The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

PUBLIC NOTICE

Wahkiakum County Fire Station #3 Relocation

Notice is hereby given of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) intent to provide funding for the relocation of Wahkiakum County Fire Protection District #3 fire hall to a new location approximately 1,300 north of the existing site. The existing fire station is located at 3751 SR 4 near Grays River, Wahkiakum County Washington. The fire station was destroyed during a flooding event in January 2009, which resulted in Presidential disaster declaration FEMA-1817-DR-WA. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and the implementing regulations of FEMA, an environmental review is being performed to evaluate the potential effects of the proposed action to ensure activities are considered for impacts to the human and natural environment.

This public notice also invites public comments on the proposed project in accordance with Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management, and Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands. These orders require that all federal actions in or affecting the base floodplain or wetland areas be reviewed for opportunities to relocate out of the floodplain or wetland. The proposed action is intended to re-establish a district station and relocate the facility outside the floodplain to avoid future adverse effects during flood events.

This draft EA is limited to evaluation of potential environmental impacts of demolition of damaged facility and construction and operation and maintenance of new fire station at a new location. It includes construction of a fire station of similar size and function as damaged facility. The new facility may also be used as an emergency operations center and temporary sheltering area during emergencies. The 4,400 square foot single story building will contain four vehicle bays, a multi-purpose area, two bathrooms with showers, a kitchen and storage areas. Paved parking area will be provided for eight vehicles. Utilities will include a pressurized on-site septic system, water and electrical service from PUD, a new hydrant, propane tank, a generator and a storm drainage system.

The public is invited to comment on the proposed project. The draft environmental assessment will be posted at Rosburg Post Office, Rosburg, WA and Courthouse in Cathlamet, Washington on or about April 22, 2010. Interested persons may obtain more detailed information about the proposed action from FEMA’s Region X Disaster Field Office in Bothell by calling Mark Eberlein, FEMA Regional Environmental Officer, at (425) 487-4735 or by email at mark.eberlein@dhs.gov. EA is available for viewing and comment on FEMA website at:http://www.fema.gov/plan/ehp/envdocuments/index.shtm. After comment period has closed, EA will be available at: http://www.fema.gov/plan/ehp/environments/archives_index.shtm. All comments regarding this proposed action should be directed to Mr. Eberlein no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, May 24, 2010.

Publish April 22, 2010