Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed
Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain or Wetland
To: All Interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals
This is to give notice that the City of Lake Butler, Florida, as the Responsible Entity under 24 CFR Part 58, has determined that the following proposed action under the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Neighborhood Revitalization Program (CDBG-NR), Agreement Number 26DB-N10, is located within the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain and a wetland. The City of Lake Butler will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action within the floodplain and wetland and the potential impacts on the floodplain and wetland from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11988 and Executive Order 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The proposed project location is in the City of Lake Butler, Union County, Florida.
The City of Lake Butler has been awarded $2,827,800 in CDBG-NR grant funding to carry out infrastructure improvements associated with its wastewater collection and treatment system. The proposed project consists of the installation of approximately 15,000 linear feet of new 10-inch and 12-inch wastewater force main to replace the existing system. The improvements will extend from the City’s master pump station to the new advanced wastewater treatment facility. The alignment will generally follow utility easements along SW 158th Road, across the wastewater treatment plant sprayfield property, and along additional easements near 6th Avenue.
The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using the FEMA Map service (FEMA panels; 12125C0138E eff. 11/2/2018, 12125C0139E eff. 11/2/2018, and 12125C0230E eff. 11/2/2018) under the 0.2 Percent-Annual-Chance (500-year) Flood Approach. The assessment determined that approximately 2,700 linear feet of the project are within the 100-year floodplain, and multiple FEMA Flood Zones A are mapped within and adjacent to the project area. A number of Freshwater Emergent Wetlands, Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetlands, and Freshwater Ponds are within and adjacent to the project site.
These floodplain and wetland areas provide important natural functions, including floodwater storage and conveyance, groundwater recharge, erosion control, and water quality improvement through filtration of sediments and pollutants. These areas also provide habitat for aquatic and terrestrial species typical of riverine environments. In addition, the floodplain and wetlands offer intrinsic values, including aesthetic, recreational, and educational benefits, and contribute to the natural character of the City of Lake Butler.
The project has been designed to avoid and minimize impacts of wetlands to
the maximum extent practicable and no permanent conversion of wetlands is anticipated. No activities are proposed that would substantially alter hydrology, introduce fill into wetland systems, or result in long term degradation of wetland function. However, small portions of floodplain and wetland areas may be temporarily affected during construction due to minor ground disturbance associated with wastewater force main installation. These effects would be limited in extent and duration. No permanent conversion of wetlands is anticipated, and no activities are proposed that would substantially alter hydrology, introduce fill into wetland systems, or result in long term degradation of wetland function
Although natural beneficial floodplain functions such as floodwater storage and conveyance, groundwater recharge, erosion control, water-quality maintenance, and habitat for flora and fauna may still be present, these functions are diminished in this area due to the extent of existing utility easements and sewer treatment plant. Proposed activities at the project site include installation of approximately 15,000 LF of new 10″ and 12″ wastewater force main between the City’s new master pump station to the new advanced wastewater treatment facility. The proposed new sanitary sewer force main will run through a utility easement extending along SW 158th Road, along the City’s sewer treatment plant spray field property, and through another utility easement along 6th Avenue. While wastewater force main installation may result in limited ground disturbance, this project will not add fill or create any new impervious surfaces within the FFRMS floodplain. As a result, any impacts to floodplain values are expected to be minor and temporary.
The intrinsic values of this area are primarily community-serving, given its current use as a utility easement and sewer treatment plant spray field. At the completion of the project, the use of the right-of-way would be maintained by the proposed facility improvements. However, since the existing soil in the right-of-way within the FFRMS floodplain would only be minimally disturbed for required sewer line installation, the completed project is not expected to result in measurable impacts on the floodplain. Therefore, the natural and beneficial values of the floodplain such as groundwater recharge and floodwater storage should be maintained.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in the floodplain or wetland 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. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplain or wetland, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate project impacts on the floodplain or wetland. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comments about floodplains and wetlands 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 floodplain or wetland, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be received by the City of Lake Butler on or before July 27, 2026. City of Lake Butler, 200 SW 1st Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054, (386) 496-3401, Attention: Kimberly Hayes, City Manager. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET Monday through Friday at 200 SW 1st Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Kimberly Hayes, City Manager, at (386) 496-3401. Comments may also be submitted by email to [email protected].
Date: July 10, 2026