University of Alaska Southeast Water Line Improvements Categorical Exclusion Determination

What is this notice about?

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation has decided that a project to fix about 2,559 feet of old water pipes at the University of Alaska Southeast campus in Juneau does not need further environmental review. The work would mostly line the existing pipes with new plastic pipe and replace valves and fire hydrants. The project would be paid for with a State Revolving Fund loan through the City and Borough of Juneau.

Why was this notice issued?

The Department's State Revolving Fund Program reviewed the project under its Operating Agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan program. It found the project eligible for a Categorical Exclusion (CE) under 18 AAC 76.235.

What action is being taken?

The Department is granting a Categorical Exclusion, which exempts the project from further environmental review under its EPA-approved State Environmental Review Process. The Department found the project will not significantly change the capacity or treatment of the existing water system; will not affect cultural resources, endangered or threatened species habitat, or important natural resource areas; will not significantly affect the human environment; and will not cause significant public controversy. The project will rehabilitate about 2,559 linear feet of existing 6-inch, 8-inch and 16-inch ductile iron water main at the UAS Juneau campus, mostly by slip-lining with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe, with limited digging (generally 4 to 7 feet deep) for valves, hydrants and service reconnections. Work also includes valve and hydrant replacement, temporary water service, testing, disinfection and site restoration. The decision takes effect when the Department distributes it and can be revoked at any time if negative information becomes available.

Who is involved: University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) Juneau campus; City and Borough of Juneau (loan applicant for a pass-through State Revolving Fund loan)

How can the public respond?

This notice does not ask for public comment. It is for information only. Read the original notice for details.

Contact

Adele Fetter, Environmental Impact Analyst
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation - State Revolving Fund Program
adele.fetter@alaska.gov
(907) 269-7428
555 Cordova Street, Anchorage, AK 99501

Will there be public meetings?

The notice does not announce any public meeting or hearing.

Key dates

Oct 9, 2026: Categorical Exclusion determination issued in Anchorage, Alaska and notice published
Oct 29, 2026: Notice archive date

Original notice text

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s (Department) State Revolving Fund Program has conducted a review of the above referenced project in accordance with the Operating Agreement between the Department and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for implementing the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan program. The Department has determined that this project is eligible for a Categorical Exclusion (CE) in accordance with 18 AAC 76.235. Accordingly, the Department is exempting the project from further environmental review requirements under the Department’s EPA-approved State Environmental Review Process. The proposed project will rehabilitate approximately 2,559 linear feet of existing 6-inch, 8-inch, and 16-inch ductile iron water main at the UAS Juneau campus using primarily HDPE slip-lining with limited open-cut excavation for valves, hydrants, and service reconnections. Excavations will generally be 4 to 7 feet deep. Associated work includes valve and hydrant replacement, temporary water service, testing, disinfection, and site restoration. Limited utility potholing and subsurface investigations may occur during design and construction. A pass-through State Revolving Fund loan with the City and Borough of Juneau as the loan applicant has been proposed. The project is eligible for a CE because undertaking this action: • Will not significantly affect the degree of treatment or capacity of the existing facility; • Will not directly or indirectly affect cultural resources, habitats of endangered or threatened species, or environmentally important natural resources area; • Will not have a significant effect on the quality of the human environment; • Will not cause significant public controversy. The determination shall become effective upon distribution by the Department and can be revoked at any time that adverse information is made available. The documentation to support this decision will be on file with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s State Revolving Fund Program. To request a copy of the CE, contact: Adele Fetter, Environmental Impact Analyst Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation - State Revolving Fund Program 555 Cordova Street Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: (907) 269-7428 Email: adele.fetter@alaska.gov The State of Alaska, Department of Environmental Conservation complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you are a person with a disability who may need a special accommodation in order to participate in this public process, please contact ADA Coordinator Kristin Mabry, via e-mail at Kristin.mabry@alaska.gov or by phone, (907) 334-0884 or Alaska Relay Service/TTY/TDD 1-800-770-8973/TTY or dial 711 to ensure that any necessary accommodations can be provided. Issued on the 9th day of October 2026 in Anchorage, Alaska.

This summary was written by an AI model (Claude) from the official notice text. This is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm deadlines and instructions in the official notice. Legal disclaimer.