CONSTITUTION HALL • 525 WEST ALLEGAN STREET • P.O. BOX 30242 • LANSING, MICHIGAN 48909-7742 Michigan.gov/EGLE • 517-284-6651

STATE OF MICHIGAN

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, GREAT LAKES, AND ENERGY

LANSING

November 25, 2019 TO: All Interested Citizens, Organizations, and Government Agencies SUBJECT: FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT City of Hastings, Barry County Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Clean Water State Revolving Fund Project No. 5687-01 The purpose of this notice is to seek public input and comment on a preliminary decision by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not required to implement recommendations discussed in the attached Environmental Assessment of a wastewater project plan submitted by the applicant mentioned above. HOW WERE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES CONSIDERED? Part 53, Clean Water Assistance, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection

Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended, being Sections 324.5301 to 324.5316 of the Michigan Compiled Laws Annotated, requires EGLE to evaluate all environmental implications of a proposed wastewater project. EGLE has done this by incorporating a detailed analysis of the environmental effects of the proposed alternatives in its review and approval process. A project plan containing information on environmental impacts was prepared by the municipality and reviewed by the State. EGLE has prepared the attached Environmental Assessment and found that the proposed project does not require the preparation of an EIS.

WHY IS AN EIS NOT REQUIRED? Our environmental review concluded that no significant environmental impacts would

result from the proposed action. Any adverse impacts have either been eliminated by changes in the project plan or will be reduced by the implementation of the mitigative measures discussed in the attached Environmental Assessment.

HOW DO I GET MORE INFORMATION? A map depicting the location of the proposed project is attached. This information is also

available on our website at www.michigan.gov/cleanwaterrevolvingfund under “Related Links.” The Environmental Assessment presents additional information on the project, alternatives that were considered, impacts of the proposed action, and the basis for our decision. Further information can be obtained by calling or writing one of the contact people listed below.

GRETCHEN WHITMER GOVERNOR

LIESL EICHLER CLARK DIRECTOR

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DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, GREAT LAKES, AND ENERGY Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF)

Environmental Assessment City of Hastings, Barry County

Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Project November 2019

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION Applicant: City of Hastings. Barry County Address: 201 East State Street Hastings, MI 49058 Authorized Representative: Jerry Czarnecki, Deputy City Manager Project No. 5687-01 PROJECT OVERVIEW The city of Hastings (Hastings) is seeking a low-interest CWSRF loan (2.0 percent for the 2020 fiscal year) from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for improvements to the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The proposed project includes a new headworks building to accommodate the addition of grit removal and screening, new pumps for raw effluent, improvements to primary and secondary treatment, ultraviolet (UV) disinfection upgrades, sludge thickening improvements, improvements to solids handling, addition of a pressurized effluent water (PEW) system, administration building expansion, and site work and yard piping. The cost of the project is estimated to be $9,250,000, which will result in an estimated monthly cost increase of $10.25 for the average residential user. Customers outside the city and industrial/commercial users will have a different rate impact. The project qualifies for Green Project Reserve principal forgiveness, estimated at $405,800. Therefore, increased user costs from this project may not be as high as estimated. Construction is anticipated to begin in April of 2020 and be completed by September of 2021. PROJECT BACKGROUND Hastings is located in Barry County and is approximately 5.3 square miles. Hastings owns and operates the WWTP and treats wastewater flows from the City, portions of Hastings Township, Carlton Township, and Rutland Township (see Figure 1). The treated wastewater discharges into the Thornapple River. The population served by the WWTP is 7,504 based on the 2010 U.S. Census. The population is expected to increase to 8,127 by 2038, thus the treatment demand is not anticipated to change significantly over the next 20 years and the WWTP capacity will remain sufficient to treat the wastewater flows. The majority of the land use is existing residential, with other portions being zoned as industrial, mixed-use, commercial, and floodplain.

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PROPOSED PROJECT

A. Existing System

Hastings’ WWTP was originally constructed in the 1930s. It was modified and expanded in the early 1970s to a capacity of 1.0 million gallons per day (MGD) and again in 1998 to a capacity of 2.0 MGD. The average daily flow is 1.09 MGD. Treatment processes at the WWTP include solids grinding, coarse bar screening, primary settling, phosphorus removal using aluminum sulfate, sludge thickening, dewatering and disposal, return activated sludge handling, aeration, and UV disinfection (see Figure 2). Hastings has implemented an Industrial Pretreatment Program to regulate discharges from commercial and industrial sites into the city’s sewerage system. Most of the sanitary collection system was installed between the 1940s and the 1960s with limited installation in the 1970s through 2008. The collection system is comprised of over 450,000 linear feet of sanitary sewer and two pump stations. The collection system is generally in good condition.

B. Project Need/Justification

The WWTP historically has been in compliance with the requirements of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. However, in the past three years, there were exceedances of total phosphorus, total suspended solids, and ammonia as nitrogen. Improvements to the sludge handling process and preliminary treatment are expected to prevent future violations and increase the maintainability and reliability of the WWTP. Much of the WWTP equipment is nearing or has outlived its useful life and needs to be replaced in order to maintain compliance with the NPDES permit and protect the Thornapple River. The WWTP experiences significant operation and maintenance issues due to the lack of grit removal and fine screening, and a new headworks building will allow these issues to be remedied as well as provide an overall increase in the treatment process efficiency. The raw wastewater pumping lacks proper access and the existing handrailing, stairs, and walkway for the aeration system are in disrepair and need to be replaced to ensure the safety of the WWTP employees.

C. Alternatives Considered and Selected Alternative

Several alternatives were considered to address the issues identified at the WWTP.

No Action Alternative No action would result in future equipment failures and/or insufficient treatment processes causing NPDES permit violations. This alternative was not considered further.

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Regional Alternative A regional treatment facility was not considered as Hastings already provides regional service to portions of the surrounding townships and the distance to other populated areas would be cost-prohibitive. New WWTP Facility Alternative Constructing a new WWTP would address all the concerns at the existing WWTP, however, this alternative was found to be significantly more expensive due to the costs associated with finding/purchasing more land and building an entirely new WWTP ($17 to $20 million). Therefore, this was not considered further. Upgrade Existing WWTP Alternative Upgrading the existing WWTP was the selected alternative (see Figure 3), which includes several improvement elements with alternatives evaluated where applicable, as described below.

1.) Headworks Building

Alternative 1A: Reuse Existing Infrastructure This alternative was not considered further due to the poor condition and congestion of the building without added processes, as well as uncertainty in the cost due to unknown conditions. Alternative 1B: Construct a New Headworks Building This is the selected alternative due to the benefits of an operational layout, better-known costs and assurance that the structure will outlast the new equipment and comply with current codes. The new headworks building will include a mechanical bar screen, raw sewage pumping, and grit removal, which will greatly improve the overall WWTP operation.

2.) Return Activated Sludge (RAS) and Waste Sludge Pumping Service Building

Improvements The current method for RAS and waste sludge pumping is ineffective and hard to control. The improvements will include new sludge pumps, a new RAS piping distribution system, a new sludge wasting system, and a control panel for the new system. These improvements will allow for a more conventional means of sludge return and wasting that utilizes piping, meters, and valves to direct flow from the pumps to the desired location.

3.) Aeration System and Walkway Improvements

The aeration system improvements include replacing a large inefficient blower with a new turbo blower to provide very efficient redundant aeration when combined with the turbo blower installed in 2014. The existing steel guardrails and grating that are in disrepair due to age and rust will be replaced with a new aluminum guardrail and grating.

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4.) PEW System Installation and UV Disinfection Improvements

The existing UV system is in poor working condition and will be replaced with a more efficient model resulting in energy savings. Installation of a PEW system will allow the WWTP to reuse its effluent water and reduce potable water consumption.

5.) Primary Settling Tank Improvements

One of the two primary settling tanks was originally constructed in 1972 and the mechanism has outlived its useful life. Improvements will include the replacement of the mechanism, scum beach, weir plates, scum baffle, and skimmer arms.

6.) Sludge Thickening and Disposal Improvements The thickener tank mechanism has outlived its useful life. Improvements will include the replacement of the mechanism, scum beach, weir plates, scum baffle, and skimmer arms. Access to the thickener tank is difficult and the existing stairwell will be replaced with a new access bridge. The current sludge disposal process will continue, but the city will have the flexibility to modify this in the future.

7.) Administration Building Expansion

The expansion of the existing laboratory building will allow for adequate space for file storage, the addition of a superintendent’s office, and Americans with Disabilities Act accessible bathroom facilities, locker rooms, and shower facilities. The existing laboratory exhaust fans will also be replaced to ensure proper ventilation and the safety of the WWTP employees.

8.) Site Work and Yard Piping

The proposed site work includes the abandonment of North Cass Street to the north of West Apple Street, the construction of a new driveway and parking area for access to the WWTP and the dog park, gravity sewer for the new headworks building, catch basins, drains, and a detention area for stormwater to the west of the newly constructed drive and parking area. This work is to accommodate the new headworks building.

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Below is a table with estimated project costs for the selected alternative.

TABLE 1 – Project Cost

Component Cost

Headworks Building $3,788,000

Sludge Pumping and Service Building $1,170,000

Aeration and Walkway $397,000

UV Disinfection & PEW System $677,000

Primary Settling Tank $331,000

Thickener Tank $259,000

Administration Building $325,000

Site Work and Yard Piping $1,262,000

Contractor General Conditions Costs $493,000

Total Project Construction Costs $8,702,000

Engineering, Legal, Financial, and Administrative Fees

$548,000

Total Project Cost $9,250,000

EXISTING ENVIRONMENT AND POTENTIAL IMPACTS

A. Construction Impacts

Construction of the project will result in short-term impacts such as noise, dust, and traffic disruption in the project area. Construction phasing will ensure continuous access to the dog park during the abandonment of North Cass Street and the construction of the new access road. The construction will be within the existing WWTP property and should not significantly impact the surrounding commercial and residential properties.

B. Water Quality Impacts

The proposed project will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the WWTP operation and ensure the continued protection of the Thornapple River. Based on the information provided in the project plan, 0.6 acres of forested wetland will be impacted due to the construction of the new headworks building, access road, and retention basin. Hastings has consulted with EGLE, Water Resources Division staff to determine the scope, magnitude, and how to minimize the impact. Hastings will purchase wetland mitigation bank credits anticipated at a 2 to 1 replacement ratio, to offset the impact on wetlands from the construction of the proposed project. Siltation and sedimentation may occur during the construction of the proposed project. Sedimentation will be minimized using control methods outlined in the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control permit. Hastings has applied for necessary permits resulting from construction including the Part 41, Sewerage Systems, permit for construction; Part 31, Water Resources Protection, permit for floodplains; and Part 303, Wetlands Protection, permit for wetlands under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended. A review of the permit application is ongoing with EGLE staff. All required permits will be acquired and adhered to prior to the commencement of construction.

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C. Endangered Species

Hastings contacted the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) and reviewed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Technical Assistance website for state and federally listed threatened, endangered, and rare species. The MNFI and USFWS concluded that there may be suitable habitat for the Indiana bat and the Northern long-eared bat in the project area. Hastings anticipates the need to remove 17 trees, which are mostly Basswood ranging in size from 10-20 inches and one 40-inch Maple. The tree removal required for the abandonment of North Cass Street and relocation of the dog park access road will be completed during the early spring to ensure the protection of the bat habitat, as they typically roost under loose bark of ash, elm and maple trees during the summer. Therefore, it was concluded that there will be no adverse effect on the bats. The MNFI noted that the section of the Thornapple River in Hastings has been designated a Group 2 mussel stream, which means that state threatened, or endangered mussels are expected to occur here and could be negatively impacted by sedimentation. Construction will not occur in the Thornapple River and sedimentation will be prevented through control measures outlined in the Soil Erosion and Control Permit. Therefore, the project should not have any adverse impact on state threatened or endangered mussels.

D. Historical Preservation

The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the federally recognized tribes have been contacted regarding potential impacts from the construction of the proposed project. SHPO responded that no historic properties are affected. Of the six tribes contacted no responses were received by the time this Environmental Assessment was published. If any artifacts are discovered during construction, work will immediately stop and SHPO and the tribes will be contacted.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION A public hearing to discuss the proposed project was held at 7 p.m., on May 14, 2019, at Hastings City Hall. The hearing was advertised on April 11, 2019, in The Hastings Banner, 33 days prior to the public hearing, and the project plan was available for viewing on the city’s website as well as at Hastings City Hall. There were no public comments or questions. A resolution adopting the project plan and implementation of the selected alternative was unanimously approved by the Hastings City Council on May 28, 2019. REASONS FOR CONCLUDING NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS The proposed project will address deficiencies and increase the reliability of the wastewater treatment process. Minor construction impacts will be temporary and can be mitigated with sound construction practices and adherence to permit requirements. Impacts to the wetland will be mitigated by strictly adhering to the requirements outlined in the Joint Permit issued by EGLE.

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Questions regarding this Environmental Assessment should be directed to:

Ms. Kelly Green, Administrator Water Infrastructure Financing Section

Finance Division Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

P.O. Box 30457 Lansing, Michigan 48909-7957

Telephone: 517-284-5433 E-Mail: greenk1@michigan.gov

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City of HastingsWastewater System Service Area

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Figure 1

CITY OF HASTINGS

PROJECT PLAN

EXISTINGSITE PLAN

801 BROADWAY NW

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.

SUITE 215

49504

801 BROADWAY NW

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.

SUITE 215

49504

HRC JOB NO.

DATE

FIGURE NO.

NN

PROJECT

LOCATION

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Figure 2

Figure 2

CITY OF HASTINGS

PROJECT PLAN

PROPOSEDSITE PLAN

801 BROADWAY NW

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.

SUITE 215

49504

801 BROADWAY NW

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.

SUITE 215

49504

HRC JOB NO.

DATE

FIGURE NO.

NN

PROJECT

LOCATION

N

Figure 3