DR-4382-CA Public Notice 009

FINAL PUBLIC NOTICE: Americana Park Bypass Channel Project, Contra Costa County, California | HMGP 4382-601-15

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 City of Pittsburg in Contra Costa County, California, to mitigate impacts from stormwater overflows by diverting water away from Parkside Drive (proposed action). Pursuant to Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management), Executive Order 11990 (Wetlands 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 reduce flood hazards. The proposed action consists of the following: 1) lowering the elevation of the existing detention basin spillway; 2) excavating a new bypass channel south of Parkside Drive through uplands to an unnamed tributary; 3) removing and reinstalling chain link fencing around the detention basin; 4) lowering two existing waterlines; 5) replacing existing irrigation valves, supply lines, conduits, electrolier, and a pull box.

The project area is depicted on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), Map Numbers 06013C0118G and 06013C0119G, both effective September 30, 2015. The proposed action lies within Zone A, an area that has a 1-percent probability of flooding every year and where predicted floodwater elevations have not been established. Based on a June 2021 field review and site assessment, wetland vegetation occurs along the eastern and western border of the project area. In addition, a preliminary wetland delineation performed by the City of Pittsburg in 2014 shows freshwater emergent wetlands southwest of the project area.

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.

Two alternatives to the proposed action were considered: Alternative 1, No Action; and Alternative 2: Southern Alignment Bypass Channel. Under Alternative 1 no project would be undertaken. This Alternative is not recommended because the area would remain at risk for flooding along Parkside Drive. Under Alternative 2, a bypass channel would be constructed further south of the proposed alignment. Alternative 2 is not recommended because it would cut through a larger area of wetlands. 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 City of Pittsburg 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.

Approximately 2,155 square feet of the detention basin bank, identified as wetland, would be excavated and reconfigured for the new spillway. The City of Pittsburg would obtain the required permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and would comply with any required conditions and mitigation measures to ensure that there would be no significant adverse impact on wetlands.

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. All requests should be received no later than 15 days after publication of this notice. No action will be taken before this date.