State Revolving Fund Loan Programs Drinking Water, … FNSI EA12.4.2018.pdf · 04-12-2018 ·...

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

LEBANON UTILITIES Water Distribution System and Treatment Improvements - Phase I

SRF PROJECT DW 18 13 06 01

DATE: December 4, 2018

TARGET PROJECT APPROVAL DATE: January 4, 2019

I. INTRODUCTION

The above entity has applied to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Program for a loan

to finance all or part of the drinking water projects described in the accompanying Environmental

Assessment (EA). As part of facilities planning requirements, an environmental review has been

completed which addresses the project's impacts on the natural and human environment. This review is

summarized in the attached EA, which can also be viewed in color at http://www.in.gov/ifa/srf/.

II. PRELIMINARY FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT (FNSI)

The SRF Drinking Water Program has evaluated all pertinent environmental information regarding the

proposed project and determined that an Environmental Impact Statement is not necessary. Subject to

responses received during the 30-day public comment period, and pursuant to Indiana Code 5-1.2-3, it is

our preliminary finding that the construction and operation of the proposed facilities will result in no

significant adverse environmental impact. In the absence of significant comments, the attached EA shall

serve as the final environmental document.

III. COMMENTS

All interested parties may comment upon the EA/FNSI. Comments must be received at the address below

by the target approval date above. Significant comments may prompt a reevaluation of the preliminary

FNSI; if appropriate, a new FNSI will be issued for another 30-day public comment period. A final

decision to proceed, or not to proceed, with the proposed project shall be effected by finalizing, or not

finalizing, the FNSI as appropriate. Comments regarding this document should be sent within 30 days to:

April Douglas

Senior Environmental Manager

State Revolving Fund

100 N. Senate Ave. IGCN 1275

Indianapolis, IN 46204

317-234-7294

[email protected]

State Revolving Fund Loan Programs Drinking Water, Wastewater, Nonpoint Source

SRF Safe Drinking Water Program Page 2 of 17

Lebanon Utilities Environmental Assessment: Water Distribution System and Treatment Improvements – Phase I Distributed December 4, 2018 for 30-day comment period to the public, USFW and DNR SHPO and EU.

I. PROJECT IDENTIFICATION

Project Name and Address: Water Distribution System and Treatment

Improvements – Phase I

Lebanon Utilities

401 S. Meridian Street

Lebanon, Indiana 46052

SRF Project Number: DW 18 13 06 01

Authorized Representative: Mr. Tracy Bowles

Interim General Manager

II. PROJECT LOCATION

The proposed Indianapolis Avenue Phase II Water Main portion of the project is located within

Center Township of Boone County on the Lebanon 24K Quadrangle in Township 18N, Range 1E,

Section 6, and Township 19N, Range 1E, Section 31. See Figure 1.

The proposed Sugar Creek Water Treatment Plant (WTP) portion of the project is located within

Washington Township of Boone County on the Thorntown 24K Quadrangle in Township 20N,

Range 1W, Sections 28 & 33. See Figure 2.

III. PROJECT NEED AND PURPOSE

Lebanon Utilities owns and operates a drinking water system to serve its customers. Water mains

that have deteriorated due to age, some with inadequate capacity for existing demands, exist in

several locations in Lebanon Utilities’ Water Distribution System. These aging water mains are

prone to breaks, provide inadequate pressure and supply in some cases, and impact the reliability of

the overall water distribution system. Additionally, dead end water mains exist in the northeast

section of the water distribution system. The Phase I – Indianapolis Avenue Phase II Water Main

Project, described below, was sized in order to accommodate growth on the southeast side of the

City.

The Sugar Creek Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and associated wellfields were constructed around

1978. The electrical lines and transformers that power the Sugar Creek wells are the original 4 kV

system which is obsolete and no longer compatible with the City’s current 12 kV system. The City’s

Electrical Department converted to 12 kV and does not store spare 4 kV transformers or have

personnel familiar with the 4 kV equipment. Issues with the electrical components for 20-inch raw

water main associated with the Sugar Creek wellfield would interfere with 80% of the City’s water

supply. The raw water main that connects the Sugar Creek wellfield to the Sugar Creek WTP lacks

redundancy. The Phase I – Sugar Creek WTP – Well Line Loop and 12 kV Power System Electrical

Improvements Project, described below, will resolve these issues.

ENVIRONMENTAL

ASSESSMENT



IV. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The selected project plan (Phase I) includes improvements to the distribution system and to the

electrical system at the treatment plant. Phase I includes the following projects (See Figures 1 &

2):

Phase I – Indianapolis Avenue Phase II Water Main Project – This project includes the open-

cut installation of approximately 3,250 feet of water main and approximately 26 gate

valves/boxes, and the removal and replacement of approximately 6 hydrants and approximately

18 water meters, along with associated appurtenances.

Phase I – Sugar Creek WTP – Well Line Loop and 12kV Power System Electrical

Improvements Project:

o Well Line Loop – This project includes the open-cut installation of approximately 2,450 feet

of raw water main, 3,000 feet of directionally-drilled raw water main, approximately 17 gate

valves/boxes, one (1) automatic flushing hydrant, and associated appurtenances. This project

provides redundancy for conveying raw water from the existing raw water main to the Sugar

Creek WTP.

o 12kV Power System Electrical Improvements

This project involves the replacement of the existing 4kV power system with a new 12 kV

power system, including a single 12 kV 3-phase electrical line from the Sugar Creek WTP

to power Wells 2, 3, 4, and 5, one (1) 480 V to 12 kV step-up transformer, and one (1) 12

kV transformer. Well 1 will be powered from a new 480 V electrical line powered from Well

2. An electrical loop will be formed around the wellfield by use of two (2) 3-way switches

that will allow three wells to remain operational should there be a failure in the lines or at

one of the wells. Feed-through transformers with parking stands will allow smaller sections

of the electrical line to be isolated for repair or replacement. In addition, this project includes

the installation of a new trailer mounted generator, one manual (at Well 1) and one automatic

(at Well 2) transfer switch, starters at Well 1, 2, & 4, miscellaneous cables, and cabinets; the

construction of a carport at the Sugar Creek WTP site for the generator and associated

appurtenances.

V. ESTIMATED PROJECT COSTS, AFFORDABILITY AND FUNDING

A. Selected Plan Estimated Cost Summary

Construction Costs

Indianapolis Avenue Phase II Water Main $ 880,000

Sugar Creek Water Treatment Plan $1,545,000

Contingency $ 240,000

Construction Sub-Total $2,665,000

Non-Construction Costs $ 670,000

Total Project Cost $3,335,000

B. The total cost of these projects is estimated to be approximately $3,335,000. Lebanon Utilities

will finance the project with a loan from the State Revolving Fund Loan Program for a term and

annual fixed interest rate to be determined at loan closing. The actual loan amount will depend on

the bids received. Monthly user rates and charges may need to be analyzed to determine if

adjustments are required for loan repayment.



VI. DESCRIPTION OF EVALUATED ALTERNATIVES

Phase I - Indianapolis Avenue Phase II Water Main

Alternative 1 “No Action” is not recommended as supply, pressure and chlorine residual

issues have been experienced in the vicinity of the project in the Water System’s southeast

corner.

Alternative 2 Rehabilitation of Existing Water Main: This alternative includes rehabilitation

of the existing 8-inch water main along Indianapolis Avenue, from Hendricks Drive to Spencer

Avenue. This is not recommended because an 8-inch line will not help to alleviate supply,

pressure or chlorine residual issues in the water system’s southeast corner.

Alternative 3 Upsize Water Main: This alternative includes upsizing the existing 8-inch water

main along Indianapolis Avenue from Hendricks Drive to Spencer Avenue. This projects will

correspond with an INDOT road improvements project, making the timing for this project

optimal. This is the selected alternative.

Phase I – Sugar Creek WTP – Well Line Loop and 12kV Power System Electrical

Improvements Project:

Sugar Creek Water Treatment Plant

The “No Action” alternative is not practical, environmentally sound nor economical. Sugar

Creek provides the City with 80% of its water supply, and the existing 20-inch raw water line is

40 years old. Should a break occur in the existing raw water line, the plant will not be able to

produce treated water until a repair is able to be performed.

Well Line Loop following Existing Easement: This alternative would provide a parallel 20-

inch raw water line within the existing easement of the existing 20-inch raw water line from the

wellfield to the Sugar Creek WTP. This alternative does not mitigate as many potential

breakage issues, such as construction issues or natural disaster, as does a line that does not

follow the same path.

Well Line Loop following Existing Drive: The alternative provides a raw water line loop

along existing private drives. This alternative would provide redundancy for conveying raw

water from the wellfield to the Sugar Creek WTP and, since it is located away from the existing

raw water line, would mitigate potential issues that could cause a break due to potential hazards

such as construction error or a natural disaster. This is the selected alternative.

12 kV Power System Electrical Improvements

Alternative 1 “No Action” is not recommended as the original 4kV power system is no longer

compatible with the City’s current 12 kV electrical system. The City converted to a 12kV

electrical system and does not store spare 4 kV transformers or have personnel that are familiar

with 4 kV equipment. Additionally, the existing 4 kV line and transformers were installed in

1978, making them approximately 40 years old. The age of the line is cause for maintenance

concerns.

Alternative 2 – Rehabilitation of the Existing 4 kV Power System: This alternative includes

the rehabilitation of the existing 4 kV power system. This alternative is not recommended, as the

original 4 kV power system is no longer compatible with the City’s current 12 kV electrical

system and the City does not store spare 4 kV transformers or have personnel that are familiar

with the 4 kV equipment.



Alternative 3 – Replacement of the Exiting 4 kV Power System with New 12 kV Power

System: This alternative includes the replacement of the existing 4 kV power system with a new

12 kV power system. The new 12 kV power will be compatible with the City’s current 12 kV

system and will allow for maintenance to be performed by the City’s electrical department

personnel. This is the selected alternative.

VII. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF THE FEASIBLE ALTERNATIVES

A. Direct Impacts of Construction and Operation

Disturbed/Undisturbed Land:

Indianapolis Avenue Phase II Water Main Project (Figure 3) – The water main will be placed

under existing streets or immediately adjacent to roads in areas disturbed by road construction.

Sugar Creek Water Treatment Plant Project (Figures 4 through 6) – The property that the Sugar

Creek Wellfield is located on is currently owned by Gray Eagle Holdings and is operated as a

private hunting preserve. Prior to Gray Eagle Holdings, the property contained an amusement

park, Old Indiana Fun Park which operated between 1983 and 1997. At its peak, Old Indiana

Fun Park contained over 50 attractions including a water park and roller coasters. See Figures 5

and 6 for historic aerial imagery from 1998 of the property showing the Old Indiana Fun Park

and a park map that shows the park attractions.

Six Flags owned the property from 1997 to 2002 and were planning to redevelop the park but

cancelled the project. During the time the company owned the property, Six Flags purchased

multiple roller coasters from different parts of the county and stored them onsite. Gray Eagle

Holdings acquired the property from Six Flags in 2002.

Both paved and stone roads and paths were created by Old Indiana Fun Park to provide access to

the Sugar Creek Wellfield which sat adjacent to the park attractions. Further roads and paths

were developed between 1998 and 2003 to provide further access to the area and each of the five

wells. These access roads do not follow the Lebanon Utilities easement for the raw water lines

to the wells and the wells have been accessed in the past based on a good faith verbal agreement

with the property owner. The proposed alignment and easements for the Sugar Creek WTP Well

Line Loop and Electrical Improvements have been designed to follow the alignment of the

existing access roads which are traveled, mowed and maintained regularly in the present

day. After the project, the Lebanon Utilities will be able to stay on their easement for operations

and maintenance.

Due to floodplain and wetlands, the construction of the raw water lines located within a

depressed area will be performed utilizing a trenchless directional drilling method. The

directional drilling machine requires drilling and receiving pits. Both the drilling and receiving

pits will be limited to footprint of 6 feet wide by 16 feet long. The footprint of the drilling and

receiving pits will allow construction of the raw water line to occur within the limits of the

existing access roads (previously disturbed land) within the depressed area. The electrical lines

will be installed within conduit within the limits of the existing access roads by use of a trencher

and the existing soils will be utilized for restoration.

Structural Resources: Construction and operation of the Indianapolis Avenue Phase II Water

main project and the Sugar Creek Water Treatment Plant project will not alter, demolish or

remove historic properties. If any visual or audible impacts to historic properties occur, they will

be temporary and will not alter the characteristics that qualify such properties for inclusion in or

eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places. The SRF’s finding pursuant to Section

106 of the National Historic Preservation Act is: “no historic properties affected.”



Surface Waters: Wells 2, 3, 4, and 5 and associated raw water lines are located within a

depressed area that are within wetland and floodplain limits. These limits were confirmed by a

wetland delineation. There are two stream crossings during the installation of the raw water line

and electrical lines within the depressed area. The streams are located within culverts under the

access drives and the raw water line and electrical lines will be directionally drilled under the

culverts.

The project will not adversely affect outstanding state resource waters listed in 327 IAC 2-1.3-

3(d), exceptional use streams listed in 327 IAC 2-1-11(b), Natural, Scenic and Recreational

Rivers and Streams listed in 312 IAC 7-(2), or Salmonid Streams listed in (327 IAC 2-1.5-

5(a)(3) or streams on the Outstanding River List for Indiana.

Wetlands:

Indianapolis Avenue Phase II Water Main Project (Figure 7) – The water main will be placed

under existing streets or immediately adjacent to roads in areas disturbed by road construction

and will not impact wetlands.

Sugar Creek Water Treatment Plant Project (Figure 8) – Wells 2, 3, 4, and 5 and associated raw

water lines are located within a depressed area that are within flood and wetlands limits. These

limits were confirmed by a wetland delineation. The existing wells themselves have been built

up to ensure that they are above the 100-year flood elevation, but construction of new raw water

line will occur within the flood and wetland limits. As such, the construction of the raw water

line in this area will be performed utilizing a trenchless directional drilling method. The

directional drilling machine requires drilling and receiving pits. Both the drilling and receiving

pits will be limited to footprint of 6 feet wide by 16 feet long. The footprint of the drilling and

receiving pits will allow construction of the raw water line to occur within the limits of the

existing access roads within the depressed area. The electrical lines will be installed within

conduit within the limits of the existing access roads by use of a trencher and the existing soils

will be utilized for restoration.

Wetlands will be temporarily impacted by the project. Mitigation measures to lessen and

compensate for wetland impacts cited in comment letters about the project from the Indiana

Department of Environmental Management, Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be implemented.

Floodplain:

Indianapolis Avenue Phase II Water Main Project (Figure 9) - The project will not impact a

floodplain.

Sugar Creek Water Treatment Plant Project (Figure 10) – The project will impact 100-year

floodplains and floodways. The existing wells have been built up to ensure that they are above

the 100-year flood elevation, but construction of new raw water line will occur within the flood

limits. Construction of the raw water line in this area will be performed utilizing a trenchless

directional drilling method.

Groundwater: The project will not impact a drinking water supply or sole source aquifer. The

project is not anticipated to require dewatering due to high groundwater.

Plants and Animals: The proposed project will be placed under existing streets or immediately

next to roads in areas disturbed by road construction and will be implemented to minimize

impact to non-endangered species and their habitat. Mitigation measures cited in comment



letters from the Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be

implemented.

Prime Farmland: The projects will not convert prime farmland.

Air Quality: Construction activities may generate some noise, fumes and dust, but should not

significantly affect air quality.

Open Space and Recreational Opportunities: Construction and operation of the Indianapolis

Avenue Phase II Water main project and the Sugar Creek Water Treatment Plant project will

neither create nor destroy open space or recreational opportunities.

Lake Michigan Coastal Program: Construction and operation of the Indianapolis Avenue

Phase II Water main project and the Sugar Creek Water Treatment Plant project will not affect

the Lake Michigan Coastal Zone.

National Natural Landmarks: Construction and operation of the Indianapolis Avenue Phase II

Water main project and the Sugar Creek Water Treatment Plant project will not affect National

Natural Landmarks.

B. Indirect Impacts

Lebanon Utilities’ Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) states: Lebanon Utilities will ensure,

through the authority of its Utility Service Board, or other means, that future development, as

well as future collection system or treatment works projects connecting to SRF-funded facilities,

will not adversely impact archaeological/historical/structural resources. The Lebanon Utilities

will require new development treatment projects to be constructed within the guidelines of the

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, IDNR, IDEM, and other environmental review authorities.

C. Comments from Environmental Review Authorities

This is the first correspondence to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Indiana

Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology and the

Department of Natural Resources Environmental Unit.

In correspondence dated November 8, 2018 the Natural Resources Conservation Service Stated:

The revised project to move forward with making improvements to various water distribution

systems in Lebanon, Boone County, Indiana, as referred to in your letter received October 31,

2018 will not cause a conversion of prime farmland.

VIII. MITIGATION MEASURES

Lebanon Utilities’ PER states:

Any mitigation measures cited in comment letters from the Department of Natural resources and the

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be implemented. The project will be implemented to minimize

impact to non-endangered species and their habitat.

Existing topsoil will be reused during the restoration process, if applicable. The amount of dust may

be mitigated by periodic wetting of exposed soil to reduce the suspension of particles. Normal

daytime hours will be used for work activities to reduce noise impacts.

All unavoidable tree clearing will be performed between October 15th and March 31st per the Range-

wide Indiana Bat Protection and Enhancement Plan Guidelines.



IX. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

A properly noticed public hearing was held on January 24, 2018 5:00 pm at One Municipal Plaza,

401 South Meridian Street, Lebanon, IN 46052 to discuss the PER. No written comments were

received during the 5-day comment period following the hearing.



Figure 1



Figure 2

Sugar Creek WTP Property



Figure 3 – IHBBC map for Indianapolis Avenue Phase II



Figure 4 – IHBBC Map for Sugar Creek WTP



Figure 5 – 1998 Historical Aerial Image of the old Indiana Fun Park location.

Figure 6 – Park map showing the location of rides, and facilities.



Figure 7 – Wetlands Map for Indianapolis Avenue Phase II




Figure 8 – Wetlands Map for Sugar Creek WTP



Figure 9 – Floodplain Map for Indianapolis Avenue Phase II



Figure 10 – Floodplain Map for Sugar Creek WTP


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