Draft Environmental Assessment Highlands Temporary Mobile Home Community Site Tunkhannock Township, Wyoming County, Pennsylvania FEMA-4030-DR-PA (Individual Assistance) November 1, 2011 Terms Used in this Document ii Acronyms Used in this Document iii Section 1 Introduction 1-1 Section 2 Purpose and Need for Action 2-1 2.1 Purpose and Need 2-1 2.2 Environmental Review Process 2-1 Section 3 Alternatives Analysis 3-1 3.1 Site Selection Process and Alternatives 3-1 3.2 Alternative 1- No Action Alternative 3-1 3.3 Alternative 2 – Proposed Action 3-1 Section 4 Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 4-1 4.1 Floodplains (EO 11988) and Wetlands (EO 11990) 4-2 4.2 Socioeconomics and Environmental Justice (EO 12898) 4-3 Section 5 Cumulative Impacts, Public Involvement, Conclusion 5-1 5.1 Cumulative Impacts 5-1 5.2 Public Involvement 5-1 5.3 Conclusion 5-3 Section 6 Agencies and Persons Consulted & References 6-1 Appendices Appendix A Figures Appendix B U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Species List Appendix C Project Conditions Area of Potential Effect (APE) – the geographic area within which an undertaking may cause changes in the character or use of historic properties, if such properties exist. The APE is influenced by the scale and nature of the undertaking. Best Management Practices (BMPs) – environmental protection practices applied to help ensure that projects are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner. Commercial Park – an existing temporary housing site with established infrastructure, where FEMA leases individual pads for temporary housing units. FEMA Floodway – the portion of the floodplain which is effective in carrying flow, within which this carrying capacity must be preserved and where the flood hazard is generally highest, i.e., where water depths and velocities are the greatest. It is that area which provides for the discharge of the base flood so the cumulative increase in water surface elevation is no more than one foot. Floodplain – the lowland and relatively flat areas adjoining inland and coastal waters including, at a minimum, that area subject to a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year. Individual Assistance – supplementary federal assistance provided under the Stafford Act to individuals and families adversely affected by a major disaster or an emergency. Such assistance may be provided directly by the Federal Government or through State or local governments or disaster relief organizations. Nonattainment Area – the geographic area designated by EPA at 40 CFR Part 81 as exceeding a National Ambient Air Quality Standard for a given criteria pollutant. An area is nonattainment only for the pollutants for which the area has been designated nonattainment. Recreational Vehicle: (i.e., travel trailer or park model) – a vehicle built on a single chassis, 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection, designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light duty truck, and designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use. Staging Area – an area where temporary housing units are stored when not in use. Temporary Housing – temporary accommodations provided by the Federal Government to individuals or families whose homes are made unlivable by an emergency or a major disaster. Temporary Mobile Home Community Site – a site provided by the Federal, State, or local government that accommodates two or more temporary housing units, and provides short-term temporary housing immediately following a declared disaster. Temporary Housing Unit – manufactured home, recreational vehicle, or other readily fabricated dwelling. Utilities (for temporary housing) – public service system including water, gas, electricity, heating oil, propane, and excluding non-essentials such as cable television, internet, telephone, etc. APE Area of Potential Effect BMP Best Management Practice CEQ Council on Environmental Quality CFR Code of Federal Regulations DHS U.S. Department of Homeland Security EA environmental assessment EIS environmental impact statement EO (Presidential) Executive Order ESA Endangered Species Act FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Map FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact FPPA Farmland Protection Policy Act IA Individual Assistance MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System NRHP National Register of Historic Places NWI National Wetland Inventory PA DEP Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection PEMA Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act REC Record of Environmental Consideration REO (FEMA) Regional Environmental Officer ROW right-of-way SHPO State Historic Preservation Office(r) SFHA Special Flood Hazard Area THU Temporary Housing Unit USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act of 1973 (Stafford Act), as amended, provides federal assistance programs for both public and private losses sustained in disasters. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides assistance to eligible private citizens, public entities, and non-profit groups following federally declared disasters. From September 4 - 11, 2011, heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Lee caused flooding in eastern and central Pennsylvania. Rainfall for this period ranged from 5.5 to 15 inches in a 48-hour period. Major rivers and their tributaries overflowed their banks, inundating hundreds of communities in the Susquehanna and Delaware river watersheds for nearly a week. On September 12, 2011, President Obama declared a major disaster for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and authorized FEMA to provide federal assistance. The President’s action made federal funding available to affected individuals in 26 counties. Individual assistance provides financial assistance and, if necessary, direct services, to individuals and households in the State who, as a direct result of a major disaster, have necessary expenses and serious needs, and are unable to meet such expenses or needs through other means. At the time of the preparation of this environmental assessment (EA), more than 40,200 individuals have registered statewide for individual assistance. More than 86 million dollars have been disbursed to affected individuals. Through the Individual Assistance program, FEMA has identified the need to provide direct housing to individuals who have been affected by the disaster. Section 408 of the Stafford Act authorizes FEMA to provide temporary housing for eligible disaster victims whose homes are uninhabitable or destroyed as a result of the declared event. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations implementing NEPA (40 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Part 1500 through 1508) direct FEMA and other federal agencies to take into consideration the environmental consequences of proposed federal actions. In compliance with NEPA and its implementing regulations, FEMA prepared this environmental assessment (EA) to analyze potential environmental impacts of the Proposed Action and other reasonable alternatives that would meet the purpose, need, and objectives of the project as well as a No Action Alternative. The No Action Alternative also serves as an environmental baseline against which other alternatives can be compared. FEMA will use the findings in this Draft EA and public input to determine whether to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS). If the Proposed Action is determined not to significantly affect the quality of the human environment, then FEMA will issue a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) rather than prepare an EIS. The CEQ and FEMA regulations (44 CFR Section 10) that implement NEPA require NEPA documents to be concise, focus on the issues relevant to the project, and exclude extraneous background data and discussion of subjects that are not relevant or would not be affected by the project alternatives. Accordingly, the following subjects are not evaluated in detail for the following reasons: Subject Analysis Air Quality Construction would create dust and vehicle emissions; however, the impacts would be minor and temporary. Air quality impacts associated with traffic from temporary housing residents are not expected to increase above current levels in the County since the residents are from within the County. Wyoming County is not in a designated nonattainment area per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Climate & Climate Change Minor and temporary construction-related impacts (see the description of the Proposed Action in Section 3.3 of this EA) would contribute a negligible amount to climate change or greenhouse gases. Coastal Zone Management Act The project location is not in the state’s coastal zone management program . Cultural Resources A query of the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission’s Cultural Resources Geographic Information System (CRGIS) indicates no known historic properties in the Area of Potential Effect (APE). Per reconnaissance conducted by registered professional FEMA archaeologist on October 21, 2001, the location of the project on a ridgeline/hill slope with a weakly developed soil type indicates a low likelihood for buried archaeological resources. There are no structures over 50 years old in the vicinity of the project. Fish & Wildlife and T&E Species The project would require clearing a field with low-lying vegetation and some bushes and trees along the southern portion of the site. Construction activity and noise may cause temporary displacement of animals; however, other similar adjoining habitats are available and human presence and associated noise already exists in/around the site. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) lists the Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalist) as an endangered species in Wyoming County. Removal of trees could potentially impact Indiana Bat habitat. Reports were generated for this site from both the USFWS Information, Planning and Conservation System, and the Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory. It was determined that no impacts to federally listed or proposed species were anticipated. (See Appendix B) Geology and Soils The proposed project would result in construction-related impacts to the soil, mapped as Lackawanna channery loam, which is well drained with high permeability. It is a gravelly soil and construction impacts are considered minor. The project area and the surrounding Tunkhannock Township are unzoned, but permission has been granted by the Wyoming County Planning Board to construct temporary housing at the project area (Paul Weilage. 2011. Personal Communication). Due to this permission, the project area is not considered prime and unique farmland. The impacts to the geology and soils in the area would be minor to nonexistent. Hazardous Materials A search of available and reasonably ascertainable government records was conducted (EDR 2011) to evaluate environmental risk associated with the proposed site within a one-mile radius. The site was not listed in any database searched by EDR, and there were no mapped sites on and within the one-mile search radius. Naturally occurring radon is present in most of Pennsylvania. Temporary buildings would be above ground with natural ventilation between the concrete pad and the living space, which would minimize potential exposure. Since grading is anticipated to occur approximately 8 inches below surface level, and the community site is temporary, radon is unlikely to pose a health hazard. No environmental conditions such as distressed vegetation and soil contamination were observed during field reconnaissance. As a result of the field visit (conducted October 21, 2011) and results of the data search, no on-site soil sampling was deemed necessary. Land Use Land use, including housing, public services and utilities, and socioeconomic impacts are not expected because the proposed use is compatible with the existing uses of the surrounding area, and utilities and public services are available adjacent to the proposed site or within a reasonable distance. Migratory Bird Treaty Act The potential for construction-related impacts to migratory birds is minimal because the nesting season is completed by October and the project (because of the urgency to provide housing) is of short duration and would be completed before the next nesting season begins. Noise Site preparation activities are expected to take place for approximately 45-60 days. Because of the extraordinary need for temporary housing, and weather constraints as the end of the construction season approaches, activities would likely take place 16 hours a day. Although construction related noise would be temporary, the residents on the west and far-eastern sides of the property are close by and would hear the construction activity. Non-construction noise associated with occupancy of the site and traffic would be expected to increase above current levels, although not all residents would have vehicles. The number of temporary mobile homes that would ultimately be needed is unknown at this time and is estimated at a maximum of 48. Thus it is difficult to predict the increase in noise above current levels. The project is temporary, and would be removed after 18 months. Safety and Security No safety or security concerns were observed during site reconnaissance. However, temporary mobile home community sites are typically fenced. Traffic Construction-related traffic would be temporary, and expected to last from 45 - 60 days. Vehicular traffic in the vicinity of the project would increase for the 18 months that residents occupy the temporary mobile home community site, although not all residents would have vehicles. The number of temporary mobile homes that will ultimately be needed is unknown at this time; however the maximum number of temporary mobile homes that would be placed on the site is estimated at 48 units; thus it is difficult to predict the increase in traffic above current levels. The project is temporary and would be removed after 18 months. There is no zoning for this Township. Vegetation The project site is primarily covered with a mix of low-lying vegetation, cultivated soybeans; there are also larger, mature trees and shrubs on the southern boundary of the property. Much of the low-lying vegetation and a portion of the tree line would be cleared during construction, and gravel would be placed on the site. Some of the trees and shrubs would remain in place. Visual Quality Approximately three acres of cultivated cropland on the southern side of the site would be cleared and replaced with temporary mobile home units. The Concept Layout identifies an area of open land would remain along the southern border of the Highlands temporary mobile home community site. Water Quality Construction activities to prepare the site, such as grading, could increase sedimentation. However the potential to impact water quality would be reduced by the mitigation measures, including Best Management Practices, described in the Project Description. An NPDES permit would be required. 2.1 PURPOSE AND NEED The purpose of the Stafford Act is to provide a wide range of federal assistance for states and local governments significantly impacted by disasters or emergencies or both. The purpose of the Individual and Households Program is to expeditiously provide temporary housing assistance for individuals and households who are displaced from their primary residences or whose primary residence is rendered uninhabitable as a result of damage caused by a major disaster. Direct housing assistance involves the provision of a manufactured housing unit on an available private, commercial park, or community site location in Wyoming County. The need for direct housing assistance is urgent. Emergency shelters have closed; many individuals are staying in damaged homes or other insecure situations. When possible, FEMA places a mobile home on an applicant’s private site (if the site is located outside a floodplain) or provides a mobile home on a pad leased in a commercial park. Based on lack of suitable private sites and the lack of available spaces in commercial parks in Wyoming County, FEMA anticipates that many applicants will require direct housing, resulting in the need to develop a temporary mobile home community site. 2.2 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS In order to meet the urgent needs of disaster victims in need of temporary housing, FEMA has implemented an expedited environmental review process. The purpose of this document is to assist FEMA in fulfilling its environmental review responsibilities under NEPA and to document compliance under other applicable environmental laws. Laws and Executive Orders addressed through this EA include: the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management), Executive Order 11990 (Protection of Wetlands), and Executive Order 12898 (Environmental Justice). The scope of FEMA’s environmental review includes evaluating project alternatives, characterizing the affected environment, identifying potential environmental impacts, and outlining ways to reduce or minimize adverse affects. This EA examines the site-specific environmental impacts associated with building a proposed temporary mobile home community on privately-owned land. This EA was prepared based on site evaluations, research of available published information, and resource agency information. The Draft EA will be provided to the public, including interested agencies, during the public comment period. The public participation period will be brief, as necessitated by the emergency circumstances. FEMA believes that this process will allow for sufficient action analysis and meet the goal of providing timely federal assistance to disaster victims. 3.1 SITE SELECTION PROCESS AND ALTERNATIVES NEPA requires investigation and evaluation of reasonable project alternatives as part of the project environmental review process. At a minimum, FEMA’s NEPA implementing regulations require the No Action and Proposed Action be evaluated. The Stafford Act and its implementing regulations provide for a wide range of federally assisted housing options. This includes minor home repairs, rental assistance, and installing a mobile home or ‘Park Model’ on a private site or in an existing mobile home park. When these options are exhausted or unavailable, a remaining alternative is to build a temporary mobile home community site. In order to expedite the temporary mobile home community site selection process, FEMA works closely with local officials to identify potential sites then conducts a cursory site reconnaissance and research to determine suitability. During the initial screening, factors considered include: • demand for temporary housing in the area, • community acceptance, • proximity of community services (schools, police, fire, public transportation, etc.), • engineering and construction feasibility, • access to utilities, • land use compatibility, • property owner terms, • costs to develop and maintain the site, and • environmental and cultural resource constraints. At least three sites were screened in Wyoming County. The Highlands site was identified for further analysis because it meets the basic site feasibility and selection criteria. FEMA continues to evaluate alternative sites in Wyoming County, and other counties in Pennsylvania. Although various alternatives have been and continue to be identified, the extraordinary amount of housing needed has limited this EA to analysis of one potentially suitable site alternative at this time. 3.2 Alternative 1- No Action Alternative Under the No Action alternative, FEMA would not develop a temporary community housing site for this area. Displaced residents would continue to stay with relatives/friends, in hotels, or other temporary locations until they resolve their own long-term housing needs. 3.3 Alternative 2 – Develop the Highlands Site for Temporary Community Housing (Proposed Action) The Proposed Action would provide temporary housing for eligible disaster victims. Disaster victims would be temporarily relocated to the site with an expected occupancy up to 18 months while they resolve their permanent housing solution. Section 408(B)(ii) of the Stafford Act does not permit temporary housing assistance beyond 18 months from the declared disaster date except for extraordinary circumstances in which an extension would be in the public interest. Project Location and Site Description The proposed site is located north-west of the intersection of Wellwood and Jeffstone Drives in Tunkhannock Township, Wyoming County, Pennsylvania (Latitude 41.5145, Longitude -75.9340). (See Site Vicinity map in Appendix A). It is bordered on the north, south, and east by undeveloped land, and to the west by Wellwood Drive and two homes that are within view, but set back from the road. (See the Concept Layout in Appendix A) The available land on the site consists of approximately 8 acres. The southern portion of the site is heavily vegetated, and contains a steep slope approximately 150 feet into the vegetation and is less feasible for development than the remainder of the site. The northern portion appears to have been recently farmed, and is the most feasible piece of land to develop. There is a wet area on the northern boundary of the property which appears to run west to east, but can be avoided. The northern portion is relatively flat, except for a gentle slope in the north-west portion. The site is not fenced. There is no zoning in Tunkhannock Township. The landowner has offered to enter into a temporary site license and use agreement. Project Description The project description is based on the site preliminary design completed on October, 27, 2011 (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 2011). The Proposed Action would involve the construction of a temporary mobile home community site. The exact number of individuals and households in the area needing direct housing is not known. Based on the preliminary design, the maximum number of total mobile homes that can be placed on the site is 48. (See the Concept Layout in Appendix A). Below is a photo of a typical example of manufactured homes (these have not been installed): Site preparation would include clearing and grading a portion of the site to prepare it for the temporary mobile home community site. The size of the developed site would depend on the ultimate number of individuals and households that require direct housing assistance. The design of the site includes the following considerations: Grading of the site would take place to a depth of 6 inches to 12 inches. Utilities would be installed in trenches ranging in depth of 2 feet in most places to 8 feet in a few places. Utilities including water and sewer would be installed below ground and connected to existing utilities located south of the property. Electrical lines would be installed below or above ground; underground electric is currently available to the south-east of the property. Access to the site would be available from two locations off Wellwood Drive and an additional location off Jeffstone Drive. Stormwater drainage would be designed to direct drainage as appropriate. Interior roadways and pads would be constructed primarily of gravel. Uniform Federal Accessibility Standard features would be provided as required by law. When the temporary housing need has ended, the mobile homes would be removed from the site. The temporary mobile home community site would then be reasonably restored to its previous condition and as agreed upon with the landowner. MITIGATION As described under the Proposed Action, the project includes construction of a temporary mobile home community site. The project would be designed to meet all local, state, and federal requirements. The following mitigation measures would be employed and are included as part of the Proposed Action (additional mitigation measures may be identified as conditions of permits and approvals by agencies with jurisdiction): Resource Mitigation General Construction and clearing limits would be clearly marked on the ground and would not extend beyond the minimum area required to complete the work. Sensitive areas, if any, would be flagged to delineate no-work zones. No machinery or equipment would access areas outside the construction limits. All mitigation measures would be clearly stated in the construction specifications. Vegetation Vegetation beyond the clearing zone would not be removed or damaged. Water Quality and Soils All disturbed ground would be reclaimed using appropriate Best Management Practices. The measures described below would be maintained until the grade is stable and vegetation is re-established. Sediment and erosion control would be implemented to prevent or reduce non-point source pollution and minimize soil loss and sedimentation in drainage areas. These practices may include, but are not limited to, silt fence, filter fabric, check dams, straw wattles, in-stream sediment mats, and seeding/mulching of exposed areas. Regular site inspections would be conducted to ensure erosion control measures are properly installed and functioning effectively. Equipment, materials, and procedures necessary to prevent and respond to hazardous spills would be maintained on-site at all times This section discusses the existing condition of affected resources and the potential effects of the No Action and Proposed Action alternatives. The proposed Highlands temporary mobile home community site is located within Tunkhannock Township. The location is within 4 miles of the Tunkhannock High School and Tunkhannock Middle School and approximately 3.5 miles of the Roslund Elementary School. Shopping, gas stations, and other community activities are within a 4 mile drive of the location. The site is currently and primarily a cultivated field; however, there is a heavily vegetated area in the southern portion and is made up of mature trees and bushes. There is no zoning in Tunkhannock Township. Public sewer, water and electric are close to the site on Wellwood and Jeffstone Drives. 4.1 FLOODPLAINS (EO 11988) AND WETLANDS (EO 11990) Executive Order (EO) 11988 (Floodplains) requires federal agencies to reduce the risk of flood loss, minimize the impact on human health, safety, and welfare, and restore the natural and beneficial values served by floodplains. Under FEMA’s implementing regulations at 44 CFR Part 9, FEMA must evaluate the potential effects of any actions it may take in a floodplain and consider alternatives to avoid adverse effects. Similarly, EO 11990 (Wetlands) requires that federal agencies take action to minimize the destruction, loss, or degradation of wetlands, and to preserve and enhance the natural and beneficial effects of wetlands. Federal agencies, in planning their actions, are required to consider alternatives to wetland sites and limit potential damage if an activity affecting a wetland cannot be avoided. Federal agencies are also required under 44 CFR Part 9 to provide public notice and review of plans for actions in floodplains and wetlands. The public notice for this disaster and public review of the Draft EA meet FEMA’s public notice and review requirements. Floodplains The No Action and Proposed Action alternatives would not take place in FEMA-designated floodplains. The project area is on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) 4222060004C, dated August 23, 1999 and 4222060007B, dated July 15, 1988. The area is designated Zone X, which is outside the mapped Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), not in a 100-year floodplain, and has minimal flood hazard potential. The project could result in short term construction-related impacts; however, impacts such as water quality impacts to the floodplain would be avoided and/or minimized with construction Best Management Practices (BMPs) described under the Project Description. Wetlands Based on the National Wetland Inventory (NWI) and field observations, the Proposed Action alternative would not take place in or affect wetlands. A storm water drainage feature was observed in the field on the northern boundary of the property between two fields; however it would not qualify as a jurisdictional wetland. 4.2 SOCIOECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE (EO 12898) Executive Order (EO) 12898, Environmental Justice, directs federal agencies to identify and address, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority and low-income populations in the U.S. resulting from federal programs, policies, and activities. FEMA, as part of the Department of Homeland Security, is participating with other federal agencies in a Memorandum of Understanding on Environmental Justice to promote the principles of EO 12898. This includes making commitments regarding federal agency environmental justice strategies, public input, and annual reporting. The population within the 18657 ZIP code is comprised of about 0.5 percent Black or African American and 98.4 percent White. Approximately 7.3 percent of the families in the ZIP code are living below the poverty level. See Table 1, below, for a comparison of demographics in the 18657 zip code, Wyoming County and State of Pennsylvania. Table 1: Minority and Low Income Populations Summary Statistics Subject 18657 Zip Code Census 2000 Wyoming County Census 2010 Pennsylvania Census 2010 Demographics White 98.4 97.4 81.9 Black or African American 0.5 0.7 10.8 American Indian and Alaska Native 0.1 0.2 0.2 Asian 0.3 0.3 2.7 Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 0 0 0 Some other race 0.1 0.4 2.4 Two or more races 0.5 0.9 1.9 Families below poverty 7.3 9.3 9.3 Source: U.S. Census Bureau The Proposed Action is not expected to pose disproportionately high and adverse public health or environmental effects on minority and low-income populations. The availability of Federal assistance, including temporary housing for displaced individuals, is consistent with EO 12898. All forms of FEMA disaster housing assistance are available to any affected household that meets the conditions of eligibility and demographics are not among the eligibility requirements. The specific demographics of community site occupants are not available at this time because specific individuals or families are in the process of being identified. However, the demographic makeup of the future community housing residents is expected to be similar to the community as a whole. Further, the availability of temporary housing would result in a positive impact to displaced individuals, regardless of whether they are minority and/or low income. 5.1 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS Cumulative effects or impacts are defined as “the impact on the environment which results from the incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency (federal or non-federal) or person undertakes such other actions” (40 CFR 1508.7). Cumulative effects are determined by combining the effects of an action with other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions. Due to the limited scope of work and proposed mitigation (see the Project Description), the contribution of noise and of dust from equipment and vehicle emissions during installation of the manufactured homes would not result in a measurable contribution to cumulative impacts on air quality to greenhouse gases, or to climate change. Because the occupants of the temporary mobile home community site would be from the local area, it is anticipated there would be no cumulative impacts on public services. 5.2 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT Public involvement is being performed in compliance with NEPA, FEMA’s regulations implementing NEPA at 44 CFR 10.9(c), and Executive Orders 12898, 11988, and 11990. A Public Notice was published in the Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader. Due to the emergency nature of this action, the public comment period will be brief, from November 1, 2011 to November 3, 2011. The Draft EA is available for public review at the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), Tunkhannock Area Administration (Gymnasium), 41 Philadelphia Avenue, Tunkhannock, PA 18657. The DRC hours are 10:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday through Friday and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday. Comments on the Draft EA will not be taken at the DRC, however. The Draft EA is also available on FEMA’s website at: http://www.fema.gov/plan/ehp/envdocuments/index.shtm under Region III. Written comments on the Draft EA can be faxed to 717-651-4586 or emailed to FEMA-R3-EHP@dhs.gov. Verbal comments can be provided by calling 717-671-3617. If no substantive comments are received relative to the Proposed Action’s environmental effects, the Draft EA will become final and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) will be issued. 5.3 CONCLUSION This Draft EA evaluated the potential environmental effects of the No Action and Proposed Action. Based on findings to date, if the Proposed Action were implemented with the mitigation measures and Best Management Practices (BMPs) identified in this Draft EA and conditions of other agency approvals, no significant environmental impacts were identified that would warrant the need to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS). AGENCIES AND PERSONS CONSULTED Wyoming County Office of Community Planning: Paul J, Weilage, Wyoming County Planning Director REFERENCES Council on Environmental Quality. 2010. Memorandum for Heads of Federal Departments and Agencies. Draft NEPA Guidance on Consideration of the Effects of Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Emissions. 12 p. Environmental Data Resources Inc. October 28, 2011. The Environmental Data Resources Radius Map Report with Geocheck. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. 2011. Coastal Resources Management Program, Coastal Zone Boundary (eMapPA): http://www.emappa.dep.state.pa.us/emappa/viewer.htm. Queried on October 25, 2011. Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. 2011. Cultural Resources Geographic Information System: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/crgis/3802. Queried on October 27, 2011. Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program. 2011. Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory: http://www.naturalheritage.state.pa.us/Species.aspx. Queried on October 27, 2011. U.S. Census Bureau. 2011. American Fact Finder: http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xhtml. Queried on October 27, 2011. U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2011. Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/. Queried on October 26, 2011. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2011. Nonattainment Areas Map – Criteria Air Pollutants: http://epa.gov/airdata/nonat.html?st~PA~Pennsylvania. Queried on October 26, 2011. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2011. iPAC: Information, Planning, and Conservation System, Natural Resources of Concern – Wyoming County: http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/wizard/pdf/trustResourceListAsPdf!prepareAsPdf.action. Queried on October 26, 2011. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2011. National Wetlands Inventory: http://107.20.228.18/Wetlands/WetlandsMapper.html. Queried on October 26, 2011. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2011. Northeast Region Endangered Species. Pennsylvania: http://www.fws.gov/northeast/endangered/species_listing_pa.html. Queried on October 26, 2011. This Species-list document is provided by: PENNSYLVANIA ECOLOGICAL SERVICES FIELD OFFICE 315 SOUTH ALLEN STREET, SUITE 322 STATE COLLEGE, PA 16801 (814) 234-4090 http://www.fws.gov/northeast/pafo/ TAILS consultation code: 05E2PA00-2012-SLI-0091 Project type: Development Endangered Species Act Species-list Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) Listing Status: Endangered The following conditions and measures shall be followed: • The applicant shall obtain all required local, state, and federal permits and approvals prior to implementing the Proposed Action Alternative and comply with any and all conditions imposed. • The applicant is responsible for selecting, implementing, monitoring, and maintaining Best Management Practices to control erosion and sediment, reduce spills and pollution, and provide habitat protection. • Any change to the approved scope of work will require re-evaluation for compliance with NEPA and other laws and executive orders. • In the event that archaeological or historic materials are discovered during project activities, work in the immediate vicinity should be discontinued, the area secured, and the State, and FEMA notified.