Notification is hereby given to the public that Minnkota Power Cooperative (MPC) has requested funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for a proposed bank stabilization project along the Missouri River. The project is located on the east bank of the Missouri River approximately 8 miles south of Wilton, North Dakota (Latitude: 47.099174; Longitude: -100.933982). This notification is provided pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Executive Orders 11988 – Floodplain Management, and Executive Order 11990 – Wetland Protection, and Federal agency implementation procedures described in 44 C.F.R. Part 9 and FEMA Directive 108-1. Funding from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) will be utilized. The purpose of FEMA’s mitigation program is to implement cost-effective mitigation projects that will reduce the overall risk to populations and property.
The riverbank has moved eastward toward transmission line power infrastructure and is threatening the northerly-most portion of Structure 70 foundation. The Structure 70 foundation is currently 30 feet from a near 20 feet vertical eroded riverbank. MPC proposes to install approximately 300 linear feet of rip rap revetment to protect the existing facilities and utilities. It would be constructed with a 2.5:1 slope to provide for stability of the riverbank. Based on existing riprap protection along the river in this area, D50 (average size) of the riprap will be about 12 inches and placed about 5 feet above the normal flow level. The project will consist of the following work: installation of approximately 300 linear feet of rip rap revetment along the east bank of the Missouri River, 1100 cubic yards (CY) of excavation and disposal of excavation spoils; tree removal, striping and stockpiling 80 CY of topsoil; installation of 2500 ton of Class 2 Rip Rap and 370 ton of rock filter material; restoration of site including 1000 SY of seeding and Erosion Control blanket; restoration of the site access road; and erosion and water control best management practices. Construction activities would be in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances. This action requires the Cooperative to acquire a Floodplain Development Permit, and to comply with their local floodplain ordinance and the National Flood Insurance Program regulations.
The President of the United States has issued Executive Orders that require Federal Agencies to focus attention on the environment and on human health and safety when considering the funding of an action. Executive Orders 11988 – Floodplain Management and 11990 – Wetland Protection require federal agencies to avoid to the extent possible the long and short-term adverse impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of floodplains/wetlands and to avoid direct and indirect support of floodplain/wetland development wherever there is a practicable alternative. With this public notice, FEMA is informing the public that construction activities associated with this project are located within the Missouri River corridor, as well as within areas that are mapped within the 100-year floodplain. Based on the purpose of the project, all practicable alternatives would contain project features located in the floodplain and are functionally dependent at their location. The proposed action will not adversely affect the floodplain function and no upstream or downstream impacts have been identified. It is anticipated that long-term impacts will be beneficial to the natural values of the floodplain/floodway and wetlands, with potential minor, short-term impacts during the construction process. To minimize impacts to the river corridor and any wetlands, appropriate erosion and sediment control measures will be installed to control the discharge of pollutants from the construction site. Any impacts to jurisdictional waters of the United States will be addressed in compliance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. FEMA has also evaluated potential effects of the proposed project on endangered species, and historic properties, and determined there will be no significant impacts to these resources.
A public comment period for the proposed project described in this notice will remain open for 7 days from date of publication. If no substantive comments are received, the proposed project may proceed no sooner than 7 days after the comment period closes. Interested persons may obtain more detailed information about the proposed project by contacting Samantha Roberts (Minnkota Power) by email at sroberts@minnkota.com or by mail at 5301 32nd Ave. S. Grand Forks, ND 58201. Information may also be requested from Daniel Jones, FEMA Environmental Specialist by email at daniel.jones5@fema.dhs.gov or by mail at the Denver Federal Center, P. O. Box 25267, Denver, Colorado, 80225.