Public Notice
ISSUANCE OF A FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
FOR A PROJECT FUNDED THROUGH THE
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT
Public Notice No.: CSFRF-15
First Publication Date:
October 5, 2022
The Virginia Department of Health has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for a waterworks project proposed to be funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. The FONSI is supported by a Statement of Environmental Review (SER). The applicant is Tazewell County Public Service Authority (TCPSA).
The project’s water system improvements consist of installation of 13,500 linear feet of new 10-inch water line, five air release valves and vaults, four blow-off valves, a service meter within an existing vault, installation of generators at three pump stations, replacement of pumps at two pump stations, additional fencing at two pump stations, and other related appurtenances. The project’s sewer system improvements consist of installation of 18,000 linear feet of 6-inch sewer line, seven air and vacuum release valves and vaults, a generator and other improvements for the existing influent lift station, and a new 0.25-acre site for a sewer lift station that will include 350,000 gallon per day capacity duplex submersible pumps, a generator, fencing, an access road, and other related appurtenances. The water and sewer line will be primarily within existing right-of-way along U.S. Route 19, Wardell Road, and Ascue Road in Wardell, Virginia.
A review of the Environmental Assessment conducted on this project indicates that either significant environmental impacts would not result from the proposed project or significant environmental impacts have been eliminated by making changes in the project. As required by the National Environmental Policy Act, the Virginia Department of Health has assessed the potential environmental effects on the human environment and an Environmental Impact Statement will not be prepared. The basis for this determination was made after the applicant contacted ten federal and state agencies. This determination was made after reviewing the environmental clearance letters from each agency, the Environmental Assessment, the public comments, and conducting an Environmental Review site visit. In order to avoid or minimize any adverse environmental impact, the Virginia Department of Health will require that TCPSA ensure construction is carried out in strict accordance with all applicable state, federal, and local laws and regulations. Prior to implementing construction, all applicable permits and approvals must be obtained.
Persons may comment in writing to the Department on the proposed decision within 30 days from the first publication date. Comments shall include the name, address, and telephone number of the writer and shall contain a complete, concise statement of the factual basis for the comments. Only those comments received within this period will be considered by the Department.
All pertinent information, including the FONSI, the SER, the Environmental Assessment and the support documentation is on file and may be inspected and arrangements made for copying at The Virginia Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water, Lexington Field Office, 131 Walker Street, Lexington, Virginia 24450; phone (540) 463-0406.
Following the comment period, the Department will make its final determination.
All comments should be addressed to:
Kelly Ward, Program Director
Financial and Construction
Assistance Programs
Virginia Department of Health –
Office of Drinking Water
109 Governor Street, Room 633,
Richmond, VA 23219
ID: 644791