FM-5278-CA Public Notice 002

FINAL PUBLIC NOTICE: Lindo Channel Defensible Space Project, Butte County, California | HMGP 5278-407-3

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 Chico in Butte County, California, to create defensible space along the edges of the Lindo Channel (proposed action). 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 reduce wildfire hazards along Lindo Channel. The proposed action consists of the following: 1) removing and reducing shrub and understory vegetation; 2) removing dead and unstable trees; 3) thinning smaller live trees; and 4) grazing by goats and other livestock for approximately three months per year for three years. Chipping of vegetation would occur mostly on-site at accessible locations; larger debris may be removed using a skid steer and taken to a staging area for chipping.

The project area is depicted on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), Map Numbers 06007C0343E and 06007C0339E, effective January 6, 2011. The proposed action lies within Zone AE, an area that has a 1-percent probability of flooding every year and where predicted floodwater elevations have been established. Based on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory map, three freshwater forested/shrub wetlands occur within the project area.  

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: Second Action Alternative. Under Alternative 1 no project would be undertaken. This Alternative is not recommended because the area would remain at risk for fire damage. Under Alternative 2, a masticator or other mechanical mowing/trimming equipment would be used to remove the vegetation. Alternative 2 is not recommended due to noise impacts, flying debris, and unsafe rocky terrain. 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. The City of Chico 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 City of Chico would implement best management practices and chipped material would not be broadcast into wetlands. Therefore, permanent impacts on wetlands are not anticipated.

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.