Site work for a water / sewer project in Alcester, South Dakota. Working plans call for site work for a water / sewer project.

Alcester Drinking Water Improvements Phase 1 The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) conducted a review of a proposal from the City of Alcester for a Drinking Water Improvements Phased project. The City of Alcester is proposing phased improvements to its water distribution system. The environmental review covered phases 1-4 of the project. Phase 1 of the project will replace aging watermain along Ofstad Street and the alley west of Hwy 11 from 1st Street to 3rd Street. The city also plans to recoat and repair the Citys water tower. The Ofstad Street watermain replacement is planned in conjunction with sanitary sewer replacement. The city of Alcester was awarded a $2,230,000.00 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan. The loan has a rate of 3.25 percent and a term of 30 years. The project involves new distribution lines or storage facilities within the developed portion of the community. The proposed action does not involve any serious local objections, nor does it meet any of the criteria for not granting a categorical exclusion as specified in [Section 6.505(c) (i) through (iii) of 40 CFR Part 6, Subpart E]. The Alcester Drinking Water Improvements Phase 1 project will not affect any historical or archaeological resources. The project should have no direct or indirect adverse effects on plant life or wildlife. No other environmentally sensitive issues have been identified in the planning of this project. The review process did not indicate that significant environmental impacts would result from the proposed project. Consequently, a preliminary decision not to prepare an EIS has been made. This action is taken on the basis of a careful review of the engineering report, environmental information documents, correspondence with responsible governmental agencies and other supporting data which are on file at the Division of Financial and Technical Assistance, Environmental Funding Program, DANR, Pierre, South Dakota, and are available for public scrutiny at the Alcester City office in Alcester, South Dakota Comments supporting or disagreeing with this decision may be submitted to DANRMail@state.sd.us for consideration by DANR after publication of the Categorical Exclusion Determination. After evaluating the comments received, DANR will make a final decision.