Environmental Assessment

MERIDIAN HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS COURTS

A conversion of land protected under Section 6(f)3 of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, Public Law 108-198

June 2011

For information contact: Joint School District No. 2 Attn: Wayne Hanners, Supervisor of Operations 2301 E. Lanark St. Meridian, ID 83642 208-350-5217 (phone) 208-888-5117 (fax) [email protected]

Submitted to: Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Attn: Kathy Muir, State and Federal Grant Manager P.O. Box 83720 Boise, ID Box 83720-0065 208-514-2431 (phone) [email protected]

For: The National Park Service Pacific West Regional Office 909 First Avenue Seattle, WA 98104-1060

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), Stateside Assistance grant program, provides funds to states, and through states to local agencies, for the acquisition and development of outdoor recreation resources. Lands that have received funding through LWCF are protected by section 6(f)3 of the Act unless a conversion is approved by the Secretary of the Interior as delegated to the National Park Service.

Environmental Assessment

Meridian High School Tennis Courts

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Meridian School District proposes to remove federal protection from 0.47 acres of an existing Land and Water Conservation Fund parcel, which includes the Meridian High School tennis courts, and replace it with a 0.47 acre parcel immediately west of the tennis courts. The purpose of this project is to allow the Ada County Highway District to widen and improve a portion of Linder Road, realign the approach to Meridian High School, install bike lanes, and add signals at a nearby intersection. This action is needed to accommodate increased traffic loads and to improve safety for students, pedestrians, and drivers. This Environmental Assessment (EA) is required to help the National Park Service evaluate the environmental consequences of the proposed action on the human environment and allow the affected public to understand the context for the proposed action. Chapter 1 describes the project location and setting; the purpose and need for the project, and the issues considered when developing alternatives. Chapter 2 provides a discussion of all alternatives presented. Alternatives considered in this EA include Alternative A, which consists of no action, and Alternative B, which consists of replacing the currently protected 0.47-acre parcel with a similar 0.47-acre parcel to the west of the tennis courts. An additional alternative of widening the east side of Linder Road was considered but eliminated from detailed analysis because of right-of-way impacts to nearby homes and businesses. Chapter 3 of this EA discusses in detail the following potential resources that may be affected by the proposed alternatives: • • • • • • • • •

geological, cultural, energy, and biological resources air and water quality and hydrology noise land use transportation recreation socioeconomics aesthetics hazardous materials

An analysis of environmental impact follows the description of each affected environment in Chapter 3. Alternative A causes negligible or no impact to any of the affected environments but does nothing to accommodate increased traffic to the area or to protect students, pedestrians, and drivers. Alternative B has the potential to cause minor impacts to air quality, noise, and aesthetics, but these impacts are either temporary or easily mitigated. Chapter 4 outlines the consultation and coordination undertaken as part of the project, including persons, agencies, and organizations contacted for information and assistance in identifying issues, developing alternatives, and analyzing impacts. Public involvement is also described, including public notices. Chapter 5 lists references used for the environmental analysis. Based on the effects of the two alternatives, the Meridian School District requests that the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation forward a recommendation to the National Park Service to approve Alternative B.

i

Environmental Assessment

Meridian High School Tennis Courts

TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................... i  Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................... ii  List of Figures .............................................................................................................................. iv  Chapter 1. Purpose, Need, and Background ................................................................................. 1  1.1. 

Purpose and Need for Action ......................................................................................... 1 

1.2. 

Location and Setting ...................................................................................................... 2 

Chapter 2. Description of Alternatives ......................................................................................... 6  2.1. 

Alternative A—No Action ............................................................................................. 6 

2.2. 

Alternative B—Proposed Alternative ............................................................................ 6 

2.3. 

Other Alternatives .......................................................................................................... 7 

Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Impacts ................................................... 8  3.1 

Geological Resources ..................................................................................................... 8 

3.1.1 

Affected Environment............................................................................................. 8 

3.1.2 

Environmental Effects ............................................................................................ 9 

3.2 

Air Quality...................................................................................................................... 9 

3.2.1 

Affected Environment............................................................................................. 9 

3.2.2 

Environmental Effects ............................................................................................ 9 

3.3 

Noise ............................................................................................................................ 10 

3.3.1 

Affected Environment........................................................................................... 10 

3.3.2 

Environmental Effects .......................................................................................... 10 

3.4 

Hydrology and Water Quality ...................................................................................... 11 

3.4.1 

Affected Environment........................................................................................... 11 

3.4.2 

Environmental Effects .......................................................................................... 12 

3.5 

Land Use and Planning ................................................................................................ 12 

3.5.1 

Affected Environment........................................................................................... 12 

3.5.2 

Environmental Effects .......................................................................................... 12 

3.6 

Transportation and Traffic ........................................................................................... 13 

3.6.1 

Affected Environment........................................................................................... 13 

3.6.2 

Environmental Effects .......................................................................................... 13 

3.7 

Biological Resources .................................................................................................... 13 

3.7.1 

Affected Environment........................................................................................... 13 

ii

Environmental Assessment

3.7.2  3.8 

Meridian High School Tennis Courts

Environmental Effects .......................................................................................... 14 

Recreation..................................................................................................................... 14 

3.8.1 

Affected Environment........................................................................................... 14 

3.8.2 

Environmental Effects .......................................................................................... 14 

3.9 

Aesthetics ..................................................................................................................... 15 

3.9.1 

Affected Environment........................................................................................... 15 

3.9.2 

Environmental Effects .......................................................................................... 15 

3.10  Cultural Resources ....................................................................................................... 15  3.10.1  Affected Environment........................................................................................... 15  3.10.2  Environmental Effects .......................................................................................... 16  3.11  Socioeconomics ............................................................................................................ 16  3.11.1  Affected Environment........................................................................................... 16  3.11.2  Environmental Effects .......................................................................................... 16  3.12  Energy Resources ......................................................................................................... 16  3.12.1  Affected Environment........................................................................................... 16  3.12.2  Environmental Effects .......................................................................................... 16  3.13  Hazardous Materials..................................................................................................... 17  3.13.1  Affected Environment........................................................................................... 17  3.13.2  Environmental Effects .......................................................................................... 17  3.14  Mandatory Criteria ....................................................................................................... 17  3.14.1  Environmental Effects .......................................................................................... 17  Chapter 4. Coordination and Consultation.................................................................................. 18  Consultation ............................................................................................................................ 18  Public Comment ...................................................................................................................... 18  Chapter 5. 

References ............................................................................................................. 19 

iii

Environmental Assessment

Meridian High School Tennis Courts

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Proposed project development plan for LWCF #16-00271 Conversion for Meridian Joint School District No. 2 prepared by The Land Group, Inc., for the Ada County Highway District. ......................................................................................................................................... 2  Figure 2. Regional location map (Source: Google Maps) ........................................................... 3  Figure 3. Vicinity map (Source: Google Maps)........................................................................... 3  Figure 4. Land use planning map (Source: City of Meridian 2011) ............................................ 4  Figure 5. Planning and Zoning Map (Source: City of Meridian 2010) ....................................... 5  Figure 6. Existing conditions (Source: Google Maps)................................................................. 6  Figure 7. Flood map (Source: FEMA 2003) .............................................................................. 11 

iv

Environmental Assessment

Meridian High School Tennis Courts

CHAPTER 1. PURPOSE, NEED, AND BACKGROUND 1.1.

Purpose and Need for Action

In 1978, Joint School District No. 2 (Meridian School District) received a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant for the design and construction of six tennis courts and a comfort station/restrooms at Meridian High School, thereby protecting it for public outdoor recreation under section 6(f)3 of the LWCF Act. Section 6(f)3 requires that protected parkland that is converted to a use other than outdoor recreation be replaced with property that is of at least equal fair market value and equivalent recreation utility as the property that was converted. The replacement property must constitute a viable recreation unit or be acquired as an addition to an existing recreation unit. Development of the replacement property may be required to ensure that a level of recreation utility is achieved similar to what was lost at the converted site. This Environmental Assessment (EA) is required to help the National Park Service (NPS) evaluate the environmental consequences of the proposed action on the human environment using the NPS Environmental Screening Form (Appendix A) and allow the affected public to understand the context for the proposed action. The Meridian School District proposes to remove federal protection from 0.47 acres of the existing LWCF parcel, which includes the Meridian High School tennis courts, and replace it with a 0.47-acre parcel immediately west of the tennis courts. Figure 1 depicts the proposed site development plan for the new courts. Although the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) requested, and was granted, approval to declare the restrooms obsolete in June 2007, the new boundary includes the restrooms on the north side of the tennis courts. By moving two tennis courts to the west side of the boundary, the school district would be giving up a small portion of their parking lot and improving an area that is currently a vacant lot. The purpose of this project is to allow the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) to widen and improve a portion of Linder Road, realign the approach to Meridian High School, install bike lanes, and add signalization at a nearby intersection. These actions are needed to accommodate increased traffic loads and to improve safety for students, pedestrians, and drivers. The ACHD and Meridian High School have negotiated the acquisition of property and the replacement of the two affected tennis courts on the east side of the six-court facility with two equally constructed tennis courts on the west side of the four unaffected courts. The Meridian School District plans to complete construction of two tennis courts and related improvements during the 2012 summer break. The current boundary of the Meridian High School tennis courts is depicted in Figure 1. Figure 1 depicts the east side of the boundary that would be converted and the west side of the boundary that would replace the LWCF parcel and remain protected by section 6(f)3 if the conversion is approved (Appendices B and C).

1

Environmental Assessment

Meridian High School Tennis Courts

Figure 1. Proposed project development plan for Land and Water Conservation Fund #16-00271 conversion for Joint School District No. 2 prepared by The Land Group, Inc., for the Ada County Highway District

1.2.

Location and Setting

The City of Meridian (City) is located in Ada County in southwestern Idaho. It is situated within the Treasure Valley. Interstate 84—a major east-west freeway through Idaho—bisects the southern portion of the City (Figure 2). The nearest cities are Boise, located approximately 10 miles to the east; Nampa, located approximately 13 miles to the west; and Eagle, located approximately 7 miles to the north. According to the City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan, the City has a population of over 70,000 residents and is the third largest city in Idaho (City of Meridian 2011). Meridian has the largest school district in Idaho. In 2011, enrollment at Meridian High School was 1,445 students. Student population is currently holding steady or expected to decline slightly. The project site is located on the southeast corner of West Pine Avenue and North Linder Road (Figure 3). The project site is described as lying in a portion of the Southeast ¼ of the Northeast ¼ of Section 11, Township 3 North, Range 1 West. The project site is bounded by private residential use immediately adjacent on the south side; light industrial use to the south; residential use to the north and east; and agricultural use to the west. The Rutledge Lateral irrigation canal runs along the southern property line. Although the canal runs underground through most of the property, it is an open water ditch near the west side of the property.

2

Environmental Assessment

Meridian High School Tennis Courts

Figure 2. Regional location map (Source: Google Maps)

Figure 3. Vicinity map (Source: Google Maps)

3

Environmental Assessment

Meridian High School Tennis Courts

The City of Meridian Future Land Use Map has designated the site as School (Figure 4). The project site is zoned as Medium-Low Density Residential according to the City of Meridian Zoning Map (Figure 5). Medium-Low Density Residential zoning provides for the development of single-family homes on large and smaller lots where urban services are provided (City of Meridian 2011).

Figure 4. Land use planning map (Source: City of Meridian 2011)

4

Environmental Assessment

Meridian High School Tennis Courts

Figure 5. Planning and Zoning Map (Source: City of Meridian 2010)

5

Environmental Assessment

Meridian High School Tennis Courts

CHAPTER 2. DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVES 2.1.

Alternative A—No Action

Under the No Action Alternative (Alternative A), landownership would remain the same, the existing tennis courts would remain, and no new tennis courts would be constructed (Figure 6). This alternative was not selected as the proposed alternative because without additional land along Linder Road, the ACHD could not proceed with the proposed improvements to accommodate the increasing traffic and protect the safety of students, pedestrians, and drivers in support of the City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan (City of Meridian 2011).

Figure 6. Existing conditions (Source: Google Maps)

2.2.

Alternative B—Proposed Alternative

The Meridian School District proposes to remove federal protection from 0.47 acres of the existing LWCF parcel, which includes the Meridian High School tennis courts, and replace it with a 0.47-acre parcel immediately west of the tennis courts. Figure 3 displays the location of the proposed conversion site. Figure 1 depicts the proposed site development plan for the new courts, including the existing 6(f)3 boundary with an overlay of the proposed conversion area. The purpose of this project is to allow ACHD to widen and improve a portion of Linder Road, realign the approach to Meridian High School, install bike lanes, and add signalization at a 6

Environmental Assessment

Meridian High School Tennis Courts

nearby intersection. These actions are needed to accommodate increased traffic loads and to improve safety for students, pedestrians, and drivers. The ACHD and the Meridian High School have negotiated the acquisition of the property and the replacement of the two affected tennis courts on the east side of the six-court facility with two equally constructed tennis courts on the west side of the four unaffected courts. The four unaffected tennis courts would remain as tennis courts and would not be impacted, displaced, or lost by the proposed conversion. The Meridian School District plans to complete construction of two tennis courts and related improvements during summer 2012 (Figure 1). According to an appraisal conducted by Calhoun & Wright, LLC, the value of the project site before conversion is $76,800. After conversion, the value of the project site would be $78,126; thus, the conversion would not result in a loss in fair market value (Calhoun 2010). Suzi Pengilly, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer at the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office, was consulted regarding any historic structures or cultural resources located on or near the project site.

2.3.

Other Alternatives

In addition to the proposed action, the ACHD also evaluated widening Linder Road on the east side rather than on Meridian School District’s property to the west. However, this alternative would require right-of-way impacts to 10 homes and 3 businesses, so it was not carried forward for detailed environmental analysis.

7

Environmental Assessment

Meridian High School Tennis Courts

CHAPTER 3. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS According to the NPS Environmental Screening Form (Appendix A), each resource below addresses both the affected environment and the environmental consequences. The affected environment portion describes the existing characteristics of each resource within the project area that would be affected by the alternatives. The description is based on the best available data.

3.1 3.1.1

Geological Resources Affected Environment

A soil survey of Ada County was conducted in 1980 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Eleven distinct types of soils are found in Ada County, including medium-to-fine textured soils on the alluvial bottoms and lowlands and medium-to-moderately coarse textured soils on the alluvial terraces above the Boise River. The southern portion of the county has medium loess-like soils over Snake River basalt. Their composition is mainly coarse sand and gravel and all materials, except for the basalt, are relatively porous and permeable. According to the Custom Soil Resource Report for Ada County Area, Idaho (NRCS 2010), soils in the project area consist of abo silt loam and purdam silt loam at 0% to 2% slopes. According to the Soil Survey report of Ada County Area, Idaho, abo silt loam has the following characteristics (NRCS 2008): This soil is very deep and somewhat poorly drained. It formed in mixed alluvium in broad drainageways and on low alluvial terraces. The slope ranges from 0 to 3 percent. Permeability is moderately slow, and the available water capacity is very high. Runoff is slow, and the hazard of erosion is slight. Flooding is a hazard only if the amount of precipitation is unusually great. The use of this soil as sites for streets, sidewalks, driveways, and other paved surfaces is limited by a hazard of frost action. Suitable subgrade material can help offset this limitation. According to the Soil Survey report of Ada County Area, Idaho, abo silt loam has the following characteristics (NRCS 2008): This soil is moderately deep to a hardpan, and it is well drained. It formed in loess or silty alluvium that is underlain by mixed alluvium. It is on low alluvial terraces. Permeability is moderately slow above the hardpan and very slow through fractures in the hardpan. The available water capacity is high. Runoff is slow, and the hazard of erosion is slight. The low strength, frost action potential, and shrink-swell potential limit the construction of roads and streets. Suitable subgrade material can help offset these limitations.

8

Environmental Assessment

3.1.2

Meridian High School Tennis Courts

Environmental Effects

Alternative A No/Negligible Impacts—According to the Soil Survey report of Ada County Area, Idaho, soils in the project area are suitable for the existing tennis courts, providing suitable subgrade material was used. In addition, runoff is slow, and the hazard of erosion is slight (NRCS 2008). Therefore, no impacts are anticipated should the existing tennis courts and lawn landscape remain. Alternative B No/Negligible Impacts—According to the Soil Survey report of Ada County Area, Idaho, soils in the project area are suitable for the construction of tennis courts, providing suitable subgrade material is used. In addition, runoff is slow, and the hazard of erosion is slight (NRCS 2008). Site topography is level and would remain level; therefore, no impacts from ground failure in the form of landslides are anticipated.

3.2 3.2.1

Air Quality Affected Environment

The rapid growth of Ada County, along with its location within the Boise River valley, has caused air pollution problems over the past 30 years. Carbon monoxide and particulate matter have been pollutants of particular concern. The course particulate matter (PM10) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) are set at 150 µg/m3 for the 24-hour average, measured from midnight to midnight, and 50 µg/m3 for the annual average, based on the calendar year. The northern Ada County area was formally designated as a moderate PM10 nonattainment area upon passage of the 1990 Clean Air Act. The Environmental Protection Agency rescinded the applicability of the PM10 NAAQS in northern Ada County in March 1999. Subsequent litigation led to a settlement agreement that required Idaho to submit a PM10 maintenance state implementation plan (SIP). According to the Northern Ada County PM10 SIP Maintenance Plan and Redesignation Request, four monitoring sites in northern Ada County with nine or more years of data from 1986 through 2002 indicate that since 1986, seven values exceeding the 24-hour standard have been recorded in the northern Ada County area. With one exception, all were measured in the winter and all before 1991. 3.2.2

Environmental Effects

Alternative A No/Negligible Impacts—Leaving the existing tennis courts would not impact air quality. Alternative B Minor Impacts—Construction-generated emissions are "short-term" and temporary but may potentially result in substantial increases in localized particulate matter (PM) concentrations; adverse health effects; and nuisance concerns, such as reduced visibility and soiling of exposed surfaces. PM emissions are typically greatest during initial site preparation, including grading and excavation activities. Construction-generated emissions of ozone precursor pollutants are also "short-term" and temporary. Asphalt use in paving emits organic gas for a short time after

9

Environmental Assessment

Meridian High School Tennis Courts

its application. Exhaust emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) would also occur associated with the use of motorized construction equipment and vehicles. Construction-generated PM concentrations would be minimized using dust control measures, such as spraying water on exposed surfaces, and the construction equipment required to grade and excavate the site would be minimal since only two tennis courts are being constructed. All construction activities would have less impact than the original construction of the six tennis courts and restroom facilities.

3.3 3.3.1

Noise Affected Environment

Noise is measured on a logarithmic scale of sound pressure level known as a decibel (dB), and the range of sound volumes is covered by the dB scale. A useful aspect of the dB scale is that changes in levels correspond closely to human perception of relative loudness. This correspondence is more closely approximated by weighing the frequency response of a sound level meter by means of the standardized A-weighing network. The A-weighted sound level is called the noise level and is referenced in units of dB(A). According to the Ada County Code (Ada County 2007), Between the hours of ten o'clock (10:00) P.M. one day and seven o'clock (7:00) A.M. the next day, it shall be unlawful for any person or business to make, cause, or allow loud or offensive noise by means of voice, musical instrument, horn, radio, loudspeaker, automobile, machinery, other sound amplifying equipment, domesticated animals, or any other means which disturbs the peace, quiet, and comfort of any reasonable person of normal sensitiveness residing in the area. Furthermore, the Ada County Code states, “Due to extreme heat during the summer months of June, July and August construction noise may begin at six o'clock (6:00) A.M.” (Ada County 2007). 3.3.2

Environmental Effects

Alternative A No/Negligible Impacts—No changes in noise levels are expected under Alternative A. Noise levels can be expected to remain the same as existing conditions. Alternative B Minor Impacts—During construction, noise levels may exceed those deemed offensive. However, this increase is temporary and would terminate once construction is complete. Furthermore, the project contractor would be required to comply with the Ada County Code, which limits construction activities to between the hours of 10:00 PM one day and 7:00 AM the next day. If construction occurs during the summer, it may begin at 6:00 AM as noted in the Ada County Code (Ada County 2007). The day-to-day activities occurring on the tennis courts would not generate noise levels above existing levels and would not negatively affect nearby sensitive receptors.

10

Environmental Assessment

3.4 3.4.1

Meridian High School Tennis Courts

Hydrology and Water Quality Affected Environment

The Rutledge Lateral irrigation canal runs along the southern property line. Although the canal is underground through most of the property, it is an open water ditch near the west side of the property. No other surface water occurs on the site. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Panel 16001C-0231H indicates the project site has minimal flood hazards and is located within Zone X (Figure 7) (FEMA 2003). Stormwater runoff water quality is regulated by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program. The NPDES program objective is to control and reduce pollutants to water bodies from surface water discharges. Compliance with the NPDES Permit is mandated by State and federal statutes and regulations. Currently, NPDES permits are not required for stormwater within the City of Meridian.

Figure 7. Flood map (Source: FEMA 2003)

11

Environmental Assessment

3.4.2

Meridian High School Tennis Courts

Environmental Effects

Alternative A No/Negligible Impacts—No changes in hydrology or water quality are expected under Alternative A. Alternative B No/Negligible Impacts—The site is currently developed and a minor reduction in paved areas is being proposed. Therefore, construction and use of the tennis courts would not alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area that would result in substantial erosion or siltation or flooding on- or off-site. The proposed project would not alter the course of a stream or river since neither a stream or a river is present on the project site. Although the Rutledge Lateral irrigation canal runs along the southern border of the property, the canal would not be altered or impacted by this project. The site is not located within a flood zone, and the tennis courts would not generate domestic-type wastewater or use domestic drinking water. Finally, NPDES permits are not required for stormwater within the City of Meridian, so construction runoff would not affect an NPDES permit.

3.5 3.5.1

Land Use and Planning Affected Environment

The project site is zoned as Medium-Low Density Residential (Figure 5) and designated as School in the “City of Meridian Future Land Use Map” (Figure 4). The replacement property is owned by the Meridian School District and is adjacent to the current property. The western portion of the property is currently part of the parking area for Meridian High School, and the southern portion is currently part of a vacant lot owned by the Meridian School District for expansion. 3.5.2

Environmental Effects

Alternative A No/Negligible Impacts—Zoning designation remains the same under Alternative A. Alternative B No/Negligible Impacts—Conducting a land transfer and constructing the tennis courts at Meridian High School is in response to growth in the community. The expansion area is directly adjacent to the existing campus and surrounded by land that is used for residential/urban use. The proposed construction of tennis courts is a permitted use on property zoned as Medium-Low Density Residential. Furthermore, the land use designation for this site is School. The project site would not be rezoned for the project, and development at this site would not conflict with any applicable land use plan or policy.

12

Environmental Assessment

3.6 3.6.1

Meridian High School Tennis Courts

Transportation and Traffic Affected Environment

Access to the project site is located along the west side of Linder Road, a section line road. The property has primary exposure and secondary access to Linder Road. The project site has access by Warrior Drive, an interior private street that serves the Meridian High School campus. The Meridian High School has been designed for a student enrollment capacity of 1,850 students; current enrollment is 1,445 students. 3.6.2

Environmental Effects

Alternative A No/Negligible Impacts—Keeping the existing tennis courts would not directly affect existing transportation or traffic. Alternative B No/Negligible Impacts—The land transfer and construction of new tennis courts would not affect the regular daily operation of Meridian High School by increasing enrollment or creating a venue for activities that would otherwise not occur at the site, and the long-term traffic conditions for the area are not projected to be substantially different from current conditions. Furthermore, the proposed project would utilize existing access road and circulation patterns. Therefore, the proposed project does not include any design features that would increase hazards to traffic or incompatible uses nor would it impact existing transit systems. Although the project would remove approximately five parking spaces from the parking lot, the school was designed for a student enrollment capacity of 1,850 students; current enrollment is 1,445 students. Removing five parking spaces would not affect parking availability at the Meridian High School.

3.7 3.7.1

Biological Resources Affected Environment

The project site is bounded by private residential use immediately adjacent on the south side; light industrial use to the south; residential use to the north and east; and agricultural use to the west. The parcel proposed for transfer is immediately adjacent to the existing campus and contains several trees that would need to be removed. A search of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service threatened and endangered species database lists the yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) as a candidate species, bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) as a threatened species, and slickspot peppergrass (Lepidium papilliferum) as a threatened species (USFWS 2011). No streams or wetlands are located on the proposed parcel.

13

Environmental Assessment

3.7.2

Meridian High School Tennis Courts

Environmental Effects

Alternative A No/Negligible Impacts—Environmental effects to biological resources would remain unchanged under Alternative A. Alternative B No/Negligible Impacts—A search of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service endangered species database was conducted. However, because construction would occur in a developed school environment over landscaped grass areas and a paved parking lot, the project would not have a substantial adverse effect on any species identified during this search. Furthermore, because the project is surrounded by existing urbanized uses, no migratory wildlife corridors exist on the site, and the proposed land transfer and construction would not interfere with the movement of wildlife species, affect established wildlife corridors, or impede the use of wildlife nursery sites. Transfer of the land parcels and construction of the proposed tennis courts would not have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations or by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The project would not conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources. The proposed project would not have substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands since no wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act occur on or near the project site. The project would not introduce or promote invasive species since construction equipment would not be travelling off-site during construction, which would limit the opportunity for introducing invasive species, and the resulting tennis courts would not be an environment that would promote the growth of invasive plant species.

3.8 3.8.1

Recreation Affected Environment

The subject property contains a six-tennis court facility with a restroom. The courts are concrete with a special surface and steel bollards for net standards that are typical of a tennis court. The facility has a 12-foot perimeter fence in place. The restrooms include separate male and female restrooms and are constructed of concrete block with a flat built-up roof. According to the 2006–2010 Idaho Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, 8.8% of Idahoans participate in tennis as an activity (IDPR 2006). 3.8.2

Environmental Effects

Alternative A No/Negligible Impacts—No changes in recreation would be made under Alternative A.

14

Environmental Assessment

Meridian High School Tennis Courts

Alternative B No/Negligible Impacts—The ACHD and the Meridian High School have negotiated the transfer of the property and the replacement of the two affected tennis courts on the east side of the six-court facility with two equally constructed tennis courts on the west side of the four unaffected courts. The project site contains six courts before the proposed action and would contain six courts after the proposed action. Both parties agree and intend to replace the affected courts with replacement courts that are as good or better. According to the appraisal report, the values of the subject’s Fee Simple Estate for the Subject “As Is” and “After” the conversion process as of March 8, 2010, are as follows (Calhoun 2010): • • •

3.9 3.9.1

Value of subject “As Is”—$76,800 Value of subject “After”—$78,126 Opinion of fair compensation—$0.00

Aesthetics Affected Environment

The site is located on flat ground at street grade with the adjacent roads and is surrounded by private residential use immediately adjacent on the south side; light industrial use to the south; residential use to the north and east; and agricultural use to the west (Figure 3). The existing Meridian High School campus surrounds the project site. No known aesthetic resources exist on the site, and it is not within any State-, City-, or County-identified scenic vista. Meridian High School does not have any scenic resources such as rock outcroppings or historic buildings, and it is not located in or within the vicinity of a State scenic highway (ITD 2011). 3.9.2

Environmental Effects

Alternative A No/Negligible Impacts—Alternative A would not impact aesthetics. Alternative B Minor Impacts—Although the proposed project would require removing at least one tree from the project site, the proposed project would not substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings. The project construction would be consistent with the existing character of the campus and would have a minimal effect on the existing building and site. The new tennis courts would follow the original building concept and design to establish a uniform look. There would be no net change in outdoor lighting. No new parking lot lights are being proposed as the project would utilize the existing parking lot.

3.10 Cultural Resources 3.10.1

Affected Environment

No historic structures exist on the site and no buildings would be demolished during the land transfer or the construction of the tennis courts. The project site was previously disturbed when a single family residence was removed after the Meridian School District purchased this parcel

15

Environmental Assessment

Meridian High School Tennis Courts

on August 8, 2005. The remainder of the parcel consists of landscaped areas and a paved parking lot. The project site is not located near any cemeteries. 3.10.2

Environmental Effects

Alternative A No/Negligible Impacts—Alternative A would not change the significance of a historical resource, disturb archeological resources, destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geological feature, or disturb any human remains. Alternative B No/Negligible Impacts—The proposed project would not change the significance of a historical resource, disturb archeological resources, destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geological feature, or disturb any human remains.

3.11 Socioeconomics 3.11.1

Affected Environment

In 2000, the subject property service area population was 62,241, comprised of 93.4% Caucasian and 4.9% Hispanic; all other races contribute less than 2% of the population. The service area percentage of population living below the poverty level is 5.1%, far below the national average of 13.5% (U.S. Census Bureau 2011). 3.11.2

Environmental Effects

Alternative A No/Negligible Impacts—Alternative A would not impact the socioeconomic environment. Alternative B No/Negligible Impacts—The proposed project would not affect the availability of recreational opportunities for the low income or minority population in the service area.

3.12 Energy Resources 3.12.1

Affected Environment

The subject is served by municipal water and sewer and the Nampa-Meridian Irrigation District. According to the appraisal, utilities are available with sufficient capacities for most conceivable uses (Calhoun 2010). 3.12.2

Environmental Effects

Alternative A No/Negligible Impacts—Energy resources would not be impacted under Alternative A since no new outdoor lighting would be constructed or removed. Alternative B No/Negligible Impacts—No additional lighting is being proposed for the new tennis courts. This project would not have an effect on existing energy resources.

16

Environmental Assessment

Meridian High School Tennis Courts

3.13 Hazardous Materials 3.13.1

Affected Environment

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) was conducted on the parcel by Materials Testing & Inspection (MTI) on July 29, 2005, when the Meridian School District purchased the parcel (MTI 2005). According to the Phase I ESA, no evidence of recognized environmental conditions was found in connection with the property other than one 200-gallon Underground Storage Tank (UST) containing heating oil. MTI recommended that the heating oil UST be properly decommissioned when no longer in use and a Phase II soil sampling investigation be conducted to determine if the UST had developed leaks. A limited subsurface investigation, conducted on August 29, 2008, found no evidence of petroleum impact on the soil beneath the heating oil UST (MTI 2008). 3.13.2

Environmental Effects

Alternative A No/Negligible Impacts—Alternative A would not result in disturbing the ground surface during construction so hazardous materials would not be released under this alternative. Alternative B No/Negligible Impacts—As noted in the Phase I ESA, the site is not listed in any federal, state, or local government environmental database (MTI 2005) so disturbing the ground surface during construction of the tennis courts at Meridian High School would not create a significant hazard to the public through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials or through a reasonably foreseeable accident involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment.

3.14 Mandatory Criteria 3.14.1

Environmental Effects

The proposed alternative would not impact any of the mandatory criteria as listed on the NPS Environmental Screening Form (Appendix A).

17

Environmental Assessment

Meridian High School Tennis Courts

CHAPTER 4. COORDINATION AND CONSULTATION The following people contributed to the development of the environmental assessment. They are listed alphabetically by last name. Also included is the person’s title and place of employment. Al Busche, Project Manager Ada County Highway District Mark S. Freeman Foley Freeman, PLLC Wayne Hanners, Supervisor of Operations Joint School District No. 2 Midge Kline, Right-of-Way Agent Ada County Highway District Kathy Muir, State and Federal Grant Manager Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Nikole Pearson, Technical Writer Peak Science Communications, LLC

Consultation The following people were contacted by mail asking for consultation on this project. Copies of consultation communications are available in the project record. Suzi Pengilly, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer State Historic Preservation Office

Public Comment This draft environmental assessment will be released for a 30-day public comment period.

18

Environmental Assessment

Meridian High School Tennis Courts

CHAPTER 5. REFERENCES Ada County. 2007. Ada County comprehensive plan. Boise, ID: Ada County. Calhoun, S. 2010. Summary appraisal of the real property of the LWCF conversion on Meridian High School tennis facility. Garden City, ID: Calhoun and Wright, LLC. City of Meridian. 2010. Meridian zoning map. Meridian, ID: City of Meridian. City of Meridian. 2011. City of Meridian comprehensive plan. Meridian, ID: City of Meridian, Planning Department. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 2003. Flood insurance rate map, Ada County, Idaho and incorporated areas. Washington, DC: FEMA, National Flood Insurance Program. Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR). 2006. 2006–2010 Idaho Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. Boise, ID: IDPR. Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). 2011. Idaho’s scenic byways. Available at: http://www.idahobyways.gov/contact.aspx. (accessed on: April 20, 2011). Materials Testing & Inspection (MTI). 2005. Phase I environmental site assessment for the property at 1680 W. Pine, Meridian, Idaho 83642. Boise, ID: MTI. Materials Testing & Inspection (MTI). 2008. Limited subsurface investigation and project oversight for the heating oil underground storage tank removal and demolition of 1680 W. Pine, Meridian, Idaho 83642. Boise, ID: MTI. Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). 2008. Soil survey for Ada County area, Idaho. Moscow, ID: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Soil Conservation Service. Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). 2011. Custom soil resource report for Ada County Area, Idaho. Available at: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/. (accessed on: April 19, 2011). U.S. Census Bureau. 2011.2005–2009 American community survey. Available at: http://factfinder.census.gov/home/saff/main.html?_lang=en (accessed on: April 29, 2011). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2011. Species by county report. Available at: http://ecos.fws.gov/tess_public/countySearch!speciesByCountyReport.action?fips=1600 1 (accessed on: April 29, 2011).

19

Appendix A. Environmental Screening Form

A. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES Indicate potential for adverse impacts. Use a separate sheet to clarify responses per instructions for Part A on page 9.

1. Geological resources: soils, bedrock, slopes, streambeds, landforms, etc. 2. Air quality 3. Sound (noise impacts) 4. Water quality/quantity 5. Stream flow characteristics 6. Marine/estuarine 7. Floodplains/wetlands 8. Land use/ownership patterns; property values; community livability 9. Circulation, transportation 10. Plant/animal/fish species of special concern and habitat; state/ federal listed or proposed for listing 11. Unique ecosystems, such as biosphere reserves, World Heritage sites, old growth forests, etc. 12. Unique or important wildlife/ wildlife habitat 13. Unique or important fish/habitat 14. Introduce or promote invasive species (plant or animal) 15. Recreation resources, land, parks, open space, conservation areas, rec. trails, facilities, services, opportunities, public access, etc. Most conversions exceed minor impacts. See Step 3.B 16. Accessibility for populations with disabilities 17. Overall aesthetics, special characteristics/features

Not ApplicableResource does not exist

No/Negligible Impacts-

Minor

Exists but no or negligible

Impacts

impacts

Impacts Exceed Minor EA/EIS required

More Data Needed to Determine Degree of Impact EA/EIS required

18. Historical/cultural resources, including landscapes, ethnographic, archeological, structures, etc. Attach SHPO/THPO determination. 19. Socioeconomics, including employment, occupation, income changes, tax base, infrastructure 20. Minority and low-income populations 21. Energy resources (geothermal, fossil fuels, etc.) 22. Other agency or tribal land use plans or policies 23. Land/structures with history of contamination/hazardous materials even if remediated 24. Other important environmental resources to address.

B. MANDATORY CRITERIA If your LWCF proposal is approved, would it…

1. Have significant impacts on public health or safety? 2. Have significant impacts on such natural resources and unique geographic characteristics as historic or cultural resources; park, recreation, or refuge lands, wilderness areas; wild or scenic rivers; national natural landmarks; sole or principal drinking water aquifers; prime farmlands; wetlands (E.O. 11990); floodplains (E.O 11988); and other ecologically significant or critical areas. 3. Have highly controversial environmental effects or involve unresolved conflicts concerning alternative uses of available resources [NEPA section 102(2)(E)]? 4. Have highly uncertain and potentially significant environmental effects or involve unique or unknown environmental risks? 5. Establish a precedent for future action or represent a decision in principle about future actions with potentially significant environmental effects? 6. Have a direct relationship to other actions with individually insignificant, but cumulatively significant, environmental effects? 7. Have significant impacts on properties listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, as determined by either

Yes

No

To be determined

the bureau or office.(Attach SHPO/THPO Comments) 8. Have significant impacts on species listed or proposed to be listed on the List of Endangered or Threatened Species, or have significant impacts on designated Critical Habitat for these species. 9. Violate a federal law, or a state, local, or tribal law or requirement imposed for the protection of the environment? 10. Have a disproportionately high and adverse effect on low income or minority populations (Executive Order 12898)? 11. Limit access to and ceremonial use of Indian sacred sites on federal lands by Indian religious practitioners or significantly adversely affect the physical integrity of such sacred sites (Executive Order 13007)? 12. Contribute to the introduction, continued existence, or spread of noxious weeds or non-native invasive species known to occur in the area, or actions that may promote the introduction, growth, or expansion of the range of such species (Federal Noxious Weed Control Act and Executive Order 13112)?

Environmental Reviewers The following individual(s) provided input in the completion of the environmental screening form. List all reviewers including name, title, agency, field of expertise. Keep all environmental review records and data on this proposal in state compliance file for any future program review and/or audit. The ESF may be completed as part of a LWCF pre-award site inspection if conducted in time to contribute to the environmental review process for the proposal. 1.

2.

3.

The following individuals conducted a site inspection to verify field conditions. List name of inspector(s), title, agency, and date(s) of inspection. 1.

2.

3.

Appendix B. Project legal

Appendix C. Conversion legal