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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20061930.tiff Jacobson Helgoth CONSULTANTS June 26, 2006 Weld County Commissioners Weld County PO Box 758 Greeley, CO 80632 Re: Environmental Assessment Wastewater Treatment Facility Phase 1B Improvements Town of Lochbuie, Colorado JHC Project No. 324-11 Dear Commissioners: The Town of Lochbuie, Colorado (Town) is in the final planning phase of their Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) Phase 1B expansion. The Town plans to finance the WWTF Phase 1B expansion with a combination of existing funds and low- interest loans through the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority (CWRPDA). Jacobson Helgoth Consultants, Inc. (JHC) has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) report as well as a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER). The purpose of this letter is to request that your organization review and provide a response regarding any environmental impacts that you may identify for this proposed project pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). We are particularly interested in your comments regarding the impacts on agricultural lands, wetlands, flora and fauna, floodplains, water quantity and quality, and natural resources the impacts on development and utilities, public health, economic and social factors, and land use, including recreation and open space within the project area. The Lochbuie WWTF currently provides wastewater treatment for the Town of Lochbuie, portions of the City of Brighton, and other developments in the area. The existing WWTF is an extended aeration activated sludge plant with a hydraulic capacity of 1 million gallons per day (MGD) and an organic loading design of 1,920 pounds per day (lbs/day). Due to projected growth within the service boundary, the Town of Lochbuie has elected to expand the current capacity of the WWTF. The proposed expansion will include an expanded headworks facility for preliminary treatment, two additional aeration basins and an additional digester, a process pump station, a solids handling facility, and an administration building that will contain a laboratory facility. 6711/111A4 fu a1 7-/0 ,a7e,e56 Cc . ' eM 12640 West Cedar Drive,Suite A, Lakewood,Lolorddo 80228-2005 2006-,�930 e-mail:jhac/Memecom 303-986 0733 FAX 303-986-0956 June 26, 2006 Page Two The WWTF Phase 1B expansion completes the original Phase 1 design and will have a hydraulic capacity of 2.0 MGD and an organic loading limit of 3,840 lbs/day. Enclosed is a copy of the EA report providing a description of the proposed work involved, the potential environmental impacts, and maps that show project location and existing service areas. We request that you advise us of any comments you may have regarding this project, within 30 days, to enable the Town to proceed with finalizing the funding for this project and completion of the EA report. Comments can be sent to: Cindy J. Titus, E.I.T. Jacobson Helgoth Consultants, Inc. 12640 West Cedar Drive, Suite A Lakewood, CO 80228-2030 If you have any questions concerning this proposed project or if you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at (303) 987-0733. Sincerely, JACOBSON HELGOTH CONSULTANTS, INC. Cindy-J.-Titus, E.I.T. Project Engineer CJT/ky Enclosure DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT for the WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY PHASE 1B EXPANSION „, r ::::-t- . .. i.n N' .wooing! 4%X - - - :Via EJc ) c H B U I E, TOWN OF LOCHBUIE, COLORADO JHC Project No. 324-11 June 2006 FOR AGENCY REVIEW II Jacobson Helgoth /✓i'A DIAMONDBACK C O N S U L T A N 1 S ENGINEERING&SURVEYING,INC. TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE SECTION 1.0- SUMMARY INFORMATION 1 1.1 Project Identification 1 1.2 Contact Person 1 1.3 Abstract 1 1.4 Comment Period 1 SECTION 2.0-PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION 2 SECTION 3.0-PROJECT SUMMARY 2 SECTION 4.0-AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 3 4.1 Planning Area 3 4.2 Population and Flow Projections 3 SECTION 5.0-ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT 4 5.1 Direct and Secondary Impacts 4 5.1.1 Physical Aspects—Topography,Geology,Soils 4 5.1.2 Climate 4 5.1.3 Population 4 5.1.4 Housing,Industrial,and Commercial Development and Utilities 4 5.1.5 Economics and Social Profile 5 5.1.6 Land Use 5 5.1.7 Floodplain Development 5 5.1.8 Wetlands 5 5.1.9 Wild and Scenic Rivers 5 5.1.10 Archeological and Historical Cultural Resources 6 5.1.11 Flora and Fauna 6 5.1.12 Recreation and Open Space 6 5.1.13 Agricultural Lands 6 5.1.14 Air Quality 7 5.1.15 Ground Water and Surface Water Quantity and Quality 7 5.1.16 Public Health 7 5.1.17 Energy 7 5.1.18 Regionalization 7 5.1.19 Public Participation 7 5.1.20 Environmental Laws 7 5.2 Unavoidable Adverse Impacts 8 5.3 Mitigation of Adverse Impacts 8 SECTION 6.0-PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 8 SECTION 7.0-REFERENCE DOCUMENTS 8 SECTION 8.0-AGENCIES CONTACTED 9 Town of Lochbuie,Colorado Environmental Assessment-W WTF Phase 1B Expansion June 2006 j JHC Project No.324-11 LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE 4-1-REGIONAL AND SITE LOCATION MAP FIGURE 4-2- SERVICE AREA MAP LIST OF APPENDICES APPENDIX A-ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST APPENDIX B-REQUEST FOR COMMENTS LIST AND SAMPLE LETTER Town of Lochbuie,Colorado Environmental Assessment-WWTF Phase IB Expansion June 2006 11 JHC Project No.324-11 SECTION 1.0 SUMMARY INFORMATION 1.1 Project Identification Applicant: Town of Lochbuie, Colorado Address: 703 Weld County Rd 37 Lochbuie, CO 80603 Project Name: Wastewater Treatment Facility Phase 1B Expansion 1.2 Contact Person Mr. Mike Hutto,Public Works Director 1.3 Abstract The existing Wastewater Treatment Facility(WWTF) is an extended aeration activated sludge mechanical plant with a hydraulic capacity of 1.0 million gallons per day(MGD) and an organic loading design of 1,920 pounds per day(lbs/day). As the first phase of a multi-phased regional wastewater treatment facility, the WWTF's modular design allows ease of expansion as required by growth. Due to rapid growth within the service area boundary, the WWTF is quickly approaching capacity. The Town of Lochbuie(Town)has elected to double the capacity of the facility to 2.0 MGD. The proposed expansion will include a permanent influent pump station, grit removal, doubling of the aeration basin and digester capacities, a permanent process pump station, a solids handling facility, and an administration building with a laboratory. The total estimated cost of the expansion$9,900,000. The Town plans to finance the WWTF expansion with a combination of existing funds and low-interest loans through the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority(CWRPDA). The Town is not anticipating a sewer service fee increase to offset costs of the expansion. 1.4 Comment Period In conformance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and the Colorado Environmental Review Process, a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) will be subject to a 30-day public review period. The Environmental Assessment (EA)will be distributed to interested persons and agencies for their review. The EA will be available for public review at the Town's offices: Town of Lochbuie 703 Weld County Rd 37 Lochbuie, Colorado 80603 and at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment(CDPHE): Town of Lochbuie,Colorado Environmental Assessment-WWTF Phase 1B Exoansion June 2006 1 JHC Project No.324-11 Carolyn Schachterle, Project Administrator Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South Denver, Colorado 80246 Telephone: (303) 693-2000 Any comments received will be given due consideration. Comments should be addressed to Jacobson Helgoth Consultants, Inc.: Cindy J. Titus, E.I.T. Jacobson Helgoth Consultants, Inc. 12640 West Cedar Drive, Suite A Lakewood, CO 80228 Telephone: (303) 986-0733 Fax: (303) 986-0956 SECTION 2.0 PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION Prior to the completion of the Town's new mechanical treatment plant in April 2005, aerated lagoons provided the Town's wastewater treatment. Rapid growth in the area in recent years prompted Lochbuie to plan for regional wastewater service. The Town chose a three-phased approach to construction of their new WWTF: Phase 1 treating 1.5 MGD, Phase 2 treating 5.0 MGD, and Phase 3 treating an ultimate capacity of 10 MGD at build-out. During the design of Phase 1, the existing lagoon system was quickly reaching capacity and, combined with financial considerations, the Town decided to speed up construction of the new treatment facility by breaking it into two phases: Phase 1A,treating a capacity of 1.0 MGD with minimal facilities, and Phase 1B, treating 1.5 MGD with complete facilities. Due to the continued rapid pace of development, the Town has elected to increase the capacity of the Phase 1B expansion to 2.0 MGD. The wastewater flows to the WWTF have increased significantly from 0.36 MGD to 0.6 MGD since it began operating just over a year ago. At this rate of growth, the WWTF will exceed its hydraulic capacity of 1.0 MGD within two years. It is imperative that the Phase 1B expansion begin immediately to avoid exceeding existing plant capacity. SECTION 3.0 PROJECT SUMMARY In planning for the new wastewater treatment facility, several alternative site locations and alternative treatment processes were considered. An analysis of the alternatives is contained in the Facility Plan for the Lochbuie Wastewater Treatment Facility. The current site was selected because its location can provide gravity feed from a majority of the service area, its size can accommodate a 10-MGD facility at build-out, it is capable of providing service to neighboring communities, if determined desirable. The activated-sludge process was selected as being the Town of Lochbuie,Colorado Environmental Assessment-WWTF Phase IB Expansion June 2006 2 JHC Project No.324-11 most suitable given the ability to control treatment performance under a range of operating conditions, as well as for the ease of adding advanced treatment processes such as nitrification, denitrification and phosphorus removal should they be required in the future. The WWTF Phase 1B Expansion will include the following components: completion of the headworks facility with a building to house the existing screening and flow measurement equipment; a vortex grit unit;permanent influent pumps in a wet well-dry well pump station; two additional extended aeration basins; an additional aerobic digester; a process pump station to permanently house return and waste activated sludge pumps; additional blowers for the aeration system; a solids handling building for dewatering and removal of wasted sludge; and an administration building that will contain a laboratory. A portion of the$9,900,000 cost of the Phase 1B expansion includes the increased construction costs of Phase 1A components that were postponed. Additionally, all of the buildings in Phase 1B are being sized to accommodate equipment that will be required in Phase 2, to save on future construction costs. SECTION 4.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 4.1 Planning Area Lochbuie is located in Weld County, approximately 40 miles northeast of Denver on Interstate 76,just north of the Weld-Adams County line. Figure 4-1 shows a regional location as well as the location of the existing WWTF. The Town is currently designated by the North Front Range Water Quality Planning Association as the regional wastewater service provider for the Beebe Seep Service Area that includes land from neighboring communities. Figure 4-2 shows the current service area boundary as provided in the North Front Range Water Quality Planning Association 208 Areawide Management Plan. A portion of the service area extends into Adams County, which is part of the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG)management area. The DRCOG"Metro Vision 2020 Clean Water Plan"provides additional wastewater management planning information for this overlapping service area. A memorandum of understanding has been established between the two planning agencies to address any issues that may arise in the overlapping area. The defined service area is contained within the Town's urban growth area, as defined in the Lochbuie Comprehensive Plan. 4.2 Population and Flow Projections From the 208 Areawide Management Plan 2005 Update, the current and 20-year projected population, wastewater flow, and organic loading(in pounds of BOD5 per day) are as follows: Population Wastewater Flows Waste Organic Loading 2005 7,758 0.54 mgd 1,026 lbs/day 2010 17,328 1.2 mgd 2,292 lbs/day 2015 26,898 1.8 mgd 3,558 lbs/day 2020 36,468 2.5 mgd 4,824 lbs/day 2025 46,030 3.2 mgd 6,090 lbs/day Town of Lochbuie.Colorado Environmental Assessment-WWTF Phase 1B Expansion June 2006 3 JHC Project No.324-11 SECTION 5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5.1 Direct and Secondary Impacts Construction of the Lochbuie WWTF—Phase 1B Expansion may have direct impacts from facility construction and secondary and cumulative impacts from future development within the service area. Secondary impacts are those induced or stimulated by, or as a result of, the proposed action. These can include cumulative, social and land use impacts, among others. Cumulative impacts are the collective incremental impacts of the proposed action regardless of the entity undertaking the action. Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time. From the characteristics of the proposed project, and descriptive elements of the environmental setting,probable impacts are direct and secondary. Potential secondary and cumulative impacts to the environment from new development, such as increased quantity and decreased quality of urban runoff, degradation of wetland and wildlife habitat, and increased air pollution and noise are likely to affect the planning area. An environmental assessment checklist was completed for the project to help determine potential impacts. It is attached in Appendix A. Potential impacts are described in more detail below. 5.1.1 Physical Aspects -Topography, Geology and Soils The proposed project will not have a negative effect on the topography, geology, or soils in the area,nor will any of these aspects affect the construction of the proposed expansion. All areas of the WWTF expansion site have previously been disturbed during past improvements to the plant. Portions of the proposed construction area are currently being used as a miscellaneous storage for the Town, while the rest is vacant land. 5.1.2 Climate There are no meteorological constraints that will affect the proposed project. Due to the cold winter weather, all equipment will be housed indoors to prevent freezing. 5.1.3 Population Population growth estimates are provided in Section 4.2. The ultimate service area to be covered by the WWTF is defined in Section 4.1. 5.1.4 Housing, Industrial and Commercial Development and Utilities This project will not alter any development plans within the area, nor will any homes or businesses be displaced. 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O �" y. t � 0 -7y- A .) i v ' • Y I I � caw �,) 4 j we i i p���� L �: i e , ,.6. ►`O �Si t gel - �. _ , a , � . W 4 1Obi 1 �,� I1�� 3� ... -` 0 o y ��► •�� ‘.s�.��� 'o� LOCHBUIE p _ I ����� 31 WASTEWATER .� 1Rt t0 Res No -.Ea'. `,'1 .a... TREATMENT HWY52 ►. A :�r►`��t:�� FACILITY s `��� ,,,. a � .� p o ,} \: _,y...... \\ �_ wy eats �, l T, ate" t 2a trio 4 'a8 ��� CC o� m 4 ' U�cc x o o f 1 R� �' ,�� 7. $/O `. w.t i (_— - -I ii.1:_'' F t°2: 1 1.: 1 , ccO :- o el � 36 JI CR2 LOCHBUIE h �+ [At . • •� `W thigh dr nlr� . ‘o I, - . I E., n.�,i A. °1ill ' grgi (WI r '. GILtiel .. �, ♦! Ax I S' r' ,,,. XWell ` Wyu'n I 1 i 5 6 .S gyred __.' --�� �1 i ,,,. � �� a, _ '` 0 _` LOCHBUIE SERVICE AREA • I` N _ - -� ->i -- --_.__ O\ HUDSON SERVICE AREA „. f ��� 1 FT. LUPTON SERVICE AREA 1,,,.y N _ DATE: 06/23/06 'K SCALE: 1/2" = 1 MI. SERVICE AREA BOUNDARY Jacobson Helg PROJ. NO.: TOWN OF LOCHBUIE DRAWN: CJT 208 AREAWID PLAN CONSULTANTS324-11 CHECKED:JE LOCHBUIE, COLORADO FILE NO.: 32411 EA4-2 FIG 4-2 208 Areawide Management Plan Update, is consistent with local growth plans for the area, as discussed in the Town ofLochbuie Comprehensive Plan. 5.1.5 Economics and Social Profile All plant expansions will take place on the existing WWTF site. Therefore,no landowners or property values will be affected due to construction activities. Odor control measures will be taken on the site, thereby reducing the impact of a WWTF on nearby landowners. 5.1.6 Land Use All projected growth is within local land use plans. All expansions to the WWTF will take place on the existing site, so there are no issues related to the siting of the facility. New development will take place in previously undeveloped areas; however, all improvements are within the local growth plans for the area. No recreational, mining, other industrial or energy developments or properties will be affected by the project. 5.1.7 Floodplain Development FEMA floodplain mapping shows no 100-year floodplain at or near the WWTF site, as shown in Figure 5-1. However, all improvements to the WWTF will be will be designed and constructed to protect against possible flooding along the Beebe Seep Canal. Requests for comment will be made to the Colorado Water Conservation Board,Natural Resources Conservation Service(NRCS), and the Corps of Engineers regarding the floodplain areas for this project. 5.1.8 Wetlands The National Wetlands Inventory(NWI)Map, which is presented in Figure 5-2, shows the wetlands designation in and around the WWTF and the Town. No wetlands listed on the NWI map should be impacted by this proposed project; however, this will be closely examined during the design and construction phase to ensure that any impact is either avoided or mitigated. Developers will need to work with local authorities to determine if any construction activities in the service area will be located within wetland areas. The Colorado Division of Wildlife, the NRCS, the Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be contacted for comment regarding the wetlands in the area of the project. 5.1.9 Wild and Scenic Rivers There are no wild and scenic rivers located within the planning area. Town of Lochbuie,Colorado Environmental Assessment-WWTF Phase 1B Expansion June 2006 5 JHC Project No.324-11 5.1.10 Cultural Resources (Archeological/Historical) A review of the National Historic Landmarks Program Database provided by the National Park Service found no historic landmarks in the area. A review of the National Register of Historic Places listed no registered historic places in the planning area. A search of the Colorado Inventory of Cultural Resources by the office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation indicates the Hoyt to Terry Street transmission line, circa 1951, crosses the southernmost tip of the referenced property. No construction activity will take place within 100 yards of the transmission line. 5.1.11 Flora and Fauna(including endangered species) The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service denotes 10 endangered, threatened, and candidate species in area of the WWTF. The species include the Least Tern (Sterna antillarum), Whooping Crane(Gros Americana), Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), Piping Plover(Charadrius melodus), Black-Footed Ferret (Mustela Nigripes), Mexican Spotted Owl(Strix Occidentalis Lucida), Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse (Zapus Hudsonius Preblei), Pallid Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus Albus), Colorado Butterfly Plant(Gaura Neomexicana Spp. Coloradensis), and Ute Ladies'-Tresses Orchid(Spiranthes Diluvialis). The improvements to the plant will all occur on previously disturbed land, and will therefore have no impact to flora or fauna. Care will be taken to prevent nuisance species from overtaking areas disturbed by plant construction. The Colorado Division of Wildlife,the NRCS, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be contacted for comments regarding impacts to flora and fauna within the service area. 5.1.12 Recreation and Open Space The project will not have any effect on recreational or open space areas, though the Bureau of Land Management, the Colorado State Parks,the U.S. Forest Service will all be contacted for comments related to the possible impacts on recreational and open space within the planning area. 5.1.13 Agricultural Lands No Environmentally Significant Agricultural Lands are expected to be within the service area. A request will be made to the local USDA Service Center for comments related to agricultural lands. 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Meg le Q mC90.. / A 0 > m- otO _ a �.2// i 4 I 1 M99 1 1 --� it I H 'M998 O H H b �. r� n J WETLAND LEGEND kr 'i �/ k6 .- `-- PEMW PALUSTRINE, EMERGENT, INTERMITTANTLY FLOODED/TEMPORARY � PEMY PALUSTRINE, EMERGENT, SATURATED/SEMI-PERMANENT/SEASONALS • E Vl I PFLY PALUSTRINE, FLAT, SATURATED/SEMI-PERMANENT/SEASONALS c POWF PALUSTRINE, OPEN WATER, SEMI-PERMANENT POWKF PALUSTRINE, OPEN WATER, ARTIFICIAL, SEMI-PERMANENT C ' SJ R4SBKC RIVERVINE, INTERMITTENT, STREAM BED, ARTIFICIAL, SEASONAL e 2000' 1000' 0 2000' _ cost ` — — \ I I )(hI 'i �\ SCALE IS APPROXIMATE ! E to) JO / r j,• /3 Spveu 19 OWF • H2O 21 . :� b�y�Well >`�� ilt I o '•P .. WWTF ANtfonp pE w,'No°° °. t EM • SITE - si -_ sai3l r --ion .‘u KNarS'' N a� �: %1 ..r �\.� - _ —.... .E. -. �� �. 'i%� �1 �� bo} • . �,tit Al"3 MY " . , • I a� J ry \' 1 DATE: 06/20/06 Itt SCALE: 1"=2000' NATIONAL WETLANDS INVENTORY MAP JacobsonHelgoth PROJ. NO.: 324-11 LOCHBUIEWWTF CONSULTANTS DRAWN: JAB NW 1/4 SEC 29 T1N R65W CHECKED.TTS FILE NO.: 32411 EA5-2 FIGURE 5-2 5.1.14 Air Quality This project will have minimal effect on air quality. Mitigation measures will be taken during construction to minimize dust. The new headworks portion of the plant will be vented to an odor control process to reduce any noxious odors from the building. No known air quality violations have been registered in the area. The CDPHE Air Pollution Control Division and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)Regional Office will be contacted for comment regarding air quality. 5.1.15 Water Quality and Quantity(Surface/Groundwater) This project will have no effect on ground water quantity or quality. The flows to the Beebe Seep Canal will increase with the WWTF expansion, though this will not impact the canal significantly. The constituents in the effluent being discharged from the existing WWTF are well below the limits set by CDPHE in the facility's Discharge Permit. The proposed expansion will allow continued compliance at higher wastewater plant flows. 5.1.16 Public Health The proposed project will not have any effect on public health. 5.1.17 Energy The improvements at the WWTF will involve additional electrical loadings, however, cost effective energy conservation measures will be implemented in the design of the expansion. 5.1.18 Regionalization The site and wastewater treatment system selected for the WWTF enables it to provide regional service, to include portions of Brighton and the Bromley Park developments. The site location also would allow for the Town of Hudson to send its wastewater to the WWTF if desired. The modular design of the plant allows for phased expansion as the need arises. 5.1.19 Public Participation This project does not have any public controversy. Additional information regarding public participation is provided in Section 6. 5.1.20 Environmental Laws Measures will be taken to conform to applicable environmental laws. Town of Lochbule.Colorado Environmental Assessment-WWTF Phase 1B Expansion June 2006 7 JHC Project No.324-11 5.1 Unavoidable Adverse Impacts There are certain minimal unavoidable adverse impacts related to the construction activities of the project. These include all impacts typical for a construction project, including noise and emissions from construction equipment, and temporarily increased traffic to the site. The total area for construction at the site is approximately seven acres, and storm water runoff will be mitigated. The construction will likely include the need for dewatering, and therefore, a Construction Discharge Permit issued by the CDPHE to discharge the dewatered groundwater will be necessary. The project will require a commitment of resources from the Town and region including capital,manpower, and materials. Each of these unavoidable impacts is temporary and will be kept to a minimum use best construction practices. One long-term impact will be the increased traffic and noise due to the development of the ultimate service area. This impact is understood, and has been addressed in the long- term growth plans of the area. 5.2 Mitigation of Adverse Impacts This project is being completed in compliance with the 208 Areawide Management Plan and the Town of Lochbuie Comprehensive Plan. Care will be taken to minimize any impacts to the environment through the construction of this project. Should any of the contacted agencies have any concerns, or recommend any mitigation, we will work with that agency to meet any needs they may have. SECTION 6.0 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION A public hearing will be held to introduce this project to the public. Public notice will be published in the local newspaper a minimum of 30 days before the public hearing. Any comments made regarding the environmental impacts of the project will be included in the final Environmental Review Record. SECTION 7.0 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS There are several documents that are related to this Environmental Assessment. They are the Lochbuie Site Application for Expansion of a Wastewater Treatment Facility—Phase 1B, the Process Design Report for the Lochbuie Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility Phase 1B Expansion, the Facility Plan for the Lochbuie Wastewater Treatment Facility, the 208 Areawide Management Plan Update, and the Town of Lochbuie Comprehensive Plan. Copies of each are Town of Lochbuie.Colorado Environmental Assessment-WWTF Phase 1B Expansion June 2006 8 JHC Project No.324-11 available for review at the Town's offices and Jacobson Helgoth Consultants, Inc. offices, whose addresses are given in Section 1.4. SECTION 8.0 AGENCIES CONTACTED A letter requesting comments from regulatory agencies that may have an interest in this proposed project has been sent with a copy of this Environmental Assessment. A 30-day comment period will be allowed for agencies to respond with comment. Any comments made regarding the environmental impacts of the project will be included in the final Environmental Review Record. A list of agencies contacted, and a copy of the letter sent is provided in Appendix B. Town of Lochbuie,Colorado Environmental Assessment-W WTF Phase 1B Expansion June 2006 9 JHC Project No.324-11 APPENDIX A ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST IDENTIFY ALTERNATIVE: Y= Yes N=No PA =Possible Adverse 1. Physical Aspects - Topography, Geology and Soils Y_ N X PA a. Are there physical conditions (e.g., steep slopes, shrink-swells soils, etc.)that might be adversely affected by or might affect construction of the proposed facilities? Y_ N X PA b. Are there similar limiting physical conditions in the planning area that might make development unsuitable? Y N X PA_ c. Are there any unusual or unique geological features that might be affected? Y N X PA_ d. Are there any hazardous areas (slides, faults, etc.) that might affect construction or development? Discussion and References: 2. Climate Y N X PA_ a. Are there any unusual or special meteorological constraints in the planning area that might result in an air quality problem? Y N X PA b. Are there any unusual or special meteorological constraints in the planning area that might affect the feasibility of the proposed wastewater treatment alternative? Discussion and References: 3. Population Y X N PA a. Are the proposed growth rates excessive(exceeding State projections, greater than 6%per annum for the 20 year planning period)? Y_ N X PA_ b. Will additional growth be induced or growth in new areas encouraged as a result of facilities construction? Y X N_ PA c. Will the facilities serve areas which are largely undeveloped areas at present? Discussion and References: The expansion is in agreement with the Town of Lochbuie Comprehensive Plan. Town of Lochbuie.Colorado Environmental Assessment-WWTF Phase 1B Expansion June 2006 Appendix A-1 JHC Project No.324-11 4. Housing, Industrial and Commercial Development and Utilities Y N X PA a. Will existing homes or business be displaced as a result of construction of this property? Y N X PA b. Will new housing serviced by this facility affect existing facilities, transportation patterns, environmentally sensitive areas, or be in special hazard or danger zones? Y N X PA c. Will new housing create strains on other utilities and services - policies, power,wastewater treatment facility, schools, hospital care, etc.? Discussion and References: 5. Economics and Social Profile Y N X PA a. Will certain landowners benefit substantially from the development of land due to distribution line routing or DWTP location and size? Y N X PA b. Will the facilities adversely affect land values? Y N X PA c. Are any poor or disadvantaged groups especially affected by this project? Discussion and References: 6. Land Use Y N X PA a. Will projected growth defeat the purpose of local land use controls (if any)? Y N X PA b. Is the location of the WWTP or other facilities incompatible with local land use plans? Y_ N X PA_ c. Will inhabited areas be adversely impacted by the project site? Y X N PA d. Will new development have adverse effects on older existing land uses(agriculture, forest land, etc.)? Y N X PA e. Will this project contribute to changes in land use in association with recreation(skiing,parks, etc.), mining or other large industrial or energy developments? Discussion and References: Land within the service area boundary includes planted/cultivated land and pastures. Town of Lochbuie,Colorado Environmental Assessment-WWTF Phase 1B Expansion June 2006 Appendix A-2 JHC Project No.324-11 7. Floodplain Development Y N X PA_ a. Does the planning area contain 100-year flood plains? -If yes- Y N PA_ b. Will the project be constructed in a 100-year floodplain? PA c. Will the project serve direct or indirect development in a 100-year floodplain anywhere in the planning area? Discussion and References: 8. Wetlands Y N X PA a. Does the planning area contain wetlands as defined by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? -If yes- Y_ N_ PA b. Will any major part of the project be located on wetlands? Y N_ PA c. Will the project serve growth and development which will directly or indirectly affect wetlands? Discussion and References: 9. Wild and Scenic Rivers Y N X PA_ a. Does the planning area contain a designated or proposed wild and scenic river? -If yes - Y N_ PA_ b. Will the project be constructed near the river? Y N_ PA c. Will projected growth and development take place contiguous to or upstream from the river segment? Discussion and References: 10. Cultural Resources (Archeological/Historical) Y X N T PA_ a. Are there any properties (historic, architectural, archeological) in the planning area which are listed on or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places? -If yes- Y N X PA b. Will the project have direct or indirect adverse impacts on any listed or eligible property? Discussion and References: The Hoyt to Terry Street transmission line, circa 1951, crosses the southernmost tip of the referenced property. No construction activity will take place within 100 yards of the transmission line. Town of Lochbuie,Colorado Environmental Assessment-WWTF Phase I B Expansion June 2006 Appendix A-3 JHC Project No.324-11 11. Flora and Fauna (including endangered species) Y X N PA a. Are there any designated threatened or endangered species or their habitat in the planning area? Y N X PA b. Will the project have direct or indirect adverse impacts on any such designated species? Y N X PA c. Will the project have direct or indirect adverse impacts on fish, wildlife or their habitat including migratory routes,wintering or calving areas? Y N X PA d. Does the planning area include a sensitive habitat area designed by a local, State or Federal wildlife agency? Discussion and References: The U.S. Fish&Wildlife denotes 10 threatened, endangered, and candidate species in Weld County. There should be no adverse impacts on any species. 12. Recreation and Open Space Y N X PA a. Will the project eliminate or modify recreational open space,parks or areas of recognized scenic or recreational value? Y N X PA b. Is it feasible to combine the project with parks, bicycle paths, hiking trails,waterway access and other recreational uses? Discussion and References: 13. Agricultural Lands Y N X PA a. Does the planning area contain any environmentally significant agricultural lands (prime, unique, statewide importance, local importance, etc.) as defined in the EPA Policy to Protect Environmentally Significant Agricultural Lands dated September 8, 1978? Y_ N X PA b. Will the project directly or indirectly encourage the irreversible conversion of Environmentally Significant Agricultural Lands to uses which result in the loss of these lands as an environmental or essential food production resource? Discussion and References: Town of Lochbuie.Colorado Environmental Assessment-W WTF Phase 1B Expansion June 2006 Appendix A-4 JHC Project No.324-11 14. Air Quality Y N X PA_ a. Are there any direct air emissions from the project(e.g., odor controls, sludge incinerator)which do not meet Federal and State emission standards contained in the State Air Quality Implementation Plan(SIP)? Y N X PA b. Is the project service area located in an area without an approved or conditionally approved SIP? Y X N PA c. Is the increased capacity of the project greater than 1 mgd? Y N X PA d. Do the population projections used in the facilities plan exceed the State or area wide projections in the SIP by more than 5%? Y X N PA e. Does the project conform with the requirements of the SIP? (See EPA regulations under Section 316 of the Clean Air Act.) Y N X PA f. Is the project inconsistent with the SIP of an adjoining State that may be impacted by the Project? Y_ N X PA g. Does the project violate national ambient Air Quality Standards in an attainment or unclassified area? Y_ N X PA h. Will the facilities create an odor nuisance problem? Discussion and References: 15. Water Quality and Quantity(Surface/Groundwater) Y N X PA a. Are present stream classifications in the receiving stream being challenged as too low to protect present or recent uses? Y N X PA b. Is there a substantial risk that the proposed discharge will not meet existing stream standards or will not be of sufficient quality to protect present or recent stream uses? Y_ N X PA c. Will construction of the project and development to be served by the project result in non-point water quality problems (sedimentation,urban stormwater, etc.)? Y N X PA d. Will water rights be adversely affected by the project? Y N X PA e. Will the project cause a significant amount of water to be transferred from one sub-basin to another(relative to the 7-day, 10 year flow of the diverted basin)? Y X N_ PA f. Will stream habitat be affected as a result of the change in flow or stream bank modification? Y N X PA g. Are stream conditions needed for deciding upon the required limitations inadequately specified in the 208 Plan? If so,have the wasteload allocations calculations been performed and approved by the State and EPA? Y N X PA h. Is an Antidegradation Review required? Y N X PA i. Will the project adversely affect the quantity or quality of a groundwater resource? Town of Lochbuie,Colorado Environmental Assessment-W WTF Phase 1B Expansion June 2006 Appendix A-5 JHC Project No.324-11 Y_ N X PA j. Does the project adversely affect an aquifer used as a potable drinking water supply? Y N X PA k. Are there additional cost effective water conservation measures that could be adopted by community? Discussion and References: Discharge from the WWTP will increase flows in the Beebe Seep Canal,but will not have an adverse affect. 16. Public Health Y_ N X PA_ a. Will there be adverse direct or indirect noise impacts from the project? Y N X PA b. Will there be a vector problem(e.g., mosquito) from the project? Y N X PA c. Will there be any unique public health problems as a result of the project(e.g., increased disease risks)? Discussion and References: 17. Energy Y N X PA a. Are there additional cost effective measures to reduce energy consumption or increase energy recovery which could be included in this project? Discussion and References: 18. Regionalization Y N X PA a. Are there jurisdictional disputes or controversy over the project? Y N X PA b. Is conformance with the local or regional planning efforts in question? Y X N_ PA c. Have inter jurisdictional agreements been signed? Discussion and References: 19. Public Participation Y N X PA a. Is there a substantial level of public controversy? Y X N_ PA b. Is there adequate evidence of public participation in the project? Discussion and References: Town of Lochbuie,Colorado Environmental Assessment-WWTF Phase 1B Expansion June 2006 Appendix A-6 JHC Project No.324-11 20. Environmental Laws Y N X PA a. Does the project threaten to violate any State, Federal or local law or requirement imposed to protect the environment? Completed: —, L- Date: 6l1$i0e, Project t nger Reviewed: Date: Project Administrator Certified: Date: Program Administrator Town of Lochbuie,Colorado Environmental Assessment-WWTF Phase 1B Expansion June 2006 Appendix A-7 JHC Project No.324-11 APPENDIX B REQUEST FOR COMMENTS LIST SAMPLE LETTER c a 3$ ` R a a y m m R 9 m C v v a o — pL• C C R n m C ' I'C acc 6 . 1640-c Y N 'x 64. ..E..* c I. L ` m G e O O = N G 0 C 2 0 'JL2 A D N C DD. A 6 i g O P n! e O ie 12v z E k I= avC2.8gec E & ' mv °L'9 A' �= a 'Iv-2c gyp: V a aCC OVyi 'g Q OV�iL yq9 CyGy O'a Ca0(2120.W pCpaa i Et Azco oo JAL;mgy �._ ° — � C p 30 C C° C' "g B C"0 C°4 C O C Z C V t r c c c y O c G C O"g t 8 a ° 3C°S o q oao2oc flg°1 -°6c Iii; °4:31- ‘022 q o022 o90 8 c0O g & 0 °1t. 0 � & D I e� m'ct_�' o „ E.-Ecc EEstee ,. gg o lc geovt3 °vtq Erg .`222EA yp5py,� E—''_' E E EZ' �qEy 1ryX ppE..31g1� fE hp ai• E;� Eo1EZEg 3 £ 2hig ' P 1 1 ly P 'J1JL- LG11ilmio� 33L E .3 , 126.4a.4.3a .6 i m :S O " — .7 E .. 8 6 J > -. 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The Town plans to finance the WWTF Phase 1B expansion with a combination of existing funds and low- interest loans through the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority (CWRPDA). Jacobson Helgoth Consultants, Inc. (JHC) has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) report as well as a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER). The purpose of this letter is to request that your organization review and provide a response regarding any environmental impacts that you may identify for this proposed project pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). We are particularly interested in your comments regarding the impacts on agricultural lands, wetlands, flora and fauna, floodplains, water quantity and quality, and natural resources «Area_of_Concern» within the project area. The Lochbuie WWTF currently provides wastewater treatment for the Town of Lochbuie, portions of the City of Brighton, and other developments in the area. The existing WWTF is an extended aeration activated sludge plant with a hydraulic capacity of 1 million gallons per day (MGD) and an organic loading design of 1,920 pounds per day (lbs/day). Due to projected growth within the service boundary, the Town of Lochbuie has elected to expand the current capacity of the WWTF. The proposed expansion will include an expanded headworks facility for preliminary treatment, two additional aeration basins and an additional digester, a process pump station, a solids handling facility, and an administration building that will contain a laboratory facility. «Name» June 26, 2006 Page Two The WWTF Phase 1B expansion completes the original Phase 1 design and will have a hydraulic capacity of 2.0 MGD and an organic loading limit of 3,840 lbs/day. Enclosed is a copy of the EA report providing a description of the proposed work involved, the potential environmental impacts, and maps that show project location and existing service areas. We request that you advise us of any comments you may have regarding this project, within 30 days, to enable the Town to proceed with finalizing the funding for this project and completion of the EA report. Comments can be sent to: Cindy J. Titus, E.I.T. Jacobson Helgoth Consultants, Inc. 12640 West Cedar Drive, Suite A Lakewood, CO 80228-2030 If you have any questions concerning this proposed project or if you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at (303) 987-0733. Sincerely, JACOBSON HELGOTH CONSULTANTS, INC. Cindy J. Titus, E.I.T. Project Engineer CJT/ky Enclosure Hello