TO: Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District
FROM: Richard Thomasser - District Manager
REPORT BY: Jeremy Sarrow - Watershed and Flood Control Operations Manager
SUBJECT: Subsequent Environmental Impact Report for the Napa River/Napa Creek Flood Protection Project
RECOMMENDATION
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Adopt a Resolution related to the Napa River/Napa Creek Flood Protection Project - Increment 2, Floodwalls North of the Bypass; adopting findings, a statement of overriding considerations, a mitigation monitoring and reporting program, and certification of the Final Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the Napa River/Napa Creek Flood Protection Project - Increment 2, Floodwalls North of the Bypass. (No Fiscal Impact, Mandatory)
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BACKGROUND
Pursuant to requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) the Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (District) prepared a Draft Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (“SEIR”) for the Napa River/Napa Creek Flood Protection Project - Increment 2, Floodwalls North of the Bypass (Project) in Napa, California to address design changes and evaluate potential environmental impacts associated with any such changes. The SEIR is a subsequent analysis to the Napa River/Napa Creek Flood Protection Project Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report, dated March 1999 (1999 Final SEIS/EIR). A summary of the elements of the revised proposed Project include:
• Construction of floodwalls south of Lincoln Avenue on the west bank of the Napa River beginning at the River Terrace Inn and continuing north toward Lincoln Avenue. A new 10- to 12-foot-wide recreational trail would be constructed on the water side of the floodwall as well within this reach.
• Construction of floodwalls north of Lincoln Avenue that would tie into the north side of the western parapet wall at the Lincoln Avenue Bridge and continue north following the existing river trail on the water side of businesses and homes.
• Placement of rock scour protection under the Lincoln Avenue Bridge to protect the bridge abutment aprons and piers.
• Construction of two short floodwall closures at the dry bypass to complete the existing floodwall protection. Drainage areas that currently facilitate overland flow to re-enter the river during flood events on either side of the Soscol Avenue Bridge would be closed off by constructing of these two floodwalls. Utility infrastructure and relocations would also be constructed between Soscol Avenue and the Napa Valley Wine Train.
On November 1, 2023, the District prepared a Notice of Preparation (“NOP”) stating that a Subsequent Environmental Impact (SEIR) for the Project would be prepared. This NOP was circulated to the public, interested parties and agencies to solicit comments on the revised Project through December 1, 2023. Concerns raised in response to the NOP were considered during preparation of the Draft SEIR. Following the NOP and in accordance with CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code of Regulations, title 14, division 6) the District issued a Notice of Availability (“NOA”) of the Draft SEIR (State Clearing House No. 1995044002, 1997044002). The NOA was made available to the public via the Districts public website, https://www.countyofnapa.org/1083, for a 45-day public review regarding the adequacy of the Draft SEIR. The District accepted public and agency comments on the Draft SEIR between Friday January 24, 2025, to Monday March 10, 2025 and in accordance with CEQA Guidelines section 15132, the Final Subsequent Environmental Impact Report was prepared which included the full text of the Draft SEIR, a list of persons, organizations and agencies commenting on the Draft SEIR, and responses to each comment. The Final SEIR was made available on the Districts’ public website, https://www.countyofnapa.org/1083, on March 24, 2025, to interested parties and persons who commented on the Draft SEIR.
Today’s requested action is for the Board of Directors of the Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District to adopt a resolution certifying the SEIR and associated CEQA findings, a statement of overriding considerations, and a mitigation monitoring and reporting program in connection with the Final SEIR.
Requested Actions:
1. Adopt Resolution related to the Napa River/Napa Creek Flood Protection Project - Increment 2, Floodwalls North of the Bypass
FISCAL & STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
No |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Mandatory |
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Is the general fund affected? |
No |
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Future fiscal impact: |
Long term operation and maintenance associated with the Project |
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Consequences if not approved: |
The Napa River/Napa Creek Flood Project would not be completed, 100-year flood protection would not be provided for the citizens of Napa. |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: A Final Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) was prepared and circulated (State Clearinghouse #1995044002, 1997044002). Before the Board may approve the proposed Project, it must independently review and consider the information contained in the CEQA Findings, Statement of Overriding Considerations (SOC), and the SEIR, certifying that the SEIR and supporting documents adequately disclose the environmental effects of the Napa River/Napa Creek Flood Protection Project - Increment 2, Floodwalls North of the Bypass, and that the SEIR has been completed in conformance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and that the decision-making body of the Lead Agency independently reviewed and considered the information contained in the SEIR. Certification and adoption of the of the SEIR, CEQA Findings and SOC, would indicate the District’s determination that the SEIR and supporting documents adequately evaluated the environmental impacts that could be associated with the Project. The SEIR was prepared in compliance with the State CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations Section 15000 et seq.), and relevant case law.