The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District (USACE) has released for public comment the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on the effects associated with a proposed environmental infrastructure project located in the Gary/Chicago International Airport (GCIA), Lake County, Indiana pursuant to Section 219 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1992, as amended. The purpose of the proposed project is to improve deficiencies in the storm and sanitary sewer infrastructure at the GCIA to ensure uninterrupted airport operations (Enclosure 1).
The Draft EA considers three alternatives to improve storm and sanitary sewer infrastructure at the GCIA. The recommended plan includes
• Upgrades to an existing lift station including replacing equipment and controls, replacing access hatch cover, and adding new flow meter vault.
• Rehabilitation of the storm sewer and structures using trenchless technologies including 2,769 linear feet (LF) of cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) lining, 1,552 LF of heavy cleaning, 773 LF of root cutting, and cleaning, lid replacement or elevation, filter bag installation, trash rack installation, or end section replacement at 95 structures.
• Rehabilitation of sanitary sewer and structures using trenchless technologies including 350 LF of CIPP lining, one sewer point replacement, and two manholes to be lined.
The 30-day public review period will be held from April 17, 2025, through May 17, 2025. As part of the public review period, USACE would appreciate any comments or concerns associated with any potential effects to environmental and cultural resources of the proposed action.
Comments regarding the proposed action may be submitted via email or mail. Emailed comments should be sent to andrew.j.miller2@usace.army.mil. Mailed comments should be sent to the attention of Mr. Andrew J. Miller, Landscape Architect at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (CELRC-PDL-E), 231 South LaSalle Street, Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60604. All comments should be postmarked or emailed by May 17, 2025.