36E77620R0008-088.pdf

VA North Texas Health Care System 2019 Projects review

NEPA ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW section 1

INSTRUCTIONS: This form is to be used for ALL construction projects to conduct an initial environmental assessment NLT than the 50% design review stage. The project Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) shall complete all Sections 1 – 3 and forward it to the GEMS Program Manager for review.

Project Title: 549-17-103

VHA Facility Name and Address: VANTHCS 4500 Lancaster Rd Dallas, Tx 75216

COR Name: Willie Collins IV

Project Location and Bldg Number: Building 2/ 2J

Number of Floors: 1st and Basement

Total Sq. Footage – All Floors: 10,000 sqft

Total Soil Disturbance (Sq. Feet):

Description Of Project:

(1-3 sentences)

The purpose of this project is to upgrade the patient care experience for the first-floor lab of Building 2J at the Dallas VA Medical Center, 4500 South Lancaster Road, Dallas, Texas 75216. Work will include, relocating two services: Ambulatory Care & MAS down to the basement, moving PAS out of their current space and then expanding and renovating the lab.

Describe Project’s Neighbors:

(VA and Non-VA Land)

List All Environmental Agencies That May Affect The Project:

Check each service below that will be moved into the building. (double-click in the box to check it)

Administrative Offices Outpatient Exams (no biohazardous waste generated)

Canteen Outpatient Exams (biohazardous waste generated)

Chemo Preparation and/or Administration Pharmacy

Dental Radiology – X-ray

CLC/REC Radiology - MRI

Emergency Dept Radiology – Nuclear Medicine

Inpatient Ward Research Lab

Laboratory (typical) SPS

Laboratory (typical and/or pathology) Surgery - Inpatient

Maintenance Shop Surgery - Outpatient

Morgue and/or Autopsy Warehouse

Other (Describe)

NEPA ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW section 2

Check If Applicable

Environmental Concern and the Regulatory Requirement

Yes

1. Soil disturbance will exceed 5,000 square-feet.

• Federal law requires the project design to retain the site’s original soil absorption of rainwater. Use “Plan” section below to explain if not feasible. (ref. 42 U.S.C. 17094)

Yes

2. Soil disturbance will exceed 1 acre (43,560 ft²). Use total for all concurrent projects.

• Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan must be approved by the State of Texas. IMPORTANT: Must use the total of all concurrent site projects.

Yes

3. Soil disturbance. Any amount is regulated.

• Per the site’s Land Use Covenant, the work must be reviewed with GEMS and compliance is required. Notification MUST be made to the site CERCLA manager.

Yes

4. Onsite use and storage of ANY chemicals and fuels by the construction contractor.

• Must be reviewed and approved by GEMS and Safety.

Yes

5. Installation of any type of tank exceeding 1,000 gallons in volume.

• GEMS must review to determine if it requires an environmental permit.

Yes

6. New boiler, diesel generator, ethylene oxide sterilizer, or fuel storage tank.

• Air pollution permit will be required to be obtained by GEMS before delivery.

Yes

7. Project will cause new use and/storage of chemicals and/or gases at the site.

• GEMS must submit a new or revised Hazardous Materials Business Plan (EPCRA).

A new or revised Hazardous Waste permit may be needed

• Engineering must provide storage locker(s) for hazardous materials and waste(s).

Yes

8. New site that will generate hazardous waste and/or universal waste.

• GEMS will need to obtain EPA Site Identification Number and amend hazardous waste and universal waste contracts.

Yes

9. New site that will generate medical waste.

• Housekeeping must amend biohazardous waste contract and provide waste storage.

• GEMS must obtain a medical waste permit from the local environmental agency.

Yes

10. Demolition areas surveyed for asbestos-containing material (ACM) and lead-based paint. Review previous reports, if available.

• Proper notification to local air permitting agency must be made for any project involving the demolition of >260 sq. feet.

• Notification by GEMS will be made if ACM present, or if it is NOT present.

Check this box if NONE of the above criteria apply to this project.

Plan To Complete The Applicable Requirements:

(Explain how each item marked YES will be addressed. Use additional pages, as needed.)

NEPA ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW section 3

Instructions: The Project Contract Officer’s Representative shall the review the list below to determine if the project will require an environmental assessment to be considered. Double-click in the box to check if it is applicable. If any YES is checked, complete the form in Appendix 3.

Check If Applicable

Complete an Environmental Assessment if Any of the Following Applies:

Yes New building construction or a new lease is >75,000 ft². Use the gross sum of all levels.

Yes New construction or new lease will increase building size to >75,000 ft².

Use the gross sum of all floor levels.

Yes More than 5 acres of existing land will be newly developed, regardless of the building size. Or more than 10 acres will be acquired.

Yes Potential or actual penetration of groundwater or an aquifer.

Yes Installation of a photo-voltaic cell energy system, ground source heat exchange system, wind-powered generator or any other energy generation system. Exception: If the site has installed a similar system and the EA resulted in a FONSI. A copy must be attached.

Yes Site soil or groundwater has known or suspected hazardous waste contamination.

Yes Traffic on nearby roadways leading into the site will increase by >10%.

Yes Site has known toxic or hazardous substances.

Yes Site has protected wildlife or vegetation.

Yes Site has existing, or may impact adjoining, regulated wetlands or an ecologically critical area.

Yes The site will or may violate environmental laws after acquisition, during the construction phase, or when complete.

Yes Any other reason that may result in a “public concern”.

Provide details for any YES answer:

ASSESSMENT OF CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION, EA, or EIS section 1

Instructions: Sections 1 & 2 of this form are used to assess and document whether a project meets the VA’s requirements for Categorical Exclusion (CATEX), Environmental Assessment (EA), or an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This form must be signed and approved by the Project’s Contract Officer’s Representative, GEMS Program Manager, and Chief of Projects. The appropriate boxes must be checked. The signed copy of this form will be kept in the Project File and a copy shall be provided to GEMS. Include a completed copy of Appendix 2 in the file. (Double-click in a box to check it.)

CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION:

This project meets the requirements of the Department of Veterans Affairs to be excluded from conducting an environmental assessment because it meets one of the Criteria, at least one of the Classes Of Action, and none of the Extraordinary Circumstances listed below. No further environmental action is required as defined by the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 38, Part 26.

Criteria:

Minimal or No Effect To The Environment No Significant Change To Existing Environmental Conditions No Significant Cumulative Environmental Impact (i.e. long term effects) Similar To Previous Project With An Environmental Assessment That Resulted In A FONSI

(attach a copy for reference)

Classes Of Action:

Repair, replacement, or new installation of primary or secondary electrical distribution systems.

Interior construction or renovation.

New construction of <7,000 m2 (<75,000 square feet). Sum of all levels, except the roof.

Development on existing land (<5 acres) or acquisition of <10 acres of land.

Actions which involve support or ancillary appurtenances for normal operation.

Leases, licenses, permits, and easements.

Actions, activities, or programs that do not require the expenditure of Federal funds.

Repair, replacement, and new installation of components such as windows, doors, roofs; and site elements such as sidewalks, patios, fences, retaining walls, curbs, water distribution lines, and sewer lines which involve work totally within VA property boundaries.

Extraordinary Circumstances:

Greater scope or size than normally experienced for this type of project for Categorical Exclusion.

In highly populated or congested area.

Potential for degradation, although slight, of existing poor environmental conditions.

Use of unproven technology (i.e. photovoltaic panels, ground heat pumps).

Potential presence of an endangered species, archeological remains, or other protected resources.

Potential presence of hazardous or toxic substances (assess previous use).

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REQUIRED:

This project will require the preparation of an Environmental Assessment and/or an Environmental Impact Statement.

APPROVALS

PERSONNEL NAME SIGNATURE DATE

Project COR

GEMS Program Manager

Chief, Eng. Projects

Frances Acevedo-Ortiz 10/24/2019

ASSESSMENT OF CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION, EA, or EIS section 2

Instructions: This section must be completed if a CATEX assessment is required. The Project COR shall evaluate each of the potential Environmental Concerns listed below and fill in a code that estimates the project’s possible impact during construction activities and for the completed project. Use the Comments section to explain any item marked with a O, X, C, or S.

Impact Codes:

No code is required if the concern is: Not Applicable. Leave it blank.

O = Possible Significant Change To Existing Environmental Conditions May Occur

X = Minimal Effect To The Environment And Temporary During Construction

C = Minimal Effect, But No Significant Long-Term Environmental Impact (explain in Comments)

S = Effect Is Similar To Previous Project With An Environmental Assessment That Resulted In A

FONSI

(Therefore, it does not have to be mitigated. A copy of the FONSI must be attached for justification.)

Code Environmental

Concerns

SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT THRESHOLDS -

An Impact Would Be Significant

If It Meets Any Of The Following Conditions:

Aesthetics Exterior appearance of the project could be offensive to nearby residents or substantially impede their scenic views.

Air Quality

Project will produce emissions that would impede the area’s conformity with the State Implementation Plan under the Clean Air Act.

Unacceptable levels of dust expected from construction activities that cannot be controlled.

Community

Services Public services, facilities, or utilities would be altered that could affect the local community. Includes bus stops and access to community services.

Cultural

Resources The project will be installed on or near any building listed, or is eligible for listing, on the National Register of Historic Places.

Economic

Activity

The construction phase or finished project will have a significant adverse impact to the local economy. Effect of construction workers and site’s new occupants to the local economy is not expected to offset the impact.

Energy Resources

(new) The site will have a new source of renewable energy, such as solar panels, ground heat source pump, windmill, E85 Fuel Station, etc.

Environmental

Justice

If any project were to negatively impact minority and low income populations disproportionally relative to negative impacts to the general population as a whole

Regulatory Compliance

The construction phase or the finished project will not comply with ALL applicable environmental regulations.

Endangered or

Threatened Species

Project will affect a federally listed species, or its critical habitat, or would have a measurable or perceptible consequence to the protected species or its local population. A negligible effect must equate to a “No Effect” determination as defined by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Code

Concerns

SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT THRESHOLDS -

An Impact Would Be Significant

If It Meets Any Of The Following Conditions:

Fish, Wildlife or

Plants/Vegetation

Changes to fish, wildlife, or native vegetation affects more than a small portion of the population and impacts the viability of the species. Full recovery cannot occur in a reasonable amount of time. Mitigation, proven to be effective in other previous applications, cannot be implemented.

Floodplains, Wetlands, and Coastal Zones

Regulated wetland areas or water bodies are located within the project site and will be impacted. Site will be subject to flooding. Stormwater impacts cannot be confined to the site and will impact adjacent properties.

Geology and

Soils Significant changes to soil stability or permeability will occur. Mitigation measures cannot be implemented.

Land Use Changes in land use cannot be limited to a small area and will noticeably alter land use at the project site or in adjacent areas. The affected areas cannot fully recover in a reasonable time after the project is completed.

Noise

Construction phase or the finished project will significantly increase the site’s generation of noise. Noise levels during construction cannot be mitigated by scheduling loud activities during normal work hours.

Background noise of the completed project will not comply with the local noise ordinance.

Public Concern

Public concern for the construction project and finished project is expected to inhibit or prevent the completion of the project. The project, with current and planned mitigation measures, may be perceived to be more than a minimal risk to the health and safety of the local population.

Real Property The construction phase and the finished project are expected to significantly affect the values of adjacent properties.

Resident

Population

Changes to the normal or routine functions of the affected community will be impacted significantly or will alter existing social or economic conditions in a way that is disruptive or costly to the local community.

Solid Waste or

Hazardous Waste

The construction project and finished project will significantly increase the site’s generation of solid waste, hazardous waste, or biohazardous waste and could be a health risk to the local community. Project could cause water or soil to be contaminated with a hazardous material, or could disturb a current contaminated site. Assessment for asbestos, lead-based paint or walls, mercury, or other hazardous materials is required for buildings built prior to 1990, all labs, all radiology areas, or other uses involving hazardous materials.

Stormwater

Construction phase will have an impact on stormwater management site because >1 acre of soil will be disturbed. (An approved Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan will be required.)

Or if more than 5,000 square-feet of soil will be disturbed and it has been determined that it is not feasible to maintain the site’s previous ability to absorb rainwater into the ground.

Transportation and Parking

Finished project is expected to have an impact on traffic for adjacent and nearby roadways (>10% increase in traffic).

Or the construction phase or finished project will cause the site’s patients, visitors and staff to park off-site.

Utilities and

Infrastructure

Project is expected to have a significant impact on the site’s use of electrical power, water, or natural gas and would noticeably affect or disrupt the availability of public utilities and services for the local community.

Code

Concerns

SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT THRESHOLDS -

An Impact Would Be Significant

If It Meets Any Of The Following Conditions:

Water

(groundwater, aquifer)

Groundwater or an aquifer will be penetrated. Wastewater will be stored or treated onsite. Changes to groundwater hydrology cannot be confined to the immediate project area. Full recovery will not occur in a reasonable amount of time.

Water

(surface, discharge)

The construction project or finished project will have an adverse affect on surface water. Contaminated wastewater will be discharged from the site into a waterway or onto the site. NPDES discharge permit will be required.

Aviation/Radar (For Mather, McClellan and Fairfield Only)

The project will affect or disrupt the normal or routine functions of aviation in the immediate area. The project could affect flight patterns or radar communication used by nearby aircraft (i.e. windmill).

COMMENTS: (explain any item marked with a O, X, C, or S)

ASSESSMENT OF CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION, EA, or EIS section 3

Instructions: This section is not needed for a CATEX. It is only required in the event that an EA or EIS must be prepared for the project.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT TRACKING

COMPLETION

DATE

Preparation of Draft Environmental Assessment

Notice of Availability (NOA) Published In Local Newspaper

Minimum 30-day Public Comment Period (document comments review)

Finding Of No Significant Impact (FONSI) Published In Local Newspaper

Determination If An Environmental Impact Statement Is Required

Final Environmental Assessment Signed By VANCHCS Director

Project NEPA Document (pdf) Posted On GEMS SharePoint

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT TRACKING

COMPLETION

DATE

Notice of Intent Published In The Local Newspaper

Draft of Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Prepared

Draft EIS Sent To EPA OFA

Notice of Availability Published In Federal Register, 45-Day Comment Period Begins

Final EIS Incorporates Comments, Sent To EPA OFA

Notice of Availability Published In Federal Register, 30-Day Comment Period Begins

Final Version of Environmental Impact Statement Approved

Record of Decision Issued