FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT Reconstruction of the North Sauk River Road Snohomish County, Washington FEMA DR-1499-WA PW 207 Snohomish County applied, through the Washington State Emergency Management Division (EMD), to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for assistance to reconstruct a portion of the Sauk River Road. The road provides vehicle access for 22 properties. A major portion (about 1000 linear feet) of the Sauk River Road was consumed by the Sauk River as a result of erosion during the October 15-23, 2003, severe storms and flooding. The event was declared a presidential disaster on November 7, 2003 (FEMA -1499-WA). FEMA is proposing to fund 75 percent of the cost for this project through its Public Assistance Program. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 and FEMA’s implementing regulations, FEMA prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) to identify and evaluate potential environmental impacts resulting from the alternatives presented in the EA and to determine whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). Alternatives evaluated in the EA include: (1) The Preferred Alternative: Modified DNR Road (construct about 1.2 miles of road from 200 to 1000 feet from the Sauk River); (2) East Alignment with Low Walls (construct about 1,500 feet of new road along the 563 foot contour, use mechanical stabilized earth walls); (3) DNR Road (construct about 2,900 feet of new road at about the 680 foot contour); and (4) No Action Alternative. In addition the following alternatives were considered but not carried forward: (1) Rebuild the road along the pre-disaster alignment; (2) Use Abandoned DNR Road; (3) Use existing USFS Roads; (4) Build New Road in Floodplain at Base of Slope; and (5) Buy-out the Affected Properties. The first draft EA was submitted for public review and comment in March, 2005. Based upon the comments received, FEMA reevaluated the impacts of the preferred alternative (East Alignment with Low Walls) and conducted further analysis. Based upon that analysis and in coordination with Snohomish County, the preferred alternative was changed to the Modified DNR Road. The EA was published again for comments in June 2006. Several comments were received supporting the preferred alternative in the revised EA. An analysis of the proposed action, as described in the EA, did not result in the identification of any significant adverse impacts to waters resources (surface water, groundwater, wetlands, waters of the United States and floodplains), biological resources (vegetation, fish and wildlife, state- and federally-listed threatened or endangered species and critical habitats), socio-economics (community), and historic/cultural resources, or result in disproportionately high or adverse effects on minority or low-income populations provided all of the attached project conditions are met. FINDINGS Based upon the attached Project Conditions and Conservation Measures and Final EA, and in accordance with FEMA’s regulations in 44 Code of Regulations (CFR) Part 10 for environmental consideration, including Executive Orders (EOs) addressing floodplains (EO 11988), wetlands (EO 11990), and environmental justice (EO 12898), FEMA determined the proposed project with the prescribed conditions will not significantly affect the quality of the natural and human environment. As a result of this FONSI, an EIS will not be prepared (44 CFR Part 10.8) and the project as described in the attached Final EA may proceed. APPROVAL Signed: Mark Eberlein 9-14-06 Dennis Hunsinger 9-14-06 ____________________________________ ____________________________________ Mark G. Eberlein Date Dennis A. Hunsinger Date Regional Environmental Officer Regional Director, Acting FEMA Region 10 FEMA Region 10 Attachment A: FONSI (Reconstruction of the Sauk River Road) PROJECT CONDITIONS AND CONSERVATION MEASURES Permits and Regulations - The project will implement conditions included in any Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) permit provided by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. - Snohomish County will coordinate with the U.S Army Corps of Engineers for obtaining any necessary Section 404 Permits under the Clean Water Act. - Mitigation required by Snohomish County’s Critical Areas Ordinance would be developed in coordination with Snohomish County staff. Stormwater Control - A site-specific Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan will be developed and implemented to ensure that all pollutants are controlled and contained. - The project will implement stormwater control according to the State of Washington NPDES Stormwater Construction guidelines. - In the event of unexpected rainfall, all concrete, paving, paint, paint remover, or other potentially harmful chemicals will be contained and prevented from leaving the construction area. - Fueling and maintenance of equipment will occur more than 300 feet from surface water or wetlands, to the extent practical. Sediment Control - An Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan (ESCP) will be prepared and implemented for all projects that require earth-moving, vegetation removal, or soil compaction. If the project includes excavation below the water table, the turbid water will be de-watered to the adjacent vegetated floodplain for infiltration and BMPs will be implemented to eliminate risk of runoff. - Sediment containment will be completed using booms or portable rubber cofferdams. Turbid water generated by excavation below the water table will be pumped from the excavation area and discharged to the flat, vegetated floodplain. - Work will be performed upstream to downstream and turbidity monitoring will ensure compliance with state standards. - Exposed soil will be stabilized within 7 days of disturbance. - Disturbed areas will be restored and revegetation implemented using plants native to the area. - Temporary storage piles will not be placed in the 100-year floodplain from October 1 to May 1. Storage piles used in the project within 12 hours will not be considered as temporary storage. - Project-caused unstable slopes will be stabilized as soon as possible. - Blasting will use barriers to keep material from entering the Sauk River. Clearing and Disturbance - Clearing and grading will be limited to the minimum necessary to complete the project. Boundaries of clearing will be clearly marked. - Removed debris will be disposed of at an appropriate upland location. - No temporary access roads will be constructed in addition to the primary road corridor. Implementation - The Applicant is responsible for Conservation Measure success to ensure desired outcomes. The Applicant will be required to monitor and maintain Conservation Measures to control erosion and sediment, reduce spills and pollution, and provide habitat protection. Failure to properly implement Conservation Measures may result in loss of all financial assistance provided for that project. General - Any change to the approved scope of work will require re-evaluation for compliance with NEPA and other Laws and Executive Orders. - This review does not address federal, state and local requirements. Acceptance of federal funding requires recipient to comply with all federal, state, and local laws. Failure to obtain all appropriate federal, state and local environmental permits and clearances may jeopardize federal funding. - If ground disturbing activities occur during construction, applicant will monitor ground disturbance and if any potential archaeological resources are discovered, will immediately cease construction in that area and notify the State and FEMA.