A. 
The identified floodplain area shall be any areas of Metal Township, classified as special flood hazard areas (SFHAs) in the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and the accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) dated January 18, 2012, and issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), or the most recent revision thereof, including all digital data developed as part of the Flood Insurance Study.
B. 
The above referenced FIS and FIRMs, and any subsequent revisions and amendments are hereby adopted by Metal Township and declared to be a part of this chapter.
The identified floodplain area may consist of the following specific areas. If one or more of the following specific areas are not mapped within the Township, then the standards associated with the specific area shall not apply to the proposed regulated activity.
A. 
FW (Floodway Area). The areas identified as "floodway" in the AE Zone on the Flood Insurance Study Maps prepared by FEMA.
B. 
FF (Flood-Fringe Area). The areas between the edge of the floodway and the outermost boundary of the floodplain on both sides of the watercourse in an AE Zone where a floodway has been delineated on the Flood Insurance Study Maps prepared by FEMA. The basis for the outermost boundary of this area shall be the one-hundred-year flood elevations as shown in the flood profiles contained in the Flood Insurance Study.
C. 
FE (Special Floodplain Area). The areas identified as Zone AE on the Flood Insurance Study Maps, where one-hundred-year flood elevations have been provided, but no floodway has been delineated. Where no area is identified as floodway within the AE Zone, then the floodway shall be assumed as the area measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank on both sides of the watercourse.
D. 
FA (General Floodplain Area).
(1) 
The areas identified as Zone A on the Flood Insurance Study Maps for which one-hundred-year flood elevations have not been provided. When available, information from other federal, state, and other acceptable sources shall be used to determine the one-hundred-year flood elevation, as well as a floodway area, if possible. The acceptability of other sources shall be subject to approval by the Township. When no other information is available, the one-hundred-year flood elevation shall be determined by using a point on the boundary of the identified floodplain area which is nearest the construction site in question. Within Zone A, the floodway shall be assumed as the area measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank on both sides of the watercourse.
(2) 
The Township may require or permit the applicant to determine the one-hundred-year flood elevation with hydrologic and hydraulic engineering analysis. Such analyses shall be undertaken only by professional engineers or others of demonstrated qualifications, who shall certify that the technical methods used correctly reflect currently accepted technical concepts. Studies, analyses, computations, etc., shall be submitted in sufficient detail to allow a thorough technical review and approval by the Township.
The identified floodplain area may be revised or modified by the Township where studies or information provided by a qualified agency or person documents the need for such revision. However, prior to any such change, approval must be obtained from FEMA. Additionally, as soon as practicable, but not later than six months after the date such information becomes available, a community shall notify FEMA of the changes by submitting technical or scientific data.
Should a dispute concerning any identified floodplain boundary arise, an initial determination shall be made by the Township or its designated representative. Any party aggrieved by this decision or determination may appeal to the Board of Supervisors. The burden of proof shall be on the appellant.