DR-4344-CA Public Notice 017

FINAL PUBLIC NOTICE: Oceana Marin Treatment and Storage Ponds Repair Project, Marin County, California │ HMGP-4344-608-24

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) proposes to provide federal financial assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to the North Marin Water District (NMWD) in Marin County, California, to mitigate the Oceana Marin Treatment and Storage Ponds Repair Project (proposed action). 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 purpose of the proposed action is to retrofit and stabilize the Oceana Marin treatment and storage pond berms and influent force main supports to mitigate erosion or collapse during a storm, flood, or seismic event. The proposed action consists of: 1) draining the treatment and storage ponds; 2) clearing and grubbing the existing bank vegetation; 3) regrading and preparing soils, re-grading the berms; 4) placing stabilizing geotextile fabric over the top 10 feet of the berms; and, 6) placing riprap over the fabric on the upper 10 feet of the berms.

The project area is depicted on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), Map Number 06041C0040E, effective August 15, 2017. The proposed action lies within Zone X, an area that has a 0.2-percent probability of flooding every year.

A map of the project area and its location within the floodplain is available for public inspection. Parties interested in receiving a copy of the map should contact the FEMA Region IX Environmental Officer using contact information provided in this notice.

One alternative to the proposed action was considered: Alternative 1, No Action Alternative. This Alternative is not recommended because it would leave the Oceana Marin treatment and storage pond berms and influent force main supports susceptible to erosion or collapse during a storm, flood, or seismic event. FEMA has determined that the proposed project is the only practicable alternative available; therefore, the proposed action must be located in the floodplain. The proposed action would have no significant adverse impact on the floodplain and would benefit the area by reducing the risk of flooding and flood damage. Therefore, measures to minimize impacts on the floodplain are not necessary. The North Marin Water District has declared that the proposed action conforms to local floodplain standards, and would be responsible for the management, construction, and maintenance of the proposed action.

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