SPA 124 Permit Decision Notice: City of Billings Water Treatment Plant Intake #2 Catwalk, Intake Building, and Intake Pipeline Repair and Improvements Project
Jul 25, 2024 11:49 AM
The City of Billings proposes to repair and improve an existing catwalk bridge structure that provides an operational pathway from the Low Service Pump Station #2 to the Intake #2 structure, improve the existing Intake #2 building located above the river, and repair a damaged section of concrete encasement around the raw water pipelines located on the riverbed, which convey water from the Intake #2 building to the Low Service Pump Station #2 at the City of Billings Water Treatment Plant (WTP). The catwalk bridge structure has sustained damage multiple times since its initial construction and the June 2022 flood event further damaged the catwalk bridge along with the Intake #2 building.
The purpose of the proposed project is to repair substantial damage caused by the 2022 Yellowstone River flood and improve resiliency associated with future floods and ice scour conditions. The catwalk is a critical piece of infrastructure for the Billings Water Treatment Plant Intake #2 structure. Improving flood resiliency through catwalk repair and improvements will allow for the Billings TWP to continue operation to its highest standard of safety and function. The City of Billings proposes to begin project as soon as necessary permits are supplied and expect the work will take six months to complete.
Based on the environmental review provided in the Draft EA, and, to the greatest extent possible, in accordance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies, FWP determined the proposed action (Alternative 5), will not have significant adverse impacts on the human environment associated with the proposed action and constitutes a reasonable and appropriate strategy to achieve identified objectives. Therefore, preparation of an environmental impact statement or EIS is unnecessary.
FWP hereby adopts the Draft EA as final and approves Alternative 5, the Proposed Action.