PDM - Lakeland Village Master Drainage Plan, Line H Flood Hazard Reduction Project Public Notice

FINAL PUBLIC NOTICE: Lakeland Village Master Drainage Plan, Line H Flood Hazard Reduction Project, Riverside County, California │ PDMC-PJ-09-CA-2016-013

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 Lakeland Village in Riverside County, California, to mitigate the impact of flood hazards at the base of the Santa Ana Mountains (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 in Lakeland Village. The proposed project includes the construction of the Lakeland Village Line H storm drain system, which would capture the 100-year storm runoff from multiple points at the base of the hills on the southwestern side of Lakeland Village and along several streets in Lakeland Village. Captured water would be conveyed through a new underground drainage system to Lake Elsinore. The maximum depth of excavation would be approximately 25 feet. Project features include: 1) Installing reinforced concrete pipes that would be up to 90 inches in diameter in or adjacent to existing streets (Maiden Lane, Landerville Avenue, Cottrell Boulevard, Anthony Avenue, Adelfa Street, Coleman Avenue, Zellar Street, Peeler Avenue, Ranspot Avenue, Brand Street, and Gillette Street), in trenches up to 11 feet wide with a maximum depth of approximately 22 feet; 2) Constructing a new outlet structure to Lake Elsinore at the northern end of Maiden Lane; 3) Constructing a new sediment basin approximately 1.8-acres in size; 4) Constructing three upstream debris basins; 5) Constructing multiple catch basins in or adjacent to streets; 6) Repaving segments of streets; and 7) Using two temporary staging areas (7 acres and 8 acres).

The project area is depicted on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) 06065C2038G, effective date August 28, 2008. The proposed action lies within Zones A and D. Zone A is defined as an area that has a 1 percent probability of flooding every year and Zone D is an area that has not been studied, resulting in an undetermined floodplain designation.

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.

Three alternatives to the proposed action were considered: Alternative 1, No Action; Alternative 2, upsizing facilities; Alternative 3, debris basin plus floodplain buyout. Under Alternative 1, no improvements would be made, and Lakeland Village would continue to experience recurring flood damage. Therefore, Alternative 1 is not recommended. Alternative 2 would be a scaled-down version of the proposed project but would not include sediment quality basins. This alternative proposed 21 underground storm drains, 4 open channels, 2 debris basins, and 1 debris/detention basin. The proposed storm drains and open channels would be sized to convey “bulked flows” to Lake Elsinore. The two debris basins were proposed upstream of the existing Ortega and Lime Street channels to capture sediment before entering the channels. These channels historically have been subject to debris accumulation and frequent maintenance due to relatively flat slopes. A debris/detention basin was proposed upstream of the existing Lakeland Village Channel to capture debris and attenuate flow during a 100-year storm event. This Alternative is not recommended because maintenance would be more costly, and it would not address water quality concerns. Alternative 3 would also be a scaled-down version of the proposed project. This alternative would not include water quality basins; it proposed 17 underground storm drains, 4 open channels, and 8 debris basins. Like Alternative 2, Alternative 3 also would include improvements to the existing Lime Street, Ortega, and Lakeland Village Channels, such as flood walls and larger culverts. However, Alternative 3 also proposed the acquisition of properties and the removal of over 200 structures located within the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). The existing culverts located along Grand Avenue, including those located within the SFHAs, were also proposed to be enlarged to convey the 100-year storm under Alternative 3. Alternative 3 is not recommended because of the high cost and acquisition of properties.

FEMA has determined that the proposed action 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 Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation 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.