PUBLIC NOTICE - - - Final Notice and Public Review of Reserve Relief Canal Improvements in a 100-Year Floodplain To: All interested Federal, State, and Local Agencies, Groups, and Individuals This is to give notice that the St. John the Baptist Parish Government under Part 58 has conducted an evaluation, as required by Executive Orders 11988 and 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management, to determine the potential affect this activity in the floodplain will have on the human environment for the Reserve Relief Canal Improvements project. The location of the project starts at 30° 04’ 39.74” N, 90° 32’ 52.59” W and ends at 30° 03’ 40.37” N, 90° 32’ 38.52” W. The proposed project begins at the Reserve Relief Canal Pump Station and runs south along Reserve Relief Canal through Hwy 61 and continues south until Eric St. The culverts within Reserve Relief Canal, as well as the surrounding culverts adjacent to Reserve Relief Canal, are within the project bounds. The general improvement activities associated with the proposed project will include the removal of debris from culverts and road crossings, replacing existing culverts with larger culverts, and the replacement of the existing pump station. These activities are essential in protecting surrounding communities from hazardous flooding, infrastructure, and the flow of commerce in the area while providing flood relief. Culvert debris removal will be done from within the channel using hand-clearing methods, and all debris will be hauled out of predetermined points of access adjacent to the project area. Some culverts will be replaced with larger culverts to allow for increased drainage throughout the area and other culverts will be removed completely. The existing pump station will also be replaced to allow the installation of a new pump station with greater hydrologic capacity for pumping higher volumes of water more efficiently. The proposed project may require excavation and/or dredging activities to facilitate channel widening of the Reserve Relief Canal in areas where the pre-existing widths are not sufficient. Disturbances along the bank will be minimized, and impacts to wetlands will be avoided. St. John the Baptist Parish Government has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values: 1. No Action Alternative: under the No Action Alternative, the Reserve Relief Canal Improvements Project would not commence, and no impacts to the floodplain would occur. 2. Proposed Action Alternative: under the Proposed Action Alternative, alternate means and methods, such as reducing project scope and footprint were reviewed. Alternate actions include not removing debris and focusing solely on culvert and pump station replacement or to relocate the project away from the floodplain. St. John the Baptist Parish Government has reevaluated the alternatives to the proposed Reserve Relief Canal Improvements within the floodplain, and has determined that it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Orders 11988 and 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 some significant impact on the environment for the following reasons: New construction of a pump station will occur within a 100-Year Floodplain, altering hydrologic flow and capacity within the floodplain. Additionally, some culverts within the Reserve Relief Canal will be replaced, also resulting in a difference in hydrologic flow and capacity. 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 the 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 temporary impacts to the 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 a greater or continued risk. Written comments must be received by Michael Hill at ELOS Environmental on behalf of the St. John the Baptist Parish Government at the following address on or before November 28th, 2025, during the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Michael Hill Project Manager/Environmental Scientist ELOS Environmental, LLC 607 W Morris Ave Hammond, LA 70403 mhill@elosenv.com 11-12-2025 165921-nov 12-1t $617.50