FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
FOR
WEST DIETZ CREEK DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
IN
THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS


FEMA-1257-DR-TX


BACKGROUND 

In accordance with 44 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) for the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency (FEMA), Subpart B – Agency Implementing Procedures, Part 10.9, 
an Environmental Assessment (EA) was prepared pursuant to Section 102 of the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 as implemented by the regulations promulgated by the 
President’s Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508). The purpose 
of the EA was to analyze the potential environmental impacts for the improvement of 
West Dietz Creek in the City of Schertz, Texas, and to determine whether to prepare an 
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or to make a decision to prepare this Finding of 
No Significant Impact (FONSI). 

The City of Schertz, a community with approximately 18,694 residents, is located in 
Guadalupe County, Texas. The region is at repetitive risk from severe flooding. As a 
result of severe storms and flooding that struck the region in 1998 and 1999, the President 
signed a declaration of major disaster aid for the State of Texas, FEMA-1257-DR-TX. 
Pursuant to Public Law 106-31 (P.L. 106-31), the Emergency Supplemental 
Appropriations Act for fiscal year 1999, FEMA received additional funding to address 
disaster-related needs not met by Federal disaster relief programs for communities that 
experienced declared major disasters in fiscal years 1998 and 1999. The proposed 
drainage improvement project for West Dietz Creek in the City of Schertz would be 
funded in part by Federal assistance through this unmet needs program. 

In the EA process, FEMA considered three alternatives: (1) No Action, where the City of 
Schertz would not improve West Dietz Creek, (2) the Proposed Action, where West Dietz 
Creek would be improved to meet a 100-year storm, and (3) where West Dietz Creek 
would be improved to meet a 50-year storm. 

In response to the high risk to human health and safety associated with the occurrence of 
flooding in the City of Schertz, Alternative 2, the Proposed Action, has been selected 
based on the needs of the population within the City of Schertz. West Dietz Creek would 
be improved for 1.5 miles between Farm to Market (FM) 3009 and Maske Road. The 
improved Creek would have bottom widths ranging from 120 feet to 300 feet. 

FINDINGS 

FEMA has made the following determinations from the information contained in the EA: 

The proposed project, as described in the EA, will not result in any significant adverse 
impacts to existing land use, water resources (surface water, groundwater, wetlands, 
waters of the United States, and floodplains), air quality, noise, biological resources 
(vegetation, fish and wildlife, State- and Federally-listed threatened or endangered 

1 

Finding of No Significant Impact 
West Dietz Creek Drainage Improvement Project, City of Schertz, Texas 


species and critical habitats), safety issues, hazardous materials and waste, and cultural 
resources, or result in disproportionately high or adverse effects on minority or low-
income populations. The proposed action is also in compliance with all relevant Federal, 
State and local laws. 

CONDITIONS 

The following conditions must be met as part of this project. Failure to comply with 
these conditions may jeopardize Federal funds: 

1. Prior to construction activities, the City will conduct a geotechnical investigation to 
determine the actual extent of soil excavation and to guide project design. 
2. If project activities include the stockpiling of soil or fill on-site, the City will cover 
these soils to help prevent fugitive dust and increased soil erosion. The City will 
employ the use of temporary installation silt fences and/or hay bales. Bare soils will 
be vegetated with native vegetation after construction to prevent future soil erosion. 
Construction equipment will be staged in existing developed or previously disturbed 
areas and, if feasible, existing parking lots. 
3. Prior to construction, the City shall obtain an NPDES permit from EPA Region 6 for 
construction activities disturbing more than 5 acres. 
4. The City must be in compliance with its Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. 
5. The City will be required to water down construction areas to reduce dust when 
necessary. 
6. Running time of fuel-burning equipment will be minimized and engines will be 
properly maintained to reduce the emission of criteria pollutants. 
7. The City will relocate elm and white oak trees when feasible. 
8. The City will employ temporary fences around trees outside of the ROW to prevent 
encroachment of personnel and construction equipment on tree root systems. Trees 
outside of the project ROW shall not be removed. 
9. Any hazardous materials discovered, generated, or used during implementation of the 
proposed project shall be disposed of and handled by the City in accordance with 
applicable local, State, and federal regulations. 
10. The City shall obtain all easements from property owners and utilities. 
11. Construction activities will occur during normal business hours. 
12. The City shall coordinate with the School Board for portions of the project closest to 
Samuel Clemens High School so that classes are not disturbed. 
13. The City shall notify Samuel Clemens High School and the City School Board of 
construction activities and to reroute buses that use Elbel Road to reach the school. 
The City will also coordinate with the City Public Works Department and the Texas 
Department of Transportation to provide proper notification to motorists about 
closures and potential delays. 
14. All construction activities must be conducted by trained personnel in compliance with 
OSHA standards and regulations to protect worker safety. 
2 

Finding of No Significant Impact 
West Dietz Creek Drainage Improvement Project, City of Schertz, Texas