Draft Environmental Assessment
Charles B. Murphy Elementary School Relocation
Hancock County, Mississippi
July 2007

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
FEMA-1604-DR-MS
Transitional Recovery Office  Biloxi, MS

This document was prepared by
Nationwide Infrastructure Support Techical Assistance Consultants (NISTAC)

200 Orchard Ridge Drive, Suite 101
Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Contract No. HSFEHQ-06-D-0489
Task Order No. HSFEHQ-06-J-0003

TABLE OF CONTENTS


Appendix A	Figures
Appendix B	Agency Coordination

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

ABFE		Advisory Base Flood Elevation
ACHP		Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
amsl		above mean sea level
APE		Area of Potential Effect
BMP		Best Management Practice

CAA		Clean Air Act
CBMES	Charles B. Murphy Elementary School
CEQ		Council on Environmental Quality
CFR 		Code of Federal Regulations
CO		carbon monoxide
CWA		Clean Water Act
CZMA		Coastal Zone Management Act

dB 		decibel 
DNL		Day-Night Average Sound Level

EA		Environmental Assessment
EO		Executive Order
EPA		U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

FEMA		Federal Emergency Management Agency
FIRM		Flood Insurance Rate Map
FPPA		Farmland Protection Policy Act

MDAH	Mississippi Department of Archives and History
MDEQ		Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
MDMR	Mississippi Department of Marine Resources

NAAQS	National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NEPA		National Environmental Policy Act
NFIP		National Flood Insurance Program	
NHPA		National Historic Preservation Act
NISTAC	Nationwide Infrastructure Support Technical Assistance Consultants
NOAA		National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NO2		nitrogen dioxide
NPDES	National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
NRCS		Natural Resources Conservation Service
NRHP		National Register of Historic Places
NWI		National Wetland Inventory

O3		ozone
OSHA		Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Pb		lead
PM2.5		particulate matter less than 2.5 microns
PM10		particulate matter less than 10 microns

SHPO		State Historic Preservation Office
SO2		sulfur dioxide 
STP		shovel test pit
SWPPP 	Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan

THPO		Tribal Historic Preservation Officer

USACE	U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 
USFWS	U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
USDA		U.S. Department of Agriculture
USGS		U.S. Geological Survey

VOC		Volatile Organic Compound




1.0	INTRODUCTION
On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the Mississippi Gulf Coast, causing extensive 
damage. A Presidential Disaster Declaration, FEMA-1604-DR-MS, was subsequently signed for 
Katrina. 
The Hancock County School District (District) has submitted an application for Federal 
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding under FEMAs Public Assistance Program 
being administered in response to FEMA-1604-DR-MS. In accordance with the Robert T. 
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, PL 93-288, as amended, and 
implementing regulations at 44 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 206, FEMA is required 
to review the environmental effects of the proposed action prior to making a funding decision.  
This Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared in accordance with FEMAs National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations found in 44 CFR Part 10. 
2.0	PURPOSE AND NEED
On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrinas storm surge severely damaged the Districts Charles B. 
Murphy Elementary School (CBMES) in Pearlington, Mississippi (Appendix A, Figure 1).  
CBMES was comprised of five buildings with ancillary facilities that included a package 
biological treatment process plant.  The school provided public education to 125 students, from 
kindergarten through fifth grade. CBMES was located in floodplain designated zone A9 and was 
within the surge inundation zone for Hurricane Katrina, receiving up to 8 feet of water in some 
places (FEMA, 1987).      
Post-Katrina, many Hancock County residents relocated north of the surge inundation zone, thus 
creating an increased demand for additional public education facilities in northern hancock 
County, Mississippi. Students remaining in the Pearlington area currently utilize temporary 
facilities located on the Hancock County Middle School campus and will be transferred to 
Gulfview Elementary School, located approximately 15 miles east of the former Charles B. 
Murphy campus, once the Gulfview school is rebuilt. The need for this project is to establish a 
permanent educational facility to meet the increased demand for public education north of the 
surge inundation zone that was established post-Katrina. 
3.0	ALTERNATIVES
This section describes the alternatives that were considered in addressing the purpose and need 
stated in Section 2 above. Two alternatives were evaluated: the No Action Alternative, and the 
Proposed Action Alternative, which is the relocation and rebuilding of CBMES on higher ground 
in northern Hancock County, in Kiln, Mississippi.
3.1	Alternative 1: No Action
Under the No Action Alternative, Charles B. Murphy Elementary School would not be rebuilt.  
The District would not have sufficient permanent education facilities to meet the increased 
student population that has relocated to northern Hancock County post-Katrina. Faculty and 
students of CBMES would continue to utilize temporary facilities on the Hancock County 
Middle School Campus until Gulfview Elementary School is rebuilt. 
Three of the five buildings located at the former school site were heavily damaged and have been 
demolished.  The remaining two buildings would be leased to a third party. No FEMA funding 
would be utilized to repair the remaining two buildings.
3.2	Alternative 2: Relocate and Rebuild Charles B. Murphy Elementary School 
(Proposed Action)
Under the Proposed Action Alternative, the District proposes to construct a new Charles B. 
Murphy Elementary School on a 40-acre parcel located north of Highway 43 in Kiln, 
Mississippi.  (Appendix A, Figure 2). The proposed project site is approximately 33 miles 
northeast of the existing CBMES and is owned by the Hancock County School District.  The 
District intends to construct a new 84,000-square-foot, one-story building in the center of the 
proposed property. Primary access to the new school would be from the south on Highway 43.   
A secondary access road, approximately 3,000 feet long, will be constructed to the northeast, 
connecting the school to Leetown Road. Approximately 29.6 acres of vegetation would be 
cleared to construct the school.  The school would connect to existing utilities along Highway 43 
and a wastewater treatment package plant would be constructed on site. 
4.0	AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND IMPACTS
The following table summarizes the potential impacts of the Proposed Action Alternative and 
conditions or mitigation measures to offset those impacts.  Following the summary table, any 
areas where potential impacts were identified will be discussed in greater detail.
East Hancock Fire Station Draft EA 05.10.07txt
Thi table contains three columns, titled Affected Environment, Impacts, and Mitigation.

Affected Environment
Impacts
Mitigation
Geology and Soils 
No impacts to geology; temporary 
impacts to soils during the 
construction period
Appropriate Best Management 
Practices (BMPs), such as 
installing silt fences and 
revegetating bare soils immediately 
upon completion of construction to 
stabilize soils.
Surface Water
Temporary impacts to offsite, 
downstream surface waters are 
possible during construction 
activities. 
A Stormwater Pollution Prevention 
Plan (SWPPP) and a National 
Pollutant Discharge Elimination 
System (NPDES) permit must be 
obtained prior to construction; 
appropriate BMPs, such as 
installing silt fences and 
revegetating bare soils, would 
minimize runoff. 
Groundwater
No impacts to groundwater are 
anticipated.
None
Floodplains
No impacts to the floodplain are 
anticipated.
None

Waters of the U.S. 
including Wetlands
Approximately 0.004 acre of a 
drainage ditch (waters of the U.S.) 
would be impacted for construction 
of the secondary access road.  
None

Transportation
Minor temporary increase in the 
volume of construction traffic on 
roads in the immediate vicinity of 
the proposed project site. 
Construction vehicles and 
equipment would be stored on-site 
during project construction and 
appropriate signage would be 
posted on affected roadways.  
Public Health and 
Safety
No impacts to public health and 
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 signage 
and barriers should be in place 
prior to construction activities to 
alert pedestrians and motorists of 
project activities. 
Hazardous Materials
No impacts to hazardous materials 
or wastes are anticipated.
Excavation activities could expose 
or otherwise affect subsurface 
hazardous wastes or materials; any 
hazardous materials discovered, 
generated, or used during 
construction would be disposed of 
and handled in accordance with 
applicable local, state, and federal 
regulations. 
Socioeconomic 
Resources
No adverse socioeconomic impacts 
are anticipated.
None
Environmental Justice
No disproportionately high or 
adverse effect on minority or low-
income populations is anticipated.
None
Air Quality
Temporary impacts to air quality 
would occur during the 
construction period.  

Construction contractors would be 
required to water down 
construction areas when necessary; 
fuel-burning equipment running 
times would be kept to a minimum; 
engines would be properly 
maintained.
Noise
Temporary impacts to noise levels 
would occur at the proposed 
project site during the construction 
period.  

Construction would take place 
during normal business hours and 
equipment would meet all local, 
state, and federal noise regulations.

Biological Resources
Approximately 29.6 acres of 
wooded wildlife habitat would be 
cleared of vegetation, graded, and 
converted to school use.
None

Cultural Resources
No impacts to archeological or 
cultural resources are anticipated. 
None


4.1	Geology and Soils
The proposed project site is located approximately 100 feet above mean sea level (amsl) and 
consists of Atmore silt loam and Poarch fine sandy loam. The Atmore series soils are 
characterized by deep, poorly drained, moderately to slowly permeable soils that formed in 
loamy marine sediments. These soils are located on Coastal Plain depressions and inter-stream 
divides. Slopes range from 0 to 5 percent (USDA, 1997). The Poarch series soils are 
characterized by deep, well and moderately well drained, moderately permeable soils on uplands 
that formed in unconsolidated sandy and loamy marine sediments. They are saturated in the 
lower part in late winter and early spring. Slopes range from 0 to 8 percent (USDA/NRCS, 
1997). 
The Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA) states that federal agencies must minimize the 
extent to which federal programs contribute to the unnecessary conversion of farmland to 
nonagricultural uses. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural 
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the proposed project site does not contain soils 
classified as prime or unique farmland (USDA/NRCS, 1997). 
No Action Alternative  Under the No Action Alternative, no impacts to geology or soils would 
occur.
Proposed Action Alternative  Under the Proposed Action Alternative, no impacts to geology 
would occur; temporary impacts to soils would occur during the construction period. Appropriate 
BMPs would be used, such as installing silt fences and revegetating bare soils immediately upon 
completion of construction, to stabilize soils.
4.2 	Water Resources	
4.2.1	Surface Water 
The Clean Water Act (CWA), as amended in 1977, established the basic framework for 
regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States. The topography slopes 
away from the proposed project site in all directions. Elevation of the proposed project site 
ranges from 100 feet amsl in the center to 90 feet amsl at the edges.  Crane Pond is located to the 
west of the proposed project site and Lee Lake is located to the north. Crane Pond Branch flows 
northeast connecting Crane Pond to Lee Lake.  
No Action Alternative  Under the No Action Alternative, no adverse impacts to surface water 
would occur. 
Proposed Action Alternative  Under the Proposed Action Alternative, temporary impacts to 
offsite surface waters (Crane Pond, Lee Lake, and Crane Pond Branch) could occur during the 
construction period due to soil erosion. The applicant would be required to submit a SWPPP and 
NPDES permit application prior to construction.  To reduce impacts to surface water, the 
applicant would implement appropriate BMPs, such as installing silt fences and revegetating 
bare soils. 
4.2.2 	Floodplains
Executive Order (EO) 11988 (Floodplain Management) requires federal agencies to avoid direct 
or indirect support of development within the 100-year floodplain whenever there is a practicable 
alternative.  FEMA uses Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) to identify the regulatory 100-year 
floodplain for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  Consistent with EO 11988, FIRMs 
were examined during the preparation of this EA (FEMA, 2002; Community Panel Number 
2855254 0060 C). 
No Action Alternative  Under the No Action Alternative, no impacts to the floodplain would 
occur. 
Proposed Action Alternative  As indicated on the FIRM, the proposed project site is located in 
Zone C, outside of the 100-year floodplain and the Advisory Base Flood Elevation (ABFE). 
Under the Proposed Action Alternative, no impacts to the floodplain are anticipated.  
4.2.3 	Waters of the U.S. including Wetlands
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) regulates the discharge of dredged or filled 
material into waters of the U.S., including wetlands, pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water 
Act (CWA). Additionally, EO 11990 (Protection of Wetlands) requires federal agencies to avoid, 
to the extent possible, adverse impact of wetlands.
The Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) enables coastal states, including Mississippi, to 
designate state coastal zone boundaries and develop coastal management programs to improve 
protection of sensitive shoreline resources and guide sustainable use of coastal areas.  According 
to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the proposed project site is 
located within the Mississippi Coastal Zone (NOAA, 2007). 
A review of the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Map for the project area shows no wetland 
areas located on the proposed project site (USFWS, 2007a).  However, during a site visit 
conducted by Nationwide Infrastructure Support Technical Assistance Consultants (NISTAC) 
biologists on April 5, 2007, potential wetland areas were observed on the proposed project site.  
Therefore, on April 16 and 17, 2007, a wetland delineation was conducted by NISTAC wetland 
biologists.  
Using guidance manuals and procedures set forth by the USACE, three nontidal wetlands were 
delineated within the property boundary (see Figure 3).   The methods and procedures used for 
this wetland delineation are in accordance with the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands 
Delineation Manual. The Corps manual requires the presence of all three parameters (greater 
than 50% dominance of hydrophytic vegetation, evidence of hydric soils, and presence of 
hydrologic indicators) for an area to be considered a wetland. 
In the southwest corner of the proposed project site there is a small, isolated 0.203-acre nontidal 
emergent wetland (Wet-1) and a larger 1.128-acre nontidal, forested and emergent wetland (Wet-
2), which connects to a road ditch which leads to the Crane Pond Branch.  Within the project 
limit of the 70-foot corridor to the northeast, there is a linear drainage ditch (DD-1) which is 
considered waters of the U.S. The drainage ditch has a direct connection to Crane Pond Branch, 
which connects to Hickory Creek. 
Plants within the wetland and drainage ditch areas include loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), southern 
magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), southern catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides), swamp tupelo 
(Nyssa biflora), red maple (Acer rubrum), wax myrtle (Morella cerifera), Chinese privet 
(Ligustrum sinense), Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum), southern dewberry (Rubus trivialis), 
pine barren goldenrod (Solidago fistulosa), Pennsylvania smartweed (Polygonum 
pensylvanicum), spikerush (Eleocharis sp.), common rush (Juncus effusus), grassleaf rush 
(Juncus marginatus), southern cutgrass (Leersia hexandra), green flatsedge (Cyperus virens), tall 
flatsedge (Cyperus eragrostis), Beyrich threeawn (Aristida beyrichiana), and greenbrier (Smilax 
spp.).  
On May 18, 2007, a letter requesting project review was sent to the Mississippi Department of 
Marine Resources (MDMR), Bureau of Wetlands Permitting regarding the proposed project and 
potential impacts on the coastal zone and wetlands (see Appendix B). A letter requesting project 
review was not sent to the USACE, Mobile District, because the District has a moratorium on 
conducting jurisdictional wetland determinations and would not be able to review the proposed 
project (Zedryk, pers. comm.).
No Action Alternative  Under the No Action Alternative, no impacts to waters of the U.S. 
including wetlands would occur. 
Proposed Action Alternative  Under the Proposed Action Alternative, no impacts to vegetated, 
nontidal wetlands would occur, as the area to be cleared for construction is outside of the 
wetlands (Wet-1 and Wet-2) delineated on the proposed project site.  The drainage ditch (DD-1) 
is crossed by an old farm road which will be converted into a secondary access road for the 
school.  Approximately 0.004 acre of the drainage ditch (waters of the U.S.) would be impacted 
for construction of the secondary access road.  The impact to the drainage ditch will require a 
permit through the USACE and MDMR; however, because the impact does not meet the 
minimum acreage of 0.50 acre, no mitigation will be required. Temporary impacts to offsite, 
downstream surface waters, including Crane Pond Branch, may occur during the construction 
period from erosion of soils. To reduce impacts to surface water, the applicant would implement 
appropriate BMPs, such as installing silt fences and revegetating bare soils.
In a letter dated May 31, 2007, MDMR stated that it had no objections to the proposed project as 
long as there are no direct or indirect impacts to coastal wetlands (see Appendix B). Wetlands 
and waters of the U.S. on and adjacent to the proposed project site are nontidal; therefore, no 
impacts to coastal wetlands would occur.  
4.3	Transportation
The proposed project site is located north of Highway 43.  Highway 43 is a two-lane divided 
roadway that runs primarily north and south from Bay St. Louis to Picayune. At the intersection 
of Highway 43 and Leestown Road, Highway 43 has a 90-degree bend west and then runs 
parallel to the southern property limits of the proposed project site.  There are no residential 
communities adjacent to the proposed project site.  The commercial properties near the proposed 
project site have individual parking lots with access from Highway 43.
No Action Alternative- Under the No Action Alternative, there would be no changes to 
transportation.
Proposed Action Alternative  Under the Proposed Action Alternative, no significant adverse 
impacts to transportation, site access, or traffic levels are anticipated. Traffic devices including 
lights and/or stop signs may have to be installed at the intersection of the access road and 
Highway 43.  Speed limits in the area may have to be decreased during selected hours, especially 
when students are arriving at and departing from the School. 
There would be a minor temporary increase in the volume of construction traffic on roads in the 
immediate vicinity of the proposed project site that could potentially result in a slower traffic 
flow for the duration of the construction phase.  To mitigate potential delays, construction 
vehicles and equipment would be stored on site during project construction and appropriate 
signage would be posted on affected roadways.
4.4	Environmental Justice
EO 12898 (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 their programs, 
policies, and activities on minority and low-income populations.  Socioeconomic and 
demographic data for the project area were analyzed to determine if a disproportionate number of 
minority or low-income persons have the potential to be adversely affected by the proposed 
project. 
No Action Alternative  Under the No Action Alternative, there would be no disproportionately 
high and adverse effects on minority or low-income populations. All populations could 
potentially be adversely affected by the reduced efficiency and capacity of the public school 
system in northern Hancock County, due to the permanent relocation of many residents to the 
area.
Proposed Action Alternative  Under the Proposed Action Alternative, there would be no 
disproportionately high and adverse effects on minority or low-income populations. 
Implementation of the Proposed Action Alternative would benefit all populations in northern 
Hancock County that would utilize the CBMES.
4.5	Air Quality
The Clean Air Act (CAA) requires that states adopt ambient air quality standards.  The standards 
have been established to protect the public from potentially harmful amounts of pollutants. 
Under the CAA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes primary and 
secondary air quality standards.  Primary air quality standards protect the public health, including 
the health of sensitive populations, such as people with asthma, children, and older adults. 
Secondary air quality standards protect public welfare by promoting ecosystems health, and 
preventing decreased visibility and damage to crops and buildings. EPA has set National 
Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for the following six criteria pollutants: ozone (O3), 
particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide 
(SO2), and lead (Pb).  According to the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality 
(MDEQ), the entire state of Mississippi is classified as in attainment, meaning that criteria air 
pollutants do not exceed the NAAQS (MDEQ, 2007).
No Action Alternative  Under the No Action Alternative, there would be no short- or long-term 
impacts to air quality because no construction would occur.
Proposed Action Alternative  Under the Proposed Action Alternative, temporary impacts to air 
quality would occur during the construction period.  To reduce temporary impacts to air quality, 
the construction contractors would be required to water down construction areas when necessary. 
Emissions from fuel-burning internal combustion engines (e.g., heavy equipment and 
earthmoving machinery) could temporarily increase the levels of some of the criteria pollutants, 
including CO, NO2, O3, PM2.5 and 10, and non-criteria pollutants such as Volatile Organic 
Compounds (VOCs). To reduce the emission of criteria pollutants, fuel-burning equipment 
running times would be kept to a minimum and engines would be properly maintained. 
4.6	Noise
Noise is generally defined as unwanted sound. Sound is most commonly measured in decibels 
(dB) on the A-weighted scale, which is the scale most similar to the range of sounds that the 
human ear can hear. The Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) is an average measure of 
sound. The DNL descriptor is accepted by federal agencies as a standard for estimating sound 
impacts and establishing guidelines for compatible land uses. EPA guidelines, and those of many 
other federal agencies, state that outdoor sound levels in excess of 55 dB DNL are normally 
unacceptable for noise-sensitive land uses such as residences, schools, or hospitals. No sensitive 
receptors are located with 1 mile of the proposed project site.
No Action Alternative  Under the No Action Alternative, no impacts to noise would occur.  
Proposed Action Alternative  Under the Proposed Action Alternative, temporary increases in 
noise levels are anticipated during the construction period.  To reduce noise levels during that 
period, construction activities would take place during normal business hours. Equipment and 
machinery installed at the proposed project site would meet all local, state, and federal noise 
regulations.  
4.7	Biological Resources
The proposed project site is a 40-acre parcel of undeveloped wooded land and is comprised 
mostly of recently planted loblolly pine in rows.  The project site also includes a 70-foot wide, 
300-foot long corridor that extends northeast from the 40-acre area.  Plants identified on the 
project site include loblolly pine, red maple, southern dewberry, wax myrtle, Chinese privet, 
Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), pine barren flatsedge (Cyperus retrorsus), pine 
barren goldenrod, ebony spleenwort (Asplenium platyneuron), and greenbrier.  Adjacent to the 
project limit in the southwestern corner of the site, there are two wetland areas.  Along the 70-
foot wide corridor, there is a drain that extends to the east and the west. The proposed project site 
supports wildlife common to undeveloped areas in Mississippi, including songbirds, reptiles, 
amphibians, small mammals, and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) lists the following federally endangered (E) and 
threatened (T) animal species for Hancock County (USFWS, 2007):
The following table contains 3 columns, titled Common Name, Scientific Name, and Status (E=Endangered,
T=Threatened, P=potential to occur, CH=listed with critical habitat)

Louisiana black bear
Ursus americanus luteolus	
T
West Indian manatee
Trichechus manatus
E (P)
Bald eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
T
Brown pelican
Pelecanus occidentalis
E
Piping plover
Charadrius melodus
T (CH)
Gopher tortoise
Gopherus polyphemus
T
Green turtle
Chelonia mydas 
T (P)
Kemps Ridley
Lepidochelys kempii
E (P)
Loggerhead turtle
Caretta caretta
T (P)
Gulf sturgeon
Acipenser oxyrhynchus desotoi
T (CH)
Inflated heelsplitter
Potamilus inflatus
T (P)
Louisiana quillwort
Isoetes louisianensis
E (P)


A site visit conducted by NISTAC biologists on April 16 and 17, 2007, confirmed that the 
proposed project site does not contain habitat for any federally listed flora and fauna species; 
therefore, it is unlikely that any threatened and endangered species are present. On May 18, 
2007, a letter requesting project review was sent to USFWS; no response has been received to 
date.
No Action Alternative  Under the No Action Alternative, there would be no impacts to 
biological resources.
Proposed Action Alternative  Under the Proposed Action Alternative, approximately 29.6 acres 
of wooded wildlife habitat would be cleared of vegetation, graded, and converted to school use. 
4.8	Cultural Resources
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), as amended, and implemented by 
36 CFR Part 800, requires federal agencies to consider the effects of their actions on historic 
properties and provide the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) an opportunity to 
comment on federal projects that will have an effect on historic properties prior to 
implementation.  Historic properties are defined as archeological sites, standing structures, or 
other historic resources listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places 
(NRHP).  
On April 5, 2007, a FEMA Archeologist and Architectural Historian, both qualified in their 
respective disciplines under Secretary of the Interiors Professional Qualifications Standards (36 
CFR Part 61), conducted an assessment of the projects potential to affect historic properties 
within the Area of Potential Effects (APE). The APE is the geographic area within which an 
undertaking may directly or indirectly cause changes in the character or use of historic 
properties, if such properties exist.  For archeological resources, the APE consists of the 29.6 
acres of the project site to be cleared for construction of the school; for above-ground historic 
properties, the APE is extended out to a 0.5-mile radius around the proposed project site.  This 
APE was previously established through FEMA coordination with the Mississippi State Historic 
Preservation Office (SHPO).
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute topographic map (USGS, 1986), 
the northern section of the APE sits on a high crest (about 100 feet amsl), with elevations 
declining in all directions. The southwestern portion of the APE has a small natural drainage area 
which runs south along the lower half of the western boundary.  The area is heavily wooded with 
the majority of the vegetation comprised of planted pine trees and thick groves of native trees in 
the drainage area. The ground was covered by a thick layer of pine needles and thick vegetative 
debris. Tree farming throughout the APE has disturbed the top layers of soils, as a series of low 
ridges have been formed to plant the trees. These ridges are spaced approximately 3 to 4 meters 
apart.
In an effort to locate signs of past human occupation, the FEMA archeologist conducted a 
pedestrian survey of the entire APE. Several cut-lines crisscrossed the APE, which allowed for 
the inspection of exposed ground surfaces. No signs of past human occupation were visible from 
surface observations, with the exception of scattered clam shells, which might suggest the 
presence of past human subsistence.
A review of archeological site files was undertaken at the Historic Preservation Division of the 
Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) in Jackson, Mississippi.  This review 
revealed that no previously recorded archeological sites were present within the proposed project 
site.  Furthermore, there was only a single recorded archeological site within a 2-mile radius of 
the proposed project site.  This lack of recorded archeological sites is not surprising considering 
the dearth of previous archeological investigations in the area.  In fact, only two prior cultural 
resources surveys have been conducted within a 2-mile radius of the site.  Both surveys were 
small and did not result in the discovery of any cultural resources (Alvey 2005; Reams 2004). 
Two large drainages, Hickory and Catahoula Creeks, are nearby, with Hickory being 
approximately 0.5 mile south and Catahoula being approximately 2 miles west. Given the 
proximity to these drainages and the location of the project site on a high terrace, the APE could 
be considered a high probability area for archeological sites.
A Phase I cultural resources survey of the proposed project site was conducted by NISTAC and 
FEMA archeologists between June 11 and 16, 2007.  This work consisted of a pedestrian survey 
and the excavation of shovel test pits (STPs) within the projects APE.  The pedestrian survey 
revealed that the entire site was covered by a series of low ridges straddled by shallow trenches.  
Pine trees were planted in the recent past at regular intervals on top of the ridges.  Poarch fine 
sandy loam soils covered most of the proposed project site (USDA/SCS 1987).  A total of 169 
STPs were excavated within the site, including 31 STPs along the proposed 3000-foot long 
secondary access road.  A single marine bivalve shell fragment was recovered from eight of the 
STPs.  All of these shells were recovered from STPs located near modern dirt roads.  In the 
recent past, marine shells were often utilized to pave and/or repair pot holes in such roads along 
the Gulf Coast.  The marine shells recovered during the Phase I archeological survey are 
therefore most likely modern.  No other cultural resources of any kind were recovered during the 
survey.
A draft report for the Phase I cultural resources survey is currently being prepared for submission 
to the Historic Preservation Division of the MDAH for review.  This report documents the Phase 
I survey findings and recommends no further work for the proposed project site (Lockard and 
Banguilan, 2007). 
No Action Alternative  Under the No Action Alternative, no impacts to archeological or 
cultural resources would occur.
Proposed Action Alternative  Under the Proposed Action Alternative, no impacts to 
archeological or cultural resources are anticipated. In letters dated May 29, 2007, to the MDAH 
and Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, 
FEMA stated that no impacts to historic resources are anticipated; however, due to the 
geographical location of the APE and the fact that the ground appears to be undisturbed except 
for the uppermost levels, FEMA determined that the construction of the proposed facility may 
potentially affect National Register eligible archeological resources, if any are present, and 
recommended a Phase I cultural resources survey be conducted for the proposed project (see 
Appendix B).  In a letter dated June 28, 2007, MDAH stated that it did not concur with FEMAs 
recommendation that a Phase I survey be performed and that the project could proceed without 
further review (see Appendix B). In correspondence dated May 31, 2007, the THPO concurred 
with FEMAs recommendation for a Phase I survey (see Appendix B).
A Phase I cultural resources survey has been conducted and no further work is recommended.  
Responses from MDAH and THPO on the draft Phase I report have not been received to date.   
5.0	CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
According to the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations, cumulative impacts 
represent the impact on the environment which results from the incremental impact of the action 
when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions, regardless of what 
agency (federal or non-federal) or person undertakes such other actions.  Cumulative impacts can 
result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of 
time (40 CFR 1508.7). In accordance with NEPA and to the extent reasonable and practical, this 
EA considered the combined effect of the Proposed Action Alternative and other actions 
occurring or proposed in the vicinity of the proposed project site.  
Hancock County and the entire Mississippi Gulf coast are undergoing recovery efforts after 
Hurricane Katrina caused extensive damages. The recovery efforts in Hancock County include 
demolition, reconstruction, and new construction. These projects and the proposed project may 
have a cumulative temporary impact on air quality in Hancock County by increasing criteria 
pollutants during construction activities.  No other cumulative effects are anticipated. 
6.0	PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
FEMA is the lead federal agency for conducting the NEPA compliance process for the CBMES 
relocation and rebuilding project in Kiln, Mississippi.  It is the goal of the lead agency to 
expedite the preparation and review of NEPA documents and to be responsive to the needs of the 
community and the purpose and need of the proposed action while meeting the intent of NEPA 
and complying with all NEPA provisions. 
The Hancock County School District will notify the public of the availability of the draft 
Environment Assessment through publication of a public notice in a local newspaper.  FEMA 
will conduct an expedited public comment period commencing on the initial date of publication 
of the public notice.
7.0	AGENCY COORDINATION AND PERMITS
The following agencies and organizations were contacted by letter requesting project review 
during the preparation of this EA.  If required for NEPA documentation, agencies (marked 
with *) were asked to submit a formal response.  Responses received to date are included in 
Appendix B.
*	U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service 
*	U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, Water Management Division 
*	U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Jackson Field Office*
*	Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce 
*	Mississippi Department of Archives and History*
*	Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, Office of Pollution Control, 
Environmental Permits Division*
*	Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, Bureau of Wetlands Permitting
*	Mississippi Department of Transportation, Environmental Division 
*	Mississippi Soil and Water Conservation Commission
In accordance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations, the applicant would be 
responsible for acquiring any necessary permits prior to commencing construction at the 
proposed project site. These would include SWPPP and NPDES permits.
8.0	CONCLUSIONS
No impacts to geology, groundwater, floodplains, public health and safety, hazardous materials, 
socioeconomic resources, environmental justice, and cultural resources are anticipated with the 
Proposed Action Alternative. During the construction period, temporary impacts to soils, 
downstream surface waters, transportation, air quality, and noise are anticipated. All short-term 
impacts require conditions to minimize and mitigate impacts to the proposed project site and 
surrounding areas. At the proposed project site, impacts to 0.004 acre of waters of the U.S. will 
require a permit from USACE and MDMR; no mitigation will be required.  Impacts to biological 
resources include conversion of approximately 29.6 acres of wooded wildlife habitat to CBMES 
use.


9.0	REFERENCES
Alvey, Jeffrey.  2005.	Untitled report submitted to the Historic Preservation Division of the 
Mississippi Department of Archives and History.  Hancock County Report No. 05-308.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 1996.  National Environmental Policy Act, 
FEMA Desk Reference.  May 14, 1996.
FEMA. 1987. Flood Insurance Rate Map, City of Gulfport, Hancock County, Mississippi.  
Community Panel Number 285254 0060 C. Map revised September 18, 1987. 
www.fema.gov.  Accessed May 17, 2007.
Lockard, Gregory and Alvin Banguilan.  2007. Phase I Cultural Resources Survey of the 
Proposed Charles B. Murphy Elementary School Relocation Project, Hancock County, 
Mississippi.  Draft report prepared for the Department of Homeland Security FEMA 
Transitional Recovery Office in Biloxi, Mississippi and submitted to the Historic 
Preservation Division of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ).  2007. 
http://www.deq.state.ms.us/MDEQ.nsf/page/Air_AirQualityPlanningandEmissionStandar
ds?OpenDocument. Accessed March 16, 2007. 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 2007. State Coastal Zone 
Boundaries. 
http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/mystate/docs/StateCZBoundaries.pdf#search=%22co
astal%20zone%20%20mississippi%20noaa%22. Accessed May 17, 2007.
Reams, Robert. 2004.	A Phase I Cultural Resources Assessment of the Leetown Water Extension, 
Hancock County, Mississippi.  Report submitted to the Historic Preservation Division of 
the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.  Hancock County Report No. 04-
164.
U.S. Census Bureau. 2000. American Fact Finder, Gulfport, Mississippi. 
http://factfinder.census.gov/home/saff/main.html?_lang=en. Accessed May 17, 2007. 
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 
1997.  http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/. Accessed May 18, 2007.
USDA/Soil Conservation Service (SCS). 1987. Soil Survey of Hancock County, Mississippi.  
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2007. 
http://ecos.fws.gov/tess_public/StateListingAndOccurrence.do?state=MS. Accessed 
March 15, 2007.
USFWS. 2007a. Wetlands Online Mapper. http://wetlandsfws.er.usgs.gov/wtlnds/launch.html. 
Accessed May 17, 2007. 
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). 1986. Caesar, MS Quadrangle, 7.5-Minute Series Topograhic 
Map.  http://www.topozone.com/print.asp?lat=30.5169&lon=-
89.5079&s=24&size=l&u=5&layer=DRG&datum=nad83. Accessed May 17, 2007.
Zedryk, Tad.  2006.  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District.  Personal communication 
with Angela Chaisson of NISTAC on November 28, 2006.


Appendix A
Figures
Figure 1 shows the project location, Figure 2 shows the prelimnary site plan, and Figure 3
shows the wetland delineation


Appendix B
Agency Coordination
This appendix contains copies of letters sent to federal and state agencies requesting project review and
responses received to date.

Point of Contact
Michael Grisham
FEMA Environmental Liaison Officer
FEMA/State Transitional Recovery Office
220 Popps Ferry Road, Building A South
Biloxi, MS 39565
FAX  (228) 385-7884

	
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