Public Notice
APPROVAL OF A CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FROM
AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR A PROJECT
FUNDED THROUGH THE VIRGINIA WATER SUPPLY REVOLVING FUND
Public Notice No.:
BIL 022S-25
First Publication Date: September 10, 2026
The Virginia Department of Health has under consideration a request for a Categorical Exclusion from an Environmental Assessment for a waterworks project proposed to be funded through the Virginia Water Supply Revolving Fund. The applicant is Buchanan County Public Service Authority.
The proposed project consists of replacement of approximately 14,100 linear feet of 8-inch and smaller waterlines along Route 619 (Leemaster Drive) and adjoining streets in Leemaster, Virginia. These waterlines are at the end of their useful life and frequent waterline breaks have occurred in the area. This project will improve water service to approximately 90 households and does not include any waterline extensions or new customers. Waterlines are proposed to be replaced with the same size pipe along the same route within roadway or roadside right-of-way. This project will involve multiple stream crossings of the Trace Fork Branch. No tree clearing is proposed. Historic structures (a church and two households) are located in the project area, but no impact is expected. Project activities will be in coordination with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. No adverse environmental impacts are anticipated.
The project meets the following exclusion categories established by the Department:
* Water line replacement/rehabilitation to correct exfiltration water loss problems or problems associated with inadequate water pressure. Rehabilitation of drinking water facilities such as reservoirs and storage facilities.
Documentation supporting this request includes:
* Environmental Review Record by Artemis Consulting Services dated 3/12/2026
* Financial and Construction Assistance Programs Environmental Review site visit memorandum dated 7/20/2026
On the basis of a review of the request and support documentation, the Virginia Department of Health proposes to approve the request.
Persons may comment in writing to the Department on the proposed approval of the Categorical Exclusion within 30 days from the first publication date. Comments shall include the name, address, and telephone number of the writer and shall contain a complete, concise statement of the factual basis for the comments. Only those comments received within this period will be considered by the Department. Following the comment period, the Department will make its determination regarding the approval.
All comments should be addressed to:
Anthony Hess
c/o Theresa Hewlett
Virginia Department of Health
Office of Drinking Water
109 Governor Street, 6th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
VAM-10-10,17;2026
