DR-4434-CA Final Public Notice

FINAL PUBLIC NOTICE: Erskine Creek Box Culvert Phase 2, Kern County, CA | HMGP 4434-489-022

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 Kern County, California to mitigate impacts from flooding by replacing two existing pipe culverts with a larger box culvert (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 reduce flood hazards to Lake Isabella Boulevard and to reduce the risk of flood-related road closures. The proposed action consists of 1) removing the two existing 48-inch pipe culverts that convey flow from Erskine Creek under Lake Isabella Boulevard; 2) replacing the existing culverts with a 12-foot by 5-foot box culvert; 3) removing and replacing the existing asphalt roadway over Erskine Creek; 4) regrading the Erskine Creek channel slopes; and 5) installation of approximately 186 cubic yards of concrete rock slope protection adjacent to Lake Isabella Boulevard.

The project area is in the 100-year floodplain as depicted on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Number 06029C1426E, effective date September 26, 2008. 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 been established, and a regulatory floodway.

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; Alternative 2: Construction of a Bridge. Under Alternative 1, no project would be undertaken. Alternative 1 is not recommended because it would not reduce the risk of flooding along Lake Isabella Boulevard, potentially impacting the ability of residents to evacuate and first responders to access communities during flood events. Alternative 2 included the construction of a bridge on Lake Isabella Boulevard over Erskine Creek. This Alternative is not recommended due to the large environmental impact and the high cost. 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. Kern County 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. The project would be subject to approval and permitting by the local floodplain administrator.

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.