MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION PRELIMINARY DECISION TO GRANT CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION (CE #703) Project Name/Number: Princess Anne Water Supply & Treatment Improvements Project DWBL/PF-1125-20L Project Applicant: Somerset County Sanitary District Project Location/County: 4 Locations in Princess Anne, Somerset County: 11780 Crisfield Lane, 30580 Hickory Avenue, 10837 Old Princess Anne Road, 30596 Irving Avenue Total Project Cost/Loan: $6,635,200/$6,590,200 Project Description: The proposed project consists of upgrades to four existing water treatment plants serving the Town of Princess Anne. Over the years the Somerset County Sanitary District has received numerous complaints from residents about the water, regarding its color and odor, stains to fixtures, and skin irritation. To address these issues, the project includes installation of Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) systems at each site to remove tannins, which are the suspected cause. Secondary benefits will be the removal of disinfection byproduct precursor compounds and PFAS compounds (slightly above the EPA action levels of 4 ppt). Work is anticipated to include a building addition or a new stand-alone structure and ancillary improvements at each site, including a new well pump at the currently out-of-service Irving Avenue site. Ultimately, the project will eliminate a public nuisance, mitigate several potential public health threats and provide safe drinking water for the Town. Somerset County has applied for financial assistance from the Maryland Department of the Environment's State Revolving Loan Fund for the proposed project as described above. In accordance with requirements for complying with the State Environmental Review Procedures (SERP) under COMAR 26.03.11 for such assistance, a review has been performed by the Department on the applicant’s request for a Categorical Exclusion from a comprehensive environmental review under SERP. The Department has determined that the proposed project qualifies for a Categorical Exclusion pursuant to COMAR 26.03.11.04 because the project constitutes both the functional replacement of existing equipment or structures and the construction of new ancillary facilities that do not increase the capacity of the existing facility. This determination is based on a careful review of the supporting documentation provided by the applicant and other documents available to the Department. In concert with this preliminary determination, the Department has also found the project to be consistent with the Maryland Economic Growth, Resource Protection, and Planning Policy in accordance with Executive Order 01.01.1992.27, and Maryland’s Smart Growth and Neighborhood Conservation Policy, in accordance with Executive Order 01.01.1998.04. As a result of the above determination, the applicant will not need to prepare and/or finalize an Environmental Information Document, and the Department is prepared to approve the applicant's request for financial assistance without further environmental review. Comments supporting or disagreeing with the above preliminary decision may be submitted for consideration by writing to: Sunita Boyle, P.E., Chief Region II Project Management Division Engineering & Capital Projects Program Water and Science Administration Maryland Department of Environment 1800 Washington Boulevard Baltimore, Maryland 21230 After evaluating any comments received, the Department will make a final decision no sooner than 20 calendar days from the date of this notice. No administrative action will be taken with respect to this proposal during this timeframe. 47302 CT 8/26/2026