ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

**HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY**

**LAND ACQUISITION**

**HARRIS COUNTY**

**HOUSTON, TEXAS**

**MAY 2006**

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**ABSTRACT:**

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Cemetery
Administration, operates the Houston National Cemetery, located in
Houston, Texas. In 2004, Houston National Cemetery conducted a total of
2,407 burials and was ranked number 10, regarding burial workload,
within the VA cemetery system.

The additional property proposed for acquisition (the Phillips property)
is approximately 32.4 acres in total size arranged in a narrow
rectangular shape running lengthwise along the southern boundary of the
existing Houston National Cemetery. The majority of the acquired land
will be maintained as a vegetated buffer, between the cemetery and
adjacent residential development to the south.

This environmental assessment reports on the effects of acquiring the
property and performing selective vegetation management; additional
appropriate environmental documents would be prepared prior to any
expansion of the cemetery or construction on the property.

The acquisition of this property and subsequent selective clearing and
use would not have any significant impact on the environment.

**Point of Contact**:

Don Campbell

Environmental Engineer

Department of Veterans Affairs

National Cemetery Administration

Office of Construction Management

810 Vermont Avenue, NW, LAF 235

Washington, DC 20420

202-565-5924

donald.campbell@va.gov

#   {#section .unnumbered}

# 

######## TABLE OF CONTENTS

[Section 1.0 - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3](#section-1.0---executive-summary)

[2.0 PURPOSE AND NEED 3](#purpose-and-need)

[2.1 Purpose 3](#purpose)

[2.2 Need 3](#need)

[3.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION
3](#description-of-the-proposed-action)

[3.1 The Action 3](#the-action)

[3.2 Location 3](#location-1)

[4.0 DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVES 3](#description-of-alternatives)

[4.1 No Action Alternative 3](#no-action-alternative)

[4.2 Alternative A -- Expand Cemetery on Adjacent Property Transferred
from RIA
3](#alternative-a-acquire-adjacent-property-transferred-from-ria)

[4.3 Other Alternatives 3](#other-alternatives)

[4.4 Basis for Selection 3](#basis-for-selection)

[5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS 3](#environmental-impact-analysis)

[5.1 Procedures 3](#procedures)

[5.2 Prior Environmental Studies 3](#prior-environmental-studies-1)

[5.3 Specific Areas Evaluated 3](#specific-areas-evaluated)

[5.3.1 Aesthetics 3](#aesthetics)

[5.3.2 Air Quality 3](#air-quality)

[5.3.3 Community Services 3](#community-services)

[5.3.4 Cultural Resources 3](#cultural-resources)

[5.3.5 Economic Activity 3](#economic-activity)

[5.3.6 Floodplains, Wetlands 3](#geology-and-soils)

[5.3.7 Geology and soils 3](#geology-and-soils)

[5.3.8 Noise 3](#noise)

[5.3.9 Property use 3](#property-use)

[5.3.10 Real Property 3](#real-property)

[5.3.11 Resident Population 3](#resident-population)

[5.3.12 Solid/hazardous waste 3](#geology-and-soils)

[5.3.13 Transportation 3](#transportation)

[5.3.14 Utilities 3](#utilities)

[5.3.15 Vegetation and Wildlife 3](#vegetation-and-wildlife)

[5.3.16 Water Resources 3](#water-resources)

[6.0 SOURCES CONSULTED/CONTACTED 3](#sources-consultedcontacted)

#   {#section-2 .unnumbered}

# 

# Section 1.0 - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

####### BACKGROUND

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Cemetery
Administration (NCA), operates the Houston National Cemetery, located in
Houston, Texas. In FY2004, Houston National Cemetery conducted a total
of 2,407 interments and was ranked number 10, regarding interment
workload, within the VA system.

The proposed action is the acquisition of a 32.4 acre parcel adjacent to
the southern boundary of the site offered by a private donor.

The proposed donation site is not immediately needed for burial purposes
and---based upon its narrow shape and separation from the main cemetery
by a drainage ditch---represents low potential for burial development.
Presently, the property is not improved and is not being maintained in
any way. Should the site be acquired by VA, it could be selectively
cleared and maintained as an attractive, wooded buffer consistent with
NCA appearance standards. Government ownership would also preclude
other, non-compatible uses of the land.

This Environmental Assessment reports on the effects of acquiring the
property from the private donor. Impacts related to site development
would be evaluated in a separate EA.

The acquisition of additional land at the Houston National Cemetery
would not have any significant impact on the environmental conditions on
the property.

####### LOCATION

The additional property proposed for acquisition (the Phillips property)
is approximately 32.4 acres in total size arranged in a long rectangular
shape measuring approximately 4,352 feet in length and 324 feet in
width. The property runs along the southern boundary of Houston National
Cemetery, extending in an east-west orientation. The property also
contains a drainage ditch approximately 20 feet wide and 6 feet deep
running along the northern boundary immediately adjacent to the
cemetery.

####### PRIOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment was completed on January 6, 2005
by MACTEC Engineering and Consulting of Houston, Texas. Based on the
information presented in this report, no evidence of recognized adverse
environmental conditions was identified with regards to the Site. No
further assessment was recommended at that time.

**DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVES**

[No-Action Alternative]{.underline}:

Under this alternative, VA would not accept the donated land, and the
area could be developed for commercial or residential property,
immediately adjacent to current burial areas.

[Proposed Alternative A: Acquire adjacent 32-acre tract]{.underline}

Under Alternative A, VA would accept the donated land and maintain the
tract as a wooded buffer shielding nearby residential development.

[Other Alternatives:]{.underline}

VA is not actively seeking additional land at this time; therefore,
there are no other alternatives.

**BASIS FOR SELECTION**

Alternative A was selected as the preferred alternative. VA ownership of
the donated land will allow Houston NC staff to maintain an attractive
vegetated buffer along the southern boundary of the cemetery.

**ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS**

[Specific Areas Evaluated:]{.underline}

[Aesthetics]{.underline} -- The proposed action will result in a
positive impact to cemetery appearance. Currently, the site is
unimproved and overgrown with heavy underbrush. VA plans to manage
overgrown vegetation and maintain the area as an attractive, wooded
buffer along the southern boundary of the cemetery.

[Air Quality]{.underline} -- Slight, short-term adverse impact during
selective mechanized vegetation removal.

[Community Services]{.underline} -- No impact

[Cultural Resources]{.underline} -- Based on available records and
correspondence from the Texas Historical Commission, no major impacts to
archeological or historical resources are anticipated.

[Economic Activity]{.underline} -- No impact

[Floodplains, wetlands]{.underline} -- Based on available records and
correspondence from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, no floodplains or
wetlands are present on the property.

[Geology and soils]{.underline} -- No impact

[Property Use]{.underline} -- No impact\--the property would be
maintained as an undeveloped portion of the cemetery.

[Noise]{.underline} -- Slight, short-term impact during selective
mechanized vegetation removal.

[Real Property]{.underline} -- The transfer of the property would cause
privately owned property to become Federally-owned property. This
conversion represents a minor loss of property tax income for the city
of Houston, Harris County, and the local school district.

[Resident Population]{.underline} -- No impact

[Solid/Hazardous Waste]{.underline} -- Based on a Phase I Environmental
Site Assessment completed on January 6, 2005 by MACTEC Engineering and
Consulting of Houston, Texas, no evidence of recognized adverse
environmental conditions was identified with regards to the Site. No
solid, hazardous, or toxic waste was identified on the site.

[Transportation]{.underline} -- No impact

[Utilities]{.underline} -- No impact

[Vegetation/Wildlife/Biological]{.underline} -- No federally listed or
proposed threatened or endangered species have been identified or are
likely to occur at the project site.

[Water Resources]{.underline} -- No impact

#   {#section-4 .unnumbered}

# 2.0 PURPOSE AND NEED

## 2.1 Purpose

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Cemetery
Administration (NCA) is responsible for providing cemetery services to
veterans and other eligible persons pursuant to the provisions of the
National Cemeteries Act of 1973 and other statutory authority and
regulations. Under this mandate, the National Cemetery Administration is
responsible for the operation and maintenance of 122 existing National
Cemeteries, and the construction of new National Cemeteries. The purpose
of the proposed action is to accept donated land adjacent to the Houston
National Cemetery to create an attractive wooded backdrop for existing
burial areas.

## 

## 2.2 Need

The proposed donation site is not immediately needed for burial purposes
and---based upon its narrow shape and separation from the main cemetery
by a drainage ditch---represents low potential for burial development.
Presently, the property is not improved and is not being maintained in
any way. Should the site be acquired by VA, it could be selectively
cleared and maintained as an attractive, wooded buffer separating the
cemetery from nearby residential development. Government ownership would
also preclude other, non-compatible uses of the land.

National cemeteries carry expectations of appearance that set them apart
from private cemeteries.

One of the strategic goals of the NCA is to ensure that each national
cemetery is maintained as a shrine with an appearance appropriate to
honor the service and sacrifice veterans have made. The acquisition and
maintenance of the additional land would improve cemetery appearance
consistent with NCA standards.

# 3.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION

## 3.1 The Action

The proposed action is the acquisition of a 32.4 acre parcel of land
adjacent to southern boundary of the Houston NC. The land will be
selectively cleared and maintained as a vegetated buffer between the
cemetery and nearby residential areas to the south.

## 3.2 Location

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Cemetery
Administration, operates the Houston National Cemetery, located in
Houston, Texas. In FY2004, Houston National Cemetery conducted a total
of 2,407 interments and was ranked number 10, regarding interment
workload, within the VA system. Houston National Cemetery was the
largest veteran's cemetery of its kind at the time of construction.
Designed entirely by VA staff, it was also the only new VA cemetery not
located on the grounds of a VA hospital. Houston became a national
cemetery in 1973 after the passage of the National Cemetery Act, when
operations and management were transferred from the U.S. Army to the
Veterans Administration.

The additional property proposed for acquisition (the Phillips property)
is approximately 32.4 acres in total size arranged in a long rectangular
shape measuring approximately 4,352 feet in length and 324 feet in
width. It is covered with heavy undergrowth and trees and contains no
apparent human-made improvements. The property runs along the southern
boundary of Houston National Cemetery, extending in an east-west
orientation. The northern edge of the property contains a drainage ditch
running the entire length of the site; the ditch is approximately
20-feet wide by 6-feet deep. The ditch is part of a broader water
control system and may constitute a recorded easement on the property.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has already awarded an access
easement across VA land to the Phillips property at the western end.

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# 4.0 DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVES

## 4.1 No Action Alternative

Under the no action alternative the VA would not accept the donated land
and would not take any action to manage it. The no action alternative is
not preferable as the appearance of the property negatively impacts
Houston National Cemetery's ability to achieve NCA appearance standards.

Under the No Action Alternative, there would be no environmental impacts
to the property, as it would stay in its present vacant, unimproved
condition.

## 4.2 Alternative A -- Acquire Adjacent Property Transferred from RIA

Under Alternative A, VA would accept the donate 32.4 acre parcel and
would manage the overgrown vegetation on it to improve appearance
consistent with NCA standards.

## 4.3 Other Alternatives

There are no additional alternatives.

## 4.4 Basis for Selection

> Alternative A was selected as the preferred alternative. VA ownership
> of the donated land will allow Houston NC staff to maintain an
> attractive vegetated buffer along the southern boundary of the
> cemetery.

# 

# 5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS

## 5.1 Procedures

Since Federal funding is involved, an Environmental Assessment (EA) was
conducted in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA), the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations
implementing NEPA (40 Code of Federal Regulations 1500-1508), and VA
Regulations, Title 38 of the CFR, Section 26.4 (a). The VA policy
includes provision to:

> Act with care in carrying out its mission of providing services for
> veterans and to ensure it does so consistently with national
> environmental policies. Specifically, the VA shall ensure that all
> practical means and measures are used to protect, restore, and enhance
> the quality of the human environment;
>
> Avoid or minimize adverse environmental consequences, consistent with
> other national policy considerations;
>
> Prepare concise and clear environmental documents which shall be
> supported by documented environmental analyses;

Preserve historical, cultural, and natural aspects of our national
heritage.

## 5.2 Prior Environmental Studies

To reduce redundancy with previous relevant documents related to
environmental conditions as required by the Council on Environment
Quality, all of VA's Environmental Assessments are based on the findings
of prior environmental studies. The Houston National Cemetery was
constructed in the early 1960's prior to requirements for environmental
impact assessments.

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment was completed on January 6, 2005
by MACTEC Engineering and Consulting of Houston, Texas. Based on the
information presented in this report, no evidence of recognized adverse
environmental conditions was identified with regards to the Site. No
further assessment was recommended at that time.

## 

## 5.3 Specific Areas Evaluated

## 

The acquisition of additional land at the Houston National Cemetery
could potentially impact natural, cultural, and economic resources as
well as the surrounding infrastructure. This EA examined the
acquisition's potential impacts on aesthetics, air quality, community
services, cultural resources, economic activity, floodplains and
wetlands, geology and soils, surrounding property uses, nearby resident
populations, transportation facilities, utilities, wildlife, and water
resources as well as potential increase in noise and production of solid
and hazardous waste.

The following sections contain discussions of each environmental aspect,
the existing conditions at the site, potential impacts associated with
the project, and NCA's strategy to mitigate negative impacts.

### 5.3.1 Aesthetics

Aesthetics refers to the visual resources including natural and man-made
features that give a particular piece of property its aesthetic
properties. High sensitivity relates to rare or unique natural settings.
Medium sensitivity relates to more developed areas with motor vehicles
and modern civilization. Low sensitivity relates to areas with minimal
landscape features and few changes in appearance.

##### Existing Setting

The proposed expansion site is densely wooded and relatively flat. The
site may contain invasive plant species that will be managed as required
by Executive Order 13112. To the south the property is bounded by
residential development, to the north, east, and west is the Houston
National Cemetery.

[Potential Environmental Impacts]{.underline}

Under the no action alternative there will be no change in the
appearance of the proposed development site.

Under Alternative A, Houston National Cemetery staff will selectively
remove overgrown vegetation and will maintain the site as a managed,
wooded area. This change to aesthetics is considered a positive impact.

[Proposed Mitigation Measures]{.underline}

No mitigation is required.

### 5.3.2 Air Quality

Air quality refers to the concentration of air contaminants in a
specific location. Air quality is determined by the type and amount of
pollutants emitted into the atmosphere, the size and topography of the
air basin, and the prevailing meteorological conditions. Impacts refer
to changes in the air quality related to changed conditions caused by an
action.

##### Existing Conditions

Harris County is a 1-hour ozone non-attainment area and an 8-hour ozone
non-attainment area according to the United States Environmental
Protection Agency Green Book website.

##### Potential Environmental Impacts 

Under the no action alternative there will be no adverse impacts on air
quality.

Under alternative A, there would be no impacts to air quality associated
with site acquisition and minimal, short-term, adverse impacts
associated with selective, mechanized vegetation removal.

[Proposed Mitigation Measures]{.underline}

No mitigation is required.

### 5.3.3 Community Services 

Community services refer to services provided by surrounding communities
such as police, fire, and ambulance services.

##### Existing Conditions

Community services are not regularly used in the proposed property, as
it is vacant.

##### Potential Environmental Impacts

Under the no action alternative there would be no change in use of
community services.

Under Alternative A there would be no increase in use of community
services associated with site acquisition and maintenance.

##### Proposed Mitigation Measures

No mitigation is required.

### 5.3.4 Cultural Resources

Cultural Resources refers to compliance with the National Historic
Preservation Act, which addresses the protection of archeological,
historic, and cultural resources.

##### Existing Conditions

The area under consideration does not include any cultural or historic
resources or structures (Appendix A -- SHPO letter).

##### Potential Environmental Impacts 

Under the no action alternative there would be no impact to cultural and
historic resources

Under Alternative A there would be no impact to cultural and historic
resources.

[Proposed Mitigation Measures]{.underline}

No mitigation required.

### 5.3.5 Economic Activity

Economic Activity refers to the effect that the proposed action would
have on the economic conditions in the surrounding area.

##### Existing Conditions

The vacant federal property has no economic effect on the community. The
Houston National Cemetery employs 32 full time staff.

[Potential Environmental Impacts]{.underline}

Under the no action alternative there would be no impact to economic
activity

Under Alternative A, there would be no impact to economic activity.

[Proposed Mitigation Measures]{.underline}

No mitigation required

### 5.3.6 Floodplains, Wetlands

Floodplains are those areas delineated by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) in their Flood Plain Maps indicating both
100-year and 500-year floodplains. Floodways are thos areas delineated
by FEMA indicating areas where floodwaters will be deepest and swiftest.

Wetlands are areas that are subject to inundation or saturation with
water near the surface of the ground for a period during the growing
season, have a vegetation cover dominated by plants adapted to wet
conditions, and have soils with characteristics that develops due to
waterlogged conditions.

##### Existing Conditions

Their are no floodplains or wetlands located in the property according
to existing records, maps, and correspondence with the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers. (Appendix B -- US COE concurrence letter).

[Potential Environmental Impacts]{.underline}

Under the no action alternative there would be no impact to floodplains
or wetlands,

Under Alternative A, there would be no impact to floodplains or
wetlands.

[Proposed Mitigation Measures]{.underline}

No mitigation required

### 5.3.7 Geology and soils

##  {#section-9 .MY-HEADING-2C}

Geology and soils refers to the potential for loss of soils and changes
in geological conditions due to rock excavation, soil erosion, soil
compaction, soil horizon removal, grading, and cutting and filling
operations.

##### Existing Conditions

According to the Harris County Soil Survey (1976) the site contains
Clodine loam and Gessner loam soils. Both soils are poorly drained and
nearly level. Clodine loams are hydric soils that are saturated during
winter and early spring. Gessner loams are saturated in wet periods.

##### Potential Environmental Impacts 

Under the no action alternative there would be no impact to geology and
soils on the property.

Under alternative A, there would be no impact to geology and soils on
the property

##### Proposed Mitigation Measures

No mitigation required.

### 5.3.8 Noise 

Noise refers to the generation of noise by construction or normal
operations on the property.

##### Existing Conditions

The existing cemetery currently generates some noise as a result of
normal cemetery operations. Sources of noise include preparations for
interments, performance of military honors during funeral services,
automobile traffic associated with funeral services, and landscape
maintenance. Most of these activities occur during regular business
hours and cause only a minimal adverse impact on the surrounding area.

##### Potential Environmental Impacts 

Under the no action alternative, noise levels would not change and there
would be no adverse impacts.

Under Alternative A, noise levels may increase temporarily during
selective clearing of overgrown vegetation; there would be no long-term,
adverse impacts.

##### Proposed Mitigation Measures

Adverse impacts will be mitigated by limiting construction to time
periods allowable under local noise ordinances.

### 5.3.9 Property use

####  

Property Use represents the current and planned use of the property in a
jurisdiction by the governing authorities.

##### Existing Setting

The proposed property consists of 32.4 acres of privately owned,
undeveloped land adjacent to the Houston National Cemetery.

##### Potential Environmental Impacts

Under the no action alternative there would be no change to property
use.

Under alternative A the property would remain vacant and undeveloped.
Vegetation on the site would be managed to improve health and
appearance.

##### Proposed Mitigation Measures

No mitigation required

### 5.3.10 Real Property

Real Property refers to the reduction of land on the tax rolls or
reduction in land value as a result of the cemetery expansion.

##### Existing Conditions

The proposed property consists of 32.4 acres of privately owned land
adjacent to the Houston National Cemetery.

##### Potential Environmental Impacts 

Under the no action alternative there would be no change to real
property.

Under alternative A the property would revert from private ownership to
federal government ownership and would no longer generate property tax
revenue for Harris County, Houston, and the local school district.

##### Proposed Mitigation Measures

The impact to county tax revenue could be mitigated by not accepting the
donated land. This mitigative action is not preferable as it would
remove control of the property's appearance from cemetery staff.

### 5.3.11 Resident Population

Resident Population refers to the addition of cemetery staff, change in
the neighborhood makeup, or alteration of demographic characteristics.

##### Existing Conditions

There is residential development to the south and west of the cemetery

##### Potential Environmental Impacts

Under the no action alternative no changes would occur in the resident
population.

Under the Alternative A no changes would occur in the resident
population.

##### Proposed Mitigation Measures

No mitigation required

**5.3.12 Solid/Hazardous Waste**

The Solid/Hazardous Waste category refers to the presence of and changes
in the proper management of solid waste and hazardous waste in
compliance with local, state and federal regulations.

##### Existing Conditions

No generation of solid or hazardous waste currently exists or will be
generated at the property.

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment was completed of the site on
January 6, 2005 by MACTEC Engineering and Consulting of Houston, Texas.
Based on the information presented in this report, no evidence of solid
or hazardous waste was identified. (Appendix C -- MACTEC Phase I
Environmental Assessment).

##### Potential Environmental Impacts 

Under the no action alternative there would be no change to
solid/hazardous waste generation.

Under Alternative A there would be no change to solid/hazardous waste
generation.

##### Proposed Mitigation Measures

No mitigation required

### 5.3.13 Transportation 

The Transportation category refers to changes in the vehicular traffic
related to the operations on the property and how it might impact
surrounding traffic patterns.

##### Existing Conditions

Currently visitors and funeral corteges enter by the main entrance on
Veterans Memorial Drive. No new entrances will be added as part of the
expansion project.

##### Potential Environmental Impacts 

Under the no action alternative there would be no change to
transportation use.

Under alternative A there would be no change to transportation use.

##### Proposed Mitigation Measures

No mitigation required

### 5.3.14 Utilities

The Utilities category refers to changes in the use of public utilities
at the property.

##### Existing Conditions

The cemetery currently uses a public water system and sanitary sewer.

##### Potential Environmental Impacts 

Under the no action alternative there will be no change in use of public
utilities.

Under Alternative A, there will be no change in use of public utilities.

##### Proposed Mitigation Measures

#### 

No mitigation required

### 5.3.15 Vegetation and Wildlife

The Vegetation and Wildlife category refers to the presence of
threatened or endangered species and the removal of trees and
vegetation.

##### Existing Conditions

The expansion site is not located within officially designated critical
habitat and does not contain any known or proposed federally listed
threatened or endangered species (Appendix A -- USFWS concurrence
letter).

##### Potential Environmental Impacts 

Under the no action alternative there will be no impact to federally
listed or proposed threatened or endangered species.

Under Alternative A there will be no impact to federally listed or
proposed threatened or endangered species.

##### Proposed Mitigation Measures

No mitigation required

### 5.3.16 Water Resources

The Water Resources include those portions of the natural environment
related to surface water and groundwater.

##### Existing Conditions

The existing cemetery has an irrigation system that can be extended to
serve new burial areas and site amenities.

##### Potential Environmental Impacts 

Under the no action alternative no additional irrigation water will be
needed.

Under Alternative A, no additional irrigation water will be needed.

##### Proposed Mitigation Measures

No mitigation required

# 6.0 SOURCES CONSULTED/CONTACTED

Catherine Yeargen. US Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife
Service, Clear Lake Ecological Services Field Office. Correspondence,
October 2004.

F. Lawrence Oaks, State Historic Preservation Officer. Texas Historical
Commission. Correspondence, October 2004.

Bruce Bennett. US Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District.
Correspondence, March 2005

US Environmental Protection Agency. Green Book: Currently Designated
Non-attainment Areas for All Criteria Pollutants.
http://www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/greenbk/

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, Houston national cemetery. MACTEC
Engineering and Consulting, Houston, Texas. January 2005.