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 203

Waterworks, Sewer and Gas Board of the City of Scottsboro
Jackson County
SRF Project No. CS010887-01

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management has made $2,000,000 in financial assistance available to the Waterworks, Sewer and Gas Board of the City of Scottsboro using funds from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) 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 Waterworks, Sewer and Gas Board of the City of Scottsboro proposes a project to improve its wastewater treatment system’s flow conveyance and treatment as well as secure increased regulatory compliance.  Proposed improvements will upgrade the hydraulic and treatment capacities of the Southside Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) while retiring its Goosepond WWTP from service.  An existing lift station will have a new pump installed with cyclical operation capability for more efficient operation, inclusive of stand-by service rather than continuous operation.  In addition, a new 24-inch force main will be constructed to convey increased flows to the Southside WWTP (generated by wet weather events’ flows and high strength flows diverted from the Goosepond WWTP).  Various electrical system improvements will also be performed at the treatment facilities, including replacement of the backup power supply at the upgraded lift station.  Completion of the proposed improvements will significantly decrease flooding tendencies in the much-deteriorated wastewater collection lines as well as increase flow direction accuracy and, subsequently, the disinfection treatment capability.  A portion of The Board’s long-range improvement plan (per an enforcement action imposed by The Department) will also be fulfilled, mitigating excessive SSOs (sanitary sewer overflows) and disinfection compliance violations due to excessive I/I (Infiltration/Inflow).  The Board will then be well positioned to meet current and future flow demands as well as existing and future regulatory compliance requirements with cost-efficiency.

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.