FM-5189-CA Public Notice 001

FINAL PUBLIC NOTICE: Alpine Creek Fuels Reduction, San Diego County, California | HMGP-5189-11-9R

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 Alpine Fire Protection District in San Diego County, California, to mitigate wildfire hazards by removing hazardous fuels along Alpine Creek (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 wildfire hazards along Alpine Creek and to nearby residential and commercial development. The proposed action would consist of limbing trees to reduce ladder fuels, cutting dead trees less than 12 inches diameter at chest height, cutting native plants while leaving root structures intact to avoid erosion, and removing downed trees and debris from waterways and embankments. Fallen trees that are 6 inches or less in diameter would be cut up and removed by hand, while fallen trees that are over 6 inches in diameter would be left in place. Dead standing trees greater than 12 inches diameter at chest height would be left intact and no trees or branches over 12 inches in diameter would be felled or limbed. Cut materials would be carried to the staging areas for chipping and spread onsite. Herbicide application would be used as needed to prevent regrowth of non-native species within the project area. All work along the creek would be performed by hand, and no tracked or heavy equipment would be used.

The project area is in the 100-year floodplain as depicted on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Number 06073C1685G, effective May 16, 2012. The FIRM shows that the project area lies within Zone A, an area that has a 1-percent probability of flooding each year and where predicted floodwater elevations have not been established.

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 Project; and Alternative 2: Property Owner Hazardous Fuels Removal. Under Alternative 1, no project would be undertaken. Therefore, Alternative 1 is not recommended because the wildfire risk in the project area would continue and may increase. Under Alternative 2 the Alpine Fire Protection District would work with and encourage the 28 adjacent property owners to remove the biomass, trash, and waste matter from Alpine Creek themselves. This Alternative is not recommended due to the lack of professional oversight and assistance, longer timeframe for implementation, and higher 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 wildfire damage to the floodplain. Therefore, measures to minimize impacts on the floodplain are not necessary. The Alpine Fire Protection District 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, or calling (510) 627-7027. All requests should be received no later than 15 days after publication of this notice. No action will be taken before this date.