Environmental Assessment
Emergency Temporary Housing
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
FEMA-1603-DR-LA, FEMA 1607-DR-LA
Captain Larrys Emergency Temporary Housing Site
Belle Chasse, Plaquemines Parish

A.  Introduction

Hurricane Katrina, a Category 4 hurricane with a storm surge above normal high-tide levels, moved across the Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama gulf coasts on August 29, 2005.  Maximum sustained winds at landfall were estimated at 140 miles per hour.  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.

President Bush declared a major disaster for Louisiana due to damages from Hurricane Katrina, and signed a disaster declaration (FEMA-1603-DR-LA) on August 29, 2005, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide federal assistance in designated areas of Louisiana.  A second Presidential disaster declaration in response to damages from Hurricane Rita was declared on September 24, 2005.  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 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 1500-1800), 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 in Plaquemines Parish, approximately 19,761 registrations for Federal assistance have been received.  Of these requests, approximately 7,871 have been received from residents of the City of Belle Chasse.  There are approximately 1,563 applications for housing assistance at this time for Plaquemines Parish.  The specific housing request number for Belle Chasse 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 a proposed FEMA group housing park. 

This EA was prepared based on a site evaluation conducted on October 18, 2005, document research, and agency information. An electronic version of the Draft 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 will allow for sufficient action analysis and meet 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 Plaquemine 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 review available aerial photos and maps, conduct site reconnaissance field surveys, and contact 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 Plaquemines Parish, and other parishes within southeast Louisiana. Although various alternatives have been and continue to be identified, the extraordinary amount of needed housing have limited this EA to analysis of one suitable site alternative at this time. The Captain Larrys site was selected for further analysis because it meets specific site selection criteria. 
E. Project Location: 
The proposed site, known as the Captain Larrys Property, is located behind Captain Larrys Restaurant at 11334 Highway 23, Belle Chasse, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana (Figures 1 and 2).  The site is adjacent to Louisiana Highway 23 and 0.43 mile southwest of Walker Road. 
F. Site Description: 
The site consists of approximately 8.54 acres of pasture land southwest of Belle Chasse, Louisiana (Figure 1).  This pasture contains non-native or improved grasses, some native and non-native woody vegetation, and volunteer vegetation (ragweed, golden rod, dog finnel, and Johnson grass).  The tree species include Chinese tallow, live oak, hackberry, willow, cypress, and pecan.  Songbirds, Mourning Dove, and rabbit were observed on site.  There is a stream located just beyond the fence line on the northern fringe of the property.  The stream is flowing and contains both fish and wetland plant species (bull tongue and smartweed).  According to the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) the back part of the property adjacent to the stream is classified as a wetland (PF02T) (USFWS 2005).  The site entrance is located on the west side of Louisiana Highway 23 (Coordinates: 29.78164 N / -90.02711 W), which is approximately 0.44 mile southwest of the LA Hwy. 23 and Walker Road intersection.  The south and southwestern extent of the property is bound by farm property containing a lake and patch of trees just across the boundary.  The north and northwest extent of the property is bound by a forested woodland.  The northeast extent of the property is bound by residential properties and the east by LA Hwy. 23. 

G. Project Description:
The project description is based on the site design completed on November 7, 2005 (CH2MHill 2005).

The proposed action would involve the construction of a travel trailer park (hereafter the Park) which would accommodate approximately 124 travel trailers.  At this time, occupancy is not expected to exceed 18 months.  During a telephone call on November 14, 2005, Plaquemines Parish Engineer indicated that a park trailer site is compatible with the current zoning for the property.  The Parish does not have concerns regarding the Captain Larrys site (Campbell 2005).

Based on the site design (CH2MHill 2005), the following features would be included with this temporary housing site:
* Electrical services would be above ground and connected to existing utilities.  Potable water and sewer services would be below ground and connected to existing underground utilities adjacent to the project site. 
* A lift station would be installed to maintain the flows in the sewage system.
* The Park would include 24-hour security, and the design plan includes an additional trailer that would be utilized for this purpose.  
* Access to the Park would be provided via LA Hwy 23. 
* Construction of a circular roadway within the Park.
* Site preparation would include clearing, partial grading, and removal of weeds from drainage ditches, barb wire fence, and two concrete slabs.  Existing drainage patterns of the site will be maintained to allow drainage.  
* Interior roadways and pads would be constructed of geotextile grade fabric and limestone rock.  The American Disability Act (ADA) trailer pads and parking will be placed on 2 asphalt slab with a 6 limestone base. 
* The existing trees and shrubs within the site would remain, however; they may be trimmed as needed to allow trailer access.   
* A safety fence would be installed between the Park and Hwy 23.  

When the temporary housing need has ended, FEMA expects that the travel trailers would be transported from the site to suitable locations elsewhere (to be determined on a case-by-case basis).  The Park would then be seeded and restored to previous conditions 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: Geology and Soils
Impact Intensity: Negligible
Impact Summary: Potential for localized increase in soil erosion during construction.
Agency Coordination / Permits: LAPDES stormwater construction permit to be obtained by construction contractor.
Mitigation: 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 site, the contractor would be required to cover it appropriately.
		
Resource Area: Hydrology and Floodplains (Executive Order 11988)
Impact Intensity: Minor
Impact Summary: Project area is located in a 100-year floodplain per the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (Panel 2201390045 B) (FEMA 1985).  Completion of this EA is consistant with FEMAs 8 Step-Planning Process.  Per the 8 Step Planning Process there are limited practicable alternatives to siting temporary housing sites in the floodplain in this parish.  
Agency Coordination / Permits: Coordination with the parish floodplain administrator to ensure compliance with the NFIP as administered in the local floodplain ordinance including issuance of appropriate permitting.  To be coordinated  by construction contractor.
Mitigation: This site is located in the floodplain and must accordingly comply with the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program as outlined in 44 CFR Part 60.

Resource Area: Wetlands (Executive Order 11990)
Impact Intensity: Negligible
Impact Summary: Wetlands were observed at the project site during the site reconnaissance and were noted on the USFWS National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps (USGS 2005).  These wetlands were delineated on 11/4/05.  
Agency Coordination / Permits: Communication with USACE Regulatory on 11/10/05.
Mitigation: These wetlands will be avoided during the construction of the Park.  A culvert and road crossing will be placed across a non-jurisdictional portion of a ditch.  

Resource Area: Coastal Zone Management
Impact Intensity: Negligible
Impact Summary: Project site is located within the boundaries of the Coastal Zone.  This site is used as a pasture for cattle.  No impacts to the Louisiana Coastal Zone.
Agency Coordination / Permits: Communication with Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Coastal Management Division on 9/21/05
Mitigation: Joint Permit not required as the project would avoid wetlands and is well above any tidal influence.  Project would be compatible with the general consistency authorization agreement.  No further consultation with DNR required.

Resource Area: Water Quality
Impact Intensity: Negligible
Impact Summary: Potential for localized increase in sedimentation during construction.
Agency Coordination / Permits: LAPDES stormwater construction permits to be obtained by construction contractor.
Mitigation: Contractor to implement requirements of LAPDES stormwater construction permit.  Implement construction BMPs, install silt fences/straw bales to reduce sedimentation.    

Resource Area: Air Quality
Impact Intensity: Negligible
Impact Summary: 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.
Agency Coordination / Permits: EPA Regional 6 Designation.
Mitigation: 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.

Resource Area: Vegetation and Wildlife
Impact Intensity: Minor
Impact Summary: Site is pasture with of non-native or improved grasses and woody vegetation.  See Section I.
Agency Coordination / Permits: 
Mitigation: Once the temporary housing need has ended, the site would be seeded and restored to previous conditions and/or used by the landowner in a manner consistent with the county zoning

Resource Area: Threatened and Endangered Species (Endangered Species Act Section 7)
Impact Intensity: Minor
Impact Summary: Due to the presence of potential habitat for bald eagles, USFWS was contacted regarding potential impacts to threatened and endangered species.  
Agency Coordination / Permits: USFWS determination of may effect, not likely to adversely affect(11/7/05).
Mitigation: 

Resource Area: Cultural Resources (National Historic Preservation Act Section 106)
Impact Intensity: Minor
Impact Summary: No impact to historic properties or resources listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places is anticipated.  Phase I archeological survey completed between 11/09/05 and 11/11/05.
Agency Coordination / Permits: SHPO concurrence on no effect determination 11/15/05.
Mitigation: If unanticipated historic or cultural materials are discovered during construction, all construction activities shall immediately cease within 100 feet of the materials until their cultural affiliation and ultimate disposition are determined in consultation with the Louisiana State Historic Preservation Office, FEMA Environmental Liaison Officer and other interested parties.

Resource Area: Socioeconomics
Impact Intensity: Minor
Impact Summary: Park occupancy is expected to be about 310 people (124 units x estimated 2.5 people per unit).  The local community would experience an increase in the need for public services, such as schools, fire, police, and medical care for Park residents who are displaced from other communities.  Commercial facilities, such as grocery stores, would also experience an increase in customers during Park occupancy.  Also see Section I.
Agency Coordination / Permits: Parish Engineer contacted on November 14, 2005 regarding the need for additional community services.  The Parish Engineer stated that the Parish approves this trailer site.
Mitigation: 

Resource Area: Environmental Justice (Executive Order 12898)
Impact Intensity: Negligible
Impact Summary: The proposed action is not expected to pose disproportionately high and adverse public health or environmental effects on minority and low-income populations.  Also see Section I.
Agency Coordination / Permits: 
Mitigation: See Section I.

Resource Area: Noise
Impact Intensity: Minor
Impact Summary: During the construction period (approximately 21 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.  
Agency Coordination / Permits: 
Mitigation: 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.  

Resource Area: Safety and Security
Impact Intensity: No impact anticipated.
Impact Summary: 
Agency Coordination / Permits: 
Mitigation: The contractor would place fencing between the site and LA Hwy. 23 to prevent access to the Hwy by children.  The contractor would provide 24-hour security.  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.

Resource Area: Hazardous Materials and Toxic Wastes
Impact Intensity: Negligible
Impact Summary: A search of hazardous materials databases was completed on October 18, 2005.  No hazardous materials concerns were found at this site.  
Agency Coordination / Permits: 
Mitigation: All debris located on the project site would be removed and disposed of by the construction contractor prior to occupancy.

Resource Area: Traffic and Transportation
Impact Intensity: Minor
Impact Summary: Traffic volumes along Hwy. 23 would increase during Park construction and occupancy.  The existing infrastructure would be able to accommodate these increases without impacting local traffic.
Agency Coordination / Permits: Parish Engineer contacted on 11/14/05.
Mitigation: 



 I. Additional Impact Analysis

Wetlands (Executive Order 11990)
Jurisdictional wetlands are present on northwest portion of the property.  These wetlands were delineated by the U.S. Army Corps of engineers on November 4, 2005 and a copy of the wetland location given to the contractor.  This wetland wouldl be avoided during the construction of the temporary housing (trailer) site.  A culvert and road crossing would be placed across a ditch located in the middle of the property.  This portion of the ditch not jurisdictional waters of the U.S. (Windham 2005).
Vegetation and Wildlife
The project site is approximately 30- acres of grassed pasture.  This pasture contains cultivated non-native or improved grasses and volunteer vegetation (ragweed, golden rod, dog finnel, and Johnson grass).  The site is sparsely populated with some native and non-native woody vegetation.  The tree species on the site include Chinese tallow, live oak, hackberry, willow, cypress, and pecan.  Songbirds, Mourning Dove, and rabbit were observed on the site.  There is a stream located just beyond the fence line on the northern fringe of the property.  The stream is flowing and contains both fish and wetland plant species (bull tongue and smartweed). 

The site would be prepared by clearing and partial grading, weed removal from drainage ditches and disposed of on-site, and existing barbwire fencing, and concrete slabs removed.  The interior roads and trailer pads would be covered with geotextile grade fabric and limestone rock.  Minor impact to approximately 8.54 acres of vegetation would be anticipated with this action.  Wildlife in the project area would be expected to relocate to nearby areas until the action has ended.  When the need for temporary housing has ended, the site would be seeded and restored to previous conditions and/or used by the landowner in a manner consistent with parish zoning classification.  

Threatened and endangered Species (Endangered Species Act Section 7)
Due to the presence of potential bald eagle habitat within 1,500 of the project site, USFWS was contacted regarding potential impacts to threatened and endangered species.  USFWS determined that the proposed project may effect, but is not likely to adversely affect these resources.  Construction of temporary housing would increase noise and other human disturbances in the area.  However, these disturbances are already present with the homes to the north, and restaurant and homes to the east of the site.  Therefore, it is unlikely that the construction of temporary housing would impact the bald eagle.  

Cultural Resources
Per National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 review for the Park there was a reasonable potential for historic properties to be present within the project area.  Accordingly, on October 24, 2005 FEMA requested initial consultation with State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and recommended conducting a Phase I Survey to better define potential historic properties that might be impacted by the project.  SHPO concurred and on November 9-11, 2005, the survey was completed.  Results are found in Phase I Cultural Resources Survey and Archeological Inventory of a 6.07 ha (15 ac) Proposed Temporary Housing Area No.  PL-14 Captain Larrys Site, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana (Goodwin & Associates, Inc., New Orleans, 2005), see appendix 3.  The management summary for the Phase I study reported a total of three modern/historic isolated cultural resources loci were identified and delineated.  All cultural resources loci were determined to be modern/historic deposits mixed with the modern debris and fill noted throughout the proposed temporary housing site.  The three loci lack research potential and do not possess the qualities of significance as defined by the National Register of Historic Places criteria for evaluation (36 CFR 60.4 [a-d]) and no additional work is recommended.  Based on the results of the Phase I Survey presented above, FEMA has determined that temporary housing undertaking at the Park would have no adverse effect on historic properties. 

Socioeconomics
The project site is located southwest of the city of Belle Chasse, which has 9,848 residents, and 3,561 housing units.  The median household income is estimated at about $47,271 (based on 1999 Census) (Census 2005).  The primary employment sectors (about 50 percent of all jobs) are educational, health, and social services; professional, scientific, management, administrative, and waste management services; retail trade; and manufacturing.  According to the 2000 census, about 3 percent of the Belle Chasse civilian labor force is unemployed (Census 2005).  A small low-income, minority neighborhood consisting of mobile homes and houses is located to the north of this Park. 

With the establishment of the Park, up to about 310 residents would be temporarily relocating to the Belle Chasse area (124 units x estimated 2.5 people per unit), although some of these potential residents may be residents of the area currently displaced from their homes.  The local community is aware of this action and would experience an increase in the need for public services, such as schools, fire and police services, child care, and medical services.  During a telephone call on November14, 2005, the Parish Engineer indicated that the Parish fully supports this trailer site.

Commercial facilities, such as grocery stores, would also experience an increase in customers during Park occupancy.  Shopping centers are located near the project site and should have sufficient capacity to accommodate Park residents.  

Traffic and Transportation.
The project site is located adjacent to State Highway (Hwy.) 23, southwest of Walker Road.  No traffic lights are located on Hwy 23 at this location.  Traffic within the general project area would increase due to the ingress and egress of construction equipment.  This traffic impact would be short-term and limited to the duration of construction.  Traffic volumes would also increase due to the addition of vehicles used by Park residents.  The increase in traffic volume would depend on such factors as the number of residents vehicles and the number of trips per day.  State Highway 23 would be able to support this increase.  

Noise
Noise levels within the project area would increase during construction of the project due to construction activities.  Construction noise impacts would be short-term and limited to the duration of construction activities (about 21 days).  Due to the urgency of the situation, construction would occur on a 24-hour schedule until the Park is completed.  If necessary, noise reduction measures would be instituted.  These measures could include: restricting the 24-hour construction schedule to the five days of construction, using a 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. construction schedule, completing construction closest to adjoining resident first, and/or completing noisier activities during the day if using a 24-hour schedule.

J. References

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  1985.  Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).  Community Panel 2201390045 B. Revised May 1.

CH2MHill.  2005.  Site Design for Captain Larrys Temporary Housing Site.  October 31.

Campbell, Emily.  2005.  Personal communication, Plaquemines Parish Engineer.  November 14, 2005.

U.S. Bureau of the Census (Census).  2005.  American Factfinder.  http://www.census.gov.  Website accessed November 5.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  2005.  Wetlands Online Mapper.  http://wetlandsfws.er.usgs.gov/wtlnds/launch.html.  Website accessed October 11.

Windham, Mike.  2005.  Personal communication.  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Office.  November 10, 2005.

K. Public Involvement

A Public Notice was published in the New Orleans Times-Picayune between November 17 through 19, 2005.  Due to the emergency nature of this action, the public comment period will be brief  November 17 to November 19, 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 be 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 are available for public review at the Belle Chasse Branch, Plaquemines Parish Library, 8442 Hwy. 23, Belle Chasse, Louisiana 70037 and the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) located at Belle Chasse Auditorium, 8938 Hwy. 23, Belle Chasse, Louisiana 70037.  The library hours are 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; and 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, Saturdays.  The DRC hours are 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday through Saturday. The Draft EA and FONSI are also made available for viewing and download from FEMAs website at http://www.fema.gov/ehp/docs.shtm.  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 documents.

L. Figures

Figure 1: Project Location - Map showing the state of Louisiana with a box around the project location and a larger map of the previously boxed site.
Figure 2: Site Location - Map with street names showing the project site highlighed.
Figure 3: Photographs - Two photos showing the typical vegetation at the site.



Appendix 1. Hazardous Materials Database Search



Appendix 2. Finding of No Significant Impact




Appendix 3. Phase I Cultural Resources Survey and Archeological Inventory





	
Draft Environmental Assessment
Captain Larrys Emergency Temporary Housing Site
Belle Chasse, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana
FEMA-1603/1607-DR-LA