Alabama Department of Environmental Management
P O Box 301463 (Zip 36130-1463)
1400 Coliseum Boulevard (Zip 36110-2400)
Montgomery, Alabama
(334) 271-7700

CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FROM ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ADEM Fund Code 245

Town of Cleveland
Blount County
SRF Project No. FS010269-01

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management has made $370,000 in financial assistance available to the Town of Cleveland using funds from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan program.  In accordance with State and Federal regulations that govern the program, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management has conducted a review to assess the potential impacts upon the environment that may result from implementation of this project.

The Town of Cleveland proposes a project to provide improved drinking water distribution and source reliability within its water system.  The proposed project will consist of a new well and new well house to supply more water to the system and eliminate continued water purchasing from a neighboring water system.  Two (2) new water lines will also be constructed to connect The Town’s water system to existing water lines in the nearby Oneonta and Blountsville water systems, thus providing a satisfactory back up water supply.  The improved water supply will also ensure that sufficient drinking water is supplied to local ballfields and a public park to alleviate current health concerns.  Various electrical upgrades at the Cleveland WTP (Water Treatment Plant) will be performed to accommodate the additional water volume as well as repair normal wear and aging concerns.  Completion of these improvements will provide an improved quality of life for The Town’s customers by providing safe, reliable drinking water in a cost-effective manner.

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management has determined that the project qualifies for a Categorical Exclusion (CE) from further environmental study under the guidelines specified by the State Environmental Review Process (SERP) which specifically include actions which are solely directed toward minor rehabilitation of existing facilities, functional replacement of equipment, or towards the construction of new ancillary facilities adjacent or appurtenant to existing facilities.  However, this decision may be reconsidered if significant adverse information concerning the potential environmental impacts of the project is discovered.

Comments relative to this project should be submitted in writing to Ms. Corynella L. Price, SRF Section, Permits & Services Division, Alabama Department of Environmental Management, P.O. Box 301463, Montgomery, Alabama 36130-1463, no later than 30 days after the date of public notice.  The Alabama Department of Environmental Management will not take formal action to proceed with the project without carefully evaluating any public comments opposing the project.

Notice is hereby given this 25th day of August, 2021, by authorization of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.

____________________________
Lance R. LeFleur
Director

                             

Nondiscrimination Statement: The Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in the administration of its programs.