Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan - Existing Conditions | Page 198

Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan Perhaps more evident are increasing periods of prolonged high temperatures during the summer, as well as highly variable seasonal temperatures overall. For instance winter temperatures in 2014/2015 were at times well below averages, while winter temperatures during the 2015/2016 winter have been untypically mild. These conditions impact precipitation levels, the viability of native and other flora and the ecological communities they support. Rising temperature impact marine ecology in terms of declines in traditional species and increases invasive species that favor warmer waters. This, in turn, impacts local fish and shellfish businesses. Geologic Related Hazards Earthquakes There are no significant fault lines in Rhode Island or in New England and Rhode Island is identified by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program as being in a low seismic risk area. Although Rhode Island is not located near fault lines, it may be located within zones of weakness, which are weakened boundary regions within the interiors of plates. These zones can be responsive to stress from deeper within the crust or at the edges of the plate, causing an earthquake. Earthquakes do not occur frequently in Rhode Island and those that do, often originate from other states, such as the Virginia Earthquake in August of 2011, which was felt in the region. The most recent earthquake to hit Rhode Island was a 2.3 magnitude earthquake with an estimated epicenter under Providence Harbor. Although there is low seismic activity in the area, the risk hazard is moderate, meaning that earthquake events may create moderate intensity shaking, which can lead to some damage. Climate Change Unlike many areas of the U.S., Newport and Aquidneck Island are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Throughout the last 80 years, Rhode Island has already experienced a rise in temperatures, precipitation, and flooding. A key indicator of climate change in Rhode Island is the steady increase in temperatures since 1930. The state is averaging a 1 degree Fahrenheit increase in temperature every 33 years. In addition to the increase in temperature, the average rainfall has also been increasing at a rate of more than one inch every ten years. The increase in rainfall has become an issue as the increase in soil moisture decreases the amount of rainfall that can be absorbed. This can hence lead to increase in flooding during wet seasons. Being situated on an island, Newport’s principle concern regarding climate change is sea level rise. The sea levels in According to the Natural Open Newport are projected to rise around 3 to 5 feet by the Space Partnership prepared by Sasaki and Associates, year 2100. Similar to coastal erosion and flooding natural waterfront parks most at risk for hazards, this puts the low-lying areas of Newport at the SLR include: Hunter Park, Storer greatest risk. In a report conducted by Sasaki on Parks and Park, Cardine Field, Easton’s Recreation in Newport, it was found that a one inch rise in Beach, King Park, Ft. Adams sea level would affect 29 acres city-wide, 15 acres of park, State Park, the Country Club, and and 27 parks or open space. A three inch level in sea level Rose Island. would affect 154 acres city-wide, 68 acres of park, 32 park or open space, 1 playground, and 2 sports fields. A five inch sea level rise would affect 439 acres city-wide, 272 acres of park, 51 parks or open space, 2 playgrounds, and four fields or courts. Map 14-4 shows the areas of Newport that are at risk due to sea level rise. The following neighborhoods will be affected by just a one foot rise in sea level: Downtown, Harbor/Lower Thames, Long Wharf, Goat Island, Rose Island, Ocean Drive, the Fifth Ward, Easton’s Beach, and the North End Commercial District. Page 14-8 Draft Existing Conditions (March 2016)