The Five County Association of Governments (AOG) is seeking comment on the draft of the region’s Multi Jurisdictional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan. The purpose of this plan is to increase community resilience to identified natural hazards through local action.

A 30-day comment period will commence on Tuesday, March 29 and will end on Thursday, April 28. The plan may be reviewed at the AOG offices located at 1070 W 1600 South, Building B, St George, UT, 84770 or online by visiting https://www.utah.gov/pmn/sitemap/notice/744825.html or https://hazardmitigationplan.org/. 

Questions, comments, or concerns may be directed to Alyssa Gamble at agamble@fivecounty.utah.gov or 435-673-3548 extension 117.

Posted 3/30/22

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Just released by FEMA the Risk Rating 2.0 Discount Guide-508c.

Posted 04/20/2022

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Changes to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Many Rockville homes fall within areas susceptible to flooding, either by our Virgin River or side drainages. In these areas flood insurance is likely required if  you have a mortgage, or strongly recommended for those who own property free and clear.

Recent changes to the National Flood Insurance Program, aimed at spreading risk more equitably, are taking effect this year. In addition, the hoops and hurdles to get a policy have been significantly reduced. It’s likely that the average policy rate for fairly low risk areas like Rockville will decrease, while areas that see frequent flooding (think Florida) will see increased rates.

Below is a link to the NFIP as well as a link to a brief introductory video that describes the changes and process. Next step is to contact your insurance agent and make sure you’re covered and take advantage of the best rates possible.

https://www.floodsmart.gov/

Posted 2/23/2022

2022 Rate Increase

Invasive Russian Olive and Tamarisks

The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Land has obtained a grant to remove invasive Russian Olive and Tamarisks from Rockville in 2021.  This is your opportunity to rid yourself of these invasive species at no cost to you!

This treatment is grant-funded, at no cost to the landowner (if they fall within the project boundary), and while funds are available one re-treatment will be conducted the following year. The treatment will be cutting Tamarisk and Russian Olive and spraying the stumps with herbicide immediately after to limit re-sprouting.  Free landowner education is available as well.

To see if your property is eligible, please contact Carrie Howard, the Southwest Area Forester, at (435) 218-4629
or email:
carrielhoward@utah.gov

Informational pamphlets: Tamarisk Pamphlet, Russian Olive Pamphlet

Tamarisk                                                                                 Russian Olive

Harmful Cyanobacteria Bloom (HCB) Update

Several storms in February precluded access to some of our Harmful Cyanobacteria Bloom (HCB) monitoring sites so samples had to be taken at the end of the month with results coming back from thelabs just recently.  Sample results show non-detect for toxins in North Creek for the second consecutive month. Toxin-producing cyanobacteria was visually observed, therefore, we will be downgrading theadvisory to a Health Watch in North Creek. This change will become official when the Utah DEQ and Zion National Park websites have been updated in the next few days.

February 2022 Zion NP HCB Recreational Advisories:

North Fork of the Virgin River – Health Watch (avoid primary contact recreation)

North Creek – Health Watch (avoid primary contact recreation)

La Verkin Creek – Health Watch (avoid primary contact recreation)

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Harmful algal blooms (HABs) develop when naturally occurring cyanobacteria in the water grow out of control and produce toxic or harmful effects on people, fish and birds. The human illnesses caused by HABs, though rare, can be debilitating or even fatal.

Ranging from microscopic, single-celled organisms to large seaweeds, algae are simple plants that form the base of food webs. Sometimes, however, their roles are more sinister. Under the right conditions, algae may grow out of control — and a few of these “blooms” produce toxins that can kill fish, mammals and birds, and may cause human illness or even death in extreme cases.

How To Stay Safe

• Do not swallow water when swimming.
• Wash hands with clean water before eating or preparing food.
• Clean fish well and discard the guts.
• Keep animals away.
• Recognize the signs of a bloom, and when in doubt, stay out.

Updated 3/17/22

UTAH GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

The Utah Geological Survey, (a division of the Utah Department of Natural Resources), has conducted an extensive investigation of the tragic rockfall that occurred in Rockville December 2009. The detailed report (and map) that identifies and addresses rockfall hazard areas in Rockville has been published and is available to Rockville residents and property owners electronically upon request at the Town Office.

Please note that the report and map gives an overall view of potential rockfall hazard areas and is not meant as a property or site-specific geologic study.

Contact Town Clerk Vicki S. Bell at (435) 772-0992 or by email at rockville@rockvilleutah.org if you would like the electronic report emailed to you. Hard copies will be made available for a fee of $10 by signing up at the Town Office. A hard copy is also available for review in the Town Office and the Springdale Library.