APPROVAL OF A CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION - Applicant is the Town of Big Stone Gap.

PUBLIC NOTICE

APPROVAL OF A 

CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FROM AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR A 

PROJECT FUNDED THROUGH THE VIRGINIA WATER SUPPLY 

REVOLVING FUND

Public Notice No.: BIL 12S-23

First Publication Date:

December 5, 2025

     The Virginia Department of Health has under the consideration a request for a Categorical Exclusion from an Environmental Assessment for a waterworks project proposed to be funded through the Virginia Water Supply Revolving Fund which administers funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The applicant is the Town of Big Stone Gap.

    The project proposes the replacement of approximately 43,000 linear feet of a 16-inch and smaller waterline in East Stone Gap along the following roads: Crackers Neck Rd, Durham Rd, Begley Rd, Orchard Dr, Willow St, E Stone Gap Rd, River Rd, Tate Springs Rd, Stewart St, Preston Rd, Alto St, and Rock St. This project also includes the installation of 54 gate valves, 33 fire hydrants, 225 service reconnections, and associated appurtenances. Final construction plans may change to include nearby streets to better address reliability. These waterlines are up to 80 years old and are experiencing water loss. This project includes several stream crossings along these roads, including across the South Fork Powell River, Beaverdam Creek, and Butcher Fork. All areas proposed for construction are within previously disturbed roadside right-of-way. No tree clearing is proposed. No adverse environmental impacts are anticipated.

   The project meets the following exclusion categories established by the Department:

   • Water line replacement/rehabilitation to correct exfiltration water loss problems or problems associated with inadequate water pressure. Rehabilitation of drinking water facilities such as reservoirs  and storage facilities.

    Documentation supporting this request includes:

    • Environmental Report in Support of a Categorical Exclusion prepared by Wetland Studies and Solutions dated January 2024

    • Financial and Construction Assistance Programs Environmental Review site visit memorandum dated 11/12/2025

    On the basis of a review of the request and support documentation, the Virginia Department of Health proposes to approve the request.

   Persons may comment in writing to the Department on the proposed approval of the Categorical Exclusion within 30 days from the first publication date. Comments shall include the name, address and telephone number of the writer and shall contain a complete, concise statement of the factual basis for the comments. Only those comments received within this period will be considered by the Department. Following the comment period, the Department will make its determination regarding the approval.

    All comments should be addressed to:

Anthony Hess

C/o Theresa Hewlett

Virginia Department 

of Health

Office of Drinking Water

109 Governor Street

6th Floor

Richmond, VA 23219

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