Final Public Notice: Kimball Dam Raise (Advance Assistance)

FINAL PUBLIC NOTICE

KIMBALL DAM RAISE (ADVANCE ASSISTANCE)
NAPA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
HMGP-4558-548-040

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 Calistoga in Napa County, California, to mitigate flood risk. 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 properly characterize site conditions necessary to inform the design of Kimball Creek Dam facility improvements through geotechnical exploration and reduce flood hazards. The proposed action consists of: 1) 12 geotechnical borings, including in-water borings; 2) minor tree trimming for in-water borings to accommodate equipment; 3) soil disposal; and 4) preliminary engineering, design, and permitting.

The project area is depicted on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), Map Number 06055C0230E, effective September 26, 2008. The proposed action lies within a floodplain and Zone A, a flood hazard area that has a 1-percent probability of flooding every year. The US Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wetlands Inventory map shows that the Napa River, a riverine habitat, is along the project access route and adjacent to two boring locations at the low-water crossing.  

A map of the project area and its location within the floodplain and riverine habitat 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, Limited Geotechnical Borings. Alternative 1 would include taking no action and leaving conditions as they currently exist. This Alternative is not recommended because it would not provide access for a vehicle crossing, nor would it reduce flooding. Alternative 2 would include avoiding the geotechnical borings within the floodplain and near riverine habitat. This Alternative is not recommended because the Subapplicant would not be able to collect the necessary information to properly design the vehicle bridge. FEMA has determined that the proposed project is the only practicable alternative available; therefore, the proposed action must be located in the floodplain and near riverine habitat. The proposed action would have no significant adverse impact on the floodplain nor riverine habitat, 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 Calistoga 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.