Environmental Assessment for sewer improvement project, Valparaiso, Porter County, Ind.

Published July 15, 2014

VALPARAISO, Ind. - Environmental Assessment released July 15, 2014, for 30-day public review, for project alternatives and a recommended plan for sewer improvements in Porter County.

The project would improve the efficiency and capability of the existing deteriorated storm sewer system to the residents of Valparaiso. Improvements would alleviate commonly-occurring leakage and cases of sewer backup affecting residential areas and reduce potential groundwater pollution.

The proposed project would reline up to 19,361 linear feet of existing deteriorated sanitary sewer lines; and up to 70 manholes within the relined-sanitary sewers will be inspected and relined, as needed.

Work would begin in 2014 with completion anticipated within approximately 12 months.

Traffic disruption should be minimal during construction. Most construction will occur in the existing right-of-way or utility easements, allowing most area roads to remain open to local traffic.

The comment period ends Aug. 16, 2014. Comments must be received within 30 days and may be sent to Peter Bullock, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 231 S. LaSalle St., Suite 1500, Chicago, Ill. 60604, or by e-mail at peter.y.bullock@usace.army.mil. Questions should be directed to Mr. Bullock at 312-846-5587. Agency and public review comments will be addressed as they are received. Pertinent comments will be incorporated into the document.

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and Section 122 of the Rivers and Harbors and Flood Control Act of 1970, the Chicago District has assessed environmental impacts associated with the proposed infrastructure improvements and found no significant impacts. Therefore, it is determined that an Environmental Impact Statement is not required.

The study was authorized under Section 219 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1992, as amended by Section 504 of WRDA of 1996; Section 502 of WRDA of 1999; Section 145 of the Energy and Water Appropriations Act of 2004; and Section 5075 of WRDA 2007. Section 219 (F)(12) Calumet Region allows the Corps to provide planning, design, and construction assistance for water-related environmental infrastructure projects.

The project’s non-Federal sponsor is Valparaiso Sanitary District.