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 Spencer has completed an evaluation required by Executive Order 11988 and HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 for floodplain and wetland protection. Funded through Community Development Block Grant-MIT NGIPLMI-0010, the project work areas include Front Street, the Elm Street sewer crossing of Spring Creek, and segments along the U.S. Route 119 Bypass, all within existing utility corridors and previously disturbed areas in Spencer, WV. The project will use CDBG-MIT funds to improve the sanitary sewer system to reduce flood-related damage, inflow and infiltration, and sewer overflows affecting infrastructure near Spring Creek and its tributaries. Planned work includes relocating and replacing about 2,100 feet of sewer line, rehabilitating roughly 72 manholes, constructing lift and grinder stations, and adding surge storage at the wastewater treatment plant. Portions of the work lie within the 100-year floodplain, but the improvements are intended to remove or protect vulnerable infrastructure. Construction may temporarily disturb floodplain soils and riparian areas, while long-term benefits include improved water quality, reduced overflow risk, and strengthened natural floodplain functions. The City of Spencer evaluated alternatives and mitigation measures to minimize impacts and preserve natural floodplain functions. The project involves sanitary sewer system improvements within the 100-year floodplain of Spring Creek and its tributaries because the existing infrastructure needing upgrades is already in flood-prone areas serving established development, leaving no practicable outside-floodplain alternative. Options such as supplemental treatment facilities and decentralized systems were dismissed due to higher costs, technical infeasibility, and inability to address flood-related collection-system damage. Mitigation measures include restricting work to existing utility corridors and disturbed areas, relocating sewer lines from active stream channels where possible, elevating or protecting infrastructure above the 100-year flood elevation, applying erosion and sediment controls, and restoring disturbed areas to maintain floodplain function and water quality. No wetlands will be affected, and no FEMA LOMA or LOMR actions apply. The project will comply with all relevant federal, state, and local floodplain and wetland regulations and permitting requirements. The City of Spencer 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 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 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 Spencer at the following address on or before March 16, 2026: Spencer MIT Sewer System, 116 Court Street, Spencer, WV 25726, Attention: Mayor Terry A. Williams. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 9AM to 3PM at Spencer City Hall or by email at [email protected], where comments may also be submitted. Date: 3/6/2026
MID OHIO VALLEY REGIONAL COUNCIL
PO BOX 247
PARKERSBURG
WV
26102
304-422-4993
ID: 1499865