ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
LEBANON UTILITIES Water Distribution System and Treatment Improvements - Phase I
SRF PROJECT DW 18 13 06 01
DATE: December 4, 2018
TARGET PROJECT APPROVAL DATE: January 4, 2019
I. INTRODUCTION
The above entity has applied to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Program for a loan
to finance all or part of the drinking water projects described in the accompanying Environmental
Assessment (EA). As part of facilities planning requirements, an environmental review has been
completed which addresses the project's impacts on the natural and human environment. This review is
summarized in the attached EA, which can also be viewed in color at http://www.in.gov/ifa/srf/.
II. PRELIMINARY FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT (FNSI)
The SRF Drinking Water Program has evaluated all pertinent environmental information regarding the
proposed project and determined that an Environmental Impact Statement is not necessary. Subject to
responses received during the 30-day public comment period, and pursuant to Indiana Code 5-1.2-3, it is
our preliminary finding that the construction and operation of the proposed facilities will result in no
significant adverse environmental impact. In the absence of significant comments, the attached EA shall
serve as the final environmental document.
III. COMMENTS
All interested parties may comment upon the EA/FNSI. Comments must be received at the address below
by the target approval date above. Significant comments may prompt a reevaluation of the preliminary
FNSI; if appropriate, a new FNSI will be issued for another 30-day public comment period. A final
decision to proceed, or not to proceed, with the proposed project shall be effected by finalizing, or not
finalizing, the FNSI as appropriate. Comments regarding this document should be sent within 30 days to:
April Douglas
Senior Environmental Manager
State Revolving Fund
100 N. Senate Ave. IGCN 1275
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-234-7294
State Revolving Fund Loan Programs Drinking Water, Wastewater, Nonpoint Source
SRF Safe Drinking Water Program Page 2 of 17
Lebanon Utilities Environmental Assessment: Water Distribution System and Treatment Improvements – Phase I Distributed December 4, 2018 for 30-day comment period to the public, USFW and DNR SHPO and EU.
I. PROJECT IDENTIFICATION
Project Name and Address: Water Distribution System and Treatment
Improvements – Phase I
Lebanon Utilities
401 S. Meridian Street
Lebanon, Indiana 46052
SRF Project Number: DW 18 13 06 01
Authorized Representative: Mr. Tracy Bowles
Interim General Manager
II. PROJECT LOCATION
The proposed Indianapolis Avenue Phase II Water Main portion of the project is located within
Center Township of Boone County on the Lebanon 24K Quadrangle in Township 18N, Range 1E,
Section 6, and Township 19N, Range 1E, Section 31. See Figure 1.
The proposed Sugar Creek Water Treatment Plant (WTP) portion of the project is located within
Washington Township of Boone County on the Thorntown 24K Quadrangle in Township 20N,
Range 1W, Sections 28 & 33. See Figure 2.
III. PROJECT NEED AND PURPOSE
Lebanon Utilities owns and operates a drinking water system to serve its customers. Water mains
that have deteriorated due to age, some with inadequate capacity for existing demands, exist in
several locations in Lebanon Utilities’ Water Distribution System. These aging water mains are
prone to breaks, provide inadequate pressure and supply in some cases, and impact the reliability of
the overall water distribution system. Additionally, dead end water mains exist in the northeast
section of the water distribution system. The Phase I – Indianapolis Avenue Phase II Water Main
Project, described below, was sized in order to accommodate growth on the southeast side of the
City.
The Sugar Creek Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and associated wellfields were constructed around
1978. The electrical lines and transformers that power the Sugar Creek wells are the original 4 kV
system which is obsolete and no longer compatible with the City’s current 12 kV system. The City’s
Electrical Department converted to 12 kV and does not store spare 4 kV transformers or have
personnel familiar with the 4 kV equipment. Issues with the electrical components for 20-inch raw
water main associated with the Sugar Creek wellfield would interfere with 80% of the City’s water
supply. The raw water main that connects the Sugar Creek wellfield to the Sugar Creek WTP lacks
redundancy. The Phase I – Sugar Creek WTP – Well Line Loop and 12 kV Power System Electrical
Improvements Project, described below, will resolve these issues.
ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT
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Lebanon Utilities Environmental Assessment: Water Distribution System and Treatment Improvements – Phase I Distributed December 4, 2018 for 30-day comment period to the public, USFW and DNR SHPO and EU.
IV. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The selected project plan (Phase I) includes improvements to the distribution system and to the
electrical system at the treatment plant. Phase I includes the following projects (See Figures 1 &
2):
Phase I – Indianapolis Avenue Phase II Water Main Project – This project includes the open-
cut installation of approximately 3,250 feet of water main and approximately 26 gate
valves/boxes, and the removal and replacement of approximately 6 hydrants and approximately
18 water meters, along with associated appurtenances.
Phase I – Sugar Creek WTP – Well Line Loop and 12kV Power System Electrical
Improvements Project:
o Well Line Loop – This project includes the open-cut installation of approximately 2,450 feet
of raw water main, 3,000 feet of directionally-drilled raw water main, approximately 17 gate
valves/boxes, one (1) automatic flushing hydrant, and associated appurtenances. This project
provides redundancy for conveying raw water from the existing raw water main to the Sugar
Creek WTP.
o 12kV Power System Electrical Improvements
This project involves the replacement of the existing 4kV power system with a new 12 kV
power system, including a single 12 kV 3-phase electrical line from the Sugar Creek WTP
to power Wells 2, 3, 4, and 5, one (1) 480 V to 12 kV step-up transformer, and one (1) 12
kV transformer. Well 1 will be powered from a new 480 V electrical line powered from Well
2. An electrical loop will be formed around the wellfield by use of two (2) 3-way switches
that will allow three wells to remain operational should there be a failure in the lines or at
one of the wells. Feed-through transformers with parking stands will allow smaller sections
of the electrical line to be isolated for repair or replacement. In addition, this project includes
the installation of a new trailer mounted generator, one manual (at Well 1) and one automatic
(at Well 2) transfer switch, starters at Well 1, 2, & 4, miscellaneous cables, and cabinets; the
construction of a carport at the Sugar Creek WTP site for the generator and associated
appurtenances.
V. ESTIMATED PROJECT COSTS, AFFORDABILITY AND FUNDING
A. Selected Plan Estimated Cost Summary
Construction Costs
Indianapolis Avenue Phase II Water Main $ 880,000
Sugar Creek Water Treatment Plan $1,545,000
Contingency $ 240,000
Construction Sub-Total $2,665,000
Non-Construction Costs $ 670,000
Total Project Cost $3,335,000
B. The total cost of these projects is estimated to be approximately $3,335,000. Lebanon Utilities
will finance the project with a loan from the State Revolving Fund Loan Program for a term and
annual fixed interest rate to be determined at loan closing. The actual loan amount will depend on
the bids received. Monthly user rates and charges may need to be analyzed to determine if
adjustments are required for loan repayment.
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Lebanon Utilities Environmental Assessment: Water Distribution System and Treatment Improvements – Phase I Distributed December 4, 2018 for 30-day comment period to the public, USFW and DNR SHPO and EU.
VI. DESCRIPTION OF EVALUATED ALTERNATIVES
Phase I - Indianapolis Avenue Phase II Water Main
Alternative 1 “No Action” is not recommended as supply, pressure and chlorine residual
issues have been experienced in the vicinity of the project in the Water System’s southeast
corner.
Alternative 2 Rehabilitation of Existing Water Main: This alternative includes rehabilitation
of the existing 8-inch water main along Indianapolis Avenue, from Hendricks Drive to Spencer
Avenue. This is not recommended because an 8-inch line will not help to alleviate supply,
pressure or chlorine residual issues in the water system’s southeast corner.
Alternative 3 Upsize Water Main: This alternative includes upsizing the existing 8-inch water
main along Indianapolis Avenue from Hendricks Drive to Spencer Avenue. This projects will
correspond with an INDOT road improvements project, making the timing for this project
optimal. This is the selected alternative.
Phase I – Sugar Creek WTP – Well Line Loop and 12kV Power System Electrical
Improvements Project:
Sugar Creek Water Treatment Plant
The “No Action” alternative is not practical, environmentally sound nor economical. Sugar
Creek provides the City with 80% of its water supply, and the existing 20-inch raw water line is
40 years old. Should a break occur in the existing raw water line, the plant will not be able to
produce treated water until a repair is able to be performed.
Well Line Loop following Existing Easement: This alternative would provide a parallel 20-
inch raw water line within the existing easement of the existing 20-inch raw water line from the
wellfield to the Sugar Creek WTP. This alternative does not mitigate as many potential
breakage issues, such as construction issues or natural disaster, as does a line that does not
follow the same path.
Well Line Loop following Existing Drive: The alternative provides a raw water line loop
along existing private drives. This alternative would provide redundancy for conveying raw
water from the wellfield to the Sugar Creek WTP and, since it is located away from the existing
raw water line, would mitigate potential issues that could cause a break due to potential hazards
such as construction error or a natural disaster. This is the selected alternative.
12 kV Power System Electrical Improvements
Alternative 1 “No Action” is not recommended as the original 4kV power system is no longer
compatible with the City’s current 12 kV electrical system. The City converted to a 12kV
electrical system and does not store spare 4 kV transformers or have personnel that are familiar
with 4 kV equipment. Additionally, the existing 4 kV line and transformers were installed in
1978, making them approximately 40 years old. The age of the line is cause for maintenance
concerns.
Alternative 2 – Rehabilitation of the Existing 4 kV Power System: This alternative includes
the rehabilitation of the existing 4 kV power system. This alternative is not recommended, as the
original 4 kV power system is no longer compatible with the City’s current 12 kV electrical
system and the City does not store spare 4 kV transformers or have personnel that are familiar
with the 4 kV equipment.
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Lebanon Utilities Environmental Assessment: Water Distribution System and Treatment Improvements – Phase I Distributed December 4, 2018 for 30-day comment period to the public, USFW and DNR SHPO and EU.
Alternative 3 – Replacement of the Exiting 4 kV Power System with New 12 kV Power
System: This alternative includes the replacement of the existing 4 kV power system with a new
12 kV power system. The new 12 kV power will be compatible with the City’s current 12 kV
system and will allow for maintenance to be performed by the City’s electrical department
personnel. This is the selected alternative.
VII. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF THE FEASIBLE ALTERNATIVES
A. Direct Impacts of Construction and Operation
Disturbed/Undisturbed Land:
Indianapolis Avenue Phase II Water Main Project (Figure 3) – The water main will be placed
under existing streets or immediately adjacent to roads in areas disturbed by road construction.
Sugar Creek Water Treatment Plant Project (Figures 4 through 6) – The property that the Sugar
Creek Wellfield is located on is currently owned by Gray Eagle Holdings and is operated as a
private hunting preserve. Prior to Gray Eagle Holdings, the property contained an amusement
park, Old Indiana Fun Park which operated between 1983 and 1997. At its peak, Old Indiana
Fun Park contained over 50 attractions including a water park and roller coasters. See Figures 5
and 6 for historic aerial imagery from 1998 of the property showing the Old Indiana Fun Park
and a park map that shows the park attractions.
Six Flags owned the property from 1997 to 2002 and were planning to redevelop the park but
cancelled the project. During the time the company owned the property, Six Flags purchased
multiple roller coasters from different parts of the county and stored them onsite. Gray Eagle
Holdings acquired the property from Six Flags in 2002.
Both paved and stone roads and paths were created by Old Indiana Fun Park to provide access to
the Sugar Creek Wellfield which sat adjacent to the park attractions. Further roads and paths
were developed between 1998 and 2003 to provide further access to the area and each of the five
wells. These access roads do not follow the Lebanon Utilities easement for the raw water lines
to the wells and the wells have been accessed in the past based on a good faith verbal agreement
with the property owner. The proposed alignment and easements for the Sugar Creek WTP Well
Line Loop and Electrical Improvements have been designed to follow the alignment of the
existing access roads which are traveled, mowed and maintained regularly in the present
day. After the project, the Lebanon Utilities will be able to stay on their easement for operations
and maintenance.
Due to floodplain and wetlands, the construction of the raw water lines located within a
depressed area will be performed utilizing a trenchless directional drilling method. The
directional drilling machine requires drilling and receiving pits. Both the drilling and receiving
pits will be limited to footprint of 6 feet wide by 16 feet long. The footprint of the drilling and
receiving pits will allow construction of the raw water line to occur within the limits of the
existing access roads (previously disturbed land) within the depressed area. The electrical lines
will be installed within conduit within the limits of the existing access roads by use of a trencher
and the existing soils will be utilized for restoration.
Structural Resources: Construction and operation of the Indianapolis Avenue Phase II Water
main project and the Sugar Creek Water Treatment Plant project will not alter, demolish or
remove historic properties. If any visual or audible impacts to historic properties occur, they will
be temporary and will not alter the characteristics that qualify such properties for inclusion in or
eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places. The SRF’s finding pursuant to Section
106 of the National Historic Preservation Act is: “no historic properties affected.”
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Lebanon Utilities Environmental Assessment: Water Distribution System and Treatment Improvements – Phase I Distributed December 4, 2018 for 30-day comment period to the public, USFW and DNR SHPO and EU.
Surface Waters: Wells 2, 3, 4, and 5 and associated raw water lines are located within a
depressed area that are within wetland and floodplain limits. These limits were confirmed by a
wetland delineation. There are two stream crossings during the installation of the raw water line
and electrical lines within the depressed area. The streams are located within culverts under the
access drives and the raw water line and electrical lines will be directionally drilled under the
culverts.
The project will not adversely affect outstanding state resource waters listed in 327 IAC 2-1.3-
3(d), exceptional use streams listed in 327 IAC 2-1-11(b), Natural, Scenic and Recreational
Rivers and Streams listed in 312 IAC 7-(2), or Salmonid Streams listed in (327 IAC 2-1.5-
5(a)(3) or streams on the Outstanding River List for Indiana.
Wetlands:
Indianapolis Avenue Phase II Water Main Project (Figure 7) – The water main will be placed
under existing streets or immediately adjacent to roads in areas disturbed by road construction
and will not impact wetlands.
Sugar Creek Water Treatment Plant Project (Figure 8) – Wells 2, 3, 4, and 5 and associated raw
water lines are located within a depressed area that are within flood and wetlands limits. These
limits were confirmed by a wetland delineation. The existing wells themselves have been built
up to ensure that they are above the 100-year flood elevation, but construction of new raw water
line will occur within the flood and wetland limits. As such, the construction of the raw water
line in this area will be performed utilizing a trenchless directional drilling method. The
directional drilling machine requires drilling and receiving pits. Both the drilling and receiving
pits will be limited to footprint of 6 feet wide by 16 feet long. The footprint of the drilling and
receiving pits will allow construction of the raw water line to occur within the limits of the
existing access roads within the depressed area. The electrical lines will be installed within
conduit within the limits of the existing access roads by use of a trencher and the existing soils
will be utilized for restoration.
Wetlands will be temporarily impacted by the project. Mitigation measures to lessen and
compensate for wetland impacts cited in comment letters about the project from the Indiana
Department of Environmental Management, Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be implemented.
Floodplain:
Indianapolis Avenue Phase II Water Main Project (Figure 9) - The project will not impact a
floodplain.
Sugar Creek Water Treatment Plant Project (Figure 10) – The project will impact 100-year
floodplains and floodways. The existing wells have been built up to ensure that they are above
the 100-year flood elevation, but construction of new raw water line will occur within the flood
limits. Construction of the raw water line in this area will be performed utilizing a trenchless
directional drilling method.
Groundwater: The project will not impact a drinking water supply or sole source aquifer. The
project is not anticipated to require dewatering due to high groundwater.
Plants and Animals: The proposed project will be placed under existing streets or immediately
next to roads in areas disturbed by road construction and will be implemented to minimize
impact to non-endangered species and their habitat. Mitigation measures cited in comment
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Lebanon Utilities Environmental Assessment: Water Distribution System and Treatment Improvements – Phase I Distributed December 4, 2018 for 30-day comment period to the public, USFW and DNR SHPO and EU.
letters from the Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be
implemented.
Prime Farmland: The projects will not convert prime farmland.
Air Quality: Construction activities may generate some noise, fumes and dust, but should not
significantly affect air quality.
Open Space and Recreational Opportunities: Construction and operation of the Indianapolis
Avenue Phase II Water main project and the Sugar Creek Water Treatment Plant project will
neither create nor destroy open space or recreational opportunities.
Lake Michigan Coastal Program: Construction and operation of the Indianapolis Avenue
Phase II Water main project and the Sugar Creek Water Treatment Plant project will not affect
the Lake Michigan Coastal Zone.
National Natural Landmarks: Construction and operation of the Indianapolis Avenue Phase II
Water main project and the Sugar Creek Water Treatment Plant project will not affect National
Natural Landmarks.
B. Indirect Impacts
Lebanon Utilities’ Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) states: Lebanon Utilities will ensure,
through the authority of its Utility Service Board, or other means, that future development, as
well as future collection system or treatment works projects connecting to SRF-funded facilities,
will not adversely impact archaeological/historical/structural resources. The Lebanon Utilities
will require new development treatment projects to be constructed within the guidelines of the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, IDNR, IDEM, and other environmental review authorities.
C. Comments from Environmental Review Authorities
This is the first correspondence to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Indiana
Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology and the
Department of Natural Resources Environmental Unit.
In correspondence dated November 8, 2018 the Natural Resources Conservation Service Stated:
The revised project to move forward with making improvements to various water distribution
systems in Lebanon, Boone County, Indiana, as referred to in your letter received October 31,
2018 will not cause a conversion of prime farmland.
VIII. MITIGATION MEASURES
Lebanon Utilities’ PER states:
Any mitigation measures cited in comment letters from the Department of Natural resources and the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be implemented. The project will be implemented to minimize
impact to non-endangered species and their habitat.
Existing topsoil will be reused during the restoration process, if applicable. The amount of dust may
be mitigated by periodic wetting of exposed soil to reduce the suspension of particles. Normal
daytime hours will be used for work activities to reduce noise impacts.
All unavoidable tree clearing will be performed between October 15th and March 31st per the Range-
wide Indiana Bat Protection and Enhancement Plan Guidelines.
SRF Safe Drinking Water Program Page 8 of 17
Lebanon Utilities Environmental Assessment: Water Distribution System and Treatment Improvements – Phase I Distributed December 4, 2018 for 30-day comment period to the public, USFW and DNR SHPO and EU.
IX. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
A properly noticed public hearing was held on January 24, 2018 5:00 pm at One Municipal Plaza,
401 South Meridian Street, Lebanon, IN 46052 to discuss the PER. No written comments were
received during the 5-day comment period following the hearing.
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Lebanon Utilities Environmental Assessment: Water Distribution System and Treatment Improvements – Phase I Distributed December 4, 2018 for 30-day comment period to the public, USFW and DNR SHPO and EU.
Figure 1
SRF Safe Drinking Water Program Page 10 of 17
Lebanon Utilities Environmental Assessment: Water Distribution System and Treatment Improvements – Phase I Distributed December 4, 2018 for 30-day comment period to the public, USFW and DNR SHPO and EU.
Figure 2
Sugar Creek WTP Property
SRF Safe Drinking Water Program Page 11 of 17
Lebanon Utilities Environmental Assessment: Water Distribution System and Treatment Improvements – Phase I Distributed December 4, 2018 for 30-day comment period to the public, USFW and DNR SHPO and EU.
Figure 3 – IHBBC map for Indianapolis Avenue Phase II
SRF Safe Drinking Water Program Page 12 of 17
Lebanon Utilities Environmental Assessment: Water Distribution System and Treatment Improvements – Phase I Distributed December 4, 2018 for 30-day comment period to the public, USFW and DNR SHPO and EU.
Figure 4 – IHBBC Map for Sugar Creek WTP
SRF Safe Drinking Water Program Page 13 of 17
Lebanon Utilities Environmental Assessment: Water Distribution System and Treatment Improvements – Phase I Distributed December 4, 2018 for 30-day comment period to the public, USFW and DNR SHPO and EU.
Figure 5 – 1998 Historical Aerial Image of the old Indiana Fun Park location.
Figure 6 – Park map showing the location of rides, and facilities.
SRF Safe Drinking Water Program Page 14 of 17
Lebanon Utilities Environmental Assessment: Water Distribution System and Treatment Improvements – Phase I Distributed December 4, 2018 for 30-day comment period to the public, USFW and DNR SHPO and EU.
Figure 7 – Wetlands Map for Indianapolis Avenue Phase II
SRF Safe Drinking Water Program Page 15 of 17
Lebanon Utilities Environmental Assessment: Water Distribution System and Treatment Improvements – Phase I Distributed December 4, 2018 for 30-day comment period to the public, USFW and DNR SHPO and EU.
Sugar Creek WTP Property
Figure 8 – Wetlands Map for Sugar Creek WTP
SRF Safe Drinking Water Program Page 16 of 17
Lebanon Utilities Environmental Assessment: Water Distribution System and Treatment Improvements – Phase I Distributed December 4, 2018 for 30-day comment period to the public, USFW and DNR SHPO and EU.
Figure 9 – Floodplain Map for Indianapolis Avenue Phase II
SRF Safe Drinking Water Program Page 17 of 17
Lebanon Utilities Environmental Assessment: Water Distribution System and Treatment Improvements – Phase I Distributed December 4, 2018 for 30-day comment period to the public, USFW and DNR SHPO and EU.
Figure 10 – Floodplain Map for Sugar Creek WTP
Sugar Creek WTP Property