FINAL NOTICE AND PUBLIC EXPLANATION OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY IN THE 100 YEAR FLOODPLAIN To: To all interested agencies including the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Housing Trust Fund Corporation, Groups, and Individuals This is to give notice that the City of Oneonta has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988 and 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management, to determine the potential affect that its activity in the floodplain and wetland will have on the human environment for the Raw Water Transmission Main Improvements Project under CDBG #847-PW51-15. The proposed project is located along the Water Main from Oneonta's Lower Reservoir along Oneonta Creek to the Water Plant in the Town of Oneonta and City of Oneonta, Otsego County. This project will include re-lining of 4500 feet of existing pipe. The project will be completed within 28.94 acres of Flood Zone A in the Town of Oneonta and Flood Zone AE in the City of Oneonta. The City of Oneonta has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values: replacement of this pipe would cause more disturbance since much of the land between the reservoir and the treatment plant is wooded and hilly terrain. Re-lining the existing main would require much less land disturbance than replacement or relocation. The City will comply with all federal, state and local floodplain regulations and procedures. The City of Oneonta has re-evaluated the alternatives to building in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Order 11988 and 11990, are available for public inspection, review and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments. This activity will have no significant impact on the environment for the following reasons: 1) The activity will involve an area that has already been disturbed and will not create new disturbance; and 2)The activity will be addressing a pipeline that is over 120 years old and has experienced a major break in the past decade. The improvements will prevent future potential water main breaks. There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about those areas. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information about floodplains can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplains, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk. Written comments must be received by the City of Oneonta at the following address on or before March 14, 2016: City of Oneonta, 258 Main Street, Oneonta, NY 13820, wkerbin@oneonta.ny.us Attention: William Kerbin, Director of Community Development, during normal business hours. March 7, 2016 Gary Herzig Mayor
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