TVA Economic Development Grant Proposal for Site Improvements at Morgan Center Business Park

No Practicable Alternative

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) proposes to provide a grant to the Morgan County Economic Development Association (MCEDA) to enhance the marketability and facilitate the development of the Morgan Center Business Park (Business Park) located approximately two miles southeast of Hartselle, Alabama. This project would require the clearing of 1.63 acres of wetlands and the relocation of 2000 linear feet of stream and would be, therefore, subject to Executive Order (EO) 11990 protection of wetlands.

To mitigate adverse impacts to wetlands, MCEDA would purchase credits at a wetland mitigation bank within the vicinity of the Morgan Center Business Park. Additionally, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management would require the reestablishment of the riparian zone around the newly diverted stream path and potentially other appropriate mitigative measures as part of the steam mitigation plan.

In accordance with EO 11990, TVA has reviewed the information provided and made a determination that there is no practicable alternative to the proposed clearing of 1.63 acres of wetlands and the relocation of 2000 linear feet of stream.

On June 27 2017 TVA issued the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for public comment. Comments were accepted through July 10, 2017, via TVA’s website, mail, and e-mail. No comments were received.