Reviewer Name: Adam Borden, Env. Specialist Project NamelEnv. Database No: Central Utility Plant 
FEMA-1603/1607-DR-LA PWIH3784 
Parish: Orleans 

Record of Environmental Consideration 


REVISED FOR FEMA ENVIRONMENTAL -LOmSIANA --2006 
See 44 Code ofFederal Regulation Part 10 

Project NamelNumber: Central Utility Plant / PW# 13784 
FIPS#071-UGZFF-00 

Project Location: 7027 Milne Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124 
Latitude: 30.018195, Longitude: -90.110699 

Project Description: Heavy rains and high winds from Hurricane Katrina (DR-1603) caused significant exterior 
and interior damage to the Central Utility Plant of Mount Carmel Academy. This pw reimburses the eligible applicant for 
the replacement ofthe HVAC systems ofMount Carmel Academy. Mitigation shall be achieved through the consolidation 
of all replacement HV AC units within a single elevated "Central Utility Plant." There is no indication ofnearby waterways, 
prime farmland, or pristine/critical habitat. 

Documentation Reg uirements 

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) 

t8I (Long version) All applicable laws and executive orders were reviewed. Additional information for compliance is 
attached to this REC and/or included in project files, as applicable. 

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPAl Determination 

o Statutorily excluded from NEPA review. (Review Concluded) 
o Programmatic Categorical Exclusion -Category (Reference PCE in comments) (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) 
Environmental Assessment 







-Supplementat Environmental Assessment (Reference EA or PEA in comments) 
Environmental Impact Statement 


Comments: Although this project would have qualified as a catex (xv & xvi) under 44 CFR part 10.8 (d)(2), this project 

meets the defmition of critical infrastructure (Permanent Schools) under the alternative arrangements for NEPA 

compliance. This project has conditions and requires mitigation under the other Environmental and Historic Preservation 

(EHP) laws which are listed under the NEPA level ofenvironmental review in the project worksheet. Any changes to this 

approved scope ofwork will require submission to, and evaluation and approval by, the state and FEMA prior to initiation 

ofany work, for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. The applicant is required to obtain and comply 

with all local, state and federal permits and requirements. Non-compliance with the requirements noted above may 
ijeopardize the receipt offederal funding. 

Reviewer and Approvals 

o Project is Non-Compliant (See attached documentation justifying selection). 
Record ofEnvironmental Consideration (Version 10/25106) 


Reviewer Name: Adam Borden, Env. Specialist Project Name/Env. Database No: Central Utility Plant 
FEMA·I603/1 607·DR-LA PW#13784 
Parish: Orleans 

FEMA Environmental Reviewer: 

Name: Adam Borden, F -Environmental S ecialist 
FEMA Regional Environmental Officer or Delegated Approving Official: 
Name: Howard R. Bush, Environmental Liason Officer 

Signature ']:2''2> q;s Date to.,l$". D " 

I. Compliance Review for Environmental Laws (other than NEPAl 

A. National Historic Preservation Act (NHP A) 

t8J Not type of activity with potential to affect historic properties. 
D Activity meets Programmatic Agreement, December 3, 2004. Appendix A: 
Are project conditions required? D Yes (see Section V) D No 
D Programmatic Agreement not applicable, must conduct standard Section 106 Review. 

mSTORIC BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES 
D No historic properties that are listed or 45150 years or older in project area. <Review Concluded)
t8J Building or structure listed or 45150 years or older in project area and activity not exempt from review. 


t8J Detennination ofNo Historic Properties Affected (FEMA fmdingiSHPOrrHPO concurrence on file) 
Are project conditions required? D Yes (see Section V) t8J No (Review Concluded) 
D Detennination ofHistoric Properties Affected (FEMA fmdingiSHPOrrHPO concurrence on file) 
D Property a National Historic Landmark and National Park Service was provided early notification 
during the consultation process. lfnot, explain in comments 
D No Adverse Effect Detennination (FEMA fmdingiSHPO/THPO concurrence on file). 
Are project conditions required? D Yes (see Section V) D No <Review Concluded) 
D Adverse Effect Detennination (FEMA findingiSHPOrrHPO concurrence on file) 
D Resolution ofAdverse Effect completed. (MOA on file) 
Are project conditions required D Yes (see Section V) 0 No <Review Concluded) 

ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES 
D Project affects only previously disturbed ground. <Review Concluded) 
t8J Project affects undisturbed ground. 


t8J Project area has no potential for presence of archeological resources 
J81Determination ofno historic properties affected (FEMA findingiSHPOITHPO concurrence or 
consultation on file). <Review Concluded) 
D Project area has potential for presence ofarcheological resources 
D Detemination ofno historic properties affected (FEMA fmdingiSHPOrrHPO concurrence on file) 
Are project conditions required D Yes (see Section V) D No <Review Concluded) 

o Detennination ofhistoric properties affected 

D NR eligible resources not present (FEMA fmdingiSHPOrrHPO concurrence on file). 
Are project conditions required DYes (see Section V) D No <Review Concluded) 

o NR eligible resources present in project area. (FEMA findingl SHPorrHPO concurrence on 
file) 
D No Adverse Effect Detennination. (FEMA findingl SHPOITHPO concurrence on file) 
Are project conditions required? D Yes (see Section V) D No <Review Concluded) 
D Adverse Effect Detemination. (FEMA fmdingl SHPOrrHPO 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) 

Record of Environmental Consideration (Version 10/25/06) 


Reviewer Name: Adam Borden, Env. Spedalist Projett NamclEnv. Database No: Central Utility Plant 
FEMA-1603/1607-DR-LA PW#13784 
Parisb: Orlelns 

Comments: The Mother House has been detennined by FEMA to be not eligible for listing in the National Register or 
located within the boundaries of a National Register District. Concurrance with this detennination was received from the 
SHPO dated 10123/06 (see attached). In keeping with this detennination, the proposed central plant project will have no 
effect on historic resources. V.Gomez, Historic Preservation Specialist 

Scope ofwork indicates new ground disturbing activities associated with building the central plant. Upon consultation of 
data provided by the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), there are no known archaeological sites within .25 miles 
ofthe project area. Attached SHPO consultation dated 10120/2006 detennined that no historic properties were affected as a 
result of this undertaking. Katherine Zeringue, Historic Preservation Specialist! Archaeologist 

Correspondence/ConsultatlonIRe/erences: 

B. Endangered Species Act 

1:8:1 No listed species and/or designated critical habitat present in areas affected directly or indirectly by the Federal action. 
(Review Concluded) 

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 


detenninationlUSFWSINMFS 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 Fonnal consultation concluded. (Biological Assessment and Biological Opinion on file) 
Are project conditions required? 0 YES (see Section V) 0 NO <Review Concluded) 

Comments: Project is located in an urban or previously developed area. Neither listed species nor their habitat occur in or 
near this site, thus FEMA fmds there will be no effect to threatened or endangered species. 
Correspondence/ConsultationIRe/erences: USFWS emergency consultation provisions detennined in letters dated 
September 15,2005 for Katrina. 

C. Coastal Barrier Resources Act 

I2SI 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 detenninationlUSFWS 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: Project is not within a CBRA zone. 
Correspoiiiliiice!CiJiiSultiiiiiiill/I.iJiiiiices:·LOuisfanaCoastafBarrier Resource System Maps referenced 10125/06. 

D. Clean Water Act 

1:8:1 Project would not affect any waters ofthe 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 lIor Section 9/10 (Rivers and Harbors Act) pennit, including qualification 
under Nationwide Penn its. 
Are project conditions required? 0 YES (see Section V) 0 NO (Review Concluded) 


Comments: No jurisdictional waters ofthe U.S., including wetlands, occur in or near the project area. 
Correspondence/ConsultationIRe/erences: USFWS National Wetlands Inventory map (http://www.fws.gov/hwil) queried 
on 10125/06. ' 

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) 

1:8:1 Project is located in a coastal zone area and/or affects the coastal zone 
Record of Environmental Consideration (Version 10/25/06) 


Reviewer Name: Adam Borden, Env. Specialist Project NamtlEnv. Databast No: Central Utility Plant 
FEMA-I603/1607-DR-LA PWIII3784 
Parish: Orleans 

t8J State administering agency does not require consistency review. (Review Concluded). 

o State administering agency requires consistency review. 
Are project conditions required? 0 YES (see Section V) D NO (Review Concluded) 

Comments: This project is located within the Louisiana Coastal Management Zone. LA Department ofNatural Resources 
(DNR) 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 DNR. Projects may be coordinated 
by contacting LA DNR at 1-800-2764019. 
Correspondence/ConsultatlonIRejerences: LDNR Louisiana Coastal Zone map 2002. 

F. Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act 
t8J Project does not affect, control, or modify a waterwaylbody ofwater. (Review Concluded) 
D 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) 


Comments: No streams or water bodies are located in or near the project area. 
Correspondence/ConsultationIRejerences: Louisiana Map <hnp:llwwwlamap.doa.louisiana.govD queried 10/25/06. 

G. Clean Air Act 

o Project will not result in permanent air emissions. (Review Concluded) 
t8J 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: Ensure that if damaged AC unit or refrigerator contains refrigerant that is an ozone depleting substance subject 
to Clean Air Act requirements, that this refrigerant is removed and recovered by certified chlorofluorocarbon (cfc) 
technician per 40 CFR part 82, and that documentation ofappropriate disposal is obtained. 
Correspondence/ConsultationIRejerences: EPA Region 6 Non-attainment Map. 

H. Farmland Protection Policy Act 
t8J Project does not affect designated prime or unique farmland. (Review Concluded) 


o Project causes unnecessary or irreversible conversion of designated prime or unique fannland. 

o Coordination with Natural Resource Conservation Commission required. 

_ 0 _FlInIllaJ1dJ::~nYeJ]i9nImpactRating,Forrn AO-I006, completed. 
Are project conditions required? 0 YES (see section V) 0 NO (Review Concluded) 

Comments: The project site is in a developed urbanized area and Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA) is precluded. No 
prime or unique farmland present. 
Correspondence/ConsultationlRejerences: National Resource Conservation Service, Web Soil Survey 

I<httJJ:llwebsoilsurvev.nrcs.usda.l!ov/aool )referenced 10125/06. 

I. Migratory Bird Treaty Act 
D Project not located within a flyway zone. (Review Concluded) 
t8J Project located within a flyway zone. 


t8J Project does not have potential to take migratory birds. (Review Concluded) 
Are project conditions required? 0 Yes (see section V) t8J 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) 

Record of Environmental Consideration (Version 10125/06) 


Reviewer Name: Adam Borden, Env. Specialist Project NamelEnv. Database No: Central Utility Plant 
FEMA-1603/1607-DR-LA PWN13784 
Parish: Orleans 

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/ConsultatlonlRe!erences: USFWS guidance letter dated September 15, 2005 for Katrina 

J. Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act 
181 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 detennination/USFWSINMFS 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) 
D NOAA 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/ConsultationIRe/erences: Louisiana Map (http://wwwlamap.doa.louisiana.govD referenced 10125/06. 

K. Wild and Scenic Rivers Act 
181 Project is not along and does not affect Wild or Scenic River (WSR) • (Review Concluded) 
D Project is along or affects WSR 

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

Comments: None 
Correspondence/ConsultationIRe!erences: National Wild and Scenic Rivers http://www.nps.gov/riverslwildrivers)ist.html. 
referenced 10125/06. 


L. Other Relevant Laws and Environmental Regulations 


State Hazardous Materials and Solid Waste Laws 
Comments: Removal and disposal of debris containing household hazardous waste and certain categories of liquid wastes 
must be perfonned in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, executive orders and guidelines. 
LAC title 33 part VII requires that specified items, including lead acid batteries, used oil filters, used motor oil, scrap tires, 
cfc's (refrigerants), radioactive waste or regulated infectious wastes must be segregated from and excluded from nonhazardousdebris-
collection; staging; processinglllld disposal sites. Fanure-to-comptywitlr app1icablelegalrequitements in 
debris collection and/or disposal operations will jeopardize federal funding. The clean-up or restoration/repair ofsites 
damaged as a result ofsuch operations are ineligible for federal funding. Previously obligated funding is subject to deobligation 
if a determination of ineligibility is made. 


II. Compliance Review for Executive Orders 
A. E.O. 11988 -Floodplains 
D No Effect on FloodplainslFlood levels and project outside Floodplain -(Review Concluded) 
181 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). 

181 Possible adverse effects associated with investment in floodplain, occupancy or modification of floodplain 

environment 
181 8 Step Process Complete -documentation on file 


Record of Environmental Consideration (Version 10/25/06) 


Reviewer Name: Adam Borden, Env. Spedalist Project NamtlEav. Database No: Central Utility Pllnt 
FEMA-1603/1607-DR-LA PW#13784 
Parish: Orlflllll 

Are project conditions required? [8l YES (see Section V) 0 NO (Review Concluded) 

Comments: The site is located in Zone A3 

http://store.msc.fema.gov/webapp/wcs/stores/servletlFemaWelcomeView?storeId= 1 000 I &catalogld= I 0001&langId=-1, 
The city ofNew Orleans 1Orleans Parish is enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as of08-03-70, as 
determined per Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) panel number 2252030095E, dated 03-01-84. Facility is located within 
an IrA3" zone, area of 100-yr flooding, base flood elevations and flood hazard factors. The project is the repair ofbuilding 
and the replacement of equipment and components, as per 44 CFR 9.11, mitigation or minimization standards must be 
applied. Where possible, building contents, materials, and equipment (mechanical or electrical) must be elevated to or 
above advisory base flood elevations. In compliance with EO 11988, an 8-step process was completed and is attached. Per 
44 CFR 9.12, applicant must publish a fmal public notice 15 days prior to the start ofconstruction activities. Final public 
notice is to be forwarded to the LAGOHS/OEP and FEMA for inclusion in the permanent project files. A Cramer FPM 
Specialist. 
Correspondence/ConsultatlonIRejerences: FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map, Community Panel No. # 2252030095E, 
dated 03-01-84 

B. E.O. 11990 -Wetlands 
[8l No Effects on Wetland(s) and project located outside Wetland(s) -(Review Concluded) 


o Located in Wetland or effects Wetland(s) 

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






Comments: No wetlands were observed during site visit or determined to be present by checking the USFWS National 
Wetlands Inventory (NWJ) maps. 
Correspondence!ConsultationIRejerences: USFWS NWI map accessed on-line 
(http://wetlandsfws.er.usgs.gov/wtInds/launch.html) 1012506. 


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

o No Low income or minority population in, near or affected by the project -(Review Concluded) 

[8l Low income or minority population in or near project area 
[8l No disproportionately high and adverse impact on low income or minority population-(Review Concluded) 

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


Comments No Environmental Justice issues identified. 
Correspondence/ConsultatJon1Rejerences:U.S. Census bureau 2000 data at http://factfinder.census.gov, referenced 


10/25/06. 

III. Other Environmental Issues 

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

State Hazardous Materials and Solid Waste Laws 
Comments: Removal and disposal ofdebris containing household hazardous waste and certain categories of liquid wastes 
must be performed in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, executive orders and guidelines. 
LAC title 33 part VII requires that specified items, including lead acid batteries, used oil filters, used motor oil, scrap tires, 
efc's (refrigerants), radioactive waste or regulated infectious wastes must be segregated from and excluded from nonhazardous 
debris collection, staging, processing and disposal sites. Failure to comply with applicable legal requirements in 
debris collection and/or disposal operations will jeopardize federal funding. The clean-up or restoration/repair ofsites 
damaged as a result ofsuch operations are ineligible for federal funding. Previously obligated funding is subject to deobligation 
ifa determination of ineligibility is made. 
Correspondence/ConsultationIReference: 


Record of Environmental Consideration (Version 10/25/06) 


Reviewer Name: Adam Borden, Env. Spedalist Project NamelEnv. Database No: Ceatral Utility Plant 

FEMA-1603/1607-DR-LA PWfH3784 

Parish: Orleans 

IV. Extraordinary Circumstances 

Based on the review of compliance with other environmentaJ 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. If the circumstance can be mitigated, 
please explain in comments. Ifno, leave blank. 

Yes 

o (i) Greater scope or size than normally experienced for a particular category ofaction 
o (ii) Actions with a high level ofpublic controversy 
o 
o 
(iii) Potential for degradation, even though slight, of already existing poor environmental 
conditions; 
o (iv) Employment of unproven 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 (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 
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: 

Thefollowing-.conditionsapplyas-A .conditionofFEMA funding reimbursement: 

• Removal and disposal of debris containing household hazardous waste and certain categories of liquid wastes must 
be performed in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, executive orders and guidelines. 
LAC title 33 part VII requires that specified items, including lead acid batteries, used oil filters, used motor oil, 
scrap tires, efc's (refrigerants), radioactive waste or regulated infectious wastes must be segregated from and 
excluded from non~hazardous debris collection, staging, processing and disposal sites. Failure to comply with 
applicable legal requirements in debris collection and/or disposal operations will jeopardize federal funding. The 
clean-up or restoration/repair of sites damaged as a result ofsuch operations are ineligible for federal funding. 
Previously obligated funding is subject to de~obligation if a determination of ineligibility is made. 
• As per 44 CFR 9.11, mitigation or minimization standards must be applied. Where possible, building 
contents, materials, and equipment (mechanical or electrical) must be elevated to or above advisory base flood 
elevations. In compliance with EO 11988, an 8-step process was completed and is attached. Per 44 CFR 9.12, 
applicant must publish a final public notice IS days prior to the start of construction activities. Final public 
notice is to be forwarded to the LAGOHS/OEP and FEMA for inclusion in the permanent project files. 
• Ensure that if damaged AC unit or refrigerator contains refrigerant that is an ozone depleting substance subject to 
Clean Air Act requirements, that this refrigerant is removed and recovered by certified chlorofluorocarbon (cfc) 
technician per 40 CFR part 82, and that documentation ofappropriate disposal is obtained. 


Record of Environmental Consideration (Version 10125106)