Categorical Exclusion Form (NEPA)_ CE_Sch A_Hwy-386.pdf

CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION

Emergency Relief Program for Landslide

AC-802544

ER-HWY-386

Highway Number PR-568

Km 25.85 Corozal, Puerto Rico

October, 2019

Environmental Studies Office Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority

Apartado 42007

Centro Gubernamental Roberto Sánchez Vilella San Juan Puerto Rico, 00940-2007

Categorical Exclusion

AC-802544 (ER-HWY-386), PR-568, Km. 25.85, Corozal, PR

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page

Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority Categorical Exclusion

Action Classification Form

I. General Information

II. Project Description

III. Purpose and Need

IV. Planning Consistency

V. Proposed Improvements

VI. Environmental Issues Evaluated for the Proposed Action

APPENDIXES

Appendix A Figures, Photos and Maps

Appendix B Detailed Damage Inspection Report

Appendix C USFWS Coordination

Appendix D Proposed Project Plans

Appendix E SHPO Coordination

Appendix F Categorical Exclusion Check List

Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority Categorical Exclusion Action Classification Form

I. General Information

State Project No.: AC-802544 (ER-HWY-386) Federal Project: ER-9999(311)

Project Name: Emergency Relief Program for Landslide

Route No: PR-568

From Milepost: Km 25.8 To Milepost: Km 25.9

Municipality: Corozal Length: 100 meters

ROW Cost N/A Construction Cost: $214,017.00

Existing Facility

ROW Width: 13.85 m

No. Lanes & Width: 2 lanes (one in each direction)

Shoulder Width: 0 m

Median: None

Overall Roadway Width:

5 m

Proposed Facility

ROW Width: 13.85 m

No. Lanes & Width: 2 lanes (one in each direction)

Shoulder Width: 0 m

Median: None

Overall Roadway Width:

5 m

II. Project Description

The Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority (PRHTA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) propose to perform correction to a landslide located at km. 25.85 of PR-568 in the municipality of Corozal, Puerto Rico. Road damages are due to the impacts associated with Hurricanes Irma (September 6, 2017) and María (September 20, 2017). The landslide is on the west side of the road. To the east side of the road, there is a steep hill that is close to the roadway edge. See Appendix A, Figure 1 and 2, showing proposed action location at USGS Topographic Map and Aerial Photo, respectively

The proposed action includes works along PR-568, between Km 25.8 and Km 25.9, in a length of approximately 100 meters. Detailed Damage Inspection Report (DDIR) was prepared for the site and approved by the FHWA (refers to Appendix B).

The proposed works consists in the construction of a retaining wall installing H-piles as soldier piles connected with precast concrete panels. Retaining wall would have an approximately length of 40 meters. According to geotechnical recommendations, the H-piles can be installed using pre-drilled holes. Also, the proposed action includes the installation of drainage system to manage the road surface runoff at both sides of the roadway and prevent future erosion of the roadway embankment slope.

Drainage features would include inlets, pipes and a drop structure that would be constructed in the drainage system outfall to prevent the erosion of the road west embankment. The proposed action also includes road safety improvements and road pavement. The existing PR-568 right of way would not be altered by the proposed action. Acquisition of land and structures would not be required nor relocation of families is necessary.

Copy of the schematic plan, sectional view and typical schematic cross section of proposed action are included in Figure 4, Figure 5 and Figure 6, included in Appendix A. Also, Appendix D shows schematics drawings of proposed action.

III. Purpose and Need

State Road PR-568 is an undivided two-lane, without shoulder, rural road part of the Puerto Rico tertiary road network, with an approximate length of 30 kilometers beginning at its intersection with State Road PR-155 and ending at its intersection with State Road PR-159. PR-568 connects several communities between the municipalities of Orocovis and Corozal. Road was severely affected by runoff occurred during Hurricane María (September 20, 2017). Figure 7, in Appendix A, shows proposed action location in an aerial photo taken after Hurricane María. Figure 7 shows the erosion of the west road slope.

Figure 8, in Appendix A, shows the topographic survey performed at proposed action site. In the area where the proposed action is located the superelevation in the transverse section of the road diverts the runoff to the place where the damage occurred.

During Hurricane Maria, the runoff followed the pattern of the road superelevation, concentrating on the area where the damage occurred, which caused the erosion of the road west slope. Damages affect the safe traveling of commuters along the PR-568. The proposed action recommends measures to repair damage caused by Hurricane Maria, stabilizing road west slope and providing measures/infrastructure to manage runoff during rainfall events. The purpose of the proposed action is to guarantee the safety of the users and to maintain traffic along State Road PR-568.

IV. Planning Consistency

Estimated Construction Time: Six (6) months

Estimated Construction Cost: $214,017.00

Estimated Date for ROW: Second semester of 2019

Estimated Date for PS&E: Second semester of 2019

Estimated Date Construction Phase Begins: First semester of 2020

Project STIP Consistency:

This project will be financed with funds from the Emergency Relief Program associated to Hurricanes Irma and María.

V. Proposed Improvements

• 771.115 Classes of Actions

(b) Class II (CEs) - Actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant environmental effect are excluded from the requirement to prepare an EA or EIS. A specific list of CEs normally not requiring NEPA documentation is set forth in §771.117(c) for FHWA actions or pursuant to §771.118(c) for FTA actions. When appropriately documented, additional projects may also qualify as CEs pursuant to §771.117(d) for FHWA actions or pursuant to §771.118(d) for FTA actions.

• 771.117 FHWA Categorical Exclusions

(a) Categorical exclusions (CEs) are actions which meet the definition contained in 40 CFR 1508.4, and, based on past experience with similar actions; do not involve significant environmental impacts. They are actions which: do not induce significant impacts to planned growth or land use for the area; do not require the relocation of significant numbers of people; do not have a significant impact on any natural, cultural, recreational, historic or other resource; do not involve significant air, noise, or water quality impacts; do not have significant impacts on travel patterns;

or do not otherwise, either individually or cumulatively, have any significant environmental impacts.

(b) The following actions meet the criteria for CEs in the CEQ regulations (40 CFR 1508.4) and 771.117(a) and normally do not require any further NEPA approvals by the FHWA:

Check one or more of the following improvements which apply to the project:

☐ (1) Activities which do not involve or lead directly to construction, such as planning and research activities; grants for training; engineering to define the elements of a proposed action or alternatives so that social, economic, and environmental effects can be assessed; and Federal-aid system revisions which establish classes of highways on the Federal-aid highway system.

☐ (2) Approval of utility installations along or across a transportation facility.

☐ (3) Construction of bicycle and pedestrian lanes, paths, and facilities.

☐ (4) Activities included in the State's highway safety plan under 23 U.S.C. 402.

☐ (5) Transfer of Federal lands pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 107(d) and/or 23 U.S.C. 317 when the land transfer is in support of an action that is not otherwise subject to FHWA review under NEPA.

☐ (6) The installation of noise barriers or alterations to existing publicly owned buildings to provide for noise reduction.

☐ (7) Landscaping.

☐ (8) Installation of fencing, signs, pavement markings, small passenger shelters, traffic signals, and railroad warning devices where no substantial land acquisition or traffic disruption would occur.

☒ (9) The following actions for transportation facilities damaged by an incident resulting in an emergency declared by the Governor of the State and concurred in by the Secretary, or a disaster or emergency declared by the President pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Act (42 USC 5121):

☒ (i) Emergency repairs under 23 U.S.C. 125; and

☐ (ii) The repair, reconstruction, restoration, retrofitting, or replacement of any road, highway, bridge, tunnel, or transit facility (such as a ferry dock or bus transfer station), including ancillary transportation facilities (such as pedestrian/bicycle paths and bike lanes), that is in operation or under construction when damaged and the action:

☐ (A) Occurs within the existing right-of-way and in a manner, that substantially conforms to the preexisting design, function, and location as the original (which may include upgrades to meet existing codes and standards as well as upgrades warranted to address conditions that have changed since the original construction); and

☐ (B) Is commenced within a 2-year period beginning on the date of the declaration.

☐ (10) Acquisition of scenic easements.

☐ (11) Determination of payback under 23 U.S.C. 156 for property previously acquired with Federal-aid participation.

☐ (12) Improvements to existing rest areas and truck weigh stations.

☐ (13) Ridesharing activities.

☐ (14) Bus and rail car rehabilitation.

☐ (15) Alterations to facilities or vehicles in order to make them accessible for elderly and handicapped persons.

☐ (16) Program administration, technical assistance activities, and operating assistance to transit authorities to continue existing service or increase service to meet routine changes in demand.

☐ (17) The purchase of vehicles by the applicant where the use of these vehicles can be accommodated by existing facilities or by new facilities which themselves are within a CE.

☐ (18) Track and rail bed maintenance and improvements when carried out within the existing right-of-way.

☐ (19) Purchase and installation of operating or maintenance equipment to be located within the transit facility and with no significant impacts off the site.

☐ (20) Promulgation of rules, regulations, and directives.

☐ (21) Deployment of electronics, photonics, communications, or information processing used singly or in combination, or as components of a fully integrated system, to improve the efficiency or safety of a surface transportation system or to enhance security or passenger convenience. Examples include, but are not limited to, traffic control and detector devices, lane management systems, electronic payment equipment, automatic vehicle locaters, automated passenger counters, computer-aided dispatching systems, radio communications systems, dynamic message signs, and security equipment including surveillance and detection cameras on roadways and in transit facilities and on buses.

☐ (22) Projects, as defined in 23 U.S.C. 101, that would take place entirely within the existing operational right-of-way. Existing operational right-of-way refers to right-of-way that has been disturbed for an existing transportation facility or is maintained for a transportation purpose. This area includes the features associated with the physical footprint of the transportation facility (including the roadway, bridges, interchanges, culverts, drainage, fixed guideways, mitigation areas, etc.) and other areas maintained for transportation purposes such as clear zone, traffic control signage, landscaping, any rest areas with direct access to a controlled access highway, areas maintained for safety and security of a transportation facility, parking facilities with direct access to an existing transportation facility, transit power substations, transit venting structures, and transit maintenance facilities. Portions of the right-of-way that have not been disturbed or that are not maintained for transportation purposes are not in the existing operational right-of-way.

☐ (23) Federally-funded projects:

☐ (i) That receive less than $5,000,000 of Federal funds; or

☐ (ii) With a total estimated cost of not more than $30,000,000 and Federal funds comprising less than 15 percent of the total estimated project cost.

☐ (24) Localized geotechnical and other investigation to provide information for preliminary design and for environmental analyses and permitting purposes, such as drilling test bores for soil sampling;

archeological investigations for archeology resources assessment or similar survey; and wetland surveys.

☐ (25) Environmental restoration and pollution abatement actions to minimize or mitigate the impacts of any existing transportation facility (including retrofitting and construction of stormwater treatment systems to meet Federal and State requirements under sections 401 and 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1341; 1342)) carried out to address water pollution or environmental degradation.

☐ (26) Modernization of a highway by resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation, reconstruction, adding shoulders, or adding auxiliary lanes (including parking, weaving, turning, and climbing lanes), if the action meets the constraints in paragraph (e) of this section.

☐ (27) Highway safety or traffic operations improvement projects, including the installation of ramp metering control devices and lighting, if the project meets the constraints in paragraph (e) of this section.

☐ (28) Bridge rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement or the construction of grade separation to replace existing at-grade railroad crossings, if the actions meet the constraints in paragraph (e) of this section.

☐ (29) Purchase, construction, replacement, or rehabilitation of ferry vessels (including improvements to ferry vessel safety, navigation, and security systems) that would not require a change in the function of the ferry terminals and can be accommodated by existing facilities or by new facilities which themselves are within a CE.

☐ (30) Rehabilitation or reconstruction of existing ferry facilities that occupy substantially the same geographic footprint, do not result in a change in their functional use, and do not result in a substantial increase in the existing facility’s capacity. Example actions include work on pedestrian and vehicle transfer structures and associated utilities, buildings, and terminals.

(e) Actions described in (c)(26), (c)(27), and (c)(28) of this section may not be processed as CEs under paragraph (c) if they involve:

(1) An acquisition of more than a minor amount of right-of-way or that would result in any residential or nonresidential displacements;

(2) An action that needs a bridge permit from the U.S. Coast Guard, or an action that does not meet the terms and conditions of a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers nationwide or general permit under section 404 of the Clean Water Act and/or section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899;

(3) A finding of "adverse effect" to historic properties under the National Historic Preservation Act, the use of a resource protected under 23 U.S.C. 138 or 49 U.S.C. 303 (section 4(f)) except for actions resulting in de minimis impacts, or a finding of "may affect, likely to adversely affect" threatened or endangered species or critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act;

(4) Construction of temporary access, or the closure of existing road, bridge, or ramps, that would result in major traffic disruptions;

(5) Changes in access control;

(6) A floodplain encroachment other than functionally dependent uses (e.g., bridges, wetlands) or actions that facilitate open space use (e.g., recreational trails, bicycle and pedestrian paths); or construction activities in, across or adjacent to a river component designated or proposed for inclusion in the National System of Wild and Scenic Rivers.

VI. Environmental Issues Evaluated for the Proposed Action

Ecological

1. Would the project have a substantial impact on any unique or important natural resource?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

Due to the project scope, no substantial impact on any unique or important natural resource is expected. US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) tool was used to determine the threatened and endangered species that may occur in the proposed project’s area. Only one specie was identified, the Puerto Rican Boa (Epicrates inornatus).

A Flora and Fauna Study (FFS) was prepared to assess the effects of the proposed action on federally and locally protected biotic resources (refers to Appendix C). The FFS followed the guidelines established by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (PRDNER). No endangered or critical plant and animal species were found at the study site. The Puerto Rican Boa was not observed during field visits.

Within the proposed action impact area there are no critical habitats as defined by the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Nevertheless, PRHTA would implement Best Management Practices (BMP"s) and conservation measures previously provided by the USFWS prior to and during the road damages repairs to avoid or minimize impacts to federally-listed species. Refers to Appendix C for BMP’s and conservation measures.

2. Does the project involve habitat where federally listed endangered or threatened species may occur?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

Refers to answer included in Item 1. USFWS IPaC tool indicates that the Puerto Rican Boa (Epicrates inornatus) may occur within the proposed action area. Within the proposed action impact area there are no critical habitats as defined by the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). No significant direct impacts are anticipated on the flora and fauna as a result from the proposed action. Impacts associated with the proposed action would be mostly during construction and are considered minimal.

3. Does the project qualify as a minor action that may be conducted within a blanket clearance (Self- Certification Endangered Species Act Certification) without adversely affecting the recovery and survival of listed endangered or threatened species?

☒ YES ☐ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed action qualifies as a minor action. Nevertheless, early in the process, the proposed action was consulted with the USFWS (refers to Appendix C). The PRHTA have procured technical assistance of the USFWS in accordance with the ESA and the Fish and

Wildlife Coordination Act. The USFWS letter (FWS R4 CESFO MM-141) dated July 11, 2019, indicates that proposed action “are not likely to adversely affect federally-listed species or their critical habitats” conditioned to the implementation of the BMP’s previously provided prior and during the road damage repairs to avoid or minimize impacts to federally-listed species.

4. The project affects USACE jurisdictional areas?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

There are no jurisdictional waters in the area where the proposed action is located.

5. If the project involves wetlands, is the amount of permanent and/or temporary wetland taking less than one-tenth (1/10) of an acre and have all practicable measures to avoid and minimize wetland takings been evaluated?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

Herbaceous or forested wetlands subject to Section 404 of the CWA were not found at the proposed action site.

6. Does the project affect areas covered under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

Refers to answer included in Item 4.

7. Does the project involve any known underground storage tanks (UST’s) or hazardous material sites?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

No underground storage tanks or hazardous material were identified within the proposed project limits.

8. Would a US Coast Guard Permit be required?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed action does not affect navigable water bodies; therefore, the preparation of a permit application with the US Coast Guard is not required.

9. Is the project located within a floodplain zone?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

Figure 9, in Appendix A, shows the FEMA primary regulatory flood information at proposed action site. At proposed action site FEMA has defined the flood Zone X (area of minimal flood hazard). Therefore, according to FEMA proposed action is not located in a regulatory floodplain.

Advisory Base Flood Elevation (ABFE) Maps developed by FEMA after Hurricane María not modified flood parameters within the proposed action area.

10. Would the project affect water bodies?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

There are no water bodies in the area where the proposed action is located. Near to the project’s area an unnamed creek is located. The creek would not be affected by the proposed project.

11. Would the project require the preparation of a Hydrologic-Hydraulic Study?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project did not require the preparation of a Hydrologic-Hydraulic Study.

12. Would the project affect Wild and Scenic Rivers?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project does not affect Wild and Scenic Rivers.

13. Would the project may adversely affect Essential Fish Habitat?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project not adversely affect Essential Fish Habitat.

14. Does the project affect coastal municipalities?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The municipality of Corozal is located in the central mountainous area of Puerto Rico, far from the coast.

15. Would the project result in the modification of any existing floodway?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project does not require the modification of any existing floodway.

16. Would the project require any stream relocations or channel changes?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project does not require the relocation of streams or channel changes.

17. Would the project affect trees?

☒ YES ☐ NO

Additional Comments:

A Tree Inventory was performed and approximately twenty-five (25) trees would be impacted by proposed action. According to the “Reglamento Conjunto para la Evaluación y Expedición de Permisos Relacionados al Desarrollo, Uso de Terrenos y Operación de Negocios” issued on June 7, 2019”, a mitigation plan will be necessary to mitigate the tree impacts. Nevertheless, an Administrative Order Number 2019-01 was issued by Permit Management Office on January 8, 2019 to extend the streamline permit process for the projects related to the emergency. The Order authorize the cut of trees without the request of a permit. The Administrative Order is effective until the declaration of state of emergency by the Governor of PR is valid

Social, Economic and Cultural Resources

18. Would the project induce substantial impacts to planned growth or land use of the area?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

Proposed action is not anticipated to have substantial impacts on current land uses along the study area and planned growth in the municipality of Corozal.

19. Would the project require the relocation of any family or business?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project does not require the relocation of any family or business

20. Would the project have a disproportionately high and adverse human health and environmental effect on any minority or low-income population?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

Neither, Minority and Low –Income Population would be adversely impacted. Improvement to the transportation system would benefit the entire population.

21. If the project involves the acquisition of a right-of-way, is the amount of right-of-way acquisition considered minor?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The existing PR-568 right of way would not be altered by the proposed action; acquisition would not be required.

22. Does the project have any impact in the community cohesion of the adjacent project’s neighborhoods?

☒ YES ☐ NO

Additional Comments:

A positive impact is expected by the proposed project. Proposed action would be beneficial to community maintaining a reliable and safe transportation system.

23. Would the project affect community services?

☒ YES ☐ NO

Additional Comments:

During the construction process it would be necessary to close the PR-568 in the project area and the implementation of a Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) is required. The MOT would include the implementation of a temporary traffic detour during construction. This would slightly increase the travel time of services (e.g. garbage collection) provided to the community. Based on transportation characteristic a preliminary potential detour is proposed and illustrated in followings figures. Detour consists in take the PR-568, then use the PR-618 and take again the PR-568. This detour would increase travel time to access proposed project area in about 6 minutes.

24. Does the project consider non-discrimination issues?

☒ YES ☐ NO

Additional Comments:

Neither, Minority and Low –Income Population would be adversely impacted. Improvement to the transportation system would benefit the entire population.

25. Would the project have any impacts on existing noise levels?

☒ YES ☐ NO

Additional Comments:

Proposed action would not modify traffic characteristics in the study area. Therefore, increase of local noise levels are not anticipated as a result of the proposed action. Construction would create temporary noise and vibration impacts to the surrounding neighborhoods. This impact is unavoidable due to the size and types of construction equipment required. Most noise and vibration impact would be generated during earth movement activities and piles installation.

The closest residence is at less than 100 meters from project. To minimize impacts, construction hours would be limited in conformance with current Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board (PREQB) regulations. All heavy construction equipment would be maintained in optimal operating condition with silencers (mufflers) to minimize noise production.

26. Does the project comply with attaining air quality standards (NAAQS)?

☒ YES ☐ NO

Additional Comments:

Proposed action is not located within a “nonattainment” area designated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Proposed Action would not modify traffic characteristics in the proposed action area. Air quality impacts during construction would result from vehicle and machinery emissions and from dust raised by excavation, fill placement and other construction activities. Air quality degradation due to vehicle emissions would be minimized by specifying the use of construction machinery equipped with emission control devices. A fugitive control plan would be submitted to the Permit Management Office (PMO) / Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board as part of General Consolidated Permit, which would describe the control measures to be implemented throughout the construction of proposed action.

Based on the available information, proposed action characteristics and the controls that would be established during construction the proposed action would comply with the attaining air quality standards (NAAQS).

27. Would the project have any impacts in existing air quality levels?

☒ YES ☐ NO

Additional Comments:

Proposed Action would not modify traffic characteristics in the study area.

Air quality impacts during construction would result from vehicle and machinery emissions and from dust raised by excavation, fill placement and other construction activities. Air quality degradation due to vehicle emissions would be minimized by specifying the use of construction machinery equipped with emission control devices. A fugitive control plan would be submitted to the Permit Management Office (PMO) / Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board as part of General Consolidated Permit, which would describe the control measures to be implemented throughout the construction of proposed action. Measures would include frequent watering of construction sites and washing vehicles tires before it leaves the construction areas.

Therefore, significant local air quality impacts are not anticipated as a result of the proposed action.

28. Would the project affect farmland areas?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

Proposed action would not affect farmland areas, it will be located within the existing State Road PR-568 right of way.

29. Would the project entail any significant aesthetic effects?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

Proposed action would be located within the existing PR-568 ROW. Aesthetic impacts would be minimal and negligible.

30. Would the project affect recreational areas?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

There are no recreational areas located in the proposed action area. Proposed action would not impact any recreational area.

31. Would the project involve any changes in access control?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

Access to existing properties would not be affected by the proposed action. Access to properties would be maintained during construction process.

32. Would the project have an adverse effect on permanent local traffic patterns or community cohesiveness?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project would not have an adverse effect on permanent local traffic patterns or community cohesiveness.

33. Would traffic be maintained during construction using existing roads, staged construction, or on-site detours?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

Refers to answer in Item 23.

A Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plan would be developed and implemented during construction. As a minimum the MOT would include activities and identification of alternate routes to maintain traditional traffic along PR-568. The MOT would be prepared following the PRDTOP’s Manual for Traffic Signals in Public Roads of Puerto Rico, PRDTOP’s Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Public Roads of Puerto Rico, and the Federal Highway Administration’s Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Field inspection was performed to determine potential temporary detours to be implemented during construction. Detour would increase travel time.

34. If the project is a bridge replacement project, would the bridge be replaced at this existing location (along the existing facility) and, would all construction proposed in association with the bridge replacement project be contained within the existing facility?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project did not require the replacement of bridges.

35. Would the project affect a bridge or a culvert?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project does not affect bridges or culverts.

36. Is the bridge or culvert considered a historical structure?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

No historical bridges or culverts would be affected by the proposed action.

37. Is there substantial controversy on social, economic, or environmental grounds concerning the project?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

No substantial controversy concerning with the proposed action is expected.

38. Would the project have an effect on social, economic, or environmental grounds concerning the project?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

State Road PR-568 (km 25.85) was severely affected during Hurricane María (September 20, 2017). Damages affect the safe traveling of commuters along the PR-568. The purpose of the proposed action is to guarantee the safety of the users and to maintain traffic along State Road

PR-568.

39. Would the project affect any archaeological remains which are important to history or pre-history?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed action was coordinated with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) pursuant to Section 36 CFR Part 800. An Identification of Historic Properties and Assessment of Effects Report were conducted by the archaeologist Sharon Melendez with the objective of identifying the presence or absence of cultural resources in the proposed action area of potential effects (APE). According with the report, no archaeological resources reported within the project area or its immediate periphery. The closest known resources are: CZ-20, a 19th century building located 2.26 km to the northeast; and CZ0100006, a precolonial site located

2.40 km northwest.

40. Would the project affect any historic property?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

According with the An Identification of Historic Properties and Assessment of Effects Report, the PR-568 at the project area is at least 72 years old. There is no formal National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility determination for PR-568, but for the purposes of the proposed action it will be assumed that it is potentially eligible under criterion A, due to its importance to the economic and social development of the region it serves. It is understood that the proposed construction activities do not have the potential to affect any of the attributes that make of this road a potential historic property under this criterion. PR-568 would not be adversely affected by the proposed action and no additional archaeological studies are recommended. SHPO in letter dated July 15, 2019 concurred with the determination of no adverse effect on historic properties conditioned to no construction of new access roads, as well as confining its staging area to within the bold yellow boundaries shown in Figure 2 of its Assessment of Effects report. Copy of SHPO coordination is included in Appendix E.

If unexpected cultural resources are encountered at any time within the proposed action area, work should cease in the immediate vicinity of such discoveries and SHPO would be notified. If the staging area is located outside the area indicated in the Identification of Historic Properties and Assessment of Effects report, the PRHTA would notify the SHPO.

41. Would the project require the use of resources from Section 6(f) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project would not impact resources from Section 6(f).

42. Would the project require the use of Section 4 (f) resources (public, parks, recreation lands, wildlife, historic sites, or historic bridges) as defined in Section 4 (f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

There are no section 4(f) resources located in the proposed action area. Proposed action would not impact any public parks, recreational areas, wildlife refuge or historical sites.

43. Would the project require the relocation of utilities or construction of new facilities?

☒ YES ☐ NO

Additional Comments:

At the proposed project area exists infrastructure of the Puerto Rico Aqueducts and Sewer Authority (PRASA). To minimize service disruption, a coordination with the utility owner will be conducted.

44. Would the project affect any airport clearance?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

No airport facilities are located within or near to the project’s area. The project would not affect any airport clearance.

45. Would the project consider the accommodation of pedestrian and bicycle facilities as part of its scope?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The PR-568 road is a rural road in which there are no sidewalks or facilities for cyclists. The current paved section is essentially the road surface for car traffic. The proposed action Is located in a steep area. The east and west slopes of the road are steep. Providing sidewalks or a bicycle lane would require land acquisition and would increase environmental impacts. The characteristics of the PR-568 road and proposed action area do not favor the inclusion of easements for cyclists and sidewalks.

46. Would the project require public involvement activities?

☒ YES ☐ NO

Additional Comments:

Prior the beginning of the construction phase of the project, the public would be informed of the temporary road closure schedule and proposed MOT. MOT would include Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) and Public Information (PI) components. PI components would include Portable Changeable Message Signs (PCM S), public announcements through social medias and newspapers, as well as other methods.

47. Would the project have any potential for controversy?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

No potential controversy would be expected for the proposed project.

Environmental Commitments required for the proposed action:

1. Flora and Fauna - Significant flora and fauna impacts are not anticipated as a result of the proposed action. There is a possibility of one (1) listed species, the Puerto Rican Boa (Epicrates inornatus), occurring within/nearby the proposed action site. Therefore, PRHTA is committed to implement conservation measures to minimize for possible impacts to species during construction of proposed action. An approximately twenty-five (25) trees would be impacted by proposed action.

2. Historic and Archaeological Resources –SHPO concurred with a no adverse effect on historic properties determination would be appropriate for the proposed action. This determination was conditioned to no construction of new access roads as well as confining its staging area within the sites indicated in the Assessment of Effects report prepared for the project. If unexpected cultural resources are encountered at any time during proposed action implementation, works would cease in the immediate vicinity of such discoveries and SHPO would be notified. If the staging area is located outside the area indicated in the Identification of Historic Properties and Assessment of Effects report, the PRHTA would notify the SHPO. PRHTA is committed to continue coordination with the SHPO during proposed action implementation, as necessary.

3. Utilities - There are Puerto Rico Aqueducts and Sewer Authority (PRASA) infrastructure at proposed action area. Service would be maintaining during construction by protecting the infrastructure in place. The infrastructure would be relocated once the construction of the retaining wall is completed.

Water service disruption would be minimized during relocation of PRASA infrastructure.

4. Construction Activities - Construction of proposed action would last at least six (6) months. Proposed Action construction would generate construction impacts. These impacts would be temporary. To minimize impact mitigation measures would be implemented including but not limited to:

a. To minimize traffic and circulation impacts we have proposed a Management of Traffic (MOT) plan and implementation of a detour during proposed action construction. Public would be informed of road closure schedule and proposed MOT during construction of proposed action.

APPENDIX A

FIGURES, PHOTOS AND MAPS

Figure 1 Proposed Action Location in USGS Quadrangle.

Figure 2. Proposed Action Location in Aerial Photo.

Roadway Condition (Looking North)

Roadway Condition (Looking South)

Figure 3. Photos taken at PR-568 (source BH&A, 2018).

Figure 4. Proposed Action Schematic Plan View (ER-HWY-386).

Figure 5. Proposed Action Section View (ER-HWY-386).

Figure 6. PR-568 Typical Section (Proposed Configuration).

Figure 7. Proposed Action Location in Aerial Photo after Hurricane María (October 2017, source Google Earth).

Figure 8. PR-568 Topographic Survey.

Figure 9. Partial Copy of National Flood Hazard Layer FIRMette (FEMA 72000C0690H).

APPENDIX B

DETAILED DAMAGE INSPECTION REPORT (DDIR)

EMERGENCY RELIEF PROGRAM FOR LANDSLIDE

Site 90 at PR-123 Km. 48.5 Utuado (AC- 801544 / ER-9999(312)) October, 2019

24 | P a g e

APPENDIX C

USFWLS COORDINATION

AC Number Road Km Municipality

ER-HWY-

ID

Road Status

Critical

Habitat per

IPaC Tool NWI per IPaC IPaC Consultation Code

805544 PR-1 61.8 Cayey 2 Open No No 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0851

809544 PR-108 20.4 Añasco 22 Open No No 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0852

809544 PR-109 7.24 Añasco 23 Open No No 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0853

809544 PR-109 9.4 Añasco 25 Open No No** 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0854

809544 PR-109 10.3 Añasco 26 Open No No 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0857

809544 PR-109 16.5 Añasco 27 Open No No 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0858

826544 PR-111 27.0-27.1 San Sebastián 30 Open No No 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0859

826544 PR-111 37.25 Lares 32 Open No No

04EC1000-2019-SLI-0862

826544 PR-111 37.7 Lares 33 Open No No

04EC1000-2019-SLI-0863

824544 PR-115 15.6 Rincón 61 Open No No 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0864

824544 PR-115 18.70-18.87 Rincón 62 Open No No 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0865

804544 PR-119 32.1 San Sebastián 63 Open No No 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0210

804544 PR-119 35.9 San Sebastián 64 Open No No 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0866

804544 PR-119 41.15 San Sebastián 66 Open No No 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0867

804544 PR-119 41.6 San Sebastián 67 Open No No 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0869

804544 PR-119 44 San Sebastián 68 Open No No 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0209

804544 PR-119 44.2 San Sebastián 69 Open No No 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0209

804544 PR-119 44.3 San Sebastián 70 Open No No 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0209

804544 PR-119 56.9 Las Marías 71 Open

No No 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0251

804544 PR-119 76.1 San Germán 72 Open No No**

04EC1000-2019-SLI-0250

804544 PR-119 20.90-21.10 San Sebastián 73 Open No No 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0249

801544 PR-123 48.5 Utuado 90 Open No No 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0870

818544 PR-140 17 Utuado 164 Open No No

04EC1000-2019-SLI-0871

818544 PR-140 17.2 Utuado 165 Open No No

04EC1000-2019-SLI-0873

818544 PR-140 19.2 Utuado 167 Open No No

04EC1000-2019-SLI-0874

818544 PR-140 22.3 Utuado 168 Open No No

04EC1000-2019-SLI-0875

818544 PR-140 23.55 Utuado 170 Open No No

04EC1000-2019-SLI-0877

827544 PR-155 45.5 Morovis 264 Open No No N/A

803544 PR-186 3.6 Canóvanas 316 Closed No No

04EC1000-2019-SLI-0878

803544 PR-186 4.4 Canóvanas 317 Closed No No

04EC1000-2019-SLI-0879

803544 PR-186 6.7 Canóvanas 318 Closed No No

04EC1000-2019-SLI-0880

803544 PR-186 10.7 Canóvanas 320 Closed No No

04EC1000-2019-SLI-0901

801544 PR-2 140.2 Aguada 332 Open No No 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0881

805544 PR-3 69.3 - 70.6 Naguabo 344 Open No Yes**

04EC1000-2019-SLI-0882

824544 PR-339 1.7-1.8 Mayaguez 347 Open No No

04EC1000-2019-SLI-0883

824544 PR-440 0.2 Aguadilla 361 Open No No** 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0884

824544 PR-445 5.2 Aguadilla 367 Open No No 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0885

824544 PR-453 12.7 Quebradillas 369 Open No No 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0886

802544 PR-5568 0.7 Corozal 384 Open No No** 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0887

802544 PR-5568 0.8 Corozal 385 Open No No** 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0888

802544 PR-568 25.85 Corozal 386 Open No No** 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0889

805544 PR-909 5.55 Humacao 463 Open No No 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0891

803544 PR-951 1.3 Canóvanas 466 Open No No 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0890

804544 PR-143 56.1 Barranquitas 474 Closed No No

04EC1000-2019-SLI-0892

827544 PR-1 23 Guaynabo 479 Open No No N/A

827544 PR-1 23.7 Guaynabo 480 Open No No N/A

827544 PR-1 25.4 Guaynabo 481 Open No No N/A

813544 PR-459 9.6 Isabela 484 Closed No No 04EC1000-2019-SLI-0893

** Requires USACE Joint Permit Consultation

Reptiles Plants

Proposed Conservation

Measures for Species

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus / C. inornata

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus

Epicrates inornatus Calyptronoma rivalis E. inornatus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus / A. vittata / B. platypterus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus / A. vittata / B. platypterus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus

Epicrates inornatus Cordia bellonis E. inornatus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus / A. vittata / B. platypterus / A.

striatus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus / A. vittata / B. platypterus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus / A. vittata / B. platypterus

None

Amazona vittata / Buteo platypterus brunnescens / Accipiter striatus venator

Amazona vittata / Buteo platypterus brunnescens

None

Amazona vittata / Buteo platypterus brunnescens

None

None

None

Amazona vittata / Buteo platypterus brunnescens

Amazona vittata / Buteo platypterus brunnescens

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

Birds

Columba inornata wetmorei

None

None

Epicrates inornatus None

E. inornatus / A. vittata / B. platypterus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus / A. vittata / B. platypterus

Epicrates inornatus None

E. inornatus / A. vittata / B. platypterus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus / A. vittata / B. platypterus

Epicrates inornatus None

E. inornatus / A. vittata / B. platypterus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus

Epicrates inornatus None

E. inornatus / A. vittata / B. platypterus

Epicrates inornatus None

E. inornatus / A. vittata / B. platypterus

Epicrates inornatus Styrax portoricensis / Schoepfia arenaria / Eugenia haematocarpa E. inornatus / A. vittata / B. platypterus / A.

striatus

Epicrates inornatus Styrax portoricensis / Schoepfia arenaria / Eugenia haematocarpa E. inornatus / A. vittata / B. platypterus / A.

striatus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus

E. inornatus / E. imbricata / D.

coriacea None E. inornatus / E. imbricata / D. coriacea

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus / A. vittata / B. platypterus

Epicrates inornatus Ottoschulzia rhodoxylon E. inornatus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus

Amazona vittata / Buteo platypterus brunnescens

Amazona vittata / Buteo platypterus brunnescens / Accipiter striatus venator

Amazona vittata / Buteo platypterus brunnescens / Accipiter striatus venator

None

None

Amazona vittata / Buteo platypterus brunnescens

None

None

Amazona vittata / Buteo platypterus brunnescens

Amazona vittata / Buteo platypterus brunnescens

Amazona vittata / Buteo platypterus brunnescens

Amazona vittata / Buteo platypterus brunnescens

Amazona vittata / Buteo platypterus brunnescens

Amazona vittata / Buteo platypterus brunnescens

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus / E. cooki

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus

Epicrates inornatus None

E. inornatus / A. vittata / B. platypterus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatus

Epicrates inornatus None E. inornatusNone

None

None

Amazona vittata / Buteo platypterus brunnescens

None

None

None

None

None

United States Department of the Interior

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

Caribbean Ecolog1cal Services

Field Office

P.O. Box 491

Boqueron. PR 00622

In Repl� Refer to:

FWS R4 CESFO MM-141

Ms. Alexandra Velazquez Delgado Director Programming and Special Studies Area Puerto Rico Highway Authority PO Box 42007 San Juan. Puerto Rico 00940-2007

Dear Ms. Velazquez

JUL 1 1 2019

Re: Landslide and Road Damage Emergency Program Repairs. Puerto Rico

Thank you for your letter of July 09. 2019. requesting comments on the proposed project. As per your request. our comments are provided under the Endangered Species Act (Act) (87 Stat. 884.

as amended: 16 United States Code 1531 et seq.). and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401. as amended: 16 U.S.C. 661 et seq.).

The Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority (PRHT A) is proposing to permanent repair 48 landslides and road damage sites in Puerto Rico due to the damages caused by hurricanes Iima and Maria. The repairs will consist of roadway rehabilitation. reconstruction of sidewalks. repairs of storm sewers. landslides corrections. construction of concrete curbs and gutters. and other miscellaneous works.

As indicated in your letter. the project sites are located v.ithin the range of the follov,,fog species:

the Puerto Rican Boa (Epicrates inornatus). palma de manaca (Ca/yptronoma riw.1/is). Cordia helfonis. palo de jazmin (Styrax portoricensis). Schoepfia arenaria, uvillo (Euf?enia haemmocarpa). palo de rosa (Otto chuba rhodoxylon). guaj6n (Eleutherodacty/11s cooki).

Pue110 Rican plain pigeon (Columba inornata wetmorei). Pueno Rican pa1Tot (Ama:=ona ,•itlata).

the Puerto Rican broad-winged ha,\.k (Buteo platypterus brunnescens) and the Puerto Rican sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiler stria1us ,·ena/or). Therefore. the PRHTA is proposing to implement Best Management Practices (BMP"s) previously pro\ided by the Service prior to and during the road damage repairs to avoid or minimize impacts to fcderall) -listed species.

Ms. Velazquez

According to the information provided by PRHTA. the nature of the project. habitat characteristics. and the implementation of the BMP" s. we believe that these projects are not likely to ad\'ersely affect federally-listed species or their critical habitats. Therefore. no further consultation is required. eve1theless. if the project is modi tied or if information on impacts to listed species becomes a,·ailable this office should be contacted concerning the need for the initiation of consultation under section 7 of the Act.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this project. We appreciate your interest in protecting endangered species and their habitats. It is the Service· s mission to work with others to conserve. protect, and enhance fish. wildlife. and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of our people. If you have any questions or require additional information. please contact Mare! isa Ri\'era at 787-851-7297. extension 206.

drr

Sincerely yours.

,Q, �IA

Edwin E. uniz Field Supervisor

APPENDIX D

PROPOSED PROJECT PLANS

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PROJECT AREA

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PR-5568 KM 0.7 & 0.8

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PROJECT AREA

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PR-568 KM 25.85

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PONCE

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GUAYAMA

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FAJARDO

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ARECIBO

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PROJECT SITE

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AGUADILLA

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MAYAGUEZ

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LOCATION PLAN

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SCALE = 1:20,000

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DESIGN

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WORK

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DRAWING

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DATE

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BY

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B. & H. FILE:

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TRACED

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CHECK

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FINAL CHECK

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TOTAL

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SHEETS

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MUNICIPALITY

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FISCAL

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YEAR

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ISLAND

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SHEET

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NO.

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SAN JUAN

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