To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals
This is to give notice that Buckeye Hills Regional Council has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order(s) 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, and/or Executive Order 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under Appalachian Regional Commission, Grant Number: OH-21847. The proposed project is located at 16645 Canaanville Hills Rd, Athens, OH 45701, in Canaanville Township, Athens County, and is located in the 500-year floodplain. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using 0.2 percent flood approach. This project is for an onsite sewer facility specifically designed for existing and new properties along the Route 32/50 corridor in Canaanville to support future industrial development. It consists of installation of a 12,000 GPD package wastewater treatment plant. The project footprint is estimated to be less than 1acre.
Buckeye Hills Regional Council has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial functions and intrinsic values of the existing floodplain/wetland: Locating the project at a different location is not feasible as the wastewater treatment system is needed to serve the existing businesses at the location, as well as allow for future industrial growth. Mitigation measures include elevating the treatment plant above the floodplain, protection and diversion, floodproofing, and/or backup systems.
Buckeye Hills Regional Council has reevaluated alternatives to building in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative to floodplain development. Environmental files documenting compliance with Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, and/or Executive Order 11990, are available for public inspection, review and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplain 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. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplain 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, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be received by the Buckeye Hills Regional Council at the following address on or before 6/17/2025: Buckeye Hills Regional Council, 1400 Pike Street, Marietta, OH 45750, 1.800.331.2644, Attention: Kylee Nichols, Development Specialist. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 9am – 4:30pm at 1400 Pike Street, Marietta, OH 45750. Comments may also be submitted via email at knichols@buckeyehills.org.
Date: 6/9/2025