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FEDERAL CONSISTENCY DETERMINATION REQUEST MINNETTA MITCHELL NUTRITION BUILDING STORAGE BUILDING 100 and 101 Fill Tract E Crown Bay No. 6 Southside QTR, St. Thomas U.S. Virgin Islands USVI DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES HEAD START & EARLY HEAD START PROGRAM ST. THOMAS, US VIRGIN ISLANDS Prepared by: CPH, Inc. 950 Ponce de Leon Avenue San Juan, PR 00907 JUNE 2022 2 INTRODUCTION The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services is proposing to remodel/rebuild existing structure located at 100 and 101 Fill Tract E Crown Bay, No. 6 Southside QTR (Crown Bay Fill), St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands in order to rebuild existing building for storage facility for the Head Start program. The existing structure was severely damaged by Hurricane Irma in September, 2017. The storm produced strong destructive winds, power outages, down power lines, structure and property damage and fallen trees. The storm system also deposited heavy rainfall amounts throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands. The existing building was constructed prior to the major hurricanes in the late 80’s from Hurricane Hugo to the more recent hurricanes, Irma and Maria. Since the time of Hurricane Hugo in 1989, the Virgin Islands has adopted, first the Uniform Building Code for structures, and more recently, the International Building Code (IBC). The existing building will be rebuilt per IBC code requirements to accommodate the program requirements for a functional facility. PROJECT LOCATION The project comprises an approximate 0.4 acres track of land identified as 100 & 101 Fill Tract E Crown Bay, No. 6 Southside Qtr., St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Figure 1: USVI GIS online MapGeo and Property ID 3 The property is limited: to the North by 101 Crown Bay Fill (Tract F), No. 6 Southside QTR with property ID# 105303262700, owned by the Government of the Virgin Islands; to the South by Crown Bay Fill #15 Southside QTR with Property ID # 105204050186; to the East by an access road; and to the West by Port of Subase Crown Bay Fill with Property ID# 105204050100. The project GPS coordinates are: latitude 18.336293 / longitude -64.944675 Figure 2: Site Location – USGS Charlotte Amalie VI Quadrangle - Topo Map 4 SITE DESCRIPTION GENERAL The site is completely developed and occupied by an abandoned structure of approximately 5,000 square feet. It is constructed of a steel structural frame, with gable steel metal roof and 8” concrete masonry unit (CMU) perimeter walls unreinforced. Building has interior partitions in drywall material and a wood canopy on the exterior facade. The site has an abandoned power generator. Figure 3: Existing Conditions Survey of Site 5 PHOTOS Photo 1: Front View Photo 2: Rear View 6 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS TOPOGRAPHY AND DRAINAGE PATTERNS The existing ground surface elevations on the property is basically flat with topographic contours that varies from about 7.0 feet MSL along the East limit of the property to about 2.5 feet along the West limit. Roughly, the property drains naturally from East to West and discharge into a series of catch basins along a paved road that runs north to south along the western limit of the property. Discharge point at exiting inlets, are part of a drainage structure on culvert that conveys runoff from the northern basin trough the site into the sea. The area and grades along this culvert structure will remain unaltered, to allow for the conveyance of storm water during storm events (to allow naturally drain based on existing topography). No structures or equipment will be built or installed along the western boundary of the site. SOILS According to the USDA online Soil Survey, soils within the project area are classified as Urban Lands (UbD). This map unit consists of areas that have more than 70 percent of the surface covered by airports, shopping centers, parking lots, large buildings, streets, sidewalks, or other impervious surfaces. According to the USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service, these soils are not considered as hydric or having hydric inclusions. Figure 4: USDA Soil Survey Map 7 FLOOD ZONES According to Panel 0026 of the US Virgin Islands Advisory Base Flood Elevation Maps, the project area lies within flood zone AO with a 1% depth of 2 feet. Existing building Finished Floor Elevation (FFE) is 7.28 feet Figure 5. FEMA Flood Advisory Map COASTAL FLOODPLAIN, OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE RESOURCES The project is located approximately 0.09 miles (472 feet) inland from St. Thomas Crown Bay port zone. No impacts are anticipated to the marine environment or from sea storm events COASTAL BARRIERS According to the USFWS IPaC (Information for Planning and Consultation) webtool, there are no coastal barriers at this location FRESH WATER RESOURCES There are no freshwater resources in or in the vicinity of this property. TERRESTRIAL RESOURCES The project area comprises a complete developed track of land, which vegetation is basically limited to opportunistic species that have wildly grown at the property site since it was abandoned. 8 WETLANDS According to the National Wetlands Inventory Maps, published by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the project area is not affected by Wetlands. Figure 6: National Wetlands Inventory Maps RARE AND ENDANGERED SPECIES According to IPaC the project area is located within the endangered Virgin Islands Tree Boa (Chilabothrus granti) range. According to the USFWS General Project Design Guidelines for this species, the following conservation measures are to be follow; Conservation Measures for the USVI: 1. Contact Government of the Virgin Islands, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) at (340) 775-6762, for consultation. 2. DFW will come out for an on-site discussion. They will need a copy of your building plans or a narrative of your intended project. DFW will coordinate via email so that all developers, owners, contractors, and other agencies, can follow along and provide input. 3. DFW will conduct a short VI boa training session for all individuals conducting hand clearing. This will involve discussions on what to do if a boa is encountered as well as boa identification. This can be done any time prior to hand clearing but is often preformed the first day on site. Photographs of the VI boa are to be prominently displayed at the site. 4. At least 5 days prior to the use of heavy equipment on the site, the site vegetation may be cut by hand. Any stone walls or naturally occurring rock piles must be carefully dismantled by hand as these are refuges for the snake. This will allow any boas present to vacate the site without injury. 5. Only hand clearing of vegetation is to be performed. This allows the use of chainsaws cutting 9 vegetation down to less than 36 inches off the ground. 6. If a VI boa is found within any of the working or construction areas, activities should stop at the area where the VI boa is found. If boas need to be captured immediately to continue work and avoid harming the boa during the project activities, designated personnel shall immediately contact the DFW for safe capture and relocation 7. DFW should be notified of any snakes observed. 8. Another site visit will be performed by DFW to confirm that hand clearing has been completed to our standards. The waiting period clock starts after inspection. 9. The site is to be left undisturbed for 5 days prior to the use of heavy machinery. However manual work may continue to be performed during this time and any vegetation may be moved by hand. 10. Use of heavy equipment is only permitted to start after the agreed upon date The project site is not affected by natural wildlife refuge lands or fish hatcheries at this location. There are no migratory birds of special concern expected to occur at this location. AIR QUALITY All of the U.S. Virgin Islands is designated Class II by the Environmental Protection Agency, in compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards. In Class II air quality regions, the following air pollutants are regulated: open burning, visible air contaminants, particulate matter emissions, volatile petroleum products, sulfur compounds, and internal combustion engine exhaust (Virgin Islands Code Rules and Regulations). It is expected that excavation equipment will be used during project construction and will create combustion engine exhaust during on site use. Air quality will return to pre-construction conditions upon the completion of the construction process An emergency stand-by generator that meets EPA clean air standards is proposed for this project. All permit applications will be filled for this equipment at the appropriate time prior to installation. 10 PROPOSED PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed project comprises the rebuild of the existing facilities with an approximate 5,000 square feet building. The site will have 7 parking spaces including 1 handicap parking. The site plan also provides with a service area, and an emergency power generator. The structure is designed to be resistant as required by updated design criteria for hurricanes and other seismic activity. The structure will consist of the steel frame and steel gable roof with reinforced 8” concrete masonry units (CMU) on the building perimeter. The entire project is designed to resist up to 180 mph wind forces per current code requirements which is equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane and higher. Figure 7: Proposed Master Site Plan 11 IMPACT ON MAN’S ENVIRONMENT VISUAL IMPACTS The proposed Head Start Facility will be a visual improvement over the existing severely damaged and abandoned facility it is replacing. The proposed Head Start Facility will be a visual improvement over the existing severely damaged and abandoned facility it is replacing. The new design considered the V.I. Architecture and includes sloped steel roofs and CMU walls, impact resistant windows and doors for resisting hurricane and seismic forces. The buildings will be insulated per the new building code standards at the roof and walls. The metal roofs will provide long lasting weather protection. The high efficiency plumbing, HVAC and light fixtures will provide savings in water and electricity consumption. The interior finishes will include recycled and low VOC materials. Thus, the buildings will be less burden to environment meanwhile providing better setting for its occupants. Figure 8: Aerial View Rendering 12 Figure 9: Eye level View Rendering LAND AND WATER USE PLANS The project parcel is zoned W-2 and R-3, which complies with current Coastal Land and Water Use Plan and meets all use requirements for the zoning district as set forth in Title 29 of the Virgin Islands Code. HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES The proposed project comprises a completely developed track of land with no known archaeological relevance. The property is not within any declared historical zones. There is also no documentation in regards to historical ruins found at or near the site. Standard procedures will be used if any items of Archaeological relevance are observed during the excavation activities on the site. WASTE DISPOSAL AND ACCIDENTAL SPILLS The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority has specific guidelines and criteria for accepting construction debris. Demolition waste will be disposed of in accordance with all governing laws and regulations. Any excess excavated material will be collected, taken off- site and properly disposed of. An assessment was conducted by GEC Corp. and all Asbestos and Lead testing results will be submitted to DPNR. An abatement plan will be submitted to the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) prior to the commencement of demolition work. 13 The handling and disposal of any hazardous materials, such as the used oil from the motor pool area, and the fuel from existing generator fuel storage will be done in strict accordance with all governing laws and regulations. The equipment will be kept in good operational condition during the proposed project timeline and refueling on site will be kept to a minimum. EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION CONTROL PLANS Sedimentation and erosion controls will be implemented to ensure rainfall will not impact the adjacent properties and streets during construction. This will include silt fencing, gravel entrances, at the entry gate, and check dams. GRADING AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT Proposed site will not impact exiting terrain elevation contours, no deposit or grading activities will be required for the site. Pre and post drainage condition will be evaluated and an internal storm sewer system will be designed. Runoff will be managed through a sheet flow condition into the existing drainage culvert along western boundary of the site, that is the existing public storm sewer system. The existing ground surface elevations on the property is basically flat with topographic contours that varies from about 7.0 feet MSL along the East limit of the property to about 2.5 feet along the West limit. The predominant terrain elevation on the existing road to the East in 4.5feet and to the West is 3.0 feet, drainage culvert top elevation is approximately 2.5 feet. To reduce site runoff due to reduction in pervious areas, all parking areas will be designed with pervious concrete to mitigate the increase of runoff, the difference will be managed through the proposed green areas or directed towards the existing drainage culvert. UTILITIES ELECTRIC POWER The project site has a high voltage connection to WAPA system with a 120/240V 3 DIA 200A electrical service meter, an electric transfer switch 120/208V 3 DIA 200A and other inoperable electrical infrastructure. The project required electrical load has been determined in 75kva. An electrical emergency generator with a capacity of 60 kw is also being proposed. A consultation with Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) will be conducted, to determine requirements to connect the project to existing electrical system. 14 WATER Public water supply meter is available for use at the site. A consultation with Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) will be conducted, to determine requirements to connect the project to the existing potable water system. A potable water cistern with a capacity of 1,200 gallons with a pump system is proposed for the project. The proposed pump system will use filters and a UV system to treat water for human consumption. WASTE WATER - SEWAGE Public Sewer is available and in use at the site. A consultation with Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) will be conducted, to determine requirements to connect the project to existing sewer system. FEDERAL CONSISTENCY DETERMINATION The proposed project consists of two main phases; Demolition of the existing structures and facilities and construction of the new Head Start nutrition building. The project site is approximately 0.09 miles (472 feet) inland from coastal waters. It is expected that both, the demolition of the existing building and the new construction might have the potential of impacting environmental resources, air and water quality during both demolition and construction activities. Preventive and mitigation measures, such as sedimentation and erosion control plans, will be implemented to minimize the risks for these potential environmental impacts to occur. The proposed project occurs only within previously disturbed areas and excavation of historical or cultural resources is not anticipated. Project activities will stop if historic remains or resources are encountered, and SHPO will be contacted to determine the best course of action. The Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 requires that federal actions, within and outside the coastal zone, which have reasonably foreseeable effects on any coastal use (land or water), or natural resources of the Coastal Zone be consistent with the enforceable policies of a state's federally approved Coastal Management Program. The proposed facility at 100 and 101 Fill Tract E Crown Bay, No. 6 Southside QTR (Crown Bay Fill), St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands is designed to fall within existing roadways and previously disturbed areas. The project will not impact any natural resources and will improve the visual landscape in the area. As proposed, it will be undertaken in a manner consistent with the enforceable policies of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ CZM Program. This Federal Consistency Determination demonstrates the proposed project’s compliance with the U.S. Virgin Islands’ CZM Program. The project meets each of the basic goals of the USVI for its coastal zone as set forth in the Virgin Islands Code Title 12, Conservation Chapter 21, Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management [V.I. Code tit. 12, § 903(b)]. Additional details are as follows: USVI Code Title Twelve Conservation, Chapter 21 § 903 (b) 1. Protect, maintain, preserve and, where feasible, enhance and restore, the overall quality of the environment in the coastal zone, the natural and man-made resources therein, and the scenic and historic resources of the coastal zone for the benefit of residents of and visitors of the United States Virgin Islands. The proposed facility at 100 and 101 Fill Tract E Crown Bay, No. 6 Southside QTR (Crown Bay Fill), St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands is designed to be within existing roadways and previously disturbed areas. The project will not impact any natural resources and will improve the visual landscape in the Area. The new design considers the V.I. Architecture such as sloped roofs and walls, impact resistant windows and doors for resisting hurricane and seismic forces. The new buildings will be less burden to the environment while providing a better setting for its occupants. 2. Promote economic development and growth in the coastal zone and consider the need for development of greater than territorial concern by managing: (1) the impacts of 16 human activity and (2) the use and development of renewable and nonrenewable resources so as to maintain and enhance the long-term productivity of the coastal environment. The proposed project promotes the economic development and growth in the area by providing a necessary public service on the island through the development of a facility that meets the early childhood needs of the children and their parents within the greater community. The development will be within a previously developed parcel avoiding new impacts on undeveloped areas. 3. Assure priority for coastal-dependent development over other development in the coastal zone by reserving areas suitable for commercial uses including hotels and related facilities, industrial uses including port and marine facilities, and recreation uses. The proposed project does not impact coastal dependent development within the coastal zone area. The project site is approximately 0.09 miles (472 feet) inland from coastal waters. 4. Assure the orderly, balanced utilization and conservation of the resources of the coastal zone, taking into account the social and economic needs of the residents of the United States Virgin Islands. The proposed Head Start Facility is designed to be within existing roadways and previously disturbed areas. The project will not impact any natural resources and will improve the visual landscape in the Crown Bay area. The proposed project will provide critical public services and therefore will meet the economic and social needs of the residents of the area and the community of on a whole. 5. Preserve, protect and maintain the trust lands and other submerged and filled lands of the United States Virgin Islands so as to promote the general welfare of the people of the United States Virgin Islands. The proposed project will not impact trust lands or other submerged or filled lands of the U.S. Virgin Islands. 6. Preserve what has been a tradition and protect what has become a right of the public by ensuring that the public, individually and collectively, has and shall continue to have the right to use and enjoy the shorelines and to maximize public access to and along the shorelines consistent with constitutionally-protected rights of private property owners. The proposed project will in no way affect public access to, or use of, the shoreline. The project is located 0.09 miles inland. 7. Promote and provide affordable and diverse public recreational opportunities in the coastal zone for all residents of the United States Virgin Islands through acquisition, development and restoration of areas consistent with sound resource conservation principles. The proposed project will not affect public recreational opportunities in the coastal zone. The project will serve a public need of child care and development within the area served. 8. Conserve ecologically significant resource areas for their contribution to marine productivity and value as wildlife habitats, and preserve the function and integrity of reefs, marine meadows, salt ponds, mangroves and other significant natural areas. 17 The project will have no impact on natural resources and will utilize best management practices (BMPs) to minimize areas of disturbance, thereby protecting adjacent habitats. 9. Maintain or increase coastal water quality through control of erosion, sedimentation, runoff, siltation and sewage discharge. The proposed project will have no long-term change on sedimentation or erosion. The proposed Head Start Facility at 100 and 101 Fill Tract E Crown Bay, No. 6 Southside QTR (Crown Bay Fill), St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands is designed to be within existing roadways and previously disturbed areas. The project will not impact any natural resources and will improve the visual landscape in the area. It will maintain coastal water quality through control of erosion, sedimentation, runoff, and siltation. As designed, it protects, maintains, preserves, and enhances the overall quality of the environment in the zone, the natural and man-made resources therein, and the scenic and historic resources of the coastal zone for the benefit of residents of and visitors of the USVI. It is therefore consistent with the policy set forth in the Virgin Islands Code Title 12, Conservation Chapter 21, Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management [V.I. Code tit. 12, § 903 (b)]. END COASTAL CONSISTENCY DETERMINATION REQUEST