NOTICE OF CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION DETERMINATION
Vallenar View Feasibility Study (SRF Loan # 125071)
Unified Alaskan Utilities
Ketchikan, Alaska
The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s (Department) State Revolving Fund Program has conducted a review of the above referenced project in accordance with the Operating Agreement between the Department and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for implementing the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan program. The Department has determined that this project is eligible for a Categorical Exclusion (CE) in accordance with 18 AAC 76.235. Accordingly, the Department is exempting the project from further environmental review requirements under the Department’s EPA-approved State Environmental Review Process.
The SRF Program is financing two projects to benefit the Vallenar View public water system: a feasibility study (SRF Loan # 125071) and water system improvements (SRF Loan #125061). Activities to be financed through these two loans include the acquisition of necessary easements to re-locate the water source outside of the floodplain, installation of power to the water source, rehabilitation of leaking transmission main, replacement of water distribution system to meet separation distance requirements, replacement of water treatment system, replacement of distribution pumps, and reconfiguration of water storage as necessary to meet contact time requirements. This environmental review was conducted to address the proposed drilling of four 4-inch test holes up to 60 feet deep in association with the feasibility study project.
The project is eligible for a CE because undertaking this action:
- Will not significantly affect the degree of treatment or capacity of the existing facility;
- Will not directly or indirectly affect cultural resources, habitats of endangered or threatened species, or environmentally important natural resources area;
- Will not have a significant effect on the quality of the human environment;
- Will not cause significant public controversy.
The determination shall become effective upon distribution by the Department and can be revoked at any time that adverse information is made available. The documentation to support this decision will be on file with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s State Revolving Fund Program. To request a copy of the CE, contact:
Adele Fetter, Environmental Impact Analyst
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation - State Revolving Fund Program
555 Cordova Street
Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: (907) 269-7428
Email: adele.fetter@alaska.gov
The State of Alaska, Department of Environmental Conservation 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 Megan Kohler at (907) 269-4198 or TDD Relay Service 1-800-770-8973/TTY or dial 711 to ensure that any necessary accommodations can be provided.
Issued on the 26th day of June 2024 in Anchorage, Alaska.