U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency FEMA-1603/1607-DR-LA 415 N 15,h Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 FEMA January 22, 2007 Johnny Gonzales GOHSEP PAO FEMA-1603-DR-LA 415 N. 15th Street Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 RE: Categorical Exclusion, Repair and improvements to the Science Building at Port Sulphur High School Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, PW#: 9157 Version 1, DR-1603-LA, PA ID: 075-U5R52-00 Dear Mr. Gonzales: The purpose of this letter is to notify you that the Public Assistance project for the science building (EJE0154) at Port Sulphur High School, 164 School Road, Port Sulphur, Louisiana, Plaquemines Parish, 70083, (29.47767N, 89.69487W), has been cleared under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The Code of Federal Regulations, 44 CFR Part 10, requires that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) take into account environmental considerations when authorizing or approving major actions. This project has been determined to be categorically excluded in accordance with 44 CFR Part 10.8(d)(2)(xv), from the need to prepare either an Environmental Impact Statement or Environmental Assessment. No extraordinary circumstances in accordance with 44 CFR 10.8(d)(3) have been identified regarding this action. The Categorical Exclusion is attached Particular attention should be given to the general comments and conditions before and during project implementation. Failure to comply with these conditions may jeopardize federal assistance including funding. The following conditions apply tothis project: • Replacement/new construction must coordinate and comply with local floodplain ordinances, and be built to current codes and standards. Elevation information, signed and sealed by a l'icensed surveyor, engineer, or architect must be obtained and filed for verification of compliance. Applicantis required to coordinate with the local floodplain administrator regarding floodplain permit(s) prior to the start of any activities. Applicant is responsible for obtaining and retaining all permits and certificates for verification. All coordination pertaining to these permit(s), should be documented to the local floodplain administrator and copies provided to the Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (LA GOHSEP) and FEMA as part of the permanent project files. In compliance with E.0.11988, an 8-step process, showing considered alternatives, was completed and is attached. The second 8-step was used because Advisory Base Flood Elevations (ABFE) maps precede the flood recovery guidance letter used in the first 8-step. Replacement of the building must be elevated to or above the ABFE. Per ABFE maps all equipment and contents should be elevated at least 3ft. above the highest existing adjacent grkde. Per 44 CFR 9.12, applicant must publish a final public notice 15 days prior to the start of construction activities. Final public notice is to be forwarded to the LA GOHSEP and FEMA for inclusion in the permanent project files. • If required by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ), the applicant shall require its contractor to prepare, certify, and implement a construction storm water pollution Johnny Gonzales January 22, 2007 (P.) cental ., FEM^T w?„ „, « reS" ^"*£"*^^ 800-276-4019. J * may be coordmated by contacting LDNR at 1 with water (when dry), a„.-^Xt^aRtTTES SittS1"^ a" equipment mitattilled in g00d working orferS^XS^X^T"*^ ""• In accordance with the Formosa,, Termite Initiative Act. (LA RS 3-3391 1thm 310, ,n ,k quarantine. The movemen „ L„H fV II y' TfW1101' ""d Washington are under components (e.g. ZTdcoL rtothr wIT T fi^^^"^"«M"*»I quarantined parishes£^£tiES£fifciSSr^rS" Department ofAgriculture and Forestry or his desig„ee(s). comm'ss'°»« of the Lomstana project, ^^tJ^lS^'rl'StSZ-""J* 'Tlementa,i™ °f "» (such as asbestos and lead based ZT,' T, P^oleum products, hazardous materials the satrsfaction ^ ^S^^^T*™»*^™-<° Johnny Gonzales January 22, 2007 require additional environment revL^FEMT " *" """"^ *°l" "™" **<*"'*«»• Sincerely, Environmental Liaison Officer FEMA-1603/1607-DR-LA Enclosures: Project Worksheet 9157 Version Cc: Oliver Mack, FEMA DPAO for Grants