Record of Environmental Consideration 

See 44 Code ofFederal Regulation Part 10. 

Project NamelNumber: Alvar Branch Library I PW 7746 

Project Location: 1300 Perdido Street, New Orleans, Louisiana Orleans Parish 
(N29.95264, W-90.07669) 

Project Dpcrietion: Project activities include removing and replacing four 4'x4' skylights, one 
10'x20' motorized door, 23 cracked or broken window panels, two 16' gate openers, 1,069 square feet 
sound board, 3,710 square feet gypsum wall board, 7,520 square feet carpet, 25,000 square feet built-up 
roof, and varioUs electrical components. Hazard mitigation will be accomplished·by upgrading the 
replacement windows, sealing the basement, and installing a wrought iron fence around the 
foundations. 

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) 


[gI (Long version) All applicable laws and executive orders were reviewed. Additional infonnation 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) 
[gI 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 documentation justifying selection). 

FEMA Environmental Reviewer. 
Name: Perry 1. Boudreaux, Environmental Specialist 



! 

Datec__7=I2=O=/2=O=06=--___~

Signature ~~ 

FEMA:RegioWil EnViroDrifeiiUiIOfficer or delegated approving official. 
Name: Don Fairley, ELO 

Signature ~~~;;'----:r~--. Date__~712~0I2~006~______~ 

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. <Review Concluded)

181 Applicable executed Programmatic Agreement December 3,2004181 Activity meets Programmatic Allowance, Appendix A, Sections I.E; II.A.I; II.A.2; II.B.l; II.B.2; II.C.I; II.C.2; 
II.D.2; II.D.3 and U.E.l 

Are project conditions required? 181 Yes (see section V) D No (Review Concluded) 

mSTORIC BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES 
181 No historic properties that are listed or 45150 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 finding/SHPOrrHPO concurrence on file) 
Are project conditions required? D Yes (see section V) D No (Review Concluded) 
D Determination of Historic Properties Affected (FEMA findingiSHPOnHPO 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 findingiSHPOnHPO concurrence on file). 
Are project conditions required? D Yes (see section V) D No (Review Concluded) 
D Adverse Effect Determination (FEMA findingiSHPOfI'HPO 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 
181 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 fmdingiSHPOffHPO concurrence or 
consultation on file). (Reyiew Concluded) 
D Project area has potential for presence ofarcheological resources 
D Determination of no historic properties affected (FEMA fmdinglSHPOfI'HPO 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 findingiSHPOrrHPO 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! SHPOffHPO concurrence on 
file) 

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

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o Adverse Effect Determination. (FEMA finding! SHPOffHPO conCUJTellCe on file)

o Resolution ofAdverse Effect com.f!eted. (MOA on file) 
Are project conditions required? U Yes (see section V) 0 No 
<Beview Conelpdedl 

Comments: 7.20.06 -All masonry cleaning shall be done in accordance with the recommendations laid out in tbe US 
Department ofthe Interior's Preservation Brief 01: Assessing Cleaning and Water-repellent Treatments for historic masonry 
buildings (bttp:lIwww.cr.nps.govlhpsltpslbriefslbriefDl.htm) by qualified personnel with experience worldng on historic 
buildings. Every effort shall be made to minimize masonry damage through the use ofthe gentelest means ofcleaning 
possible and through adequate protection ofundamaged areas. Failure to comply with this stipulation may jeopardize receipt 
ofFEMA fimdins. 
FEMA's Programmatic Agreement (PA), dated December 3, 2004, provides for expedited project review under section 106 
oftbe National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). The scope ofwork as submitted in this PW has been reviewed and 
meets the criteria outlined in Appendix At Programmatic Allowances, Sections I.E; n.A.l; n.A.2; n.B.1; n.B.2; n.c.I; 
n.C.2; n.D.2; n.D.3 and n.E.l ofthe document In accordance with the PA, FEMA is not required 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 PAt 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 of federal funding. This concludes the section 106 review for this 
loroiect. lames Crouch. Historic Preservation ~ialist 
Co"espondence/ConsuitationiRe/erences: 

B. Endangered Species Act 

181 No listed species and/or designated critical habitat present in areas affected directly or indirectly by the Federal action. 
evlew oncluded 
Listed species and/or designated critical habitat present in the areas affected directly or indirectly by the Federal action. 

oNo 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.6? (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 
Correspondence/Consultation/References: 

D. Clean Water Act 
181 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 404/401/or Section 9/1,0 (Rivers and Harbors Act) pennit, including qualification 
under Nationwide Permits. 
Are project conditions required? D YES (see section V) DNO <Review Cogcluded) 


Commenl3: Project is not in or adjacent to any waterways ofthe US. 
Co,.,.apondence/ConsuitationIRej'erencea: 

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> 

~Project is loc::ated in a coastal zone area and/or affects the coastal zone 
.... ~.8tateadmjnisteriDg 8gency~CODS~re¥iew.··lRtvlew-C9gc1pded).u

oState administering agency requires consistency review. 
Are project conditions required? 0 YES (see section V) 0 NO CReyIeW Cogcluded> 

Commenl3: FEMJ\ has determined that this project is consistent with the Coastal Zone Management Act and the 
Louisiana Coastal Management Plan (LCMP). 

C01'1'espondence/ConsuitationIRej'erences: 

F. Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act 

~Project does not affect, control, or modify a waterwaylbody ofwater. (Review Concluded) 

o Project affects, controls or modifies a waterwaylbody ofwater. 
D 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 Coneluded> 


Comments: Project is not in or adjacent to any waterways ofthe US. 
Co,.,.espondence/ConsultationiReferences: 

G. Clean Air Aet 

~Project will not result in permanent air emissions. (Review Concluded) 
D Project is located in an attainment area. <Review Cogcluded) 

o 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) 0 NO (Review Concluded) 

Comments: Project will not result in pennanent air emissions. 
Corre3pondence/ConsultationiReferences: 

H. Farmland Protection Policy Act 

~Project does not affect designated prime or unique farmland. <Review Coneluded) 

o 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-I006, completed. 
Are project conditions required? D YES (see section V) 0 NO <Review Concluded) 

Comments: None 
Correspondence/ConsultationiReferences: 

I. Migratory Bird Treaty Act 

o Project not located within a flyway zone. <Review Concluded) 
~Project located within a flyway zone. 

Record ofEnvironmental Consideration 4 


181 Project does not have potential to take migratory birds. ~Copelad~ 
Are project conditions required? 0 Yes (see section V)~<ReytewiOaslgded)


o Project bas potential to take migratory birds. 

o Contact made with USFWS 
Are project conditions required? 0 YES (see section V) 0 NO <Reylew Coaeluded} 

Comments: See letter from Don Fairley to Mr. Russ Watson with USFclWS, dated 09/141200S. Spec:ifically, FBMA bas 
determined that restoration projects ftmded with federal resources will not have adverse impacts on migratory birds or other 
fish and wildlife reserves. These determinations are based on the understanding that the conditions outlined in 1he Louisiana 
Bndangered Spec:ies Summary are met. 

Carra ondence!ConsultationiR erences: h :11 

J. Magnuson-Stevens Fisbery Conservation and Management Act 
181 Project not located in or near Bssential Fish Habitat. <Review COIcludedl 

oProject located in or near Essential Fish Habitat. . 

o Project does not adversely affect Bssential Fish Habitat. <Review Condudedl 
Are project conditions required? 0 Yes (see section V) 0 No CReytew Concluded)
o Project adversely affects Essential Fish Habitat (FEMA determinationlUSPWSINMFS concurrence on file) 
o NOAA Fisheries provided no recommendation(s) CReyiew COBcluded>. 
Are project conditions required? 0 Yes (see section V) 0 No (Review Cogcloded) 
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: None 
Co"espondence!Co11SultationiRefere.nces: 

K. Wild and Scenic Rivers Act 
181 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 NPSlUSFS. FEMA cangot fund the action. 
(NPSlUSFSlUSFWSIBLM consultation on file) (Review Concluded) 
o Project does not adversely affect WSR (NPSIUSFSlUSFWSIBLM consultation on file) 
Are project conditions required? 0 YES (see section V) 0 NO (Review Cogcluded) 


Comments: None 
Co"espondence/Co11SultationiRe/erences: 

L. Other Relevant Laws and Environmental Regulations 

II. Compliance Review for Executive Orders 

A. E.O. 11988 -Floodplains 

o No Effect on FloodplainslFlood levels and project outside Floodplain • (Review Cogcluded) 
181 Located in Floodplain or Effects on FloodplainslFlood levels 

o No adverse effect on floodplain and not adversely affected by the floodplain. (Review Concluded), 
Are project conditions required? 0 Yes (see section V) 0 No (Review Concluded) 
o Beneficial Effect on Floodplain OccupancyNalues (Review Concluded). 
181 Possible adverse effects associated with investment in floodplain, occupancy or modification of floodplain 
environment 


181 8 Step Process Complete· documentation on file 
Are project conditions required? 181 YES (see section V) 0 NO (Review Concluded) 


Comml1lls 07/1212006 -The City ofNew Orleams and Orleans Parish enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program. 
(NFIP) 0810311970. Per Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) 22S203 016Oe, dated 03/0111984, project is located in Zone 
"AI", area of 1OO-year tlood; base tlood elevations and tlood hazard factors determined. Project is for building 
repairlreplamnent at City Hall and Adjacent Parking Structure. In compliance with E.O. 11988, an 8-step process bas been 
completed and is attached (as additional information). Per 44 CPR 9.1 I (d)(9). for the replacement ofbuilding contents, 
materials, and equipment, where possible, the building shaJJ be disaster proofed and/or such future losses shaJJ be eliminated 
by relocation ofthese building contents, materials, and equipment outside or above the advisory base tloodplain. Per 44 
CPR 9.12, applicant must publish a final public notice I S days prior to the start ofconstruction activities. Final public 
notice is to be forwarded to the La GOHSEP and FEMA for inclusion in the permanent project files. Harriet Wegner, FPM 

Correspondence/Consultation/References: 

B. E.O.11990 -Wetlands 
181 No Effects on Wetland(s) and project located outside Wetland(s) -(Revisw Copehided> 


oLocated in Wetland or effects Wetland(s) 

o Beneficial Effect on Wetland -(Review Concluded) 
o Possible adverse effect associated with constructing in or near wetland 
oReview completed as part of tloodplain review 
o 8 Step Process Complete -documentation on tile 
Are project conditions required? 0 YES (see section V) 0 NO (Review CODeIDded) 






Comments: NODe 
Correspondence/Consultation/References: 

C. E.O. 12898 -Environmental Justice For Low Income and Minority Populations 

181 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 Coneluded) 
o Disproportionately high or adverse effects on low income or minority population 
Are project conditions required? 0 YES (see section V) 0 NO (Review CODe1uded1 


Comments: None 
Correspondence/Consultation/References: 

III. Other Environmental Issues 

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

Comments: None 
Correspondence/Consultation/References: 

IV. Extraordinary Circumstances 

Based on the review of compliance with other environmental laws and Executive Orders, and in 
consideration of other environmental factors, review the 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. Ifthe circumstance can be mitigated, 
please explain in comments. Ifno, leave blank. 

Record ofEnvironmental Consideration 6 07120/06 


Yes 

o (i) Greater SCOpe or size dum nonnally experienced for a particular category ofaction 
B 
B 
(0) Actions with a bigh level ofpublic controversy 
(iii) Potential for degradation, even though slight, ofalready existing poor environmental 
conditions; 


o (iv) Employment ofunproven technology with potential adverse effects or actions involving 
unique or unknown environmental risks; 
o (v) Presence ofendangered or threatened species or their critical habitat, or archaeological. 
cultural, historical or other protected resources; 
o (vi) Presence ofhazardous or toxic substances at levels which exceed Federal, state or local 
regulations or standards requiring action or attention; 


o (Vit) ActtOOlwit1rtJre ~to-affectspec1atswusareasadVersely orolherCritica1 resourCes 

s~as wetlands, coastal zones, wildlife refuge and wilderness areas, wild and scenic rivers, 
sole or principal drinking water aquifers; 

o (viii) Potential for adverse effects on health or safety; and 
o (ix) Potential to violate a federal, state, local or tribal law or requirement imposed for the 
protection ofthe 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 ofthe 
proposed action may not be significant by themselves. 

IComments: None 

v. Environmental Review Project Conditions 

Project Conditions: 

1. Per 44 CFR 9.11 (d)(9), for the replacement ofbuilding contents, materials, and 
equipment, where possible, the building shall be disaster proofed and/or such future 
losses shall be eliminated by relocation ofthese building contents, materials, and 
equipment outside or above the advisory base floodplain. 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 GOHSEP and FEMA for inclusion in the 
permanent project files. 
2. All masonry cleaning shall be done in accordance with the recommendations laid out in 
the US Department ofthe Interior's Preservation Brief 01: Assessing Cleaning and 
Water-repellent Treatments for Historic Masonry Buildings 
(http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/tpsibriefsibriefOl.htm) by qualified personnel with 
experience working on historic buildings. Every effort shall be made to minimize 
masonry damage through the use ofthe gentlest means ofcleaning possible and through 
adequate protection ofundamaged areas. Failure to comply with this stipulation may 
jeopardize receipt of FEMA funding 
3. In keeping with the stipulations of the 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 of federal funding. 


Monitoring Requirements: None 

07120/06