Horticulture Facility Enviornmental Assessment_04197125

Draft Environmental Assessment Langston University Horticulture Facility Langston, Logan County, Oklahoma Terracon Project No 04197125 January 20, 2021 Prepared by: Terracon Consultants, Inc Dallas, Texas i TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background 1.1.1 Location and Description of Project Area 1.2 Purpose and Need 2.0 ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION 2.1 Development of Alternatives 2.2 Alternatives Retained for Detailed Analysis 2.2.1 Alternative 1: No Action (Status Quo) 2.2.2 Alternative 2: (Preferred Alternative) 2.3 Environmental Resources Not Carried Forward for Detailed Analysis 3.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES, MITIGATION/MANAGEMENT MEASURES 3.1 Land Resources 3.1.1 General Land Use and Formally Classified Lands 3.1.1.1 Affected Environment 3.1.1.2 Environmental Consequences 3.1.1.3 Mitigation / Management Measures 3.1.2 Soils and Important Farmland 3.1.2.1 Affected Environment 3.1.2.2 Environmental Consequences 3.1.2.3 Mitigation / Management Measures 3.1.3 Geology, Mineral, and Paleontological Resources 3.1.3.1 Affected Environment 3.1.3.2 Environmental Consequences 3.1.3.3 Mitigation / Management Measures 3.2 Water Resources 3.2.1 Affected Environment 3.2.2 Environmental Consequences 11 3.2.3 Mitigation / Management Measures 12 3.3 Air 12 3.3.1 Affected Environment 12 3.3.2 Environmental Consequences 13 3.3.3 Mitigation / Management Measures 13 3.4 Biological Resources 13 3.4.1 General Wildlife and Vegetation Resources 13 3.4.1.1 Affected Environment 13 3.4.1.2 Environmental Consequences 16 3.4.1.3 Mitigation / Management Measures 16 3.4.2 Vegetation 16 3.4.2.1 Affected Environment 16 3.4.2.2 Environmental Consequences 19 3.4.2.3 Mitigation / Management Measures 19 3.5 Cultural Resources 20 ii 3.5.1 Historic and Archeological Resources 20 3.5.1.1 Affected Environment 20 3.5.1.2 Environmental Consequences 22 3.5.1.3 Mitigation / Management Measures 22 3.5.2 Cultural and Religious Traditional Cultural Properties 22 3.5.2.1 Affected Environment 22 3.5.2.2 Environmental Consequences 22 3.5.2.3 Mitigation / Management Measures 23 3.6 Socio-Economic Impact Assessment/Environmental Justice 23 3.6.1.1 Affected Environment 23 3.6.1.2 Environmental Consequences 25 3.6.1.3 Mitigation / Management Measures 26 3.6.2 Community Infrastructure 26 3.6.2.1 Affected Environment 26 3.6.2.2 Environmental Consequences 26 3.6.2.3 Mitigation / Management Measures 27 3.7 Resource Use Patterns 27 3.7.1 Hunting, Fishing, and Gathering 27 3.7.1.1 Affected Environment 27 3.7.1.2 Environmental Consequences 27 3.7.1.3 Mitigation / Management Measures 28 3.7.2 Timber Harvesting 28 3.7.2.1 Affected Environment 28 3.7.2.2 Environmental Consequences 28 3.7.2.3 Mitigation / Management Measures 28 3.7.3 Agriculture 28 3.7.3.1 Affected Environment 28 3.7.3.2 Environmental Consequences 29 3.7.3.3 Mitigation / Management Measures 29 3.7.4 Mineral Extraction 30 3.7.4.1 Affected Environment 30 3.7.4.2 Environmental Consequences 30 3.7.4.3 Mitigation / Management Measures 30 3.7.5 Recreation 30 3.7.5.1 Affected Environment 30 3.7.5.2 Environmental Consequences 30 3.7.5.3 Mitigation / Management Measures 30 3.7.6 Land Use Plans 31 3.7.6.1 Affected Environment 31 3.7.6.2 Environmental Consequences 31 3.7.6.3 Mitigation / Management Measures 31 3.8 Other Values 31 3.8.1 Wilderness 31 3.8.1.1 Affected Environment 31 3.8.1.2 Environmental Consequences 31 3.8.1.3 Mitigation / Management Measures 32 3.8.2 Noise and Aesthetics 32 iii 3.8.2.1 Affected Environment 32 3.8.2.2 Environmental Consequences 32 3.8.2.3 Mitigation / Management Measures 33 3.9 Aesthetics 33 3.9.1.1 Affected Environment 33 3.9.1.2 Environmental Consequences 33 3.9.1.3 Mitigation / Management Measures 34 3.9.2 Public Health and Safety 34 3.9.2.1 Affected Environment 34 3.9.2.2 Environmental Consequences 34 3.9.2.3 Mitigation / Management Measures 35 3.9.3 Climate Change 35 3.9.3.1 Affected Environment 35 3.9.3.2 Environmental Consequences 35 3.9.3.3 Mitigation / Management Measures 36 3.9.4 Hazardous Materials 36 3.9.4.1 Regulatory Setting 36 3.9.4.2 Affected Environment 36 3.9.4.3 Environmental Consequences 37 3.9.4.4 Mitigation / Management Measures 37 3.10 Cumulative Impacts 37 3.10.1 Affected Environment 37 3.10.2 Environmental Consequences 37 3.10.3 Mitigation / Management Measures 38 4.0 CONSULTATION AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT 39 5.0 LIST OF PREPARERS 40 6.0 REFERENCES 41 7.0 LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS 45 TABLES Table 1: Federally and State Listed Threatened and Endangered Species Table 2: Invasive Species Table 3: Population, Economic and Employment Demographics Table 4: Logan County Industry Sector Employment and Wages Table 5: Consulting Agencies Table 6: Preparers of the Environmental Assessment APPENDICES Appendix A Exhibits Appendix B Site Plans Appendix C Site Photographs Appendix D NRCS Custom Soil Resource Report, Geological Reports Appendix E USFWS IPaC, Biological Resources Appendix F Cultural Resources Report Appendix G Environmental Justice Reports iv 14 17 24 25 39 40 Appendix H Appendix I Langston University documents Agency Correspondence LIST OF EXHIBITS Exhibit 1.0 Exhibits 2.0-2.3 Exhibit 3.0 Exhibit 4.0 Exhibit 5.0 Exhibit 6.0 Exhibit 7.0 Exhibit 8.0 Exhibits 9.0-9.3 Exhibit 10.0 Vicinity Map Topographic Maps, Geologic Maps Soil Map Units Formally Classified Lands FEMA National Wetlands Inventory USGS NHD Ecological Mapping Systems of Oklahoma Aerial Imagery Coastal Management Zone Map v Draft Environmental Assessment Langston University Horticulture Facility January 20, 2021 1.0 1.1 INTRODUCTION Background The development of alternatives and design work for the proposed Langston Horticulture Facility is underway based on a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) determination of eligibility for funding under the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture-19-014 1890 Facilities Program Pursuant to Title of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), the USDA must demonstrate that any decision complies with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C 4321, et seq.) An applicant seeking financial assistance from the USDA must sufficiently describe its proposal so that the USDA can apply the appropriate environmental review procedures for NEPA related review and approval Early coordination between Langston University and the USDA, determined that an Environmental Assessment (EA) would be required to evaluate project alternatives, measure potential effects, determine appropriate mitigation measures, and approve the proposed alternative Location and Description of Project Area Langston University has applied for funds under the United States National Institute of Food and Agriculture- 19-014 1890 Facilities Program, to construct a new Horticulture Facility to be located south of Sammy Davis Jr Drive at West Washington Avenue, Langston, Logan County, Oklahoma (Appendix A – Exhibit 1.0 Vicinity Map) The proposed project will require compliance with NEPA in accordance with CFR §1970 addressing environmental review procedures for entities assuming USDA environmental responsibilities The new Horticulture Facility would include two single-story buildings; a 3,319 square-foot greenhouse and a 4,266 square-foot head house building, as well as farm/orchard plots on currently vacant land located to the south of the existing campus buildings Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma was established in 1897 as a Land Grant Institution through the Morrill Act of 1890 Agriculture was a founding tenet then and it remains one today Its mission is to continue to grow and adapt to the world’s everchanging need for agricultural research through academic, research, and extension/outreach programs in a variety of disciplines Langston University is the state’s only historically Black college or university They foster an environment that embraces diversity and understands its importance Langston University offers four programs within the School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences; Natural Resource Management, Animal Science, Crop and Soil Sciences, and Agribusiness Draft Environmental Assessment January 20, 2021 Langston University Horticulture Facility Langston, Logan County, Oklahoma Agriculture is the nation’s largest and arguably most vital industry, as it affects all lives everywhere With the help of the proposed action, Langston University will be better equipped to properly develop students’ skills within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources The University seeks to construct new facilities adjacent to the main campus in Langston, Oklahoma, and is seeking federal financial assistance under USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture-19-014 1890 Facilities Program The USDA NIFA mission is part of USDA’s Research, Education, and Economics mission area that invests in and advances agricultural research, education, and extension to help solve national challenges in agriculture, food, the environment, and communities These agencies provide financial assistance and a variety of technical and educational assistance to eligible individuals, institutions, or organizations with a goal of meeting the growing global food demand, build energy independence, and strengthen educational capacity to prepare the next generation of scientist, agricultural producers, and educators Financial assistance can include direct loans, guaranteed loans, and grants to accomplish program objectives 1.2 Purpose and Need The purpose of the proposed action is to provide the students of the Langston University Agriculture and Applied Sciences Program the proper space and infrastructure to apply the skills they learn in the classroom setting Currently, Langston University is in need of a larger meeting space for demonstrations, small farm plots to address the needs of their clientele, a larger storage space for hay and large field equipment, and to engage students in meaningful studies to become more effective in meeting the needs of the public and student body The proposed action will allow students to develop the skills necessary to solve the biological, horticultural, agricultural problems they will be faced with in the professional world Despite the acquisition of new technology and equipment in several departments, significant constraints and limitations imposed by the physical condition, age, and functionality issues of the current buildings are now threatening the ability of the faculty to continue to provide the highest quality education Departments are not adequately sized to accommodate current and future use and are not organized to promote efficient and effective operations The proposed project is being pursued in response to the University’s Facilities Program 5-Year Plan of Work (FY 2013-2017 Appendix G) Terracon Project 04197125 Draft Environmental Assessment January 20, 2021 Langston University Horticulture Facility Langston, Logan County, Oklahoma 2.0 ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION 2.1 Development of Alternatives This section discusses the alternatives selection process and defines the alternatives that were considered The implementing procedures for NEPA establish a number of policies for federal agencies to follow in order to avoid or minimize the adverse effects of their actions Among these policies is the use of the NEPA process to identify and assess reasonable alternatives to the proposed project that would avoid or minimize adverse impacts (40 CFR 1500.2(e)) Alternatives considered included: no action (maintaining the Status Quo) and constructing a new Horticultural Headhouse Facility, Greenhouse Complex, farm and orchard plots contained within 40-acres of an 80-acre undeveloped plot south of existing campus facilities (Preferred Alternative See Exhibit 1.1) 2.2 Alternatives Retained for Detailed Analysis Alternative 1: No Action (Status Quo) Under the No-Action Alternative, the University would continue to operate using the existing equipment The previous storage barn was destroyed by a wind event and was inadequate in size for hay storage or large equipment housing Under the No-Action Alternative the current facility would remain inadequate and does not offer meeting space, classroom space, or farm plots Under the No-Action Alternative, costs to maintain/repair/replace components of the existing facility would continue to accumulate Addressing each repair and instruction/demonstration need in a piecemeal fashion would not be cost efficient Additionally, the University would continue to operate under inadequate conditions Continued operation without the addition of these facilities does not adequately serve the public or the students This is not a long-term solution and is in direct contradiction to the purpose and needs of this project For these reasons, this action was rejected by Langston University as a viable alternative, although it is considered in this document in accordance with CFR §1500 Alternative 2: (Preferred Alternative) The new Horticulture Facility (Proposed Action) would include the construction of two buildings, a Facility Headhouse, approximately 4,266 square feet, and a Greenhouse Complex approximately 3,319 square feet; and Small Farm/Orchard plots located to the south of the existing campus facilities The limits of disturbance include a 40-acre tract of land that has been previously undeveloped, historically used for agriculture Schematics of the Proposed Action are depicted in Appendix A The University main campus currently occupies land north of the Proposed Action site bounded by Highway 74 (Sammy Davis Jr Drive) to the south, Centinel Road/Chocktaw Road to the west, Chocktaw Road/Success Avenue to the north, and Lincoln Street to the east The site of the Proposed Action is directly south of the main campus and is surrounded by vacant, undeveloped Terracon Project 04197125 Draft Environmental Assessment January 20, 2021 Langston University Horticulture Facility Langston, Logan County, Oklahoma land to the south and west, and an unpaved road labeled Langston to the east, and Highway 74 to the north Langston University’s current property line extends past Highway 74 to the south to W Washington Ave The parcel for the Proposed Action is currently listed under the ownership of The Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges Road accessibility is maintained but not paved and painted As currently envisioned, additional services would be accommodated by the University following the construction of the proposed facility Student services will not be affected during the construction phase The project would be completed in roughly the following Phases: (1) site development (see C03 in Appendix A), (2) construction of the new facilities, (3) preparation of farm/orchard plots, (4) operations and maintenance The campus would remain functional, with potential disruption of traffic patterns for brief periods during construction but shut down of academic activities is not anticipated A back-up generator would remain in place during construction and no traffic changes are anticipated aside from the temporary truck and equipment access along Langston Road Proposed action maintenance would utilize current staff and management of the University in the operation and maintenance of facilities There is no indication that an increase in faculty, staff or student capacity are anticipated, though there may be a small increase in support staff, such as housekeeping, due to the additional square footage and distribution of services No major barriers to construction were identified The University aims to allow researchers, instructors, and students to engage in meaningful greenhouse studies, demonstrations, and instruction and participate more fully in the production of human capital in food and agricultural science The Proposed Action will enable Langston University to become more effective in meeting the needs of the public and the students through the food and agricultural sciences Faculty, staff, and students will be involved with operation and maintenance of the facilities year-round enhancing teaching, extension and research programs in plant science, soil science, horticulture, livestock production and management, nutrition and other activities 2.3 Environmental Resources Not Carried Forward for Detailed Analysis The determination of environmental resources to be analyzed versus those not carried forward for detailed analysis is part of the EA scoping process Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and regulations (40 CFR §1501.7[a] [3]) encourage project proponents to identify and eliminate from detailed study the resource areas that are not important or have no potential to be impacted through implementation of their respective proposed actions Some resource areas or some aspects of resource areas would not be affected by the proposed or alternative actions Resource areas that have been eliminated from further study in this document and the rationale for eliminating them are presented below: Terracon Project 04197125 Draft Environmental Assessment January 20, 2021 Langston University Horticulture Facility Langston, Logan County, Oklahoma Floodplains – Based upon the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Panel No 40083C0300F (effective September 29, 2010, Appendix A – Exhibit 5.0); the proposed action is not located within a Zone A (100-year) floodplain or a Zone X (500year) floodplain Since the project area is not located within a floodplain, floodplains would not be affected by the proposed action or alternatives; therefore, detailed analysis of floodplains is not required Wetlands – Based upon a review of available data including United States Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) data (Appendix A – Exhibit 6.0) and United States Geologic Survey (USGS) topographic maps and site reconnaissance; no wetlands appear to be present Coastal Resources - The project area is located over 570 miles from the Texas Gulf Coast, and over 530 miles from the inland boundary of the Texas Coastal Management Zone (TCMZ) (Appendix A, Exhibit 10.0) Accordingly, the project area is not included within the area regulated under the Coastal Barriers Resources Act or the Coastal Zone Management Act Electromagnetic Fields and Interference (EMF) - No EMF transmitting objects such as overhead high-voltage electric transmission lines, substations, cell or microwave towers will be installed as part of the Proposed Action; therefore, detailed analysis of EMF is not required Corridor Analysis – A corridor analysis is not applicable for this project area as it does not follow a linear path nor have large electrical transmission lines, telecommunication cables, water or waste water pipelines leading to or away from it; therefore, a detailed analysis is not required Transportation- The town of Langston is bordered to the north by US Highway 33 Mass transit is not available within Langston The other streets within town are connectors and residential streets with an average speed limit of 30 miles per hour A traffic study of the area has not been conducted; however, it does not appear that these roads become congested with traffic Under the Proposed Action, no street closures are anticipated The residential structures located in the vicinity have adequate access to alternate routes; therefore, no impact would be anticipated to business owners, patrons, or property owners who require access on Douglas Avenue or Langston avenue Additionally, with the availability of roads leading north and south immediately adjacent W Washington Boulevard, all areas will remain accessible Based upon access to optional routes and no direct impact to businesses and residents on S Douglas Ave, no short- or long-term impact to transportation is anticipated Terracon Project 04197125 Draft Environmental Assessment January 20, 2021 Langston University Horticulture Facility Langston, Logan County, Oklahoma 3.8.1.3 Mitigation / Management Measures No Mitigation or Management Measures are anticipated to be required to reduce impacts to less than significant levels Noise 3.8.2.1 Affected Environment Noise is generally defined as unwanted sound Sound is most commonly measured in decibels (dB) on the A-weighted scale, which is the scale most similar to the range of sounds that the human ear can hear The Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) is an average measure of sound The DNL descriptor is accepted by federal agencies as a standard for estimating sound impacts and establishing guidelines for compatible land uses EPA guidelines, and those of many other federal agencies, state that outdoor sound levels in excess of 55 dB DNL are “normally unacceptable” for noise-sensitive land uses such as residences, schools, or hospitals Existing sources of noise in the immediate proposed project site vicinity include traffic noise from State Highway 74 3.8.2.2 Environmental Consequences No Action Alternative Under the no action alternative, no changes to noise or light are anticipated Preferred Alternative Increases in noise levels would occur in the immediate vicinity of the proposed project site during the construction phase However, adherence to appropriate Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards would protect the workforce from excessive noise (29 CFR 1926.52) Noise impacts during construction of the proposed project would be short-term in duration and limited to daytime hours Construction of the parking area would involve clearing, grading, and excavating of the land for the paved parking surface Equipment used for proposed parking area construction would include dump trucks, bulldozers, and excavators Outdoor receptors would be minimally exposed to indoor noise generated during the proposed renovation of the existing building Construction-related noise impacts are temporary in nature and would not expose people residing or working in the area to noise levels significantly above background During operation of the proposed horticulture facility, there would be an anticipated increase in traffic and associated noise These traffic noise levels are not anticipated to be greater than ambient noise levels from traffic along U.S Highway 33 No short- or long-term significant impacts to noise levels and aesthetics are anticipated Terracon Project 04197125 32 Draft Environmental Assessment January 20, 2021 Langston University Horticulture Facility Langston, Logan County, Oklahoma 3.8.2.3 Mitigation / Management Measures Construction will take place during normal business hours and equipment will meet all local, state, and federal noise regulations Noise and light impacts to receptors in the immediate vicinity are likely to be minimal and not distinguishable above the ambient levels No mitigation or management measures are anticipated at this time Aesthetics 3.8.3.1 Affected Environment Langston is located within the Cross Timbers eco-region; which is a transition area between the once prairie, now winter wheat growing regions to the west, and the forested low mountains or hills of eastern Oklahoma and Texas The town of Langston consists of single-family homes, commercial buildings, a university and associated recreational facilities Lake Langston is located southwest of the town, with Fitzgerald Creek bounding the west of the town United States Highway 33 runs east/west along the north of the city The town generally slopes to the south with a change in topography of approximately 30-60 feet The proposed project site is located west of the center of Langston The site is currently a vacant tract of land with a wooded area along the north boundary (see site photos in Appendix B) The eastern, southern and western boundaries of the project area abut agricultural land, with an existing roadway adjacent to the northern boundary The site does not include, nor can it be seen from federal scenic byways Noise and light receptors surrounding the proposed project site include a residence approximately 400 feet southeast of the southeastern most corner of the proposed project site, and a residence approximately 300 feet northeast of the northeastern most corner of the site The southern and western boundaries of the study area are surrounded by vacant land Existing sources of light in the immediate site vicinity include intermittent light from the University main campus north the site, streetlights along State Highway 74, parking lot lighting at the residential neighborhood to the northeast 3.8.3.2 Environmental Consequences No Action Alternative Under the no action alternative, no changes to visual resources are anticipated Preferred Alternative The location for the proposed action is within an undeveloped area, but surrounded by residential and university buildings to the north and east with rural/undeveloped areas to the south and west, with no unique viewsheds related to national or state designated scenic byways present; therefore, no long-term impacts are anticipated Short-term visual impacts within the area of Terracon Project 04197125 33 Draft Environmental Assessment January 20, 2021 Langston University Horticulture Facility Langston, Logan County, Oklahoma disturbance during the construction of the proposed action may occur during construction due to the presence of machinery and work equipment The project area has residential buildings to the east Construction activities will begin early in the morning and continue during daylight hours, obstructing views and traffic Based upon the lack of unique viewsheds and surrounding land use and the short-term impacts associated with construction that can be mitigated if apparent, no significant impacts are anticipated Security lighting and signage installed for the proposed horticulture facility would likely result in increased light at night Lighting would be needed for site security and to ensure the safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors The level of light generated by the preferred alternative is not likely to be perceptible to receptors past the ambient existing light levels in the vicinity 3.8.3.3 Mitigation / Management Measures No visual resource mitigation or management measures are anticipated at this time The design of the facility and the ancillary structures (green houses and storage buildings) considered, the agricultural nature, history of the University, as well as the facades and designs of existing buildings on campus to minimize impacts to aesthetics and match the designs of the other buildings Public Health and Safety 3.8.4.1 Affected Environment Health and safety concerns for the project area would largely include traffic hazards from the type and number of vehicles and equipment that would be using the existing roads The nearest home is approximately 500 feet southeast of the proposed project site and there are approximately 68 housing units within a half-mile radius (See EJScreen Report in Appendix F.) The proposed project site is served by local municipal fire and police services, and private ambulance service Law enforcement duties in the proposed project site vicinity are primarily with the City of Langston Police Department, Langston University Police Department, and the Logan County Sheriff’s Department 3.8.4.2 Environmental Consequences No Action Alternative Under the no action alternative, no changes to public health and safety are anticipated Preferred Alternative Construction and operation of the proposed facility is not anticipated to negatively affect fire, police, transportation or medical, services The use of hazardous materials during the Terracon Project 04197125 34 Draft Environmental Assessment January 20, 2021 Langston University Horticulture Facility Langston, Logan County, Oklahoma implementation of the Proposed Action is expected to be limited to construction vehicle maintenance (fuel, oils, and lubricants) activities, construction materials (adhesives, sealants, etc.) These materials would be required to be properly contained, manifested, and managed in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations No short-term term impacts are anticipated, and positive long-term impacts are anticipated with the educational opportunities being created 3.8.4.3 Mitigation / Management Measures The proposed facilities would enact emergency action and safety plans to help ensure the safety of students, faculty, staff, or visitors on the site Security plans and qualified security staff would be employed by the University to monitor the premises for illegal activities and protect students, staff, faculty, and visitors from violent crime Climate Change 3.8.5.1 Affected Environment Climate change refers to any significant changes in average climatic conditions (such as mean temperature, precipitation, or wind) or variability (such as seasonality, storm frequency, etc.) lasting for an extended period (decades or longer) Recent reports by the U.S Climate Change Science Program, the National Academy of Sciences, and the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2014) provide evidence that climate change is occurring and may accelerate in the coming decades Strong evidence supports global climate change being driven by human activities worldwide, primarily the burning of fossil fuels and tropical deforestation These activities release carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases, commonly called “greenhouse gases,” into the atmosphere (IPCC 2007, 2014) 3.8.5.2 Environmental Consequences No Action Alternative Under the no action alternative, no additional contributors to climate change are anticipated Preferred Alternative There are no anticipated impacts to climate change or greenhouse gas generation The operation of the Proposed Action would generate some greenhouse gasses from the use of natural gas for heating, but not in a significant amount to impact climate change The greenhouse gasses associated with construction equipment may cause a temporary increase in local emissions during the construction phase The overall project may aid in reducing greenhouse gasses from vehicles by providing an opportunity to advance efficiency in agricultural production techniques, livestock grazing, the potential reduction of student/faculty travel to comparable facilities While directly combating climate change, including slowing the rate of sea level rise, is beyond the resources of the proposed project, evaluating impacts on the agricultural education industry, Terracon Project 04197125 35 Draft Environmental Assessment January 20, 2021 Langston University Horticulture Facility Langston, Logan County, Oklahoma energy consumption, and using management actions to mitigate for those impacts are valid management issues/endeavors Due to the size of the proposed facility, the proposed project would not cause a significant impact to climate change 3.8.5.3 Mitigation / Management Measures No Mitigation or Management Measures are anticipated to be required to reduce impacts to less than significant levels Implementing BMPs associated with reducing the emissions of vehicles and equipment during the construction phase of the proposed undertaking such as properly maintaining engines and limiting idle time is recommended Hazardous Materials 3.8.6.1 Regulatory Setting Hazardous materials are defined by 49 CFR section 171.8 as “hazardous substances, hazardous wastes, elevated temperature materials, materials designated as hazardous in the Hazardous Materials Table, and materials that meet the defining criteria for hazard classes and divisions in 49 CFR part 173.” Hazardous wastes are defined by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), as amended by the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments, as: “a solid waste, or combination of solid wastes, which because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics may (A) cause, or significantly contribute to, an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible, or incapacitating reversible, illness; or (B) pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, or disposed of, or otherwise managed.” Special hazards are those substances that might pose a risk to human health and are addressed separately from other hazardous substances Special hazards include asbestos-containing material (ACM) and lead-based paint (LBP) USEPA is given authority to regulate special hazard substances by the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Asbestos is also regulated by USEPA under the Clean Air Act, and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act 3.8.6.2 Affected Environment Hazardous materials storage contamination or recognized environmental conditions (RECs) are not known to be present on the project site Terracon Project 04197125 36 Draft Environmental Assessment January 20, 2021 Langston University Horticulture Facility Langston, Logan County, Oklahoma 3.8.6.3 Environmental Consequences No Action Alternative Under the no action alternative, no hazardous materials are anticipated to be present on the project site Preferred Alternative Implementation of the Preferred Alternative has the potential to introduce hazardous materials such as fuels, lubricating oils, and antifreeze used for vehicles and equipment during construction of the on-site buildings and after the facility is operating including performing maintenance activities Any hazardous waste generated would be disposed of in a manner consistent with federal, state, and local regulations After the facility is in operation, any hazardous waste generated by maintenance activities would be disposed of according to applicable laws and regulations Through the use of best management practices during the use, storage, and disposition of wastes no short- or long-term impact is anticipated 3.8.6.4 Mitigation / Management Measures Waste generated during the construction of the proposed project would be managed in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations A spill kit would be maintained at the site during renovation activities and during day-to-day operations 3.9 Cumulative Impacts Affected Environment A cumulative impact is the impact on the environment which results from the incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions [Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ)] Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time (40 CFR §1508.7) Potential area develops that could result in cumulative impacts are discussed below There are no known major projects in the vicinity of the proposed project area proposed for the immediate future Environmental Consequences No Action Alternative Under the no action alternative, there would be no cumulative effects as no impacts would occur Preferred Alternative There will be some impacts of small significance during construction of the facility and in the general area within and near residential development, which will consist mostly of short-term noise and dust levels Positive cumulative impacts include providing an opportunity to researchers, instructors, and students to engage in meaningful greenhouse studies, Terracon Project 04197125 37 Draft Environmental Assessment January 20, 2021 Langston University Horticulture Facility Langston, Logan County, Oklahoma demonstrations, and instruction and participate more fully in the production of human capital in food and agricultural science These positive economic impacts would result in increased positive economic impacts in the area, while not contributing to negative environmental impacts by implementing the proposed project Mitigation / Management Measures No mitigation or management measures are proposed Foreseeable projects would be compatible with expanding capacities of existing industrial and commercial operations These expansions in combination with the proposed project would not lead to increased cumulative effects on the environment Terracon Project 04197125 38 Draft Environmental Assessment January 20, 2021 4.0 Langston University Horticulture Facility Langston, Logan County, Oklahoma CONSULTATION AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT A Request for Consultation to prepare this EA was provided to the following agencies on October 28, 2020, to the following contacts and agencies: Table 5: Consulting Agencies Consulting Entity Ms Catharine M Wood Historic Preservation Specialist, Oklahoma Historical Society Mr Max Bear THPO, Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma Mr Bobby Komardley Chairman, Apache Tribe of Oklahoma Mr Gary McAdams THPO, Wichita & Affiliated Tribes Ms Andrea A Hunter Director, THPO, Osage Nation Consultation Initiation Date October 28, 2020 October 28, 2020 October 28, 2020 October 28, 2020 October 28, 2020 Response November 24, 2020, January 15, 2021 No Response Provided No Response Provided No Response Provided No Response Provided Copies of correspondence are included in Appendix I A Notice of Availability (NOA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was prepared in conjunction with this EA report The EA was prepared and will be advertised for public comment Hard copies will be available for review at the Langston University office in Langston, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma The public will be invited to comment on the EA through an NOA published online and/or in the Guthrie News Leader newspaper The NOA will also be posted at the University office; and online Per 25 CFR 2.7, the comment period will last for 15 days after the EA becomes available for review Terracon Project 04197125 39 Draft Environmental Assessment January 20, 2021 5.0 Langston University Horticulture Facility Langston, Logan County, Oklahoma LIST OF PREPARERS Table lists preparers of this environmental assessment Resumes are included in Appendix L Table 6: Preparers of the Environmental Assessment Name Affiliation Title Responsibilities Jennifer Peters Terracon Consultants, Inc Group Manager, Senior Associate Senior Technical Report Review, Project Management Ann Scott Terracon Consultants, Inc Group Manager, Senior Associate, Principal Investigator Cultural Resources Report Preparation, Project Management Sara Holmgren Terracon Consultants, Inc Staff Geologist Report Preparation Nicole Marshall Terracon Consultants, Inc Field Scientist Report Preparation, Project Management Beth Valenzuela Terracon Consultants, Inc Project Scientist Historical Property Report Preparation Staff Scientist Cultural Resources Site Reconnaissance, Literature Review, Report Preparation Staff Scientist Cultural Resources Site Reconnaissance, Literature Review, Report Preparation Field Scientist Historical Property Site Reconnaissance, Report Preparation Victoria C Pagano Caitlin Gulihur Estefania Barreto Terracon Project 04197125 Terracon Consultants, Inc Terracon Consultants, Inc Terracon Consultants, Inc 40 Draft Environmental Assessment January 20, 2021 6.0 Langston University Horticulture Facility Langston, Logan County, Oklahoma REFERENCES 16 CFR §3501-3510, (https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/chapter-55), Accessed July 2020 36 CFR Part 800, as amended August 5, 2004, (http://www.achp.gov/regs-rev04.pdf), Accessed August 2020 CEQ 1997 Environmental Justice Guidance Under the National Environmental Policy Act Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) December 10, 1997 Available online at: http://ceq.hss.doe.gov/nepa/regs/ej/justice.pdf City of Langston: http://cityoflangston.com/more-about-langston/ Accessed June 7, 2020 EPA Guide to Groundwater Protection, (https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/201510/documents/2006_08_28_sourcewater_guide_citguidegwp_1990.pdf), Accessed July 2020 Executive Order 13112 – Invasive Species, February 8, 1999, (https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-1999-02-08/pdf/99-3184.pdf), Accessed June 2020 Federal Highway Administration America’s Byways (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/byways) Accessed July 30, 2020 FEMA Flood Map Service Center, (httpsmsc.fema.gov/portal/home ) FIRM No 40083C0300F effective September 29, 2010 General Land Office: GIS Maps and Data, (http://www.glo.texas.gov/land/landmanagement/gis/), Accessed July 2020 Harris, Cyril M., Johnson, D.L., A.H Marsh, Inverse Square Law of Noise Propagation Handbook of Acoustical Measurements and Noise Control New York: Columbia University 1991 https://www.deq.ok.gov/water-quality-division/wastewater-stormwater/stormwaterpermitting/okr10-construction-stormwater/ accessed August 2020 https://www.ok.gov/odot/Programs_and_Projects/index.html accessed August 2020 https://www.okinvasives.org/ Accessed July 2020 International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Differences between Outdoor and Indoor Sound Levels for Open, Tilted, and Closed Windows Published: 18 January 2018 Terracon Project 04197125 41 Draft Environmental Assessment January 20, 2021 Langston University Horticulture Facility Langston, Logan County, Oklahoma IPCC, 2014 Fifth Assessment Report Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability Available online at: http://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/wg2/ Accessed July 22, 2020 Logan County Assessor’s Office Online Property Search (https://www.logancountyok.com/150/Assessor) Accessed July 2020 NRCS Web Soil Survey (https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx), Accessed June 2020 Occupational Safety and Health Administration Occupational noise exposure Standard Number 1926.52 https://www.osha.gov/lawsregs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.52 Accessed July 2020 OK ecological systems mapping interpretive booklet, (https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/magazine/InterpBook/), Accessed July 2020 Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation 2020 State Threatened and Endangered Species List https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/wildlife/wildlife-diversity/threatenedand-endangered, accessed July 2020 Oklahoma Natural Heritage Inventory Terracon consultation, July 29, 2020 Oklahoma Tourism Department (https://www.travelok.com/), Accessed June 2020 Section 106, National Historic Preservation Act, Summary, (http://www.achp.gov/106summary.html), Accessed August 2020 Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture Web Soil Survey Available online at the following link: https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/ Accessed August 3, 2020 Title CFR § 4201 (c)(1)(A) U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics https://data.bls.gov/cew/apps/data_views/data_views.htm#tab=Tables U.S Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2013-2017 Accessed August 2, 2020 Terracon Project 04197125 42 Draft Environmental Assessment January 20, 2021 Langston University Horticulture Facility Langston, Logan County, Oklahoma U.S Census Bureau U.S Census QuickFacts, 2010 Census Data Accessed August 2, 2020 U.S Department of Health and Human Services 2019 Poverty Guidelines https://aspe.hhs.gov/2019-poverty-guidelines Accessed August 2, 2020 U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development., Noise Abatement and Control Guidance at: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/comm_planning/environment/review/ noise#acceptability U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Current Nonattainment Counties for All Criteria Pollutants https://www3.epa.gov/airquality/greenbook/ancl.html, accessed July 30, 2020 U.S Fish and Wildlife Service – Information for Planning and Consultation, Consultation Code: 02EKOK00-2020-SLI-2499 Event Code: 02EKOK00-2020-E-06212 (https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/), July 2020 U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wetland Inventory Oklahoma State Dataset, downloaded September 20, 2018, accessed June 2020 U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wildlife Refuge System Map, downloaded June 30, 2020 U.S Geological Survey, 2018, National Hydrography Dataset (ver USGS National Hydrography Dataset Best Resolution (NHD) for Hydrologic Unit (HU) - 2001 (published June 15, 2018)), accessed August 2020 United States Census Bureau American Fact Finder, Town of Langston, Oklahoma (https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/community_facts.xhtml) United States Department of Agricultural Formally Classified Lands, (http://rd.usda.gov/files/TX_7FormallyClassifiedLands.pdf), Accessed June 2020 Includes conservation easements, mitigation banks, private land trusts, etc United States Fish and Wildlife Service – Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C 668668c), (https://www.fws.gov/midwest/midwestbird/eaglepermits/bagepa.html), Accessed June 2020 United States Geological Survey, Langston, OK 7.5 Minutes Quadrangle 2012 Terracon Project 04197125 43 Draft Environmental Assessment January 20, 2021 Langston University Horticulture Facility Langston, Logan County, Oklahoma University of Missouri Resource Assessment Partnership (MoRAP), https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/lands-and-minerals/eco-system-mapping/) Accessed July 2020 US Environmental Protection Agency EJSCREEN: Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool (https://ejscreen.epa.gov/mapper/) USDA Geospatial Data Gateway Download, (https://datagateway.nrcs.usda.gov/), Accessed July 2020 USFWS Website (https://www.fws.gov/birds/policies-and-regulations/lawslegislations/migratory-bird-treaty-act.php), Accessed June 4, 2018 USGS Hydrologic Unit Maps, (https://water.usgs.gov/GIS/huc.html), Accessed on June 2020 USGS Protected Lands Database of the U.S., (http://www.protectedlands.net/about/), Accessed June 2020 USGS, 2016 https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/1996/ofr96-454/ Terracon Project 04197125 44 Draft Environmental Assessment January 20, 2021 7.0 Langston University Horticulture Facility Langston, Logan County, Oklahoma LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS amsl bgs BIA BMPs CEQ CFR CIR CWA DNRC EA EPA ESA FAA FEMA FONSI GWIC IPaC MBMG MDEQ NEPA NPDES NOA NOI NRCS NWI PM2.5 PM10 SHPO T&E THPO USACE USFWS USGS above mean sea level below ground surface Bureau of Indian Affairs Best Management Practices Council on Environmental Quality Code of Federal Regulations Crow Indian Reservation Clean Water Act Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Environmental Assessment Environmental Protection Agency Endangered Species Act Federal Aviation Administration Federal Emergency Management Agency Finding of No Significant Impact Ground Water Information Center Information for Planning and Conservation Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology Montana Department of Environmental Quality National Environmental Policy Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Notice of Availability Notice of Intent Natural Resources Conservation Service National Wetlands Inventory particulate matter under 2.5 microns particulate matter under 10 microns State Historic Preservation Office Threatened and Endangered Tribal Historic Preservation Office U.S Army Corps of Engineers U.S Fish and Wildlife Service U.S Geological Survey Terracon Project 04197125 45 ... Langston University Horticulture Facility January 20, 2021 1.0 1.1 INTRODUCTION Background The development of alternatives and design work for the proposed Langston Horticulture Facility is underway... §1500 Alternative 2: (Preferred Alternative) The new Horticulture Facility (Proposed Action) would include the construction of two buildings, a Facility Headhouse, approximately 4,266 square feet,... Alternative The proposed horticulture facility would create an increased demand for potable water to service the students, faculty, staff and visitors and maintain the facility The greenhouse