A new project at the Haines ferry terminal could address a disinfection problem that has caused the building to be under a boil water notice since 2023.
Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities and the Federal Highway Administration seek comments on a project to improve the drinking water treatment system at the terminal.
The notice was issued in July of 2023 after a water storage tank failed, meaning the water system was unable to be disinfected, according to Department of Environmental Conservation records.
According to an online public notice, construction could begin as early as the fall of 2026, though it’s not clear precisely what the project would entail.
According to the public notice, the project could affect wetlands, eagles, endangered species, marine mammals, fish habitat, and cultural or historic properties. But, based on the location and scope of work, state staff believe the project would qualify for a streamlined environmental review which happens when an agency determines that the work won’t have a significant effect on the human environment and determines that it falls under a categorical exclusion.
When asked what work would be done to fix the water system, DOT spokesperson Sonny Mauricio said the current plan will be to install a new automated disinfection system.
“Staff will be able to monitor and control the system through a touch-screen device, which will greatly reduce the time terminal staff spend maintaining the system,” he wrote in an email.
He said all work would take place within the existing ferry terminal building, primarily in the mechanical and electrical rooms.
“No changes to the terminal footprint are anticipated, and no facility closures are anticipated during construction,” he wrote.
Mauricio said DOT is specifically seeking public comments to help identify “environmental, social, or operational considerations” that should be taken into account as the work moves forward.
The Department of Transportation is taking public comments on the proposed project through Dec. 18. Written comments can be sent to Joseph Galgano, [email protected] or Misty Butler, [email protected].