Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed
Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain
To: All interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals
This is to give notice that the Greenville County Redevelopment Authority (GCRA) has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988 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 Community Development Block Grant under Title I of the Housing and Community Development act of 1974 (PL 93-383). The activity is funded under CDBG Grant # 9022-100-1024 and 9022-100-1025.
The proposed project, Union Bleachery Mill Village Sewer Improvements, is located at the Union Bleachery Neighborhood in Greenville, SC. The project addresses the neighborhood’s mainlines which are in failing condition and beyond their useful life. Existing laterals were installed such that they are now under existing homes, preventing proactive maintenance and repair. The project proposes the rehabilitation of approximately 14,840 linear feet (LF) of 8-inch and 15-inch diameter pipes. Approximately 8,700 LF will be replaced via an open-cut method, which requires the excavation of a trench down to the existing pipe. Approximately 40 LF of sewer pipe will be rehabilitated via point repair. Approximately 6,100 LF of sewer pipe will be rehabilitated with Cured-in-Place-Pipe (CIPP) lining. Through this method, CIPP lining is inserted via existing manholes and placed throughout the pipe needing repair. Once inserted throughout, the CIPP lining, imbued with resin, is exposed to heat to flush the liner into the existing pipe. Once completed, an entirely new pipe is created inside of the existing pipe. Two existing lines located above Langston Creek and near the Brooks Avenue bridge are in the Floodway AE zone. Using the CIPP process eliminates the need for excavation and will not disturb or impact the floodplain area.
Additionally, the project will involve the abandonment of existing pipes and manholes, the installation of new manholes and the rehabilitation of existing manholes, and the installation of service laterals and connections. The project will involve repaving areas of existing roadways where the rehabilitation takes place via open-cut. All work is proposed within public road rights-of-way. The project area is approximately 66 acres.
GCRA concurred with MetroConnects, the lead agency, on the consideration of the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values:
- The replacement of existing infrastructure. Current alignment was ruled out due to the proximity of houses, constructability, and duplication of lines unnecessarily.
- Placement of the new system exclusively within the alleys. This was ruled out due to constructability, utility conflicts and lack of necessary easement widths for Metro’s ability to own, operate, and maintain (OO&M) the system.
- A no-action alternative was considered and rejected due to the need to upgrade the lines.
GCRA concurred with MetroConnects who 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, 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 reason:
Due to the proposed activity consisting of sewer line rehabilitation using the CIPP method, in existing road right of ways for existing easements, outside of the floodplain, no impact(s) is/are expected. The CIPP method removes the need for excavation along the floodway zone. No other structures or improvements will be located in a floodway.
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 Greenville County Redevelopment Authority at the following address on or before December 8th, 2025. Attention: Jose Reynoso, Senior Community Development Planner, 301 University Ridge, Suite S-4300, Greenville, SC 29601 who is responsible for receiving and responding to comments. Jose Reynoso can be reached at (864) 242-9801, ext. 127. Comments may also be submitted, or further information can be requested, via email at jryenoso@gcra-sc.org.
