NOTICE OF CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION DETERMINATION

Onsite Wastewater and Vac Truck: Geotechnical Investigation
Project Number 25EW24
Anderson, Alaska

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s (Department) Village Safe Water Program has conducted a review of the above-referenced project. 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 Village Safe Water Capital Improvement Project Grant Program.

The project intends to dig up to 13 holes for the purpose of conducting water percolation/infiltration tests within the City of Anderson. Each test site will disturb an area approximately 20 feet x 30 feet, with the dimensions of the actual hole being approximately 6 feet x 8 feet. The disturbance area includes the location where excavated soils will be placed. The cumulative disturbance area for the project is estimated to be 8,000 square feet. Water percolation/infiltration tests will be completed at an approximate depth of 4-6 feet. Following a percolation test, holes may be excavated to a depth of 12 feet to visually inspect for bedrock, impermeable layers, permafrost, and groundwater. At the completion of testing, each hole will be backfilled with the excavated soil. All locations were chosen because they were located within public right-of-way, on the City of Anderson property, Denali Borough Property, or private properties, on which the owners have expressed interest in granting us written permission to conduct a percolation test on their property.

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 Village Safe Water Program. To request a copy of the CE, contact:

Becca Olson, Environmental Impact Analyst
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation – Village Safe Water Program
610 University Ave
Fairbanks, AK 99709
Phone: (907) 451-2108
Email: becca.olson@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 2nd day of October 2025 in Fairbanks, Alaska.