FEMA PUBLIC NOTICE

DRAFT SUPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

FOR THE PROPOSED *CONCH KEY* WASTEWATER PROJECT

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has received a grant
application from the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA) to fund
construction of a wastewater treatment system to serve Conch Key,
Florida. The proposed project would be funded through FEMA 1249-DR Post
Disaster - Unmet Needs funds, as noticed on August 6, 1999, in Vol. 64
No. 151 of the *Federal Register*. Matching funds will be provided
through the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the FKAA and
Monroe County. The purpose of the project is to improve the Conch Key
service area's wastewater treatment to meet State requirements (Chapter
99-395 Laws of Florida) by 2010, per the *Monroe County Year 2010
Comprehensive Plan.*

FEMA has completed a Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) for
Wastewater Management Improvements in the Keys, for various wastewater
projects including Conch Key. A Programmatic Finding of No Significant
Impact (FONSI) has been issued for the PEA. A Draft

Supplemental Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the proposed action on
Conch Key is now complete, which focuses on site/project specific
issues. These documents were prepared pursuant to the National
Environmental Policy Act (PL 91-190) and associated environmental
statutes, as implemented by FEMA's regulations 44 CFR Part 10; and in
accordance with Presidential Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain
Management); as implemented in 44 CFR Part 9.

**Project Alternatives:**

Alternatives considered in the DSEA include:

> 1\) No Action Alternative: The Conch Key service area continues to use
> its existing wastewater treatment systems and obtains funding from
> other sources to meet the State 2010 requirements and the
> *Comprehensive Plan* deadline;
>
> 2\) Action Alternative 1: Implement the Monroe County Sanitary
> Wastewater Master Plan recommendation of building a community
> wastewater collection system and treatment plant on Conch Key;
>
> 3\) Action Alternative 2: Install a wastewater collection system on
> Conch Key to convey wastewater to the existing Hawk's Cay Wastewater
> Treatment Plant located on Duck Key, subject to FKAA/Monroe County
> acquiring ownership or beneficial use of the existing treatment plant
> from its current private owner.

**Notice of Draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment Available for
Comment:**

The DSEA addresses the purpose and need of the proposed project, project
alternatives considered, the affected environment, project and
site-specific environmental consequences, and impact mitigation
measures. Comments to the DSEA will be accepted from the affected
public; local, state and federal agencies; and other interested parties
in order to consider and appropriately scope and evaluate the likely
effects of the proposed Conch Key project alternatives on the physical,
biological, and social/built environment. Comments should be made in
writing and sent to the FEMA official listed below or given at the
public meeting. Comments will be accepted no later than July 25,2003.
The DSEA may be accessed as indicated below; the PEA and FONSI may also
be accessed at these locations, however the comment period for the
latter two documents has passed.

-   The DSEA may be viewed and downloaded at the following website:
    [http://www.fema.gov/ehp/docs.shtm]{.underline}

-   A copy of the DSEA will be available for viewing at the following
    public repository

\- George Dolezal Branch Library, 3251 Overseas Highway, Marathon

**Public Meeting Notice:**

A public meeting has been scheduled for the DSEA. The purpose of the
meeting is to present the DSEA, discuss the issues and gather
information, and receive public comments.

-   JULY 15TH 6:30 to 9:30pm -- Emergency Operations Center, Marathon
    Government Center 2798 Overseas Highway (Mile Marker 47.5)*,*
    Marathon

**Point of Contact:**

Ms. Science Kilner, Lead Environmental Specialist

FEMA Region IV

3003 Chamblee Tucker Road

Atlanta, Georgia 30341

Fax: (770) 220-5440

science.kilner@dhs.gov