4,640 3.7 

Percent high school graduate or higher 79.4 (X) 

Percent bachelor's degree or higher 12.1 (X) 

According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the majority (98 percent) of Jefferson County can be 

classified as Caucasian. The largest minority, African-American accounts for 1,354 people 

(under one percent). The largest ethnic population (just over one percent) of the total 

population was Hispanic. According to the 2000 Census, 577 individuals have a Native 

American background and 708 have an Asian background. Refer to Table J5. 

TABLE J5 JEFFERSON COUNTY DIVERSITY 


One race 196,248 99.1 

White 193,102 97.5 

Black or African American 1,354 0.7 

American Indian and Alaska Native 577 0.3 

Asian 708 0.4 

Asian Indian 89 0.0


TABLE J5 JEFFERSON COUNTY DIVERSITY 


Chinese 112 0.1 

Filipino 199 0.1 

Japanese 33 0.0 

Korean 88 0.0 

Vietnamese 96 0.0 

Other Asian 91 0.0 

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 28 0.0 

Native Hawaiian 17 0.0 

Guamanian or Chamorro 8 0.0 

Samoan 3 0.0 

Other Pacific Islander 0 0.0 

Some other race 479 0.2 

Two or more races 1,851 0.9 

Race alone or in combination with one or more other races 

White 194,896 98.4 

Black or African American 1,709 0.9 

American Indian and Alaska Native 1,532 0.8 

Asian 1,039 0.5 

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 86 0.0 

Some other race 775 0.4 

HISPANIC OR LATINO AND RACE 

Total population 198,099 100.0 

Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 2,002 1.0 

Mexican 1,130 0.6 

Puerto Rican 176 0.1 

Cuban 41 0.0 

Other Hispanic or Latino 655 0.3 

Not Hispanic or Latino 196,097 99.0 

White alone 191,753 96.8 

Economy, Employment and Industry 

Labor Force 

In 2000, Jefferson County had a labor force of 104,725 people and an unemployment rate 

of 3.2 percent, slightly better than the Missouri unemployment rate of 3.4 percent. In 

1990 the unemployment rate was 7.7 percent. This includes an increase of 12,860 

employees since 1990. As of 2000, most employed county residents worked in retail, 

service, and government sectors. According to the 2000 Census, 112 persons were in the 

Armed Forces, 104,613 individuals were in the civilian labor force, 99,837 individuals were 

employed, and 4,776 were unemployed. See Table J6 below. A total of 44,488 individuals 

were not included in the labor force. 

TABLE J6 JEFFERSON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT STATUS 

EMPLOYMENT STATUS NUMBER PERCENT 

Population 16 years and over 149,213 100.0 

11

12 


TABLE J6 JEFFERSON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT STATUS 

EMPLOYMENT STATUS NUMBER PERCENT 

In labor force 104,725 70.2 

Civilian labor force 104,613 70.1 

Employed 99,837 66.9 

Unemployed 4,776 3.2 

Percent of civilian labor force 4.6 (X) 

Armed Forces 112 0.1 

Not in labor force 44,488 29.8 

Females 16 years and over 75,946 100.0 

In labor force 48,153 63.4 

Civilian labor force 48,133 63.4 

Employed 45,699 60.2 

Own children under 6 years 16,381 100.0 

All parents in family in labor force 10,515 64.2 

Average Wage Rate 

The average wage rate at the time of the 2000 Census, according to U.S. Department of 

Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis was $24,470 (based on place of work). The 

median wage rate, based on 1999 place of residence data from the U.S. Census, was 

$25,332. 

Primary Employers and Industries 

The top fourteen industries in Franklin County, based on 1996 data on employers that have 

200 employees or greater, is found in Table J7 below. 

TABLE J7 TOP INDUSTRIES IN JEFFERSON COUNTY 

NAME ADDRESS CITY EMPLOYEES 

Jefferson Memorial Hospital PO BOX 350,HWY 61-67 & 55 Festus 850 

Doe Run Company 881 Main St. Herculaneum 356 

Quality Temps Inc. Arnold 302 

Fox School District Arnold 300 

Union Pacific 491 N. Main Desoto 300 

Ball-Foster Glass Container Co PO Box 729, Hwy 61-67 Pevely 257 

Windsor C-I School District 6208 Hwy 61-67 Imperial 255 

Union Electric-Rush Island 

Power Festus 255 

Carondelet Foundry Co Pevely 245 

Heizer Aerospace 5841 Hwy 61-67 PO Box 165 Imperial 223 

Combustion Engineering, Inc. 3300 State Rd P,PO Box 107 Hematite 213 

LMC Industries Inc 100 Manufacturers Drive Arnold 203 

Jefferson College 1000 Viking Drive Hillsboro 200


The primary employer sectors include the services industry and the manufacturing industry. 

The agriculture and mining sectors employ 556 individuals, the construction industry 

employs 10,410 individuals and the manufacturing industry employs 16,563. 

Manufacturing is the single largest industry category with 16.6 percent of existing 

employment, a five percent increase since 1990. Nevertheless, the national trend of 

shrinking manufacturing sector has also occurred in Jefferson County during the past 10 

years. There are 8,632 individuals employed by the transportation, communications and 

public utilities industries; 4,045 persons are employed by the wholesale trade; 12,680 

persons are employed by the retail trade; 6,701 persons are employed by the finance, 

insurance and real estate industry; 37,487 individuals are employed by the services industry 

(the largest employer at 30 percent); and 2,763 individuals are employed in the public 

administration industry. In addition, Jefferson County saw an increase of 16.5 percent in 

the educational, health and social services sector. Refer to Table J8 for a summary of 

Jefferson County industry types. 

TABLE J8 JEFFERSON COUNTY INDUSTRY TYPES 


Employed civilian population 16 years and over 99,837 100.0 

OCCUPATION 

Management, professional, and related occupations 23,750 23.8 

Service occupations 14,646 14.7 

Sales and office occupations 27,984 28.0 

Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations 135 0.1 

Construction, extraction, and maintenance occupations 14,779 14.8 

Production, transportation, and material moving occupations 18,543 18.6 

INDUSTRY 

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 556 0.6 

Construction 10,410 10.4 

Manufacturing 16,563 16.6 

Wholesale trade 4,045 4.1 

Retail trade 12,680 12.7 

Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 5,921 5.9 

Information 2,711 2.7 

Finance, insurance, real estate, and rental and leasing 6,701 6.7 

Professional, scientific, management, administrative, and waste 

management services 

7,979 8.0 

Educational, health and social services 16,459 16.5 

Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services 7,206 7.2 

Other services (except public administration) 5,843 5.9 

Public administration 2,763 2.8 

13

14 

Access to Employment; Incommuting and Outcommuting 


Approximately twice as many Jefferson County citizens commuted to work outside their 

county of residence, as compared to citizens that worked within the county. According to 

the 2000 Census, 32,250 individuals worked within their county of residence, and 1,480 

worked outside of their state of residence. See Table J9 below. 

TABLE J9 COMMUTING STATISTICS FOR JEFFERSON COUNTY 


COMMUTING TO WORK 

Workers 16 years and over 98,030 100.0 

Car, truck, or van -- drove alone 82,666 84.3 

Car, truck, or van -- carpooled 11,929 12.2 

Public transportation (including taxicab) 205 0.2 

Walked 801 0.8 

Other means 1,149 1.2 

Worked at home 2,081 2.1 

Mean travel time to work (minutes) 31.1 (X) 

Codes/Regulations for Building, Stormwater, Fire, Zoning 

Jefferson County, as a first class, non-charter county, is authorized under Missouri Revised 

Statutes (RSMo 64.815) to prepare and utilize an official Master Plan. 

Effective January 4th, 1999, the County Commission created the Department of Land Use, 

Development, and Code Enforcement. Within this department is the Building Division with 

the purpose of enforcing the Jefferson County Building Codes, which are adopted to 

ensure public safety, health, and welfare in so far as they are affected by building 

construction. On December 27, 1994 Jefferson County, under order 12-30-96, adopted a 

resolution to establish minimum regulations regarding the design, construction, alteration, 

enlargement, repair, demolition and removal in unincorporated areas of the county. 

The Building Division was formed in 1967 to enforce the County Building Codes. The 

adaptation of the 1996 Building Code Ordinance requiring Electrical and Sewer 

Registration and Licensing was a significant change to the demands of the Division. The 

responsibility for failing septic systems was assigned to the Building Division in 1999 when 

the County Health Department (staff of eight) could no longer handle the volume of 

complaints; this greatly impacting the workload on the Division. Codes that are 

administered include: BOCA - 1996 (Building Official & Code Administrators); CABO – 1995 

(Council of American Building Officials); NEC - 1996 (National Electrical Code NFPA 70); 

BOCA-NFPC - 1996 (National Fire Prevention Code); IPC - 1995 (International Plumbing 

Code); IMC - 1996 (International Mechanical Code), and the Jefferson County On-Site 

Sewage Ordinance – 1996. 

The Code Enforcement Division is another division under the Department of Land Use, 

Development, and Code Enforcement. In 1986 the Jefferson County Commission adopted


a Solid Waste Ordinance and the Code Enforcement Department is responsible for 

enforcing this ordinance. The ordinance establishes standards for the storage, 

transportation and disposal of household trash, furniture, appliances, derelict automobiles, 

auto parts and other junk and trash. The Department averages more than twenty 

investigations per day. More than 10,500 violations of the ordinance have been corrected, 

leaving Jefferson County a cleaner, healthier and more desirable place in which to live. 

Another outcome of the ordinance has been the establishment of a recycling office, which 

works with recyclers, municipalities, schools and civic organizations to encourage better 

waste reduction methods, recycling, and the backyard composting of yard waste. The 

Code Enforcement Division also has the responsibility for enforcing the County Solid Waste 

Ordinance, coordinating solid waste and recycling activities and processing cases involving 

Building Codes and the Zoning Order. 

Existing Community Plans 

The Planning Division within the Department of Land Use, Development and Code 

Enforcement conducts the planning efforts for the county government primarily in the area 

of land use, but increasingly in the areas of infrastructure and public services. The Division 

maintains and implements the County's Zoning Order. This service may include information 

on permitted uses for a specific piece of property, building setbacks, current zoning, and 

information on processes available to change zoning. This service is generally paid for by 

the citizens of Jefferson County as part of the one-half cent sales tax collected for general 

government operations. The Division conducts numerous research efforts on countywide 

issues as well as on site-specific issues. This research may include environmental analyses, 

project feasibility studies, and reviews of project proposals. 

The Planning Division is organized into three sections, each of which reports to the 

Manager of the Planning Division. The Current Planning Section is responsible for daily 

operations including planning and zoning issues and proposed development. The second 

section is the Comprehensive Planning Section and is responsible for long-range planning 

functions including watershed management plans, the Master Plan and other special area 

or functional plans. The third section is the Technical Operations, which is responsible for 

technical operations and inspection efforts of the Division. The Planning Division produces 

plans and reports, the Comprehensive Master Plan, program guides and demographics, 

maps and statistics. Planning documents released to date include Jefferson County’s 

Master Plan, Rock Creek Watershed Management Plan, Jefferson County Transportation 

Mobility Plan, Jefferson County Transit Needs Study and the Jefferson County Economic 

Development Plan. 

Land Use Information 

Land use in Jefferson County, per EWG data is divided into the following categories: 

residential (35,753 acres) commercial (2,491 acres), industrial (2,379 acres), public (4,137 

acres), recreational (2,932 acres), transportation, and undeveloped (farmland with 376,217 

15

16 


acres). Refer to Figure J6 below that depicts the land use for Jefferson County (according 

to Jefferson County Planning). 

FIGURE J6 JEFFERSON COUNTY LAND USE MAP 

Source: Jefferson County Planning 

Development Trends and Annexation 

The population of Jefferson County tripled from 1950 to 1970, with 16.9 percent of the 

residents living in incorporated areas. In 1990, the population had increased to 171,380 

with 27 percent of the residents living in incorporated areas. The next 25 years are 

projected to see a continuation of the growth trend in Jefferson County. The county will 

likely see an increase of population of 11 percent or 22,000 people over the next 10 years 

and an increase of almost 28 percent over the next 25 years. Jefferson County will likely 

experience less growth than St. Charles County, but more than St. Louis County. With the 

steady increase in population, the county is faced with ever-increasing environmental 

demands. The Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District is assisting with 

identifying and addressing problems related to the environment. 

The economy in Jefferson County has improved, as indicated by a growing labor force, 

increased employment opportunities and lower unemployment rates. Growth in residential 

and commercial building permits has also helped the county prosper. While the rest of the 

state has been in a recession, Jefferson County has had good residential growth. 

Residential building permits for 2001 were up over 15 percent. This growth is expected to 

continue. Jefferson County plans to continue responsible growth patterns, while keeping a


unique identity for Jefferson County. In addition, the need for a variety of housing options 

and concerns exist about increased amount of mobile homes in the county. 

Moreover, growth in commercial building permits has helped to balance the economics of 

the county. Since 1998, commercial building permits have continued to rise, increasing 

108 percent from 1998 to 2001. In 1998, the construction cost of the commercial permits 

was 4.6 million dollars, and a major benefit was the size of those commercial operations. 

In 2001 the construction costs were 24.1 million dollars, an increase of almost 425 

percent. 

The local labor market is helping fuel increases in residential permits, and especially 

commercial building permits. Jefferson County will continue to strive to provide more 

employment opportunities within the county, for almost 67 percent of the workforce has 

jobs outside the County. Polls on economic development indicated that efforts should be 

made to attract commercial/retail development and to expand the tax base and promote 

economic growth. The poll also indicates that growth needs to be planned and financially 

responsible for county and that some residents do not want Tax Increment Financing to 

assist developers. 

Transportation issues center on connectivity; residents want better road conditions but 

some residents do not want traffic going through their subdivisions. Some studies have 

shown that transit connecting the county to St. Louis would lessen traffic congestion. Bus 

service had been provided to St. Louis, but the route was eventually terminated due to 

minimal ridership. In 1998, the highway department budget for Jefferson County was 

18.7 million dollars. Of that, 1.4 million dollars was from federal grants. In 2002, the 

highway department budget was 33.6 million dollars, an increase of 79 percent. During 

these years, Jefferson County has had an unprecedented amount of monies committed to 

state and interstate highways within the county. In the last couple years, and continuing 

into 2002, over 100 million dollars worth of highway and bridge projects were started or 

had been completed on state and interstate highways within Jefferson County. 

An issue of concern in the county is the lack of communication among different 

jurisdictions, infrastructure districts (sewer and water) and community service providers 

(police, fire and ambulance), as well as a low level of communication/coordination among 

the county and the other entities listed above regarding development of the county. 

Other active plans include: 

• A wastewater treatment plant 

• Jefferson County Water Authority Plant for drinking water 

• Several residential developments, with the City of Pevely projecting almost 400 new 

homes and Festus projecting 500 to 1,000 new homes by the end of 2003 

• Twin City Levee 

17

18 


• Clean Water Study (study will poise Jefferson County to move forward on pressing 

needs of drinking water, stormwater and wastewater management) 

The Jefferson County Master Plan has identified the following five goals pertaining to 

trends: 

1. Promote growth and development that creates a quality environment, preserves 

natural resources and provides community amenities. This goal will 1) include plans 

for phased growth in an orderly manner, 2) promote more compact settlement 

patterns that maintain overall low densities and preserve rural character of the 

county, 3) promote application of site designs that are efficient and sensitive to the 

environment, 4) support existing neighborhoods and develop new neighborhoods 

that provide quality environments, 5) provide convenient locations for goods and 

services, 6) provide economic and physical diversity of housing options, and 7) 

ensure maintenance of public safety and protection of public and private property. 

2. Create a housing plan for economic development to attract quality development 

and jobs to the county. 

3. Provide infrastructure and transportation that adequately services the community 

and new development. 

4. Ensure the maintenance of the environment and open space in an environmentally 

sensitive development, especially in large-scale development areas. 

5. To provide quality public awareness and high levels of education and 

communications regarding planning and development issues. 

Floodplain Management 

Jefferson County adopted a new ordinance on April 22, 1999, termed “The Jefferson 

County, Missouri Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.” 

The Legislature of the State of Missouri in Section 49.600 RSMo delegated the 

responsibility to local governmental units to adopt floodplain management regulations 

designed to protect, health, safety and welfare. Jefferson County adopted the ordinance to 

establish and maintain the community’s eligibility for participation in the National Flood 

Insurance Program as defined in 44 CFR 59.22(a)(3) and to meet the requirements of 44 

CFR 60.3(d). The ordinance applies to lands that are unincorporated and identified as 

numbered and unnumbered A zones. Jefferson County requires that no development shall 

be permitted in the zones except through the issuance of a floodplain development permit 

granted by the County Commission. The Jefferson County Building Official is the 

Floodplain Administrator. 

The duties of the Floodplain Administrator include: (1) review of applications for floodplain 

development permits to assure that federal, state and local governmental agencies have 

given prior approval; (2) ensure sites are safe from flooding and the floodplain 

development permit requirements of this ordinance have been satisfied; (3) ensure that 

manufactured home parks are safe from flooding; (4) issue floodplain development


permits; (5) notification of adjacent communities and ensure SEMA/FEMA have been 

contacted prior to alteration or relocation of a watercourse; (6) ensure that maintenance is 

provided in the altered or relocated portion of the watercourse so that the flood-carrying 

capacity is not diminished; (7) verify and maintain records of actual elevations that the new 

or substantially improved non-residential structures have been floodproofed; and (8) ensure 

that Jefferson County Building Official obtain certification from registered professional 

engineer or architect when floodproofing techniques are utilized for non-residential 

structures. 

Floodplain development requires a permit with specific information including: (1) a legal 

description of the land; (2) description of work to be done; (3) type of use or occupancy for 

which work is intended; (4) assessed value of structure and fair market value; (5) 

identification if development is in flood fringe or floodway; (6) identification of existing 

base flood elevation and elevation of proposed development; and (7) include plans and 

signature. 

Provisions for flood hazard reduction includes five sections: general standards, specific 

standards, manufactured homes, floodway and recreational vehicles. General standards 

require that: (1) no development will be granted in any numbered or unnumbered A zones 

unless all conditions are satisfied; (2) if flood insurance studies are not available, the 

community will obtain and utilize flood data; (3) until a floodway is designated, no new 

construction will be permitted in any numbered A zone on the FIRM unless it is 

demonstrated that the cumulative effect of the development (and all other surrounding 

development) will not increase the water elevation of the base flood more than one foot; 

(4) all new construction, improvements and other development will require design or 

adequate anchorage; materials resistant to flooding; use of methods that minimize flood 

damage; all utility/service facilities designed and located to prevent water from 

entering/accumulating in the components from flooding; water supply/sanitary sewage 

systems designed to minimize/eliminate infiltration of floodwaters and discharges from 

systems into floodwaters located to avoid impairment or contamination; (5) storage, 

material, and equipment within special flood hazard area is prohibited, and storage of 

other material may be allowed if not subject to major damage by floods; (6) agricultural 

structures may be constructed at grade and wet-floodproofed, provided there is no human 

occupancy, is of single-wall design, no permanent retail, wholesale or manufacturing use 

and a variance has been issued; (7) accessory structures such as parking areas, not larger 

than 400 square feet, may be constructed at grade and wet-floodproofed, no human 

habitation, is of single wall design and a variance has been issued; (8) hazardous material 

storage and handling must be out of the special flood hazard area; and (9) a 

nonconforming structure may be continued, subject to: if the structure is destroyed 

(including through flooding), it can’t be reconstructed if the cost is more than 50 percent 

of the pre-damage market value of the structure. 

Specific standards of the floodplain ordinance requires the following: (1) new construction 

or substantial improvement of residential structures must have the lowest floor, including 

19

20 


the basement, elevated to two feet above the base flood elevation. The building envelope 

must be filled to an elevation one foot above base flood elevation; (2) new construction or 

substantial improvement of any commercial, industrial or nonresidential structures, 

including manufactured homes, must have the lowest floor, including basement elevated 

to one foot above the base flood elevation, together with utility and sanitary facilities 

floodproofed so that below the base flood elevation, the structure is watertight with walls 

impermeable to water with structural components with the capability of resisting 

hydrostatics and hydrodynamic loads, an engineer must certify that the structure has met 

these standards; and (3) for all new construction and substantial improvements, that all 

fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor used only for parking of vehicles, building 

access, or storage in an area other than the basement must be designed to equalize 

hydrostatic flood forces, and the design must be certified by a registered engineer or 

architect. 

Manufactured homes to be placed within all unnumbered and numbered A zones on the 

community’s FIRM must be installed using methods to minimize flood damage. The 

homes must be elevated and anchored to resist movement. These homes must be placed 

on elevated permanent foundations so that the lowest floor of the home is elevated two 

feet above the base flood elevation and securely attached to prevent movement. 

Manufactured homes that are not subject to provisions of Article 4 Section C(2) of the 

ordinance must be elevated so that the lowest floor of the home is two feet above the base 

flood elevation, or the home chassis is supported by reinforced piers so that there are no 

less than 36 inches above the grade and securely attached. 

The floodplain ordinance also requires that the community select and adopt a regulatory 

floodway, that the community prohibit encroachments (fill, construction) in the floodway, 

unless it had demonstrated through standard engineering practices that the encroachment 

would not result in flood levels. The community, in unnumbered A zones will obtain and 

use base flood elevation data from sources in Article 4, Section A(2). 

Recreational vehicles, as stipulated in the floodplain ordinance, can only be placed on sites 

within unnumbered and numbered A zones on the community’s FIRM for fewer than 180 

consecutive days, and fully licensed for use or meeting the permitting, elevating and 

anchoring requirements for manufactured homes. 

The floodplain damage prevention ordinance has variance procedures and conditions for 

approving floodplain management variances, for agricultural structures, accessory 

structures, and penalties for violation of the ordinance. 

Jefferson County has stormwater management plans in place. The Rock Creek Watershed 

Management Plan is a comprehensive, small area-planning project being conducted 

through a partnership between the Jefferson County Planning Division, the Missouri 

Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), and the Great Rivers Alliance of Natural- 

Resource Districts (GRAND). The first of twelve watershed management plans to be 

conducted in Jefferson County, the Rock Creek Watershed Management Plan will address a


broad range of issues including: land use, site-specific development guidelines, flooding, 

and water quality. Funding for the project comes from a Federal Water Quality 

Management (604b) grant funded by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. 

The project began in early 1998. Throughout 1998-99, work was focused on the 

development of the technical aspects of the plan, including creation of a natural resource 

database to be used in the Geographic Information System (GIS), surveying and field work 

to establish cross sections of Rock Creek, and aerial mapping to develop 2-foot contour 

information for the watershed. This technical phase of the plan will culminate in the 

creation of an integrated GIS querying tool, running of computer models to simulate 

different storm events to analyze their impacts throughout the watershed, and a reevaluation 

of the 100-year floodplain. Subsequent to the technical elements in place in 

early 2000, the community involvement phase began. This occurred through several public 

meetings in which residents of the watershed were asked to help set priorities for land use 

and development guidelines based on the technical information presented by the staff. 

Wetlands Issues 

The Sierra Club has provided wetlands comments on various projects within Jefferson 

County. Included in these comments were concerns about the loss of habitat over 14 miles 

of new four-lane highway through rural farms, forests and streams associated with the 

Highway 21 project in Jefferson County. 

The United States Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, issues Nationwide Permits for 

wetlands in their jurisdiction within Jefferson County. In accordance with the St. Louis 

District, and District-Designated Waters: for any discharge or excavation activity requiring 

authorization, proposed under NWPs 39, 41, 42 and 43, in any ephemeral, intermittent, 

and perennial streams in the following Missouri watersheds, the permittee must notify the 

District Engineer in accordance with the "Notification" general condition 13 (Federal 

Register, 67 FR 2090-2092). This pertains to the following watersheds in Jefferson County: 

Saline/Sugar/Romaine Creeks, Rock Creek, Dulin/Bourne/Heads/Bear Creeks, La Barque 

Creek, Glaize Creek, and Joachim/Sandy Creeks. 

National Flood Insurance (NFIP) Participation 

The National Flood Insurance Policy member number for Jefferson County is 290808. 

Environmental Concerns 

The recently completed “Jefferson County Wastewater Management Report” identifies 

septic system failure, including soil types within portions of the county that are not 

conducive for on-site wastewater treatment systems and their leaching fields as a concern 

in the county. Through the growth and development of strategies identified in the Master 

Plan, many of the on-site wastewater treatment system problems can be remedied by the 

21

22 


use of public systems that are more reliable and longer lasting. Sensitivity has been given 

to topographic considerations because they relate to the health of the watersheds and 

watercourses in the region. 

Air pollution is a major concern in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Numerous initiatives 

continue to improve air quality including: St. Louis Community Air Project, Gateway Clean 

Air Program, and the St. Louis Regional Clean Air Partnership. Sixteen air qualitymonitoring 

stations exist within the metropolitan area that monitors six air pollutants: 

carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, particulates, lead, carbon dioxide and ozone. The Air 

Quality Index (AQI) is a standardized method of reporting air pollution values. Over the 

past 25 years, the air quality in St. Louis has greatly improved, and, through the 

introduction of controls, ozone levels have significantly decreased. 

In 2002, the St. Louis Metropolitan area (Missouri-Illinois) reached a significant air quality 

milestone. Based on 2000-2002 air quality monitoring data, the area attained the onehour 

standard. On May 12, 2003, the United States Environmental Protection Agency 

(USEPA) designated the area as in maintenance of the one-hour standard. However, this is 

only one step on the road to cleaner air in the St. Louis region. The area must soon meet 

the new eight-hour ozone standard, as well as the fine particulate standard. 

Protection and preservation of natural environment is important. This includes air quality, 

water quality, streams and topography. Stormwater runoff and land erosion is a 

significant issue in Jefferson County. Jefferson County plans to prepare land development 

policies and regulations to address erosion during land development and construction 

process. 

A number of hazardous waste facilities are located in Jefferson County. These sites include: 

• Doe Run Company resource recovery facility, located in Herculaneum 

• Dow Company hazardous waste facility, located in Pevely, Missouri 

• British Nuclear Fuels Ltd., Westinghouse's parent company, owns a nuclear fuel 

plant in Hematite, Missouri; potential for chemical solvents and possible traces of 

technetium-99, a radioactive fission product thought to be present during Cold War 

activities. 

Endangered Species, Historic Properties/Districts, Archaeological Sites 

The federal and state listing of endangered species in Jefferson County includes the Pink 

Mucket, Gray Bat, Indiana Bat, Ozark Big Eared Bat, Flathead Chub, Crystal Darter, Bald 

Eagle, Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid, Peregrine Falcon, Northern Harrier, Lake Sturgeon 

and the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker. 

In accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the Archaeological and 

Historic Preservation Act of 1974 and the Antiquities Act of 1906, information regarding


specific locations of archaeological sites cannot be released. The Missouri State Historic 

Preservation Office (SHPO) within the Outreach Office of MDNR is in the process of setting 

up a GIS database that will house archaeological sites in Missouri. Individuals in need of 

information may contact the SHPO for information on specific sites. Reference for further 

information can be made to Missouri Department of Natural Resources, 1-800-361-4827 

or their website at http://www.dnr.mo.gov/shpo/homepage.htm. The Missouri 

Archaeological Society’s website is located at http://coas.missouri.edu/mas/ and provides 

reference documents on archaeological sites in Missouri. 

There are ten sites listed on the national register of historic properties in Jefferson County. 

A list of these are found below and can also be found on the Missouri state website at 

http://www.dnr.mo.gov/shpo/Jefferson.htm. 

Beaumont-Tyson Quarry District, address restricted (10/10/74) (also in St. Louis County) 

Boemler Archaeological District, address restricted (10/01/74) 

Boland Archaeological District, address restricted (10/01/74) 

Fletcher, Thomas C., House, Elm St. between 1st & 2nd Sts., Hillsboro (11/19/74) 

Greystone-Meissner, Gustave, House, NE of Pevely off US 61/67 (12/31/74); additional 

information (3/11/85) 

Kimmswick Bone Bed, Mastodon State Historic Site, NW of Imperial, Kimmswick vicinity 

(11/05/80) 

Leight, Valentine, General Store, 4566 Main St., House Springs (8/18/92) 

Moder Archaeological District, address restricted (10/16/74) 

Sandy Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site, 5 mi. N of Hillsboro off US 21 (7/08/70) 

Windsor Harbor Road Bridge, Windsor Harbor Rd. at Rock Cr., Kimmswick (9/08/83) 

Identified Assets 

Inventory of Critical/Key/Essential Facilities 

Medical Facilities 

Relevant facilities include medical facilities, schools, long-term care facilities, day care 

centers and government structures. These facilities represent resources for care and shelter 

as well as populations requiring a higher level of care and installations critical to 

community services. 

The hospitals and other facilities that service Jefferson County are included in Table J10. 

Physician’s offices, clinics, and urgent care centers within the city are too numerous to list 

here. See Figures J7 and J8 located in the back of the Technical Appendix. 

23

24 


Table J10 JEFFERSON COUNTY MEDICAL FACILITIES 

Hospitals and Other Facilities Location Number of Beds 

Jefferson Memorial Hospital 1400 US Hwy 61, Festus, MO 225 

Unity Health Arnold Care Ctr 3619 Richardson Square N.A. 

Community Treatment N.A N.A. 

Disability Support Systems N.A N.A. 

Jefferson County Support for 

the Handicapped 

N.A N.A. 

Jefferson County Health Dept N.A N.A. 

Long Term Care Facilities 

Long-term care facilities are more likely to be impacted in a disaster. These facilities fulfill a 

range of needs including retirement, assisted living, intermediate and long term continuing 

care. Residents may have mobility and/or cognitive issues that present special problems. 

Refer to Table J11 below. 

Table J11 LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES IN JEFFERSON COUNTY 

FACILITY LOCATION CITY BEDS 

Arbor Place Of Festus, Inc 12827 Highway TT Festus 81 

Autumn Ridge 300 Autumn Ridge Drive Herculaneum 69 

Baisch Nursing Center 3620 Baisch Drive DeSoto 61 

Baisch Nursing Center 3620 Baisch Drive DeSoto 18 

Cedar Hill Manor 6400 The Cedars Court Cedar Hill 150 

Colonial House 122 East Pratt Street, PO Box 638 DeSoto 27 

Cori Manor 560 Corisande Hill Road Fenton 124 

Cori Manor 560 Corisande Hill Road Fenton 22 

Country Aire Retirement 2800 Country Aire Estates, PO Box 

Home 

550 

1500 Calvary Church Road, PO Box 

DeSoto 51 

Crystal Oaks 

680 

1500 Calvary Church Road, PO Box 

Crystal City 60 

Crystal Oaks 

680 Crystal City 99 

Festus Nursing Center 627 Westwood Drive South Festus 120 

Festus Pavillion, Inc 500 Sunshine Drive, PO Box 806 Festus 34 

Festus Rest Home 705 Moore Street, PO Box 51 Festus 21 

Fountainbleau Nursing 

Center 1349 Highway 61, PO Box 700 Festus 74 

Fountainbleau Nursing 

Center 1349 Highway 61, PO Box 700 Festus 46 

Hillcrest Care Center, Inc 1108 Clarke Street DeSoto 120 

Keaton Center 120 Mill Street Festus 24 

Lakewood Care Center 1797 Lakeview Court, PO Box 552 Pacific 12 

Lighthouse Of Festus, Inc 

(The) 129 Gray Street, PO Box 606 Festus 25 

Loving Care Rest Home, Inc 1107 Clarke Street DeSoto 47 

Magnolia Home (The) 204 Grand Avenue Festus 12


Table J11 LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES IN JEFFERSON COUNTY 

FACILITY LOCATION CITY BEDS 

My Place Residential Care 23 North Sixth Street Festus 44 

Parkview Residential Care 26 Mississippi Avenue, PO Box 494 Crystal City 24 

Scenic View RCF 1333 Scenic Drive Herculaneum 23 

Scenic View Skilled Care 1333 Scenic Drive Herculaneum 166 

South County Nursing Home, 

Inc 1101 West Outer 21 Road Arnold 153 

St. Joseph's Hill Infirmary St Joseph Road Eureka 126 

Striler's Care Center 134 Gray Street, Box 356 Festus 20 

Tanglewood Care Center 1930 Highway F Pacific 12 

Twin City Residential Care, 

Inc #1 Holding Lane, PO Box 92 Herculaneum 44 

Villas (The) 1550 Villas Drive DeSoto 125 

Villas (The) 1550 Villas Drive DeSoto 31 

Woodland Manor Nursing 

Center 100 Woodland Court Arnold 140 

Day Care Facilities 

Day care centers represent yet another population that needs special consideration, 

especially during a disaster situation. Most day care centers cater to children ages two to 

five, although some day care centers serve older adults. Those facilities represent 

specialized mitigation needs. The following tables show a current population in schools, 

day care, preschools and residential facilities. This list of schools and other facilities is 

deemed “Facilities Requiring Special Consideration” for evacuation purposes in the 

Jefferson County Emergency Operations Plans. Refer to Table J12 below. 

Table J12 DAY CARE FACILITIES FOR JEFFERSON COUNTY 

FACILITY LOCATION CITY NUMBER 

ABC Preschool Of Arnold 2315 Lonedell Rd Arnold Mo 63010 49 

Alpha And Omega Child Care 1107 Clarke St DeSoto Mo 63020 145 

Alpha And Omega Child C 429 Maple Ln Pevely Mo 63070 97 

Around The World Day C 2125 Kehrt Dr Arnold Mo 63010 59 

Aunt Bettys Day Care 5632 Gravois Rd 

House Springs Mo 63051 20 

Bailey, Kimberly 827 Sheraton Ln 

Herculaneum Mo 63048-1538 10 

Bailey, Kimberly 827 Sheraton Ln 

Herculaneum Mo 63048-1538 10 

Beginnings And Beyond 544 Karen Dr Hillsboro Mo 63050 43 

Bradley, Patricia 2528 Medford Ln High Ridge Mo 63049-0 10 

Bright Beginning Learning 2195 Clark St DeSoto Mo 63020 56 

Bright Beginnings Learn 1549 W Main St 

Festus Mo 63028 124 

Building Blocks Preschool 2500 Tomahawk Dr Arnold Mo 63010 20 

Building Blocks Preschool 1340 W Outer 21 Rd Arnold Mo 63010 20 

Burkard, Carol 929 Natchez Trce 

Bloomsdale Mo 63627 10 

Castile, Fern P 6705 Haven Hl 

Barnhart Mo 63012 10 

Childrens House Of Hills 603 Maple St Hillsboro Mo 63050 50 

25

26 




Childtime Childrens Center 17 Municipal Dr Arnold Mo 63010-1012 144 

Childtime Childrens Center 2130 Michigan Ave Arnold Mo 63010 143 

Country Kids Child Care 1855 Buena Vista Dr Pacific Mo 63069 10 

Desoto Daycare Center 1733 Koch Ln DeSoto Mo 63020 20 

Desoto Head Start 300 W Mineral 

DeSoto Mo 63020 20 

Ditter, Mary F 2205 Parkwood Court Barnhart Mo 63012 10 

Emerson, Catherine 132 Southmoore 

Hillsboro Mo 63050 10 

Ennis, Glenda 5888 Terrace House Springs Mo 63051-0 10 

Fenton Play And Learn 1051 Old Gravois Rd Fenton Mo 63026 191 

For Kids Only Inc 5432 B Highway 61 67 Imperial Mo 63052 41 

Ford, Deborah 2129 Sunswept 

High Ridge Mo 63049 10 

Gannon, Paula 714 Emil Dr Arnold Mo 63010 10 

Haskins, Sue 105 Laverne Fenton Mo 63026 10 

Hematite Head Start 3860 Hillsboro Hematite Rd Festus Mo 63028 60 

High Ridge Learning Cent 3028 High Ridge Blvd High Ridge Mo 63049-2215 32 

House Springs Head Start 4869 Scottsdale House Springs Mo 63051 20 

In Two Kids Incorporate 4532 Commerce Ave High Ridge Mo 63049 137 

Jefferson College Child 1000 Viking Dr Hillsboro Mo 63050 100 

Jefferson R Seven Preschool 2400 61 Hwy 

Festus Mo 630284036 20 

Joos, Karen 13520 State Road JJ De Soto Mo 63020-4925 10 

Just Us Kids 6008 B Hwy Hillsboro Mo 63050 60 

Kids Country Inc 1645 Marriott Ln 

Barnhart Mo 63012 93 

La Petite Academy 3607 Richardson Sq Arnold Mo 63010 126 

Leonard, Karen 8 Robin Ln Fenton Mo 63026-0 10 

Lil Thinkers\Big Thinkers 301 Third St Hillsboro Mo 63050 64 

Little Dragons Preschool 300 S 3rd St De Soto Mo 630202015 20 

Maple Meadows Daycare 510 Maple Meadows Arnold Mo 63010 

House Springs Mo 63051- 

30 

Mini School Of Jefferson 6462 Byrnes Mill Rd 1159 99 

Miss Cindys Learning Center 1757 Big Bill Rd Arnold Mo 63010 58 

New Horizon Day Care Center 5181 Warren Rd 

Imperial Mo 63052 99 

Peter Rabbit Day Care Center 2176 Tenbrook 

Arnold Mo 63010 55 

Pfeiffer, Sharon Diane 6509 Old Antonia Rd Imperial Mo 63052 10 

Queen Of Apostles Center 800 Montebello Rd Imperial Mo 63052 50 

Schmitt, Connie Sue 6003 6th St Imperial Mo 63052 10 

Sell, Laura M 2169 Meadow Dr Barnhart Mo 63012 10 

Shelby, Holly A 1520 Prehistoric Hill Dr Imperial Mo 63052 10 

Soong, Christine 8325 Old Lemay Ferry Rd Barnhart Mo 63012 10 

The Gingerbread House 2000 El Lago Ste 7 Arnold Mo 63010 99 

Three Rs Professional D 4215 N Highway 21 Imperial Mo 63052 80 

Tighe, Margot M 4933 Ferris Ct Imperial Mo 63052 10 

Tiny Town Child Care 13197 Timberwood Ln De Soto Mo 63020 20 

Tlc Home Day Care 116 N Seventh St Festus Mo 63028 10 

Usher, Helen 2235 E Rock Creek Arnold Mo 63010 10 

Vance, Jane Ellen 3163 Old Hwy A 


Warm Hearts Child Care 4235 Gravois Rd 

House Springs Mo 63051 60 

Wee Care Learning Center 1500 Calvary Rd 

Crystal City Mo 63109 258




Windsor Kimmswick Center 6003 Fifth St Kimmswick Mo 63053 24 

YMCA Jefferson Co Sunrise 4485 Sunrise School Rd De Soto Mo 63020 20 

YMCA Jefferson County Athena Rd De Soto Mo 63020 30 

YMCA Jefferson County 1515 Mid Meadow Ln Festus Mo 63028 40 

YMCA Jefferson County St Marys Ln Festus Mo 63028 50 

YMCA of Jefferson Co 2400 Hwy 61 


YMCA of Jefferson County 101 Leon Hall Pky Hillsboro Mo 63050 60 

YMCA Of Jefferson County 300 County Rd 

Pevely Mo 63048 50 

YMCA South County Branch 2101 Valley Dr House Springs Mo 63051 30 

YMCA South County Branch Old Gravois Rd House Springs Mo 63051 20 

YMCA South County Bran High Ridge Blvd High Ridge Mo 63049 30 

YMCA South County Bran 4630 Brennan Rd High Ridge Mo 63049 20 

YMCA South County Bran 745 Jeffco Blvd Arnold Mo 63010 49 

YMCA South County Bran 6992 Rivermont Trl House Springs Mo 63051 45 

YMCA South County Bran 4525 Four Ridge Rd Imperial Mo 63052 20 

YMCA South County Bran 2500 Tomahawk Rd Arnold Mo 63010 40 

YMCA South County Bran 3265 Miller Rd Arnold Mo 63010 70 

YMCA South County Map 7887 Dittmer Ridge Rd Dittmer Mo 63023 20 

Youngsters Learning Pa 3225 Baisch Dr De Soto Mo 63020 68 

Schools 

More than 73,360 students attend various preschool, public and parochial elementary, 

middle, and high schools and one community college in Jefferson County. There are 15 

public school districts in Jefferson County. Schools represent yet another population that 

needs special consideration, especially in a disaster situation. Most schools have students 

that range from five through the age of 25. The following Figure J9 and Table J13 show a 

current population in schools and location of the districts. Some of the districts overlap 

into neighboring counties. This list of schools and other facilities is deemed “Facilities 

Requiring Special Consideration” for evacuation purposes in the Jefferson County 

Emergency Operations Plans. 

FIGURE J9 JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS 

27

28 


Table J13 SCHOOLS IN JEFFERSON COUNTY 

Public Schools Location Number of Students 

Meramec Valley R-III 126 N Payne St. Pacific 3743 

Rockwood R-VI 111 E North, Eureka 22,123 

Northwest R-I 2843 Community Lane 7,509 

Fox C-6 745 Jeffco Blvd., 

Arnold 

11,185 

Windsor C-1 6208 Hwy 61-67 2,922 

Dunklin R-V 600 Barclay, 

Herculaneum 

1,471 

Hillsboro R-III 20 Hawk Drive, 

Hillsboro 

3,592 

Grandview R-II 11470 Hwy C, 

Hillsboro 

929 

Kingston K-14 Rte 1, Box 1551, 

Cadet 

872 

Sunrise R-IX 4485 Sunrise School 

Rd, DeSoto 

343 

DeSoto 73 221 S. Third, DeSoto 2928 

North St. Francois Co. R-I 300 Berry Rd, Bonne 

Terre 

3,186 

Jefferson Co. R-VII 1250 Doolin Hollow 

Rd, Festus 

702 

Festus, R-VI 1515 Mid-Meadow 

Lane, Festus 

2,672 

Crystal City 47 1100 Mississippi Ave, 

686 

Crystal City 

Parochial Schools 

Christian Outreach School 4440 Outreach Dr., 

Hillsboro 

N.A. 

Good Shepard Catholic 

School 

701 Elm, Hillsboro 330 

Holy Child Elementary & 2316 Church Rd, 

302 

Middle School 

Arnold 

Our Lady’s Catholic School 1550 St. Mary’s Lane, 

Festus 

323 

Our Lady Queen of Peace 4675 Notre Dame 

Lane, House Springs 

553 

Our Saviour Lutheran 900 New Smizer Mill 

N.A. 

School 

Rd, Fenton 

Sacred Heart Catholic 

School 

201 Brierton, Festus 324 

St. Anthony’s Catholic 3005 High Ridge Blvd, 365 

School 

High Ridge 

St. Pius X High School 1030 St. Pius Drive, 

Festus 

811 

St. Joseph’s Catholic 

School 

5th Street, Kimmswick 335 

St. John’s Lutheran School 3511 Jeffco Blvd., 

Arnold 

196


Government Facilities 

Table J13 SCHOOLS IN JEFFERSON COUNTY 

Public Schools Location Number of Students 

St. John’s School 4525 Highway 21, 

Imperial 

N.A. 

St. Rose of Lima Catholic 

School 

523 S. 4th , DeSoto 319 

Twin City Christian 

Academy 

723 Horine Rd, Festus N.A. 

Christ the Vine Lutheran 

School 

310 Central St, Peveley N.A. 

Good Shepard Lutheran 2211 Tenbrook Rd 116 

Immanuel Christian 19 N 3rd , Festus 65 

Hope Lutheran 2308 Gravois, High 

Ridge 

74 

St. Paul’s 

Other Schools 

465 New Smizer Mill 

Rd, Fenton 

213 

Jefferson College 1000 Viking Dr, 

Hillsboro 

4171 

Table J14 below details city, county, state and federal government centers, police stations, 

fire stations, ambulance bases and the 911 Emergency Operations Center. 

Table J14 GOVERNMENT FACILITIES IN JEFFERSON COUNTY 

GOVERNMENT CENTERS-CITY AND 

FEDERAL 

LOCATION 

Office of Job Training 2 Merchants Drive 

Department of Agriculture 10820 Hwy 21 

Office of Dick Gephardt 998 E Gannon Rd 

Recruiting Office 109 Walnut 

Barnhart Post Office 1835 Marriot St 

Herculaneum Post Office 1234 Commercial Blvd 

Cedar Hill Post Office 7050 State Rd BB 

Crystal City Post Office 324 Bailey 

DeSoto Post Office 950 Boyd 

Dittmer Post Office 7768 Gravois Rd 

Festus Post Office 109 Walnut 

Fletcher Post Office 7682 Old State Rd H 

Grubville Post Office Highway Y 

Hematite Post Office 3677 State Rd P 

Hillsboro Post Office 4620 Yeager Rd 

Imperial Post Office 6035 S. Outer Rd 

Kimmswick Post Office Front and Market 

Liguori Post Office 1 Liguori Rd 

Mapaville Post Office 4049 Highway Z 

Peveley Post Office N.A. 

Richwoods Post Office Highway A 

29

30 




FEDERAL 

LOCATION 

Valle Mines Post Office 3225 State Rd V 

Arnold Post Office 1314 Jeffco Blvd 

Fenton Post Office 10 Fenton Plaza 

High Ridge Post Office 2829 High Ridge Blvd 

House Springs Post Office Highway 30 

Arnold Recruiting Center 471 Jeffco Blvd 

County Government Centers 

Jefferson County Court House 300 2nd Street, Hillsboro 

Jefferson County Economic Development 

Bldg 

725 Maple 

Jefferson County Health Department- 

Arnold 

Jefferson County Health Department- 

Hillsboro 

3838 Jeffco Blvd. 

405 2 nd Street 

Jefferson County Parks and Recreation 2800 Community Drive 

Jefferson County Library 3033 High Ridge Blvd 

Jefferson County Library 2101 Jeffco Blvd 

Jefferson County Library 3021 High Ridge 

Jefferson County Library 7479 Metropolitan Blvd 

Jefferson County Juvenile Office 2101 Jeffco Blvd 

Jefferson County Juvenile Office 3857 Gravois Rd 

Police 

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department- 34 Dillion Plaza 

North 

Jefferson County Sheriff 300 2 nd St, Hillsboro 

Jefferson County Sheriff-South Hwy 21 & Viking Dr. Hillsboro 

Jefferson County East Hwy 61-67 & Windsor Harbor Rd 

Arnold 2101 Jeffco Blvd 

Byrnes Mill Osage Executive Dr 

Cedar Hill 7322 Springdale 

Crystal City 130 Mississippi Ave 

DeSoto 17 Boyd 

Festus 100 Park 

Herculaneum 1 Parkwood Ct 

Hillsboro 101 Second St 

Kimmswick 3 rd and Vine 

Olympian Village 205 Kronos Dr 

Peveley P.O. Box 304




FEDERAL 

Ambulance Districts 

LOCATION 

Big River P.O. Box 348, Cedar Hill 

Joachim-Plattin Township 619 Collins Dr, Fstus 

North Jefferson County P.O. Box 233, High Ridge 

Rock Township P.O. Box 629, Arnold 

Valle 12363 Highway 21, Desoto 

429 East Osage, Pacific 

3279 Highway 100, Villa Ridge 

Meramec 

31768 Highway O, Robertsville 

1060 Hwy W 

Eureka Fire Protection and Ambulance 1815 W 5 

District 

th St 

3571 Wright Oak School Rd 

Fire Departments/Districts 

Antonia 3538 Highway M, Imperial 

6766 Cedar Hill Rd 

8800 Highway 30, Dittmer 

Cedar Hill 

8790 Byrnes Rd 

Crystal City 130 Mississippi Avenue 

17 Boyd Street 

201 East Miller 

3610 Highway V 

DeSoto 

12545 Ware 

Dunklin 1987 Highway Z 

Eureka 1060 Highway W, Eureka 

Goldman 9001 Old Lemay Ferry Rd, Hillsboro 

304 Rice Street 

Hematite 

3067 Meyer Rd 

Herculaneum 848 Broad 

2839 High Ridge Blvd 

1434 Gravois 

High Ridge 

6969 Wild, House Springs 

120 5 

Hillsboro 

th Street 

480 Second St 

Jefferson County Fire Protection District 13000 Highway T, Festus 

Mapaville 3701 Mapaville Fire Dept Rd 

Pacific 910 West Osage, Pacific 

1533 Jeffco Blvd, Arnold 

1020 Main, Imperial 

3540 Londell Rd, Arnold 

Rock Community FPD 

3889 Miller 

Shady Valley FPD 4535 Old Hwy 21, Imperial 

1691 S Hwy 141, Fenton 

Springdale FPD 

2198 Saline Rd, Fenton 

Festus 212 N Mill St, 213 N Mill St, 

Ridge Street 

31

32 




FEDERAL 

State Properties 

Recreation Facilities 

LOCATION 

Mapaville State School 

Highway A 

Region Office 2901 Hwy 61-4 Mi S Festus 

Service Bldg 2901 Hwy 61-4 Mi S Festus 

Residence 2901 Hwy 61-4 Mi S Festus 

Warehouse 2901 Hwy 61-4 Mi S Festus 

Service Bldg/Office 20 Mi S St. Louis-Hwy 67 

Pit Latrine 5 Mi N Hillsboro-Hwy 21 

Tidwell House 20 Mi S St. Louis-Hwy 67 

Pit Latrine 20 Mi S St. Louis-Hwy 67 

Pit Latrine 20 Mi S St. Louis-Hwy 67 

Supt Residence (New) 20 Mi S St. Louis-Hwy 67 

Storage Barn 2901 Hwy 61-4 Mi S Festus 

Pole Storage 2901 Hwy 61-4 Mi S Festus 

Interpretive Museum 20 Mi S St. Louis-Hwy 67 

Storage Building 20 Mi S St. Louis-Hwy 67 

Open Shelter 20 Mi S St. Louis-Hwy 67 

Desoto Armory State Hwy E 63020 

Festus Armory Junction Hwy A&P 

Unheat. Stor Bldg Desoto State Hwy E 63020 

Festus OMS Junction Hwy A&P 

Festus Unheat Stor Bldg Junction Hwy A&P 

Core Building 10434 State Rd BB 

Housing Unit A 10434 State Rd BB 

Housing Unit B/C 10434 State Rd BB 

Maintenance Building 2 Mi N Hillsboro On Hwy 21 

Student Center Building 2 Mi N Hillsboro On Hwy 21 

Arts & Science Building 2 Mi N Hillsboro On Hwy 21 

Library Learning Center 2 Mi N Hillsboro On Hwy 21 

Vocational Technical Building 2 Mi N Hillsboro On Hwy 21 

Vo-Prep Building 2 Mi N Hillsboro On Hwy 21 

Field House 2 Mi N Hillsboro On Hwy 21 

Fine Arts Center 2 Mi N Hillsboro On Hwy 21 

Arts And Science 2 Mi N Hillsboro On Hwy 21 

Technology Center 2 Mi N Hillsboro On Hwy 21 

Jefferson College- Arnold 4500 Jeffco Blvd 

Child Care Center 2mi N Hillsboro On Hwy 21 

Veterinary Technology Facility 2mi N Hillsboro On Hwy 21 

Jefferson County has approximately 145 acres of parks and recreation space for public use. 

This is represented in 11 county parks that include hiking trails, passive recreation space, 

and fishing and boating opportunities. The Jefferson County Master Plan noted that,


based on Missouri Statewide Outdoor Recreation Plan, the supply of parks and recreation 

space is significantly low to serve the population of the county and that future 

development opportunities should include measures to remedy this situation. Refer to 

Table J15 below. 

TABLE J15 JEFFERSON COUNTY RECREATIONAL FACILITIES 

Big River Saddle Club 10 * * * * * * * 

Brown's Ford 2 * * * * * 

Cedar Hill 7 * * * * * * 

Fletcher House .6 * * * * 

High Ridge Civic Center 2 * * * * * * * * 

Rockford Beach 8.2 * * * * * * * * * 

Jefferson Winter Park 40 * * * * * * * * 

Morse Mill 10 * * * * * * * * 

Pleasant Valley 40 * * * * * * * 

Sunridge 6 * * * * * * * * 

NW Jefferson County 

Sports Complex 

20 * * * * * 

Morse Mill Park- The Big River is located at Morse Mill Park. Small Mouth Bass, 

Crappie, Catfish and other game fish are present in the river. This location can 

be used to launch canoes or inner tubes for a 10.9-mile float to Cedar. 

Brown’s Ford Park- This facility is located on the Big River. This area produces 

some of the best small mouth fishing in the state. A canoe or inner tube can be 

launched at the boat ramp and take 18.3-mile trip down to Morse Mill Park. 

Cedar Hill Park- This facility provides picnicking, fishing and swimming 

opportunities on the Big River. The old mill and dam are overlooking the fast 

flowing water dropping over rocks while anglers pull in Crappie and Small 

Mouth Bass. This is a good location to launch a canoe or inner tubes for a 9.8mile 

float to Rockford Beach. 

Fletcher House- Built in 1851 by Thomas E. Fletcher (Missouri's first native-born 

Governor, and Friend of the Sixteenth President, Abraham Lincoln), this structure 

provides a snap shot of Missouri's past. The Fletcher House is operated as a 

33

34 


"House Museum" through the cooperative efforts of the Jefferson County Parks 

and Recreation Department and the Fletcher House Foundation. 

High Ridge Civic Center- A wide variety of services provided at the Civic Center. 

Activities include dance, martial arts, aerobics, tumbling, clinics, in-line hockey, 

hunter training, other community events. 

Rockford Beach- Located on the Big River. A dam creates a cascading waterfall. 

The river is commonly used for fishing, swimming and boating. Picnic facilities 

provide tables, grills and volleyball court. 

Jefferson County Winter Park- Facilities include volleyball courts and picnic tables 

over looking the Meramec River. Swimming, personal watercrafts, powerboats 

and fishing are welcomed activities. 

Pleasant Valley Park Preserve – This park offers 40 acres of secluded areas, wild 

flowers, wildlife and walking trails, you will love Pleasant Valley Nature Preserve. 

This facility has picnic facilities, playground, or trails. This is the location of 

several camps and special events conducted by Civic organizations. 

Sunridge Park- This facility has the only tower open to the public and see East to 

Festus, West as far as High Ridge, South to DeSoto and North to Arnold. Shelter 

houses, picnic facilities and playground are also available. 

Northwest Jefferson County Sports Complex- The Jefferson County Parks and 

Recreation Department acquired the Northwest Jefferson County Sports 

Complex, formerly the Cedar Hill Ballfields. This 20-acre complex, which currently 

provides four baseball fields with backstops, as well as a designated soccer area, 

currently is the home of Youth Instructional Soccer Program and Summer Soccer 

Camps. 

The cities of Arnold, Pevely, Herculaneum, Crystal City, Festus, Hillsboro, and 

Byrnes Mill all have city parks. In addition, there is Mastodon State Historic Site 

in Imperial and several State Department of Conservation areas. 

A visit to Washington State Park is sure to be a memorable experience for 

anyone. A favorite attraction here is the Indian rock carvings found in the park. 

These carvings, or petroglyphs, are believed to have been made around A.D. 

1,000 and give clues to the lives of the prehistoric Indians who once inhabited 

this part of Missouri. 

Washington State Park retains many of its original buildings constructed in a 

rustic architectural style in the 1930s by African-American Civilian Conservation 

Corps stonemasons. In addition to a lodge, there are quaint stone hiking 

shelters, a picnic pavilion, and the beautifully laid stone slabs that make up the


1,000 Steps Trail. The three hiking trails at Washington State Park provide every 

experience, from an easy stroll with bluff-top views of the river to a vigorous 

excursion through 10 miles of rugged Ozark terrain. 

Park visitors also can enjoy camping, fishing and swimming -- in a modern pool, 

or in the Big River. Available for rental are canoes and comfortable cabins with 

fully equipped kitchens. 

Due to storm damage, portions of Washington State Park are temporarily closed. Closed 

areas include: 

• special-use area 

• Civilian Conservation Corps shelter 

• all hiking trails 

Sandy Creek Covered Bridge boasts the picture-perfect appearance of an old red 

barn. It was one of six bridges built in 1872 to allow passage from the Jefferson 

County seat of Hillsboro to St. Louis. 

Mastodon State Historic Site contains an important archaeological and 

paleontological site - the Kimmswick Bone Bed. Bones of mastodons and other 

now-extinct animals were first found here in the early 1800s. The area gained 

fame as one of the most extensive Pleistocene ice age deposits in the country 

and attracted scientific interest worldwide. 

Archaeological history was made at the site in 1979 when scientists excavated a 

stone spear point made by hunters of the Clovis culture (14,000 - 10,000 years 

ago) in direct association with mastodon bones. This was the first solid evidence 

of the coexistence of people and these giant prehistoric beasts. 

Today, the 425-acre property preserves this National Register of Historic Places 

site and provides recreational opportunities. A museum tells the natural and 

cultural story of the oldest American Indian site one can visit in the state's park 

system. A full-size replica of a mastodon skeleton highlights the exhibits. A picnic 

area, several trails and a special-use campground offer chances to explore the 

land where the lives of Native Americans and mastodons once intertwined. 

Gov. Daniel Dunklin's Grave State Historic Site, Herculaneum, houses the grave of 

Missouri's fifth governor (1832-1836). The site interprets Dunklin's role as the 

Father of Public Schools, and provides a scenic overlook of the Mississippi River. 

35

36 

Inventory of Infrastructures 


County infrastructures include transportation, communications, water/sewer, 

electricity and natural gas, solid waste disposal, law enforcement, fire protection, 

emergency medical services and emergency management. 

Transportation 

The road network has a great impact on Jefferson County. On the eastern side of the 

county lies the primary north/south transportation route, Interstate I-55. I-55 connects the 

St. Louis region to points north and south. Interstate I-44 lies in the northwest corner of 

the county connecting the region to areas southwest and northeast. Internally, a web of 

state and county roads connects Jefferson County. State Highway 61/67 and 21 are the 

primary north/south connectors. Highway 30 runs northeast/southwest through the 

northwest quadrant of the county. Highways M and MM provide a major eat/west 

connection from I-55 and highway 30, in the northern part of the county. The county 

lacks major east/west connections south of the M-MM corridor. Narrow county roads 

provide indirect access in much of the southern portion of the county. Local roads that 

serve subdivisions and neighborhoods are classified as privately owned and dedicated to 

public use. Thus, for these subdivisions, the homeowner’s association is responsible for 

maintenance. See Figure J10 located in the back of the Technical Appendix. 

The County Commission convened the Transportation Advisory Committee on September 

16, 1999. The overall purpose of the TAC is to serve as the source of long-range planning 

and strategies and shared local transportation policy making for Jefferson County. They will 

advise the County Commission on funding, administration, and operation of publicly 

supported agencies involved in the delivery of services for all modes of transportation, and 

they will act as a focal point for cooperation and coordination between all stakeholders in 

the delivery of transportation services. 

One of the immediate tasks of the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) was to 

investigate the transportation needs of the elderly, handicapped, Welfare-to-work 

population and others with special medical and job service needs. The TAC found that the 

transportation needs of these segments of the Jefferson County population are not being 

sufficiently met. The key issues surrounding this finding are: 1) insufficient funding for 

current providers; 2) communication between service providers is limited; 3) there is no 

mass transit available in the County; 4) data on needed services is not available; 5) there is 

no standard on data collection; and 6) the County is not accessing all the money available 

to resource transportation services. All of these issues impact the physically disabled, the 

elderly, and others with medical and job service needs. 

The TAC has the following short term recommendations to address these issues: 1) 

contract a public transit needs study; 2) create a centralized automated information center; 

3) expand dialog with mass transit providers; 4) research the availability for potential


funding sources; and 5) implement strategies based on the findings of the transit needs 

study. 

Motor Freight Transportation 

Approximately 550 motor freight carriers and 148 freight shipping establishments serve 

Greater St. Louis. Truck terminals are located throughout Greater St. Louis and are 

strategically located near rail, port and pipeline facilities. See Table J16 below. 

Railroads 

TABLE J16 JEFFERSON COUNTY TRANSPORTATION 

Sample of Motor Freight Carriers 

ABF Freight Systems Inc. Mabro Corporation 

American Freightways Inc. Overnite Transportation Company 

Beelman Truck Company Roadway Express Inc. 

Cassens Corp. Truck Transport Inc. 

CF Motor Freight USF Holland Motor Express 

Creech Bros. Truck Lines Inc. Witte Brothers Exchange Inc. 

Henry Transportation Inc. Yellow Freight Systems Inc. 

The St. Louis region is one of the leading rail centers in the United States with over 5,000 

people employed in the rail industry. 

Railroads: Class I 

Amtrak (Passenger) 

Burlington Northern Santa Fe 

Canadian National Railway 

CSX Transportation 

Norfolk Southern 

Union Pacific 

Railroads: Regional 

Gateway Western Railroad 

Missouri Central Railroad 

Railroads: Switching and Terminal 

Alton and Southern Railway 

Manufacturers Railway Company 

Terminal Railroad 

Amtrak passenger service is available in the City of St. Louis 

37

38 

Airports 


TABLE J17 Year 2000 Fourth Quarter St. Louis Metropolitan Region Aircraft 

Operations Summary at Public-Use Airports 

St. Louis County, Missouri 

Spirit of St. Louis 47,447 

Creve Coeur 9,555 

St. Charles County, Missouri St. Charles County, Smartt 12,045 

St. Charles Municipal 9,490 

Franklin County, Missouri 

Sullivan Regional 5,824 

Washington Memorial 8,918 

St. Clair Regional 3,185 

Jefferson County, Missouri Festus Memorial 3,731 

St. Clair County, Illinois St. Louis Downtown-Parks* 40,195 

Madison County, Illinois 

St. Louis Regional* 19,435 

Shafer Metro-East 3,913 

Total 163,738 

*Aircraft operation estimates reflect activity measured after normal ATC operating hours. This activity, when 

combined with ATC traffic counts results in a slightly higher total aircraft operation count for that airport, when 

compared to ATC reports. 

In addition to the above figures and Table J17, Lambert-St. Louis International 

Airport had 4,837general aviation aircraft operations and Mid America Airport in 

Illinois had 785 general aviation aircraft operations for a total of 169,360 

operations. Figure J11 depicts the regional metropolitan airports. 

1 = Creve Coeur 

2 = Festus Memorial 

3 = Jefferson County (proposed) 

4 = Lambert-St. Louis Intl Airport 

FIGURE J11 ST. LOUIS METROPOLITAN AIRPORTS


5 = MidAmerica 

6 = Shafer Metro-East 

7 = St. Charles County Smartt 

8 = St. Charles Municipal 

9 = St. Clair Regional 

10 = St. Louis Downtown - Parks 

11 = St. Louis Regional 

12 = Spirit of St. Louis 

13 = Sullivan Regional 

14 = Washington Memorial 

Public Transportation 

Public Transportation for Jefferson County consists of J.C. Transit (JCT) and OATS. 

Attempts in the past have been made to support public transportation from the urban St. 

Louis area to Jefferson County. There does not appear to be a community interest in 

utilizing public transportation from Jefferson County to St. Louis. 

Communications 

New infrastructures and services are enhancing county residents’ quality of lives. The 

following list of communication facilities is not all-inclusive, but represents the major 

providers of the county’s communication infrastructure. See Table J18 below. 

TABLE J18 COMMUNICATIONS 

Access U.S. Advanced Satellite Systems Inc. 

Advantage CTI Communications Inc. Advertisenet 

AirTouch Paging Alpha Telecommunications LLC 

American Paging Inc. American Technology Corporation 

AmericaNetworks Angel Technologies Corp. 

AnsaRing Corporation Apple A Day Inc. (An) 

Arch Communications Inc. Ascom Nexion 

Associated Engineered Systems Inc. Astralink Technology Inc. 

AT&T (Jefferson City Office) AT&T (St. Louis Operations) 

AT&T Wireless Services Auto Cellular Inc. 

Avtex Corp. Axon Telecom LLC 

Barron Communications Inc. BigWideSky 

Birch Telecom Black Box Inc. 

Brick Network BusComm Inc. 

Cable & Wireless Inc. Capital Cellular Inc. 

Centergistic Solutions Central Business Communications Inc. 

Central District Alarm Inc. Centras Networks Inc. 

Charter Pipeline Cingular Wireless Corporation 

ClearPages.com CMS Communications Inc. 

Com Trol Company Com-Sal Inc. 

Communications Technologies Inc. Communitronics Corporation 

ComTrol Company Concentric Network- St. Louis 

Connell Communications Inc. Continental Cement Company LLC 

39

40 



Convergent Communications of St. Louis CoreExpress LLC 

CTitek Inc. Custom Cellular Inc. 

Cybercon Inc. Cyberedge Technologies 

Cybermill Communications Data Wiring & Systems Inc. 

Datacomm Research Company Dial-A-Page 

Dictaphone Corporation Dielmann & Associates 

Dietrich Lockard Group Digitized Communications Systems 

Double Eagle LLC Ellington Telephone Co. Inc. 

Empire Paging & Cellular Inc. EPC Inc. 

ESCO Technologies Inc. Everest Connections Corp. 

Everest Global Tech Group LLC Evoke Communications Inc. 

Executive Systems Inc. Expressive Tek 

Falcon Technologies Inc. Fidelity Communications Company 

First Internet Alliance G&D Communications Inc. 

Gateway City Connections Gateway Communications Group 

Global Crossing Graybar Electric Company Inc. 

GSI Inc. Honeywell Inc. 

ICNS Inc. Inlink Corp. 

Integrated Design Engineering Inc. Inter-Tel Technology Inc. 

Interchange Technologies Inc. Intermedia Communications Inc. 

Internet Gateway Inc. Intira Corporation 

Ionex Telecommunications Inc. Jato Communications Inc. 

JBM Electronics Inc. JWC Jurisprudence Wireless Communications 

Kataman Communications Kaufman Broadcast Services 

Kincaid Studios Kingdom Telephone Company 

L&R Paging & Cellular Inc. LaBarge Inc. 

Lanier Worldwide Inc. LDD Inc. 

New Equipment Inc. Lowry Computer Products 

Lucent Technologies Inc. Main Net (The) 

Marconi Global Service Marz Inc. 

Mastor Telecom Equipment Inc. Maximum Communications 

MCI Worldcom McLeod USA Information Technology Systems 

Med-Products Healthcare Inc. Metro One Telecommunications Inc. 

Metro Tele-Communications Inc. Metropark Communications 

Mid-America Telephone Systems Midwest Telecom Resellers Inc. 

Mobile Select Systems Inc. Mobilecom 

MobileComm Moore Design Group 

Mpower Communications MVP Cellular 

National Pager Services Inc. Net Impact (The) 

Next Wave Communications Corp. Nextel Communications Inc. 

Northern Telecom Inc. NorthPoint Communications 

Nothing But Net Inc. NuVox Communications Inc. 

Omnifax Division of Danka On Hold Studios Plus 

ONE Inc. Optitek Inc. 

Page Girls Inc. PageNet 

Paging Network of St. Louis Partner Communications & Services Inc. 

Phoenix Networks Inc. Phone Craft Inc. 

Phonetell Technologies Inc. PrivSystems Inc 

PSI Net Pulitzer Technologies Inc. 

Roberts Wireless Communications LLC Rome Net Solutions



SAVVIS Communications Corp. Diamond NET ISP Inc. 

SBC Advanced Solutions Inc. SecurityLink 

Shared Technologies Slingshott Communications 

Software Application Professionals Inc. SONACOM IT Partners 

Southwestern Bell Telephone Company Spectrum Resources Inc. 

Sprint Corporation Sprint PCS 

Water/Sewer 

Jefferson County consists of eight public water districts, ten public and six municipal water 

districts. Table J19 below represents the wastewater treatment plants and water supply 

facilities in Jefferson County. 

Table J19 WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANTS IN JEFFERSON COUNTY 

WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY LOCATION CITY 

Quiktrip #611 850 Mcnutt Rd Herculaneum 

Sieveking Inc 4636 Waldo Ind Dr High Ridge 

MDNR, St. Francois Mountain 2901 Hwy 61 Festus 

MMA, Barnhart Quarry 850 Sulfer Springs Road Barnhart 

FWI, Festus Quarry 838 VFW Drive Festus 

Central Stone Co-Cs 56 3860 Highway M Antonia 

H Trautman Quarry 8799 Trautman Quarry Rd Pevely 

House Springs Quarry 5200 Hillsboro-House Spg House Springs 

Lafarge-Eureka Plant Hwy W, Eureka House Springs 

Maclay Concrete Co Plnt#5 1160 Truman Boulevard Festus 

Wil-Mix Concrete Products 2219 Henson Farm Road Festus 

Arnold Ready Mix-Cedar Hill 8150 South Industrial Dr Cedar Hill 

Kleinschmidt Disposal Sit Hwy 67 & CC, 12203 St Rd Crystal City 

Concrete Resources Inc 4570 Hallmark Drive, Byrnes Mill House Springs 

Larry Church's Festus San 1770 Horine Road Festus 

Glen Park Quarry Koch Valley Road Pevely 

FWI, Trautman Asphalt 8799 Trautman Quarry Rd Pevely 

AAA Zoellner Materials In 5555 Old Hwy 21 Imperial 

Arnold Ready Mix Corp-Imp 5920 Hwy 61-67 Imperial 

Arnold Ready Mix Corp-Des 1508 Clark Street De Soto 

Concrete Resources Inc 10198 Hwy 21 Hillsboro 

Arch Johnston Paving/Quarry 646 Johnson Rd Festus 

Breckenridge Pevely Plant 8799 Trautman Quarry Rd. Pevely 

Pace Construction Company 3860 Hwy M Antonia 

Arch Johnston Pave/Quarry 12520 State Route 21 De Soto 

Lafarge N America, Jeff Co Hwy 141 & Hwy 21, Pauline Hills Murphy 

Eureka Materials Company Eureka Eureka 

Simpson Const Mat-Jeffers Hwy 141 Arnold 

H Sand & Gravel 2960 Harness Road Festus 

Plattin Valley Stables 3511 Plattin Festus 

41

42 




Plattin Valley Sand-Grav. 3161 Plattin Festus 

Dry Creek Sand & Gravel 10265 Hwy C Hillsboro 

Crystal City WTP 5 Hug's Landing Crystal City 

Jefferson College State Hwy 21/Viking Drive Hillsboro 

Laclede Gas - Hwy 21 Jeff State Hwy 21 & Viking Dr Hillsboro 

Teamsters Loc 688 Health 1230 Abbey Lane Pevely 

Lake Tishomingo Prop Owner 5699 Tishomingo Rd. Hillsboro 

Hssc, Otto Express Mart Otto Otto 

Hidden Valley Swim Pool 17409 Hidden Valley Dr Eureka 

Country Club Of Sugar Cr High Ridge High Ridge 

Beaumont Scout Swimming High Ridge High Ridge 

King Septic Service 8739 Byrnesville Road Cedar Hill 

Wallach Septic Serv, Inc 7855 Frances Roesch Rd House Springs 

Imperial Pumping 5301 Hwy 21 House Springs 

O'Brien Excavating 5430 S Byrnesville Rd House Springs 

Jones Plumbing Services 12011 Castle Ranch Rd De Soto 

All Weather Sew Serv Inc 4650a Commercial Blvd Hillsboro 

Rite Now Septic Cleaning 5634 Gravois House Springs 

Boyer Tract Cedar Hill 

Dittmer Meat Packing Co 9145 Ridge Road Dittmer 

River Cement Co-Selma Plt Highway 61/67 Festus 

AmerenUE, Rush Island Pp 100 Big Hollow Road Festus 

Doe Run, Herculaneum Smlt 881 Main Street Herculaneum 

Ce Nuclear Power, Llc 3300 State Road P Festus 

Crystal City Nitrogen Co 1000 Doolin Hollow Rd Festus 

De Soto WWTP 5911 Hwy P De Soto 

Herculaneum Sew Dist WWTP School Street Herculaneum 

Lake Wauwanoka Subd 48 North Lake Drive Hillsboro 

Summer Set Subd 43 Monte Rosa Drive De Soto 

Corisande Hills Subd Fenton Fenton 

Cherry Lane Subd Pevely Pevely 

Pevely WWTP Po Box 358 Pevely 

Woodridge Apartments 2353 Williams Cr Rd High Ridge 

Cedar Hill Utility Lagoon Highway F Cedar Hill 

South County Nursing Home 1101 West Outer 21 Rd Arnold 

High Ridge Shopping Cntr High Ridge High Ridge 

Grandview R-2 School Dist 11470 Hwy C Hillsboro 

Lifestyle Mhp Highway 67 South Festus 

County Aire Manor Mhp Oakview Dr & Graham Rd Cedar Hill 

Hssc, Northwest High Sch House Springs House Springs 

M.C.L. Mhp Festus Festus 

Sunny Acres Mhp 5836 Antire Rd High Ridge 

Lakes Of Deerwood Subd Cedar Hill Cedar Hill 

Edgewood Heights Subd 204 Kelly Drive Festus




Brookstone Estates Subd Hwy A Mapaville 

Teamsters Loc 688 Health & Medical Camp Pevely 

Fawn Meadows Subd Hillsboro Hillsboro 

Oak Ridge Trailer Court Goldman Road Hillsboro 

Rcsd, Rock Creek Estates PO Box 1060 Imperial 

Rcsd, Rhonda Sue Acres PO Box 1060 Imperial 

Starlight Apts. Section One High Ridge 

Our Lady Queen Of Peace House Springs House Springs 

Lake Adelle Sewer Dist 8498 Lake Drive, P.O. Box 230 Cedar Hill 

NPSD, Ron Rog Tp Islamorada Drive Fenton 

Glaize Crk Sew Dist #1 Sulphur Springs Road Barnhart 

Mapa Acres Mhp Meadow Drive Hillsboro 

Byrnes Mill Wwtf Byrnes Mill House Springs 

Npsd, Archview Subd Henry Drive Imperial 

Hillsboro, Oakwood Terrace Oakwood Terrace Subd Hillsboro 

Dottie's Apartments 5900-04 Antire Rd High Ridge 

RCSD, Godfrey Gardens Ivy Lane Festus 

Festus-Crystal City Stp 335 County Road Crystal City 

Jeff Co Public Library Nw High Ridge High Ridge 

Mapaville Meadows Subd St 105 Meadow Lane Festus 

Jefferson Co Jr College Highway 21 North Hillsboro 

RCSD, Spanish Manor Mhp PO Box 1060 Imperial 

Crest Manor Mhp Hwy 30 House Springs 

Rose Cliff Mhp Highway PP High Ridge 

Walker Hill Mhc 4128 Fountain City Road De Soto 

Woodglen Apts RR #2 Arnold 

Hillsboro Ww Reclam Plnt Hwy BB Hillsboro 

Blue Fountain Mhp Highway 61 Festus 

Laurel Acres Mhp Antire Rd High Ridge 

Sycamore Green Acres Mhp 44 Sycamore Green Acres Dittmer 

Koa, Selsor Developmnt Grp Barnhart Barnhart 

Athena Elem Sewage Plant 3775 Athena School Road De Soto 

Chapel Hill Mhp Hwy 21 Hillsboro 

Cedar Trails Mhp Festus Festus 

Bel Air Estates Mhp Cedar Hill Cedar Hill 

Fisher Commercial Area 6097 S Lakeshore Dr. Hillsboro 

Rcsd, West Elm Stp 1524 Warren Road Imperial 

Parc Greenwood Mhp 3724 Jarvis Hillsboro 

Sandia Heights Mhp Subd Hillsboro Hillsboro 

Ev's Plaza Shopping Centr 5436 Hwy 21 Imperial 

Rcsd, Seckman Valley Wwtp Mayberry Drive Imperial 

Rcsd, New Towne Wwtp Arnold Arnold 

NPSD, Williams Creek WWTP Harter Farm Road High Ridge 

Brookshire Court Apts Highway 21 Arnold 

43

44 




Selma Village Festus Festus 

Verda Vista Apts Old Hwy. 21 Imperial 

Sir Thomas Manor Apts Fenton Fenton 

Imperial Homes 6207 S Outer Rd Imperial 

Lake Tamarac Subd Cedar Hill Cedar Hill 

Mockingbird Subdivision Hillsboro Hillsboro 

Toulon Heights Subd 2910 Hwy A Festus 

Hi-Land Mhc 3355 Lemehl Drive De Soto 

Forest Hill Manor Mhp 7948 W Forest Hill Dr Dittmer 

NPSD, Pere Cliff Mhp Pere Cliff Drive High Ridge 

Paradise Estates Mhp 1-A Paradise Estates Cedar Hill 

Opal's Restaurant Hillsboro Hillsboro 

El Chaparrel Estates Subd Cedar Hill Cedar Hill 

Hydeaway Mhp 1015 Hydeaway Court Fenton 

Big Valley Mhc 111 Big Valley Circle Fenton 

Baisch Nursing Center 3260 Baisch Drive De Soto 

Country Life Acres Subd 7208 Country Life Acres Cedar Hill 

Lake Kinippi Subd De Soto De Soto 

Green Acres Mhp 4470 Gravois House Springs 

Murphy Ann Apts 2208 Gravois High Ridge 

Festus, Lambert Hills Subd Lanbert Hills Festus 

NPSD, Randolph Hills Jimmy Drive Arnold 

Plattin Primary School 2400 Hwy 61 Festus 

Dev Serv Of Jefferson Cty State Hwy A Mapaville 

Meramec Sewer Company Tibet Drive Fenton 

Pembroke Park Apartments Pembroke Lane High Ridge 

NPSD, Crystal Hills Stf Dogwood Drive High Ridge 

Leonard Mobile Home Park 8540 Hwy 21 Hillsboro 

Golden Acres Mhp House Springs House Springs 

NPSD, Terry Jean Acres WW Terry Jean Acres Fenton 

Young Subdivision Young Drive Fenton 

Cedar Grove Mhp Cedar Dr Imperial 

Maple Grove Elem School 7887 Dittmer Ridge Rd Dittmer 

Sunrise R-9 Elem School 4485 Sunrise School Road De Soto 

Griffith's First Addition Pevely Pevely 

Laddie Boys Restaurant 2595 Highway 61 South Festus 

RCSD, Country Club Manor Hwy 21 Imperial 

Arbor Place Of Festus 12827 Hwy TT Festus 

Twin Gables Mhp 2335 Highway 61 Festus 

Arnold-Church Of Nazarene 3651 Telegraph Road Arnold 

H R Electronics 6217 Highway PP High Ridge 

Mcarthy Homesites #2 Branson Drive Fenton 

NPSD, Hwy 141 Stp Flood Drive Fenton 

Hilltop Mobile Home Est 9549 East Vista Drive Hillsboro




NPSD, Walnut Ridge Stf Walnut Valley Drive High Ridge 

Country Air Est/Retiremen Route JJ Valles Mines 

Monticello Estates #2 Sub Festus Festus 

Engineered Coil Company BA Marlo Coil, 6060 Hwy Pp High Ridge 

Cedar Hill Fpd 6766 Cedar Hill Road Cedar Hill 

Mdese, Mapaville St Sch Hwy A, Box 58 Mapaville 

Elderly Housing Prtnrshp House Springs House Springs 

NPSD, Antire Springs Plnt 1411 Horseshoe Bend High Ridge 

Rainree Plantation Hillsboro Hillsboro 

Jefferson Co Pwsd #2 Highway Pp High Ridge 

Swiss Lodge Apartments 4740 Tishomingo Road Hillsboro 

RCSD, Seckman School Hwy I-55 Imperial 

HSSC, House Spgs Mid Sch Hwy MM House Springs 

Saint-Gobain Containers Pevely Pevely 

HSSC, Echo Valley Est Echo Valley Mhp House Springs 

Valle Lake Sewer District 3817 Roberts Dr De Soto 

Gas N' Stuff 2599 South Hwy 141 Fenton 

Olympian Village Wwtp 205 Kronos Drive De Soto 

Caeser's Mhc 2902 Clay Drive De Soto 

Lake Virginia Subd E Lag Hematite Hematite 

Camp Sunnyhill Adventure 6555 Sunlit Way Dittmer 

C. Edward Boyer Prop, Inc Highway 30 & Pp High Ridge 

Manderley Court Mhp Hwy 61 Festus 

Mapaville Meadows Subd 2 117 Meadow Lane Festus 

Jefferson Woods Subd 4363 Jefferson Drive Hillsboro 

Timber Creek Resort 4800 Us Highway 67 De Soto 

HSSC, Bear Creek Estates Briarwood Dr House Springs 

HSSC, Woodridge Estates House Springs House Springs 

Country Trail Estates Mhp Barnhart Barnhart 

Austin Trails Isaac Way Cedar Hill 

Cedar Hill Util, Sand Cr Hwy 30 Cedar Hill 

Hazelwood Court Mhp 9200 Hazelwood Drive Pevely 

Victory Christian Felwshp #1 Victory Drive Pevely 

Mari-Mar Mhp 7394 Highway 21 Barnhart 

Power Model Supply Co. 13260 Summit Dr De Soto 

RCSD, Oak Pointe Subd Stp PO Box 1060 Imperial 

HSSC, Pine Grove Manor House Springs House Springs 

Oakland Manor Mhp Oakland Lane, Hwy Tt Festus 

Pioneer Trail Subd 153 Pioneer Trail Hillsboro 

Secluded Forest Subd Cedar Hill Cedar Hill 

NPSD, Hunning Hills Stp Hunning Hills High Ridge 

Byrnes Mill Mhp Byrnes Mill House Springs 

Wedgewood Village-Plat 2 Highway Bb Cedar Hill 

RCSD, Kimmswick Wwtp 6000 Mississippi Ave Kimmswick 

45

46 




Meramec Hts Shopng Center Old Hwy 21 & Rock Cr Arnold 

Sennawood Village Subd Kellywood Drive Cedar Hill 

Arnold Professional Park 2343 Church Road Arnold 

Lake Cattails Subdivision Hwy F Pacific 

Happy Hollow Mhp Festus Festus 

HSSC, Meadow Brook Estate Brookstone Drive House Springs 

RCSD, Forest Ridge Subd Imperial Imperial 

Greer's Mobile Home Park 10043 Hwy JJ Valles Mines 

Natchez Estates Apts Gravois Rd High Ridge 

HSSC, Sycamore Spgs Mhp Cripple Creek Rd House Springs 

Festus Airport Lagoon Crystal City Crystal City 

HSSC, Cedar Spgs Elem Sch House Springs House Springs 

Pine Ford Village Mhp Highway H De Soto 

NPSD, Country Club Sugar Highway 30 High Ridge 

Athena Center Highway V De Soto 

Lakewood Trails Tp 63 Lake Trails Hillsboro 

Feed My People #1 Miracle Drive High Ridge 

Pony Bird Inc Pony Bird Lane Mapaville 

RCSD, Suburban Auto Auctn 6405 Hwy 61-67 Imperial 

Creekside Retirement Home Po Box 157, 4077 Wedde Rd Barnhart 

Sunrise Acres Subd Graham Road Cedar Hill 

NPSD, Paradise Valley Oak Bluff Drive High Ridge 

Jeff Co Comm For Handicap Baptist Park Rd Mapaville 

Cedar Grove Mhp Hwy 30 Dittmer 

Lakewood Care Center English Road Pacific 

Granada Meadows Wwtp Granada Circle Hillsboro 

Tesson Hills Apartments 22 Tesson Hills Arnold 

Jeffco Landfill Old Hwy 21 Arnold 

Seven Springs/Twin Lakes River Bend Drive High Ridge 

Byrnes Mill S Wwtp Lower Byrnes Mill Rd House Springs 

Union Pac RR Desoto Car S 491 N Main St De Soto 

Berwin Business Center 2093 Highway 67 Festus 

Festus,Ashford Place Wwtf Gamel Cemetery Road Festus 

Walker Car Wash 12991 Hwy 21 De Soto 

Richard Jakoubek Mhp 10031 State Hwy Jj Valles Mines 

Festus, Green Brier Est. Camel Cemetery Road Festus 

Palisades Village Subd Hwy F Pacific 

Mo National Guard-Festus 2740 Highway P 

7890 Dittmer Ridge Road, Church 

Festus 

St Martin's United Church 

Of Christ Dittmer 

Briarwood Estates Stone Gate Drive De Soto 

Festus, Northwoods Stp Gamel Cemetery Road Festus 

Festus, Interim West Tp Old Hwy "A" Festus 

Sand Castle Subdivision Route Z Pevely




Koller-Craft Plastic Prod 1400 S Highway 141 Fenton 

Meadowbrook Valley Estate Meadowbrook Valley Dr House Springs 

Winterwood Subdivision Lynch Road House Springs 

Teen Challenge - St Louis 2650 Appletree Acres High Ridge 

Crystal City -Williamsburg Williamsburg Drive Crystal City 

HSSC, Miller Crossing Wtf Miller Road House Springs 

Persimmon Point Drwbrdg E Round Table Drive Hillsboro 

HSSC, Fisher Rd 6140 Fisher Ed House Springs 

Lion's Den Outdoor Lrng 3602 Lions Den Dr. Imperial 

Unimin Corp-Pevely Sand P 2968 Hwy Pevely 

Crystal City 130 Mississippi Ave Crystal City 

Desoto 17 Boyd St De Soto 

Festus 711 W Main St Festus 

Herculaneum #1 Parkwood Court Herculaneum 

Hillsboro PO Box 19 Hillsboro 

Pevely PO Box 358 Pevely 

Cedar Hill Lakes Village 7315 Twin Ridge Cedar Hill 

Jefferson Co PWSD #1 PO Box 646 Arnold 

Jefferson Co PWSD #2 195 Old Sugar Creek Rd High Ridge 

Jefferson Co PWSD #3 1469 Old Highway 21 Arnold 

Jefferson Co Cons PWSD C-1 Po Box 430 Barnhart 

Jefferson Co PWSD # 5 13261 State Road Cc De Soto 

Jefferson Co PWSD # 6 PO Box 218 House Springs 

Jefferson Co PWSD # 7 PO Box 160 Mapaville 

Jefferson Co PWSD # 8 PO Box 170 Cedar Hill 

Jefferson Co PWSD #10 PO Box 910 Imperial 

Jefferson Co PWSD #12 12301 Highway Tt Festus 

Lake Forest Properties PO Box 54 Wentzville 

South Shore Water Assn 2395 S Lakeshore Pacific 

Briarwood Lake Development 1132 Churchill Rd De Soto 

Frimel Water System, Inc 3737 Dennis Dr Imperial 

Summerset Subd 43 Monte Rosa Dr De Soto 

Ficken Hill Subd PO Box 138 Cedar Hill 

Lakewood Hills Subd 5108 Dulin Creek Rd House Springs 

Seven Springs Subd PO Box 270251 St Louis 

High Ridge Manor Subd 5108 Dulin Creek Rd House Springs 

Woodridge Apartments 2404 Williams Creek Rd Apt 84 High Ridge 

Scotsdale Subd 5108 Dulin Creek Rd House Springs 

Lake Adelle Subd PO Box 26 Cedar Hill 

Lake Montowese 3676 S Lakeshore Dr House Springs 

Sunrise Lakes Subd PO Box 70 Valles Mines 

Meadow Drive Subd 2120 Meadow Dr High Ridge 

Valle Lake Subd 3806 Roberts Dr De Soto 

Warren Woods Subd 5108 Dulin Creek Rd House Springs 

47

48 




Frontier Estates 37 Wagonwheel Trail Fenton 

Ware Lake Subd 11963 Ware Lake Rd Dittmer 

Fairways Water And Sewer Assn. 1825 Deer Run Trail Pacific 

Block Six Water Assn 2380 Highway F Pacific 

Paradise Valley Subd PO Box 775 High Ridge 

Raintree Plantation 1519 Mcnutt Herculaneum 

Antire Springs Subd 1453 Creekside High Ridge 

Pacific Heights Subd 221 High St Pacific 

Big Valley Court 111 Big Valley Circle Fenton 

Walker Hill Mhp 4128 Fountain City Rd De Soto 

Lakehurst Mhp 2004 Gravois High Ridge 

Sycamore Green Acres Mhp 44 Sycamore Green Acres Dittmer 

Scenic View Mhp 2 Scenic View Ct Arnold 

Woodhurst Mhp 2808 Schumacher Ln High Ridge 

Forest Hill Mhp 7948 W Forest Hill Dr Dittmer 

Paradise Estates Mhp La Paradise Estates Cedar Hill 

Leonards Mobile Home Park 7900 Tower Rd Hillsboro 

D & J Mhp 409 Sunshine Dr Festus 

Laurel Acres Mhp 2174 Laurel Dr High Ridge 

Hilltop Mobile Home Estates 9415 Dorisann Ct Affton 

Life Style Mhp 938 Meramec Festus 

A & H Country Estates Inc 6118 Jo Drive House Springs 

Valle Acres Mhp 1607 Creightonwood High Ridge 

Electricity and Natural Gas 

Ameren UE operates 18 power-generating plants, with five located in the region and 

Illinois Power operates six, with three located in the region. The total capability for all 

power plants is 12,769 megawatts. Refer to Figures J 12 and J13 below. 

Electricity Deregulation 

In late 1997, Illinois lawmakers passed landmark legislation that changed the way 

electricity will be bought and sold across the state. Deregulation was phased in for 

industrial and commercial customers from October 1999 to May 2002. Electricity 

customers are benefiting from the legislation because of new services, additional choices, 

and lower prices. Residential customers will be able to take advantage of deregulation 

beginning in 2006. 

Electricity/Gas Providers 

Ameren UE 

1901 Chouteau Ave.


St. Louis, Missouri 63103 

314-621-3222 

Serves Missouri portion of region 

FIGURE J12 AMEREN UE COVERAGE 

Source: Ameren UE 

Laclede Gas Company 

720 Olive Street 

St. Louis, Missouri 63101 

314-342-0500 

Serves Missouri portion of region 

FIGURE J13 LACLEDE GAS COVERAGE 

Source: Laclede Gas 

49

50 

Solid Waste Disposal 


Jefferson County is a part of the St. Louis-Jefferson Solid Waste Management District. The 

following list identifies those waste providers for the municipalities identified. See Table 

J20 below. 

Jurisdiction 

TABLE J20 SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL 

Municipal 

Directory Waste Provider Provider Address Provider City 

Jefferson Arnold Midwest Waste 

Midwest Waste, 

Waste Mngt, M 

& M Hauling 

12976 St. Charles 

Rock Rd. Bridgeton 


Rock Rd Bridgeton 

Jefferson Byrnes Mill 

Jefferson Cedar Hill Lakes 

City of Crystal 

Jefferson Crystal City City 

Waste 

130 Mississippi Ave Crystal City 

Jefferson De Soto Management 

Waste 

7320 Hall St St. Louis 

Jefferson Festus Management 7320 Hall St St. Louis 

Jefferson Herculaneum Republic Waste 18716 State Hwy 177 Jackson 

Jefferson Hillsboro Republic Waste 18716 State Hwy 177 Jackson 

Jefferson Kimmswick 

Midwest Waste, 

Kraemer 

Hauling 


Rock Rd Bridgeton 

Jefferson 

Olympian 

Village Republic Waste 18716 State Hwy 177 Jackson 

Jefferson Parkdale 

Waste 

Jefferson Pevely Management 7320 Hall St St. Louis 

Jefferson Scotsdale 

Solid Waste 

Franklin St. Clair Solutions P.O. Box 228 St. Clair 

Franklin Sullivan CWI of Missouri 18716 State Hwy 177 


Jackson 

Franklin Union Midwest Waste Rock Rd 

City of 

Bridgeton 

Franklin Washington Washington 405 Jefferson Washington 

In 1989-1990, there were 13 sanitary landfills in the St. Louis metropolitan area (Missouri- 

Illinois), which includes the District, with an estimated remaining lifespan of 8.8 years. One 

landfill was publicly owned. By 1995-1996, there were seven sanitary landfills in the 

region: three in Missouri and four in Illinois. All landfills are now privately owned and 

operated. Since 1989-1990, six sanitary landfills have closed and one has been 

decommissioned. In the last two years a privately owned landfill in St. Clair County, Illinois 

has opened. See Table J21 below.


TABLE J21 2000 LANDFILLS IN REGION 

Landfill County State 

Allied Sanitation - Bridgeton St. Louis Missouri 

Fred Weber St. Louis Missouri 

Superior Oak Ridge St. Louis Missouri 

Allied Sanitation - Roxana Madison Illinois 

WMI - Chain of Rocks Madison Illinois 

WMI - Milam St. Clair Illinois 

WMI - Marissa St. Clair Illinois 

Source: The Genesis Group for the St. Louis-Jefferson Solid Waste Management District 

Law Enforcement 

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department includes 196 officers. In addition, Crystal City 

has 20 officers, DeSoto has 19 officers, Festus has 29 officers, Hillsboro has 14 officers, 

Kimmswick has 6 officers, Pevely has 22 officers, Herculaneum has 17 officers, Byrnes Mill 

has 15 officers, Arnold has 46 officers, and Olympian Village has 2 officers. The 

departments participate in mutual aid agreements with all incorporated areas within the 

county. Jefferson County officers working in the north zone are headquartered out of High 

Ridge. Officers working in the south zone are headquartered out of Hillsboro. Officers 

working out of the east zone are headquartered out of Imperial. 

Emergency Services (911) 

Emergency management for Jefferson County is conducted and coordinated by the 

Jefferson County Emergency Management & Public Information Office. They protect, 

preserve and enhance the quality of life of county residents by working with the 

community in managing the mitigation of, preparedness for, response to, and recovery 

from natural and technological disasters and intentional destructive acts, staying focused 

on the preservation of: the lives and health of citizens, the environment within which they 

live, and their property. They accomplish this mission by cooperating with participating 

agencies, municipalities, organizations, industries and media, then providing the citizens of 

the county with information to prepare for and recover from disasters. 

The Department of Administration is primarily responsible for staff functions within the 

County and consists of two staff offices and three line divisions. The functional areas of the 

department are the Office of the Contracts and Grants Administrator, the Office of 

Emergency Management and Public Information Administrator, the Division of Human 

Resources, the Division of General Services, and the Division of Animal Control. The 

address for the Emergency Management Office is the Jefferson County Courthouse 

Basement, 300 Main Street, Hillsboro, MO 63050. 

51

52 

Emergency Medical Services 


The Joachim-Plattin Ambulance District protects 63000 people living in an area of 180 

square miles that operates out of two stations that protect a primarily residential area. The 

district is a public department whose members are on a paid status. 

Joachim Plattin Ambulance District (JPAD) provides emergency and non-emergency medical 

care and transport to the south-eastern region of Jefferson County, Missouri (approx 30 

miles south of St. Louis). JPAD began providing service in September 1975. The district 

includes a wide range of demographics from rural farming areas, to small cities and areas 

of heavy industry. JPAD spans across nine separate fire districts and five different police 

departments (including Jefferson County Sheriff's Department). As our district continues to 

develop, JPAD is ever advancing its services to better meet the needs of the community. 

Jefferson County has seven ambulance districts that include the following: 

• Big River Ambulance District: P.O. Box 348, Cedar Hill, MO 

• Joachim-Plattin Townships Ambulance District: 619 Collins Drive, Festus, Mo 

• North Jefferson county Ambulance District: P.O. Box 233, High Ridge, MO 

• Rock Township Ambulance District: P.O. Box 629, Arnold, MO 

• Valle Ambulance District: 12363 Highway 21, Desoto, MO 

• Meramec –Ambulance District- House 1 (Unit 8517) 429 East Osage, Pacific MO 

63069; House 2 (Unit 8527) 3279 Highway 100, Villa Ridge MO.; House, 31768 

Highway O, Robertsville, MO. 63072 

• Eureka Fire Protection and Ambulance District– House 1, 1060 Hwy W; House 2, 

1815 W 5 th ; House 3, 3571 Wright Oak School Rd. 

Fire Protection 

The following 19 fire protection districts provide fire services for the county: 

• Antonia Fire Protection District 

• Cedar Hill Fire Protection District 

• Crystal City Volunteer Fire Department 

• Desoto City Fire and Rescue 

• Desoto Rural Fire Protection District 

• Dunklin Fire Protection District 

• Eureka Fire Protection District 

• Goldman Fire Protection District 

• Hematite Fire Protection 

• Herculaneum fire Department 

• High Ridge Fire Protection District 

• Hillsboro Fire Protection District 

• Jefferson R-7 Fire Protection District


• Mapaville Fire Protection District 

• Pacific Fire Protection District 

• Rock Community Fire Protection District 

• Shady Valley Fire Protection District 

• Springdale Fire Protection District 

• Festus Fire Department 

The districts that service the County provide the following resources in Table J22. 

TABLE J22 JEFFERSON COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION RESOURCES 

Fire Protection District Stations Vehicles Staff (Professional & 

Volunteer) 

Antonia 1 4 36 

Cedar Hill 3 5 66 

Crystal City 1 6 30 

DeSoto City 1 2 34 

DeSoto Rural 3 12 50 

Dunklin 1 6 30 

Eureka 1 N.A. 27 

Goldman 1 7 33 

Hematite 2 6 21 

Herculaneum 1 8 20 

High Ridge 3 5 58 

Hillsboro 2 6 38 

Jefferson R-7 FPD 1 N.A. 41 

Mapaville FPD 1 7 25 

Pacific 1 N.A. N.A. 

Rock Community FPD 4 9 64 

Shady Valley 1 7 29 

Springdale 2 6 N.A. 

Festus 3 10 42 

Underground Infrastructure 

Due to homeland security concerns, underground utilities are not mapped in this plan. 

According to the Missouri One Call System, Inc. as of April 4, 2003, the following 

companies maintain underground utility lines within Jefferson County. Emergency 

information concerning these utility lines in contained in the County’s Emergency 

Operations Plan. The Jefferson County Emergency Management director’s telephone 

number is 636-797-5381. 

The following companies listed in Table J23 have underground lines running through 

Jefferson County: 

TABLE J23 UNDERGROUND INFRASTRUCTURE 

Ameren UE AT & T Corp 

Broadwing Communications Cablevision, LLC 

53

54 


TABLE J23 UNDERGROUND INFRASTRUCTURE 

Charter Citizens Electric Corp 

City of Arnold City of Crystal City 

City of DeSoto City of Eureka 

City of Festus City of Pevely 

Crawford Electric Coop, Inc House Springs Sewer Co. 

Jefferson Co. Public Works Jefferson Co. CPWSD -C-1 

Jefferson Co. PWSD 1 Jefferson Co. PWSD 10 




KMB Utility Corp Laclede Gas Company 

Level 3 Communications Lightcore (DTI) 

MCI Worldcom Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District 

Mississippi River Trans Missouri American Water Co. 

Missouri Natural Gas Northeast Public Sewer Dist 

Northeast Public Sewer Dist Phillips Pipeline Co. 

SBC (Southwestern Bell) Sprint Long Distance 

Valle Lake Sewer District 

The Missouri One Call utility location telephone number is 1-800-344-7483. 

Inventory of Key Industrial, Commercial, and Employment Facilities 

Relevant facilities include those that concentrate large groups of people together in a single 

location. 

Large Industrial/Commercial Centers 

Several major manufacturing plants, mixes of national and local companies are located 

within Jefferson County. The RCGA released a list of fifty key employers in the EWG 

planning region. None of these employers are included in Jefferson County. However, 

EWG maintains a list with the top 13 employers as of 1996, based on the number of 

employees. Below in Table J24 is a list with the cutoff criteria for this report at 200 

employees. 

TABLE J24 JEFFERSON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT CENTERS 


Jefferson Memorial Hospital PO Box 350,Hwy61-67 & 55 Festus 850 

Doe Run Company 881 Main St. Herculaneum 356 

Quality Temps. Inc Arnold 302 

Fox School District Arnold 300 

Union Pacific 491 N. Main DeSoto 300 

Ball-Foster Glass Container Co PO Box 729, Hwy 61-67 Pevely 257 

Windsor C-1 School District 6208 Hwy 61-67 Imperial 255 

Union Electric Rush Island Power Pl Festus 255 

Carondelet Foundry Co. Pevely 245


TABLE J24 JEFFERSON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT CENTERS 


Heizer Aerospace 5841 Hwy 61-67 PO Box 165 Imperial 223 

Combustion Engineering Inc. 3300 State Rd PO Box 107 Hematite 213 

LMC Industries. Inc. 100 Manufacturers Drive Arnold 203 

Jefferson College 1000 Viking Drive Hillsboro 200 

There are approximately four industrial parks within Jefferson County. They are included in 

Table J25 below. 

TABLE J 25 JEFFERSON COUNTY INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL AREAS 

JEFFERSON COUNTY ADDRESS NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 

Gannon Retail Area 1146 Gannon Dr 1000 

Jefferson County Plaza N.A. 

Jefferson Memorial Hosp & Vicinity 900 

Convergys & Vicinity 1000 

Inventory of Housing Structures 

Number of Dwelling Units 

In Jefferson County, according to the 2000 Census, there are a total of 198,099 total 

housing units in the community. The number of households has been on the rise. 

Between 1980 and 2000 Jefferson County had an increase of 24,332 households or over 

51 percent. The housing in Jefferson County is relatively new. Eighty percent of the 

housing units in the county, 60,526 units, have been built since 1960. The greatest 

increase in housing units occurred since 1980 with 33, 664 units (45 percent of the total 

units in the past 20 years). Almost 84 percent of the housing units in 2000 were owner 

occupied. 

Average Unit Cost 

The average dwelling unit cost (including rental properties) for Jefferson County is $91,690. 

Total Inventory of Structures 

The total Jefferson County assessed valuation for the year 2000, including both real estate 

and personal property was $1,863,308,707. According to Missouri Department of 

Revenue. State assessed utilities accounted for $151,536,040. 

TABLE J26 Inventory of Structures 

Parcel Classification Total Assessed # of Records Average Assessed 

Commercial & Agricultural $1,468,600 32 $45,893.75 

55

56 


TABLE J26 Inventory of Structures 

Parcel Classification Total Assessed # of Records Average Assessed 

Commercial & Agricultural & Residential $4,333,900 30 $144,463.33 

Agricultural Vacant $2,598,700 1903 $1,365.58 

Agricultural $630,400 255 $2,472.16 

Commercial $271,718,000 2089 $130,070.85 

Commercial Vacant $15,239,400 350 $43,541.14 

Residential $1,006,396,400 61942 $16,247.40 

Residential Vacant $44,626,200 16819 $2,653.32 

Commercial & Residential $43,678,100 602 $72,554.98 

Cities and Villages 

Below is a listing of the municipalities within Jefferson County. This information is based 

on the results of the capabilities questionnaires sent out to all of the jurisdictions. Included 

in this listing is demographic statistics, municipal information on mitigation policies, 

programs and regulations, as well as asset data. Blanks in the database indicate that the 

municipality did not respond to the question. 


Jefferson County unincorporated 

Total population 145,820 

Classification 1st Class 

Leadership structure Commissioner 

Median household income, 1999 $48,470 

Total housing units 54,506 

Housing unit, median year built 

Median gross rent $504 

Median owner-occupied housing value $102,081 

Master plan yes-'03 

Emergency Operations Plan yes 

Zoning regulations yes 

Building regulations BOCA '96 

Subdivision regulations yes 

Stormwater regulations yes 

Floodplain regulations yes- 2' 

Water service Water Districts; individual 

Sewer service Sewer Districts; individual 

Electric service AmerenUE 

Natural gas service MO NG 

Fire service multiple 

Ambulance service multiple 

Arnold 

Total population 19,965+C427+C1795 

Classification City-3rd class



Leadership structure Mayor/Council 


Total housing units 7913 

Housing unit, median year built 1972 



Master plan yes 



Building regulations IBC 2000; #7.30 



Floodplain regulations Zoning sec 6;art 5.76-5.97;ord 7.5, sec5-13 

Water service PWSD #1 

Sewer service PWSD #10 


Natural gas service Midwest MO Gas 

Fire service RockCom FPD 

Ambulance service RockTNAD 

Byrnes Mill 

Total population 1172 

Classification City-4th class 










Building regulations IBC 2000 



Floodplain regulations yes 

Water service PWSD #1; PWSD #10 

Sewer service Byrnes Mill 


Natural gas service Laclede 

Fire service High Ridge FPD 

Ambulance Big River AD 

Cedar Hill Lakes 


Classification Village 

Leadership structure Bd of trustees 



57

58 





Master plan 

Emergency Operations Plan 

Zoning regulations 

Building regulations 

Subdivision regulations 

Stormwater regulations 

Floodplain regulations 

Water service community well; indiviual wells 

Sewer service individual 


Natural gas service none 

Fire service Cedar Hill FPD 

Ambulance service Big River AD 

Crystal City 


Classification City-3rd class 










Building regulations IBC 2000; #1374 



Floodplain regulations #1096 

Water service Crystal City 

Sewer service Crystal City 



Fire service Crystal City FD 

Ambulance service JPT AD 

Desoto 









Jefferson County – Section 1






Building regulations BOCA 2000 




Water service Desoto 

Sewer service Desoto 



Fire service Desoto F&R 

Ambulance service Valle AD 

Festus 









Master plan Yes- -'03 






Floodplain regulations Chap 11 

Water service Festus 

Sewer service Festus 



Fire service Festus FD 


Herculaneum 









Master plan 



59

60 






Water service Herculaneum 

Sewer service Herculaneum 



Fire service Herculaneum FD 


Hillsboro 












Building regulations yes 




Water service Hillsboro 

Sewer service Hillsboro 



Fire service Hillsboro FPD 


Kimmswick 






Housing unit, median year built pre1940 



Master plan 











Sewer service 


Natural gas service none 

Fire service RockCom FPD 

Ambulance service RockTNAD 

Olympian Village 









Master plan 








Sewer service Olympian Village 



Fire service Jefferson R-7 FPD 


Parkdale 


Classification Village 

Leadership structure Bd of Trustees 






Master plan 







Water service 

Sewer service 

61

62 


Electric service 

Natural gas service 

Fire service High Ridge FPD 

Ambulance service NJC AD 

Pevely 















Floodplain regulations FEMA model #956 

Water service Pevely 

Sewer service Pevely 



Fire service Dunklin FPD 


Scotsdale 


Classification Town 

Leadership structure Bd of Trustees 






Master plan 







Water service 

Sewer service 

Electric service 

Natural gas service 

Fire service Cedar Hill FPD 




Ambulance service Big River AD 

63

A Regional Overview All-Hazard Mitigation Plan 1 

SECTION 2 

Risk Assessment 

Hazard Identification and Elimination Process 

During the course of this study, many sources were researched for data relating to hazards. 

Primary sources included FEMA, SEMA, National Climate Data Center (NCDC) and the 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The U.S. Geological Survey 

(USGS) and Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI), Central U.S. 

Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC) were major sources for earthquake information. MDNR’s 

Dam and Reservoir Safety Program provided major information concerning dams. 

Additional research was based on data from USACE, National Park Service, National Forest 

Service, other departments within Missouri Department of Natural Resources, St. Louis 

University, State of Missouri Climatologist, Missouri Department of Conservation, and 

University of Missouri, Columbia. Additional sources included county officials; existing 

county, regional and state plans, reports on the floods of 1993 and 1995; position papers 

on transportation issues and information from local officials and residents. Past State and 

federal disaster designations, current Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS) and available local 

mitigation plans were also utilized. 

In order to identify the hazards relevant to Jefferson County, the above information sources 

were searched for incidents of all possible hazards occurring within the county. Some 

hazards are regional in scope and included in the hazard profiles. Location-specific hazards 

not found through the information search were further investigated to determine whether 

there would be a future possibility of occurrence. Hazard event histories, repetitive loss 

information and conversations with local residents were used to identify relevant hazards. 

Community-Wide Hazard Profile and List of Hazards Identified 

The largest disaster to impact Jefferson County in the recent past was the Great Flood of 

1993. The loss of homes, businesses and infrastructures, as well as the temporary closing 

of some local businesses, contributed to economic losses throughout the County and 

beyond. Several hazards can affect Jefferson County. History indicates that Jefferson 

County could be at risk of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, riverine flooding (including 

flash flooding), severe winter weather (snow, ice, extreme cold), drought, heat wave, 

earthquakes, wildfires and dam failures. Worksheet #1, Jefferson County Hazard 

Identification and Analysis, is included at the end of the Technical Appendix and shows 

earthquakes as the hazard with the greatest possible impact. Jefferson County has 

experienced a number of slight tremors from the New Madrid Fault Zone. Disasters ranked 

in descending order after earthquakes include flood, dam, severe windstorms, winter 

weather, drought, wildfires, and heat wave.

2 


These disasters can precipitate cascading hazards or those hazards caused as a result of 

disasters. Cascading hazards could include interruption of power supply, water supply, 

business and transportation. Disasters also can cause civil unrest, computer failure and 

environmental health hazards. Any of these, alone or in combination, could possibly 

impact emergency response activities. Table J27 shows the relationships found between 

Jefferson County’s disasters and categories of possible cascading disasters. Examples of 

specific disasters include nuclear power plant damage, hazardous materials release, mass 

transportation accidents and disease outbreak due to unsanitary conditions. 

Hazards Not Included and Reasons For Elimination 

Based on the lack of documented historical occurrence and research, it was determined 

that the following hazards would not be evaluated for the purposes of this Hazard 

Mitigation Plan: coastal storms, hurricanes, tsunamis, avalanche and volcanic activity. 

These hazards do not exist within Jefferson County due to its geographic location and 

geologic conditions. 

TABLE J27 CASCADING HAZARDS RESULTING FROM DISASTERS 

Disaster 

Flood Hazard Profile 

Power & 

Communications 

Interruption 

Water Supply 

Interruption 

Business 

Interruption 

Civil Unrest 

Computer Failure 

& Loss of Records 

Transportation 

Interruption 

Health & 

Environmental 

Hazard 

Windstorm X X X X X X X 

Flood X X X X X X 

Winter X X X X X X 

Drought X X 

Heat X X X 

Earthquake/ 

Landslide 

X X X X X X X 

Dams X X X X X X 

Fires X X X 

X = More than 50% chance of a side effect in the case of a disaster 

Jefferson County is just downstream from two of the largest watersheds/rivers in the 

United States, the Mississippi and the Missouri Rivers. Jefferson County is highly 

susceptible to annual flooding events in the spring. Flooding poses a threat to lives and 

safety and can cause severe damage to public and private property. With the exception of 

fire, floods are the most common and widespread of all disasters. Most communities in 

the United States have experienced some kind of flooding, after spring rains, heavy 

thunderstorms or winter snow thaws. Refer to Figures J14 and J15 below.


FIGURE J14 FIGURE J15 

Satellite image of flooding at Aerial photo along the Mississippi River 1993 

Missouri/Mississippi River confluence. 

Background 

The first step to floodplain management as a nonstructural alternative to flood control was 

incorporated into the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968. This was 40 years after the 

Flood Control Act of 1928 that authorized the United States Corps of Engineers (USACE) to 

control the Mississippi River with dams, levees and diversion channels. This Act authorized 

the USACE to undertake a structural approach to reducing flood damages (thus keeping 

water from people). After numerous floods, and having spent billions of dollars on floods 

and disasters, Congress looked at another approach to reduce flood losses, adding a nonstructural 

approach in the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968. This act, called the 

National Flood Insurance program (NFIP), required local governments to adopt regulations 

governing new development activities in identified flood plains in order to be eligible for 

the sale of flood insurance within their jurisdictions. 

Description of Hazard 

Flooding is a natural event and has been characteristic of rivers throughout history. It 

becomes a disaster when it is of such magnitude that both man-made and natural 

landforms and human lives are destroyed or seriously damaged (Gaffney). Through 

analysis of existing federal Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) and Flood Insurance Studies, 

the Hazard Mitigation Plan Unit of EWG has determined that the counties included in the 

EWG planning region including St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Franklin County, 

Jefferson County and the City of St. Louis have 100-year floodplains (in addition to 500year 

floodplains) and may be affected by flooding hazards. A variety of factors affect the 

type and severity of flooding throughout the planning region, including urban 

development and infrastructure and topography. 

A flood is defined as an overflow or inundation that comes from a river or other body of 

water (Barrows, 1948) and causes or threatens damage or any relatively high streamflow

4 


overtopping the natural or artificial banks in any reach of a stream (Leopold and Maddock, 

1954). A flood is defined by the National Flood Insurance Program as: “A general and 

temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally 

dry land area or of two or more properties from: 

• Overflow of inland or tidal waters, 

• Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source, or 

• A mudflow. 

Characteristics 

Riverine flooding includes headwater, backwater, and interior drainage. Floods can be 

slow or fast rising, depending on the intensity of the rainstorms in the watershed over a 

certain length of time, or from rapid snowmelt or icemelt. Floods generally develop over a 

period of days. During heavy rains from storm systems (including severe thunderstorms), 

water flows down the watershed, collecting in, and then overtopping, valley streams and 

rivers. 

Flash flooding is characterized by rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any 

source. This type of flooding can occur within six hours of a rain event, after a dam or 

levee failure, or the sudden release of water held by an ice or debris dam. Because flash 

flood can develop in just a matter of hours, flash floods can catch people unprepared and 

most flood-related deaths result from this type of flooding. Most flash flooding is caused 

by slow-moving thunderstorms or heavy rains. 

Several factors contribute to both riverine and flash flooding. Two key elements are rainfall 

intensity (the rate of rainfall) and duration (length of time that the rainfall lasts). Type of 

ground cover, soil type and topography all play important roles in flooding. 

Flooding potential is further exacerbated in urban areas (disturbed lands) by the increased 

runoff up from two to six times over what would occur on undisturbed terrain. Soils lose 

their ability to absorb rain as land is converted from fields or woodlands to buildings and 

pavement. During periods of urban flooding, streets become rivers, and basements and 

viaducts become death traps as they fill with water. 

Floodplains are located in relatively flat lowland areas and adjoin rivers and streams. These 

lowland areas adjacent to rivers and stream banks serve to carry excess floodwater during 

rapid runoff. The term “base flood” or 100-year flood is the area in the floodplain that is 

subject to a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year, based on 

historical records. A 500-year flood is defined as the area in the floodplain that has a .2% 

probability of occurring in any given year. While unlikely, it is possible to have two 100 or 

even 500 year floods within years or months of each other. The primary use for these 

terms is for the determination of flood insurance rates in flood hazard areas. Using historic 

weather and hydrograph data experts derive the estimated rate of flow or discharge of a 

river or creek. After extensive study and coordination with Federal and State agencies, this


group recommended that the 1-percent-annual-chance flood (also referred to as the 100year 

or “Base Flood”) be used as the standard for the NFIP. 

The 1-percent-annual-chance flood was chosen on the basis that it provides a higher level 

of protection while not imposing overly stringent requirements or the burden of excessive 

costs on property owners. The 1-percent-annual-chance flood (or 100-year flood) 

represents a magnitude and frequency that has a statistical probability of being equaled or 

exceeded in any given year, or the 100-year flood has a 26 percent (or 1 in 4) chance of 

occurring over the life of a 30-year mortgage. 

Floodplains are a vital part of a larger entity called a watershed basin. A watershed basin is 

defined as all the land drained by a river and its branches. In some cases, flooding may not 

be attributed to a river, stream or lake. It may be the combination of excessive rainfall, 

snowmelt, saturated ground and inadequate drainage. 

Likely Locations 

In certain areas of Jefferson County, steep slopes of the region induce high velocities as the 

water flows downhill and downstream, in many cases producing flash flooding conditions. 

Because some areas in Jefferson County are located in low areas, and therefore, often in 

the floodplain, floodwaters have the potential to affect or even severely harm portions of 

the community, especially if the floodwalls or levees fail. 

There are no federal levees on the Missouri side of the Mississippi River; however there are 

federal levees on the Illinois side that extend as far south as Ste. Genevieve County, 

Missouri. During floods, these levees would force higher floodwaters to inundate the 

Missouri side of the river. The failure of the federal levees would lower the floodwaters 

and reduce the flooding impact on the Missouri side. These conditions that exist in areas 

where flash floods are a problem make response operations and evacuation very difficult, 

adversely affecting the safety of the residents. 

Type of Damage 

Damage incurred as a result of flooding includes the inundation of residences, 

outbuildings, businesses, churches stormwater, mud, rock, trees, debris, trash, and 

chemical pollutants. Depending upon the severity of the flood and the volume and rate of 

flow of the water, floodwaters may be capable of carrying vehicles, whole or parts of 

buildings, etc. Wherever they reach, floodwaters leave behind layers of thick muddy ooze. 

During spring and summer 1993, record flooding inundated much of the upper Mississippi 

River Basin. The magnitude of the damages -- in terms of property, disrupted business, and 

personal trauma -- was unmatched by any other flood disaster in United States history . 

Property damage alone was over $20 billion. Damaged highways and submerged roads 

disrupted overland transportation throughout the flooded region. The Mississippi and the 

Missouri Rivers were closed to navigation before, during, and after the flooding . Millions

6 


of acres of productive farmland remained under water for weeks during the growing 

season. Rills and gullies in many tilled fields and large holes (exceeding 100 feet in depth) 

were the result of the severe erosion that occurred throughout the Midwestern United 

States farmbelt. The hydrologic effects of extended rainfall throughout the upper 

Midwestern United States were severe and widespread. The banks and channels of many 

rivers were severely eroded, and sediment was deposited over large areas of the basin's 

flood plain. Record flows submerged many areas that had not been affected by previous 

floods. Industrial and agricultural areas were inundated, which caused concern about the 

transport and fate of industrial chemicals, sewage effluent and agricultural chemicals in the 

floodwaters . The extent and duration of the flooding caused numerous levees to fail. One 

failed levee on the Raccoon River in Des Moines, Iowa, led to flooding of the city's water 

treatment plant. As a result, the city was without drinking water for 19 days. 

Hazard Event History 

The largest disaster to impact Jefferson County in recent years was the flood on 1993. Its 

size and impact was unprecedented and has been considered the most costly and 

devastating flood to ravage the U.S. in modern history. The number of record river levels, 

its aerial extent, the number of persons displaced, amount of property damage and the 

flood’s duration surpassed all earlier U.S. floods in modern times. 

The following gives an account of locations and areas that were affected by the inundation 

of water during the 1993 flood. Based on a workshop meeting held on October 17, 2003 

with Jefferson County officials and other community emergency management agencies, the 

following locations were specifically identified as locations that become flooded during 

various rainfall events. In DeSoto, Joachim Creek and North Main along Cedar Street 

became inundated from floodwaters in 1993 and flash flooding near the high school near 

Spross Memorial Park on Amvets Drive. In Festus, the community flooded in 1993 and has 

experienced problems with storm drainage and creeks. Also in 1993, Rock Creek in 

Kimmswick flooded Highway K, which was 33 feet under water and the Highway K Bridge 

was 35 feet under water. Other areas of Jefferson County experienced significant flooding 

at the confluence of the Big River and Meramec River, including Highway BB, West Old 

Highway 21, Highway 61/67 and Highway 55. Several areas in community of Arnold 

experienced significant flooding impacts from the 1993 flood, including Twin River Road, 

Big Bend Road, Meadow Drive, Riffle Island, State Road BB, and River Bend Acres. West of 

Pevely on Highway Z between Sandy Creek and Cherry Lane, 1993 floodwaters inundated 

the bridge; mitigation for this stretch entailed the raising of the road and replacement of 

the bridge. Refer to Figure J16 below.


FIGURE J16 1993 MIDWEST FLOOD 

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

Areas hardest hit by the flooding were along the Mississippi and Meramec Rivers in the 

eastern and northern portions of Jefferson County. The existing levee system (federal levees 

along the Illinois side of the Mississippi River) intended to aid in protecting the Illinois side 

from the potential of flooding endured extreme pressures from extended duration of the 

high river levels. The presence of the Illinois federal levees resulted in the inundation of 

floodwaters on the Missouri side of the Mississippi River. Illinois levee failures resulted in 

the relief from floodwaters on the Missouri side of the Mississippi River. 

During the 1993 flood, commuting was interrupted when various bridges north of the 

Jefferson County area over the Mississippi River were closed due to water flooding Highway 

67 to the Alton River Bridge. Commuting was also heavily interrupted when Highway 40- 

61 was closed due to the overtopping of the Monarch Levee in Chesterfield, Missouri. 

Prolonged flooding on the Highway 40-61 created economic loss and hardship impacts on 

the St. Louis metropolitan region. They provided critical access to employment, healthcare, 

emergency services, education, retail and commerce activities and transportation of goods 

and services. Highway 67 provides critical access to employment, healthcare, emergency 

services, education, retail and commerce activities and transportation of goods and 

services. 

Approximately 138 homes were bought out as a result of flooding in Jefferson County. 

FEMA estimated the total dollar loss for housing units alone was $3,483,868 for Jefferson 

County as of January 9, 2001. While some households carried adequate flood insurance

8 


on their dwellings, about 82% of the dwellings in the affected areas were either 

underinsured or not insured for flood. Unfortunately this left a portion of the county’s 

labor force homeless for a period of time, adding to the economic loss. From the Disaster 

Declaration of 1993 (DR-0995), Jefferson County received $1,527,199 in public assistance. 

From the 1995 disaster (DR-1054), Jefferson County received $89,928 in public assistance. 

From the 2000 disaster (DR-1328), Jefferson County received $483,511.22 in individual 

assistance, $473,000 in SBA assistance and $574,002.26 in public assistance. From the 

2002 disaster (R-1412), Jefferson County received $31,192.35 in individual assistance and 

$20,000 in SBA assistance. In the 2003 disaster (DR-1463), Jefferson County received 

$2,082,045.99 in individual assistance, $3,411,600 in SBA assistance and $353,632.20 in 

public. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers produced a set of maps showing damage estimates for 

the 1993 flood. According to the maps, Jefferson County damages included: 

Greater than $10 million in commercial properties damages 

Between $1 and $5 million in public facilities damages 

Between $1 and $5 million in residential damages 

Greater than $10 million in transportation system damage 

Between $500,000 and $10 million in utilities damages 

Greater than $1 million is emergency expenses 

Data were collected for seven specific areas of damages and costs and for one general 

area. The specific areas collected were residential, commercial/industrial, public facilities, 

transportation, utilities, agriculture and emergency services. The general area was an 

attempt to cover what might be thought of as secondary costs of the flooding. These were 

the costs of buyout, mitigation, mission, unemployment assistance and crisis counseling. 

For all categories of damages that included structures, the attempt was made to get 

numbers of structures damaged, extent of that damage, and the extent of damage to any 

contents. For revenue-generating activities, an attempt was made to find the extent of 

revenues lost. Within agriculture, the acres damaged for various crops were sought. For the 

transportation sector, miles of roads and railroads damaged were sought. 

Although buyout and relocation costs were typically received from local officials, very few 

counties in any District have this variable reported. These costs are typically included in the 

mitigation costs rather than presented separately. 

Mitigation costs were derived from the FEMA DSRs, from SBA reports and from Housing 

and Urban Development (HUD) officials. In most cases, the mitigation costs were well 

reported and include monies that went for buyouts. 

Unemployment costs, including both unemployment and food aid assistance costs, were 

derived from FEMA and USDA reports.


FIGURE J17 COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL 


The commercial variable included all commercial and industrial damages for the particular 

area. The figures for all parts of the commercial/industrial damages were derived from 

FEMA, SBA, and state and local sources. Refer to Figure J17 above. 

The equipment damages for both commercial and industrial are found in the commercial 

equipment damages variable. These estimates come from FEMA, SBA and local sources. 

Commercial and industrial revenues lost were grouped under the commercial variable. 

These estimates come from SBA and local sources. 

FIGURE J18 PUBLIC FACILITIES 

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

10 


FEMA Damage Survey Reports (DSRs) and local sources were used for the various 

categories of damage to public facilities. The variables included under this category were 

number of and damages to public structures, public equipment damage, costs of public 

restoration and debris clearance, damages to parks and recreation facilities, and damages 

to water control facilities. The latter variable was drawn from U.S. Department of 

Agriculture and Corps sources as well as those sources used for the other public variables. 

Refer to Figure J18 above. 

FIGURE J19 RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES 


The residential data gathered were numbers of residences damaged, structure damage and 

content damage. This category included residential damage figures for both structure and 

content unseparated. Refer to Figure J19 above. 

FIGURE J20 TRANSPORTATION 

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers


Variables for railroad damages were miles of lines flooded, amount of damages, and 

revenues lost. These were determined by contacting the private railroad companies, local 

officials, and the Federal Railroad Administration. The revenues lost depended upon the 

cooperation of the railroad companies, information that was not always forthcoming. 

Refer to Figure J20 above. 

Variables for trucking damages were the number of trucking companies experiencing 

damage, the amount of damages, and revenues lost. Damages were determined by 

contact with the companies involved. Only in Kansas City and St. Louis Districts were 

damages in this category reported. 

Damages to airports included numbers of airports damaged, amounts of that damage, and 

revenues lost by airports. These variables were acquired from the Federal Aviation 

Administration and local officials. 

Transportation damages were also acquired on miles of roads flooded, traffic rerouting 

costs, and damages to roads and bridges. Information was gathered from local and state 

officials and from the FEMA DSRs. 

FIGURE J21 UTILITIES DAMAGES 


The utilities damages covered water, sewer, electric and general utilities. Data regarding 

utilities damage was sought from state departments of natural resources or environmental 

protection, the FEMA DSRs and local officials. Very few answers were obtained as to 

numbers of water facilities damaged. Names of some water facilities, evidently those that 

suffered some damage, are included in the records. Numbers of water customers affected 

and dollar amounts of water facilities damage were more frequently reported. Very few 

areas reported lost water revenues. Refer to Figure J21 above. 

More information is available on sewerage systems as both the numbers damaged and the 

dollar amounts of that damage are available.

12 


Flood damages to the electrical power distribution system were collected through 

discussions with local, regional and state officials, the FEMA DSRs and officials of the 

involved electric companies. Variables are presented for number of companies affected, 

number of customers affected, dollar damages to the companies and revenues lost. The 

final utilities variable, utility systems - general, was a catchall variable but was specifically 

used in the St. Louis District counties to report gas utility company damages. That 

information was obtained from gas company officials. Otherwise, the FEMA DSRs were the 

primary sources for utility damages not specifically assignable. 

FIGURE J22 EMERGENCY EXPENSES 


The two emergency cost variables are the emergency preparedness and response costs and 

the evacuation costs. The former was primarily derived from the FEMA DSRs, with 

supplemental data coming from some local and regional officials. The latter variable came 

from these same sources, as well as the Red Cross and FEMA Disaster Field Offices. The 

final variable, crisis counseling, was derived from FEMA reports and state sources. Refer to 

Figure J22 above. 

According to the Department of Economic Development and Department of Labor and 

Industrial Relations, employment impact and the occurrence of the 1993 floods did not 

show a direct correlation in the Jefferson County area. July, August, September, October 

and November’s unemployment rate are as follows: 6.6, 6.4, 5.4, 5.2, and 5.1, 

respectively. The region was just recovering from a recession and the rates reflect a higher 

than normal unemployment rate due to the recession. The decrease in the unemployment 

rate from August to September was the result of the student population going back to 

school. In addition, manufacturing industries were closed for up to two weeks and 

incurred damages.


Infrastructure problems included contaminated wells, collapsed wells, destroyed pumping 

equipment, failed sewage treatment facilities or private septic systems, contaminated 

ground and drinking water, sewage backups and treatment facilities seriously purged by 

the floodwaters. 

Frequency of Occurrence 

The East-West Gateway Council of Governments planning region has many river and small 

tributaries in both the unincorporated and incorporated areas that are susceptible to 

flooding. Major floods have affected the citizens of the planning region as early as 1785. 

Table J28 below illustrates major flood events on the Mississippi and Meramec Rivers. In 

1993, 1994 and 2001, major flood events occurred in the planning region and 

surrounding areas. There have been 14 major flood events since 1785. The history of river 

crest levels along the Mississippi River north of Jefferson County at St. Louis helps to 

illustrate the risk, severity and repetitiveness and along the Meramec River. 

TABLE J28 MISSISSIPPI AND MERAMEC RIVER FLOOD STAGES NEAR JEFFERSON 

COUNTY 

Station Stage (Flood Stage 30 ft) Date 

Mississippi River at St. Louis 42.0 4/1/1785 











Mississippi River at St. Louis 41.89 5/221995 




Meramec River at Eureka 33.4 4/14/1979 













Meramec River at Eureka 26.33 5/11/2002

14 


TABLE J28 MISSISSIPPI AND MERAMEC RIVER FLOOD STAGES NEAR JEFFERSON 

COUNTY 


Meramec River at Valley Park 34.4 2/1/1916 


Meramec River at Valley Park 33 5/3/1983 













Station Stage (Flood Stage at 24 ft) Date 

Meramec River at Arnold 38.9 4/28/1973 

Meramec River at Arnold 38 4/16/1979 














Big River at Byrnes Mill 30.2 8/21/1915 














Source: NOAA


Since 1979 there have been 14 major flood events on the Meramec River at Eureka. Since 

1916, there have been 14 major flood events on the Meramec River at Valley Park. Since 

1973, there have been 14 major floods on the Meramec River at Arnold and 14 major 

floods on the Meramec at Byrnes Mill. The properties in and near the floodplains of the 

planning region Jefferson County are subject to flooding events almost annually. Since 

flooding is such a pervasive problem throughout the county, many residents have 

purchased flood insurance to help recover form losses incurred from flooding events, have 

sold property, or have rebuilt structures to reflect construction standards. Flood insurance 

covers only the improved land, or the actual building structures. Although flood insurance 

assists in recovery, it can provide an inappropriate sense of protection from flooding. 

Many residents and businesses that have flood damage rebuilt in the same vulnerable 

areas, only to be flooded again. These properties are termed repetitive loss properties and 

are very troublesome because they continue to expose lives and valuable property to 

flooding hazards. Local governments, as well as federal agencies such as FEMA, recognize 

this problem of floodplain insurance and attempt to remove the risk from repetitive loss 

properties though projects such as acquiring land and relocating homes or by elevating the 

structures. 

Continued repetitive loss claims from flood events lead to an increased amount of damage 

caused by floods, higher insurance rates, and contribute to the rising cost of taxpayerfunded 

disaster relief for flood victims. 

Intensity or Strength 

The largest disaster to impact Jefferson County in recent years was the flood in 1993. Its 

size and impact was unprecedented and has been considered the most costly and 

devastating flood to ravage the U.S. in modern history, as evidenced by Table J28 above. 

The number of record river levels, its aerial extent, the number of persons displaced, 

amount of property damage and its duration surpassed all earlier U.S. floods in modern 

times. In the 2001 flood, a total of $1.9 billion dollars in damage and costs and at least 

three deaths over a 14-state area including Missouri occurred. In the 1993 flood 

approximately $21 billion dollars in damage and costs and 50 deaths resulted (NOAA). In 

a report from the NCDC (Technical Report No. 2000-02), from events dating from 1980 to 

1999, sites that in the 1997 flooding, 9 states including Missouri were impacted and an 

estimated $1 billion dollars in damage and costs and 11 deaths resulted. The report also 

stated that floods at the second most likely type of weather event to occur (based on 46 

weather events from 1980 to 1999). 

Lives Lost, Injuries, Property Damage, Economic Losses/Other Losses 

Due to flooding of many of the major roadways and interstates, 'commuting' distances 

grew from several miles to over 200 miles in some instances. Many of the bridges crossing 

the Mississippi were destroyed or damaged by the flooding. From July 16-20, there were 

no bridge crossings over a 212-mile span between Burlington, Iowa and St. Louis, Missouri. 

Also, there was no Mississippi River traffic over a 585-mile span from Cairo, Illinois through

16 


St. Louis, Missouri to St. Paul, Minnesota from late June through early August, resulting in 

over 5,000 loaded barges being halted, and an estimated $3 million per day in lost 

revenue. Similarly, the Missouri River was closed from late June through early August over 

a 535-mile span stretching from its confluence with the Mississippi River to near Sioux City, 

Iowa. Eleven commercial airports were closed at one time or another due to the flooding. 

Also, railway traffic was devastated, with over 4000 miles of track either flooded or idled, 

and over $200 million in estimated losses. 

Well over 20 million acres were flooded, covering parts of nine states. More than 50,000 

homes were damaged or destroyed, and over 85,000 residents had to evacuate their 

homes. More than 75 small towns near the rivers were completely flooded and had to be 

abandoned or relocated. Some of the flooding occurred as levees collapsed after being 

weakened by constant pressure from rising water levels. However, some levees, such as 

the 52-foot 'wall' protecting St. Louis, held back the rising waters. It is interesting to note 

that the St. Louis levee was built to a level 9 feet higher than the previous record crest for 

the Mississippi River, but less than 3 feet higher than the 49.6-foot crest recorded on 

August 1. Over 6,500 National Guard members were called in to assist in levee work. A 

recent report on the various levees on the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers indicates the 

following: 

Over 16,000 square miles of farmland were flooded, and crop losses exceeded $5 billion. 

Many farm animals, such as cattle, perished in the rising waters. Total crop losses due to 

flooding or saturated fields exceeded 35 million acres. The national soybean yield was 

forecast to be 13 percent below 1992’s level, while the national corn yield was down by 22 

percent. Soybean prices moved to 4- year highs on July 10, 1993 due to the damage 

assessments. 

Overall damage estimates exceeded $12 billion. Local power plants were damaged in 

many cities, with electrical service lost as a result (including 45,000 people without power 

in Des Moines). Business districts were flooded in Davenport, Dubuque, Burlington, and 

many other smaller towns. 

The Missouri River, normally no more than a half-mile wide, expanded to 5-6 miles wide 

north of St. Joseph, Missouri, and 8-10 miles wide east of Kansas City. Just north of St. 

Louis, it reached 20 miles wide near its confluence with the Mississippi, as the merging of 

the 2 rivers occurred 20 miles north of their normal point of confluence. As a result, 

almost half of the 620 square miles of St. Charles County, Missouri were underwater. 

Four hundred and four counties in the Midwest were declared federal disaster areas 

including 62% of Missouri counties. The waters in some areas remained above flood stage 

for many weeks, and receded rather slowly. Many locations experienced not one, but two 

record crests during the flooding. Mississippi River watershed 1993 precipitation was the 

greatest since 1895 for the following periods: July, June-July, May-July, and April-July.


Over 1,000 flood warnings and statements, five times the normal, were issued to notify the 

public and need-to-know officials of river levels. In St. Louis, river levels were nearly 20 feet 

above flood stage, the highest in the city’s 150-year history. The 52-foot St. Louis Flood 

wall, built to handle the volume of the 1844 flood, was able to keep the 1993 flood out 

with just over two feet to spare. On the Missouri River it was estimated that nearly all of 

the 700 privately built agricultural levees were overtopped or destroyed. Navigation on the 

Mississippi and Missouri River had been closed since early July resulting in a loss of $2 

million (1993) dollars per day in commerce. 

The Mississippi River at St. Louis crested at 49.6 feet on August 1, nearly 20 feet above 

flood stage and had a peak flow rate of 1.08 million cubic feet per second. The old record 

was 43.2 feet in 1973. Some locations on the Mississippi River were in flood for almost 

200 days while locations on the Missouri neared 100 days of flooding. On the Mississippi 

River, Grafton, Illinois recorded flooding for 195 days, Clarksville, Missouri for 187 days, 

Winfield, Missouri for 183 days, Hannibal, Missouri for 174 days, and Quincy, Illinois for 

152 days. The Missouri River was above flood stage for 62 days in Jefferson City, Missouri, 

77 days at Hermann, Missouri and for 94 days at St. Charles in the St. Louis metropolitan 

area. On October 7, 103 days after it began, the Mississippi River at St. Louis finally 

dropped below flood stage. 

According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (as noted in the NOAA National Weather 

Service disaster survey report) 40 of 229 federal levees and 1,043 of 1,347 non-federal 

levees were over-topped or damaged. Every breeched levee contributed to the amount of 

floodwater flowing outside the main drainages. The flood eroded more than 600 billion 

tons of topsoil and deposited great amounts of sand and silt on valuable farmland. In large 

areas inundated by the flood, the harvest of 1993 was a total loss and some farmers lost 

any chance for a 1994 harvest. 

At St. Louis, the first spring flooding on the Mississippi River was recorded April 8, cresting 

at 0.2 feet above flood stage and lasting only that day. The Mississippi rose above flood 

stage again on April 11 and stayed above flood stage until May 24. The city got a respite 

as the Mississippi stayed below flood stage May 24 to June 26. On June 27, the Mississippi 

again went above flood stage and did not drop below flood stage until October 7—a total 

of 146 days above flood stage. The Mississippi River was above the old record flood stage 

for more than three weeks at St. Louis from mid July to mid August. Prior to 1993, the 

historic flood of record on the Mississippi River at St. Louis had been 43.2 feet, recorded 

April 28, 1973. That record was broken July 21, 1993, with a level of 46.9 feet and broken 

again 11 days later with a record stage of 49.58 feet on Aug. 1. St. Louis is located near 

the confluence of the Missouri, Illinois and Mississippi rivers, all of which were in flood at 

the same time. 

From April through October, 1993, flooding of the Upper Mississippi River and the 

Missouri River caused a national catastrophe, interrupting transcontinental commerce for 

many weeks, including rail, highway and barge traffic. Tremendous outlays of local, state 

and federal dollars to aid recovery of people and property created major financial

18 


hardships. By the year’s end, nearly every county in Missouri had been declared a 

Presidential Disaster Area at least once. In the three 1993 Presidential Disaster Declarations 

for Missouri, some counties were declared all three times. Flood stage records were broken 

at nearly every Missouri recording location along the Upper Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. 

The historic flood (before the period of recording gages) nearest to the magnitude of the 

1993 flooding was the flood in 1844. 

Locations/Areas Affected 

Owners of repetitive loss properties clearly have knowledge that there is a highly likely 

chance of being flooded in future rain events. The largest single drain on flood insurance 

reserve funds is repetitive claims from repetitive loss properties (Galloway report). Missouri 

ranks first among non-coastal states in repetitive losses. Missouri has 3,268 repetitive loss 

buildings that have resulted in 10,038 loss claims. 

During the 1993 flood the following gives an account of Jefferson County areas that were 

affected by the inundation. Based on a workshop meeting with Jefferson County and 

other community emergency management agencies held on October 17, 2003, the 

following locations were specifically identified as locations that become flooded during 

various rainfall events. In DeSoto, Joachim Creek and North Main along Cedar Street 

became inundated from floodwaters in 1993 and flash flooding near the high school near 

Spross Memorial Park on Amvets Drive. In Festus, the community during the 1993 floods, 

the community experienced problems with storm drainage and creeks. In Kimmswick, Rock 

Creek flooded Highway K. During the 1993 flood Highway K was 33 feet under water and 

the Highway K Bridge was 35 feet under water. Other areas of Jefferson County 

experienced significant flooding at the confluence of the Big River and Meramec River, 

Highway BB, West Old Highway 21, Highway 61/67 and Highway 55. The community of 

Arnold experienced significant flooding impacts from the 1993 flood. Areas flooded 

included Twin River Road, Big Bend Road, Meadow Drive, Riffle Island, State Road BB, and 

River Bend Acres. West of Pevely on Highway Z between Sandy Creek and Cherry Lane, in 

1993, floodwaters inundated the bridge; mitigation for this stretch entailed the raising of 

the road, property buyouts and replacement of the bridge. 

In Festus, all but one of the north-south roads and most of the major streets in the 

community were closed due to the 1993 floodwaters including 61/67 and Highway A. The 

community was inundated by floodwaters for approximately 5 months during this major 

flood event. 

Pevely was impacted only slightly during the 1993 flood, according to Ron Thomure. 

Pevely is located about ½ to 1 mile west of the Mississippi River. Ancient Oaks subdivision, 

located in the southwest portion of the community was affected when floodwaters from 

nearby Sandy Creek inundated the sewage treatment system (lagoon) for the subdivision. 

Further, in 1993 west of Pevely along Highway Z, Sandy Creek flooded the roadway. The 

Missouri Department of Transportation subsequent to the flooding event raised the 

roadbed and replaced the bridge above the 100-year event. As a result of the 1993 flood,


Pevely is placing one of their lift stations at a higher elevation to prevent impacts from 

flooding. There were no buyouts from the 1993 or subsequent flooding events. 

Repetitive losses for Jefferson County, as indicated by SEMA are identified below in Table 

J29. Specifically in the Arnold area, seven repetitive loss properties including the following 

were bought out as a result of the 1993 and 1995 floods totaling $361,109.57. 

7179 Twin River Road 

8927 Big Bend Road 

1388 Meadow Drive 

7384 Riffle Island 

7354 State Road BB 

2940 River Bend Acres 

2934 River Bend Acres 

In Festus, there was approximately $2 million dollars in losses from the 1993 flood; Crystal 

City had approximately $1 million in losses. Over the years, residents moved away from the 

low-lying areas. After the 1993 flood destroyed the community wastewater treatment 

plant, Festus has, through assistance from the Missouri State Revolving Fund rebuilt a $6 

million dollar wastewater treatment plant. 

TABLE J29 JEFFERSON COUNTY REPETITIVE LOSS PROPERTIES 

COMMUNITY NAME Mitigated? Insured? CITY TOTAL PAID 

Arnold, City Of No No Arnold 97,761.57 







Arnold, City Of No Yes Arnold 23,548.40 




Arnold, City Of No Yes Arnold, 62,807.25 










Arnold, City Of Yes No Arnold 5,721.93

20 




Arnold, City Of Yes No Arnold 8,186.18 

















Arnold, City Of Yes No Arnold Park 12,249.19 



Arnold, City Of Yes No Jefferson City 25,124.82 







































































22 

































Arnold, City Of Yes No O’Fallon 10,014.32 







Crystal City, City Of No No Crystal City 14,482.95 


Crystal City, City Of No No Festus 3,642.80 



Crystal City, City Of No Yes Crystal City 41,688.82 


Crystal City, City Of No No Crystal City 147,576.76





























Crystal City, City Of No No Arnold 24,312.80 










Crystal City, City Of Yes No Crystal City 5,941.24 






Festus, City Of No Yes Festus 38,124.31 


Festus, City Of No Yes Festus 47,313.17

24 




Festus, City Of No No Festus 88,600.00 









Festus, City Of Yes No Festus 25,898.64 

Herculaneum, City Of No No Herculaneum 36,052.51 





Herculaneum, City Of No Yes Herculaneum, 43,526.99 


Jefferson County* No No Cedar 11,303.81 

Jefferson County* No No Eureka 8,478.85 

Jefferson County* No No DeSoto 19,785.49 








Jefferson County* No No Cedar Hill 18,381.50 

Jefferson County* No No House Springs 4,533.83 



Jefferson County* No No Arnold 55,930.14 

Jefferson County* No No High Ridge 3,264.28 

Jefferson County* No Yes Fenton 36,387.61 




Jefferson County* No No Eureka Mo 31,648.38 

Jefferson County* No No Cedar 3,717.36 

Jefferson County* No No Hillsboro 14,642.34 



Jefferson County* No No Fenton 56,367.62 

Jefferson County* No No Eureka 53,051.88




Jefferson County* No Yes Eureka 27,237.40 

Jefferson County* No No Barnhart 4,961.24 

Jefferson County* No No Eureka Gardens 18,942.25 

Jefferson County* No No Pevely 31,060.54 





Jefferson County* No No Imperial 53,447.39 



Jefferson County* No No Venton Jeffe 63,252.51 



Jefferson County* No No St Louis 11,409.02 



Jefferson County* No Yes Cedar Hill 34,586.90 










Jefferson County* No Yes Hillsboro 30,170.11 





Jefferson County* No No Jefferson Co 16,212.70 





Jefferson County* No Yes Morse Mill 32,935.97 






Jefferson County* No Yes House Springs 19,699.93

26 





Jefferson County* No No Dittmer 10,074.90 

Jefferson County* No Yes Jefferson 5,186.08 

Jefferson County* No No Crystal City 81,632.45 

Jefferson County* No No Jefferson 12,908.18 

Jefferson County* No No Jefferson Cty 9,514.84 




Jefferson County* No Yes House Springs 18,265.81 















Jefferson County* No No Byrnes Mill 5,548.83 





Jefferson County* No No Morse Mill 5,224.81 














Jefferson County* No Yes Arnold 6,599.71







Jefferson County* No No 2,687.03 


Jefferson County* No No DeSoto 23,051.96 
















Jefferson County* No No 634 Willman Rd 26,806.93 


Jefferson County* No Yes Barnhart 155,866.52 













Jefferson County* No No Pevely 21,215.26 


Jefferson County* No Yes Arnold 13,620.76 





Jefferson County* No Yes Arnold 12,249.63

28 













Jefferson County* No No Jefferson City 5,917.30 


Jefferson County* No No Waukesha 36,537.27 




Jefferson County* No Yes Antonia 14,725.59 








Jefferson County* No No Festus 40,345.62 


















Jefferson County* No Yes Dittmer 27,742.71 
















Jefferson County* No Yes Fenton St Louis 25,048.42 





Jefferson County* No No Jefferson City 97,584.24 


Jefferson County* No No Mo 13,783.47 



Jefferson County* No No 63016 5,725.09 

Jefferson County* No No Cedar Hl 4,821.09 






Jefferson County* No Yes Fenton, 43,074.34 





Jefferson County* No No Jefferson County 15,878.44 

Jefferson County* No No Jefferson Ct. 4,797.69 

Jefferson County* No No Jefferson Ct. 39,318.98 


Jefferson County* No No Cedar Hl 55,102.64 




Jefferson County* No No Barnhart, Mo 32,004.83 

Jefferson County* No Yes Osage City 27,073.30 


Jefferson County* No No Cedar Hill 29,173.00

30 




Jefferson County* No No Cedar Hills 28,529.11 














Jefferson County* No Yes Desoto, 12,221.78 



Jefferson County* No Yes Desoto 8,463.43 








Jefferson County* No No N Rge 5e 25,053.75 

Jefferson County* No No Dellwood 22,935.89 




Jefferson County* No No Jefferson Co 8,760.58 








Jefferson County* No No Oakville 22,369.06 









Jefferson County* No No Eureka Mo 20,675.62 





Jefferson County* No No Eureka, Mo 21,655.24 













Jefferson County* No Yes Barnhart Mo 68,150.09 




Jefferson County* No Yes Cedar Hill, Mo 32,593.62 


Jefferson County* No No Ariuclid 26,255.40 


Jefferson County* No No Dittmer, Mo 13,758.77 









Jefferson County* No No Kimmswick 121,233.68 

Jefferson County* No No Byrnes Mill 20,553.28 



Jefferson County* No No Cedar Hill Mo 130,206.74 




Jefferson County* No No Eureka Gdns Jef 42,493.79

32 








Jefferson County* Yes No Arnold 125,583.84 



Jefferson County* Yes No Eureka 63,123.44 

Jefferson County* Yes No House Springs 54,264.75 

Jefferson County* Yes No Fenton 10,000.00 

Jefferson County* Yes No Fenton 59,181.52 



Jefferson County* Yes No Barnhart 149,234.30 

Jefferson County* Yes No Hillsboro 61,550.67 


Jefferson County* Yes No Imperial 29,291.55 

Jefferson County* Yes No Cedar Head 13,649.99 

Jefferson County* Yes No Hillsboro 9,122.75 



Jefferson County* Yes No Riverhaven 12,199.33 





Total 25,278,987.09 

Source: SEMA 

Other areas that are in the 100 and 500-year floodplain that are susceptible to flooding 

include the following areas within Jefferson County: 

DeSoto 

Joachim Creek flash flooding along Cedar St. & near high school 

Valley St. Culvert flooding 

N. Main St. Artery 

Festus 

Flooding on Highway BB 

Flooding on Highway W. Old 21 

Flooding on Highway 61/67 

Flooding on Highway 55


Kimmswick 

Rock Creek floods Hwy K under 33 feet of water. 

Seasonal Pattern 

The East-West Gateway Council of Governments planning region (namely, Jefferson 

County) typically obtains most of its wet weather in the spring months (April, May, June 

and July). Seasonal patterns are depicted on the Table J30 below. 

TABLE J30 SEASONAL FLOODING PATTERNS IN NEAR 

JEFFERSON COUNTY ALONG MISSISIPPI RIVER 

Month Number of Events 

January 0 

February 0 

March 0 

April 5 

May 2 

June 2 

July 2 

August 1 

September 0 

October 1 

November 0 

December 1 

Therefore, the floodplain areas are highly likely to experience one or more flood events 

during the months of April through July. 

Speed Of Onset And /Or Existing Warning Systems 

Depending upon the weather forecasts, the speed of onset of flash floods can be almost 

instantaneous. Existing warning systems are issued by the National Weather Service and 

the local media (television stations, the Weather Channel and local radio stations); USACE, 

USGS river stages warnings are given that enable communities to plan for flood events. 

The National Weather Service prepares its forecasts and other services in collaboration with 

agencies like the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Army Corps of 

Engineers, Natural Resource Conservation Service, National Park Service, ALERT Users 

Group, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and many state and local emergency managers across the 

country. 

Hazard Map for Flood Events 

Refer to Figures J23 and J24 (located in the Technical Appendix) that depict the areas of 

the county susceptible to the 100 and 500-year floods.

34 

Statement of Probable Future Severity 


According to SEMA’s Severity Ratings Table, the 1993 floods would qualify as critical. 

During the 1993 floods, some facilities were closed for more than 24 hours. Other flood 

events had minimal impact on quality of life, no critical facilities or services were shut down 

for more than 24 hours, and property damage for the county was about 11%. Therefore, 

the probable severity of future floods could range from critical in the floodplain areas to 

negligible in the areas outside of the floodplains. 

Statement of Probable Risk 

Flooding in Jefferson County is likely to occur in the future. Jefferson County faces two 

major factors for flooding. First, the land that forms Jefferson County is included the area 

that drains to the Mississippi and Meramec River. Secondly, according to the FIRM, 11% of 

the land for the Jefferson County lies within the 100-year floodplain. The majority of that 

land lies adjacent to the Mississippi River levees and the Meramec River. The Mississippi 

River has experienced 14 major flood events since 1785. The Meramec River has 

experienced 15 flood events in the last 22 years. 

Statement of Next Disaster’s Likely Adverse Impact on the Community 

The next flood to invade Jefferson County would follow the pattern of the 1993 floods. 

However, post-1993 mitigation measures already have been tested in the 1995 and 2001 

flooding along the Mississippi and Meramec River. Despite high river levels, damages were 

relatively minimal due to relocation of many homes and businesses. Adverse impacts of 

future Mississippi and Meramec River floods are discussed below. 

Without Mitigation Measures: 

Life: Limited 

Property: Limited 

Emotional: Limited 

Financial: Limited 

Comments: The above impacts assume conditions at the time of the 1993 floods over 

the entire county. Impacts within the floodplain would be catastrophic; impacts outside of 

the floodplain would be negligible. 

With Mitigation Measures: 

Life: Negligible 

Property: Negligible 

Emotional: Negligible 

Financial: Negligible 

Comments: Mitigation measures have already begun in the wake of the 1990s floods. 

Further mitigation measures should be directed at improving land use practices and 

redesigning vulnerable highways.


Recommendation 

In 1996, MDNR/DGLS, Dick Gaffney prepared a Flood Analysis Report, based on four 

documents: The Report and Recommendations of the Governor’s Task Force on Flood Plain 

Management on behalf of Governor Carnahan, July, 1994; The Floods of ’93, State of 

Missouri -- The Federal Interagency Hazard Mitigation Team, Report For the Three 

Presidential Disaster Declarations in Missouri, April, 1994, as set up by FEMA under 1988 

Stafford Act; Sharing the Challenge: Floodplain Management into 21 st Century -- The 

Report of the Interagency Floodplain Management Review Committee to the 

Administration (Whitehouse) Floodplain Management Task Force; A Blueprint for Change, 

June, 1994 and National Flood Policy in Review-1994 by Association of State Floodplain 

Managers (ASFPM). Recommendations made by these documents are summarized below: 

All four post-flood reports recommend that the state should take an active role in 

flood plain management, determine state flood plain management, determine state 

flood plain management policy and implement it. 

The reports generally agreed that the hydrology of the Missouri and the Mississippi 

rivers should be reviewed, with the possible result that base flood elevations should 

be recalculated and new flood maps issued. 

The encouragement of participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, both 

by communities and individual property owners was stressed to the point that 

recommendations stated that post-flood disaster assistance to those not insured 

should be limited, reduced or withheld. The problems of mortgage lenders and 

borrowers were addressed and escrow of premiums for flood insurance was 

emphasized. 

Maintaining flood insurance purchase requirements behind levee protection works 

was recommended. Further, it was recommended that the state develop a 

definition of market value to assure compliance with flood insurance regulations, 

dealing with substantial damages. 

Levees, levee districts, levee protection systems, state levee permits, levee 

construction criteria, levee repairs and levee heights were addressed by the four 

reports as a result of the levee failures in the 1993 flooding. More state 

involvement in this topic was universally recommended, especially with regard to 

oversight and permits. These recommendations imply that it is critical with respect 

to property owners and their lives that the flood stages remain stable (does not 

fluctuate as a result of levees built upstream). The aggregate result will be to 

increase the flood danger by increasing the height and velocity of river flow during 

floods. 

Greater environmental sensitivity and increased state government involvement in 

flood plain matters was stressed in the post-flood reports. Public health and safety 

during flood events was also stressed, especially in regard to hazardous materials. 

Government agencies should inventory their property to determine their 

vulnerability to future flooding. 

Federal agencies should collaborate on an assessment of effectiveness of stream 

gauging network and flood forecasting/models.

36 


Insurance should be purchased behind levees to protect citizens against future flood 

losses. 

Need of a state definition of market value due to 1) NFIP rules not providing a 

definition and 2). FEMA not abiding by its definition of market value. 

Remove substantially and repetitively damaged structures from flood plains. 

Acquire easements on lands through Emergency Wetlands Reserve program, 

Conservation Reserve program, USFW. 

Ensure that placement/security of hazardous materials on floodplains is done. 

Earthquake Hazard Profile 

Background 

The State of Missouri established the Missouri Seismic Safety Commission (MSSC) through 

the authority of the Seismic Safety Commission Act also known as (RSMo) Sections 44.225 

through 44.237, the main office being within SEMA. The purpose of MSSC is to review 

Missouri’s current preparedness for major earthquakes and to make recommendations to 

mitigate their impact. MSSC developed a 1997 plan titled A Strategic Plan for Earthquake 

Safety that documented successes, opportunities and concerns including 

recommendations: 1) that educational efforts continue to be developed and expanded and 

that the MSSC take the lead; 2) that continued and increased cooperation of State agencies 

with nationally funded programs (National Science Foundation funding the Mid-America 

Earthquake Center); 3) that stable State funding be provided for the Missouri earthquake 

mitigation and preparedness program; 4) that SEMA review and recommend hiring a 

person to train and tract the Community Emergency Response Teams [CERT]; and 5) to 

assess the impact of National Hazard Earthquake Reduction Program maps on the state 

and that scientific investigations be conducted to evaluate assumptions upon which maps 

are based. 

The MSSC prepared the A Strategic Plan for Earthquake Safety as the result of a legislative 

mandate, Senate Bill No. 142 in 1993. The MSCC is similar to Utah’s Seismic Safety 

Commission. This plan will aid in projecting goals, initiatives and priorities. The MSCC 

notes that preparation following the Strategic Plan will yield significant reduction in 

fatalities, casualties, damaged structures, business failures and state infrastructure losses 

from earthquakes and will reduce the impact from other hazards. Key issues identified by 

MSSC are: 1) Earthquake threat is real. Addressing the problem now will yield significant 

long-term benefits; 2) Reduction of earthquake risk required combined efforts of 

individuals, businesses, industry, professional and volunteer organizations and all levels of 

government [promote adoption and enforcement of appropriate building codes]; 3) 

Strategies identified in the report for reducing earthquake risk can be implemented 

through proactive, voluntary community participation; others will require legislation or 

funding, [promote community emergency response teams-CERTs, 4) MSSC accepts 

responsibilities to advance earthquake planning and mitigation in state at outlined in plan.


Objectives include: 1) increase earthquake awareness and education, 2) reduce earthquake 

hazard through mitigation, 3) create response efforts that are well-coordinated, fast, 

efficient to reduce injury, loss of life and property destruction, 4) improve recovery from 

seismic event [identify earthquake resistant shelters], 5) assess earthquake hazard [develop 

response team to evaluate post-earthquake effects]. 

Description 

Earthquake is a term used to describe both sudden slip on a fault, and the resulting ground 

shaking and radiated seismic energy caused by the slip, or by volcanic or magmatic activity, 

or other sudden stress changes in the earth. The Earth’s crust is made up of large plates, 

also known as tectonic plates. These plates are the large, thin, relatively rigid plates that 

move relative to one another on the outer surface of the Earth. Plate tectonics involves the 

formation, lateral movement, interaction, and destruction of the lithospheric plates (The 

lithosphere is the outer solid part of the earth, including the crust and uppermost mantle. 

The lithosphere is about 100 km thick, although its thickness is age dependent (older 

lithosphere is thicker). The lithosphere below the crust is brittle enough at some locations 

to produce earthquakes by faulting, such as within a subducted oceanic plate). Much of 

Earth's internal heat is relieved through this process and many of Earth's large structural 

and topographic features are consequently formed. Continental rift valleys (the nearby 

New Madrid Fault Zone is considered a buried rift valley) and vast plateaus of basalt are 

created at plate break up when magma ascends from the mantle to the ocean floor, 

forming new crust and separating midocean ridges. Plates collide and are destroyed as 

they descend at subduction zones to produce deep ocean trenches, strings of volcanoes, 

extensive transform faults, broad linear rises, and folded mountain belts. Earth's 

lithosphere presently is divided into eight large plates with about two dozen smaller ones 

that are drifting above the mantle at the rate of 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) per 

year. There are eight large plates; the New Madrid Fault Zone is located in the North 

American Plate. 

Earthquake induced landslides and dam failure/levee failure are secondary earthquake 

hazards that occur from ground shaking. Damage resulting from landslides is similar to 

that from earthquakes. Damage resulting from dam failure/levee failure is similar to that 

with flash flooding.

38 

FIGURE J25 LANDSLIDE POTENTIAL 

Source: United States Geological Survey 


Landslides constitute a major geologic hazard because they are widespread, occurring in all 

50 states, and cause $1-2 billion in damages and more than 25 fatalities on average each 

year. Landslides pose serious threats to highways and structures that support fisheries, 

tourism, timber harvesting, mining, and energy production as well as general 

transportation. Landslides commonly occur with other major disasters such as earthquakes 

and floods that exacerbate relief and reconstruction efforts and expanded development 

and other land use has increased the incidence of landslide disasters. Refer to Figure J25 

above and J26 (located in the back of the Technical Appendix). 

Landslides and other types of earth movements including sinkhole and mine shaft collapse 

have occurred in the St. Louis metropolitan. The Warsaw Formation and the Maquoketa 

Shale are the two geologic strata present in the region in which landslides occur. The 

Warsaw is about 80 to 100 feet thick and is very shaley in these counties. The Maquoketa 

Shale is a thinly laminated, clayey silty, calcareous or dolomitic shale and ranges in 

thickness locally between 0 to 20 feet. Unstable shales are subject to lateral movement, 

especially if the natural slope is disturbed by construction. A foreseeable consequence of 

construction in this geologic setting would be disturbance of natural moisture drainage on 

the slope that could lubricate the shales interlayered with limestone. The resultant loss of 

resistance to lateral movement in the shale beds would have a tendency to accelerate the 

downhill creep of associated limestone beds that could be followed by a landslide. Table 

J33 below summarizes landslide, sinkhole and underground mine shaft earth movements 

in the St. Louis metropolitan region, including Jefferson County. In its early history, areas 

in Jefferson County had been mined for silica and limestone, and has a lead smelter located 

in Herculaneum. 

The enormous damages from landslides can be reduced. The primary objective of the 

Landslide Hazards Program is to reduce long-term losses from these hazards by improving 

our understanding of the causes of ground failure and suggesting mitigation strategies.


The term landslide includes a wide range of ground movement, such as rock falls, deep 

failure of slopes, and shallow debris flows. Although gravity acting on an over steepened 

slope is the primary reason for a landslide, there are other contributing factors: 

• erosion by rivers, glaciers, or ocean waves create oversteepened slopes 

• rock and soil slopes are weakened through saturation by snowmelt or heavy rains 

• earthquakes create stresses that make weak slopes fail 

• earthquakes of magnitude 4.0 and greater have been known to trigger landslides 

• volcanic eruptions produce loose ash deposits, heavy rain, and debris flows 

• excess weight from accumulation of rain or snow, stockpiling of rock or ore, from 

waste piles, or from man-made structures may stress weak slopes to failure and 

other structures 

Slope materials that become saturated with water may develop a debris flow or mud flow. 

The resulting slurry of rock and mud may pick up trees, houses, and cars, thus blocking 

bridges and tributaries causing flooding along its path. Features that might be noticed 

prior to major landsliding: 

• Springs, seeps, or saturated ground in areas that have not typically been wet before. 

• New cracks or unusual bulges in the ground, street pavements or sidewalks. 

• Soil moving away from foundations. 

• Ancillary structures such as decks and patios tilting and/or moving relative to the 

main house. 

• Tilting or cracking of concrete floors and foundations. 

• Broken water lines and other underground utilities. 

• Leaning telephone poles, trees, retaining walls or fences 

• Offset fence lines. 

• Sunken or down-dropped road beds. 

• Rapid increase in creek water levels, possibly accompanied by increased turbidity 

(soil content). 

• Sudden decrease in creek water levels though rain is still falling or just recently 

stopped. 

• Sticking doors and windows, and visible open spaces indicating jambs and frames 

out of plumb. 


The characteristics of earthquakes include the rolling or shaking of the surface of the 

ground, landslides, liquefaction and amplification. The severity of these hazards depends 

on several factors, including soil and slope conditions, proximity to the fault, earthquake 

magnitude and type of earthquake.

40 



Earthquakes occur all the time all over the world, both along plate edges and along faults. 

Most earthquakes occur along the edge of the oceanic and continental plates. Likely 

locations of earthquakes that would affect Jefferson County would come from the New 

Madrid Fault Zone, the Wabash Valley Fault and the fault zones in the vicinity of 

Farmington (including Big River Fault and the St. Genevieve Fault Zone) because of their 

close proximity and the geologic setting of Jefferson County. 


Buildings on poorly consolidated and thick soils will typically have more damage than 

buildings located on consolidated soils and bedrock. Soils and soft sedimentary rocks near 

the earth’s surface and landfills can modify ground shaking caused by earthquakes. One of 

these modifications is amplification. Amplification increases the magnitude of the seismic 

waves generated by the earthquake. The amount of amplification is influenced by the 

thickness of geologic materials and their physical properties. Buildings and structures built 

on soft and unconsolidated soils can face greater risk. Damage on buildings can range 

from minor foundation cracks to complete leveling of the structure. Refer to Figures J27 

and J28 below. Building contents can be broken from being knocked onto the floor or 

being crushed by the ceiling, walls and floor failing. Dams and levees have the potential to 

fail, resulting in the flooding of downstream regions including residentially populated 

areas. 

Liquefaction occurs when ground shaking causes wet granular soils to change from a solid 

state to a liquid state. This results in the loss of soil strength and the soil’s ability to 

support weight. Buildings and their occupants are at risk when the ground can no longer 

support these structures. Damage from liquefaction can destroy the buildings and the 

foundations the buildings rest on. Liquefaction has been documented from the New 

Madrid Fault Zone earthquake activity. 

According to Dr. Robert Herrmann, geophysicist with St. Louis University’s Earthquake 

Center, the St. Louis Metropolitan region is 150 miles or so from the New Madrid Fault 

Zone. He noted that if there was an earthquake of magnitude 6.6 or so, Jefferson County 

would feel it; a lot of the damage would be minor, and not many collapses. If there was 

an earthquake of magnitude 8, there would be a good bit of damage, but the region 

would not be leveled. 

Earthquakes and landslides have the potential to destroy roads, bridges, buildings 

(especially older buildings constructed of masonry or those buildings that are not designed 

to seismic standards), utilities (including those that are not designed to seismic standards) 

and other critical facilities (including those that are not designed to seismic standards). 

Earthquake induced landslides are secondary earthquake hazards that occur from ground 

shaking. Damage resulting from landslides is similar to that from earthquakes.


FIGURE J27 INTERIOR DAMAGE FIGURE J28 EXTERIOR DAMAGE 


Source for both photographs: United States Geological Survey website 

The central Mississippi Valley has more earthquakes than any other part of the United 

States east of the Rocky Mountains. The region was struck by three of the most powerful 

earthquakes in United States history. These magnitude 8 quakes, centered near the town 

of New Madrid (Missouri), devastated the surrounding region and rang church bells 1,000 

miles away in Boston. The scars that those great earthquakes made on the landscape 

remain-the quakes locally changed the course of the Mississippi River and created Reelfoot 

Lake, which covers an area of more than 10 square miles in northwestern Tennessee. In 

recent decades, earth scientists have collected evidence that strong earthquakes in the 

central Mississippi Valley have occurred repeatedly in the geologic past. Small earthquakes 

occur in the region frequently. Scientists refer to the area in which most of these quakes 

occur as the New Madrid seismic zone (NMSZ). The New Madrid Seismic zone lies within 

the central Mississippi Valley, extending from northeast Arkansas, through southeast 

Missouri, western Tennessee, and western Kentucky to southern Illinois. Historically, this 

area has been the site of some of the largest earthquakes in North America. Between 1811 

and 1812, four catastrophic earthquakes, with magnitude estimates greater than 7.0, 

occurred during a three month period. Hundreds of aftershocks followed over a period of 

several years. The largest earthquakes to have occurred since then were on January 4, 

1843 and October 31, 1895 with magnitude estimates of 6.0 and 6.2 respectively. In 

addition to these events, seven events of magnitude 5.0 and greater have occurred in the 

area. Instruments were installed in and around this area in 1974 to closely monitor seismic 

activity. Since then, more than 4000 earthquakes have been located, most of which are 

too small to be felt. On average one earthquake per year will be large enough to be felt in 

the area. 

The most recent earthquake event affecting the East-West Gateway planning region was 

on June 6, 2003. The epicenter of the 4.0 magnitude earthquake was 4 miles southeast of 

Blandville, Kentucky and residents in the surrounding area felt the tremor. While impacts 

of this quake were inconsequential, Missouri has had three of the largest earthquakes in 

the contiguous United States; the three ranking #1, #2 and #4 in magnitude ranging

42 


from 7.9 to 8.1. Projected losses, based on losses from recent earthquake activity in Loma 

Prieta, California, losses exceeded $6 billion dollars with over 28,000 homes and businesses 

destroyed and 63 lives lost and 3800 injuries in the event of a magnitude 6 earthquake. 

Earthquakes pose a serious threat to many Missouri communities. Local governments, 

planners, and engineers must consider the threat as they seek to balance development and 

risk. Identifying locations susceptible to seismic activity generated by nearby faults, 

adopting strong policies and implementing measures and using other mitigation 

techniques are essential to reducing risk from seismic hazards in the East-West Gateway 

planning region. Table J31 below depicts the history of the large earthquakes in the 

region. 

TABLE J31 THE LARGEST EARTHQUAKES IN CONTIGUOUS U.S. 

Location Date Time UTC Magnitude 

1. New Madrid, Missouri 1811 12 16 08:15 UTC 8.1 

2. New Madrid, Missouri 1812 02 07 09:45 UTC 8 

3. Fort Tejon, California 1857 01 09 16:24 UTC 7.9 

4. New Madrid, Missouri 1812 01 23 15:00 UTC 7.8 

5. Imperial Valley, California 1892 02 24 07:20 UTC 7.8 

6. San Francisco, California 1906 04 18 13:12 UTC 7.8 

7. Owens Valley, California 1872 03 26 10:30 UTC 7.6 

8. Gorda Plate, California 1980 11 08 10:27 UTC 7.4 

9. N Cascades, Washington 1872 12 15 05:40 UTC 7.3 

10. California - Oregon Coast 1873 11 23 05:00 UTC 7.3 

11. Charleston, South Carolina 1886 09 01 02:51 UTC 7.3 

12. West of Eureka, California 1922 01 31 13:17 UTC 7.3 

13. Kern County, California 1952 07 21 11:52 UTC 7.3 

14. Hebgen Lake, Montana 1959 08 18 06:37 UTC 7.3 

Table J32 below illustrates seismic events from various eastern Missouri seismic sampling 

facilities that have been documented by St. Louis University and Southeast Missouri State 

University, CERI and CUSEC. To better understand the earthquake hazard, the scientific 

community has looked at historical records. Historical earthquake records can be divided 

into pre-instrumental and the instrumental period. In the absence of instruments, the 

detection of earthquakes is based on observations and felt reports, and is dependent upon 

population density and distribution. Newspapers and books from various cities around the 

nation (list) provide a good source of historical documentation of the 1811-1812 

earthquake. The seismic risk is more severe today than in the past because population is 

increasing. 

DATE OF SEISMIC 

EVENT 

TABLE J32 HISTORICAL EARTHQUAKE EVENTS 

SEISMIC EVENT MAGNITUDE OF 

SEISMIC EVENT 

FREQUENCY 1 

December 16, 1811 Earthquake occurred 195 miles south of 

EWG region 

8.0 - 

February 7, 1812 Earthquake occurred 165 miles south of 

EWG region 

8.2 1 

June 9, 1838 Earthquake occurred 60 miles south of 5.7 26


DATE OF SEISMIC 

EVENT 

TABLE J32 HISTORICAL EARTHQUAKE EVENTS 

SEISMIC EVENT MAGNITUDE OF 

SEISMIC EVENT 

FREQUENCY 1 

January 4, 1843 

EWG region* 

Earthquake occurred 231 miles south of 

EWG region* 

6.0 7 

October 8, 1857 Earthquake occurred 51 miles south of 

EWG region* 

5.3 14 


EWG region* 

6.2 38 

August 21, 1905 Earthquake occurred 138 miles south of 

EWG region* 

4.8 10 

April 9, 1917 Earthquake occurred 51 miles south of 

EWG region* 

5.0 12 

June 29, 1947 Earthquake occurred 33 miles south of 

EWG region* 

4.2 30 

April 9, 1955 Earthquake occurred 42 miles south of 

EWG region* 

4.5 8 

November 25, 1956 Earthquake occurred 120 miles south of 

EWG region* 

4.4 1 


EWG region* 

4.8 9 

November 9, 1968 Earthquake occurred 100 miles south of 

EWG region* 

5.5 3 

September 20, 1978 Earthquake occurred 4.7 miles south of 

EWG region** 

3.1 10 

February 5, 1994 Earthquake occurred 101 miles south** 4.2 16 

January 15, 1998 Earthquake occurred 13 miles south of 

EWG region** 

2.4 4 

June 6, 2003 Earthquake occurred 10 miles southeast 4.0 5 

of Cairo, Ill; felt here 

Source:* Earthquake History of the United States; 

** Cooperative New Madrid Seismic Network Earthquake Bulletin, St. Louis 

University (Compiled by M. Whittington, Earthquake Center, St. Louis 

University) 

*** USGS Earthquake Hazard Program 

1 Number of years between seismic events 

TABLE J33 LANDSLIDE, SINKHOLE AND UNDERGROUND MINE SHAFT EARTH 

MOVEMENTS IN ST. LOUIS METROPOLITAN REGION 

LOCATION TYPE INSPECTION DATE 

Mehville Sinkhole collapse 3/17/91 

Arnold Landslide 12/16/94 

Grubville Sinkhole collapse 8/8/67 

Jefferson County Landslide 7/9/68 

Fenton Landslide 6/14/71 

High Ridge Sinkhole collapse 10/3/74 

Herculaneum Sinkhole collapse 11/23/83 

House Springs Sinkhole collapse 4/6/78 

Imperial Landslide 5/19/83 

Jefferson County Landslide N.A.

44 


Herculaneum Landslide 2/25/85 


Hillsboro Underground mine shaft 3/27/91 

Sulfur Springs Landslide 4/18/97 


House Springs Rock Collapse 12/19/2002 

Green Jade Estates, Jefferson County Landslide 5/27/90 

Franklin County Sinkhole collapse 5/6/76 


Stanton Sinkhole collapse 2/8/94 



Washington Underground mine shaft N.A. 

Sullivan Sinkhole collapse 12/23/97 


St. Charles County Sinkhole collapse 12/14/77 

St. Charles County Sinkhole collapse 6/29/77 



Seismic scientists cannot predict the frequency of occurrence, although some have tried. 

Iben Browning predicted the onset of large-scale seismic events on December 3, 1990. 

However, his prediction was inaccurate. Since 1811, (182 years) there have been 16 

recorded earthquake events occurring in a random frequency as can be seen on Table J32 

above. While estimates of the recurrence intervals of the large 1811-1812 earthquakes are 

about 500-1000 years, smaller, but still destructive earthquakes are event more likely. The 

recurrence interval for a magnitude-6 earthquake is about 100 years. The last such 

earthquake was in 1895 near Charleston, Missouri. 

Another earthquake as powerful as the great quakes of 1811-12 may not occur for many 

years. However, scientists estimate that there is a 9-in-10 chance of a magnitude 6 to 7 

tremblor occurring in the NMSZ within the next 50 years. Because of differences in the 

geology east and west of the Rocky Mountains, the effects of a magnitude 7 quake in the 

mid-continent United States could be far worse than those of the 1989 magnitude 7 Loma 

Prieta, California, earthquake. 

In response to this threat, the USGS has been spearheading an effort to understand the 

causes of earthquakes in the Mississippi Valley. Initiated in the 1980's, this ongoing 

cooperative endeavor among universities, private agencies, state governments, and Federal 

agencies has two goals--to evaluate the level of the earthquake hazard and to help reduce 

the risk to lives and property from future quakes in the region. The USGS is currently 

working with the Missouri and Illinois geological surveys to study soil conditions in and 

around the East-West Gateway planning region. They are utilizing soil samples from 

borings taken from public construction projects such as highways, bridges and sewers. 

This study will last about five years.


With respect to earth movements including landslides, sinkhole and mineshaft collapse, 

these incidents have occurred on a fairly frequent basis; over 27 reports were made to the 

Missouri Geological Survey over a period of 36 years. 


Recent research suggests that the New Madrid Fault Zone is capable of producing 

magnitude 8 earthquakes. Contemporary newspaper accounts of the 1811-1812 

Mississippi Valley earthquake sequence are used to construct a generalized isoseismal map 

of the first of three principal shocks of the sequence, that of December 16, 1811. 

Earthquakes can be measured by intensity or by magnitude. The Richter magnitude scale 

was developed in 1935 by Charles F. Richter of the California Institute of Technology as a 

mathematical device to compare the size of earthquakes. The magnitude of an earthquake 

is determined from the logarithm of the amplitude of waves recorded by seismographs. 

Adjustments are included for the variation in the distance between the various 

seismographs and the epicenter of the earthquakes. On the Richter Scale, magnitude is 

expressed in whole numbers and decimal fractions. For example, a magnitude 5.3 might be 

computed for a moderate earthquake, and a strong earthquake might be rated as 

magnitude 6.3. Because of the logarithmic basis of the scale, each whole number increase 

in magnitude represents a tenfold increase in measured amplitude; as an estimate of 

energy, each whole number step in the magnitude scale corresponds to the release of 

about 31 times more energy than the amount associated with the preceding whole 

number value. The Richter Scale is not used to express damage. An earthquake in a 

densely populated area which results in many deaths and considerable damage may have 

the same magnitude as a shock in a remote area that does nothing more than frighten the 

wildlife. Large-magnitude earthquakes that occur beneath the oceans may not even be felt 

by humans. 

The Mercalli Scale is based on observable earthquake damage. From a scientific 

standpoint, the Richter scale is based on seismic records while the Mercalli is based on 

observable data that can be subjective. Thus, the Richter scale is considered scientifically 

more objective and therefore more accurate. For example a level I-V on the Mercalli scale 

would represent a small amount of observable damage. At this level doors would rattle, 

dishes break and weak or poor plaster would crack. As the level rises toward the larger 

numbers, the amount of damage increases considerably. The higher number, 12, 

represents total damage. Refer to Figure J30. 

Intensity scales, like the Modified Mercalli Scale measure the amount of shaking at a 

particular location. So the intensity of an earthquake will vary depending on where you 

are. Sometimes earthquakes are referred to by the maximum intensity they produce. 

Magnitude scales, like the Richter magnitude, measure the size of the earthquake at its 

source. They do not depend on where the measurement was made. The intensity of earth 

movements including landslides, sinkhole and mineshaft collapse in the St. Louis

46 


Metropolitan area are not as intense and widespread as the landslides in the western 

portion of the U.S. Earth movements in the St. Louis Metropolitan area are usually 

localized. 


Another earthquake as powerful as the great quakes of 1811-12 may not occur for many 

years. Because of differences in the geology east and west of the Rocky Mountains, the 

effects of a magnitude 7 quake in the mid-continent United States could be far worse than 

those of the 1989 magnitude 7 Loma Prieta, California, earthquake. That quake, which 

struck the San Francisco Bay region during the World Series, killed 63 people and caused 

$6 billion of property damage. Property damage could range from minor cracks in 

structures to complete destruction. Infrastructure including roads, bridges, water and gas 

lines may rupture, resulting in an abrupt halt to electricity, heat/cooling source, 

communication, transportation, rescue and emergency response services. Ruptured gas 

lines and power lines could potentially cause explosions and fires. Cascading emergencies 

such as these will compound the initial disaster. Lives lost, injuries, property damage and 

economic losses could potentially be in the same range as the earthquake that struck San 

Francisco. 

Landslides constitute a major geologic hazard because they are widespread, occurring in all 

50 states, and cause $1-2 billion in damages and more than 25 fatalities on average each 

year. Landslides pose serious threats to highways and structures that support fisheries, 

tourism, timber harvesting, mining, and energy production as well as general 

transportation. Landslides commonly occur with other major disasters such as earthquakes 

and floods that exacerbate relief and reconstruction efforts and expanded development 

and other land use has increased the incidence of landslide disasters. 


Refer to Figure J29 below that depicts the Peak Acceleration (%g) with a 10% probability of 

exceedance within 50 years within the EWG planning region. As can be seen, Jefferson 

County lies in four peak acceleration zones running northeast to southwest ranging from a 

low of 7 in the northwestern corner to almost 15 %g of severity in the southeastern corner 

of the county.


FIGURE J29 PEAK ACCELERATION 

Source: United States Geological Survey 

Franklin County lies in five peak acceleration zones running northeast to southwest ranging 

from a high of almost 9 in the southeastern corner to a low of 4%g of severity in the 

northwestern corner. St. Charles County lies within four peak acceleration zones running 

northeast to southwest ranging from a high of 8 in the easternmost portion of the county 

to a low of about 5%g severity in the northwestern corner of the county. St. Louis County 

lies in four peak acceleration zones running northeast to southwest ranging from a high of 

15 in the southeastern portion to a low of about 7%g severity in the northern and western 

portions of the county. St. Louis city lies in two peak acceleration zones ranging between 

9 (almost entire portion of the city) and 15%g severity (in the very southern portion of the 

city). 

The locations of recorded landslides, sinkholes, and mineshaft collapse in the St. Louis 

Metropolitan region is summarized in Table J33 above.

48 


FIGURE J30 MODIFIED MERCALLI SCALE 


There is no data that supports the relationship between the occurrence of earthquakes and 

seasonal weather patterns. 

There is data that supports the relationship between the occurrence of landslides, sinkhole 

and mineshaft collapse and seasonal weather patterns. Rainfall events would introduce 

moisture into the earth and geologic strata, thus creating the potential for earth 

movement. 

Speed of Onset And/Or Existing Warning Systems 

Earthquake prediction is a future possibility. Just as the Weather Bureau now predicts 

hurricanes, tornadoes, and other severe storms, the National Earthquake Information 

Center (NEIC) may one day issue forecasts on earthquakes. Earthquake research was 

stepped up after the Alaska shock in 1964. Today, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and


other federal and state agencies, as well as universities and private institutions are 

conducting research. Earthquake prediction may some day become a reality, but only after 

much more is learned about earthquake mechanisms. The speed of onset is immediate. 

See Table J34 below. 

TABLE J34 FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCES OF EARTHQUAKES 

DESCRIPTOR MAGNITUDE ANNUAL AVERAGE 

Great 8 and higher 1 ¹ 

Major 7 - 7.9 17 ² 

Strong 6 - 6.9 134 ² 

Moderate 5 - 5.9 1319 ² 

Light (estimated) 4 - 4.9 13,000 

Minor (estimated) 3 - 3.9 130,000 

Very Minor (estimated) 2 - 2.9 1,300,000 

¹ Based on observations since 1900. 

² Based on observations since 1990. 

The USGS estimates that several million earthquakes occur in the world each year. 

Many go undetected because they hit remote areas or have very small magnitudes. 

The NEIC now locates about 50 earthquakes each day, or about 20,000 a year. 

Map of Hazards 

Figure J31 below shows earthquakes that have occurred in the proximity of the St. Louis 

Metropolitan area. Also please refer to Figure J26 (located in the back of the Technical 

Appendix) that depicts areas that are susceptible to earthquakes. Areas outside of the soil 

liquefaction zone will most likely be impacted from an earthquake, but probably to a lesser 

degree. The figure also shows regions in the St. Louis metropolitan area that would be 

predisposed to earth movements including landslides, sinkhole and mine shaft collapse. 

FIGURE J31 EARTHQUAKES IN MISSOURI 

Source: United States Geological Survey

50 



The magnitudes of the historic earthquakes listed above in the New Madrid Fault Zone 

range from 2.4 to 8.2. These most recent earthquakes did not affect Jefferson County. 

The United States Geological Survey and the Center for Earthquake Research and 

Information at the University of Memphis (CERI) have issued a new forecast. The estimated 

probability of a magnitude 6.0 or greater earthquake is 25-40% through the year 2053. 

The January estimates show a 7-10% chance of magnitudes between 7.5 and 8.0 in a 50year 

period through 2053. The probability of an earthquake event is rated as moderate 

and the severity is rated as high. 

MODIFIED MERCALLI INTENSITY SCALE 

MMI VALUE FULL DESCRIPTION 

I People do not feel any earth movement 

II Felt by persons at rest, on upper floors of tall buildings 

III Felt by people indoors. Hanging objects swing back and forth. 

Vibration from the earthquake may seem like the passing of light 

trucks. May not be recognized as an earthquake. 

IV Hanging objects swing. Vibration may seem like he passing of heavy 

trucks or a jolt, like heavy ball striking the walls. Parked vehicles may 

rock noticeably. Windows, dishes, doors may rattle and glasses clink. 

In the upper range of IV, walls of wood frame buildings may creak. 

V Almost everyone feels movement whether inside or outdoors. 

Sleeping people are awakened. Liquids in containers are disturbed; 

some are spilled. Small unstable objects are displaced or overturned. 

Doors swing, close or open. Shutters, pictures on the wall move. 

VI Felt by all; some are frightened and take cover. People have difficulty 

walking due to motion. Objects fall from shelves and dishes, 

glassware and ceramics may be broken. Pictures fall off walls. 

Furniture moves or is overturned. Weak plaster and masonry cracked. 

Damage slight in poorly constructed buildings. Trees, bushes shaken 

visibly or are heard rustling. 

VII People have difficulty standing. Drivers on the road feel their cars 

shaking. Furniture may be overturned and broken. Loose bricks fall 

from buildings a masonry walls and cracks in plaster and masonry 

may appear. Weak chimneys may break at the roofline. Damage is 

slight to moderate in well-built structures; considerable in poorly 

constructed buildings and facilities. 

VIII Drivers have trouble steering. Tall structures such as towers, 

monuments may twist and fall. Wood frame houses that are not 

bolted to their foundations may shift and sustain serious damage. 

Damage is slight to moderate in well-constructed buildings, 

considerable in poorly constructed buildings. Branches are broken


and fall from trees. Changes occur in flow or temperature of springs 

and wells. Cracks appear in wet ground and steep slopes. 

IX Masonry structures and poorly constructed buildings suffer serious 

damage or collapse. Frame structures, if not bolted, shift off 

foundations. Serious damage to reservoirs. Underground pipes 

broken. Conspicuous cracks in the ground. In alluvial areas, sand and 

mud ejected and sand craters are formed. 

X Some well built wooden structures destroyed; most masonry and 

frame structures destroyed with foundations. 

XI Few, if any masonry structures remaining standing. Bridges 

destroyed. Rails bent greatly. Serious damage to dams, dikes and 

embankments. Large landslides occur. Water thrown on the banks of 

canals, rivers and lakes 

XII Damage total. Line of sight and level are distorted. Objects thrown 

in air. 

According to the SEMA map above, Jefferson County is at a risk for a Level VII impact on 

the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale from a 7.6 earthquake. Secondary effects of such an 

earthquake could include fire, building collapse, utility disruption, flooding, hazardous 

materials release, environmental impacts and economic disruptions and losses. Based on 

the projected Earthquake Intensities map and the Modified Mercalli damage scale, the 

future probably severity for each level is shown below. 

Modified Mercalli Levels I-V Negligible 

Modified Mercalli Levels VI Limited 

Modified Mercalli Levels VII Critical 

Modified Mercalli Levels VII-XIII Catastrophic 

Landslides have been categorized by the USGS based on incidence and susceptibility. After 

discussions with Missouri Geological Survey, there are have been no categories developed 

for landslide, sinkhole and underground mine collapse. 

Statement of Probable Risk/Likeliness of Future Occurrence 

Jefferson County, as well as other counties in the East-West Gateway Council of 

Governments planning region and the Midwest, is located in proximity to the New Madrid 

Fault Zone. The other fault zones mentioned above including the Wabash and faults in the 

vicinity of Farmington are also known to produce earthquakes in recent history, with a 

lesser magnitude and intensity. Instruments were installed in and around this area in 1974 

to closely monitor seismic activity. Since then, more than 4000 earthquakes have been 

located, most of which are too small to be felt. On average one earthquake per year will 

be large enough to be felt in the area. 

The magnitudes of the historic earthquakes listed above in the New Madrid Fault Zone 

range from 2.4 to 8.2. Based on the history of the New Madrid Fault Zone, the estimated

52 


probability of a magnitude 6.0 or greater earthquake is 25-40% through the year 2053. 

The January estimates show a 7-10% chance of magnitudes between 7.5 and 8.0 in a 50year 

period through 2053. 

Probable Risk of Modified Mercalli Levels 

I-V Highly Likely 

VI Highly Likely 

VII Highly Likely 

VIII-XIII Likely 

Landslides have been categorized by the USGS based on incidence and susceptibility. 

These categories are found below. The probable risk of future occurrence in the St. Louis 

metropolitan area would be ranked as low, less than 1.5% of the area involved, with a 

moderate susceptibility and low incidence. 

Landslide Incidence 

Low- less than 1.5% of area involved 

Moderate- 1.5% to 15% of area involved 

High- Greater than 15% of area involved 

Landslide Susceptibility/Incidence 

Moderate susceptibility/low incidence 

High susceptibility/low incidence 

High susceptibility/moderate incidence 

In the USGS Map, Figure J25, susceptibility is not indicated with the same or lower 

incidence. Susceptibility to landsliding was defined as the probable degree of response or 

the rocks and soils to natural or artificial cutting or loading of slopes, or to anomalously 

high precipitation. High, moderate, and low susceptibility are delimited by the same 

percentages used in classifying the incidence of landsliding. Some generalization was 

necessary at the map scale and several small areas of high incidence and susceptibility were 

slightly exaggerated. 

Statement of Next Disaster’s Likely Adverse Impact on Community 

The next disaster’s likely adverse impact on Jefferson County could be critical in terms of 

amount of damage to infrastructure (utilities, communications) buildings, deaths and other 

cascading disasters including fire and explosions from natural gas and oil pipeline ruptures. 

At the time of the New Madrid earthquake in 1811-1812, St. Louis and other major cities 

in the central U.S. were sparsely settled and there were few man-made structures. Today, 

this region is home to millions of people, including the populations of large cities, such as


St. Louis, Missouri, and Memphis, Tennessee. A repeat today of the earthquakes of 1811- 

12 would cause widespread loss of life and billions of dollars in property damage. The 

potential for the recurrence of such earthquakes and their impact today on densely 

populated cities in and around the seismic zone has generated much research devoted to 

understanding earthquakes. By closely monitoring the earthquake activity, scientists can 

hope to understand their causes, recurrence rates, ground motion and disaster mitigation. 

Earthquakes pose a serious threat to many Missouri communities. Local governments, 

planners, and engineers must consider the threat as they seek to balance development and 

risk. Identifying locations susceptible to seismic activity generated by nearby faults, 

adopting strong policies and implementing measures and using other mitigation 

techniques are essential to reducing risk from seismic hazards in the East-West Gateway 

Coordinating Council planning region. 

Based on the January 2003 estimates, Jefferson County is at most risk for Modified Mercalli 

Level VII (7.6 level) as likely adverse impacts. However, due to the geologic setting in 

Jefferson County in terms of alluvial soils along the Missouri River, Level VIII should be used 

for planning purposes. The possible effects at Level VIII are shown below. 

Without Mitigation Measures 

Life Critical 

Property Critical 

Emotional Critical 

Financial Critical 

Comments Jefferson County is considered a high-risk area for damages from an 

earthquake as a result of the population density, condition of existing buildings and 

infrastructure and the geologic setting. 

With Mitigation Measures 

Life Limited 

Property Limited 

Emotional Critical 

Financial Limited 

Comments With mitigation measures in place, this will assist with current and future 

construction. Older masonry buildings will still be at risk. 

Landslide, Sinkhole and Underground Mine Collapse Mitigation Measures 

The next disaster’s likely adverse impact on Jefferson County could be limited to negligible 

in terms of amount of damage to infrastructure (utilities, communications) buildings, 

deaths and other cascading disasters including fire and explosions from natural gas and oil 

pipeline ruptures. These types of hazards occur on a much smaller scale than do 

earthquakes. The affected area may include one or two homes in a subdivision that have 

been constructed on a failing hillside, or on the side of a sinkhole or mine tunnel. Clearly, 

there are mitigation measures that can be taken to reduce or eliminate the risk of future

54 


impact of the destruction of homes and structures located in areas that are predisposed to 

these types of hazards. 


Life Limited 


Emotional Limited 


Comments none 


Life Negligible 

Property Negligible 

Emotional Negligible 

Financial Negligible 

Comments none 


Increased education, concern and subsequent action can reduce the potential effects of 

earthquakes can be done in conjunction with preparations for other hazards. A program 

that recognizes the risk of flooding, landslides and other dangers that incorporate 

earthquake issues will be of most benefit to citizens. Individuals and government have 

roles in reducing earthquake hazards. Individuals can reduce their own vulnerability by 

taking actions in their own households. Local government can take action to lower the 

threat through the proper use of poor sites, assuring that vital or important structures 

(police, fire, school buildings) resist hazards and developing infrastructures in a way that 

decreases risk. State agencies and legislature can assist the other levels of action and 

provide incentives for minimizing hazards. 

Communities and developers coordinate with NRCS, Division of Geology and Resource 

Assessment regarding appropriate sitings of subdivisions and other structures. 

Tornado/Severe Thunderstorm Hazard Profile 

Background 

When severe storms hit a community, they leave behind a distinctive trail. Toppled trees, 

damaged buildings and cars, downed power lines crossing roadways and widespread 

power outages are signs that a storm has struck. After such events, it can take 

communities weeks to return to normal. These storms result in costly structural damages, 

personal injury, property damage and death. Tornado intensity is determined by using the


F-Scale (Fujita 1981), as listed in Storm Data. This study follows the accepted nomenclature 

that F2 and F3 tornadoes are strong and F4 are violent. 

Ostby (1993) found that the occurrence of weak tornadoes (F0-F1) has shown a dramatic 

increase since 1980, while the number of strong and violent tornadoes have either 

remained steady or decreased. Reasons for this include improved verification efforts by 

local NWS offices and the marked increase in storm chasing. Since strong and 

violent tornadoes produce a more stable long-term data set, these categories were the 

main focus of this study. 

Description of Hazard 

A tornado is a vortex of rapidly rotating air that must be in contact with the ground. This 

means that to be a tornado, the swirling winds must be at the surface, capable of doing 

damage. If there is debris (dust and other objects swirling in the winds), it is definitely a 

tornado, even if there is no visible funnel cloud. If there is no debris with a funnel cloud, 

then it might be a tornado but one cannot be certain that it is (or is not). A tornado can 

move over a surface with few objects to be picked up and swirled about, or one may not 

be able to see all the way to the surface beneath a funnel cloud because of intervening 

hills, trees, or buildings. All funnel clouds should be treated as if they are tornadoes, unless 

one can be certain that they will not touch down. See Figure J32 below. 

FIGURE J32 VIEW OF TORNADIC THUNDERSTORM 

Source: NOAA 

When storms influence a large area, the chances for significant hazards increase. The 

majority of windstorms in a convective system are of marginal severity, with only isolated 

events reaching high intensity. The most threatening situation would be for a very intense 

convective wind event that also affected a large area. It appears that a few times each year 

in North America, extreme convective wind events of this sort do occur. To date, no such 

storm has struck a major city during a vulnerable time (e.g., the morning or evening rush 

hours). However, it is only a matter of time until this sort of unfortunate concatenation 

actually occurs. Given that the area affected can approach that of a tropical cyclone's 

damage swath, and certainly far exceeds that affected during a tornado outbreak (while

56 


not being as intense, of course), it is uncomfortable to imagine the potential devastation. 

When such storms are accompanied by large hail (e.g., > 5 cm in diameter), the damage 

potential soars to even greater heights than when the wind occurs alone. The occurrence 

of hail has resulted in some of the costliest storms in United States history; coupling a fall 

of large hail with winds approaching 50 m s -1 could produce incredible damage in a 

populated area. Of course, economic losses to agriculture from such storms are already 

high, but do not attract much public attention, and such losses would be very difficult to 

mitigate with a 20-30 min warning. Nevertheless, major property losses can result when 

such storms cover a large area. 

A timely forecast may not be able to do much to mitigate the property loss, but could 

reduce the casualties. It appears possible to forecast these extreme events with some skill, 

but further research needs to be done to test the existing hypothesis about the interaction 

between the convective storm and its environment that produces the extensive swath of 

high winds. 

Convective wind events are a hazard to societies the world over, doing considerable 

damage and occasionally generating many casualties. Most convection produces some 

straight-line wind as a result of outflow generated by the convective downdraft, and so 

anyone living in convection-prone areas of the world has experienced this phenomenon. 

On rare occasions, the intensity of the wind achieves the potential for doing damage. 

Whether or not damage actually occurs is the dependent on having structures in the path 

of the wind that can sustain damage. Although engineered structures typically are quite 

resistant to wind damage, many homes and outbuildings are quite vulnerable to damage 

from even relatively modest windstorms. In the United States, it is assumed that the 

potential for wind damage begins at around 56 miles per hour. Of course, considerable 

damage occurs in situations where there was no anemometer, and so wind damage is 

graded according to its character: e.g., damage to tree limbs is considered non-severe, but 

uprooted trees are considered to represent a severe event. Refer to Figures J33, J34, and 

J35 below. 

Various human activities place people at risk from convective winds, notably aircraft 

operations and recreation. Most casualties from convective windstorms in the United 

States arise from such situations. Given the high vulnerability of aircraft operations during 

takeoff and landing procedures (the aircraft are operating on the margins of their flight 

"envelope" during such times); it does not take a particularly intense event from a 

meteorological standpoint to create many casualties. Commercial aircraft are less 

vulnerable than private aircraft, but their high occupancy means that rare events can have 

a large impact on casualty figures. Recreational boating also can account for many 

casualties in relatively modest windstorms, whereas most commercial craft are unlikely to 

be affected by marginal convective wind events.



SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS 


Source: NOAA Source: NOAA 

Hail Flooding 

FIGURE J35 

Source: NOAA 

Lightening 

Severe windstorms range in type from downdrafts to tornadoes. The most frequent 

surface winds in Missouri originate from the west and southwest. These winds are 

associated with storms moving into the region from Kansas and Oklahoma. Tornadoes 

range in size and severity. The dimensions of the storm can be measured by the size of the 

damage path. It is important to note that the "average" can be misleading, since most 

tornadoes are small. The typical tornado damage path is about one or two miles, with a 

width of about 50 yards. The largest tornado path widths can exceed one mile, and the 

smallest widths can be less than 10 yards. Widths can vary considerably during a single 

tornado, because the size of the tornado can change considerably during its lifetime. Path 

lengths can vary from what is basically a single point to more than 100 miles. Note that 

tornado intensity (the peak wind speeds) is not necessarily related to the tornado size. 

Detailed statistics about the time a tornado is on the ground are not available. This time 

can range from an instant to several hours. Typically, ground time is roughly five minutes 

or so. Detailed statistics about forward speed of tornadoes are not available. Movement 

can range from virtually stationary to more than 60 miles per hour, typical storms move at 

roughly 10-20 miles per hour.

58 



Whenever and wherever conditions are right, tornadoes are possible, but they are most 

common in the central plains of North America, east of the Rocky Mountains and west of 

the Appalachian Mountains. Refer to Figure J36 for a map of the U.S. that identifies the 

wind speeds in various regions; the study area has a high likelihood of severe winds. The 

map depicts those areas within the planning region that have experienced tornadoes. 

Statistically, Jefferson County has had 23 tornadoes. St. Charles County with 35 tornadoes 

has had the most tornado outbreaks, with St. Louis County second with 28. St. Louis City 

has the least with nine. However, these statistics do not necessarily predict future likely 

locations of tornadoes since St. Louis and St. Charles Counties cover larger areas of land. 


FIGURE J36 WIND ZONES 

Source: FEMA 

The damage from tornadoes comes from the strong winds they contain. It is generally 

believed that tornadic wind speeds can be as high as 300 mph in the most violent 

tornadoes. Wind speeds that high can cause automobiles to become airborne, rip ordinary 

homes to shreds, and turn broken glass and other debris into lethal missiles. The biggest 

threat to living creatures (including humans) from tornadoes is from flying debris and from 

being tossed about in the wind. It was once thought that the low pressure in a tornado 

contributed to the damage by making buildings "explode" but this is no longer believed to 

be true. Tornadoes are classified according to the F-Scale developed by Theodore Fujita. 

The F-scale ranks tornadoes according to wind speed, and the severity of damage caused 

within the wind speed ranges. Table J35 below shows the Fujita Tornado Measurement 

Scale. 

TABLE J35 FUJITA TORNADO MEASUSREMENT SCALE 

Category F0 Gale Tornado (40-70 mph) Light damage. Some damage to chimneys; 

break branches off trees; push over shallow 

Category F1 Moderate tornado (73-112 

mph) 

rooted trees; damage to sign boards 

Moderate damage. The lower limit is the 

beginning of hurricane wind speed; peel 

surface off roofs; mobile homes pushed off 

foundations or overturned; moving autos


TABLE J35 FUJITA TORNADO MEASUSREMENT SCALE 

foundations or overturned; moving autos 

Category F2 Significant tornado (113-157 

mph) 

pushed off roads 

Considerable damage. Roofs torn off frame 

houses; mobile homes demolished; boxcars 

pushed over; large trees snapped or 

uprooted; light-object missiles generated. 

Category F3 Severe tornado (158-206 mph) Severe damage. Roofs and some walls torn 

off well-constructed houses; trains 

overturned; most trees in forest uprooted; 

Category F4 Devastating tornado (207-260 

mph) 

Category F5 Incredible tornado (261-318 

mph) 

cars lifted off ground and thrown. 

Devastating damage. Well- constructed 

houses leveled; structure with weak 

foundation blown off some distance; cars 

thrown and large missiles generated. 

Incredible damage. Strong frame houses 

lifted off foundations and carried 

considerable distance to disintegrate; 

automobile-sized missiles fly through the air 

in excess of 100 yards; trees debarked; 

incredible phenomena will occur. 

Figures J37 through J41 below depict the Fujita Scale as described in Table J35 above. 


F1 F2 


F3 F4

60 


FIGURE J41 

F5 


The tornado categorized as an F-4 that hit St. Louis on May 27, 1896 was third on the list 

of 10 top weather events of the century. This storm killed 255 people and injured 1,000. 

The estimated damage from these storms totals $1.365 million dollars. Missouri is 

considered to be in the top ten lists for total number of tornadoes and number of killer 

tornadoes (ranking number seven). 

Since 1950,according to the NCDC, Jefferson County has had 23 tornadoes, three of which 

have resulted in 48 injuries and five deaths. The estimated damage from these storms cost 

approximately $9.7 million dollars. The most recent tornado in May 2003 in Jefferson 

County resulted in one death and approximately $1million dollars in damage. The 

tornadoes occurred between April and December. Jefferson County has had one F3 

tornado in 1981. Tornado occurrences are found in Table J36. 

TABLE J36 JEFFERSON COUNTY TORNADO OCCURRENCES 

1961 TO 2003 

Location or County Date Time Type Mag 1 Dth 2 Inj 3 PrD 4 CrD 5 

1 Jefferson 05/06/1961 1615 Tornado F1 0 0 25K 0 










11 Jefferson 05/12/1978 1700 Tornado F 0 0 250K 0 

12 Jefferson 04/22/1981 1754 Tornado F3 1 0 2.5M 0 




16 Cedar Hill To 04/15/1994 0352 Tornado F0 0 0 500K 5K


TABLE J36 JEFFERSON COUNTY TORNADO OCCURRENCES 

1961 TO 2003 

Location or County Date Time Type Mag 1 Dth 2 Inj 3 PrD 4 CrD 5 

17 Ottoville To 04/15/1994 0405 Tornado F0 0 0 50K 1K 

18 Barnhart To 04/15/1994 0412 Tornado F1 0 0 5.0M 5K 

19 Crystal City 04/26/1994 2035 Tornado F0 0 0 5K 0 

20 De Soto 04/16/1995 1549 Funnel 

Cloud 

N/A 0 0 0 0 

21 De Soto 04/16/1995 1557 Tornado F0 0 0 0K 0 

22 Ware 05/06/2003 06:25 

PM 

Tornado F0 0 0 0 0 

23 De Soto 05/06/2003 06:30 

PM 

Tornado F0 0 0 0 0 

TOTALS: 

1Magnitude 1 0 8.713M 11K 

2 Death 

3 Injuries 

4 Property Damage 

5 Crop Damage 

Source: NCDC 

Additional data on significant Jefferson County thunderstorms (downbursts, lightening, 

hail, heavy rains and wind) indicated a total impact of $877,000 in property damages from 

113 storm events between 1950 and 2002. Severe thunderstorms and high winds are 

summarized on Table J37 below. 

Location or 

County 

TABLE J37 JEFFERSON COUNTY WINDSTORM OCCURRENCES 

1960 TO 2003 

Date Time Type Mag 1 Dth 2 Inj 3 PrD 4 CrD 5 

1 Jefferson 05/16/1960 1500 Tstm Wind 0 0 0 0 0 









10 Jefferson 04/03/1974 1241 Tstm Wind 0. 0 0 0 0 










20 Jefferson 07/02/1980 1420 Tstm Wind 0 0 0 0 0

62 

Location or 




1960 TO 2003 







































58 De Soto 04/25/1993 0015 Thunderstorm 

Winds 

N/A 0 0 0 0 

59 De Soto 04/25/1993 0015 Thunderstorm 

Winds 

N/A 0 0 50K 0 

60 High Ridge 08/23/1993 1730 Thunderstorm 

Winds 

N/A 0 0 5K 0 

61 Cedar Hill 04/26/1994 2325 Thunderstorm N/A 0 0 5K 0 

Winds 

62 Regional 04/18/1995 0830 High Winds 0 0 0 700K 0 

63 Victoria 05/18/1995 1110 Thunderstorm N/A 0 0 0 0


Location or 



1960 TO 2003 


64 Otto 07/04/1995 1412 

Winds 

Thunderstorm 

Winds 

N/A 0 0 0K 0 

65 St. Louis 07/04/1995 1500 Thunderstorm N/A 0 0 1K 0 

City 

Winds 

66 Hillsboro 04/19/1996 04:30 PM Tstm Wind 55 0 0 0 0 

67 Regional 04/28/1996 08:00 AM High Wind 61 0 0 0 0 

68 Arnold 07/19/1996 07:00 PM Tstm Wind 55 0 0 0 0 

69 Pevely 07/19/1996 07:20 PM Tstm Wind 55 0 0 0 0 

70 Regional 04/05/1997 03:00 PM High Wind 50 0 0 0 0 

71 Regional 04/30/1997 01:00 PM High Wind 45 0 0 0 0 

72 Byrnes Mill 05/25/1997 07:45 PM Tstm Wind 50 0 0 0 0 

73 De Soto 05/25/1997 08:00 PM Tstm Wind 50 0 0 0 0 

74 De Soto 06/21/1997 06:20 PM Tstm Wind 61 0 0 100K 0 


76 Arnold 07/22/1998 06:30 PM Tstm Wind 61 0 0 5K 0 

77 Hillsboro 11/10/1998 04:00 AM Tstm Wind 56 0 0 0 0 

78 Dittmer 06/08/1999 02:40 PM Tstm Wind 55 0 0 0 0 

79 Arnold 07/09/1999 06:10 PM Tstm Wind 52 0 0 0 0 

80 High Ridge 06/24/2000 01:20 PM Tstm Wind 52 0 0 0 0 

81 Cedar Hill 09/11/2000 10:48 PM Tstm Wind 56 0 0 0 0 

82 House Spgs 09/11/2000 10:58 PM Tstm Wind 56 0 0 0 0 


84 Imperial 09/11/2000 11:10 PM Tstm Wind 56 0 0 0 0 

85 Regional 02/25/2001 12:00 AM High Wind 40 0 0 0 0 

86 Regional 03/13/2001 09:00 AM High Wind 45 kts. 0 0 0 0 

87 Cedar Hill 07/18/2001 01:05 PM Tstm Wind 55 kts. 0 0 0 0 

88 Hillsboro 07/18/2001 01:15 PM Tstm Wind 55 kts. 0 0 0 0 

89 Imperial 09/08/2001 09:15 PM Tstm Wind 55 kts. 0 0 0 0 

90 Arnold 09/08/2001 09:29 PM Tstm Wind 55 kts. 0 0 0 0 

91 Regional 03/09/2002 06:00 AM High Wind 43 kts. 0 0 0 0 

92 Hillsboro 05/07/2002 02:55 AM Tstm Wind 55 kts. 0 0 0 0 

93 Festus 05/07/2002 03:00 AM Tstm Wind 55 kts. 0 0 0 0 

94 Hillsboro 05/07/2002 03:00 AM Tstm Wind 55 kts. 0 0 0 0 

95 De Soto 07/03/2002 02:35 PM Tstm Wind 55 kts. 0 0 10K 0 

96 High Ridge 07/10/2002 01:47 PM Tstm Wind 55 kts. 0 0 0 0 


98 Hillsboro 07/10/2002 02:00 PM Tstm Wind 55 kts. 0 0 0 0 

99 Festus 07/10/2002 02:10 PM Tstm Wind 55 kts. 0 0 0 0 


101 High 

Ridge 

07/22/2002 06:49 PM Tstm Wind 55 kts. 0 0 0 0 

102 Otto 07/22/2002 06:55 PM Tstm Wind 55 kts. 0 0 0 0 

103 De Soto 05/06/2003 06:30 PM Tstm Wind 75 kts. 0 0 0 0 

104 De Soto 05/06/2003 06:47 PM Tstm Wind 87 kts. 0 0 0 0 

105 Crystal 

City 

05/06/2003 07:05 PM Tstm Wind 60 kts. 0 0 0 0

64 

Location or 




1960 TO 2003 


106 

Herculaneum 

05/06/2003 07:05 PM Tstm Wind 60 kts. 0 0 0 0 

107 Pevely 05/06/2003 07:05 PM Tstm Wind 60 kts. 0 0 0 0 

108 Imperial 06/10/2003 04:50 PM Tstm Wind 60 kts. 0 0 0 0 

109 Arnold 06/10/2003 05:00 PM Tstm Wind 55 kts. 0 0 0 0 

110 Barnhart 06/10/2003 05:00 PM Tstm Wind 60 kts. 0 0 0 0 

111 Arnold 07/18/2003 09:10 AM Tstm Wind 55 kts. 0 0 0 0 

112 High 

Ridge 

07/18/2003 09:10 AM Tstm Wind 55 kts. 0 0 0 0 

113 House 

Spgs 

07/18/2003 09:10 AM Tstm Wind 55 kts. 0 0 0 0 

TOTALS: 0 0 877K 0 

1Magnitude- measured in knots 

2 Death 

3 Injuries 

4 Property Damage 

5 Crop Damage 

Source: NCDC 


The frequency of severe windstorms and tornadoes is difficult to predict. See Figure J42 

below. They usually occur mostly during the spring and summer; the tornado season 

comes early in the south and later in the north because spring comes later in the year as 

one moves northward. Storms usually occur during the late afternoon and early evening, 

but they have been known to occur in every state in the United States, on any day of the 

year, and at any hour. Table J38 below depicts tornado occurrences are most commonly 

seen in the spring months. In the southern states, tornado frequency peaks in March 

through May; while in the northern states, peak frequency is during the summer months. 

Along the gulf coast, a secondary tornado maximum occurs during the fall. In the western 

states, the total number of tornadoes is higher than indicated. Sparse population reduces 

the number reported. The map illustrates months of peak tornado activity by state (1950- 

1991). (NOAA/NWS)


January 

FIGURE J42 TORNADO OCCURRENCES 

Source: NOAA 

TABLE J38 OCCURRENCES OF TORNADOES IN JEFFERSON COUNTY 

FROM 1950 TO 1998 

February 


March 

April 

May 

June 

0 0 0 8 7 2 2 0 1 1 1 1 

Storms in Jefferson County range from F0 to F4. There have been no recorded F5 storms. 

Refer to Table J39 and Figure J43 below. 

TABLE J39 STORM INTENSITIES FOR JEFFERSON COUNTY 

JURISDICTIONS F0 F1 F2 F3 F4 Total 

St. Louis City 0 2 3 2 2 9 

St. Louis County 2 8 11 5 2 28 

St. Charles County 6 10 11 7 1 35 

Jefferson County 5 11 4 2 1 23 

Franklin County 6 6 8 0 0 20 

Total 19 37 37 16 6 115 


Even though only about 10% of tornadoes are significant, these tornadoes are responsible 

for the majority of deaths caused by tornadoes in the country, with violent tornadoes 

claiming 67% of the total casualties. Furthermore, the US suffers millions of dollars in 

damage costs in the aftermath of such events- an important consideration for the 

insurance industry. 

July 

August 

September 

October 

November 

December

66 


Jefferson County has had 23 tornadoes, three of which have resulted in 48 injuries and 

five deaths. The estimated damage from these storms cost approximately $9.7 million 

dollars. The most recent tornado in May 2003 located in Desoto, Jefferson County resulted 

in one death and approximately $1million dollars in damage. Missouri is considered to be 

in the top ten lists for total number of tornadoes and number of killer tornadoes (ranking 

number seven). 


FIGURE J43 TORNADOES 

Source: NOAA; U.S. data 

Based on available data, there is no predictable pathway for tornadoes and windstorms to 

follow. In general, however, these storms run in a southwest to northeast direction. 

Figure J44 below depicts the distribution of storms across the planning region. Based upon 

Table J39 above, one can see that each jurisdiction has had multiple tornadoes. Jefferson 

County has had the third largest number of storms in the EWG planning region. 

FIGURE J44 TORNADO STORM DAMAGE HISTORY FROM 1950 TO 2001 

Source: NOAA



Tornadoes occur mostly during the spring and summer; the tornado season comes early in 

the south and later in the north because spring comes later in the year as one moves 

northward. Tornadoes and storms usually occur during the late afternoon and early 

evening, but they have been known to occur in every state in the United States, on any day 

of the year, and at any hour. 

Based on Table J38, in Jefferson County, most of the storms occurred in the month of April 

with 8 tornadoes. May had a total of 7 tornadoes, both June and July had 2, and 

September, October, November and December had 1 each per month. 


Tornadoes and other severe windstorms can occur instantly. The National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Agency and other agencies (National Weather Service) have prioritized the 

research and understanding of the development of these types of storms in order to 

protect citizens and their property. As a result of this research, Doppler Radar was 

developed. Doppler Radar research was started in the 1950s by the Weather Radar 

Laboratory. At about the same time, research was beginning on severe storms through the 

National Severe Storms Project. In late 1963 the NSSL was formed to continue and 

enhance these two efforts. By the 1970's it was clear that Doppler Radar would greatly 

benefit the National Weather Service and could help to provide much-improved severe 

thunderstorm and tornado warnings. 

The new Radar, or NEXRAD for Next Generation Radar (officially WSR-88D), provides 

forecasters with a detailed look at storms through reflectivity and velocity displays. 

Reflectivity indicates rainfall or precipitation intensity and velocity displays the speed and 

direction of the winds within the storm. 

Through the Doppler Effect, a physical phenomenon marked by a change in frequency 

depending on the motion of an object toward or away from a point, the radar can give a 

picture of the winds within a storm. If, within a small area, high winds toward the radar 

are adjacent to high winds away from the radar, a circulation has developed and 

forecasters prepare to issue a warning. With this capability, tornado warning lead times 

have increased in the last 10 years from less than 5 minutes to nearly 12 minutes (NWS). 

Phased Array Radar - NSSL will soon begin adapting SPY-1 radar technology for use in 

spotting severe weather. 

The mission of the Severe Weather Warning Applications and Technology Transfer (SWAT) 

team is to develop severe weather warning applications and transfer them to users to 

enhance their capability to warn of severe weather. There are two focus groups within 

SWAT:

68 


• National Weather Service Focus Group Staff Listing (SWAT-NWS) 

• Federal Aviation Administration Focus Group Staff Listing (SWAT-FAA) 


Refer to Figure J45 (located in the back of the Technical Appendix) that depicts those areas 

in Jefferson County that are susceptible to severe windstorms. 


Based on the previous twenty-three events in the Jefferson County, the future probable 

severity is shown below. 

Future Probable Severity By F-Scale 

F0 Negligible 

F1 Limited 

F2 Limited 

F3 Critical 

F4 Catastrophic 

F5 Catastrophic 

Statement of Probable Risk 

The risk of tornadoes in Jefferson County is moderate with twenty-three tornadoes. 

Surrounding counties such as St. Louis County, St. Charles and Jefferson County have 

greater numbers: 28, 35 and 23, respectively. By nature, tornadoes strike randomly. Based 

in information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, tornadoes 

occur between five to seven times per 10,000 square miles per year and downbursts occur 

between 14 to 17 times per 10,000 square miles per year within the EWG planning region. 

There are between 40 to 60 thunderstorm days per year and approximately five to eight 

annual events of hail per 10,000 square miles within the EWG planning region. These 

figures are different from the Federal Emergency Management agency (FEMA) data. FEMA 

indicates that there are between six to ten tornadoes per 1,000 square miles in the EWG 

planning region. Refer to Table J40 below for risk. 

TABLE J40 TORNADO RISK 

F# Events Risk Probable Risk of 

Occurrence 

By F-Scale 

F0 22% F0 Likely 



F3 9% F3 Possible 

F4 4% F4 Possible 

F5 0 F5 Unlikely



Tornadoes have enormous power and destructive ability. Injuries, property damage and 

risk of death remain high. Technological advances that facilitate earlier warning, combined 

with public education and improved construction techniques, provide the opportunity for 

reductions in the number of injuries, reduction in property damage and loss of life. Based 

on history from 198 years, the likely adverse impact of future Jefferson County tornado and 

thunderstorm events is shown below. The next tornado or severe windstorm will most 

likely have a detrimental impact on the community in terms of injuries, property damage 

(up to millions dollars in damages from property damage) and death, based upon the past 

historic storm events. This is due to the dense population of residents and workers who 

live and work in the planning region, as well as the construction methods and standards 

used. 


Life Catastrophic 

Property Catastrophic 

Emotional Catastrophic 

Financial Catastrophic 

Comments: None 


Life Limited 




Comments: None 

Recommendations 

That the County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee initiate a mitigation activity to 

convince county residents to construct Tornado Saferooms to help reduce the loss of life 

caused by tornadoes. 

Severe Winter Weather Hazard (Snow, Ice and Extreme Cold) Profile 

Description 

Winter weather is different than other hazards such as dam failure or tornadoes in that the 

hazard tends to occur over a much larger area, often times affecting areas from several 

counties to multiple states. Winter weather includes heavy snow, ice, freezing rain/sleet 

and extreme cold temperatures.

70 



Snow can range from blizzard conditions to snow flurries and can accumulate to several 

inches, resulting in dangerous driving conditions. Ice conditions including sleet and 

freezing rain can result in roadways being covered in sheets of ice and ice jams resulting in 

flooding. Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick to objects; 

however, it can accumulate like snow and cause a hazard to motorists. Freezing rain is rain 

that falls onto a surface with a temperature below freezing; this causes it to freeze to 

surfaces, such as trees, cars, and roads, forming a glaze of ice. Even small accumulations of 

ice can cause a significant hazard. An ice storm occurs when freezing rain falls and freezes 

immediately on impact. Heavy accumulations of ice can bring down trees, electrical wires, 

telephone poles and lines, and communication towers. Communications and power can be 

disrupted for days while utility companies work to repair the extensive damage. 

Sometimes winter storms are accompanied by strong winds creating blizzard conditions 

with blinding wind-driven snow, severe drifting and dangerous wind chill. Strong winds 

with these intense storms and cold fronts can knock down trees, utility poles and power 

lines. Extreme cold often accompanies a winter storm or is left in its wake. Prolonged 

exposure to the cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia and become life-threatening. 

Infants and elderly people are most susceptible to extremely cold weather conditions. What 

constitutes extreme cold and its effect varies across different areas of the United States. In 

areas unaccustomed to winter weather, near freezing temperatures are considered 

"extreme cold." Freezing temperatures can cause severe damage to citrus fruit crops and 

other vegetation. Pipes may freeze and burst in homes that are poorly insulated or without 

heat. In the north, below zero temperatures may be considered as "extreme cold." Long 

cold spells can cause rivers to freeze, disrupting shipping, and Ice jams may form and lead 

to flooding. 

Heavy snow can immobilize a region and paralyze a city, stranding commuters, stopping 

the flow of supplies, and disrupting emergency and medical services. Accumulations of 

snow can collapse buildings and knock down trees and power lines. In rural areas, homes 

and farms may be isolated for days, and unprotected livestock may be lost. The cost of 

snow removal, repairing damages, and loss of business can have large economic impacts 

on cities and towns. 

Extreme cold temperatures are ranked based upon a wind chill chart that figures the 

temperature on how the wind and cold feel on exposed skin. As the wind increases, heat is 

carried away from the body at a faster rate, driving down the body temperature. Frostbite, 

hypothermia and death can result from winter weather. Seventy percent of snow injuries 

result from vehicle accidents, 25% occur in people getting caught in the weather. Cold 

injuries occur to 50% of people over 60 years old, 75% happen to males and 20% occur in 

the home.



Winter weather in the St. Louis region moves in an east to west direction. Late winter 

storms that have a tendency to be intense tend to generate in the southwest portion of the 

United States and move northeast, dependent upon the meteorology and the storm track. 

Winter weather is different that other hazards such as tornadoes in that the hazard tends 

to occur over a much larger area, often times affecting from several counties to multiple 

states. 


Types of damage that could occur in the EWG planning region results in property damage, 

as well and injury and death to individuals. Each year dozens of people die due to 

exposure to cold. In addition, vehicle accidents and fatalities, fires due to dangerous use of 

heaters and other winter weather fatalities (heart attacks from shoveling snow, for 

example) result in a threat. Threats such as hypothermia and frostbite can lead to the loss 

of fingers and toes or cause permanent kidney, pancreas, liver damage and death. People 

can become trapped in their homes and cars without utilities or assistance. Other damage 

can include rooftop collapse (as a result of the inability of the roofs to withstand the 

weight of a heavy snowfall event), automobile accidents and downed power lines/power 

outages from ice storms. Heavy snow can strand commuters, close airports, stop the flow 

of supplies and disrupt emergency and medical services. Livestock may be lost on farms. 

The cost of snow and debris removal, repairing damages and the loss of business can have 

a severe impact on the region. 


St. Louis City 

Injuries/Damage 

St. Louis County 


St. Charles County 


Jefferson County 


Franklin 



TABLE J41 JEFFERSON COUNTY WINTER STORMS 

1994 

2* 

15/500K 

2* 

15/500K 

2* 

15/500K 

1 

500K 

2* 

15/500K 

1995 

3* 

/.3 M 

3* 

/.3M 

5* 

/2.7M 

3* 

/.3 M 

5* 

/2.7M 

1996 

1997 

1998 

1999 

2000 

2001 

2002 

2003 

Total 

3* 4 3 2* 4 1 4 1 27 

3* 

3* 

2* 

3* 

4 

4 

4 

4 

4 

4 

4 

3 

2* 

2* 

3* 

2* 

4 

4 

3 

3 

1 

1 

1 

0 

4 

4 

4 

4 

2 

2 

1 

1 

35 

31 

26 

27

72 



1994 

Total 

9 

Injuries/Damage 15/500K 

* Denotes ice storm event 

• Source NCDC/NOAA 

1995 

19 

/2.7M 

1996 

1997 

1998 

1999 

2000 

2001 

2002 

2003 

14 20 18 11 18 4 20 7 

Data from Table J41was provided by the NCDC within NOAA. The report query noted that 

the data represent ice and snow events between January 1, 1950 and February 28, 2003. 

However, no dates prior to 1994 were displayed in the query results. It is for this reason 

that the data provided in Table J41 and J42 above and below should be used with limited 

reliability in depicting all events, related injuries and property damage during this time 

frame. The numbers in the table denote the number of winter storms that occurred in 

each year listed. The winter storms listed include snow and ice events. In a personal 

communication with NOAA (Scott Stevens), NOAA stated that it does not track winter 

weather to the same degree it has for severe Midwest spring storms. This is mainly due to 

the fact that winter weather and winter storms are more "subjective" and this kind of 

information has not been summarized (graphically or otherwise). The Aviation Weather 

Service, a part of the NOAA maintains a list of historic weather facts. The database noted 

that on November 6, 1951, St. Louis received 12.5 inches of snow, and on January 31, 

1982, regions surrounding St. Louis received 25 inches of snow and left approximately 

4,000 motorists stranded for two days. 


NOAA weather data shows that winter weather most commonly occurs in January (44% of 

storms occurred in this month), followed by December (22%). Records show that 

temperatures drop to zero or below an average of two or three days per year, and 

temperatures as cold as 32 degrees or lower occur less than 25 days in most years. 

Snowfall has averaged a little over 18 inches per winter season, and snowfall of an inch or 

less is received on five to ten days in most years. 


Location or County Date Type Mag Dth Inj PrD CrD 

1. Regional 02/22/1994 Glaze/ice Storm N/A 0 15 0 0 

2 Regional 04/05/1994 Winter Storm N/A 0 0 500K 0 

3 Regional 01/06/1995 Glaze Ice N/A 0 0 0.3M 1K 

4 Regional 12/08/1995 Snow N/A 0 0 0 0 

5 Regional 12/18/1995 Winter Storm N/A 0 0 0 0 



8 Regional 11/25/1996 Ice Storm N/A 0 0 0 0 


Total



Location or County Date Type Mag Dth Inj PrD CrD 








17 Regional 01/13/1999 Ice Storm N/A 0 0 0 0 




21 Regional 12/13/2000 Heavy Snow N/A 0 0 0 0 







Total 15 800K 500 


Winter storms in the EWG planning region, as compared to winter storms to the north and 

west, are relatively mild. Severe winter weather is rare. Based on records maintained from 

1900 through 2002, the region has experienced total annual snowfall over the average of 

18 inches per year. Of these years, only six years experienced annual snowfall of over 40 

inches. In the queries requested from NOAA, storm magnitudes were not reported. 


Based on queries for St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County 

and Franklin County to NOAA, no deaths were reported due to winter storms. However, 

fifteen injuries were noted from 1994 to 2003 and property damage totaled $800,000. 

No other information was available from NOAA. 

Winter storms are considered deceptive killers because most deaths are indirectly related to 

the storm. People die in traffic accidents on icy roads and of hypothermia from prolonged 

exposure to cold. Everyone is potentially at risk during winter storms. The actual threat 

depends on the specific situation. Recent observations indicate the following: 

• Related to ice and snow: 

o About 70% occur in automobiles. 

o About 25% are people caught out in the storm. 

• Related to exposure to cold: 

o 50% are people over 60 years old.

74 

o Over 75% are males. 

o About 20% occur in the home. 


There are a variety of transportation impacts due to cold weather. Diesel engines are 

stressed and often fuel gels in extreme cold weather impacting trucking and rail traffic. 

Rivers and lakes freeze, stopping barge and ship traffic. Subsequent ice jams threaten 

bridges and can close major highways. Cold temperatures take their toll on vehicle 

batteries. Shear cold temperatures stress metal bridge structures. Transportation losses for 

the winter of 1976 -77 came to $6.5 billion (in 1980 dollars) (NOAA, 1982). 

Cold temperature impacts on agriculture are frequently discussed in terms of frost and 

freeze impacts early or late in growing seasons. Absolute temperature and duration of 

extreme cold can have devastating effects on trees and winter crops as well. Prolonged 

cold snaps can impact livestock not protected from the frigid temperatures. In the winter 

of 1983-84, a single cold snap around Christmas destroyed over $1 billion of the citrus 

crop in Florida. Louisiana lost 80% of its citrus crop. Tennessee estimated $15 million in 

agriculture losses. Texas experienced hundreds of millions of dollars in crop damage 

(NOAA, 1983). 

Energy consumption rises significantly during extreme cold weather. In the winter of 1976- 

77 additional energy consumption cost $3.8 billion (1980 dollars). This includes increase 

costs of electricity, fuel oil, and coal. 

Extreme cold temperatures can cause significant ground freezing problems, especially if 

there is little snow cover. Buried water pipes can burst causing massive ice problems and 

loss of water pressure in metropolitan areas. This poses a variety of public health and 

public safety problems. One case of a broken water main in Denver, Colorado forced the 

entire evacuation in sub-zero temperatures of the medically fragile patients of the Veteran's 

Hospital. Other cases of broken water mains have shut down subway systems and financial 

centers. 

Schools often close during extreme cold snaps to protect the safety of children who wait 

for school buses. 


Winter weather in the St. Louis region moves in an east to west direction. Late winter 

storms that have a tendency to be intense tend to generate in the southwest portion of the 

United States and move northeast, dependent upon the meteorology and the storm track. 

Winter weather is different than other hazards such as tornadoes in that the hazard tends 

to occur over a much larger area, often times affecting from several counties to multiple 

states.



Being in the northern hemisphere, Missouri’s geographic location has the potential to 

experience severe winter weather during the months of December through February, 

although winter weather has been known to also occur in mid-November and into March. 

Speed Of Onset And/Or Existing Warning Systems 

Winter weather typically does not hit the region without warning. The NOAA Weather 

Radio, commercial radio, and television track and announce the latest winter storm 

watches, warnings, and advisories. The National Weather Service sets up winter weather 

warnings in stages of severity. These warnings are found below. 

WIND CHILL ADVISORY: 

Notice that wind chill conditions will be present and to dress appropriately 

WINTER STORM WATCH: 

Severe winter conditions, such as heavy snow and/or ice, are possible within 

the next day or two. Prepare. 

WINTER STORM WARNING: 

Severe winter conditions have begun or are about to begin in your area. Stay 

indoors! 

BLIZZARD WARNING: 

Snow and strong winds will combine to produce a blinding snow (near zero 

visibility), deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill. Seek refuge 

immediately 

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY: 

Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences 

and may be hazardous. If caution is exercised, these situations should not 

become life- threatening. The greatest hazard is often to motorists. 

FROST/FREEZE WARNING: 

Below freezing temperatures are expected and may cause significant damage 

to plants, crops, or fruit trees. In areas unaccustomed to freezing 

temperatures, people who have homes without heat need to take added 

precautions. 


Refer to Figure J45, located in the back of the Technical Appendix, for a map depicting 

potential regions of Jefferson County that are susceptible to severe winter weather. 


The probable future severity of severe winter weather will most likely be similar to the 

climatologic past. Based on the climatic history of Jefferson County, winter weather and

76 


extreme cold events are highly likely to occur. The future probably severity for each 

category of winter events is shown below: 

Winter Event Probable Severity 

Heavy Snow Limited 

Ice Event Critical 

Extreme Cold Critical 


Based upon Jefferson County’s climatic history, there is a highly likely risk of impacts in the 

county due to severe winter weather.. Based in information from the National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration and FEMA, severe winter weather occurs between two to 

three times per year in the EWG planning region. NOAA has data from EWG planning 

region indicating that during the winter months the probability of measurable snowfall 

ranges between 91 and 100 percent, depending on the reporting weather station. 

Records show that temperatures drop to zero or below an average of two or three days per 

year, and temperatures as cold as 32 degrees or lower occur less than 25 days in most 

years. The coldest day reported in the region from 1941 through 2001 was minus 18 

degrees Fahrenheit on January 20, 1985. Snowfall has averaged a little over 18 inches per 

winter season, and snowfall of an inch or less is received on five to ten days in most years. 

Winter Event Probable Risk 

Heavy Snow Likely 

Ice Event Likely 

Extreme Cold Likely 


The next severe winter storm will possibly have a detrimental impact on the community in 

terms of injuries, property damage and death, based upon the past historic storm events. 

This is due to the dense population of residents and workers who live and work in the 

planning region. Based on recent history, the likely impact on Jefferson County is shown 

below. 



Property Critical 



Comments: none 


Life Limited 


Emotional Limited



Comments Public education about winter hazards and health dangers can reduce 

deaths and injuries 


Mitigation activities for Jefferson County should include the education of its workers and 

residents about prevention of injuries and deaths from severe winter weather. 

Drought Hazard Profile 

Description 

Drought is defined as the deficiency of precipitation over an extended period of time, 

usually a season or more. This deficiency results in a water shortage for some activity, 

group or environmental sector. Drought should be considered relative to some long-term 

average condition of balance between precipitation and evapotranspiration (i.e., 

evaporation + transpiration) in a particular area, a condition often perceived as “normal”. 

It is also related to the timing (i.e., principal season of occurrence, delays in the start of the 

rainy season, occurrence of rains in relation to principal crop growth stages) and the 

effectiveness (i.e., rainfall intensity, number of rainfall events) of the rains. Other climatic 

factors such as high temperature, high wind, and low relative humidity are often 

associated with drought in many regions of the world and can significantly aggravate its 

severity. 

Drought should not be viewed as merely a physical phenomenon or natural event. Its 

impacts on society result from the interplay between a natural event (less precipitation than 

expected resulting from natural climatic variability) and the demand people place on water 

supply. Human beings often exacerbate the impact of drought. Recent droughts in both 

developing and developed countries and the resulting economic and environmental 

impacts and personal hardships have underscored the vulnerability of all societies to this 

hazard. 

There are two main kinds of drought definitions: conceptual and operational. Conceptual 

definitions, formulated in general terms, help people understand the concept of drought. 

Drought is a protracted period of deficient precipitation resulting in extensive damage to 

crops, resulting in loss of yield. Conceptual definitions may also be important in 

establishing drought policy. For example, Australian drought policy incorporates an 

understanding of normal climate variability into its definition of drought. The country 

provides financial assistance to farmers only under “exceptional drought circumstances,” 

when drought conditions are beyond those that could be considered part of normal risk 

management. Declarations of exceptional drought are based on science-driven 

assessments. Previously, when drought was less well defined from a policy standpoint and

78 


less well understood by farmers, some farmers in the semiarid Australian climate claimed 

drought assistance every few years. 

Operational definitions help define the onset, severity, and end of droughts. No single 

operational definition of drought works in all circumstances, and this is a big part of why 

policy makers, resource planners, and others have more trouble recognizing and planning 

for drought than they do for other disasters. In fact, most drought planners now rely on 

mathematic indices to decide when to start implementing water conservation or drought 

response measures. 

In the early 1980s, research by Donald A. Wilhite, director of the National Drought 

Mitigation Center, and Michael H. Glantz, of the National Center for Atmospheric 

Research, uncovered more than 150 published definitions of drought. The definitions 

reflect differences in regions, needs, and disciplinary approaches. Wilhite and Glantz 

categorized the definitions in terms of four basic approaches to measuring drought: 

meteorological, hydrological, agricultural, and socioeconomic. The first three approaches 

deal with ways to measure drought as a physical phenomenon. The last approach to 

measuring drought deals with drought in terms of supply and demand, tracking the effects 

of water shortfall as it ripples through socioeconomic systems. 

Meteorological drought is usually an expression of precipitation’s departure from normal 

over some period of time. These definitions are usually region-specific, and presumably 

based on a thorough understanding of regional climatology. Meteorological measurements 

are the first indicators of drought. 

Agricultural drought occurs when there is not enough soil moisture to meet the needs of a 

particular crop at a particular time. Agricultural drought happens after meteorological 

drought but before hydrological drought. Agriculture is usually the first economic sector to 

be affected by drought. Agricultural drought links various characteristics of meteorological 

(or hydrological) drought to agricultural impacts, focusing on precipitation shortages, 

differences between actual and potential evapotranspiration, soil water deficits, reduced 

ground water or reservoir levels, and so forth. Plant water demand depends on prevailing 

weather conditions, biological characteristics of the specific plant, its stage of growth, and 

the physical and biological properties of the soil. A good definition of agricultural drought 

should be able to account for the variable susceptibility of crops during different stages of 

crop development, from emergence to maturity. Deficient topsoil moisture at planting may 

hinder germination, leading to low plant populations per hectare and a reduction of final 

yield. However, if topsoil moisture is sufficient for early growth requirements, deficiencies 

in subsoil moisture at this early stage may not affect final yield if subsoil moisture is 

replenished as the growing season progresses or if rainfall meets plant water needs. 

Hydrological drought refers to deficiencies in surface and subsurface water supplies. It is 

measured as streamflow and as lake, reservoir, and groundwater levels. There is a time lag 

between lack of rain and less water in streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, so hydrological 

measurements are not the earliest indicators of drought. When precipitation is reduced or


deficient over an extended period of time, this shortage will be reflected in declining 

surface and subsurface water levels. Hydrological drought is associated with the effects of 

periods of precipitation (including snowfall) shortfalls on surface or subsurface water 

supply (i.e., streamflow, reservoir and lake levels, ground water). The frequency and severity 

of hydrological drought is often defined on a watershed or river basin scale. Although all 

droughts originate with a deficiency of precipitation, hydrologists are more concerned with 

how this deficiency plays out through the hydrologic system. Hydrological droughts are 

usually out of phase with or lag the occurrence of meteorological and agricultural 

droughts. It takes longer for precipitation deficiencies to show up in components of the 

hydrological system such as soil moisture, streamflow, and ground water and reservoir 

levels. As a result, these impacts are out of phase with impacts in other economic sectors. 

For example, a precipitation deficiency may result in a rapid depletion of soil moisture that 

is almost immediately discernible to agriculturalists, but the impact of this deficiency on 

reservoir levels may not affect hydroelectric power production or recreational uses for many 

months. Also, water in hydrologic storage systems (e.g., reservoirs, rivers) is often used for 

multiple and competing purposes (e.g., flood control, irrigation, recreation, navigation, 

hydropower, wildlife habitat), further complicating the sequence and quantification of 

impacts. Competition for water in these storage systems escalates during drought and 

conflicts between water users increase significantly. 

Hydrological Drought and Land Use 

Although climate is a primary contributor to hydrological drought, other factors such as 

changes in land use (e.g., deforestation), land degradation, and the construction of dams 

all affect the hydrological characteristics of the basin. Because regions are interconnected 

by hydrologic systems, the impact of meteorological drought may extend well beyond the 

borders of the precipitation-deficient area. For example, meteorological drought may 

severely affect portions of the northern Rocky Mountains and northern Great Plains region 

of the United States. However, since the Missouri River and its tributaries drain this region 

to the south, there may be significant hydrologic impacts downstream. Similarly, changes 

in land use upstream may alter hydrologic characteristics such as infiltration and runoff 

rates, resulting in more variable streamflow and a higher incidence of hydrologic drought 

downstream. Bangladesh, for example, has shown an increased frequency of water 

shortages in recent years because land use changes have occurred within the country and 

in neighboring countries. Land use change is one of the ways human actions alter the 

frequency of water shortage even when no change in the frequency of meteorological 

drought has been observed. 

For the purposes of drought response planning, all three categories (meteorologic, 

hydrologic and agriculture) can be regarded as equivalent, since each one relates to the 

occurrence of drought to water shortfalls in some component of the hydrologic cycle. The 

most commonly used drought severity indicators are the Palmer Drought Severity Index 

(PDSI) and the Crop Moisture Index. These are published by NOAA and the USDA. The 

PDSI is more widely used than any other single indicator. It provides a standardized means 

of depicting drought severity throughout the US. It measures the departure of water

80 


supply (in terms of precipitation and stored soil moisture) from demand (the amount of 

water required to recharge soil and keep rivers, lakes and reservoirs at normal levels). By 

relating these figures to the previous regional index a continuous stream of data is created 

reflecting long-term wet or dry tendencies. 

Socioeconomic drought occurs when physical water shortage starts to affect people, 

individually and collectively. 

Missouri has six regions that display similar climatic characteristics. For each region, 

drought severity can be determined according to the following Table J43: 

TABLE J43 PALMER 

CLASSIFICATIONS 

Palmer Classifications 

4.0 or more extremely wet 

3.0 to 3.99 very wet 

2.0 to 2.99 moderately wet 

1.0 to 1.99 slightly wet 

0.5 to 0.99 incipient wet spell 

0.49 to -0.49 near normal 

-0.5 to -0.99 incipient dry spell 

-1.9 to -1.99 mild drought 

-2.0 to -2.99 moderate drought 

-3.0 to -3.99 severe drought 

-4.0 or less extreme drought 

St. Louis City, St. Louis, St. Charles and Franklin counties are included in the northeast 

Region 2 that displays similar climatic characteristics. Jefferson County is included in the 

southeast Region 5. See Figure J46 below.



Figure J46 MISSOURI DROUGHT REGIONS 


Drought characteristics include economic, social and environmental. This report will touch 

on economic and environmental impacts. The 1930s drought’s direct effect is most often 

remembered as agricultural. Deficient rainfall, high temperatures, and high winds, as well 

as insect infestations and dust storms that accompanied these conditions damaged many 

crops. Although records focus on other problems, the lack of precipitation would also 

have affected wildlife and plant life, and would have created water shortages for domestic 

needs. The severity and aerial coverage of the event played a part in making the 1930s 

drought the widely accepted drought of record for the United States. 


According to the Palmer Index, Missouri is broken up into six climate divisions. Franklin, St 

Charles, St. Louis City and St. Louis Counties are all found in the southeastern section of 

climate Division 2. Jefferson County is in the northeast corner of climate Division 5. Based 

on the NDMC historic drought mapping of Regions 2 and 5, the most common area for 

drought conditions to occur is within Region 2 (including St. Louis City, St. Louis, St. 

Charles, and Franklin counties). 

The State of Missouri has State Drought Plans in place. Missouri’s plan is such that it 

divides the state into three regions according to their susceptibility to drought depending

82 


on the characteristics of surface and ground water supplies. Regions were judged to have 

slight, moderate or high susceptibility to drought. Poor groundwater resources, surface 

water supplies that become inadequate during extended drought and inadequate irrigation 

water supplies characterize areas within Region C, considered to have severe drought 

vulnerability. This region includes most of St. Louis County just south of the juncture of the 

Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Areas in this region are designated as "Priority Drought 

Management Areas”. Areas within western St. Charles County, southern Franklin County 

and most of central/western Jefferson County are included in Region B: Moderate 

Susceptibility to Drought. Areas along the Mississippi and Missouri River valley floodplain 

areas in the counties in this study are within Region A: Slight Susceptibility. 

Information obtained from the Missouri Drought Response Plan (Water Resources Report 

No. 44) has a map that depicts a similar concept of drought susceptibility. However, the 

NDMC and the Missouri Plan are not in total agreement on common areas of drought. 

The Missouri Drought Response Plan divides the state into three categories based on a 

slight, moderate or high susceptibility to drought. The Missouri Plan depicts St. Louis City 

as having a high susceptibility to drought, and St. Louis, Franklin, Jefferson, St. Charles 

Counties with a moderate susceptibility to drought. Certain Region A areas in St. Charles, 

St. Louis, and Franklin Counties that are underlain by alluvial sands and gravels have a low 

susceptibility to drought. 

The plan complements and supports the State Consolidated Plan and the State Emergency 

Operations Plan. Actions within the drought plan are triggered when the Palmer Drought 

Index reaches certain levels. The Drought Assessment Committee (DAC), chaired by the 

Director of the Department of Natural Resources, is activated in the Drought Alert Stage. 

The DAC then activates the Impact Task Forces, which cover the following topics: 

agriculture, natural resources and environmental recreation, water supplies, wastewater, 

health, social, economic and post drought evaluation. 


The drought of 1988-89 cost the U. S. an estimated $39 billion. To provide perspective, 

estimated damages of the record flood of 1993 were in the range of $20 billion. The 

social and economic costs of drought are substantial. Given the extent to which the U. S. 

relies on acceptable water supply for health and wellbeing, the need for advanced 

drought planning is obvious. Types of damage can include the increasing incidence of 

range fires, causing injuries and devastation to properties, depletion of groundwater 

supplies (residents being requested to cut water usage), poor crop growth, and a decrease 

in hay for cattle (overgrazing) conditions. A shortage of hay forces ranchers to sell cattle at 

low prices and food prices increase due to lower production levels for milk, meat, produce, 

and other foodstuffs. Drought also results in reduced revenues from recreational areas, 

environmental damages (endangered species were affected, erosion of landscapes), 

contaminant levels in surface and groundwater rise due to decrease in volume of stream 

flow, loss in revenues from agriculturally related industries such as harvesting, trucking, and


food processing (reduced irrigation water led to a reduction in vegetable production, with 

concomitant losses in jobs and income). 

There are no official estimates of the total losses and damages from the 1996 drought. 

Given the $5 billion in impacts that occurred in Texas, total regional impacts could be 

safely estimated in the $10–15 billion range, although it is difficult to quantify many social 

and environmental impacts. What was remarkable to many was the significant level of 

regional vulnerability, the diversity of impacts, and the lack of preparedness to respond to 

many of these impacts. Many of the states in this region have now initiated longer-term 

planning efforts directed at improving mitigation and preparedness 


Some of the worst droughts on record to affect Region 2 occurred in 1901-02, 1913-14, 

1930-31, 1934, 1936, 1940-41, 1953-56, 1963-64, 1980-81, 1988-89 and 1999-2000. 

The 1953-56 drought is considered to be the worst on record for Region 2. 

Droughts on record to affect Region 5 occurred in 1900-09, 1940-49, 1950-59, 1964-66 

and 1980. The drought from 1954-56 was the worst on record for Region 5. Table J44 

below shows the Big River level stage during drought conditions. 

TABLE J44 RIVER LEVEL STAGES IN DROUGHT CONDITIONS IN JEFFERSON 

COUNTY 



1.5 9/13/2000 

1.4 10/05/2001 

An overall excellent drought resource on the Internet is the National Drought Mitigation 

Center (NDMC). The NDMC provides historical drought information for the U.S. from 1895 

through current. Linking to the following address will provide drought information: 

http://www.drought.unl.edu/whatis/what.htm 

Table J45 identifies, using the Palmer Drought Severity Index, the monthly average for the 

period of record for the study area. 

TABLE J45 PALMER DROUGHT SEVERITY INDEX MONTHLY 

AVERAGE FOR PERIOD OF RECORD 

1895 TO 1995 

Month Division 2 Division 5 

January -0.06 -0.04 

February -0.42 -0.94 

March -0.66 -1.16 

April -0.99 -1.70 

May -1.23 -1.62

84 


TABLE J45 PALMER DROUGHT SEVERITY INDEX MONTHLY 

AVERAGE FOR PERIOD OF RECORD 

1895 TO 1995 

June -1.17 0.57 

July 1.24 1.64 

August 1.68 1.65 

September 1.48 -0.40 

October 0.65 -0.93 

November 0.81 0.30 

December 2.37 1.79 

Quantifying a drought is very difficult. The Palmer Index is the most widely known product. 

The United States government adopted the Palmer Index as its drought indicator back in 

the 1960's and continues to do so today, despite some of its weaknesses. 

Within the past few years, the National Drought Mitigation Center has created a U.S. 

drought map that utilizes numerous indicators to determine the severity of a drought. 

These indicators include the Palmer Index, Crop Moisture Index, Standardized Precipitation 

Index, Percent of Normal Rainflow, Daily Streamflow, Snowpack, Soil Moisture, Vegetative 

Index, and Fire Danger Classifications. There is also a lot of subjectivity that goes into the 

map. The drought authors take heavily into consideration the input they receive from local 

experts in terms of the impacts that are being felt. 


The National Drought Mitigation Center has developed a graphic historic representation of 

the frequency of occurrence of areas within the upper Mississippi River Basin experiencing 

severe to extreme drought from 1895 to 1995. The graph below depicts the percentage of 

areas of the upper Mississippi River Basin that were impacted by drought, including climatic 

zones 2 and 5. Based on the NCDC 1980 report, heat and drought events result in the 

highest damage (in the range of 120 billion dollars from 1980 to 1999 based on 46 

weather related events) when compared to other natural weather hazards. See Figure J47 

below. 

FIGURE J47 SEASONAL DROUGHT



The Palmer Drought Severity Index can be utilized to determine the intensity or strength of 

droughts. Table J45 above lists the average monthly Palmer Drought Severity Index from 

1895 to 1995 for Regions 2 (St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Franklin 

County) and 5 (Jefferson County). 


The drought of 1988-89 cost the U.S. an estimated $39 billion. To provide perspective, 

estimated damages of the record flood of 1993 were in the range of $12-$16 billion. The 

social and economic costs of drought are substantial. Given the extent to which the U.S. 

relies on acceptable water supply for health and wellbeing, the need for advanced 

drought planning is obvious. 

Although the 1988–89 drought was the most economically devastating disaster in the 

history of the United States (Riebsame et al., 1991), a close second is undoubtedly the 

series of droughts that affected large portions of the United States in the 1930’s. 

Determining the direct and indirect costs associated with this period of droughts is a 

difficult task because of the broad impacts of drought, the event’s close association with 

the Great Depression, the fast revival of the economy with the start of World War II, and 

the lack of adequate economic models for evaluating losses at that time. However, broad 

calculations and estimates can provide valuable generalizations of the economic impact of 

the 1930s drought. In 1937, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) reported that 

drought was the principal reason for economic relief assistance in the Great Plains region 

during the 1930s (Link et al., 1937). Federal aid to the drought-affected states was first 

given in 1932, but the first funds marked specifically for drought relief were not released 

until the fall of 1933. In all, assistance may have reached $1 billion (in 1930s dollars) by the 

end of the drought (Warrick et al., 1980).

86 


According to the WPA, three-fifths of all first-time rural relief cases in the Great Plains area 

were directly related to drought, with a disproportionate amount of cases being farmers 

(68%) and especially tenant farmers (70% of the 68%). However, it is not known how 

many of the remaining cases (32%) were indirectly affected by drought. The WPA report 

also noted that 21% of all rural families in the Great Plains area were receiving federal 

emergency relief by 1936 (Link et al., 1937); the number was as high as 90% in hard-hit 

counties (Warrick, 1980). Thus, even though the exact economic losses are not known for 

this time period, they were substantial enough to cause widespread economic disruption 

that affected the entire nation. 

The Palmer Drought Severity Index relates climate and weather to prolonged and abnormal 

soil moisture deficiencies affecting water sensitive economies in the US. The index is useful 

in delineating disaster areas and indicating the availability of irrigation water supplies, 

reservoir levels, range conditions, amount of stock water, and potential intensity of forest 

fires. 


Based on Table J45 above from Regions 2 and 5, a trend emerges of mild drought 

occurring from January through May from the period of record from 1895 to 1995. 


By nature, drought occurs very slowly. Existing warning systems have been developed by 

Missouri Department of Natural Resources (Missouri Drought Response Plan). Mr. Steve A. 

McIntosh is the contact person for drought in Missouri. The function of the plan is to assist 

in the response, monitoring and prediction, communication, and planning in the event of a 

drought. The plan provides for operations and administrative procedures that activate the 

Drought Assessment Committee, Impact Task Forces, Governor's Drought Executive 

Committee, and the State Emergency Operations Center. The Governor's declaration 

empowers state agencies to implement water shortage emergency actions. The statute or 

authority that regulates this activity is the State Water Resources Plan (Revised statutes of 

Missouri Chapters 640.415). The primary agencies involved in drought activities include: 

Missouri Dept. of Natural Resources (primary), Missouri Dept. of Agriculture, Missouri Dept. 

of Public Safety, Missouri Dept. of Conservation, Missouri Dept. of Social Services, 

University of Missouri-Columbia, DOC, USDA, US Army, DOI, EPA, and FEMA. The drought 

plan serves the following groups: water supply systems of individual ranchers and farmers, 

local governments, federal agencies, domestic water users, health care facilities, public uses 

such as electric power generation, firefighting, key military facilities, communications, and 

wastewater systems. 

As a part of the plan, monthly drought monitoring (consisting of water monitoring data 

and weather data) is provided to the State Emergency Management Agency by the 

Department of Natural Resources and the National Weather Service. MDNR utilizes the 

Palmer Drought Index as a trigger to determine drought phases and actions to be taken.


Palmer greater than or equal to -1.0: Phase 1 (Advisory Phase) 

Palmer -1.0 to -2.0: Phase 2 (Drought Alert) 

Palmer -2.0 to -4.0: Phase 3 (Conservation Phase) 

Palmer less than or equal to -4.0: Phase 4 (Possible Local Rationing Phase) 

Once the data demonstrates that there is a Phase 2 drought condition, the Water 

Resources Program Director declares drought alert for any region of the state and the 

Director of the Department of Natural Resources may activate and chair the Drought 

Assessment Committee (DAC). The DAC then activates the Impact Task Forces that include 

the following Departments: 

Agriculture 

Natural Resources and Environmental Recreation 

Water Supplies and Wastewater 

Health 

Social 

Economic 

Post Drought Evaluation 

The state drought plan still has unmet needs at federal, state, local levels. These needs 

include changes from customer or "provider" perspective: 1) lack of U.S. coordinated 

response to meld with state response plan, 2) need for state climatologist to be available 

for consultation, and 3) lack of a permanent source or mechanism of drought response 

and mitigation funds at the federal or state level. 

There are program limitations to the state drought plan: 1) early stages are voluntary 

conservation measures, 2) state mitigation grant or loan funds are limited and may be 

available only through mechanisms not well coordinated with emergency response plan. 


Figure J48 below depicts the percent of time the various regions spent in severe and 

extreme drought conditions from 1895 to 1995. This is defined as the percentage of time 

when the Palmer Drought Severity Index was less than or equal to –3.0. Refer to Figure J45 

(located in the back of the Technical Appendix) for another map of the hazard area.

88 


FIGURE J48 PALMER DROUGH INDEX 


Utilizing MDNR’s drought response system as outlined above, the probable severity levels 

of future drought are as follows. 

Phase Probable Severity 

Phase 1 Negligible 

Phase 2 Limited 

Phase 3 Critical 

Phase 4 Critical 


The probable risk or likeliness of future occurrences of drought will most likely be similar to 

the climatologic past. However, the past number and severity of events is not necessarily a 

predictor of future occurrences. Based on information from the National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration and FEMA, droughts occur approximately every 10 years in the 

EWG planning region. 

Phase Probable Risk 

Phase 1 Likely 

Phase 2 Likely 

Phase 3 Possible 

Phase 4 Possible



The next drought will possibly have a detrimental impact on the community in terms of 

agricultural (lawns), economic (social) and environmental based upon the past historic 

drought events. 






Comments None 



Property (crop damage) Negligible 



Comments Education of city residents on watering restrictions of 

lawns 


Education of city residents on watering restrictions of lawns. 

Heat Wave Hazard Profile 

Description 

Heat wave is defined as a prolonged period of excessive heat and humidity: more than 48 

hours of high heat (90 o F or higher) and high humidity (80 percent relative humidity or 

higher) are expected. The National Weather Service steps up its procedures to alert the 

public during these periods of excessive heat and humidity. Based on the NCDC 1980 

report, heat and drought events result in the highest damage (in the range of $120 billion 

from 1980 to 1999 based on 46 weather related events) when compared to other natural 

weather hazards. 

Although heat waves are not often taken as seriously as other forms of severe weather, the 

mortality from these weather events in the U. S. from 1979 to 1998 is greater than the 

number of lives claimed by lightning, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes 

combined (National Center for Environmental Health). Even during a normal year without 

a catastrophic heat wave, the National Weather Service claims that an average of about 

175 people succumb to summer heat. This number does not include the number of excess 

deaths of people already in poor health, whose deaths may have been advanced by 

exposure to extreme heat. Despite the presence of improving technology (e.g., air

90 


conditioning, architectural design, and improved accuracy in weather forecasting), heat 

waves continue to take many lives. From the early 20th century to the present time, 

Americans have experienced a significant rise in the cost of property damage from severe 

weather events, while at the same time the number of lives lost has decreased. 

Unfortunately, it appears that heat waves have not followed the same trend. 

Like all other major weather events, we cannot prevent a heat wave from developing. We 

should, however, give serious consideration to how our communities deal with heat waves 

when they occur. In addition, there are a number of other reasons why we should care 

about how we deal with heat waves. First, it is often the case that many fatalities during 

even the most severe heat waves occur after the first day of extreme heat. This means that 

there is time to help people who do not have, or cannot afford, air conditioning. People in 

the U. S. over 65 years old are especially vulnerable to extreme heat, and this population is 

expected to grow in the very near future. 

Heat waves of the past have often been more intense in urban areas. This is a real problem 

because Americans are continuously migrating to urban areas. This trend suggests that 

more people would be at risk when a heat wave occurs in the region, power companies 

would be heavily stressed trying to keep more people cool, and "urban heat islands" (urban 

areas where heat is retained by a high density of man-made structures) would be created, 

or enhanced if they already existed in the region. 

Scientists have observed that the average global temperature increased by the end of the 

20th century. As global warming continues it could increase the probability of more 

frequent and more intense heat waves. This poses an even greater problem for northern 

cities in the U.S., where people are not accustomed to long periods of high heat. Finally, 

there are a few other societal impacts to be considered such as: water usage (heat waves 

often occur during droughts), urban pollution building up during heat waves, and the 

economic impact of keeping millions of people cool. 

This paper will focus on past heat waves that recently occurred (within the past 6 years) 

impacting U. S. cities in the Midwest and the Northeast. The first topic that will be assessed 

is how were certain cities in the Midwest and the Northeast impacted by severe heat 

waves. Next, the paper will examine how different cities dealt with heat waves in order to 

reduce the health impacts to the population. The development of heat warning systems or 

upgrading existing heat warning systems will be examined in order to determine the 

effectiveness of the systems in saving people's lives. Finally, this study will attempt to 

provide more ideas that could help reduce the impacts of heat waves in the cities of the 

Midwest, the Northeast, and could possibly be applied to other cities across the U.S. 

Social conditions are major players in the hazards posed by heat waves. People most 

affected by heat waves are the elderly who live alone in poor, high crime neighborhoods in 

the city. These people often keep their windows closed to prevent break-ins and they often 

cannot leave to go to a cooling center.


In addition, there are still problems with getting heat wave information out to all members 

of the public. Often, as with any nature disaster impacted a city, it is not considered that 

many U.S. cities have large communities of Spanish-speaking people and groups of other 

foreign speaking citizens. Furthermore, some families living in inner city apartments do 

have air conditioners, but do not use them because they do not realize that the 

government will subsidize the extra cost to run the air conditioners during times when a 

heat warning is in effect. 

Because problems still exist when dealing with heat waves in U.S. cities at the community 

level, further solutions should come from the community level. In the case of Philadelphia, 

both the NWS and Department of Public Health cooperate to reduce heat wave impacts, 

and in Chicago the city government and human services departments also work hard to 

reduce impacts. However, what we have learned from these studies is that further solutions 

may come from community organizations working to reduce heat wave impacts. For 

example, if people are afraid to leave their homes to go to cooling centers, members of a 

community organization who are less at risk from heat could watch their homes while they 

are gone. It would also be easier for community-based organizations to conduct the doorto-door 

checks on people for two reasons. First, these people live in the community and 

are not going out of their way to a strange neighborhood. Second, they take some of the 

burden off the city human services departments so they can tend to other problems 

associated with the heat wave. Once mobilized, a community heat wave response 

organization can also work with the city human services departments. An example of this 

can be seen in San Leandro, California's "Triad Alliance" where community-based 

organizations, emergency management departments, and the city government work 

together to mitigate disasters associated with earthquakes. In the case of heat waves, the 

city government or mayor's office could still facilitate the registering of people for wellbeing 

checks, but then distribute the lists of people to be checked to the community 

organizations. 

The challenge with developing community heat wave response organizations is finding 

enough dedicated members to assist during heat waves or keeping the organization 

prepared and ready to mobilize during the warmer parts of the year in U.S. cities. This is a 

challenge because, as stated in the beginning of this paper, heat waves are different in 

nature than other forms of severe weather or disasters. During heat waves, aside from 

occasional power outages and buckling of some roads, peoples' daily lives continue as 

normal. People go to work or school, fitness-focused people exercise out in the heat, and 

kids play outside. The impact on more vulnerable citizens is not obvious and the 

community may not recognize and aid those most in need. More people may start to care 

and form community heat wave response organizations if they are educated on how 

hazardous heat waves can be. Increased awareness could increase peoples' involvement the 

next time a heat wave threatens their community. As far as "who" should make up the 

organization, everyone from youngest to oldest should get involved. Elderly who are in 

good health should also get involved in these organizations and often have to time to 

contribute to mobilizing a community organization during a heat wave. Also, there are 

many people at risk who would often refuse to leave their homes with a stranger checking

92 


up on them, but might be convinced by a close friend or neighbor to go to a cooler place 

during a heat wave. 

Education programs could also be given in schools. Children and young adults can 

participate in the community organizations and become aware of the risks of excessive 

heat exposure to young people (for example, overexertion during excessive heat periods). 

Of course, some younger people and employers would have to make sacrifices during a 

heat wave to put work aside and mobilize the community organizations to deal with the 

situation. Looking at a whole city during a heat wave, we can compare it to a person. 

When there is excessive heat a doctor would probably tell a person to rest and "take it 

easy." The same could be said for a city as a whole, continue to function, but to slow down 

during a heat wave and allow communities to come together to keep their people safe 

during a heat wave. Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley mentioned the importance of the 

whole city's cooperation in his 1996 Summer Heat Preparedness Speech: "I want to 

continue to stress, however, that the city's efforts alone cannot prevent the tragedies 

related to extreme heat. We need everyone to get involved." (Daley 1996). 

Extreme heat is a hazard that could rapidly increase in magnitude in the 21 st century. The 

increasingly urbanization of the world’s population results in increasing numbers of 

vulnerable people. Global warming also dictates a need to improve heat wave mitigation 

and response systems. 

Heat kills by taxing the human body beyond its abilities. In a normal year, about 175 

Americans succumb to the demands of summer heat. Among the large continental family 

of hazards, only the cold of winter--not lightning, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, or 

earthquakes-- takes a greater toll. In the 40-year period from 1936 through 1975, nearly 

20,000 people were killed in the United States by the effects of heat and solar radiation. In 

the disastrous heat wave of 1980, more then 1,250 people died. These are just the direct 

casualties of heat waves. No one can know how many more deaths are advanced by heat 

wave weather--how many diseased or aging hearts cannot without the added stress 

imposed by extreme heat. 

North American summers are hot; most summers see heat waves in one section or another 

of the United States. East of the Rockies, and especially in the St. Louis Metropolitan area, 

they tend to combine both high temperature and high humidities, although some of the 

worst heat waves have been catastrophically dry. 

In response to the tragic death toll of 1980, the National Weather Service (NWS) has 

stepped up its efforts to more effectively alert the general public and appropriate 

authorities to the hazards of heat waves. 

Based on the latest research findings, the NWS has devised the "Heat Index"(HI), 

(sometimes referred to as the "apparent temperature"). The HI, given in degrees F, is an 

accurate measure of how hot it really feels when the relative humidity (RH) is added to the 

actual air temperature.


To find the HI, look at the Heat Index Chart in Figure J49 below. As an example, if the air 

temperature is 95 degrees F (found on the left side of the chart) and the RH is 55% (found 

at the top of the chart), the HI- or how hot it really feels-- is 110 degrees F. This is at the 

intersection of the 95-degree row and the 55% column. 

FIGURE J49 HEAT INDEX 

Source: National Weather Service 

The stagnant atmospheric conditions of a heat wave trap pollutants in urban areas and 

add the stresses of severe pollution to the already dangerous affects of hot weather, 

creating a health problem of undiscovered dimensions. A map of heat related deaths in St. 

Louis during 1966, for example, shows a heavier concentration in the crowded alleys and 

towers of the inner city, where air quality would also be poor during a heat wave. 

The high inner-city death rates also result from poor access to air-conditioned rooms. While 

air-conditioning may be a luxury in normal times, it can be a lifesaver during heat wave 

conditions. The cost of cool air moves steadily higher, adding what appears to be a cruel 

economic side to heat wave fatalities. Indications from the 1978 Texas heat wave suggest 

that some elderly people on fixed incomes, many of them in buildings that could not be 

ventilated without air conditioning, found the cost too high, turned off their units, and 

ultimately succumbed to the stresses of heat. 


Slow and silent, a heat wave does not descend upon a city with the fury of a tornado, 

hurricane, or a winter storm. It moves over an area as a large, deep air mass with 

descending air, retarding the development of any significant precipitation that would 

provide relief to the ground surface's rising temperatures. As this air mass moves slowly or 

just sits over one area for days or even weeks, its rising surface temperatures begin to take 

its toll on the people who are trapped in it.

94 



Heat wave weather in the St. Louis region slowly descends into the area. Heat wave 

weather is different that other hazards such as tornadoes in that the hazard tends to occur 

over a much larger area, often times affecting from several counties to multiple states. 


Heat kills by taxing the human body beyond its abilities. Normally, the body has ways of 

keeping itself cool, by letting heat escape through the skin, and by evaporating sweat 

(perspiration). If the body does not cool properly, the victim may suffer a heat-related 

illness. Anyone can be susceptible although the very young and very old are at greater risk. 

Heat-related illnesses can become serious or even deadly if unattended. Damage to the 

body ranges from heat cramps to death. 

• Heat Cramps: Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. 

They usually involve the abdominal muscles or the legs. It is generally thought that 

the loss of water and salt from heavy sweating causes the cramps. 

• Heat Exhaustion: Heat exhaustion is less dangerous than heat stroke. It typically 

occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a warm, humid place where body 

fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Fluid loss causes blood flow to decrease in 

the vital organs, resulting in a form of shock. With heat exhaustion, sweat does not 

evaporate as it should, possibly because of high humidity or too many layers of 

clothing. As a result, the body is not cooled properly. Signals include cool, moist, 

pale, flushed or red skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; 

and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal. 

• Heat Stroke: Also known as sunstroke, heat stroke is life-threatening. The victim's 

temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops 

working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may 

result if the body is not cooled quickly. Signals include hot, red and dry skin; 

changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body 

temperature can be very high--sometimes as high as 105 o F. 


St. Louis Metropolitan area experienced a heat wave in July 1980. It was the first real 

prolonged period of extreme heat for the metropolitan area since 1966 when 246 

individuals were reported as heat deaths. The heat began around the 4th of July. By July 

12th, it was apparent that there was a very real crisis in the City of St. Louis. Emergency 

Medical Services (EMS) crews were finding dead or very ill persons in many areas of the 

city. Most were elderly persons living alone and many had been dead for several days 

before being discovered. City officials recommended to Mayor Vincent C. Schoemehl, Jr., 

that a heat emergency be declared. The Governor mobilized the National Guard and sent it 

to St. Louis to search door-to-door for victims. The Army Reserve supplied portable air-


conditioning to non-air-conditioned parts of City Hospital. The American Red Cross opened 

emergency shelters. 

In August, a team of researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control was sent to St. 

Louis and Kansas City, Missouri, to find out why, when the July 1980 heat wave affected a 

quarter of the country (the southeast), the death rates were excessively high in these two 

cities. A case-control study outlined the reasons found and the risk factors for heat illness 

and death in two articles published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 

June 1982. 

Early in l981, city officials and representatives began meeting to form an organization to 

prevent the crisis of 1980 from happening again. Harriet Woods organized the first 

community-wide meeting in December l981 after an announced cut in federal energy 

assistance funds. This was the beginning of Operation Weather Survival (OWS). 

At the same time, the St. Louis City Department of Health and Hospitals put together a 

heat illness prevention plan, titled "The Lion in Summer," that included a slide/sound show 

and speakers (health educators and EMS personnel) that was marketed to community and 

senior citizens' groups throughout the summer of l981 and again in 1982. The guiding 

force behind this plan was George E. Wettach, MD, Medical Director for the St. Louis EMS. 

Heat and cold illnesses were also made reportable, first by the St. Louis City Health 

Commissioner Helen Bruce, MD, and eventually by the Missouri Department of Health. 

By 1982, health officials in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County had developed a joint 

plan to monitor summer temperatures that would quickly warn citizens of anticipated 

periods of excessive heat. This was done through the Wet Bulb Glove Temperature that was 

used in St. Louis until 1997 when the protocol was changed at the request of the National 

Weather Service (NWS) to reflect the terminology used across the nation by the NWS. 

OWS began as a formal contract in 1982 between the City and several social service 

agencies to provide necessary assistance during periods of extreme heat or cold. It 

eventually became a broad group of public health, government, human service, utilities, 

and for-profit companies and agencies that worked together to prevent illness or death 

from either extreme heat or cold. In l996, a more formal structure was initiated to assure 

the continuation of the organization because of many changes in the community and a 

drop in attendance at meetings. OWS is staffed by the United Way and now includes all 

the major counties in Missouri and Illinois that are considered part of the Metropolitan St. 

Louis area. 

St. Louis region experienced additional heat waves in l993, 1988 and in 1995 without 

again experiencing death rates close to the total of 113 in 1980. The major challenges of 

the ongoing heat illness prevention program are, first, reaching the truly isolated elderly, 

high risk person who has no meaningful interaction with anyone, and second, convincing 

many seniors that they are at risk and that air-conditioning will save lives.

96 


The major programs of heat illness prevention through NWS, in addition to the monitoring, 

warning, education and data collection system of the health departments, are: 

• A very successful air-conditioner loan program, funded by Union Electric Company 

(now Ameren UE). The window air-conditioners are loaned, installed and 

maintained for individuals who apply to the program with a medical "prescription." 

At least 50 new air-conditioners are purchased each year. 

• A program to weatherize homes for low-income elderly and disabled persons. 

• Programs to provide energy assistance for low-income elderly and disabled persons. 

• Information and referral for help, including home visits to high-risk individuals and 

transportation to services, by a number of agencies. 

• Emergency shelter through the St. Louis Homeless Network. 

• Monitoring of weather by representatives of the National Weather Service. 

• A free telephone reassurance program offered to all high-risk individuals during 

declared periods of unusual heat or cold by a for-profit company, called TelAssure. 

• A system of neighborhood institutions, primarily senior citizen centers, that offers 

air-conditioned relief from the heat for the hottest part of the day. 

• A well-informed media in St. Louis that provide invaluable assistance with 

dissemination of needed information throughout the community. 

Refer to Table J46 for a history of heat wave occurrences. 

TABLE J46 TOP TEN CONSECUTIVE DAYS WITH TEMPERATURES 90 

DEGREES OR HIGHER IN ST. LOUIS METROPOLITAN AREA 

DATES CONSECUTIVE DAYS TEMPERATURE RANGES 

June-August, 1980 28+ days 100+ 

July 2-July 29, 1936 28 days 108 

July 20- August 11, 1941 23 days N.A. 

July 11- July 31, 1916 21 days N.A. 

August 8-August 28, 1936 21 days 108 

June 17-July 7, 1954 21 days 110-115 

July 15- August 30, 1901 20 days 100+ 

June 28-July 17, 1921 20 days N.A. 

July 8-July 26, 1934 19 days 108-111 

July 2- July 20, 1937 19 days N.A. 

June 19-July 6, 1901 18 days 106-107 

August 3- August 9, 1930 7 days 100+ 

July 27- August 2, 1953 7 days 100+ 

July 9- July 14, 1966 6 days 100+ 

June 27- July 1, 1931 5 days 100 


Heat waves are sporadic phenomena that occur throughout the United States. Frequency, 

intensity, and duration of heat waves, however, vary drastically from year to year. As can 

be seen from the Table J46 above, there have been 14 periods of heat waves ranging from 

a minimum of five consecutive days to a maximum of 28 days, all over 90 degrees.



Heat waves are sporadic phenomena that occur throughout the United States and 

specifically the St. Louis metropolitan area. Frequency, intensity, and duration of heat 

waves, however, vary drastically from year to year. The highest temperature documented 

during the longest heat wave of 28 days was 108 degrees. 


Compared to other meteorological hazards that pose threats to property and human 

health (e.g., floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes), heat waves rank first as the cause of 

human mortality. Extremes of heat have a broad and far-reaching set of impacts on the 

nation. These include significant loss of life and illness, economic costs in transportation, 

TABLE J47 HEAT MORBIDITY IN ST. LOUIS METROPOLITAN REGION 

Year St. Louis City St. Louis County Outstate MO TOTAL 

1989 13 0 5 18 

1990 6 2 5 13 

1991 4 4 2 10 

1992 3 2 0 5 

1993 4 1 1 6 

1994 9 0 5 14 

1995 26 6 18 50 

1996 2 1 0 3 

1997 5 1 3 9 

1998 2 3 4 9 

1999 38 5 29 72 

2000 4 2 11 17 

2001 10 7 17 34 

2002 7 5 9 21 

Source: Missouri Department of Health and Social Services City of St Louis Department of Health 

agriculture, production, energy and infrastructure. In June to September 1980 the nation 

saw a devastating heat wave and drought that claimed at least 1,700 lives and had 

estimated economic costs $20 billion in 1980 dollars. Table J47 above and J48 below 

identifies specific damages to the St. Louis metropolitan area. 

TABLE J48 ST. LOUIS METROPOLITAN REGION HEAT WAVES 

1994 TO 2002 AND ASSOCIATED DAMAGES 

Date Deaths Injuries Property 

Damage 

Crop 

Damage 

06/12/1994 4 55 0 50K 

07/17/1995 20 225 75K 0.4M 

07/28/1995 0 120 15K 25K

98 


TABLE J48 ST. LOUIS METROPOLITAN REGION HEAT WAVES 

1994 TO 2002 AND ASSOCIATED DAMAGES 

Date Deaths Injuries Property 

Damage 

Crop 

Damage 

08/01/1995 9 230 0 400K 

05/17/1996 0 25 0 0 

06/18/1996 0 0 0 0 

06/22/1996 1 0 0 0 

06/30/1996 1 0 0 0 

07/07/1996 0 8 0 0 

07/18/1996 0 11 0 0 

06/25/1997 1 0 0 0 

07/12/1997 0 14 0 0 

07/20/1997 1 0 0 0 

08/17/1997 1 0 0 0 

06/23/1998 3 143 0 0 

07/18/1998 0 137 0 0 

08/23/1998 0 10 0 0 

09/04/1998 0 13 0 0 

07/18/1999 42 397 0 0 

07/02/2000 4 103 0 0 

08/28/2000 1 125 0 0 

09/01/2000 1 38 0 0 

06/18/2001 1 0 0 0 

07/07/2001 5 61 0 0 

07/17/2001 0 19 0 0 

07/21/2001 3 71 0 0 

07/29/2001 0 4 0 0 

08/01/2001 0 34 0 0 

08/07/2001 1 10 0 0 

08/12/2001 3 0 0 0 

08/21/2001 0 14 0 0 

05/31/2002 2 0 0 0 

06/01/2002 0 14 0 0 

06/25/2002 1 0 0 0 

07/08/2002 1 26 0 0 

07/17/2002 1 0 0 0 

07/20/2002 0 47 0 0 

07/26/2002 0 185 0 0 

08/01/2002 1 59 0 0 

08/26/2002 1 0 0 0 

07/03/2003 3 93 0 0 

08/15/2003 2 54 0 0 

08/24/2003 0 0 0 0 

Totals 116 2366 5.09M 875K 

Source: NCDC 

There are several impacts on transportation documented in case studies. Aircraft lose lift at 

high temperatures. Phoenix airport has been closed due to periods of extreme heat that 

made aircraft operations unsafe. Highways and roads are damaged by excessive heat.


Asphalt roads soften. Concrete roads have been known to "explode" lifting –three to four 

foot pieces of concrete. During the 1980 heat wave hundreds of miles of highways buckled 

(NOAA, 1980). Stress is placed on automobile cooling systems, diesel trucks and railroad 

locomotives. This leads to an increase in mechanical failures. Train rails develop sun kinks 

and distort. Refrigerated goods experience a significant greater rate of spoilage due to 

extreme heat. 

Various sectors of the agriculture community are affected by extreme heat. Livestock, such 

as rabbits and poultry, are severely impacted by heat waves. Millions of birds have been 

lost during heat waves. Milk production and cattle reproduction also decreases during heat 

waves. Pigs are also adversely impacted by extreme heat. In terms of crop impacts in the 

summer of 1980, it is unclear what the impacts are of very high temperatures for a few 

days, versus the above average summer temperatures or the drought. We do know that 

high temperatures at the wrong time inhibit crop yields. Wheat, rice, corn, potato, and 

soybean crop yields can all be significantly reduced by extreme high temperatures at key 

development stages. 

The electric transmission system is impacted when power lines sag in high temperatures. In 

2002 a major west coast power outage impacting 4 states was blamed in part on extreme 

high temperatures causing sagging transmission lines to short out. The combination of 

extreme heat and the added demand for electricity to run air conditioning causes 

transmission line temperatures to rise. 

The demand for electric power during heat waves is well documented. In 1980, consumers 

paid $1.3 billion more for electric power during the summer than the previous year. The 

demand for electricity, 5.5% above normal, outstripped the supply, causing electric 

companies to have rolling black outs. 

The demand for water increases during periods of hot weather. In extreme heat waves, 

water is used to cool bridges and other metal structures susceptible to heat failure. This 

causes a reduced water supply and pressure in many areas. This can significantly contribute 

to fire suppression problems for both urban and rural fire departments. 

The rise in water temperature during heat waves contributes to the degradation of water 

quality and negatively impacts fish populations. It can also lead to the death of many other 

organisms in the water ecosystem. High temperatures are also linked to rampant algae 

growth, causing fish kills in rivers and lakes. 


Impacts from heat waves are widespread, not selective. Impacts and areas where there are 

impacts are dependent upon the weather systems, which affect wide expanses of land.

100 



Heat waves typically occur during the warm summer months including June, July and 

August as seen on Table J48 above. 

Speed of Onset and/or Existing Warning Systems 

Heat wave weather in the St. Louis region slowly descends into the area. Heat wave 

weather is different that other hazards such as tornadoes in that the hazard tends to occur 

over a much larger area, often times affecting from several counties to multiple states. 

The NWS will initiate alert procedures when the Heat Index is expected to exceed 105 

degrees F to 110 degrees F (depending on the local climate) for at least two consecutive 

days. The expected severity of the heat determines whether advisories or warnings are 

issued. A common guideline for the issuance of excessive heat alerts is when the maximum 

daytime HI is expected to equal or exceed 105°F and a nighttime minimum HI of 80°F or 

above for two or more consecutive days. Some regions and municipalities are more 

sensitive to excessive heat than others. As a result, alert thresholds may vary substantially 

from these guidelines. Excessive heat-alert thresholds are being tailored at major 

metropolitan centers based on research results that link unusual amounts of heat-related 

deaths to city-specific meteorological conditions. 

The alert procedures are: 

• Include HI values in zone and city forecasts. 

• Issue Special Weather Statements and/or Public Information Statements presenting 

a detailed discussion of (1) the extent of the hazard including HI values, (2) those 

individuals most at risk, (3) safety rules for reducing the risk. 

• Assist state and local health officials in preparing Civil Emergency Messages in severe 

heat waves. Meteorological information from Special Weather Statements will be 

included as well as more detailed medical information, advice, and names and 

telephone numbers of health officials. 

• Release to the media and over NOAA's own Weather Radio all of the above 

information. 

Operation Weather Survival was created in l981 to address the needs of the community 

during extreme weather conditions. It is comprised of public and private organizations 

working together to prevent illness or death from extreme heat, cold conditions and 

ground level ozone. The phone number is 1-800-427-4626 

OWS Summer Outreach Programs that work to prevent HEAT-related illness through OWS 

are: 

• Health Departments: Preventive education, temperature monitoring, alerts, 

warnings, and data collection


• OWS Air-Conditioner Program: Provides air conditioners to individuals who are 

medically at risk. Air conditioners are purchased with funds primarily donated by 

AmerenUE. 

• Cooling Sites: Cooling sites are open year-round. During severe heat, hours and 

services are extended. 

• TelAssure Telephone Reassurance Services: Complimentary service at-risk individuals 

during weather emergency Agency referrals needed. TelAssure Telephone 

Reassurance Services Utility Assistance: Assistance is provided through OWN 

member agencies to prevent electrical disconnection for individuals and families atrisk. 


Figure J45 (located in the back of the Technical Appendix) depicts the potential heat wave 

areas in the county. In addition, Figure J50 below depicts the Heat Wave Hazard Impact 

areas in the St. Louis Metropolitan area during the heat wave from 1980. 


FIGURE J50 1980 MIDWEST HEAT WAVE 

Source: National Climatic Data Center 


intensity, and duration of heat waves, however, vary drastically from year to year. 

The levels of severity, by Heat Index apparent temperature are found below. 

• Extreme Danger (heat stroke or sunstroke highly likely at 130 degrees F or 

higher). 

• Danger (sunstroke, muscle cramps, and/or heat exhaustion likely at 105 degrees F 

to 129 degrees F). 

• Extreme Caution (sunstroke, muscle cramps, and/or heat exhaustion possible at 

90 degrees F to 104 degrees F) 

• Caution (fatigue possible at less than 90 degrees F).

102 


The future probably severity for Jefferson County is shown below according to the Heat 

Index levels of severity. 

Heat Index Probable Severity 

Heat Index of 130°F or higher Catastrophic 

Heat Index of 105°F to 129°F Critical 

Heat Index of 90°F to 104°F Limited 

Heat Index of less than 90°F Negligible 



intensity, and duration of heat waves, however, vary drastically from year to year. 

Based in information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and 

FEMA there have been at least fifteen heat wave related events from 1901 to 1980 and 43 

periods of heat wave related events from 1994 to 2003. In the St. Louis metropolitan area, 

days with temperatures of 90 degrees or greater generally occur from June through August 

based on Table J48 above. The future probable risk for Jefferson County is shown below 

according to the Heat Index levels of severity. 

Heat Index Probable Risk 

Heat Index of 130°F or higher Unlikely 

Heat Index of 105°F to 129°F Possible 

Heat Index of 90°F to 104°F Likely 

Heat Index of less than 90°F Highly Likely 


The next heat wave will possibly have a detrimental impact on the community in terms of 

agricultural, economic (social) and environmental based upon the past historic heat wave 

occurrences. The adverse impacts of future heat waves affecting Jefferson County is shown 

below. 






Comments Based on worst case scenario 


Life Limited 


Emotional Limited



Comments Jefferson County has been proactive in protecting those 

At-risk residents by organizing OWS. 


Educate those people who work outdoors of the dangers of extended exposure to a 

combination of high temperatures and high humidities. The people to be educated are 

those at risk including: 

• "Homeless" living outside 

• Poor, elderly, chronically ill persons living alone 

• Individuals working outside in extreme heat 

Dam Failure Hazard Profile 

The purpose of a dam is to impound (store) water, wastewater or liquid borne materials for 

any of several reasons, including flood control, human water supply, irrigation, livestock 

water supply, energy generation, containment of mine tailings, and recreation or pollution 

control. Many dams fulfill a combination of the above functions. 

Manmade dams may be classified according to the type of construction material used, the 

methods used in construction, the slope or cross-section of the dam, the way the dam 

resists the forces of the water pressure behind it, the means used for controlling seepage 

and, occasionally, according to the purpose of the dam. 

The materials used for construction of dams include earth, rock, tailings from mining or 

milling, concrete, masonry, steel, timber, miscellaneous materials (such as plastic or rubber) 

and any combination of these materials. Dams are owned and operated by individuals, 

private and public organizations and the government. Associated works include spillways, 

water supply facilities, and lake drain structures. Most dams have an earth embankment 

and one or two spillways. 

Embankment dams are the most common type of dam in use today in Missouri (99% of all 

dams in Missouri are made of earthen materials, the 1% are constructed of concrete). 

Materials used for embankment dams include natural soil or rock, or waste materials 

obtained from mining or milling operations. An embankment dam is termed an “earthfill” 

or “rockfill” dam depending on whether it is comprised of compacted earth or mostly 

compacted or dumped rock. The ability of an embankment dam to resist the reservoir 

water pressure is primarily a result of the mass weight, type and strength of the materials 

from which the dam is made.

104 


Concrete dams may be categorized into gravity and arch dams according to the designs 

used to resist the stress due to reservoir water pressure. Typical concrete gravity dams are 

the most common form of concrete dam. Because the purpose of a dam is to retain water 

effectively and safely, the water retention ability of a dam is of prime importance. Water 

may pass from the reservoir to the downstream side of a dam by: 

• Passing through the main spillway or outlet works 

• Passing over an auxiliary spillway 

• Overtopping the dam 

• Seepage through the abutments 

• Seepage under the dam 

Overtopping of an embankment dam is very undesirable because the embankment 

materials may be eroded away. Additionally, only a small number of concrete dams have 

been designed to be overtopped. Water normally passes through the main spillway or 

outlet works; it should pass over an auxiliary spillway only during periods of high reservoir 

levels and high water inflow. All embankment and most concrete dams have some 

seepage. However, it is important to control the seepage to prevent internal erosion and 

instability. Proper dam construction, and maintenance and monitoring of seepage provide 

this control. 

Description 

Thousands of people have been injured, many killed and billions of dollars of property 

damaged by dam failures in the United States, including the catastrophic dam failure 

upstream from Johnstown, Pennsylvania that killed 2,209 people in May 31, 1889 as a 

result of a poor and inappropriate maintenance of a poorly constructed dam. The problem 

of unsafe dams in Missouri was underscored by dam failures at Lawrenceton in 1968 (just 

south of Jefferson County), Washington County in 1975 and a near failure in Franklin 

County in 1978. 

Safety is of paramount importance to the effectiveness of a dam. Dam failures can be 

devastating for the dam owners, to the dam’s intended purpose and, especially, for 

downstream populations and property. Property damage can range in the thousands to 

billions of dollars. No price can be put on the lives that have been lost and could be lost in 

the future due to dam failure. Failures know no state boundaries—inundation from a dam 

failure could affect several states and large populations. 

Driving every other issue and all activities within the dam safety community is the risk of 

dam failure. Although the majority of dams in the U.S. have responsible owners and are 

properly maintained, still many dams fail every year. In the past several years, there have 

been hundreds of documented failures across the nation (this includes 250 after the 

Georgia Flood of 1994). A life was recently lost in New Hampshire as a result of a dam 

failure. Dam and downstream repair costs resulting from failures in 23 states reporting in 

one recent year totaled $54.3 million.


Early in this century, as many dams failed due to lack of proper engineering and 

maintenance, it was recognized that some form of regulation was needed. One of the 

earliest state programs was enacted in California in the 1920s. Federal agencies, such as 

the Corps of Engineers and the Department of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation built many 

dams during the early part of the twentieth century and established safety standards 

during this time. Slowly, other states began regulatory programs. But it was not until the 

string of significant dam failures in the 1970s that awareness was raised to a new level 

among the states and the federal government. 

In Missouri, the first state legislation aimed at regulating dams was passed in 1889 and 

was called the Dam Mills and Electric Power Law. The law was concerned only with 

damaged caused by construction and lake formation. It did not address the engineering 

aspects of design or downstream safety of dams. 

In 1972, Congress passed the National Dam Safety Act (P.L. 92-367) that called for an 

inventory of dams in the U.S. and one time inspection of dams that would result in loss of 

life from a failure. In 1986, Congress enacted the Water Resources Development Act (P.L. 

99-662). Title XII-Dam Safety authorized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to 

maintain and periodically update the inventory of dams. In 1988 funds were appropriated 

for this effort. FEMA and USACE developed a Memorandum of Agreement where FEMA 

assumed responsibility for maintaining and updating the inventory using the funds 

authorized. The Water Resources Development Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-303) Section 215 reauthorized 

periodic update of the National Inventory of Dams (NID) by USACE and 

continued a funding mechanism. For the 1998 update, the USACE resumed the lead 

responsibility and worked with FEMA and other agencies. There are about 77,000 dams in 

the inventory. 

Federal law and the Association of Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO) Model State Dam Safety 

program define a dam as “any artificial barrier, including appurtenant works, which 

impounds or diverts water and which 1.) is 25 feet or more in height from the natural bed 

of the stream or watercourse measured at the downstream toe of the barrier, or from the 

lowest elevation of the outside limit of the barrier, if it is not across a stream channel or 

watercourse to the maximum water storage elevation; or 2.) has an impounding capacity 

at the maximum water storage elevation of fifty acre-feet or more. 

This Act does not apply to any such barrier which is not in excess of six feet in height, 

regardless of storage capacity, or which has a storage capacity at a maximum water 

storage elevation not in excess of fifteen acre-feet, regardless of height (P.L. 92-367; Dam 

Safety Act of 1972) unless such barrier, due to its location or other physical characteristic, 

is likely to pose a significant threat to human life or property in the event of its failure.” 

(P.L. 99-662, Water Resources Development Act of 1986). 

Criteria for dams in the NID are as follows: 

1). All high hazard potential classification dams

106 

2). All significant hazard potential classification dams 

3) Low hazard or undetermined potential classification dams which 


Equal or exceed 25 feet in height and which exceed 15 acre-feet in storage 

Equal or exceed 50 acre-feet storage and exceed 6 feet in height. 

The NID has definitions for downstream hazard potential. These definitions are different 

from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Geological Survey and Resource 

Assessment, Dam and Reservoir Safety Program. The NID definitions, as accepted by the 

Interagency Committee on Dam Safety are as follows: 

1. Low Hazard Potential 

Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where 

failure or disoperation results in no probable loss of human life and low 

economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to 

the owner’s property. 

2. Significant Hazard Potential 

Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those 

dams where failure or disoperation results in no probable loss of 

human life but can cause economic loss, environmental change, 

disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant 

hazard potential classification dams are often located in 

predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be located in areas 

with population and significant infrastructure. 

3. High Hazard Potential 

Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those 

where failure or disoperation will probably cause loss of human life. 

In September 1979, ninety years after the first state legislation was passed, the Missouri 

House Bill 603 (called the Dam Safety Law) was passed by the Missouri Legislature and 

became effective in September 1979, as a result of the USACE inspection program that 

Missouri led the country in total number of unsafe dams. House Bill 603 (now contained 

in Sections 236.400 through 236.500 of the revised statues of Missouri) excluded certain 

dams from regulation-those less than 35 feet high, and allowed exemptions for others 

used for agricultural purposes and those regulated by other state or federal agencies. The 

law requires that a construction permit application be made to construct new dams or 

modify, remove or alter existing dams. Owners of existing dams 35 feet or more in height 

must obtain a registration permit and owners of new dams 35 feet or more in height must


obtain a safety permit after construction to operate the structures. All regulated dams 

must be inspected periodically to assure that their continued operation does not constitute 

a hazard to public safety, life and property. The construction of dams in Missouri has 

always been an important part of the state’s economy primarily from the standpoint of the 

recreational areas they create. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Geological 

Survey and Resource Assessment, Dam and Reservoir Safety Program who inspect the dams 

are critical to the safety of Missouri citizens. The Dam and Reservoir Safety Program 

operates under the general guidance of the Dam and Reservoir Safety Council. The Council 

is responsible for the development of the rules and regulations and the determination of 

enforcement procedures to make the law operative. All seven council members are 

appointed by the Governor. 

The Missouri Dam and Reservoir Safety Program is responsible for ensuring that all new 

and existing non-agricultural, non-federal dams 35 feet or more in height meet minimum 

safety standards. The program reviews engineering plans and specifications; conducts 

hydrologic, hydraulic and structural analysis of dams; monitors construction of new dams 

and modification of existing dams; performs safety inspections of existing dams; responds 

to dam safety emergencies so that public safety, life and property are protected. Basic 

functions of the program include inspections, permit issuance (construction, registration 

and safety permits), compliance and review, data management (around 4000 dams in 

Missouri, of which only about 600 are regulated under Missouri law), inundation mapping 

(provided to recorder of deeds for each county showing areas impacted by dam failure). 

Dam owners are solely responsible for the safety and the liability of the dam and for 

financing its upkeep, upgrade and repair. While most infrastructure facilities (roads, 

bridges, sewer systems, etc.) are owned by public entities, the majority of dams in the 

United States are privately owned. Many different types of people and entities own and 

operate dams. About 58 percent are privately owned. Local governments own and 

operate the next largest number of dams, about 16 percent. State ownership is next with 

about four percent; the federal government, public utilities and undetermined interests 

each own smaller numbers of dams (5%). 

Contact: 

James L. Alexander 

Chief Engineer 

MO Department of Natural Resources 

Dam and Reservoir Safety Program 

PO Box 250 

Rolla, MO 65402-0250 

Phone: 573/368-2175 

Fax: 573/368-2111 

Email: nralexj@dnr.state.mo.us 

Web: http://www.dnr.state.mo.us/geology/damsft/damsfthp.htm

108 

2003 Statistics: 

Number of Missouri state-regulated dams: 638 

Number of Missouri dams in National Inventory of Dams: 4,096 



The characteristics of a dam failure, based on the International Commission of Large Dams 

(ICOLD) include following the three major categories of dam failure: (1) overtopping by 

flood; (2) foundation defects; and (3) piping. For earthen dams, the major reason for 

failure is piping or seepage. For concrete dams, the major reasons for failure are associated 

with foundations. Overtopping has been a significant cause of dam failure primarily in 

cases where there was an inadequate spillway. Dam failures are most likely to happen for 

one of five reasons: 

• Overtopping caused by water spilling over the top of a dam 

• Structural failure of materials used in dam construction 

• Cracking caused by movements like the natural settling of a dam 

• Inadequate maintenance and upkeep 

• Piping—when seepage through a dam is not properly filtered and soil particles 

continue to progress and form sink holes in the dam 


The National Inventory of Dams, the State of Missouri, and FEMA have summarized the 

status of dams in Missouri by hazard classification. Refer to Figure JF51 (located in the 

back of the Technical Appendix) that shows the location of the high hazard dams in 

Jefferson County, based on MDNR’s inventory. High hazard is defined as dams that are 

more than 30 years old, have a high ratio of maximum storage to dam height and/or high 

population density downstream. Table J49 identifies the national and state inventory of 

dams. Table J50 lists Jefferson County high hazard dams. 

TABLE J49 SUMMARY STATUS OF MISSOURI DAMS BY HAZARD 

CLASSIFICATION 

NATIONAL INVENTORY STATE REGULATED 

Hazard Classification Hazard Classification 

Total High Significant Low Total High Significant Low 

4095 607 912 2576 630 440 127 63 

Source: Missouri Department of Natural Resources


TABLE J50 JEFFERSON COUNTY HIGH HAZARD DAMS 

DAM NAME RECEIVING RIVER BUILT LENGTH 

DAM 

HEIGHT VOLUME 

STATE 

REGULATED 

Fondulac Dam Tr- Saline Creek 1954 0 28 296 N 

Glen Rose Lake Dam Tr to Rock Creek 1962 0 30 46 N 

Steeger Lake Dam Trib-Sugar Creek 1976 0 33 58 N 

Lake Kearney Dam Tr to Sugar Creek 

Tributary to Belew 

1800 0 25 16 N 

Lake Tishomingo Dam Creek 

Lake Wauwanoka 

1950 870 68 2376 Y 

Dam Dry Creek 1942 1045 50 2370 Y 

Lake Montowese Dam Tr Big River 1942 1000 54 606 Y 

Lembeck Lake Dam Whitehead Creek 1958 0 26 117 N 

Upper Valle Mines 

Dam Tr To Joachim Creek 1958 0 34 142 N 

Williams Dam Tr-Joachim Creek 1965 0 26 93 N 

Lake Briarwood Dam Ball Branch 1970 1400 57 1398 Y 

Spring Lake Dam 

Hickory Hills Golf Club 

Tr Ball Branch 1970 0 20 33 N 

Dam Tr Joachim Creek 

West Fork Plattin 

1965 0 25 19 N 

Laguna Palma Dam Creek 1947 530 26 98 N 

Kinnippi Lake Dam Tr to Dry Creek 

Tributary to Butcher 

1960 0 27 64 N 

Anderson Lake Dam Branch. 1958 0 26 57 N 

Lake Adelle Dam 

Conservation Club 

Tr-Skullbones Creek 1950 0 29 73 N 

Lake Dam Tr. to Mississippi River 1951 0 30 135 N 

River Cement Tributary to 

Company Dam Mississippi Riv. 1965 605 57 300 Y 

Dehner Lake Dam Tr to Sandy Creek 1958 0 29 27 N 

Hideout Lake Dam Tr to Sandy Creek 1945 0 33 69 N 

Lake Virginia Dam Tr Joachim Creek 1954 0 25 176 N 

Leonard,Glen Dam Tr-Heads Creek 1956 0 29 75 N 

Lake Ararat Dam Heads Creek 

Tributary of Sandy 

1960 0 34 248 N 

Lake Lorraine Dam Creek 1957 1100 46 400 Y 

Lake Bono Del Dam Tr to Belew Creek 

Tributary to Belew 

1954 0 27 35 N 

Becker Lake Dam 

Sweetwater Dam - 

Creek 1965 0 28 80 N 

Noname 251 Tr-Dulin Creek 1960 0 29 74 N 

Clear Lake Dam 

Lower Valle Mines 

Tr to Joachim Creek 1961 0 34 144 N 

Dam Tr to Joachim Creek 1952 0 22 54 N 

Liguori Lake Dam - Tributary to Glaize 

Nonane 255 Creek 1950 0 25 28 N 

Autumn Lake Dam Tributary to Rock 1962 0 32 81 N

110 

TABLE J50 JEFFERSON COUNTY HIGH HAZARD DAMS 

DAM NAME RECEIVING RIVER BUILT LENGTH 


DAM 

HEIGHT VOLUME 

STATE 

REGULATED 

Creek 

Pine Lake Dam Tr-Rock Creek 1961 0 33 77 N 

Weber Hill Terrace 

Lake Dam Tr-Bear Creek 1957 519 36 117 Y 

Land Of Lakes Dam Tr-Bear Creek 1946 0 30 26 N 

Tamarack Dam Tr-Sand Creek 1964 0 29 141 N 

Little Lake Dam Tr to Joachim Creek 1961 0 32 24 N 

Sunrise Big Lake Dam Tr to Joachim Creek 1961 480 38 97 Y 

Summer Set Lake Dam Falling Rock Branch 

Deerwood Lake No.3 

1974 1200 59 1336 Y 

Dam 

Bequette Dam - 

Trib-Isom Creek 1960 0 25 30 N 

Noname 262 Tr-Isum Creek 

Tributary to La Barque 

1967 0 31 31 N 

Glenwilfern Lake Dam Creek 1953 540 38 93 Y 

Cedar Hill Lake No. 3 Tributary to 

Dam 

Skullbones Creek 1949 0 28 60 N 

Fisherman's Lake Dam Tr Ball Branch 1970 0 34 167 N 

Dresser No. 10 Dam Tr Big River 1974 765 100 1118 Y 

Atwood Lake Dam 

Sunrise Lake Upper 

Tr to Sandy Creek 1969 0 27 43 N 

Dam 

Winter Haven Lake 

Tr to Joachim Creek 1961 360 37 175 Y 

Dam Falling Rock Branch 1978 730 49 224 Y 

Spring Lake Dam Tr-Falling Rock Branch 1976 600 42 133 Y 

Siesta Lake Dam Tr to Fritz Creek 1957 0 30 58 N 

Gwenmil Lake Dam Tr to Isum Creek 1957 0 29 23 N 

Francois Lake Dam Tr to Mississippi River 1979 470 38 19 Y 

Highway 21 Lake Dam Trib-Heads Creek 1940 0 28 47 N 

Dresser No. 11 Tr to Big River 1975 500 90 50 Y 

Silver Lake Dam Ditch Creek 1981 1600 80 0 Y 

Raintree Dam #2 Belew Creek Tributary 1989 1000 55 988 Y 

Stonehenge #1 Dam Trib to Sugar Creek 1990 360 41 13 Y 

Brian Haskins Lake 

Dam 1990 0 22 0 N 

Ralph McNail Lake 

Dam 1988 0 24 0 N 



When dams fail, the results can be catastrophic. Dams are innately hazardous structures. 

Failure or disoperation can result in the release of the reservoir contents--this includes 

water, mine wastes or agricultural refuse--causing negative impacts upstream or 

downstream or at locations remote from the dam. Negative impacts of primary concern


are loss of human life, economic loss including property damage, lifeline disruption and 

environmental damage. 

While the definition varies from place to place, it generally means if failure of a high-hazard 

dam occurs, there probably will be loss of life. I t must be emphasized that this 

determination does not mean that these dams are in need of repair--these dams could be 

in excellent condition or they could be in poor condition. "High-hazard" just reflects the 

dam's potential for doing damage downstream should it fail. 

High-hazard potential dams exist in every state and affect the lives of thousands 

downstream. The current issue and debate is over the increasing number of these highhazard 

structures--not because more high-hazard dams are being built, but that more 

development is occurring downstream. Dam and reservoir safety regulators generally have 

no control over local zoning issues or developers' property rights. So this issue continues to 

worry regulators as the trend persists. 

Some dams are considered to have a greater hazard potential than others. There are 

approximately 10,000 state-regulated "high-hazard" potential dams in the U.S. "Highhazard" 

is a term used by a majority of state dam safety programs and federal agencies as 

part of a three-pronged classification system used to determine how hazardous a dam's 

failure might be to the downstream area. Historically, dams that failed had some 

deficiency, as characterized above, which caused the failure. These dams are typically 

termed "unsafe." Currently, there are about 2,000 "unsafe" dams in the U.S. There are 

unsafe dams in almost every state. (A majority of states and federal agencies define an 

"unsafe" dam as one that has been found to have deficiencies that leave it more susceptible 

to failure.) 


Thousands of people have been injured, many killed, and billions of dollars of property 

damaged by dam failures in the United States. Dam failures at Lawrenceton in 1968, 

Washington County in 1975, Fredericktown in 1977, and a near failure in Franklin County 

underscored the problem of unsafe dams in Missouri in 1978. 


Table F51 below summarized the frequency of dam failures in Missouri. Four dams failed 

in ten years. 

TABLE J51 RECENT DAM FAILURES IN MISSOURI 

Community Date 

Lawrenceton 1968 

Washington County 1975 

Frederickton 1977 

Franklin County (near failure) 1978

112 



The intensity or strength of resultant damages from dam failures is dependent upon the 

amount of water stored behind the dam as well as the weather. A large rain event can 

exacerbate an already critical emergency situation. Damage from dam failures can be 

catastrophic. 


The cost of a dam failure is difficult to assess because flooding can affect large areas. Local 

communities may be directly impacted due to building damage, injuries fatalities, lost 

water supply, damaged transportation and infrastructure and lost recreational assets. The 

extent of an owner’s liability will vary from state to state depending on the statutes and 

case law precedents. The concept of strict liability imposes liability on a dam owner for 

damages that occur regardless of the cause of failure. The alternative theory of negligence 

considers the degree of care employed by the owner in constructing, operating and 

maintaining a dam. Historically, courts have sought to compensate those injured by a dam 

failure. When assessing liability, the standard of care exercised by an owner will be closely 

examined and should be in proportion to the downstream hazards involved. Where the 

risk is great, owners must be cautious. In many cases, dams regulated by the federal 

government or a state dam safety program must be designed to withstand an 

unprecedented flood or earthquake. Thousands of people have been injured, many killed, 

and billions of dollars of property damaged by dam failures in the United States. 

1972-Buffalo Creek Dam, West Virginia-125 dead, $400 million in damages. 

1976-Teton Dam, Idaho-14 dead, over $1 billion in damages 

1977-Laurel Run Dam, Pennsylvania-40 dead, $5.3 million in damages 

1977-Kelly Barnes Dam, Georgia-39 dead, $30 million in damages 

1982-Lawn Lake Dam, Colorado-3 dead, $25 million in damages 

1988-Quail Creek Dam, Utah-$12 million in damages 

The failures of Teton Dam and the Kelly Barnes Dam focused national attention to the 

problem of unsafe dams. Dam failures, however, continue to occur with destructive and 

sometimes fatal results. 


Locations affected by dam failure will be low-lying areas that are below dams, near a creek, 

stream or river valley. Residents, businesses and infrastructure in the path of the dam 

waters can become quickly inundated and destroyed. Refer to Figure J51, located in the 

back of the Technical Appendix, for downstream areas that could be potentially affected.



There is no seasonal pattern to dam failure. However, various climatic conditions and other 

situations may result in dam failure including such elements of risk as natural phenomena 

such as floods and landslides during wet weather seasons. These hazards threaten dam 

structures and their surroundings. Floods that exceed the capacity of a dam's spillway and 

then erode the dam or abutments are particularly hazardous, as is seismic activity that may 

cause cracking or seepage. Similarly, debris from landslides may block a dam's spillway and 

cause an overflow wave that erodes the abutments and ultimately weakens the structure. 


A few large Missouri dams have monitoring systems, emergency action plans and warning 

systems. However, most dams in Missouri do not. 


Refer to Figure J51in the back of the Technical Appendix that depicts the regulated dams in 

the EWG planning region. 


Missouri Geological Survey and Resource Assessment Division has defined three levels of 

hazard potential: high, significant and low hazard, as accepted by the Interagency 

Committee on Dam Safety. 

High: Failure or disoperation will probably cause loss of human life 

Significant: Failure or disoperation results in no probable loss of human life, but can 

cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, 

or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams 

are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be 

located in areas with population and significant infrastructure. 

Low: Failure or disoperation results in no probably loss of human life and low 

economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the 

owner’s property. 

According to MDNR’s Dam and Reservoir Safety Program, Jefferson County has 145 dams. 

The mean dam height is 36 feet with the mean storage capacity of 247 acre-feet. Many 

are less than 35 feet high and are not regulated by MDNR. People living in low-lying areas 

downstream of the smaller unregulated dams, depending upon the safety of the dams may 

be at risk if these dams should fail. Of the dams in Jefferson County, 60 are rated by 

MDNR as “high risk”. Only nineteen are regulated by MDNR. The oldest dam on this list 

was built in 1800, the most recent one was built in 1990.

114 

The probably future severity of a dam failure for Jefferson County is below. 

Hazard Level Future Probable Severity 

High Catastrophic 

Significant Critical 

Low Negligible 

Statement of Probable Risk/Likeliness Of Future Occurrence 


According to the Dam and Reservoir Safety Program within MDNR, the likeliness of a future 

occurrence of dam failure is very likely, due to the conditions of dams in Missouri. While 

the definition varies from place to place, it generally means if failure of a high-hazard dam 

occurs, there probably will be loss of life. It must be emphasized that this determination 

does not mean that these dams are in need of repair--these dams could be in excellent 

condition or they could be in poor condition. "High-hazard" just reflects the dam's potential 

for doing damage downstream should it fail. 

High-hazard potential dams exist in every state and affect the lives of thousands 

downstream. The current issue and debate is over the increasing number of these highhazard 

structures--not because more high-hazard dams are being built, but that more 

development is occurring downstream. Dam and reservoir safety regulators generally have 

no control over local zoning issues or developers' property rights. So this issue continues to 

worry regulators as the trend persists. 

Hazard Level Probable Risk 

High Likely 

Significant Likely 

Low Likely 

Statement Of Next Disaster’s Likely Adverse Impact On Community 

The impact on the downstream community, dependent upon what is downstream could 

be very serious. The adverse impacts of future dam failures affecting Jefferson County at 

the high hazard level are shown below. Intersecting almost all the issues above is the issue 

of public education about dams. The ordinary citizen is unaware that the beautiful lakes on 

which he or she boats, skis or fishes are only there because of manmade dams. Developers 

build in dam break flood inundation areas knowing nothing about the potential that an 

upstream dam has, to cause devastation should it fail. In fact, some developers and zoning 

officials are completely unaware of dams within their community. Even if citizens 

understand and are aware of dams, they still can be overly confident in the infallibility of 

these manmade structures. Living in dam break flood-prone areas is a risk. Many dam 

owners do not realize their responsibility and liability toward the downstream public and 

environment.




Property Catastrophic 


Financial Catastrophic 

Comments None 






Comments None 


Implementation of dam safety actions with dam owners and jurisdictions downstream. 

Wildland Fires Hazard Profile 

Description 

The term wildfire is defined as "a highly destructive, uncontrollable fire." During a wildfire, 

the fire produces the same amount of energy in 10 minutes as a nuclear bomb. 

FIGURE J52 

Fires that burn forest plants can be classified in three ways: ground 

fires, surface fires, and crown fires. Ground fires burn the humus 

layer of the forest floor, surface fires burn forest undergrowth and 

surface litter, and crown fires advance through the tops of trees. 

Atmospheric factors such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall 

are important factors in determining the combustibility of a given 

forest. See Figure J52. 

Humans, either through negligence, accident, or intentional arson, 

have caused approximately 90% of all wildfires in the last decade 

in the U.S. Accidental and negligent acts include unattended 

campfires, sparks, burning debris, and irresponsibly discarded 

cigarettes. Refer to Table 52 below. The remaining 10% of fires 

are mostly caused by lightning, but may also be caused by other 

acts-of-nature such as volcanic eruptions or earthquakes.

116 


During March and April 2000 Missouri sustained devastating fire damage to thousands of 

acres resulting from wildland fires. Warm temperatures and low humidity increased the 

occurrence and fueled the flames scorching many areas of the state. In an attempt to raise 

the public’s awareness of the hazardous situations, Governor Mel Carnahan and State Fire 

Marshal Bill Farr issued a statewide voluntary burn ban, urging citizens to refrain from 

conducting any open burning. In addition, the Missouri Department of Conservation and 

U.S. Forestry Service issued burn bans throughout state and federally owned land. 

TABLE J52 REASONS FOR FIRES IN MISSOURI 

Lightning >1% 

Camping 1% 

Smoking 4% 

Debris Burning 58% 

Arson 20% 

Equipment Use 3% 

Railroads 1% 

Children 1% 

Miscellaneous Causes 12% 

The Missouri Division of Fire Safety is urging fire service agencies and local governments to 

begin planning for this situation by adopting a local ordinance to prohibit open burning 

during a high fire hazard time period. Missouri statutes do not allow the state to issue a 

MANDATORY burn ban at the state level. 

One responsibility of the Forestry Division is protecting state and private land from the 

destructive effects of wildfires. The Forestry Division works closely with rural fire 

departments to assist with fire suppression activities. Nearly 900 rural fire departments 

have mutual aide agreements with the division. Forestry personnel provide training, 

equipment and grants to rural fire departments to help them become a more effective firefighting 

team. 

Statutory authority is given to fire protection districts via RSMo 321.220 (12) to "adopt and 

amend bylaws, fire protection and fire prevention ordinances, …". However, coordination 

with the county prosecuting attorney’s office is strongly recommended before 

implementing such an ordinance to ensure enforcement ability. Voluntary fire service 

associations should also coordinate similar efforts at the local level to adopt open burning 

laws. 

Not only is the land affected, but also personnel throughout many fire service agencies are 

pushed to their limit battling these types of fires. These situations place Missouri citizens 

and responding fire fighters at risk.


Fire danger is based upon the burning index (BI). The burning index takes into account the 

fuel moisture, relative humidity, wind speed, temperature and recent precipitation. The 

burning index is the basis for fire suppression crew staffing levels. 

The vegetative types and fuel types are different than in the western U.S. As compared to 

the western U.S., with the humid climate of the Midwest, fuel decomposes much faster. 

As a result of this, the wildfires in Missouri are rare and are nearly not as severe as the fires 

that the western states experiences. 


Fires in the counties of Franklin, Jefferson, St. Louis City, St. Louis and St. Charles Counties 

are different than those in the West as described above; Missouri does not have large 

conflagrations and crown fires, where embers from the fire are thrown a long way from 

the fire that results in fire ignition of other dry areas. Damage may result in the burning of 

outbuildings, possibly a home and nearby grassy areas. Missouri fires consist of grassy 

areas, leaves, ground letter, plants, shrubs, and trees. However, as new housing 

development in forested rural areas, the likelihood of fires will increase, especially in 

Jefferson County. 


Fires typically occur in highway medians and shoulders, near homes and outbuildings. 

People who live at the edge of the woods and vegetative debris, especially in Jefferson 

County are at a higher risk of having a fire affect their homes and property. 


Damage may result in the burning of outbuildings, maybe a home. Missouri does not have 

large crown fires like the West has, where embers from the fire are thrown a long way 

from the fire that results in fire ignition of other dry areas. Missouri Department of 

Conservation and Public Safety recommend that homes in these types of areas should not 

be built with cedar shake shingles. Typically homes catch on fire when dry brush, bushes 

and trees are very close to the house. 


In accordance with Missouri Statute 254.230 and 321.220(12), the state is currently 

setting up a central fire reporting system. In the past, it was the responsibility of volunteer, 

local and district fire departments are supposed to report wildland fires to the state. 

However, this is rarely done. MDC is preparing an online central reporting system that will 

keep track of fires. As a result, an historical summary of fires was impossible due to the 

way in which MDC currently has their records stored.

118 


No Missouri fires are listed among the significant wildfires in the U.S. since 1825. Fires 

covering more than 300 acres are considered large in Missouri. Based on limited MDC 

data, it was reported that during March and April 2000 all of Missouri sustained 

devastating fire damage to thousands of acres resulting from wildland fires. Each year, 

about 3,700 wildfires burn more than 55,000 acres of forest and grassland. Missouri's 

wildfire season is in the spring and fall, unlike the Western states that have a summer fire 

season. Dead vegetation, combined with the low humidities and high winds typical of 

these seasons, makes wildfire risk greater at these times. 

According to the MDC-Forestry Office, in the past twenty years, there have been only about 

five fires in the State of Missouri that MDC has been involved with in the St. Louis 

Metropolitan area. For the most part the rural fire departments fight their own fires. 

Some areas of land are not covered even by volunteer fire departments. In this event, the 

MDC will cover fires in these areas. Missouri has very few fires that occur as a result from 

lightening. Most fires result from arson, campers and from residents that burn trash. 

Frequency Of Occurrence 

Due to the timing factor and the stage of the MDC database development, frequency of 

occurrences was not obtained. Generally, occurrences of fires are based on the weather, 

humidity and available fuel. 

Intensity Or Strength 

Fires that due occur are neither intense nor strong as a result of the weather and fuel 

conditions found in Missouri, as compared to the fires in the West. 


Due to the timing factor and the stage of the MDC database development, specific 

information on lives lost, injuries, property damage and economic losses was not obtained. 


Fires typically occur in highway medians and shoulders, near homes and outbuildings. 

People who live at the edge of the woods and vegetative debris, especially in Jefferson 

County are at a higher risk of having a fire affect their homes and property. 


The season for wildfires in Missouri is between the end of February and the end of April, or 

whenever the environment is dry from lack of rain. Due to the lack of moisture throughout 

many areas Missouri, from late winter (February) through spring (May) often times the 

conditions are favorable for the high risk of wildland fires.


Speed Of Onset And /Or Existing Warning Systems 

The Department of Conservation relies upon the news media to help warn citizens of high 

fire danger. A set of standardized fire danger adjectives has been developed for fire 

warnings. These adjectives include a brief description of burning conditions, open burning 

suggestions for homeowners and fire crew staffing levels. Residents should always check 

with their local fire department or District Forester for local burning conditions. 

Map Of Hazards 

Refer to Figure J53 (located in the back of the Technical Appendix) for a map that depicts 

areas of potential wildfire hazard. These would include those areas of rural homes near 

forested areas. 


Location Future Probable Severity 

Buffer areas Negligible 

Forests Negligible 

Grassy areas Negligible 

Statement Of Probable Risk/Likeliness Of Future Occurrence 

There is a somewhat greater likelihood of future occurrences in Jefferson County as a result 

of the influx of greater numbers of residents moving into rural areas where the homes are 

close to forested areas and vegetative debris. Dry weather, available fuel and fires are 

sporadic phenomena that occur throughout the United States. Frequency, intensity, and 

duration of these conditions vary drastically from year to year. 

Based upon Jefferson County’s lack of a great number of wildfires, a conflagration similar 

to those out West is unlikely, especially in light of the fact that the humidity and fuel 

source is not available. Fires will possibly occur, but on a much smaller scale. These will 

consist of grass fires along side roads and railroad tracks and fires near homes in rural 

areas. The following fire danger index used by MDC will be the criteria by which an 

evaluation of probable risk for Jefferson County will be developed. 

Level Probable Risk of Occurrence 

Low Fire Danger Possible 

Moderate Fire Danger Possible 

High Fire Danger Unlikely 

Extreme Fire Danger Unlikely

120 

Statement Of Next Disaster’s Likely Adverse Impact On Community 


Missouri Department of Conservation Forester, Mr. William Altman does not believe that 

Missouri, much less the EWG planning region as being included in a wildland fire disaster 

category. It may be a disaster to an individual, but it is not a disaster to a community. 

There is a somewhat greater likelihood of future occurrences in Jefferson County as a result 

of the influx of greater numbers of residents moving into rural areas where the homes are 

close to woods and vegetative debris. 












Missouri Department of Conservation and Jefferson County Fire Districts to develop an 

education outreach program for communities that have a greater chance of future fires. 

MDC has an ongoing educational effort in certain at risk areas. This effort includes visiting 

schools, local fairs and other events to educate and pass out fire prevention pamphlets in 

terms of seasonal or broad fire prevention approach. Establishing local ordinances to 

prohibit open burning during hazardous conditions is a proactive approach and will help 

reduce the number of wildland fires in the future. 

Multi-Jurisdictional Risk Assessment In Jefferson County and Communities 

Jefferson County hazards tend to be either geographically random or regional in nature. 

Some areas of the County have experienced affects from some tornadoes and localized 

flash flooding. The historic floods along the Mississippi River, especially the 1993 flood, 

greatly impacted the County. The County is also susceptible to impacts from earthquakes 

due to the proximity to the New Madrid Fault Zone, density of population, condition of the 

buildings, and geological environment. The County has experienced only scattered damage 

from winter storms, thunderstorms, and drought. 

Certain incorporated communities within Jefferson County that exhibit a unique flooding 

hazard profile, due to its location on the Mississippi and Meramec River floodplains include 

the following jurisdictions:


Arnold 

Byrnes Mill 


Crystal City 

DeSoto 

Festus 

Herculaneum 

Kimmswick 

Pevely 

Scotsdale 

Consequences from riverine and flash flooding could be catastrophic in terms of safety of 

lives and property. Riverine flooding is considered a primary hazard for the County. 

Significant Mississippi River flooding inundated the above communities in July 1947, July 

1951, August 1993, and May 1995. Significant Meramec River flooding also inundated 

Byrnes Mill and Arnold in May 1973, December 1982, August 1993, and April 1994. 

During the 1993 flood, in Jefferson County, $1,527,199 in public assistance was paid to 

claimants as a result of flood damage. In one community, the wastewater treatment plant 

was inundated by floodwaters; the community is currently constructing a levee and 

floodwall to protect the new infrastructure. Significant flash flooding in the Meramec, 

Bourbeuse and Big River basins from an intense rainfall on May 7, 2000. The flooding 

resulted in two deaths, extensive damage to structures, roads and bridges and major 

economic losses from communities and businesses throughout the area. Communities 

including Byrnes Mill and Eureka (St. Louis County) were overwhelmed by the deluge that 

consisted of a thunderstorm that delivered up 15 inches of rain in 13 hours. A Federal 

Disaster declaration was made (DR-1328); damages and losses incurred totaled 

$483,511.22 in individual assistance, $473,000 in small business loans, and $574,002.26 

in public assistance. In 2003, flash flooding and a severe tornado resulted in inundation, 

one death and property storm damage in DeSoto with an estimated at $1 million dollars in 

damage. 

Consequences from earthquakes (and cascading hazards) could also be catastrophic in 

terms of human lives and property in the event of a larger magnitude earthquake (in the 

range of 6.7 to 8.6). The nearby New Madrid Fault Zone has the potential to produce an 

earthquake of this magnitude and cause damage similar to the earthquake that struck the 

San Francisco Bay region during the World Series, killing 63 people and causing $6 billion 

of property damage. The nearby the Wabash Valley Fault and the fault zones in the vicinity 

of Farmington (including Big River Fault and the St. Genevieve Fault Zone) are also capable 

of producing lesser magnitude earthquakes. The earthquake hazard is also considered a 

primary hazard. Certain regions within the County are more susceptible to greater damage 

from earthquakes due to their position within the soil liquefaction zone, as identified by 

Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Geological Survey Resource Assessment 

Division, Earthquake Hazards Map of the St. Louis Metro Area. Areas outside of the soil 

liquefaction zone will most likely be impacted from an earthquake, but probably to a lesser 

degree. These incorporated communities within Jefferson County that exhibit a unique

122 


earthquake hazard profile, due to its location on the Mississippi and Meramec River 

floodplains include the following jurisdictions: 

Arnold 

Byrnes Mill 


Crystal City 

DeSoto 

Festus 

Herculaneum 

Kimmswick 

Pevely 

Scotsdale 

Refer to Figure J54 (located in the back of the Technical Appendix), which identifies the 

combined hazards for Jefferson County. 

Vulnerability Assessment Worksheets for Jefferson County are located in the back of the 

Technical Appendix. These worksheets represent the loss estimates for each hazard 

affecting the county, including the communities listed above. 

Loss estimates were calculated using a combination of information found below. Rough 

economic estimates were also included. 

• The number of buildings was based on the recorded number of buildings from the 

assessor’s database. 

• Values of buildings represent the market value, rather than the dollar loss likely to 

result from a given event. Building damages could range from minimal to total 

devastation. 

• The number of people was derived from the 2000 U.S. Census, EWG, and Office of 

Social and Economic Development (OSEDA) databases. 

• Dollar figures were based on county assessor’s data and Saylor Construction Cost 

Index data. 

• Sources for these worksheets include the Missouri Department of Elementary and 

Secondary Education, Economic Development, Missouri Department of 

Conservation, Missouri Office of Economic Data Analysis; county assessor’s data, 

Saylor Construction Cost Index, and EWG databases. 

• Projected figures were calculated using the above numbers and factoring in 

population projection percentages from the community profile.


For purposes of this assessment, “Developed Land” and “Undeveloped Land” categories 

EWG used the definition of the National Resources Conservation Service’s National 

Resources Inventory, 2001 (NRI).

124 

WORKSHEETS 


JEFFERSON COUNTY HAZARD ANALYSIS NARRATIVE WORKSHEETS 

JEFFERSON COUNTY HAZARD PROFILE WORKSHEETS 

JEFFERSON COUNTY RISK ASSESSMENT WORKSHEETS 

JEFFERSON COUNTY RISK INDEX WORKSHEETS 

JEFFERSON COUNTY VULNERABILITY WORKSHEETS


HAZARD ANALYSIS NARRATIVE 

Hazard: Dam Failure 

Description of Hazard (Type of hazard, pathways/areas likely affected, type of damage, 

etc.) 

A dam failure is defined as structural failure of materials used in dam construction, 

inadequate maintenance, overtopping by flood, foundation defects and piping/cracking 

caused by movements from settling of dam. 

Damage occurs downstream from a failing dam to lives of residents and their property, 

businesses, infrastructure. Depending upon volume of water released, damage could be 

catastrophic in a limited area. 

Historical Statistics (Frequency, strength, # of lives lost, # of injuries, economic losses, etc.) 

Based on the National Dam Inventory maintained by the USCOE, Missouri has 607 

dams that are considered a high hazard. Historic dam failures have occurred just 

south of the EWGCC region near Lawrenceton in 1968 (Ste. Genevieve County), 

Washington County in 1975, in Fredericktown in 1968 (Madison County) and a near 

failure in Franklin County in 1978. The EWGCC region has the largest number of 

dams in Missouri. No lives have been lost as a result of these dam failures. No data 

is available on the number of injuries or economic losses as a result of these failures. 

Statement of Future Probable Severity (Catastrophic/Critical/Limited/Negligible). Severity 

of future dam failures will be catastrophic in the path of the released waters. For 

topographically higher areas surrounding the failed dam, negligible impacts will occur. 

Statement of Probable Risk (Likeliness of future occurrence- (Highly 

Likely/Likely/Possible/Unlikely). According to Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Dam 

and Reservoir Safety Program, it is likely that future occurrences of dam failures will occur 

based on the poor conditions of the existing dams. 


(Catastrophic/Critical/Limited/Negligible). Severity of future dam failures will be catastrophic 

in the path of the released waters. For topographically higher areas surrounding the failed 

dam, negligible impacts will occur. 

Without mitigation measures: Life Property Emotional Financial 

Comments: 

Catastrophic Catastrophic Catastrophic Catastrophic 

With mitigation measures: Life Property Emotional Financial 

Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible

126 

Comments: 


Recommendation: EWGCC Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee to initiate mitigation 

activity to convince legislators to provide adequate funding to staff the Dam and Reservoir 

Safety Program for inspections, permit issuance in order to protect human life and property.



Hazard: Drought 


etc.) Drought is defined as the deficiency of precipitation over an extended period of time, 

usually a season or more; resulting in extensive damage to crops. Meteorological drought is 

the expression of precipitation’s departure from normal over some time period. Agricultural 

drought occurs when there isn’t enough soil moisture to meet the needs of a particular 

crop at a particular time. Hydrologic drought refers to the deficiencies in surface and 

subsurface water supplies; measured as stream flow, lake and groundwater levels. 

Socioeconomic drought occurs when physical water shortage starts to affect people. 

Drought characteristics include economic, social and environmental. The amount of 

damage depends on 1). The length/severity of the drought, 2). Damage can range from very 

slight to total. 

Historical Statistics (Frequency, strength, # of lives lost, # of injuries, economic losses, 

etc.) Droughts are classified according to various classifications. The National Drought 

Mitigation Center created a drought map that uses the Palmer Index, Crop Moisture Index, 

Standardized Precipitation Indices, Percent of Normal Rainflow, Daily Streamflow, 

Snowpack, Soil Moisture, Vegetative Index and Fire Danger Classifications. According to 

The Missouri Climate Center at UMC, the Drought Monitor map is the drought indicator of 

choice and is superior to the Palmer Index. The Palmer Index is good for past droughts. 

However, the NDMC drought monitor map is the best tool to use. 

The EWGCC planning region is divided into two climate divisions (CD): St. Louis City, St. 

Louis, St. Charles, and Franklin counties are within CD #2. Jefferson County is located in 

CD #5. According to the Missouri Climate Center, the worst droughts on record to affect 

CD#2 occurred in 1901-1902, 1913-14, 1930-31, 1934, 1936, 1940-41, 1953-56, 1963- 

64, 1980-81, 1988-89 and 1999-2000. Droughts on record that affected CD#5 occurred 

in 1900-09, 1940-49, 1950-59, 1964-66 and 1980. In addition, MDNR divided the state 

into three regions, prioritized according to drought susceptibility, slight, moderate and 

severe. The EWGCC region is within all three regions. St. Louis city and northern Jefferson 

County is in region C (high susceptibility). East half of St. Chalres County and northern 

portions (floodplain areas) of St. Louis and Franklin Counties are within Region A (slight 

susceptibility). The western half of St. Charles County is included in Region B (moderate 

susceptibility). 

On average, drought costs the U.S. economy about $7-$9 billion a year according to the 

National Drought Mitigation Center. Losses from the drought from 1988 to 1989 are 

estimated to have cost $39 billion dollars. 

Statement of Future Probable Severity (Catastrophic/Critical/Limited/Negligible)- 

Catastrophic to limited. 

Statement of Probable Risk (Likeliness of future occurrence-Highly 

Likely/Likely/Possible/Unlikely)- Likely

128 



(Catastrophic/Critical/Limited/Negligible)-Catastrophic to limited 

Without Mitigation Measures: Life Property Emotional Financial 

Comments: 

Negligible Limited Limited Critical 

With Mitigation Measures: Life Property Emotional Financial 

Comments 

Limited Limited Limited Limited 

Recommendations: That the County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee 

initiate a mitigation activity to convince state and local government, and county residents to 

help reduce the impacts caused by droughts, by implementing the state drought plan.



Hazard: Earthquake 


etc.) 

The characteristics of earthquakes include the rolling or shaking of the ground surface, 

landslides, liquefaction and amplification. The severity depends on several factors including 

soil/slope conditions, closeness to the fault, earthquake magnitude and type of earthquake. 

Any person or structure that is present in the land closest to the epicenter will be most 

severely affected. Persons or structures farther away from the epicenter will be less severely 

affected, dependent upon the geology of the area. The amount of damage depends on 1). 

The intensity/strength of the earthquake, 2). The proximity of the earthquake, 3). The 

strength/construction of the structure, 4). How well a person is sheltered. Damage can 

range from very slight to total. 


etc.) 

Since 1811 there have been 16 earthquakes affecting the EWGCC ranging in magnitude 

from 2.4 to 8.2 on the Richter scale. The earthquakes have caused multiple deaths, 

.injuries, and damaged properties in the past. The Center for Earthquake Studies estimated 

that from a 7.6 scale earthquake, there will be over 1400 deaths, and $2.5 million dollars in 

property damage and $500K in utility damage. This data excludes St. Charles and Franklin 

Counties due to unavailability. 

Statement of Future Probable Severity (Catastrophic/Critical/Limited/Negligible) 

Catastrophic 


Likely/Likely/Possible/Unlikely) 

Possible 


(Catastrophic/Critical/Limited/Negligible)-Catastrophic 

The Center for Earthquake Studies estimated that from a 7.6 scale earthquake, there will be 

over 1400 deaths, and $2.5 million dollars in property damage and $500K in utility 

damage. This data excludes St. Charles and Franklin Counties due to unavailability. 


Comments: 

Catastrophic Catastrophic Catastrophic Catastrophic

130 



Comments: 

Limited Limited Critical Limited 

Recommendation: The County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee to initiate a 

mitigation activity to convince various government agencies, businesses, county 

residents to retrofit buildings/infrastructure, businesses and homes in earthquake 

prone areas to help reduce the loss of life caused by earthquakes.



Hazard: Flood 


etc.) A flood is defined as an overflow or inundation that comes from a river or other 

body of water or causes or threatens damage, or any relatively high streamflow that 

overtops the natural or artificial banks in any reach of stream. The National Flood Insurance 

Program defines a flood as a general and temporary condition of partial or complete 

inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land or of two or more properties from 

inland waters, unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of waters from any source or a 

mudflow. Floods are most likely to occur in the spring, but can occur in any time of the 

year. Any person or structure that is present in the path of floodwaters as described above 

could be damaged. Damage is most likely to occur within the flood insurance rate map 

designated 100 and 500-year areas. The amount of damage depends on 1). The 

intensity/strength of the flood, 2). The proximity of the flood to the person/structure. 

Damage can range from very slight to total. Hazards range from death to total property 

damage from floodwaters. 


etc.) The East-West Gateway Coordinating Council planning region has many river and 

small tributaries in both the unincorporated and incorporated areas that are susceptible to 

flooding. Catastrophic floods have occurred in the EWGCC region in 1927, 1951, 1973, 

1979, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1993, 1994, 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999 and 2000. In the 

Chesterfield Valley of St. Louis County alone, damage from the 1993 flood totaled $200 

million. (In the 1993 flood approximately $21 billion dollars in damage and costs and 48 

deaths resulted (NOAA.) Multiple lives have been lost from flooding; 49 deaths were 

recorded from the 1993 Flood. 

Statement of Future Probable Severity (Catastrophic/Critical/Limited/Negligible) Critical 


Likely/Likely/Possible/Unlikely)-Highly Likely to occur in future 


(Catastrophic/Critical/Limited/Negligible) 


Comments: 


With mitigation measures: Life Property Emotional Financial

132 

Comments: 



Recommendation: The County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee to initiate a 

mitigation activity to convince county residents to build, move to higher ground or 

to retrofit homes in flood prone areas to help reduce the loss of life caused by 

floods.



Hazard: Heat Wave 


etc.) A heat wave is defined as a prolonged period of excessive heat and humidity (three 

consecutive days of 90 degrees plus, Fahrenheit). This usually occurs in June, July and 

August. This can result in heat related deaths and damage to infrastructure. The amount of 

damage depends on 1). The intensity/length of the heat wave, 2). How well a person is 

sheltered. 


etc.) 

Heat wave are likely to occur as frequently as in past history, or between 10 and 

100% in the next 10 years. In 1966, 246 individuals were reported to have died as 

a result of the heat in the St. Louis metropolitan area. St. Louis experienced heat 

waves in 1993, 1988, 1995, without experiencing death rates close to the total of 

113 in 1980. A total of 134 heat related deaths have occurred in St. Louis City from 

1989 through 2003. Thirty-nine deaths in this same time period occurred in St. 

Louis County. No information was available for the other counties. St. Louis ranks 

in the top five in the U.S. for heat related deaths. 

Statement of Future Probable Severity (Catastrophic/Critical/Limited/Negligible) 

Negligible to catastrophic dependent upon the location within the EWGCC 

region. The EWGCC region has a history of having multiple heat related 

deaths. 


Likely/Likely/Possible/Unlikely). It is highly likely that heat waves will occur in the future. 


(Catastrophic/Critical/Limited/Negligible). Catastrophic 


Comments: 

Catastrophic Critical Catastrophic Limited 


Limited/Critical Negligible Limited Negligible

134 

Comments: 


Recommendation: The EWGCC Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee will support 

continuation of mitigation activity Operation Weather Survival that will assist at risk 

residents during heat waves in the region.



Hazard: Tornadoes/Severe Storms (Downbursts, Lightening, Hail, Heavy Rains, 

Wind) 


etc.) Tornadoes are cyclical windstorms or violently rotating column of air. Accompanying 

storm activities include severe thunder/electrical storms, down-bursts, straight-line winds, 

lightning, hail and heavy rain. The average forward speed of a tornado is about 30 m.p.h. 

but may vary from nearly stationary to 70 m.p.h. The average pathway may vary in any 

direction, but the average tornado moves from southwest to northeast. Tornadoes are 

most likely to occur between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. but may ensue at any hour of the 

day. Any person or structure at any location could be damaged by a tornado. The amount 

of damage depends on 1). The strength of the tornado, 2) the tornado’s proximity to the 

person/structure, 3) the strength the structure, 4) how well a person is sheltered. Damage 

can range fro very slight to total. On average, tornadoes stay on the ground 30 minutes, 

covers 15 miles, is up to 300 years wide, although NOAA determined that the mean path 

length was 2.27 miles long and .14 square mile path in length. Most storms move from 

southwest to northeast and occur between 3 and 9 in the afternoon hours in the spring 

months. 


etc.) Tornadoes are classified according to the F-scale (developed by Dr. Theodore Fujita). 

The F-scale ranks tornadoes according to its wind speed based on the severity of damage it 

caused. On May 27, 1896, 18 tornadoes struck St. Louis, resulting in 306 deaths and $15 

million dollars in damages. On May 9, 1927 two tornadoes struck St. Louis, the first killing 

306 people and causing $13 million in damages (between Missouri and Illinois). The 

second tornado killed 79 people and resulted in $23 million in damages. In November 1988 

a tornado struck the St. Charles community. Businesses were able to obtain Small Business 

Loans to recover from this disaster. Since 1950, St. Louis County has had 23 tornadoes, St. 

Charles has had 24, St. Louis City has had 3, Jefferson County has had 23 and Franklin has 

had 16 tornadoes. Since 1950, 11 deaths in St. Louis City have resulted from tornadoes. In 

this same period for St. Louis County, 13 deaths have resulted, one death in Jefferson 

County, and none in St. Charles and Franklin Counties. 

F-SCALE SPEED IN M.P.H. COUNTY TORNADOES BY F-SCALE 

SINCE 1950? 

FO 40-72 F0 16 % 

F1 73-112 F1 32 

F2 113-157 F2 32 

F3 158-206 F3 14 

F4 207-260 F4 5 

F5 261-318 F5 0

136 



Catastrophic 


SINCE 1950? 

FO 40-72 F0 16% 

F1 73-112 F1 32 

F2 113-157 F2 32 

F3 158-206 F3 14 

F4 207-260 F4 5 

F5 261-318 F5 0 

Statement of Probable Risk (Likeliness of future occurrence-(Highly 

Likely/Likely/Possible/Unlikely)- highly likely 


SINCE 1950? 

FO 40-72 F0 16% 

F1 73-112 F1 32 

F2 113-157 F2 32 

F3 158-206 F3 14 

F4 207-260 F4 5 

F5 261-318 F5 0 


(Catastrophic/Critical/Limited/Negligible)-Catastrophic 

Without Mitigation Measures: Life Property Emotional Financial 

Comments: 



Comments 

Limited Limted Limited Limited


Recommendations: That the County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee 

initiate a mitigation activity to convince county residents to construct Tornado Saferooms to 

help reduce the loss of life caused by tornadoes.

138 


Hazard: Wildland Fire 



etc.) 

A wildland fire is defined as any nonstructure fire, other than prescribed fire, that 

occurs in the wildland. Wildland fires impact areas where a common urban/forest 

boundary, prairie and grassland is present. The line, area or zone where structures 

and other human development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland or 

vegetative fuels. The type of damage depends on the size of the fire. Typically in 

the EWGCC region, wildland fires are not a concern. Damage may be a partially 

burned outbuilding. 


etc.) 

Fires usually occur in the spring and fall seasons. According to Missouri Department 

of Conservation, Forestry staff, in the past 20 years, approximately 4 to 5 fires have 

erupted in the EWGCC region. Most firefighting work in Missouri is done in 

regions that have large stands of trees and as support to fires in the western United 

States. 


Negligible 


Likely/Likely/Possible/Unlikely)-Possible 




Comments: 

Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible 


Comments: 

Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible


Recommendation: The EWGCC Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee recommends 

mitigation activity to convince county residents to help reduce the damage to property and 

the potential loss of life caused by wildfires.

140 


Hazard: Severe Winter Weather 



etc.) Severe winter weather is defined as sleet, freezing rain, and heavy snow. This can be 

accompanied by strong winds creating blizzard conditions, severe drifting and dangerous 

wind chill. Ice storms cause significant hazards as well. Communications and power can be 

disrupted for days, resulting in residents using alternate fuel sources that are likely to start 

fires. Strong winds with intense storms and cold fronts knock down trees, utility poles, 

power lines. Extreme cold often accompanies a winter storm in its wake. Winter weather 

can result in injuries, death, and property damage. Prolonged exposure to cold can cause 

frostbite, hypothermia can become life-threatening. The average pathway may vary in any 

direction, but the average winter storm moves from west to east. Winter storms are most 

likely to occur in November through February but may ensue from October through April. 

Any person or structure at any location could be damaged by a winter storm. 


etc.) Economic losses are difficult to measure. Local governments, home and business 

owners can be faced with spending millions of dollars for snow removal, restoration of 

services, debris removal and landfill hauling. NOAA weather indicates that the Missouri 

counties north of the Missouri River receive an average snowfall of 18-22 inches, and 

counties south of the river receive an average of 8-12 inches. Historical statistics for the 

EWGCC include the winter storm in January 1994 that resulted in temperatures dropping to 

–20 F degrees below zero, with wind chills to –50 degrees F below zero. In January 1977, 

the EWGCC region received the maximum snowfall for the area at 23.9 inches of snow with 

temperatures hovering around –14 degrees F below zero. Also in January 1982, the 

EWGCC region received a 24 maximum snowfall of 13.9 inches with temperatures around – 

15 degrees F below zero. In February 1914, the EWGCC received the maximum snowfall for 

the area for this month at 23.5 inches of snow. In December 1973, the EWGCC region 

received its maximum snowfall for the area for this month at 26.3 inches. The coldest 

December on record was 1983 with temperature average of 20.5 degrees F. Multiple 

homes and businesses had water pipes break, people were admitted to hospitals for 

hypothermia/frostbite and schools were closed. 

Statement of Future Probable Severity (Catastrophic/Critical/Limited/Negligible). Ice 

storms could be limited to catastrophic 

Statement of Probable Risk (Likeliness of future occurrence-(Highly 

Likely/Likely/Possible/Unlikely) Winter/ice storms are likely to occur in the future. 



Without Mitigation Measures: Life Property Emotional Financial


Comments: 

Critical Critical Critical Critical 


Comments 


Recommendations: That the County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee initiate a 

mitigation activity to convince county local governments, residents to help reduce the loss 

of life and property damage caused by winter storms by preparing for the storms and 

adhering to NOAA winter storm weather warnings.

142 


JEFFERSON COUNTY EARTHQUAKE HAZARD PROFILE WORKSHEET 

COMMUNITIES: Arnold, Byrnes Mill, Cedar Hill Lakes, Crystal City, DeSoto, Festus, 

Herculaneum, Kimmswick, Pevely, Scotsdale. 

POTENTIAL MAGNITUDE (Percentage of jurisdiction that can be affected): 

X Catastrophic: More than 50% 

_ Critical: 25% to 50% 

_ Limited: 10 to 25% 

_ Negligible: Less than 10% 

FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE: 

_ Highly Likely: Near 100% probability in next year 

_ Likely: Between 10 and 100% probability in next year, or at least one chance in 10 

years 

X Possible: Between 1 and 10% probability in next year or at least one chance in next 

100 years. 

_ Unlikely: Less than 1% probability in next 100 years 

SEASONAL PATTERN: 

There is no known relationship between the occurrence of earthquakes and seasonal 

weather patterns. 

AREAS LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED MOST (BY SECTOR): 

All areas in county(s) will be affected due to the widespread nature of earthquakes. Those 

counties farther south (Jefferson, southern, central St. Louis County and City will most likely 

be impacted more than farther counties north and west (Franklin and St. Charles) due to 

the closer proximity to the New Madrid Fault zone. 

PROBABLE DURATION: 

Initial earthquakes and subsequent aftershocks have been known to last in the range of 

three or more months (1811-1812 New Madrid Earthquake). 

POTENTIAL SPEED OF ONSET 

(Probable amount of warning time) 

X Minimal (or no) warning 

_ 6 to 12 hours warning 


_ More than 24 hours warning 

EXISTING WARNING SYSTEMS: None


COMPLETE VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS: Based on a Mercalli Scale Level VII earthquake, with 

an estimated damage in 80% of the county, it was estimated that in the developed 

portions of the county approximately 129,000 people would be impacted, 30,000 

buildings affected valued at $3 billion dollars. Projected risk for undeveloped areas: 54,450 

persons in 21,000 buildings valued at $1.5 billion dollars.

144 

FLOOD HAZARD PROFILE WORKSHEET 


COMMUNITIES: Arnold, Byrnes Mill, Cedar Hill Lakes, Crystal City, DeSoto, Festus, 

Herculaneum, Kimmswick, Pevely, Scotsdale 


_ Catastrophic: More than 50% 

X Critical: 25% to 50% 





X Likely: Between 10 and 100% probability in next year, or at least one chance in 10 

years 

_ Possible: Between 1 and 10% probability in next year or at least one chance in next 

100 years. 



Floods can occur anytime of the year; however, the most likely time of the year is in the 

spring due to winter thaw and spring rains. 


Areas likely to be affected are areas designated on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Areas 

likely to be affected are dependent upon weather systems and storm track. 


Duration of flood can last a few hours up to three or more months of inundation. 







EXISTING WARNING SYSTEMS: National Weather Service 

COMPLETE VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS: Based on a 100-year flood causing damage in 11% 

of the county (including Arnold, Byrnes Mill, Cedar Hill Lakes, Crystal City, DeSoto, Festus, 

Herculaneum, Kimmswick, Pevely, Scotsdale), in the developed portions of Jefferson 

County, approximately 36,000 persons and 5,400 buildings valued at $$540 million dollars


could be affected. In the undeveloped portions of the county, approximately 11,000 

persons, and 3,800 buildings values at $280 million dollars could be impacted.

146 

HAZARD: Dam Failure 

JEFFERSON COUNTY HAZARD PROFILE WORKSHEET 


X Catastrophic: More than 50% 








years 


100 years. 



Dam failures would be related to seasonal patterns in terms the inability of a dam to 

withhold/withstand the deluge of a catastrophic rain event (spring rains) hitting a 

weakening dam infrastructure. 


Areas most likely affected will be downstream from dams; torrential floodwaters from 

failed dam descending upon residential homes, businesses, schools, agricultural lands, and 

outbuildings. 


By the nature of dam failures, the duration of the event will be instantaneous and the 

duration of the failure could last up approximately six hours dependent upon the size of 

the reservoir. 







EXISTING WARNING SYSTEMS: 

A few large Missouri dams have monitoring systems, emergency action plans and warning 

systems. However, most dams in Missouri do not.


COMPLETE VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS: Based on a single dam failure causing damage in 

½% of the county, in the developed portion of the county, it has been estimated that 

approximately 1,050 persons and 250 buildings valued at $25 million dollars may be 

impacted from water inundation. In the undeveloped portion of the county, it has been 

estimated that approximately 200 persons and 75 buildings valued at $80,000 may be 

impacted from water inundation.

148 

HAZARD: Drought 











years 


100 years. 


SEASONAL PATTERN: Droughts usually occur over an extended period of time, usually a 

season or more. Droughts can begin during any season in a year. 


All areas will most likely to be affected by drought including agricultural, hydrologic 

(streamflow, reservoir, groundwater resources) impacts (associated uses including 

irrigation, recreation, navigation, hydropower/utilities, wildlife habitat). 


Droughts have been known to last up to ten years in duration. 



The onset of drought is very slow. 

_ Minimal (or no) warning 



X More than 24 hours warning 

EXISTING WARNING SYSTEMS: Missouri Department of Natural Resources has a warning 

system in place. 

COMPLETE VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS: Based on regional drought statistics, the county 

could represent 1% of those damages. In the developed portion of the county, it was 

estimated that approximately 2,100 persons and 500 buildings/properties valued at $50


million dollars could be impacted from the drought. In the undeveloped portion of the 

county, it was estimated that approximately 200 persons and 75 buildings/properties 

valued at $75,500 could be impacted from the drought.

150 

HAZARD: Wildland fires 






X Negligible: Less than 10% 




_ Likely: Between 10 and 100% probability in next year, or at least one chance in 10 

years 

X Possible: Between 1 and 10% probability in next year or at least one chance in next 

100 years. 



Typically occur in warm months of year. Commonly occurs when there has been little 

rainfall. 


Areas most likely to be affected are in rural areas where buildings, homes are next to 

forest. 


Wildland fires in Missouri are typically short lived due to the type of fuel and climatic 

conditions. Fires that do occur may last up a couple of days. 







EXISTING WARNING SYSTEMS: Local fire department. 

COMPLETE VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS: 

The EWGCC region is not vulnerable to wildland fires in Missouri are typically short lived 

due to the type of fuel and climatic conditions. Fires may concentrate near the grasses 

along roadsides or where rural homes are adjacent to forested areas. Based on a large


wildfire causing damage in 1% of the county, in the developed portion of the county, it 

was estimated that approximately 1,050 people and 250 buildings valued at $25 billion 

dollars in damage could be impacted from a fire. In the undeveloped portion of the 

county, it was estimated that approximately 250 persons and 75 buildings valued at 

$79,000 dollars in damage could be impacted from a fire.

152 

HAZARD: Heat Wave 











years 


100 years. 



Heat waves typically occur in the summer months of June, July and August. 


Every sector of the entire planning region will be affected by a heat wave. 


Heat wave occurrences have been known to last approximately one month. 





X 12 to 24 hours warning 




The EWGCC region is extremely vulnerable to heat wave hazard based upon the summer 

weather characteristics; St. Louis has been included in the top five cities in the U.S. for 

having the largest number of heat related deaths. Based on regional heat wave statistics, 

the county could represent 5% of those damages. In the developed portion of the county, 

it was estimated that approximately 2,100 persons and 500 buildings valued at $49 million


dollars could be impacted by a heat wave. In the undeveloped portion of the county, it 

was estimated that approximately 200 persons and 75 buildings valued at $79,000 dollars 

could be impacted by a heat wave.

154 

HAZARD: Tornado 






X Negligible: Less than 10% 





years 


100 years. 


SEASONAL PATTERN: Tornadoes normally occur in the spring and early summer 

months. 


Areas most likely to be affected are dependent upon weather system and storm track. 

PROBABLE DURATION: Tornadoes move through at an average speed on 30 miles per 

hour. 







EXISTING WARNING SYSTEMS: 

National Weather System and tornado weather sirens. 


The EWGCC region is extremely vulnerable for tornado hazards, with 115 total tornadoes 

recorded by the National Weather Service. St. Louis has a history of six F4 devastating 

tornadoes. This analysis is based on an F4 tornado causing damage in 5% of the county. 

In the developed portion of the county, it was estimated that 10,500 persons and 2,500 

buildings valued at $245 million dollars could be affected by this disaster. In the


undeveloped portion of the county, it was estimated that 4,500 persons and 1,750 

buildings valued at $131million dollars could be affected by this disaster.

156 

HAZARD: Winter Weather 





X Limited: 10 to 25% 






years 


100 years. 


SEASONAL PATTERN: Late fall, winter and early spring months 


Areas most likely to be affected are dependent upon weather patterns and track of storms. 

PROBABLE DURATION: Two to three days 






X More than 24 hours warning 


COMPLETE VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS: This analysis is based on regional severe winter 

statistics; the analysis assumes that the county could represent 1% of those damages. In 

the developed portion of the county, it was estimated that approximately 2,100 persons 

and 500 buildings valued at $50 million dollars could be affected by this disaster. In the 

undeveloped portion of the county, it was estimated that approximately 3 persons and 

1building valued at $1million dollars could be affected by this disaster.


RISK ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET- JEFFERSON COUNTY 

Dam Failure 

Sector Essential Facilities at Risk 

Buildings downstream from failed dam 

Population at Risk 

Individuals living downstream from dams 

that are failing 

Infrastructure at Risk 

Roads, bridges, utilities 

Property at Risk 

Expected Extent of Percent of Sector 

Damage 

Property 

Drought 

Catastrophic- in areas 

affected, damage could 

be catastrophic in path 

of released waters 

Critical 5 

Limited-topographically 

10 

higher areas 

Negligible 80 



All essential facilities that depend on water 

will be at risk. 


In severe drought, entire population living 

and working in Jefferson County, the health 

and welfare of humans and animals is at risk. 


Entire infrastructure pertaining to water 

supply, water treatment, utility operations 

will be affected. 


Expected Extent of 

Percent of Sector 

Damage 

Property 

Catastrophic- 45 

45 

Critical-Damage to 

essential facilities, 

5

158 

Drought 


population, 

infrastructure, 

agricultural industry will 

be critical to catastrophic 

Limited 5 

Negligible 5 


Earthquake 

Flood 



Worst case scenario-older buildings or those 

not constructed to building code, near total 

devastation from New Madrid earthquake 


Entire population at risk in older buildings or 

those not constructed to building code 


Entire infrastructure at risk in older facilities 

or those not constructed to building code 



Damage 

Property 

Catastrophic-near total 

45 

devastation 

Critical 45 

Limited 5 

Negligible 5 



Those facilities in low lying areas within 100 

or 500 year floodplains not constructed to 

building code. 

Population at Risk


Flood 


Those living and working in low lying areas 

within 100 or 500-year floodplains in 

buildings not constructed to building code. 


Infrastructure in poor condition or located in 

low-lying areas within 100 or 500-year 

floodplains in facilities not constructed to 




Damage 

Catastrophic 

Critical 


Property 

Limited-11% 11% area of county 

subject to flooding risk 

to 100-year event 

Negligible 89% 


Heat Wave 


All facilities affected by heat (no air 

conditioning) are at risk 


Entire population at risk; elderly, young, ill, 

homeless people 


All infrastructure affected by heat (roads, 

bridges, rail lines) is at risk 



Damage 

Property 

Catastrophic-limited to Approximately 14% 

elderly, ill population 

Critical 3 

Limited 3 

Negligible 80

160 

Tornado 




Buildings in path of storm not constructed to 



Populations that do not have safe rooms to 

seek refuge 


Infrastructure in path of storm 



Damage 

Catastrophic-in path of 

storm; dependent upon 

magnitude of storm, 

damage could be 

catastrophic 

Critical-in path of storm; 

dependent upon 


damage could be critical 

Limited-in path of storm; 

dependent upon 


damage could be limited 

Negligible-in path of 

storm; dependent upon 


damage could be 

negligible 


Property 

1% 

4% 

5% 

90% 


Wildland Fire 


Buildings in path of fire may be burned 


Residents living and working near forested 

areas 


May burn utility lines 

Property at Risk



Wildland Fire 


Damage 

Catastrophic 

Critical 


Property 

Limited 1 

99 

Negligible-wildfires 

possible, limited to 

negligible magnitude 


Winter Weather 


Some buildings in path of storm may have 

power outages. 


Dependent upon where storm hits, entire 

population, especially those who work 

outdoors, drive for a living, homeless people. 


Utility poles downed by ice storms; roads, 

bridges impassible 



Damage 


Property 

Catastrophic 1% 

Critical 1% 

Limited 90% 

Negligible 8%

162 

RISK INDEX WORKSHEET- Jefferson County 

HAZARD FREQUENCY MAGNITUDE WARNING 

TIME 

Dam 

Failure 

Drought 

Highly likely4 

Likely3 

Possible2 

Unlikely1 


Likely3 

Possible2 

Unlikely1 

Earthquake Highly likely4 

Likely3 

Possible2 

Unlikely1 

Flood 


Likely3 

Possible2 

Unlikely1 

Heat Wave Highly likely4 

Likely3 

Possible2 

Unlikely1 

Tornado 

Wildland 

Fire 

Winter 

Weather 


Likely3 

Possible2 

Unlikely1 


Likely3 

Possible2 

Unlikely1 


Likely3 

Possible2 

Unlikely1 

Catastrophic4 

Critical3 

Limited2 

Negligible1 

Catastrophic 

Critical3 

Limited2 

Negligible1 

Catastrophic4 

Critical3 

Limited2 

Negligible1 

Catastrophic4 

Critical3 

Limited2 

Negligible1 

Catastrophic4 

Critical3 

Limited2 

Negligible1 

Catastrophic4 

Critical3 

Limited2 

Negligible1 

Catastrophic4 

Critical3 

Limited2 

Negligible1 

Catastrophic4 

Critical3 

Limited2 

Negligible1 

Ranking is top bold number 

Score is bottom number 

Minimal4 

6-12 hours 

12-24 

hours 

24+ hours1 

Minimal4 

6-12 hours 

12-24 

hours 

24+ hours1 

Minimal4 

6-12 hours 

12-24 

hours 

24+ hours1 

Minimal4 

6-12 hours 

12-24 

hours 

24+ hours1 

Minimal4 

6-12 hours 

12-24 

hours 

24+ hours1 

Minimal4 

6-12 hours 

12-24 

hours 

24+ hours1 

Minimal4 

6-12 hours 

12-24 

hours 

24+ hours1 

Minimal4 

6-12 hours 

12-24 

hours 

24+ hours1 


SEVERITY SPECIAL 

CHARACTERISTICS 

& PLANNING 

Catastrophic4 

Critical3 

Limited2 

Negligible1 

Catastrophic4 

Critical3 

Limited2 

Negligible1 

Catastrophic4 

Critical3 

Limited2 

Negligible1 

Catastrophic4 

Critical3 

Limited2 

Negligible1 

Catastrophic4 

Critical3 

Limited2 

Negligible1 

Catastrophic4 

Critical3 

Limited2 

Negligible1 

Catastrophic4 

Critical3 

Limited2 

Negligible1 

Catastrophic4 

Critical3 

Limited2 

Negligible1 

CONSIDERATIONS 

RISK 

PRIORITY 

2 

11 

4 

8 

1 

14 

2 

11 

5 

7 

2 

11 

4 

8 

3 

9


TORNADO: JEFFERSON COUNTY VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT 

(The estimates below are based on an F4 tornado causing damage in 5% of the county.) 

DEVELOPED LAND UNDEVELOPED LAND 

# of 

# of # of 

# of People Buildings Approx. Value People Buildings Approx. Value 

Residential 5,725 2,260 $160,295,000 4,200 1,725 $125,000,000 

Commercial / Industrial 2,040 140 $44,470,000 230 15 $5,065,000 

Key Non-profit public service facilities 15 1 $250,000 N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Public buildings and critical facilities 30 2 $500,000 N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Sewage treatment plant N.A. 1 $100,000 N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Water treatment plant N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Roads N.A. N.A. $2,500,000 N.A. N.A. $192,500 

Police 4 1 $180,000 N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Fire 3 1 $150,000 N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Schools/colleges 2,000 5 $22,925,500 N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Utilities/communications 25 1 $1,000,000 N.A. N.A. $305,000. 

Hospital/medical/dental 30 1 $1,180,000 N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Nursing homes 160 2 $2,298,750 N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Hazardous facilities N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Other county, state, and federal government 450 30 $9,000,000 N.A. N.A. N.A. 

TOTAL 10,482 2445 $242,849,250 4430 1740 $130,562,500 

Note: Emergency shelters (see key non-profits) 

The entire county is vulnerable to tornado and severe thunderstorm hazards. Data limitations: Because of the timeframe and time limitations of 

this project, GIS analysis in Jefferson County was conducted using an interim product/"work in progress" property map and database; due to 

georeferencing shortcomings and attribute data limitations, results were incomplete. MDNR is updating Hazardous Waste Facilities locations and data.

164 

FLOOD: JEFFERSON COUNTY VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT 

(The estimates below are based on a 100-year flood causing damage in 11% of the county) 



# of 

# of 

# of People Buildings Approx. Value # of People Buildings Approx. Value 

Residential 12,600 5,000 $352,650,000 10,130 3,805 $270,000,000 

Commercial / Industrial 4500 300 $98,500,000 510 35 $12,000,000 

Key Non-profit public service facilities 35 2 $550,000 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Public buildings and critical facilities 70 4 $110,000 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Sewage treatment plant 150 1 $220,000 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Water treatment plant 150 1 $220,000 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Roads N.A. N.A. $5,475,000 N.A. N. A. $415,000 

Police 10 1 $400,000 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Fire 7 1 $330,000 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Schools/colleges 4,500 15 $50,450,000 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Utilities/communications 55 2 $2,200,000 N.A. N. A. $670,000 

Hospital/medical/dental 70 1 $2,600,000 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Nursing/disability homes 360 4 $5,100,000 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Hazardous facilities N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Other county, state, and federal government 1,000 65 $19,800,000 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

TOTAL 36,437 5,397 $538,605,000 10,640 3840 $283,085,000 


Specific riverine and/or flash flood hazard areas include the Meramec, Mississippi Rivers. Data llimitations: Because of the timeframe and time 

limitations of this project, GIS analysis in Jefferson County was conducted using an interim product/"work in progress" property map and database; due 

to georeferencing shortcomings and attribute data limitations, results were incomplete. MDNR is updating Hazardous Waste Facilities locations and 

data.


SEVERE WINTER STORM: JEFFERSON COUNTY VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT 

(Using regional severe winter statistics, the county could represent 1% of those damages.) 


# of 

# of 

SEVERE WINTER STORM # of People Buildings Approx. Value # of People Buildings Approx. Value 

Residential 1145 450 $32,060,700 3 1 $71,000 

Commercial / Industrial 410 30 $8,950,200 0 0 0 

Key Non-profit public service facilities 3 1 $50,000 0 0 0 

Public buildings and critical facilities 6 1 $100,000 0 0 0 

Sewage treatment plant 5 1 $20,000 0 0 0 

Water treatment plant 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Roads 0 0 $498,800 0 0 0 

Police 1 1 $36,000 0 0 0 

Fire 1 1 $30,000 0 0 0 

Schools/colleges 400 1 $4,585,100 0 0 0 

Utilities/communications 5 1 $200,000 0 0 $865,000 

Hospital/medical/dental 6 1 $235,500 0 0 0 

Nursing/disability homes 30 1 $459,750 0 0 0 

Hazardous facilities 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Other county, state, and federal government 90 6 $1,800,000 0 0 0 

TOTAL 2102 495 $49,026,050 3 1 $936,000 


The entire county is vulnerable to severe winter storm hazards. Data llimitations: Because of the timeframe and time limitations of this project, GIS 

analysis in Jefferson County was conducted using an interim product/"work in progress" property map and database; due to georeferencing 

shortcomings and attribute data limitations, results were incomplete. MDNR is updating Hazardous Waste Facilities locations and data.

166 


DROUGHT: JEFFERSON COUNTY VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT 

(Using regional drought statistics, the county could represent 1% of those damages.) 


# of People 

# of 

Buildings Approx. Value # of People 

# of 

Buildings 

Approx. 

Value 

Residential and/or agricultural 1145 450 $32,060,700 195 75 $38,000 

Commercial / Industrial 410 30 $8,950,200 0 0 $40,500 

Key Non-profit public service facilities 3 1 $50,000 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Public buildings and critical facilities 6 1 $100,000 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Sewage treatment plant 5 1 $20,000 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Water treatment plant 0 0 0 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Roads 0 0 $498,800 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Police 1 1 $36,000 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Fire 1 1 $30,000 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Schools/colleges 400 1 $4,585,100 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Utilities/communications 5 1 $200,000 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Hospital/medical/dental 6 1 $235,500 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Nursing/disability homes 30 1 $459,750 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Hazardous facilities 0 0 0 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Other county, state, and federal government 90 6 $1,800,000 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

TOTAL 2102 495 $49,026,050 195 75 $75,500 


The entire county is vulnerable to the effects of drought. Data llimitations: Because of the timeframe and time limitations of this project, GIS analysis in 

Jefferson County was conducted using an interim product/"work in progress" property map and database; due to georeferencing shortcomings and 

attribute data limitations, results were incomplete. MDNR is updating Hazardous Waste Facilities locations and data.


HEAT WAVE: JEFFERSON COUNTY VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT 

(Using regional heat wave statistics, the county could represent 1% of those damages.) 


# of 

# of Approx. 

# of People Buildings Approx. Value # of People Buildings Value 

Residential 1145 450 $32,060,700 195 75 $38,000 




Sewage treatment plant 5 1 $20,000 N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Water treatment plant 0 0 0 N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Roads 0 0 $498,800 N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Police 1 1 $36,000 N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Fire 1 1 $30,000 N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Schools/colleges 400 1 $4,585,100 N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Utilities/communications 5 1 $200,000 N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Hospital/medical/dental 6 1 $235,500 N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Nursing/disability homes 30 1 $459,750 N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Hazardous facilities N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Other county, state, and federal government 90 6 $1,800,000 N.A. N.A. N.A. 

TOTAL 2102 495 $49,026,050 195 75 $78,500 

Note: Emergency shelters (see key non-profits and schools) 

The entire county is vulnerable to the effects of heat wave. Data llimitations: Because of the timeframe and time limitations of this project, GIS analysis 

in Jefferson County was conducted using an interim product/"work in progress" property map and database; due to georeferencing shortcomings and 


168 

EARTHQUAKE: JEFFERSON COUNTY VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT 

(Based on a Level VII earthquake causing damage in 80% of the county) 



# of 

# of Approx. 

# of People Buildings Approx. Value # of People Buildings Value 

Residential 70,000 28,000 $2,000,000,000 51,700 20,800 $1,470,000,000 

Commercial / Industrial 24,480 1,600 $536,775,000 2,750 180 $60,800,000 

Key Non-profit public service facilities 180 15 $3,000,000 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Public buildings and critical facilities 360 25 $6,000,000 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Sewage treatment plant 1090 2 $1,200,000 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Water treatment plant N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Roads - - $30,000,000 N.A. N. A. $2,280,000 

Police 50 2 $2,160,000 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Fire 40 2 $1,800,000 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Schools/colleges 25,000 60 $275,110,000 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Utilities/communications 300 15 $12,000,000 N.A. N. A. $3,650,000 

Hospital/medical/dental 375 1 $14,135,000 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Nursing/disability homes 2000 25 $30,000,000 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Hazardous facilities 0 0 0 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

Other county, state, and federal government 5,400 360 $108,000,000 N.A. N. A. N.A. 

TOTAL 129,275 30,107 $3,050,180,000 54,450 20,980 $1,536,730,000 


The entire county is vulnerable to critical damage severity due to earthquake hazards. The eastern portion of the county is especially vulnerable to the 

threat of liquefaction due to the alluvial soils in the Mississippi River. Data llimitations: Because of the timeframe and time limitations of this project, GIS 

analysis in Jefferson County was conducted using an interim product/"work in progress" property map and database; due to georeferencing 

shortcomings and attribute data limitations, results were incomplete. MDNR is updating Hazardous Waste Facilities locations and data.


DAM FAILURE: JEFFERSON COUNTY VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT 

(Based on a single dam failure causing damage in 1/2% of the county) 


# of People 

# of 

Buildings Approx. Value # of People 

# of 

Buildings 

Approx. 

Value 

Residential 570 225 $16,025,350 195 75 $38,000 






Roads 0 0 $250,000 N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Police 1 1 $18,000 N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Fire 1 1 $15,000 N.A. N.A. N.A. 





Hazardous facilities 0 0 0 N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Other county, state, and federal government 45 3 $900,000 N.A. N.A. N.A. 

TOTAL 1043 252 $24,508,625 195 75 $78,500 


Data llimitations: Because of the timeframe and time limitations of this project, GIS analysis in Jefferson County was conducted using an interim 

product/"work in progress" property map and database; due to georeferencing shortcomings and attribute data limitations, results were incomplete. 

MDNR is updating Hazardous Waste Facilities locations and data.

170 

WILDFIRE: JEFFERSON COUNTY VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT 

(Based on a large wildfire causing damage in 1% of the county.) 



# of 

# of Approx. 

WILDFIRE # of People Buildings Approx. Value # of People Buildings Value 

Residential 570 225 $16,025,350 195 75 $38,000 






Roads 0 0 $250,000 N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Police 1 1 $18,000 N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Fire 1 1 $15,000 N.A. N.A. N.A. 





Hazardous facilities 0 0 0 N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Other county, state, and federal government 45 3 $900,000 N.A. N.A. N.A. 

TOTAL 1043 252 $24,508,625 195 75 $78,500 


There is a very low threat of wildfire across the county. Data llimitations: Because of the timeframe and time limitations of this project, GIS analysis in 

Jefferson County was conducted using an interim product/"work in progress" property map and database; due to georeferencing shortcomings and 



Combined Totals Represent All Natural 

Hazards Occurring in Jefferson County 

TOTAL JEFFERSON COUNTY VULNERABILITY SUMMARY 


Total # Total # 

# of 

of of Total Approx. Critical 

People Buildings Value Facilities 

Total # 

of 

People 

Total # of Total Approx. 

Buildings Value 

# of 

Critical 

Facilities 

Residential 92,900 37,060 $2,641,177,800 185 66,813 26,561 $1,865,223,000 132 

Commercial / Industrial 32,650 2160 $715,545,800 10 920 230 $78,027,000 1 

Key Non-profit public service facilities 241 23 $4,000,000 1 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Public buildings and critical facilities 483 36 $701,000 1 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Sewage treatment plant 1259 9 $1,600,000 1 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Water treatment plant 1240 3 $1,420,000 1 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Roads - - $39,971,400 - N.A. N.A. $2,887,500 N.A. 

Police 69 9 $2,884,000 1 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Fire 55 9 $2,400,000 1 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Schools/colleges 33,700 85 $366,825,900 1 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Utilities/communications 399 23 $16,000,000 1 N.A. N.A. $5,490,000 1 

Hospital/medical/dental 499 8 $18,857,000 1 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Nursing/disability homes 2640 36 $39,237,750 3 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Hazardous facilities N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 

Other county, state, and federal government 7210 476 $124,200,000 2 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 

TOTAL 173,345 39,940 $3,938,846,394 210 67,733 26,791 $1,951,627,500 134 


Data llimitations: Because of the timeframe and time limitations of this project, GIS analysis in Jefferson County was conducted using an interim 

product/"work in progress" property map and database; due to georeferencing shortcomings and attribute data limitations, results were incomplete. 

MDNR is updating Hazardous Waste Facilities locations and data.


SECTION 3 

County Capability Assessment 

Mitigation Management Policies 

The Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency is charged with preparing for 

disasters. That duty includes advising the County Commission on mitigation measures and 

implementing those measures deemed appropriate by the Commission. In general, the 

County’s policies encourage cooperation and coordination within the Jefferson County 

agencies; as well as cooperation, including mutual aid compacts, between neighboring 

counties and the municipalities within Jefferson County. The Emergency Operations Plan 

(EOP) provides for an integrated countywide emergency preparedness and response plan, 

utilizing public, nonprofit, and private resources. 

Existing Plans 

The County has recently completed the Jefferson County Official Master Plan with the 

anticipation that it will be formally adopted in the near future. The Plan was developed to 

provide the framework for planned supportable growth, including promoting best practice 

policies relating to stormwater and floodplain management. The Plan identifies a Preferred 

Growth Alternative, with the intent to “achieve a balance of growth with preservation of 

existing natural features and protection of the rural character of the county.” In general, 

growth will be targeted around currently developed areas, utilizing existing transportation 

corridors and extending utility and transportation infrastructure in a logical and progressive 

manner, thereby ensuring capacity to service new development. 

The County’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is approved by the County Commission. 

The Plan identifies facilities and resources that require special security during a disaster; 

promotes the development and maintenance of mutual aid agreements with nearby 

agencies; requires participation in drills and exercises; identifies human and capital 

resources available throughout the county for disaster response; and includes an 

evacuation plan. The EOP includes hazard mitigation measures and a damage assessment 

plan. 

Mitigation Programs 

The main mitigation programs are the County’s floodplain management regulations and 

participation in and administration of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The 

county coordinates with Mississippi River levee districts through the U.S. Corps of 

Engineers. Additional programs include the following: 

• The County’s floodplain regulations are aimed at restricting any new development in 

the floodplain. The current ordinance requires two feet of additional freeboard for 

1

2 


new structures and requires an increase, if necessary, to that elevation when 

structures are significantly reconstructed within the floodplain. Minimum elevation 

is one foot above for structures in the identified regional floodplains. 

• The county has participated in floodplain property acquisition, funded through 

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Program. 

• Stormwater management and sedimentation and erosion control standards that 

comply with Phase II Federal Stormwater Regulations are in the process of being 

adopted, with implementation expected in the summer of 2004. 

• Development is prohibited in identified floodways and wetlands. 

• Development can occur on slopes steeper than 3 feet to one foot only after 

geotechnical analysis and receipt of an engineer’s recommendation. 

• The county is able to receive NWS warnings; equipment is radio-activated. During 

waking hours, using all available communications, less than 50 percent of the 

county’s population could be alerted within 30 minutes; responders and key 

executive officials could be alerted within 5 minutes. 

• The Emergency Management Agency’s director and key personnel have completed 

substantial training in all facets of emergency management. Emergency response 

personnel, EOC operations staff, and volunteer agencies have received training and 

education within the last five years. 

Jefferson County is located in a Modified Mercalli Zone VII area. Missouri statutes require 

school districts in a Modified Mercalli Zone VII or above at a magnitude 7.6 earthquake to 

provide for public view each year, an earthquake preparedness and safety information, 

such as earthquake procedures and a disaster plan; and conduct earthquake drills twice 

each year. Missouri statutes RSMo 260.451, 160.453, 160.455, and 160.457 provide that 

“the governing body of each school district shall request assistance from the State 

Emergency Management Agency and any local emergency management agency located 

within its district boundaries to develop and establish the earthquake emergency procedure 

system.” 

The questionnaire asked responders to summarize their regulations effectiveness in 

reducing potential losses from hazards and the effectiveness of their measures to increase 

public awareness of measures to reduce potential losses from hazards. The questions were 

answered on a scale of “O” to “4”, with “0” being not effective and “4” being very 

effective. In answer to the question: How effective would you rate the regulations 

employed by your local government to reduce potential losses from hazards, one 

municipality answered “1”, three answered “2”, and one answered “3”. In response to the 

question: How effective would you rate the measures employed by your local government 

to increase public awareness of measures that can be used to reduce potential losses to 

existing development in areas subject to hazards, two municipalities answered “2”, and 

three answered “3”.


County Capabilities (Organization, Staffing, Training) 

The capabilities of emergency management, fire protection, law enforcement, and 

emergency medical services are detailed at the end of Section I. 

The EOC is located in the Jefferson County Courthouse in Hillsboro. The facility is well 

equipped for sustained operations over an extended period of time. A primary alternate 

EOC is located at the 911 Center in Hillsboro. Other alternate sights are identified. The 

EOC has survivable communications for operating forces, the Emergency Alert System, 

commercial and public broadcast stations, the State Emergency Management Agency, 

cities within the county, and neighboring jurisdictions. Communication and warning 

systems are tested on a regular basis. Five municipalities responding to the questionnaire 

have sirens, tested on a monthly basis. A substantial amount of the county’s 

unincorporated area is not within hearing range of sirens. 

Countywide, substantial emergency response equipment is available to respond to events. 

Within the county, there are a total of nineteen fire protection districts or fire departments 

and seven ambulance districts. In addition to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, 

there are ten municipal police departments. Substantial vehicle and heavy equipment is 

available through municipal and county public works departments. American Red Cross 

has a service center in the county. One hospital is located in the county, and most St. 

Louis metropolitan area medical facilities are located within a one-hour drive from any 

location in Jefferson County. 

The county has conducted at least one full-scale EOP exercise within the last four years 

including testing and evaluating alert notification, coordination and control, and 

communications. 

Responsibilities and Authorities 

Jefferson County government and their municipal governments responding to the 

questionnaire indicated the following: 

• County does not have legal basis for authority to order an evacuation. 

Municipalities: Six have legal basis. 

• County has legal basis for redirecting funds for emergency use. 

Municipalities: Five have legal basis; one answered not applicable. 

• County does not have legal basis for ordering a curfew. 

Municipalities: Five have legal basis. 

• County does not have legal basis for commandeering facilities, equipment, 

and materials. 

Municipalities: Five have legal basis; one does not. 

• County does not have legal basis to authorize lines of succession to carry out 

emergency activities. 

3

4 


Municipalities: Six have legal basis; two do not know. 

• County has system to safeguard records to conduct emergency operations 

Municipalities: Five have system to safeguard; one does not. 

• County has system to safeguard vital records to reconstitute local 

government. 

Municipalities: Six have system to safeguard. 

• County has not developed an all-hazard vulnerability analysis to access 

potential consequences of disasters. 

Municipalities: Five have done analysis; one has not. 

• County has a multi-hazard emergency operations plan. 

Municipalities: Six have a multi-hazard plan. 

• County has mutual aid compacts with other jurisdictions 

Municipalities: Six have mutual aid compacts. 

• County EOP addresses the protection of people with special needs. 

Municipalities: Four address the protection; two do not. 

Intergovernmental and Interagency Coordination 

The County Emergency Management Agency interacts with the municipalities and single 

purpose governments on a regular basis to maintain communication and coordination of 

policy related to emergency management. 

Vulnerability Assessment of County Policies and Development Trends 

Commitments to a Comprehensive Mitigation Program 

Jefferson County has a well-established Emergency Management Agency. It regularly 

updates the EOP, addressing mitigation measures for hazards, both natural and manmade, 

incorporating any changes to the plan necessitated by changes in transportation 

infrastructure and land use. 

Laws, Regulations and Policies Related to Development in Hazard-Prone Areas 

The floodplain management ordinances of the county and municipalities are based on 

policies to protect health and welfare of people and minimize damage to public 

infrastructure and physical structures. They also restrict avoidable increases in flood height 

or velocity and protect individuals from buying land unsuited for the intended use due to a 

flood hazard. 

County Laws, Regulations and Policies Related to Hazard Mitigation in General 

Zoning and floodplain ordinances, coupled with the enforcement of building codes and 

the approval process for subdivisions and new or reconstructive development assures that


hazards are addressed in the proposal and planning stages of the development process. 

Stormwater regulations that the county will soon be adopting and those of seven 

responding municipalities are designed to minimize the harmful physical and economic 

effects of erosion, sedimentation, and flooding from stormwater runoff. This is 

accomplished through the requirement of measures to mitigate erosion, both during and 

after construction; the detention and controlled discharge of the differential runoff from 

the development; and a well-designed stormwater conveyance system. 

Missouri statute RSMo 319.203 requires that cities and counties in the Level VII earthquake 

zone pass “an ordinance of order” regarding earthquake preparedness and building 

requirements demonstrating compliance with 319.207 for certain types of structures. This 

statute applies to Jefferson County. 

How Local Risk Assessments are Incorporated and Prioritized into Local Planning 

Of the hazard risks the county has exposure to, riverine and flash flooding hazard risks are 

foremost in frequency and potential magnitude in loss of people and property. 

Enforcement of zoning, floodplain, stormwater ordinances, and placement of public 

infrastructure provide the most effective tools to minimize known risks. 

The county and municipalities recognize the danger and economic impact of severe winter 

storms. Clearing of snow and ice from roadways is a main priority during these events. 

The Missouri Department of Transportation has responsibility for the interstate and state 

designated highways within the county. The County Highway Department and 

municipalities clear their respective roadways, prioritizing known hazardous stretches of 

roadways, school bus stops, and intersections in efforts to reduce accidents and maintain 

the movement of people and goods. 

Current Criteria Used to Prioritize Mitigation Funding 

Mitigation funding is based upon the combination of expected damage, the assumed 

frequency of damage, and the likelihood of death or injury to people. 

Integration of Hazard Mitigation with the City/County Department’s Plans 

A city or county EOP and its floodplain, zoning, subdivision, and building code ordinances 

developed and enforced in an integrated fashion insure that avoidable disasters are 

prevented, and the vulnerability of people and property to the effects of disasters is 

reduced. 

How the County Determines Cost-Effectiveness of Mitigation Programs 

Cost-effectiveness is considered on a case-by-case basis; dependent upon the scope of 

5

6 


damages, estimated savings in future hazard events, the type of mitigation project, and the 

probable hazard to human life in future events. A FEMA cost/benefit analysis criterion is 

required for FEMA funded projects. 

Mitigation Funding Options (including current and potential sources of federal, state, local, 

private funds) 

The county and municipalities have utilized federal or state funds when disaster 

declarations have been made in the case of heavy widespread damages. Sources have 

included FEMA, SEMA, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Department of 

Economic Development. In addition to local government general revenue funds, the 

County and many of the municipalities have either a dedicated transportation and/or 

capital improvements sales/use tax that can be used to fund mitigation projects. These 

projects are generally reactive or reconstructive in nature. In some cases, private property 

owners cost share in these projects. Private funds are expended when necessary mitigation 

measures are incorporated into a development plan. 

How Governments Meet Requirements for Hazard Mitigation Funding Programs 

Governmental jurisdictions will meet the requirements for hazard mitigation funding 

programs if the project conforms to Missouri’s Hazard Mitigation Plan, provides a 

beneficial impact on the disaster area, meeting environmental requirements, solves the 

problem independently, and is cost-effective. Adoption of the Resolution of Intent to 

Participate in All-Hazard Mitigation will insure that a county or municipality meets the 

requirements for hazard mitigation funding programs. 

Recommendations for Improvement 

Recommended improvements include working with watershed groups and engineering 

consultants to assess and maintain watersheds, marking flood prone areas, working with 

the wastewater and stormwater management districts to control runoff issues and address 

growth issues, address soil erosion in parks, improve stormwater ordinances, and conduct 

mitigation property buyouts. Additional recommendations pertaining to education and 

training include upgrade and install warning and communications systems (through 

assistance from business sponsors), create Emergency Management Center (for 

communities of Festus, Pevely, Herculaneum, Crystal City), coordination between 

communities and planners/cooperative technical agreements, education for public safety 

(earthquake proof historic buildings), prioritize assistance to smaller communities (training), 

and use of municipal league as nexus for coordination. Further recommendations consist 

of collaboration of communities and local emergency services with Highway departments 

regarding construction of roads and bridges pertaining to stability/earthquake hazard proof 

structures, performing retrofits of one or two emergency rooms to withstand earthquake, 

assist with the full implementation of the MDNR dam safety program, and installation of 

back-up power systems for critical facilities or bury critical lines.


The Missouri Seismic Safety Commission (under Missouri statutes RSMo 44.227, 44.229, 

44.231, 44.233, 44.235, and 44.277) has developed a Strategic Plan for earthquake safety 

in Missouri. This plan contains recommendations for earthquake mitigation. Use of the 

Strategic Plan by the County would facilitate mitigation planning. 

Missouri has an organization called Structural Assessment and Visual Evaluation (SAVE) 

coalition. The Coalition's objective is to assist the Missouri State Emergency Management 

Agency (SEMA) in the execution of its responsibilities with respect to the use of qualified 

volunteers in the emergency assessment of buildings following catastrophic events. 

S.A.V.E. volunteers consist of architects, professional engineers, and other qualified 

professionals that assist SEMA in assessing buildings and vertical structures following 

catastrophic events. The S.A.V.E. Coalition also includes the American Institute of 

Architects/Missouri (AIA/MO), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the 

Consulting Engineers Council of MO (CECMO), and the Missouri Society of Professional 

Engineers (MSPE). 

County and Municipal Policies and Development Trends 

At present, the county is more densely developed in the northern third of the county; along 

Interstate 55, located along its eastern boundary; and the State Highway 21 and State 

Highway 30 corridors. Jefferson County’s population was 198,099 in 2000, increasing by 

15.6 percent in the last decade. It is predicted that the county will see an increase of 11 

percent by 2010, and about 28 percent by 2025, with a population of about 253,000. Of 

the county population of 198,099 in year 2000, almost 74 percent lived outside 

incorporated areas. 

Jefferson County has a current master plan, zoning, subdivision regulations, and a building 

code. Of the municipalities in the county, seven answered that they have master plans and 

six did not answer. Seven have zoning, subdivision, stormwater, and building codes; six 

did not answer. 

Refer to Table J53 that summarizes Jefferson County capability assessment. 

Funding Sources 

There are several sources of funding for both pre- and post-disaster hazard mitigation 

policies and projects. While all mitigation techniques will likely save money by avoiding 

losses, the cost of implementing mitigation efforts can be substantial and well beyond the 

local government’s capacity to fund the mitigation activity. There do exist federal and state 

funding programs that can be utilized for funding assistance. Following is a list of some 

sources of funding presently available. This list is not comprehensive and as new programs 

can be developed, or existing programs can be eliminated or modified. 

7

8 

Federal Sources 

TITLE: PRE-DISASTER MITIGATION PROGRAM 

AGENCY: FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) 


Through the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, Congress approved the creation of a national 

program to provide a funding mechanism that is not dependent on a Presidential disaster 

declaration. The Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Program provides funding to states and 

communities for cost-effective hazard mitigation activities that complement a 

comprehensive mitigation program, and reduce injuries, loss of life, and damage and 

destruction of property. 

TITLE: FLOOD MITIGATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 

AGENCY: FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

FEMA’S Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMA) provides funding to assist states and 

communities in implementing measures to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of flood 

damage to buildings, manufactured homes, and other structures insurable under the 

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). FMA was created as part of the National Flood 

Insurance Reform Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 4101) with the goal of reducing or eliminating 

claims under the NFIP. FMA is a pre-disaster grant program, and is made available to 

states on an annual basis. This funding is exclusively available for mitigation planning and 

implementation of mitigation measures. 

Criteria: Community must be a participant in NFIP; the project must be cost effective, 

beneficial to the NFIP fund, and technically feasible. The project must conform to the 

minimum standards of the NFIP Floodplain Management Regulations, the applicant’s Flood 

Mitigation Plan, and all applicable laws and regulations. 

TITLE: HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM 


The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) was created in November 1988 through 

Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The 

HMGP assists states and local communities in implementing long-term mitigation measures 

following a Presidential disaster declaration. 

Criteria: Project must conform to State’s Hazard Mitigation Plan, provide a beneficial 

impact on the disaster area, meet environmental requirements, solve a problem 

independently, and be cost-effective. 

TITLE: MITIGATION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (MTAP) 


There are three major mitigation technical assistance programs (MTAPs) that provide 

technical support to state/local communities through FEMA Regional and Headquarters 

Mitigation staff in support of mitigation initiatives. These programs include the Hazard


Mitigation Technical Assistance Program (HMTAP), the National Earthquake Technical 

Assistance Program (NETAP), and the Wind and Water Technical Assistance Program 

(WAWTAP). They provide the technical support that is necessary to mitigate against 

potential loss of lives and minimize the amount of damage as a result of a disaster. 

The HMTAP provides assistance to FEMA’s Headquarters and Regional Mitigation Staff. 

This multi-hazards program was designed to provide architectural, engineering, and other 

mitigation related technical assistance in support of post disaster mitigation initiatives. 

The NETAP is a technical assistance program created to provide ad hoc short-term 

architectural and engineering support to state/local communities as they are related to 

earthquake mitigation. The program was designed to enhance the state/local 

communities’ ability to become more resistant to seismic hazards. This assistance cannot 

be used for actions that are covered under the State’s/Territories Performance Partnership 

Agreement (PPA). This program assists in carrying out the statutory authorities of the 

National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977, as amended. 

The WAWTAP is a technical assistance program created to provide ad hoc short-term 

assistance in support of the hurricane and flood programs. The program was designed to 

enhance the state/local communities’ ability to become more resistant to hazards related to 

flooding and hurricanes. This assistance cannot be used for actions that are covered under 

the State’s/Territories Performance Partnership Agreement (PPA). This program assists in 

carrying out the statutory authorities of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and the 

Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973. 

Criteria: State participation in the Flood Program 

TITLE: SBA DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 

AGENCY: U. S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 

The purpose of the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Loan Program is to make low-interest, fixed rate 

loans to eligible small businesses for the purpose of implementing mitigation measures to 

protect business property from damage that ma be caused by future disasters. The 

program is a pilot program, which supports FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program. 

SBA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program is available to businesses whose proposed mitigation 

measure conforms to the priorities and goals of the mitigation plan for the community, as 

defined by FEMA, in which the business is located. Because the program has been 

approved only for limited funding, approved loan requests will be funded on a first-come, 

first-served basis up to the limit of the program funds. 

Criteria: A Presidential disaster declaration or an SBA administrative declaration must be 

made. 

TITLE: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS 

AGENCY: U. S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT 

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides grants to local 

9

10 


governments for community and economic development projects that primarily benefit 

low-and moderate-income people. The CDBG program also provides grants for postdisaster 

hazard mitigation and recovery following a Presidential disaster declaration. 

Criteria: CBDG eligible communities (generally communities with under 50,000 population 

and counties under 200,000 population) located within a Presidential disaster declaration 

area. 

TITLE: DISASTER MITIGATION PLANNING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 

AGENCY: DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 

ADMINISTRATION 

These grants are primarily designed for economic development initiatives, but are 

applicable to hazard mitigation when the focus is on creating disaster resistant jobs and 

workplaces. Also, these monies are applicable because often projects related to developing 

infrastructure are also making the community more disaster resistant. 

TITLE: EMERGENCY WATERSHED PROTECTION 

AGENCY: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, Natural Resources Conservation Service 

(NRCS) 

The Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) provides financial assistance to 

sponsors and individuals in implementing emergency measures to relieve imminent hazards 

to life and property created by a natural disaster. Activities include providing financial and 

technical assistance to remove debris from streams, protect destabilized streambanks, and 

the purchase of flood plain easements. The program is designed for installation of recovery 

measures. It is not necessary for a national emergency to be declared to be eligible for 

assistance. 

TITLE: WATERSHED SURVEYS AND PLANNING PROGRAM 

AGENCY: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, Natural Resources 

Conservation Service (NRCS) 

This Program provides financial assistance for watershed planning activities and cooperative 

river basin surveys and investigations. Types of plans include flood hazard analyses, and 

flood plain management assistance, with a focus on identifying solutions that use 

conservation practice and nonstructural measures to solve resource problems. 

State Sources 

TITLE: WATER AND SEWER GRANT PROGRAMS 

AGENCY: MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF ECONMIC DEVELOPMENT 

The Department of Economic Development offers grants to enhance infrastructure such as 

water and sewer lines. These grants might be particularly helpful in protecting against 

drought by connecting disparate water sources and thereby providing multiple water


sources to isolated communities. These monies might also be helpful in providing 

adequate protection of sewage treatment plants from the risk of flood or separation of 

storm water from combined sewer lines. 

TITLE: EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT/MITIGATION TRAINING 

AGENCY: STATE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) offers grants for training jurisdictions in 

hazard mitigation, preparedness, and planning. These funds are used for training 

appropriate staff in identifying projects best suited for mitigation. 

TITLE: PRE-DISASTER MITIGATION PROJECT IMPACT 


SEMA funds are provided to assist communities with technical assistance in the 

development of a sustained pre-disaster mitigation program. Funds can be used for 

planning mitigation initiatives and providing technical “know-how” in the construction of 

mitigation projects. 

TITLE: HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM 


SEMA funds are available to communities for implementing long-term hazard mitigation 

measures following a disaster declaration. It is thought that after a major disaster, 

communities will be able to identify where things can be done to prevent losses in the 

future. 

TITLE: PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 


These SEMA grants are designed to provide funds to repair damaged infrastructure and 

public facilities. Funds can also be used to reinstate government services impacted by a 

natural hazard event. This program can fund the repair of damaged components of a 

structure. 

TITLE: DISASTER RECOVERY INITIATIVE 

AGENCY: MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) provides this grant program to 

bridge funding gaps in recovery assistance after a disaster. These funds can also be used to 

fund gaps in a mitigation development program. 

11

12 

TITLE: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM 

AGENCY: MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 


The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR), through the Soil and Water 

Conservation Program, offer grants, cost share programs, and low interest loans to 

agencies and property owners to plan and implement best practices to reduce soil erosion 

and improve water quality. Practices that facilitate slower release of water upstream 

mitigate downstream flood hazards. The programs are generally applicable to rural and 

agricultural environments. 

Local Sources 

Municipal and county governments can provide funds for projects through their general 

revenue fund and through a dedicated capital improvement and/or transportation sales/use 

tax. Special taxing districts, such as a Neighborhood Improvement District (NID), can be 

formed if practical, to assess property owners for a portion of the cost of improvements. 

Non-governmental 

Other potential sources of revenue for implementing local mitigation projects are monetary 

contributions from nonprofit organizations such as the American Red Cross, community 

relief funds, churches, charitable trusts, and land trusts. 

Conclusion 

There are many sources of funding available for hazard mitigation projects. Those 

identified here, while they are significant, do not comprise all potential sources. It should 

be noted that new programs can become available, and existing programs can be modified 

or dropped. Many funds available are leveraged with “local” matching funds at various 

contribution percentages. Diligence in keeping abreast of changes in funding 

opportunities will be necessary to institute hazard mitigation projects that take advantage 

of non-local funds.


WORKSHEET 

JEFFERSON COUNTY CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET 

13

14 

Policies and 

Programs 

(ex. Zoning 

Ordinance) 

Floodplain 

management 

Multi-hazard 

emergency plan 

Stormwater 

regulations 

Building 

regulations 

Document 

Reference 

(ex. 

Comprehensive 

Plan & page 

number) 

County Floodplain 

Management 

Ordinance 

County Emergency 

Operations Plan 

County Stormwater 

and Subdivision 

Regulations 


BOCA 

1996 

Flood insurance Joined NFIP 

Mississippi River 

levee issues 

5/16/83 

#290808 

CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT 

Effectiveness 

for 

Mitigation 

(ex. low, 

medium, 

high) 

High 


Rationale for Effectiveness 

(ex. low because allows 

development in floodplain) 

New construction and improvements are 

not allowed without extensive mitigation 

requirements. Any encroachments such as 

fill, new construction, or other 

developments within in the floodway must 

not create any increase in flood levels 

within the community during a base flood 

discharge. 

Requires 2 feet freeboard. 

Medium Consider more formal mutual aid 

agreements, improve the Emergency 

Operations Center, warning systems in rural 

areas, emergency response equipment, 

training for volunteer agencies and the 

private sector, and public preparedness 

education. 

Medium Stormwater runoff, sediment and erosion 

management provides effective measures to 

deal with increasing development trends. 

Medium The county has building inspectors that 

ensure construction is built to code. 

High The county administers and participates 

fully in the NFIP. 

levee districts Medium Coordination with county jurisdictions 

through US Corps of Engineers.


SECTION 4 

Introduction to Mitigation 

The East-West Gateway Council of Governments is subject to many types of hazards: 

flooding, tornado/severe windstorm, winter storm, earthquake/landslide, dam failure, 

drought, heat wave, and an occasional wildfire. All-hazard mitigation planning is the 

process associated with devising strategies needed to mitigate the damages associated 

with these disasters. 

Definition of Mitigation 

Mitigation is defined as “sustained action that reduces or eliminates long-term risk to 

people and property from hazards and their effects.” It describes the ongoing efforts at 

the Federal, State, local and individual levels to lessen the impact of disasters upon families, 

homes, jurisdictions and the economy. 

Mitigation includes not only avoiding the development of hazard prone sections of the 

jurisdiction, but also making existing development in hazard prove areas safer. Certain 

areas in some jurisdictions are susceptible to damage from hazards. As such, steps are 

taken to make these areas less vulnerable through flood buyouts. 

Jurisdictions can steer growth to less risky areas, through non-structural measures such as 

avoiding construction in flood-prone areas. Keeping buildings and people out of harm’s 

way is the essence of mitigation. Incorporating mitigation into decisions relating to a 

jurisdiction’s growth can result in a safer, more resilient jurisdiction, and one that is more 

attractive to families and businesses. 

Categories of Mitigation 

Mitigation categories are grouped into six categories. 

• Prevention - Prevention measures are intended to keep a hazard risk problem from 

getting worse; it ensures future development does not increase losses. Some 

examples include: planning and zoning, open space preservation, land development 

regulations, and storm water management. 

• Property Protection - These measures are used to modify buildings and other 

surroundings subject to hazard risk or their surroundings, rather than prevent the 

hazard from occurring. These measures protect people and property at risk. Some 

examples include: acquisition/public procurement and management of lands that 

are vulnerable to damage from hazards; relocation/permanent evacuation of hazard 

prone areas to safer areas; rebuilding and modifying structures to reduce damage

2 


by future hazard events; floodproofing or protection of floodprone buildings, using 

various methods. 

• Natural Resource Protection - These measures are intended to reduce the intensity 

of hazard effects and to improve the quality of the environment and wildlife. Parks, 

recreation, conservation agencies and similar organizations implement these 

activities. Some examples of this mitigation measure include: erosion and sediment 

control, and wetlands protection. 

• Emergency Services - Emergency services measures protect people before and after a 

hazard event. Most counties and many cities have emergency management offices 

to coordinate warning, responses and recovery during disasters. Emergency services 

include warning, capacity of response, critical facilities protection and health and 

safety maintenance. 

• Structural Projects - These measures directly protect people and property at risk. 

They are called structural because they involve construction of manmade structures 

to control hazards. Structural projects for flood control include reservoirs, 

levees/floodwalls, diversions, channel modifications, and storm sewers. 

• Public Information - Public information activities inform and remind citizens about 

hazardous areas and measures needed to avoid damage and injury. This 

information is directed to present and future property owners, present and future 

business owners, and visitors. Some examples of public information activities 

include providing hazard maps and other information; outreach hazard mitigation 

programs through newspapers, radio/TV/videotape, mass mailings, notices/displays, 

property owner handbook, presentations; real estate disclosure, public library, 

technical assistance, and school age and adult education classes. 

Mitigation Versus Preparedness 

Mitigation differs from preparedness in that mitigation is designed to address long term 

activities that reduce or eliminate a hazard and/or a hazard’s damages, such as 

development and implementation of a hazard mitigation plan, promoting/developing 

tornado saferooms, promoting/developing business continuity plans, rerouting 

transportation of HAZMAT materials, development/enforcement of building/fire seismic 

and flood codes and promoting flood buyouts or retrofit projects. Preparedness activities 

occur at the pre-disaster stage and addresses activities that develop response and recovery 

activities. These activities include an inventory of local resources, 

development/implementation of training citizens, design/conduct and evaluate responder 

exercises; development of resource lists and procurement resources; development of 

unified incident command agreements and development of mutual aid agreements.


Mitigation Versus Response and Recovery 

Mitigation differs from response and recovery in that mitigation is designed to address 

long term activities that reduce or eliminate a hazard and/or a hazard’s damages such as 

development and implementation of a hazard mitigation plan, promoting/developing 

tornado saferooms, promoting/developing business continuity plans, rerouting 

transportation of HAZMAT materials, development/enforcement of building/fire seismic 

and flood codes and promoting flood buyouts or retrofit projects. Response and recovery 

activities occur at the disaster onset and during the post disaster time frame. Response 

activities include immediate actions that save lives, protect property and stabilize the 

situation and include alerting, securing and aiding the public, mobilizing emergency 

personnel and equipment, implementing plans and protective actions, assessment of the 

disaster, activating the incident command system and response and react to the disaster’s 

effects. Recovery activities occur after the disaster has occurred. Activities ensure that all 

systems return to normal. Such activities include implementation of damage assessment 

procedures, remove debris, develop after action reports, develop disaster assistance grants 

and rebuild better. 

Mitigation Plan Benefits 

Hazard mitigation planning offers many benefits. These include: saving lives and property, 

meeting the needs/policies of each specific jurisdiction, educates jurisdiction officials, public 

and partners, reduces vulnerability to future hazards, guide and speed post disaster 

recovery, enhance funding opportunities (HMGP, flood mitigation plan credit for FMA and 

CRS programs, NOAA/NWS StormReady credit, NRCS/DNR/COE/CDBG grants), promotes 

public participation, helps place mitigation project in the budget cycle, helps keep projects 

and spending on track, focuses jurisdiction disaster mitigation efforts, guides post disaster 

recovery, employs pro-active approach to minimize adverse effects of disasters, evaluates 

hazards and risks, and determines mitigation needs and capabilities, solutions, activities 

and projects. 

Jefferson County Hazard Mitigation Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Coordination 

This section contains strategies that promote achievement of hazard mitigation, impact 

reduction and other hazard mitigation jurisdiction goals. This section will address 

mitigation strategies for hazards including flooding, tornado/severe windstorm, winter 

storm, earthquake/landslide, dam failure, drought, heat wave and wildfire. 

Jefferson County’s mitigation goals were derived from conferences with emergency 

managers, jurisdiction stakeholders as well as the key planning documents (i.e. Emergency 

Operations Plan, Official Master Plan, floodplain and building ordinances and the meetings 

and workshops conducted on June 13 and October 17, 2003 during the development of 

the Regional All-Hazard Mitigation Plan.

4 

The mitigation goals include the following: 


• Prevent the loss of life, minimize illness and injury 

• Preserve property, infrastructure, business, maintain jurisdiction integrity 

• Develop sustainable long-range growth strategy 

This section is organized with general goals that are to be met by accomplishing the 

accompanying objectives, actions and subsequent strategies. An action matrix has been 

included for Jefferson County. It provides a reference for the jurisdiction during the 

implementation process. It identifies each goal, objective and strategy, identifies the 

hazards addressed by each strategy, type of strategy, target completion date, responsible 

party/organization for implementation, potential funding source, prioritization, as well as 

monitoring and evaluation indicators. Specific information on potential funding sources is 

in found in Section 3 of Jefferson County Hazard Mitigation Plan. 

The goals, objectives, actions and strategies identified here were developed through a 

multi-step process. 

• Hazard identification and analysis (identification of the hazards most prevalent of 

the area and following the area). 

• Area vulnerability assessment (identification the areas of the jurisdiction most 

vulnerable to the previously identified hazards). 

• Jurisdiction capability assessment questionnaire (assessment identified the steps the 

jurisdiction had taken toward reducing their vulnerability to hazards by reviewing 

the jurisdiction’s legal, institutional, political, technical and fiscal capability. This 

step identified the jurisdiction’s capability to implement future mitigation measures.) 

Evaluation 

Several mitigation actions were proposed and discussed by all of the participants at the 

mitigation workshops for inclusion into the Hazard Mitigation Plan. The following table 

provides an analysis of the County’s proposed mitigation actions. Each action was 

reviewed according to the STAPLEE criteria. STAPLEE criteria include: Social, Technical, 

Administrative, Political, Legal, Economic and Environmental considerations. The asterisks 

in the columns on the right indicate the action would have a positive effect. 

TABLE J54 JEFFERSON COUNTY PROPOSED MITIGATION ACTION 

EVALUATION 

Proposed Action S T A P L E E 

Objective 1.1: Raise public awareness. 

Encourage development of public outreach programs * * * * * * 

Encourage organizations to develop hazard measures for 

employees/visitors 

* * * * * * * 

Encourage development of emergency management 

curriculum in schools. 

* * * * * * *



EVALUATION 


Encourage agencies to identify, develop outreach program 

for special needs population and hazard mitigation 

measures 

Encourage education and construction of saferooms in 

mobile home parks 

* * * * * * * 

* * * * * * * 

Objective 1.2: Establish warning systems for all hazards. 

Encourage jurisdictions, LEPC, EMA to determine, report 

warning system data gaps for all hazards. 

* * * * * * * 

Encourage development of evacuation plan for all disasters * * * * * 

Encourage placement of flood warning signs * * * * * * * 

Encourage special needs population to obtain NOAA radios, * 

saferooms 

* * * * * * 

Objective 1.3: Decrease occurrence and impacts of flooding. 

Encourage participation in NFIP, CRS * * * * * * * 

Encourage residents, jurisdictions, developers to protect 

rivers and corridors 

* * * * * * * 

Encourage residents, etc. to design, build stormwater 

systems that replicate water movement 

* * * * * 

Encourage residents, stakeholders to participate in * * * * * * 

watershed plans to prevent flooding. 

Encourage jurisdictions to identify, purchase remaining 

repetitive flood buyout properties. 

* * * * * 

Revise flood fighting plans as needed. * * * * * * * 

Encourage jurisdictions to strengthen floodplain 

* * * * * * * 

regulations. 

Objective 2.1: Reduce or prevent impacts from hazards on 

private properties. 

Encourage education of residents on property protection 

from hazards (checklists, preparedness kits). 

Jurisdiction planning departments encouraged to use 

hazard maps with developers, home buyers, construction 

and engineers. 

Encourage utilities, communications, developers to 

construct underground lines 

Objective 2.2: Reduced or prevent impacts from hazards on 

public properties. 

Encourage jurisdictions to adopt, enforce most current 

codes, ordinances for all hazards. 

Encourage those responsible for special needs population to 

take FEMA structural safety classes for building integrity 

Encourage emergency response agencies and districts to 

relocate facilities away from geographically redundant 

areas. 

Encourage jurisdictions to adopt open burning control 

ordinances. 

Encourage jurisdiction agencies to coordinate 

communications plans. 

Encourage jurisdictions, state, federal agencies to review, 

prioritize emergency routes, retrofit infrastructure used for 

* * * * * * 

* * * * * * * 

* * * * * * * 

* * * * * * 

* * * * * * 

* * * * * * * 

* * * * * * * 

* * * * 

* * * * * * *

6 



EVALUATION 


hazard events 

Encourage upgrade of lifeline facilities to meet most current 

building seismic codes 

Objective 3.1: Develop collaborative hazard mitigation 

efforts across jurisdictional boundaries. 

Encourage jurisdictions to implement Hazard Mitigation 

Plan 

Encourage partnering with local, county, region, state 

governments 

Encourage coordination between levee districts to protect 

those living up and downstream. 

Highly recommend pertinent jurisdictions conduct proper 

record keeping for all documents related to disasters. 

Objective 3.2: Reduce impacts and promote protection of 

natural resources. 

Encourage development of jurisdiction land use plans, 

zoning, regulations to protect downstream residents from 

dam failure. 

Encourage jurisdiction educate residents on proper disposal 

of yard, commercial and household waste. 

Encourage jurisdictions, residents to maintain streams, 

corridors. 

Encourage jurisdictions assist MDNR in full implementation 

of dam safety program. 

Encourage jurisdictions to develop greenways for flood 

protection that parallels streams, rivers. 

Encourage jurisdictions to become familiar and comply with 

drought, water restrictions. 

Encourage jurisdictions, stakeholders to work together to 

protect watersheds, encourage stormwater practices for 

flood protection 

* * * * * * 

* * * * * * * 

* * * * 

* * * * * * * 

* * * * * 

* * * * * * * 

* * * * * 

* * * * * * * 

* * * * * * * 

* * * * * * * 

* * * * * * 

* * * * * * * 

Workshop participants discussed suggestions, added suggestions and deleted some for 

various actions by using the STAPLEE evaluation. The following actions were eliminated for 

various reasons as shown on the following list: 

• A comment was made pertaining to coordination between local stakeholders and 

various state agencies on design and construction of roadways that were being 

rebuilt from severe flooding. The local stakeholders felt that the state agencies were 

not taking their suggestions and expertise into advisement. 

• A comment was made regarding the need for specialty equipment for response and 

recovery activities. This was discarded as not being directly relevant to hazard 

mitigation planning.


The final mitigation recommendations include the six categories of mitigation: prevention, 

property protection, natural resource protection, emergency services, structural projects 

and public information. Recommendations include, but are not limited to those listed 

below. 

GOAL #1: Prevent the loss of life; minimize illness and injury on a local, countywide and 

regional basis. 

Objectives: 

1. Raise public awareness concerning hazards, including measures that can be taken to 

promote mitigation and increase disaster preparedness, response and recovery 

capabilities. 

Actions 

a. Encourage development of public outreach programs that ensure all 

members of the jurisdiction have access to information on hazards, 

consequences, and steps to be taken to reduce risk at home and work. 

b. Encourage businesses, governments and special districts to develop and 

distribute pertinent hazard mitigation measures for employees and visitors 

c. Encourage development of emergency management curriculum in public and 

private schools, colleges and universities to develop hazard mitigation 

measures (for incorporation into emergency plans) for schools; post plans on 

school internet site. 

d. Encourage appropriate jurisdiction agencies to identify all special needs 

populations in the jurisdiction, and develop a special outreach program for 

those at risk, and coordinate hazard mitigation plans (including backup 

power, evacuation, and warning plans for all hazards). 

e. Encourage education and construction of saferooms in all mobile 

home parks. 

2. Establish warning systems for all disasters for businesses, schools, special districts 

and special needs populations and governments. 

Actions 

a. Encourage jurisdictions to work with local emergency planning committee 

and emergency management agency to determine and report on warning 

system gaps for all hazards, including dam failures, tornadoes and flash 

floods; make recommendations and act on them. 

b. Encourage development of evacuation plan for all disasters. 

c. Encourage placement of flash flood warning signs.

8 


d. Encourage special needs population to develop hazard measures to include 

distribution of NOAA weather radios; encourage placement of saferooms (in 

strategic locations). 

3. Decrease occurrence and impact of flooding. 

Actions 

a. Encourage appropriate jurisdictions to participate in National Flood Insurance 

Program, CRS, Hazard Mitigation Plan. 

b. Encourage residents, jurisdictions and developers to protect and maintain 

natural river and stream channels and corridors. 

c. Encourage residents, jurisdictions and developers to utilize, design and/or 

build systems to detain stormwater in ways to promote infiltration and 

replicate natural movement of water. 

d. Encourage local governments and stakeholders to participate in watershed 

planning that protect streams against flooding. 

e. Encourage jurisdictions to identify remaining repetitive flood loss properties 

for buyout purposes; prioritize and implement buyouts. 

f. Review and revise flood-fighting plans as appropriate. 

g. Encourage jurisdictions to strengthen floodplain regulations. 

GOAL # 2: Preserve and maintain property, infrastructure, businesses, and jurisdiction 

vitality on local, countywide and regional basis. 

Objectives: 

1. Reduce or prevent impacts from hazards on private properties 

Actions 

a. Encourage education of residents, businesses and jurisdictions on hazards by 

circulating brochures, checklist and preparedness kits to prepare structures 

for disasters (such as tiedowns, gas shutoff valves and other utilities). 

b. Encourage jurisdiction planning departments to work with home builders 

associations, realtors’ associations, developers; encourage use of hazard 

maps by public for purchasing, construction, improvement of properties. 

c. Encourage utilities and communications businesses and developers to 

consider installation of underground electric and communications lines. 

2. Reduce or prevent impacts from hazards on public properties.


Actions 

a. Encourage jurisdictions adopting and enforcing most current 

codes, ordinances, policies for all hazards, especially floods, earthquakes 

and tornadoes. 

b. Encourage those who are responsible for special needs populations to take 

FEMA structural safety training classes for building integrity. 

c. Encourage emergency response agencies and districts to locate facilities 

away from all geographically redundant hazard areas 

d. Encourage jurisdictions to adopt open burning control ordinances 

e. Utilize municipal leagues as nexus for coordination 

f. Encourage appropriate jurisdiction agencies to coordinate communications 

plan for hazard events. 

g. Encourage appropriate jurisdictions, state and federal agencies to review, 

prioritize emergency route and retrofit infrastructure (roads, bridges, 

buildings, emergency medical facilities) that will be utilized for disasters. 

h. Upgrade lifeline facilities to meet current building code seismic standards 

GOAL #3: Encourage growth that is compatible with hazard mitigation strategies 

identified in this plan on a local, countywide and regional basis. 

Objectives: 

1. Develop collaborative hazard mitigation efforts across jurisdictional boundaries. 

Actions 

a. Encourage jurisdictions and local emergency management agencies to 

implement Hazard Mitigation Plan. 

b. Encourage partnering with local, county and region-wide governments 

c. Encourage coordination between levee districts in order to protect upstream 

and downstream interests. 

d. Highly recommend proper recordkeeping of pertinent documents related to 

disasters. 

2. Reduce impacts and promote protection to natural resources. 

Actions 

a. Encourage development of jurisdiction land use plans, zoning and 

regulations to protect downstream residents from impacts of dam failure. 

b. Encourage jurisdictions to educate residents on proper disposal of yard, 

commercial and household waste (not in sewer system or streams). 

c. Encourage jurisdictions, residents to clean up creeks and streams.

10 


d. Encourage jurisdictions to assist MDNR in full implementation of dam safety 

program. 

e. Encourage jurisdictions to develop greenways for flood protection that 

parallel streams, rivers 

f. Encourage jurisdictions to become familiar and comply with drought/water 

restrictions 

g. Encourage jurisdictions and local stakeholders to work together to protect 

watersheds and encourage sound stormwater practices for flood protection. 

Strategic Implementation 

The State of Missouri SEMA requires that the Hazard Mitigation Plan contain a description 

of the jurisdiction’s mitigation strategy for reducing disaster damages and implementing 

mitigation activities. 

Adoption of the plan demonstrates Jefferson County’s commitment to working toward 

fulfilling the mitigation goals and objectives outlines in the plan. This also legitimizes the 

plan and authorizes the various responsible agencies to incorporate mitigation as a part of 

their job duties. Adoption fulfills requirements of several Federal programs (CRS, FMS) that 

require local governments to adopt mitigation strategy. Adoption mechanisms provide a 

better opportunity for the mitigation planning activities to be ingrained into regular 

government operations. Jefferson County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan will be implemented by 

various departments and agencies within Jefferson County. The implementation process 

will include coordination among the County departments and coordinated with other 

relevant agencies or districts though Jefferson County’s Emergency Management Agency. 

Jefferson County will set up a system to monitor progress and evaluate the effectiveness of 

implemented actions with revisions as needed. Every five years, the county will review the 

plan and include any needed updates. The updated plan will be submitted for 

SEMA/FEMA approval. Copies of the signed adoption resolutions are included in the 

Regional Overview. The plan will be reviewed for any updates following any major 

disasters that occur within the county. 

Cities with Higher Exposure to County Hazards 

The cities of Arnold, Byrnes Mill, Cedar Hill Lakes, DeSoto, Festus, Herculaneum Kimmswick, 

Pevely, and Scotsdale are the incorporated areas within Jefferson County that are found to 

have a significantly higher exposure to those hazards affecting the County. The County’s 

goals, objectives, and actions encompass those needed to deal with the issues found in 

these cities; especially targeting repetitive flood loss properties for buyout. It is 

recommended that Jefferson County work with these cities to incorporate county actions 

into these jurisdictions specific hazard mitigation concerns.


Analysis and Prioritization of Mitigation Actions 

Jefferson County’s mitigation actions promote and/or support the development of local 

hazard mitigation plans, projects and activities. Examples of actions include instituting 

watershed plans, encouraging adoption of the most current codes and ordinances, 

development of flood fighting plans, prioritizing flood buyout properties. 

The following matrix provides an analysis and prioritization of the county’s hazard 

mitigation goals, objectives and actions. The matrix distinguishes between the identified 

hazards and the county’s mitigation actions. It is recommended that the County will place 

an emphasis on cost-benefit analysis for further mitigation project prioritization purposes 

when the budget analyses are conducted. The matrix also identifies those agencies 

responsible for implementation along with the respective funding sources. It is 

recommended that actions be coordinated, where applicable with Missouri’s mitigation 

actions. 

Criteria for prioritization are: 

Historically, Jefferson County has been most affected by flooding hazards followed in 

severity by tornado/thunderstorm, severe winter storm, heat wave, and drought. The risk 

of earthquake, dam failure and wildfire must be addressed, even though the County has 

not yet experienced these hazards. 

Some actions may be high priorities, but will require a lengthy planning process. These 

types of actions will be designated as a “high priority” with a future target date for 

completion. 

Certain hazards can impact incorporated areas more than the County as a whole. The 

incorporated areas that could be specifically affected are identified as follows: 

1= Arnold 

2=Byrnes Mill 

3=Cedar Hill Lakes 

4=Crystal City 

5=DeSoto 

6=Festus 

7=Herculaneum 

8=Kimmswick 

9=Pevely 

10=Scotsdale 

11= All communities 

Jefferson County involvement is assumed for all of the items on the following Action 

Matrix.

12 

Monitoring, Evaluating and Updating the Plan 


The narrative below describes the process to follow for monitoring, evaluating, 

maintaining, updating and obtaining SEMA/FEMA’s approval of the Hazard Mitigation Plan 

every five years and on an as needed basis. 

In the course of their duties, emergency managers, in collaboration with their respective 

Emergency Management Committee should meet annually and on an informal and routine 

basis to focus on monitoring and evaluating as well as updating the Hazard Mitigation 

Plan. In addition, a regional meeting could also be organized by Emergency Managers on 

an annual basis to provide cross-jurisdictional information sharing federal and state 

updates and opportunities for project development, implementation, and funding with 

jurisdictions and stakeholders. It is recommended that the Emergency Management 

Committee include County Commissioners, municipal officials, fire, law enforcement, 

emergency medical and public health officials for various objectives of this plan. It is 

recommended that the County public notice these meetings and encourage the public to 

participate. 

It is recommended that the committee review each goal and objective to determine the 

relevance to local, regional, statewide and federal disaster situations and to ensure that 

they are addressing current and expected conditions. The committee should review the risk 

assessment portion of the plan to determine if this information should be updated. The 

parties responsible for the various implementation actions should report on the status of 

their projects and will include which implementation processes worked well, difficulties 

encountered, coordination efforts and which strategies should be revised. 

The Emergency Management Committee should take three months to update the plan 

before submitting it to the State Hazard Mitigation Officer. If no changes are necessary, 

the State Hazard Mitigation Officer should be given a justification for this determination. 

Copies of the plan should be catalogued and kept on hand at the main Jefferson County 

library branch. In addition, a copy of the plan will be available on the East-West Gateway 

Council of Governments website (www.ewgateway.org), the Office of Emergency 

Management and at the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office. The existence and location of 

these copies should be publicized by the daily local newspaper, and listed on the county 

website. Contained in the plan is the address and telephone number of the Office of 

Emergency Management responsible for keeping track of public comments on the plan. 

Copies of the plan and proposed changes will be posted on the county website. The site 

will contain an email address and telephone number to which people can direct their 

comments. A link to this site will be provided on University of Missouri-St. Louis website 

and the East-West Gateway Council of Governments website. The general public should be 

encouraged to attend these meetings through media coverage, published notices, 

reminders, and civic meetings.


WORKSHEET 

JEFFERSON COUNTY FIVE-YEAR ACTION MATRIX WORKSHEET

14 

Community 

Action 

Type of 

Strategy 

New, 

Revision/Ongoing 

Jefferson County's Proposed Five-Year Action Matrix 

Estimated 

Target Date 

Goal #1: Prevent loss of life, minimize illness, injury on local, countywide and regional basis. 

1.1 Raise public awareness. 

11 

11 

11 

11 

11 

Encourage development of 

public outreach program 


hazard measures for 

visitors, employees 


emergency management 

curriculum in schools 

Encourage agencies to 

identify and develop 

jurisdiction outreach plan 

for special needs 

population 

Encourage education, 

need, construction of 

saferooms in mobile home 

parks 

1.2 Establish warning systems for all hazards. 

Encourage jurisdictions to 

work with LEPC, EMA to 

determine and report on 

warning system data gaps 

including dam failure, 

11 tornadoes, flash floods 

11 


evacuation plan for all 

natural disasters 

Public 

Information New & Ongoing 

Public 


Public 


Public 

Information New 

Public 


Emergency 

Services New 

Emergency 

Services New & Ongoing 

2005 & 

Continuing 

Probable Lead 

Organizer 


Information/ 

Planning Officer 

Potential 

Funding 

Sources Priority Evaluation 

fed, state, 

local govt. 

program funds High 

2006 & 

Continuing County EMA internal funds 

fed & state 

govt. program 

Low 

2005 & 

funds/ private 

Continuing Schools funding High 

2005 & 

Continuing 

2004 & 

Continuing 


Information/ 

Planning Officer 

American Red 

Cross 

2005 & 

Annually County EMA 

2004 & 

Continuing County EMA 

fed, state, 

local govt. 


govt. program 


funding High 

fed, state, 

local govt. 


govt. program 

funds Medium 


Identified Natural Hazards 

Tornado 

Flood 

Winter 

Drought 

Heat Wave 

Earthquake 

Dam Failure 

Wildfire 

Program completed 

and distributed x x x x x x x x 

Program completed 

and distributed x x x x x x 

Curriculum 

completed and 

implemented x x x x x x x 

Program completed, 

distributed and 

implemented x x x x x x x 



implemented x 



implemented x x x x x x x x 



implemented x x x x x x x x


1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, Encourage placement of 

10 flood warning signs 

11 

Encourage special needs 

population obtain NOAA 

weather radios, saferooms 

(in strategic locations) 

1.3 Decrease occurrence and impacts of flooding. 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, Encourage participation in 

10 

Encourage residents, 

jurisdictions, developers to 

protect, maintain rivers, 

11 corridors Prevention 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, 

10 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, 

10 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, 

10 

Emergency 

Services Ongoing Continuing County EMA 

Emergency 

Services New & Ongoing 

NFIP, CRS Prevention Ongoing 

Encourage residents, 

jurisdictions, developers to 

use, design, build systems 

New and 

ongoing 

to detain stormwater that 

replicates natural water 

movement Structural New & Ongoing 

Encourage jurisdictions, 

stakeholders to participate 

in watershed planning to 

protect against floods Prevention New & Ongoing 


identify, purchase 

remaining repetitive flood 

loss buyout properties 

Property 

Protection Ongoing 

2004 & 


2004 & 

Continuing 

2004 & 

Continuing 

2004 & 

Continuing 

2004 & 

Continuing 

2004 & 

Continuing 

fed, state, 

local govt. 

program funds Medium Signs placed x x 

govt. program 


funding High 



implemented x x x x 


Floodplain 

manager internal funds High Status Improved x x 

Watershed 

Advisory 

Committee internal funds Medium Status Improved x x 

University 

Engineering 

Department 

Watershed 

Advisory 

Committee 

Floodplain 

manager 

govt. program 


funding High 

Design 

Plans/Construction of 

Structures x x 

govt. program 


funding High Attendance Records x x 

govt. program 

funds High 

Repetitive Loss 

Properties Mitigated x x

16 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, Revise flood-fighting plans 

10 as needed 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, 

10 

Emergency 

Services Ongoing 


strengthen floodplain 

regulations to reduce 

impacts from flooding Prevention Ongoing 

2004 & 

Annually 

2004 & 

Continuing 

Goal #2: Preserve and maintain property, infrastructure, businesses, jurisdiction vitality. 

2.1 Reduce or prevent impacts from hazards on private properties. 

11 

11 

11 

Encourage education of 

residents on property 

protection from hazards 

(checklists, preparedness 

kits) 

Jurisdiction planning 

department encouraged to 

use hazard maps with 

developers, home buyers, 

construction, engineers Prevention New 

Encourage utilities, 

communications, 

developers to installation of 

underground lines Prevention New 

2.2 Reduce or prevent impacts from hazards on public properties. 


adopt, enforce most 

current codes, ordinances 

11 for all hazards 

Encourage those 

responsible for special 

needs population to take 

FEMA structural safety 

Prevention New 

classes for building 

New and 

11 integrity Prevention ongoing 

11 

Encourage emergency 

response agencies and 

districts to locate facilities 

away from geographically 

redundant areas 


Floodplain 

manager 


Commission 

Public 

Information Ongoing Ongoing County EMA 

Property 

Protection New 

2004 & 

Continuing 

2005 & 

Continuing 

2004 & 

Continuing 

fed, state, 

local govt. 


fed, state, 

local govt. 



Updated Plans 

Revised and Adopted x x 

Revised Regulations 

in Place x x 

fed, state, 

local govt. 

program funds High Status Improved x x x x x x x x 


Planning/Building 

Department internal funds High 


Planning/Building 

Department internal funds Low 

2004 & 


2004 & 



Commission internal funds High 

Completed and 

publicized x x x x x 

Inquiries and Design 


Underground 

Infrastructure 


in Place x x x x x x x x 

fed & state 

govt. program 

funds High Attendance Records x 

fed, state, 

local govt. 


At Risk Facilities 

Relocated x x x x


11 

11 

11 

11 

redundant areas 


adopt open burning 

control ordinances 


coordinate 

Prevention Ongoing 

communications plans 


state, federal agencies to 

review, prioritize 

emergency routes, retrofit 

Prevention Ongoing 

infrastructure 

Encourage upgrade of 

lifeline facilities to meet 

Prevention New & Ongoing 

seismic codes Prevention New 

2005 & County 


Continuing Commission internal funds 

fed & state 

Low in Place x 

2004 & 

govt. program 

Continuing County EMA funds Medium Status Improved x x x x x x x x 

2005 & 


2005 & 


fed & state 

govt. program 

funds Medium 

fed & state 

govt. program 

funds Medium 

Encourage growth that is compatible with hazard mitigation strategies identified in this plan on local, countywide and regional basis. 

3.1 Develop collaborative multi-interest committee to develop and achieve multi-jurisdictional goals. 

11 

11 


implement hazard 

mitigation plan Prevention New 

Encourage partnering with 

local, county, region-wide, 

state governments; 

encourage legislation to 

promote, establish state 

planning department Prevention New 

Encourage state planning 

department to coordinate 

levee districts to protect 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, those living upstream and 

10 

Recommend pertinent 

jurisdictions conduct 

proper recordkeeping for 

all documents related to 

11 natural disasters 

downstream Prevention New 

Public 


3.2 Reduce impacts and promote protection of natural resources. 

2004 and 

annually County EMA internal funds High 

2004 & 

Continuing Legislature internal funds High 

2004 & 

Continuing 

State Planning 

Department internal funds High 

Completed and 

Implemented x 

Construction 

Complete x 

Plan Completed and 

Implemented x x x x x x x x 

Establishment of 

State Planning 

Department x x x x x x x x 

Levee Districts 

inventoried x x 

2004 & 

Continuing County internal funds Low Documents Archived x x x x x x x x

18 


jurisdictions' land use plans, 

zoning, regulations to 

protect downstream 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, residents from impacts of 

10 

dam failure 


educate residents on 

proper disposal of yard, 

commercial, household 

11 waste 

11 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, 

10 

11 

11 

11 


residents to maintain 

creeks, streams 


assist MDNR in full 

implementation of dam 

safety program 


develop greenways for 

flood protection that 

parallel streams and rivers 


become familiar and 

comply with drought, 

water restrictions 


stakeholders to work 

together together to 

protect watersheds and 

encourage stormwater 

practices for flood 

protection 

Natural 

resource 

protection New 

2004 & 

Continuing 

Natural 

resource 

protection Ongoing Ongoing 

Natural 

resource 

protection Ongoing Ongoing 

Natural 

resource 


2004 & 

Continuing 

Natural 

resource 

protection New & Ongoing Ongoing 

Natural 

resource 


Natural 

resource 

protection New & Ongoing 



Planning/Zoning 

Officer internal funds High Regulations in place x x 


Department of 

Environment internal funds Low Status Improved x x 

Watershed 

Advisory 

Committee internal funds Low Status Improved x x 


Planning/Zoning 

Officer 

2004 & 

Continuing NRCS 

2004 & 

Continuing 

Potential 

Funding 

Sources High 

Watershed 

Advisory 

Committee internal funds Medium 

Status Improved/Risk 

Reduced x x 

Design 


Greenways x x 

fed & state 

govt. program 

funds Low Status Improved x x 

Watershed 

Advisory 

Committee internal funds High 

Establishment of 

Sustainable 

Watershed 

committees x x 

1 Arnold 2 Byrnes Mill 3 Cedar Hill Lakes 4 Crystal City 5 DeSoto 6 Festus 7 Herculaneum 8 Kimmswick 9 Pevely 10 Scotsdale 11 All Communities

Jefferson County - East-West Gateway Coordinating Council

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?