Public Notice
APPROVAL OF A CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FROM
AN ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT FOR A PROJECT
FUNDED THROUGH THE
VIRGINIA WATER SUPPLY
REVOLVING FUND
Public Notice No.: WSL 08S-22
First Publication Date:
March 7th, 2024
The Virginia Department of Health has under consideration a request for a Categorical Exclusion from an Environmental Assessment for a waterworks project proposed to be funded through the Virginia Water Supply Revolving Fund which administers funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The applicant is Tazewell County Public Service Authority (TCPSA).
The proposed project consists of the replacement and upgrade of existing waterlines, water tanks, and other appurtenances in the Yards, Nemours, and Wolfe communities in Mercer County, West Virginia. The project proposes to install approximately 51,000 linear feet of 8-inch waterline; 3,300 linear feet of 4-inch waterline; 3,300 linear feet of 2-inch waterline, rehabilitation/replacement of two tanks, valves, hydrants, and related appurtenances. Waterline replacement will exclusively occur within roadside and utility right-of-way alongside existing waterlines. Water tank rehabilitation or replacement will occur at existing tank sites within a fenced area. This project proposes to avoid impacts to stream crossings by utilizing directional drilling to bore underneath each crossing. Project review letters have been sent to the National Park Service (NPS), the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History (WVDACH), The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP), and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR). No adverse environmental impacts are anticipated.
The project meets the following exclusion categories established by the Department:
• Water line replacement/rehabilitation to correct exfiltration water loss problems or problems associated with inadequate water pressure. Rehabilitation of drinking water facilities such as reservoirs and storage facilities.
• Replacement of existing equipment or structures at their present location. These activities also include reconstruction of curbs and sidewalks, street repaving, and building modifications, renovations, and improvements.
Documentation supporting this request includes:
• Categorical Exclusion Determination Checklist by Thompson & Litton, Inc. dated 7/20/2023
• Financial and Construction Assistance Programs Environmental Review site visit memorandum dated 7/27/2023
• Plan sheets showing all areas proposed for waterline replacement dated 11/30/2023
• Agency review response letters from NPS, WVDACH, USACE, USFWS, WVDEP, and WVDNR
On the basis of a review of the request and support documentation, the Virginia Department of Health proposes to approve the request.
Persons may comment in writing to the Department on the proposed approval of the Categorical Exclusion 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. Following the comment period, the Department will make its determination regarding the approval.
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
Richmond, VA 23219
ID: 779694