Legals for July, 23 2026

NO. 32241 July 10, 2026 AMENDED FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT TO ALL INTERESTED GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES AND PUBLIC GROUPS Project Bigfork West Trunk Sewer Main and Harbor Heights Boulevard Water Main Replacement Location Bigfork, Montana Project Number WPCSRF: C304257 DWSRF: WRF# 24-2102 Total Cost $7,767,000 (Sewer) and $1,809,000 (Water) As required by state and federal rules, DEQ conducted an Environmental Assessment (EA) dated February 18, 2025, which evaluated the Bigfork Water and Sewer District’s (district) proposed water and sewer system improvements as outlined in its May 2022 Preliminary Engineering Report (PER). The PER identified system deficiencies and analyzed potential alternatives. Based on that evaluation, DEQ issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on March 4, 2025. A 30-day public comment period followed, and no public comments were received. The DEQ is issuing this Amended FONSI to inform the public of additional proposed project scope and updated project costs. The district added scope from the PER (Alternative A-3) which was deemed necessary to fully address the overcapacity and failing West Truck Sewer main in conjunction with the previously selected replacement between the wastewater treatment plant and Chapman Hill. The second area of scope change is the addition of Holt Drive low pressure sewer that was considered necessary to address existing gravity sewer connections passing through private property without maintenance easements. Replacing these connections removes access, maintenance, and landowner restricted property usage issues. The district held a public meeting on February 26, 2026, to discuss the added project scope and project costs.  The added scope includes: • Connect five residences directly to proposed low-pressure sewer main located within Holt Drive.   • Replace approximately 2,900 feet of pipe, manholes, and general surface restoration existing undersized collection main with 15-inch PVC from Chapman Hill Road between Eagle Bend North and Eagle Bend South Lift Stations. This scope was included as A-3 in the PER.   The updated project scope increased the total estimated wastewater project cost by $3,333,300.00. While no scope changes were made to the drinking water portions of the project, the total water project costs have increased by $177,000.00 from the 2024 estimates. Based on changes to the project scope and an updated budget, the wastewater rate is projected to be $107.15 and the water rate $67.14. Federal and State grant/loan programs will fund the project.  Environmentally sensitive characteristics such as wetlands, floodplains, threatened or endangered species, and historical sites are not expected to be adversely impacted by the expanded project scope. No significant long-term environmental impacts were identified for the proposed improvements.   Except for the changes, as described above, all aspects and conclusions made in the Bigfork West Trunk Sewer Main and Harbor Heights Boulevard Water Main Replacement Project Environmental Assessment (EA) dated February 18, 2025, remain accurate.  The February 18, 2025-dated EA and 2022 PER which describes the project and analyzes the impacts in more detail, is available on the DEQ web site (https://deq.mt.gov/public/water-public) and at the following locations: Department of Environmental Quality      2401 Colonial Dr.                      Helena, MT 59601             [email protected]       Alida Tinch, District President Bigfork Water and Sewer District   PO Box 1108 Bigfork, MT 59911 Since the revisions discussed above are relatively minor and do not cause any significant adverse environmental impacts, the MDEQ has concluded that the proposed project complies with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). Sincerely, Mike Abrahamson, P.E, WPCSRF Section Supervisor Water Quality Division Montana Department of Environmental Quality July 23, 2026 MNAXLP __________________________