Draft Environmental Assessment
FEMA-1607-DR-LA
Hurricane Rita 
Power Center Parkway #1 and #2 Emergency Temporary Housing Sites
 Lake Charles, Calcasieu Parish

A.  Introduction

On September 24, 2005 Hurricane Rita made landfall just east of Sabine Pass, Texas, near the Louisiana border. The storm was a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds in excess of 120 mph and high storm surge.

President Bush declared a major disaster for Louisiana due to damages from Hurricane Rita, and signed a disaster declaration (FEMA-1607-DR-LA) on September 24, 2005, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide federal assistance in designated areas of Louisiana.  FEMA proposes to administer this federal disaster assistance per the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 USC 5121-5206, as amended (Stafford Act).  Section 408 of the Stafford Act authorizes FEMAs Individual Assistance Program to provide emergency temporary housing for disaster victims whose homes are uninhabitable.  

This Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), the Presidents Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations implementing NEPA (40 CFR 1500-1508), and FEMAs regulations implementing NEPA (44 CFR 10.9).  The purpose of this EA is to analyze potential impacts of temporary and transient emergency group housing for disaster victims as part of an expedited review process.  FEMA will use the findings in this EA to determine whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).

B. Purpose and Need:  

Catastrophic damage has resulted in an extraordinary demand for housing assistance. To date, about 110,046 requests for federal assistance have been received from Calcasieu Parish.  Of these requests, approximately 71,800 have been for the City of Lake Charles. The number of housing assistance applications for Calcasieu Parish is about 4,690.  The number of applications for housing assistance specifically for the City of Lake Charles is not available at this time.  The purpose of this action is to help satisfy some of the housing demand.  

C. Environmental Review Process:  

In order to meet the urgent needs of disaster victims in need of temporary housing, FEMA has implemented an expedited environmental review process. The purpose of this document is to assist FEMA in fulfilling its environmental review responsibilities under NEPA and serve as a vehicle to document compliance under other applicable environmental laws. Laws and Executive Orders addressed through this EA include: the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management), Executive Order 11990 (Protection of Wetlands), Executive Order 12898 (Environmental Justice), and Farmland Protection Policy Act.  Expedited agency consultation consisted of establishing a programmatic agreement with the Louisiana State Historic Preservation Office and an expedited review process with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Other resource areas or issues evaluated in this EA include noise, visual resources, traffic, socioeconomics, safety and security, and hazardous and toxic waste. 

The scope of FEMAs environmental review includes evaluating project alternatives, characterizing the affected environment, identifying potential environmental impacts, and outlining ways to reduce or minimize adverse affects.  This EA examines the site-specific environmental impacts associated with building proposed FEMA group housing parks on land to be leased by the General Services Administration for this purpose.   

This EA was prepared based on site evaluations conducted on November 7 and December 6, 2005, document research, and agency information.  An electronic version of the EA will be provided to interested agencies prior to and during the public comment period.  The public participation period will be brief, as necessitated by the emergency circumstances.  Agency coordination and consultation will be deemed complete at the end of the public comment period.  FEMA believes that this process allows for sufficient action analysis and meets the goal of providing timely federal assistance to disaster victims.

D. Site Selection and Alternatives Analysis:

NEPA requires investigation and evaluation of reasonable project alternatives as part of the project environmental review process. Federally assisted housing options, including hotel/rental assistance and locating a travel trailer or mobile home on a private site or in an existing park are being exhausted first for those requesting housing assistance in Calcasieu Parish.  Accordingly, a remaining alternative is to build a group housing site where the above options do not satisfy the demand. In order to expedite the site selection process, FEMAs contractors initially reviewed available aerial photos and maps, conducted site reconnaissance field surveys, and contacted state and local officials to identify potential sites. Factors considered in choosing a site include: demand for temporary housing in that area, site topography, property owner willingness, cost, past land use, if it is already planned for development, access to existing utilities, engineering feasibility, and environmental/cultural resource sensitivities. FEMA continues to evaluate alternative sites in Calcasieu Parish, and other parishes within southwest Louisiana.  Although various alternatives have been and continue to be identified, the extraordinary housing need has limited this EA to analysis of two suitable site alternatives at this time. The Power Center Parkway #1 and #2 sites were selected for further analysis because they meet specific site selection criteria. 
E. Project Location: 
The proposed projects, known as Power Center Parkway #1 and #2, are located at the intersection of State Highway 14 and Power Center Parkway (Parkway) (Figures 1 and 2).   Power Center Parkway #1 is located north of the Parkway and Power Center Parkway #2 is located south of the Parkway.
F. Site Description: 
The Power Center Parkway #1 is approximately 16 acres and Power Center Parkway #2 is approximately 48 acres.  Both sites consist of an open, grass field (Figure 3).  Both sites are former agricultural fields, which have remained fallow for several years.  Power Center Parkway #1 contains relict levees for rice production and drainage ditches, which grid the site.  The southern limits are bounded by Power Center Parkway, the northern limits are bounded by Dillard Loop, the western limits are bound by Highway 14 and eastern limits are bound by an agricultural field.  Power Center Parkway #2 also contains agricultural ditches, however the field is at a higher contour and may not have been in full rice production. Power Center Parkway #2 is bound by Power Center Parkway to the north, an agricultural field to the east, McNeese Farm Road to the south, and Highway 14 to the west.  Surrounding land use is mixed, including; a baseball field, a residential development, a commercial building, agricultural fields and a bingo parlor.
	
G. Project Description:
The project description for both sites is based on preliminary design provided by Fluor, 2005.  The proposed action for Power Center Parkway #1 would involve the construction and installation of approximately 110 mobile homes (Park) and associated infrastructure and utilities on the approximately 16 acre site.  The proposed action for Power Center Parkway #2 would involve the construction and installation of 200 to 400 mobile homes (Park) and associated utilities and infrastructure (Figure 4).  Prior to the start of construction for either site, all necessary permits would be obtained by the contractor.  Based on the site designs (Fluor, 2005), the following components would be included in developing these temporary housing sites:
* Site preparation would include mowing and site grading to provide positive drainage of stormwater.  
* Access to the Parks would be provided by at least two entryways to each site off Power Center Parkway.  
* Construction of 24 foot wide, gravel entryway to the parks and a roadway throughout the Parks.
* Ten percent of the travel trailers would be Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant.  Parking areas of ADA trailers would be paved.
* Potable water would be installed below grade and connected to an existing 12-inch water main along Power Center Parkway.  
* Electrical services would be installed below ground snfconnected to existing utilities available in the right-of-way along Power Center Parkway. 
* The City of Lake Charles has approved that the public sewer has the capacity to accept 500 gallons of wastewater per day per mobile home. A gravity flow sewer system would be installed below grade and connected to the existing 15-inch sewer line along Power Center Parkway.
* Stormwater drainage would require the installation of a gravity flow underground storm drainage system which would tie into the existing underground drainage along Power Center Parkway.
* An Administrative/Security trailer would be located near the access gates on both sites.
* The entire perimeter of both Parks would be surrounded with a 8-foot high, 9-gauge chain link fence.   
  
When the temporary housing need has ended, FEMA expects that the travel trailers would be transported from the sites to suitable locations elsewhere (to be determined on a case-by-case basis).  The Parks would then be seeded and restored to previous conditions, to the extent practicable and/or used by the landowner in a manner consistent with the parish zoning classification.

H. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Table 1 summarizes the results of the environmental review process.  Potential environmental impacts that were found to be negligible are not evaluated further.  Resource areas that have the potential for impacts of minor, moderate, or major intensity are further developed in the following Section I.  Definitions of the impact intensity are described below:

Negligible:  The resource area (e.g., geology) would not be affected, or changes would be either non-detectable or if detected, would have effects that would be slight and local.  Impacts would be well below regulatory standards, as applicable.

Minor:  Changes to the resource would be measurable, although the changes would be small and localized. Impacts would be within or below regulatory standards, as applicable.  Mitigation measures would reduce any potential adverse effects.  

Moderate:  Changes to the resource would be measurable and have both localized and regional scale impacts.  Impacts would be within or below regulatory standards, but historical conditions are being altered on a short-term basis.  Mitigation measures would be necessary and the measures would reduce any potential adverse effects.

Major:  Changes would be readily measurable and would have substantial consequences on a local and regional level.  Impacts would exceed regulatory standards.  Mitigation measures to offset the adverse effects would be required to reduce impacts, though long-term changes to the resource would be expected.  

Table 1. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences Matrix

Resource Area

Impact Intensity

Impact Summary
Agency Coordination / Permits
Mitigation

Negligible
Minor
Moderate
Major

Geology and Soils
X

Potential for localized increase in soil erosion during construction.  
LAPDES stormwater construction permit to be obtained by construction contractor.
Implement construction BMPs, install silt fences/straw bales to reduce sedimentation.  Area soils would be wetted during construction to minimize wind erosion.  If fill is stored on the sitess, the contractor would be required to cover it appropriately.
Hydrology and Floodplains (Executive Order 11988)
X

Project areas are located in Zone D, areas of undetermined, but possible, flood hazards. FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (Panel 220040 0010 E) (FEMA July 3, 1997).  

Wetlands (Executive Order 11990)
X

No wetlands occur on the sites.  

Coastal Zone Management
X

Project sites are located outside of the boundaries of the Coastal Zone.  No impacts to the Louisiana Coastal Zone.

Water Quality
X

Potential for localized increase in sedimentation during construction. Potential impact to water quality in downstream swales, ditches, and streams (e.g., turbidity, siltation, biological oxygen demand).
LAPDES stormwater construction permits to be obtained by construction contractor.
Contractor to implement requirements of LAPDES stormwater construction permits.  Implement construction BMPs, install silt fences/straw bales to reduce sedimentation.   
Air Quality
X

Parish is in attainment for criteria pollutants per the Clean Air Act.  Negligible impact would be anticipated from vehicle exhaust emissions and increased dust during construction.
EPA Region 6 Designation
Area soils would be covered and/or wetted during construction to minimize dust.  Rock cover for roads and housing pads would be wetted and/or treated periodically with a commercially available product approved for use in residential areas to minimize dust particles.
Vegetation and Wildlife
X

Site vegetation consists of fallow herbaceous plants suitable for use by fringe species.

Threatened and Endangered Species (Endangered Species Act Section 7)
X

No threatened or endangered species or critical habitat occurs at the site.  No effect to threatened or endangered species or their habitat.
USFWS consultation provisions letter (9/27/05).

Cultural Resources (National Historic Preservation Act Section 106)
X

There are no known historic properties eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places within or adjacent to the proposed project areas.  

Coordination letter to LA SHPO initiated 12/13/05

Socioeconomics
X

Occupancy at Power City Parkway #1 is expected to be about 500 people and occupancy at Power City Parkway #2 is expected to be approximately 500 to 1,000 people (number of units x estimated 2.5 people per unit). It is anticipated that the park residents would be existing Calcasieu Parish residents, therefore effects related to socioeconomics are generally expected to be negligible.  See Section I.

Environmental Justice (Executive Order 12898)
X

The proposed action is not expected to pose disproportionately high and adverse public health or environmental effects to minority and low-income populations.  Also see Section I.

Noise
X

During the construction period (approximately 7-14 days), residents immediately adjacent to the project site would experience an increase in noise levels.  The vehicles from Park occupants would also increase the level of vehicular noise in the area.  

If necessary, the following noise reduction measures should be considered: (1) restricting the 24-hour schedule to the first two weeks of construction; (2) using a 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. construction schedule; (3) completing construction closest to adjoining residents first; and (4) completing noisier activities during the day if a 24-hour schedule is used.  Residents should be notified of the potential noise from Highway 18 prior to occupancy.
Safety and Security
X

No concerns anticipated.

The contractor would place fencing around the site perimeters to protect residents from trespassers and provide a barrier to surrounding properties.  The contractor would post appropriate signage and fencing to minimize potential adverse public safety concerns.  Appropriate signage and barriers should be in place prior to construction activities in order to alert pedestrians and motorists of project activities and traffic pattern changes.  
Hazardous Materials and Toxic Wastes
X

No evidence of hazardous materials were observed during a field visit conducted 12/06/05.  A search of hazardous materials databases was completed on 12/15/05. The potential Park sites and adjacent areas do not have any registered underground storage tanks, generators or incidents. No environmental conditions of concern were observed on site.    
Environmental FirstSearch Network Database, and LADEQ search, 12/15/05.  

Traffic and Transportation
X

Traffic volumes in Lake Charles, specifically along Power Center Parkway, a 4-lane highway, would increase during Park construction.  These impacts would be minor and limited to the duration of construction.  During Park occupancy traffic volumes near the Park would increase.  However, as stated above, Power Center Parkway is a 4-lane highway and has enough capacity to handle the anticipated load.

I. Additional Impact Analysis

Socioeconomics
The proposed project site is located in the city of Lake Charles, LA.  According to the 2000 Census, Lake Charles had approximately 72,000 residents and about 31,300 housing units at the time of the Census. The median household income was estimated at approximately $31,774 (based on 1999 dollars adjusted for inflation) (Census 2000).  The primary employment sectors (over 50 percent of all jobs) were sales and office occupations and management, professional, and related occupation.  The unemployment rate for Lake Charles at that time was about 5.5 percent of the civilian labor force. 

With the establishment of the Park, up to approximately 1,500 residents between the two mobile home parks would be temporarily relocating and/or returning to Calcasieu Parish and the Lake Charles area (number of units x an estimated 2.5 people per unit).  Due to the demand for housing in Calcasieu Parish and FEMAs policy to place displaced residents as close to their homes as possible, it is likely that many of the potential Park residents would be residents of the Parish, currently displaced from their homes.   Therefore, the demand for public and commercial facilities, such as schools, police services, grocery stores, would not be expected to be greater than the pre-hurricane demand and the socioeconomic impacts associated with the proposed action are expected to be negligable. 

Environmental Justice
Executive Order (EO) 12898 requires that each Federal agency identify and address the effects of its programs, policies, and activities on minority and low-income populations.  The function of the EO is to avoid disproportionately high and adverse public health or environmental impacts to the target populations.  Further, EO 12898 also tasks Federal agencies to ensure that public notifications regarding environmental issues are concise, understandable, and readily accessible.  

According to 2000 Census, the population of the Lake Charles census-designated place (CDP) was approximately 50 percent white, 47 percent black or African American, and 3 percent some other race.  Approximately 16 percent of families live below the poverty level, and 20 percent of individuals live below the poverty level.  In comparison, Calcasieu Parish has lower percentage of minority residents and a lower percentage of families and individuals below poverty.  The State of Louisiana has a lower percentage of minority populations (Table 2) (Census 2000).

Table 2: Minority and Low Income Populations Summary Statistics
Subject
City of Lake Charles
Calcasieu Parish
Louisiana
Demographics

White
50%
74%
64%
Minority (non-white)
50%
24%
36%
Families below poverty
16%
13%
9%
Individuals below the poverty line
20%
15%
12%
 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000

From the perspective of both prospective Park residents and residents of the adjacent community, the proposed action would not pose disproportionately high and adverse public health or environmental effects on minority and low-income populations.  The availability of Federal assistance, including temporary housing for displaced individuals, is consistent with EO 12898.  All forms of FEMA disaster housing assistance are available to any affected household that meets the conditions of eligibility, demographics are not among the eligibility requirements.  

The specific demographics of Park occupants are not available at this time because specific individuals or families are in the process of being identified for this park.  However, the demographic makeup of the future Park residents is expected to be similar to the community as a whole.  Further, the availability of temporary housing would result in a positive impact to displaced individuals, regardless of whether they are minority and/or low income. 

K. Public Involvement

Public involvement is being performed in compliance with NEPA, FEMAs regulations implementing NEPA at 44 CFR 10.9(c), and Executive Order 12898.  Given the emergency need for temporary housing and the expedited environmental review process, public involvement activities were implemented to the extent practicable under the circumstances.  A Public Notice will be published in the American Press from December 18 to 20, 2005. The public comment period will be brief, from December 18 to 20, 2005.  Written comments on the Draft EA and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) can be faxed to FEMAs Joint Field Office in Baton Rouge at (225) 346-5848; and verbal comments will accepted at (225) 376-5137 and TTY for hearing or speech-impaired at 800-462-7585; between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.. The Draft EA and FONSI can be viewed and downloaded from FEMAs website at http://www.fema.gov/ehp/docs.shtm.  The Draft EA and FONSI are also available for public review at the Calcasieu Public Library, located at 301 West Claude Street, Lake Charles, LA 70605 and at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) located in Lake Charles at 1701 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana 70601. The DRC hours are 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday through Saturday.   

If no substantive comments are received, the Draft EA and FONSI will become final and this initial Public Notice will also serve as the final Public Notice.  Substantive comments will be addressed as appropriate in the final document.
K. References

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  1997.  Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).  Community Panel 220040 0010 E, Revised July 3, 1997.

FirstSearch Environmental Report.  Calcasieu Pairsh.  December 15, 2005.

Fluor Enterprises.  2005. Power Center Parkway #1 and #2 Temporary Housing Site.  December 11, 2005.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  2005. Consultation Provisions letter from Deborah  
        Fuller, date September 29, 2005.

Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. Hazardous Materials Research.  
        December 15, 2005.
        
U.S. Bureau of the Census (Census).  2000.  American Factfinder.  http://www.census.gov.  Website accessed December 9, 2005.

U.S. Geological Survey.   2005.  The National Map.  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetland Inventory Map.  http://nationalmap.gov/.  Website accessed December 9, 2005.

 L. Figures

Figure 1: Site Location
Figure 2: Project Location
Figure 3: Photographs 
Figure 4: Preliminary Site Plan

Attachment 1. Hazardous Materials Database Search

Attachment 2. Finding of No Significant Impact

	
Draft Environmental Assessment
Power Center Parkway #1 and #2 Emergency Temporary Housing Sites
Lake Charles, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana
FEMA-1603/1607-DR-LA

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Draft Environmental Assessment
	Power Center Parkway #1 and #2 Emergency Temporary Housing Site
Lake Charles, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana
FEMA-1603-DR-LA