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ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT - FORMAT II - HOUSING ACTIVITIESU.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) Program ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS AT THE COMMUNITY LEVEL ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW RECORD FORMAT II EVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROJECT: CLEARWATER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM '�• ':u HOUSING ACTIVITIES 0 PROGRAM: City of Clearwater Community Development Block Grant Program HOME Investment Partnership Program PROJECT ABSTRACT Format II ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT From: October 1, 2000 Original Revision Name of Grantee City of Clearwater Application/Grant Number B-2000-OS-MC-12-0002 M-2000-OS-MC-12-023 0 To: September 30, 2005 Name and Title of Certifying Officer: William B. Horne, II, Interim City Manager City of Clearwater, Florida Project Name: City of Clearwater CDBG- HOME Programs-Housing Location of Physical Developments: Citywide Leading Agency: City of Clearwater, Housing Division P.O. Box 4748 Clearwater„ FL 33758 � Project Representative: Michael Holmes Telephone: (727) 562-4032 Address: same Project Information: same Telephone: same Address: same Project Summary Description: Fund Other CDBG/HOME (Projected) Housing to include rehabilitation, new construction, site improvements, single family and multifamily activities, land acquisition, infrastructure, associated relocation, demolition, homeless shelters, down payment assistance and other affordable homeownership/homebuyer programs. Funding will be provided from the CDBG/HOME program grant, program income and matching funds. ENVIROMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROJECT DATA Purpose of the Project: This Environmental Assessment is designed to cover all aspects of housing programs conducted by the City of Clearwater Housing Division, with the expenditure of CDBG/HOME funds, Program income, and matching funds. Projects will include rehab, new construction, acquisition, site improvements, and infrastructure for single family and multi-family developments, associated relocation, demolition and homeless shelters. It will also address the affordable homeownership program (first time homebuyer downpayment assistance). STATUS OF THE PROJECT.• This project is ongoing and is currently for unspecitied sites. However, all sites, as they are specified, will undergo compliance, as appropriate and proper measures will be taken. PROJECT AND AREA DESCRIPTION: Housing to include rehab, new construction, site im}�rovements. single-family and multi-family activities: acquisition, infrastructure, associated rel��cation, demolition. homeless shelters and affordable homeownership programs. Fundin�� �� ill be pro� idcd from the CDBG/HOME Program Grant, Program Income and matching fun�l1. All projects will be Citywide. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROJECT DATA EXISTING CONDITIONS AND TRENDS: In order to meet goals of improving and preserving the existing housing stock, and to increase access to affordable housing, the City of Clearwater plans to implement its housing program Citywide PROJECT AND AREA MAPS AND PLANS: Housing to include rehab, new construction, site improvements, single-family and multi-family activities: acquisition, infrastructure, associated relocation, demolition, homeless shelters, downpayment and other affordable homeownersllipihomebu��er programs. Funding will be provided from the CDBG/HOME Program Grant. Pro`�ram Income and matching funds. All projects will be Citywide. Statutory Checklist Summary of Findings And Conclusion: ImpactJMitigation will depend upon individual application of site screening. Summary of Environmental Conditions: Impact/Mitigation will depend upon individual application of site screening. Project Mo�lificcrtions And Alternatives Considered: Impact/Mitigation will depend upon individual application of site screening. Statutory Checklist Additional Studies Performed (Attach Study or Summary) Impact/Mitigation will depend upon individual application of site screening. Mitigation Measures Needed: Impact/Mitigation will depend upon individual application of site screening. I� Statutory Checklist Checklist of Applicable Statutes and Regulations Citations for the following statutes and Regulations are listed in the appendix: Noise Air Quality Historic Properties Coastal Areas Wetlands and Floodplain Farmlands Water Quality Solid Waste Disposal Man-made Hazards Fish and Wildlife Endangered Species Prepared By: Michael Holmes Reviewed By: Nina Bandoni Date: October 13, 2000 Title: Manager Title: Assistant Director Statutory Checklist Noise HUD ReQulations (25CFR Part 51, Subpart B) Air Qualitv Clean Air Act of 1970 as Amended (42 U.S.C. 7a01-7642) Re�ulation 40 CFR Part 50, and Partially �30 CFR Part 51.52.61 Historic Properties National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, Section 106 (16 U.S.C. 470-470+1*) Preservation of Historic and Archeological Data Act of 1974 116 U.S.C. 469-(69c) E�ecutive Order 11593 — Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment * Except as provided in 24 CFR 58.17 and Section l.' (1) (1), United States Housing Act of 193-, as amended. Coastal Areas Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 as amended (16 U.S.C.1451-146d) Coastal Barrier Resources Act of 1982 (16 U.S.C. 3�01 +) «'ild and Scenic River R'ild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 as Amended ( ] 6 U.S.C. 1271 +) Checklist ofApplicable Statutes and Regulations Wetlands and Floodnlain Executive Order 11990 Protection of Wetlands Executive Order 11988 Floodplain Management And U. S. Water Resources Council Guidelines Farmlands Farmland Protection Policy Act of 1981 (7 U.S.C. 4201) Water Oualitv Federal; Water Pollution Control Act, as Amended (33 U.S.C.1251-1376) Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 300f 300j-101 as Amended U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Implementing Regulations 40 CFR Parts 240-265 Man-made Hazards HUD Regulations (24 CFR Part 51, Subpart C and Subpart D) Fish and Wildlife Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661- 666 C) Endaneered Soecies Endangered Species Act of 1973 as Amended (16 U.S.C.1531-1543 Environmental Assessment Summary of Findings And Conclusions: Impact/Mitigation will depend upon individual application of site screening. Summary of Environmental Conditions: Impact/Mitigation will depend upon individual a����li�ation of site screening. Project Modifications And Alternative Considered: Impact/Mitigation will depend upon individual application of sit� screening. Environmental Assessment Additional Studies Performed (Attach Study of Summary) Impact/Mitigation will depend upon individual application of site screening. Mitigation Measures Needed: Impact/Mitigation will depend upon individual a��E,li�;ition of sit� ��rcenin�. Environmental Assessment Checklist Project Name and identification No.: City of Clearwater, HOME Program, Citywide M-00-04- MC-12-0002 and City of Clearwater CDBG Program, Citywide, B-00-04-MC-12-0002 1. Is project in compliance with applicable laws and regulation? X YES NO 2. Is an EIS required? YES X NO 3. A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) can be made. Project will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment. _X_ YES NO Prepared by: Michael Holmes Title: Housing Manager Reviewed by: Nina Bandoni Title: Assistant Director Date: October 13, 2000 Environmental Assessment Checklist Project Name and identification No.: City of Clearwater, HOME Program-Housing, Citywide M-00-04-MG12-0002 and CDBG B-00-04-MC-12-0002 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW FINDING On the basis of the environmental assessment of the above project I have made the following finding: _X_ A FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT I find that this project is not a major federal action which will have a significant effect on the human environment and that a release of project funds will not require an Environment impact Statement. (Date) William B. Horne II, Interim City Manager City of Clearwater 112 South Osceola Avenue Clearwater, Florida, FL 33758 Signature, Title and Address of Certifying Officer A FINDING OF SIGNIFICANT IMPACT I find that this project is a major federal action which will have a significant effect on the human environment and that a request to HUD for release of project funds will require an Environmental Impact Statement. (Dare) Signature, Title and Address of Certifying Officer CITY OF CLEARWATER HOUSING DIVISION 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING STRATEGY FOR UNSPECIFIED SITES COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS (HOME) PROGRAM To assure that HOME Program Projects at sites unspecified prior to the release of funds are in compliance with the environmental laws and authorities, the following strategy will be employed: Projects must comply with environmental statues, regulation, and executive Orders other than NEPA. Proposed projects to be included in the environmental monitoring strategy under the CDBG/HOME Program include the following citywide activities: • Single family homeowner rehabilitation; • Multi-unit rehabilitation; • Single family homeownership assistance (new homebuyer downpayment assistance program) for new and existing structures; • Land acquisition; • Site improvements; • Multi —unit acquisition; • Associated relocation • Demolition • Homeless shelters • Downpayment assistance HISTORIC PROPERTIES Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, mandates the agencies with jurisdiction over Federally assisted activities afford the National Advisory council on Historic Preservation and the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) a reasonable opportunity for comment on the project's impact on historic properties. Contact SHPO to obtain review requirements if a structure in over 50 yeazs old or is adjacent to a Historic District of if a project involves soil disturbance (Archaeological) Pursuant to HUD guidance on compliance with the Section 106 review process (36 CFR 800), if a structure is over 50 years old, the City of Clearwater, Housing Division will need to submit to SHPO for its review, photographs of the existing structure and a description of the proposed improvements. The SHPO must approve the proposed improvements as in conformance with the Secretary of Interior Standard for Rehabilitation before the Housing Division can proceed with the assistance. Pending a determination of eligibility for inclusion in the National Register of determination of local historic significance, the proposed rehabilitation of structures over 50 years old must conform to the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. Housing Division staff must pro�-ide a good determination of the age of all structures proposed for rehabilitation. For new developments on previously undisturbed areas, The SHPO (State Historic Preservation Officer) �t-i11 be consulted on archeological resources. FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT Due to the limited availability of undeveloped land in the City of Clearwater, rehabilitation, reconstruction or new construction may take place in the Floodplain. Work may be allowed in a 100 — year floodplain, but all applicable federal, state and local requirements must be complied with. In that case, floodplain impacts must be assessed. An eight-step review process required by Executive Order 11988 will be performed if the project is located in a floodplain area, and is for commercial rehabilitation or residential rehabilitation or residential rehabilitation of 5 or more units in a structure. Executive Order 11988 directs Federally funded agencies to take certain steps to avoid: (a) to the extent possible the long and short term adverse impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of floodplains and (b) the direct development within or modification of floodplains, wherever there is a practical alternative. Because activities maintain the health, welfare and safety of citizens in existing floodplain areas, it has been determined that this activity within a floodplain is unavoidable. However, Housing staff will adhere to the following guidelines: • The eYtent of rehabilitation should not constitute a significant improvement that will affect the floodplain. • All property owners prior to receiving rehabilitation assistance must purchase floodplain insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program. The Cit�� will use the latest version of the Flood Insurance Maps issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to access the flood designation for the proposed activity. WETLANDS PROTECTION Executi��e Order 11990 requires all federal executive agencies to refrain from supporting construction in wetlands wherever there is a practical alternative. Section 10 of Executive Order 11990 authorizes that responsibilities applicable to projects covered by Section 104 (h) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 may be assumed by the applicant if the applicant had also assumed all the responsibilities for environmental review. The executive Order directs the City of Clearwater government to take certain steps: • To avoid to the extent possible the long and short term impacts associated with the destruction or modification of wetlands, and • To avoid direct or indirect support of new construction in wetlands wherever there is a practical alternative. If the City of Clearwater determines that there is no practical alternative to the use of wetlands for a project, the agency must act to reduce the adverse impacts on the wetlands. In this case, an eight-(8) step review process required by Executive Order 11990 will be performed. The U.S. Water Resources Council Guidelines will be followed in areas where wetlands are suspected. COASTAL A�2EAS PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT The Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, 1976, and 1980 require that all federal grant activities which "directly affect" the coastal zone be consistent with approved State and Coastal Zone Management Plans. Part of the City of Clearwater is within the coastal zone. Due to the City of Clearwater being highly developed some activities may be funded in the Coastal Zone. Before any action takes the City will review the flood insurance rate maps to determine if the project is located in the affected areas. If the project is located in the flood plain or, the City will comply with all requirements of thc Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Eight Step Decision Making Process for acti� ities located in the 100 year flood plain. All applicable regulations will be complied with. WATER QUALITY: SOLE SOURCE AOUIFF.RS Activities will not be reviewed for this item becau�� no sole sc�urcc aquifer has been designated in Clearwater according to Pinellas County Cc�n�n��,;nitv De��cl�,rment. Pinellas County source documentation was Ron Mikulak, Groundwat" I'rotectio►1 I3ranch of the Environmental Protection �gency in Atlanta on February 14, 1����,. [�elephon�: -lO-�'��7-3866. Therefore, the requirements of the Clean Water Act of 1977 do n��l :��ply. ENDANGERED SPECIES Under the requirements of the Endangered Speci�s .�ct of I�)7 �. as amended, the City must determine whether the projectlactivity is likel�- t�, atfect endan��cred or threatened species or Critical Habitats. The City of Clearwater Comprehensive Plan, adopted by the C'it�� on May 18, 2000 prohibits destruction and disturbance of all conservatio�l land uses te� protect wildlife and plants especially those that are threatened or endangered species. The �lan also prohibits development which will needlessly disturb or destroy native ve`�etation. Therefore the City will not fund any development that will not comply with the City's Comprehensive Plan. WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS There are no wild and scenic rivers in the City of Clearwater. Source data Pinellas County Community Development Department: Wallace Brittan of the National Park Service in Atlanta on February 14, 1992. Telephone: 404-331-5838. Therefore, requirements of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1969, as amended, do not apply. AIR QUALITY The City's Comprehensive Plan require all new residential and non-residential development to provide a specified amount of Florida native shade trees based on an established desired ration of pervious to impervious surface areas. Shade trees will serve to provide heat reduction, noise abatement, buffering, replenishment of oxygen, and aesthetic beauty. The City shall cooperate with the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council and Pinellas County in their efforts to develop plans for improving air quality. The City will enforce all local building codes to minimize air pollutants in the development of housing. In addition, the City will adhere to Pinellas County Environmental Management's Air Quality Division's regulations and other applicable federal or state regulations for removal of asbestos and lead based paint removal. FARMLANDS PROTECTION The City of Clearwater is highly urbanized commtulit��. No farn�land areas are designated in the Comprehensive Plan, adopted on May 18, 2000. Thcr�fore the Site Assessment Criteria in the regulation (7 CFR Part 658) do not apply. NOISE Activities may be located in areas with a day-ni`�i�� :�� erage sc�t�n�i le��el (DNL) exceeding 65 decibels. Therefore, HUD regulations relative i�� �nvironm�ntal criteria and standazds for "Noise Abatement and Control" may apply to the ac � i� i ties. A map of noise sensitive zones with the City of Cl�ar��ater shoulci be consulted to determine if the sires are located with these zones. If a project is �� ith a noisc sensiti�-e (DNL65 decibels of above), then mitigation of noise impact for housin`� and othcr noise sensitive projects are required. HUD Noise Abatement and Control relation 2=� CFR 51.1O ( a)(�). Subpart B, supports modernization and rehabilitation activities. For �rojects locat�ci in all noise exposed areas, HUD shall encourage noise attenuation featured in alternation. RUNWAY CLEAR ZONES, CLEAR & ACCIDENT POTENTIAL ZONES Clearwater Airpaxk is the only airport in the city. It does not provide services for commercial airlines and is only used for recreational airplanes. The City will determine the runway clear zones and accident potential zones. The City will not fund any activities in these areas. THERMAL AND EXPLOSIVE HAZARDS Activities may be located near or in an area exposed to thermaUexplosive hazard, where conventional (e.g. petroleum) or hazardous gases (e.g. propane), or chemical (e.g. benzene of hexane) of flammable nature are stored, if the activity is beyond the Acceptable Separation Distance (ASD) from the hazard under HLJD safety standards of when proper mitigating measures are taken as set forth in 24 CFR 51 Subpart C. The term "hazard" does apply to the following: a) Explosive or fire prone substances stored in container of 100 gallons or less when they contain common industrial fuels, b) hazardous substances stored underground or comply with applicable Federal, State and Local Safety Standards, and c) when hazardous facilities aze shielded for the rehabilitation activity by topography or man-made fire and explosive resistant structures. Housing staff should consult with the City of Clearwater Fire Department of Hazardous Explosive or Flammable sites or HIJD if on-site review raises questions concerning the project. If it is determined the site is located within the acceptable separation distance, the owner must take the required measures to mediate the site in conformance with the regulations or re-site the beyond the acceptable separation distance. If not, the City will not recommend funding for the activity. WATER QUALITY The proposed activities will not result in the discharge of effluent into navigable waters, nor result in the dredging, filling, and disposal of dredged materials into any body of water of wetlands, beyond the capacity of the City's wastewater system. The City's Comprehensive Plan outline efforts made by the City to ensure discharges do not adversely impact navigable waters. Therefore, the requirement of the Clean Water Act of 1977 does not apply. SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL The requirements of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 prohibit federally- assisted activities in ecologically sensitive azeas which have been affected by hazardous waste disposal sites that do not satisfy the Environmental Protection Agency. It has been determined by the Pinellas County Community Development Department that no hazardous waste disposal sites existing in the City of Clearwater. Source documentation is Martha Gray of Pinellas County Environmental Management Department, August 22, 1991. Telephone: 727-462-4761. Therefore the requirements of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 prohibiting federally assisted projects in ecologically sensitive areas does not apply. FISH AND WILDLIFE The City of Clearwater Housing Division will determine if activities will be located within or near a fish or wildlife refuge upon this determination the requirements of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act will be reviewed for any possible applicability. TOXIC AND HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS The City of Clearwater will give particular attention to any site activity on or within one mile of area that contain or may have contained hazard waste, such as dumps, land fills and industrial sites. ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Project sites will not adversely affect low and moderate-income citizens, instead the projects will enhance low and moderate-income families. ST:�TE REGULATIONS Consultation with the Department of Community Affairs, Florida State Clearinghouse will be required for all proposed projects including rehabilitation of historic properties. Permits are required for dredging and filling in waters of the State, construction and connection of sewage collection and treatment facilities, drainage appurtenances and discharge in waters of the State under Federal and State laws. LOCAL REGULATIONS All proposed activities may not commenced until all permits required by the City of Clearwater Planning and Development Services Department have been obtained and approved. IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPLIANCE Housing Division staff, in consultation with appropriate agencies, is responsible for the implementation of environmental requirements and must assure compliance before transfening funds to any projects. DOCUMENTAION OF COMPLIANCE Housing Division staff must maintain documenta.tion of all required consultation and permits with each project file. The Housing Division Housing Manager will complete: a) a checklist showing that each proposed activity will comply with the National Environmental Policy Act and other Federal, State and local environmental laws and authorities, b) citation for all applicable environmental consultation and permits, and c) a finding which sets forth that implementation of any activity will not affect the original finding of categorical exclusion or assessment. PROJECTS IN NON-COMPLIANCE Activities not in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and other Federal, State and local environmental laws and authorities shall not commence until such compliance is achieved