January 22, 2021

To:                  All Interested Citizens, Organizations, and Government Agencies

Subject:           FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 

                        City and Borough of Sitka

                        Critical Secondary Water Supply Project

The purpose of this notice is to seek public input and comment on a preliminary decision by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not required to implement the project discussed in the attached Environmental Assessment (EA) for the critical secondary water supply, including construction of a new water intake and new membrane filter building, submitted by the applicant mentioned above.

HOW WERE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES CONSIDERED?

Alaska Administrative Code (AAC), 18 AAC 76.235, requires DEC to evaluate the environmental implications of a proposed water infrastructure project. The DEC has done this by incorporating an analysis of the environmental effects of the proposed alternative in its review and approval process. An environmental information document containing information on environmental impacts was prepared by the City and Borough of Sitka (CBS) and reviewed by the DEC. The DEC has prepared the attached EA and found that the proposed project does not require the preparation of an EIS.

WHY IS AN EIS NOT REQUIRED?

The DEC environmental review concluded that no significant environmental impacts would result from the proposed action. Any potential adverse impacts will be reduced by the implementation of mitigative measures discussed in the attached EA.

HOW DO I GET MORE INFORMATION?

Information about the project, including a project map, is attached to this notice. The attached EA discusses the alternatives considered, impacts of the proposed action, and the basis for the DEC decision. Further information can be obtained by emailing Adele Fetter, Environmental Impact Analyst, at adele.fetter@alaska.gov or calling (315) 226-2369.

HOW DO I SUBMIT COMMENTS?

You may comment electronically via the DEC public notice site at http://water.alaskadec.commentinput.com/?id=DFVJp.

The State of Alaska, DEC complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you are a person with a disability who may need a special accommodation in order to participate in this public process, please contact Brian Blessington at (907) 269-6272 or TDD Relay Service 1-800-770-8973/TTY or dial 711 to ensure that any necessary accommodations can be provided.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

In the absence of substantive comments during this period, the preliminary decision will become final. The applicant, CBS, will then be eligible to receive loan assistance from the DEC to construct the proposed project.

Your interest in this process and the environment is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Carrie Bohan

Facilities Programs Manager