AGENCY: Rural Utility Systems (RUS), USDA
ACTION: Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the RUS, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act, is issuing an environmental assessment (EA) in connection with possible impacts related to a project proposed by Kingbrook Rural Water System (KRWS), of Arlington, S.D. The proposal is for construction of Adding new users and making improvements to the existing system. The area impacted is Clark, Hamlin, Brookings, Kingsbury, Beadle, Sanborn, Miner, Lake, McCook, Moody and Minnehaha counties. KRWS has submitted an application to RUS for funding of the proposal.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dana Kleinsasser, State Environmental Coordinator, RD, 200 Fourth St. SW, Rm 210, Huron, SD 57350; 605-352-1142; Dana.Kleinsasser@sd.usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: KRWS proposes to add 230 new service locations, this will include 160 miles of pipeline, one new pump station and one new ground storage tank at the DeSmet Treatment Plant.
DGR Engineering, an environmental consultant, prepared an environmental assessment for RUS that describes the project, assesses the proposed project’s environmental impacts, and summarizes as applicable any mitigation measures used to minimize environmental effects. RUS has conducted an independent evaluation of the environmental assessment and believes that it accurately assesses the impacts of the proposed project. No significant impacts are expected as a result of the construction of the project.
Questions and comments should be sent to RUS at the address provided. RUS will accept questions and comments on the environmental assessment for 20 days from the date of publication of this notice.
Any final action by RUS related to the proposed project will be subject to, and contingent upon, compliance with all relevant Federal environmental laws and regulations and completion of environmental review procedures as prescribed by 7 CFR Part 1970, Environmental Policies and Procedures.
Dated: November 21, 2016