The Document Below Reviews the Environmental Impact Likely from a Project

Why You Should Read This: The document below reviews the environmental impact likely from a project. This project is planned to be federally funded through your tax dollars; therefore, you are entitled to take part in its review. If you have concerns about the environmental impact of this project, raise them now. We encourage public input in this decision making process.

IOWA STATE REVOLVING FUND FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

May 19, 2020

To: All Interested Citizens, Government Agencies, and Public Groups

An environmental review has been performed based on the procedures for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), for the proposed agency action below:

Applicant: City of Wellsburg SRF Number: CS1920923 01 County: Grundy Iowa DNR Project Number: S2014-0285A State: Iowa

Other Federal Funding: CDBG ($300,000)

The City of Wellsburg, Iowa is planning an upgrade to their wastewater treatment infrastructure. The city has applied for financial assistance through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan program to build the project. The State Revolving Loan Program is a program authorized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and administered by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in partnership with the Iowa Finance Authority.

The City of Wellsburg is located in Grundy County, Iowa approximately 30 miles west of Waterloo, Iowa and 40 miles northeast of Ames, Iowa. The population of Wellsburg according to the 2010 US Census was 707. The design population equivalent for the year 2038 is 714.

The City’s WWTP is an aerated lagoon constructed in approximately 1988. The WWTP is located on the west side of the City. The existing WWTP is not located in the flood plain. Influent wastewater flows through a 12-inch and 15-inch diameter gravity mains to the main lift station where it is then pumped to the inlet control structure. The main lift station has two submersible pumps; The capacity of these pumps is believed to be 472 gpm. From the inlet structure flow is directed to Cell FNSI Page 2 City of Wellsburg CS1920923 01

1 and then flows to Cell 2. Both Cell 1 and Cell 2 are aerated. Flow from Cell 2 flows into the quiescent cell. Aeration is not provided in the quiescent zone to allow solids to settle. Both Cells 1 and 2 have a normal water depth of 10 feet and a volume of approximately 3.09 million gallons (MG) each. The quiescent cell has a normal water depth of 10 feet and a volume of approximately 0.479 MG. Appendix 3 shows a plan view of the existing WWTP.

The treated effluent is discharged from the quiescent cell through a 15-inch diameter outfall line to an Unnamed Creek which then flows into another Unnamed Creek which then drains to South Beaver Creek and then ultimately drains into Beaver Creek near Parkersburg, Iowa. Each stream segment in Iowa has a specific designation to protect recreational use and aquatic life. (Wastewater System Facility Plan for the City of Wellsburg, IA, Fehr Graham (November, 2018)).

The wastewater collection system primarily consists of 6”, 8”, 10”, 12” and 15” gravity sewer mains, 1 lift station, and 6-inch and 8-inch force mains. The lift station is in good condition and consists of a 9-foot diameter concrete wet well with 2 submersible pumps and a 5-foot diameter concrete valve vault that also includes an air release valve. Two 6” discharge pipes from the pumps discharge the wastewater into either a 6” or 8” force main. The force main is valved in such a manner that through gate valves, either pump can discharge to either the 6” or 8” force main. From here, wastewater travels to the wastewater treatment plant and discharges to the flow splitter structure.

As is typical with most collection systems, some infiltration and inflow (I&I) enters the system, especially during wet periods. Infiltration is water other than wastewater (typically groundwater) that enters the collection system over an extended period of time. Examples of infiltration are defective pipe joints or broken pipes/mains, leaking manhole joints, leaky service lines, and illegal connections to the main such as tile around building footings.

Inflow is water other than wastewater and infiltration (typically rainwater runoff) that enters the collection system during a rainfall event and usually lasts the length of the rainfall event and a short period after. Examples of inflow include roof drains or sump pumps connected directly to the collection system, cracked or leaky manhole covers, storm sewer drains connected directly to the collection system, and floor drains from leaky basements. The majority of these connections with the exception of floor drains are considered illegal connections.

The city embarked on an I&I project in 2013 that consisted of removing and replacing approximately 2,817 linear feet of sewer main with 8-inch polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe and lined approximately 5,575 linear feet of sewer main with cured-in place sanitary sewer lining. Because of these improvements, only data from 2014 and on was used for flows so only current I&I was identified.

The lowest monthly average wastewater flow was 0.0023 MGD which works out to 33 gallons per capita per day (gpcpd). The overall average flow is 0.099 MGD (143 gpcpd), and the highest monthly average flow was 0.237 MGD (342 gpcpd). The maximum daily flow was 0.917 MGD (1.323 gpcpd). A normal design value for wet weather flow in a new system is 100 gpcpd.

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City staff have reported the need to bypass raw wastewater to a ditch to prevent basement backups. Overall, I&I is still an issue and needs to continue to put forth effort into eliminating sources of I&I. (Wastewater System Facility Plan for the City of Wellsburg, IA, Fehr Graham (November, 2018))

The purpose of this project is to make improvements to the wastewater treatment plant, to enhance their reliability, comply with the NPDES permit, increase capacity, and to safely and reliably operate the City of Wellsburg’s wastewater system for the next 20 years. The proposed project includes adding a submerged attached growth reactor (SAGR) system following the existing aerated lagoons to improve ammonia removal, upgrade of the existing lift station, and adding ultraviolet disinfection to meet E. Coli limits.

The treated wastewater from the proposed facility will discharge to Unnamed Creek, tributary to South Beaver Creek. It has a use stream designation of A2, B(WW-2). A2 waters are those in which water recreation uses involve incidental or accidental contact with the water, where the probability of ingesting water is minimal, such as fishing and shoreline activities. Positive environmental effects will be improved treatment of the wastewater from the City of Wellsburg, compliance with effluent discharge permit limits including E. Coli and Ammonia, and improved water quality in the receiving stream.

Positive environmental effects will be improved treatment of the wastewater from the City of Wellsburg, compliance with effluent discharge permit limits including E. Coli and Ammonia, and improved water quality in the receiving stream. The project will not significantly affect the pattern and type of land use (industrial, commercial, agricultural, recreational, residential) or growth and distribution of population. The project will not conflict with local, regional or State land use plans or policies.

The project will not impact wetlands. The project will not affect threatened and endangered species or their habitats. If any State- or Federally-listed threatened or endangered species or communities are found during the planning or construction phases, additional studies and/or mitigation may be required. The project will not displace population, alter the character of existing residential areas, or convert significant farmlands to non-agricultural purposes. The project will not affect the 100-year flood plain provided the terms of the state flood plain development permit and local flood plain development permit are abided by. The project will not have effect on parklands, preserves, other public lands, or areas of recognized scenic or recreational value.

No Historic Properties will be adversely affected by the proposed project. However, if project activities uncover any item(s) that might be of archaeological, historical, or architectural interest, or if important new archaeological, historical, or architectural data should be encountered in the project APE, the applicant should make reasonable efforts to avoid further impacts to the property until an assessment can be made by an individual meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s professional qualifications standards (36 CFR Part 61). The project will

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not have a significant adverse effect upon local ambient air quality provided the applicant takes reasonable precautions to prevent the discharge of visible emissions of fugitive dusts beyond the lot line of the property during the proposed project (567 IAC 23.3(2)“c”).

The project will not have a significant adverse effect upon local ambient noise levels, surface water quantity, groundwater quality or quantity, or water supply. No significant impact to surface water quality, fish, shellfish, wildlife, or their natural habitats is expected provided that an NPDES General Permit Number 2 (for storm water discharge associated with construction activities) is obtained and the terms of which are abided by.

Minimum separation distances will be maintained. Noise during construction will be maintained at tolerable levels through controls on construction activities. Any construction debris will be removed from the site for proper disposal. Adverse environmental effects from construction activities will be minimized with proper construction practices, inspection, prompt clean up and other appropriate measures. Areas temporarily disturbed by the construction will be restored.

It has been determined that the proposed action will result in no significant impacts to the surrounding environment. This determination is based on a careful review of the engineering report, the environmental assessment and other supporting data which are on file at the Department of Natural Resources' office in Des Moines, Iowa. These are available for public review upon request. A copy of the environmental assessment is attached. This Department will not take any administrative action on the project for at least thirty (30) calendar days from the above date. Persons disagreeing with the above environmental decision may submit comments to the department during this period. Please direct your comments to me at [email protected] or 515-725-8304.

Sincerely,

MICHAEL SULLIVAN Environmental Specialist 502 E. 9th Street Des Moines, IA 50319-0034

Enclosures: Environmental Assessment Project Map

Distribution List (email): Brian McWilliams, Fehr Graham Lisa Ahern, INRCOG Michael Drummond, Council on Environmental Quality Jake Hansen, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Ken Sharp, Iowa Department of Public Health

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Sara Carmichael-Stanley, Iowa Department of Public Health Leslie Leager, Iowa Economic Development Authority Ingrid Gronstal, Iowa Environmental Council Tracy Scebold, Iowa Finance Authority Alyson Fleming, Iowa Finance Authority Mickey Shields, Iowa League of Cities Jane Clark, Sierra Club Josh Mandelbaum, Environmental Law and Policy Center Daniel Higginbottom, State Historical Society of Iowa Charles Detrick, USDA Rural Development Kate Sand, USDA Rural Development Tokey Boswell, USDOI, National Park Service, Midwest Region Kraig McPeek, Fish and Wildlife Service, Rock Island Field Office Christopher Simmons, USEPA Region VII Kelly Beard-Tittone, USEPA Region VII The Grundy Register

5 INVESTING IN IOWA’S WATER www.iowasrf.com Why You Should Read This: The document below reviews the environmental impact likely from a project. This project is planned to be federally funded through your tax dollars; therefore, you are entitled to take part in its review. If you have concerns about the environmental impact of this project, raise them now. We encourage public input in this decision making process.

IOWA STATE REVOLVING FUND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT DOCUMENT

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION

Applicant: City of Wellsburg SRF Number: CS1920923 01 County: Grundy Iowa DNR Project Number: S2014-0285A State: Iowa

Other Federal Funding: CDBG ($300,000)

COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION

Location: The City of Wellsburg is located in Grundy County, Iowa approximately 30 miles west of Waterloo, Iowa and 40 miles northeast of Ames, Iowa.

Population: The population of Wellsburg according to the 2010 US Census was 707. The design population equivalent for the year 2038 is 714.

Current Waste Treatment: The City’s WWTP is an aerated lagoon constructed in approximately 1988. The WWTP is located on the west side of the City. The existing WWTP is not located in the flood plain. Influent wastewater flows through a 12-inch and 15-inch diameter gravity mains to the main lift station where it is then pumped to the inlet control structure. The main lift station has two submersible pumps; The capacity of these pumps is believed to be 472 gpm. From the inlet structure flow is directed to Cell 1 and then flows to Cell 2. Both Cell 1 and Cell 2 are aerated. Flow from Cell 2 flows into the quiescent cell. Aeration is not provided in the quiescent zone to allow solids to settle. Both Cells 1 and 2 have a normal water depth of 10 feet and a volume of approximately 3.09 million gallons (MG) each. The quiescent cell has a normal water depth of 10 feet and a volume of approximately 0.479 MG. Appendix 3 shows a plan view of the existing WWTP.

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Current Collection System: The wastewater collection system primarily consists of 6”, 8”, 10”, 12” and 15” gravity sewer mains, 1 lift station, and 6-inch and 8-inch force mains. The lift station is in good condition and consists of a 9-foot diameter concrete wet well with 2 submersible pumps and a 5-foot diameter concrete valve vault that also includes an air release valve. Two 6” discharge pipes from the pumps discharge the wastewater into either a 6” or 8” force main. The force main is valved in such a manner that through gate valves, either pump can discharge to either the 6” or 8” force main. From here, wastewater travels to the wastewater treatment plant and discharges to the flow splitter structure.

City staff have reported the need to bypass raw wastewater to a ditch to prevent basement backups. Overall, I&I is still an issue and needs to continue to put forth effort

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into eliminating sources of I&I. (Wastewater System Facility Plan for the City of Wellsburg, IA, Fehr Graham (November, 2018)).

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to make improvements to the wastewater treatment plant, to enhance their reliability, comply with the NPDES permit, increase capacity, and to safely and reliably operate the City of Wellsburg’s wastewater system for the next 20 years.

Proposed Improvements: The proposed project includes adding a submerged attached growth reactor (SAGR) system following the existing aerated lagoons to improve ammonia removal, upgrade of the existing lift station, and adding ultraviolet disinfection to meet E. Coli limits.

Receiving Stream: The treated wastewater from the proposed facility will discharge to Unnamed Creek, tributary to South Beaver Creek. It has a use stream designation of A2, B(WW-2). A2 waters are those in which water recreation uses involve incidental or accidental contact with the water, where the probability of ingesting water is minimal, such as fishing and shoreline activities. B(WW-2) waters are typically smaller, perennially flowing streams capable of supporting and maintaining a resident aquatic community, but lack the flow and habitat necessary to fully support and sustain game fish populations.

ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

Alternatives Considered: Improvements to the existing WWTP are necessary to meet new NPDES permit limits. Five alternatives were considered that would bring the City’s WWTP into compliance:

Alternative #1: Discharge to a Regional Treatment Facility: Alternative #1 involves pumping all wastewater to a nearby WWTP for treatment. The City of Iowa Falls WWTP is the closest facility that would potentially be capable of accepting Wellsburg as a regional contributor. The City of Iowa Falls was not contacted as a preliminary analysis of this alternative determined it to be economically inefficient.

In order to implement this alternative, the City’s wastewater would need to be pumped for over 25 miles. The capital and operational costs for a new pump station and force main were considered in addition to estimated sewer service charges due to the City of Iowa Falls over a 20-year design period. The estimated total project cost of this alternative, including construction, contingency, and engineering, is $4,487,000. The total present worth cost of this alternative is $4,025,000. (Wastewater System Facility Plan for the City of Wellsburg, IA, Fehr Graham (November, 2018)).

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Alternative #2: Land Application: For this alternative, the excess flow above what the current NPDES permit allows would be stored and then land applied through irrigation. The Iowa Wastewater Facilities Design Standards Chapter 21 governs design requirements for land application of wastewater. The minimum storage required for land application is 215 days based on climatic restraints per Figure 3 of Chapter 21. The additional volume of storage required to allow land application of the proposed increase in design loading was calculated by proportioning the future design load such that any increases in wastewater loading above the existing design loading would be land applied. Since the loadings are project to increase by 124% over a 20-year design period, the wastewater flows in excess of the current capacity would be diverted for dedicated land application. The storage requirement associated with the increase of the design flows for 215 days was calculated as 9.7 million gallons using the design AWW as a conservative estimate of the 215 day wet weather flow.

The associated land area required for two 4.8 million gallons storage lagoons would be approximately 3.7 acres. The land application area required for slow rate application assuming a maximum percolation of 10 inches per month, (May-October) would be approximately 12 acres neglecting any buffer area.

This alternative would require the construction of two holding ponds, transmission main from the wastewater treatment facility to the holding site, irrigation and pumping system. In addition, the land would need to be purchased as the City does not own additional land and is determined to be economically inefficient. The estimated present worth cost of this alternative is $2,971,000. (Wastewater System Facility Plan for the City of Wellsburg, IA, Fehr Graham (November, 2018)).

Alternative #3: Aerated Lagoon with Submerged Attached Growth Reactors (SAGR): Alternative #3 is an OPTAER SAGR system by Nexom. This alternative includes construction of a four cell SAGR system and utilizing the existing aeration to the primary lagoon cells. The existing lift station would be upgraded. The existing site has sufficient space for the SAGR system, therefore, it would not be necessary to purchase any additional land. Influent from the sanitary sewer trunk main would first encounter a trash basket prior to flowing into the raw wastewater lift station. From the lift station the flow will enter the splitter structure at the WWTP site and then into the existing primary lagoon Cell #1 and then flow into existing lagoon Cell #2. Both existing primary cells would be aerated. The existing piping in the lagoon system allows the option to bypass one or both cells. After the wastewater passes through the aerated lagoon cells, the wastewater would flow into the existing quiescent cell. From here the flow would be conveyed over to the four cell SAGR system. The SAGR system would be constructed of stone media that removes ammonia through the process of nitrification. The top of the media would be covered in wood chips to provide a thermal blanket. The wastewater would then be disinfected by a UV disinfection system prior to discharge into the unnamed creek. The existing lift station would be upgraded to handle peak hour design flow. The existing building would still house the existing blowers for the lagoons. A new

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building would be constructed to provide space for a new lab, controls, blowers, and generator. The UV disinfection would be housed in this building. The estimated total present worth cost of this alternative is $2,108,000. (Wastewater System Facility Plan for the City of Wellsburg, IA, Fehr Graham (November, 2018)).

Alternative #4: Activated Sludge (Sequence Batch Reactor): Alternative #4 is a Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) activated sludge process. This alternative includes construction of two concreate SBR tanks and utilizes the existing lagoon cells #1 and #2 as pretreatment equalization and waste sludge storage, respectively, with the existing quiescent cell being utilized as post-treatment equalization. A new screen, raw wastewater lift station, and the concrete tanks would be constructed on the existing WWTP site. Wastewater flow would first pass through the new mechanical screen and then enter the new raw wastewater lift station. The lift station would be designed with an overflow to pump peak flow events to the equalization basin. After the high flows have subsided, wastewater would flow by gravity back to the lift station to be pumped to the new SBR tanks. The SBR tanks would act as a two-train system where each tank would cycle through fill, aeration, settle, decant, and ideal phases. Following the SBRs, wastewater will then be conveyed to the post-treatment equalization basin, followed by post-aeration, followed by UV disinfection. Treated wastewater would then be discharged into the unnamed creek. Waste sludge would be stored in the existing Cell #2. The existing building would be enlarged and provide space for a lab, controls, blowers, and generator. The UV disinfection would be housed in a small building. The estimated total present worth cost of this alternative is $4,672,000. Alternative #4 is expected to provide some total nitrogen removal. (Wastewater System Facility Plan for the City of Wellsburg, IA, Fehr Graham (November, 2018)).

Alternative #5: Activated Sludge Nutrient Removal: This alternative includes the construction of an activated sludge treatment plant with nutrient removal capabilities. This option utilizes the existing lagoon cells #1 and #2 as pre-treatment equalization and digested sludge storage, respectively. A new building is proposed to house a new screening unit, grit removal system, raw wastewater lift station, blowers, controls, and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system. Raw wastewater flow will first pass through the new fine screen, grit removal system, and then enter the new raw wastewater lift station. The new lift station will be designed with an overflow to pump peak flow events to existing Cell #1 which will be utilized as an equalization basin. After the high flows have subsided, wastewater will drain by gravity from the equalization basin lift station back to the new WWTP raw lift station. Wastewater in the raw wastewater lift station is pumped to the new activated sludge treatment system.

The treatment system will consist of two trains, each consisting of an anoxic tank and aerobic tank. Recycle from the aerobic tank to the anoxic tank will be provided for improved total nitrogen removal. From the aerobic tanks flow will be sent to a clarifier splitter structure where chemical will be added for phosphorus removal. Flow will then be split between two clarifiers. After the clarifiers flow will pass through ultraviolet

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disinfection and a post aeration structure to bring the wastewater to within dissolved oxygen limits. Waste activated sludge will be pumped to two aerobic digesters. Following digestion, sludge will be sent to existing Cell #2 for sludge storage until land applied. The estimated present worth cost of this alternative is $5,678,000. Alternative #5 reduces total nitrogen and total phosphorus. (Wastewater System Facility Plan for the City of Wellsburg, IA, Fehr Graham (November, 2018)).

Reasons for Selection of Proposed Alternative:

The No-Action alternative is not viable due to the compliance schedule in the City’s NPDES permit which requires compliance with E. Coli and Ammonia limits.

The project site was selected for the availability of land (it is already City-owned), proximity to existing infrastructure, engineering criteria, capital cost, operational cost and considerations, as well as minimization of the impacts to the environment.

MEASURES TAKEN TO ASSESS IMPACT

Public Involvement: A public hearing was held on January 6, 2020 at 7:00PM at the City’s regular council meeting. The public notice of this hearing was published in the Grundy Register on November 21, 2020. The purpose of this hearing was to present the environmental and financial impacts of the proposed improvement project. No written or oral comments were received.

Coordination and Documentation with Other Agencies and Special Interest Groups: The following Federal, state and local agencies were asked to comment on the proposed project to better assess the potential impact to the environment: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Natural Resources Conservation Service State Historical Society of Iowa (State Historical Preservation Office) Iowa DNR Conservation and Recreation Division Iowa DNR Water Resources Section Citizen Band Potawatomi Indian Tribe Flandreau Santee Sioux Ho-Chunk Nation Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma Lower Sioux Indian Community Council Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Omaha Tribal Council Osage Tribal Council

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Otoe-Missouria Tribe Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Prairie Island Indian Community Sac & Fox Nation of Mississippi in Iowa Sac & Fox Nation of Missouri Sac & Fox Nation of Oklahoma Santee Sioux Nation Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Spirit Lake Tribal Council Three Affiliated Tribes Mandan, Hidatsa & Arikara Nations Upper Sioux Tribe Winnebago Tribal Council Yankton Sioux Tribal Business and Claims Committee

No adverse comments were received from any agencies or general public. Conditions placed on the applicant by the above agencies in order to assure no significant impact are included in the Summary of Reasons for Concluding No Significant Impact section.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT SUMMARY

Construction: Traffic patterns within the community may be disrupted and above normal noise levels in the vicinity of the construction equipment can be anticipated during construction and should be a temporary problem. Adverse environmental impacts on noise quality will be handled by limited hours of contractor work time during the day. Other adverse environmental effects from construction activities will be minimized by proper construction practices, inspection, prompt cleanup, and other appropriate measures. Areas temporarily disturbed by the construction will be restored. Solid wastes resulting from the construction project will be regularly cleared away with substantial efforts made to minimize inconvenience to area residents.

Care will be taken to maintain dirt to avoid erosion and runoff. The proposed project will disturb soils over an area greater than one acre; therefore, the applicant is required to obtain an NPDES General Permit Number 2 (for storm water discharge associated with construction activities) and abide by its terms. Provided that this permit is obtained and the terms of which are abided by, no significant impact to surface water quality, fish, shellfish, wildlife, or their natural habitats is expected.

Temporary air quality degradation may occur due to dust and fumes from construction equipment. The applicant shall take reasonable precautions to prevent the discharge of

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visible emissions of fugitive dusts beyond the lot line of the property during the proposed project (567 Iowa Administrative Code IAC 23.3(2)“c”).

This project may require the disposal of sewage sludge. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the disposal of any sewage sludge complies with applicable requirements found in 40 CFR Part 503 and 567 Iowa Administrative Code IAC 67. Properties that contain regulated materials are located within or very near the proposed project area. If construction activities find an unknown area of contamination, it is the responsibility of the applicant to follow the procedure for notification of hazardous conditions (567 IAC 131.2). Excavated soil that contains a hazardous substance must be assessed and properly disposed of (567 IAC 100.4).

Historical/Archaeological: The State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) and various Native American tribes with an interest in the area were provided information regarding the project. The DNR has determined, and the SHPO has concurred (R&C#191038001), that this undertaking will result in “no historic properties affected” based on the scope of the project, the prior use of the project area, and the findings of the Phase I Archeological Survey conducted on the project property. However, if project activities uncover any item(s) that might be of archaeological, historical, or architectural interest, or if important new archaeological, historical, or architectural data should be encountered in the project APE, the applicant should make reasonable efforts to avoid further impacts to the property until an assessment can be made by an individual meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s professional qualifications standards (36 CFR Part 61).

Environmental: A Joint Application was submitted by the City’s consultant to the Iowa DNR Conservation and Recreation Division and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. According to the Iowa DNR Conservation and Recreation Division, the proposed project will not interfere with any State-owned parks, recreational areas or open spaces. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers concurs that the project will not impact wetlands. The project will not impact any wild and scenic rivers as none exist within the State of Iowa. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Section 7 Technical Assistance website consultation determined, and Iowa DNR Conservation and Recreation Division agree, that the project will not impact threatened or endangered species or their habitats. However, if any State- or Federally-listed threatened or endangered species or communities are found during the planning or construction phases, additional studies and/or mitigation may be required. According to the Iowa DNR Water Resources Section, this project will not impact the 100-year floodplain provided the terms of the state flood plain development permit and local flood plain development permit are abided by. No adverse impacts are expected to result from this project, such as those to surface water quantity, or groundwater quality or quantity. Provided that the terms of the NPDES wastewater discharge permit are abided by, no significant impact to surface water quality, fish, shellfish, wildlife, or their natural habitats is expected.

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Land Use and Trends: The project will not displace population nor will it alter the character of existing residential areas. No significant farmlands will be impacted. This project should not impact population trends as the presence or absence of existing water/sewer infrastructure is unlikely to induce significant alterations in the population growth or distribution given the myriad of factors that influence development in this region. Similarly, this project is unlikely to induce significant alterations in the pattern and type of land use.

Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Resources: Fuels, materials, and various forms of energy will be utilized during construction.

POSITIVE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS TO BE REALIZED FROM THE PROPOSED PROJECT

SUMMARY OF REASONS FOR CONCLUDING NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

• The project will not significantly affect the pattern and type of land use (industrial, commercial, agricultural, recreational, residential) or growth and distribution of population. • The project will not conflict with local, regional or State land use plans or policies. • The project will not impact wetlands. • The project will not affect threatened and endangered species or their habitats. If any State- or Federally-listed threatened or endangered species or communities are found during the planning or construction phases, additional studies and/or mitigation may be required. • The project will not displace population, alter the character of existing residential areas, or convert significant farmlands to non-agricultural purposes. • The project will not affect the 100-year flood plain provided the terms of the state flood plain development permit and local flood plain development permit are abided by. • The project will not have effect on parklands, preserves, other public lands, or areas of recognized scenic or recreational value. • No Historic Properties will be adversely affected by the proposed project. However, if project activities uncover any item(s) that might be of archaeological, historical, or architectural interest, or if important new archaeological, historical, or architectural data should be encountered in the project APE, the applicant should make reasonable efforts to avoid further impacts to the property until an assessment can be made by an individual meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s professional qualifications standards (36 CFR Part 61).

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• The project will not have a significant adverse effect upon local ambient air quality provided the applicant takes reasonable precautions to prevent the discharge of visible emissions of fugitive dusts beyond the lot line of the property during the proposed project (567 IAC 23.3(2)“c”). • The project will not have a significant adverse effect upon local ambient noise levels, surface water quantity, groundwater quality or quantity, or water supply. • No significant impact to surface water quality, fish, shellfish, wildlife, or their natural habitats is expected provided that an NPDES General Permit Number 2 (for storm water discharge associated with construction activities) is obtained and the terms of which are abided by.

THEREFORE:

The above project conforms to the criteria in 567 Iowa Administrative Code 92.8(1)“b” for wastewater relating to compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. No adverse effect or significant environmental impact is foreseen at this time.

MICHAEL SULLIVAN Environmental Review Specialist State Revolving Fund Iowa Department of Natural Resources

INVESTING IN IOWA’S WATER www.iowasrf.com USGS 7.5 Minute Quadrangle: Wellsburg Section(s): 15, Township: 88 N, Range: 18 W Date: 1972  Scale: 1 Inch = 2,000 Feet North

Image source: Wikipedia, 2019. Project Area

USGS Topographic Map State Revolving Fund City of Wellsburg – WWTP Improvements 502 East 9th Street Wellsburg, IA Des Moines, IA 50319-0034

2015  North

Project Area