Combined Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact and Notice of Intent to Request a Release of Funds

Combined Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact and
Notice of Intent to Request a Release of Funds
---------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS


8/16/2021


City of Walterboro
242 Hampton Street
Walterboro, SC 29488
(843) 782-1000


These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities
to be undertaken by City of Walterboro.


REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about September 6, 2021, City of Walterboro will submit a request to the SC
Department of Commerce/Grants Administration Division for the release of CDBG funds
under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, to
undertake a project known as the “Sewer Upgrades - Sub-Systems 1-East & 3 Project” where
City of Walterboro proposes to do a much needed sewer improvements project to address health
and safety needs of the Ban-Croft Street, Brien Street, Del-Ray Drive, Rivers Street, Furlong
Street, Bay Street, Palm Street, Birch Street, Doyle Street, Simmons Street, Robertson
Boulevard, Broadhurst Street, Towns Street, Jared Street, Cleveland Street, Madison Street,
Wilkey Street, Red Comet Road, Pine Needle Road, Raleigh Street, Toya Street, Austin Drive,
Jackson Street, King Street, Grayson Street, Sheldon Court and Gadsden Loop area outside of
the municipal limits of Walterboro, Colleton County, SC to include gravity sewer rehab (using
trenchless technologies like CIPP and pipe-bursting), manhole rehab and various point repairs to
replace concaved pipe. This is a single-phase project. Project activities are unlikely to impact
wetlands in the project area.


Approximately 2.77 acres of the project boundary is inside Flood Zone A. Floodplains are an
important asset to the community. These specific floodplains located within the project
boundaries, perform vital natural functions such as temporary storage of floodwaters, moderation
of peak flood flows, maintenance of water quality, groundwater recharge and habitat for diverse
natural wildlife populations. The value of these floodplains serves as cultural resources, they also
provide passive recreation in the form of green space for the community and have existed from
their identification in 1983 to aid in the administration of the National Flood Insurance Act of
1968 and the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973. Ground disturbance may be done within the
flood zone; however, the City of Walterboro has adopted a sound floodplain management
program and as part of the 8-step analysis, the City will consider factors relevant to the survival
and quality of the functions and values of these specific floodplains.


FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
City of Walterboro has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human
environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the
Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at City of Walterboro’s Administration Office, 242
Hampton Street, Walterboro, SC and may be examined or copied weekdays 9A.M to 5P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to City of
Walterboro, 242 Hampton Street, Walterboro, SC, (843) 782-1000, Attention: Jeff Molinari, City
Manager and it may be examined or copied weekdays 9A.M to 5P.M. All comments received by
September 3, 2021 will be considered by City of Walterboro prior to authorizing submission of a
request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.


ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
City of Walterboro certifies to SC Department of Commerce/Grants Administration Division that
Jeff Molinari in his capacity as City Manager consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal
Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review
process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. The SC Department of
Commerce/Grants Administration Division approval of the certification satisfies its
responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows City of Walterboro to
use Program funds.


OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
The SC Department of Commerce/Grants Administration Division will accept objections to its
release of funds and the City’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated
submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of
the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of City of
Walterboro; (b) the City has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by
HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the
development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not
authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by the Department of
Commerce/Grants Administration Division; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40
CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the
standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance
with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to SC
Department of Commerce/Grants Administration Division at 1201 Main Street, Suite 1600,
Columbia, SC, 29201. Potential objectors should contact SC Department of Commerce/Grants
Administration Division to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Jeffrey P. Molinari, City Manager

Share this Story