NOTICE: Flood Plain Management

FINAL NOTICE AND PUBLIC EXPLANATION OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY IN THE 100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN 

To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals

This is to give notice that the Town of Coeymans has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988 and/or 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management, to determine the potential effect that its activity in the floodplain and wetland will have on the human environment for the Sewer System Improvements Project – Phase 1 under CDBG CFA #150452.  The proposed project is in the vicinity of Main Street, Division Street, and Riverview Drive in the Town of Coeymans, Albany County.

The Town of Coeymans owns and operates its own sanitary sewer system. The sanitary sewer system discharges to the Town’s wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) located at 67 Sewer Plant Access Rd, Coeymans, NY.  During wet weather events, the Town encounters a significant increase in sanitary sewer flow which is to be attributed to a combination of inflow and infiltration (I/I).,  The high flow rates result in sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) creating both an environmental and health concern for the Town.  The high flow rates also negatively affect the WWTP resulting in violations of the SPDES Permit

Phase 1 of the Town of Coeymans Sewer System Improvements Project will address deficiencies in the sanitary sewer system to reduce SSOs. The existing trunk sewer located along Main Street consists of 15-inch asbestos cement pipe. During heavy rain events this line surcharges 4-5 times a year. To address this issue, the project proposes complete removal and replacement of the approximately 1,500 LF of 15-inch sewer located on Main Street between manholes 8 and 14-1 including the existing manholes.

The Town has also been experiencing increased maintenance on the existing pumps at the Division Street and Riverview Drive pump stations. The Riverview Drive Pump Station currently receives flow from the nearby industrial park. Future tenants are anticipated within the industrial park which will increase flow to the pump station, which has limited capacity to accept the additional flow. Pump replacements and other upgrades are needed at both pump stations to meet the level of service required by the Town’s customers.

The proposed project area is inclusive of the Riverview Drive and Division Street pump stations and 1,500 LF of 15-inch sewer located on Main Street from manhole 14-1 to manhole 8.

To reduce SSOs, sanitary sewer system infrastructure improvement activities are proposed including:

• Repair/Rehabilitation of Division and Riverview Pump Stations
• Replacement of approximately 1,500 LF of 15-inch sewer located on Main Street between manholes 8 and 14-1, and the replacement of existing manholes
• Development of Wastewater Treatment Plant Engineering Report and Income Survey

The proposed project will have no impact on threatened or endangered species known to exist within the area. This project will contribute to the overall sustainability of the community, by reducing high levels of inflow and infiltration to the sanitary sewer collection system. The improvements will be completed largely below grade and the site located in the floodplain will be restored to the existing condition upon project completion.

The Town of Coeymans has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values:

Alternative Sites– The proposed project locations do not have any alternative sites. The proposed work for the Sewer System Improvements Project – Phase 1 is the replacement and improvement of existing sewer infrastructure. Although a portion of the proposed project site is located within the 100-year flood plain, proposed work will occur primarily below grade. Upon completion of the proposed project, the site will be largely restored to the existing conditions.

Alternative Actions– An alternative action to the proposed project is to move sewer infrastructure to a site not located within the flood plain. This alternative is not feasible since it would be cost prohibitive.

No Action– The project as planned will minimize floodplain impacts by placing improvements primarily below ground. Improvements will be protected from flooding by design and the site will be restored to preexisting conditions upon completion of the project.

The Town of Coeymans has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative.  Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of [Executive Order 11988 and/or 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. This activity will have no significant impact on the environment for the following reasons:

Although a small portion of the proposed project site is located within the 100-year flood plain, proposed work will occur primarily below grade. Upon completion of the proposed project, the site will be largely restored to the existing conditions.

There are three primary purposes for this notice.  First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains 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 about floodplains can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks 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 floodplains, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

Written comments must be received by the Town of Coeymans at the following address on or before September 7, 2025. Town of Coeymans, 18 Russell Ave, Ravena, N.Y. 12143, [email protected]. Attention: Candace McHugh, Town Clerk, during normal business hours.

Date:  August 30, 2025