LEGAL NOTICE
Final Notice and Public Explanation 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 has conducted an evaluation 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 Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under ADECA’s ARC Program Project No. AL-22319-2025. The proposed project(s) is located at addresses ranging from 12077-17389 Highway 19, 381-835 Highway 153, and 1220-1490 Pap Franklin Rd., Hamilton, AL in, Marion County. The proposed project will address the authority’s need for an alternate water source 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.
Marion County Public Water Authority has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values: Alternative 1. No Action- This alternative is not viable as it fails to address the need for a replacement water source to mitigate the excessive levels of disinfection byproducts (DBP) in portions of the distribution network which led to ADEM’s February 2024 consent order. 2. Drilling wells for new water source – MCPWA has set funds aside to pursue the installation of a new well-based water source to serve the southern portion of its system. However, due to the location of the wells in southern Marion County and the limited supply of water they’re capable of producing, the well-based water source is insufficient to serve as a primary water source for the authority. 3. Complete the project as proposed- The proposed alternative is the most direct and financially feasible option to secure a new source of water. 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 disturbance will occur in previously undisturbed areas. Best Management Practices (BMP’s) will be included in project design and required by contractor. The project will not alter the floodplain or wetland as work will remain within previously disturbed areas. If necessary, any permits required by state or local floodplain and wetland protection procedures will be acquired prior to construction. After evaluating all options, the proposed scope of work is the only means by which this project can be completed.
Marion County Public Water Authority has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the 100 Year Floodplain & Wetland and has determined that it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files that document compliance with Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, and Executive Order 11990 are available for public inspection, review and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in a 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. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about 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 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 3/18/2026: 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. 3/11/2026
BOS
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