Reducing Flood Damage
With over 550 miles of rivers and unnamed streams located within Blue Earth County, the potential of flooding and the damage that results from it can be devastating. Floodplain is the low, flat, periodically flooded lands adjacent to rivers, streams, and lakes that are subject to land shaping and water flow processes.
The floodplain consists of:
- Floodway – Land immediately adjoining the river channel that is the natural conduit for flood waters.
- Flood Fringe – Remainder of the floodplain lying outside of the floodway. This area is generally covered by shallow, slow-moving flood waters. Development is normally allowed in the flood fringe provided that residential buildings are placed on fill so that the lowest floor, including the basement, is above the 100-year flood level.
- General floodplain areas
Limiting Various Activities
Floodplain management incorporates a community’s actions for reducing flood damage. Construction, development, and use activities within the various areas of floodplain may be limited.
Contact the Property and Environmental Resources Department for more information regarding your specific property.
Available Maps
Floodplain maps are available in the Blue Earth County Property and Environmental Resources Department:
Government Center
410 S. 5th St - 2nd Floor
Mankato, MN 56001