Draft Environmental Assessment Vermilion Parish Detention Center Flood Protection Project, Abbeville, Vermilion Parish, LA Vermilion Parish, Louisiana HMGP 1603-0237 FEMA-1603-DR-LA June 2012 U.S. Department of Homeland Security New Orleans Recovery Office New Orleans, Louisiana TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION PAGE LIST OF ACRONYMS iii 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Project Authority 1 1.2 Project Location 1 2.0 PURPOSE AND NEED 4 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 12 4.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND IMPACTS 12 4.1 Impact Summary 12 4.2 Water Resources 20 4.2.1 Hydrology and Floodplains 20 4.2.2 Surface Water and Water Quality 22 4.3 Noise 25 4.4 Public Safety and Access 25 4.5 Traffic and Transportation 26 4.6 Hazardous Materials and Toxic Wastes 27 5.0 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS 29 6.0 CONDITIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 30 7.0 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT 33 8.0 AGENCY COORDINATION 33 9.0 LIST OF PREPARERS 33 10.0 REFERENCES 34 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Proposed Project Site Location in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana 2 Figure 2: Proposed Project Site Location near Abbeville, Louisiana 3 Figure 3: Aerial View of the Proposed Site Location near 3 Abbeville, Louisiana Figure 4: Proposed Flood Protection Project at the Vermilion Parish 5 Detention Center Figure 5: Plan View of the Proposed Project 6 Figure 6: Section Views of the Proposed Earthen Berm 9 Figure 7: Detail View of the Proposed Pump Station and Generator 10 Figure 8: Detail View of the Proposed Work at Existing Shooting Range 11 Figure 9: Project Effective DFIRM 22113C 0355F 20 Figure 10: Proposed Site Drainage Map 23 Figure 11: Drainage Map for the Proposed Project Vicinity 23 Figure 12: Drainage Map for Southeastern Vermilion Parish 24 LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Location of the Proposed Earthen Berm/Concrete Flood Wall 4 Table 2: Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences Matrix 13 Table 3: Lead Concentration-Based Soil Management Requirements 2 9 APPENDICES Appendix A Site Photographs Appendix B Agency Correspondence Appendix C 8-Step Process and H&H Study Appendix D Public Notice LIST OF ACRONYMS ABA Architectural Barriers Act ACHP Advisory Council on Historic Preservation ADA Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as Amended AI Agency Interest BFE Base Flood Elevation BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand BMP Best Management Practices BTEX Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylene CBRS Coastal Barrier Resources System C-CAP Coastal Change Analysis Program CFR Code of Federal Regulations CLOMR Conditional Letter of Map Revision CWA Clean Water Act CY Cubic Yard DFIRM Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map DMR Discharge Monitoring Report DOT Department of Transportation DOTD Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development EA Environmental Assessment EIS Environmental Impact Statement EPA Environmental Protection Agency FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact GOHSEP Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness GPD Gallons per Day GPM Gallons per Minute GSA General Services Administration H&H Hydrology and Hydraulics HMGP Hazard Mitigation Grant Program HP Horse Power 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 LF Linear Feet LNHP Louisiana Natural Heritage Program MG/KG Milligram per Kilogram MG/L Milligram per Liter MSL Mean Sea Level NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NFIP National Flood Insurance Program NHPA National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as Amended NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service OSHA Occupational Health and Safety Administration R.S. (Louisiana Code) Revised Statute SDP Storm Drain Pipe SF Square Foot/Feet SONRIS Strategic Online Natural Resources Information System TCLP Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure TPH Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons TSS Total Suspended Solids USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers USDA United States Department of Agriculture USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service UST Underground Storage Tank WWTP Waste Water Treatment Plant 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Project Authority 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. In accordance with 44 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) for 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 construction of a concrete flood wall/earthen berm for flood protection at the Vermilion Parish Detention Center in Abbeville, 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). 1.2 Project Location Vermilion Parish is located in Southwest Louisiana. It is a total of approximately 1,538 square miles, comprised of approximately 1,174 square miles of land and 365 square miles of water. It is bordered to the north by Lafayette, Acadia, and Jefferson Davis Parishes, to the east by Iberia Parish, to the south by the Gulf of Mexico, and to the west by Cameron Parish. The city of Abbeville is located in the northeast part of Vermilion Parish. Abbeville is the parish’s largest municipality and is the location of major parish government facilities, with approximately 11,854 people, according to 2005-2009 U.S. Census Bureau estimated figures. The Vermilion Parish Detention Center is located at 14202 Savoy Road, Abbeville, Louisiana, (29.946824, -92.09229), approximately three (3) miles southeast of the city of Abbeville, Louisiana, approximately 3.5 miles southwest of the Town of Erath, Louisiana, and approximately twelve (12) miles northwest of Vermilion Bay on the Gulf of Mexico (Figures 1, 2, and 3). The proposed project is located within Section 40, Township 13S, Range 4E and Section 47, Township 12S, Range 4E. Figure 1: Proposed Project Site Location in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana Figure 2: Proposed Project Site Location near Abbeville, Louisiana Figure 3: Aerial View of the Proposed Project Site Location near Abbeville, Louisiana 2.0 PURPOSE AND NEED The purpose of this project is to provide protection from floodwaters for the Vermilion Parish Detention Center during future hurricanes and other severe storm events. There is a need to provide this protection because the inmates housed at the facility and the Vermilion Parish law enforcement employees who are charged with overseeing the inmates are not able to leave the area on their own before a hurricane or other severe storm event and must remain at the facility, or be relocated to another detention facility at high cost to the parish. 3.0 ALTERNATIVES 3.1 Alternative 1 - No Action Under this alternative, Vermilion Parish would not engage in flood protection activities at the Vermilion Parish Detention Center to reduce the risk of flooding at the site. Consequently, the Vermilion Parish Detention Center would continue to be at risk for flooding during severe storms, tropical storms, and hurricanes. During flooding events, the entire facility would have to be evacuated. Vermilion Parish would incur the high costs of evacuating and relocating the 150 inmates and all of the law enforcement personnel to other facilities. 3.2 Alternative 2 – Construction of the ring earthen berm/flood wall at the Vermilion Parish Detention Center (Proposed Action) The scope of work for the proposed action indicates the construction of an approximately 3,200 linear foot (LF) ring levee, consisting of 2,633 LF of earthen berm and 566 LF of concrete floodwall around the perimeter of the Vermilion Parish Detention Center in order to protect the facility from future flooding. The concrete floodwall section would be installed along the east side of the property between the existing parking lot and Savoy Road. The remaining portions of the structure would consist of an earthen berm. The ring earthen berm/concrete floodwall would enclose approximately 15.5 acres of land. Table 1 depicts the approximate locations of the corners of the ring structure. See Figure 4 for an aerial view of the location of proposed earthen berm/concrete floodwall, along with several existing site features having environmental significance for the proposed project work. The proposed earthen berm is depicted with red lines and proposed concrete floodwall is depicted with a blue line. Table 1: Location of the Proposed Earthen Berm/Concrete Floodwall Location # Location Name Address City Latitude Longitude 1 Northwest Corner 14202 Savoy Road Abbeville 29.949096 -92.093408 2 Northeast Corner 14202 Savoy Road Abbeville 29.948158 -92.090747 3 Southeast Corner 14202 Savoy Road Abbeville 29.945879 -92.091532 4 Southwest Corner 14202 Savoy Road Abbeville 29.946664 -92.093559 Figure 4: Proposed Flood Protection Project at the Vermilion Parish Detention Center The Vermilion Parish Detention Center is an approximately 48,000 square foot (SF) facility constructed in 1981 on approximately 18 acres of land owned by the Vermilion Parish Police Jury. Some of the land is planted with agricultural crops in small garden-type plots. The Detention Center has the capacity to house 150 inmates (including up to eight (8) females) and is usually filled to capacity. The facility also houses the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office. FEMA Environmental and Historic Preservation staff met with the applicant at the proposed project site on March 6, 2012. Site photographs taken during this site visit are presented in Appendix A. See Figure 5 for a Plan View of the proposed project. The proposed project would provide flood protection to ten (10) feet above mean sea level (msl). This exceeds the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) for the proposed project area, which is nine (9) feet above msl, and includes one (1) foot of freeboard. See Section 4.2.1 for additional discussion and analysis of freeboard and its relation to flood risk. The proposed project would greatly reduce the risk of future flooding at the Vermilion Parish Detention Center, thereby preventing the disruption of services and displacement costs associated with hurricanes and other flood events, as well as protect the well being of the surrounding community. The ground elevations at the project site vary from approximately three (3) to eight (8) feet above msl, with an average elevation of approximately 5.0 feet above msl. The first floor elevation of the Vermilion Parish Detention Center is 8.75 feet above msl. Figure 5: Plan View of the Proposed Project The project site has an existing waste water treatment plant (WWTP), which is located between the south wall of the structure and the large unnamed drainage ditch (see Figures 4 and 5). Based on design drawings, upon completion of the proposed concrete floodwall/earthen berm, the WWTP would be located on the flood side (outside of the levee). See Section 4.2.2 for more information regarding the regulations governing the existing WWTP and the discharges from its existing outfall. The proposed project site currently has numerous drainage ditches which drain either into Youngs North Coulee, located west of the facility, or into the large unnamed drainage ditch located south of the proposed site (see Figure 4). A V-shaped ditch, which would be sloped 2:1 and excavated to varying depths as required, would be installed on the property inside the proposed concrete floodwall/earthen berm to aid in draining stormwater to the pump station. Two (2) 8-inch steel discharge pipes would be installed to discharge stormwater from the V-shaped ditch into the large unnamed drainage ditch located south of the property. Two (2) 50-foot swales would also be installed. The proposed project would require the installation of twelve (12) catch basins, 210 LF of 15-inch storm drain pipe (SDP), 710 LF of 18-inch SDP, 1,030 LF of 24-inch SDP, 30 LF of 30-inch SDP, and 32 LF of 36-inch SDP. Approximately 40 LF of the existing 4-inch water main would be adjusted to a depth below the proposed concrete floodwall. Approximately 200 LF of new 6-inch water main would be installed along Savoy Road and a new top drain manhole would be installed at the intersection of Savoy Road and Rice Cove Road, northeast of the Vermilion Parish Detention Center. Approximately 1,200 cubic yards (CY) of structural excavation would be required for the concrete floodwall. An estimate of 200 CY of soil would be excavated for general excavation and another 800 CY of soil would be excavated for the V-shaped ditch. Approximately 26,000 CY of borrow (vehicular measurement) would be required for the embankment. Site improvements would include 100 LF of new wood fencing, with two (2) 6-foot swings gates and a 4-foot swing gate installed at the proposed stormwater pump station. Replacement driveways would be constructed with approximately ten (10) tons of #610 crushed stone base; 18.5 tons of #610 limestone would be used for the pump station. One (1) 20-foot clear, steel, double-hinged flood gate would be installed at the east side entrance of the Detention Center. After completion of the proposed project, 4.5 acres would require hydroseeding. Most of the length of the proposed earthen berm would be sloped 3:1 on the flood side (outside of the levee) and 4:1 on the landside (inside of the levee); however, on the south wall for approximately 100 feet east of, and approaching the new pump station, the slopes on the land side would be 3:1. The earthen berm/concrete floodwall would be constructed so that the top of the structure is ten (10) feet above msl, one (1) foot above the BFE of nine (9) feet above msl. See Section 4.2.1 for additional floodplain analysis. The proposed ring levee structure would vary in height between approximately four (4) to six (6) feet above the ground surface due to the variations in elevations over the proposed site. The earthen berm would be 15 feet wide + on the flood side, 20 feet wide + on the landside, and a six (6) foot top surface, for a total width of 40 feet+. An erosion control blanket would be installed on all 3:1 slopes inside the earthen berm. To secure the Detention Center, approximately 2,820 LF of six (6)-foot chain link fencing would be installed within the earthen berm portion of the structure. The chain link fencing would not be installed within the concrete wall portion of the structure. Approximately 200 LF of 15-foot vinyl sheet piling would be installed at the southwest corner of the earthen berm structure. There would be three (3) feet between the chain link fencing described above and the sheet piling. The elevation of the top of the sheet piling would be ten (10) feet above the top of the berm. Section views of the proposed earthen berm are presented in Figure 6. Figure 6: Section Views of the Proposed Earthen Berm The proposed design would also include an interior drainage system consisting of an electric low lift pump, an underground storm water collection system, discharge piping, and a generator with an associated fuel tank to ensure continuous pumping of water inside the berm/floodwall protection area in the event of a power outage, as depicted in Figures 5 and 7. The Storm-Water Pump Station assembly would include a wet well and two (2) 14-inch, 15-feet total dynamic head electric Lo-Lift pumps which have 4,000-gallon per minute (GPM) pumping capacity, two (2) 25 horse power (HP) motors, and associated items. The pumps would operate automatically; each one is activated by level sensors located at different turn-on and shut-off elevations. Pump #1 would turn on and shut off at elevations 4.0 feet and 0.5 feet, respectively. Pump #2 would turn on and shut off at elevations 5.0 feet and 2.5 feet, respectively. A 30-inch gravity line would be installed to discharge stormwater from the pump station to the large drainage ditch during flooding events. In low rainfall events the sluice gate which would be installed at the end of 30-inch diameter outfall pipe, would route run-off out the area without the pumps running. By contrast, when flooding occurs, the sluice gate would be closed; the pumping system would then route all stormwater captured inside the ring levee structure to the large drainage ditch. A 330 LF slope swale ditch would be constructed over the storm gravity drain pipe. Figure 7: Detail View of the Proposed Pump Station and Generator According to the applicant’s engineering/design contractor, the stormwater discharge velocities would be high enough that rip-rap would need to be installed at the outfall point to alleviate potential erosion into the large unnamed drainage ditch located south of the property from the pump station, (see Figure 5). Approximately 15 tons of Department of Transportation (DOT) of Class 30-Pound Stone Rip-Rap would be used. There is an active shooting range located at the southwest corner of the property (see Figures 5 and 8). In order to complete the construction of the proposed earthen berm in this location, the existing dirt mound would need to be excavated. Figure 8 depicts a detailed view of the proposed excavation in this location. See Section 4.6 for additional discussion of the potential environmental impacts of the proposed work at the shooting range. Figure 8: Detail View of the Proposed Work at Existing Shooting Range 3.3 Alternative Eliminated From Further Consideration The following alternative was considered by Vermilion Parish, but was eliminated from further consideration. One alternative considered by Vermilion Parish was to demolish the existing slab-on-grade law enforcement center, elevate the property to or above the BFE with fill, and reconstruct a facility of the same size (approximately 48,000 SF) at the same location. The estimated direct cost of this alternative, including demolition, is $18 million. This alternative project would provide protection from flood waters by elevating the entire site. However, if it would be federally funded, this alternative would be much more costly to American taxpayers than the proposed alternative. In addition, during the construction work, the inmates would need to be relocated to one (1) or more other detention facilities, which may result in overcrowding at those facilities. Relocating inmates to other facilities would also increase the inmate housing costs to Vermilion Parish. According to the parish, housing the inmates at the Detention Center costs $3.50 per day, while housing the inmates at other facilities costs the parish $25.39 per day (2009 figures), which could result in tax increases for Vermilion Parish citizens. This alternative has been dismissed because of the increased costs associated with this alternative. 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, Soils, and Seismic Hazards X Potential for short-term localized increase in soil erosion during construction. 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 is applicable. FEMA sent Solicitation of Views requests to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Alexandria, LA Office on 02/01/12 and again on 03/12/12. The second request also included a partially completed AD 1006 Farmland Conversion Rating Form. The NRCS did not respond to either request. FEMA completed the portions of the Farmland Conversion Impact Rating Form that are to be completed by the Federal Agency for the proposed project site. The points for the site were calculated to be 71 out of a possible 160. Portions of the form that would have been completed by the NRCS would have totaled no more than 100 points, for a total of no more than 171 points for the proposed project site.  According to 7 CFR §658.4, sites receiving a total score of less than 260 need not be given further consideration for protection. Louisiana lies in an area of low seismic risk. There are three known subsurface faults in Vermilion Parish and no recorded historical earthquakes in St. James Parish. See Appendix B for maps of Louisiana geologic faults and historical earthquakes. The potential for seismic effects on the proposed concrete floodwall/earthen berg would be taken into account during the soil stability analysis and in construction planning, which would be conducted by a licensed engineer. Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) email dated 02/13/2012. (See Appendix B) Internet Resource: Earthquakes in Louisiana The discharge velocities during a storm event would be high enough that rip-rap is required to be installed at the outfall point to alleviate potential erosion. 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 DFIRMs for Vermilion Parish dated 1/19/2011 were reviewed for the proposed project site. The site is located within zone AE (EL 9), which is within the 1 percent annual chance flood. See also Section 4.2.1. Effective DFIRM Panel 22113C 0355F The project area must be kept cleared so as not to interfere with floodplain functions. Contact the Vermilion Parish Floodplain Administrator to obtain all appropriate permits. See also Sections 4.2.1 and 6.0. Wetlands (Executive Order 11990) X No U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)-mapped wetlands are present in the proposed project area. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has determined that the property is not wetland subject to USACE jurisdiction. A Solicitation of Views letter has already been issued to Sellers and Associates, Inc., on behalf of the Vermilion Parish Police Jury for this project. Refer to ORM number MVN-2008-03681-SZ/SE, which was issued in January 2009, when contacting the USACE regarding this project. This determination is valid for five (5) years from the date the FEMA SOV response letter unless new information warrants a revision prior to this expiration date. Response letter from the USACE, dated 02/28/2012. (See Appendix B) 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. A Department of the Army permit under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) would be required if the applicant proposes to deposit dredged or fill material into Youngs North Coulee or other Waters of the United States adjacent to the property boundaries. See also Section 6.0. Surface Water and Water Quality X Potential for short-term localized increase in sedimentation during construction. According to LDEQ records, the Vermilion Parish Detention Center has an LDEQ LPDES General Permit for Class II Sanitary Discharges. The site has one outfall location from which the site discharges treated sanitary wastewater. The maximum discharge of treated sanitary wastewater totals less than 25,000 gallons per day (GPD). The site is required to adhere to effluent limitations and monitoring requirements of the permit and report the findings to the LDEQ on quarterly basis. See also Section 4.2.2. LDEQ email dated 02/13/2012. LDEQ LPDES permit renewal letter (including attachments) dated and 05/11/2001, with renewals on 12/20/2004 and 12/01/2008. (See Appendix B) Contractor to contact the LDEQ to determine if a LPDES permit is required for the proposed project. Implement construction BMPs, install silt fences/straw bales to reduce sedimentation. See also Sections 4.2.2 and 6.0. Groundwater X Vermilion Parish overlies the Chicot Aquifer system, which is a Sole Source Aquifer. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Region VI determined that the project should not have an adverse effect on the quality of the ground water underlying the project site. According to the Department of Natural Resources (LDNR) Strategic Online Natural Resources Information System (SONRIS) database, there is one (1) registered water well located on the proposed project site. This water well is used for drinking water. The LDEQ SONRIS site reports that the well is 122 feet deep and has a 6-inch casing. There are no groundwater areas of concern. EPA-Region VI correspondence letter dated 02/03/2012. (See Appendix B) LDEQ email dated 02/13/2012. (See Appendix B) LDNR SONRIS Database The contractor should observe all precautions to protect the groundwater of the region. See also Section 6.0. Coastal Resources X According to the LDNR, the project is not located within the Louisiana Coastal Zone. A Coastal Use Permit will not be required. The project is not located within the Coastal Barrier Resource System (CBRS). LDNR response letter dated 02/06/12. (See Appendix B) Effective DFIRM Panel 22113C 0355F (for CBRS) Air Quality X During construction, there is potential for short-term localized increase in vehicle emissions and dust particles. The Vermilion Parish airshed is in attainment for all criteria pollutants per the Clean Air Act. LDEQ email dated 02/13/2012. (See Appendix B) 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 located in an area which is sparely developed and borders agricultural fields. The developed areas of the project site 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 02/01/2012. (See Appendix B) 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. USFWS determination of no effect on Federal trust resources, dated 02/01/2012. (See Appendix D) LDWF correspondence letter dated 02/10/12. (See Appendix D) The applicant would be responsible for contacting the USFWS if there is a change in the scope of work, the project necessitates removal of mature pine trees or if construction activities have not been initiated within one year. If at any time Heritage tracked species are encountered within the project area, contact the Louisiana Natural Heritage Program (LNHP) Data Manager at (225) 765-2643. See also Section 6.0. Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940 (Title 16 United States Code [USC] §§668-668c) X The bald eagle is protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, which prohibits anyone, without permission from the Secretary of the Interior, from "taking" bald eagles, including their parts, nests, or eggs. The Act provides criminal penalties for persons who "take, possess, sell, purchase, barter, offer to sell, purchase or barter, transport, export or import, at any time or any manner, any bald eagle ... [or any golden eagle], alive or dead, or any part, nest, or egg thereof." The Act defines "take" as "pursue, shoot, shoot at, poison, wound, kill, capture, trap, collect, molest or disturb.” Bald eagles are known to occur in Vermilion Parish. Internet Resource: USFWS Bald Eagle Management Guidelines and Conservation Measures – The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act 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 [NHPA] Section 106) X A review of this project was conducted in accordance FEMA's Louisiana HMGP Secondary Programmatic Agreement dated January 31, 2011.  FEMA has determined that No Historic Properties are affected by the proposed undertaking. SHPO concurrence with this determination was received April 4, 2012.  Consultation with affected tribes (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana, Jena Band of Choctaw Indians, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians) was conducted per 36 CFR §800.2(c)(2)(i)(B). The Tribes did not object within the regulatory timeframes; therefore, in accordance with Stipulation III.F(3)  & IX.F of Louisiana HMGP Secondary Programmatic Agreement and 36 CFR part 800.5(c)1, FEMA may proceed with funding the undertaking assuming concurrence. SHPO concurrence letter dated April 4, 2012. (See Appendix B) Internet Resource: FEMA HMGP Programmatic Agreement dated January 31, 2011. 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 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 (Revised [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 According to the American Census, Data for year 2005-2009 (5-year estimates), the percentage of families in Abbeville, LA below the poverty level is 25.0%. This figure for the U.S. as a whole is 9.9%. The median per capita income Abbeville, LA is $17,156. This figure for the U.S. as a whole is $27,041. The year 2005-2009 estimates demographic census data for Abbeville, LA are as follows: White: 53.1%, African American: 39.9%, Hispanic: 2.1%, and Asian: 4.2%. The comparable census demographic for the U.S. as a whole are: White: 74.5%, African American: 12.4%, Hispanic: 15.1%, and Asian: 4.4%. The proposed work has no potential to adversely impact any population. Internet Resource: U.S. Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, Data for Abbeville, Louisiana Noise X During the construction period there will be a short-term increase in noise levels. Vermilion Parish does not have any specific noise ordinances. City of Abbeville noise ordinances prohibit the erection (including excavating), demolition, alteration, or repair of any building in any residential district or section between the hours of 6 P.M. and 7 A.M. except in the case of urgent necessity. See also Section 4.3. Internet Resources: Vermilion Parish, Louisiana – Code of Ordinances City of Abbeville, Louisiana Code of Ordinances Chapter 13, Sec. 13-16. - Noise (b)(8) and (b)(9) Although the Vermilion Parish Detention Center site is not located within the City of Abbeville proper, it is recommended that work schedule at the site follow the City of Abbeville Code of Ordinances for noise. According to these ordinances, the following noise reduction measures should be considered: using a 7 A.M. to 6 P.M., Monday through Friday, construction schedule. See also Sections 4.3 and 6.0. Public Safety and Access/Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as Amended (ADA) X Based on information obtained during the site visit, should the Detention Center need to be evacuated due to a fire or other event, a staging area/area of rescue of sufficient size is available for student and faculty assembly on the property, inside the proposed flood concrete wall/earthen berm. In addition, the proposed earthen berm has been designed to be sloped in such a way to allow for persons in wheelchairs or having other special needs to be evacuated over the berm, should this be required. Under the Proposed Action, construction activities could present safety risks to those performing the activities. To alert motorists and pedestrians of project activities, appropriate signage and barriers would be on site prior to and during construction activities. The construction of earthen berm/concrete floodwall at the Vermilion Parish Detention Center is not likely to result in adverse effects to the safety of the residents of Vermilion Parish. See also Section 4.4. Internet Resource: Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) 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 OSHA regulations and the USACE safety manual. The contractor would post appropriate signage and fencing to minimize potential adverse public safety concerns. See also Sections and 4.4 and 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 Savoy Road would be impacted by construction work on or near 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 EPA and LDEQ hazardous materials database searches queried for the project work areas. No sites of concern were identified by the database search within the proposed project work areas. The project site previously had four (4) underground storage tanks (USTs); however, these were removed in 1999. Confirmation samples were collected around the tank pits and were analyzed for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX), and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) associated with gasoline and diesel fuels. The results of the sampling were found to be satisfactory. The USTs and excavated soils were removed and disposed of at an approved offsite facility. (See Appendix B). The Vermilion Parish Detention Center has an active shooting range at the southwest corner of the property. The proposed construction plans indicate that excavation would be required in the area of the shooting range dirt mound. The LDEQ has stated that “A potential focus of environmental concern exists at the location of the shooting range where expended lead bullets (and subsequent leaching into soils) may be found. Details concerning floodwall construction in relation to the shooting range should be examined to determine any environmental impacts.” See Section 4.6. The LDNR SONRIS database was queried for the project work areas. There are no registered oil/gas wells or oil/gas fields located within or near the project area. Internet Resources: 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 LDEQ Environmental Regulations, Title 33, Part V, Hazardous Wastes and Hazardous Materials Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment – Corrective Action at Outdoor Shooting Ranges Guidance Document Email from the LDEQ dated 02/13/2012. (See Appendix B) 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. BMPs should implemented when excavating and disposing of soils from the shooting range area to prevent erosion of shooting range soils into the large drainage canal and Youngs North Bayou and to prevent soil migration to other areas of the project site. 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, to the extent possible, the long and short-term adverse impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of floodplains and to avoid direct and indirect support of floodplain development wherever there is a practicable alternative. Vermilion Parish enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on May 31, 1977. Preliminary DFIRMs were produced for Vermilion Parish, dated February 29, 2009. The Parish has adopted these DFIRMs and they became effective on January 19, 2011. The proposed project is located within zones AE (EL 9), which is the 100-year or 1.0 percent annual chance flood, according to effective DFIRM panel 22113C 0355F, with an effective date of January 19, 2011 (Figure 9). Figure 9: Project Effective DFIRM 22113C 0355F Alternative 1- No Action: The No Action alternative would have no effect on floodplains. Alternative 2 – Construction of the ring earthen berm/flood wall at the Vermilion Parish Detention Center (Proposed Action): The proposed project is located in Zone AE (EL 9). 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 C. 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. After evaluating alternatives, including impacts to the floodplain, Vermilion Parish determined that the proposed project is the most practical alternative. Using the Eight-Step Process, FEMA has determined that there is no practicable alternative to constructing the proposed earthen berm/concrete floodwall within the 100-year floodplain because: 1. The entire proposed project area and surrounding community lies within the 100-year or 500-year floodplain. There are no practical locations outside of the 100-year or 500-year floodplain that Vermilion Parish could utilize for the proposed project. Review of the Vermilion Parish effective DFIRM indicates that there are no suitable FEMA-mapped X zones (areas outside the 100- or 500-year floodplain) in the proposed project vicinity. 2. A “no action” plan would not provide a feasible solution to the needs and requirements of the parish toward providing for the safety of the inmates and the parish law enforcement employees who are required to remain at the facility to oversee the inmates during an approaching natural disaster. The applicant initially planned to submit to FEMA a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) for the proposed project, which could result in the proposed levee becoming an accredited levee, if the proposed levee met all FEMA requirements. By definition, an accredited levee system is a system that FEMA has determined can be shown on a DFIRM as providing a 1-percent-annual-chance or greater level of flood protection.  This determination is based on the submittal of data and documentation required by 44 CFR 65.10. The applicant has declined to submit the CLOMR; therefore, the proposed levee need not fulfill all the requirements of 44 CFR 65.10; however, to be able to meet the flood protection requirements of the applicant, the earthen berm/concrete floodwall should be designed to be at an elevation to at least the BFE, and should include a factor of safety known as freeboard as follows: 1. At least one (1) foot above the BFE, i.e., 1 foot above the flood elevation having a 1.0 percent annual chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year (100-year event); or 2. The stillwater flood elevation associated with the 0.2 percent annual chance of being equaled or exceed in any given year (500-year event). Freeboard, as defined in CFR 44 Part 59.1, is a factor of safety, usually defined in feet above the BFE, which tends to compensate for many unknown factors that could contribute to the experiencing of actual flood heights greater the flood height calculated for a selected size flood, such as wave action and the hydrological effect of development within the watershed. The flood protection structure, as designed, would be built to an elevation of ten (10) feet above msl, which is one (1) foot above the BFE of 9 feet above msl, stipulation one above. Based on Hydrology & Hydraulics (H&H) study provided by the applicant’s design engineer, dated September 2011 and Revised November 2011, the proposed project would provide protection against the 10-year and 100-year flooding events and prevent flooding of the Detention Center structure. According to the H&H study the maximum flooded elevation during the peak of the 100-year flood event was estimated to be 6.0 feet above msl, which is over 2.0 feet below the finished floor elevation of 8.75 feet above msl. A copy of the H&H study is presented in Appendix C. The construction of the earthen berm/concrete floodwall would result in added fill within the floodplain; however, the amount of fill relative to the area of the floodplain is minimal. Flood flows would be minimally impeded and redirected by construction of the proposed flood control structure. In addition, during a flooding event, water that would normally occupy the area within the flood control structure, which is approximately 15.5 acres, would be pumped outside of, and away from, the flood control structure into the large drainage ditch south of the Detention Center property. According to the applicant’s engineering/design contractor, the discharge velocities would be high enough that rip-rap would be installed at the outfall point to alleviate potential erosion. However, according to the applicant’s engineering/design contractor’s hydrology and hydraulic study, the construction of the floodwall would have minimal potential to impact the area immediately surrounding the Detention Center structure and the floodplain in general. Implementing the proposed action is not likely to encourage further development in the floodplain near or adjacent to the Vermilion Parish Detention Center as the flood protection would only be provided to the proposed project site. The construction of the floodwall would be coordinated and comply with the local floodplain administrator. All required permits would be obtained and kept for permanent documentation. If the applicant does not implement the proposed action; the Vermilion Parish Detention Center structure would continue to be at risk for flood damage. If the applicant elects to demolish the existing slab-on-grade law enforcement center and elevate the site location to or above the BFE with fill, and reconstruct a facility of the same size at the same location, Alternative 3 would provide protection from flood waters by elevating the entire site; however, this alternative would add even more structural fill within the 100-year floodplain than the proposed alternative. Elevating the structure on fill may potentially increase flood waters during hurricanes or other severe storm events in the surrounding areas and cause more severe flooding in those areas. 4.2.2 Surface Water and Water Quality As discussed in Section 3.2, the proposed project site currently has numerous drainage ditches which drain either into Youngs North Coulee, which is located west of the facility, or into the large unnamed drainage ditch located south of the proposed site, (see Figure 4). Youngs North Coulee and the unnamed large drainage ditch, which drains into Youngs North Coulee, are the primary drainage receptors of surface water from the project site (Figure 10). Youngs North Canal drains into Youngs South Coulee, which drains into Youngs Canal, and finally into the Vermilion River (Figure 11). The Vermilion River drains into the Vermilion Bay and ultimately into the Gulf of Mexico (Figure 12). Figure 10: Proposed Site Drainage Map Figure 11: Drainage Map for the Proposed Project Vicinity Figure 12: Drainage Map for Southeastern Vermilion Parish According to LDEQ records, the Vermilion Parish Detention Center (LDEQ Agency Interest [AI] # 78884) has a LPDES General Permit (Number LAG541010) for Class II Sanitary Discharges, which was renewed on December 8, 2008. The Detention Center’s on-site WWTP, (see Figures 4 and 5) has one outfall location from which the Vermilion Parish Detention Center discharges treated sanitary wastewater. The maximum allowed discharge of treated sanitary wastewater totals less than 25,000 gallons per day (GPD) “to an unnamed roadside ditch, thence into Youngs South Coulee in segment 060802 of the Vermilion-Teche River Basin”. Although the WWTP would not be upgraded or replaced as part of this proposed project, the top of the sewage lift station would be adjusted as required. A copy of the LDEQ renewal notice and pertinent pages of the LPDES permit are presented in Appendix B. According to the conditions of the site’s LPDES General Permit, all sanitary discharges from the Vermilion Parish Detention Center WWTP are required to adhere to site-specific, permit-specified, effluent limitations for the following parameters: flow in GPD, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), oil and grease, pH, and fecal coliform colonies. The site must adhere to at least quarterly discharge monitoring and reporting requirements. The results of the site’s quarterly Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) submitted to the LDEQ are available for public review on the LDEQ website at: http://edms.deq.louisiana.gov/app/doc/querydef.aspx. Alternatively, paper copies or electronic records on a CD may be obtained from the LDEQ Custodian of Records by completing an LDEQ Public Records Request Form, which is located at: http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/portal/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=TaJ0WoccRjI%3d&tabid=2231. 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 – Construction of the ring earthen berm/flood wall at the Vermilion Parish Detention Center (Proposed Action): During construction there is the potential to impact surface waters through minor erosion and sedimentation. In order to minimize impacts to waters of the U.S., the contractor is required to implement BMPs that meet the LDEQ permitting specifications for storm water discharge regulated under Section 402 of the CWA.  This includes designing the proposed project with specific construction measures to reduce or eliminate run-off impacts.  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 Noise Noise is generally described as unwanted sound. The area immediately surrounding the facility is rural, with mainly agricultural fields and sparse residential development. The closest noise receptors to the project site are approximately 1,500 feet from the Vermilion Parish Detention Center, including several residential structures located north and southeast of the Detention Center. Noise levels within and adjacent to the project area would increase during construction activities as a result of construction equipment and vehicular activity. Alternative 1- No Action: The No Action alternative would have no effect on noise in the project area. Alternative 2 – Construction of the ring earthen berm/flood wall at the Vermilion Parish Detention Center (Proposed Action): Construction of the flood wall would result in an increase in noise. The increase is expected to be temporary and would not affect any sensitive receptors. According to City of Abbeville Code of Ordinances, the following noise reduction measures should be considered: using a 7 A.M. to 6 P.M., Monday through Friday, construction schedule. 4.4 Public Safety and Access Facilities that are federally funded must comply with accessibility standards under the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA). The ABA applies to facilities designed, built, altered, or leased with federal funds. Several agencies maintain ABA standards, which are being revised according to guidelines the Board jointly updated under the ABA and the ADA. The General Services Administration (GSA) updated its ABA standards, which apply to most facilities covered by the ABA (except postal, residential, and military facilities). Per Section F202.2 of the ABA Standards which covers additions to existing structures, each addition to an existing building or facility shall comply with the requirements for new construction. In addition, construction activities could present safety risks to those performing the activities and any other persons who attempt to enter the site during construction activities. Alternative 1- No Action: The No Action alternative would have no effect on site accessibility. Alternative 2 – Construction of the ring earthen berm/flood wall at the Vermilion Parish Detention Center (Proposed Action): Based on information obtained during the site visit and the size of the inmate and Vermilion Parish law enforcement employee population, should the Detention Center need to be evacuated due to a fire or other event, a staging area/area of rescue of sufficient size is available for inmate, visitor, and law enforcement employee assembly on the property, inside the proposed concrete flood wall/earthen berm. The earthen berm has been designed to be sloped in such a way to allow for persons in wheelchairs or having other special needs to be evacuated over the berm, should this be required. In addition, two (2) 5-foot double swing gates, one (1) 4-foot single swing gates, and two (2) 10-foot double swing gates would be installed within the 6-foot chain link fencing along the earthen berm to allow for evacuation over the berm, if required (see Figure 6). Under the Proposed Action Alternative, construction activities could present safety risks to those performing the activities. To minimize risks to safety and human health, all construction activities would be performed using qualified personnel trained in all appropriate safety precautions, including the proper use of the appropriate equipment. Additionally, all activities would be conducted in a safe manner in accordance with the standards specified in OSHA regulations. To alert motorists and pedestrians of project activities, appropriate signage and barriers would be on site prior to and during construction activities. Approximately 2,800 LF of temporary construction fencing for the entire site would be installed during construction activities. The construction of earthen berm/concrete flood wall at the Vermilion Parish Detention Center is not likely to result in adverse effects to the safety of the residents of Vermilion Parish. 4.5 Traffic and Transportation The proposed site is located in a sparsely developed, light to moderate traffic volume area. Alternative 1- No Action: The No Action alternative would have no effect on traffic. Alternative 2 – Construction of the ring earthen berm/flood wall at the Vermilion Parish Detention Center (Proposed Action): Construction at the proposed project site would have a temporary effect on traffic by increasing the number of heavy machinery vehicles on Savoy Road. 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. Surface traffic within the Detention Center campus would be impacted during the construction of the proposed earthen berm/concrete flood wall. The contractor would implement traffic control measures as necessary. During construction activities, the specific 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”. EPA and LDEQ hazardous materials database searches queried for the project work areas. The project site previously had four (4) underground storage tanks (USTs); however, these were removed in 1999. Confirmation samples were collected around the tank pits and were analyzed for benzene, toluene, ethylbenze, and xylenes (BTEX) and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) associated with gasoline and diesel fuels. The results of the confirmation sampling were found to be satisfactory by the LDEQ. The USTs and excavated soils were disposed of at an offsite facility approved by the LDEQ to accept these types of waste material. The report of the UST removal is presented in Appendix B. Alternative 1- No Action: The No Action alternative would have no effect on hazardous materials. Alternative 2 – Construction of the ring earthen berm/flood wall at the Vermilion Parish Detention Center (Proposed Action): The Vermilion Parish Detention Center has an existing shooting range at the southwest corner of the property. The LDEQ has stated that “a potential focus of environmental concern exists at the location of the shooting range where expended lead bullets (and subsequent leaching into soils) may be found. Details concerning floodwall construction in relation to the shooting range should be examined to determine any environmental impacts.” Based on information obtained from Colonel Kirk Firth, the facility warden, the existing shooting range located at the southwest corner of the property is required for the Sheriff’s Office personnel to maintain their shooting skills. Therefore, if major excavation of the shooting range is required, the applicant would require that the shooting range be reconstructed in place or relocated to another site on the property. The proposed mitigation action would entail excavation in the area of the existing shooting range dirt mound. The following procedures shall be followed for removal of shooting range soils: 1. BMPs discussed in Section 4.2.2 to reduce or eliminate stormwater run-off and soil erosion into the large drainage ditch and/or Youngs North Bayou should be in place prior to, during, and after excavation in the shooting range area for as long as bare soil exists in this area. 2. Prior to excavation in the existing shooting range, the soil (including the soil to be excavated and the soil that would remain onsite) should be sampled prior to excavation with a bias in the sampling locations to areas with suspected high levels of lead contamination. The first six (6) inches of soil should be collected at each sampling location. Background onsite or off-site soil samples in areas that are presumably not contaminated should also be collected by the same method for comparison, (see Table 3). 3. Analyze the soils to be disposed of off-site to determine if there are levels of leachable lead above the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (EPA SW-846 Method 1311 Revision 0, November 1990) (TCLP) limit of five (5) milligram/liter (mg/L) and/or 400 milligram per kilogram (mg/kg) of total lead by EPA Method 6010B. For soils that would remain at the existing location, analyze soil samples for total lead concentration. See Table 3 for lead concentration-based soil management requirements for excavated soil to be disposed of and for soils that would remain onsite. 4. All soils excavated from the shooting range area must be segregated from all other excavated soils. All stockpiles of shooting range excavated soil should be stored on 6-mil impermeable plastic to prevent leaching of lead onto other areas of the project site. The stockpiles should be covered with weighted plastic sheeting to prevent wind and/or rain erosion and migration to other areas of the project site or to off-site locations. These stockpiles should be removed from the project site within 72 hours of their creation. After the removal of the stockpiles, confirmation soils samples should be collected of the surface soil to determine that no contamination has been transferred to the stockpile location. 5. Any proposed soil treatment options should meet the requirements the LDEQ Hazardous Waste Regulations, Chapter 33, Part V. To determine if a proposed treatment option would be acceptable, contact the LDEQ Enforcement Division, Hazardous Waste, Solid Waste, and UST Enforcement Section by phone at (225) 219-3715, by fax at (225) 219-3708, or by email at: deqenforcement@LA.GOV. 6. For all required solid and hazardous waste permit and manifest forms, contact the LDEQ Waste Permits Division by phone at (225) 219-3070 or by fax at (225) 219-3309 or online at: http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/portal/tabid/2586/Default.aspx. 7. All coordination, sampling and analysis forms, and permits and manifest forms pertaining to these activities should be documented and copies forwarded to the state and FEMA as part of the permanent project files. Table 3: Lead Concentration-Based Soil Management Requirements Relative Lead Concentration in Excavated Soil Management Requirements Treatment Options For Soils to be Disposed Off-Site, OR Used for Shooting Range Reconstruction, OR Relocating the Shooting Range to Another Location Onsite TCLP leachate extract exceeds regulatory limit of five (5) mg/L Excavated soil must be managed as hazardous waste. * Soil must be disposed of at hazardous waste facility that is licensed to accept such wastes, OR; * Soil may be treated in order to stabilize the lead and render the entire mixture non-hazardous to allow for disposal as a solid waste at the local landfill, OR; * Soil may be reused to reconstruct the shooting range dirt mound after construction of the earthen berm is completed, OR; * Soil may be transported to another area of the site for use ONLY for constructing a relocated shooting range dirt mound onsite. TCLP leachate extract exceeds 1.1 mg/L Excavated soil must be managed as a solid waste. Soil may be treated to stabilize the lead, reducing the opportunity for lead to leach out and contaminate groundwater, either at the solid waste landfill or onsite if the soil is allowed to remain on the proposed project site. TCLP leachate is less than 1.0 mg/L No specific requirements for low level contaminated soil. No treatment is necessary. For Soils Remaining at the Existing Shooting Range Location after Excavation Activities are Completed Total lead concentration exceeds 400 mg/kg Bare soils must be managed as solid waste. * Exposed soil remaining after the dirt mound is excavated in the shooting range area should be covered with plastic on a temporary basis during construction activities to prevent wind and rain erosion of soils to other locations on the project site or the adjacent water bodies. * After construction is completed, the exposed soil should be covered with mulch or seeded with grass to prevent erosion to other parts of the proposed project site or into the adjacent large unnamed drainage ditch and/or Youngs North Bayou. Total lead concentration is at or below 400 mg/kg No specific management requirements. No treatment necessary. Total lead concentrations are below background levels. No specific management requirements. No treatment necessary. 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 effects can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time. The impact of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Ike in Vermilion 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, a concrete flood wall was constructed at the Dozier Elementary School in Erath, Louisiana; this flood wall project was completed in January 2010. An earthen berm/flood wall similar to the proposed project is being constructed or has been completed at the Seventh Ward Elementary School in Abbeville, Louisiana and an earthen berm/flood wall similar to the proposed project is planned for the Forked Island/East Broussard Elementary School in Abbeville, Louisiana. Several drainage improvement projects have also been proposed for various floodprone areas of Vermilion 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 Vermilion has increased from 2.15% to 2.17%, and the percentage of impervious surface area has increased from 0.68% to 0.69%. Within the same timeframe, the percentage of forested land parish-wide has decreased from 4.38% to 4.13%, and the percentage of Vermilion Parish that is wetland has decreased from 35.43% to 35.10%. In 1996, Vermilion Parish had 564.26 square miles of agricultural land. In 2006, Vermilion Parish had 565.88 square miles of agricultural land, for a net gain of 1.62 square miles of land (+0.29% change) used for agriculture. The cumulative impact to the natural resources within Vermilion Parish would be small and not likely to adversely affect the Parish as a whole. The human environment of Vermilion Parish would be impacted by reducing the flood hazards within the Vermilion Parish Detention Center area, while not significantly affecting the flood hazards in the surrounding area. 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 discharge velocities during a storm event would be high enough that rip-rap is required to be installed at the outfall point to alleviate potential erosion. * LDEQ has stormwater general permits for construction areas equal to or greater than one acre.  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.  * A Department of the Army permit under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) would be required if the applicant proposes to deposit dredged or fill material into Youngs North Coulee or other Waters of the United States adjacent to the property boundaries. * Any changes or modifications to the proposed project would require a revised USACE 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 proposed mitigation action would entail excavation of the existing shooting range dirt mound. The following procedures should be followed for removal of shooting range soils: 1. BMPs to reduce or eliminate stormwater run-off and soil erosion into the large drainage ditch and/or Youngs North Bayou should be in place prior to, during, and after excavation in the shooting range area for as long as bare soil exists in this area. 2. The soil to be excavated should be sampled prior to excavation with a bias in the sampling locations to areas with suspected high levels of lead contamination. The first six (6) inches of soil should be collected at each sampling location. 3. Prior to excavation of the ditch, sample and analyze the soil to determine if there are levels of leachable lead above the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (EPA SW-846 Method 1311 Revision 0, November 1990) (TCLP) limit of five (5) milligram/liter (mg/L) and/or 400 milligram per kilogram (mg/kg) of total lead by EPA Method 6010B. For soils that would remain at the existing location, analyze soil samples for total lead concentration. 4. All soils excavated from the shooting range area must be segregated from all other excavated soils. All stockpiles of shooting range excavated soil should be stored on 6-mil impermeable plastic to prevent leaching of lead onto other areas of the proposed project site. The stockpiles should be covered with weighted plastic sheeting to prevent wind and/or rain erosion and migration to other areas of the project site or to off-site locations. These stockpiles should be removed from the project site within 72 hours of their creation. After the removal of the stockpiles, confirmation soils samples should be collected of the surface soil to determine that no contamination has been transferred to the stockpile location. 5. Any proposed soil treatment options should meet the requirements the LDEQ Hazardous Waste Regulations, Chapter 33, Part V. To determine if a proposed treatment option would be acceptable, contact the LDEQ Enforcement Division, Hazardous Waste, Solid Waste, and UST Enforcement Section by phone at (225) 219-3715, by fax at (225) 219-3708, or by email at: deqenforcement@LA.GOV. 6. For all required solid and hazardous waste permits and manifests, contact the LDEQ Waste Permits Division by phone at (225) 219-3070 or by fax at (225) 219-3309 or online at: http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/portal/tabid/2586/Default.aspx. 7. All coordination, sampling and analysis forms, and permits and manifest forms pertaining to these activities should be documented and copies forwarded to the state and FEMA as part of the permanent project files. * The applicant would be responsible for contacting the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) if there is a change in the scope of work, the project necessitates removal of mature pine trees or if construction activities have not been initiated within one year. If at any time Heritage tracked species are encountered within the project area, contact the Louisiana Natural Heritage Program (LNHP) Data Manager at (225) 765-2643. * 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 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the 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 would be on site prior to and during construction activities. 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 Vermilion Parish Detention Center, 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 GOHSEP and FEMA of the discovery and FEMA will 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 will immediately notify GOHSEP, FEMA, the local Police Department, and the local Coroner’s Office of the discovery. The local Coroner’s Office will 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 will take jurisdiction over the remains. Within twenty-four (24) hours, FEMA will notify the Louisiana Division of Archaeology (225-342-8170) of the finding. Within seventy-two (72) hours, FEMA will 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.  * Any change to the approved scope of work will require reevaluation under Section 106. * The applicant must follow  all applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations and requirements and obtain and comply with all required permits and approvals prior to initiating work. 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 newspapers: The Abbeville Meridional from June 5 to June 8 and June 10, 2012. Additionally the Environmental Assessment was made available at the Vermilion Parish Library (Abbeville Branch) from June 5 to June 19, 2012. The Environmental Assessment was published on FEMA’s and the Parish’s official websites. A copy of the Public Notice is attached in Appendix D. 8.0 AGENCY COORDINATION Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (LDNR) Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Louisiana State Historic Preservation Office/r (SHPO) Tribal Historic Preservation Office/r and/or cultural offices 9.0 LIST OF PREPARERS Tiffany Spann-Winfield, Deputy Environmental Liaison Officer Federal Emergency Management Agency, Louisiana Recovery Office Laurel Rohrer, CHMM, REM, CFM Environmental Specialist URS – Contractor Support to FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency, Louisiana Recovery Office Melanie Pitts, Environmental Specialist Federal Emergency Management Agency, Louisiana Recovery Office LeSchina Holmes – Lead Environmental Protection Specialist Federal Emergency Management Agency, Louisiana Recovery Office Jason A. Emery, M.A. R.P.A. - Lead Historic Preservation Specialist Federal Emergency Management Agency, Louisiana Recovery Office Michael Wilder, Historic Preservation Specialist/Archaeologist Federal Emergency Management Agency, Louisiana Recovery Office Daniell Digiuseppe, Historic Preservation Specialist/Historic Structures-Architect Federal Emergency Management Agency, Louisiana Recovery Office 10.0 REFERENCES Abbeville, Louisiana – Code of Ordinances. [Online] Available: http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=10339&stateId=18&stateName=Louisiana Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division. Corrective Action at Outdoor Shooting Ranges Guidance Document. January 2005. [Online] Available: http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/hm/shootingrange.pdf Daft Logic. Google Maps Area Calculator. Online [Available]: http://www.daftlogic.com/projects-google-maps-area-calculator-tool.htm 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/emefdata/em4ef.home Environmental Protection Agency. NEPAssist. [Online] Available: http://134.67.99.123/nepassist/entry.aspx 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. Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Programmatic Agreement. Online [Available]: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/hazard/hurricane/2005katrina/LA_HMGP%20PA.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. Map Service Center. [Online] Available: http://www.msc.fema.gov/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Fema WelcomeView? storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1 Federal Emergency Management Agency. Advisory Base Flood Elevations. [Online] Available: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/recoverydata/katrina/katrina_la_maps.shtm Federal Emergency Management Agency: Effective Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Vermilion Parish, dated January 19, 2011 Geologic Map of Louisiana. [Online] Available: http://geology.about.com/library/bl/maps/bllouisianamap.htm Google Earth. [Online] Available: http://www.google.com/intl/en/earth/index.html Government Services Administration. Federal Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Standards. Federally Funded Facilities. [Online] Available: http://www.access-board.gov/ada-aba/aba-standards-gsa.cfm#site 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. State Brownfields list [Online] Available: http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/portal/tabid/2620/Default.aspx Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. Title 33. Environmental Quality. Part V. Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Materials. Chapters 1 and 22. [Online] Available: http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/portal/Portals/0/planning/regs/title33/33v05-201011.pdf 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 Geological Survey. Earthquakes in Louisiana. Public Information Series No. 7. June 2001. [Online] Available: http://www.lgs.lsu.edu/deploy/uploads/7earthquakes.pdf 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 Martin, Justin. Overcrowding at Parish Jail. VermilionToday.com. [Online] Available: http://vermiliontoday.com/view/full_story/8184774/article-Overcrowding-at-Parish-Jail 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 Sellers & Associates. Engineering Design Documents for the Vermilion Parish Detention Center Flood Protection Embankment. September 2011 and Revised November 2011. 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. [Online] Available: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx 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. National Map Viewer. [Online] Available: http://nmviewogc.cr.usgs.gov/viewer.htm U.S. Government Printing Office. Code of Federal Regulations – Title 44. Emergency Management and Assistance. October 1, 2010. Vermilion Parish Police Jury. Ordinances. [Online] Available: http://vermilionparishpolicejury.com/PJ_ordinances.html APPENDIX A SITE PHOTOGRAPHS APPENDIX B AGENCY CORRESPONDENCE APPENDIX C 8-STEP PROCESS AND H&H STUDY APPENDIX D PUBLIC NOTICE iv Vermilion Parish – Vermilion Parish Detention Center Flood Protection Project – Environmental Assessment 37 Vermilion Parish – Vermilion Parish Detention Center Flood Protection Project – Environmental Assessment