Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain and Wetland

Posted by City Hall on Jun 27, 2022

This is to give notice that the City of Vernonia, acting as the Certifying Officer on this HUD funded project, 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 City of Vernonia Sewer Improvement Project under Community Development Block Grant Number P21005. This linear infrastructure project is focused on updating Vernonia’s sewer line to meet the existing needs of the residents. This will involve replacing existing sewer lines with larger sewer lines to service the city’s residents and installing a pump station to better facilitate sewage flow. This project will also remove part of the sewer line that is a fish passage barrier in Rock Creek and Bear Creek. Additional work will include the replacement of the Adams Ave culvert in Bear Creek due to its relation to the sewer line. There will be approximately 0.8 acres of wetlands and floodplains disturbed. The proposed project is located along Rock Creek, Adams Ave, Maple St, Weed Ave, E St, and Springboard Ln in Vernonia, Columbia County, Oregon. Despite disturbances to the worked areas, it is anticipated that any effect to the natural environment will have a net positive outcome through the elimination of existing fish passage barriers. Most infrastructure will end up in existing right-of-way’s and below grade, as the existing sewer system does. All proper and necessary permits will be obtained from the necessary jurisdictions for this project.  

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 these 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 City of Vernonia at the following address on or before July 13, 2022. Address: City of Vernonia, 1001 Bridge St, Vernonia, Oregon and (503) 429-5291. Attention: Angie Handegard, during the hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Comments may also be submitted via email at financial@vernonia-or.gov.