DR-4407-CA Final Public Notice

FINAL PUBLIC NOTICE: Anaheim Public Utilities, Orange County, CA | HMGP 4407-211-101

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 Anaheim Public Utilities in Orange County, CA, to mitigate the risk of wildfires by high voltage electrical lines and increase the reliability of utility service during wildfire and wind events (proposed action). Pursuant to Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management), Executive Order 11990 (Wetlands) 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 the risk of wildfires. The proposed action consists of moving seven (7) segments of overhead high voltage electrical lines to underground facilities:

• Segment 2: Martella Lane: 33.860766, -117.763693
• Segment 3: Del Giorgio Road: 33.856312, -117.765715
• Segment 4: Timken and Coyote Roads: 33.856936, -117.760634
• Segment 5: Cooks Corner: 33.854267, -117.7584
• Segment 6: Country Hill Road: 33.851597, -117.756558
• Segment 7: Oak Canyon Nature Center: 33.839493, -117.755207
• Segment 8: Nohl Ranch: 33.844124, 117.788621

The project area is depicted on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), Map Number 06059C0157J, effective date 12/3/2009. The proposed action lies within Zone X, an area that has a minimal-percent probability of flooding every year.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) has identified forested wetlands and one riverine waterbody adjacent to the proposed project site identified above as Segment 7 Oak Canyon Nature Center. In addition, an unnamed ephemeral stream runs perpendicular through the Segment 8 along Nohl Ranch project site. Measures to avoid these features will be incorporated into the project design and best management practices will be implemented.

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: Single Line mitigated. Alternative 1 would leave the existing high voltage electrical lines in place, at the risk of power outages due to wind or fire and the possible risk of sparking a wildfire. This Alternative is not recommended because the potential for property damage and loss, potential injuries, or fatalities as the result of a fire that could impact the City’s ability to access water and provide treated, potable water for drinking or emergency services would not be mitigated. Alternative 2 proposed to relocate only one electrical line (Segment 8) underground in the highest area at risk for sparking a fire. This Alternative is not recommended because it would leave the remaining lines at risk of sparking a fire, which could impact service delivery of electricity and water.

FEMA has determined that the proposed project is the only practicable alternative; therefore, the proposed action must be located in wetlands. The proposed action would have no significant adverse impact on wetlands and would benefit the area by reducing the risk of wildfire and associated loss of vegetation and sedimentation that adversely impact wetlands. Measures to minimize impacts on wetlands include avoiding vegetation removal and incorporating best management practices to minimize erosion and sedimentation. The City of Anaheim has declared that the proposed action conforms to 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. All requests should be received no later than 15 days after publication of this notice. No action will be taken before this date.