APPROVAL OF A CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FROM AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT - Wise County Public Service Authority (WCPSA).

PUBLIC NOTICE

APPROVAL OF A 

CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FROM AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR A 

PROJECT FUNDED THROUGH THE VIRGINIA WATER SUPPLY 

REVOLVING FUND

Public Notice No.: 

WSL 001-23E & BIL 04S-22

First Publication Date: 

August 8, 2025

     The Virginia Department of Health has under consideration a request for a Categorical Exclusion from an Environmental Assessment for a waterworks project proposed to be funded through the Virginia Water Supply Revolving Fund. The applicant is Wise County Public Service Authority (WCPSA).

     The proposed project consists of the replacement and upgrade of electrical equipment within the Wise County Water Treatment Plant at Carfax. Proposed work includes replacement of electrical panels, a motor control center, two variable frequency drives, one 150 kilovolt-amperes transformer, and associated renovation work. All work is within the existing treatment plant, and no ground disturbance is proposed. No adverse environmental impacts are anticipated. 

     The project meets the following exclusion categories established by the Department: 

   • An upgrade in level of treatment or facility improvements of an existing treatment works on the existing site of the works. The proposed action will result in a modest change in size, use, capacity, or purpose of the original location and is being designed predominately to serve residential users.

     • Replacement of existing equipment or structures at their present location. These activities also include reconstruction of curbs and sidewalks, street repaving, and building modifications, renovations, and improvements.

      Documentation supporting this request includes: 

     • Request for a Categorical Exclusion from an Environmental Assessment from WCPSA dated 7/8/2025

   • Financial and Construction Assistance Programs Environmental Review site visit memorandum dated 7/30/2025

     On the basis of a review of the request and support documentation, the Virginia Department of Health proposes to approve the request.

   Persons may comment in writing to the Department on the proposed approval of the Categorical Exclusion within 30 days from the first publication date.  Comments shall include the name, address, and telephone number of the writer and shall contain a complete, concise statement of the factual basis for the comments.  Only those comments received within this period will be considered by the Department.  Following the comment period, the Department will make its determination regarding the approval.

     All comments should be addressed to:

Anthony Hess

c/o Theresa Hewlett

Virginia Department 

of Health

Office of Drinking Water

109 Governor Street

6th Floor

Richmond, VA 23219

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