Any applicant for a federal license or permit to conduct an activity that might result in a discharge into navigable waters, in accordance with Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1977 (PL95-217), also must apply for and obtain certification from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation that the discharge will comply with the CWA, the Alaska Water Quality Standards, and other applicable State laws.
Notice is hereby given that a request for a CWA §401 Water Quality Certification of a Department of the Army Permit application, Corps of Engineers’ Reference Number POA-2021-00031, Tanana River, has been received for the discharge of dredged and/or fill materials into waters of the United States (WOUS), including wetlands, as described below and shown on the enclosed project figures/drawings. The public notice and related project figures/drawings are also accessible from the DEC website at http://dec.alaska.gov/water/wastewater/.
Any person desiring to comment on the project with respect to water quality, may submit comments electronically via the DEC public notice site (preferred method) at https://water.alaskadec.commentinput.com/?id=AS6ck
Alternatively you may direct written comments or requests for public hearing via email or mail to the address listed above by the Public Notice (PN) expiration date. All comments submitted via mail or email should include the PN reference number listed above in the subject heading. Mailed comments must be postmarked on or before the expiration date of the public notice.
Applicant: Federal Highway Administration Western Federal Lands Highway Division, Stephen Morrow, 610 E. 5th Street, Vancouver, Washington 98661, Stephen.morrow@dot.gov; (306) 619-7700
Project Name: Tanana River Recreational Access Improvements
Location: The proposed activity is located within Section 21, 22, 27 and 28, T. 01 S., R. 01 W., Fairbanks Meridian; Latitude 64.8058° N., Longitude -147.7443° W., Meridian; in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Purpose: The applicant’s stated purpose of this Tanana River Recreation Area (TRRA) Improvements Project is to implement road infrastructure, multi-modal access, and site improvements identified in the 2007 Tanana Lakes Recreation Area (TLRA) Master Plan linking the City of Fairbanks and the Fairbanks Northstar Borough (FNSB) to the TLRA and to federally-managed lands along the river. The proposed improvements would facilitate public access to the Tanana Flats Training Area across the river, as well as other federal, State, and Native Alaskan lands within the Tanana and Yukon River watersheds, and fulfills recommendations of the 2007 TLRA Master Plan.
Project Description: The project comprises the extension of South Lathrop Street and Northlake Lane, addition of an entrance station, parking improvements, restrooms, accessibility improvements, road surface paving and gravel improvements, and overhead power line installation. The project footprint is approximately 18.5 acres of which permanent impacts to wetlands and waters of the U.S. would total 2.93 acres and temporary impacts would total 0.01 acres.
After reviewing the application, the Department may certify there is reasonable assurance the activity, and any discharge that might result, will comply with the CWA, the Alaska Water Quality Standards, and other applicable State laws. The Department also may deny or waive certification.
The permit application and associated documents are available for review. For inquires or to request copies of the documents, contact dec-401cert@alaska.gov, or call 907-269-6285.
Disability Reasonable Accommodation Notice
The State of Alaska, Department of Environmental Conservation complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. If you are a person with a disability who may need special accommodation in order to participate in this public process, please contact ADA Coordinator Brian Blessington at 907-269-6272 or TDD Relay Service 1-800-770-8973/TTY or dial 711 within 5 days of the expiration date of this public notice to ensure that any necessary accommodations can be provided.