PUBLIC NOTICE
Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a 100 Year Floodplain & Wetland
To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals
This is to give notice that the Marion County Public Water Authority (MCPWA) has determined that the following proposed action under ADECA’s ARC Program Project No. AL-22319-2025 is located in the 100 Year Floodplain & Wetland, and the Marion County Public Water Authority (MCPWA) will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the 100 Year Floodplain & Wetland and the potential impacts on the 100 Year Floodplain & Wetland from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order(s) 11988 and 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) issued a Consent Order in February 2024 because the level of disinfection byproducts (DBP) in portions of MCPWA’s distribution network exceeded the EPA threshold limit. Since the authority’s primary water supplier faces the same issue, the authority will connect to Vina’s water system which can provide EPA compliant water. The proposed project will address this need by establishing a new connection with Vina’s system and extending 6” water line south to feed the authority’s Highway 25 storage tank. The proposed waterline will be extended along the following general route: After connecting to Vina’s system on Highway 19, approximately 36,300 LF of new 6" waterline will be installed along Pap Franklin Road, Highway 153, and Highway 19, terminating just south of the intersection of Lindsey Road and Hwy. 19 (34.247611, -88.059931). To maintain sufficient water pressures, a new water booster station must be installed approximately 4.3 miles south of the Vina connection on a parcel owned by the water authority. (34.285728, -88.064658). The new water line will enable to authority to meet both current and future needs by providing EPA and ADEM compliant water to existing customers while also laying the groundwork required for future water extensions to unserved areas of Marion County. To complete the waterline extension and booster station installation described above, the waterline will intersect with 0.44 acres of 100-Year Floodplain along Pap Franklin Rd., 0.72 acres along Highway 153, and 0.32 acres along Highway 19, totaling 1.48 acres of floodplain. The water line will also intersect 0.03 acres of Riverine Wetland and 0.45 acres of Freshwater Forested/Shrub wetland, totaling 0.48 acres of wetland. All waterline work will take place within previously disturbed county road right-of-way and booster station work on previously disturbed property owned by the Marion County Public Water Authority; therefore, no potentially adverse effects are expected to occur. The proposed project work will be generally located along addresses ranging from: 12077-17389 Highway 19, 381-835 Highway 153, and 1220-1490 Pap Franklin Rd., Hamilton, AL 35570 in Marion County.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in the 100 Year Floodplain & Wetland and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the 100 Year Floodplain & Wetland, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate impacts. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about the 100 Year Floodplain & Wetland can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in the 100 Year Floodplain & Wetland, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be received by the Marion County Public Water Authority at the following address on or before 3/5/2026: Marion County Public Water Authority, PO Box 909 Hamilton, AL 35570 and 205-921-2092, Attention: Steve Cox, Chairman. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at the Marion County Public Water Authority office at 130 Industrial Dr., Hamilton, AL 35570. Comments may also be submitted via email at eterrellmcwa@gmail.com.
2/18/2026
AWP
2/18
667