Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in the 100-Year Floodplain and Wetland

Date of Publication: August 3, 2023
Town of Penney Farms, FL
P.O. Box 1041
Penney Farms, FL 32079-1041
Phone: 904-529-9078
To: All interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals
This is to give notice that the Town of Penney Farms has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Orders 11988 and 11990 in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection to determine the potential affect that the activity in the floodplain and/or wetland will have on the environment. The activity is funded by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program with grant funds from the Federal Fiscal Year 2021-2022.
Construction activities will include the replacement of deteriorated lead jointed water lines with newer, safer, and more durable water lines. The project will also involve connecting the Town's water system with the water system that serves the PRC Retirement Community. The CDBG funded replacement water lines will be located along Town streets in the following segments: Segment 1 extends from the WATER TOWER which is on the south side of Caroline Blvd. to the north side of Caroline Blvd.; Segment 2 extends along HOFFMAN ST. between Clark Ave. and Lewis Ave.; Segment 3 extends along HOFFMAN ST. from Lewis Avenue for less than 50 LF to the Penney Farms Retirement Community (PRC) interconnect meter site; Segment 4 extends along CLARK AVE. between Hoffman St. and Caroline Blvd.; Segment 5 extends along CAROLINE BLVD. between the water tower and Clark Ave.; Segment 6 extends along CAROLINE BLVD. between Clark Ave. and Lewis Ave.; Segment 7 extends along LEWIS AVE. between Hoffman Street and Caroline Blvd. The replacement of these water mains and the interconnection of the Town of Penney Farms and PRC water systems will help to improve water quality, reliability, and safety for all Town residents. After the water line segments described above are addressed, and if funds are available, the water line replacement activities will be extended to the next block. Street segments for these additional water line replacement activities include CLARK AVE. between Hoffman St. and Morton Dr.; MORTON DR. between Clark Ave. and Wilbanks Ave.; and LEWIS AVE. between Morton Dr. and Hoffman St. The intent of this project is to replace approximately 2,630 LF of water lines, plus up to an additional 2,000 LF, based on available funding. The construction activities will impact approximately .1 acres of flood prone area. The replaced water lines will be located 3 to 5 feet underground in the public right of way next to existing streets that are already in the floodplain.
The Town of Penney Farms has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values:
The do nothing alternative was considered, but this was not a feasible alternative because it would allow the water lines to continue to be a potential health hazard due to the lead joints in the water lines. Also, relocating the water lines outside the floodplain is not feasible because then the lines would not be able to serve the existing houses that are also in the floodplain. For these reasons, it has been determined that no practicable alternative other than to proceed with the work is available.
The proposed water line replacement activities will have no significant impact on the environment because erosion control measures will be used during construction to control stormwater runoff. In addition, when construction is complete, the water lines will be buried 3 to 5 feet underground and thus will have no impact on flood and drainage conditions. Also, the proposed improvements will conform to applicable state and local floodplain/wetland protection procedures. The proposed improvements will include the replacement, repair, and/or rehabilitation of existing Town water lines that are already located in the floodplain/wetland. Failure to provide the planned improvements could result in continued health hazards from deteriorated water lines.
The Town of Penney Farms has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the floodplain/wetland and has determined that it has no practicable alternative due to the scope of the project. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Order 11988 and/or 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.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains/wetlands 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 and request for public comment about floodplains/wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts 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/wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Additional agencies involved in this project include the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the Northwest Florida Water Management District, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Written comments must be received by the Town of Penney Farms on or before August 14, 2023. Comments should be addressed to Thomas E. DeVille, Mayor, C/O Anita E. Cooper- Town Clerk, at P.O. Box 1041 Penney Farms, FL 32079-1041. Written comments may also be delivered to Town Hall, which is located at 4100 Clark Ave, Penney Farms, FL 32079-0607. In addition, comments may be submitted to the Town Clerk by email to: acooperpenneyfarms@bellsouth.net. Additional information may be obtained by phone by contacting Anita E. Cooper, Town Clerk, at 904/529-9078. A more detailed description of the project and the Federal Insurance Administration (FIA) flood maps are available for citizen review by contacting the local government.
Thomas E. Deville, Mayor and Environmental Certifying Official
Legal 77406 Published 8/3/2023 in Clay County's Clay Today newspaper