[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 12 (Thursday, January 19, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3835-3836]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-1316]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Utilities Service
Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) To Fund
Design and Construction of a Wastewater Collection and Treatment System
in La Grange County, Indiana
AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an EIS.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announces its intent
to prepare an EIS pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 (NEPA) (U.S.C. 4231 et seq.) in accordance with the Council on
Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations for implementing the procedural
provisions of NEPA (40 CFR 1500-1508) and Farmers Home Administration
Instruction 1940-G. The USDA invites comment on the alternatives to be
addressed in the EIS.
DATES: Comments will be accepted until February 21, 1995.
ADDRESSES: Please send written comments concerning this EIS to: Mr.
Paul Neumann, State Environmental Coordinator, USDA--Rural Economic and
Community Development, 5975 Lakeside Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46278,
(219) 290-3100, (219) 290-3011 FAX.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
La Grange County occupies 380 square miles in northeastern Indiana
on the Michigan/Indiana border. La Grange County is a rural county with
a population of 30,000. With the exception of the towns of La Grange,
Wolcottville, and Topeka, La Grange County relies on septic systems for
the treatment and disposal of domestic waste water. The surficial
geology of La Grange County is typical of glacial till and outwash
regions and contains numerous natural lakes. These areas are usually
level to nearly level. Soil types in the area typically have seasonal
high water tables and contain a high percentage of sand sized
particles; conditions which create a poor filter for the treatment of
septic effluent. Beginning in the 1960's, recreational housing
development began around the lakes in the county. Originally, this
development consisted of weekend and summer cottages with septic
systems of minimal treatment capacities. More recently, many of these
houses have been converted to year around use. Improperly sized septic
systems and unsuitable soil types have contributed to surface and
ground water quality degradation in the areas surrounding the lakes.
Water quality studies indicate that phosphorous, nitrates, and enteric
pathogens directly attributable to failing septic systems are creating
health concerns.
Declining water quality in the region has been evidenced by the
increase in the number of water related complaints received by the
County Health Department. Between 1990 and 1993, water and sewer
complaints increased 29 percent. Most complaints consist of concerns of
raw sewage odors, foaming agents in surface waters, algal blooms,
nuisance vegetation, and fish kills.
Evidence of failing septic systems from around the lakes was
obtained from surface water monitoring conducted annually since 1988.
Lake water samples have been taken from the 29 largest lakes in the
County. Sample sites were selected by the use of a fluorometer
calibrated to detect urine, and detergents typically found in domestic
waste water. Results of this testing indicate that in all areas of
moderate to dense development, high levels of septic indicator
substances are present.
[[Page 3836]]
Public Meetings and Feasibility Studies: La Grange County has
aggressively pursued a solution to their rural sewage disposal problems
since 1989. In 1989, the County Board of Supervisors created the La
Grange County Sewer District (LCSD)and empowered board members to
identify sewage disposal problems, develop treatment options, and
pursue funding for solutions to identified problems. The LCSD raised
funds to conduct preliminary engineering and feasibility studies to
identify and prioritize the most severely impacted areas and to develop
treatment options. Public meetings have been held in all regions of the
County to inform county citizens as to the results of the preliminary
studies and discuss the various treatment designs and options.
Preliminary Description of Treatment Design Alternatives for the
EIS: The following is a preliminary list of treatment design
alternatives identified in feasibility studies conducted for the LCSD.
This list may be modified by additions or deletions. Public comment on
the range of alternatives is hereby requested.
Continued Use of On-Site Waste Disposal (septic) Systems (NO
ACTION): This action would cause continued degradation of the natural
environment and increased health risks.
Regional Centralized Collection of Waste Water and Treatment by
Conventional Activated Sludge Processes: This action will involve the
use of either gravity or pressure sewers to convey waste water to a
centralized facility. Collection and conveyance alternatives to be
analyzed for this option include: Small diameter gravity systems, small
diameter pressure systems using single connection effluent grinder
pumps, and conventional gravity collector lines connected to pressure
lines for conveyance to the treatment facility. Activated sludge
process alternatives to be considered for this option include:
Oxidation ditches and extended aeration.
Decentralized Collection and Treatment Systems: Collection and
conveyance systems considered for these proposals will be the same as
those analyzed for the centralized treatment facility option. The
evaluation of the decentralized approach will involve the use of
pressure or gravity collection systems to convey wastewater to a
treatment site(s). Treatment proposals to be evaluated in the EIS
include discharge of untreated effluent into (1) multiple engineered
wetland treatment facilities with discharge options for treated
effluent, or (2) holding lagoons for discharge of treated effluent
through spray irrigation systems on to dedicated parcels of
agricultural land. Effluent discharge options for the engineered
wetland proposal include land application, surface water discharge, and
subsurface injection.
Purpose of the EIS: The purpose of this EIS is to evaluate the
potential impacts of the proposed alternative effluent collection and
treatment strategies for La Grange County. The alternative strategies
were developed as a result of public meetings and preliminary
engineering studies. Discussion of each alternative's impact on the
human environment, including risks to public health and safety, and
effects on the natural environment will be presented. The need for the
proposed action arises from the increased public health risks and
degradation of surface and ground waters.
Dated: January 10, 1994.
Wally Beyer,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 95-1316 Filed 1-18-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P
