PUBLIC NOTICE

Federal Emergency Management Agency

In accordance with 44 CFR §9.8 for Executive Order 11988

Propose Emergency Generator Installation

St. Thomas and St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

 

Notification is hereby given to the public of the intent of the Department of Homeland Security-Federal Emergency Management Agency (DHS-FEMA) to provide federal funding to the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) as subrecipient for the proposed installation of emergency diesel generators on the islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix.

 

The proposed project would be funded through the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Program. The purpose of the EMPG program is to support the building, sustainment and delivery of core capabilities essential to achieving the National Preparedness Goal of a secure and resilient nation. This notification is given in accordance with Executive Order (EO) 11988 (Floodplain Management), Executive Order (EO) 11990 (Protection of Wetlands), Federal Coastal Zone Management Act, and 44 CFR Part 9, regulations for implementing EO 11988-11990.

 

The proposed EMPG project would involve the installation of three new diesel generators on concrete mounting pads and the construction of enclosures to house the new equipment. The enclosures will minimize potential noise and ensure that equipment stays protected from weathering. Included in the installation is a transfer switch, electrical wiring, controls, control panels, and batteries.

 

Two of the three generators would be installed within the 100-year floodplain. Alternatives considered include: 1) taking no action 2) moving the two generators out of the special flood hazard area (SFHA) or 3) the proposed alternative to install the generators in the SFHA, including elevating and floodproofing the equipment to the most practicable and feasible extent possible. FEMA has determined that the proposed alternative is the most practicable. FEMA has also determined that investment of funds to ensure the continuity of vital operations is in the public interest. Potential impacts to water quality or aquatic habitat are anticipated to be temporary during construction and minimized through best management practices and conservation measures incorporated from resource agency recommendations and required regulatory permits.

 

Comments about this project, potential alternatives, and floodplain or wetland impacts may be submitted in writing within 15 days of the date of this publication to: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency – Region II – Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation, Mitigation Division, One World Trade Center, Suite 53, New York, NY 10007 or via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If substantive comments are received, FEMA will evaluate and address the comments as part of the environmental documentation for this project.

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