FINAL PUBLIC NOTICE SALEM SEWER RELOCATION PROJECT

PUBLIC NOTICE

Pursuant to Executive Orders 11988 (Floodplain Management) 11990 (Wetlands) and Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) implementing regulations at Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 9, FEMA hereby provides final notice of its decision to provide Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding for an action located in a floodplain and wetlands. Funding would be provided through Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to the City of Salem for the Salem Sewer Relocation project.

The action is located in Salem Harbor and from Shore Avenue to Lafayette Place. The project would remove the current above-ground sewer pipeline facility from Salem Harbor and relocate further inland and underground city streets below existing utility lines. The removal from the harbor would include the sewer pipeline, supporting timber piles and crossbeams, and associated hardware. The project area would then be re-graded back to its natural state. The City would also repair sidewalks and curbs as needed following construction. The action may require modification of an existing easement and acquisition of two new easements.

The existing sewer pipeline facility is located within the coastal high hazard area of the floodplain (Zone VE) and sub-tidal flat wetlands. The new relocated pipeline facility will be located outside of wetlands and largely outside of the floodplain (Zone X). A small portion spanning from the Fred J Dion Yacht Yard to Willow Avenue will still be located within the special flood hazard area (Zone AE); however, the burial underground will minimize the potential flood risk. The project would be conditioned for sedimentation and erosion control measures. A map of the area of available upon request.

The demolition portion of the project must be in floodplain and wetland because it is depending on the existing facility location. A portion of the new sewer pipeline facility would remain in the floodplain because it is the most practicable and streamlined underground route that connects the existing sewer pipeline to the new relocation. The alternatives considered include (1) repairing the existing above-ground facility with replacement timber piles; (2) burying underneath the harbor with an inverted siphon system; and (3) a pump station and force main on city streets and easements. Grant conditions will also require compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, including coordination with the local floodplain administrator.

Map requests and comments about this project and potential floodplain and wetland impacts should be submitted within 15 days of the date of this publication to:

Victoria Hanley, Environmental Protection Specialist

Federal Emergency Management Agency, Cambridge, MA

victoria.hanley@fema.dhs.gov; (256) 283-7393