New water project proposed in Hodges
By Staff
Rebecca James,Franklin County Times
HODGES – The Town of Hodges has proposed a project to the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure adequate water distribution for fire protection.
The proposed project involves the replacement of the existing two-inch diameter water distribution mains with new six-inch diameter mains in certain areas off the Hodges Water System service area, located in the Bear Creek Watershed.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2004 has authorized EPA grant funds in the amount of $96,400 to the Town of Hodges for the replacement of drinking water mains. The estimated cost of the proposed project is $175,273. Local and Appalachian Regional Commission funds will provide the remaining $78,873 needed to complete the project.
The EPA has conducted a review of the project, and has determined that this project is eligible for Categorical Exclusion. They have also determined that the project is to be exempt from further substantive environmental review requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act.
The Alabama Historical Commission has determined that no historical, archaeological, or cultural resources will be harmed in any way by the project. The U.S Army Corps of Engineers indicated in a letter dated August 14, 2006 that the activities of the project are covered under the Nationwide Permit 12. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service review of June 22, 2006 determined that no threatened or endangered species would be harmed by the project.
The project involves the functional replacement of water distribution mains and is eligible for Categorical Exclusion based on criteria specified in that:
