THRHA files water quality certification for 40-lot Juneau affordable housing subdivision

The Tlingit Haida Regional Housing Authority has filed a Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certification request with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation for a 40-lot residential subdivision, opening a formal public notice process on the project's wetland impacts.

The S'et Kanax_ Dut'en Subdivision is located on Lot 3, USS 2366 and a portion of USS 2364, and is intended to increase the available stock of affordable, modern, energy-efficient homes for tribal citizens and other local residents. The project targets homebuyers earning less than 80% of Median Family Income. It would require filling approximately 4.12 acres of wetlands, discharging roughly 60,700 cubic yards of fill material during road construction, utilities installation, and home-site preparation. It also requires a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit.

Certification Scope

DEC's review is narrow by design. "The scope of certification is limited to the water quality-related impacts of the activity subject to the Federal license or permit," the agency said, citing 40 CFR 121.3 and 18 AAC 15.180. Broader concerns about land use or cultural impacts fall outside the certification's scope. The agency may certify, certify with conditions, deny, or waive the certification. The Corps cannot issue its federal permit until the state completes or waives its review.

How to Comment

Residents, tribes, and agencies can submit comments through dec.alaska.gov/commish/public-notices or by email to [email protected] before the public notice expiration date.