State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Environmental Review_Westside Water System Improvement_Initiate Copyrighted
April 3, 2017
City of Dubuque Items to be set for Public Hearing # 3.
ITEM TITLE: State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Environmental Review
for Westside Water System Improvements Project
SUMMARY: City Manager recommending that the City Council schedule
a public hearing for April 17, 2017, to discuss the results of
the environmental review as provided by the State
Revolving Fund's Department of Natural Resources for the
Westside Water System Improvements Project.
RESOLUTION Approval of an Environmental Review as
provided by SRF's Department of Natural Resources for
the Westside Water System Improvements Project and
ordering the advertisement for public notice
SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Adopt
Resolution(s), Set Public Hearing for April 17, 2017
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
SRF Loan Environmental Review Westside Water Main City Manager Memo
Extension-MVM Memo
Staff Memo Staff Memo
Iowa SRF Environmental Information Document Supporting Documentation
Map Supporting Documentation
Resolution and Notice of Hearing Resolutions
Proof of Publication for 30-day Notice Supporting Documentation
THE CITY OF Dubuque
DUB E i"
Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2007.2012.2013
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Request for Public Hearing
State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan — Environmental Review
Westside Water System Improvements (English Mill Pump Station and
Water Main Extension)
DATE: March 23, 2017
Water Department Manager Denise Ihrig requests the City Council schedule a public
hearing for April 17, 2017, on the environmental review as provided by the State
Revolving Fund's Department of Natural Resources for the Westside Water System
Improvements Project.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
d1L-A^1
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager
THE CITY OF Dubuque
AII4meric11 a City
DUBgkE r
Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2007-2012-2013
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Denise Ihrig, Water Department Manager
DATE: March 21, 2017
RE: Request for Public Hearing
State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan - Environmental Review
Westside Water System Improvements (English Mill Pump Station and
Water Main Extension)
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memorandum is to set a public hearing on the environmental review
as provided by SRF's Department of Natural Resources for the Westside Water System
Improvements project.
BACKGROUND
In December 2016, the City of Dubuque purchased the Vernon Water Tower, Vernon
water system and the Barrington Lakes water system from Central Iowa Water
Association (CIWA). The intent of the City's purchase was to assist these communities
in becoming compliant with Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) standards
and provide the necessary back-up water supply and fire suppression by connecting
them directly to the City's water supply. The City is honoring the agreement with CIWA
to meet the IDNR water permits for these two systems in preparing plans to construct a
water supply connection from the City of Dubuque's water system to Vernon and
Barrington Lakes. The IDNR water permit required CIWA to provide a back-up or
secondary water supply no later than December 31, 2016, however following the City's
recent acquisition, the IDNR has granted a one year time extension to provide the
adequate back up. The IDNR requires the two water systems be provided with a back-
up or secondary water supply no later than December 31, 2017. The intent of the City is
to provide the primary water supply, which has multiple back-up sources, and abandon
the current primary water supply wells located in Vernon and Barrington Lakes.
For the City to meet the strict IDNR water operating permit connection completion date,
it was necessary for the City to seek financial and engineering assistance. The City
turned to the IDNR State Revolving Fund (Iowa SRF) program and hired IIW, P.C.
consulting engineers to prepare loan documents to secure funding for the project. The
City is successfully working with the IDNR SRF program group, and as part of the loan
process, the City is required to complete an environmental review. The environmental
review examines the proposed installation location of the project and determines if there
are environmental areas of concern. The review is sent to the SRF's environmental
specialists where they will prepare an Environmental Information Document
summarizing the environmental review to date. This document will be available for use
at the public hearing. Following the public hearing and completion of the environmental
review the environmental specialist will seek to provide environmental clearance for the
project.
DISCUSSION
The hearing is part of the SRF loan environmental review process and will allow
concerned citizens the opportunity to come forward with any comments or questions
about any potential environmental impact of the proposed project.
The City is required to provide adequate advance public notification of the public
hearing 30 days prior to the hearing meeting federal requirements of the SRF program.
The City published a public notice on March 17th, 2017 in the Telegraph Herald, a
locally circulated newspaper. In addition, project documents including design and
environmental information related to the proposed project will be made available for
review by the public in advance of the public hearing.
Following the public hearing, the City will submit a summary of the public comments and
proof of publication to the environmental review specialist at the SRF program
department, along with an executed Environmental Information Document.
REQUESTED ACTION
I respectfully request that the City Council establish April 17th, 2017 as the date for the
public hearing and prepare a transcript, recording, or other complete record of the
hearing and make it available for public review.
cc: Jenny Larson, Budget Director
Alexis Steger, Assistant Budget Analyst
2
RESOLUTION NO. 130-17
STATE REVOLVING FUND (SRF) LOAN - ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
WESTSIDE WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS (ENGLISH MILL PUMP
STATION AND WATER MAIN EXTENSION)
PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AS
PROVIDED BY SRF'S DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOR THE
WESTSIDE WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT AND ORDERING
THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR PUBLIC NOTICE
Whereas, In December 2016, the City of Dubuque purchased the Vernon
Water Tower, Vernon water system and the Barrington Lakes water system from
Central Iowa Water Association (CIWA); and
Whereas, intent of the City's purchase was to assist these communities in
becoming compliant with Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
standards and provide the necessary back-up water supply and fire suppression
by connecting them directly to the City's water supply; and
Whereas, the IDNR has granted the City of Dubuque a one -year time
extension to provide a back-up or secondary water supply no later than
December 31, 2017 as required by the IDNR water permit initially granted to
CIWA; and
Whereas, the City of Dubuque hired IIW, P.C. consulting engineers to
prepare loan documents to secure funding for the project, and as part of the loan
process, the City is required to complete an environmental review through public
hearing.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. The environmental review as provided by SRF's Department of
Natural Resources for the Westside Water System Improvements project, is
hereby preliminarily approved and ordered filed in the office of the City Clerk for
public inspection.
Section 2. A public hearing will be held on the 17th day of April, 2017, at
6:00 p.m. in the Historic Federal Building Council Chambers (second floor) 350
W. 6th Street, Dubuque, Iowa, at which time interested persons may appear and
be heard for or against the proposed environmental review of said Project, and
the City Clerk be and is hereby directed to cause the attached notice of the time
and place of such hearing to be published in a newspaper having general
circulation in the City of Dubuque, Iowa, which notice shall be published not less
than four days nor more than twenty days prior to the date of such hearing. At
the hearing, any interested person may appear and file objections to the
environmental review of the Project.
Section 3. The environmental review as provided by SRF's Department of
Natural Resources for the Westside Water System Improvements project is
hereby ordered to be advertised for public hearing.
April
Passed, adopted and approved this 3rd day of Mai-c-li 2 17.
roY D. Buol, Mayor
Attest:
Kevin S. Firnstalii, CMC, City Clerk
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.
J/
IOWA STATE REVOLVING FUND
ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION DOCUMENT
PROJECT IDENTIFICATION
Applicant:City of Dubuque SRF Number: FS-31-17-DWSRF-026
County: Dubuque IDNR Project Number: W2017-0124
State: Iowa
COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION
Location: The City of Dubuque is located in Dubuque County, Iowa approximately
104 miles west of Rockford, Illinois and 70 miles north of Davenport, Iowa. This
particular project area is southwest of the city.
Population: The population of Dubuque according to the 2010 US Census was
57,637 . The existing Vernon Township Water System serves approximately 396
persons. The existing Barrington Lakes Water System serves approximately 331
persons.
System Background: The City of Dubuque is in the final stages of entering into an
agreement to purchase the Vernon Township Water System and Barrington Lakes
Water System from the Central Iowa Water Association (CIWA). This encompasses
water storage,well and distribution system which are located southwest of the City of
Dubuque. The City's intent is to own and operate the two systems. In order to best
operate these two systems,the City is planning on constructing a new water pumping
facility and water distribution improvements.
The City of Dubuque is pursing the purchase of these systems due to concerns with
CIWA service for many reasons. First,the Vernon Water system is not viable under
IDNR standards because it does not have a back-up water supply. Although CIWA
made repairs and upgrades to the system,to become viable in accordance with IDNR
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standards a connection with Barrington Lakes or the City of Dubuque or both is
required. Dubuque was also concerned about the water quality that was being
provided to over three hundred residents located so close to Dubuque. Under CIWA
ownership,the Vernon system was managed remotely with staff in Newton, Iowa who
were periodically on site. Some residents reported that boil advisories were posted on
cardboard signs at the entrance to subdivisions. Although a phone alert system has
been added recently, residents report that the system has challenges.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Purpose: The purpose of this project is to make improvements that will enhance
the reliability of the Vernon and Barrington Lakes water systems to expand the safe
and reliable operation the City of Dubuque's water system for at least the next 20
years.
Proposed Improvements: The proposed project includes construction of a new
pumping station and new water main to connect two separate housing areas to the
Dubuque municipal water supply.
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
Alternatives Considered: The City had the option of not purchasing these two
water supplies.
Reasons for Selection of Proposed Alternative: The No-Action alternative is not
preferable given the close proximity of these communities to the City of Dubuque and
the reliability problems with both systems. The exact project route was selected for
the availability of land, elevation issues relating to pressure, other
technical/engineering concerns, and proximity to existing infrastructure as well as
minimization of the impacts to the environment.
MEASURES TAKEN TO ASSESS IMPACT
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
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
Delaware Tribe of Indians
Flandreau Santee Sioux
Ho-Chunk Nation
Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska
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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
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
Dubuque County Historical Society
Dubuque Historical Commission
No adverse comments were received from any agencies. 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.
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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 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").
Historical/Archaeological: The State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO), the
Certified Local Government 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#170331036), that this undertaking
will result in "no historic properties effected" based on the scope of the project 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: While the Iowa DNR Conservation and Recreation Division has not
yet commented on the project, it is not anticipated that the project would 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.
While the U.S. Fish &Wildlife Service and Iowa DNR Conservation and Recreation
Division have not yet commented, the project is not anticipated to impact
threatened or endangered species or their habitats provided that any trees are
removed between October 1 and March 31 to avoid impacts to the Northern long
eared bat. 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.While the Iowa DNR Water
Resources Section has not yet commented, it is not anticipated that this project
would have any impact on the 100-year floodplain. No adverse impacts are
expected to result from this project, such as those to surface water quantity, or
groundwater quality or quantity.
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.
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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
Positive environmental effects will be improved or maintained water quality and
reliability for the citizens of Vernon Township Water Supply and the Barrington
Lakes Water Supply. The new system will better assist in the prevention of water
supply contamination associated with inadequate pressures within the distribution
system during all flow conditions. A catastrophic loss of water supply could result
in supply-wide health impacts due to a lack of sanitation and the use of other water
sources that may not meet Federal drinking water standards.
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.
• While the U.S. Fish &Wildlife Service and Iowa DNR Conservation and
Recreation Division have not yet commented, the project is not anticipated to
impact threatened or endangered species or their habitats provided that any
trees are removed between October 1 and March 31 to avoid impacts to the
Northern long eared bat.
• The project will not displace population, alter the character of existing
residential areas, or convert significant farmlands to non-agricultural purposes.
• While the Iowa DNR Water Resources Section has not yet commented, it is not
anticipated that this project would have any impact on the 100-year floodplain.
• While the Iowa DNR Conservation and Recreation Division has not yet
commented on the project, it is not anticipated that the project would interfere
with any State-owned parks, recreational areas or open spaces.
• 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
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meeting the Secretary of the Interior's professional qualifications standards (36
CFR Part 61).
• 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.
The project description, scope, and anticipated environmental impacts detailed above are
accurate and complete to the best to my knowledge.
Signature of the Mayor, City of Dubuque Date
Printed Name of the Mayor, City of Dubuque
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROVIDED
BY SRF'S DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOR THE WESTSIDE
WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT AND ORDERING THE
ADVERTISEMENT FOR PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: The City Council of the City of Dubuque,
Iowa will hold a public hearing on the environmental review as provided by SRF's
Department of Natural Resources of the Westside Water System Improvements
English Mill & North Cascade Road Water Main Extension and the English Mill
Road Pump Station, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 26, Code of
Iowa, at 6:00 p.m., on the 17th day of April, 2017, in the Historic Federal Building
Council Chambers (second floor), 350 West 6th Street, Dubuque, Iowa. Said
environmental review is now on file in the office of the City Clerk, 50 W. 13th St.,
Dubuque. At said hearing any interested person may appear and file objections
thereto.
Written comments regarding the above public hearing may be submitted
to the City Clerk's Office, City Hall, 50 W. 13th Street, on or before said time of
public hearing.
Any visual or hearing-impaired persons needing special assistance or
persons with special accessibility needs should contact the City Clerk's office at
(563) 589-4100 or TDD at (563) 690-6678 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
Published by order of the City Council given on the _ day of 2017.
Kevin S. Firnstahl, CMC, City Clerk
STATE OF IOWA ISS:
DUBUQUE COUNTY
CERTIFICATION OF PUBLICATION
I, Suzanne Pike, a Billing Clerk for Woodward Communications, Inc., an Iowa corporation,publisher
of the Telegraph Herald,a newspaper of general circulation published in the City of Dubuque, County
of Dubuque and State of Iowa; hereby certify that the attached notice was published in said newspaper
on the following dates: March 17, 2017, and for which the charge is $17.75.
Subscribed to before me, a Notary Public in and for Dubuque County, Iowa,
this Z a..W day of , 20/L.
Notary Public in and for Dubuque County, Iowa.
,. HMARY K WESTERMEYER
ff commission Number 154885
My commission Exp.Feb.1,2020
the community of Du-
buqueof this proposed
action, discuss the ac-
tual cost and user fees
– associated with this
PUBLIC HEARING project,and to address
NOTICE citizen's concerns, if
The City of Dubuque any,with the plan.
will be holding a Public The Public Hearing lo-
Hearing to review an cation and time are as
application for a State follows:
Revolving Fund (SRF) April 17, 2017 - 6:00
loan and to make avail- PM•
able to the public the Historic Federal Build
contents of an environ- ing Council Cham-
mental information bers(Second Floor)
document and the 350 W.6th Street
City's project plan. Dubuque,Iowa 52001
These documents in- All interested persons
clude design and envi- are encouraged to at-
ronmental information tend this hearing.
related to the proposed Written comments on
drinking water pump- this proposal may also
ing facility and water be submitted prior to
main extension. the hearing. Questions
The proposed project regarding this hearing
involves the construc- or the availability of
tion of a drinking water documentation may be
pumping facility and directed to the City En-
the installation of new gineer's Office at 563-
water main. 589-4270.
The purpose of this It 3/17
Public Hearing is to in- –—
form area residents of