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Ohio University parking expansion flagged for floodplain spoil placement; no action taken
Summary
Staff told the Planning Commission Ohio University's proposed golf and tennis center parking expansion includes a spoil area currently located in the FEMA floodway; staff asked the university to move spoil material out of the floodway or seek a floodplain permit or administrative determination; the item was a communication only.
City staff reported to the Athens City Planning Commission that a proposed expansion of the Ohio University golf and tennis center parking area includes a spoil/stockpile area that currently lies at least partially in the FEMA floodway, and staff asked the university to move the spoil area out of the floodplain or pursue a floodplain permit.
"They're actually filling less than a foot everywhere except for this spoil area, which is located at least partially in the FEMA Floodway. They're not permitted to do that, so we've asked them to move that spoil area farther to the North, to get out of the FEMA Flood Plain," said a city staff member (David Riggs).
Staff explained the project intends to remove material from the site and stockpile it rather than haul it off, and that stockpiling in the floodway could increase base flood elevation — which is not allowed. City staff said the university could relocate the spoil area outside the floodplain and then either obtain a floodplain permit or receive an administrative letter confirming no significant floodplain change.
Commissioners also asked about tree removal and landscape mitigation. Staff said the university had made "a great effort to minimize the amount of tree removal" and had located the proposed parking area to preserve the existing tree line where possible; a few trees between existing gravel and the current parking area would be removed.
The commission did not take action on the communication. Staff said the university would need to complete the required floodplain paperwork before proceeding if the spoil remains inside regulated areas.
Why it matters: Placing spoil or fill in a FEMA floodway can change flood elevations and is regulated; the city requires either a formal floodplain permit or an administrative determination before those activities proceed.
Next steps: Staff will follow up with university representatives; the university must submit a floodplain permit or obtain an administrative determination if spoil remains in regulated areas.
