North East Surveying Societies Associations Collaborate on Regional Certified Floodplain Surveyor Training

FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has always been a significant aspect of property ownership adjacent to or in flood prone areas. Properties are required to comply with numerous regulations specific to flood prone areas; these regulations are included in local ordinances as a direct requirement of a community’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. The surveying industry has been involved in assisting property owners and floodplain managers with critical elevation and location information. This CFS Program assists in the public’s recognition of the surveyor’s critical role in the process. Attending this certification training and passing the certification examination allows a surveyor to show that they have the particular expertise required to be recognized as an authority in the field. 

As technology and regulations have changed, so too has the role of the surveyor in the floodplain development industry.  With the implementation of the new Risk Rate 2.0 premium rating system and the adoption of LIDAR contour data across the country, the need for Elevation Certificates and knowledge of floodplain regulations has shifted from the Surveyor preparing Elevation Certificates and Letters of Map Amendments to the surveyor being the professional resource for floodplain management and community zoning compliance. New construction adjacent to and in floodplain areas require specific plans and documentations for the project to be flood resistant and thereby approvable by regulatory agencies. The Certified Floodplain Surveyor Program was developed by FEMA in conjunction with the state of North Carolina. This program is now being expanded to the rest of the country. NSPS is assisting and will be developing the certification database and program coordination in a manner similar to other third party certifications.

As a result of this need, members of the North East Surveying Societies (NESS) have come together with NSPS to present an opportunity for obtaining the Certified Floodplain Surveyor certification. The certification program will be a three-day seminar running from November 2-4, 2022, at the Hilton Garden Inn Worcester in Worcester, Massachusetts. Certified trainers from Georgia and North Carolina will be providing on site in person training concluding with the required examination leading to certification. The program will be limited to 40 attendees with registrations accepted on a first come, first served basis. The certification training includes important knowledge in completing and filing Elevation Certificates and Letters of Map Amendments correctly, how to read and utilize Flood Insurance Rate Map panels (FIRM) and Flood Insurance Study reports (FIS), as well as understanding model and local floodplain management ordinances and compliance to be able to assist property owners and developers in planning complaint projects. This is extremely important information to obtain, and the Certified Floodplain Surveyor designation will allow the surveyor to present themselves as an authority in the field of floodplain management. 

With sea level rise and greater storm discharges occurring, flood prone areas are increasing and the need for competent professionals to help plan and mitigate will be needed more and more. The Certified Floodplain Surveyor designation will distinguish you as a dedicated professional with the knowledge and expertise to be of great value to your clients. Registration for this Program (which will be limited to 40) is open to all New England and New York surveying state association members at the discounted member rate. The Massachusetts Association of Land Surveyors and Civil Engineers (MALSE) has agreed to be the lead sponsor and event organizer. Online registration will be opening in July and will be available on the MALSCE website Events Page. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your professional knowledge and increase economic opportunities in a field that is in dire need of surveying experts. For more information please feel free to contact Rich Keenan at rkeenan@engineers.org.