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ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REPORT For ASSETCO LEASING, INC. No. 13 Crown Bay Fill St. Thomas, USVI (01-17-2022) Applicant: ASSETCO LEASING, INC. P.O. Box 3770 St. Thomas, USVI 00802 340-642-2885 Environmental Assessment Report Parcel No. 13, Crown Bay Fill , St. Thomas Major Land Development Application 2 SECTION INDEX SECTION NUMBER SECTION NAME 1.00 NAME AND ADDRESS OF APPLICANT 2.00 LOCATION OF PROJECT 3.00 ABSTRACT 4.00 STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES SOUGHT BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT. 5.00 DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT 5.01 Summary 5.02 Drawings and Maps 5.03 Project Work Plan 6.00 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND PROBABLE PROJECT IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT 6.01 Climate/Weather 6.02 Landform, Geology, and Soils 6.03 Drainage, Flooding, and Erosion Control 6.04 Fresh Water Resources 6.05 Oceanography 6.06 Marine Resources 6.07 Terrestrial Resources 6.08 Wetlands 6.09 Rare and Endangered Species 6.10 Air Quality 7.00 IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT ON THE HUMAN ENVIRONMENT 8.00 MITIGATION PLANS 9.00 ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION 10.00 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM USES OF MANS ENVIRONMENT 11.00 REFERENCES Appendixes Environmental Assessment Report Parcel No. 13, Crown Bay Fill , St. Thomas Major Land Development Application APPENDIX LIST APPENDIX A : MISC. MAPS - Location Map : St Thomas, VI - Location Map: Vicinity - Recorded Parcel Map - Official Zoning Map - FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map - Water Resources Map - Sediment Reduction Plan - Soil Survey Map APPENDIX B : SURVEYS AND SITE PLANS - As-built Survey - Site Plan APPENDIX C : OTHER REQUIRED SUBMITTALS - Permit Application (L&WD ± 2) - Zoning Requirements Table (L&WD ± 3) - Major Project Summary Data (L&WD ± 4) - Proof of Legal Interest (L&WD ± 5) - Corporation Application (L&WD-7) - NFIP Flood Zone Designation (Form L&WD ± 8) - Lease Letter: DPNR/ Assetco Leasing, Inc. - Sub-Lease: Assetco Leasing, Inc./ Carib Supply - Business License: Carib Supply - Income Tax Clearance Letter - Adjacent Ownership Certification - VISHPO Clearance Letter - Certificate of Good Standing - Articles of Incorporation - Corporate Resolution Environmental Assessment Report Parcel No. 13, Crown Bay Fill , St. Thomas Major Land Development Application APPENDIX D : PHOTOS - Existing view: north exposure - Existing view: northwest exposure - Existing view: south exposure - Existing view: east exposure - Existing view: west exposure - Ariel parcel photo: pre-hurricanes - Ariel parcel photo: post-hurricanes - Ariel vicinity photo: pre-hurricanes - Ariel vicinity photo: post-hurricanes APPENDIX E: PROJECT WORK SCHEDULE - Work schedule APPENDIX F: DRAWINGS - Cover Page - Site Plan - Floor Plan - Elevations: Existing conditions - Elevations: Repaired condition - Section Environmental #13 Crown Bay Fill, St. Thomas, USVI Assessment Report Major Land Development Permit Application 5 1.00 NAME and ADDRESS OF APPLICANT Assetco Leasing, Inc. P.O. Box 3770 St. Thomas, USVI 00802 2.00 LOCATION OF PROJECT The subject property, Parcel No. 13 Crown Bay Fill, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., is situated along the northern side of Veteran¶s Drive, adjacent to the western property line of the parcel where Gottlieb¶s Service Center is located. NAPA Auto Parts is located directly to the north, and Island Marine is located directly to the west. Access to the property is via Veterans Drive. Plot No. 13, Crown Bay Fill is defined on & Survey Map No. D9-1280-T76 2.01 LOCATION MAP (See appendix A) 2.02 VICINITY MAP (See appendix A) 3.00 ABSTRACT Parcels No. 13 Crown Bay Fill is a commercially zoned lot created on .18 acres of submerged land in the Crown Bay area. The property is owned by the Government of the Virgin Islands/ Coastal Zone Management and is leased to Assettco Leasing, Inc. Carib Supply, which operates an industrial and medical gas supply business, sub-leases the property from Assetco Leasing, Inc., and has occupied the site since 1993. In September of 2017, the 4,000 square foot metal frame structure on the property was significantly damaged as a result of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Damages included loss of large sections of the metal roof and wall sheathing. Assetco Leasing, Inc. is proposing to repair the damaged structure. 4.00 STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES SOUGHT BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT The objective of the proposed project is to repair an existing 4,000 sq.ft. steel frame structure which was damaged by Hurricanes Irma & Maria. 5.00 DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT - Parcel #13, Crown Bay Fill is currently occupied by a 4,000 sq.ft. hurricane damaged building, from which Carib Supply operates a medical and industrial gas supply business. The purpose of the proposed project is to repair the damaged building. Environmental #13 Crown Bay Fill, St. Thomas, USVI Assessment Report Major Land Development Permit Application 6 - Building description: The building is a 4,000 sq.ft. single story structure. Roof height is approximately 20¶. Steel columns and rafters provide the primary structural framework for the building. Roof is sheathed with galvanized metal panels atop metal purlins. Exterior walls are 8´CMU block up to the 8¶ height, but are not load bearing. Exterior walls, from top of CMU block to eave, are steel girts sheathed with galvanized metal panels. Interior walls are wood or metal stud, covered with sheet rock. - As a result of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, much of the roof panels and purlins were damaged or destroyed. Likewise, a significant percentage of the metal wall sheathing was also lost. There was some minor damage to portions of the CMU walls, and the interior partition walls were also heavily damaged. - The major goal of the project¶s proposed activities will be the repair of the roof, walls, and related framing components. Primary structural components such as columns and rafters, appear to be intact. - Proposed activities do not include any earth change activities, modification of existing footprint, or change in use. Environmental #13 Crown Bay Fill, St. Thomas, USVI Assessment Report Major Land Development Permit Application 7 5.01 SUMMARY OF PROPOSED ACTIVITY a. Purpose of project: Purpose of project is to repair hurricane damaged 4,000 sq.ft. steel frame structure. It is hoped that necessary permitting and lease negotiations can be accomplished within the (6) month period following application submittal. It is anticipated that work on proposed project would begin within six months of receipt of building permit approval. Construction projected to be finished within one year from onset of work. b. Critical areas: Not applicable. Parcel does not have any critical areas of note. c. Method of land clearing: Not applicable. No land clearing proposed. d. Provision to preserve topsoil: Not applicable. No earthwork proposed. e. Erosion and sediment control devices: Not applicable. No earthwork or any activities which would necessitate the need for erosion and sediment control devices are being proposed. f. Earth change activities: Not applicable. No earth change activity is being proposed. g. Maintenance of erosion and sediment control measures: Not applicable. As no earth change activities are being proposed, and, as existing conditions do not dictate the need for erosion and sediment control devices, no such devices are being proposed. h. Method of storm water management: Currently storm water generally flows slowly southward across property in a shallow sheet onto Veteran¶s Drive. Storm water accumulating on Veteran¶s Drive is serviced by storm drains located there. Proposed repair work will have no impact on the existing storm water flow. No additional storm water devices are being proposed for this project. i. Maintenance schedule for storm water facilities: No additional storm water devices are being proposed for this project. j. Method of sewage disposal Existing structure is connected to public sewer line. Environmental #13 Crown Bay Fill, St. Thomas, USVI Assessment Report Major Land Development Permit Application 8 5.02 SITE PLAN 5.02.01 Lot layout a. Lot area, dims, and metes & bounds Appendix B ± Proposed site plan b. Set back dims Appendix B ± Proposed site plan c. Lot density Not applicable d. Lot occupancy Appendix B ± Proposed site plan e. Recreational areas Not applicable f. North arrow Appendix B ± Proposed site plan g. Site Topo Appendix B ± Proposed site plan h. Square footage/ lot coverage Appendix B ± Proposed site plan i. Square footage/ open space Appendix B ± Proposed site plan j. Project staging/material storage Appendix B ± Proposed site plan k. Low water mark Not applicable l. Filled lands Appendix A ± Official zoning map m. Existing vegetation Not applicable 5.02.02 Road Layout a. Road profile drawings Not applicable b. Parking layouts Appendix B ± Proposed site plan c. Parking space calculations EAR 7.03d d. Road curb detail Not applicable e. Utility easement Not applicable 5.02.03 Position of Structures a. Existing/proposed structures Appendix B ± As-built site plan b. Show building size Appendix B ± Proposed site plan c. Location of cistern Appendix B ± Proposed site plan d. Location of sewage disposal Appendix B ± Proposed site plan e. Site profile Appendix B ± Not applicable f. Garbage receptacle area Appendix B ± Not applicable g. Underground utilities Appendix B ± Proposed site plan 5.02.04 Septic System/Wastewater Treatment a. Setbacks Not applicable b. Septic Capacity Not applicable c. Septic details Not applicable d. Disposal site/effluent Not applicable 5.02.05 Stormwater Drainage a. Natural/proposed drainage pattern Appendix B ± Proposed site plan b. Cistern capacity/roof top collection Not applicable c. Storm water control measures Not applicable d. TR-55 calculations Not applicable Environmental #13 Crown Bay Fill, St. Thomas, USVI Assessment Report Major Land Development Permit Application 9 5.02.06 Stormwater Facilities a. Capacity of structures Not applicable b. Cross section of design detail Not applicable c. Natural drainage off site Appendix B ± Proposed site plan 5.02.07 Erosion and sediment control plan a. Erosion control devices, etc. Not applicable b. Construction entrance Not applicable c. Final grading Not applicable d. Post construction erosion control Not applicable 5.02.08 Landscaping Plan a. Existing 6´ vegetation Not applicable b. Irrigation plan and detail Not applicable c. Landscaping Not applicable d. Location of endangered species Not applicable 5.02.09 Other required drawings a. Floor plans Appendix F ± Floor Plan b. Project elevation views Appendix F ± Elevations 5.02.10 Maps a. Recorded Parcel Map Appendix A b. Easement Maps Not applicable c. Official Zoning Map Appendix A d. FEMA Flood Insurance Map Appendix A e. Water Resources Map Appendix A f. Sediment Reduction Program map Appendix A g. Soil Survey Map Appendix A 5.03 PROJECT WORK PLAN a. Subprojects and activities Appendix E b. Phasing of subprojects and activities Appendix E 6.0 SETTING AND PROBABLE PROJECT IMPACT ON THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 6.01 Climate/Weather The Virgin Islands experience a sub-tropical climate tempered by easterly trade winds, relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season September to November. Weather patterns are strongly affected by the Bermuda High to the north and the Equatorial Trough to the south. Climate data for US Virgin Islands Environmental #13 Crown Bay Fill, St. Thomas, USVI Assessment Report Major Land Development Permit Application 10 Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Average high °F (°C) 86 (30) 86 (30) 86 (30) 88 (31.1) 88 (31.1) 90 (32.2) 90 (32.2) 91 (32.8) 90 (32.2) 90 (32.2) 88 (31.1) 86 (30) Average low °F (°C) 72 (22.2) 72 (22.2) 72 (22.2) 74 (23.3) 76 (24.4) 77 (25) 78 (25.6) 78 (25.6) 77 (25) 76 (24.4) 75 (23.9) 73 (22.8) Precipitation inches (mm) 1.89 (48) 1.51 (38.4) 1.52 (38.6) 2.39 (60.7) 3.36 (85.3) 2.35 (59.7) 2.42 (61.5) 3.50 (88.9) 5.34 (135.6) 5.57 (141.5) 5.28 (134.1) 2.74 (69.6) Source: [6] May 2009 Monthly Averages for Saint Thomas, VI (00801)". The Weather Channel. Probable maximum 24-hour rainfall for 10, 25, and 100 year storm events (2002 Virgin Islands Environmental Protection Handbook) FREQUENCY (years) RAINFALL (inches per 24 hour period) 10 7 25 8.5 100 11.2 6.02 Landform Geology, Soils, and Historic Land use As delineated on the Official USVI District Zoning Map Plot (See appendix A), prior to being filled, the subject property and the entire ³Crown Bay Landfill´ area extended beyond the original shoreline. According to the United States Department of Agriculture/NRCS Soil Survey (See appendix A), soil type for the subject area is UbD or ³Urban Land´. Urban land consists of areas where the land surface has been covered with houses, garages, roads, driveways, sidewalks, buildings, parking lots, and other forms of impervious surface. It is on nearly level to sloping flood plains. The property has been used by Carib Supply since 1993 for sale of medical and industrial gases. Prior to Carib Supply, VI Industrial Gases used the property in the same manner. No change is being proposed from the manner in which the property has historically been utilized. 6.03 Drainage, Flooding, and Erosion Control Currently storm water generally flows slowly southward across property in a shallow sheet. Any storm water exiting the subject property, is serviced by storm drains located beneath the sidewalk along route 30. As indicated in FEMA 2007 FIRM map (panel 26), the site is in the flood plain located at adjacent to the northern coast line of Crown Bay. NFIP Flood Zone Designation is ³AO´. ³AO´ areas typically are those subject to inundation by 1-percent- annual-chance shallow flooding (usually sheet flow on sloping terrain) where average depths are between one and three feet. As property is currently being suitably serviced by existing drainage system, no additional storm water devices are being proposed. As no actions are being proposed which would affect existing drainage patterns, there are no plans for additional erosion and sediment control devices Environmental #13 Crown Bay Fill, St. Thomas, USVI Assessment Report Major Land Development Permit Application 11 6.04 Freshwater Resources There are no fresh water resources on the property. 6.05 Oceanography There are no oceanography issues to be impacted by the project. 6.06 Marine Resources There are no marine resources at the site that are likely to be impacted by the project. The proposed project will result in minimal changes to existing drainage patterns that might cause concerns given sites¶ proximity to marine environment. 6.07 Terrestrial Resources There are no terrestrial resources at the site that are likely to be impacted by the project. 6.08 Wetlands Not applicable to proposed project. 6.09 Rare and Endangered Species There is no knowledge or evidence of rare or endangered species present at this site. 6.10 Air Quality Not applicable to proposed project. 7.00 SETTING AND PROBABLE PROJECT IMPACT ON THE HUMAN ENVIRONMENT 7.01 Land Use Plans As evidenced on the Official USVI District Zoning Map (See appendix A), #13 Crown Bay Fill is located within a Commercial (C) zoning district. Use of the site for the sale of medical and industrial gases, as well as welding supplies, is consistent with relevant zoning restrictions for this district. All adjacent properties are also zoned commercial. Gottlieb¶s Service is located to the east of the subject property and operates as a gas station and convenience market. NAPA Auto Parts is located at the parcel¶s northern property line, and Tropical Marine, a maritime supplies operation, leases the property to the west. Veterans Drive abuts the parcel¶s southern property line. Environmental #13 Crown Bay Fill, St. Thomas, USVI Assessment Report Major Land Development Permit Application 12 7.02 Visual Impacts Appearance of existing building is an eyesore due to its damaged condition. Proposed repairs will be vastly improve the building¶s current appearance. Structure¶s appearance will be consistent with the architecture of adjacent structures and relevant zoning restrictions. 7.03 Impacts on Public Services a. Water: Existing building is connected to public water service. Current average monthly water consumption is 450 gallons. No significant increase in water consumption is anticipated as the result of proposed activities. b. Sewage Treatment and Disposal: Existing building is connected to public sewer system. Current average monthly discharge to sewer is approximately 400 gallons. No significant increase in sewage discharge is anticipated as the result of proposed activities. c. Solid Waste Disposal: Current operations at site generate approximately 400 lbs. of solid waste per month. Private hauler to transports waste to public landfill. No significant increase in solid waste disposal is anticipated as the result of proposed activities. d. Roads, Traffic, and Parking: There is no expectation of any significant increase in traffic flow to or from the property as a result of proposed repair activities. Currently ingress to the property is from Veteran¶s Drive at the plot¶s southern property line. Virgin Islands Code for off-street parking and loading requires (1) parking space per 500 sq.ft. of floor space for customers. Sales area accessible to customers is 1,000 sq.ft. Minimum number of customer parking spaces required is (2) two. Proposed number of customer parking spaces is (2) two. Virgin Islands Code for off-street parking and loading requires (1) parking space for every (5) employees. Operations currently employee (4) individuals. Minimum number of employee parking spaces required is (1) one. Proposed number of employee parking spaces is (1) one. e. Electrical: Building is connected to public electrical service (WAPA). Average monthly consumption is currently 1700 kw. No significant change in electrical consumption is anticipated as the result of proposed activities. Environmental #13 Crown Bay Fill, St. Thomas, USVI Assessment Report Major Land Development Permit Application 13 7.04 Social Impacts Carib Supply is one of the few providers of medical gases on St Thomas. Proposed project will allow Carib Supply to continue supporting the island¶s medical services. The proposed repairs will also have a positive social impact in that it will enhance the appearance of the area and will provide a commercial service and employment opportunities to Virgin Islanders. 7.05 Economic Impacts Repair of the damaged structure significantly increases the value of this Government owned property. In addition to the employment resulting from the proposed construction activities, the gas sales operations will continue to employ approximately (4) individuals. The existing business operations will continue to provide tax revenues (gross receipts, income tax, etc.) for the VI Government. 7.06 Impacts on Historical and Archeological Resources As the site is located in its entirety on filled property, there is no potential for any items of archeological significance. VISHPO has indicated no objection to the proposed development. (See appendix C ± VISHPO Clearance Letter) 7.07 Recreational Use Not applicable to proposed project. 7.08 Waste Disposal Existing building is connected to public sewer system. Current average monthly discharge to sewer is approximately 400 gallons. Operations at the property currently generate approximately 400 lbs. of solid waste per month. Private hauler transports waste to public landfill. No significant increase in solid waste disposal or in sewage discharge is anticipated as the result of proposed activities. 7.09 Accidental Spills Not applicable to proposed project. 7.10 Potential Adverse Effects Which Cannot Be Avoided Proposed project does not present any adverse effects of note. 8.00 MITIGATION PLANS Given the limited nature of the proposed project and the minimal negative impact it will have on the natural and human environment, mitigation plans are unnecessary. Environmental #13 Crown Bay Fill, St. Thomas, USVI Assessment Report Major Land Development Permit Application 14 9.00 ALTERNATIVES TO PROPOSED ACTION - No action. This would negatively affect Carib Supply¶s ability to maximize its competitive position and the efficiency of its operations. Building would continue to be an eyesore. Gain in property value resulting from proposed repairs would not be realized. - No other proposed alternatives. 10.00 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHORT & LONG TERM USES OF MAN¶S ENVIRONMENT All aspects of the proposed project are consistent with goals, regulations and policies of the Virgin Islands Government as presented in V.I.C.Z.M. Act of 1978. It is not anticipated that the proposed project will initiate any changes to the manner in which the use of Parcel No. 13 has historically impacted the long and short term uses of the surrounding environment. 11.00 REFERENCES Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Rate Map Map number: 7800000026G Panel number: 26 Map revised: April 26, 2007 University of the Virgin Islands Cooperative Extension Service Virgin Islands Environmental Protection Handbook 2002 United States Department of Agriculture USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) National Cooperative Soil Survey Government of the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources St. Thomas V.I. Official Zoning Map Map No. STZ-4 Government of the Virgin Islands Department of Conservation and Cultural Affairs Sediment Reduction Program St. Thomas- Map No. 16 Government of the Virgin Islands Department of Conservation and Cultural Affairs Water Resources Edition St. Thomas- Map No. 16 Environmental #13 Crown Bay Fill, St. Thomas, USVI Assessment Report Major Land Development Permit Application 15 Government of the Virgin Islands Virgin Islands Code Title 29: Public Planning and Development Advanced Methods of Surveying As-built Parcel No. 13 Crown Bay Fill St. Thomas, USVI Persons/firms involved or consulted in development of EAR Randy Hamlin Hamlin & Associates Permitting Consultants. Bill Koenig ABC Concepts General Contractor, Steel Erector Fabricator David McCoy Advanced Methods of Engineering Surveyor Wayne Callwood Certifying Engineer Sean Krigger Architectural Historian and Senior Planner ± Virgin Islands Historic Preservation Office VISHPO No Objection Letter Felix Finnley Assetco Leasing, Inc Project Manager APPENDIX A: MISC. MAPS - Location Map - St. Thomas, VI - Location Map ± Vicinity - Recorded Parcel Map - Zoning Map - FEMA Flood Insurance Map - Water Resources Map - Sediment Reduction Map - Soil Survey Map Parcel No. 13 Crown Bay Fill No. 7b Southside Quarter St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands Site Location Map Site Parcel No. 13 Crown Bay Fill No. 7b Southside Quarter St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands Vicinity Map PARCEL 13 : CERTIFIED PARCEL MAP Parcel No. 13 Crown Bay Fill No. 7b Southside Quarter St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands USVI DISTRICT ZONING MAP Zoning Subject Property : C Site Parcel No. 13 Crown Bay Fill No. 7b Southside Quarter St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands Old Shoreline Parcel No. 13 Crown Bay Fill No. 7b Southside Quarter St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands FEMA Flood Map Site Site Parcel No. 13 Crown Bay Fill No. 7b Southside Quarter St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands Water Resources Map Site Parcel No. 13 Crown Bay Fill No. 7b Southside Quarter St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands Sediment Reduction Map APPENDIX B: SURVEYS AND SITE PLAN - As-built Survey - Site Plan