B08_Amd2_Att5a_CE_20240207_EV-Charging_0002.pdf

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Zion National Park Date: 2/6/2024

Categorical Exclusion Documentation Form (CE Form)

Project: Expand Bus Parking Area to Facilitate Electric Charging Stations PEPC Project Number: 117719

Description of Action (Project Description):

Anticipated Implementation:

August through October 2024, ~2 Months Continuous

Purpose & Need:

Zion National Park (ZION) anticipates the delivery of 25 articulated buses in December of 2023 (12 buses) and Spring 2024 (13 buses). The purpose of this project is to put in place the proper supportive infrastructure for these buses. The current infrastructure of the bus parking area cannot support the charging and maintenance of this increased fleet, which is crucial for facilitating visitor transportation throughout the park. This project would address this need by installing 12 more charging islands (8 feet by three feet each) south of the electrical pad, expanding the existing parking lot to support the larger fleet, and redesigning the culvert that conveys Sammy's Canyon underneath the access road to the shuttle depot.

Objectives:

• Support infrastructure for visitor transportation

• Improve protection for infrastructure by updating culvert system at Sammy's Canyon

• Support development of greener infrastructure

History & Development of the Proposed Project Area:

The Bus Maintenance Facility was constructed in 1999 in coordination with the Visitor Center and Transportation System development. Prior to that construction, the area was open ground. The parking area for the bus maintenance facility was expanded in 2018 to facilitate the Transportation System's transition to electric buses. That expansion included two charging lanes north of the existing lot and associated slow-charge systems. A 2,000 square foot (SF) vegetated island was installed adjacent to the existing bus parking lot to lower the additional lanes to the existing ground level and minimize the amount of fill and site work. Two new bus lanes were graded and paved with 7,800 SF of concrete to ensure long-term sustainability and minimize long term maintenance. Rocky Mountain Power pulled electrical cable from a cabinet across the access road near the old pump station and installed a new transformer within the vegetated island to provide service for the new system.

Three electric charging bollards north of the electrical pad for transformer and electrical pedestal were installed in early 2023 in anticipation of the arrival of five 40' buses in summer of 2023.

An initial proposal was submitted in 2018 to install up to 12 electric slow-charge stations in six raised islands protected by steel & concrete bollards. Three charging islands located within the existing paved area would have had power run to them by boring underneath the existing pavement and installing conduit. This proposal did not develop into a completed project in 2018, which contributes to the purpose and need for current action.

Alternatives Considered but Dismissed:

Two alternatives have been considered for this proposal. The first alternative is NO ACTION or refraining from expanding the shuttle parking area. This option was dismissed because it presents the inability to resolve the purpose and need for taking action. No action would result in inadequate space and charging infrastructure for the incoming new buses. The second alternative, to expand the shuttle parking area and include 12 more charging islands, is the proposed action and preferred alternative.

The specific design was informed by future plans for a shade structure bearing photovoltaic panels for electricity generation. The layout of the charging islands was arranged to allow for the success of that future effort although no infrastructure would be installed as part of this project. Various alternative configurations were considered for the parking area, but this layout was chosen to take advantage of existing facilities while providing the necessary infrastructure to facilitate transition of the fleet to fully electric.

Proposed Action(s):

1. Equipment & Staging This project would require heavy machinery including backhoes, small excavators, graders, and pavers. All staging would take place within the hardened areas of the parking lot.

2. Proposed Project Components The park would install 12 charging islands (8 feet by three feet each) south of the electrical pad in anticipation of the delivery of 25 articulated buses to arrive in December of 2023 (12 buses) and Spring 2024 (13 buses). The total charging area would be approximately 18,000 SF, with dimensions of 150 feet by 120 feet.

To facilitate the wider turn radius of the articulated buses, the hardened surfaces of the parking lot would be expanded in two sections. The northern section would expand the lot by approximately 10,645 SF and would require 21,000 cubic feet (CF) of material. The southern section would expand the lot by 11,924 SF, and would require 5,974 CF of material. The total expansion of the parking area would be 22,569 SF using 26,974 CF of material. Material would be salvaged from other projects within the park. Only the final layer (about 8") of structural base course would be imported from outside the park.

In addition, the existing three 36" x 52' long culverts would be removed and replaced with an 8'x20'x55' cast-in-place concrete box culvert in the same location to convey actual flood flows including debris. Existing grouted rip-rap and concrete outfall would be replaced with 5' deep rip rap on both ends of the new box culvert. This would require excavation (estimation of necessary volume to be provided).

Construction is anticipated to take place from August through October 2024. It would require heavy machinery including backhoes, small excavators, graders, and pavers. Project timing would be scheduled to coincide with delivery of the second round of electric buses, expected in December. All staging and construction efforts would take place within the limits of the finished project.

3. Vegetation Removal and Revegetation Net Effect: 10,645 square feet (northern section) + 11,927 square feet (southern section) = 22,572 square feet of hardened surface increase.

All staging and construction efforts would take place within the limits of the finished project. Revegetation will occur along the slopes of the restored channel within Sammy’s Canyon Wash (approximately 4,000 SF).

Project Locations:

Location County: Washington State: UT

Mitigations:

For the purposed undertaking to prevent or minimize loss or impairment of natural and cultural resources and in addition to the applicable Common Mitigations developed for the ZionGroup, the following mitigations must be observed:

Cultural Resources – POC: Courtney Mackay (ext. 214)

• Archaeological monitoring required for the duration of the project. ZION Project leader will contact the

ZION Cultural Program Manager at least two weeks in advance to schedule monitoring activities.

Additional time post-construction needed to complete archaeological monitor reporting.

• If previously unknown archeological resources are discovered during construction, all work in the immediate vicinity (600 feet) of the discovery shall be halted until the resources are identified and documented and an appropriate mitigation strategy developed, if necessary, in accordance with pertinent laws and regulations, including the stipulations of the 2008 Programmatic Agreement Among the National Park Service (U.S. Department of the Interior), the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers.

• In the event that human remains are discovered during maintenance activities, all work on the project must stop and the park archeologist contacted immediately. As required by law, the coroner will be notified first. All provisions outlined in the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (1990) will be followed.

• All workers will be informed of the criminal penalties for illegally collecting artifacts or intentionally damaging any archeological or historic property. Workers will also be informed of the correct procedures should previously unknown resources be uncovered during construction activities. Data recovery excavations will be carried out under NPS guidance to mitigate adverse affects as outlined in the section on environmental consequences.

• The historic ditch that runs through the site can be graded over but will otherwise be left in-tact under the graded surface. The ditch should not be disturbed from its location or rendered undiscoverable should it be exposed in the future.

• All new features will be designed to follow NPS periods of significance to blend in naturally with the canyon environment to not deter from the cultural landscape.

Floodplains & Wetlands – POC: Robyn Henderek (ext. 158)

• During a flood event, incident response will follow procedures outlined in the established Continuity of Operations Plan to protect human health, life, and safety.

• Signage notifying users of flood risks would be placed at the entrance to the oversized vehicle lot and entrance to PTI shuttle bus parking facilities.

• The existing undersized culver would be replaced with a larger culvert designed to convey the modeled 100-year flood event. Bioswales would be constructed to capture runoff from employee and shuttle bus parking areas to reduce contaminant migration to the river. Structures and facilities would be designed to be consistent with the intent of the standards and criteria of the National Flood Insurance Program (44 CFR Part 60).

• Best Management Practices for erosion control will be implemented during construction. Refer to "Common Mitigations" related to soil, geology, and hydrology.

• All utilities and structures within the 100-year flood plain +2' limits will be hardened for resiliency against flooding. This includes encasing utility lines crossing Sammy's Canyon, ensuring any charging stations and dispensers have no exposed openings within that limit, and utilizing flood-resilient materials on any future proposed structures.

Vegetation – POC: Darrin Gobble (ext. 216)

• Consult ZION Vegetation Program Manager, as needed, to determine potential for exotic plant contamination and appropriate method for disposing of vegetation removed.

Wildlife – POC: Janice Stroud-Settles (ext. 212)

• If a California condor occurs at the project area, construction work will immediately cease until it leaves on its own. The ZION wildlife program manager will be contacted to determine if it is necessary to implement techniques that will result in the individual condor leaving the area.

• From April to October, construction personnel will be briefed to check underneath vehicles for tortoises before driving vehicles. If a tortoise occurs in the project area, construction work will immediately cease, and the ZION wildlife program manager will be contacted immediately to move the individual from the site.

• If a Mexican spotted owl (MSO) is identified in the project area during construction, the project area will be resurveyed daily until the MSO is confirmed to have left the area.

CE Citation: 3.3.C.18 Construction of minor structures, including small improved parking lots, in previously disturbed or developed areas.

CE Justification:

Proposed action would install more charging islands, expand existing parking, and redesign the culvert that conveys water in Sammy's Canyon. All features are minor improvements, expansions, and replacements within previously disturbed and developed areas.

Decision: I find that the action fits within the categorical exclusion above. Therefore, I am categorically excluding the described project from further NEPA analysis. No extraordinary circumstances apply.

Signature

Superintendent:

Jeffrey Bradybaugh

Extraordinary Circumstances:

If implemented, would the proposal... Yes/No Explanation A. Have significant impacts on public health or safety? No No significant adverse impacts to public health or safety have been identified during the IDT Review Process. Impacts are largely perceived to be beneficial to NPS visitors and potential adverse impacts would be mitigated using standard safety precautions. Refer to ESF and mitigations.

B. Have significant impacts on such natural resources and unique geographic characteristics as historic or cultural resources; park, recreation, or refuge lands; wilderness areas;

wild or scenic rivers; national natural landmarks; sole or principal drinking water aquifers; prime farmlands; wetlands (Executive Order 11990); floodplains (Executive Order 11988); national monuments; migratory birds; and other ecologically significant or critical areas?

No No significant impact to natural and cultural resources have been identified during the IDT Review process. Refer to ESF, NHPA, OCC, and mitigations.

C. Have highly controversial environmental effects or involve unresolved conflicts concerning alternative uses of available resources (NEPA section 102(2)(E))?

No No controversy or unresolved conflicts have been identified during the IDT Review process.

D. Have highly uncertain and potentially significant environmental effects or involve unique or unknown environmental risks?

No No uncertain effects, or unique/unknown environmental effects have been identified during the IDT Review process.

E. Establish a precedent for future action or represent a decision in principle about future actions with potentially significant environmental effects?

No No precedent or principle has been identified during the IDT Review process.

F. Have a direct relationship to other actions with individually insignificant, but cumulatively significant, environmental effects?

No No cumulatively significant environmental effects have been identified during the IDT Review process.

Refer to NHPA, OCC, ESF and mitigations.

G. Have significant impacts on properties listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, as determined by either the bureau or office?

No No significant impacts to historic or eligible properties have been identified during the IDT Review process. Refer to NHPA, ESF and mitigations.

H. Have significant impacts on species listed or proposed to be listed on the List of Endangered or Threatened Species, or have significant impacts on designated Critical Habitat for these species?

No No significant impacts to T&E, MBTA, or State species of concern nor critical habitats have been identified during the IDT Review process. Refer to OCC, ESF and mitigations.

I. Violate a federal, state, local or tribal law or requirement imposed for the protection of the environment?

No No violation of federal, state, local, or tribal laws or requirements has been identified during the IDT Review process.

J. Have a disproportionately high and adverse effect on low income or minority populations (EO 12898)?

No No effects to low income or minority populations have been identified during the IDT Review process.

K. Limit access to and ceremonial use of Indian sacred sites on federal lands by Indian religious practitioners or adversely affect the physical integrity of such sacred sites (EO 130007)?

No No access constraints to sacred sites have been identified during the IDT Review process. Refer to NHPA, ESF and mitigations.

L. Contribute to the introduction, continued existence, or spread of noxious weeds or non-native invasive species known to occur in the area or actions that may promote the introduction, growth, or expansion of the range of such species (Federal Noxious Weed Control Act and Executive Order 13112)?

No No contribution to the presence of noxious or non-native invasive species has been identified during the IDT Review process. Exotics monitoring and removal and/or native plant/seed revegetation efforts would occur where appropriate. Refer to ESF and mitigations.

Zion National Park

Date: 02/06/2024

ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING FORM (ESF)

Updated Sept 2015 per NPS NEPA Handbook

A. PROJECT INFORMATION

Project Title: Expand Bus Parking Area to Facilitate Electric Charging Stations PEPC Project Number: 117719 PMIS Number: 314130, 240182 Project Type: Capital Improvement/New Construction (CI) Project Location:

County, State: Washington, Utah Project Leader: Lisa Ogden

B. RESOURCE IMPACTS TO CONSIDER:

Resource Potential for Impact

Potential Issues & Impacts

Air Air Quality

Potential Issue: Operation of heavy equipment and ground disturbance

Impact: Operation of heavy equipment and ground disturbance have the potential to increases fugitive dust and vehicle emissions in and around the proposed project area throughout the proposal implementation period, specifically during site preparation and construction. Implementation of the identified air quality mitigations would reduce emissions/dust and would not result in significant impacts to air quality. Refer to “Mitigations” and “Other Compliance/Consultations” sections for more details.

Biological Nonnative or Exotic Species Vegetation

Potential Issue: Ground disturbance/vegetation removal

Impact: Ground disturbance and vegetation removal have the potential to introduce or promote the occurrence of non-native or exotic species and alter the vegetation community within the proposed project area. In the event vegetated areas are disturbed, native revegetation efforts, post-project exotics monitoring, and removal would occur in collaboration with the ZION Vegetation Program. As a result, implementation of the identified mitigations would not result in significant impacts to native vegetation. Refer to “Mitigations” and “Other Compliance/Consultations” sections for more details.

Biological Species of Special Concern or Their Habitat

Potential Issue: Proposal would occur within migratory bird corridors and/or within habitat used for breeding, feeding, sheltering, or over-wintering.

Impact: Proposal is anticipated to occur during migratory bird breeding season, however there is no proposed vegetation removal, therefore direct take of migratory birds will be avoided. Noise disturbances may alter migratory bird behavior by increasing distress or alarm, avoidance or abandonment of nearby habitat, as well as individuals becoming less successful at feeding. However, construction would be localized and will occur within a previously disturbed, high visitor use area. As a result, the proposed project would not result in significant impacts to migratory birds.

Refer to “Mitigations” section for more details. Refer to “Other Compliance/Consultations” sections for more details.

Cultural Archeological Resources

Potential Issue: Ground disturbance

Impact: Project work would occur in an area with historic ditches, and includes the potential for these ditches to be filled in or otherwise impacted.

Refer to “Mitigations” section for more details on archaeological monitoring.

Geological Geologic Features

Potential Issue: Erosion and drainage

Impact: Project work includes modification of a culvert that conveys water from Sammy's Canyon underneath the PTI access road. The culvert modifications have been designed to better accommodate high flow events, including associated debris; modifications therefore qualify as an improvement of the current condition. Construction may result in some soil compaction and temporary increased erosion from action of heavy equipment. Refer to “Mitigations” section for more details.

Other Human Health and Safety

Potential Issue: Hazardous materials exposure, repetitive activities & increased noise

Impact: Employees, contractors, and visitors may be exposed to falls, trenching hazards, heavy equipment, ergonomic hazards, etc. OSHA standard would be adhered to and in the event an unacceptable risk arises, all work would be stopped until the appropriate corrections can be made. As a result, implementation of the identified Human Health and Safety mitigations would not result in significant impacts to Human Health & Safety. Refer to “Mitigations” section for more details.

Soundscapes Potential Issue: Intrusion of mechanized noise and sounds from motorized equipment.

Impact: Noise generated from operating equipment and/or vehicles would temporarily disrupt the natural soundscape throughout the duration of the implementation period. Park operations must adhere to the constraints and mitigations outlined in the ZION Soundscape Mgmt Plan. As a result, implementation of the identified mitigations would not result in significant impacts to the natural soundscape. Proposed action will also occur in a high development area of the park. Refer to “Mitigations” section for more details.

Viewsheds Potential Issue: Construction activities & new features

Impact: The natural/cultural viewshed would be temporarily disrupted throughout the duration of the proposed activities by equipment, vehicles, and staging areas, safety barriers in and around the proposed project area.

Long-term impediments to the natural/historic viewshed would persist indefinitely from installation of new facilities and/or diminished integrity as a result of construction. Building and site design would be as compatible as practical with the historic architectural characteristics and incorporate similar architectural features, materials, surface finishes, and color. As a result, implementation of the identified mitigations would not result in significant impacts to Natural & Cultural Viewsheds. Refer to “Mitigations” section for more details.

Visitor Use and Experience

Potential Issue: Construction activities

Impact: Multiple interruptions to the visitor experience (e.g. restricted access, noise, delays, etc.) would occur throughout the duration of the proposed activities. Impacts to visitor use & experience would be temporary and cease once the project is completed. Adverse impacts to visitors would be offset by infrastructure upgrades to improve the visitor experience into the future. As a result, implementation of the identified Human Health and Safety mitigations would not result in significant impact to Visitor Use & Experience. Refer to “Mitigations” section for more details.

Water Stream Characteristics Sammy's Canyon

Potential Issue: Project work includes modification of a culvert in Sammy's Canyon, which conveys water to the Virgin River

Impact: Project work includes modification of a culvert that conveys water from Sammy's Canyon underneath the PTI access road. The culvert modifications have been designed to better accommodate high flow events, including associated debris; modifications therefore qualify as an improvement of the current condition. Refer to “Mitigations” section for more details.

IDT Team Members:

Jeffrey Bradybaugh - Superintendent Bry Carter - Chief of Facilities Management Lauren DeGennaro - NEPA Specialist Erin Dempsey – Chief of Resource Management Brendan Doucet - NHPA Specialist Amanda Dworak Rowland - Chief of Interpretation Daniel Fagergren - Chief Ranger Robyn Henderek - Natural Resource Specialist Becca Lieberg - Vegetation Management Lead Sarah Lindsay - NEPA Specialist Courtney Mackay - Archeologist Susan McPartland - Visitor Use Management Specialist Lisa Ogden - Project Leader & Landscape Architect Jonathan Shafer - Public Information Officer Janice Stroud-Settles - Wildlife Biologist David Webster - Administrative Officer

Zion National Park

Date: Feb 6, 2024

Other Compliance/Consultations Form

Park Name: Zion National Park PEPC Project Number: 117719 Project Title: Expand Bus Parking Area to Facilitate Electric Charging Stations Project Type: Capital Improvement/New Construction Project Location:

County, State: Washington, UT Project Leader: Lisa Ogden

ESA

Any Federal Species in the project Area? Yes If species in area: Likely to Adversely Affect Was Biological Assessment prepared? Yes Sent to FWS: Apr 11, 2023 FWS Response: Aug 8, 2023 Sent to NMFS:

NMFS Response:

If Biological Assessment prepared, concurred? Yes Formal Consultation required? Yes Formal Consultation Notes:

See 3_Analysis folder for Biological Assessment and final USFWS Biological Opinion.

Formal Consultation Concluded: Aug 8, 2023 Any State listed Species in the Project Area? Yes Consultation Information: See 3_Analysis folder for correspondence with the state.

General Notes:

Data Entered By: Lauren DeGennaro Date: Oct 13, 2023

Floodplains/Wetlands/§404 Permits

Question Yes No Details

A.1. Is project in 100- or 500-year floodplain or flash flood hazard area?

Yes Statement of Findings approval date:

Feb 5, 2024

A.2. Is Project in wetlands as defined by NPS/DOI?

No Not in wetland as defined by NPS/DOI.

B. COE Section 404 permit needed? Yes Request Date:

Issue Date:

Expiration Date:

C. State 401 certification? No

D. State Section 401 Permit? No Issue Date:

Expiration Date:

E. Tribal Water Quality Permit? No

F. CZM Consistency determination needed?

N/A

G. Erosion & Sediment Control Plan Required?

Yes

H. Any other permits required? No Permit Information:

Other Information:

Data Entered By: Lauren DeGennaro Date: Feb 5, 2024

Notes: During a flood event, incident response will follow procedures outlined in the established Continuity of Operations Plan to protect human health, life, and safety.

Wilderness

Question Yes No

A. Does this project occur in or adjacent to Designated, Recommended, Proposed, Study, Eligible, or Potential Wilderness?

No

B. Is the only place to conduct this project in wilderness? No

C. Is the project necessary for the administration of the area as wilderness?

No

D. Would the project or any of its alternatives adversely affect (directly or indirectly) Designated, Recommended, Proposed, Study, Eligible, or Potential Wilderness? (If Yes, Minimum Requirements Analysis required)

No

E. Does the project or any of its alternatives involve the use of any of the Wilderness Act Section 4(c) prohibited uses: commercial enterprise, permanent road, temporary road, motor vehicles, motorized equipment, motorboats, landing of aircraft, mechanical transport, structure, or installation? (If Yes, Minimum Requirements Analysis required)

No

If the answer to D or E above is "Yes" then a Minimum Requirements Analysis is required. Describe the status of this analysis in the column to the right.

Initiation Date:

Completed Date:

Approved Date:

Other Information:

Data Entered By: Lauren DeGennaro Date: Oct 13, 2023

Other Permits/Laws Questions A & B are no longer used.

Question Yes No

C. Wild and scenic river concerns exist? Yes

D. National Trails concerns exist? No

E. Air Quality consult with State needed? No

F. Consistent with Architectural Barriers, Rehabilitation, and Americans with Disabilities Acts or not Applicable? (If N/A check Yes)

Yes

G. Other:

Other Information:

Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Section 7 Determination signed by the Regional Director 01/02/2024.

Data Entered By: Lauren DeGennaro Date: Jan 5, 2024