ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW ST. VINCENT DE PAUL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI FEMA-1604-DR-MS Prepared for: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Transitional Recovery Office 220 Popps Ferry Road A South Biloxi, MS 39531 October 2006 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BILOXI FEMA-1604-DR-MS TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 1.0 INTRODUCTION 4 1.1 PROJECT AUTHORITY 4 1.2 PROJECT LOCATION 4 2.0 PURPOSE 4 2.1 PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE PROPOSED ACTION 4 3.0 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED 5 3.1 NO ACTION 5 3.2 RECONSTRUCTION AT THE ORIGINAL SITE 5 3.3 RELOCATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROPOSED ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AT AN ALTERNATIVE LOCATION-PROPOSED ACTION 5 4.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND IMPACT 6 4.1 LAND USE AND ZONING 6 4.2 GEOLOGY, SEISMIETY, AND SOIL 6 4.3 WATER RESOURCES AND WATER QUALITY 7 4.3.1 SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER 7 4.3.2 WETLAND AND OTHER WATER OF THE U.S. 8 4.3.3 FLOODPLAINS 9 4.4 AIR QUALITY 11 4.5 NOISE 11 4.6 TRAFFIC 11 4.7 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 12 4.7.1 THREATENED OR ENDANGERED SPECIES AND CRITICAL HABITATS 12 4.8 CULTURAL RESOURCES 13 4.9 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE 13 4.11 HAZARDOUS MATERIAL AND WASTE 14 5.0 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 15 6.0 AGENCIES CONSULTED 15 7.0 PROPOSED PROJECT CONDITIONS 16 8.0 CONCLUSION 18 LIST OF PREPARERS 19 REFERENCE PAGE 19 LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE TITLE 1 LOCATION MAP OF PROPOSED PROJECT SITE 2 USGS Quadrangle Map for Area 3 PROPOSED ELEMATARY SCHOOL SITE PLAN 4 NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM RATE MAP 5 LOCATION MAPS SHOWING ALTERNATIVE SITES 6 MAP OF STATE AND COUNTY OF PROPOSED PROJECT 7 WEB SITE FOR COUNTY AND US CENSUS INFORMATION APPENDIX A—AGENCY CORRESPONCE AND CONSULTATIONS APPENDIX B—PUBLIC NOTICE AND COMMENTS APPENDIX C—PRELIMINARY WETLAND DETERMINATION REPORT AND DRAWING APPENDIX D- NATIONWIDE PERMIT ISSUED BY THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT St. Vincent DePaul Elementary School Catholic Diocese of Biloxi Harrison County, MS 1.0 INTRODUCTION: On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina extensively damaged the entire Mississippi (MS) Gulf Coast and surrounding areas. Hurricane Katrina was the U.S. Mainland’s largest natural disaster in history. As a result of this storm two of the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi’s (Diocese) elementary schools in Pass Christian, Harrison County, Mississippi were rendered unusable. The Diocese has applied to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Public Assistance 406 funding under the Robert T. Stafford Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to help rebuild these schools. Harrison County is located in South Mississippi. It is approximately 2,528 square kilometers, 1,505 square kilometers land and 1,023 square kilometers water. In the 2000 census the county population was 189,601. Gulfport and Biloxi are the county seats. Gulfport is located in the south central portion of the county and Biloxi in the southeast part of the county. This Environmental Assessment (EA), attached, was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, the President’s Council on Environmental Quality regulations ( 40 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Parts 1500-1508) to implement NEPA, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regulations ( 44 CFR § 10.9) to implement NEPA. This EA analyzes the proposed project and alternatives in Pass Christian, Harrison County, Mississippi and assesses their potential impacts on the natural and human environmental in order to determine whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). 2.0 PURPOSE AND NEED On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused extensive damage to the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast and surrounding areas including the total destruction of the St. Thomas Catholic Elementary School and the St. Paul Catholic Elementary School located in Pass Christian, Harrison County, Mississippi. The Catholic Diocese of Biloxi provides the educational needs of 450-500 students consisting of Pre-Kindergarten through Sixth Grade. This would require about 65,000 square feet of facility space. The two schools that would be replaced were on sites that are within flood zones and do not meet the requirements of FEMA or the Catholic Diocese for rebuilding (Attachment 4). 3.0 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED 3.1 No Action Implementation of the No Action Alternative would entail no construction or replacement of the schools heavily damaged by the hurricane. Consequently, Harrison County school age children in western Harrison County would be without an option for parochial education. 3.2 Reconstruction at the Original Sites This alternative would rebuild the destroyed schools on the original sites to pre-disaster configuration, function and capacity. Since the new facilities would be constructed within the same footprint as the original structures the sites would require relatively little clearing, grading, and compacting to prepare for construction. These sites are in the floodplain as they were previously. However, the level of risk to the students would be higher than before since the base flood elevations have been increased due to Katrina. The insurance would also be more expensive than for the original sites for the same reason. 3.3 Relocation and Construction of the proposed elementary school at an Alternative Location – Proposed Action The project proposed by the Diocese for funding would to combine classrooms of 2 elementary schools destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in a new elementary school at a site already owned by the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi. The funds that would have been used to rebuild the destroyed schools would be directed to partially fund the new school construction as a part of the new elementary school complex. The proposed a site is on land already currently owned by the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi and on which is already located Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. This location is south of Derrick Road, between Menge Avenue and Espy Avenue in Pass Christian, Harrison County, MS. The specific site for the new school is Section 17, T8S-R12W and Latitude N 30°20’53” and Longitude 89°12’40” In an effort to make the school a safer this site was selected because it is located outside the floodplain and would not have the level of risk of the original location. The school proposed for construction on this site would be a state-of-the art facility. It would facilitate learning for 400 to 500 students, offering them all of the tools of a quality education. The school would be designed to have 65,000 square feet. Since the proposed site is relatively level, site preparation would be minimal, but would involve site clearing, grading, and compacting. Also a roadway to the school would be constructed to Espy Avenue. This roadway would serve as the main entrance to the site for all traffic. Construction could begin as soon as the final design has been approved. 4.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND IMPACTS 4.1 Land Use and Zoning The area of the proposed school would be located in a residential neighborhood and a light industrial area. The site is appropriately zoned for the new school. 4.2 Geology, Seismiety and Soils Harrison County is located on the Gulf Coastal Plain. The land surface is relatively flat. This area is dissected by streams and rivers flowing into the Gulf of Mexico. The southern portion of the county, on the gulf coast is generally a low-lying area with elevations at or near mean sea levels. Because the proposed project involves the construction of a new building, Executive Order 12699, Seismic Safety of Federal and Federally Assisted or Regulated New Building Construction, applies to the proposed project. According to the Executive Order, the construction of the proposed project must use appropriate seismic design and construction standards and practices. The 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC) and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Standard 7-95 are the only model codes that are substantially equivalent to Federal recommendation for the new building seismic design and construction. According to the National Seismic Hazard Mapping Project, there is currently a low probability of seismic activity within the project area (USGS 2003). The Soil Survey of Harrison County indicates that the soils found at the proposed sites are classified as Latonia loamy sand (Lt), Harleston fine loamy sand, 0-2% slopes (H1A), Plummer loamy sand (Pm) and Ponzer and Smithton soils. The upland areas of the site are mapped as Harleston, Plummer and Latonia. Harleston and Latonia are hydric inclusive soil types. Hydric inclusive soils contain a component within the broad map units that may be hydric. The hydric component is usually located near topographic lows or adjacent to streams. Although Harleston and Latonia may contain areas of hydric soil, most of the Harleston and Latonia areas contain no low areas or areas with low chroma soils. The areas mapped as Ponzer and Smithton is relatively undisturbed due to the wetness associated with this soil type. The area mapped as Plummer is surrounded by developments to the south and north. A small, manmade ditch was created within the adjacent subdivision to the north. Roadside ditches are found along Evangeline Road. The changes in hydrology appear to have reduced the amount of hydrology in the Plummer soil type. Although the soils were low in chroma, no hydrology indicators were found within the Plummer Soil type. Consequences of Alternatives: Alternative A – No Action: Implementation of the No-Action Alternative would have no impact on existing soils. Alternative B- Reconstruction at the Original Site: Reconstruction of the destroyed building on the original site would be clearing and grading activities, filling and compaction. However, soil disturbance would be in the area already disturbed by construction of the facilities that were in place prior to the hurricane. Alternative C- Proposed Action: Construction at the proposed site would require clearing of vegetation and grading and compaction of soil. The proposed site is relatively flat; subsequently the initial site work would not be significant. Exposed soils would be subject to erosion, therefore silt fence and/or other storm water quality best management practices would be utilized during construction. 4.3 Water Resources and Water Quality 4.3.1 Surface and Groundwater No significant surface or groundwater contamination should occur because of the construction of this new school. No designated wild and scenic rivers are located near project. Harrison County residents depend on groundwater from the Gulf Coast Aquifer as their potable water source. This underground reservoir which extends from Florida to Texas is comprised of two principal subsystems. The Lissie/ Goliad sand subsystem is used by Pass Christian and begins at roughly six-hundred feet below the ground surface and extends downwards an additional three-hundred to six-hundred feet. (RGCD 2003). Consequences of Alternatives: Alternative A – No Action: Implementation of the No-Action Alternative would have no impact on surface or groundwater resources. Alternative B- Reconstruction at the Original Sites: Reconstruction of the facilities on the original sites would have no direct adverse impacts on the groundwater supply at that site. Soil disturbance from construction could potentially increase turbidity from site runoff during construction. Erosion control practices would be implemented during construction to limit turbidity and silt transport off site. Runoff from the facility would flow into city stormwater system. Construction at the original sites would not impact water sources. Accidental spills of fluids used in construction equipment could potentially affect groundwater quality. Safe handling of hazardous construction materials, in accordance with all local, state, and federal regulations, and maintaining construction equipment off site, and in good working order, would minimize the potential for leaks and spills of hazardous material, including fuels, coolants, and lubricants and consequent water contamination. Given the measures outlined above, no significant short or long term impacts to surface or groundwater are anticipated. Alternative C- Proposed Action: This project has submitted a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan to the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and would be constructed in accordance with all regulations. Construction of the new school would require disturbance of land. Soil disturbance from construction could potentially increase turbidity in site runoff during construction. Erosion control practices would be implemented during construction to limit turbidity and silt transport off site. Runoff from the facility would flow to the nearby drainage ditch and surface water would not be affected. Construction at the proposed site would not impact water sources. The drainage ditches that are on the site are part of a wetland system that exits the parcel along the southern boundary and continues southwest to Indian Bayou. The wetlands continue to Bayou Portage and the Bay of St. Louis Accidental spills of fluids used in construction equipment could potentially affect groundwater quality. Safe handling of hazardous construction materials, in accordance with all local, state, and federal regulations, and maintaining construction equipment off site, and in good working order, would minimize the potential for leaks and spills of hazardous material, including fuels, coolants, and lubricants and consequent water contamination. Given the measures outlined above, no significant short or long term impacts to surface or groundwater are anticipated. 4.3.2 Wetlands and Other Waters of the U.S. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) regulates the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the U.S., including wetlands, pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Wetlands are identified as those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. In addition, Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands, directs federal agencies to take actions to minimize the destruction, loss or degradation of wetlands and to preserve and enhance the values of wetlands on federal property. Consequences of Alternatives: Alternative A – No Action: The No-Action alternative would have no effect on wetlands or other waters of the U.S. and would not require a Section 404 permit. Alternative B- Reconstruction at the Original Sites: Reconstruction of the school at the original sites would not impact or modify wetlands, have adverse effects on the natural values of wetlands, or directly or indirectly support impact wetlands or waters of the US. Alternative C- Proposed Action: Construction of the school facility at a site safer from hurricanes and out of the flood zones would impact less than 0.8 acre of wetlands (See Attachment 3). Solutions, Inc. performed a preliminary wetland determination on 22.5 acres for the Catholic Diocese in May 2006 (See Appendix D). Solutions, Inc. determined that 4.1 acres of the site would be considered wetlands. The proposed site plan would impact 0.8 acres of the wetland area, avoiding 3.3 acres of wetlands on the site. A Nationwide permit for the proposed activity has been issued by the Mobile district Corps of Engineers on November 6, 2006, to conduct the regulated activities associated with the proposed site (See Appendix D). Mitigation for the unavoidable loss of wetland functions and values would be provided by purchasing credits from an approved off-site mitigation bank. According to a map provided by the Harrison County Natural Resource and Conservation Service, the major soil types located within the site are: Latonia loamy sand (Lt), Harleston fine loamy sand, 0 to 2 % slopes (H1A), Plummer loamy sand (Pm) and Ponzer and Smithton soils (Ps). The upland areas are mapped as Harleston, Plummer and Latonia. Harleston and Latonia are hydric inclusive soil types. Hydric inclusive soils contain a component within the broad, mapunits that may be hydric. The hydric component is usually located near topographic lows or adjacent to streams. Although Harleston and Latonia may contain areas of hydric soil, most of the Harleston and Latoinia areas contain no low areas or areas with low chroma soils. The areas mapped as Ponzer and Smithton is relatively undisturbed due to the wetness associated with this soil type. The area mapped as Plummer is surrounded by developments to the south and north. A small, manmade ditch was created within the adjacent subdivision to the north. Roadside ditches are found along Evangeline Road. The changes in hydrology appear to have reduced the amount of hydrology in the Plummer soil type. Although the soils were low in chroma, no hydrology indicators were found within the Plummer Soil type. Vegetation The proposed site is comprised of three vegetative communities. Approximately 8 acres of the site appears to have been disturbed prior to 1998. The disturbed area is periodically mowed and maintained as a lawn. The entire disturbed and mowed area contains uplands. Aerial photographs taken in 1998 illustrate the presence of buildings and the mowed area. In the aerial photograph, a lack of trees and shrubs is evident. The remaining undisturbed areas contain both forested wetlands and forested uplands. The forested areas contain large trees and dense shrubs. In the undisturbed, wetland area, ligustrum, titi, slash pine, red maple, tupelo, water oak and sweetbay are the dominant species. The forested uplands contain farkleberry, yaupon, loblolly pine, water oak, live oak and large flower magnolia. The dominant species with indicator status is recorded for the three vegetative communities on the routine wetland delineation forms. 4.3.3 Floodplains In compliance with FEMA policy implementing Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management, the project was reviewed for possible impacts associated with occupancy or modification to a floodplain. According to the National Flood Insurance Program’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) the proposed location is located outside of the 100 year floodplain. The Advisory Base Flood Elevation Maps show the proposed site to be out of the flood zones. Consequences of Alternatives: Alternative A – No Action: The No Action alternative would not result in impacts to the 100-year floodplain. Alternative B- Reconstruction at the Original Sites: New flood elevations are being established along the Gulf Coast since Hurricane Katrina. The original school sites are located within a designated floodplain. Reconstruction of the schools on their respective sites would have an impact on the newly established floodplain. Alternative C- Proposed Action: The proposed construction site for the new school is not located within a floodplain. (See Attachment 4) The proposed site would not result in short term or long term effects associated with the occupancy of or modification to floodplains and direct or indirect support of floodplain development. Therefore, the proposed alternative site would be in compliance with Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management. Hydrology The topographic map and the soil survey illustrate normal drainage patterns to the Bay of St. Louis through Bayou Portage and Indian Bayou. The specific hydrology indicators found within the delineated wetland areas include saturation of soil in upper 12 inches and oxidized root channels. The hydrology of the site appears to have been disturbed by the ditches along the south and north boundaries. Hydrology has been effectively removed and routed to the only existing wetland area remaining on the site. (See Appendix C) 4.4 Air Quality The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses six “criteria pollutants” as indicators of air quality, and has established for each of them a maximum concentration above which adverse effect human health may occur. These threshold concentrations are called National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).The EPA has designated specific areas as NAAQS attainment or non-attainment areas. Non-attainment areas are any areas that do not meet the quality standards for a pollutant. These areas are subject to corrective actions specified by EPA, including restrictions on certain types of activities. Attainment areas are any areas that meet ambient air quality standards. Harrison County is in attainment for all six criteria pollutants and has no restrictions (EPA 2004). Consequences of Alternatives: Alternative A – No Action: The No Action alternative would have no effect on air quality. Alternative B- Reconstruction at the Original Sites: Heavy equipment would produce small amounts of hydrocarbons, exhaust fumes and fugitive dust during implementation of any construction. However, concentrations of these pollutants would not cause the region to reach non-attainment status. Impacts to air quality resulting from reconstruction of the schools on their original sites would be short-term, ending once construction is completed and the disturbed area is stabilized. The contractor would be required to keep all equipment in good working order to minimize air pollution. The rebuilding of two facilities would double the amount of pollution released into the atmosphere. Alternative C- Proposed Action: Construction of an improved school would involve pollutant emissions from construction equipment which could result in minor effect to air quality in the area immediately surrounding the construction activity. Fugitive dust would escape into the atmosphere during these activities. However, the effects would be localized and of short duration and would not jeopardize the attainment status of Harrison County. The contractor would be required to keep all equipment in good working order to minimize air pollution. 4.5 Noise Noise is generally described as unwanted sound. Existing ambient noise levels in the area are consistent with residential and light industrial businesses. There is also traffic noise from the roads and highways in the area and intermittent noise from trains that run though the area. Noise levels within and adjacent to the project area would increase during the proposed construction activities as a result of construction equipment. The noise levels generated would be limited to workday daylight hours for the duration of the work Consequences of Alternatives: Alternative A – No Action: The No Action alternative would not result in impacts to noise receptors in the area. Alternative B- Reconstruction at the Original Sites: Reconstruction of the school at the original sites would generate a temporary increase in noise during construction. This increase in noise may affect adjacent property owners with close proximity to the construction site. However, no change to the long term noise level that existed prior to the event would be anticipated. The noise levels would double that of the proposed action because there would be two locations producing approximately the same noise level as the one proposed action. Alternative C- Proposed Action: The proposed construction site would temporarily increase the noise levels. Although the proposed action would result in increased noise during construction, the noise is expected to be minor and short term. 4.6 TRAFFIC Traffic issues were considered in this environmental assessment include the health and safety of area residents, the public at-large and the protection of personnel involved in activities related to the implementation of the proposed project. Consequences of Alternatives: Alternative A – No Action: The No Action alternative would have no effect on traffic in the area. Alternative B- Reconstruction at the Original Sites: Although construction traffic in this area of Harrison County has the potential to affect access to the immediate project area temporarily, there would be no long-term impact on traffic after construction that was not present before the disaster. All construction activities would be conducted in a safe manner in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requirements. Alternative C- Proposed Action: Construction of the new school would affect the traffic in the immediate area during construction. However, the normal traffic in the area is light. The proposed school would share a proposed parking lot situated on the site between the proposed school and the existing church. The parking lots available should be sufficient to support any activities that the school may take place in, such as sporting events or parent teacher meetings. A proposed access road links the existing church parking lot and the proposed new parking lot. The access drive to the school is required to enter the site off of Espy Avenue, a collector street in an industrial area, to keep traffic off Menge Avenue, a neighborhood Street. Buses, delivery trucks and parents who pick their children up from school would use the access road from Espy Avenue to gain access to the school. The Catholic Diocese will work with Harrison County to provide a turning bay and caution light at the intersection of the proposed access drive and Espy Avenue. The addition of the turning bay would be completed before the proposed school is occupied to assure the prevention of congestion in the existing north/south bound traffic along Espy Avenue. In addition, the design of the site would be carefully calculated in order to minimize traffic concerns that this proposed school would offer. Construction traffic would be closely monitored and controlled as appropriate. A temporary Construction access road would occur off of Menge Avenue until the Permanent access drive is completed. All construction activities would be conducted in a safe manner in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requirement.No Site Conditions are present that would require Demolition of any sort. Construction vehicles and equipment would be stored on site during project construction and appropriate signage would be posted on affected roadways. 4.7 Biological Resources The native vegetation in Harrison County is primarily Loblolly Pine. Much of the county is in timber production. Other vegetation located with in the county consists of Live Oaks, Tupelo Gum, and Longleaf Pine and are just a small sample of the vegetation that occurs in Harrison County. 4.7.1 Threatened or Endangered Species and Critical Habitats The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) list the species that are located in Harrison County that are endangered or threatened. This list includes, but is not limited to, the Gopher Tortoise. Consequences of Alternatives: Alternative A – No Action: The No Action alternative would have no effect on threatened or endangered species. Alternative B- Reconstruction at the Original Sites: The reconstruction of the schools would have no impact to threatened or endangered species prior to the disaster. Alternative C- Proposed Action: The construction of the school would have no impact to threatened or endangered species prior to the disaster. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service have reviewed the proposal of the Catholic Diocese and have determined that the proposed action should not adversely impact any federally listed species. (See Appendix A) 4.8 Cultural Resources Consequences of Alternatives: Alternative A – No Action: The No Action Alternative would have no effect on cultural resources in the area. Alternative B- Reconstruction at the Original Sites: Since the sites were previously disturbed, it is unlikely that there would be any historic properties present. However, should any historic or archaeological materials be discovered during construction, all activites on the site would be halted immediately and the contractor would contact FEMA and the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Alternative C- Proposed Action: The Mississippi Department of Archives and History was contacted in order to see if any areas of historical or archeological significance were located within the boundaries of the proposed project. In a letter dated November 30, 2006 (Appendix A). The Mississippi Department of Archives and History has no reservations concerning the proposed project. (See Appendix A) No sites eligible for listing in the Federal Register were found on the site according to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. However, should any historic or archaeological materials be discovered during construction, all activities on the site would be halted immediately and the contractor would contact FEMA and the MS Department of Archives and History. 4.9 Environmental Justice Executive Order 12898, entitled “ Federal Actions to Address environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations,” mandates that federal agencies identify and address, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of programs on minority and low-income populations .According to the 2000 US Census, the population of Harrison County was 189,601. The percentage of race and ethnicity for the county follows: White = 73.1, Black or African American – 21.1, American Indian and Alaska native = 0.5, Asian = 2.6, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific islander = 0.1, some other race = 0.9, Two or more races = 1.7, and Hispanic or Latino = 2.6. According to the 2000 Census, the median household income for Harrison County was $35,024 while the National median income was $41,994.In 2003, the estimated population of Pass Christian was 6,599. The ancestry of Pass Christian has remained true to historical data. Consequences of Alternatives: Alternative A – No Action: The No Action alternative would have no effect on minority or low-income populations. Alternative B- Reconstruction at the Original Sites: Reconstruction of the schools would not have adverse or disproportionate impacts on minority or low-income populations. The buildings existed prior to Hurricane Katrina for several years. The benefits of rebuilding would be proportional to all residents in Harrison County. Alternative C- Proposed Action: Construction of the new school would not have adverse or disproportionate impacts on minority or low-income populations at the proposed site. An existing Catholic Church stands adjacent to the proposed school location. The school would be open to the general public after service to individuals that practice Catholicism. St. Vincent De Paul is an equal opportunity school. The benefits of rebuilding would be proportional to all residents in Harrison County. 4.10 Hazardous Material and Waste Hazardous wastes, as defined by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), are defined as “a solid waste, or combination of solid wastes, which because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics may (1) cause, or significantly contribute to, an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible illness or (2) pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, or disposed of or otherwise managed.” The following is a list of the federal and state databases reviewed via Internet for this project: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Priorities List (NPL), and EPA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Information System (CERCLIS) List, Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) Superfund Registry, MDEQ Leaking Petroleum Storage Tank (LPST) List and MDEQ Petroleum Storage Tank (PST) List. The databases were searched by zip code and by the County of Harrison. No facilities or properties in the proposed construction areas were listed on the databases reviewed. Consequences of Alternatives: Alternative A – No Action: The No Action alternative would not disturb any hazardous materials or create any potential hazard to human health. Alternative B- Reconstruction at the Original Sites: Reconstruction of the schools on the original sites would not disturb any hazardous material or create any potential hazard to human health. If hazardous constituents were unexpectedly encountered in this project area during construction, appropriate measures for the proper assessment, remediation and management of the contamination would be initiated in accordance with applicable federal, state and local regulations, the contractor would take appropriate measures to prevent, minimize and control the spill of hazardous material in the construction staging area. Alternative C- Proposed Action: Construction of the proposed school would not disturb any hazardous material or create any potential hazard to human health. If hazardous constituents were unexpectedly encountered in this project area during construction, appropriate measures for the proper assessment, remediation and management of the contamination would be initiated in accordance with applicable federal, state and local regulations, the contractor would take appropriate measures to prevent, minimize and control the spill of hazardous material in the construction staging area. 5 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION The public would be invited to comment on this proposed action. This public notice would be published on Monday, January 22, 2007. After the public notice has expired, all comments will be addressed. The Draft Environmental Assessment will be made available during this comment period. Several Public Forums were held presenting the proposed school design. These forums were held at the existing Church located on the site of the proposed school. The dates and times of these forums were posted in publications of the Catholic Dioceses’. The proposed school also was approved for a Conditional Use Permit with the Harrison County Zoning Administration. The approval process for this Permit allowed for the surrounding property Owners of the proposed school to voice their input on the new construction. No comments were documented. 6 AGENCIES CONSULTED U.S. Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Department of Agriculture Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, SWPPP, Section 401 Water Quality Certification Mississippi Department of Archives and History Mississippi Department of Marine Resources Mississippi Department of Transportation Mississippi Soil and Water Conservation Commission A Nationwide 404 Permit has been issued for the proposed site. In addition, a Storm Water Permit will be issued to the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. The Contractor that is awarded the job would be responsible for obtaining a Building Permit and would be responsible in complying with all the local applicable Codes of Harrison County. 7 CONDITIONS FOR PROPOSED PROJECT 1. Construction vehicles and equipment shall be stored and maintained in good working order to minimize pollutant emissions and to minimize potential for spills of hazardous materials including fuels, coolants, lubricants and consequent soil and water contamination. 2. Should potentially historic or archaeologically significant materials be discovered during project construction or staging of equipment, all activities on the site shall be halted immediately and the applicant shall consult with FEMA and the Mississippi Department of Achieves and History for further guidance. 3. All hazardous materials shall be disposed of and handled in accordance with all local, State, and Federal regulations during the implementation of the proposed project. 4. The applicant is responsible for obtaining and complying with all local, State, and Federal permits and approvals The following table summarizes the potential impacts of the Proposed Action Alternative and the mitigation measures to offset those impacts: Affected Environment Impacts Mitigation Geology, Seismiety and Soils No impacts to geology; long-term minor impact to topography. Short- term impacts to soils during the construction period. Appropriate BMP’s such as installing silt fences and revegetating bare soils immediately upon completion of construction to stabilize soil. Water Resources Temporary short-term impacts to water resources are possible during construction activities. None Surface Water Temporary short-term impacts to surface water are possible during construction activities. Appropriate BMP’s such as installing silt fences and following the SWPPP. Floodplains No impacts to floodplains are anticipated. None Groundwater No impacts to groundwater are anticipated. None Biological Resources A small wetland area would be impacted due to the construction activities that are proposed. If required, mitigation would be purchased from an approved off-site mitigation bank. Air Quality Short-term impacts to air quality would occur during the construction period. Equipment must be properly maintained by the contractor. Transportation There would be increase traffic because of the proposed activities. Construction activities would only be short-term. Construction vehicles and equipment would be stored on site during project construction and appropriate signage would be posted on affected roadways. Affected Environment Impacts Mitigation Cultural Resources No impacts to archeological or historic resources are anticipated. None Socioeconomic Resources No impacts to socioeconomic resources would occur. None Environmental Justice No disproportionately high or adverse effect on minority or low-income populations would occur. None Safety No impacts to safety are anticipated. All construction activities would be performed using qualified personnel and in accordance with the standards specified in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. Appropriate signs and barriers should be in place prior to construction. Hazardous Materials No impacts to hazardous material or wastes are anticipated. Any hazardous waste discovered, generated, or used during construction would be disposed of and handled in accordance with applicable local, state and federal regulation. 8 CONCLUSION The proposed project would construct a new school to replace two schools destroyed by Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005. The old schools were destroyed to the point that children do not have a facility to attend. The proposed school would be built in an area that is not in the flood zone and would be better location than the two original sites if another natural disaster where to impact the area. The new school would give students a valuable opportunity for an excellent education. The findings of this Environmental Assessment conclude that the proposed construction of the new school at the new location would result in no significant environmental impacts to the human or natural environment; therefore, the proposed action meets the requirements of a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) under NEPA and the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) would not be required. LIST OF PREPARERS Anna Schoonover Gaddis Guider Solutions, Inc. Solutions, Inc. P.O. Box 820127 P.O. Box 820127 Vicksburg, MS 39182-0127 Vicksburg, MS 39180 REFERENCES Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977, Sections 301, 401, and 404 FEMA Regulations and Flood Insurance Rate Maps National Environmental Policy Act National Resources Conservation Service Soil Surveys Pass Christian Web Site National Environmental Policy Act United States Census Data (2000) United States Geological Quadrant Maps Project Location Map USGS Quadrangle Map Site Plan Coordination Letters with SHPO, USFWS, MDNR, USCOE, Solutions Inc. Preliminary Wetland Delineation Report Appendix B Public Notice FEMA NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CATHOLIC SCHOOL LOCATED IN PASS CHRISTIAN, HARRISON COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI Interested parties are hereby notified that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) for a proposed elementary school for the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi. The proposed school would replace 2 elementary schools that were severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005. A Presidential Disaster Declaration, FEMA-1604-DR-MS, was signed on August 29, 2005, for this event. The proposed action includes construction of a new elementary school located in Pass Christian, Harrison County, Mississippi. The proposed school includes an approximately 65,000 square foot facility for 450-500 students consisting of Pre-Kindergarten through Sixth Grade students. Project activities would include site clearing, grading, road construction, and the placement of utilities, parking lot construction and the building of the structure. A Draft EA was written to evaluate the proposed action’s potential impacts on the human and natural environment. In order to meet the urgent need of hurricane victims to have a permanent school for their educational needs, FEMA has conducted an expedited environmental review process to identify and address environmental issues. The Draft EA summarizes the purpose and need, site selection process, affected environment, and potential environmental consequences associated with the proposed action. Due to the emergency nature of this action, the public comment period will start on January 22, 2007 and end on February 5, 2007. Written comments on the Draft EA can be faxed to (601) 638-0097; and verbal comments will be accepted at (601) 634-6118 between 7 A.M. and 6 P.M. The Draft EA can be viewed and downloaded from FEMA’s website at http://www.fema.gov/plan/ehp/envdocuments and is also available for public review at the Biloxi Courthouse, 730 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Biloxi, Mississippi 39530. The hours available for viewing the draft EA is Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If no substantive comments are received, the Draft EA will become final and this initial Public Notice will also serve as the final Public Notice. Anna Schoonover Solutions, Inc. P.O. Box 820127 Vicksburg, MS 39182-0127 601-634-6118 3