CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION DETERMINATION Water Meter Replacement Augusta-Richmond County Richmond County, GA DWSRF GEFA Project No.: DW2025010   The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has conducted a review of the above subject project in accordance with the State’s Environmental Review Process (SERP) for Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) projects. The EPD has determined that this project is eligible for a categorical exclusion. Accordingly, the EPD is exempting the project from further substantive environmental review requirements under Georgia’s SERP.   The Augusta-Richmond County proposed project entails the replacement of approximately 75,0000 existing water meters and the implementation of a new Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system along with appurtenances needed for the installation and operation of meters.   This project is eligible for a Categorical Exclusion because it meets the following specific criteria, outlined in the DWSRF SERP: Installation of new or replacement of existing backflow prevention devices and/or meters at existing customers service connections. Furthermore:   • The project will not require issuance of a new or modification of an existing ground water or surface water withdrawal permit. • The project is not known or expected to have a significant adverse effect on the quality of the human environment, either individually, cumulatively over time, or in conjunction with other Federal, State, local or private actions. • The project is not known or expected to directly or indirectly have a significant adverse effect on air quality and on/or threatened species; or environmentally important natural resource areas, such as floodplains, wetlands, important farmlands or aquifer recharge areas; and cultural resource areas, such as archaeological and historic sites; habitats of endangered species. • The action is cost-effective and is not expected to cause significant public controversy.   This determination shall become effective after thirty (30) days following its distribution by EPD and can be revoked if significant adverse information is made available. The documentation to support this decision is on file with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division and is available for public scrutiny upon request. A copy of the proposed project documentation is also available for review at the City Hall in Augusta, Georgia.   All interested agencies, groups and persons supporting or disagreeing with this decision are invited to submit written comments, within thirty (30) days of the publish date of this notice to:   Georgia Environmental Protection Division ATTN: Atiya Jangda, Environmental Engineer Drinking Water Program 2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, SE, Suite 1470A East Tower Atlanta, Georgia 30334-9000   After evaluating the comments received, EPD will make a final decision regarding approval of the project planning documents. No administrative action will be taken on the project for thirty (30) calendar days after publication of this Notice in a local newspaper that serves the Augusta-Richmond County area.   Publish Date: 11/19/2025   Manny Patel, Program Manager Drinking Water Program Georgia Environmental Protection Division