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Qualifications to Provide
<br />Environmental Services— Housing Division
<br />continued use of the property for the current land use designation. Generally, the content of a Categorical Exclusion is as
<br />follows.
<br />HUD's Statutory Worksheet, which covers issues addressed in 24 CFR 58.5 (issues addressed include historic
<br />preservation, floodplain management, wetland protection, coastal zone management, sole source aquifers,
<br />endangered species, wild and scenic rivers, the Clean Air Act, the Farmland Protection Policy Act,
<br />environmental justice, noise abatement, explosive and flammable operations, hazardous materials, and airport
<br />clear zones)
<br />24 CFR 58.6 Compliance Documentation Checklist, which addresses flood protection, the Coastal Barrier
<br />Resources Act, and runway clear zones
<br />Data sources used for CEs will be field reviews, topographic maps, available land use maps, flood zone maps, coastal
<br />zone maps, airport hazards maps, and available information regarding the presence of sensitive habitats and/or species.
<br />Much of this information is available from online databases maintained by USEPA and other federal and state agencies.
<br />Noise assessments will be performed where necessary, utilizing HUD methodologies and the HUD Day/Night Noise
<br />Level Electronic Assessment Tool (an online noise calculation tool). Historical review of the properties will be based on
<br />the specific methodologies described below for compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of
<br />1965. Air quality analyses will be based on the type of activity and whether quantification is necessary.
<br />Environmental Assessment
<br />When an activity is not exempt and cannot be categorically excluded from NEPA, Rincon will prepare an EA using the
<br />HUD short form checklist, unless the project would clearly require an EIS under 24 CFR 58.37.. Alternatively, if the City
<br />elects to use the HUD Environmental Review Online System (HERDS) for Environmental Assessments, Rincon will
<br />prepare technical reports and other documentation to support the Environmental Review Record (ERR). In the event that
<br />an EIS may be required, we will advise the City regarding the feasibility of preparing an EA as a means of focusing the
<br />EIS and as an aid in the formal scoping process for the EIS. We will also advise the City regarding the estimated cost
<br />and timeframe associated with an EIS, to allow an informed decision with respect to going forward with the project.
<br />Environmental Assessments will be prepared in accordance with NEPA and HUD requirements as outlined in 24 CFR
<br />Part 50, 24 CFR Part 58, and 36 CFR Part 800. The following outlines the general contents of an EA.
<br />Project proponent Information
<br />Conditions for Approval
<br />Finding
<br />Statement of Purpose and Need for the Proposal
<br />Description of the Proposal
<br />Description of Existing Conditions and Trends
<br />0 24 CFR 58.5 Statutory Checklist
<br />Environmental Assessment Checklist, covering issues related to land development, socioeconomic concerns,
<br />community facilities and services, natural resources, and other factors (from the 24 CFR 58.6 checklist)
<br />Environmental Impact Statement
<br />EISs will be prepared for projects that would have significant Impacts based on federal criteria that cannot be avoided.
<br />These types of projects will be rare. The steps for an EIS are similar to those for a CEQA EIR. The main differences are
<br />that EISs must analyze project alternatives (including the preferred alternative) at an equal level of detail and, in addition
<br />to the Draft EIS circulation, a Final EIS must be circulated for an additional 30 -day period. EISs and EIRs can, but do not
<br />have to, be prepared as joint documents.
<br />Hazards/Site Assessments
<br />Phase l Environmental Site Assessments
<br />At the City's request, Rincon will conduct Phase I ESAs in conformance with ASTM Standards on Environmental Site
<br />Assessments for Commercial Real Estate (ASTM E 152.7-13). Our scope of services, pursuant to ASTM practice, will not
<br />include any inquiries with respect to asbestos, lead-based paint, lead in drinking water, regulatory compliance, cultural
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