Draft Environmental Assessment Columbiana Emergency Operations Center Alternatives Columbiana County, Ohio Emergency Management Performance Grant, FY 2004 EMC-2004-GR-7007 April 2006 U.S. Department of Homeland Security FEMA Region V 536 South Clark Street, Sixth Floor Chicago, IL 60605 TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Acronyms 3 Section 1 Background O 4 1.1 Project Authority 4 1.2 Project Location and Setting 4 1.3 Purpose and Need 4 Section 2 TWO Alternative Analysis 5 2.1 Alternative 1 NO ACTION 5 2.2 Alternative 2 REMODEL EXISTING STRUCTURE, VISTA DRIVE 5 2.3 Alternative 3 - CONSTRUCT NEW BUILDING, 215 S. MARKET ST. 6 2.4 Alternatives Considered and Dismissed 7 Section 3 THREE Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 7 3.1 Physical Environment 7 3.1.1 Geology, Seismicity and Soils 7 3.1.2 Water Resources and Water Quality 8 3.1.3 Floodplain Management (Executive Order 11988) 9 3.1.4 Air Quality 10 3.2 Biological Environment 10 3.2.1 Terrestrial and Aquatic Environment 10 3.2.2 Wetlands (Executive Order 11990) 10 3.2.3 Threatened and Endangered Species 11 3.3 Hazardous Materials 12 3.4 Socioeconomics 12 3.4.1 Zoning and Land Use 13 3.4.2 Noise 13 3.4.3 Public Services and Utilities 14 3.4.4 Traffic and Circulation 14 3.4.5 Environmental Justice (Executive Order 12898) 15 3.4.6 Safety and Security 15 3.5 Cultural Resources 16 3.5.1 Historic Resources 17 Section 4 FOUR Cumulative Impacts 17 Section 5 FIVE Public Participation 17 Section 6 SIX Mitigation Measures and Permits 17 Section 7 Agencies Consulted 17 Section 8 EIGHT List of Preparers 18 Appendices Appendix A Figures Appendix B Agency Correspondence and Public Notification List of Acronyms APE Area of Potential Effect BMPs Best Management Practices CEQ Council of Environmental Quality CFR Code of Federal Regulations CMP corrugated metal pipe CO Carbon Monoxide CSO combined sewer overflow CWA Clean Water Act CY cubic yards dB decibels dBA A-weighted sound levels EA Environmental Assessment EDR Environmental Data Resources EIS Environmental Impact Statement EO Executive Order EPA Environmental Protection Agency ESA Endangered Species Act FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Map FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact FPPA Farmland Protection Policy Act FRFCP Flint River Flood Control Project HMGP Hazard Mitigation Grant Program HUC hydrologic unit code LF linear feet Lp sound pressure level MDEQ Michigan Department of Environmental Quality MDNR Michigan Department of Natural Resources NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards NCA Noise Control Act NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NFIP National Flood Insurance Program SECTION 1: BACKGROUND 1.1 PROJECT AUTHORITY In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Council on Environmental Quality(CEQ) regulations implementing NEPA (40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR Part 10), FEMA must fully understand and consider the environmental consequences of actions proposed for federal funding . The purpose of this Environmental Assessment (EA) is to meet FEMA’s responsibilities under NEPA and to assess locations for construction of an Emergency Operation Center for Columbiana County, Ohio, and to determine whether to prepare a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Proposed Project. 1.2 PROJECT LOCATION The sites being considered for this project are located inside the Corporation limits of the Village of Lisbon, Columbiana County, Ohio. The village is the County Seat for Columbiana County and is located in the center of the County, approximately 26 miles south of Youngstown, Ohio, 40 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, Pa. The population of the Village is 2,788. The current Emergency Operations Center (EOC) site, is located at 25 Vista Drive, Lisbon, OH. The site is located 3 ½ blocks north of the business district of the Village just off of Market Street. The other locations 223 N. Market and 215 S. Market are located in the central business district on land that has been developed for at least one hundred years. The 223 N. Market address was at one time legal offices and the 215 S. Market address was a small manufacturing business but faced the other direction and the address was 110 W. Washington Street. (Figure 1) 1.3 PURPOSE AND NEED The objective of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Emergency Management Performance Grant is to build all hazards emergency management capacity throughout the state. The purpose of the action alternatives presented in this Environmental Assessment is to find a permanent resolution to the County’s need for an adequately sized facility to house the EOC function for the Columbiana County Emergency Management Agency. The present facility is not owned by the County, and may soon be sold, making it necessary to relocate the EOC. The County Commissioners and the CCEMA staff have known for years the facility is too small for Agency operations. The present 1600 Sq. Ft facility is not adequate for the present staff nor does it allow for the two additional staff members needed for the Agency to operate efficiently. The power supply such as electrical outlets, receptacles and building service is stretched to the limit. This is a problem not only when addressing natural disasters but also dealing with problems that may be associated with disruption at the First Energy Nuclear Operating Center (FENOC), Beaver Valley Power Station which directly affects a highly populated section of the eastern part of the County located in the ten mile radius surrounding the nuclear facility. According to the Code Of Federal Regulations 50.47 (b)(8) FENOC must be sure that “Adequate emergency facilities and equipment to support the emergency response are provided and maintained”. The financial condition of the County made it impossible to consider alternatives until a $607,000 grant from FENOC and FEMA EMPG funds allowed for the consideration of implementation of a permanent solution to these limitations. The Columbiana County Commissioners asked Hanahan Strollo & Associates to explore locations and building styles which they did in “Proposed Emergency Operation Center”, June 24, 2004. (Attachment 1) In accordance with federal laws and FEMA regulations, the EA process for a proposed federal action must include an evaluation of alternatives and a discussion of the potential environmental impacts. This EA was prepared in accordance with FEMA’s regulations as required under NEPA. As part of this NEPA review, the requirements of the environmental laws and executive orders are addressed. SECTION 2: ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS 2.1 ALTERNATIVE 1 – NO ACTION The Columbiana County Emergency Management Agency provides emergency services to a population of 112,000. CCEMA plays an active role in providing public preparedness services and mitigation during times of community disasters. The County’s EOC is currently located at 25 Vista Drive, Lisbon, OH. Under the No Action Alternative the County would continue to occupy this facility. There would be no environmental impacts associated with the no action alternative. The impact of no action taken would limit the ability of the CCEMA to respond to the ever increasing emergency preparedness demands due to WMD and Homeland Security risk factors. 2.2 ALTERNATIVE 2 - REMODEL EXISTING STRUCTURE, VISTA DRIVE Located at 25 Vista Drive in Lisbon, the building is 1600 s.f. in size and is a 1-story office building. Implementation of Alternative 2 would require the construction of an addition to provide an additional 2100 Sq. ft. The existing structure was built in 1996 as a (5-B) wood frame construction type with a brick veneer exterior. There is a small 20’x 25’ area in the rear of the building which was designed as a garage for vehicles. The remaining area is finished office space. All interior walls are non-load bearing and can be removed. There is a double stud wall which separates the building into (2) tenant spaces. There are also (2) separate electrical systems which serve the building. A separate Maintenance Garage Building would also have to be built on the site to house emergency vehicles and equipment storage. This site is located 3 ½ blocks north of the central business district of the Village. The area is adjacent to the County Fair Grounds, single family houses and a Head Trauma Rehabilitation Center on previously disturbed ground. The area is not congested or overdeveloped. This alternative would be contingent upon the County negotiating a mutually acceptable purchase agreement with the current owner of the building, as the County does not own the property. 2.3 ALTENATIVE 3 – CONSTRUCT NEW BUILDING, 215 S. MARKET ST. Alternative 3 would entail the construction of an entirely new facility to house the EOC operations. The structure would be located adjacent to the County Engineer’s Office on South Market Street in Lisbon, on property owned by the Columbiana County Commissioners. Public utilities are available at the site. The building previously located at the site was demolished and removed under a HUD grant. The new building would be approximately 4800 s.f. and would be built as a 1-story structure. The building would be designed as a masonry bearing wall structure Type 3-B Construction with a pitched wood truss roof. Interior spaces would be designed to meet the size and space requirements per Emergency Management Agency specifications. The building will be slightly larger than Alternative-2, to accommodate the locker/shower room, large toilet rooms and the pressroom and equipment storage rooms which could not be included in Alternative-2. A new Vehicle Maintenance Building could be built attached to the new EOC for direct access to emergency vehicles. This building would be the same size and construction as previously discussed This site is located in the Central Business District of the Village on previously disturbed ground. It has been in use for one purpose or another for at least one hundred years. The property was last used by a small manufacturing facility that made canes and medical walkers. At that time the building was in a different configuration and the address was 110 Washington Street. 2.4 ALTERNATIVE 4 -CONSTRUCT NEW BUILDING, 223 N. MARKET ST CONSIDERED AND DISMISSED Alternative 4 would entail the construction of an entirely new structure; located adjacent to the County Jail, at 223 North Market Street on property owned by the Columbiana County Commissioners, utilities would be extended from the Jail to the new site. An old structure on this site would need to be demolished and removed prior to construction. The building would be approximately 4800 s.f. and would be built as a 1-story structure. The building would be designed as a masonry bearing wall structure Type 3-B Construction with a pitched wood truss roof. Interior spaces would be designed to meet the size and space requirements per the Department Area Summary Sheet. The building will be slightly larger that Alternative 2 to accommodate the locker/shower room, large toilet rooms and the pressroom and equipment storage, rooms which could not be included in Alternative 2. This site was dismissed from further consideration because of moderate to severe limitations as a building site due to slope and depth to bedrock. Also, the site is located on a hill on Market Street (State Route 45), a main through way in the Village of Lisbon. A lack of easy ingress and egress from the site would cause a major traffic flow problem in the Village. Located in the Central Business District in a highly developed section of the Village; the size of the site was also a cause for dismissal as the facility would have been a tight fit in a very active area. SECTION 3: AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND CONSEQUENCES 3.1 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 3.1.1 Geology, Seismicity and Soils ALTERNATIVE 1 – NO ACTION No impact on the geology, seismicity, or soils of the project site would occur under the No Action Alternative. ALTERNATIVE 2 - REMODEL EXISTING STRUCTURE, VISTA DRIVE Soil type and geology: The soil at this site is mapped as Titusville silt loan, TuC2, on slopes of 5 to 10 percent. The soil here has been disturbed thru prior excavation. Under natural conditions this soil is moderately well drained upland soil that developed from medium textured glacial till. Depth to bedrock is greater than 4 feet. This soil has moderate limitations for building site development due to a seasonally high water table. This limitation can easily be overcome by planning for foundation drainage. This site is not a wetland. The soil is not hydric, nor does it have hydric inclusion. This soil is not rated for seismic risk. The Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA) (P>L>97-98,Sec.1539-1549;U.S.C.4201.et seq.) which states that federal agencies must “minimize the extent to which federal programs contribute to the unnecessary conversion of farmland to nonagricultural uses,” was considered in this EA. On September 14, 2005, Pete Conkle, Program Coordinator, for the National Resource Conservation Service of Columbiana County was contacted by phone (Attachment 2) and during that conversation he stated that all of the site locations were disturbed or developed land and no prime or unique soils exist. No farmland would be destroyed or converted. . ALTENATIVE 3 – CONSTRUCT NEW BUILDING, 215 S. MARKET ST. Soil type and geology: The soil on this site is Chili loam, CIB, on a nearly level site. Chili soil is well drained. It developed from sandy and gravelly glacial outwash on second level stream terraces. It is well suited for building site development. Depth to bedrock is greater that 10 feet. This site is not a wetland. Columbiana County does not have a wetland map. The soil is not hydric, nor does it have hydric inclusion. This soil is not rated for earthquake effects. Columbiana County is not considered to have a risk of earthquakes. The Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA) (P>L>97-98,Sec.1539-1549;U.S.C.4201.et seq.) which states that federal agencies must “minimize the extent to which federal programs contribute to the unnecessary conversion of farmland to nonagricultural uses,” was considered in this EA. On September 14, 2005, Pete Conkle, Program Coordinator, for the National Resource Conservation Service of Columbiana County was contacted by phone (Attachment 2) and during that conversation he stated that all of the site locations were disturbed or developed land and no prime or unique soils exist. No farmland would be destroyed or converted. . 3.1.2 Water Resources and Water Quality All information within this section is based on a site visit conducted by the Columbiana County Engineers Office. (Attachment 3) ALTERNATIVE 1 – NO ACTION There will be no impact on water resources and water quality of the project site under the No Action Alternative, as there will be no construction activities. ALTERNATIVE 2 - REMODEL EXISTING STRUCTURE, VISTA DRIVE Site has a gradual slope toward the east and south. No surface waters observed in the area. Storm water run-off flows mainly toward the east/southeast corner of the lot to an existing storm sewer with catch basins. The Middle Fork of the Little Beaver Creek will receive the storm water run-off. ALTENATIVE 3 – CONSTRUCT NEW BUILDING, 215 S.MARKET ST Level site, no surface waters observed in the area. Storm water run-off flows toward the south and east corner of the lot to an existing storm sewer with catch basins. The Middle Fork of the Little Beaver Creek will receive the storm water run-off. None of the three proposed building sites will have a negative impact on surface or ground water resources. 3.1.3 Floodplain Management (Executive Order 11988) Columbiana County and the Village of Lisbon experienced severe flood damage in September 2004. That year saw a higher than normal rain fall that resulted in the ground saturation. In September the residual effects of hurricanes moving north caused further saturation. Several inches of rain in a short period of time as a result of one of those hurricanes, caused major flooding in several areas of the county including the eastern section of the Village of Lisbon located along Mill Creek. The sites being considered for the project were not affected by this flooding nor would they be if the same conditions occurred again. The North Market Street site and the Vista Drive site are not located close to possible flood hazards and are also protected by their elevations. Although, the preferred site sits two blocks from the Middle Fork of the Little Beaver Creek, the elevation of the location makes the risk of flooding highly unlikely. Evaluation of the sites and a discussion with Pete Conkle, Flood Plain Manager, determined that all of the sites are suitable locations. (Attachment 4) ALTERNATIVE 1 – NO ACTION The no action alternative would not affect any established 100-year flood hazard area because no construction would take place. The current facility is not in a SFHA. ALTERNATIVE 2 - REMODEL EXISTING STRUCTURE, VISTA DRIVE The proposed site for Alternative 2 would have no impact on the SFHA or floodplain; the structure is not within the 100 –year floodplain as indicated in the FIRM, panel # 390085 B for Village of Lisbon, Ohio ALTERNATIVE 3 – CONSTRUCT NEW BUILDING, 215 S. MARKET ST This Project is not within the 100 –year floodplain as indicated in the FIRM (Flood Insurance Rate Map), panel # 390085 B for Village of Lisbon, Ohio. 3.1.5 Air Quality ALTERNATIVE 1 – NO ACTION The no action alternative would result in no adverse affect on the air quality because there would be no on site construction. ALTERNATIVE 2 - REMODEL EXISTING STRUCTURE, VISTA DRIVE See Alternative 3 discussion ALTENATIVE 3 – CONSTRUCT NEW BUILDING, 215 S. MARKET ST. Equipment required for the construction process of this project would produce minimal amounts of hydrocarbons and exhaust fumes. It would be expected that air pollution in the project area would increase during construction. The contractor would be required to maintain equipment in good working order to minimize emissions. He would also be required to suppress work site dust. Adverse effects to air quality would be short-term and temporary lasting only during the construction period of the project. 3.2 Biological Environment 3.2.1 Terrestrial and Aquatic Environment ALTERNATIVE 1 – NO ACTION There will be no impact to terrestrial or aquatic resources due to implementation of this alternative. ALTERNATIVE 2 - REMODEL EXISTING STRUCTURE, VISTA DRIVE The Vista Drive location is a developed site within the village limits. The area is surrounded by neighborhoods, a rehabilitation center and the Columbiana County Fair Grounds. It would be considered to have limited value for plant or wildlife species; therefore this alternative would have minimal impacts on the environment. ALTENATIVE 3 – CONSTRUCT NEW BUILDING, 215 S. MARKET ST. The preferred site located on West Washington Street is in the village and has been developed for many years; and a structure previously stood on the proposed site. The area would be considered to have limited value for plant and wildlife species; therefore this alternative would have minimal impacts on the environment. 3.2.2 Wet Lands Executive Order (EO) 11990, Protection of Wetlands, requires federal agencies to take action to minimize the loss of wetlands. The NEPA compliance process requires federal agencies to consider a direct and indirect impact to the wetlands, which may result from federally funded actions. ALTERNATIVE 1 – NO ACTION The no action taken would not affect any wetlands as it involves no construction. ALTERNATIVE 2 - REMODEL EXISTING STRUCTURE, VISTA DRIVE See Alternative 3 discussion ALTERNATIVE 3 – CONSTRUCT NEW BUILDING, 215 S.MARKET ST. A search of the National Wetland Inventory website indicates no wetland data is available for the areas in question. All sites are inside the corporation limits of the Village of Lisbon on property that has been developed areas of sidewalks, roads and shopping districts for many years and contain no wetlands. In a letter dated December 22, 2005 from Mitch Cattrell, District Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (Attachment 5) he states that none of the sites contain wetlands. 3.2.3 Threatened and Endangered Species and Critical Habitats In accordance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, the project area was evaluated for the potential occurrences of federally listed threatened and endangered specie. The ESA requires any federal agency that funds, authorized or carries out an action to ensure that their action is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species (including plant species) or result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated critical habitats (FEMA 1996). All proposed locations are essentially highly disturbed urban habitats comprised of manmade structures ( Offices, businesses and residential dwelling) with streets, lawns, and common landscaped ornamental vegetation. Wildlife in the area is consistent with such habitats including mostly birds, e.g. rock pigeons, house sparrows, American robins, and house finches. Few other species of wildlife are expected to occur and certainly no other listed endangered or threatened species. Two federally listed species, Indiana bat (endangered) and eastern massasauga (candidate) are known to occur in Columbiana County. Habitat for either species is completely lacking at all proposed locations: therefore, no impacts are foreseen. Likewise, due to the disturbed nature of the habitat, none of the state listed species of insect, mollusks, or vertebrates will be impacted by the proposed actions. Construction on West Washington Street (preferred site), Vista Drive (alternate site) or North Market Street (dismissed site) would not result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated critical habitat. (Attachment 6) ALTERNATIVE 1 – NO ACTION The no action taken would not affect any threatened or endangered species, as it involves no construction. ALTERNATIVE 2 - REMODEL EXISTING STRUCTURE, VISTA DRIVE No adverse impacts to threatened or endangered species are anticipated. ALTENATIVE 3 – CONSTRUCT NEW BUILDING, 215 S. MARKET ST. No adverse impacts to threatened or endangered species are anticipated. 3.3 Hazardous Materials ALTERNATIVE 1 – NO ACTION The No Action Alternative has no hazardous materials issues associated with it.. ALTERNATIVE 2 - REMODEL EXISTING STRUCTURE, VISTA DRIVE This site was originally constructed in 1996. In 1978, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission lowered the maximum lead content in most kinds of paint to a trace amount. Based on the construction date of the building lead paint contamination seems unlikely. Asbestos use in construction projects was phased out starting in 1980 with a total ban imposed in 1999. Once again the construction date of this building would make contamination unlikely. ALTENATIVE 3 – CONSTRUCT NEW BUILDING, 215 S. MARKET ST. The building previously located on this site was used as a facility for the manufacture of medical walkers and crutches. Because of the age and use of the building site on February 19, 2005, MS Consultants, Inc. of Youngstown, Ohio conducted an on site analysis. (Attachment 7) As a result of that analysis it was determined there is no asbestos or lead contaminants at the location. When the building was demolished the debris will be removed from the site and placed in EPA approved landfill for demolition material. 3.4 Socioeconomics The proposed project area is the Village of Lisbon. The Lisbon is the county seat for Columbiana County, located in northeast Ohio. The population of Lisbon is 2,788. The median age is 38 with 27.4 under the age of 19 and 19.8 over the age of 60. Among persons 25 years and over 77.8 percent has achieved high school or higher education attainment. According to the 2000 census there are 1,239 housing units in Lisbon with 81.2 percent built prior to 1959. 13.9 percent of the population has lived in their home since 1969 or earlier. The median value for a home in Lisbon is $74,300.00. The residents of Lisbon are employed predominantly in manufacturing with wholesale and retail trade the next highest source of employment. The median household income for Lisbon is $27,841 as compared to $37,226 for the County and $ 40,956 for the State of Ohio. ALTERNATIVE 1 – NO ACTION The no action alternative would result in continued challenges to the provision of emergency management services to all residents. ALTERNATIVE 2 - REMODEL EXISTING STRUCTURE, VISTA DRIVE Alternative 2 would have an equally positive impact on all County residents through increased emergency management capabilities. ALTENATIVE 3 – CONSTRUCT NEW BUILDING, 215 S. MARKET ST. Alternative 3 would have an equally positive impact on all County residents through increased emergency management capabilities. 3.4.1 Zoning and Land Use ALTERNATIVE 1 – NO ACTION The take no action alternative would have no affect because there would be no change to the current facility; the structure already meets current zoning and code requirements. ALTERNATIVE 2 - REMODEL EXISTING STRUCTURE, VISTA DRIVE On September 14, 2005 in a conversation with Cheryl Mills, Zoning Clerk for the Village of Lisbon ( Attachment 8) she stated that the zoning, B1 Local Business for the Vista Drive site, would be consistent with the construction of the project. Building permits would be obtained and all codes would be met. ALTENATIVE 3 – CONSTRUCT NEW BUILDING, 215 S. MARKET ST. On September 14, 2005 in a conversation with Cheryl Mills, Zoning Clerk for the Village of Lisbon ( Attachment 8) she stated that the zoning, B-3 Central Business for the preferred site on West Washington Street would be consistent with the construction of the project. Building permits would be obtained and all codes would be met. 3.4.2 Noise Noise connected with a construction project is what will need to be addressed. As all of the sites are located in areas of busy commercial concerns the impact of a construction project will be minimal. Noise levels may be elevated during the construction period but that will be short so the disruption will be temporary. ALTERNATIVE 1 – NO ACTION There will be no construction activities, and therefore no noise impacts associated with this alternative. ALTERNATIVE 2 - REMODEL EXISTING STRUCTURE, VISTA DRIV There are very few actual residences located near this site, so impact on sensitive receptors will be minimal. Noise impact associated with construction activities would be temporary. When construction is complete activity at any location would blend with normal day to day activity of the area. ALTENATIVE 3 – CONSTRUCT NEW BUILDING, 215 S.MARKET ST There are very few actual residences located near this site, so impact on sensitive receptors will be minimal. Noise impact associated with construction activities would be temporary. When construction is complete activity at any location would blend with normal day to day activity of the area. 3.4.3 Public Services and Utilities Public services to all sites are provided by the Village of Lisbon, (fire, police and rescue) they will also be the provider of water and sewer service and the waste water system. Electric service and natural gas are available through the local electric company (First Energy) and gas companies of the Columbia Gas system. ALTERNATIVE 1 – NO ACTION There will be no change to the current provision of services and utilities. ALTERNATIVE 2 - REMODEL EXISTING STRUCTURE, VISTA DRIV Implementation of this alternative will result in improved provision of public services coordinated by emergency management following emergencies and disasters as a result of the expanded facility. ALTENATIVE 3 – CONSTRUCT NEW BUILDING, 215 S.MARKET ST Implementation of this alternative will result in improved provision of public services coordinated by emergency management following emergencies and disasters as a result of the new facility. 3.4.4 Traffic and Circulation The streets are two lane streets with both side parking, what you would normally find a small Ohio village with population 2,788. Traffic flow is maintained quite well as traffic is limited. The construction vehicles will have little or no impact on the area as most of the construction vehicles remain on site. The streets are maintained by the Village of Lisbon. There is no public transportation in the area. ALTERNATIVE 1 – NO ACTION There will be no traffic impacts associated with this alternative. ALTERNATIVE 2 - REMODEL EXISTING STRUCTURE, VISTA DRIVE Additional vehicles associated with construction activities may have minor temporary impacts. ALTENATIVE 3 – CONSTRUCT NEW BUILDING, 215 S.MARKET ST Additional vehicles associated with construction activities may have minor temporary impacts. 3.4.5 Environmental Justice (Executive Order 12898) On February 11, 1994, President Clinton signed Executive Order (EO) 12898, entitled, “Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations”. The EO directs federal agencies, “to make achieving environmental justice part of its mission by identifying and addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of its programs, policies, and activities on minority populations and low income populations in the United States. The total population of Columbiana County according to the 2000 census is 111,519; 96.4% of the population is white, 2.2% is African American, .2% is American Indian of Alaskan Native, and .2% is Asian. The locations being evaluated in the assessment do not impact any minority populations or neighborhoods. All sites addressed in this assessment are already located in predominantly commercial areas of the village. There will be no adverse effect on any minority or low-income populations. ALTERNATIVE 1 – NO ACTION No minority or low-income populations would be adversely impacted. ALTERNATIVE 2 - REMODEL EXISTING STRUCTURE, VISTA DRIVE No minority or low-income populations would be adversely impacted by implementation of this alternative. The project would benefit the entire community by contributing to enhanced emergency management capabilities. ALTENATIVE 3 – CONSTRUCT NEW BUILDING, 215 S.MARKET ST No minority or low-income populations would be adversely impacted by implementation of this alternative. The project would benefit the entire community by contributing to enhanced emergency management capabilities. 3.4.6 Safety and Security To minimize risks to safety and human health, all construction activities would be performed using qualified personnel trained in the proper use of the appropriate equipment including all appropriate safety precautions: additionally, all activities would be conducted in a safe manner in accordance with the standards specified in Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) regulations. Pedestrian traffic in the site locations is extremely light. All construction would be located on site and have very little impact on the daily movements of anyone needing to pass by any of the locations during construction. The take no action alternative would have no affect on pedestrian traffic as there would be no construction. ALTERNATIVE 1 – NO ACTION There will be no impacts to safety and security associated with this alternative. ALTERNATIVE 2 - REMODEL EXISTING STRUCTURE, VISTA DRIVE Implementation of this alternative will result in improved safety and security following emergencies and disasters. ALTENATIVE 3 – CONSTRUCT NEW BUILDING, 215 S.MARKET ST Implementation of this alternative will result in improved safety and security following emergencies and disasters. 3.5 Cultural Resources In addition to review under NEPA, consideration of impacts to cultural resources is mandated under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), as amended, and implemented by 36 CFR Part 800. Requirements include identification of significant historic properties that may be impacted by the Proposed Action. Historic properties are defined as archaeological sites, standing structures, or other historic resources listed is or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) (36 CFR 60.4). As defined in 36 CFR Part 800.169D0, the Area of potential Effect (APE), “ is the geographic area within which an undertaking may directly or indirectly cause changes in the character or use of historic properties, if such properties exist.” In addition to identifying historic properties that may exist in the proposed project’s APE, FEMA must also determine, in consultation with the appropriate State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), what effect, if any, the action will have on historic properties. Moreover, if the project would have an adverse effect on these properties, FEMA must consult with SHPO on ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate the adverse effect. 3.5.1 Historic Resources ALTERNATIVE 1 – NO ACTION The take no action alternative would have no affect, as nothing would be disturbed at the location. ALTERNATIVE 2 - REMODEL EXISTING STRUCTURE, VISTA DRIVE Located on previously developed land and constructed in 1996, there is no historic significance to this site. ALTENATIVE 3 – CONSTRUCT NEW BUILDING, 215 S. MARKET ST. This site was submitted for review to the Ohio Historic Preservation Office. Enclosed is all documentation submitted to the OHPO. All correspondence and their letter stating no objections are also included. (Attachment 9) * The OHPO coordination letter references 110 West Washington Street, This is the address of the previous building that occupied the site; the building was oriented differently on the site and therefore had a different street address than the planned structure under this alternative. SECTION 4: CUMULATIVE IMPACTS The project will provide the Columbiana County Emergency Management Agency with a facility that will allow them to address natural and man-made disasters in the prescribed manner with enough room for all needed equipment and personnel. The Village of Lisbon will have a visually pleasing new structure in the downtown area and the citizens of the County will benefit from the ability of the EMA to respond at a higher level of efficiency. SECTION 5: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION The proposed project has been discussed at several County Commissioner meetings, which are public. Additionally there have been several stories in the local newspaper discussing the proposed activity. (Attachment 11) Notice of the proposed action, location of the proposed site, participants, location of the draft EA and who to call to provide comments will be posted in the Columbiana County Courthouse and on outside Courthouse doors. It will also be placed on the agenda of the meeting of the Board of Commissioners for discussion in an open forum. Letters will be sent to businesses and homes within the vicinity of the proposed activity. SECTION 6: PERMITS The only permits required for the project will be a building permit required by the State of Ohio Industrial Compliance Office and the Village of Lisbon. SECTION 7: AGENCIES CONSULTED National Resources Conservation Service Village of Lisbon-Zoning Office Columbiana County Engineer Ohio Department of Natural Resources – Division of Wildlife Ohio Historic Preservation Office U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service SECTION 8: List of Preparers Original draft prepared by Pam Dray, Coordinator, Columbiana County Development Department Revisions made be Amanda Ratliff, Regional Preparedness Officer, DHS CONVERSATION RECORD |TIME: 2:10|DATE: SEPTEMBER 14, 2005 TYPE: TELEPHONE CONVERSATION/OUTGOING PERSON CONTACTED Pete Conkle LOCATION Columbiana County National Resource Conservation District 1834-B South Lincoln Avenue Salem, Ohio 44460 TELEPHONE NUMBER: 330-332-8732 SUMMARY: Called Pete to discuss the project impact on farmland in the area. Gave him the three site locations and he was familiar with all three locations and the fact that all are located inside the corporation limits on previously disturbed ground. As a result he concurred with our conclusion that no farmland would be destroyed or converted. ACTION REQUIRED: NONE NAME OF DOCUMENTER: PAMELA DRAY 9/14/05 CONVERSATION RECORD TIME: 12:45 DATE: SEPTEMBER 14, 2005 TYPE: TELEPHONE CONVERSATION/OUTGOING PERSON CONTACTED Cheryl Mills, Zoning Clerk Village of Lisbon 24 Nelson Avenue Lisbon, Ohio 44432 TELEPHONE NUMBER: 330-424-5503 SUMMARY: Discussed with Cheryl Mills, Zoning Clerk for the Village of Lisbon the site locations for the proposed project. She stated that all locations according to Village Zoning Laws were acceptable as building sites but a building permit would be required for the site is chosen. ACTION REQUIRED: OBTAIN NECESSARY BUILDING PERMIT WHEN CONSTRUCTION IS TO BEGIN NAME OF DOCUMENTER: Pamela Dray 2/14/05 Appendix A Figures Appendix B Agency Consultation and Public Notification Appendix B Attachments 1. Hannahan Strollo Architects 2. Pete Conkle, National Resource Conservation Service 3. Troy Graft, Columbiana County Engineers Office 4. Pete Conkle, Flood Plain Manager, National Resource Conservation Service 5. Mitch Cattrell, Director, National Resource Conservation Service 6. Jeff Herrick, Ohio Department of Natural Resources 7. MS Consultants, Inc. 8. Cheryl Mills, Zoning Clerk, Village of Lisbon 9. Ohio Historic Preservation Office 10. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 11. Public Notifications 1