Environmental Assessment CDBG,~Qf"`"'f~F U.S. Department of Housing and
_" x L°~~~~°O x o Seatt a Regional Office
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9e,"oE"E~o Seattle, Washington, 98104
Environmental Assessment
for HUD-funded Proposals
Recommended format per 24 CFR 58.36, revised February 2004
[Previously recommended EA formats are obsoletej.
Project Identification: Main Street Demolition
Preparers Sarah Wheeler
Responsible Entity: City of Meridian
Month/Year: August 2008
Grantee Activity #: 04-2007-OS
1 of 8 HUD Seattle Region Environmental Office -- May
2005
Environmental Assessment
Responsible Entity: City of Meridian
Certifying Officer: Mayor Tammy De Weerd
[24 CFR 58.2(a)(2)]
Project Name: Main Street Demolition (Grantee Activity # 04-2007-08)
Project Location: 1535 N. Main St. Meridian, Idaho 83642
Estimated total project cost: $110,000
Grant Recipient: City of Meridian
[24 CFR 58.2(a)(5)]
Recipient Address: 33 East Idaho Ave., Meridian, ID 83642
Project Representative: Sarah Wheeler
Telephone Number: 208-884-5533
COndItIOrIS fOr ApprOVal: (List all mitigation measures adopted by the responsible entity to eliminate
or minimize adverse environmental impacts. These conditions must be included in project contracts and
other relevant documents as requirements). [24 CFR 58.40(d), 40 CFR 1505.2(c)]
No conditions for approval are necessary or adopted at this time because the City finds that the
project will not result in any signifcant environmental impact. Absent any significant impact, the
City need not identify ways in which the project or external factors relating to the project could be
modified or conditioned in order to eliminate or minimize such impact.
FINDING: (5s.ao(9>)
X Finding of No Significant Impact
(The project will not result in a significant impact on the quality of the human environment)
Finding of Significant Impact
(The project may significantly affect the quality of the human environment)
Preparer Signature; Date:
Name/Title/Agency: Sarah Wheeler, Assistant City Planner, City of Meridian
RE Approving Official Signature:
NamelTitle/ Agency: Tammy De Weerd, Mayor, City of Meridian
2 of 8 HUD Seattle Region Environmental Office --May 2005
Statement of Purpose and Need for the Proposal: loo cFR t5oa.s(b>]
The purpose of this project is to raze three dilapidated buildings from a parcel of land located in
downtown Meridian. The private owner does not have the funds necessary to conduct this project
and so the City will invest funds in helping him clear the hazards from the site.
Description of the Proposal: Include all contemplated actions which logically are either
geographically or functionally a composite part of the project, regardless of the source of funding.
[24 CFR 58.32, 40 CFR 1508.25]
The City intends to demolish and remove all structures on the site. Everything else onsite will
remain the same.
Existing Conditions and Trends: Describe the existing conditions of the project area and its
surroundings, and trends likely to continue in the absence of the project. [24 cFR sa.ao[a>]
The property is located in downtown Meridian within the designated urban renewal district. The
buildings on site are decaying and beyond repair. In September of 2006, the Building Official,
Plumbing Inspector, Electrical Inspector, Code Enforcement Officer, Public Works Development
Services Manager and Deputy Fire Chief inspected the premises and found that each an all of
these structures presented unsafe, unsanitary, deficient, hazardous, and/or illegal conditions,
including fire risks and distinct hazards to life and/or property due to numerous defects. The owner
was ordered to abate those conditions and attempted to do so by boarding up the premises.
Through numerous inspections the buildings were again found to remain unsecured against entry
or exposure. The City continued to receive complaints concerning the buildings and activities
occurring thereon. Without eliminating the buildings from the site, the City is concerned that the
degradation of the area will continue to hinder economic viability as well as public safety in that
area.
Statutory Checklist
[24CFR §58.5]
Record the determinations made regarding each listed statute, executive order or regulation. Provide
appropriate source documentation. [Note reviews or consultations completed as well as any applicable
permits or approvals obtained or required. Note dates of contact or page references]. Provide compliance or
consistency documentation. Attach additional material as appropriate. Note conditions, attenuation or
mitigation measures required.
Factors Determination and Com liance Documentation
Historic Preservation No historic properties will be affected. See Letter from State
[3s cFR aoo] Historic Preservation Office dated May 6, 2008 in 1535 N. Main
File.
Floodplain Management Activity is not located within a floodplain. See FEMA flood map
[24 CFR 55, Executive Order 11988] entitled City of Meridian #160180, map panel number 232,
dated Feb. 19 2003.
Wetlands Protection Project is not located in a wetland. See
[Executive Order 11990] http://wetlandsfws.er.usgs.gov. See also letter from Kyle
Radek, Assistant City Engineer, dated August 20, 2008 in 1535
N. Main File.
Coastal Zone CZMA is not applicable; there are no coastal areas in Meridian,
Mona ement Act Idaho. See
3 of 8 HUD Seattle Region Environmental Office -- May 2005
[Sections 307(c),(d)] http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/mystate/welcome.html.
Sole Source Aquifers SDWA is not applicable; there are no sole source aquifers in
[40 CFR 749] Meridian, Idaho. See map contained in Common Source File,
htto://eoa.gov/oar/oaops/oreenbk/ancl html, and
htto://cfoub.epa.aovlsafewater/sourcewater/sourcewater cfm~a
ction=SSA.
Endangered Species Act ESA is not applicable; no endangered, threatened, or proposed
[50 CFR 402] species or designated critical habitat will be affected by the
project. See also letter from Scott Reinecker, Idaho Fish and
Game, dated Ma 7, 2008 in 1535 N. Main File
Wild and Scenic WSRA is not applicable; there are no rivers designated as Wild
Rivers Act and Scenic Rivers in Meridian, Idaho. See list contained in
[sections 7 (b), (c)] Common Source File and
htt ://vrvwv/rivers. ov/wildriverslist.html.
Air Quality CAA is not applicable; the project is not located in a non-
[Clean Air Act, Sections 176 (c) attainment area. See EPA nonattainment area map
and (d), and 40 CFR 6, 51, 93] (htto://eoa.aov/oar/oaaps/oreenbk/ancl.html) in Common
Source File at. See also Letter from DEO dated June 3, 2008
in 1535 N. Main File.
Farmland Protection Policy FPPA is inapplicable; the project is in an area zoned
Act [7 CFR 658] commercial. See planning and zoning map in 1535 N. Main file.
Environmental Justice The project will not adversely affect the health or environment
[Executive Order 12898] of minority or low-income populations. The larger and
neighboring communities have been provided with opportunity
to review and comment on this project in accordance with the
Citizen Participation Plan, which emphasizes notice and
hearin o ortunities for minori and low-income o ulations.
HUD Environmental Standards Determination and Compliance Documentation
Noise Abatement and This project will not create noise pollution or exposure to noise.
Control [2a CFR 57 s] Noise from project demolition activities is temporary and separated
from existing residential development.
Toxic/Hazardous/Radioactive No toxic, hazardous, or radioactive substances are identified
Materials, Contamination, on the project site. See Common Source File,
Chemicals or Gases ht~t :!/www.ena.oov/enviro/emef/ .See also letter from Eileen
[24 CFR 58.5(1)(2)] Zahara, EPA region X dated June 13, 2008, located in 1535 N.
Main File.
Siting of HUD-Assisted No hazardous operations are located near the project. See
Projects near Hazardous Common Source File (map available at
Operations [2a cFR 57 c] htt~://www.epa.gov/enviro/emef/). See also letter from Eileen
Zahara, EPA Region X, dated June 13, 2008 in 1535 N. Main
File. See also DEQ letter dated June 3, 2008 in 1535 N. Main
File.
Airport Clear Zones and No FAA-designated civilian airports are located within 3,000
Accident Potential Zones feet or military airtields within 2 Y: miles of the project site. See
[24 CFR 51 D] Designated Primary and Commercial Service Airports in Idaho
and Ore on in Common Source File.
Environmental Assessment Checklist
[Environmental Review Guide HUD CPD 782, 24 CFR 58.40; Ref. 40 CFR 1508.8 &1508.27]
4 of 8 HUD Seattle Region Environmental Office -- May 2005
Evaluate the significance of the effects of the proposal on the character, features and resources of the
project area. Enter relevant base data and verifiable source documentation to support the finding. Then
enter the appropriate impact code from the following list to make a determination of impact. Impact Codes:
(1) - No impact anticipated; (2) -Potentially beneficial; (3) -Potentially adverse; (4) -Requires mitigation;
(5) -Requires project modification. Note names, dates of contact, telephone numbers and page references.
Attach additional material as appropriate. Note conditions or mitigation measures required.
Land Development Code Source or Documentation
Conformance with 2 This project conforms with Meridian Comprehensive Plan and
Comprehensive Plans Zoning designation. Site is zoned for commercial use. Removing
and Zoning dilapidated buildings may make way for new commercial
develo ment. See Zonin ma in Common Source File.
Compatibility and 2 This project is compatible with the urban environment. Site is in a
Urban Impact commercial district and the demolition of these old buildings will
encourage commercial growth in downtown Meridian. See Zoning
map in Common Source File.
Slope 1 This project will not affect slope of property. See letter by Bruce
Freckleton, Meridian Development Service Manager, dated July 1,
2008 in 1535 N. Main File.
Erosion 1 This project will not cause erosion. See letter by Bruce Freckleton,
Meridian Development Service Manager, dated July 1, 2008 in
1535 N. Main File.
Soil Suitability 1 This project will not affect soil quality since the City is only
removing the buildings and not constructing anything on site.
Hazards and Nuisances 1 This project will neither create nor be affected by hazardous
including Site Safety operations . See htto:!/www.eoa.gov/enviro/emef/ in Common
Source File. See also letter by Eileen Zahara, EPA Region X,
dated June 3, 2008 in 1535 N. Main File. See also DEQ letter
dated June 3, 2008 in 1535 N. Main File.
Energy Consumption 1 This project will not affect energy consumption.
Noise -Contribution to
Community Noise Levels 1 This project will not generate a substantial increase in traffic.
Noise from project demolition activities is temporary and
se orated from existin residential develo ment.
Air Quality 1 This project is not located in anon-attainment area. See EPA
Effects of Ambient Air Quality on nonattainment area map in Common Source File (available at
Project and Contribution to htto://www.eoa.cov). See also currently designated nonattainment
Community Pollution Levels areas in Common Source File (available at
htto://eoa.gov/oar/oacos/greenbk/ancl.html). DEQ letter dated
June 3, 2008 in 1535 N. Main File.
Environmental Design 2 Environmental design is not applicable to this project.
Visual Quality -Coherence,
Diversity, Compatible Use and
Scale
Socioeconomic Code Source or Documentation
Demographic Character Changes 1 The project is consistent with surrounding land uses and will
not effect change in demographic or neighborhood
character.
Displacement 1 No displacement will occur; buildings have been vacant for
over two years.
5 of 8 HUD Seattle Region Environmental Office --May 2005
Employment and Income Patterns 2 It is hoped that future development on the project site will
increase economic opportunities in Meridian. However, this
project will not directly affect employment and income
atterns.
Community Facilities
and Services Code Source or Documentation
Educational Facilities 1 This ro'ect will introduce no new students into the area.
Commercial Facilities 1 This ro'ect will not affect commercial facilities.
Health Care 1 This ro'ect will not affect health care services.
Social Services 1 This ro'ect will not affect social services.
Solid Waste 1 This ro'ect will not affect solid waste issues.
Waste Water 1 This ro ect will not affect waste water issues.
Storm Water 1 This project may improve surface drainage. See letter by Kyle
Radek, Assistant City Engineer, dated August 20, 2008 in 1535 N.
Main folder.
Water Su I 1 This ro'ed will not affect water su I .
Public Safety
- Police 2 This project will improve public safety, as removing buildings from
the premises will make it easier for police to patrol.
- Fire 2 This project will improve public safety, as removing buildings from
the premises will reduce current fre hazards (Joe Silva, Fire
Inspector, 884-1234). See also building inspection report in 1535
N. Main File.
- Emergency Medical 1 This project will not affect the emergency medical aspect of public
safety.
Open Space and Recreation
- Open Space 1 This project will not affect open space.
- Recreation 1 This project will not affect recreation.
-Cultural Facilities 1 This ro'ect will not affect cultural facilities.
Transportation 1 This project will not affect transportation.
Natural Features Source or Documentation
Water Resources 1 This project will not affect water resources. See letter by Kyle
Radek, Assistant City Engineer, dated August 20, 2008 in 1535 N.
Main folder.
Surface Water 1 This project will not affect surface water. See letter by Kyle Radek,
Assistant City Engineer, dated August 20, 2008 in 1535 N. Main
folder.
Unique Natural Features and 1 This project will not affect any unique natural features or
Agricultural Lands agricultural lands. The property is located in the downtown
Meridian core and is surrounded by commercial properties. There
is no agricultural land within its vicinity. See planning and zoning
map in Common Source Documentation. Sarah Wheeler,
Assistant City Planner, 208-884-5533.
Vegetation and Wildlife 1 This project will not affect any endangered, threatened, or
proposed species or designated critical habitat. See also
letter from Scott Reinecker, Idaho Fish and Game, dated
Ma 7, 2008 in 1535 N. Main File
6 of 8 HUD Seattle Region Environmental Office --May 2005
Other Factors
Source or Documentation
Flood Disaster Protection Act I FDPA is not applicable; the project site is not located within
[Flood Insurance] a floodplain. See FEMA flood map entitled City of Meridian
[§58.6(a)] #160180, map panel number 232, date Feb. 19, 2003. See
also letter by Kyle Radek, Assistant City Engineer, dated August
20, 2008 in 1535 N. Main folder.
Coastal Barrier Resources Act/ 1 CBRA/CBIA are not applicable; there are no coastal areas
Coastal Barrier Improvement Act in Meridian, Idaho.
58.6 c
Airport Runway Clear zone or 1 No FAA designated civilian airports are located within 3000
Clear Zone Disclosure feet or military airfields within 2 '/ miles of the project site.
[§5s.6(d)] See Designated Primary and Commercial Service Airports
in Idaho and Ore on in Common Source File.
Other Factors None.
Summary of Findings and Conclusions
ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION
Alternatives and Project Modifications Considered (za cFR sa.ao(e>, Ref. ao cFR tsos.sl
(Identify other reasonable courses of action that were considered and not selected, such as other sites,
design modifications, or other uses of the subject site. Describe the benefits and adverse impacts to the
human environment of each alternative and the reasons for rejecting it.)
The project and removal of the slum and blight is specific to the site located at 1535 N. Main,
therefore no other sites were considered. The slum and blight and public safety issues can only be
eliminated by razing the buildings.
No Action Alternative [2a CFR 58.ao(e)]
(Discuss the benefits and adverse impacts to the human environment of not implementing the preferred
alternative).
The alternative of no action was considered but rejected because the buildings are too
deteriorated to rehabilitate and boarding them up has not abated the aesthetic blight, hazardous
conditions or public safety hazards perpetuated by the dilapidated buildings.
Mitigation Measure3 Recommended [24 CFR 58.40(d), 40 CFR 1508.20]
(Recommend feasible ways in which the proposal or its eMernal factors should be modifed in order to
minimize adverse environmental impacts and restore or enhance environmental quality.)
No mitigation measures are necessary or adopted at this time because the City finds that the
project will not result in any significant environmental impact. Absent any significant impact, the
City need not identify ways in which it should: avoid any impact by not completing the project or
any part of the project; minimize any impact by limiting the projector its implementation; rectify
any impact through repair, rehabilitation, or restoration; reduce or eliminate any impact over the
lifetime of the project; or compensate for any impact by replacing or providing substitute resources
or environments.
Additional Studies Performed
(Attach studies or summaries)
Level One Environmental Assessment by Terracon Consultants Inc.
7 of 8 HUD Seattle Region Environmental Office -- May 2005
List of Sources, Agencies and Persons Consulted [ao CFR 150s.g(b)]
Bruce Freckleton, City of Meridian Development Services Manager
City of Meridian Planning Department
Emily Kane, City of Meridian Deputy City Attorney
Environmental Protection Agency, Idaho Operations Office
Environmental Protection Agency -Sole Source Aquifer Map
FEMA flood plain map
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Joe Silva, Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention
Kyle Radek, Assistant City Engineer
National Park Service,
National Wetlands Inventory's digital wetlands mapper tool
State Historic Preservation Office
8 of 8 HUD Seattle Region Environmental Office --May 2005