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Public comment sought on replacing sewers
Public input is being sought regarding the National Park Service's (NPS) proposed plan to replace four and rehabilitate one of six wastewater systems at Chiricahua National Monument in Willcox, Ariz.
The oldest systems were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s and the five wastewater systems to be upgraded are more than 35 years old. The Bonita Campground system serves a 29-unit campground with restrooms and a single-family residence. Its replacement would include a lift station (to eliminate blockages and odors caused by the poor slope in existing collection pipes) and a replaced septic tank, collection piping, dosing siphon, and drain field. The visitor center/maintenance compound system and the west housing area system replacements would include replaced collection piping, septic tanks, connections to historic residences, and evapotranspiration beds. These two systems, which serve four park staff residences, four duplex housing units, and park administrative and maintenance buildings, may be combined for cost effectiveness and improved operation. The project includes rehabilitating/replacing two small independent systems that serve the isolated headquarters building and a remote historic building/residence (Faraway Ranch).
This EA evaluates two alternatives, the no-action alternative and one action alternative that focus on rehabilitating/replacing five failing sanitary sewer systems within the Monument. The purpose of the proposed action is to replace and rehabilitate five failing sanitary sewer systems within the Monument. Replacement and rehabilitation of the sewer systems is needed because of the deteriorating condition of the existing system and the associated health and environmental impacts. Under the No Action Alternative, the failing sewer systems would not be replaced or rehabilitated. Chiricahua staff would continue to perform sewer maintenance and repairs as in the past. The existing sewer systems would continue to deteriorate and current problems with operations, maintenance, resource, damage, and health concerns would persist. The Preferred Alternative would replace existing sewer systems at Bonita Canyon Campground, the East and West Housing complexes, and Faraway Ranch Building 29. The existing sewer system would be rehabilitated at Monument Headquarters. The proposed sewer system improvements would provide a safer experience for park visitors and staff, and would reduce threats to park resources by reducing the potential for accidental sewage spills. The proposed project also would reduce long-term maintenance costs.
How to Comment on Plans to Replace the Failing Sewer System
The public is invited to provide input on the proposal to replace four and rehabilitate one of six wastewater systems. Comments received during the scoping period will be used to help define the issues and concerns to be addressed in the Environmental Assessment.
Comments should be submitted online by visiting http://parkplanning.nps.gov, the website for the NPS's Planning Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) system. Comments also may be sent to the address below no later than March 5, 2010.
Chiricahua National Monument
12856 E. Rhyolite Creek Road
Willcox, AZ 85643
Commenter's should be aware that their entire comment - including personal identifying information - may be made publicly available at any time. While commenter's can ask that their personal identifying information be withheld from public review, the NPS cannot guarantee that this will be possible.
If you have questions about the project or would like more information, please contact Kym_Hall@nps.gov, or phone at (520) 366-5515 x2101. You may also contact Natural Resource Program Manager Danielle Foster by phone at 520-824-3560 ext. 204 or email at Danielle_Foster@nps.gov.
The oldest systems were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s and the five wastewater systems to be upgraded are more than 35 years old. The Bonita Campground system serves a 29-unit campground with restrooms and a single-family residence. Its replacement would include a lift station (to eliminate blockages and odors caused by the poor slope in existing collection pipes) and a replaced septic tank, collection piping, dosing siphon, and drain field. The visitor center/maintenance compound system and the west housing area system replacements would include replaced collection piping, septic tanks, connections to historic residences, and evapotranspiration beds. These two systems, which serve four park staff residences, four duplex housing units, and park administrative and maintenance buildings, may be combined for cost effectiveness and improved operation. The project includes rehabilitating/replacing two small independent systems that serve the isolated headquarters building and a remote historic building/residence (Faraway Ranch).
This EA evaluates two alternatives, the no-action alternative and one action alternative that focus on rehabilitating/replacing five failing sanitary sewer systems within the Monument. The purpose of the proposed action is to replace and rehabilitate five failing sanitary sewer systems within the Monument. Replacement and rehabilitation of the sewer systems is needed because of the deteriorating condition of the existing system and the associated health and environmental impacts. Under the No Action Alternative, the failing sewer systems would not be replaced or rehabilitated. Chiricahua staff would continue to perform sewer maintenance and repairs as in the past. The existing sewer systems would continue to deteriorate and current problems with operations, maintenance, resource, damage, and health concerns would persist. The Preferred Alternative would replace existing sewer systems at Bonita Canyon Campground, the East and West Housing complexes, and Faraway Ranch Building 29. The existing sewer system would be rehabilitated at Monument Headquarters. The proposed sewer system improvements would provide a safer experience for park visitors and staff, and would reduce threats to park resources by reducing the potential for accidental sewage spills. The proposed project also would reduce long-term maintenance costs.
How to Comment on Plans to Replace the Failing Sewer System
The public is invited to provide input on the proposal to replace four and rehabilitate one of six wastewater systems. Comments received during the scoping period will be used to help define the issues and concerns to be addressed in the Environmental Assessment.
Comments should be submitted online by visiting http://parkplanning.nps.gov, the website for the NPS's Planning Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) system. Comments also may be sent to the address below no later than March 5, 2010.
Chiricahua National Monument
12856 E. Rhyolite Creek Road
Willcox, AZ 85643
Commenter's should be aware that their entire comment - including personal identifying information - may be made publicly available at any time. While commenter's can ask that their personal identifying information be withheld from public review, the NPS cannot guarantee that this will be possible.
If you have questions about the project or would like more information, please contact Kym_Hall@nps.gov, or phone at (520) 366-5515 x2101. You may also contact Natural Resource Program Manager Danielle Foster by phone at 520-824-3560 ext. 204 or email at Danielle_Foster@nps.gov.
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