DR-4558-CA Public Notice 006

FINAL PUBLIC NOTICE: Lake County Special Districts Replacement of Redwood Water Storage Tanks, #3 & #4, Lake County, California | HMGP 4558-349-53R

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 County of Lake, (sub-applicant) in Lake County, California, to upgrade two existing redwood water tanks (proposed action) that were previously damaged by wildfire. Pursuant to Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management), Executive Order 11990 (Protection of 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 overall purpose of the proposed action is to demolish the two existing redwood tanks under all applicable codes for demolition of structures. Prior to demolition, one temporary 10,000-gallon poly-portable water tank in leu of Tank # 3, and one temporary 22,000-gallon poly-portable water tank in leu of Tank # 4 will be installed with above ground piping and electrical utilities to prevent additional ground disturbance. These tanks will also provide water to the community while new tanks are being installed. The new permanent tanks will be steel and bolted, able to withstand seismic disruption and wildfires. Once constructed, the temporary tanks will be dismantled and moved from the site. New installations will include concrete pads, footings, supports, water main, and electrical underground. Temporary tank footprint shall be scarified to a depth of 8 inches and compacted to 90% relative compaction. 6 inches of class 2 aggregate base shall then be added and compacted to 90% relative compaction prior to placing tank on new concrete pad.

The project area is depicted on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), Number 06033C0519D, effective 9/30/2005. The FIRM shows the proposed action lies within Zone Unshaded X, the area of minimal flood hazard, and the area determined to be outside the 500‐year flood and protected by levee from the 100‐year flood. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory Map shows the project is not located within wetlands.

Maps of the project area and its location outside of the floodplain and wetlands are available for public inspection. Parties interested in receiving a copy of either 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: Rate Increase. Alternative 1 would result in no action being taken to mitigate flood hazards. This Alternative is not recommended because the risk of flood hazards, including damage to property and people, would remain. In addition, No Action would increase the risk of a small fire turning into an out-of-control wildfire, potentially placing up to 600 people at risk of being without any potable water service for 3 to 4 months, and at a minimum cost of $1,743,483 to accommodate those people in an emergency. Alternative 2 included a Rate Increase to provide sufficient funds for this project. This Alternative is not recommended because the community is severely economically disadvantaged, and the water rates are among the highest in the County. Under Alternative 2, if a rate increase passed the 218 process, it would have a significantly negative impact on this community. Therefore, Alternative 2 is not feasible. FEMA has determined that the proposed project is the only practicable alternative available; therefore, the proposed action must be taken at this location for the tank to serve its designed purpose.

The proposed action would have no significant adverse impact on the floodplain and would benefit the area by minimizing the impact of floods on human health, safety, or welfare, and results in an increase to the useful life of a structure or facility. The County of Lake 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. All requests should be received no later than 15 days after publication of this notice. No action will be taken before this date.