SFrom: Lisa Ross
Date: Monday, December 01, 2003 11:44:35 AM
To: Chris.Jones@epa.state.oh.us; tracy.freeman@epa.state.oh.us; Tim Schaffer; Steve Malone; Jack Hoogeveen; greg.smith@epa.state.oh.us; bob.knipmeyer@epa.state.oh.us; Bob Monsarrat
Cc: Ted Hackworth; Heidi F Riggs; David Shaver; Brian Wisniewski
ubject: DEFA-FONSI
Dear OEPA officials:
In mid November, I received an OEPA- DEFA report, dated November 10, 2003, titled, Finding of NO Significant Impact (FONSI)regarding the Pickerington sewer plant expansion. I believe this was prepared as a part of the process of granting OEPA monies for such expansion. In this report, a thirty day period for comments is stated. I assume that if comments are received that responses to such are normally given. The deadline for submitting comments appears to be December 10, 2003.
I was recently given information that the DEFA director, Greg Smith, has directed the staff working on the WPCLF and WWRSP loan applications that Pickerington has submitted to have the materials ready by December 5, 2003, for the OWDA board meeting on December 11, 2003.
It is my understanding that the OWDA board meets more than once per year, in fact they meet monthly. I am aware of several citizens who are preparing comments on the FONSI, including myself. We believe significant issues were not reviewed in the FONSI and will request that they be reviewed in depth. I would hope that the comments on the FONSI and subsequent responses would be included in any material that the OWDA board reviews prior to making any decision regarding the use of State bond pool money for the loans Pickerington has sought. With the comment period ending on December 10th, I would assume the staff may not have sufficient time to devote to review of the additional issues citizens may raise.
I respectfully request that the loan applications and associated package, not be presented to the OWDA on December 11, 2003. This request is made to allow the process allowing citizens to comment on the findings in the FONSI, and receive a response has been completed. I also request delay of the review of these applications by the OWDA because of the fact that the WWTP expansion, NPDES permit, is currently being considered by ERAC, with hearing dates not scheduled until January, 2004.
As a citizen of Ohio, I do not want State backed loans to be awarded to a project with significant outstanding issues unresolved. The fact that the NPDES permit may be revoked by action of the ERAC, would essentially create a situation where loan money has been devoted to a project which would have no permit to discharge increased effluent.
I realize the WWRSP portion of the project may have a fiscal year deadline for loan awards. I do not believe the merits of any WWRSP project should dictate the rush to a multi-million dollar sewer plant expansion where there are several, severe, current issues outstanding, as mentioned above. Since a WWRSP application is already processed, couldn't this same application be moved to FY 2004 or FY 2005 WWRSP evaluation cycles?
One of the big issues outstanding is the community's ability to pay for the project, given the fact that the newly elected city government, which will take office January 1. 2004, does not support the project in the current form. The new officials have indicated that they would like time to evaluate the needs of the city in the future, a future which would include a major reduction in the rate of housing growth compared to the current rate. Since over 95% of the service area for this expansion is slated for residential service, a review of options which may be more affordable to the community is prudent and in the best interest of all involved.
Please consider my comments as soon as possible.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Ross
