U.S.Department ofHomeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency FEMA-1603/1607-DR-LA 415 N 15,hStreet Baton Rouge, LA 70802 FEMA July 24, 2007 Johnny Gonzales GOHSEP PAO FEMA-1603-DR-LA 415 N. 15,h Street Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 RE: Categorical Exclusion, Replacement of Fire Station #5, St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana PW#-5282 Version 1, DR-1603-LA, PA ID: 087-99087-00 Dear Mr. Gonzales: The purpose of this letter is to notify you that the Public Assistance project for Fire Station #5,2400 East Judge Perez, Chalmette, Louisiana, St. Bernard Parish, (29.93745N, 89.94235W), 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 to this project: • Unusable equipment, debris and material shall be disposed ofin an approved manner and location. In the event significant items (or evidence thereof) are discovered during implementation of the 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,stateandfederal agencies. • 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 of Agriculture and Forestry or his designee(s). • Demolition must follow the lower-impact demolition stipulations. These stipulations should be explicit in the demolition contract. • If during the course of work, archaeological artifacts (prehistoric or historic) or human remains are discovered, the applicant shall stop work in the vicinity ofthe 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 turn contact FEMA Historic Preservation (HP) staff. The applicant will not proceedwith work until FEMA HP completes consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office (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 enforcement agency of Johnny Gonzales July 24, 2007 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 seventy-two 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. • Applicant must publish afinal public notice 15 days prior to the start ofconstruction activities This notice is to be forwarded to the Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness(LA GOHSEP) and FEMA for inclusion in the permanent project files. Applicant shall coordinate with the local floodplain administrator for floodplain ordinances and the local codes &standards requirements. Applicant is responsible for meeting all requirements ofthe permit(s). • This project is located within the Louisiana Coastal Management Zone. Louisiana Department of Natural 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 aCoastal Use Permit or other authorization from LDNR. Projects may be coordinated by contacting LDNR at 1-800-267-4019. 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 prevention plan to prevent sediment and construction material transport from the sites (regulated under the Louisiana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (LPDES) program, Section 402). All coordination pertaining to these activities should be documented and copies forwarded to the state and FEMA as part of the permanent project files. 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 orderto minimize pollution/fugitive dust. • This project involves the demolition or renovation of a public structure. Regardless of the 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 "Tenth Amended Declaration of Emergency and Administrative Order" dated May 14, 2007, incorporating the provisions of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 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 responsiblefor ensuring proper disposal in accordance with the previously referenced administrative order. Please note that this transmittal is anotification that this project has been cleared under NEPA only. This is not a notice offinal approval or eligibility. Any change beyond the approval scope of work for this project will require additional environmental review byFEMA. Sincerely, -fa Howard R. Environmental Liaison Officer FEMA-1603/1607-DR-LA Enclosures: ProjectWorksheet5282Version1 Cc: Oliver Mack, FEMA DPAO for Grants