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
SRF Project Number FS010089-09

Mobile and Washington County

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management has made $12,000,000 in financial assistance available to The Utilities Board of the Town of Citronelle dba South Alabama Utilities 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 potential impacts upon the environment that may result from implementation of this project.

The project includes the replacement of ~16,500 water meters equipped with AMR transmitters (Automated Meter Reading transmitters) with new water meters equipped with AMI transmitters (Advanced Metering Infrastructure). No water treatment/distribution facility itself will be affected. However, implementation of this project will change how the system collects its usage data from the existing drive-by system to the automatic transmission of data directly to the system operations staff and billing software. Not only will this reduce the billing staff workers’ load, but it will also create extremely accurate billing information for the customer. Implementation of this project will also reduce the operator’s workload of reading meters, and shift focus to tasks such as investigating anomalous usage information, monitoring water usage data, and servicing damages/leaks. This project also includes the construction of a new groundwater supply well, a new water treatment facility, and the installation of approximately 12,000 linear feet of new 12-inch water main along Airport Boulevard. These facilities will support the Airport Boulevard corridor by increasing system supply, improving hydraulic performance, and strengthening SAU’s ability to meet peak demand. Work will include site clearing, well construction, installation of treatment equipment for disinfection and polyphosphate feed, construction of a pre-engineered treatment building, installation of electrical and SCADA controls, and water main installation by both open-cut and trenchless methods. All construction will take place within SAU-owned property, existing rights-of-way, or previously disturbed utility corridors.

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. John Laney, SRF Branch, 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 on this 1st day of April, 2026, 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.