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The Department of Environmental Quality/Water Quality Division (DEQ) has conducted a review of the proposed LANE 9 EXTENSION & WEST END TIE project in accordance with EPA and State of Wyoming procedures for implementing the State Environmental Review Process. DEQ has determined that this project is eligible for a categorical exclusion. Accordingly, DEQ is exempting the project from further substantive environmental review requirements under the State Environmental Review Process. Neither an Environmental Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact nor an Environmental Impact Statement/Record of Decision will be required for the proposed action. The following is a brief description of the situation and the proposed action and a brief statement of how the action meets the criteria for a categorical exclusion.
The project includes the construction of the Lane 9 Waterline Extension Project which will extend an 8" PVC domestic water line along Lane 9 in Big Horn County, WY, from the intersection of Lane 9 and Road 7, approximately 6 miles to the west. After extending 6 miles to the west, the line would turn north and continue 1.1 miles and tie into the Town of Cowley's West End water line. This new line would provide service to a rural area of Big Horn County that currently has to haul water for domestic use. This project is for the construction phase only.
Based on current cost estimates, the South End Water Users Improvement and Service District intends to borrow $1,750,000 from the Wyoming Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund administered by the Wyoming Office of State Lands and Investments. The cost of the loan will be paid for by the new customers that will be added into the district as a result of this project. The South End Water Users Improvement and Service District intends to apply for 75% principal forgiveness. Loan terms will be 1.5% interest rate and the term of the loan will be 30 years. In the event principal forgiveness is not available the loan terms will be a 0.5% interest rate with a 30-year loan term.
The Southend Water Users Improvement & Service District is aware of and accepts the fact that they will be responsible for any required mitigative actions associated with and including storm water runoff, erosion control, archeological/historic artifacts, and air quality concerns. These will be part of the standard State Revolving Funds Program contract conditions.
DEQ is granting an exclusion because the project mainly consists of the waterline being installed in previously disturbed ground either in WYDOT right of way, Big Horn County road right of way and BNSF Right of way.. The other areas of this project have been cleared by the required agencies. This project will be completely constructed in previously disturbed ground, specifically ground disturbed by roadways, irrigation lines, sewer lines, and the BNSF railroad. DEQ has determined that exempting the proposed project from further review under the State Environmental Review Process will not result in adverse impacts to the population or the area of Big Horn County, Wyoming.
The documentation to support this decision will be on file in the DEQ Cheyenne Office and is available for public review upon request. Requests for information about the proposed decision may be directed to Tim Eisenhauer, SRF Project Engineer by email ([email protected]) or phone (307) 777-6371). Written comments shall be addressed to Tim Eisenhauer, Department of Environmental Quality, 200 W. 17th St., Suite 200, Cheyenne, WY 82002 or via FAX (307) 635-1785., and be postmarked on or before 5:00 p.m. on May 20, 2025, to be considered. Electronic comments may only be submitted through and accepted by the Wyoming DEQ comment portal provided at http://wq.wyomingdeq.commentinput.com/. Phone or email comments will not be accepted.
Para español, visite deq.wyoming.gov. Americans with Disabilities Act: special assistance or alternative formats will be made available upon request for individuals with disabilities. Please provide at least fourteen (14) days before the close of the public comment period for such requests.
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