IOWA STATE REVOLVING FUND FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT. To: All Interested Citizens, Government Agencies, and Public Groups

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1 Why You Should Read This: The document below reviews the environmental impact likely from a project. This project is planned to be federally funded through your tax dollars; therefore, you are entitled to take part in its review. If you have concerns about the environmental impact of this project, raise them now. We encourage public input in this decision making process. IOWA STATE REVOLVING FUND FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT April 13, 2015 To: All Interested Citizens, Government Agencies, and Public Groups An environmental review has been performed based on the procedures for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), for the proposed agency action below: Applicant: City of North Liberty SRF No.: CS Project No.: S County: Johnson State: Iowa The City of North Liberty, Iowa is planning an upgrade to their wastewater treatment plant. The city has applied for financial assistance through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan program to build the project. The State Revolving Loan Program is a program authorized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and administered by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in partnership with the Iowa Finance Authority. COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION Location: The City of North Liberty is located in Johnson County approximately 7 miles north, northwest of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and 16 miles south of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Population: The population of North Liberty according to the 2010 US Census was 13,374.

2 FNSI Page 2 City of North Liberty CS Current Waste Treatment: The existing WWTF is a Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) facility consisting of the following items: preliminary treatment including, screening, grit removal, and raw wastewater pumping; flow equalization pump station and basin; fine screens; MBR treatment process including 2 aeration basins and 3 membrane tanks; UV disinfection facilities; two aerobic sludge digesters with mixing and aeration; a sludge storage tank. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Purpose: The purpose of this project is to make improvements to the wastewater treatment facilities to enhance their reliability and increase capacity to safely and reliably operate the City of North Liberty s wastewater system for the next 20 years and meet requirements of Iowa s Nutrient Reduction Policy. Proposed Improvements: The proposed project involves upgrading the City's existing membrane bioreactor (MBR) facility in order to accommodate the City's growing population. A phased approach is being proposed. Phase IA will accommodate a design population of approximately 20,400. Phase II will accommodate a population of 27,800. Below is a summary of the proposed improvements. The Phase IA improvements include: variable frequency drives for the flow equalization (EQ) pumps; a new overflow pipe and structure in the EQ basin; replacement of the existing cylindrical fine screen with a multi-rake bar screen; addition of a wash press and mezzanine to the preliminary treatment building; replacement of the manually cleaned bar screen in the bypass channel with an in-channel grinder; an increase in firm capacity of the raw wastewater pumps to 5.6 mgd; addition of a mixing system and odor control; a new influent structure; a third fine screen in the MBR building; a valved opening between the existing aeration basins; an increase in firm capacity of the aeration blowers to 3750 scfm; addition of a 5 th membrane cassette (with 370 sf of membrane area per module) to each train; fiberglass grating and a cover plate installed over the membrane tank; a concrete tank for membrane cleaning; replacement of the existing permeate pumps with pumps designed for 1430 gpm; piping modifications at the backpulse tank; conversion of the membrane trains to GE/Zenon's LEAPmbr system; aerobic digester improvements; new sludge storage facilities; the purchase of a trailer mounted sludge thickener/dewatering unit; and expansion of the control building. The Phase II improvements include: addition of a fourth raw wastewater pump; expansion of the membrane building; a fourth fine screen; conversion of existing Aerobic Digester No. 1 into two aeration basins with anoxic zones; a fine bubble diffused aeration system for the new aeration basins; a fourth blower which increases the firm capacity of the aeration blowers to 5625 scfm; two additional mixed liquor return (MLR) pumps; the installation of membrane equipment for the fourth train; replacement of the membranes and protective coatings in trains 1, 2 and 3; conversion of the existing sludge storage tank to an aerobic digester; three digesters blowers capable of producing 3290 scfm that work in combination with the existing mechanical mixers; sludge thickening/dewatering facilities; and renovations to the control building. 2 INVESTING IN IOWA S WATER

3 FNSI Page 3 City of North Liberty CS Biological nutrient removal (BNR) is also proposed as part of the facility upgrade. Total nitrogen removal is currently achieved through denitrification in anoxic zones coupled with aerobic zones. It is proposed that phosphorus removal be achieved by phosphorus removing organisms (PAOs) in anaerobic zones. It is proposed that the UCT process be implemented at the facility for BNR. Implementation of the process requires the addition of an anaerobic zone at the head of the aeration basin, modifications to the influent and membrane tank overflow lines, and mixed liquor recirculation from the anoxic zone to the anaerobic zone. The proposed expansion of North Liberty s WWTF includes the purchase of a 37 acre agricultural parcel immediately east of the existing treatment plant property. Excess clean fill dirt from the construction of the above referenced improvements will be spread over an approximate 6 acre area of the new property and a 6 foot high chain link fence will be constructed around the perimeter of the new treatment plant. Receiving Stream: The treated wastewater from the proposed facility will discharge to Muddy Creek, tributary to the Iowa River. Muddy Creek has a presumptive stream use designation of A-1, B(WW-1); a Use Attainability Assessment has not yet been completed for this stream. The A1 designation is for primary contact recreational use and the B(WW- 1) designation for is typically for large interior and border rivers and the lower segments of medium-size tributary streams capable of supporting and maintaining a wide variety of aquatic life, including game fish. SUMMARY OF REASONS FOR CONCLUDING NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT The project will not significantly affect the pattern and type of land use (industrial, commercial, agricultural, recreational, residential) or growth and distribution of population. The project will not conflict with local, regional or State land use plans or policies. The project will not impact wetlands. The project will not affect threatened and endangered species or their habitats. If any State- or Federally-listed threatened or endangered species or communities are found during the planning or construction phases, additional studies and/or mitigation may be required. The project will not displace population, alter the character of existing residential areas, or convert significant farmlands to non-agricultural purposes. The project will not affect the 100-year flood plain. The project will not have effect on parklands, preserves, other public lands, or areas of recognized scenic or recreational value. 3 INVESTING IN IOWA S WATER

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5 FNSI Page 5 City of North Liberty CS Enclosures: Environmental Assessment Project Map Cc: Steven Troyer, Fox Engineering Associates, Inc. 414 South 17 th St. Suite 107, Ames, IA Distribution List ( ): Horst Greczmiel, Council on Environmental Quality Jake Hansen, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Ken Sharp, Iowa Department of Public Health Randy Lane, Iowa Department of Public Health Leslie Leager, Iowa Economic Development Authority Susan Heathcote, Iowa Environmental Council Tracy Scebold, Iowa Finance Authority Alyson Fleming, Iowa Finance Authority Mickey Shields, Iowa League of Cities Jane Clark, Sierra Club Lindsay Dubin, Environmental Law and Policy Center Daniel Hayes, USACE Rock Island District Charlene Cole, USACE Rock Island District Jim Carroll, USDA Rural Development Nick Chevance, USDOI, National Park Service, Midwest Region Kraig McPeek, Fish and Wildlife Service, Rock Island Field Office Christopher Simmons, USEPA Region VII Kelly Beard-Tittone, USEPA Region VII North Liberty Leader 5 INVESTING IN IOWA S WATER

6 Why You Should Read This: The document below reviews the environmental impact likely from a project. This project is planned to be federally funded through your tax dollars; therefore, you are entitled to take part in its review. If you have concerns about the environmental impact of this project, raise them now. We encourage public input in this decision making process. IOWA STATE REVOLVING FUND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT DOCUMENT PROJECT IDENTIFICATION Applicant: City of North Liberty SRF No.: CS Project No.: S County: Johnson State: Iowa COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION Location: The City of North Liberty is located in Johnson County approximately 7 miles north, northwest of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and 16 miles south of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Population: The population of North Liberty according to the 2010 US Census was 13,374. Current Waste Treatment: The existing WWTF is a Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) facility consisting of the following items: preliminary treatment including, screening, grit removal, and raw wastewater pumping; flow equalization pump station and basin; fine screens; MBR treatment process including 2 aeration basins and 3 membrane tanks; UV disinfection facilities; two aerobic sludge digesters with mixing and aeration; a sludge storage tank. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Purpose: The purpose of this project is to make improvements to the wastewater treatment facilities to enhance their reliability and increase capacity to safely and reliably INVESTING IN IOWA S WATER

7 EAD Page 2 City of North Liberty CS operate the City of North Liberty s wastewater system for the next 20 years and meet requirements of Iowa s Nutrient Reduction Policy. Proposed Improvements: The proposed project involves upgrading the City's existing membrane bioreactor (MBR) facility in order to accommodate the City's growing population. A phased approach is being proposed. Phase IA will accommodate a design population of approximately 20,400. Phase II will accommodate a population of 27,800. Below is a summary of the proposed improvements. The Phase IA improvements include: variable frequency drives for the flow equalization (EQ) pumps; a new overflow pipe and structure in the EQ basin; replacement of the existing cylindrical fine screen with a multi-rake bar screen; addition of a wash press and mezzanine to the preliminary treatment building; replacement of the manually cleaned bar screen in the bypass channel with an in-channel grinder; an increase in firm capacity of the raw wastewater pumps to 5.6 mgd; addition of a mixing system and odor control; a new influent structure; a third fine screen in the MBR building; a valved opening between the existing aeration basins; an increase in firm capacity of the aeration blowers to 3750 scfm; addition of a 5 th membrane cassette (with 370 sf of membrane area per module) to each train; fiberglass grating and a cover plate installed over the membrane tank; a concrete tank for membrane cleaning; replacement of the existing permeate pumps with pumps designed for 1430 gpm; piping modifications at the backpulse tank; conversion of the membrane trains to GE/Zenon's LEAPmbr system; aerobic digester improvements; new sludge storage facilities; the purchase of a trailer mounted sludge thickener/dewatering unit; and expansion of the control building. The Phase II improvements include: addition of a fourth raw wastewater pump; expansion of the membrane building; a fourth fine screen; conversion of existing Aerobic Digester No. 1 into two aeration basins with anoxic zones; a fine bubble diffused aeration system for the new aeration basins; a fourth blower which increases the firm capacity of the aeration blowers to 5625 scfm; two additional mixed liquor return (MLR) pumps; the installation of membrane equipment for the fourth train; replacement of the membranes and protective coatings in trains 1, 2 and 3; conversion of the existing sludge storage tank to an aerobic digester; three digesters blowers capable of producing 3290 scfm that work in combination with the existing mechanical mixers; sludge thickening/dewatering facilities; and renovations to the control building. Biological nutrient removal (BNR) is also proposed as part of the facility upgrade. Total nitrogen removal is currently achieved through denitrification in anoxic zones coupled with aerobic zones. It is proposed that phosphorus removal be achieved by phosphorus removing organisms (PAOs) in anaerobic zones. It is proposed that the UCT process be implemented at the facility for BNR. Implementation of the process requires the addition of an anaerobic zone at the head of the aeration basin, modifications to the influent and membrane tank overflow lines, and mixed liquor recirculation from the anoxic zone to the anaerobic zone. The proposed expansion of North Liberty s WWTF includes the purchase of a 37 acre agricultural parcel immediately east of the existing treatment plant property. Excess clean INVESTING IN IOWA S WATER

8 EAD Page 3 City of North Liberty CS fill dirt from the construction of the above referenced improvements will be spread over an approximate 6 acre area of the new property and a 6 foot high chain link fence will be constructed around the perimeter of the new treatment plant. Receiving Stream: The treated wastewater from the proposed facility will discharge to Muddy Creek, tributary to the Iowa River. Muddy Creek has a presumptive stream use designation of A-1, B(WW-1); a Use Attainability Assessment has not yet been completed for this stream. The A1 designation is for primary contact recreational use and the B(WW- 1) designation for is typically for large interior and border rivers and the lower segments of medium-size tributary streams capable of supporting and maintaining a wide variety of aquatic life, including game fish. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED Alternatives Considered: The wastewater treatment facility alternatives which were considered were: recycle and reuse of the proposed increased volume of treated wastewater, land application of the proposed increase in design loadings, regional treatment by Iowa City or Coralville, expanding North Liberty s existing membrane bioreactor wastewater treatment facility, and expanding North Liberty s existing membrane bioreactor wastewater treatment facility with additional biological nutrient removal treatment. Reasons for Selection of Proposed Alternative: The No-Action alternative is not viable because the existing facility does not have capacity to treat future wastewater loading due to the rapid growth of North Liberty. The recycling and reuse and land application alternatives were determined to be impractical. The regional treatment alternative was determined to be economically inefficient. The expansion of the MBR with additional biological nutrient removal treatment was the selected alternative as the most reasonable based on practicality, economic efficiency, affordability, and reduced degradation of the receiving stream. The project site was selected for the availability of land (existing wastewater treatment facility property and available parcel immediately adjacent to the existing facility) as well as minimization of the impacts to the environment. MEASURES TAKEN TO ASSESS IMPACT Public Involvement: A public hearing was held on January 13, 2015 at 7:00PM at the City s regular council meeting. The public notice of this hearing was published in the North Liberty Leader on December 11, The purpose of this hearing was to present the environmental and financial impacts of the proposed improvement project. No written or oral comments were received. INVESTING IN IOWA S WATER

9 EAD Page 4 City of North Liberty CS Coordination and Documentation with Other Agencies and Special Interest Groups: The following Federal, state and local agencies were asked to comment on the proposed project to better assess the potential impact to the environment: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service State Historical Society of Iowa (State Historical Preservation Office) Iowa DNR Conservation and Recreation Division Iowa DNR Water Resources Section Citizen Band Potawatomi Indian Tribe Delaware Tribe of Indians Flandreau Santee Sioux Ho-Chunk Nation Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma Lower Sioux Indian Community Council Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Omaha Tribal Council Osage Tribal Council Otoe-Missouria Tribe Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Prairie Island Indian Community Sac & Fox Nation of Mississippi in Iowa Sac & Fox Nation of Missouri Sac & Fox Nation of Oklahoma Santee Sioux Nation Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Spirit Lake Tribal Council Three Affiliated Tribes Mandan, Hidatsa & Arikara Nations Upper Sioux Tribe Winnebago Tribal Council Yankton Sioux Tribal Business and Claims Committee Johnson County Historical Society No adverse comments were received from any agencies or general public. Conditions placed on the applicant by the above agencies in order to assure no significant impact are included in the Summary of Reasons for Concluding No Significant Impact section. INVESTING IN IOWA S WATER

10 EAD Page 5 City of North Liberty CS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT SUMMARY Construction: Traffic patterns within the community may be disrupted and above normal noise levels in the vicinity of the construction equipment can be anticipated during construction and should be a temporary problem. Adverse environmental impacts on noise quality will be handled by limited hours of contractor work time during the day. Other adverse environmental effects from construction activities will be minimized by proper construction practices, inspection, prompt cleanup, and other appropriate measures. Areas temporarily disturbed by the construction will be restored. Solid wastes resulting from the construction project will be regularly cleared away with substantial efforts made to minimize inconvenience to area residents. Care will be taken to maintain dirt to avoid erosion and runoff. The proposed project will disturb soils over an area greater than one acre; therefore, the applicant is required to obtain an NPDES General Permit Number 2 (for storm water discharge associated with construction activities) and abide by its terms. Therefore, no significant impact to surface water quality, fish, shellfish, wildlife, or their natural habitats is expected. Temporary air quality degradation may occur due to dust and fumes from construction equipment. The applicant shall take reasonable precautions to prevent the discharge of visible emissions of fugitive dusts beyond the lot line of the property during the proposed project (567 Iowa Administrative Code IAC 23.3(2) c ). This project may require the disposal of sewage sludge. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the disposal of any sewage sludge complies with applicable requirements found in 40 CFR Part 503 and 567 Iowa Administrative Code IAC 67. Historical/Archaeological: The State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO), the Certified Local Government and various Native American tribes with an interest in the area were provided information regarding the project. The DNR has determined, and the SHPO has agreed, that this undertaking will result in no historic properties effected based on the scope of the project, the prior use of the project area, and the findings of the Phase I Archeological Survey conducted on the project property. However, if project activities uncover any item(s) that might be of archaeological, historical, or architectural interest, or if important new archaeological, historical, or architectural data should be encountered in the project APE, the applicant should make reasonable efforts to avoid further impacts to the property until an assessment can be made by an individual meeting the Secretary of the Interior s professional qualifications standards (36 CFR Part 61). Environmental: According to the Iowa DNR Conservation and Recreation Division, the proposed project will not interfere with any State-owned parks, recreational areas or open spaces. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers concurs that the project will not impact wetlands. The project will not impact any wild and scenic rivers as none exist within the State of Iowa. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Section 7 Technical Assistance website consultation determined, and Iowa DNR Conservation and Recreation Division agree, that the project will not impact any federally listed threatened or endangered species or their habitats, since tree clearing would occur outside of the Indiana bat (and Northern Long-eared bat) summer roosting period. The Iowa DNR Conservation and Recreation Division INVESTING IN IOWA S WATER

11 EAD Page 6 City of North Liberty CS became aware of the potential presence of the state-threatened Ornate Box Turtle within the proposed project area. The City and their consultant developed an Ornate Box Turtle Habitat Assessment and Mitigation Action Plan for the proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements project area, which the Iowa DNR Conservation and Recreation Division reviewed and determined that the project is not likely to adversely impact the Ornate Box Turtle if the measures in the plan are implemented. If any other State- or Federally-listed threatened or endangered species or communities are found during the planning or construction phases, additional studies and/or mitigation may be required. According to the Iowa DNR Water Resources Section, this project will not impact the 100-year floodplain. Therefore, no significant impact to surface water quality, fish, shellfish, wildlife, or their natural habitats is expected. Land Use and Trends: The project will not displace population nor will it alter the character of existing residential areas. The proposed project is within the present corporate limits of North Liberty in areas zoned residential, commercial, or industrial. No significant farmlands are expected to be impacted. This project should not impact population trends as the presence or absence of existing water/sewer infrastructure is unlikely to induce significant alterations in the population growth or distribution given the myriad of factors that influence development in this region. Similarly, this project is unlikely to induce significant alterations in the pattern and type of land use. Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Resources: Fuels, materials, and various forms of energy will be utilized during construction. POSITIVE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS TO BE REALIZED FROM THE PROPOSED PROJECT Positive environmental effects will be improved treatment of the wastewater from the City of North Liberty, compliance with effluent discharge permit limits, and compliance with the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, which will result in reduced nutrient loadings to the receiving stream and improved water quality in the receiving stream. SUMMARY OF REASONS FOR CONCLUDING NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT The project will not significantly affect the pattern and type of land use (industrial, commercial, agricultural, recreational, residential) or growth and distribution of population. The project will not conflict with local, regional or State land use plans or policies. The project will not impact wetlands. The project will not affect threatened and endangered species or their habitats. If any State- or Federally-listed threatened or endangered species or communities are found during the planning or construction phases, additional studies and/or mitigation may be required. INVESTING IN IOWA S WATER

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13 USGS 7.5 Minute Quadrangle: Iowa City West Section: 19, Township: 80 N, Range: 6 W Date: 1994 Scale: 1 Inch = 2,000 Feet North Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades Project Location USGS Topographic Map North Liberty Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade North Liberty, IA State Revolving Fund 502 East 9 th Street Des Moines, IA

14 Location provided by Fox Engineering North Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades Project Location 2013 Aerial Photo North Liberty Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade North Liberty, IA State Revolving Fund 502 East 9 th Street Des Moines, IA

15 EXISTING EQUALIZATION BASIN EXISTING PROPERTY LINE FIGURE: 4.4 NO. DATE REVISION DRAWN PROJECT NO. DATE SJT A 5/3/13 PRELIM. TREATMENT IMPROVEMENTS (PHASE II) EXISTING CONTROL BUILDING SOLIDS HANDLING FACILITY (PHASE II) 1000-FT RADIUS (TYPICAL) WWTP PHASE II EXPANSION FACILITY PLAN UPDATE CITY OF NORTH LIBERTY, IOWA RENOVATE CONTROL BLDG. (PHASE II) CONVERT TO AERATION BASINS (PHASE II) EXISTING MEMBRANE BUILDING MEMBRANE SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS(PHASE II) MEMBRANE BUILDING EXPANSION (PHASE II) 90 PERCENT OF EXISTING SEPERATION FOREVERGREEN ROAD

16 "FUTURE" SITE FEATURES ARE NOT IN THE SCOPE OF THIS PROJECT AND ARE SHOWN FOR REFERENCE ONLY. MDK LAST UPDATE: 10/31/14 2. DRAWN: SEE "EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS" FOR DETAILED EXISTING CONDITIONS FROM TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY. MDK DATE 1. DATE REVISION DEED HOLDER: FRANK E COLONY TRUST AGREEMENT BY OVERALL SITE NOTES MAIN GATE NT FUTURE FOREVERGREEN ROAD ALIGNME X EXISTING STORAGE BUILDING SEE 1/C302 FOR SITE LAYOUT OF EAST DRIVE AND BIOSOLIDS STORAGE AREA X EXISTING PRETREATMENT BUILDING S-H Project No X NEW GARAGE Iowa Illinois Indiana Missouri DEED HOLDER: FOUR D'S ACRES LLC Proposed 6' high chain link fence EXISTING EQUALIZATION BASIN PROPERTY LINE DEED HOLDER: IOWA CITY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2834 Northgate Dr Iowa City, IA fax X VE PROPERTY LINE IG AI LA PROPERTY LINE EXISTING CONTROL BUILDING SEE 2/C301 FOR SITE LAYOUT OF SECONDARY TREATMENT AND DEWATERING AREA FUTURE DEWATERED BIOSOLIDS STORAGE FUTURE DEWATERED BIOSOLIDS STORAGE NEW CHAIN LINK FENCE, TYP. SEE FENCE DETAIL NEW DEWATERED BIOSOLIDS STORAGE DEED HOLDER: IOWA CITY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT SEE 1/C301 FOR SITE LAYOUT OF GARAGE AREA PROPOSED STOCK PILE/ SOIL WASTING AREA NEW EAST DRIVE PROPERTY LINE NEW BIOSOLIDS DEWATERING FACILITY X PROPERTY LINE EXISTING MEMBRANE BUILDING X NEW MEMBRANE BUILDING EXPANSION EXISTING CHAIN LINK FENCE, TYP. DY CR EE K DEED HOLDER: CITY OF NORTH LIBERTY OVERALL SITE PLAN MU D PROPERTY LINE DEED HOLDER: CITY OF NORTH LIBERTY NT FUTURE FOREVERGREEN ROAD ALIGNME PROPERTY LINE PROPERTY LINE DEED HOLDER: GARY WEINMAN DEED HOLDER: JAMES KEMPF PROJECT NO A SHEET C101 PRELIMINARY - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION MU DD YC RE EK PHASE II WWTP IMPROVEMENTS DOCUMENTS FILE CITY OF NORTH LIBERTY NORTH LIBERTY, IA X AB AC CE 5 UT SS, W 0' ILIT Y E ATER, AS EM AND EN T EXISTING CHAIN LINK FENCE, TYP.

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