NOTICE OF CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION DETERMINATION
Pilot Testing Biosolids Thermal Remediation (SRF Loan # 339111-SE)
Fairbanks, 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 Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan program. The Department has determined that this project is eligible for a Categorical Exclusion (CE) in accordance with 18 AAC 76.040. Accordingly, the Department is exempting the project from further environmental review requirements under the Department’s EPA-approved State Environmental Review Process.
PFAS concentrations in biosolids generated at the Golden Heart Utilities Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) exceed regulatory cleanup levels. Biosolids are currently being composted and stored at the WWTP with limited space for stockpiling.
The project will fund a pilot study to thermally treat wastewater biosolids, destroy PFAS, and recover energy for beneficial re-use. A CWSRF loan in the amount of $1,000,000 has been requested for this 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 Julia Schweminski at (907) 334-5994 or TDD Relay Service 1-800-770-8973/TTY or dial 711 to ensure that any necessary accommodations can be provided.
Issued on the 11th day of July 2024 in Anchorage, Alaska.