Utica University Crime Lab, Page 1 of 4

February 16, 2024

MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD

From: Mark Liau 

NEPA Coordinator

Subject: Categorical Exclusion

Project Title: Utica University Crime Laboratory

Location: Bull Hall, Utica University Main Campus

1600 Burrstone Rd., Utica, NY 13502

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and associated implementing regulations (40 

CFR Parts 1500-1508) require that all major actions by federal agencies be reviewed with respect 

to the environmental consequences on the human environment. The National Institute of 

Standards and Technology (NIST) is providing a congressionally directed funding grant for the 

Utica University Crime Laboratory project. Consequently, NEPA and the associated 

implementing regulations apply.

 

This memorandum summarizes the determination that the Utica University Crime Laboratory 

project has been found to be categorically excluded from further environmental review under 

NEPA.

Description of the Action

This project includes the construction of a 1200 square foot Crime Laboratory at Bull Hall on the 

campus of Utica University. The Crime Laboratory will be constructed by the renovation of 700 

square feet existing space on the first floor of Bull Hall along with 500 square feet of new 

construction under an existing veranda. The project also includes renovation of an 880 square 

foot area on the second floor of Bull Hall converting a lounge area into classroom/office space. 

Bull Hall is a state-of-the-art, 23,000 square foot academic building located on the Southeast side 

of the Utica University Campus, and the principal home of the School of Business and Justice 

Studies (including Criminal Justice). 
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This renovation/addition will be built out and equipped as a crime laboratory with an open floor 

plan space that will support a full-range of crime scene investigation activities. Faculty members 

will be able to develop and stage crime scenes in a space that can be secured and remain 

undisturbed for indefinite periods of time. An open floor design will provide room for multiple 

related or unrelated crime scenes, and/or additional room for teaching or observation. A large 

open bay-style door will enable faculty to bring in different furniture, small vehicles, and natural 

or organic materials so that a wide variety of scenes can be set.

The Crime Laboratory will also be used for security and anti-terrorism training. Students will 

develop security plans, list the needs from cooperating law enforcement agencies, create a 

contingency plan, perform threat and vulnerability assessments, execute event-based security, 

crowd screening and control, VIP protection services, and practice crisis management and 

incident control. As with crime scene investigation scenarios, security and anti-terrorism training 

will utilize students from other academic programs, including Public Relations and Journalism 

and Theatre.

This project will be accomplished in accordance with all applicable state and federal 

environmental and safety regulations. All applicable regulatory permitting will be obtained.

Specific Considerations of this Action and any Extraordinary Circumstances

- Air Emissions, Stormwater, Wastewater, Critical Habitats

For the addition/renovation of the Bull Hall building, no significant impacts to air, water 

resources or critical habitats are expected.

- Building Staffing/Utilities

Staffing at Bull Hall is not expected to increase significantly. Water consumption and 

electricity use are not expected to change significantly over current building use.

- Greenhouse Gas Emissions

An increase in greenhouse gas emissions is expected from the heating and cooling required 

for the additional space constructed in this project; however, these emissions are expected to 

be minor and will be minimized by implementing energy efficient measure such LED light 

fixtures, daylight harvesting, and low global warming refrigerants mandated by New York 

State.

- Flooding Potential and Resilience

This project is not located within a FEMA mapped 100- or 500- year floodplain.
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- Hazardous Materials

Any hazardous materials (i.e., asbestos, lead based paint, polychlorinated biphenyls) that may 

be disturbed in the building renovations will be handled and disposed of in accordance with 

State and Federal regulations. 

- Historic/Cultural Significance

For the addition/renovation tasks planned, no adverse impacts are expected to any historic or 

cultural resources at the project site or in the vicinity. The State Historic Preservation Officer 

has concurred with this finding (Attached).

- Environmental Justice

Utica University is located in a census tract that is an underserved community. This project 

is located on the University’s existing property/campus, and is not anticipated to have any 

disproportional adverse human health or environmental impacts. 

Effects of the Action

No significant adverse impacts on the environment are expected from this action. 

Categorical Exclusion

The activities associated with this project fall within the criteria of the following Department of 

Commerce Categorical Exclusion: 

A–1 Minor renovations and additions to buildings, roads, airfields, grounds, equipment, 

and other facilities that do not result in a change in the functional use of the real property 

(e.g. realigning interior spaces of an existing building, adding a small storage shed to an

existing building, retrofitting for energy conservation, or installing a small antenna on an 

already existing antenna tower that does not cause the total height to exceed 200 feet and 

where the FCC would not require an environmental assessment or environmental impact 

statement for the installation). This CE does not apply in instances where the project must 

be submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) for review and 

NCPC determines that it does not have an applicable Categorical Exclusion.

This project is considered a minor renovation of a building that does not change functional use of 

the real property. The project does not require review by the NCPC.
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The proposed activity: Utica University Crime Laboratory is categorically excluded from the 

need for further environmental review under NEPA. Any changes to the above project will 

require additional NEPA review.

_________________________________ ______________________

Mark Liau Date

NIST NEPA Coordinator

_________________________________ ______________________

R.C. Vaughn Date

NIST Chief Facilities Management Officer
Attachment A

State Historic Preservation Officer Letter
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Division for Historic Preservation, Peebles Island, PO Box 189, Waterford, New York 12188-0189

(518) 237-8643 • https://parks.ny.gov/shpo

KATHY HOCHUL ERIK KULLESEID

Governor Commissioner

February 16, 2024

Phillip Neuberg

Federal Preservation Officer

National Institute of Standards & Technology

100 Bureau Drive

MS 190

Gaithersburg, MD 20899

Re: National Institute of Standards and Technology/OAHP

Utica University Crime Lab Construction at Bull Hall

1600 Burrstone Rd, City of Utica, Oneida County

24PR01145

Dear Phillip Neuberg:

Thank you for requesting the comments of the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). We 

have reviewed the submitted project information in accordance with Section 106 of the National 

Historic Preservation Act of 1966. These comments are those of the SHPO and relate only to 

Historic/Cultural resources. 

Based upon this review, the SHPO has no archaeological concerns and no concerns with the 

proposed construction at Bull Hall, built in 1982. Therefore, it is the opinion of the SHPO that no 

historic properties, including archaeological and/or historic resources, will be affected by this 

undertaking.

If you have any questions, I can be reached at nancy.herter@parks.ny.gov.

Sincerely,

Nancy Herter

Director, Technical Preservation Services Bureau