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RESOLUTION NO. R-1314-104: A RESOLUTION OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE NORMAN UTILITIES AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA ADOPTING THE ENGINEERING REPORT AND ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION DOCUMENT FOR THE PHASE 2 WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS.
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BACKGROUND: The Phase 2 Water Reclamation Facility Improvements are to be partially funded by a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB). The Norman Utilities Authority (NUA) approved Resolution R-1314-89 authorizing the submission of an application for financial assistance, with other supporting documentation, to the OWRB.
To obtain an SRF loan, the OWRB and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must approve the wastewater planning and environmental information documents and issue an environmental decision concerning the project. As a part of this process, a public hearing must be conducted to discuss the proposed improvements, the potential environmental impacts of the project, and to solicit public input. The Notice of Public Hearing was published in the Norman Transcript on December 20, 2013 and the public hearing was held on January 21, 2014. No adverse public comment was received at the hearing.
The following documents were available for public inspection at the Norman City Hall and were referenced during the public hearing:
1. Engineering Report, Wastewater Treatment Plant Phase 2 Improvements, Garver, March 2013
2. Environmental Information Document for the Norman Water Reclamation Facility Phase 2
Improvements, Garver, December 2013
The design of the Phase 2 WRF Improvements is complete and a Permit to Construct was issued by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) on November 26, 2013. These same design documents were submitted to the OWRB on December 9, 2013.
DISCUSSION: In order for EPA to issue an environmental decision, the NUA must adopt the Engineering Report, Wastewater Treatment Plant Phase 2 Improvements and the Environmental Information Document for the Norman Water Reclamation Facility Phase 2 Improvements.
Documentation of public participation efforts and a responsiveness summary will be included in the updated Environmental Information Document (EID). Appendix B is added to include the following:
1. Affidavit of Public Hearing Notice Publication (Proof of Publication);
2. Transmittal Letters to Governmental Entities and Response Letters (if Provided);
3. Public Hearing Agenda;
4. Statement of the Purpose of the Public Hearing;
5. Public Hearing Statement prepared by Garver;
6. List of Attendees;
7. Public Hearing Transcript
8. Responsiveness Summary; and
9. Resolution R-1314-104.
The EID will be forwarded to the OWRB for their review and issuance of a draft environmental decision resulting in a Finding Of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The EPA will review the draft environmental decision and upon their approval, notice will be given soliciting public comment. At the end of a 30-day public comment period, the EPA will consider any comments received and issue the Final Environmental Decision. It is hoped the Final Environmental Decision might be issued by April 1, 2014.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of Resolution R-1314-104.