Vortac Lake Dam Categorical Exclusion Determination

NOTICE OF CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION DETERMINATIONVortac Lake Dam (SRF Loan # 515051-SE)Kotzebue, AlaskaThe Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s (Department) State Revolving Fund Program has conducted a review of the above referenced project in accordance with the Operating Agreement between the Department and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for implementing the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan program. The Department has determined that this project is eligible for a Categorical Exclusion (CE) in accordance with 18 AAC 76.235. Accordingly, the Department is exempting the project from further environmental review requirements under the Department’s EPA-approved State Environmental Review Process.The proposed project will complete a planning study to identify options to stabilize the Vortac Lake Dam and maintain the water source, a primary water source for the City of Kotzebue. A DWSRF loan in the amount of $1,000,000 has been requested for this project.The project is eligible for a CE because undertaking this action: Will not significantly affect the degree of treatment or capacity of the existing facility; Will not directly or indirectly affect cultural resources, habitats of endangered or threatened species, or environmentally important natural resources area; Will not have a significant effect on the quality of the human environment; Will not cause significant public controversy.The determination shall become effective upon distribution by the Department and can be revoked at any time that adverse information is made available. The documentation to support this decision will be on file with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s State Revolving Fund Program. To request a copy of the CE, contact:Adele Fetter, Environmental Impact AnalystAlaska Department of Environmental Conservation - State Revolving Fund Program555 Cordova StreetAnchorage, AK 99501Phone: (907) 269-7428Email: adele.fetter@alaska.govThe State of Alaska, Department of Environmental Conservation complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you are a person with a disability who may need an accommodation in order to participate in this public process, please contact ADA Coordinator Kristin Mabry, Kristin.Mabry@alaska.gov, 1-907-334-0884; Alaska Relay Service/TTY/TDD 1-800-770-8973; or 711 to ensure that any necessary accommodations can be provided. Issued on the 28th day of July 2025 in Anchorage, Alaska