DRAFT Environmental Assessment Joseph Bartholomew Maintenance Building City of New Orleans FEMA-1603-DR-LA Orleans Parish, Louisiana December 2011 U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region VI Louisiana Recovery Office New Orleans, Louisiana 70114 SECTION PAGE TABLE OF CONTENTS i LIST OF ACRONYMS ii 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Project Authority 1 1.2 Background 1 2.0 PURPOSE AND NEED 2 3.0 ALTERNATIVES 3 3.1 Alternative 1 – No Action 3 3.2 Alternative 2 – Reconstruction/Repair in the Same Footprint 3 3.3 Alternative 3 – Reconstruction/Reorientation at the Original Site 3 4.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND IMPACTS 4 4.1 Wetlands 4 4.2 Floodplains 6 4.3 Coastal Resources 10 4.4 Biological Resources 10 4.5 Cultural Resources 11 4.6 Hazardous Materials 14 4.7 Environmental Justice 15 5.0 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS 15 6.0 CONDITIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 16 7.0 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND AGENCY CONSULTATION 17 8.0 LIST OF PREPARERS 17 9.0 REFERENCES 18 APPENDICES Site Plan Appendix A Agency Correspondence Appendix B Eight-Step Decision Making Process Appendix C Public Notice Appendix D LIST OF ACRONYMS ABFE Advisory Base Flood Elevation APE Area of Potential Effects BMPs Best Management Practices CAA Clean Air Act CBRA Coastal Barrier Resources Act CBRS Coastal Barrier Resources System CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act CFR Code of Federal Regulations CWA Clean Water Act CZMA Coastal Zone Management Act DFIRM Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map EA Environmental Assessment EIS Environmental Impact Statement EO Executive Order ESA Endangered Species Act EDMS Electronic Document Management System FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact GNO Greater New Orleans HEAG Highest Existing Adjacent Grade HSDRRS Hurricane Storm Damage Risk Reduction System LADOTD Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development LA GOHSEP Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness LDEQ Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality LDNR Louisiana Department of Natural Resources LUST Leaking Underground Storage Tank MOA Memorandum of Agreement NAVD 88 North American Vertical Datum of 1988 NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service NOAA National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration PA Public Assistance Grant Program RECAP Risk Evaluation/Corrective Action Program RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act RHA Rivers and Harbors Act SHPO State Historic Preservation Office/Officer US United States USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers USC United States Code USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Project Authority Hurricane Katrina made landfall on August 29, 2005 near the town of Buras, Louisiana with sustained winds of more than 125 mph. President George W. Bush declared a major disaster for the State of Louisiana (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. This is pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act), PL 93-288, as amended. Section 406 of the Stafford Act authorizes FEMA’s Public Assistance Program (PA) to assist in funding the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of public facilities damaged as a result of the declared disaster. This Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), the President’s Council on Environmental Quality regulations implementing NEPA (Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Parts 1500 to 1508), and FEMA’s regulations implementing NEPA (44 CFR Parts 9 and 10). The purpose of this EA is to analyze potential environmental impacts of the proposed project. FEMA will use the findings in this EA to determine whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). 1.2 Background The Joseph Bartholomew Maintenance Building, owned by the City of New Orleans, sustained major damage as a result of Hurricane Katrina. It was deemed eligible for replacement by FEMA for Federal disaster public assistance as a non-critical facility serving the needs of the general public. The Joseph Bartholomew Maintenance Building is a service building for the Joseph Bartholomew Golf Course, which is located in the Pontchartrain Park neighborhood of New Orleans at 4800 Hayne Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana, Latitude 30.02829, Longitude -90.04074 (Figures 1 and 2). The Joseph Bartholomew Maintenance Building is a pre-engineered steel building with 8700 square feet (SF) of enclosed area and 3100 SF of covered area for a total of 11,800 SF. Approximately 900 SF of the enclosed area consists of office / employee space while the remainder of both the enclosed and covered area is partitioned with chain link fence into several storage areas: mechanical, parts, supply, fertilizer, and tool storage. The flooring consists of concrete slab-on-grade while the roof is comprised of steel panels. Additionally, there are several overhead roll-up doors as well as entryway doors for access/egress to the building. Figure 1 - Map of Orleans Parish Location within State of Louisiana (Google Images, 2011) Figure 2 – Map of of Joseph Bartholomew Maintenance Building Location (Google Maps®, 2011) 2.0 PURPOSE AND NEED Prior to Hurricane Katrina, the maintenance building serviced the Joseph Bartholomew Golf Course located at the Pontchartrain Park area of New Orleans. It was utilized by the City of New Orleans for the storage of equipment, vehicles, fertilizers and other items required for the maintenance of the golf course. As directed by the Stafford Act (PL 93-288), the objective of FEMA’s PA Grant Program is to provide assistance to State, Tribal and local governments, and certain types of Private Nonprofit organizations so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies declared by the President. The Joseph Bartholomew Maintenance Building was essential to servicing the needs of the Joseph Bartholomew Golf Course, which was utilized by residents of the Pontchartrain Park area as well as the City of New Orleans. The Joseph Bartholomew Golf Course, as well as Pontchartrain Park, aided the area’s commitment to engage in organized athletic and recreational activities. These recreational community services have been compromised as a result of damages sustained from Hurricane Katrina. Full restoration of recreational services in a manner that best serves the local community will need to be achieved in order for FEMA PA and the City of New Orleans to fulfill their objective. 3.0 ALTERNATIVES The NEPA process consists of an evaluation of the environmental effects of a Federal undertaking, including its alternatives. Three alternatives have been proposed and reviewed including, 1) the No Action Alternative, 2) Reconstruction of the Joseph Bartholomew Maintenance Building in the same footprint and original location, and 3) Reconstruction of the Joseph Bartholomew Maintenance Building in a new location (Figure 3). 3.1 Alternative 1 - No Action Implementation of the No Action Alternative would entail no repair, reconstruction, or relocation of the Joseph Bartholomew Maintenance Building. Consequently, the community would be affected as the building would no longer be able to be utilized as a service facility for the public golf course. No Action would forego opportunities for reconstruction and recompense. 3.2 Alternative 2 – Reconstruction in the Same Footprint This alternative would reconstruct the damaged Joseph Bartholomew Maintenance Building to the pre-disaster configuration, function and capacity in substantially the same footprint in order to restore the community service as it existed prior to Hurricane Katrina. This practicable alternative meets the purpose and need of the action and will be further evaluated in this EA. 3.3 Alternative 3 - Reconstruction at an Alternate Location - Proposed Action The proposed action is for replacement of the Joseph Bartholomew Maintenance Building in a new location approximately 160 feet south of the existing structure. The proposed relocation of the new facility will allow the City of New Orleans to continue to use the storm damaged facility for storage of equipment and supplies until the newly constructed facility is complete. The original facility will be demolished upon completion of the new building. The proposed facility will be consistent with the function, capacity, size and purpose of the damaged facility with any increase in the size of overall square footage a result of applicable codes and standards. This action would include site preparation, construction of a new building and installation of necessary utilities and appurtenances. Reconstruction of the Joseph Bartholomew Maintenance Building adjacent to the original footprint will restore the community services lost as a result of Hurricane Katrina. This practicable alternative also meets the purpose and need of the action and will be further evaluated in this EA. Figure 3 - Map of the Proposed Action Location (Google Maps®, 2011) 4.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND IMPACTS 4.1 Wetlands The United States Army Corps Engineers (USACE) regulates the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the U.S., including wetlands, pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Wetlands are identified as those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. The USACE also regulates the building of structures in waters of the U.S. pursuant to the Rivers and Harbors Act (RHA). Executive Order (EO) 11990, Protection of Wetlands, directs Federal agencies to minimize the destruction, loss, or degradation of wetlands and to preserve and enhance the values of wetlands for Federally funded projects. FEMA regulations for complying with EO 11990 are found at 44 CFR Part 9, Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) map shows no wetlands within the proposed project area that could be adversely affected by the project (Figure 4, USFWS 2010). In comments received on April 20, 2011, the USACE indicated that no federal permit would be required for the placement or redistribution of dredged or fill material on the proposed project site (Appendix B). Figure 4 - U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wetlands Inventory Map (USFWS, 2011) 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 under Section 404 of the CWA or Section 10 of the RHA. Alternative 2 – Reconstruction in the Same Footprint: Reconstruction of Joseph Bartholomew Maintenance Building in substantially its same footprint would have no impact on wetlands or other waters of the U.S. FEMA has determined the proposed location is an urban, previously-disturbed site and is not a wetland under Executive Order 11990. It would not require permits under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act or Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. Alternative 3 – Reconstruction at an Alternative Location - Proposed Action: The proposed action alternative would have no impact on wetlands or other waters of the U.S. FEMA has determined that the proposed location is an urban, previously-disturbed site and is not a jurisdictional wetland under Executive Order 11990. The project as proposed would not require permits under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act or Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. To minimize indirect impacts (erosion, sedimentation, dust and other construction-related disturbances) to the well-defined urban drainage ways surrounding the proposed action, the following best management practices should be included into the daily operations of the construction activities: silt screens, barriers (e.g., hay bales), berms/dikes, and/or fences to be placed where and as needed. Fencing will be placed for marking staging areas to store construction equipment and supplies as well as conduct maintenance/repair operations. 4.2 Floodplains Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management) requires Federal agencies to avoid direct or indirect support or development within the 100-year floodplain whenever there is a practicable alternative. FEMA’s regulations for complying with EO 11988 are found at 44 CFR Part 9, Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. In July 2005, FEMA initiated a series of flood insurance studies for many of the Louisiana coastal parishes as part of the Flood Map Modernization effort through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Fund. These studies were necessary because the flood hazard and risk information shown on many Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) was developed during the 1970s, and the physical terrain had changed significantly, such as major loss of wetland areas. After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, FEMA expanded the scope of work to include all of coastal Louisiana. The magnitude of the impacts of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita reinforced the urgency to obtain additional flood recovery data for the coastal zones of Louisiana. More detailed analysis was possible because new data obtained after the hurricanes including information on levees and levee systems, new high-water marks, and new hurricane parameters (Lamp 2007). During an initial post-hurricane analysis, FEMA determined that the “100-Year” or 1-percent chance storm flood elevations on FIRMs for many Louisiana communities, referred to as Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), were too low. FEMA created recovery maps showing the extent and magnitude of Hurricane Katrina’s and Rita’s surge, as well as information on other storms over the past 25 years (Lamp 2007). The 2006 advisory flood data shown on the recovery maps for the Louisiana-declared disaster areas show high-water marks surveyed after the storm; flood limits developed from these surveyed points; and Advisory Base Flood Elevations, or ABFEs. The recovery maps and other advisory data were developed to assist parish officials, homeowners, business owners, and other affected citizens with their recovery and rebuilding efforts (Lamp 2007). Updated preliminary flood hazard maps from an intensive five-year mapping project guided by FEMA are now provided to all Louisiana coastal parishes. The new maps released in early 2008, known as Preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs), are based on the most technically advanced flood insurance studies ever performed for Louisiana, followed by multiple levels of review. The DFIRMs provide communities with a more scientific approach to economic development, hazard mitigation planning, emergency response and post-flood recovery (Lamp 2007). The USACE is currently working on a Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System (HSDRRS) for the Greater New Orleans (GNO) area (Miller 2011). This 350-mile system of levees, floodwalls, surge barriers, and pump stations will reduce the flood risk associated with a storm event. In September of 2011, the USACE provided FEMA with assurances that the HSDRRS is capable of defending against a storm surge with a one percent (1%) annual chance event of occurring in any given year (Miller 2011). The areas protected include portions of St. Bernard, St. Charles, Jefferson, Orleans, and Plaquemines parishes. FEMA has now begun revising the preliminary DFIRMs within the HSDRRS to incorporate the reduced flood risk associated with the system improvements. In the spring of 2012, FEMA should be prepared to release revised preliminary DFIRMs (Miller 2011). The 2008 Preliminary DFIRMs – currently viewed as the best available flood risk data for the five GNO parishes – do not consider the completion of the HSDRRS. In many areas, the flood risk has been significantly reduced due to heightened protection. To ensure that the best available data is used when reviewing and approving grant applications within the HSDRRS, FEMA will re-examine individual grant reconstruction projects using sound engineering data and judgment. The case-by-case review may indicate that the source of best available flood risk data for a reconstruction project is preliminary DFIRMs, ABFEs, or other relevant sound engineering data. No project should be built to a floodplain management standard that is less protective than what the community has adopted in local ordinances through their participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (Miller 2011). In compliance with FEMA policy implementing EO 11988, Floodplain Management, the proposed project was reviewed for possible impacts associated with occupancy or modification to a floodplain. Orleans Parish enrolled in the NFIP on August 3, 1970. Alternative 1 – No Action: The No Action Alternative would have no impact on the 100-year floodplain as no building would be constructed at the site t Alternative 2 – Reconstruction in the Same Footprint: Per preliminary DFIRM panel number 22071C0120F, dated November 13, 2008 (Figure 5), the current Joseph Bartholomew Maintenance Building site is located in AE (El 1), a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) subject to inundation by the 1-percent annual chance (100-year) flood; base flood elevations determined. Per Advisory Base Flood Elevation Map (ABFE Map) LA-EE32 (Figure 6), dated June 5, 2006, the current site is located in ABFE El -1 or 3 feet above Highest Existing Adjacent Grade (HEAG). Reconstruction of the Joseph Bartholomew Maintenance Building in substantially its same footprint will have no determinable impact on flood elevations, nor will it increase development in this fully built-out area. In compliance with EO 11988, an 8-step process was completed and documentation is attached in Appendix B. Alternative 3 – Reconstruction at an Alternate Location - Proposed Action: The proposed action alternative would involve the reconstruction of the Joseph Bartholomew Maintenance Building at an alternate location. Per preliminary DFIRM panel number 22071C0120F dated November 13, 2008 (Figure 5), the proposed project site is located in AE (El 1), a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) subject to inundation by the 1-percent annual chance (100-year) flood; base flood elevations determined (older FIRMs may show “A numbered” zones; these are the same as Zone AE). In addition, per Advisory Base Flood Elevation Map (ABFE Map) LA-EE32 (Figure 6) the proposed project site is located in ABFE El -1 or 3 feet above Highest Existing Adjacent Grade (HEAG). The reconstruction of this facility will have no determinable impact on flood elevations, nor will it increase development in this fully built-out area. As per 44 CFR 9.11 (d), new construction of non-residential structures must be elevated or flood-proofed to the 100-year BFE. This location is currently being re-evaluated by FEMA to determine the appropriate base flood elevation the facility must be protected against. The City of New Orleans is required to coordinate with the local floodplain administrator regarding floodplain permit(s) prior to the start of any activities. All coordination pertaining to these permit(s) should be documented to the local floodplain administrator and copies provided to the State and FEMA as part of the permanent project files. Additionally, per 44 CFR 9.11 (d)(9), mitigation or minimization standards must be applied, where possible. The replacement of building contents, materials and equipment should be, where possible, wet or dry-proofed, elevated, or relocated to or above the BFE. In compliance with EO 11988, an 8-step process was completed and documentation is attached in Appendix C. Figure 5 - Preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map Panel 22071C0120F (FEMA, 2008)1 Figure 6 – Advisory Base Flood Elevation Map OR-LA-EE32 (FEMA, June 5, 2006) 4.3 Coastal Resources The Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (CZMA) requires Federal agency actions to be consistent with the policies of the state coastal zone management program when conducting or supporting activities that affect a coastal zone. The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (LDNR) regulates development in Louisiana’s designated coastal zone through the Coastal Use Permit Program. The existing facility and the proposed project site are located in the coastal zone and are required to obtain a Coastal Use Permit prior to construction (Appendix B). The USFWS regulates Federal funding in Coastal Barrier Resource System (CBRS) units under the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA). This Act protects undeveloped coastal barriers and related areas (i.e., Otherwise Protected Areas) by prohibiting direct or indirect Federal funding of projects that support development in these areas. The Act promotes appropriate use and conservation of coastal barriers along the Gulf of Mexico. The proposed project site is not located within a regulated CBRS unit. Alternative 1 – No Action: The No Action Alternative would have no impact on a coastal zone or to a CBRS unit. Alternative 2 – Reconstruction in the Same Footprint: Reconstruction of the Joseph Bartholomew Maintenance Building in substantially its same footprint would involve construction in a designated coastal zone. This project requires a Coastal Use Permit from LDNR. The City of New Orleans is required to contact LDNR prior to initiating work. The original site is not within a CBRS unit; therefore, it does not trigger the CBRA. Alternative 3 – Reconstruction at an Alternate Location - Proposed Action: The proposed action alternative would involve construction in a designated coastal zone. This project requires a Coastal Use Permit from LDNR. The City of New Orleans is required to contact LDNR prior to initiating work. The proposed site is not within a CBRS unit; therefore, the Proposed Action Alternative does not trigger the CBRA. 4.4 Biological Resources The Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 prohibits the taking of listed, threatened, and endangered species unless specifically authorized by permit from the USFWS or the National Marine Fisheries Service. “Take” is defined in ESA Section 3 as "to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect or attempt to engage in any such conduct." Harm is further defined by the ESA regulations to include significant habitat modification or degradation that results in death or injury to listed species by significantly impairing behavioral patterns such as breeding, feeding, or sheltering. The West Indian manatee, Gulf sturgeon and pallid sturgeon are species federally listed as threatened or endangered found in Orleans Parish. Alternative 1 – No Action: The No Action Alternative would have no impact on species federally listed as threatened or endangered. Alternative 2 – Reconstruction in the Same Footprint: Reconstruction of the Joseph Bartholomew Maintenance Building in substantially its same footprint would have no impact on species federally listed as threatened or endangered. Alternative 3 – Reconstruction at an Alternate Location - Proposed Action: Inspections of the proposed site did not indicate the presence of any species federally listed as threatened or endangered. In correspondence dated September 15, 2011, the USFWS stated that the project, as proposed, would have no effect on Federal trust resources under its jurisdiction and currently protected by the ESA (Appendix B). 4.5 Cultural Resources The consideration of effects to historic properties listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is mandated under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) as implemented by 36 CFR Part 800. Requirements include the identification of significant or historic properties that may be affected by the proposed action or alternatives within the project’s area of potential effects. Historic properties are defined as archaeological sites, standing structures or other historic resources listed in or determined eligible for listing in the NRHP. Federal agencies must take into account their effects on historic properties and allow the Advisory Council on Historic Properties opportunity to comment. FEMA, the Louisiana State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO), the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, the Caddo Nation, the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma, the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) have executed a Statewide Programmatic Agreement (PA) dated August 17, 2009 and amended on July 22, 2011 (2009 Statewide PA as amended), to streamline the NHPA Section 106 review process. The proposed action is subject to the standard project review stipulation of the 2009 Statewide PA as amended. Existing Conditions Standing Structures The project area is located in Pontchartrain Park on Hayne Boulevard between Press and Congress Drives. The property is located immediately north of the Pontchartrain Park Golf Course between the now-demolished Barrow Stadium and the park’s tennis courts. Based on research using the NRHP database, the Louisiana Cultural Resources Map on the Louisiana Division of Historic Preservation’s website, and agency files, FEMA has determined that the project area is located within the Pontchartrain Park Historic District (District). FEMA determined that the District was eligible for NRHP listing under Criterion A. SHPO concurrence with this determination was received dated December 8, 2005. The District’s period of significance (POS) is 1955-1958. The primary contributing resource of the District is the Joseph M. Bartholomew Golf Course and Park, a historic landscape built between 1955 and 1957. The 18-hole professional public golf course comprises the largest part of the District and is adjacent to the project area. It is located in the approximate center of the park, with recreational and community facilities around its perimeter. The Joseph Bartholomew Maintenance Building was constructed in 1985, which is outside of the District’s POS. FEMA determined that the maintenance building was a non-contributing element of the District. SHPO concurrence with this determination was reviewed dated December 4, 2009. Other non-contributing elements of the District within the project area include the Joseph Bartholomew Golf Course Club House and Picnic Shelter as well as the Pontchartrain Park Community Center. Archaeological Properties The archaeological potential for Pontchartrain Park, which includes the project area, was previously assessed in October 2009 during the NHPA Section 106 review for restoration of the Joseph Bartholomew Golf Course. The following identification and evaluation is based on the assessment carried out in 2009. In March 2011, FEMA archaeologists reviewed the documentation produced in 2009 and determined that it was sufficient to conduct a review under Section 106. Following is a summary. Data from SHPO indicates there is one recorded archaeological site within 0.25 miles of the project area. Site 16OR219, Camp Leroy Johnson U.S. Army Air Base, is located north of the APE. This military base was constructed on lake bottom land, reclaimed by construction of levees in 1927, and functioned from 1941-1964. This archaeological site was evaluated in 2006 as ineligible for listing on the NRHP. According to the site form, the boundaries of 16OR219 do not extend south of the railroad or Leon C. Simon Drive and thus, it would not be affected by the proposed undertaking. Archaeological site 16OR324, located approximately 0.47 miles from the project area at 2659 New York Street, is a circa 1950 bunker whose NRHP eligibility is undetermined. Given its distance from the proposed action, this site will not be affected by any of the proposed alternatives. The project area falls within the Orleans Parish High Probability Zone because of its location near the old lakeshore. The soils consist of drained Allemands muck formed in river backswamps. This area is comprised of reclaimed land from the Lake Pontchartrain lake bottom or backswamp. The Hardee’s 1878 map entitled New Orleans shows much of this general area as undeveloped swamp. By 1884 this area was slated for potential development with a grid of streets, although no evidence was located to demonstrate that residential development took place in this vicinity during this time. No improvements are shown in the project area on the 1937-1951 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map. The 1953 U.S.G.S. Spanish Fort quadrangle depicts no improvements in the project area. Between 1955 and 1957 aerial photographs show the Barrow Stadium baseball field being constructed, with the remainder of the project area surrounded by undeveloped land or recently leveled or graded land. In summary, the site appears to be extensively disturbed by previous construction and extensively filled. A site visit was conducted by FEMA Archaeologist Dale Wolke in October 2009, as part of an examination of evaluation of the Joseph Bartholomew Golf Course and Pontchartrain Park. No prehistoric artifacts or features were encountered during the pedestrian survey. A small cluster of brick fragments and whiteware ceramics were noted in fill material. In the resulting consultation for the elevation of depressed fairways, replacement of subsurface drainage, modifications to the golf course grounds, and in-kind repairs to the structures, FEMA HP determined that no archaeological resources would be impacted by the undertaking and submitted a finding of No Adverse Effect to Historic Properties to SHPO and Tribes (Project Worksheet 1603-18043-2). SHPO concurrence with this determination was received dated December 4, 2009. The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas concurred with FEMA’s determination on December 17, 2009. The prehistoric and historic archaeological potential of the project area appears very low given the recent nature of the historic development in this area, the amount of previous ground disturbance, and that significant historic deposits associated with the early years of the District (circa 1957-1961) are unlikely given that city water and sewer were available at this time. Alternative 1 - No Action: This alternative does not include any FEMA undertaking; therefore FEMA has no further responsibilities under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Alternative 2 – Reconstruction in the Same Footprint: This alternative involves the demolition and reconstruction of the facility within the same footprint. As the building is a non-contributing element of the District, the demolition of the Joseph Bartholomew Maintenance Building would have no adverse effect to historic properties. In-kind reconstruction in the existing location would not impact any above ground resources, provided that replacement facility had the same massing, height, scale, and materials as the original building. In addition, no archaeological resources would be affected by the undertaking. Alternative 3 - Reconstruction at an Alternate Location - Proposed Action: FEMA defined the Area of Potential Effects (APE) for both Standing Structures and Archaeology. The Standing Structures APE comprises the project site, as well as a portion of the golf course and park areas of Pontchartrain Park. The APE for Archaeology is the one acre project site for construction of a new facility 160 feet south of the original building. Based on archaeological investigations from 2009 and 2011, FEMA has determined that proposed action will not affect below ground resources. Although the proposed action will introduce a new visual element into the District, the new building will be of a similar size, massing, and design of the existing maintenance building. Therefore, the new construction will not adversely affect the District. FEMA HP applied the Criteria of Adverse Effect at 36 CFR 800.5(a)(1) and has determined a finding of No Adverse Effect to Historic Properties for the proposed action. FEMA will present this finding in a letter that will be submitted to SHPO and Tribes in late November 2011. FEMA anticipates receiving concurrence of this determination from SHPO and Tribes by late December 2011. 4.6 Hazardous Materials The management of hazardous materials is regulated under various federal and state environmental and transportation laws and regulations, including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, and the Louisiana Voluntary Investigation and Remedial Action statute. The purpose of the regulatory requirements set forth under these laws is to ensure the protection of human health and the environment through proper management (identification, use, storage, treatment, transport, and disposal) of these materials. Some of these laws provide for the investigation and cleanup of sites already contaminated by releases of hazardous materials, wastes, or substances. A database search prepared for the proposed project site revealed that there are no Louisiana Volunteer Remedial Program (VRP)/Brownfield sites located on the proposed site. No sites of concern were found during a review of the Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) database for other hazardous waste management and disposal, solid waste disposal, storage tank, enforcement, and other databases on the proposed site. There are no recorded oil and gas wells on or near the proposed property. A search of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) database revealed no recorded LUST sites within 0.25 miles of the site. A database search prepared for the proposed project site revealed that there are no Louisiana Volunteer Remedial Program (VRP)/Brownfield sites located within 0.5 miles of the site. Alternative 1 – No Action: The No Action alternative would not disturb any hazardous materials or create any potential hazard to human health. Alternative 2 – Reconstruction in the Same Footprint: No hazardous materials, wastes, or substances (including contaminated soil or groundwater) have been identified at the site. Reconstruction of the Joseph Bartholomew Maintenance Building in substantially its same footprint would not disturb any hazardous materials or create any potential hazard to human health. Alternative 3 – Reconstruction at an Alternate Location - Proposed Action: Findings indicate that no hazardous materials, wastes, or substances (including contaminated soil or groundwater) have been identified at the proposed site. If hazardous constituents are unexpectedly encountered in the project area during the proposed construction operations, appropriate measures for the proper assessment, remediation and management of the contamination shall be initiated in accordance with applicable Federal, state, and local rules and regulations. Project construction may involve the use of hazardous materials (e.g., petroleum products, cement, caustics, acids, solvents, paints, electronic components, pesticides/herbicides and fertilizers, treated timber) and may result in the generation of small volumes of hazardous wastes. Best management practices and appropriate measures to prevent, minimize, and control spills of hazardous materials shall be taken, and any hazardous and non-hazardous wastes generated shall be disposed of in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements. 4.7 Environmental Justice Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations, was signed on February 11, 1994. The EO directs federal agencies to make achieving environmental justice part of their missions by identifying and addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately high adverse human health, environmental, economic, and social effects of its programs, policies and activities on minority or low-income populations. According to the most readily available (2000) U.S. Bureau of the Census Demographic Profile Highlights for New Orleans zip code 70126, 10.3 percent of the population is white, 87.1 percent is black, 1.6 percent is Hispanic, 0.7 percent is Asian, 0.2 percent is Native American, and 0.0 percent is Native Hawaiian. The median household income was $30,627. Alternative 1 – No Action: The No Action Alternative would not involve the implementation of a federal program, policy or activity. Therefore, there will be no disproportionate adverse impacts to low-income or minority populations. Alternative 2 – Reconstruction in the Same Footprint: Reconstruction of the Joseph Bartholomew Maintenance Building in substantially its same footprint would have no disproportionate adverse impacts to low-income or minority populations. Alternative 3 – Reconstruction at an Alternate Location - Proposed Action: The proposed action will not impose disproportionate adverse human health, economic, or social effects on minority or low-income populations. The activity would replace previous existing function to a currently developed parcel of previously-disturbed urban land, and much of the surrounding land near the proposed site is currently developed. Residential neighborhoods begin within 0.5 mile east and south of the proposed project site. The proposed recreational facility would serve residents living throughout Orleans Parish. 5.0 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS According to the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations, cumulative impacts represent 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. Cumulative effects can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time (40 CFR 1508.7). The entire Louisiana Gulf Coast is undergoing recovery efforts after the 2005 hurricane season which includes demolition, reconstruction, and new construction, within private sector as well as Federal and state government. The USACE is undergoing one of the largest projects in their history, rebuilding the Greater New Orleans Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System, which will improve approximately 350 miles of levees, concrete floodwalls, and other structures to meet 100-year level of risk reduction. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) has a large number of infrastructure improvements ongoing in and around Orleans Parish such as the Huey P. Long Bridge widening, the I-10 Twin Span Bridge replacement, and the I-10 and Causeway interchange improvements. The combination of all recovery development projects, including those mentioned above would have cumulative effects to Orleans Parish. However, it is anticipated that the Proposed Action would not have cumulative impacts on resources addressed in this EA. 6.0 CONDITIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES Based upon the studies and consultations undertaken in this EA, several conditions must be met and mitigation measures must be taken by City of New Orleans (Applicant) prior to and during project implementation. * In accordance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations, the applicant is responsible for acquiring any necessary permits and/or clearances prior to the commencement of any construction related activities. * The project is currently under evaluation by FEMA to determine the minimum BFE this facility must be protected against. The City of New Orleans is also required to coordinate with the local floodplain administrator regarding floodplain permit(s) prior to the start of any activities. All coordination pertaining to these permit(s) should be documented to the local floodplain administrator and copies provided to the State and FEMA as part of the permanent project files. Per 44 CFR 9.11(d)(9), mitigation or minimization standards must be applied, where possible. The replacement of building contents, materials, and equipment should be, where possible, wet or dry-proofed, elevated, or relocated to or above the BFE. * Fill or borrow material used must be sourced from sites that do not contain any buried cultural materials (i.e., wells, cisterns, foundations, basements, prehistoric Indian artifacts, human burials, and the like). If during the course of work, archaeological artifacts (prehistoric or historic) or human remains are discovered, City of New Orleans and/or its contractors must immediately stop work in the vicinity of the discovery and take all reasonable measures to avoid or minimize harm to the finds. The Applicant and GOHSEP must inform the FEMA Public Assistance program, who would in turn contact the FEMA Historic Preservation staff. The Applicant must not proceed with work until FEMA completes the necessary reviews required by Section 106 of NHPA. In addition, if unmarked graves are present, compliance with the Louisiana Unmarked Human Burial Sites Preservation Act is required. In that situation, the Applicant must notify the local law enforcement agency within 24 hours of the discovery, and notify FEMA and the Louisiana Division of Archaeology at (225) 342-8170 within 72 hours of the discovery. Failure to comply with these stipulations may jeopardize FEMA funding of the project. * Project construction would involve the use of potentially hazardous materials (e.g., petroleum products, cement, caustics, acids, solvents, paint, electronic components, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, treated timber) and may result in the generation of small volumes of hazardous wastes. Appropriate measures to prevent, minimize, and control spills of hazardous materials must be taken and generated hazardous and non-hazardous wastes are required to be disposed in accordance with applicable Federal, state and local regulations. * The project has been found by the LDNR to be inside the Louisiana Coastal Zone; therefore, they require that a complete Coastal Use Permit Application package (Joint Application Form, locality maps, project illustration plats with plan and cross section views, etc.) along with the appropriate application fee be submitted to their office prior to construction. 7.0 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND AGENCY CONSULTATION FEMA is the lead federal agency for conducting the NEPA compliance process for this Public Assistance project. It is the responsibility of the lead agency to conduct the preparation and review of NEPA documents in a way that is responsive to the needs of the Parish communities while meeting the spirit and intent of NEPA and complying with all NEPA provisions. As part of the development of early interagency coordination related to the proposed action, state and Federal resource protection agencies were contacted and FEMA distributed an informal scoping notification through a Solicitation of Views. These agencies include the State Historical Preservation Officer, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. FEMA has received no objections to the project as proposed subsequent to these notifications and comments and conditions received have been incorporated into this NEPA document. FEMA is inviting the public to comment on the proposed action during a fifteen (15) day comment period. A public notice will be published for 5 days in the local newspaper, The Times-Picayune, announcing the availability of this EA for review at the Orleans Parish Main Library at 219 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA. A copy of the Public Notice is attached in Appendix C. 8.0 LIST OF PREPARERS Holly Mittel – Environmental Specialist June Griffin – Floodplain Specialist Adam Borden – Lead Environmental Specialist Alice-Anne Krishnan – Historic Preservation Specialist Daphne Owens – Archaeologist / Historic Preservation Specialist Tiffany Spann-Winfield – Deputy Environmental Liaison Officer 9.0 REFERENCES Endangered Species Act of 1973 Website: http://epw.senate.gov/esa73.pdf Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management, 1977. Website: http://www.fema.gov/plan/ehp/ehplaws/eo11988.shtm. Executive Order 11990, Wetlands Management, 1977. Website: http://www.fema/gov/plan/ehp/ehplaws/eo11990.shtm. Executive Order 12898, Environmental Justice for Low Income and Minority Populations, 1994. Website: http://www.fema.gov/plan/ehp/ehplaws/ejeo.shtm. Federal Emergency Management Agency. 2006. Advisory Base Flood Elevation Map, Orleans Parish, Louisiana. Map LA EE-32. Website: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/hazard/flood/recoverydata/katrina/maps/katrina_la_or-ee32.pdf. Accessed February 10, 2011. Federal Emergency Management Agency. 2008. Preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) Preliminary Revised Map No. 22071C0120F, November 13, 2008. Federal Emergency Management Agency. 2011. David Miller. Guidance for Use of Best Available Data in Complying with 44CFRPart 9 and EO 11988 for Certain Areas of Greater New Orleans Google Earth. 2010. Aerial Imagery & National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Layer, Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats Classifications (www.fws.gov). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2010. National Wetlands Inventory Maps. http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Data/mapper.html. Accessed November 2011. Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ). 2011. Electronic Document Management System. Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (LDNR). 2011. Permits/Mitigation Support Division. Website: http://dnr.louisiana.gov/crm/coastmgt/coastmgt.asp. Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. Air Quality Data. Website: http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/portal/tabid/37/Default.aspx?Search=non-attainment+areas Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. Volunteer Remedial Program List. Website: http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/portal/Portals/0/Remediation Services/VRP. Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. State Brownfield list. Online Available: http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/portal/tabid/2620/Default.aspx. Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. Leaking Underground Storage Tank list. Website: http://www.deq.louisiana.gov. Louisiana Department of Natural Resources. Coastal Zone Management Act. Website: http://dnr.louisiana.gov/crm/coastmgt/coastmgt.asp. Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, Office of Coastal Management. Letter Correspondence 09/16/2011 from Karl L. Morgan, Acting Administrator. Louisiana Mapping Project (LAMP). 2006-2007. Website: http://www.lamappingproject.com National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Coastal Barrier Resources Act. Website: http://www.csc.noaa.gov/cmfp/reference/Coastal_Barrier _Resources_Act.htm Accessed November 1, 2011. Principal Environmental & Historic Preservation Laws. Website: http://www.fema.gov/plan/ehp/ehplaws/, accessed September 2010. U.S. Census Bureau. [Online] Available: http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/SAFFFacts?_event=Search&geo_id=&_geoContext=&_street=&_county=70126&_cityTown=70126&_state=&_zip=70126&_lang=en&_sse=on&pctxt=fph&pgsl=010&show_2003_tab=&redirect=Y U.S. Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District. Letter dated October 31, 2011. Account number MVN-2009-00720-SQ. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2006. Nonattainment Status for each Parish by year. [Online] Available: http://www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/greenbk/anay.html. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 2010. Currently Designated Nonattainment Areas for All Criteria Pollutants. Website: http://www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/greenbk/ancl.html. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Endangered Species Data. Website: http://www.fws.gov/endangered/wildlife/htm. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Louisiana Field Office. Letter dated September 15, 2011, Deborah A. Fuller. Appendix A Site Plan Note: The site plan is included in the PDF version of this document Appendix B Agency Correspondence Note: State and Federal Agency correspondence is included in the PDF version of this document Appendix C Eight-Step Decision Making Process Note: The Eight-Step Decision Making Process is included in the PDF version of this document Appendix D Public Notice FEMA PUBLIC NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DRAFT FINDING OF NO SIGNIFIFCNAT IMPACT FOR RECONSTRUCTION AT AN ALTERNATE LOCATION OF THE JOSEPH BARTHOLOMEW MAINTENANCE BUILDING, ORLEANS PARISH, LOUISIANA Interested parties are hereby notified that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for a proposed reconstruction and relocation of the Hurricane Katrina damaged Joseph Bartholomew Maintenance Building located at 4800 Hayne Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana. The proposed action is for replacement of the Joseph Bartholomew Maintenance Building 11,800 SF pre-engineered steel metal facility in a different location approximately 160 feet south of the existing structure at Latitude 30.02829, Longitude -90.04074. City of New Orleans seeks Federal grant funds for this action eligible for repairs under a Presidential Disaster Declaration, signed on August 29, 2005 (FEMA-1603-DR-LA). This proposed action would include developing a site adjacent to and approximately 160 feet south of the existing structure. This would include constructing an approximately 11.800 square feet building, to mainly service the current needs in this community and the surrounding areas. Activities would include, where necessary, site clearing, grading, driveway construction, and placement of appurtenant utilities (electricity, telephones, water, and sewer) for the site. Per the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4371 et seq.), and associated environmental statutes, a Draft EA has been prepared to evaluate the action’s potential impacts on the human and natural environment. The Draft EA summarizes the purpose and need, alternative site analysis, affected environment, and potential environmental consequences associated with the proposed action. The public notice will be published for five consecutive days: December 19-23, 2011. The comment period will be 15 days – beginning on December 23, 2011 through January 12, 2012. Written comments on the Draft EA or related matters can be faxed to FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office at (504) 762-2323; or mailed to FEMA Louisiana Recovery Office, 1 Seine Court, New Orleans, Louisiana 70114. The Draft EA can be viewed and downloaded from FEMA’s website: http://www.fema.gov/plan/ehp/envdocuments/ea-region6.shtm. A public notice will be published for 5 days in the local newspaper, The Times-Picayune announcing the availability of the Draft EA for public review at the Orleans Parish Main Library at 219 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, (hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Mon. - Thurs., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Fri. & Sat.). Based on FEMA’s findings to date, no significant adverse environmental effects are anticipated. However, if FEMA receives new information that results in a change from no adverse effects then FEMA would revise the findings and issue a second public notice allowing time for additional comments. If no substantive comments are received, the Draft EA and associated Draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) will become final and this initial Public Notice will also serve as the final Public Notice. Substantive comments will be addressed as appropriate in the final documents. 1 Labeling error on preliminary DFIRM panel number 22071C0120F. The project area is labeled as Zone VE (El. 1). Memorandum from FEMA Mitigation Region 6 corrects a mapping error and identifies site as Zone AE (El 1). (Appendix B).[0] ii 3 1 Joseph Bartholomew Maintenance Building – DRAFT Environmental Assessment (December 2011) 20 Joseph Bartholomew Maintenance Building – DRAFT Environmental Assessment (December 2011)