Draft Environmental Assessment Grand Point Bourbon Subdivision Longview Canal Drainage Improvement Project, Paulina, LA St. James Parish, Louisiana HMGP 1603-0221 FEMA-1603-DR-LA August 2011 U.S. Department of Homeland Security New Orleans Recovery Office TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION PAGE 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Project Authority 1 1.2 Project Location 1 2.0 PURPOSE AND NEED 3 3.0 ALTERNATIVES 4 3.1 Alternative 1 - No Action 4 3.2 Alternative 2 - Proposed Action 4 3.3 Alternative Eliminated from Further Consideration 15 4.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND IMPACTS 15 4.1 Impact Summary 15 4.2 Water Resources 22 4.2.1 Hydrology and Floodplains 22 4.2.2 Wetlands 23 4.2.3 Surface Water and Water Quality 26 4.3 Coastal Resources 27 4.4 Noise 28 4.5 Traffic and Transportation 29 4.6 Hazardous Materials and Toxic Wastes 29 5.0 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS 34 6.0 CONDITIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 35 7.0 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT 37 8.0 CONCLUSION 37 9.0 AGENCY COORDINATION 37 10.0 LIST OF PREPARERS 38 11.0 REFERENCES 38 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Site location in Paulina, St. James Parish, Louisiana 2 Figure 2: Proposed Project Location 3 Figure 3: Aerial Photograph Depicting the Beginning of the Longview Canal Widening (North) 5 Figure 4: Aerial Photograph Depicting the End of the Longview Canal Widening (South) 6 Figure 5: View of the Longview Canal at Highway 3125 Depicting Existing Culverts and the Location of the Chevron Gas Station 11 Figure 6: Effective DFIRM 22093C 0115C 22 Figure 7: Proposed Project Wetland Map 25 Figure 8 Proposed Project Drainage Map 27 Figure 9: General Location of Abandoned Oil/Gas Well 32 Figure 10: Location of Abandoned Oil/Gas Well in Relation to Nearby Structures 33 Figure 11: Location of Abandoned Oil/Gas Well in Relation to Longview Canal 34 LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Summary of Pertinent Data for the Replacement Culverts 8 Table 2: Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences Matrix 16 APPENDICES Agency Correspondence Appendix A 8-Step Process and Hydraulic and Hydrology Study Appendix B Public Notice Appendix C LIST OF ACRONYMS ACHP Advisory Council on Historic Preservation AI Agency Interest APE Area of Potential Effect BMP Best Management Practices CBRA Coastal Barrier Resources Act CBRS Coastal Barrier Resources System CFR Code of Federal Regulations CUP Coastal Use Permit CWA Clean Water Act CZMA Coastal Zone Management Act DA Department of the Army DFIRM Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map EA Environmental Assessment EIS Environmental Impact Statement EPA Environmental Protection Agency FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Map FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact GOHSEP Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness LADOTD Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development LDEQ Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality LDEQ EDMS LDEQ Electronic Document Management System LDEQ LUST LDEQ Leaking Underground Storage Tank Database LDEQ VRP LDEQ Voluntary Remediation Program Database LDNR Louisiana Department of Natural Resources LDWF Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries LPDES Louisiana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NFIP National Flood Insurance Program NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NRCS National Resources Conservation Service NRHP National Register of Historic Places OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration RHA Rivers and Harbors Act SHPO State Historic Preservation Office/Officer SONRIS Strategic Online Natural Resources Information System USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service UST Underground Storage Tank 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Project Authority In accordance with 44 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Subpart B – Agency Implementing Procedures, Section 10.9, an environmental assessment (EA) was prepared pursuant to Section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as implemented by the regulations promulgated by the President’s Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508). The EA determines if the proposed widening of the Longview Canal on both sides of Louisiana Highway 3125 (north and south) and the replacement of seven roadside culverts in Paulina, St. James Parish, Louisiana will have the potential for significant adverse effects on the quality of the human and natural environment. The results of this EA will be used to make a decision whether to initiate preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or to prepare a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). Hurricane Katrina, a Category 4 hurricane with a storm surge above normal high tide levels, moved across the Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama gulf coasts on August 29, 2005. Maximum sustained winds at landfall were estimated at 140 miles per hour. President Bush declared a major disaster for the State of Louisiana due to damages from Hurricane Katrina and signed a disaster declaration (FEMA-1603-DR-LA) on August 29, 2005, authorizing the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide federal assistance in designated areas of Louisiana. FEMA is administering this disaster assistance pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act), PL 93-288, as amended. Section 404 of the Stafford Act authorizes FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Program to provide funds to states and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a major disaster declaration. 1.2 Project Location St. James Parish is located in the central part of southeast Louisiana. It is approximately 165,760 acres (259 square miles), bordered to the east by St. John the Baptist Parish, to the south by Lafourche Parish, to the west by Assumption Parish, and to the north by Ascension Parish. The Town of Paulina is located on the east bank of St. James Parish. St. James Parish has approximately 21,056 people according to 2005-2009 estimated census figures. The town of Paulina is approximately 50 miles from New Orleans, Louisiana and 60 miles from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The most southern point of the proposed project is located approximately 0.85 mile north of the Mississippi River, and the most northern point of the project is located approximately 2.3 miles north of the Mississippi River (Figure 1). The proposed widening and deepening of the Longview Canal would begin at 30.047554, -90.741838 (north end) and end at 30.028967, -90.737147 (south end) (Figure 2). The proposed project is located within Section 10, Township 11S, Range 05E; Section 9, Township 11S, Range 05E; Section 11, Township 12S, Range 05E; Section 10, Township 12S, Range 05E; Section 9, Township 12S, Range 05E; and Section 8, Township 12S, Range 05E. Figure 1: Site Location in Paulina, St. James Parish, Louisiana Figure 2: Proposed Project Location 2.0 PURPOSE AND NEED On August 29, 2005, storm surge caused by Hurricane Katrina inundated large portions of southeast Louisiana causing extensive flood damage to structures in St. James Parish. The proposed drainage improvements would occur east of and adjacent to the Grand Point Bourbon subdivision area. The Grand Point Bourbon subdivision has one of the most severe localized flooding problems in the Parish. The original subdivision was constructed more than 25 years ago, and the increased runoff due to residential construction was not considered in the original design. The Grand Point Bourbon subdivision was constructed by a private developer before the Parish had laws requiring a drainage analysis and culvert permits that ensure proper culvert size and installation. The Parish now requires developers to undertake drainage studies and submit their drainage design channel and culvert installations to the Parish’s Operations Department for proper sizing and elevation grades. 3.0 ALTERNATIVES 3.1 Alternative 1 - No Action Under this alternative, St. James Parish would not perform the proposed mitigation work at the site. Consequently, the homes in the Grand Point Bourbon subdivision of Paulina would continue to flood during severe storms, tropical storms, and hurricanes. Additionally, traffic delays and delays for emergency response vehicles would continue to plague the area due to street flooding. 3.2 Alternative 2 – Longview Canal Improvement Drainage Project (Proposed Action) The proposed scope of work includes widening of the Longview Canal on both sides of LA State Highway 3125 (north and south) to expand its drainage capacity and increase the channel’s ability to remove water. The existing ditch south of Highway 3125 appears to be approximately 4 to 5 feet across at the bottom and approximately 12 to 15 feet across at the top. The canal depth appears to vary from an estimated 5 to 10 feet in this area. Along the east side of the Longview Canal are agricultural fields that are planted with sugar cane (Photo 1). Photo 1 – View of Longview Canal south of Highway 3125 showing the east side of the canal planted with sugar cane. The Parish has previously dredged both this channel and the main receiving drainage channels to be able to readily accommodate the increased drainage; therefore, no additional excavation or dredging of the Longview Canal would be necessary for this project. Approximately 7,400 linear feet (approximately 1.4 mile) of Longview Canal, beginning at 30.047554, -90.741838 (north end) and ending at 30.028967, -90.737147 (south end), would be widened and deepened to increase its capacity and provide the proper design flow (see Figures 3 and 4). The Parish plans to purchase an additional 30 feet of right-of-way on the east side of the Longview Canal from Stone Oil Company that would be required to widen the channel by 20 feet to provide an additional 10 feet of right of way for future access to the Parish for proper maintenance and grass cutting. The Parish would acquire approximately 5.1 acres of land; however, the land area that would be impacted by excavation and construction work is approximately 3.4 acres. The remaining 1.7 acres would be used by St. James Parish for access and maintaining the canal. The enlarged channel would have an 8-foot bottom and 2:1 side slopes. The widening of the Longview Canal would provide not only a quicker means to remove the floodwater, but since the Parish recently re-dredged the primary drainage channel (the St. James Parish Main Canal) that leads into Blind River and Lake Maurepas, it would allow the subdivision’s drainage channel to flow better without causing an increase in flooding in another area of the Parish. Figure 3: Aerial Photograph Depicting the Beginning of the Longview Canal Widening Project (North) Figure 4: Aerial Photograph Depicting the End of the Longview Canal Widening Project (South) The Parish also proposes to remove seven (7) existing undersized culverts within the subdivision and replace them with larger and more adequate culverts. Existing culverts C-1 through C-5 are located within developed areas at the intersections of Maura Street, Amy Street, and Wendy Street, with the Middle and East Channels, which are shallow channels that run perpendicular to the streets within the subdivision south of Highway 3125 (see Figure 4 [above] and Photos 2 and 3). Photo 2 – View of existing culvert C-5 on Wendy Street near the East Channel. This culvert is a representative of the culverts within the subdivision that would be replaced as part of the proposed project. Photo 3 – View of the East Channel looking north from the existing C-3 location along Maura Street. Existing culverts C-6 and C-7 are located within the Longview Canal north of Highway 3125. The locations of the proposed replacement culverts are depicted in Figure 3 above. The proposed culverts would be constructed of arched pipe (CMPA). The culvert removal and replacement would require removal of the asphalt streets over the existing culverts. The Parish would remove the old culverts, install the new larger culverts, and make the necessary street repairs. The proposed project includes the placement of properly-sized culverts to handle the peak flow associated with the 25-year/24-hour rain event and protect 113 structures. A summary of the current and proposed dimensions and locations of the proposed replacement culverts are listed in Table 1 below. Table 1 - Summary of Pertinent Data for the Replacement Culverts Site Name Address City Latitude Longitude Current Dimensions (Inches) Proposed Dimensions (Inches) C1 - Link 188 Wendy Street at Middle Channel Paulina 30.031729 -90.741377 49 x 33 64 x 43 C2 - Link 185 Amy Street at Middle Channel Paulina 30.032591 -90.741634 42 x 29 64 x 43 C3 - Link 204 Maura Street at East Channel Paulina 30.031099 -90.739614 24 64 x 43 C4 - Link 96 Wendy Street East of East Channel Paulina 30.032006 -90.739607 15 28 x 20 C5 - Link 202 Wendy Street at East Channel Paulina 30.031981 -90.739905 49 x 33 64 x 43 C6 - Link 252 Humble Street at Longview Canal Paulina 30.045672 -90.743095 68 87 x 63 C7 - Link 239 Longview Canal North of Humble Street at Secondary Drainage Canal Paulina 30.047554 -90.741838 60 x 54 87 x 63 Numerous drainage pipes were observed emptying into the Longview Canal, both from the residential and commercial area to the west and from the agricultural fields to the east (Photos 4 and 5). Photo 4 – View of a drainage pipe emptying into the Longview Canal from the agricultural field south of Highway 3125. Photo 5 – View of a drainage pipe emptying into the Longview Canal from the residential area south of Highway 3125. During a site reconnaissance conducted on December 1, 2010 and a follow-up site reconnaissance on January 11, 2011, FEMA personnel met with Mr. Jody Chenier, Director of Operations for St. James Parish, who is familiar with the proposed project. Mr. Chenier confirmed that all excavation and widening work would be performed on the east side of the Longview Canal, and would amount to approximately one row of sugar cane. The proposed project would remove the acreage for proposed canal excavation and the parish access and maintenance areas from sugar cane cultivation. The NRCS Alexandria, LA office has determined that the proposed project construction areas are located within urban areas. The proposed project is therefore exempt from the rules and regulations of the FPPA (See Table 2). Mr. Chenier indicated that all the land that would be purchased currently belongs to the Stone Oil Company, which is a willing seller of the land required for the proposed project. According to Mr. Chenier, it would be easier to purchase land from one owner than the numerous residential and commercial property owners along the west side of the Longview Canal. In addition, there are several commercial structures located west of Longview Canal, and immediately south of Highway 3125 (Photo 6). As shown in the photo below of the commercial structures, there is insufficient land on the west side of the canal that could be purchased for purposes of widening the Longview Canal in this area. Photo 6 - View of rear of commercial structures west of Longview Canal (on the opposite side of the proposed work area). The Longview Canal passes under LA State Highway 3125. There are three existing culverts in the Longview Canal under Highway 3125. This area is depicted in Figure 5 and Photo 7. Figure 5 also depicts the proposed invert elevations at this location to be constructed as part of the proposed project. Figure 5: View of the Longview Canal at Highway 3125 Depicting Existing Culverts and the Location of the Chevron Gas Station Photo 7 – View of three existing culverts within the Longview Canal under Highway 3125. The residential area west of the Longview canal appears to be area of the mixed income single family homes, some of which are mobile homes (Photos 8 and 9). Photo 8 – View the residential area west of Longview Canal. Photo 9 – View the residential area west of Longview Canal. North of Louisiana Highway 3125, the Longview Canal appears to be approximately 5 feet deep (Photos 10 and 11). Photo 10 – View of the area to be disturbed as part of the proposed project, east of the Longview Canal north of Highway 3125. Photo 11 – View of the residential area west of the Longview Canal north of Highway 3125. Photo 12 depicts the existing conditions at culvert C-6, where Longview Canal passes under Humble Street. Photo 12 – View of the existing C-6 culvert at Humble Street. This culvert would be replaced as part of the proposed project. Photo 13 depicts the existing conditions at culvert C-7. Photo 13 – View of the C-7 culvert, which would be replaced as part of the proposed project. This is the north end of the project. 3.3 Alternative Eliminated From Further Consideration The following alternative was considered by St. James Parish, but was eliminated from further consideration. St. James Parish considered elevation of the streets and flood-prone structures within the Grand Point Bourbon subdivision. This alternative would create some hardships for commuters and residents within the subdivision due to the extensive amount of work associated with raising an existing asphalt street. Approximately 45 homes and 30 detached structures would need to be elevated to eliminate flood damages. The remaining 42 residents would require some elevation of utility equipment, such as air conditioning and heating units and phone service jacks. The Parish estimates the cost of this alternative would exceed $1 million. The cost to raise 50 homes, with 95% presently slab-on-grade brick structures, would cost over $6.2 million. Finally, elevating the utility equipment on the remaining property would cost approximately $100,000. Therefore, because of the excessive cost, this alternative was not selected, although it would eliminate the flood risk. 4.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND IMPACTS 4.1 Impact Summary The following matrix summarizes the results of the environmental review process (Table 2). Potential environmental impacts that were found to be negligible are not evaluated further. Resource areas that have the potential for impacts of minor, moderate, or major intensity are further developed in the following sections. Definitions of the impact intensity are described below: Negligible: The resource area (e.g., geology) would not be affected, or changes would be either non-detectable or if detected, would have effects that would be slight and local. Impacts would be well below regulatory standards, as applicable. Minor: Changes to the resource would be measurable, although the changes would be small and localized. Impacts would be within or below regulatory standards, as applicable. Mitigation measures would reduce any potential adverse effects. Moderate: Changes to the resource would be measurable and have both localized and regional scale impacts. Impacts would be within or below regulatory standards, but historical conditions are being altered on a short-term basis. Mitigation measures would be necessary and the measures would reduce any potential adverse effects. Major: Changes would be readily measurable and would have substantial consequences on a local and regional level. Impacts would exceed regulatory standards. Mitigation measures to offset the adverse effects would be required to reduce impacts, though long-term changes to the resource would be expected. Table 2 - Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences Matrix Resource Area Impact Intensity Impact Summary Agency Coordination / Permits Mitigation Negligible Minor Moderate Major Geology and Soils X There is potential for short-term localized increase in soil erosion during construction. NRCS policy clarifies several activities that are not subject to the rules and regulations of the Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA)-Subtitle I of Title XV, Section 1539-1549 of PL 97-98, which was published in the Federal Register on June 17, 1994. The third exception item is “Projects on land already in urban development or used for water storage.” The NRCS Alexandria, LA office has determined that the proposed project construction areas are located within urban areas. The proposed project is therefore exempt from the rules and regulations of the FPPA. The NRCS has no objections to the proposed project. NRCS correspondence letter from Kevin D. Norton of the Alexandria, LA office, dated 10/21/10. (See Appendix A) LDEQ email dated 11/8/2010. (See Appendix A) Implement construction Best Management Practices (BMPs); install silt fences/straw bales to reduce sedimentation. Area soils would be covered and/or wetted during construction. If fill is stored on site as part of unit installation or removal, the contractor would be required to appropriately cover it. Construction contractor would be required to obtain applicable Louisiana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (LPDES) permit, and implement stormwater pollution prevention plan. See also Section 6.0. Hydrology and Floodplains (Executive Order 11988) X Effective Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) were reviewed on FEMA’s web site. The project site is located within zone “shaded X” (the 500-year or the 0.2 percent annual chance flood). According to the drainage impact study for the proposed project, the project would provide 25-year flood stage protection for the drainage ditches within the watershed. The proposed modifications would have minimal impact to the stages along Highway 642, but would provide significant stages reductions along the eastern drainage conveyance. The modifications would be negligible to the 25-year maximum flood stages downstream of the proposed modifications. See also Sections 4.2.1. Correspondence letter from Phillip L. Parker, P.E., Louisiana Certified Civil Engineer, dated 9/7/2010. (See Appendix B) Effective DFIRM Panel 22093C 0115C The project area must be kept cleared so as not to interfere with floodplain functions. Contact the St. James Parish Floodplain Administrator to obtain all appropriate permits. See also Sections 4.2.1 and 6.0. Wetlands (Executive Order 11990) X No USFWS-mapped wetlands are present within the proposed project area; however, there are USFWS-mapped wetlands adjacent to the northeastern portion of the project. The USACE determined that the proposed project occurs within waters of the United States (the Longview Canal) and would; therefore, require a Department of the Army permit under Section 404 of the CWA. The USACE requires more detailed drawings of the proposed project for a final decision of potential impacts. See also Sections 4.2.2. Correspondence letter from the USACE, dated 1/13/2011. (See Appendix A) The applicant must obtain a Department of the Army permit under Section 404 of the CWA. Any changes or modifications to the proposed project will require a revised determination. Off-site locations of activities such as borrow; disposals, haul and detour roads, and work mobilization site developments may be subject to USACE regulatory requirements. See also Sections 4.2.2 and 6.0. Surface Water and Water Quality X There is potential for short-term localized increase in sedimentation during construction. See also Section 4.2.3. LDEQ email dated 11/8/2010. (See Appendix A) Contractor to contact the LDEQ to determine if a LPDES permit is required. If required, the contractor must follow are requirements of the LPDES permit. Implement construction BMPs; install silt fences/straw bales to reduce sedimentation. See also Sections 4.2.2 and 6.0. Groundwater X St. James Parish does not overlie a Sole Source Aquifer. According to the LDNR Strategic Online Natural Resources Information System (SONRIS) database, there are no groundwater areas of concern in the project vicinity. According to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) database, accessed via SONRIS, no recorded drinking water wells are located within the project vicinity; however, there may be unrecorded drinking wells near the project work areas. LDEQ email dated 11/8/2010. (See Appendix A) Correspondence letter from the LDNR, Office of Conservation, dated 12/13/2010. (See Appendix A) The contractor should observe all precautions to protect the groundwater of the region. The LDNR Office of Conservation should be contacted at 225-342-5540 if any unregistered drinking water wells are encountered during construction work. See also Section 6.0. Coastal Resources X St. James Parish lies entirely within the Louisiana Coastal Zone and the proposed project may be subject to the rules and regulations of the CZMA. At the time of this assessment, St. James Parish had not yet coordinated with the LDNR to obtain a Coastal Use Permit (CUP). The project is not located within the CBRS. See also Section 4.3. Correspondence letter from the LDNR, Coastal Zone Management Program, dated 11/10/2010. (See Appendix A) Correspondence letter from the St. James Parish Government, dated 11/18/2010. (See Appendix A) Effective DFIRM Panel 22093C 0115C (for CBRS) The proposed project may require a CUP from the LDNR. The St. James Parish Coastal Zone Committee must be notified if additional structures or activities are added that are not represented in the permit application. See also Sections 4.3 and 6.0. Air Quality X During construction, there is a potential for short-term localized increase in vehicle emissions and dust particles. The St. James Parish airshed is in attainment for all criteria pollutants per the Clean Air Act. LDEQ email dated 11/8/2010. (See Appendix A) Vehicle operation times would be kept to a minimum. Area soils would be covered and/or wetted during construction to minimize dust. See also Section 6.0. Vegetation and Wildlife X The proposed project area is a developed area which borders agricultural fields which are planted with sugar cane. The developed areas consist of maintained grassland or paved roadways and driveways. No long-term impacts to existing vegetation and wildlife are anticipated. USFWS determination of no effect, dated 10/20/10. (See Appendix A) LDWF letter dated 11/17/10. (See Appendix A) Threatened and Endangered Species (Endangered Species Act Section 7) X No impact to federally listed threatened or endangered species is anticipated. No impacts to critical habitats are anticipated. No impacts to state listed rare, threatened, or endangered species or critical habitats are anticipated for the proposed project. No state or federal parks, wildlife refuges, scenic streams, or wildlife management areas are known at the specific site. The bald eagle is protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Act. Bald eagles are known to occur in St. James Parish. USFWS determination of no effect on Federal trust resources, dated 10/20/10. (See Appendix A) LDWF correspondence letter dated 11/17/10. (See Appendix A) If a bald eagle or its nest is spotted within 1,500 feet of the project site during the months of October through mid-May, the applicant must cease construction activities and contact LDWF and USFWS immediately. All correspondence must be documented and remain in the project permanent files. See also Section 6.0. Cultural Resources (National Historic Preservation Act Section 106) X Based on research using FEMA’s National Register maps, updated in coordination with SHPO since Hurricane Katrina, FEMA has determined the project area is located within 0.1 mile of a previously identified archaeological site of unknown NRHP eligibility, 16SJ12. FEMA HMGP archaeologists undertook a cultural resources survey of 5.096 acres at the Longview Canal, near Paulina, LA in order to locate, identify, delineate, and interpret any possible buried cultural resources. A portion of the APE adjacent to 16SJ12 was investigated with shovel tests, auger tests, and pedestrian survey, restricted in most tests to the plow zone, revealing a low-density late nineteenth/early twentieth century domestic artifact scatter, mixed with modern artifacts in poor archaeological context. This domestic scatter was determined an NRHP ineligible locus representing the domestic component of 16SJ12. The survey also addressed the remaining 5,800 ft. of APE with a combination of pedestrian survey and auger testing, and no other cultural resources were encountered. A copy of the Draft Phase I Cultural Resources Survey Report, dated May 27, 2011, which has been updated to incorporate comments from the SHPO, and which details these findings, is attached in Appendix A. FEMA has determined that there is No Adverse Effect to Historic Properties as a result of the proposed undertaking. The SHPO concurrence with this determination was received on March 29, 2011. Consultation with affected tribes including the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, Jena Band of Choctaw Indians, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, and Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana was conducted per 36 CFR §800.2(c)(2)(i)(B). No tribal concurrences were received. Therefore, no impacts to cultural resources are anticipated by the proposed action. SHPO concurrence letter dated 3/29/11. (See Appendix A) If archaeological artifacts or features (prehistoric or historic) or human remains are discovered during the course of FEMA funded work at the project site, the Applicant must ensure that their Contractor stops work in the vicinity of the discovery and takes all reasonable measures to avoid and minimize harm to the discovery. The Applicant shall inform the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) and FEMA of the discovery, and FEMA would deploy an archaeologist to the location to conduct a site condition assessment. The Applicant would not proceed with work until FEMA has completed consultation with the SHPO on the treatment of the discovery. The Applicant would immediately notify GOHSEP, FEMA, the local Police Department, and the local Coroner’s Office of the discovery. The local Coroner’s Office would assess the nature and age of the human skeletal remains.  If the Coroner’s Office determines that the human skeletal remains are older than 50 years of age, the Louisiana Division of Archaeology would take jurisdiction over the remains. Within twenty-four (24) hours, FEMA would notify the Louisiana Division of Archaeology (225-342-8170) of the finding. Within seventy-two (72) hours, FEMA would take the lead in working with the Louisiana Division of Archaeology and other interested parties, as necessary, to ensure compliance with the Louisiana Unmarked Human Burial Sites Preservation Act (R.S. 8:671 et seq.) and other applicable laws.  In addition, the Applicant must afford FEMA the opportunity to comply with the “Human Remains Policy” set forth by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP).  See also Section 6.0. Environmental Justice (Executive Order 12898)/Socioeconomics X The U.S. Census Bureau does not specific demographic data for the town of Paulina, Louisiana. According to the U.S. Census Bureau estimated data for 2005-2009, the percentage of families in St. James Parish below the poverty level is 10.4%. This figure for the U.S. as a whole is 9.9%. The median per capita income for St. James Parish is $21,818. This figure for the U.S. as a whole is $27,041. The demographic census data for St. James Parish are as follows: Caucasian: 50.2%, African American: 49.2%, and Hispanic: 1.1%. The comparable demographic census data for the U.S. as a whole are: Caucasian: 74.5%, African American: 12.4%, Hispanic: 15.1%. The developed area immediately west of Longview Canal appears to be a mixed income residential subdivision, with a several commercial properties located near Highway 3125. The proposed work has no potential to adversely impact any population. U.S. Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, Data for St. James Parish, Louisiana Noise X During the construction period there would be a short-term increase in noise levels. See also Section 4.4. St. James Parish Council, Louisiana – Code of Ordinances St. James Parish does not have any specific ordinances regarding construction noise. If necessary, the following noise reduction measures should be considered: using a 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. construction schedule on all construction workdays. See also Sections 4.4 and 6.0. Public Safety X No impacts to safety and security are anticipated. The contractor would place fencing around the work area perimeters to protect nearby residents from vehicular traffic. To minimize worker and public health and safety risks from project construction and closure, all construction and closure work would be done using qualified personnel trained in the proper use of construction equipment, including all appropriate safety precautions. Additionally, all activities would be conducted in a safe manner in accordance with the standards specified in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) regulations and the USACE safety manual. The contractor would post appropriate signage and fencing to minimize potential adverse public safety concerns. See also Section 6.0. Traffic and Transportation X Traffic volumes along the respective work areas would increase temporarily during work activities. Surface traffic on the affected areas of Wendy Street, Amy Street, Maura Street, and Humble Road would be impacted during culvert replacement work on these streets. See also Section 4.5. Appropriate signage and barriers should be in place prior to construction activities in order to alert pedestrians and motorists of project activities and traffic pattern changes. The contractor would implement traffic control measures, as necessary. See also Sections 4.5 and 6.0. Hazardous Materials and Toxic Wastes X Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and LDEQ hazardous materials database searches were queried for the project work areas. No sites of concern were identified by the database search within the proposed project work areas. No environmental conditions of concern observed during field reconnaissance within the project area. There is a gas station with underground storage tanks and a propane tank located at the southwest corner of the intersection of LA State Highway 3125 and Longview Canal; however, all work would take place on the opposite side of the canal. The Williams Gas Pipeline (Station 64), which is a natural gas transmission facility, is located on Humble Street approximately 1,000 linear feet west of the C-6 culvert location. The LDNR SONRIS database was queried for the project work areas. According to the LDNR, there is one plugged and abandoned oil/gas well located in the project area. The pipe near the surface could be hazardous to construction machinery; moreover, the pipe could harbor migrated hydrocarbon gas and, if damaged, could cause an explosion. In addition, numerous recorded oil and gas wells, all which are labeled ”non- producing”, are located near the project area. See also Section 4.6. EPA Envirofacts Database EPA Enviromapper EPA Brownfields Database LDEQ Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) LDEQ Voluntary Remediation Program (VRP) Database LDEQ Louisiana State Brownfields Database LDNR SONRIS Database LDEQ Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Database LDEQ Authorized Debris Sites Database Email from the LDEQ dated11/8/2010 (See Appendix A) Correspondence letter from the LDNR, Office of Conservation, dated 12/13/2010. (See Appendix A) If hazardous materials are unexpectedly encountered in the project area during the proposed construction operations, appropriate measures for the proper assessment, remediation, management and disposal of the contamination would be initiated in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. The contractor would be required to take appropriate measures to prevent, minimize, and control the spill of hazardous materials in the construction area. The applicant must locate and mark the old oil/gas well, with LDNR assistance if necessary, so that it may be avoided during construction work. The LDNR Office of Conservation may be contacted at 225-342-5540 for assistance. This office should also be contacted if any unregistered wells of any type are encountered during construction work. For pipelines and other underground hazards, Louisiana One Call should be contacted at 800-272-3020 prior to commencing operations. See also Sections 4.6 and 6.0. 4.2 Water Resources 4.2.1 Hydrology and Floodplains Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management) requires federal agencies to avoid or minimize development in the floodplain except when there are no practicable alternatives. St. James Parish enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on July 13, 1982. Preliminary DFIRMs were produced for St. James Parish, dated June 10, 2009. The Parish has adopted these DFIRMs and they became effective on July 4, 2011. According to effective DFIRM Panel Number 22093C 0115C (Figure 6) the proposed project is located in zone “shaded X” (the 500-year or 0.2 percent annual chance flood). Figure 6: Effective DFIRM 22093C 0115C The current drainage layout of the Grand Point Bourbon subdivision consists of three main drainage channels that are fed by multiple tributary channels. The channels are both open channel and conduit flow of various sizes. One of the main drainage channels flows through a culvert system with three catch basins, each 36 inches in diameter. The second main drainage channel crosses through a 36-inch culvert, to a 48-inch culvert, then to a 36-inch culvert before draining into an outlet channel. The third main drainage channel crosses through a 22-inch culvert and then flows through a 42-inch culvert before emptying into the outlet channel. In the past few years, St. James Parish has already begun replacing some of the undersized culverts in an effort to provide flood relief and minimize flood damage and road closures in and around the project area. The Parish has just completed maintenance dredging of the Parish’s main drainage canal that receives and drains all the runoff water from this area and leads into Blind River and then to Lake Maurepas. This subdivision borders an existing secondary drainage channel (the Longview Canal) that receives all the subdivision’s water. Alternative 1- No Action: The No Action Alternative would have no effect on floodplains. Alternative 2 – Longview Canal Improvement Drainage Project (Proposed Action): Under the proposed alternative, the Parish proposes to replace all of the remaining undersized culverts and widen and deepen Longview Canal to eliminate future flooding in this area. The project is located in zone “shaded X” (500-year or 0.2 percent chance flood zone). To comply with Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management, FEMA is required to follow the procedure outlined in 44 CFR Part 9 to assure that alternatives to the proposed action have been considered. This process, also known as the "Eight Step Planning Process," has been applied to this mitigation project and is described in Appendix B. The proposed action must be coordinated with the local floodplain manager as well as comply with local floodplain ordinances. For the purposes of this study, there are no practical alternatives to the proposed action. GSE Associates, LLC performed a drainage study for the project area (September 2010), which included rainfall-runoff simulation and modeling. According to Phillip L. Parker, LLC P.E., of GSE Associates, LLC, the proposed drainage project would provide 25-year flood stage protection for the drainage ditches within the watershed. The proposed modifications would have minimal impact to the stages along Highway 642, but would provide significant stages reductions along the eastern drainage conveyance. The proposed modifications would be negligible to the 25-year maximum flood stages downstream of the proposed modifications. A copy of this letter and study is attached in Appendix B. 4.2.2 Wetlands Executive Order 11990, (Protection of Wetlands) requires federal agencies to take actions to minimize the destruction, loss, or degradation of wetlands, except when there are no practicable alternatives. This Executive Order also mandates that any wetlands impacted by a Federally-funded project be mitigated if avoidance or minimization of impacts is not possible. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) regulates the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the U.S., including wetlands, pursuant to Section 404 of the CWA. The USACE also regulates the building of any structures in waters of the U.S. pursuant to Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbor Act (RHA). The project area contains Longview Canal, which runs southeast to northwest, and drains into the St. James Parish Main Canal (the primary drainage canal for the parish), which leads to the Blind River and ultimately into Lake Maurepas. Jurisdictional wetlands are defined as those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. There are USFWS-mapped wetlands adjacent to the northern portion of the project area. Jurisdictional wetland determinations are regulated by the USACE pursuant to CWA. There are no wild and scenic rivers, as designated under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, in or near the project area. Alternative 1- No Action: The No Action Alternative would have no impact on wetlands or other waters of the U.S. and would not require permits regulated under Sections 401 or 404 of the CWA, or Section 10 under the RHA. Alternative 2 – Longview Canal Improvement Drainage Project (Proposed Action): There are no mapped wetlands within the proposed project area. During a site reconnaissance conducted on December 1, 2010 and a follow-up site reconnaissance on January 11, 2011, it was determined that the lands that will be purchased by St. James Parish are all agricultural fields, and there are no wetlands within the proposed project area. However, there are USFWS-mapped wetlands adjacent to the northeastern end of the project. Water within the Longview Canal flows toward, and drains into, these mapped wetlands. A wetlands map of the proposed project area is depicted in Figure 7. In a response letter dated January 13, 2011, the USACE has determined that waters of the United States (the Longview Canal) occur within the proposed project area. The proposed project therefore would require a Department of the Army (DA) permit under Section 404 of the CWA prior to the deposition or redistribution of dredged or fill material into these waters. More detailed project drawings should be submitted to the USACE for a final determination regarding potential impacts. Any changes or modifications to the proposed project would require a revised determination from the USACE. Off-site locations of activities such as borrow, disposals, haul and detour roads, and work mobilization site developments may be subject to DA regulatory requirements and may impact a DA project. Prior to project implementation, the Applicant must coordinate with the USACE for any required permits and/or clearance. All permit documentation should be forwarded to FEMA for retention in the project files. Copies of the agency correspondence are presented in Appendix A. Figure 7 Proposed Project Wetland Map Photograph 14 depicts the adjacent mapped wetland area east of the C-7 culvert location. Photo 14 – View of the receiving water body for the Longview Canal east of the C-7 culvert location. The forested area in background is a USFWS-mapped wetland area. 4.2.3 Surface Water and Water Quality There are natural and man-made levees along both sides of the Mississippi River in St. James Parish. The natural levees, which are approximately 3 miles wide on both sides of the River, are higher in elevation than the land further north of the river on the east bank and further south of river on the west bank. Therefore, surface water flows away from the river, toward the lowland swamps and marshes (wetlands) to the north on the east bank (which includes the project area), and toward lowland swamps and marshes to the south on the west bank. The majority of the agricultural and developed areas of St. James Parish have historically been, and are currently, built upon the natural levees. According to information provided by St. James Parish, stormwater from the project drainage area drains into Longview Canal, which drains north into the St. James Parish Main Canal and associated wetlands (see Figure 7 [above]). The St. James Parish Main Canal drains to the Blind River and ultimately into Lake Maurepas. Figure 8 depicts the existing drainage area for the overall project. Figure 8 Proposed Project Drainage Map Alternative 1- No Action: The No Action Alternative would not change site drainage or have an effect on the surface water quality of the area. Alternative 2 – Longview Canal Improvement Drainage Project (Proposed Action): During construction there is the potential to impact surface waters through minor erosion and sedimentation. Excavation and trenching would be required to widen Longview Canal. In order to minimize impacts to waters of the U.S., the contractor is required to implement BMPs that meet the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality’s (LDEQ) permitting specifications for storm water discharge regulated under Section 402 of the Clean Water Act (CWA).  This includes specific construction measures to reduce or eliminate run-off impacts.  However, any adverse effects to water quality associated with the construction of the projects would be short term and minimized by the measures described above. 4.3 Coastal Resources The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (LDNR) regulates development in the designated coastal zone under the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) of 1972. A central requirement of the CZMA is that each state develops a management program for its coastal zone. In 1978, the Louisiana Legislature passed the State and Local Coastal Resources Management Act. This act established a coastal zone boundary and a system of Coastal Use Permits (CUPs) to regulate uses and activities in Louisiana’s coastal zone. These CUPs are required for those projects that have a direct impact on coastal waters. Federally-funded activities that affect the coastal zone are also subject to federal consistency provisions of the CZMA. Before the federal agency can grant financial assistance, the applicant must attach a consistency certification issued by the state coastal agency. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) administers the Coastal Barrier Resource Act (CBRA). The Act designated various undeveloped coastal barrier islands, depicted by specific maps, for inclusion in the Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS). Areas so designated were made ineligible for direct or indirect Federal financial assistance that might support development, including flood insurance, except for emergency life-saving activities. There are designated CBRS units in Louisiana, but not near the proposed project area. Alternative 1- No Action: The No Action Alternative would have no effect on the coastal zone or any designated Coastal Barrier Resource System unit. Alternative 2 – Longview Canal Improvement Drainage Project (Proposed Action): The proposed site is located in the designated Louisiana Coastal Management Zone. The LDNR regulates the Louisiana Coastal Zone Management Program. In a response letter dated November 10, 2010, the LDNR indicated that the applicant must complete a Coastal Use Permit Application packet to the LDNR to obtain an official determination, and begin processing any CUP that may be required for the project. In addition, in a response letter dated November 18, 2010, the St. James Parish Coastal Zone Committee stated that they have no objections to the proposed project, provided no additional structures or activities are added that are not represented in the permit application. The Applicant must coordinate with the LDNR for permits and clearances. Copies of the agency correspondence are presented in Appendix A. The project site is not part of a designated CBRS unit and therefore, CBRA does not apply. 4.4 Noise Noise is generally described as unwanted sound. The project area is generally fully developed with residential and commercial structures and numerous roadways cross over or are located near the proposed project. There are numerous noise receptors within 500 feet of the proposed project. There are numerous residential and commercial properties in the immediate area. Existing noise consists primarily of traffic noise. Noise levels within and adjacent to the project area would increase during construction activities as a result of construction equipment and increased vehicular activity. Alternative 1- No Action: The No Action Alternative would have no impact on noise in the project area. Alternative 2 – Longview Canal Improvement Drainage Project (Proposed Action): Widening of Longview Canal and replacement of the seven culverts would result in an increase in noise. The increase is expected to be temporary and would not affect any sensitive receptors. St. James Parish does not have any specific ordinances regarding construction noise. If necessary, the following noise reduction measures should be considered: using a 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. construction schedule on all workdays. 4.5 Traffic and Transportation The proposed site is located in a developed, moderate traffic volume area. Alternative 1- No Action: The No Action alternative would have no effect on traffic. Alternative 2 – Longview Canal Improvement Drainage Project (Proposed Action): Construction at the proposed project site would have a temporary effect on traffic by increasing the number of heavy machinery vehicles on Wendy Street, Amy Street, Maura Street, LA Highway 3125, and Humble Street along the portion of the Longview Canal under Humble Street that would be widened. Construction traffic should be closely monitored and controlled as appropriate. All construction activities would be conducted in a safe manner in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requirements. Surface traffic on the affected areas of Wendy Street, Amy Street, Maura Street, and Humble Road would be impacted during culvert replacement work on these streets. The contractor will implement traffic control measures as necessary. During construction activities, the construction site(s) would be fenced off to discourage trespassers. 4.6 Hazardous Materials and Toxic Wastes Hazardous wastes, as defined by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), are defined as "a solid waste, or combination of solid wastes, which because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics may (1) cause, or significantly contribute to, an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible or incapacitating reversible illness or (2) pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported or disposed of or otherwise managed. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Louisiana LDEQ hazardous materials database searches were queried for the proposed project work areas. No sites of concern were identified by the database search. There was no evidence of underground or aboveground storage tanks located within the project work area during a site reconnaissance conducted on December 1, 2010 and a follow-up site reconnaissance on January 11, 2011. No other environmental conditions of concern were observed during the field reconnaissance. There is a Chevron gas station with three underground storage tanks (USTs) located at the southwest corner of the intersection of LA State Highway 3125 and Longview Canal (see Figure 5 [above] and Photos 15 and 16). These USTs are registered with the LDEQ as Longview Supermarket (LDEQ Agency Interest [AI] # 17424). A review of LDEQ records revealed no evidence of any confirmed releases from these USTs. There is also an aboveground propane tank at this facility located adjacent to Longview Canal; however, all proposed work would take place on the opposite side of the canal. Photo 15 - View of Chevron gas station south of Highway 3125 and west of Longview Canal (on the opposite side of the proposed work area). Photo 16 – View of propane tank adjacent to the Longview Canal associated with the gas station depicted in the Photo 5. The Williams Gas Pipeline (Station 64), which is a natural gas transmission facility, is located on Humble Street approximately 1,000 linear feet (0.19 mile) west of the C-6 culvert location (see Figure 3 [above]). The proposed work would have no effect on these facilities, nor would these facilities have an effect on the proposed work locations. There are no recorded hurricane debris sites within project area. Alternative 1- No Action: The No Action alternative would not disturb any hazardous materials or create any potential hazard to human health. Alternative 2 – Longview Canal Improvement Drainage Project (Proposed Action): According to the LDNR SONRIS web site, there is an old plugged oil/gas well (Serial # 77367) located approximately 30 feet east of the Longview Canal at 30.0407002255, -90.741295, (Figures 9, 10 and 11) east of and across the Longview Canal from the Grand Point Mini Storage Facility. In a response letter dated December 13, 2010, the LDNR Office of Conservation confirmed the existence of this oil/gas well within the project area. Information from the LNDR states that “the available plug and abandon report on this well does not state that the well was cut below the ground level and a 3/8-inch steel plate was welded on top of the well; however, it is believed that the 3/8-inch steel plate is welded on top of the 10 ¾-inch casing (steel pipe) that extends down to a depth of 2,000 feet. This pipe near the surface could be hazardous to construction machinery; moreover, the pipe could harbor migrated hydrocarbon gas and, if damaged, could cause an explosion.” In addition, numerous recorded oil and gas wells, all which are labeled “non- producing”, are located near the project area, according to the SONRIS database. The applicant must locate and mark the old oil/gas well, with LDNR assistance if necessary, so that it may be avoided during construction work. The LDNR Office of Conservation may be contacted at 225-342-5540 for assistance. This office should also be contacted if any unregistered wells if any type are encountered during construction work. For pipelines and other underground hazards, Louisiana One Call should be contacted at 800-272-3020 prior to commencing operations. If any solid or hazardous wastes, or soils and/or groundwater contaminated with hazardous constituents are encountered during the project, notification to LDEQ’s Single-Point-of-Contact (SPOC) at (225) 219-3640 is required.  Additionally, precautions should be taken to protect workers from these hazardous constituents. Copies of the agency correspondence are presented in Appendix A. Figure 9 General Location of Abandoned Oil/Gas Well Figure 10 Location of Abandoned Oil/Gas Well in Relation to Nearby Structures Figure 11 Location of Abandoned Oil/Gas Well in Relation to Longview Canal 5.0 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS Cumulative impacts are those effects on the environment that result from the incremental effect of the action when added to past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions, regardless of what agency (federal or nonfederal) or person undertakes such other actions. Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time. The impact of Hurricane Katrina in St. James Parish resulted in either wind or flood damage to many structures. There have been other projects to repair other structures to pre-disaster condition with upgrades to codes and standards. In addition, St. James Parish plans to construct an earthen berm for flood control in South Vacherie, which is located on the west bank of the Mississippi River and plans to upgrade culverts in other areas of Paulina and other areas of the Parish. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Change Analysis Program (C-CAP) Land Cover Atlas, from 1996 to 2006, the percent of developed land parish wide in St. James has increased from 8.43% to 8.54%, and the percentage of impervious surface area has increased from 2.79% to 2.94%. Within the same timeframe, the percentage of forested land parish-wide has decreased from 55.29% to 54.99%, and the percentage of St. James that is wetland has decreased from 57.86% to 57.61%. In 1996, St. James Parish had 73.93 square miles of agricultural land. In 2006, St. James Parish had 74.01 square miles of agricultural land, for a net gain of 0.08 square miles of land (+ 0.11% change) used for agriculture. The proposed project would require the soil excavation along the Longview Canal. In addition, minor soil excavation would be required to replace the seven culverts. The cumulative impact to the natural resources within St. James Parish would be negligible and not likely to adversely affect the Parish as a whole. The human environment of St. James Parish would be impacted by reducing the flood hazards in the Paulina, Louisiana area. On a whole the human environment of St. James Parish would benefit by the project, and no significant adverse cumulative impacts would occur. 6.0 CONDITIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES Based upon the studies and consultations undertaken in this environmental assessment, several conditions and mitigation measures must be taken by the applicant prior to and during project implementation. * The LDEQ has stormwater general permits for construction areas equal to or greater than five acres.  It is recommended that the LDEQ Water Permit Division be contacted at (225) 219-3181 to determine whether the proposed improvements require one of these permits. The contractor is required to implement BMPs that meet the LDEQ permitting specifications for storm water discharge regulated under Section 402 of the CWA * The contractor would be responsible for keeping all excavated areas periodically sprayed with water, all equipment maintained in good working order, and all construction vehicles would be limited to 15 mph to minimize pollution/fugitive dust. * This project may require a CUP from the LDNR. Determination of CUP requirements can be obtained through the submission of a completed CUP application to the LDNR. Projects may be coordinated by contacting LDNR at 225-342-7591 or 1-800-267-4019. * Prior to project implementation, the Applicant must coordinate with the USACE for any required permits and/or clearance. The proposed project will require a Department of the Army (DA) permit under Section 404 of the CWA from the USACE. All permit documentation should be forwarded to FEMA for retention in the project files. * Any changes or modifications to the proposed project would require a revised determination. Off-site locations of activities such as borrow; disposals, haul-and detour-roads and work mobilization site developments may be subject to the Department of the Army regulatory requirements and may have an impact to a Department of Army project. * If any solid or hazardous wastes, or soils and/or groundwater contaminated with hazardous constituents are encountered during the project, notification to LDEQ’s Single-Point-of-Contact (SPOC) at (225) 219-3640 is required.  Additionally, precautions should be taken to protect workers from these hazardous constituents. * The applicant must locate and mark the old oil/gas well, with LDNR assistance if necessary, so that it may be avoided during construction work. The LDNR Office of Conservation may be contacted at 225-342-5540 for assistance. This office should also be contacted if any unregistered wells if any type are encountered during construction work. For pipelines and other underground hazards, Louisiana One Call should be contacted at 800-272-3020 prior to commencing operations. * Prior to the proposed project implementation, the Applicant must contact is the St. James Parish Floodplain Administrator in order to ensure compliance with St. James Parish requirements for the NFIP and to ensure that all appropriate permits are obtained. * If a bald eagle or its nest is spotted within 1,500 feet of the project site during the months of October through mid-May, the applicant must cease construction activities and contact LDWF and USFWS immediately. All correspondence must be documented and remain in the project permanent files. * Construction traffic should be closely monitored and controlled as appropriate. All construction activities would be conducted in a safe manner in accordance with OSHA requirements. To alert motorists and pedestrians of project activities, appropriate signage and barriers should be used during construction. During construction activities, the construction site(s) would be fenced off to discourage trespassers. * If archaeological artifacts or features (prehistoric or historic) are discovered during the course of FEMA funded work at the project site, the Applicant must ensure that their Contractor stops work in the vicinity of the discovery and takes all reasonable measures to avoid and minimize harm to the discovery. The Applicant shall inform the GOHSEP and FEMA of the discovery, and FEMA would deploy an archaeologist to the location to conduct a site condition assessment. The Applicant would not proceed with work until FEMA has completed consultation with the SHPO on the treatment of the discovery. * In addition, if human remains are discovered during the course of FEMA funded work, the Applicant and the Applicant’s Contractor are responsible for immediately halting work within the vicinity of the human remains finding. The Applicant would immediately notify GOHSEP, FEMA, the local Police Department, and the local Coroner’s Office of the discovery. The local Coroner’s Office would assess the nature and age of the human skeletal remains.  If the Coroner’s Office determines that the human skeletal remains are older than 50 years of age, the Louisiana Division of Archaeology would take jurisdiction over the remains. Within twenty-four (24) hours, FEMA would notify the Louisiana Division of Archaeology (225-342-8170) of the finding. Within seventy-two (72) hours, FEMA would take the lead in working with the Louisiana Division of Archaeology and other interested parties, as necessary, to ensure compliance with the Louisiana Unmarked Human Burial Sites Preservation Act (R.S. 8:671 et seq.) and other applicable laws.  In addition, the Applicant must afford FEMA the opportunity to comply with the “Human Remains Policy” set forth by the ACHP.  Failure to comply with these conditions may make part or all of these projects ineligible for FEMA funding. 7.0 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT The public will be invited to comment on the proposed action. A legal notice was published in the following newspaper: The New Orleans Times-Picayune from August 5, 2011 to August 9, 2011. Additionally the Environmental Assessment was made available at the St. James Library (Lutcher Branch) from August 5, 2011 to August 24, 2011. The Environmental Assessment was published on FEMA’s and the Parish’s official websites. A copy of the Public Notice is attached in Appendix C. 8.0 CONCLUSION The proposed widening of Longview Canal on both sides of Louisiana Highway 3125 (north and south) and the replacement of seven roadside culverts in Paulina, St. James Parish, Louisiana was analyzed based on the studies, consultations, and reviews undertaken as reported in this draft EA. The findings of this EA conclude that the proposed action at the proposed site would result in no significant adverse impacts to soils, surface water, groundwater, floodplains, wetlands, public health and safety, hazardous materials, socioeconomic resources, environmental justice, or cultural resources are anticipated under the Proposed Action Alternative. During project construction, short-term impacts to soils, surface water, transportation, air quality, and noise are anticipated and conditions have been incorporated to mitigate and minimize the effects. Project short-term adverse impacts would be mitigated using BMPs, such as silt fences, proper vehicle and equipment maintenance, and appropriate signage. No long-term adverse impacts are anticipated from the proposed project. Therefore, FEMA presently finds the proposed action meets the requirements for a Finding of No Significant Impacts (FONSI) under NEPA and the preparation of an EIS will not be required. If new information is received that indicates there may be significant adverse effects, FEMA would revise the findings and issue a second public notice, for additional comments. However, if there are no changes, this draft EA will become the Final EA. 9.0 AGENCY COORDINATION U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, Coastal Zone Management Program Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service Louisiana State Historic Preservation Officer U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 10.0 LIST OF PREPARERS Laurel Rohrer, Environmental Specialist, URS - Contractor Support to FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency, Louisiana Recovery Office Melanie Sibley, Environmental Specialist Federal Emergency Management Agency, Louisiana Recovery Office Tiffany Winfield, Deputy Environmental Liaison Officer Federal Emergency Management Agency, Louisiana Recovery Office Gail Lazarus, Historic Preservation Supervisor Federal Emergency Management Agency, Louisiana Recovery Office Michael Verderosa, Historic Preservation Specialist/Historic Structures, URS - Contractor Support to FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency, Louisiana Recovery Office Mark Martinkovic, Historic Preservation Specialist/Archaeologist, URS - Contractor Support to FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency, Louisiana Recovery Office 11.0 REFERENCES Environmental Protection Agency. 2006. Nonattainment Status for each Parish by year. [Online] Available: http://www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/greenbk/anay.html Environmental Protection Agency. Brownfields. [Online] Available: http://oaspub.epa.gov/enviro/bms_report.get_list?juris_value=&juris_search_type=Beginning+With&juris_type_label=-1&state_code=LA&zip_code=&proj_value=&proj_search_type=Beginning+With&rec_value=&rec_search_type=Beginning+With&cfda_type=NULL&CFDA_ID=&prop_value=&prop_search_type=Beginning+With&propaddr_name=&propcity_name=&propstate_code=LA Environmental Protection Agency. EPA Envirofacts. [Online] Available: http://www.epa.gov/enviro/ Environmental Protection Agency. Enviromapper. [Online] Available: http://www.epa.gov/enviro/katrina/emkatrina.html Environmental Protection Agency, Region VI. Sole Source Aquifers. [Online] Available: http://www.epa.gov/region6/water/swp/ssa/maps.htm Environmental Protection Agency, Region VI. Sole Source Aquifer Presentation from RTOC Meeting in Dallas, TX, March 13, 2008. [Online] Available: http://www.epa.gov/region6/water/swp/ssa/sole-source-aquifer.pdf Federal Emergency Management Agency. Louisiana Flood Recovery Guidance – Using Preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Flood Insurance Study for Reconstruction. [Online] Available: http://www.lamappingproject.com/_pdfs/LA%20Final_Prelimnary%20FIRMs%202-11-08.pdf Federal Emergency Management Agency: Effective Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps for St. James Parish, dated June 10, 2009. Geologic Map of Louisiana. [Online] Available: http://geology.about.com/library/bl/maps/bllouisianamap.htm GSE Associates, LLC. Drainage Impact Study Grand Point/Bourbon Subdivision St. James Parish, Louisiana, dated September 9, 2010. Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. Air quality data. [Online] Available: http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/portal/tabid/37/Default.aspx?Search =non-attainment+areas Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. 10/6/09. Leaking Underground Storage Tank list. [Online] Available: http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/portal/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=F%2f5L1p4Mp3g%3d&tabid=2674 Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. 1/17/09. Authorized Debris sites. [Online] Available: http://159.39.17.27/Debris_Sites/ Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. Electronic Data Management System. [Online] Available: http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/portal/tabid/2604/Default.aspx Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. 1996. 305b Appendix F Major Aquifer Systems of Louisiana. [Online] Available: http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/static/305b/1996/305b-f.htm Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, Source Water Assessment Program. Potential Susceptibility Assessment of Ground Water Source of Public Drinking Water. Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. State Brownfields list [Online] Available: http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/portal/tabid/2620/Default.aspx Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. Voluntary Remediation Properties List. [Online] Available: http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/portal/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=Y2QYdiziWh0%3d&tabid=269 Louisiana Department of Natural Resources. SONRIS site. [Online] Available: http://sonris-www.dnr.state.la.us/www_root/sonris_portal_1.htm Louisiana State University. Louisiana Coastal Law. [Online] Available: http://www. lsu.edu/sglegal/pdfs/lcl_30.pdf National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. C-Cap Land Cover Atlas. [Online: Available: http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ccapatlas/#app=53cc&b8de-selectedIndex=0 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Coastal Barrier Resources Act. [Online] Available: http://www.csc.noaa.gov/cmfp/reference /Coastal_Barrier _Resources_Act.htm St. James Parish Council, Louisiana. Code of Ordinances. [Online] Available: http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=13122&stateId=18&stateName=Louisiana U.S. Census Bureau. American Fact Finder. [Online] Available: http://factfinder.census.gov/home/saff/main.html?_lang=en U.S. Department of Agriculture. Soil Conservation Service. 1973. Soil Survey of St. James and St. John the Baptist Parishes, Louisiana. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Soil Conservation Service. Web Soil Survey. [Online] Available: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Endangered species data. [Online] Available: http://www. fws.gov/endangered/ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act. [Online] Available: http://www.fws.gov/laws/lawsdigest/fwcoord.html U.S. Geological Service. Introduction to the Mississippi Embayment. [Online] Available: http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/circ1208/introduction.htm U.S. Geological Service. National Map Viewer. [Online] Available: http://nmviewogc.cr.usgs.gov/viewer.htm APPENDIX A AGENCY CORRESPONDENCE APPENDIX B 8-STEP PROCESS AND HYDRAULIC AND HYDROLOGY STUDY APPENDIX C PUBLIC NOTICE 40 St. James Parish – Longview Canal Drainage Improvement Project - Environmental Assessment