~~~.............-:r--_Date _L/--f--I.tC-Z7~U_O--'l,'" 
Record of Environmental Consideration 

REVISED FOR FEMA ENVIRONMENTAL -LOUISIANA 
See 44 Code ofFederal Regulation Part 10 

Project NameINumber: Little Woods Elementary School-PW 12952V4 
AppUean.t Name: Recovery School District 
Project Location: 10200 Cannes Blvd New Orleans, Louisiana 70129 
Latitude: 30.04749 Longitude: -89.97836 
Project Description: Hurricane Katrina caused catastrophic damage on August 29, 2005 to Little 

Woods Elementary School. This project is one among a total of22 contributing (donor) facilities approved by 
FEMA for replacement. The Recovery School District chooses to use eligible funds for this replacement project 
(less demolition costs) towards the renovation ofanother existing RSD schoo1. This project scope of work 
includes only the demolition and disposal ofLittle Woods Elementary School. 

National Environmental Poll Act PA Determinatio 

Statutorily excluded from NEPA review (Review Copcluded) 
D Programmatic Categorical Exclusion 
D Categorical Exclusion -Category 

D No Extraordinary Circumstances exist. 
Are project conditions required? D Yes (see section V) D No <Review Concluded) 
D Extraordinary Circumstances exist (see Section N).
D Extraordinary Circumstances mitigated. (see Section N comments) 

Are project conditions required? D Yes (see section V) D No (Review Concluded) 
D Environmental Assessment 
D Supplemental Environmental Assessment (Reference EA or PEA in comments) 
D Environmental Impact Statement 
I:8J Scope ofwork requires public involvement plan 

Comments: This project meets the criteria to utilize the Alternative Arrangements process within the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) approved by the Council on Environmental Quality, Department ofHomeland Security, 
and FEMA on 3123/06. Based on documentation provided by the applicant, FEMA has determined that the Recovery School 
District has conducted a satisfactory process ofpublic involvement and outreach in its project development and is otherwise. 

eligible for consideration under Alternative Arrangements for NEPA compliance. The Recovery School District is 
responsible for archiving public involvement materials. This material will be available at close-out for authentication and 
such documentation will be made available for the closeout reviewer. 

D Project is Non-Compliant (see attached documentation justifying selection). 
Reviewer and Approvals 
FEMA Environmental Reviewer: 


Name: Cath Jones nvironmental Specialist, FEMA LA-TRO 

I / 

I 

FEMA Environmental Li' Offieer or Delegated Approving Offieial: 
Name: Cynthia Teeter, Deputy Environmental Liaison Officer, FEMA LA TRO 

Sign~ ~fY\ ~.~ Date cj (d-II ~cr 


,':" 

I.~ Compliance Review for Environmental Laws (other than NEPAl 

I, 

A. National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) 

D Not type of activity with potential to affect historic structures or archaeological resources (Review Concluded)
D Activity meets Programmatic Agreement, December 3, 2004. Appendix A: Allowance No. 

Are project conditions required? D Yes (see Section V) D No 
[8J Programmatic Agreement not applicable for historic structures or archeological sites, must conduct standard Section 106 
Review (see comments). 
D Other Programmatic Agreement dated applies 

HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES 
D No historic properties that are listed or 45150 years or older in project area. (Review Concluded) 
[8J Building or structure listed or 45150 years or older in project area and activity not exempt from review. 


:" '[8J Determination ofNo Historic Properties Affected (FEMA findinglSHPO/THPt) concurrence on file) 
Are project conditions required? [8J Yes (see Section V) D No (Review Concluded)
D Determination ofHistoric Properties Affected (FEMA findinglSHPO/THPO concurrence on file) 
D Property a National Historic Landmark and National Park Service was provided early notification 
during the consultation process. If not, explain in comments " .' • , I' 
D No Adverse Effect Determination (FEMA findinglSHPO/THPO,chQ&M1nce on file) : '. ' 
Are project conditions required? D Yes (see Section V) D No (Review Concluded)
D Adverse Effect Determination (FEMA findinglSHPO/THPO 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 
D Project scope of work has no potential to affect archeological resources (Review Concluded) 
[8J Project affects only previously disturbed ground. (Review Concluded)
D Project affects undisturbed ground or grounds associated with a historic structure 


D Project area has no potential for presence ofarcheological resources 
" :. '.' i'; D Determination of no historic properties affected (FEMA findinglSH.!}q.t:THPO concurrence on file) 
(Review Concluded) 
Project area has potential for presence of archeological resources 
, D Determination of no historic properties affected (FEMA findinglSHRO/THPO concurrence on file) 
Are project conditions required D Yes (see Section V) D No (Re;view Concluded) 
D Determination of historic properties affected , ,
D NR eligible resources not present (FEMA findinglSHPO/THPO concurrence 0\1 file) 
, Are project conditions required D Yes (see Section V,1~[]'~0 (Review Concluded)
D NR eligible resources present in project area (FEMA finding/SHPO/THPO concurrence on file) 
D No Adverse Effect Determination (FEMA findingl SHPO/THPO concurrence on file) 
Are project conditions required? D Yes (see Section V) D No (Review Concluded)

D Adverse Effect Determination (FEMA findinglSHPOITHPO concurrence on file) 
Resolution ofAdverse Effect completed (MOA on file) 
Are project conditions required? D Yes (see Section V) D No 
(Review Concluded) 

Comments: -A review of version #4 ofthis project was conducted in accordance FEMA's Programmatic Agreement dated 
December 3, 2004. FEMA has determined that No Historic Properties are affected by the demolition ofthe Little Woods 
Elementary ~chool. SHPO concurrence with this determination was received, dated 03/2#~p'p8. The review ofthe Alternate 
project ,associah;;d with this PW will be documented in PW 18597. The applicant must comply with the Louisiana 
Dnmarked Human Burial Sites Preservation Act (R.S. 8:671 et seq.) and the Inadvertent Discovery Clause, which can be 
found under the Environmental Review NHPA conditions.• Amber Martinez, Historic Pr~ervation Specialist 
Correspondence/Consultation/References: Amber Martinez, Historic Preservation Specialist 

B. Endangered Species Act 

L ' , ' 


L8J No listed species and/or designated critical habitat present in areas affected directly or indirectly by the Federal action. 
(Review Concluded) 

o 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)
D May affect, but not likely to adversely affect species or designated critical habitat.(FEMA 
detenninationlUSFWSINMFS 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) 

Comments: Project is located in an urban or previously developed area. Neither listed specie.s nor their habitat occur in or 
near this site, thus FEMA finds there will be no effect to threatened or endangered species. 
Correspondence/Consultation/References: USFWS emergency consultation provisions determined in letters dated 
September 15, 2005 for Katrina. 

C. Coastal Barrier Resources Act 

L8J 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) .'

I 

o Proposed action an exception under Section 3505.a.6 (Review Concluded)
o Proposed action not excepted under Section 3505.a.6. . 
.. }~t)roject conditions required? 0 YES (see Section V) 0 NO (Review ·t.~'~:c1uded) 


Commenis: ProJect is not within a CBRA zone. ... 
Correspondence/Consultation/References: Louisiana Coastal Barrier Resource System:M~ps referenced ·04/24/09. 

D. Clean Water Act 

':'j

[8J, Projoot would not affect any waters ofthe U.S. (Review Concluded) 

o Project would affect waters, including wetlands, of the U.S. 
o Project exempted as in kind replacement or other exemption. (Review Concluded) 
o Project requires Section 404/401 of Clean Water Act or Section 9/10 of Rivers and Harbors Act permit, 
including qualification under Nationwide Permits. 
Are project conditions required? 0 YES (see Section V) 0 NO (Review Concluded) 




o Project would affect waters of the U.S. by discharging to a surface water body. 


Comments: No jurisdictional waters of the U.S., including wetlands, occur in the project area. 
Correspondence/ConsultationlReferences: USFWS National Wetlands Inventory map (http://www.fws.gov/nwil) queried 
on 04/24/09. 

Comin~nts: This project is located within the Louisiana Coastal Management Zone. LA DNR has determined that receipt of 
federal assistance is consistent with the Louisiana Coastal Resource Program. Projects within the coastal zone may still 
require a coastal use permit or other authorization from DNR. Projects may be coordinated by contacting LA DNR at 1800-
276-4019. 
Correspondence/Consultation/References: Louisiana Coastal Zone maps queried 04/24/09. 

F. Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act 
[8J Project does not affect, control, or modify a waterwaylhody of water. (Review Concluded) 
Record of Environmental Consideration (Version April 2007) 3 
'.. : f 
.J '.' 


D ProjeCt affects, controls or modifies a waterwaylbody of water. 

o Cobrdination with USFWS conducted 
, D No Recommendations offered by USFWS. (Review Concluded) 
. D Recommendations provided by USFWS. 


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

Comments: No streams or water bodies are located in or near the project area. 
Correspondence/Consultation/References: Louisiana Map (http://wwwlamap.doa.louisiana.govD queried 04/24/09 

G. Clean Air Act 

o Project will not result in pennanent 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) 

I. 

Comments: This project involves the renovation of a public structure. The proposed projectincludes activities that would 
prpduc~;~,minqr,? temporary, and localized impact on air quality from fugitive dust particles .. No long-tenn air quality 
iinpact 'is cmticip,ated. 
Correspondence/Consultation/References: EPA Region 6 Non-attainment Map. 


H. Farmland Protection Policy Act () "1'.1:~ 

o Project will not affect undisturbed ground. (Review Concluded) 
D Project has a zoning classification that is other than agricultural or is in an urbanized area. (Review Concluded) 
D Project does not affect designated prime or unique fannland. (Review Concluded) 
D Project causes unnecessary or irreversible conversion of designated prime or unique fannland. 


D Coordination with Natural Resources Conservation Service required. 
D Fannland Conversion Impact Rating, Fonn AD-I006, completed. 
Are project conditions required? D YES (see section V) D NO (Review Concluded) 

Comments: The project site is in a developed urbanized area and Fannland Protection Policy Act (FPPA) is precluded. No 

prime or unique fannland present. . '. 

Corresponden~e/Consultation/References: National Resource Conservation Service, WehSoil Survey 
I(htto:llwebsoiisurvev.nrcs.usda.e.ov/aoo/) referenced 04/24109. 

i~, MiI~r~t9ry Bird Treaty Act 

D Project noUocated within a flyway zone (Review Concluded) 

o Project located within a flyway zone. 

o Project does not have potential to take migratory birds (Review Concluded),": 
Are project conditions required? D Yes (see section V) 0 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: The site is an existing disturbed area with little value to migratory birds and would not be included in the 
USFWS migratory bird management program. 
Correspondence/Consultation/References: USFWS guidance letter dated September 27: 2005. 


J. Magnq~on-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act 

o Proje.ct notJocated in or near Essential Fish Habitat (Review Concluded) !. :" 

[J. Project located in or near Essential Fish Habitat. 
DProject does not adversely affect Essential Fish Habitat (Review Concluded}'" " , 
. ,'; .•. '.Affproject conditions required? D Yes (see Section V) D No (Review Concluded) 
{]~roject adversely affects Essential Fish Habitat (FEMA detenninationlUSFWSINMFS concurrence on file) 

. '. D NOAA Fisheries provided no recommendation(s) (Review Concluded) • 
. '.Co·, Are project conditions required? D Yes (see Section V) D NC?,W,eView Concluded) 


NOAA 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: Project is not located in any surface waters with the potential to affect EFH species. 
CorresPfJndenc~Consultation/Rejerences: Louisiana Map (h :llwwwlama .doa.louisi n . ov/) referenced 04/24/09. 

K. Wild and Scenic Rivers Act 

~Project is ~ot along and does not affect Wild or Scenic River (WSR) -(Review Con~l~ded)
D Project is \lIong or affects WSR ' , 
D Project adversely affects WSR as determined by NPSIUSFS. FEMA cannot fund the action. 
(NPSIUSFSIUSFWSIBLM consultation on file) (Review Concluded) , , " .. 
D Project does not adversely affect WSR. (NPSIUSFSIUSFWS/BLM consulra'ikm'bn file) 
Are project conditions required? D YES (see Section V) D NO (Review Concluded) 


Comments: Project is not along and does not affect Wild or Scenic River (WSR). 
Correspondence/Consultation/Rejerences: National Wild and Scenic Rivers http://www.nps.gov/rivers/wildriverslist.html. 

L. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act 

State Hazardous Materials and Solid Waste Laws and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act 
Comments: The renovation activities associated with this project may result in various types of debris and wastes, some of 
which may. be;hazardous. Therefore, all debris and waste must be treated, stored, and dispWsed of in a proper manner and 
location. (See Section V) 

\ :"," 

! • i, 

fl. Contpliance Review for Executive Orders 

, 

A. E.O. 11'988 -Floodplains " ., 

~No Effed onFloodplains/Flood levels and project outside Floodplain -(Review C(j~~''didM)
D 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). 

D Possible adverse effects associated with investment in floodplain, occupancy or modification of floodplain 

environment 

D 8 Step Process Complete -documentation on file 

Are project conditions required? YES (see Section V) D NO (Review Concluded) 
\ 

C;ommf/nts: Thjliversion is for the demolition of the facility. The remaining replacement funds will be de-obligated and 
applied to an alternate project involving another facility. No further floodplain review will be forthcoming for PW listed 
uhless ihereshould be a re-obligation of funds or changes to the scope of work. 
C'IrresPfJ{,denc'f/Consultation/Rejerences: Kimberly Rogers, Environmental Specialist-Floodplain 

B. E~9., l1990 -Wetlands . 
~No Effects o,n Wetland(s) and/or project located outside Wetland(s) -(Review Con~~p#mPD Located in Wetland or effects Wetland(s) , , 

D Beneficial Effect on Wetland -(Review Concluded) 

D Possible adverse effect associated with constructing in or near wetland 
D Review completed as part of floodplain review 
D 8 Step Process Complete -documentation on file 


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

,.1 he _ 


Cl1mmenis: Nope 
Correspondence/Consultation/References: USFWS NWI map accessed on-line. 
h ://wetlandsfws.er.us s. ov/wtlnds/launch.html 04/24/2009. 
C~ E.O.li,898 -Environmental Justice for Low Income and)~'inority Populations 

DProje.ctscope of work has no potential to adversely impact any population (Review Concluded)

oNo Low income or minority population in, near or affected by the project based on infonnation gathered from [add a 
reference](Review Concluded) . 
[~~;JLowincome or minority population in or near project area l.:::,. 


oNo disproportionately high and adverse impact on low income or minority population (Review Concluded) 

[8;J Disproportionately high or adverse effects on low income or minority population 
Are project conditions required? [8;J YES (see Section V) 0 NO (Review Concluded) 


Comments The percent populations of 70 129 are: 31.9% Black, 64% White, and 3.0% Hispanic. The median household 
income in 1999 was $ 60,374 and 15.0% of families are below poverty level. 

This project involves the demolition and abandonment of a public school. Costs associated with rebuilding this school will 
be applied to the reconstruction of other schools throughout Orleans Parish. This action takes into consideration the changed 
demographics as a result of the stonn; the changed cultural environment subsequent to the age of school integration; and the 
substandartltTIrrctionality of the existing buildings. This action is considered to be the bestaltemative for the welfare ofthe 

studentS:"!::".. 

One of.the mamgoals ofthe RSD Master Plan was to ensure the maximization of pubIicJl1w)vement and develop a plan 
that is ~rn.Qracedby the public. Numerous public meetings were held in developing the Mas~r Plan. The meetings were 
meticulously d.ocumented and public comments were correlated for consideration in the plan. ' .. 

! . 

",'1. 

The RecQverySchool District is responsible for archiving public involvement materials •. J~i,slmaterial will be available at 
cI~se-out for authentication and such documentation will be made available for the closeoutreviewer. 

Correspondence/Consultation/References: U.S. Census bureau 2000 data at http://factfinder.census.gov, referenced 

04124/09. 

III. Other Environmental Issues 

Identify other potential environmental concerns in the comment box not clearly falling under a law or 
executive order (see environmental concerns scoping checklist for guidance). 

Corres .ondence/Consultation/Re erence: 

IV~ Extraordinary Circumstances 

\~ ,

Yes·,· 
[j (i{Oreater scope or size than nonnally experienced for a particular category ~f~.~~ion 

o (ii) Actions with a high level ofpublic controversy . , 
o (iii) Potential for degradation, even though slight, of already existing poor environmental 
conditions; 
o (iv) Employment of unproven technology with potential adverse effects or actions involving 
unique or unknown environmental risks; 
o (v) Presence of endangered or threatened species or their critical habitat, or archaeological, 
cultural, historical or other protected resources; 
o .(vi) Presence of hazardous or toxic substances at levels which exceed Federal, state or local 
regulations or standards requiring action or attention; 
o (vii) Actions with the potential to affect special status areas adversely or other critical resources 
-. sllcb as wetlands, coastal zones, wildlife refuge and wilderness areas, wild arrdscenic rivers, 
'.. '. !JQle 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 of the environment. 

o (x) Potential for significant cumulative impact when the proposed action is combined with 

other past, present and reasonably foreseeable future actions, even though the impacts of the 
proposed action may not be significant by themselves. 

IComments: 

v. Environmental Review Project Conditions 

Project Condi~ions: 

This p"roject must comply with all conditions of the attached Programmatic Categorical Exclusion. In 
addition, the'following conditions apply as a condition ofFEMA funding reimbursement: 

• . In accordance with the Formosan Termite Initiative Act, (LA R.S. 3:3391.1 thru 3391.13) the Louisiana parish of 
Orleans is under quarantine. The movement of wood or cellulose material, temporary housing or architectural 
components (e.g. beams, doors and other wood salvaged from a structure) may riot·leave the quarantined parishes 
without written authorization from the commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry or 
his designee(s). 
• Applicant is responsible to ensure potential hazardous materials, if any, shall be removed, handled, transported and 
disposed of in accordance with local, state and federal compliance requirements. 
• Ifd\lring the course of work, archaeological artifacts (prehistoric or historic) or human remains are discovered, the 
applicant shall stop work in the vicinity of the discovery and take all reasonable measures to avoid or minimize 
harm to the finds. The applicant shall inform their Public Assistance (PA) contacts at FEMA, who will in tum 
cont~~tFEMA Historic Preservation (HP) staff. The applicant will not proceed ",Vith work until FEMA HP 


( 'completes consultation with the SHPO. In addition, if unmarked graves are present, compliance with the Louisiana 

Unmarked Human Burial Sites Preservation Act (R.S. 8:671 et seq.) is required. The applicant shall notify the law 
: ;; . <mforooment agency of the jurisdiction where the remains are located within twerity.,four hours ofthe discovery. 
, .. :' l1;heiitpplicant shall also notify FEMA and the Louisiana Division of Archaeology,at.225-342-8170 within seventy


two hours of the discovery. If this scope of work and/or the footprinUlocation of the new building changes, this 
, projec.t,will need to be resubmitted for further Section 106 review prior to grO\ln~c.tWurbing actiyi,ties taking place. 
Failur~to comply with these stipulations may jeopardize receipt offederal fun,d,W&i" 

• The Recovery School District is responsible for archiving public involvement materials. This material will be 
available at close-out for authentication and such documentation will be made available for the closeout reviewer, 

; i ~,-.-.