Record of Environnlental Consideration 

REVISED FOR FEMA ENVIRONMENTAL --LOUISIANA -April 2007 
See 44 Code of Federal Regulation Part 10 

Project NamelNumber: LSU Clinical Sciences and Research Facility (IDI34115)/PW 15644 I FIPS 000UCW3G-
00 

Applicant Name: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center 

Project Location: 533 Bolivar St., New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana Latitude: 29.95547, 
Longitude: -90.0836 

Project Description: High winds, heavy rains, and flooding from levee breaks generated by Hurricane 
Katrina severely damaged, impacted and disrupted the computer network switches and data infrastructure of the 
LSU Clinical Sciences and Research Facility. This building, built in 1996, has six floors constructed of 
masonry and steel. The structure was inundated with 28" of caustic flood waters which stood in place for 
approximately two weeks. Direct contact with flood water and the related heat and humidity caused corrosion 
and mold growth that damaged all components that made up the network. 

The project worksheet is for the cost of the equipment and labor to restore the facility to its pre-disaster 
function, the work consists of replacement of elements destroyed by flood waters and damage caused by 
corrosion and mold. The hazard mitigation proposal is to relocate the network equipment from the flooded first 
floor to the third floor. 

National Environmental Policy Act (NEP A) Determination 

D Statutorily excluded from NEP A review (Review Concluded) 
D Programmatic Categorical Exclusion -Category (Reference PCE in comments) (Review Concluded) 
D Categorical Exclusion -Category xv 


D No Extraordinary Circumstances exist. 

Are project conditions required? Yes (see section V) 0 No (Review Concluded)

o Extraordinary Circumstances exist (see Section IV). 
D Extraordinary Circumstances mitigated. (see Section IV comments) 


Are project conditions required? D Yes (see section V) No (Review Concluded)
D Environmental Assessment 
D Supplemental Environmental Assessment (Reference EA or PEA in comments) 
[8J Environmental Impact Statement 

o Scope ofwork requires public involvement plan 


D Project is Non-Compliant (see attached documentation justifying selection). 

Reviewer and Approvals 

FEMA Environmental Reviewer: 
Name: Tiffany Spann, Environmental Specialist, FEMA 
Signature/~ ~Date ~J02 tO-:j. 
FEMA Environm al Ll ison Of cer or Delegated Approving Official: 


Name: Bridget Zacha edAA r Official, FEMA LA TRO 
'tn"~~~~~~4~Date5-2-O~ 


Recor;::'; 

I. Compliance Review for Environmental Laws (other than NEPAl 

A. National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) 

I:8J Not type ofactivity 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 
D Programmatic Agreement not applicable for historic structures or archeological sites, must conduct standard Section 106 
Review (see below). 
D Other Programmatic Agreement dated insert date of P A applies 

HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES 
I:8J No historic properties that are listed or 45/50 years or older in project area. (Review Concluded)
D Building or structure listed or 45/50 years or older in project area and activity not exempt from review. 


D Determination of No Historic Properties Affected (FEMA findingiSHPOITHPO concurrence on file) 
Are project conditions required? D Yes (see Section V) D No (Review Concluded)
D Determination ofHistoric Properties Affected (FEMA findingiSHPOITHPO 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 
D No Adverse Effect Determination (FEMA fmdingiSHPOITHPO concurrence on file) 
Are project conditions required? D Yes (see Section V) D No (Review Concluded)
D Adverse Effect Determination (FEMA findingiSHPO/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) 
I:8J Project affects only previously disturbed ground. (Review Concluded)
DProject affects undisturbed ground or grounds associated with an historic structure 


D Project area has no potential for presence of archeological resources 
D Determination ofno historic properties affected (FEMA findingiSHPOITHPO concurrence on file) 
(Review Concluded)
D Project area has potential for presence ofarcheological resources 
D Determination of no historic properties affected (FEMA findingiSHPO/THPO concurrence on file) 
Are project conditions required D Yes (see Section V) D No (Review Concluded) 
D Determination ofhistoric properties affected 
D NR eligible resources not present (FEMA findingiSHPO/THPO 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 findingiSHPOITHPO 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 findingiSHPOITHPO concurrence on file) 

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

Comments: The structure does not meet the 50-year-criterion (this building was constructed in 1996), nor does it possess 
the level ofexceptional importance required by Criteria Consideration G of the National Register guidelines to be 
considered eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Ifthis scope of work and/or the footprint/location ofthe 
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 of federal funding. 
Correspondence/Consultation/References: NHPA effect determinations made by -Derek Galose, FEMA Historic 
Preservation 

B. Endangered Species Act 

I:8J No listed species and/or designated critical habitat present in areas affected directly or indirectly by the Federal action. 
(Review Concluded) 

Record ofEnvironmental Consideration (Version April 2007) 


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) 
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) 

Comments: Listed species habitat does not occur in or near this site, thus this project will have no effect to threatened or 
endangered species. 
Correspondence/ConsultationIRe/erences: Endangered Species Summary for USFWS Consultation, letter to Don Fairley 
dated September 15,2005 

C. Coastal Barrier Resources Act 

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


Comments: Project is not within a CBRA zone. 
Correspondence/ConsultationIRe/erences: Louisiana Coastal Barrier Resource System Maps referenced April 13, 2007. 


D. Clean Water Act 

rgJ Project would not affect any waters of the 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 404/40 I of Clean Water Act or, Section 9/10 of Rivers and Harbors Act permit, 
including qualification under Nationwide Permits. 
Are project conditions required? YES (see Section V) 0 NO (Review Concluded)




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


Comments: 
Correspondence/ConsultationIRe/erences: USFWS National Wetlands Inventory map (http://www.fws.gov/nwi/) queried 
on April 13,2007 

E. Coastal Zone Management Act 

o Project is not located in a coastal zone area and does not affect a coastal zone area (Review concluded) 
rgJ Project is located in a coastal zone area and/or affects the coastal zone 

o Project would disturb <I acre, state administering agency does not require consistency review. (Review 
Concluded).
o Project triggers the Clean Water Act or could affect a waterway, 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. Louisiana Department ofNatural 
Resources (LDNR) 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 LDNR. 
Projects may be coordinated by contacting LDNR at \-800-267-4019. 
Correspondence/ConsultationIRe/erences: Louisiana Coastal Zone Map queried April 16, 2007 

F. Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act 

Record of Environmental Consideration (Version April 2007) 


I8J Project does not affect, control, or modifY a waterwaylbody ofwater. (Review Concluded) 

o Project affects, controls or modifies a waterwaylbody ofwater. 

o Coordination with USFWS conducted 

oNo Recommendations offered by USFWS. (Review Concluded) 
o Recommendations provided by USFWS. 
Are project conditions required? 0 YES (see Section V) 0 NO (Review Concluded) 


Comments: No streams or water bodies are located in or near the project area. 
Correspondence/ConsultationiRe/erences: Nicole Poret, Environmental Specialist 

G. Clean Air Act 

I8J Project will not result in permanent air emissions. (Review Concluded) 

o Project is located in an attainment area. (Review Concluded) 
o Project is located in a non-attainment area. 


o Coordination required with applicable state administering agency. 
Are project conditions required? 0 YES (see section V) 0 NO (Review Concluded) 

Comments: The proposed project includes activities that would produce a minor, temporary, and localized impact on air 
quality from vehicle emissions and fugitive dust particles. No long-term air quality impact is anticipated. To reduce 
potential short term effects to air quality from construction related activities, the contractor will be responsible for keeping 
all excavated areas periodically sprayed with water (when dry), all construction vehicles should be limited to 15 mph in the 
work area, and all equipment maintained in good working order to minimize pollution/fugitive dust. 

This project involves the demolition or renovation of a public structure. Regardless ofthe asbestos content, the applicant is 
responsible for ensuring that renovation or demolition activities are coordinated with the Louisiana Department of 
Environmental Quality (LDEQ) in accordance with the LDEQ "Eighth Amended Declaration ofEmergency and 
Administrative Order" dated January 19,2007, incorporating the provisions ofthe Environmental Protection Agency's 
(EPA's) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) and the Louisiana Administrative Code 
(LAC) 33.iii.5151 and Chapter 27. Should asbestos containing materials (ACMs) be present at the project site, the applicant 
is also responsible for ensuring proper disposal in accordance with the previously referenced administrative order. 

Correspondence/ConsultationiRe/erences: EPA Region 6 Non-attainment Map 

H. Farmland Protection Policy Act 

o Project will not affect undisturbed ground. (Review Concluded) 
I8J 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 zoned for use other than Agriculture or is in a developed urbanized area and FPPA is 
precluded. 
Correspondence/ConsultationiRe/erences: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/ queried May 2, 2007 

I. Migratory Bird Treaty Act 

o Project not located within a flyway zone (Review Concluded) 
I8J Project located within a flyway zone. 

I8J Project does not have potential to take migratory birds (Review Concluded) 
Are project conditions required? 0 Yes (see section V) I8J 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. 

Record ofEnvironmental Consideration (Version April 2007) 


ICorrespondence/Consultation/Re/erences: USFWS guidance letter dated September 27, 2005. 

J. Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act 

[gJ Project not located in or near Essential Fish Habitat (Review Concluded) 

o Project located in or near Essential Fish Habitat. 

o Project does not adversely affect Essential Fish Habitat (Review Concluded) 
Are project conditions required? 0 Yes (see Section V) 0 No (Review Concluded) 
o Project adversely affects Essential Fish Habitat (FEMA determinationlUSFWSINMFS concurrence on file) 
o NOAA Fisheries provided no recommendation(s) (Review Concluded). 
Are project conditions required? 0 Yes (see Section V) 0 No (Review Concluded) 
o NOAA Fisheries provided recommendation(s) 






o Written reply to NOAA Fisheries recommendations completed. 
Are project conditions required? 0 YES (see Section V) 0 NO (Review Concluded) 

Comments: Project is not located in or near any surface waters with the potential to affect EFH species. 
C01'1'espondence/Consultation/Re/erences: Nicole Poret, Environmental Specialist 

K. Wild and Scenic Rivers Act 

[gJ Project is not along and does not affect Wild or Scenic River (WSR) -(Review Concluded)

o Project is along or affects WSR 

o Project adversely affects WSR as determined by NPSIUSFS. FEMA cannot fund the action. 
(NPSIUSFSIUSFWSIBLM consultation on file) (Review Concluded) 
o Project does not adversely affect WSR. (NPSIUSFSIUSFWSIBLM consultation on file) 
Are project conditions required? 0 YES (see Section V) 0 NO (Review Concluded) 


Comments: 
Correspondence/Consultation/Re/erences: National Wild and Scenic Rivers 
http://www.nps.gov/rivers/wildriversIiSt.html. 


L. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act 

Unusable equipment, debris and material shall be disposed of in an approved manner and location. In the event significant 
items (or evidence thereof) are discovered during implementation ofthe project, applicant shall handle, manage, and 
dispose of petroleum products, hazardous materials (such as asbestos and lead based paint) and/or toxic waste in accordance 
to the requirements and to the satisfaction of the governing local, state and federal agencies. 

The applicant is responsible for obtaining and/or complying with all federal, state, and local permits, ordinances and/or 
requirements for the collection, handling, storage, transportation and disposal of any medical, hazardous, biological, 
laboratory/research reagents, radiological, pharmaceutical or toxic flood related debris. Applicants are required to self 
certifY and must maintain all records as part of their permanent project file. Documentation should be forwarded to 
GOHSEP or The Governor's Office of Homeland Security Emergency Preparedness and Federal Emergency Management 
Agency for inclusion in the permanent project file. 

M. Other Relevant Laws and Environmental Regulations 

Formosan Termite Initiative Act: 
In accordance with the Formosan Termite Initiative Act, (LA R.S. 3:3391.1 thru 3391.13) the Louisiana parishes of 
Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St.Bernard, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. 
Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington are 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 ofAgriculture and 
Forestry or his designee(s). 

II. Compliance Review for Executive Orders 

Record of Environmental Consideration (Version Apri12007) 


A. E.O. 11988 -Floodplains 

D No Effect on FloodplainslFlood levels and project outside Floodplain -(Review Concluded) 
[8j Located in Floodplain or Effects on FloodplainslFlood levels 
[8j No adverse effect on floodplain and not adversely affected by the floodplain. (Review Concluded), 

Are project conditions required? [8j 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? D YES (see Section V) D NO (Review Concluded)

D A Final Public Notice is required 

Comments: The city ofNew Orleans/Orleans Parish is enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as of 
08/03170. Per Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) panel number 2252030160E dated 03/01184; project is located within an 
"A4" zone, area of 100-yr flooding, base flood elevations and flood hazard factors as determined. Project is for 

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ffreplacement of components and equipment. Per 44 CFR 9.11 (0)(9), the replacement of building components, materials and 
equipment, where possible, disaster proofing of the building andlor elimination of such future losses by relocation ofthose 
building contents, materials and equipment outside or above the advisory base flood elevation. 
Correspondence/ConsultationIRe/erences: FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map, Community Panel No. 2252030160E, dated 
03/01/84. Kara Knott, CFM 

B. E.O. 11990 -Wetlands 

[8j No Effects on Wetland(s) andlor project located outside Wetland(s) -(Review Concluded)

D 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 

I 

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

f 

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Comments: . 
C01'1'espondence/ConsultationiRe/erences: http://wetlandsfws.er.usgs.gov/wtlndsllaunch. USFWS NWI map accessed online 
May 2, 2007. 


c. E.O. 12898 -Environmental Justice for Low Income and Minority Populations 

D Project scope ofwork 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 (Review 
Concluded) 
[8j Low income or minority population in or near project area 


[8j No disproportionately high and adverse impact on low income or minority population (Review Concluded) 
D Disproportionately high or adverse effects on low income or minority population 
Are project conditions required? D YES (see Section V) D NO (Review Concluded) 

Comments: The percent populations ofNew Orleans, LA 70112 are: 75.0% African Americans, 19.0% White and 4.3% 
Asian. The median household income in 1999 was $ 7,448 and 75.1 %.offamilies are below poverty level. 
C01'1'espondence/ConsultationiRe/erences: U.S. Census bureau 2000 data at http://factfinder.census.gov, referenced May 
2,2007. 

III. Other Environmental Issues 

Record of Environmental Consideration (Version April 2007) 


Comments: Although this project qualifies as an Alternative Arrangement type ofproject; a public involvement plan is not 
required. 
Correspondence/Consultation/Reference: 


IV. Extraordinary Circumstances 

Yes 

o 

o 

o 
o 

o 
o 

o 

o 
o 

(i) Great~r scope or size than nonnally experienced for a particular category ofaction 
(ii) Actions with a high level ofpubJic controversy , 


t

(iii) Potential for degradation, even though slight, of already existing poor environmental 

i 

conditions; 

(iv) Employment of unproven technology with potential adverse effects or actions involving 
unique or unknown environmental risks; 
(v) Presence ofendangered or threatened species or their critical habitat, or archaeological, 


I

i

cultural, historical or other protected resources; 

l

(vi) Presence of hazardous or toxic substances at levels which exceed Federal, state or local ! 
regulations or standards requiring action or attention; 

J 

(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, 

t

sole or principal drinking water aquifers; 

(viii) Potential for adverse effects on health or safety; and 

(ix) Potential to violate a federal, state, local or tribal law or requirement imposed for the 
protection ofthe environment. 
(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. 


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r 

IComments: 

~ 

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V. Environmental Review Project Conditions 

Project Conditions: 

1. This project is located within the Louisiana Coastal Management Zone. Louisiana Department ofNatural Resources 
(LDNR) has detennined that receipt offederal assistance is consistent with the Louisiana Coastal Resource Program. 
Projects within the coastal zone may still require a Coastal Use Pennit or other authorization from LDNR. Projects may be 
coordinated by contacting LDNR at 1-800-267-4019. 
2. The proposed project includes activities that would produce a minor, temporary, and localized impact on air quality from 
vehicle emissions and fugitive dust particles. No long-tenn air quality impact is anticipated. To reduce potential short tenn 
effects to air quality from construction related activities, the contractor will be responsible for keeping all excavated areas 
periodically sprayed with water (when dry), all construction vehicles should be limited to 15 mph in the work area, and all 
equipment maintained in good working order to minimize pollution/fugitive dust. 
3. This project involves the demolition or renovation ofa public structure. Regardless ofthe asbestos content, the applicant 
is responsible for ensuring that renovation or demolition activities are coordinated with the Louisiana Department of 
Environmental Quality (LDEQ) in accordance with the LDEQ "Eighth Amended Declaration of Emergency and 
Administrative Order" dated January 19,2007, incorporating the provisions of the Environmental Protection Agency's 
(EPA's) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) and the Louisiana Administrative Code 
(LAC) 33.iii.5151 and Chapter 27. Should asbestos containing materials (acms) be present at the project site, the applicant 
is also responsible for ensuring proper disposal in accordance with the previously referenced administrative order. 
4. Unusable equipment, debris and material shall be disposed of in an approved manner and location. In the event 
significant items (or evidence thereof) are discovered during implementation ofthe project, applicant shall handle, manage, 
and dispose ofpetroleum products, hazardous materials (such as asbestos and lead based paint) and/or toxic waste in 
accordance to the requirements and to the satisfaction of the governing local, state and federal agencies. 


Record ofEnvironmental Consideration (Version April 2007) 


5. The applicant is responsible for obtaining and/or complying with all federal, state, and local permits, ordinances and/or 
requirements for the collection, handling, storage, transportation and disposal of any medical, hazardous, biological, 
laboratory/research reagents, radiological, pharmaceutical or toxic flood related debris. Applicants are required to self 
certify and must maintain all records as part of their permanent project file. Documentation should be forwarded to 
GOHSEP or The Governor's Office of Homeland Security Emergency Preparedness and Federal Emergency Management 
Agency for inclusion in the permanent project file. 
6. In accordance with the Formosan Termite Initiative Act, (LA R.S. 3:3391.1 thru 3391.13) the Louisiana parishes of 
Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. 
Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington are under quarantine. The movement ofwood 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 ofthe Louisiana Department of Agriculture and 
Forestry or his designee(s). 


Record ofEnvironmental Consideration (Version April 2007)