DEC issues categorical exclusion for Palmer Wells 4 and 5 project

Palmer's plan to study and possibly expand the wells that supply most of the city's water cleared a state environmental review Tuesday, Sept. 22. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation issued a categorical exclusion for Wells 4 and 5, exempting the project from further review. The DEC public-notice record documents the determination.

Wells 4 and 5 normally provide about 90% of Palmer's water. Each has a sustained flow of 1,200 gallons per minute. Well 1, with a sustained capacity of 650 gallons per minute, supplies the rest.

The state fiscal year 2026 drinking water priority list estimates the project's cost at $1.5 million. It calls for analyzing the wells and aquifer to gauge whether production can be increased, then design work that may include well and well-control upgrades and a standby emergency generator. That record is a planning document, not a construction commitment.

The notice does not disclose DEC's environmental findings, affected parcels, or a schedule. DEC published an earlier categorical-exclusion notice for a Palmer new well and wellhouse in March 2025.

Statewide, the fund reports $124.5 million available against $209.9 million in requests.