Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain and Wetland
To: All interested Federal, State, and Local Agencies, Groups, and Individuals
This is to give notice that the Village of Bellport under 24 CFR Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order(s) 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690 and 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 FY2024 Community Project Funding. The proposed project is located at Howells Point in the Village of Bellport, Suffolk County and is located in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain and surrounded by estuarine and subtidal wetlands.The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using a 0.2-Percent-Annual-Chance Flood Approach (0.2 PFA) and wetlands were determined using the USFWS National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Mapper.
The Proposed Project location is at Howells Point in the Village of Bellport, Suffolk County. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using a 0.2-Percent-Annual-Chance Flood Approach (0.2 PFA) and wetlands were identified using the USFWS National Wetlands Inventory Mapper. The Proposed Project involves the maintenance dredge of Howells Creek channel and flood shoal to restore tidal flow and reduce flooding at the Bellport Golf Club. The dredged material will be placed as protecting dune east of the channel at Mothers Beach and along the 13th hole of the Bellport Golf Club. Additionally, shoreline restoration along Howells Creek will utilize a combination of Natural and Nature-Based features (NNBF) including grading, coir logs, limited rock toe protection, and planting of appropriate wetland and upland native species. All proposed work within Howells Point will be designed in accordance with current codes and standards, addressing the need for increased coastal resiliency and mitigation against nuisance flooding. The entire Project Area is located within the 100-year Floodplain.
The Village has 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:
- No-Action – doing nothing isn’t feasible, as the creek’s shoreline would keep eroding, harming the golf club’s structures.
- Any Solution Landward of MHW – Moving stabilization efforts away from the water’s edge would leave the lower bank unsupported, leading to continued erosion and eventual damage.
- Bulkhead – While bulkheads can be effective by embedding them to prevent erosion, they are costly and have significant negative effects on natural habitats.
- Vegetation – Planting alone doesn’t work, as the banks are too steep and damaged. Grading the slope first and using temporary protection like coir logs is needed to help plants establish.
- Natural and Nature-Based Features (NNBF) – These methods balance shoreline stability and ecosystem enhancement. Minimal interventions will be used based on risk; softer, plant-based solutions are used where risk is lower, while areas near critical infrastructure may need more reinforcement, like rocks combined with plantings.
The proposed maintenance dredging and shoreline restoration using a combination of NNBF activities are essential to ensure safety, functionality, and coastal resilience against flood events. Environmental considerations are integrated into the Project to bolster coastal resilience against extreme weather events; thus, the Project is in compliance with Executive Order 11988 and 11990.
The Village of Bellport has reevaluated alternatives to building in the floodplain/wetland and has determined that it has no practicable alternative to the Project and no significant environmental impact on floodplain/wetland development. Environmental files documenting compliance with Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690 and Executive Order 11990, are available for public inspection, review, and copy 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 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 comments 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 Village of Bellport at the following address on or before October 10, 2025: Village of Bellport, 29 Bellport Lane, Bellport, NY 11713, Attention: Katie Mehrkens, Deputy Clerk. A full description of the project may also be reviewed on weekdays from 8:00 A.M to 4:00 P.M at 29 Bellport Lane, Bellport, NY 11713. Comments may also be submitted via email at deputyclerk@bellportvillageny.gov.
Date: October 2, 2025
