Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity
in a Designated Floodplain or Wetland

To: All interested Agencies Groups and Individuals
This is to give notice that the Town of Wheatland and Platte County have 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 the
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program The proposed project is located on the east and
west side of 16 th Street in the area between Swanson Road and Cedar Street in Wheatland, Wyoming,
County of Platte and is in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain / wetland. The
extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using a FEMA floodplain map and a NEPA wetland map.
The project description is listed above and is intended to improve safety on the roadway and improve and
extend the life of the existing utility infrastructure. The floodplain is impacted by .022 acres and the wetland
will be impacted by .01 acres. The potential of significantly impacting the floodplain and wetland is slim due
to the infrastructure already being in the relative area.
The Town of Wheatland and Platte County have 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:
(i) Reasons why the action must take place within floodplain/wetland:
After evaluating the alternatives and considering the possible outcomes, the best feasible solution is to
proceed with the planned project with no changes. The planned project is the simplest and least expensive
option that meets all project criteria. The other alternatives that were considered are either not feasible
give the project location and criteria, do not reduce adverse impacts in comparison with the planned
project, or are prohibitively expensive. A no action alternative is unacceptable because the project would
significantly reduce the risk to life and property,
(ii) Alternatives Considered:
The evaluation of alternatives focused on the portions of the project located within floodplains and
wetlands, which include a small portion of the 16 th Street ROW and the 16 th Street storm sewer system.
Several alternatives to the project plan are considered and are discussed below.
Alternative 1. Relocate 16 th Street
This alternative would involve relocating 16 th Street. Since the area is well-established, there are already
numerous homes and businesses that are accessed directly from 16 th Street. These homes and businesses
are also served by utilities buried under the 16 th Street ROW. For these reasons, relocating 16 th Street is not
considered feasible and is not evaluated further.
Alternative 2. Channel Runoff to a Different Area, Avoiding Floodplains
This alternative would involve channeling runoff to an area outside Dearinger Park and avoiding new
construction in the floodplain and avoiding wetlands. Existing surface drainage along 16 th Street and
stormwater collected in the existing storm sewer system discharge to Wheatland Creek, which flows
through Dearinger Park. Wheatland Creek is the topographic low for most of the project area, so runoff
naturally flows to this area. Avoiding the natural low area and diverting runoff to a higher-elevation non-
floodplain area would involve installing a pump station and constructing a new detention pond outside the

floodplain. Aside from Dearinger Park and the existing detention pond, there are no other properties near
the project area owned or controlled by the Town that would be suitable for construction of a new detention
pond.
This alternative would require acquiring new property rights or easements. Installing and operating a pump
station would greatly increase project complexity and costs. There would also be additional risk to life and
property if the pump station failed. It is not within the Town’s budget to develop a detailed plan and cost
estimate for this alternative, but it is expected that the additional property acquisition and construction costs
would make this alternative prohibitively expensive.
Alternative 3. Continue to Channel Runoff to Dearinger Park, Avoiding Wetlands
This alternative modifies the project plan to avoid wetlands. The 0.006-acre wetland at the north end of 16 th
Street is associated with a culvert outlet and is immediately adjacent to the roadway. Because of its
location, there is no feasible alternative involving reconstruction of that portion of 16 th Street that would
avoid this wetland.
Options were considered that would avoid the 0.016-acre wetlands within the drainage ditch in Dearinger
Park. Since the current drainage ditch is undersized, flow would need to be conveyed by a new drainage
ditch or a buried pipe outside the wetlands. However, the wetlands at the outfall from 16 th Street would still
be impacted because work in this area would still be required to divert runoff away from the existing
drainage ditch. The wetlands within the existing drainage ditch would also be impacted by reduced
moisture if runoff is no longer channeled through the ditch. These options would increase the project
complexity and cost and would not provide a clear benefit in terms of wetlands.
Alternative 4. Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) or Letter of Map Revision (LOMR)
A LOMA/LOMR is not required because the project includes detention of stormwater flows that does not
result in a change in the base flood elevation. An extensive hydraulic analysis was performed, and a no rise
certification was submitted to and approved by the County Floodplain Administrator. Not providing
detention would result in an increase in flows downstream of Dearinger Park, which already experiences
localized flooding during large precipitation events. Not providing detention and preparing a LOMA/LOMR
to adjust the base flood elevation downstream would only increase the risk of flooding to properties
downstream. For these reasons, Alternative 4 is not considered feasible and is not evaluated further.
Alternative 5. No Action Alternative
A no action alternative was considered. The existing 16 th Street roadway is in poor condition and has
exceeded its useful life and needs to be replaced. Development of adjacent properties along the corridor
has driven the need for new pedestrian facilities, lighting, and utility improvements. Poor drainage from 16 th
Street currently presents risks to public health and safety, and property, which will persist if the system is
not improved. The Town of Wheatland has classified 16 th Street as a first priority route that must remain
accessible in all-weather to allow for emergency vehicle access and access to businesses and employers.
The planned project will improve the roadway condition and drainage and reduce the likelihood of
unplanned closures and the associated delays in emergency vehicle access. Because the project would
significantly reduce the risk to life and property, the no action alternative is considered unacceptable.

(iii) Mitigation Measures:

Avoidance, minimization, and mitigation of identified potential adverse impacts for the planned project is
discussed below. Construction will be in accordance with WYDOT Standard Specifications for Road and
Bridge Construction.
Flooding
The planned project is expected to have no adverse impacts on life and property within the floodplain. The
Town will continue to follow established emergency notification procedures that help ensure public safety
during flooding and other emergencies. In the event of flooding, the Town would contact Platte County
Dispatch, who would then notify the Platte County Emergency Manager and first responders including the
Wheatland Volunteer Fire Department and the Wheatland Police Department. The County Emergency
Manager and first responders then formulate a plan and undertake additional actions (including public
notifications and evacuations as needed) based on conditions in the field.
Traffic Disruptions During Construction
To minimize and mitigate potential impacts from traffic disruptions, WYDOT Section 107.11 standards will
be followed, including: sequencing work to minimize traffic obstructions, working continuously until work is
complete in areas where traffic has been restricted, and provide continuous temporary approaches to
businesses and residences.
Construction in Floodplains/Wetlands
Potential impacts from construction in floodplains/wetlands will be minimized through mitigation measures.
Construction in the floodplain and wetlands will be scheduled when there is a low probability of flooding.
Work in the floodplain will be sequenced and once disturbance occurs, work will be continuous until work is
completed. Work will be performed in accordance with Section 404 Nationwide Permit 3 – Maintenance.
Specifically, measures will be taken to minimize soil disturbance, soil erosion and sediment controls will be
used, all exposed soils or fills will be permanently stabilized at the earliest practicable date.
Work will also be performed in accordance with WYDOT Section 111 standards, including: do not pollute
surface waters or wetlands with sediment or other harmful materials, park and fuel equipment away from
streams and riparian areas, prepare a spill prevention plan for hazardous materials, ensure that machinery
and equipment do not leak fluids, pressure wash equipment and ensure leaks are repaired before use, do
not operate equipment in wetlands except to perform necessary work, do not disturb wetlands beyond
areas specifically authorized in the approved Section 404 permit, and do not change the substrate
composition of a streambed.
Loss of Wetlands
Mitigation measures discussed above will minimize the area of wetlands that are impacted and potentially
lost. Replacement of topsoil and prompt revegetation of disturbed areas with an appropriate seed mix
(consistent with WYDOT Section 111 standards) will reduce the potential for soil loss and promote creation
of new wetlands.
Tricolored Bat
Consistent with the WYDOT environmental clearance, if trees around the detention pond will be removed,
removal must occur from November 15 through March 15 to avoid adverse impacts to the tricolored bat.
The Town of Wheatland and Platte County acknowledge compliance with state and local floodplain/wetland
protection procedures.

The Town of Wheatland and Platte County have reevaluated alternatives to building in the
floodplain/wetland and have determined that it has no practicable alternative to floodplain/wetland
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 the
floodplain/wetland 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/wetland 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/wetland, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be received by the Town of Wheatland and Platte County at the following address
on or before October 17, 2024. Town of Wheatland 600 9 th Street Wheatland, WY 82201 and 307-322-
2962, Attention: Candy Wright, Clerk/Treasurer. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from
7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at 600 9 th Street Wheatland, WY 82201. Comments may also
be submitted via email at clerk@townofwheatlandwy.org .
Date: October 8, 2024

For a PDF Version of this notice, please follow the link below:

Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a Designated Floodplain or Wetland