25-0717_Enviromental Review_FE 10215 5J_Corrected.pdf

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Bliss, Directorate of Public Works, Environmental Division (DPW-ED)-NEPA Office

Bldg. 624, USGA Fort Bliss, TX 79916 Office Number: 915-568-3782

CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION

Date Received: 8/25/2025 NEPA Log#:25-0717 Review Expires: 9/19/2026

This review document, and its attachments, are only for the requested work as described in the narrative of the Work Order Request and/or supporting documents provided.

The Project Manager (PM) responsible for the final design must address/resolve potential environmental issues prior to award/implementation of the project and concurrence is based on the proponent following the guidance in this document.

This review identifies potential environmental issues which may be associated with the actions associated with this work and does not constitute an environmental technical review of subsequent project plans, specifications, and/or drawings.

The DPW-Environmental Division's final review approval and concurrence is contingent on the project Work order request, Scope of Work, any and all supporting documentation not changing, work must be completed within 365 days from the date of the review;

resubmit if project changes OR if not completed by the REVIEW EXPIRATION DATE This review is done in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 United States [U.S.] Code Section 4321 et seq., and Department of Defense National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures, 30 June 2025, and Army Regulation 200-1.

Regular Work Order Replace 13 Carrier rooftop units to provide efficient and adequate cooling to PX. New units to operate with latest refrigerant type. RTUs A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A13, A16, A17, A18, A19, A20, A21, and A22

N/A

Proponent: please note that the DPW-ED concurrence is contingent upon the action meeting all, but not limited to, the conditions and/or criteria as detailed below. For questions, clarification, or additional guidance please contact the reviewer listed under each program.

SECTION BELOW PROVIDES THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW. FOR DPW-ED SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT USE

PROGRAM: Cultural Resources-Archeology REVIEWER: Elia Perez CONCURRENCE: YES WITH NO COMMENTS

ATTACHMENT: NA FINALIZED DATE: 8/26/2025

No comment.

PROGRAM: Cultural Resources-Historic Preservation REVIEWER: Donald J. Sevigny CONCURRENCE: YES WITH NO COMMENTS

ATTACHMENT: NA FINALIZED DATE: 8/26/2025

No comment.

PROGRAM: Natural Resources REVIEWER: Gabriel Ramirez CONCURRENCE: YES- WITH COMMENTS

ATTACHMENT: NA FINALIZED DATE: 8/26/2025

Replace 9 Carrier rooftop units, no natural resources issues.

BLUF:

PROJECT TITLE AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

ANTICIPATED DATE AND/OR DURATION OF PROPOSED ACTION

DPW-ED ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW NEPA LOG #25-0717

SCLMR#: NA WO#/Doc ID# #: FE 10215 5J Doc TYPE#: Regular Work Order Location/Building 1611

PROGRAM: Drinking Water REVIEWER: Paola Soto-Montero CONCURRENCE: YES- WITH COMMENTS

ATTACHMENT: NA FINALIZED DATE: 9/5/2025

Proponent shall ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, American Water Works Association (AWWA) Standards, and 30 TAC 290 Public Drinking Water Texas Rules, Regulations and Fees. For activation, modification or deactivation of water systems, please coordinate with the water utility provider American States Utility Services, Inc. (ASUS) Fort Bliss Water Services Company (FBWS), which provides the operation and maintenance on the Installation.

NEW CONSTRUCTION OR ALTERATION OF SECONDARY WATER SYSTEM (TX): For new construction it is required to follow the plumbing code for the state of Texas before they can connect to secondary water system. A customer service inspection (CSI) certificate shall be completed prior to providing continuous water service to new construction, on any existing service either when the water purveyor has reason to believe that cross-connections or other potential contaminant hazards exist, or after any material improvement, correction, or addition to the private water distribution facilities. Any customer service inspection certificate form which varies from the format found in commission Form 20699 must be approved by the executive director prior to being placed in use. Individuals with the following credentials shall be recognized as capable of conducting a customer service inspection certification: 1) Plumbing Inspectors and Water Supply Protection Specialists licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. 2) CSI who have completed a commission-approved course, passed an examination administered by the executive director, and holds current professional license as a customer service inspector. 3) After successful completion of the inspection, the original Form 20699 shall be turned into the Utility Provider, FBWSC. Coordinate submission of the form with Mr. Gilbert Mesa, Gilbert.Mesa@asusinc.com, or Mr. Ruben Contreras, Ruben.Contreras@asusinc.com

CROSS-CONNECTION/BACK-FLOW PREVENTERS: There shall be no cross-connection, open or potential, between a system furnishing potable water and a system furnishing non-potable water. Responsible authorities must implement, administer, and maintain ongoing back-

-flow; protect public water systems from the actual or potential hazards originating on the premises of end user building owners or end users; and protect public water systems from temporary connections that may impair or alter the water. The return of any water to the public system after the water has been delivered to the end user at the point of connection is an unacceptable public health concern and is opposed by AWWA. If a new backflow preventor assembly is installed, it shall be tested upon installation and annually (365 days) thereafter. Original test shall be provided to FBWS.

CONTACT: Ms. Paola Soto-Montero at paola.i.soto-montero.civ@army.mil or at (915) 568-1051

PROGRAM: Drinking Water REVIEWER: Paola Soto-Montero CONCURRENCE: YES- WITH COMMENTS

ATTACHMENT: NA FINALIZED DATE: 9/5/2025

Dispose of any project-related wastewater off Government property in accordance with 40 CFR 403, state, regional, and local laws, and regulations. Water discharges into the sewer system as a result of this project shall abide by the conditions and requirements of El Paso Water (EPW) Rules 9 and 15. No foreign items, construction debris, chemicals, nor oils shall be introduced into the sanitary sewer collection system.

CONTACT: Ms. Paola Soto-Montero at paola.i.soto-montero.civ@army.mil or at (915) 568-1051

PROGRAM: Stormwater REVIEWER: Rebecca Navarrete CONCURRENCE: YES- WITH COMMENTS

ATTACHMENT: NA FINALIZED DATE: 9/5/2025

Project intends to disturb less than an acre of land in accordance with description, therefore no additional documentation is required for the stormwater program. Proponent shall continue to ensure that no contaminants shall enter the stormwater system including sediment, oil and grease from vehicles, mud from tires, paint/stain, soaps/solvents, stucco, cement, sediment from disturbed soil. Liquid and solid waste from chemical treatment of masonry and pavement or de-scaling of plumbing boilers or other heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment using acid or other chemical additives may not be discharged to the environment and must be recovered for proper disposal.

Contact Rebecca Navarrette at rebecca.d.navarrette.civ@army.mil or (915)568-3472 to provide acreage or for guidance.

PROGRAM: D.E.R.A REVIEWER: Cynthia Hernandez CONCURRENCE: YES WITH NO COMMENTS

ATTACHMENT: NA FINALIZED DATE: 8/26/2025

No comment.

SCLMR#: NA WO#/Doc ID# #: FE 10215 5J Doc TYPE#: Regular Work Order Location/Building 1611

PROGRAM: Solid Waste REVIEWER: Cynthia Hernandez CONCURRENCE: YES- WITH COMMENTS

ATTACHMENT: NA FINALIZED DATE: 8/26/2025

For dig permits which create considerable construction debris from the demolition of streets, sidewalks, landscaping and other hardscapes, the affected area(s) shall be restored to original or better state. All project generated waste must be disposed of by contractor according to the following Fort Bliss requirements and regulations;

PROGRAM: Hazardous Materials REVIEWER: Samuel Del Toro CONCURRENCE: YES WITH NO COMMENTS

ATTACHMENT: NA FINALIZED DATE: 9/9/2025

No comment.

PROGRAM: Lead & Asbestos Program REVIEWER: Donald J. Sevigny CONCURRENCE: YES- WITH COMMENTS

ATTACHMENT: NA FINALIZED DATE: 8/26/2025

PROPONENT SHALL FOLLOW THSE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Based on the information provided, the proposed work is limited to modifications to components that do not contain asbestos-containing materials or lead-based paint. No buildings are to be disturbed, and no excavation needed to complete this project. No further review required.

2. Point of contact is D.J. Sevigny at (915) 568-3782 or donald.j.sevigny.civ@army.mil. Alternate point of contact is Troy Ainsworth, Historian, 915-568-1249 or troy.m.ainsworth.civ@army.mil.

PROGRAM: Hazardous Waste REVIEWER: Michelle Brennan CONCURRENCE: YES- WITH COMMENTS

ATTACHMENT: NA FINALIZED DATE: 8/27/2025

Upgrades, construction or repair activities will generate any regulated waste, asbestos and/or lead waste, disposal shall be coordinated with DPW-ED. Disposal costs shall be charged to the project or related contract as applicable. A copy of the waste profile issued by the disposal facility should be provided to DPW-ED. Waste manifests must use the Fort Bliss Environmental Protection Agency Identification Number, and only DPW-ED personnel appointed in writing by the Garrison Commander are authorized to sign the manifests on behalf of Fort Bliss.

The original manifests signed by the disposal facilities shall be provided to DPW-ED.

PROGRAM: AST/UST REVIEWER: Isaac Trejo CONCURRENCE: YES WITH NO COMMENTS

ATTACHMENT: NA FINALIZED DATE: 8/26/2025

No comment.

PROGRAM: SPCC REVIEWER: Isaac Trejo CONCURRENCE: YES WITH NO COMMENTS

ATTACHMENT: NA FINALIZED DATE: 8/26/2025

No comment.

PROGRAM: Air REVIEWER: Victor Garcia CONCURRENCE: YES- WITH REQUIREMENTS

ATTACHMENT: Air Equipment Form FINALIZED DATE: 8/26/2025

HVAC REQUIREMENTS

Technicians that work on refrigerant-containing appliances must be certified by an EPA-approved training provider for the type of equipment on which they work [40 CFR 82.161(a)(1)].

Technicians contracted to install new HVAC/R equipment and/or service existing equipment are also responsible for following the Fort Bliss Refrigerant Management Plan and are subject to the same certification requirements.

No person maintaining, servicing, repairing, or disposing of appliances may knowingly vent or otherwise release into the environment any refrigerant [40 CFR 82.154(a)(1)].

New purchases of HVAC/R equipment shall use an EPA Significant New Alternatives Policy Program (SNAP) approved refrigerant with an ODS of zero-www.epa.gov/snap.

Provide specifications of new/old unit to Victor Garcia at victor.h.garcia22.civ@army.mil (complete attached form).

Failure to report any of the emissions generating equipment listed above may cause regulatory violations and fines.

SCLMR#: NA WO#/Doc ID# #: FE 10215 5J Doc TYPE#: Regular Work Order Location/Building 1611

Potential impacts on the quality of the environment have been considered and are documented within the attached environmental checklist. It has been concluded that this action is not segmented, and no extraordinary circumstances exist that would preclude the use of the applicable categorical exclusion identified in paragraph below.

This document does not relieve the proponent from compliance with other applicable federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations.

On the basis of this evaluation the following is appropriate:

In accordance with National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 United States [U.S.] Code Section 4321 et seq., and Department of Defense National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures, 30 June 2025 and Army Regulation 200-1, the proposed action qualifies for a CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION (CX) that does not require a Record of Environmental Consideration (REC).

(Skip to the “Approved By” section for NEPA Program Manager signature to compete the document.)

REASONING FOR USING CX: It has been determined that the action qualifies for Categorical Exclusion (CATEX) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 United States [U.S.] Code Section 4321 et seq.) requires federal agencies to consider potential environmental impacts prior to undertaking a course of action. In accordance with NEPA, Department of Defense National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures, 30 June 2025 and Army Regulation 200-1, the Army has prepared CatEx (f)(1) for the Routine repair of buildings, facilities, launch pads, structures, utility/communication systems, airfields, grounds, parking areas, targetry and other equipment. All screening criteria have been satisfied; therefore, no further action is required.:

A Record of Environmental Consideration (REC) is required.

REASONING FOR USING REC:

Constance Parra Date NEPA Program Manager

NEPA DETERMINATION:

APPROVED BY: (SIGNATORY CONCURRENCE IS CONTINGENT UPON PROPONENT COMPLIANCE WITH GUIDANCE PROVIDED ABOVE)