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
SRF Project No. FS010118-04

Morgan County

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management has made $1,500,000 in financial assistance available to Decatur Utilities utilizing funds from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Emerging Contaminants (EC) 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 Decatur Utilities proposes a project that will conduct a PFAS treatability and pilot testing study to evaluate treatment alternatives for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This project will utilize temporary pilot-scale treatment systems to evaluate different media and flow conditions. The study will allow Decatur Utilities to compare treatment alternatives and identify the most effective approaches for PFAS removal. These will improve the utility’s ability to make informed decisions on long-term treatment solutions without constructing any permanent facilities during this study.

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 Mr. William Lott, SRF Section, Permits and Services Division, Alabama Department of Environmental Management, Post Office Box 301463, Montgomery, Alabama 36130-1463, no later than 30 days after the date of this 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 17th day of September, 2025, by authorization of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.

___________________________
Edward F. Poolos
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.