Record of Environmental Consideration 


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

Project NamefNumber: EOR 1491 Carver Complex HSIMS-Gymnasium (Building K)I PW 12433 
Version 3 
Applicant Name: Recovery School District 
Project Location: 3059 Higgins Blvd., New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana 70126, Latitude: 
29.99691, Longitude: -90.03733 
Project Description: On August 29, 2005 strong winds, heavy rains and storm surge caused extensive 

damage to the Carver Complex HS/MS Gymnasium (Building K). The 192 foot by 172 foot gymnasium is 
located on the north end ofthe school complex and the main structure is made from precast concrete beams and 
columns. The building envelope consists of lightweight concrete roof decking with concrete masonry unit (cmu) 
walls over a concrete floor slab. It consists of a central basketball court (16,226 square feet) with locker rooms, 
offices, and bathrooms on the first floor (15,588 square feet) and weight rooms and exercise rooms on the 
second floor (8,029 square feet). The scope of work for this project is the demolition and replacement ofthe 
facility in-kind with code upgrades in the pre-disaster location. 

National Environmental Policy Act (NEP A) Determination 

D Statutorily excluded from NEPA review (Review Concluded) 
D Programmatic Categorical Exclusion -(Review Concluded) 
[8J Categorical Exclusion -Category xv 

[8J No Extraordinary Circumstances exist. 
Are project conditions required? [8J Yes (see section V) D No (Review Concluded)
D Extraordinary Circumstances exist (see Section IV). 
D Extraordinary Circumstances mitigated. (see Section IV comments) 

Are project conditions required? D Yes (see section V) D No (Review Concluded)
D Environmental Assessment 
D Supplemental Environmental Assessment (Reference EA or PEA in comments)
D Environmental Impact Statement 
D Scope of work requires public involvement plan 

Comments: Project fits the criteria of Categorical Exclusion xv: Repair, reconstruction, restoration, elevation, retrofitting, 
upgrading to current codes and standards, or replacement of any facility in a manner that substantially confonns to the preexisting 
design, function, and location. 

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

Reviewer and Approvals 

FEMA Environmental Reviewer: 

Name: Nicole Poret, Environmental Specialist, FEMA LA TRO 

Signature ~--{J~:t: Date __---'___--:;;;.__....! 

FEMA Environmental Liaison Officer or Delegated Approving Official: 
Name: Cynthia Teeter, Deputy Environmental Liaison Officer, FEMA LA TRO 

Signature ~'~ Date ;gVgec-0 ( 


Reviewer Name: Nicole Poret Project NamefEnv Database No: EOR 1491 Carver Complex HSIMS-Gymnasium (Building K) I 
PW 12433 Version 3 
FEMA-1603-DR-LA Pa rish: Orleans 

I. Compliance Review for Environmental Laws (other than NEPA) 


A. National Historic Preservation Act (NHP A) 

D 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 
I:8J 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 ofP A applies 

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


I:8J Determination of No Historic Properties Affected (FEMA finding/SHPO/THPO concurrence on file) 
Are project conditions required? C8J Yes (see Section V) D No (Review Concluded)
D Determination of Historic Properties Affected (FEMA finding/SHPO/THPO concurrence on file) 
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 finding/SHPO/THPO concurrence on file) 
Are project conditions required? D Yes (see Section V) D No (Review Concluded) 
D Adverse Effect Determination (FEMA finding/SHPOITHPO 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 ofwork has no potential to affect archeological resources (Review Concluded) 
I:8J Project affects only previously disturbed ground. (Review Concluded)
D Project 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 finding/SHPOITHPO concurrence on file) 
(Review Concluded)
D Project area has potential for presence ofarcheological resources 
D Determination of no historic properties affected (FEMA finding/SHPO/THPO concurrence on file) 
Are project conditions required D Yes (see Section V) D No (Review Concluded) 
D Determination of historic properties affected 
D NR eligible resources not present (FEMA finding/SHPO/THPO concurrence on file) 
Are project conditions required D Yes (see Section V) D No (Review Concluded) 
NR eligible resources present in project area (FEMA finding/SHPO/THPO concurrence on file) 
D No Adverse Effect Determination (FEMA finding/ SHPO/THPO concurrence on file) 
Are project conditions required? D Yes (see Section V) D No (Review Concluded) 
D Adverse Effect Determination (FEMA finding/SHPO/THPO 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: FEMA, in consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), has determined that the 
demolition, removal offoundations, and rebuilding ofthe Carver Complex Gymnasium, 3059 Higgins Blvd, New Orleans, 
will have No Effect on Historic Properties. 
Correspondence/Consultation/References: Jerame Cramer, Historic Preservation Specialist! Archaeologist 


B. Endangered Species Act 

L8J No listed species and/or designated critical habitat present in areas affected directly or indirectly by the Federal action. 
(Review Concluded) 
D Listed species and/or designated critical habitat present in the areas affected directly or indirectly by the Federal action. 


D No effect to species or designated critical habitat. (See comments for justification) 
Are project conditions required? D Yes (see Section V) D No (Review Concluded) 


Record of Environmental Consideration (Version April 2007) 


o May affect, but not likely to adversely affect species or designated critical habitat (FEMA 

Reviewer Name: Nicole Pore! Project NamelEnv Database No: EOR 1491 Carver Complex HSfMS-Gymnasium (Building K) I 
PW 12433 Version 3 
FEMA-1603-DR-LA Parish: Orleans 

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: 
Correspondence/Consultation/References: Endangered Species Summary for USFWS Consultation, letter to Don Fairley 
dated September 15,2005 

C. Coastal Barrier Resources Act 

I2?J 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: 
Correspondence/Consultation/References: Louisiana Coastal Barrier Resource System Maps referenced December 5, 
2007. 


D. Clean Water Act 

I2?J Project would not affect any waters ofthe U.S. (Review Concluded) 

o 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 404/401 ofCiean Water Act or Section 9110 ofRivers 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 ofthe U.S. by discharging to a surface water body. 


Comments: Project is for building replacement and may require grading or other ground disturbing activities. 
Correspondence/Consultation/References: USFWS National Wetlands Inventory map (http://www.fws.gov/nwil) queried 
on December 5, 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) 
I2?J Project is located in a coastal zone area and/or affects the coastal zone 

oState administering agency does not require consistency review. (Review Concluded). 

I2?J State administering agency should be contacted to determine ifconsistency review required. 
Are project conditions required? I2?J YES (see Section V) 0 NO (Review Concluded) 

Comments: Project is for building replacement and may require grading or other ground disturbing activities. 
Correspondence/ConsultationlReferences: Louisiana Coastal Zone Maps queried December 5,2007 
F. Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act 

I2?J Project does not affect, control, or modify a waterwaylbody ofwater. (Review Concluded)

o Project affects, controls or modifies a waterwaylbody of water. 

o Coordination with USFWS conducted 

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


IComments: No streams or water bodies are located in or near the project area. 


• Reviewer Name: Nicole Poret Project NamelEnv Database No: EOR 1491 Carver Complex HSIMS-Gymnasium (Building K) I 
PW 12433 Version 3 
FEMA-1603-DR-LA Parish: Orleans 

Correspondence/Consultation/References: Nicole Poret, Environmental Specialist 

G. Clean Air Act 

[8J Project will not result in permanent air emissions. (Review Concluded)

D Project is located in an attainment area. (Review Concluded) 

o Project is located in a non-attainment area. 

D Coordination required with applicable state administering agency. 
Are project conditions required? 0 YES (see section V) D 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. 
Correspondence/Consultation/References: EPA Region 6 Non-attainment Map. 

H. Farmland Protection Policy Act 

[8J Project will not affect undisturbed ground. (Review Concluded)
D Project has a zoning classification that is other than agricultural or is in an urbanized area. (Review Concluded) 
D Project does not affect designated prime or unique farmland. (Review Concluded)
D Project causes unnecessary or irreversible conversion of designated prime or unique farmland. 


D Coordination with Natural Resources Conservation Service required. 

o Farmland Conversion Impact Rating, Form AD-l 006, completed. 
Are project conditions required? D YES (see section V) D NO (Review Concluded) 


I. Migratory Bird Treaty Act 

D Project not located within a flyway zone (Review Concluded) 
[8J Project located within a flyway zone. 
[8J Project does not have potential to take migratory birds (Review Concluded) 
Are project conditions required? D Yes (see section V) D No (Review Concluded)
D Project has potential to take migratory birds. 
D Contact made with USFWS 
Are project conditions required? D YES (see section V) D 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 27,2005. 


J. Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act 

[8J Project not located in or near Essential Fish Habitat (Review Concluded)
D Project located in or near Essential Fish Habitat. 
D Project does not adversely affect Essential Fish Habitat (Review Concluded) 
Are project conditions required? D Yes (see Section V) D No (Review Concluded)
D Project adversely affects Essential Fish Habitat (FEMA determinationlUSFWSINMFS concurrence on file) 
D NOAA Fisheries provided no recommendation(s) (Review Concluded), 
Are project conditions required? D Yes (see Section V) D No (Review Concluded) 
DNOAA Fisheries provided recommendation(s) 
D Written reply to NOAA Fisheries recommendations completed. 
Are project conditions required? D YES (see Section V) D NO (Review Concluded) 

Comments: Project is not located in or near any surface waters with the potential to affect EFH species. 
Correspondence/ConsultationlReferences: Nicole Poret, Environmental Specialist 

K. Wild and Scenic Rivers Act 

[8J Project is not along and does not affect Wild or Scenic River (WSR) -(Review Concluded) 
Record of Environmental Consideration (Version April 2007) 


• Reviewer Name: Nicole Pore! Project NamelEnv Database No: EOR 1491 Carver Complex HS/MS-Gymnasium (Building K) I 
PW 12433 Version 3 
FEMA-1603-DR-LA Parish: Orleans 
D Project is along or affects WSR 
DProject adversely affects WSR as determined by NPSfUSFS. FEMA cannot fund the action. 
(NPSfUSFSfUSFWSIBLM consultation on file) (Review Concluded)

D Project does not adversely affect WSR. (NPSfUSFSfUSFWSIBLM consultation on file) 
Are project conditions required? D YES (see Section V) D NO (Review Concluded) 

Comments: 
Correspondence/Consultation/References: National Wild and Scenic Rivers http://www.nps.gov/rivers/wildriverslist.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 of the 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. 

M. Other Relevant Laws and Environmental Regulations 

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 ofthe Louisiana Department of Agriculture and 
Forestry or his designee(s). 

II. Compliance Review for Executive Orders 
A. E.O. 11988 -Floodplains 


D No Effect on FloodplainslFlood levels and project outside Floodplain -(Review Concluded) 
~Located in Floodplain or Effects on FloodplainslFlood levels 
D 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)
D Beneficial Effect on Floodplain OccupancyNalues (Review Concluded). 
~Possible adverse effects associated with investment in floodplain, occupancy or modification offloodplain 

environment 
~8 Step Process Complete -documentation on file 
Are project conditions required? ~YES (see Section V) D NO (Review Concluded) 
D A Final Public Notice is required 

Comments: The city of New Orleans/Orleans Parish enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFlP) as of 8/3/70, 
Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) panel number 2252030115 E, dated 03/01/84. Building is located within an "A2" zone, 
area of IOO-yr flooding, base flood elevations and flood hazard factors as determined. 
Correspondence/Consultation/References: Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) panel number 2252030115 E, dated 
03/01/84 

B. E.O. 11990 -Wetlands 

~No Effects on Wetland(s) and/or 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 

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

IComments: 


Reviewer Name: Nicole Poret Project NamelEnv Database No; EOR 1491 Carver Complex HSIMS-Gymnasium (Building K) I 
PW 12433 Version 3 
FEMA-1603-DR-LA Parish; Orleans 

ICorrespondence/ConsultationIRe/erences: USFWS NWI map accessed on-line December 5,2007. 

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

[8J Project scope of work has no potential to adversely impact any population <Review Concluded)

o No Low income or minority population in, near or affected by the project based on information gathered from [add a 
reference] (Review Concluded) 
oLow income or minority population in or near project area 
oNo disproportionately high and adverse impact on low income or minority population (Review Concluded) 
oDisproportionately high or adverse effects on low income or minority population 
Are project conditions required? 0 YES (see Section V) 0 NO (Review Concluded) 







Nicole Poret, Environmental S ecialist 

III. Other Environmental Issues 


Comments: None 
Correspondence/Consultation/Reference: 

IV. Extraordinary Circumstances 

Yes 

o (i) Greater scope or size than normally experienced for a particular category ofaction 
o Oi) Actions with a high level ofpubIic controversy 
o (iii) Potential for degradation, even though slight, of already existing poor environmental 
conditions; 
o (iv) Employment ofunproven technology with potential adverse effects or actions involving 
unique or unknown environmental risks; 
o (v) Presence of endangered or threatened species or their critical habitat, or archaeological, 
cultural, historical or other protected resources; 
o (vi) Presence of hazardous or toxic substances at levels which exceed Federal, state or local 
regulations or standards requiring action or attention; 
o (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; 
o 
o 
(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 ofthe 
proposed action may not be significant by themselves. 
o 
o 
o 
o 


IComments: 

V. Environmental Review Project Conditions 

Project Conditions: 
The following conditions apply as a condition ofFEMA funding reimbursement: 


I. New construction must coordinate and comply with local floodplain ordinances, and be built to current codes and 
standards. Applicant is required to coordinate with the local floodplain administrator regarding floodplain permit(s) prior to 
the start ofany activities. Applicant is responsible for obtaining and retaining all permits and certificates for verification. 

Record ofEnvironmental Consideration (Version April 2007) 


" • Reviewer Name: Nicole Pore! Project Name/Env Database No: EOR 1491 Carver Complex HSIMS-Gymnasium (Building K) I 

PW 12433 Version 3 
FEMA-160J-DR-LA Parish: Orleans 
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. Replacement ofthe building must be elevated to or above the Advisory Base 
Flood Elevation (ABFE) per the ABFE maps. Elevation information, signed and sealed by a licensed surveyor, engineer, or 
architect must be obtained and filed for verification of compliance. Per 44 CFR 9.11 (d) (9), mitigation or minimization 
standards must be applied where possible. The replacement ofbuiJding contents, materials and equipment should be, where 
possible, wet or dry-proofed, elevated, or relocated to or above the ABFE. 

2. 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 shaH 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, 
3. 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, S1. 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 ofthe Louisiana Department of Agriculture and 
Forestry or his designee(s). 
4. 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 "Tenth Amended Declaration ofEmergency and 
Administrative Order" dated May 14,2007, and the Louisianan Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants 
(LESHAP) protocol dated March 1,2006, incorporating the provisions of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) 
National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air PoHutants (NESHAP) and the Louisiana Administrative Code (LAC) 
33.iii.S1S1 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 orders. Documentation 
should be forwarded to Louisiana Governor's Office ofHomeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (LA GOHSEP) 
and FEMA for inclusion in the permanent project files. 


S. 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 IS 
mph in the work area, and all equipment maintained in good working order to minimize pollution/fugitive dust. 

6. 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 stilI require a Coastal Use Permit or other authorization from LDNR. Projects may be 
coordinated by contacting LDNR at 1-800-276-4019. 
7. Any fill or borrow material used in the repair activities must be sourced from sites that do not contain any buried cultural 
materials (Le. wells, cisterns, foundations, basements, prehistoric Indian artifacts, human burials, and the like). 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 measures 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, 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 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 22S-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. Failure to comply with these stipulations may jeopardize receipt of federal funding.