Notice of Application for State Water Quality Certification

Public Notice (PN) Date: September 19, 2022                                      PN Reference Number: POA-2009-00725 v1.1
PN Expiration Date: October 9, 2022                                                     Waterway: Kobuk River surrounding wetlands

Any applicant for a federal license or permit to conduct an activity that might result in a discharge into navigable waters, in accordance with Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1977 (PL95-217), also must apply for and obtain certification from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation that the discharge will comply with the CWA, the Alaska Water Quality Standards, and other applicable State laws.

Notice is hereby given that a request for a CWA §401 Water Quality Certification of a Department of the Army Permit application, Corps of Engineers’ PN Reference Number indicated above has been received for the discharge of dredged and/or fill materials into waters of the United States (WOUS), including wetlands, as described below, and shown on the project figures/drawings. The public notice and related project figures/drawings are accessible from the DEC website at http://dec.alaska.gov/water/wastewater/.

To comment on the project or request for a public hearing with respect to water quality, submit comments electronically via the DEC public notice site at https://water.alaskadec.commentinput.com/?id=ug6kt on or before the public notice expiration date listed above.

Applicant:      Native Village of Shungnak, James Commack, PO Box 64 Shungnak, AK 99773; (907) 437-2163; transportation@issingak.org.

Agent:  Kuna Engineering, Forest Rose Walker, 4300 B St.Suite 605,  Anchorage, AK 99503; (907) 707-7729; fwalker@kunaeng.com.

Project Name: Kobuk River Shungnak Village Road

Location: The proposed activity is located within Section 9, T. 17N, R. 8E; Kateel River Meridian; in Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska. Project Site: Latitude; 66.92560, Longitude -157.1370, Start of road construction (66.8994, -157.125) through end of road construction (66.92154, -157.1092).

Purpose: The current landfill in Shungnak is old and rundown and needs to be replaced to allow for community expansion. Other issues with the landfill include, improperly managed, overflowing, fences destroyed, and residents concerned with the environment around the current landfill. Phase I and II of the Shungnak landfill Access Road Project is the design and construction of the road that will provide the access to the new landfill site (Phase III). Because of the chosen location, a new road is needed to navigate to the new landfill project site.

Project Description: The Shungnak Landfill Access Road Project was previously split into three phases. The project was put on a hold due to limited funding after Phase I completion. Now that funding is available, Phase II of the project kicked off in March 2022. Phase II is the current project phase which includes the design and construction of the remaining landfill road, approximately 7,200 feet before it reaches the New Landfill Site (Phase III). Phase III is not in the current scope of this project and will begin design and construction once funding is available. Phase II estimates need 35,440 CY of gravel material and will be mined from the Harry Commack Jr. Gravel Pit which is privately owned.

After reviewing the application, the Department may certify there is reasonable assurance the activity, and any discharge that might result, will comply with the CWA, the Alaska Water Quality Standards, and other applicable State laws. The Department also may deny or waive certification.

The permit application and associated documents are available for review. For inquires or to request copies of the documents, contact dec-401cert@alaska.gov, or call 907-269-6285.

Disability Reasonable Accommodation Notice

The State of Alaska, Department of Environmental Conservation complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. If you are a person with a disability who may need special accommodation in order to participate in this public process, please contact ADA Coordinator Jason Burnett at 907-269-3056 or TDD Relay Service 1-800-770-8973/TTY or dial 711 prior to the expiration date of this public notice to ensure that any necessary accommodations can be provided.