Phase I Design and Permitting Water Main Extension (SRF Loan # 283161-SE)
Dillingham, 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 scope of work currently funded through the DWSRF is limited to planning, permitting, and design to extend the existing municipal water distribution system by installing a new waterline to the Dillingham Airport. The project also includes constructing water service connections for nearby homes and businesses, as well as building a tank and pumphouse to support future system expansion. This extension is intended to address and mitigate documented per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in groundwater at and near the Dillingham Airport caused by the historical use of PFAS-containing compounds during airport operations. By expanding the municipal water system, the City of Dillingham aims to provide safe and reliable drinking water to affected homes and businesses. Subsurface investigations will be completed along the proposed waterline alignment and infrastructure locations for storage tank and pumphouse. Geotechnical soil borings will generally be advanced to depths of about 15–30 feet below ground surface (bgs), with one boring at the proposed tank location extended to approximately 100 feet bgs. A DWSRF loan in the amount of $1,400,000 has been requested for planning, design and permitting association with the proposed waterline extension 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 ADA Coordinator Kristin Mabry, via e-mail at Kristin.mabry@alaska.gov or by phone, (907) 334-0884 or Alaska Relay Service/TTY/TDD 1-800-770-8973/TTY or dial 711 to ensure that any necessary accommodations can be provided.
Issued on the 11th day of May 2026 in Anchorage, Alaska.