Huntsville Sewer Line

On April 20, 2012, TVA issued a finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for its Section 26a approval of an 86-foot-long sewer line proposed to be built by the City of Huntsville on piers across Limestone Creek, in Limestone County, Alabama. TVA cooperated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in the development of an environmental assessment (EA) of the sewer line crossing. The EA, which was finalized on February 8, 2012, focused on potential impacts to water quality and two endangered snail species which occur in the stream. The Biological Opinion issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) concluded that the project was not likely to jeopardize the existence of the endangered snails, provided conservation measures and other conditions were implemented. TVA Section 26a approval required the City to implement construction best management practices, comply with standard and general conditions of the Section 26a Permit, and adhere to special conditions and requirements.

On May 28, 2014, the USACE issued a supplement to the February 8, 2012 EA which incorporated impacts resulting from proposed repairs to the sewer line.  The revised proposal required further consultation with the USFWS.  On July 18, 2014, TVA issued a new FONSI for the proposed repairs.  TVA cooperated with the USACE in the development of the supplemental EA which focused further on potential impacts to water quality and the two endangered snail species which occur in the stream.  USFWS concluded that the project was still not likely to jeopardize the existence of the endangered snails, provided conservation measures and other conditions were implemented.  TVA Section 26a approval will continue to require the City comply with standard and general conditions of the Section 26a Permit, and adhere to special conditions and requirements.