Final Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a Floodplain Town of Whitefield, New Hampshire
Final Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a Floodplain\ Town of Whitefield, New Hampshire
To: All interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals
The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) is considering whether to fund the following proposed action under its Catalyst program. NBRC has prepared an 8-Step Decision-Making Process in compliance with Executive Order (EO) 11988 (Floodplain Management), which ensures that federally funded projects consider floodplain impacts and avoid unnecessary risks.
The Town of Whitefield proposes to excavate and replace approximately 2,000 linear feet of an existing 10-inch clay, lead-jointed water main along Union Street, extending to the intersection of NH Route 116 (Whitefield Road) and Route 3, just south of the Johns River crossing (Coordinates: 44°22’19.38”N, 71°36’40.02”W). The replacement water main would be installed at the same size and within the existing roadway corridor, with no expansion of system capacity, and disturbed areas would be restored following construction.
The proposed action also includes in-kind replacement of an existing stormwater outfall that conveys runoff from Union, Greenwood, View, and Cherry Streets to the Johns River. The existing outfall would be replaced at the same discharge location using an open trench method, and riprap would be placed at the outlet to provide bank stabilization and energy dissipation. No excavation of previously undisturbed land is anticipated, with the exception of work required to replace the existing outfall.
The NBRC has determined that a portion of the proposed action’s footprint, limited to the stormwater outfall replacement, is located within the 100-year floodplain and therefore warrants analysis under the 8-Step Decision-Making Process.
Alternative Considered:
- No Action alternative: Under the No Action alternative, no federal funding would be provided, and the existing water main and stormwater outfall would remain in place. While this alternative would avoid construction within the floodplain, it would not address the aging condition of the existing infrastructure or meet the purpose and need of the project. Consequently, this alternative was dismissed.
Actions to Minimize Potential Impacts:
Impacts on Property - Because the proposed action involves in-kind replacement of existing infrastructure and does not expand development within the floodplain, no additional design modifications are necessary to minimize impacts to property beyond standard construction practices.
Impacts on Lives - The proposed action would not introduce new occupied structures or increase the presence of people within the floodplain; therefore, no specific mitigation measures related to impacts on lives are required.
Impacts on Floodplain and Wetland Health and Function - To minimize the potential for erosion and sedimentation during construction activities within the floodplain, best management practices (BMPs) will be implemented. These BMPs will include the installation of silt fencing to contain sediment transport within the project area, silt sacks for catch basins, and the use of a cofferdam during outfall installation. Stockpiled materials will be contained, and a stabilized construction entrance will be constructed by the contractor. Details regarding BMP implementation will be provided in the construction drawings and outlined in the project specifications and contract documents.
It is NBRC’s determination that, based on (1) the identification of sufficient measures to minimize potential impacts, (2) the lack of practicable alternatives outside the floodplain, and (3) the importance of the proposed action, the action within the floodplain is consistent with the requirements of Executive Order 11988.
Files that document compliance with Steps 1 through 6 of EO 11988 are available for public inspection upon request. Please send an email request to nepa@nbrc.gov. The 8-Step Decision-Making Process materials will be provided in electronic format unless a hard copy is specifically requested.
This notice provides individuals who may be affected by activities in the floodplain and wetlands, as well as those with an interest in the protection of the natural environment, with an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information. NBRC is accepting comments on this notice for seven days from 01/09/2026 through the end of the day of 01/16/2026.
Date of Publication: 01/09/2026