FINAL Finding of No Significant Impact Environmental Assessment Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing on FLETC Campus Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Brunswick, Glynn County, Georgia US Army Corps of Engineers Savannah Planning Center Savannah, Georgia April 2012 FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing on FLETC Campus Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Brunswick, Georgia NAME OF ACTION Glynn County is proposing to re-route storm water drainage into an existing drainage ditch on the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) campus at Glynco, Georgia. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION This proposed action would re-route storm water from residential communities south of Chapel Crossing Road onto the FLETC campus north of Chapel Crossing Road. This storm water would be re-routed through a 48 inch culvert recently installed underneath Chapel Crossing Road (Appendix A; Figure 2). This storm water re-routed underneath Chapel Crossing Road would enter the FLETC campus into an existing drainage ditch flowing northeast 1500 feet across the southeast corner of the FLETC campus. The water would then turn east and flow into a box culvert before exiting the FLETC campus through an unnamed tributary to Troup Creek flowing southeast paralleling Old Belle Point Road. The maximum discharge onto the FLETC campus from this 48 inch culvert would not exceed 43.5 cubic feet per second during the 25-year storm event. The invert elevation of the culvert would be designed to not receive the first flush of storm water, which would continue to flow through the existing outfall to Belle Point. The first flush is defined by the Georgia Storm Water Management Manual as the first 1.2 inches of rainfall within 24 hours of a storm event. This first flush contains most of the Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants (POLs) that is typical of residential runoff. ALTERNATIVES In the initial evaluation of alternatives, FLETC took into consideration minimum selection criteria. Only those alternatives that met these criteria were considered suitable for detailed analysis. The selection criteria were: conformity to all federal and state laws and regulations; technical feasibility; logistical feasibility; cost efficiency/budget constraints; and environmental compliance and conformity. Due to a lack of any more than minor environmental impacts from the proposed action, only the following alternatives were considered: (1) No Action Alternative, (2) Alternate Locations, and (3) the Proposed Action. FONSI-i ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS The analysis of the proposed action in the attached EA indicates there would not be any significant adverse impacts associated with the implementation of the proposed action. Specifically, no significant effects are anticipated from the proposed action on threatened and endangered species, water resources, or cultural resources. MITIGATION The proposed action would not be expected to have adverse environmental impacts, and therefore, would not require mitigation. FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT The EA for this project was prepared and evaluated pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (Public Law 91-190, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Environmental Planning Program (Federal Register, Volume 71, No. 64; dated April 4, 2006). It has been concluded that the proposed construction and operation of this project does not constitute a “major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment” when considered individually or cumulatively in the context of the referenced act including both direct and indirect impacts; therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement is not required. PUBLIC/AGENCY COMMENT This EA and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) have been coordinated with appropriate parties that may have an interest in the project. To date, there have been no comments received that were averse to the proposed action. Coordination with all appropriate parties is detailed in Section 6.0 and Appendix C. POINT OF CONTACT Comments and inquiries for further information about this EA and FONSI should be directed to Mr. Martin Fife, Environmental Protection Specialist, P.G., Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, 1131 Chapel Crossing Road, Brunswick, Georgia 31524; telephone number (912) 2614038. Reviewed and Approved by: C. Michelle Bryan Acting Deputy Assistant Director Administration Directorate Federal Law Enforcement Training Center FONSI-ii Date Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 Table of Contents Section Page Finding of No Significant Impact ............................................................................FONSI-i List of Tables ...................................................................................................................... ii List of Acronyms and Abbreviations ................................................................................. iii 1 2 3 Proposed Action .............................................................................................1 1.1 Background .............................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Description of the Proposed Action .................................................................................. 2 1.3 Need for the Proposed Action ............................................................................................. 4 1.4 Location of the Proposed Action ....................................................................................... 4 Description of the Proposed Alternatives ...............................................5 2.1 No-Action Alternative ............................................................................................................ 5 2.2 Alternatives .............................................................................................................................. 5 2.3 Proposed Action (Preferred Alternative) .......................................................................... 5 Affected Environment ...................................................................................7 3.1 Physiographic Setting ........................................................................................................... 7 3.2 Groundwater ............................................................................................................................ 7 3.3 Natural Resources .................................................................................................................. 8 3.3.1 Vegetation ..................................................................................................................................................8 3.3.2 Jurisdictional Waters ..................................................................................................................................9 3.4 Protected Species ................................................................................................................ 10 3.5 Cultural Resources .............................................................................................................. 18 3.5.1 3.5.2 3.5.3 3.5.4 4 Archeological Resources .......................................................................................................................... 18 Prehistoric Period ..................................................................................................................................... 18 Historic Resources ................................................................................................................................... 19 Historic Period ......................................................................................................................................... 20 3.6 Hazardous Materials ............................................................................................................ 21 3.7 Coastal Zone Management................................................................................................. 21 3.8 Traffic Circulation and Safety............................................................................................ 22 3.9 Air Quality ............................................................................................................................... 22 Environmental Impacts ...............................................................................23 4.1 Natural Resources ................................................................................................................ 23 i Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 4.2 Jurisdictional Waters of the United States .................................................................... 23 4.3 Protected Species ................................................................................................................ 23 4.4 Cultural Resources .............................................................................................................. 23 4.5 Hazardous Materials ............................................................................................................ 24 4.6 Socioeconomics ................................................................................................................... 24 4.7 Coastal Zone Management................................................................................................. 24 4.8 Traffic Circulation/Health & Safety................................................................................... 24 4.9 Air Quality ............................................................................................................................... 25 4.10 Noise Impacts ........................................................................................................................ 25 4.11 Environmental Justice - Executive Order 12898 .......................................................... 25 4.12 Environmental Health and Safety of Children - Executive Order 12045 ................ 25 4.14 Storm Water Management .................................................................................................. 25 4.15 Cumulative Impacts ............................................................................................................. 26 4.16 Mitigation ................................................................................................................................ 26 5 Compliance with State/Federal Authorities ..........................................28 6 Consultation and Coordination ................................................................29 7 List of Preparers ...........................................................................................30 8 References .....................................................................................................31 LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Generalized Cultural Chronology for the Prehistoric Occupation of the Georgia Coast and Coastal Plain................................................................................................................... 19 Table 2: Generalized Cultural Chronology for the Historic Period of Georgia........................... 20 Table 3: Summary of Impacts of Proposed Action...................................................................... 27 Table 4: Relationship of Project to Environmental Requirements .............................................. 28 LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix A - Figures and Photos Figure 1: Vicinity Map Figure 2: Proposed Action and Impact Area Figure 3: New Drainage Area Figure 4: Map of Facility Wetlands/Historic Districts Figure 5: FLETC Storm Water System Figure 6: Renovation of Driver Training Ranges 7 & 8 Appendix B - Threatened and Endangered Species Appendix C - Public/Agency Coordination, Comments, Responses ii Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 List of Acronyms and Abbreviations CEQ Council on Environmental Quality CFR Code of Federal Regulations CWA Clean Water Act cfs cubic feet per second DHS Department of Homeland Security DERP-FUDS Defense Environmental Restoration Program - Formerly Used Defense Sites EA Environmental Assessment EO Executive Order EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency EPD Environmental Protection Division FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FLETC Federal Law Enforcement Training Center FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact HTRW Hazardous, Toxic, and Radiological Waste HAZMAT Hazardous Material ILEA International Law Enforcement Academy msl mean sea level NAS Naval Air Station NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NRHP National Register of Historic Places NOA Notice of Availability POL Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants SBI Secure Border Initiative SCS Soil Conservation Service SHPO State Historic Preservation Office USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Services USGS United States Geologic Survey iii Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia This page left blank intentionally. Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia 1 Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 Proposed Action 1.1 Background The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) is the nation’s leading organization for interagency training of Federal law enforcement personnel. Its mission is to provide high quality, cost-effective training to Federal law enforcement officers and agents. There are approximately 81 Federal agencies participating in training at FLETC, a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In addition, state and local law enforcement agencies from all 50 states, US Territories, and some foreign countries train and re-qualify at the FLETC facilities. The Center is headquartered at the Glynco, Georgia facility, near the port city of Brunswick, halfway between Savannah, Georgia, and Jacksonville, Florida. In addition to the Glynco facility, FLETC operates two other residential training sites in Artesia, New Mexico, and Charleston, South Carolina. FLETC also operates an in-service re-qualification training facility in Cheltenham, Maryland, for use by agencies with large concentrations of personnel in the Washington, DC, area. FLETC has oversight and program management responsibility for the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in Gaborone, Botswana; San Salvador, El Salvador; and Lima, Peru. FLETC also supports training at other ILEAs in Hungary and Thailand. The DHS Strategic Plan is used to ensure coordinated actions to prepare for and prevent terrorism in order to protect the United States and its interests abroad. Consolidation of law enforcement training permits the Federal Government to provide training excellence in a cost-effective manner. Professional instruction and practical application provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the demanding challenges of a Federal law enforcement career. Personnel learn the responsibilities of a law enforcement officer, and, through interaction with students from other Federal agencies, also become acquainted with the missions and duties of their colleagues. This interaction within the FLETC campus provides the foundation for a more cooperative Federal law enforcement effort. This Environmental Assessment (EA) follows the guidelines and regulations established by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). This EA assesses and analyzes the environmental impacts that would result from implementation of the proposed action and alternatives. This EA also contains discussions of any mitigation and permit requirements, and findings and conclusions in accordance with NEPA. Such information provides the basis for DHS to determine whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The use of the term “significant” (and derivations thereof) in this EA is consistent with the definition and guidelines provided in the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations [40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1508.27], which require consideration of both the context and intensity of impacts. 1 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 1.2 Description of the Proposed Action This proposed action would re-route storm water from residential communities south of Chapel Crossing Road (Appendix A; Figure 3) onto the FLETC campus north of Chapel Crossing Road. This storm water would be re-routed through a 48 inch Re-enforced Concrete Pipe (RCP) recently installed underneath Chapel Crossing Road (Figure 2; Appendix A). This storm water that would be re-routed underneath Chapel Crossing Road would enter the FLETC campus into an existing drainage ditch flowing northeast 1540 feet across the southeast corner of the FLETC campus (Figure 2; Appendix A). The water would then turn east and flow into a box culvert before exiting the FLETC campus through an unnamed tributary to Troup Creek flowing southeast paralleling Old Belle Point Road. All of the storm water proposed for re-routing in this project currently flows east through an outfall paralleling Chapel Crossing Road (on the south side) to the cross drain under US Highway 17; and then flowing south paralleling Highway 17 under both the north and south entrances to the Belle Point subdivision until entering the tidal salt marsh. Smaller rainfall events (1.2 inches and less or first flush) would continue to use this outfall under the proposed action. Currently, this is the only outfall for the Fairway Oaks subdivision. This proposed action is expected to alleviate flooding within the Belle Point and Fairway Oaks subdivisions. The maximum discharge onto the FLETC campus from this 48 inch RCP would not exceed 43.5 cubic feet per second (cfs) during the 25-year (24 hour) storm event. The invert elevation of the culvert would be designed to not receive the first flush of storm water, which would continue to flow through the existing outfall to Belle Point. The first flush is defined by the Georgia Storm Water Management Manual as the first 1.2 inches of rainfall within 24 hours of a storm event. This first flush contains most of the Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants (POLs) that is typical of residential runoff; thereby eliminating any water quality impacts onto the FLETC campus from the proposed action. Improvements to the FLETC drainage ditch would be needed to accommodate the re-routed water from 48 inch RCP pipe. These improvements require the upper section (900 feet) of the existing FLETC drainage ditch to be deepened by a maximum of 1.5 feet; which necessitates a reshaping of the ditch to accommodate the additional depth. This 900-foot section that requires deepening starts at the south end of the ditch (near the fence and the 48 inch RCP) to the first major confluence of ditches in the run. The existing surveys (Glynn County 2011) indicate that after the confluence, the ditch depth drops and the ditch bottom flattens out. 2 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 Looking upstream at existing ditch that Glynn County is tying in to Looking downstream toward the only outfall structure (4 by 8-foot concrete box culvert) from the FLETC campus, which drains into Troupe Creek Tributary 3 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 Looking upstream on unnamed tributary, at confluence with ditch. Ditch approaches from the left. 1.3 Need for the Proposed Action The proposed project is designed to remove flooding from neighborhoods south of the FLETC southern boundary, primarily the Fairway Oaks and Belle Point residential subdivisions. During a September 2009 rainfall event, much of Fairway Oaks and Belle Point flooded along with a section of US Highway just south of Chapel Crossing Road. 1.4 Location of the Proposed Action The FLETC Glynco campus is located in Glynn County in southeast Georgia and consists of 1,620 acres, which was formerly part of the 4,200-acre Glynco Naval Air Station (NAS). This FLETC campus is mostly developed land consisting of student dormitories, classrooms, office and warehouse space, firing ranges, driving courses, and roads. The remaining undeveloped portion of the campus is primarily wetlands (188 acres) and timberland (natural and planted pine plantation). The proposed action is sited within an existing drainage ditch running 1500 feet across the southeast corner of the FLETC campus. This area of the campus is largely undeveloped and consists of a stand of natural pine timber (see Appendix A; Figures 2 and 4). The site is located at Latitude 31 degrees, 13 minutes, 45 seconds North; Longitude 81 degrees, 27 minutes, 40 seconds West. The subject site is very level at approximately 10 feet above msl and drains off campus into a tributary of Troup Creek (USACE 20011). 4 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia 2 Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 Description of the Proposed Alternatives In the initial evaluation of alternatives, DHS took into consideration minimum selection criteria. Only those alternatives that met these criteria were considered suitable for detailed analysis. The selection criteria were: conformity to all federal and state laws and regulations; technical feasibility; logistical feasibility; cost efficiency/budget constraints; and environmental compliance and conformity. Due to a lack of any more than minor environmental impacts from the proposed action, only the following alternatives were considered: (1) No Action Alternative, (2) Alternate Locations, and (3) the Proposed Action. 2.1 No-Action Alternative The CEQ regulations prescribes inclusion of the No Action Alternative as the benchmark against which federal actions are evaluated. Under the No Action Alternative, the proposed project would not occur at FLETC. Storm water would continue to be concentrated in the outfall ditch adjacent south of Chapel Crossing Road to the cross drain under US 17. Without this storm water re-routing onto the FLETC campus, residents of Belle Point and Fairway Oaks subdivisions would continue to be flooded during some storm events. This flooding would be expected to result in adverse health and economic impacts to residents in these areas. 2.2 Alternatives Enlarging 3 existing culverts under Highway 17 Due to Highway 17 being a Federal Highway, this alternative was cost prohibitive due the extensive logical consequences of closing a Federal Highway for an extended period of time. Glynn County does not currently have the budget required for this alternative. Therefore, this alternative was eliminated. Private Golf Course A private golf course (Brunswick County Club) south of campus that has refused to consider integrating a detention pond into their golf course. Therefore, this option was eliminated. 2.3 Proposed Action (Preferred Alternative) The proposed action would efficiently provide the necessary drainage to improve storm water management within Glynn County. This option would not have any adverse impacts to 5 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 jurisdictional wetlands or other jurisdictional waters of the United States. During this study, there have been no direct or indirect impacts identified to be associated with this project. 6 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia 3 Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 Affected Environment This chapter describes the surrounding area associated with the alternative actions, and the condition of the existing environment at the location of the proposed action. The characterization of existing conditions provides a baseline for assessing the potential environmental impacts from activities associated with the proposed action. A general overall description is followed by information concerning significant resources that would be affected by implementation of any of the alternatives. This discussion does not include information on all significant resources of the study area, since many of these would not be impacted by alternatives under consideration. 3.1 Physiographic Setting FLETC is located in Glynn County, Georgia, one of the southernmost counties in the State. Glynn County falls within Georgia's coastal zone, and more specifically the Barrier Island Sequence physiographic district. The Barrier Island Sequence covers 1,405,533.6 hectares, or 15.1 percent of Georgia (Elliott and Sassman 1995). The area is comprised of marshes, tidal creeks, lagoons, islands, mainland coast and maritime forests. This physiographic region developed over a period of time as a result of fluctuating sea levels that created a series of shorelines. As the water level changed, a new shoreline, or terrace, formed that was lower and more easterly than the previous one. The older shorelines are visible today as sand ridges while the younger shorelines comprise the coastal islands (USDA 1980). Glynn County is situated within the Altamaha watershed that is comprised of the Altamaha, Ocmulgee, Oconee, and Ohoopee rivers. The Altamaha Watershed covers the largest area in the State, and waters in this watershed drain to the Atlantic Ocean. The FLETC Glynco campus is located in Glynn County in southeast Georgia, 3 miles north of Brunswick, Georgia. The climate is mild with hot humid summers and abundant yearly rainfall. Brief frost and freeze events occur in winter. Snowfall is rare, occurring on average less than once per year. 3.2 Groundwater The most productive aquifers in Georgia are in the Coastal Plain Province in the southern part of the state. Coastal plain aquifers are generally confined except near their northern limits, where they crop out or are near land surface. Aquifers in the Coastal Plain Province include the Floridan aquifer system and the Brunswick aquifer systems. The Floridan aquifer system has been divided into the Upper and Lower Floridan Aquifers. The Upper Floridan is the aquifer of choice in the coastal area because it lies at a relatively shallow depth of 40-900 feet, has high water-yielding capabilities (1000-5000 gallons per minute), and yields water of good quality. This aquifer supplies 50 percent of groundwater in Georgia. 7 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 The Lower Floridan Aquifer contains highly permeable zones; however utilization is limited by the excessive depth and poor water quality. In the southern part of Georgia, the Lower Floridan Aquifer contains an extremely permeable water-bearing zone called the Fernandina permeable zone. The Fernandina permeable zone contains highly saline water in the southern part of coastal Georgia, and is the source of saltwater contamination in the Brunswick area. Overlying the Floridan Aquifer are the sandy upper and lower Brunswick Aquifers, which are present mostly in the Glynn County area. This aquifer, which is at a depth of 85-390 feet is not a major source of water in coastal Georgia, but considered a supplemental water supply to the Floridan Aquifer. Most wells are multi-aquifer, tapping the upper and lower Brunswick aquifers and the Upper Floridan Aquifer. The common yield range is 10-30 gallons per minute. The Brunswick aquifers supply water for irrigation, public, and some industry use. The Surficial Aquifer, which overlies the Brunswick Aquifers, is present throughout the coastal area. The Surficial Aquifer has a common range of 11-72 feet in depth and supplies water mostly for domestic and small-scale irrigation uses. The common range for yield is 225 gallons per minute. Surficial and groundwater flow is generally southeast. 3.3 Natural Resources The 1620-acre campus is mostly developed consisting of student dormitories, classrooms, office and warehouse space, firing ranges, driving courses and roads. The remaining undeveloped portion of the campus is primarily wetlands (198 acres) and timberland (natural and planted pine). The site of the proposed action is in a relatively undeveloped area of the FLETC campus, which is within a large stand of pine timberland. 3.3.1 Vegetation The site vicinity is dominated by vegetation typically associated with upland pine stands that have been subjected to intensive forest management practices (i.e. regular control burning). Thus, there is a very sparse midstory and understory. The overstory is dominated by a natural stand of Slash and Longleaf pine that has been present on this site for at least the last 70 years. The area to the side of the ditch is clear of vegetation other than grass as illustrated in photo below. 8 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 Ditch proposed to receive re-routed storm water from Glynn County 3.3.2 Jurisdictional Waters The subject site is relatively level at 10 feet above mean sea level (msl), and has no surface water bodies on site. The vicinity is gently sloped land draining southeast (USACE 2011). Jurisdictional Waters of the United States: There are no wetlands located within the impact area of the proposed action as illustrated in the FLETC Facility Wide Wetland Delineation (USACE 2001). The site investigation (USACE 2011) also did not reveal the presence of any jurisdictional wetlands within the project impact area. The nearest jurisdictional wetland is located 1250 feet northwest to the proposed action (USACE 2001). This 4.4-acre palustrine forested wetland is located at Latitude 31 degrees, 13 minutes, 58 seconds North; Longitude 81 degrees, 27 minutes, 48.7 seconds West; and situated at approximately 10 feet above msl. This wetland is not being drained by subject ditch in the proposed action. There are also no other wetlands upstream that are being drained by the ditch that is proposed to be used for re-routing storm water. Site of proposed action: The soil type on the site of the proposed action are classified as Mandarin fine sand. Mandarin is a deep, somewhat poorly drained, nearly level soil located on slight ridges and broad flats in the Atlantic Coast Flatwoods (USDA 1980). Typically this soil type is fine sand throughout, and the water table ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 feet (USDA 1980). Mandarin is classified as a non-hydric soil with some hydric inclusions (Pelham) (USACE 1991). 9 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 3.4 Protected Species Threatened and Endangered Species Surveys In the last two decades, numerous surveys for State and federally protected species have been conducted in the vicinity of the proposed action. In 1995, Mr. Charles Seyle, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and Ms. Robin Goodloe (USFWS), surveyed the site and vicinity of the new Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) Facility (USACE 2000b) and concluded that there was no available habitat for protected species. Numerous other surveys within the last few years have been conducted on FLETC property by USACE staff near the site of this proposed action. Protected species surveys for the following projects have been completed in the vicinity of the proposed project site: PROJECT NAME Bureau of Prisons Building (2000) PROJECT NAME Recycling Center (2003) Dormitory & Office Building (2000) Transportation, Security, and Administration (TSA) Facility (2002) Driver Training Skid Pans (2003) Chilled Water Distribution System (2000) Physical Security Training Facility (2000) Practical Exercise Campground Facility (2001) OC Gas Range Facility (2001) Mock Port of Entry and Border Patrol Station (2001) ATF Facility (2001) New Operations Building (2002) Situational Response Range (2008) Multi-Activity Center (2003) Backgate Road Reroute (2004) NCIS Building (2005) Combined Skills Driver Training Complex (2005) IWN Communication Tower (2006) Simulation Facility/Interview Complex (2006) Counter Terrorism Operations Training Facility (CTOTF) 2009 PROJECT NAME Counter Terrorism Operations Training Facility (CTOTF) (2006) Conference Center (2006) Motor Pool (2007) Technical Operations Training facility (TOTF) (2007) CTOTF Outdoor Tactical Complex (2007) Finance Center (2007) Map International Acquisition (2007) Slayton Property Acquisition (2008) Outdoor Running Track (2008) These EAs have not revealed the presence of any protected species at FLETC. For the Mock Port of Entry, a detailed analysis of the potential for protected species or their habitat was conducted and indicated that there was no significant potential for protected species to reside in the vicinity; aside from the recent sightings of wood stork at other areas at FLETC (see Appendix C-3 for coordination letter dated June 20, 2001). More information regarding the required habitat for this species is detail below. An investigation of this project’s impact area indicates that there is no suitable habitat for any listed protected species. Specifically, there were no gopher tortoise burrows, which are a primary habitat requirement for the indigo snake; and neither species has ever been sighted at FLETC. 10 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 On September 21, 2001, Dr. Gregg Masson (USFWS Field Supervisor), Ms. Kathleen Morgan, and Ms. Susan Shaw of FLETC discussed the programmatic exclusion of FLETC from Section 7 coordination under NEPA. During this conference call, the above parties agreed that there was no critical habitat or protected species on FLETC and therefore, no need for coordination with the USFWS (Masson 2001) for proposed actions at FLETC. Subsequently, during a phone conversation between FLETC and USFWS staff on November 22, 2002, it was decided that the agreement should be amended to not include wood storks (Mycteria americana) in the exemption from further coordination. Mr. Robert Brooks of the USFWS was contacted on July 14, 2006, (USFWS 2006) to ensure the agreement made in 2002 was still relevant. Mr. Brooks re-confirmed the agreement via e-mail (Appendix C-5 & C-6) by stating further coordination is not needed if there are no endangered or threatened species using the area (USFWS 2006). The site investigation (USACE 2011) did not reveal any evidence of any of the listed protected species or their habitat within the impact area of the project. The canals and ditches nearby could possibly be used as foraging habitat by the wood storks; however, these areas would not be impacted by the proposed action. A complete list of endangered and threatened species for Glynn County from the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is enclosed in Appendix B. The species that have potential for occurrence at FLETC (or migration into the vicinity) are detailed below. Species Ball-moss (Tillandsia recurvata) Pondspice (Litsea aestivalis) Eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi) Wood stork (Mycteria americana) Red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) Listing Status Federal State Type None Threatened Plant (Bromeliad) None Threatened Flowering Plant Threatened Threatened Reptile Endangered Endangered Bird Endangered Endangered Bird 11 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 Ball-moss (Tillandsia recurvata) Family: Bromelliaceae (Air Plant Family) This epiphytic perennial herb is sometimes found persisting on fallen limbs. Plants are 4-23 cm tall when in flower, with densely bunched stems, resembling loose “balls of moss”. This species is found mostly on the branches of live oak (Quercus virginiana) in Georgia, (especially near the coast) in urban or more natural settings (e.g. evergreen hammocks and swamp forests). There is no suitable habitat for this species on the site of the proposed action (USACE 2008); and there is no record of this species’ occurrence at FLETC. Pond Spice (Litsea aestivalis) Family: Lauraceae (Laurel Family) This deciduous shrub grows up to three meters tall and is found on margins of swamps, cypress ponds, sandhill depression ponds, and in hardwood swamps. There is no suitable habitat for this species on the site of the proposed action (USACE 2008). There is no recent record of this species’ occurrence at FLETC. 12 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis) The wooded portions of the FLETC campus would provide only marginal foraging habitat for this species. There is no recent record of this species’ occurrence at FLETC, and the nearest colonies are on Fort Stewart (approximately 60 miles to the north) and Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (approximately 60 miles to the southwest). No evidence for the presence of this species was observed during the site investigation (USACE 2011). Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon corais couperi) The eastern indigo snake is a large, docile, non-poisonous snake growing to a maximum length of about eight feet. This species is currently known to occur throughout Florida and in the coastal plain of Georgia. Historically, the range also included southern Alabama, southern Mississippi, and the extreme southeastern portion of South Carolina. The indigo snake seems to be strongly associated with high, dry, well-drained sandy soils, which closely parallels the sandhill habitat preferred by the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus). During warmer months, indigos also frequent streams and swamps, and individuals are occasionally found in flat woods. Gopher tortoise burrows and other subterranean cavities are commonly used as dens and for egg laying. The decline in this species is attributed to a loss of habitat due to farming, construction, forestry, pasture, etc., and to over-collecting for the pet trade. The snake's large size and 13 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 docile nature have made it much sought after as a pet. The effects of rattlesnake roundups on the indigo snake are speculative. Both indigos and rattlers utilize the burrows of gopher tortoises at certain times. Rattlesnake hunters often pour gasoline down these burrows to drive out the snakes. While some indigos may be killed by this practice, the actual degree of impact on the population is unknown. Neither this species, nor the gopher tortoise (with which this species has a communal relationship with), has ever been observed at FLETC; nor is there any suitable habitat for this species on the site of the proposed action (USACE 2011). Wood Stork (Mycteria americana) 14 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 Wood storks are the largest wading birds that breed in North America; they nest up to 60 feet off the ground (in cypress, blackgum, southern willow, and buttonbush trees) in wetland areas of Georgia, South Carolina and Florida. Only three other species in the world are similar to wood storks; two live in Southeast Asia and one in Africa. Wood storks are large, long-legged wading birds, about 50 inches tall, with a wingspan of 60 to 65 inches. Habitat: Storks are birds of freshwater and brackish wetlands, primarily nesting in cypress or mangrove swamps. They feed in freshwater marshes, narrow tidal creeks, ditches, or flooded tidal pools. Particularly attractive feeding sites are depressions in marshes or swamps where fish become concentrated during periods of falling water levels. Feeding Habits: Small fish from 1 to 6 inches long, especially topminnows and sunfish, provide this bird's primary diet. Wood storks capture their prey by a specialized technique known as grope-feeding or tacto-location. Feeding often occurs in water six to 10 inches deep, where a stork probes with the bill partly open. When a fish touches the bill it quickly snaps shut. The average response time of this reflex is 25 milliseconds, making it one of the fastest reflexes known in vertebrates. Wood storks use thermals to soar as far as 80 miles from nesting to feeding areas. Since thermals do not form in early morning, wood storks may arrive at feeding areas later than other wading bird species such as herons. Energy requirements for a pair of nesting wood storks and their young are estimated at 443 pounds of fish for the breeding season (based on an average production of 2.25 fledglings per nest). 15 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 Reproduction and Development: The wood stork is a highly colonial species usually nesting in large rookeries and feeding in flocks. Age at first breeding is four years and nesting periods vary geographically. In South Florida, wood storks lay eggs as early as October and fledge in February or March. However, in north and central Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, storks lay eggs from March to late May, with fledging occurring in July and August. Nests are frequently located in the upper branches of large cypress trees or in mangroves on islands. Several nests are usually located in each tree. Wood storks have also nested in man-made structures. Range and Population Level: The current population of adult birds is difficult to estimate, since not all adults nest each year. Presently, the wood stork population is believed to number 11,000 adults. Recent United States breeding is restricted to Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. The birds formerly bred in most of the southeastern United States and Texas. Another distinct, non-endangered population breeds from Mexico to northern Argentina. Storks from both populations move northward after breeding, as far as Arkansas and Tennessee in the Mississippi Valley, and North Carolina on the Atlantic coast. There have been occasional sightings in all States east of the Mississippi River, and sporadic sightings in some States west of the Mississippi and in Ontario. Reason for current status: The United States breeding population of the wood stork declined from an estimated 20,000 pairs in the 1930's to about 10,000 pairs by 1960. Since 1978, fewer than 5,000 pairs have bred each year. The decline is believed to be due primarily to the loss of suitable feeding habitat. This is especially true of south Florida 16 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 rookeries where repeated nesting failures have occurred despite protection of the rookeries. Feeding areas in south Florida have decreased by about 35 percent since 1900 due to man's alteration of wetlands. Additionally, man-made levees, canals, and floodgates have greatly changed natural water regimes in south Florida. Wood storks have a unique feeding technique and require higher prey concentrations than other wading birds. Optimal water regimes for the wood stork involve periods of flooding, during which prey (fish) populations increase, alternating with dryer periods, during which receding water levels concentrate fish at higher densities coinciding with the stork's nesting season. Loss of nesting habitat (primarily cypress swamps) may be affecting wood storks in central Florida, where nesting in non-native trees and in man-made impoundments has been occurring recently. Less significant factors known to affect nesting success include prolonged drought and flooding, raccoon predation on nests, and human disturbance of rookeries. Management and Protection: According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) large, fully protected colonies in south Florida (Everglades National Park and Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary) experienced frequent nesting failures in recent years. This is due to adverse water management practices in south Florida. As a result of such drainage, many nesting storks have shifted colony sites to managed or impounded wetlands in central and north Florida. Water management plans must take the needs of the wood stork into account if the species is to survive in these areas. 17 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 Water level management may also be crucial at rookeries. Flooding may be necessary to stimulate nesting and prevent predators from destroying nests. Periodic drying also may be necessary to prevent trees from dying and to allow recruitment of new trees. At a minimum, for continued survival of the United States population of wood storks, currently occupied nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat must be protected from further loss or degradation. A prerequisite for recovery of the population is the restoration and enhancement of suitable habitat throughout the mosaic of habitat types used by this species. There is no suitable foraging or nesting habitat for this species on the site of the proposed action (USACE 2011). 3.5 Cultural Resources 3.5.1 Archeological Resources More than 58 archaeological investigations have been conducted in Glynn County. Previous research in the vicinity of the FLETC shows a moderate density of cultural resources associated with the prehistoric and historic eras. A historic building survey was conducted in 1999 by New South Associates (Messick 1999). The Glynco Naval Operations District and the Glynco Ammunitions Storage district were identified during the survey (Appendix A; Figure 4). The districts are comprised of facilities that were constructed in the 1940s to support Glynco NAS operations. Several small-scale archaeological investigations have been conducted at FLETC throughout the years (Morgan 2001; Pietak 2002; Taylor Anderson Architects, et al. 1992; USACE 1997a; 1997b; 1998a; 1998b; 2000a; 2000b; 2000c; 2001). No historic properties or cultural resources were identified during those surveys. FLETC conducted a Phase I Survey of 672 acres in 2002 that investigated the remaining acreage on the facility (Repp 2003). The prehistoric sites that have been identified on FLETC date to the Woodland (800 B.C. – A.D. 1150) or Archaic (7500 B.C. – 1000 B.C.) period. Two sites, 9GN292 and 9GN293, were recommended potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (Repp 2003). The two sites were tested and evaluated in 2004 and found not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places in consultation with the GA SHPO (Southern Research 2004). To date, only one phase II testing project has been conducted on FLETC. Four archaeological sites were tested in 2004 due to the construction of a new driver training facility on FLETC (USACE 2005). None of the sites were determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) (Keith 2004). 3.5.2 Prehistoric Period Georgia has a rich cultural heritage that began at around 9,000 B.C. with the arrival of humans into what is now the State of Georgia. This period, known as the Paleo-Indian period, was marked by the presence of large game such as mastodon, mammoth, giant sloths, 18 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 and beavers, most of which are now extinct. Archeologists have divided coastal Georgia's prehistoric periods based on cultural adaptations. Table 1 shows a generalized cultural chronology for Georgia’s coast and coastal plain. Cultural periods that are represented on FLETC and southeastern Georgia are: Archaic (8000-1000 B.C.), Woodland (1000 B.C.A.D. 900), and Mississippian (A.D. 900- A.D. 1541). Table 1: Generalized Cultural Chronology for the Prehistoric Occupation of the Georgia Coast and Coastal Plain Adapted from Pietak 2002 PERIOD MISSISSIPPIAN PHASE Pine Harbor? Irene II Irene I Savannah II Savannah I LATE WOODLAND St. Catherine’s Wilmington MIDDLE WOODLAND Deptford II Deptford I EARLY WOODLAND Refuge II Refuge I LATE ARCHAIC St. Simons II St. Simons I Unnamed Preceramic MIDDLE ARCHAIC Undefined Benton Influence Morrow Mountain EARLY ARCHAIC Kirk Stemmed Bifurcate Palmer/Kirk Taylor/Bolen/Big Sandy PALEOINDIAN Dalton Simpson/Suwannee/Quad Clovis DATE RANGE A.D. 1450-1575 A.D. 1350-1450 A.D. 1300-1350 A.D. 1200-1300 A.D. 1150-1200 A.D. 1000-1150 A.D. 500-1000 A.D. 300-500 600 B.C. - A.D. 300 800-600 B.C. 1000-800 B.C. 1700-1000 B.C. 2200-1700 B.C. 3000-2200 B.C. 3200-2600 B.C. 5750-3500 B.C. 6500-5750 B.C. 7000-6500 B.C. 7500-7000 B.C. 8000-7500 B.C. 8500-8000 B.C. 9000-8500 B.C. Unknown-9000 B.C. 3.5.3 Historic Resources No historic period archaeological sites have been recommended eligible or potentially eligible for the NRHP on FLETC. Two historic districts were identified and recommended eligible for the NRHP at the local level for association with World War II military history during the years 1942-1945 (Appendix A, Figures 2-3) (Messick 1999). The Glynco Naval Operations District, which is comprised of WWII era buildings, is located approximately 4480 feet northeast of the proposed action. The second historic district, the Glynco Ammunition District, is located approximately 2400 feet northeast of the proposed project (Figures 2-4; Appendix A). 19 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 3.5.4 Historic Period The Historic Period is marked by De Soto's entrance into Georgia in 1540. The Guale were among the first indigenous peoples encountered by Europeans. Many settlements were located along the banks of major rivers or along tidal creeks where flora and fauna were more abundant. With the coming of the Europeans, aboriginal cultural adaptations became closely tied to European trade and colonization. The socio-political organizations switched from chiefdoms to loose confederations of tribes. Towns were the principal settlement form, but small farmsteads were also common. The Jesuits established the first missions on the Georgia coast in 1568, followed shortly thereafter by the Franciscans in 1573. The Spanish remained the prominent European inhabitants along the Georgia coast until 1670 when conflicts with the British erupted. The mission towns north of Cumberland Island were abandoned by 1683 as a result of increased English aggression. Skirmishes between the Spanish and English continued until the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1763 (Thomas 1993). Glynn County was established in 1777, and it is one of Georgia's original seven counties. After the Revolution the county became home to large rice, sugar, and cotton plantations. Brunswick, founded earlier in 1771, was designated the county seat in 1797 as it grew in size and prosperity. The city, with its natural harbor, soon emerged as a major shipping and commercial center. In the 1850s, the railroad replaced ships as the main form of transport. The harbor remained relatively inactive until after the Civil War when Glynn and surrounding counties became exporters of naval stores and lumber. Brunswick, with the combination of the port and railroad lines, lured several industries into the region. Most of the industrial growth was related to the timber and paper industry. In 1942, the Navy established Glynco NAS in Glynn County, and after over 30 years of service, the Department of Defense decommissioned the 4,200-acre base in 1974. During these years of operation, the base served as a home to a dirigible fleet and jet aircraft. Many of the buildings that relate to the NAS were demolished in the 1970s shortly before decommissioning. Part of the former NAS was used to create a civilian airport for Glynn County and the city of Brunswick. The Government transferred the remaining 1,525.82 acres to the Department of Treasury in 1976 and 1978. Training began at FLETC in September of 1975. A generalized cultural chronology for the historic period is presented in Table 2. Table 2: Generalized Cultural Chronology for the Historic Period of Georgia DATE RANGE A.D. 1632-A.D. 1775 A.D. 1775-A.D. 1783 A.D. 1861-A.D. 1870 A.D. 1929-A.D. 1945 A.D. 1945 – present PERIOD European Colonization American Revolution Civil War and Recovery Great Depression and World War II Postwar Period 20 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 3.6 Hazardous Materials The proposed project area lies within the boundary of the former 4,200-acre Glynco NAS. The NAS operated from 1942 until 1974 when the Department of Defense decommissioned the station. After the air station closed, the property was subdivided into large parcels transferred to the Department of Treasury (1525 acres), Glynn County (over 2000 acres for the current Glynco Airport), the Glynn County Development Authority (354 acres); and smaller parcels were transferred to other entities. FLETC and the Glynco Airport contain remnants of the former NAS. These two tracts, when transferred in the 1970s, contained all of the buildings and structures (landing mats, runways, etc.) of the NAS. The Department of Treasury acquired their 1,525-acre parcel in 1976, which has since been operated as the FLETC campus and contains the site of the proposed project. Review of the 1956 topographic map based on 1951 aerial photography (USGS 1956) reveals no evidence of any development on the subject site and indicates the site and most of the vicinity were wooded at that time. Review aerial photography from 1977 (USDA 1980) and 1974 (USGS 1979) also reveal no evidence of any development on the subject site and most of the surrounding area being forested. Analysis of historical aerial photographs indicates the site of the proposed action has been heavily wooded since at least 1951, which includes the majority of time of Navy occupation (1942-1974) and the entire time since FLETC acquisition in 1976. All available evidence indicates that the project impact area has never been used for any purposes (other than silvicultural) for the entire time period since acquisition by FLETC in 1976 (USACE 2011). There is no evidence of ordnance storage at this site; the only known location of ordnance storage within the FLETC campus is at bunkers (buildings 111 and 115) within the Glynco Ammunition Historic District (Appendix A; Figure 4). Site investigation in 1989 and 2000 by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE 1989 and 2000d) on the former Glynco Naval Air Station did not identify any evidence of hazardous waste at the site of the proposed project. The subject site is relatively level at 10 feet above msl, and has no surface water bodies on site (USACE 2011). The predominant soil type on the property is classified as Mandarin fine sand (Ma), which is a deep, somewhat poorly drained, nearly level soil located on slight ridges and broad flats in the Atlantic Coast Flatwoods (USDA 1980). Typically this soil type is fine sand throughout, and the water table ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 feet (USDA 1980). Mandarin is classified as a non-hydric soil with some hydric inclusions (Pelham) (USACE 1991). 3.7 Coastal Zone Management Construction projects are subject to consistency with the Shore Protection Act (O.C.G.A. 25-230, et seq.) and the Coastal Marshlands Protection Act (O.C.G.A. 12-5-280, et. seq.) if there are impacts to tidal wetlands or shoreline features. The site of the proposed action is not within or adjacent to tidal waters or the shoreline, and the proposed action would not be 21 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 expected to have any potential to impact these resources. Therefore, this proposed action is consistent with Georgia’s coastal zone management policies. 3.8 Traffic Circulation and Safety Due to security concerns, all non-commercial traffic entering and exiting FLETC is restricted to two gates. In emergency evacuations, additional side gates may be opened to facilitate evacuations. Currently, there are no existing traffic circulation issues on the FLETC campus or in the vicinity of the proposed action (USACE 2011). Day-to-day maintenance and operations conducted by FLETC are performed in accordance with Public Law (PL) 91-596, Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1970; 29 CFR Part 1960, Safety and Health Provision for Federal Employees; Executive Order (EO) 12196, Occupational Safety and Health of Federal Employees; and Homeland Security Directive 7075, Safety Policy of the Center. FLETC has a Safety Program that addresses both safety and occupational health concerns for facilities, storage, and handling of materials and munitions, driver training activities, fire response, and firearms training. 3.9 Air Quality Air quality at any given location is a function of several factors, including quantity and dispersion rates of pollutants, local climate, topographic and geographic features, and also windblown dust and wildfires. Air pollution can threaten the health of human beings, animals, plants, lakes; as well as damage the ozone layer and buildings, and cause haze that reduces visibility. The Clean Air Act of 1970, as amended, has established air quality standards for the US. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set six National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) that regulate six pollutants: carbon monoxide (CO), lead (Pb), nitrogen oxide (NO x ), ozone (O 3 ), sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), and particulate matter (PM 2.5 and (PM 10 ). Geographic areas have been officially designated by EPA as being in attainment or nonattainment for air quality based on an area’s compliance with the NAAQS. Brunswick is currently in attainment for the NAAQS for all criteria pollutants (GADNR EPD 2010). 22 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia 4 Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 Environmental Impacts This chapter discusses the potential environmental impacts of the preferred site of the proposed action including potential short-term or long-term impacts associated with the implementation of this alternative. A foreseeable effect is defined as possible modification in the existing environment brought about by some activity. It is also important to note that impacts may be beneficial or adverse. 4.1 Natural Resources The proposed action would not require any impact to natural resources and there would not be any clearing of the pine forest that is adjacent the ditch utilized in this project. Therefore, no impacts to natural resources are anticipated from the proposed action. 4.2 Jurisdictional Waters of the United States This proposed action is not expected to impact jurisdictional wetlands, as none are located within the impact area of this project. Future projects at FLETC that are planned are not expected to impact wetlands as identified on the Campus-wide Wetland Delineation (USACE 2001). Currently there is no work planned in the ditches/canals adjacent to the proposed action but the design contractor has not designed the site drainage system. Any activities in these ditches/canals would require a permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), in accordance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Therefore, the site drainage system plans will be reviewed prior to project implementation to ensure compliance with the CWA. 4.3 Protected Species Based on all completed surveys for protected species and habitat previously referenced in Section 3.4, the project impact area and vicinity is not expected to contain any listed species or critical habitat. Consequently, the proposed action is not likely to adversely affect any protected species. 4.4 Cultural Resources A historic building survey was conducted by New South Associates in 1999. Two historic districts were identified (Appendix A; Figure 4); both of which are too far (1 mile) to be potentially impacted by this project. The proposed project impact area was surveyed in 2002 (Sub site 14; Repp 2003) during the facility-wide phase I Section 110 survey. No previously recorded or newly identified archaeological sites were discovered within the area of potential effect during the investigation. Therefore, FLETC has determined that the proposed project would have no effect on cultural resources, as none are located within the area of potential effect. 23 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 In the event that human remains and/or cultural materials are discovered during activities related to the proposed undertaking, all work would cease in the vicinity of the discovery immediately. FLETC would then notify the SHPO and appropriate Native American tribes. 4.5 Hazardous Materials The invert elevation of the culvert would be designed to not receive the first flush of storm water, which would continue to flow through the existing outfall to Belle Point. This first flush contains most of the Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants (POLs) that is typical of residential and road runoff; thereby eliminating any water quality impacts onto the FLETC campus from the proposed action. 4.6 Socioeconomics Past flooding in the impacted residential areas (Fairway Oaks and Belle Point) has caused extensive financial damage to homes as well as adverse health, aesthetic, and psychological impacts from receiving extensive amounts of flood water in homes. Therefore, the proposed action would be expected to have significant beneficial socioeconomic impacts by preventing flooding in these subdivisions. 4.7 Coastal Zone Management The project is not located within or adjacent tidal waters or the shoreline; and therefore, no direct impacts to the coastal zone would occur from this project. During the 25-year storm event, an additional 43 cfs of re-routed storm water would be released onto the FLETC campus. However, an 80-acre reduction of impervious surface (Jones 2012) has been achieved in the upper portion of this drainage basin from the recent demolition of pavement associated with the renovation of driving ranges 7 and 8 (Figure 6; Appendix A). The renovation involved both the reduction of total paved surface and the replacement of paved impervious surface with pervious surface. The 80-acre reduction in paved surface would be expected to offset the additional 43 cfs of rerouted storm water released onto the FLETC campus from this project; therefore, the amount of storm water exiting the FLETC outfall (4 by 8-foot concrete box culvert) into the 1800-foot stretch of Troup Creek Tributary would not be expected to increase from this project. In addition, the total amount of storm water released into the salt tidal marsh would not change from the existing condition. Therefore, there are no likely adverse impacts to coastal resources from this project. 4.8 Traffic Circulation/Health & Safety This proposed action would not be expected to increase traffic, and there are no existing traffic circulation issues on the FLETC campus or in the vicinity of the proposed action (USACE 2011). Residents of the impacted subdivisions (Fairway Oaks and Belle Point) are expected to be beneficially impacted due to reduced flooding. This reduction in flooding, which is often the 24 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 cause of unhealthy mold outbreaks, would have health benefits to residents living in the subdivisions. 4.9 Air Quality No earth moving activities are expected with the proposed action and all of the re-routed water would flow through an existing drainage ditch. Therefore, there would be no anticipated impacts to air quality from the implementation of this project. 4.10 Noise Impacts Implementation of the proposed action would not be expected to result in any increase in noise levels to the vicinity. Therefore, noise impacts to surrounding residential areas are not expected to be an issue from project implementation. 4.11 Environmental Justice - Executive Order 12898 The site of the proposed action and alternatives are within the FLETC campus boundaries. Minority or low-income populations would not be expected to be disproportionately affected by any of the alternatives under consideration. Therefore, the preferred alternative would be in compliance with Executive Order 12898 on Environmental Justice. 4.12 Environmental Health and Safety of Children - Executive Order 12045 Children living in the impacted subdivisions (Fairway Oaks and Belle Point) would be expected to be beneficially impacted due to reduced flooding. This reduction in flooding, which is often the cause of unhealthy mold outbreaks, would have health benefits to children living in the subdivisions. Therefore, the proposed action would be expected to have beneficial effects on the environmental health and safety of children and is in compliance with this Executive Order. 4.14 Storm Water Management An approximately 80 acre reduction of impervious surface has been achieved in the upper portion of this drainage basin from the recent demolition of pavement associated with the renovation of driving ranges 7 and 8 (Figure 6; Appendix A). The renovation of the driving ranges involved both the reduction of total paved surface and the replacement of paved impervious surface with pervious surface. This reduction of storm water run-off (from impervious surface reductions) would be expected to more than offset the additional input of storm water onto the FLETC campus from this project. Therefore, there is no expected addition to the release of storm water from the FLETC outfall (4 by 8-foot concrete box culvert) into the 1800-foot stretch of Troup Creek Tributary before entering tidal salt water marsh; and there is no overall addition to the amount of storm water released into tidal saltwater marsh from this proposed action. Also, the proposed action would 25 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 not create any additional increase in paved surfaces. Therefore, no adverse impacts to storm water management are anticipated from implementation of the proposed action. On Campus Flooding Issues: The FLETC storm water management system has adequate storage capacity through the extensive network of ditches and wetlands (Appendix A; Figures 4 & 5) for most storm events (Jones 2012). A recent flood event at the FLETC campus was determined to be caused by an anomalous combination of factors producing flooding well beyond the 100-year flood event. Tidal fluctuation is the main constraint in storm water drainage on the FLETC campus. For storm events occurring during high tide, the existing drainage system has sufficient capacity but requires more time to release storm water through the FLETC outfall culvert into the Troup Creek Tributary off campus (Jones 2012). 4.15 Cumulative Impacts CEQ regulations stipulate that the cumulative effects analysis consider the potential environmental impacts resulting from “the incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency (federal or non-federal) or person undertakes such other actions.” CEQ guidance in considering cumulative effects involves defining the scope of the other actions and their interrelationships with the preferred alternative. Wetlands: Future projects at FLETC are not expected to impact the existing wetlands (198 acres), as identified on the facility wide Wetland Delineation (USACE 1996 and 2001). The facility wide wetland survey allows FLETC to plan future projects in a manner that will prevent impacts to this resource. Coordination with appropriate resource agencies will continue on future projects to ensure future projects do not result in direct or indirect impacts to jurisdictional wetlands in the vicinity. Protected Species: Future projects would not be expected to impact protected species because there is virtually no available habitat (see Section 3.4) for species that have potential to occur at FLETC, aside from the federally protected wood stork. Coordination with appropriate resource agencies will continue on future projects to identify the presence of protected species in the vicinity. No other significant cumulative impacts associated with the proposed action and other past, present, and foreseeable actions have been identified during this assessment. 4.16 Mitigation An 80 acre reduction of impervious surface has been achieved in the upper portion of this drainage basin from the recent demolition of pavement associated with the renovation of driving ranges 7 and 8 (Figure 6; Appendix A). The renovation of the driving ranges involved both the reduction of total paved surface and the replacement of paved impervious surface with pervious surface. The demolished pavement was recycled for use in other projects on campus. This reduction of storm water run-off (from impervious surface reductions) would be expected to 26 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 more than offset the additional input of storm water onto the FLETC campus (43 cfs during 25year event) from this project. Since it has not been an issue in the past, bank erosion is not expected to be an issue for this project. In the unlikely event that bank erosion did occur in the subject ditch, mitigation would include a number of different bank stabilization techniques to dissipate energy from the ditch on high flow events. Due to the lack of environmental impacts from the proposed action, no other mitigation measures would be implemented. Table 3: Summary of Impacts of Proposed Action FACTORS Natural Resources Jurisdictional Waters Protected Species Historical/Archaeologic al/Architectural Hazardous Materials Coastal Zone Management Traffic Circulation Health and Safety Air Quality Land Use Socioeconomic Noise Impacts Environmental Justice Environmental Health and Safety of Children NO EFFECT NEGLIGIBLE UNDETERMINED BENEFICIAL SIGNIFICANT MINOR X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Storm Water Mgt. X Cumulative Impacts X 27 ADVERSE SIGNIFICANT MINOR Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia 5 Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 Compliance with State/Federal Authorities Table 4 below summarizes status of compliance of proposed action with applicable Federal/State laws. Table 4: Relationship of Project to Environmental Requirements FEDERAL POLICIES Anadromous Fish Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C. 757, et seq. Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 469, et seq. Clean Air Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 1857h-7, et seq. Clean Water Act, as amended (Federal Water Pollution Control Act) 33 U.S.C. 1251, et seq. Coastal Barrier Resources Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 3501, et seq. Coastal Zone Management Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1451 et seq. Endangered Species Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1531, et seq. Environmental Health and Safety of Children; E.O. 13045 Environmental Justice; E.O. 12898 Estuary Protection Act, 16 U.S.C. 1221, et. seq. Federal Water Project Recreation Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 4601-12, et seq. SELECTED ALTERNATIVE In compliance. Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976, Public Law 99-659. In compliance. Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 661, et seq. Floodplain Management; E.O. 11988 Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act (OCGA 12-8-60) Georgia Rules for Hazardous Waste Management; (391-3-11) Magnuson-Stevens Act, as amended, Public Law 104-297. Marine Mammal Protection Act, 15 U.S.C. 1361 et seq. Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, 33 U.S.C. 1401, et. seq. Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929, 16 U.S.C. 715 Migratory Bird Treaty Act of July 3, 1918 as amended. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended, 42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq. National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 470f, et seq. Protection of Wetlands; E.O. 11990 Rivers and Harbors Act, 33 U.S.C. 401 et seq. Not applicable. In compliance. In compliance. In compliance. In compliance. In compliance. In compliance. In compliance. In compliance. Not applicable. Not applicable. In compliance. In compliance In compliance In compliance. Not applicable. In compliance. In compliance. In compliance. In compliance. In compliance. In compliance. Not applicable. 28 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia 6 Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 Consultation and Coordination On September 21, 2001, Dr. Gregg Masson (USFWS Field Supervisor), Ms. Kathleen Morgan, and Ms. Susan Shaw of FLETC discussed the programmatic exclusion of FLETC from Section 7 coordination under NEPA. During this conference call it was agreed that there was no critical habitat or protected species on FLETC. Therefore, there is no need for further coordination with the USFWS (Masson 2001). Subsequently, during a phone conversation between FLETC and USFWS staff on November 22, 2002, it was decided that the agreement should be amended to not include wood storks (Mycteria americana) in the exemption from further coordination. Mr. Robert Brooks of the USFWS was contacted on July 14, 2006; (USFWS 2006) to ensure the agreement made in 2002 was still relevant (Appendix C-5 & C-6). Mr. Brooks re-confirmed the agreement by stating further coordination is not needed if there are no endangered or threatened species using the area (USFWS 2006). Other Permits: Construction permits and other state/county permits that need to be obtained prior to construction are the responsibility of FLETC and/or its contractors. NEPA regulations require that Federal, state, and local agencies with jurisdiction or special expertise regarding environmental impacts be consulted and involved in the NEPA process. There have not been any comments received that were averse to the proposed action. The individuals/agencies listed below were consulted during this study: Name Role/Office Organization/Contact info FLETC NEPA Program 912-261-4038 Mr. Marty Fife Manager Mr. Paul Andrews Mr. Robert Jones Ms. Colette Edmisten Ms. Susan ZimmerDauphinee Mr. Richard Morgan Mr. Mark Padgett Mr. Robert Brooks Assistant Glynn County Engineer (912) 554-7492 pandrews@glynncountyga.gov FLETC Facilities Engineer Robert.jones@fletc.dhs.gov 912-267-2740 (912) 265-2070, Ext. 115 Glynn County Airport cedmisten@flygcairports.com Operations Manager Air Protection Branch Susan.ZimmerGA EPD Dauphinee@dnr.state.ga.us USACE Regulatory Office (912) 652-5139 USACE Regulatory Office (912) 652-5052 Biologist USFWS (912) 265-9336 Ext. 25 29 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia 7 Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 List of Preparers The FLETC point of contact associated with the preparation of this EA is: Mr. Martin Fife, P.G. Environmental Protection Specialist Federal Law Enforcement Training Center 1131 Chapel Crossing Road Brunswick, Georgia 31524 912-261-4038 The agency responsible for preparing this EA acting as an agent of FLETC: US Army Corps of Engineers Mobile/Savannah Regional Planning Center CESAM-PD-M 100 West Oglethorpe Avenue Savannah, Georgia 31402-0889 The following individuals contributed to the preparation of this EA: Name Role Project Responsibility Dena Thompson Project Manager Project/Fiscal Management David Walker NEPA Program Manager NEPA document preparation/coordination; manage NEPA process. Julie Morgan Archeologist; Section 106 Specialist Cultural Resources; SHPO Coordination 30 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia 8 Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 References Anderson, David G., R. Jerald Ledbetter, and Lisa D. O'Steen. "Paleoindian Period Archaeology of Georgia," Georgia Archaeological Research Design Paper 6, Laboratory of Archaeology Series Report 28. University of Georgia, Athens. 1990. Andrews, Paul. Glynn County Engineer. Telephone conversion regarding impacts of storm water re-routing onto FLETC campus. 6 Oct 11. Caldwell, Joseph R. 1958 Trend and Tradition in the Prehistory of the Eastern United States. Scientific Papers, Vol. 10, Illinois State Museum, Springfield, and memoir 88, American Anthropological Association, Menasha, Wisconsin. Crook, Morgan R., Jr. 1986 Mississippi Period Archaeology of the Georgia Coastal Zone. Georgia Archaeological Research Design Papers No. 1. Athens, Georgia. Elliott, Daniel T., and Kenneth Sassman. 1995. Archaic Period Archaeology of the Georgia Coastal Plain and Coastal Zone. University of Georgia Laboratory of Archaeology Series Report No. 35. Athens, Georgia. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). MOA between the FAA, the Army/USAF/USFWS/USDA/USEPA to address Aircraft-Wildlife Strikes. July, 2003. FAA. Advisory Circular 150/5200-33B. Hazardous Wildlife Attractants on or near Airports. Augusta 8, 2007. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA Map Service Center. Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Panel #13127C0226. Glynn County, GA. September 6, 2006. GADNR. EPD, Air Protection Branch. E-mail correspondence from Susan ZimmerDauphinee on March 24, 2010. Glynn County. Chapel Crossing Drainage Improvements Hydrology Study. November 2011. Jones, Robert. FLETC Facilities Engineer. 912-267-2740. Personal communication and email correspondence regarding impacts of Glynn County storm Water re-routing. February 15, 2012. Robert.jones@fletc.dhs.gov <mailto:Robert.jones@fletc.dhs.gov> 31 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 Keith, Scot J. 2004. Archaeological Survey and Testing of the Proposed Combined Skills Driver Training Range, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), Brunswick, Glynn County, Georgia. Prepared by Southern Research, Historic Preservation Consultants, Inc., Ellerslie, Georgia. Submitted to FLETC, Brunswick, Georgia. King, Adam. The New Georgia Encyclopedia. History and Archaeology: Mississippian Period Overview. http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?path=/HistoryArchaeology/ ArchaeologyandEarlyHistory/ArchaeologicalPeriodsinGeorgia/PaleoindianPeriod&id=h707. (Accessed 4 Jan 05) October 2002. Masson, Gregg, Ph.D. (USFWS); Morgan, Kathleen and Shaw, Susan (FLETC). Conference call concerning FLETC exclusion from Section 7 coordination. September 21, 2001. Messick, Denise P. 1999. A Historic Structures Survey of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Glynn County, Georgia. Prepared by New South Associates, Stone Mountain, Georgia. Submitted to US Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, Savannah, Georgia. Morgan, Julie A. 2001 A Cultural Resources Investigation of the Proposed ATF Trailers, FLETC, Glynn County, Georgia. Prepared by USACE, Savannah District, Environmental Resources Branch. Submitted to FLETC, Glynco, Georgia. New South Associates. A Historic Structures Survey of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Glynn County, Georgia. Prepared by New South Associates, Stone Mountain, Georgia. Submitted to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Report on file at FLETC, Glynco, GA. 1999. Pietak, Lynn Marie. Phase I Cultural Resources Survey of a 20-Acre Tract near FLETC, Glynn County, Georgia. Prepared by TRC, Atlanta, Georgia. Submitted to STV Incorporated, Douglassville, Pennsylvania. 2002. Pluckhahn, Thomas J. February 2003. The New Georgia Encyclopedia. History and Archaeology: Woodland Period Overview. <http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/ Article.jsp?path=/HistoryArchaeology/ArchaeologyandEarlyHistory/ArchaeologicalPerio dsinGeorgia/MississippianArchaeologicalPeriod&id=h-811>. Accessed January 4, 2005. QST Environmental. Master Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for FLETC, September 1996; revised January 1999. Repp, Andrea. Management Summary: A Cultural Resources Investigation of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Glynn County, Georgia. Prepared by USDA Forest Service, Apalachicola National Forest, Florida. Report on file at FLETC, GA. 2003 32 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 Steinen, Karl T. 1995 Woodland Period Archaeology of the Georgia Coastal Plain. Georgia Archaeological Research Design Papers No. 12. Athens, Georgia. Stevens, Walter. Personal conversation regarding purchase of wetland mitigation credits at Marshlands, Inc. Wetlands Mitigation Bank. Phone: (229) 382-1412; email: zstephens@friendlycity.net. March 31, 2011. Taylor Anderson Architects, EDAW, and Water and Air Research. Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Glynco, Georgia, Environmental Assessment. 1992. Thomas, David H. 1993. Historic Indian Period Archaeology of the Georgia Coastal Zone. Georgia Archaeological Research Design Paper No. 8. Athens, Georgia. US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Savannah District, Planning Division. Defense Environmental Restoration Program - For Formerly Used Defense Sites (DERP-FUDS). Inventory Project Report for the former Glynco NAS. December 1989. USACE, Regulatory Branch, Savannah District. Hydric Soil Map Unit list for Camden and Glynn Counties. 1991. USACE. Facility Wide Wetland Delineation. Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Glynco, Georgia. USACE, Savannah District, Planning Division, December 5, 1996 (& Re-verified by Memorandum for Record dated August 22, 2001). USACE, Savannah District, Planning Division. Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for Administration Building Construction Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Glynco, Georgia. FLETC, Glynco, Georgia. 1997a. USACE, Savannah District, Planning Division. Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact, Construction of Classroom Building, FLETC, Glynco, Georgia. 1997b. USACE, Savannah District, Planning Division. Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for Entrance Facility and Commercial Gate Construction at FLETC in Glynco, Georgia. 1998a. USACE, Savannah District, Planning Division. Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Construction of a Dormitory Facility and Office Building at FLETC in Glynco, Georgia. 1998b. USACE, Savannah District, Planning Division. Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for Construction of Building Alterations and Additions, Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact. 2000a. 33 Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 USACE, Savannah District, Planning Division. Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for Construction of Alterations and Additions to Buildings 95, 96, and 97 at FLETC in Glynco, Georgia. 2000b. USACE. Environmental Assessment and FONSI for Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Facility (ATF) at FLETC in Glynco, Georgia. 2000c. USACE. Planning Division, Savannah District. DERP-FUDS Inventory Project Report for the former Glynco NAS. 2000d. USACE, Planning Division, Savannah District. Final Environmental Assessment and FONSI for the Emergency Response Range at FLETC. Glynco, Georgia. 2005. USACE, Planning Division, Savannah Planning Center. Meeting and site investigation for the proposed Flood Control Project. David Walker and Joe Hoke (USACE); and Martin Fife (FLETC). April 22, 2011. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Soil Conservation Service, Soil Survey of Glynn County, GA. 1977 Aerial photography. 1980. USFWS, Brunswick Office. Robert Brooks. Personal communication via e-mail (Appendix C). July 19, 2006. USFWS. Atlanta, Georgia. Recovery Plan for the US Breeding Population of the Wood Stork. 1986. US Geological Survey (USGS). Brunswick East Quadrangle, Georgia. (7.5-minute series topographic map). Based on 1951 aerial photography. 1956. USGS. Brunswick East Quadrangle, Georgia. (7.5-minute series topographic map). 1974 aerial photograph. 1979. USGS. Darien Quadrangle, Georgia. (7.5-minute series topographic map). 1974 aerial photograph. 1979. Wildlife Hazard Assessment. US Department of Agriculture. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Glynco Airport. February 2002. 34 APPENDIX B THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES GLYNN COUNTY, GEORGIA Proposed Glynn County Storm Water Re-routing FLETC Glynco Campus, Brunswick, Georgia Final Environmental Assessment April 2012 Protected Species in Glynn County Scientific Name Common Name Federal Status State Status E E E E E E T E E E N E T E E E T E T T E T E N E T T E T E T E E E E Mammals Balaena glacialis Megaptera novaeangliae Trichechus manatus Charadrius melodus Dendroica kirtlandii Mycteria americana Picoides borealis Sterna nilotica Vermivora bachmanii Caretta caretta Chelonia mydas Dermochelys coriacea Drymarchon corais couperi Eretmochelys imbricata Gopherus polyphemus Lepidochelys kempi Acipenser brevirostrum Acipenser oxyrinchus Right whale Humpback whale West Indian manatee Birds Piping plover Kirtland’s warbler Wood stork Red-cockaded woodpecker Gull-billed tern Bachman’s warbler Reptiles Loggerhead sea turtle Green sea turtle Leatherback sea turtle Eastern indigo snake Hawksbill sea turtle Gopher tortoise Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle Fish/Shellfish Shortnose sturgeon Atlantic sturgeon Plants Litsea aestivalis Pondspice N T Sageretia minutiflora Climbing buckthorn N T Tillandsia recurvata Ball-moss N T E - Endangered T - Threatened R - Rare N - None Source: The information in this table was obtained from USFWS and updated in April 2012. B-1 APPENDIX C COORDINATION, COMMENTS, AND RESPONSES C-1 C-2 C-3 C-4 C-5 C-6
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