Record of Environmental Consideration 

See 44 Code ofFederal Regulation Part 10. 

Project NamelNumber: Nora Navra Library I PW 11769 

Project Location: 1902 St. Bernard Ave., New Orleans, Louisiana Orleans Parish 70118 
(N29.07578, W-90.06739) 

Project DeSeriJ!tion: Project activities inc1uae removing and replacing wooden bookshelves, metal 
book shelves, 22 electrical outlets, 6 phone jacks, and one 4 ton air conditioning unit. Hazard 
mitigation will be accomplished b)' elevating the electrical outlets and the air conditioning unit, and by 
replacing the oak book shelves with plastic-resin book shelves. 

Documentation Requirements 

o No Documentation Required <Review Concluded) 
o (Short version) All consultation and agreements implemented to comply with the National Historic 
Preservation Act, Endangered Species Act, and Executive Orders 11988, 11990 and 12898 are 
completed and no other laws apply. <Review Concluded) 


I:8J (Long version) All applicable laws and executive orders were reviewed. Additional information for 
compliance is attached to this REC. 

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPAl Determination 

o Statutorily excluded from NEPA review. (Review Concluded) 
o Programmatic Categorical Exclusion -Category <Review Concluded)
o Categorical Exclusion -Category
o No Extraordinary Circumstances exist. 
Are project conditions required? 0 Yes (see section V) 0 No (Review Concluded) 
o Extraordinary Circumstances exist (See Section IV).


o Extraordinary Circumstances mitigated. (See Section IV comments) 
Are project conditions required? 0 Yes (see section V) 0 No (Review Concluded) 


o Environmental Assessment 
o Supplemental Environmental Assessment (Reference EA or PEA in comments) 
I:8J Environmental Impact Statement 


Comments: This project meets the criteria for an Alternative Arrangement (Government and Court Administration 
Buildings) type ofproject. This project has conditions and requires mitigation under the other EHP laws. 


Reviewer and Approvals 

D Project is Non-Compliant (See attached docwnentation justifying selection). 

FEMA Environmental Reviewer. 
Name: Perry J. Boudreaux, Environmental Specialist 


Signature ~~ r? . Date,__7..u.12=11l.l.o/2~O~O~6____-.:. 

FEMARegionalEnvironmentalQfficer or delegatedapJ)roving official. 
Name: Don Fairley, ELO 

Signature ~~~ . Date_----'"7/=2=1I.=20=O=6____....:. 

I. Compliance Review for Environmental Laws (other than NEPAl 

A. National Historic Preservation Act 

D Not type of activity with potential to affect historic properties. <Reyiew Conclgded>

I8l Applicable executed Programmatic Agreement December 3,2004 
I8l Activity meets Programmatic Allowance, Appendix A, Section n, subsections A (1 and 2), B(1), C(l and 2), 
D(2), E(l), and H, 

Are project conditions required? I8l Yes (see section V) D No <Review Concluded) 

HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES 
I8l No historic properties that are listed or 45150 years or older in project area. (Review Concluded) 
D Building or structure listed or 45150 years or older in project area and activity not exempt from review. 

D Determination ofNo Historic Properties Affected (FEMA fmding!SHPOtTHPO concurrence on file) 
Are project conditions required? D Yes (see section V) D No <Review Concluded) 
D Detennination of Historic Properties Affected (FEMA finding!SHPOtTHPO concurrence on file) 
D Property a National Historic Landmark and National Park Service was provided early notification 
during the consultation process. Ifnot, explain in comments 
D No Adverse Effect Detennination (FEMA fmding!SHPOtTHPO concurrence on file). 
Are project conditions required? D Yes (see section V) D No <Review Concluded) 
D Adverse Effect Detennination (FEMA finding!SHPOtTHPO concurrence on file) 
D Resolution of Adverse Effect completed. (MOA on file) 
Are project conditions required D Yes (see section V) D No (Review Concluded) 

ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES 
t8I Project affects only previously disturbed ground. (Review Concluded) 
D Project affects undisturbed ground. 

D Project area has no potential for presence of archeological resources 
D Determination ofno historic properties affected (FEMA finding!SHPOtTHPO concurrence or 
consultation on file). (Review Concluded) 
D Project area has potential for presence ofarcheological resources 
D Detennination of no historic properties affected (FEMA fmding!SHPOtTHPO concurrence on file) 
Are project conditions required D Yes (see section V) D No (Review Concluded) 
D Detennination of historic properties affected 
D NR eligible resources not present (FEMA fmding!SHPOtTHPO concurrence on file). 

Are project conditions required DYes (see section V) D No (Review Concluded) 
D NR eligible resources present in project area. (FEMA finding! SHPOtTHPO concurrence on 
file) 

D No Adverse Effect Determination. (FEMA finding! SHPOtTHPO concurrence on file) 
Are project conditions required? D Yes (see section V) D No (Review Concluded) 
D Adverse Effect Determination. (FEMA fmding! SHPOtTHPO concurrence on file) 

07121/06


o Resolution ofAdverse Effect co~eted. (MOA on file) 
Are project conditions required? U Yes (see section V) 0 No 
<Review Concluded) 

Comments: 7(21106 -FEMA's Programmatic Agreement (pA), dated December 3, 2004, provides for expedited project 
review under section 106 ofthe National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). The scope ofwork as submitted in this pw bas 
been reviewed and meets the criteria outlined in Appendix A, Programmatic Allowances, Section n, subsections A (1 and 
2), B(1), C(1 and 2),0(2), E(l), and H, ofthe document. In accordance with the PA, FEMA is not required to determine 
the National Register Eligibility of properties or to submit projects to the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) for 
review where the work performed meets these allowances. In keeping with the stipulations ofthe PA, all proposed repair 
activities should be done in-kind to match existing materials and form. Any change to the approved scope ofwork will 
reqwreresuliiDiSSiOn rorre-iVifuation un(fersecnoo· r06ancfcoiisUIfation With·the·SHPO. Non-cooij)liance may jeopardize 
the receipt offederal funding. This concludes the section 106 review for this project. -Amy Barnes, Historic Specialist 
CO"espondence/Consu/tationiReferences: 

B. Endangered Species Act 
181 No listed species and/or designated critical habitat present in areas affected directly or indirectly by the Federal action. 


eview Concluded 
Listed species and/or designated critical habitat present in the areas affected directly or indirectly by the Federal action. 

o No effect to species or designated critical habitat. (See comments for justification) 
Are project conditions required? 0 Yes (see section V) 0 No <Review Concluded) 
o May affect, but not likely to adversely affect species or designated critical habitat (FEMA 


determinationlUSFWSINMFS concurrence on file) <Review Concluded) 
Are project conditions required? 0 Yes (see section V) 0 No <Review Concluded) 


o Likely to adversely affect species or designated critical habitat 

o Formal consultation concluded. (Biological Assessment and Biological Opinion on file) 
Are project conditions required? 0 YES (see section V) 0 NO <Review Concluded) 

IComments: None 

C. Coastal Barrier Resources Act 
181 Project is not on or connected to CBRA Unit or Otherwise Protected Area <Review Concluded). 


o Project is on or connected to CBRA Unit or Otherwise Protected Area. (FEMA determinationlUSFWS consultation on 
file) 

o Proposed action an exception under Section 3505.a.61 <Review Concluded) 
o Proposed action not excepted under Section 3505.a.6. 
Are project conditions required? 0 YES (see section V) 0 NO <Review Concluded) 


Comments: None 
Co"espondence/Consultation/References: 

D. Clean Water Act 

~Project would not affect any waters ofthe U.S. <Review Concluded) 

o Project would affect waters, including wetlands, ofthe U.S. 

o Project exempted as in kind replacement or other exemption. <Review Concluded) 
o Project requires Section 404/401l0r Section 9/10 (Rivers and Harbors Act) permit, including qualification 
under Nationwide Permits. 
Are project conditions required? D YES (see section V) D NO <Review Concluded) 


Comments: Project is not in or adjacent to any waterways ofthe US. 
Correspondence/Consultation/References: 

E. Coastal Zone Management Act 


oProject is not located in a coastal zone area and does not affect a coastal zone area <Review eoDeluded)

181 Project is located in a coastal zone area and/or affects the coastal zone 
181 State administering agency does not require consistency review. <Review CoDeluded). 

o State administering agency requires consistency review. 
Are project conditions required? 0 YES (see section V) 0 NO <Review CODeluded) 

Comments: FEMA has determined that this project is consistent with the Coastal Zone Management Act and the 
Louisiana Coastal Management Plan (LCMP). 

Correspondence/Consultation/References: 

F. Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act 
9Projectdoes-notaffect,control,ormodifya wateJ waylbody ofwater. fReview-Coneluded)

oProject affects, controls or modifies a waterwaylbody ofwater. 

o Coordination with USFWS conducted 
D No Recommendations offered by USFWS. <Review CODeluded)
D Recommendations provided by USFWS. 


Are project conditions required? D YES (see section V) D NO <Review Concluded) 

Comments: Project is not in or adjacent to any waterways ofthe US. 
Correspondence/Consultation/References: 

G. Clean Air Act 
181 Project will not result in permanent air emissions. <Review Concluded)
D Project is located in an attainment area. <Review Concluded)
D Project is located in a non-attainment area. 


D Coordination required with applicable state administering agency.. 
Are project conditions required? D YES (see section V) D NO (Review Concluded) 

Comments: Project will not result in permanent air emissions. 
Correspondence/Consultation/References: 

H. Farmland Protection Policy Act 
181 Project does not affect designated prime or unique farmland. <Review Concluded)
D Project causes unnecessary or irreversible conversion ofdesignated prime or unique farmland. 


D Coordination with Natural Resource Conservation Commission required.
D Farmland Conversion Impact Rating, Form AD-I 006, completed. 
Are project conditions required? D YES (see section V) D NO <Review Concluded) 

Comments: None 
Correspondence/Consultation/References: 

I. Migratory Bird Treaty Act 
D Project not located within a flyway zone. <Review Concluded)
181 Project located within a flyway zone. 


181 Project does not have potential to take migratory birds. <Review Concluded) 
Are project conditions required? D Yes (see section V) 181 No <Review Concluded)
D Project has potential to take migratory birds. 
D Contact made with USFWS 
Are project conditions required? D YES (see section V) D NO <Review Concluded) 


Comments: See letter from Don Fairley to Mr. Russ Watson with USF&WS, dated 09/1412005. Specifically, FEMA bas 
determined that restoration projects funded with federal resources will not bave adverse impacts on migratory birds or other 
fish and wildlife reserves. These detenninations are based on the understanding that the conditions outlined in the Louisiana 
Endangered Species SUmmary are met. 
Correspondence/ConsultationiReferences: http://pacificfivway.&ovlDocumentslMississippi map.pdf. 

J. Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act 
181 Project not located in or near Essential Fish Habitat. <Review Concluded)
D Project located in or near Essential Fish Habitat. 


DProject does not adversely affect Essential Fish Habitat. <Review Concluded) 
Are project conditions required? D Yes (see section V) D No <Review Concluded)


o Project adverselyaffects :ESsential Ffsh-H8bitat(FEMA-aetermiiuWOiilUSFW-slNMFS concurrence on file) 
D NOAA Fisheries provided no recommendation(l) lJeY"Wncluded1 
Are project conditions required? DYes (see section V) No <Review Concluded)
DNOAA Fisheries provided recommendation(s) 

D Written reply to NOAA Fisheries recommendations completed. 
Are project conditions required? D YES (see section V) D NO <Review Concluded) 

Comments: None 
Co"espondenceiConsultationiReferences: 

K. Wild and Scenic Rivers Act 
181 Project is not along and does not affect Wild or Scenic River (WSR) -<Review Concluded)
D Project is along or affects WSR 

D Project adversely affects WSR as detennined by NPSIUSFS. FEMA cannot fund the action. 
(NPSIUSFSIUSFWSIBLM consultation on file) <Review Concluded)
D Project does not adversely affect WSR. (NPSIUSFSIUSFWSIBLM consultation on file) 
Are project conditions required? D YES (see section V) D NO <Review Concluded) 

Comments: None 
Co"espondenceiConsultationiReferences: 

L. Other Relevant Laws and Environmental Regulations 

II. Compliance Review for Executive Orders 

A. E.O. 11988 -Floodplains 

D No Effect on FloodplainslFlood levels and project outside Floodplain -<Review Concluded)
181 Located in Floodplain or Effects on FloodplainslFlood levels 
D No adverse effect on floodplain and not adversely affected by the floodplain. <Review Concluded). 

Are project conditions required? D Yes (see section V) D No <Review Concluded)

D Beneficial Effect on Floodplain OccupancyNalues <Review Concluded).

181 Possible adverse effects associated with investment in floodplain, occupancy or modification offloodplain 

environment 

181 8 Step Process Complete -documentation on file 

Are project conditions required? 181 YES (see section V) D NO <Review Concluded) 

Comments 07/19/2006-The City ofNew Orleans/Orleans Parish enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) 
8/3/1970. Per Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) 2252030095e, dated 3/111984, project is located within Zone AI, area of 

100-year flood; base flood elevations and flood hazard factors detennined. Project is repair library to pre-disaster footprint 
mitigating potential future flood damage by using flood resistant metal bookcases and elevating the electrical system and air 
conditioning units. Returning the building to its pre-disaster function, including proposed mitigation, will not alter the 
libraries footprint. Thus project is not likely to impact floodplains. Per 44 CFR 9.11, where possible, building contents, 
materials and equipment (mechanical or electrical) must be elevated. Applicant must elevate to the advisory base flood 

Record ofEnvironmental Consideration 5 07121106 


elevation (ABFE). In locations where ABFE's are not available, applicant must elevate to either the base flood elevation 
(BPE) shown on the current effective firm or at least 3 feet above the highest existing adjKeDt grade (HEAG) at the 
building site, whichever is higher. In compliance with executive order 11988, an 8-step process was completed and is 
atmc:hed to the project worksheeet. Per 44 CPR 9.12, applicant must publish a final public notice 15 days prior to the start of 
CODStruction activities. Final public notice is to be forwarded to the La GOHSIOEP and PEMA for inclusion in the 
permanent project tiles. Jahn Kallis, Environmental Specialist. 

Correspondence/Consultation/References: 

B. E.O. 11990 -Wetlands 

I8J No Effects on Wetland(s) and project located outside Wetland(s) -(Review Concluded) 

o Loeated in Wetland or effects Wetland(s) 

o Beneficial Effechm Wetland-CR.evim€ondndedl 
o Possible adverse effect associated with constructing in or near wetland 
o Review completed as part offloodplain review 
o 8 Step Process Complete -documentation on file 
Are project conditions required? 0 YES (see section V) 0 NO (Review Concluded> 






Comments: None 
Correspondence/Consultation/References: 

C. E.O. 12898 -Environmental Justice For Low Income and Minority Populations 
I8J No Low income or minority population in, near or affected by the project -(Review Concluded) 

o Low income or minority population in or near project area 

o No disproportionately high and adverse impact on low income or minority population-(Review Concluded) 
o Disproportionately high or adverse effects on low income or minority population 
Are project conditions required? 0 YES (see section V) 0 NO (Review Conduded) 


Comments: None 
Correspondence/Consultation/References: 

m. Other Environmental Issues 

Identify otber potential environmental concerns in tbe comment box not clearly falling under a law or 
executive order (see environmental concerns scopiDg cbecklist for guidance). 

Comments: None 
Correspondence/Consultation/References: 

IV. Extraordinary Circumstances 

Based on tbe review of compliance witb other environmental laws and Executive Orders, and in 
consideration of otber environmental factors, review tbe project for extraordinary circumstances. 

* A "Yes" under any circumstance may require an Environmental Assessment (EA) with the exception of(ii) which 
should be applied in conjunction with controversy on an environmental issue. If the circumstance can be mitigated, 
please explain in comments. lfno, leave blank. 

Yes 

o (i) Greater scope or size than normally experienced for a particular category of action 
o (ii) Actions with a high level of public controversy 
o (iii) Potential for degradation, even though slight, of already existing poor environmental 
conditions; 



D (iv) Employment ofunproven tecbnology with potential adverse effects or actions involving 
unique or unknown environmental risks; 
D (v) Presence ofendqered or threatened species or their critical habitat, or archaeological, 
cultural, historical or other protected resources; 
D (vi) Presence ofbazardous or toxic substances at levels which exceed Federal, state or local 
regulations or standards requiring action or attention; 
D (vii) Actions with the potential to affect special status areas adversely or other critical resources 
such as wetlands, coastal zones, wildlife refuge and wilderness areas, wild and scenic rivers, 

sole or principal drinking water aquifers; 
D (viii) Potential for adverse effects on health or safety; and 
D (ix) Potential to violate a federal, state, local or tribal law or requirement imposed for the 


protection ofthe environment. 
D (x) Potentiarforsignificant cumulative impact when the proposed action is combined with 
other past, present and reasonably foreseeable future actions, even though the impacts ofthe 
proposed action may not be significant by themselves. 

IComments: None 

v. Environmental Review Project Conditions 

Project Conditions: 

1. Per 44 CFR 9.11, where possible, building contents, materials and equipment 
(mechanical or electrical) must be elevated. Applicant must elevate to the advisory base 
flood elevation (ABFE). In locations where ABFE's are not available, applicant must 
elevate to either the base flood elevation (BFE) shown on the current effective firm or at 
least 3 feet above the highest existing adjacent grade (HEAG) at the building site, 
whichever is higher. In compliance with executive order 11988, an 8-step process was 
completed and is attached to the project worksheeet. Per 44 CFR 9.12, applicant must 
publish a final public notice 15 days prior to the start ofconstruction activities. Final 
public notice is to be forwarded to the La GOHS/OEP and FEMA for inclusion in the 
permanent project files. 
2. In keeping with the stipulations ofthe PA, all proposed repair activities should be done 
in-kind to match existing materials and form. Any change to the approved scope ofwork 
will require resubmission for re-evaluation under section 106 and consultation with the 
SHPO. Non-compliance may jeopardize the receipt offederal funding. 


Monitoring Requirements: None