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

To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals

This is to give notice that the City of Hinton under Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988 in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under the Hinton Wastewater Treatment Plant Bridge Project and HUD Community Development Block Mitigation Grant NGIPLMI0022. The Hinton Wastewater Treatment Plant Bridge Project will provide improved sewer service to approximately 1,253 customers by improving access to the City’s wastewater treatment plant for sewer operators and maintenance staff through the replacement of the decaying bridge to the plant with a newer and safer bridge. The project consists of construction of a 70’ single span pre-cast concrete bridge, steel piling, concrete foundations, guardrail, rip rap, 3” asphalt overlay, clearing demolition, and disposal of the existing wooden bridge and culverts, and any other related appurtenances. The replacement of the bridge will provide a larger unobstructed waterway opening for stormwater flood flows when the New River is at high water levels, increasing the efficiency of the City’s stormwater infrastructure as a supplementary benefit. This project is of utmost importance to the City of Hinton, as it wishes to ensure the safety of its wastewater personnel, as well as the safety of the drivers of the commercial trucks delivering equipment for the operation and maintenance of the plant. The project area consists of a 0.50 acre plot of land on Bobcat Drive leading to the wastewater treatment plant. This plot is within the floodplain.

The City of Hinton has evaluated various alternatives and mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts and preserve the natural and beneficial values of the area. The decision to proceed with construction in this location is based on the necessity of providing safe and reliable access to the Hinton Wastewater Treatment Plant while addressing stormwater management challenges. Given the plant’s proximity to natural waterways and watershed areas, the replacement bridge must be constructed within the floodplain to ensure cost-effective and functional infrastructure improvements. The project will incorporate appropriate design measures to mitigate flood risks while maintaining the integrity and resilience of the surrounding environment.

All significant factors considered in determining the location, design, and necessary actions for the Hinton WWTP Bridge Replacement Project include the requirement for construction within a floodplain along Bobcat Drive. The project does not involve any stream crossings but must be located in this area due to engineering and topographic constraints, as well as the availability of funding and the location of the bridge being replaced. The design and placement of the new bridge are essential to ensuring safe and reliable access to the wastewater treatment plant while addressing stormwater management challenges. All construction will comply with applicable floodplain standards to minimize environmental impacts and maintain the resilience of the surrounding area.

The project will be designed or modified to minimize harm to or within the floodplain in the following manner: The project will conform to applicable State and local floodplain standards. The National Flood Insurance Program criteria are not appropriate for the project because of the following reasons: The structures themselves due to their nature are not insurable.

The project will affect the natural or beneficial floodplain values in the following manner: The project may actually enhance the floodplain by removal of debris in the affected flood plain areas during the construction phase of the project which may have a positive impact of reducing the loss of property and damage experienced during flooding events.

There are no foreseeable negative impacts upon the floodplain from this project.

The City of Hinton has reevaluated 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, are available for public inspection, review and copying upon request by appointment as 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 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 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, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

Written comments must be received by the City of Hinton at the following address on or before April 1st, 2025: City of Hinton c/o Region I Planning & Development Council, 241 Mercer Springs Road, Suite 21 and (304) 431-7225, Attention: Jack Scott, Mayor. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8:30 A.M. until 4:30 P.M. M-F at the address above by appointment only.
Comments may also be submitted via email at [email protected].

Date: March 25, 2025

ID: 861183