Name: Catheri Jones ..... \ , Record of Environmental Consideration REVISED FOR FEMA ENVIRONMENTAL --LOUISIANA See 44 Code of Federal Regulation Part 10 Project NamelNumber: Abrams Elementary Bldg D-PW 13039V4 Applicant Name: Recovery School District Project Location: 6519 Virgil ian Street Street New Orleans, Louisiana 70126 Latitude: 30.02000 Longitude: -90.01708 Project Description: Hurricane Katrina caused catastrophic damage on August 29, 2005 to Abrams 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 of another existing RSD school. This project scope of work includes only the demolition and disposal of Abrams Elementary School. National. nvironmental Polk Act EPA Determination -. 'S~tutorrIyexcluded from NEPA review (Review Concluded) fl' ". '\ ,'" .' . Prograrit\natic Categorical Exclusion o Categorical Exclusion -Category [J No}~xtraordinary Circumstances exist. • ' Are project conditions required? D Yes (see section V) D No (Review Concluded) D Extraordinary Circumstances exist (see Section IV). ':"O"'Extraordinary Circumstances mitigated. (see Section IV comments) . . , Are project conditions required? D Yes (see section V) D No (Re~'iew Concluded) D Environmental Assessment D Supplemental Environmental Assessment (Reference EA or PEA in comments) D Environmental Impact Statement lZJ Scope of work 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 of Homeland Security, and FEMA on 3/23/06. Based on documentation provided by the applicant, FEMA has determined that the Recovery School Distridli~:CoMucted a satisfactory process of public involvement and outreach in its pr6jeetdevelopment and is otherwise ~ _~ \"" • " ) ''': 1., " . ., • " eHgiblefor ~pnslderation under Alternative Arrangements for NEP A compliance. The Recovery School District is responsible fdriarchiving public involvement materials. This material will be available at close-out for authentication and such documentation will be made available for the closeout reviewer. ,1 D Project is Non-Compliant (see attached documentation justifying selection)L'Si. R~viewer;and' Approvals FEMA Environmental Reviewer: n' onmental Specialist, FEMA LA-TRO 4-{z:zJ Signature Date 0 ., I FEMA Environmental L s Officer or Delegated Approving Official: Name: Cynthia Teeter, De uty Envir nmental Liaison Officer, FEMA LA TRO ~ /) ( I'd" Signatur~" ,j . (Y'.. ' Date q (11 61;;\:~; t~.,~ :-, ~~. ;"~ Record of Environmental Consideration (Version April 2007) ",1 I. Compliance Review for Environmental Laws (other than NEPAl 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). 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 . .'l8J Determination ofNo Historic Properties Affected (FEMA findinglSHPOITHPO concurrence on file) Are project conditions required? !8J Yes (see Section V) D No (RevlewConcluded) oDetermination ofHistoric Properties Affected (FEMA findinglSHPOITHPd concurrence on fil~) 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 Determination (FEMA findinglSHPOITHPO 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) D Resolution ofAdverse Effect completed (MOA on file) Are project conditions required D Yes (see Section V) D No (Review Concluded) ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES D Project scope ofwork has no potential to affect archeological resources (Review Concluded) !8J Project affects only previously disturbed ground. (Review Concluded) oProject affects undisturbed ground or grounds associated with a historic structure 'j;, ,: 'f D Prpject area has no potential for presence ofarcheological resources ,'. D Determination ofno historic properties affected (FEMA findinglSHJ~O/THPO concurrence on file) ,j. , (Review Concluded)', ;-, o P,t:oject area has potential for presence ofarcheological resources . , _ D Determination of no historic properties affected (FEMA findingl~Hg9{;rHPO concurrence on file) Are project conditions required D Yes (see Section V) D N(;':fR~YIew Concluded) D Determination of historic properties affected ' \ \ : I :, D NR eligible resources not present (FEMA finding/SHPOITHPO concurrence on file) Are project conditions required D Yes (see Section V) D No (Review Concluded) D NR eligible resources present in project area (FEMA findinglSHPOITHPO concurrence on file) D No Adverse Effect Determination (FEMA findingl SHPOITHPO 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) D Resolution of Adverse Effect com ed (MOA on file) Are project conditions required? Yes (see Section V) D No (Review Concluded) Commf"t5:1~A.:review of version #5 of this project was conducted in accordance FEMA's Programmatic Agreement dated Qecemb¢r 3,;2904. FEMA has determined that No Historic Properties are affected by the demolition of Abrams Elementary. SHPO concurrence with this determination was received, dated 08112/2008E';[he review ofthe· Alternate project'associated with this PW will be documented in PW 18597. The applicant must comply with the Louisiana Unmark,*tHUman 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. ".. !:,). Correspondence/Consultation/References: Rusty Anchors, Historic Preservation Speclili.s.rJ..:.: \'d B. Endangered Species Act !8J No listed species and/or designated critical habitat present in areas affected directly or indirectly by the Federal action, (Review Concluded) Record of Environmental Consideration (Version April 2007) o Listed species and/or designated critical habitat present in the areas affected directly or indirectly by the Federal action . . 0 No effect to species or designated critical habitat. (See comments for justification) " ,'. Me project conditions required? 0 Yes (see Section V) 0 No (Review COll£luded) ;0 May affect, but not likely to adversely affect species or designated critical habit~t.(FEMA detenninationlUSFWSINMFS concurrence on file) (Review Concluded) :,' .' • t\[~,project conditions required? 0 Yes (see Section V) 0 No (Review Co~cluded) o Likely to adversely affect species or designated critical habitat . . ",0 Formal consultation concluded. (Biological Assessment and Biologi!l~lIOpinion 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 species 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 [g] 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). , ;t '. , 0 Pfoposed action an exception under Section 3505.a,6 (Review Concludedr"'l;;:I~ o Ptoposed action not excepted under Section 3505.a.6, ;o'i~! Are project conditions required? 0 YES (see Section V) 0 NO (Review 'C~fttduded) ,~ :. . Comments: Prbject is not within a CBRA zone. Correspondence/Consultation/References: Louisiana Coastal Barrier Resource Syst~I}1M~ S referenced .0. /21109. D. Clean Water Act [g] Project would not affect any waters of the U.S. (Review Concluded) D 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 404/40 I ofClean 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. Comml/nts: No jurisdictional waters of the U.S" including wetlands, occur in the project area. Correspondenct:!Consultation/References: USFWS National Wetlands Inventory map (http'llwww.fWs,gov/nwil)queried on 04/21109., ..' .\I..~'.. E. CQastal,.zone Management Act o Projeet is not located in a coastal zone area and does not affect a coastal zone area (Review concluded) [g] Project is located in a coastal zone area and/or affects the coastal zone]':'";,i~1~; '[g] State administering agency does not require consistency review. (Review ·C~~ciuded). o State administering agency requires consistency review. . Are project conditions required? 0 YES (see Section V) 0 NO (Review Concluded) Comments: 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/ConsultationIReferences: Louisiana Coastal Zone maps queried 04/21/09. F. Fjsh a,qd Wildlife Coordination Act [g] Project d0lts...not affect, control, or modity a waterwaylbody of water. (Review Concluded) o Project affects, controls or modifies a waterwaylbody of water. o Coordination with USFWS conducted Re.cord o.fEnvironrnental Consideration (Version April 2007) o No Recommendations offered by USFWS. (Review Concluded) o Recommendations provided by USFWS. Are project conditions required? 0 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 04/21109. G. Clean Air Act ~Project will not result in permanent air emissions. (Review Concluded) o Project is located in an attainment area. (Review Concluded) o Prolect js located in a non-attainment area. .~~l: , . 0 C6ordination required with applicable state administering agency. Are project conditions required? 0 YES (see section V) 0 NO (Review Concluded) Comments: This project involves the renovation ofa public structure. The proposed project includes activities that would produce a minor, temporary, and localized impact on air quality from fugitive dust particle's: "No long-term air quality impact is anticfpated. ' Correspondence/Consultation/References: EPA Region 6 Non-attainment Map, H. Farmland Protection Policy Act ~Project will not affect undisturbed ground. (Review Concluded) o Project has a zoning classification that is other than agricultural or is in an urbanized area. (Review Concluded) o Project does not affect designated prime or unique farmland. (Review Concluded) o Project causes unnecessary or irreversible conversion of designated prime or unique farmland. o , Coordination with Natural Resources Conservation Service required. o Farmland Conversion Impact Rating, Form AD-1006, completed. Are project conditions required? 0 YES (see section V) 0 NO (Review Concluded) Comments: The project site is in a developed urbanized area and Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA) is precluded. No prime or,imiql}.e farmland present. C',/H': Correspondence/Consultation/References: National Resource Conservation Service, Web Soil Survey I(httu:llwebsoilsurvev.nrcs.usda.gov/aool ) referenced 04/21/09. l. M1gr~t~ry Bird Treaty Act D Project not located within a flyway zone (Review Concluded) ~Project located within a flyway zone. ~Project does not have potential to take migratory birds (Review Concluded) Are project conditions required? 0 Yes (see section V) ~No (Review Concluded) o Project has potential to take migratory birds, o Contact made with USFWS Are project conditions required? 0 YES (see section V) 0 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 27,1.2,005 . . 1l J: MagDt,J~on-Stevens Fisbery Conservation and Managem'~~t Act ~Proje<;:tnot lpcated in or near Essential Fish Habitat (Review Concluded) D Project located in or near Essential Fish Habitat. " 0 Project does not adversely affect Essential Fish Habitat (Review Concluded) " :tH\! project conditions required? 0 Yes (see Section V) 0 No (Review Conc'luded) o PrOject adversely affects Essential Fish Habitat (FEMA determinationlUSFWSINMFS concurrence on file) o NOAA Fisheries provided no recommendation(s) Review ed. Are project conditions required? 0 Yes (see Section V) o NOAA Fisheries provided recommendation(s) o Written reply to NOAA Fisheries recommendations completed. Record of Environmental Consideration (Version April 2007) Are project conditions required? D YES (see Section V) D.NO (Review Concluded) •• ' " ~f c.omm'!nts: Project is not located in any surface waters with the potential to affect EFH species. CorrespondencWConsultation/References: Louisiana Map (http://wwwlamap.doa.louisialiil.govD referenced 04/21/09. K. Wild and Scenic Rivers Act .;:i [g] Project is not along and does not affect Wild or Scenic River (WSR) -(Review CorictUdell) D Project is along or affects WSR . ',yo r< Project adversely affects WSR as determined by NPSIUSFS. FEMA cannot fund the action. (NPS/USFSIUSFWS/BLM consultation on file) (Review Concluded) Project does not adversely affect WSR. (NPS/USFS/USFWS/BLM consultation on file) Are project conditions required? D YES (see Section V) 0 NO (Review Concluded) Comments: Project is not along and does not affect Wild or Scenic River (WSR). Correspondence/Consultation/References: 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 Recovo/yAct c'lfmm'fn~s:,n{renovation activities associated with this project may result in various ,tXV:W;~fdebris and ,;astes, some of w'h'ich may be hazardous. Therefore, all debris and waste must be treated, stored, and dlSPOStd of in a proper manner and location. (See Section V) II. Comnliance Review for Executive Orders i ',i A. E.O. 11988 -Floodplains [g] No Effect on Floodplains/Flood levels and project outside Floodplain -(Review Concluded) D Located in Floodplain or Effects on Floodplains/Flood levels 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) Beneficial Effect on Floodplain OccupancyNalues (Review Concluded), Possible adverse effects associated with investment in floodplain, occupancy or modification offloodplain environment D 8 Step Process Complete -documentation on file Are project conditions required? D YES (see Section V) D NO (Ri!yiew Concluded) Ct,m~m~nrs: Th,is version is for the demolition of the facility. The remaining replacement funds will be de-obligated and applied t6:an aftemate project involving another facility. No further floodplain review wilfbe forthcoming for PW listed unless there should be a re-obligation of funds or changes to the scope of work. Correspp,rdellt!e/Consultation/References: Melanie Sibley, Environmental Specialisf.iAtihdpiain B. E.O. 11990 -Wetlands [g] No Effects on Wetland(s) and/or project located outside Wetland(s) -(Review Concluded) D Located in Wetland or effects Wetland(s) Beneficial Effect on Wetland -(Review Concluded) Possible adverse effect associated with constructing in or near wetland D Review completed as part offloodplain review D 8 Step Process Complete -documentation on file Are project conditions required? D YES (see Section V) D NO (Review Concluded) Comments: No wetlands were determined to be present by checking the USFWS Nationfl!.Wetlands Inventory (NWl) maps. Correspondence/Consultation/References: USFWS NWI map accessed on-line. ""1" . (\1tto://wetiandSfws.er.usgs.gov/wtlnds/launch.html) 04/2112009. Record ofEnvironmental Consideration (Version April 2007) !, ;!!," C. E.O. 12898 -Environmental Justice for Low Income and Minority Populations D Project scope of work has no potential to adversely impact any population (Review Concluded) D No Low income or minority population in, near or affected by the project based on information gathered from [add a reference] (Review Concluded) I:8J Low income or minority population in or near project area D No disproportionately high and adverse impact on low income or minority population (Review Concluded) I:8J Disproportionately high or adverse effects on low income or minority population Are project conditions required? I:8J YES (see Section V) D NO (Review Concluded) Comments The percent populations of70126 are: 31.9% Black, 64% White, and 3.0% Hispanic. The median household income'in' 1999'was $ 40,160 and 15.0% offamilies are below poverty level. ,i '" This project inv61ves 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 storm; the changed cultural environment subsequent to the age of school integration; and the substandard functionality of the existing buildings. This action is considered to be the best alternative for the welfare of the students. One of the main goals of the RSD Master Plan was to ensure the maximization of public Invo'vement and develop a plan that is embraced by the public. Numerous public meetings were held in developing the Master Plan. The meetings were meticulously documented and public comments were correlated for consideration in the plan. 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. Correspondence/Consultation/References: U.S. Census bureau 2000 data at http://factfinder.census.gov, referenced 04/21/09. HI.. Other Environmental Issues Identify other potential environmental concerns in the comment box not c1eiirly falling under a law or ~xecut'ive htder (see environmental concerns scoping checklist for guidance).' :' , J ;' I' ~:. ; ! " . IV. Extraordinary Circumstances Yes D (i) Greater scope or size than normally experienced for a particular category of action D (ii) Actions with a high level of public controversy D (iii) Potential for degradation, even though slight, of already existing poor environmental conditions; D (iv) Employment of unproven technology with potential adverse effects or actions involving unique or unknown environmental risks; , , 1 '[!:r'"tv)" Presence of endangered or threatened species or their critical habitat, or archaeo logical, cultural, historical or other protected resources; ':" "D . (vi) Presence of hazardous or toxic substances at levels which exceed Federa:J;'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 of the environment. Record of Environmental Consideration (Version April 2007) 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~jons: This project 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 not leave the quarantined parishes without written authorization from the commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry or his designee(s). • Applkant 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 .. , • Ifduring 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 me!i~ures to avoid or minimize harm to the finds. The applicant shall inform their Public Assistance (PA) contacts at FEMA, who will in tum contact FEMA Historic Preservation (HP) staff. The applicant will not proceed with work until FEMA HP , 'completes consultation with the SHPO. In addition, ifunmarked 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 enforcement agency of the jurisdiction where the remains are located within twenty-four hours of the discovery. The applicant shall also notify FEMA and the Louisiana Division of Archaeology at 225-342-8170 within seventytwo hours of the discovery. If this scope of work and/or the footprint/location of the new building changes, this project will need to be resubmitted for further Section 106 review prior to ground disturbing activities taking place. Failure to comply with these stipulations may jeopardize receipt offederal funding. • 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. , 1 , j ,J \' ;';(' Record of Environmental Consideration (Version April 2007)