CX-100809 Categorical Exclusion Determination

Proposal for DE-FOA-0001567 Implementation Phase 3 - Klawock, Alaska
Award Number: DE-EE0007852
CX(s) Applied: A9, B1.31, B2.5, B5.1
Weatherization & Intergovernmental Programs Office
Date: 2/10/2017
Location(s): AK
Office(s): Golden Field Office

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to provide funding to the Klawock Cooperative Association for energy efficiency and retrofitting activities in Klawock, Alaska. These activities include light-emitting diode (LED) lighting upgrades to streetlights, retrofitting of the HVAC system in the Belltower Mall, retrofitting and modernization of the HVAC system in the three primary use buildings of the Klawock Cooperative Association, and the upgrading of two sewage lift stations with two small pumps and the installation of manhole liners on manholes serving the East Lift Station within the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP).

LED lighting upgrades to streetlights would occur on existing power line poles and the work would be completed by the local power/telephone company who are trained and equipped for the work. Retrofitting/upgrading the HVAC system at the Belltower Mall and the lift pumps and manhole liners at the WTP would require only minor modifications, if any, to the buildings involved. Project activities would not require any ground disturbing activities. There would be no change in the use, mission, or operations of existing facilities and no new permits are required for the proposed activities. Retrofitting and modernization activities at the Klawock Cooperative Association buildings would require minor construction/carpentry such as removing sections of exterior walls for the installation of the air exchange heat pumps. Existing health and safety policies and procedures would be followed (employee monitoring, proper protective equipment, etc.) and additional policies and procedures would be implemented as necessary to ensure compliance with applicable health and safety regulations and to minimize risks to employees and the public. Some intermittent construction noise over three to four days is anticipated during retrofitting of the Klawock Cooperative Association’s HVAC system. Based on the anticipated noise levels (75 to 95 dbA) and time limits (30 to 60 minutes), noise levels would be within the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s permissible exposure limits. All waste associated with the proposed activities (bulbs, old HVAC system, construction waste, etc.) would be handled and disposed of properly in accordance with local and state regulations. The Klawock landfill is active and currently permitted with the State of Alaska to accept project waste if needed.