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i Environmental Assessment DEMOLITION AND RENOVATION OF THE WTJX RADIO STATION PARCELS NO. 158 & 158A HAYPIECE HILL SOUTHSIDE QUARTER, ST. THOMAS PREPARED BY BIOIMPACT, INC. P.O. BOX 132 KINGSHILL ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLAND 00820 PREPARED FOR FEMA REGION 2 26 Federal Plaza, New York New York 10278 MAY 2024 i This Environmental Assessment has been prepared by Bioimpact, Inc., P.O. Box 132, Kingshill St. Croix. U.S. Virgin Islands 00851, bioimpact@islands.vi, bioimpact.islands.vi@gmail.com. Bioimpact, Inc.’s qualification statement is found in Appendix E. Amy Claire Dempsey, M.A. President, Bioimpact, Inc. i Table of Contents List of Acronyms ..................................................................................................................................... iv 1.0 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Project Location ............................................................................................................................ 1 2.0 Purpose and Need ............................................................................................................................. 3 3.0 Alternatives ....................................................................................................................................... 3 3.1 No Action Alternative .................................................................................................................... 3 3.2 Proposed Action ............................................................................................................................ 3 3.3 Other Action Alternatives ............................................................................................................. 4 3.4 Alternatives Considered and Dismissed ........................................................................................ 4 4.0 Affected Environment and Potential Impacts ................................................................................... 4 4.1 Physical Resources ........................................................................................................................ 4 4.1.1 Geology, Soils, and Seismicity ................................................................................................ 4 4.1.2 Air Quality ............................................................................................................................ 10 4.1.3 Climate Change .................................................................................................................... 11 4.2 Water Resources ......................................................................................................................... 11 4.2.1 Water Quality ....................................................................................................................... 12 4.2.2 Wetlands .............................................................................................................................. 13 4.2.3 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act ................................................................................................... 14 4.2.4 Floodplains ........................................................................................................................... 15 4.3 Coastal Resources ....................................................................................................................... 16 4.3.1 Coastal Barrier Resources Act .............................................................................................. 17 4.4 Biological Resources .................................................................................................................... 18 4.4.1 Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act ........................................ 20 4.4.2 Threatened and Endangered Species and Critical Habitat .................................................. 20 4.4.3 Fish and Wildlife ................................................................................................................... 21 4.5 Cultural Resources .............................................................................................................. 21 4.5.1 Historic Properties ............................................................................................................... 22 4.5.2 American Indian/Native Hawaiian/Native ........................................................................... 22 4.6 Socioeconomic Resources ........................................................................................................... 22 4.6.1 Environmental Justice .......................................................................................................... 23 4.6.2 Hazardous Material .............................................................................................................. 23 ii 4.6.3 Noise .................................................................................................................................... 24 4.6.4 Traffic ................................................................................................................................... 24 4.6.5 Public Service and Utilities ................................................................................................... 24 4.6.6 Public Health and Safety ...................................................................................................... 25 4.7 Summary Table ........................................................................................................................... 25 5.0 Cumulative Impacts ........................................................................................................................ 25 6.0 Agency Coordination, Public Involvement and Permits ................................................................. 25 7.0 References ...................................................................................................................................... 26 8.0 List of Preparers .............................................................................................................................. 26 9.0 Appendices ...................................................................................................................................... 27 APPENDIX A ....................................................................................................................................... 27 DRAWINGS - Attached .................................................................................................................. 27 APPENDIX B ....................................................................................................................................... 28 FWS iPaC Report ........................................................................................................................... 28 APPENDIX C ....................................................................................................................................... 39 Material Safety Data Sheet Halon 1301 ........................................................................................ 39 APPENDIX D ....................................................................................................................................... 45 SHPO Clearance ............................................................................................................................. 45 VIDFW Concurrence of NLAA ........................................................................................................ 45 FWS Concurrence of NLAA ............................................................................................................ 45 APPENDIX E ....................................................................................................................................... 48 Qualification Statement Bioimpact, Inc. ....................................................................................... 48 Figure 1. Location of WJTX Radio Station ............................................................................................... 2 Figure 2. Parcels 158 and 158A Haypiece Hill, St. Thomas ..................................................................... 2 Figure 3. Simplified Geological Map of St. Thomas, Haypiece Hill is Quartz keratophyra dikes and plugs (Lower Cretaceous). (Alminas 1994) ............................................................................................. 5 Figure 4. 1954 USGS Aerial Service Map ................................................................................................. 6 Figure 5. 1971 USGS Aerial Survey Map ................................................................................................. 6 Figure 6. 1988 USGS Aerial Service Map ................................................................................................. 7 Figure 7. 2023 Google Earth Aerial ......................................................................................................... 7 Figure 8. Prior to 2017 Hurricanes Google Earth Aerial .......................................................................... 8 Figure 9. Current January 23, 2023, Google Aerial of the site. ............................................................... 8 Figure 10. Custom Soil map for the Haypiece Hill SJTX site. ................................................................... 9 Figure 11. Earthquake Probability Map ................................................................................................ 10 Figure 12.Sea Level Rise Map (https://coast.noaa.gov/slr/#/layer/slr/4/- 7231238.867507785/2076551.6197419522/15/satellite/none/0.56/2050/interHigh/midAccretion) .............................................................................................................................................................. 11 Figure 13. Groundwater well map from Water Wells on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, USGS, Open- File Data Report 91-504. ....................................................................................................................... 12 iii Figure 14. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetland Inventory ........................................................ 14 Figure 15. Wild and Scenic Rivers in the U.S. and Puerto Rico ............................................................. 15 Figure 16. FEMA FIRM Map 40 of 94, April 16, 2007 ............................................................................ 16 Figure 17. Areas of first-tier jurisdiction are shown in color. ............................................................... 17 Figure 18. The project area in reference to the Coastal Barriers. ........................................................ 18 Figure 19. Uses in the surrounding area. .............................................................................................. 22 iv List of Acronyms APE Area of Potential Effect BMPs Best Management Practices CAA Clean Air Act CBRS Coastal Barrier Resources System CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act C.F.R. Code of Federal Regulations CWA Clean Water Act CZMA Coastal Zone Management Act DPNR Department of Planning Natural Resources EA Environmental Assessment EFH Essential Fish Habitat EJ Environmental Justice EO Executive Order EPA Environmental Protection Agency ESA Endangered Species Act FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Map FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact HSEM Homeland Security and Emergency Management IPaC Information for Planning and Consultation MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act NAVD North American Vertical Datum NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NPDES National Pollution Discharge Elimination System NPS National Park Service v NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service NRHP National Register of Historic Places NWI National Wetlands Inventory OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act SHPO State Historic Preservation Office SWPPP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load TPDES Territorial Pollutants Discharge Elimination Systems USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers U.S. United States USDA United States Department of Agriculture USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service USGS United States Geological Survey 1 1.0 Introduction In September 2017, Hurricanes Irma and Maria caused significant damage to the United States Virgin Islands (USVI or “the territory”). President Donald Trump issued one disaster declaration (DR-4335- VI) for Irma on September 7, 2017, and another one (DR-4340-VI) for Maria on September 20, 2017 encompassing the entire territory. The declarations authorized federal assistance to affected communities and certain non-profit organizations in accordance with the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act of 1974 (42 United States Code [U.S.C.] § 5172), as amended. The Declaration also authorized direct federal assistance. The Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency is FEMA’s grant Recipient and WJTX Radio Station is FEMA’s Subrecipient. This Environmental Assessment (EA) is prepared in accordance with Section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended; and the Regulations for Implementation of NEPA (40 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Parts 1500 to 1508). This EA considers the potential environmental impacts of the proposed project and alternatives to determine whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). In accordance with above regulations and FEMA Directive 108-1 and FEMA Instruction 108-1-1, FEMA is required, during decision-making, to evaluate and consider the environmental consequences of major federal actions it funds or undertakes. 1.1 Project Location The WJTX Radio Station is located on the crest of Haypiece Hill on the south shore of St. Thomas, approximately 1.5 miles southwest of the town of Charlotte Amalie. The radio station is located at 18.330323° N latitude and -64.958155°W longitude on Parcels 158 and 158A Haypiece Hill, Southside Quarter, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. 2 Figure 1. Location of WJTX Radio Station Figure 2. Parcels 158 and 158A Haypiece Hill, St. Thomas 3 2.0 Purpose and Need FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program fosters the protection of health, safety, and welfare of citizens, assists communities in mitigating damages caused by disasters, and reduces future losses resulting from natural disasters. The purpose of this project is to demolish the ruins of the WJTX Radio Station and rebuild the station which was destroyed during the 2017 Hurricanes. The radio station is an important part of the Virgin Islands Communication Infrastructure. 3.0 Alternatives The purpose of this project is to demolish the existing ruins of the WJTX Radio Station and reconstruct the WTJX Broadcasting Facility. The station ruins must be demolished, and the station must be rebuilt for the station to resume operations. Therefore, the alternatives include the No Action Alternative, i.e., leaving ruins to deteriorate further and abandoning the property and not operating form the site and building a new station elsewhere. Determining if any of the remaining structures and infrastructure, i.e., is there anything that is salvageable that can be saved and not demolished and incorporated into the rebuilding of the structure, or building a structure which does not take advantage of the previously altered areas. 3.1 No Action Alternative The property could remain as is as a ruin and the radio station could be reconstructed at a different location, which would result in additional impact to resources off site depending on the land on which the station is developed. The remaining buildings and debris would continue to deteriorate, and the site would continue to be an eyesore and a hazard to anyone venturing on to the property. The property cannot be reused until such a time as it is cleared of the damaged buildings and equipment. Environmentally is better to use a previously developed site rather than potentially developing an undeveloped site. 3.2 Proposed Action The proposed action is to demolish all the existing buildings including the roof structure, exterior and interior walls, windows, doors, floors, and floor slabs. And to demolish all building utilities, piping ductwork, electrical fixtures, and debris down to soil. The plan proposes to removal all concrete decking, sidewalks, and steps to grade and to remove the existing retaining walls, and the concrete and asphalt parking areas. The removal of the existing diesel fuel and wastewater storage building structures and infrastructure and the complete demolition of the existing satellite antenna equipment, their foundations, and slabs. The new facility will then be rebuilt taking advantage of the previously developed areas to minimize impacts to undeveloped fringe around the site. 4 3.3 Other Action Alternatives It is possible that the driveways and retaining wall could be retained for future use. This would require that the retaining walls be tested for structural strength and that the new design be worked into the constraints of the existing layout. This was considered and dismissed due to the limits placed on new design, and potential future risk. The proposed design is a better layout for the site with the parking lot located to the north rather than its existing location. 3.4 Alternatives Considered and Dismissed The action is the demolition of existing ruined structures and removal of the hurricane damaged equipment and the reconstruction of a new facility on the areas of the site which have been previously altered. WJTX has chosen not to abandon the property and leaving the ruin on site is not a viable alternative. 4.0 Affected Environment and Potential Impacts 4.1 Physical Resources 4.1.1 Geology, Soils, and Seismicity Geology of St. Thomas The Virgin Islands are near the northeastern corner of the present Caribbean Plate, a small trapezoidal-shaped plate that is moving eastward relative to the North and South American continents carried on the American Plate. The arc of the Lesser Antilles is an active volcanic arc above a subduction zone in which the Atlantic oceanic crust of the American Plate is carried downward under the Caribbean Plate. The closest volcano to the Virgin Islands that is still active is St. Thomas is composed of stratified volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks with minor limestone of the Early Cretaceous (Albain) to the late Cretaceous Age (Donnelly 1966). These rocks are granitic composition, some of which may be as young as Tertiary (Kesler and Sutter, 1979). The oldest rocks of St. John are submarine lavas (keratophyre and spilite), beds of volcanic debris and chert. Associated intrusive rocks of the Water Island Formation are overlain by andesitic volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks of the Louisenhoj Formation which underlies the island of St. Thomas to the east and much of the northwestern portion of St. John. Donnelly (1966) suggested that the Louisenhoj Formation was deposited unconformably on the Water Island Formation after a period of emergence, tilting and erosion, on the slopes and environs of a subaerial volcanic island located between St. Thomas and St. John, an area now occupied by Pillsbury Sound. The youngest layered deposits on St. Thomas are volcaniclastic rocks of the Tutu Formation. Fossils contained in the Tutu Formation suggest that those deposits are of the Early Cretaceous (Albain) Age (Donnelly et. al. 5 1971). All the volcaniclastic rocks of St. Thomas were deposited in a relatively short period of time spanning 10 to 15 million years approximately 100 million years ago (D. Rankin 1988). An irregular coastline, numerous bays, steep slopes, and small drainage areas characterize St. Thomas. The topography is mountainous and coastal plains are absent. Geology of Haypiece Hill Haypiece Hill is in the middle of a board peninsula extending between Crown Bay and Krum Bay. The peninsula is one large hill, and the radio station sits at its crest at 314ft. Figure 3. Simplified Geological Map of St. Thomas, Haypiece Hill is Quartz keratophyra dikes and plugs (Lower Cretaceous). (Alminas 1994) Geology of the Project Site The project site has been altered by the leveling of the hilltop for the building, parking areas and the cutting of the roadway to the site. Embankments along the roadway are steep. 6 The photographs below document changes made to the site. The 1954 aerial shows a roadway cut up to the crest of the hill and a building on the top of the hill which was associated with military construction during the Naval Occupation of the area. There is no apparent change noted between the 1954 and 1971 but by 1988 the site had been significantly developed and additional structures were constructed. There is little change on the site between 2003 and 2017 prior to the hurricanes. Figure 4. 1954 USGS Aerial Service Map Figure 5. 1971 USGS Aerial Survey Map 7 Figure 6. 1988 USGS Aerial Service Map Figure 7. 2023 Google Earth Aerial 8 Figure 8. Prior to 2017 Hurricanes Google Earth Aerial Figure 9. Current January 23, 2023, Google Aerial of the site. Soils of WJTX Two soil types are associated with the WJTX site, according to the Custom Soil Survey of the United States Virgin Islands prepared in 2022. Southgate-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes 9 which makes up the southern two-thirds of the site. Southgate-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes are found on ridges, mountain slopes and hillsides. These soils are found in areas of 38 to 44 inches of annual precipitation, and it is only 10 to 20 inches to a lithic bedrock (restrictive feature). Southgate-Rock outcrop complex (SrF), 40 to 60 percent slopes which makes up the northern third of the site is found in areas of 38 to 44 inches of rainfall annually and it is also 10 to 20 inches to lithic bedrock. These soils are found on mountain tops hillslopes, mountain slopes, and ridges and often have as much as 40% exposed rock outcroppings. Figure 10. Custom Soil map for the Haypiece Hill SJTX site. Seismic Activity The U.S. Virgin Islands lie in one of the most earthquake prone areas of the world, and are susceptible to ground shaking, earthquake-induced ground failures, surface fault ruptures and tsunamis (tidal waves) (Hays, 1984). The activity is mostly associated with large-scale tectonic activity or faulting, originating in the Anegada Trough to the northeast of the islands. The trough and its related scarp were thrown up by block faulting during the late Pliocene or early Pleistocene. It is oriented northeast to southwest, separating St. Croix from Puerto Rico and the other Virgin Islands. Based on willow focus earthquakes, the Anegada Fault Trough is estimated to be more than 400 10 miles in length. There are indications that strike slip movement is occurring, with St. Croix shifting northeast relative to Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico Water Authority 1970). Since the 1867 quake, there has been continuous low intensity activity all below 6.0 Richter. Numerous minor tremors are often felt on the island. The project area and Haypiece Hill are in an area of low earthquake vulnerability. Figure 11. Earthquake Probability Map 4.1.2 Air Quality The Clean Air Act of 1970 (42 USC 7401–7661 [2009]) is a comprehensive federal law that regulates air emissions from area, stationery, and mobile sources. The Act authorized the USEPA to establish National Ambient Air Quality Standards to protect public health and the environment. These include standards for six criteria air pollutants: lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter. Particulate matter includes both less than 10 micrometers in diameter and fine matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. Areas where the monitored concentration of a criteria pollutant exceeds the applicable air quality standards are designated as “in non-attainment” of the standards. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Criteria Pollutant Nonattainment Summary Report, the WSTX site is not within a Designated Nonattainment Area. All of St. Thomas 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). 11 The demolition of the ruins will create dust and combustion emissions using heavy equipment. A dust control plan will be implemented during demolition and construction. Once the demolition and construction are complete the air quality will return to ambient. 4.1.3 Climate Change Climate change has had a significant impact on the Virgin Islands with the development of more frequent and stronger hurricanes. The radio station was destroyed by the passage of Category V hurricanes Irma and then Maria in a two-week period in 2017. Changes in climate will not impact the demolition of the structures other than being cognizant of hurricane season and avoiding having materials scattered about the site, but it will have an impact on the redevelopment of the site and the new structures have been designed and will be built to withstand more powerful more frequent storms. Sea-level Rise According to NOAA’s Sea Level Rise Viewer shown below is set to show sea-level rise at 4ft. Figure 12.Sea Level Rise Map (https://coast.noaa.gov/slr/#/layer/slr/4/- 7231238.867507785/2076551.6197419522/15/satellite/none/0.56/2050/interHigh/midAccretion) The project site will not be affected by sea-level change due to its location at the top of Haypiece Hill. 4.2 Water Resources St. Thomas, USVI has limited freshwater resources, which include groundwater wells, intermittent and ephemera streams and ponds which dry up during periods of limited rainfall. Most of the potable water is either captured by rooftops and stored in cisterns or is desalinated seawater. The 12 site does not have freshwater resources. There are no ground water wells in the vicinity of the radio station (Figure 13). Figure 13. Groundwater well map from Water Wells on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, USGS, Open-File Data Report 91-504. 4.2.1 Water Quality Congress enacted the Federal Water Pollution Control Act in 1948 which was later reorganized and expanded in 1972 and became known as the Clean Water Act in 1977. This law regulates discharge of pollutants into water with sections falling under the jurisdiction of the United States Army Corps 13 of Engineers (USACE) and the USEPA. Section 404 of the Clean Water Act establishes the USACE permit requirements for discharging dredged or fill materials into Waters of the United States and traditional navigable waterways. USACE regulation of activities within navigable waters is also authorized under the 1899 Rivers and Harbors Act. Under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System, the USEPA regulates both point and non-point pollutant sources, including stormwater and stormwater runoff. Activities that disturb one acre of ground or more are required to apply for Coverage under the General Construction Stormwater Permit (TPDES Territorially Pollution Discharge Elimination System) through the Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (VIDPNR) as delegated by the USEPA. The WJTX property demolition will impact just under an acre of land (36,000 to 41,000sqft) and will not be required to obtain coverage under the Virgin Islands General Stormwater Permit for Construction and will not have to prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The construction of the new facility will however obtain coverage under the Virgin Islands General Stormwater Permit for Construction. The project has prepared a Sedimentation and Erosion Control Plan and will implement Best Management Practices (BMP). The property is located on the top of the hill and is more than 650ft at its nearest point to the sea. The slopes are heavily vegetated between the site and the coastline and there are no defined drainages on the property therefore the demolition of the site will have negligible impact on water quality if property sedimentation and erosion is implemented. Care has been taken in developing the drainage plans for the site to minimize erosion created by impervious surfaces. 4.2.2 Wetlands The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers defines wetlands as "those areas that are periodically inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support and under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, bogs, marshes and similar areas." (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1986). There are no terrestrial wetlands within the WJTX Radio Station project site (Figure 14). 14 Figure 14. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetland Inventory 4.2.3 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, there are 226 national Wild and Scenic Rivers across the 40 states and Puerto Rico (Figure 15). There are no Wild and Scenic Rivers in the U.S. Virgin Islands. 15 Figure 15. Wild and Scenic Rivers in the U.S. and Puerto Rico 4.2.4 Floodplains The project site is in Zone X where flooding is not expected (Figure 16 Flood Insurance Rate Map, Panel 40 of 94, revised April 16, 2007). 16 Figure 16. FEMA FIRM Map 40 of 94, April 16, 2007 4.3 Coastal Resources The Coastal Zone Management Act administered by states with shorelines in coastal zones requires those states to have a Coastal Zone Management Plan to manage coastal development. Projects within the designated coastal zones must be evaluated to ensure they are consistent with the Coastal Zone Management Plan. Projects receiving federal assistance must follow the procedures outlined in 15 CFR 930.90 – 930.101 for federal coastal zone consistency determinations, as implemented through Virgin Islands Code Title 12, Chapter 21. The radio station is within the first- tier jurisdiction of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), Division of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) and will need to obtain a Coastal Zone Management Permit or Coastal Consistency Certificate. 17 Figure 17. Areas of first-tier jurisdiction are shown in color. 4.3.1 Coastal Barrier Resources Act The Coastal Barrier Resources Act of 1982 created designated areas under the jurisdiction of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) that are ineligible for both direct and indirect federal expenditures, with limited exceptions. The Coastal Zone Management Act (15 CFR 930.90 – 930.101) was amended by the Coastal Barrier Improvement Act of 1990, which added a new category of coastal barriers called Otherwise Protected Areas in which, only flood insurance is restricted. The radio station is not within a Coastal Barrier (Figure 18). 18 Figure 18. The project area in reference to the Coastal Barriers. 4.4 Biological Resources The property is located on top of a knoll top on the Haypiece Hill peninsula. The knoll has large areas of forested slope that have not been altered in more than 70 years. The knoll has been slowly developing with industrial type uses, warehouses, heavy equipment storage and cement plants. The area around the station remains densely vegetated. In the surrounding forested areas, the following species were seen: 19 Table 1. Flora species present on WJTX site. Acacia tortuosa and A. macracantha (kasha) Agave spp. Aloe vera Antigonon leptopus (Wedding chain, coral vine) Bucida buceras (Gris gris) Bursera simaruba (Gumbo limbo, turpentine tree) Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Peacock flower, pride of Barbados) Calotropis gigantea (Giant milkweed) Capparis indica Capparis flexuosa (Limber caper) Centrosema virginianum (Spurred butterfly pea) Croton astroites (Wild maran, Maran bush) Eugenia spp. including Eugenia biflora (Blackrodwood) Euphorbia lactea (Dragon bone cactus) Guapira fragrans (Black mampoo) Hylocereus trigonatus (Night-blooming cereus) Ixora spp. (West Indian jasmine) Kalanchoe delagoensis (Mother of millions, formerly Bryophyllum delagoense) Lantana involucrata (Purple sage, wild sage) Leucaena leucocephala (Tan tan) Melocactus spp. (Turk’s cap cactus, melon cactus) Opuntia spp. (Prickly pear, Pear cactus) Opuntia pubescens Passiflora foetida (Pap vine, Stinking passionfruit) Peltophorum pterocarpum (Yellow flamboyant) Pilosereus royenii (pipe organ cactus) Randia aculeata Sansevieria trifasciata (Snake plant) Sesbania punicea (Rattlebox) Tecoma stans (Ginger Thomas) Terminalia catappa (West Indian almond) Tillandsia spp. (Bromeliads, “air plants”) Urochloa maxima (Guinea grass) There is still landscaping on the site and this includes; Adonidia merrillii (Christmas tree palm) Asparagus aethiopicus (Asparagus fern) Bougainvillea spp. Dracaena fragrans (Corn plant) Euphorbia tirucalli (Pencil cactus) Ficus benghalensis (Banyan tree) Hordeum jubatum (Foxtail barley) Yucca aloifolia (Spanish bayonet) The demolition will be focused on the existing structures, hardscape, and utilities, this however will result in the loss of all species within planters or beds within the developed area and of plants that 20 are immediately adjacent to the structure due to the use of heavy equipment. During grading of the site for construction, all large trees around the perimeter of the site will be marked and protected. Clearing of natural flora will be minimal and will have a negligible impact. During the surveys, no mammals were seen. Birds seen on the property include Zenaida dove (Zenaida aurita), common ground dove (Columbina passerina) and gray kingbird (Tyrannus dominicensis). Reptiles were abundant and tree anoles (Anolis cristatellus), grass anoles (Anolis pulchellus), barred anoles (Anolis stratulus), dwarf geckos (Thecadactylus sp), and common ground lizards (Sphaerodactylus macrolepis) were seen around the building and in the forested areas surrounding the buildings and satellite dishes. The Virgin Islands tree boa (Chilabothrus granti) could be present but was not seen during the survey. There is sufficient interdigitation in the surrounding forested areas and there is an adequate prey base. There are a few lizards and possibly boas in the ruins or debris, it is likely these species will move into the forested areas as site disturbance begins. There is sufficient habitat surrounding the ruins for these boas. 4.4.1 Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act The property is located well inland and will have no impact on fisheries resources, marine habitats, or water quality. 4.4.2 Threatened and Endangered Species and Critical Habitat The property is within the range for the St. Thomas Tree Boa (Chilabothrus granti), a federally listed rare and endangered species. There is a potential to harm the VI Tree Boa, during the demolition of the structure, this boa is usually found on the eastern end of the island but can be found in other locations. The project will not be clearing areas which were not previously developed as part of the demolition. However, it is possible that VI Tree Boas could be found in the damaged building and debris around the site and a training session should be held with the Division of Fish and Wildlife prior to the start of demolition and then again at the start of construction so workers can be informed about the boas and what to do if they are encountered. Education regarding the Tree Boas will help minimize impact to these species if they are encountered. No VI Tree Boas were seen and habitat for these snakes remains in the vicinity. No St. Thomas lid flowers (Calyptranthes thomasiana), an endangered plant species, were found during the surveys. 21 If during the demolition clearing is limited to that required to demolition the existing structures and if people working on the site are educated regarding the VI Tree Boas, the demolition may affect but is not likely to adversely affect the VI Tree Boa. The Division of Fish and Wildlife, DPNR and FWS has provided a concurrence that the project is Not Likely to Adversely Affect the VI Tree Boa. 4.4.3 Fish and Wildlife The Fish and Wildlife Service iPac (Information for Planning and Consultation) list to species related to the site, the West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus) and the Virgin Islands Tree Boa (Chilabothrus granti). The iPac report states there are no critical habitats at this location, however potential effects to critical habitat(s) in this location must be analyzed along with the endangered species themselves. There will be no impact on manatees as they are marine mammals and are not terrestrial. There is a potential to harm the VI Tree Boa, this boa is usually found on the eastern end of the island but can be found in other locations. The project will not be clearing areas which were not previously developed as part of the demolition. However, it is possible that VI Tree Boas could be found in the damaged building and debris around the site and a training session should be held with the Division of Fish and Wildlife prior to the start of demolition so workers can be educated about the boas and what to do if they are encountered. The iPaC report states there are no migratory birds of conservation concern expected to occur at this location. The iPaC Report is found in the Appendix B. 4.5 Cultural Resources FEMA must consider the potential effects of its funded actions upon cultural resources prior to engaging in any undertaking. FEMA evaluates potential effects in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, implemented by 36 CFR Part 800. The NHPA defines an historic property as “any prehistoric or historic district, site, building, structure, or object included in, or eligible for inclusion” on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). FEMA evaluates the Area of Potential Effects pursuant to 36 CFR 800.4(a)(1), defined as the geographic area(s) within which the undertaking may directly or indirectly affect cultural resources. FEMA evaluates properties with undetermined eligibility for listing in the NRHP as though they are, until an official determination is made. A SHPO Clearance Letter has been received from the Division of Historic Preservation. 22 4.5.1 Historic Properties The site originally had structures which were more than 50 years old, however these were destroyed with the construction of the existing structures. The demolition of the existing structures will have no impact on historic properties. 4.5.2 American Indian/Native Hawaiian/Native In June of 2021 Albert Byran governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands recognized the Guainia Tanio Tribe of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Guainia Tanio Tribe does not have tribal lands within the U.S. Virgin Islands. WJTX Radio Station is not on Tribal Lands. There are no tribal lands within the Virgin Islands. The project will have no impact on tribal lands. 4.6 Socioeconomic Resources Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations, requires federal agencies to identify and address disproportionately high and adverse human health, requires federal agencies or environmental effects its activities. The project area is zone “P” Public and is in an area of industrial and commercial use. The nearby properties which are developed are being used for concrete plants, heavy equipment storage, warehouse use and industrial marine use. The public electrical utility is located across Krum Bay to the west and the cruise ship port and marine uses are located to the northeast. WTJX-FM is a non-commercial, educational public radio station, serving as the NPR network affiliate for the United States Virgin Islands. Figure 19. Uses in the surrounding area. 23 4.6.1 Environmental Justice The property is in a commercial/industrial area on a top of a knoll and the demolition of this damaged property will not cause disproportionate impact on any minority or low-income populations. The closest residential properties are more than ½ mile away and the remaining undeveloped land is not suitable for residential use due to the existing uses. 4.6.2 Hazardous Material There are two generators on site, Generator #1 is the former VITELCO diesel generator which is located to the immediate north of the VITELCO building. The generator and fuel tank are housed separately. The tank is rrectangular and appears to have a 350-to-400-gallon capacity. The tank is rusted around containment and at bottom. Information plates are worn and cannot be read. It is unclear when this was last in use. Plants are growing around fuel tank and generator therefore it is unlikely that there has been a release from this tank. Generator #2 is the only WTJX diesel generator. The generator is housed inside a locked structure under the tiled terrace. Generator has a separate fuel tank, the external fuel tank is cylindrical and horizontal, approx. 4’ circumference x 10’ long and the capacity of the tank is approximately 950 gallons. The tank is contained within a secondary containment concrete structure. Plants are growing around external tank are within the containment. There appear to have been no releases from the containment. Halon 1301 (Bromotrifluoromethane), is the most effective fire extinguishing agent, but because of its high ozone depleting potential, the production of Halon 1301 was banned in 1994 as part of the Montreal Protocol. Halon 1301 was stored onsite in the VITELCO building at some point a warning sign is on the entrance door. The Material Safety Data Sheet is found in the Appendix c. There is unground piping for fuel in part of the site, it is possible that there may have been a leak along one of the fuel lines. Prior to removal of the underground piping a Plan will be developed and approved by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) .During demolition of the area surrounding the fuel line, organic vapors will be tested during the excavation and if vapors are detected, all soils with vapors will be removed and set aside on 3 mm Visqueen®. Soils will be excavated until no further vapors are detected in the soil and samples will be taken to validate that all contaminated soil has been removed. The removed soil will be sampled for Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons TPH and BTEX. The soil will be protected from runoff and covered awaiting the results of the testing. If result exceeding the U.S. Virgin Islands regulation limits are found (460ppm) the soil with either be disposed of by a licensed company 24 which deals with hazardous materials, or a remediation plan will be developed and approved by DPNR/DEP. 4.6.3 Noise The site is within an area of industrial and commercial use. There will be noise created during the demolition. The noise created should not have a negative impact on the properties immediately around the site. The closest residential areas are more than ½ mile away. There are offices (V.I. Property and Procurement) located approximately 0.12 miles from the site. It is possible that some noise by be heard during demolition. The already impacted by the noise associated with the port activities and the power generation plant and other uses. Noise created by the demolition and construction will have a negligible impact on surrounding properties. 4.6.4 Traffic The property is located on top of a knoll with only a few developed properties however the road connects into Crown Bay, a very busy port area. During demolition there will be an increase in vehicle traffic carrying debris to the landfill. During construction there will be an increase in traffic with supplies, construction workers and equipment accessing the site. This will be short-lived and will not have a long-term impact on traffic in the area. 4.6.5 Public Service and Utilities The project is the demolition and construction of a radio station building which was impacted by the 2017 hurricanes. The demolition of this building will impact the Virgin Islands landfill by increasing materials in the landfill. WJTX and its contractors will follow all the Virgin Islands Waste Managements guidelines for the debris disposal and will obtain the necessary permits for the disposal of materials. 25 4.6.6 Public Health and Safety The demolition and construction of the radio station facilities will not have an impact on public health or safety. The radio station is in an isolated area and is only surrounded by industrial uses and is currently not visited by the public. The nearest residential communities are more than ½ mile away and the nearest offices are approximately 0.1 miles away. 4.7 Summary Table Resource No Action Proposed Action Water Quality No impact No impact Air Quality No impact Minor temporary impact, No long-term impact Wetlands No impact No impact Floodplains No impact No impact Coastal Resources No impact No impact Threatened and Endangered Species No impact Not like to adversely affect the Virgin Island tree boa Cultural Resources No impact No impact Socioeconomics No impact No impact Public Services No impact Minor Impact to Landfill Public Health and Safety No impact No impact 5.0 Cumulative Impacts The demolition and construction of the building has negligible impacts on both the natural and man’s environment. The demolition if the building will add debris to the Bovoni Landfill which is already reaching capacity. This is a significant on-going issue which currently is being worked on by the Virgin Islands government. The demolition and reconstruction of the site will not create significant impacts as this will be the rebuilding of a previously developed site. 6.0 Agency Coordination, Public Involvement and Permits Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Division of Coastal Zone Management - Coastal Consistency Determination – Public Hearing and Decision Meeting Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Protection - Coverage under the General Construction Stormwater Permit 26 7.0 References Alminas, Henry V., Foord, Eugene E. and Tucker, Robert E. (1994) Geochemistry, mineralogy, and geochronology of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Bulletin 2057, 36 p. ill. (some col.), maps ;28 cm. Dept. of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey Applied Geographics, Inc. (2023). MapGeo USVI. Office of the Lieutenant Governor, GIS Division, USVI: https://usvi.mapgeo.io. Coastal Barrier Resource Mapper: https://www.fws.gov/cbra/maps/mapper.html Division of Coastal Zone Management: http://dpnr.vi.gov/coastal-zone-management/ Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). NEPAssist: https://www.epa.gov/nepa/nepassist Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2023). FEMA Flood Map Service Center: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/advanceSearch. Google Earth Aerials, retrieved 2022, 2023. iPaC: https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/ Sea Level Rise Map https://coast.noaa.gov/slr/#/layer/slr/4/231238.867507785/2076551. 6197419522/15/satellite/none/0.56/2050/interHigh/midAccretion) Steiger, J. L. and Kessler, R. (1993). Water Wells on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. U.S. Geological Survey. San Juan, Puerto Rico. U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service. (1970). Soil Survey Virgin Islands of the United States. U.S. Government. Printing Office, Washington, D.C. U.S. Department of Agriculture. (1986). Urban Hydrology for Small Watersheds, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Services, Technical Release 55. U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2022). Natural Resources Conservation Service: https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/HomePage.htm U.S. Geological Service. (2019). Earth Explorer: https://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/ U.S. Geological Service. (2022). TopoView: https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/topoview/ Wetlands Mapper http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Data/Mapper.html 8.0 List of Preparers Amy Claire Dempsey, M.A., Bioimpact, Inc. Jaughna Nielsen-Bobbit MPH 27 9.0 Appendices APPENDIX A DRAWINGS - Attached 28 APPENDIX B FWS iPaC Report 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 APPENDIX C Material Safety Data Sheet Halon 1301 40 41 42 43 44 45 APPENDIX D SHPO Clearance VIDFW Concurrence of NLAA FWS Concurrence of NLAA 46 47 48 APPENDIX E Qualification Statement Bioimpact, Inc.