Programmatic Environmental Assessment draft, Jan 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

• Hazard mitigation programs and opportunities include the following: seismic safety, terrorist attack prevention, huiric^ne and flood mitigation, energy efficiency, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. • How would hazardous waste, solid waste and regulated materials generated or encountered during the construction period be managed? • How would storm water, groundwater, and soil erosion be managed during construction? • How would traffic and business travel be managed during the construction period? • How would police and fire protection service response times be affected by traffic conditions in lower Manhattan during and after site restoration construction?

The analyses performed by this PEA are based on review of scientific literature, consultation with regulatory agencies, and expert opinion. If the level of analysis in the PEA is insufficient for a specific project submitted for funding, then additional analysis would be tiered off this PEA, in accordance with 40 CFR Part 1508.28. Cumulative impacts, defined as project effects that are greater in significance than the sum of the direct and indirect effects when combined with the total effects of other actions, are addressed qualitatively in this PEA, based on similar projects within or near the study area developed or reviewed by federal agencies. Cumulative impacts would be considered when determining the compatibility of the findings of the PEA and NEPA compliance for specific projects identified after the publication of the PEA and Programmatic Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).

1.5 DECISIONS THAT MUST BE MADE

The PEA process would assist FEMA in determining whether projects submitted by the applicant meet the requirements of NEPA and the FEMA funding approval process. As an example, the applicant must meet all federal, state and local environmental laws. Executive Orders, regulations, codes, standards, requirements, and consistency reviews.

FEMA has determined that many projects eligible for funding in the localized WTC impact area would likely contain similar and typical project activities or elements such as excavation, tunneling, storm water management, construction equipment use, dewatering, debris disposal, placement and installation of building and facility support structures, health and safety of construction workers, and solid and hazardous materials management. Proposed actions that share similar mechanisms, intensities, locations and resultant potential impact, can be evaluated by this PEA so that NEPA compliance prior to funding approval are demonstrated for the majority of reasonably foreseen actions. A Programmatic FONSI would be executed for the typical actions covered by this PEA that would not result in significant impacts.

After projects are submitted for funding, FEMA would review the documentation provided by the applicant and a project memorandum would be prepared. This memorandum would identify whether the PEA and PEA FONSI adequately address NEPA compliance. FEMA would decide whether the PEA adequately addresses the

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