DR-4308-CA Public Notice 001

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) intends to provide federal financial assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to the City of National City to improve the stormwater carrying capacity of Paradise Creek. Pursuant to Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management) and FEMA’s implementing regulations at Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 9, FEMA hereby provides interested parties with a notice of its final decision and an explanation of the alternatives that were considered.

The project site is in a floodplain and floodway. The project area is depicted on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Number 06073C1911H, effective date December 20, 2019. The FIRM shows that the project area lies within Zone AE, an area that has a 1-percent probability of flooding every year and where predicted floodwater elevations have not been established.

The proposed action consists of improving a 340-foot section of Paradise Creek. The existing concrete side slopes and channel bed would be removed, and the side slopes would be regraded, reinforced, and recompacted with fill before they and the creek bed are lined with open cell articulated concrete blocks. The creek bed would be revegetated with a mix of California native grasses and rose clover. A map of the project area and its location within the floodplain is available for public inspection. All parties interested in receiving a copy of the map should contact the FEMA Region IX Environmental Officer at the address or phone number below.

The alternatives to completing the action to improve Paradise Creek is taking no action, creating a trapezoidal, concrete-lined channel, or widening the creek channel. Under the no action alternative, this section of the creek would remain susceptible to erosion and scour, and adjacent properties and roadways would remain vulnerable to undercutting and increased flooding over time. The San Diego Drainage Design Manual only allows concrete-lined channels where other types of channels cannot be used due to right-of-way restrictions because lined channels create flow rates that can inundate downstream stormwater conveyance infrastructure. Widening the channel would involve National City obtaining additional right-of-way for that expansion. FEMA has determined that the proposed project is the only feasible alternative available to the City of National City; thus, the proposed action must occur in a floodplain and floodway. The proposed action would not adversely affect the floodplain and is necessary to avoid further damage to the creek and to protect adjacent properties and roadways. The City of National City is responsible for implementing and monitoring the proposed action and ensuring that it conforms to federal floodplain standards.

Additional information about FEMA’s proposed action may be obtained by writing the FEMA Region IX Environmental Officer at FEMA, 1111 Broadway, Suite 1200, Oakland, California 94607; fema-rix-ehp-documents@fema.dhs.gov; or calling (510) 627-7027. All requests must be received no later than 15 days after publication of this notice. No action will be taken before this time.