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Record of Decision (ROD)
Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.
[Federal Register: September 24, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 185)]
[Notices]
[Page 59844-59850]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr24se02-56]
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GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
Record of Decision (ROD)
AGENCY: General Services Administration.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The General Services Administration (GSA), Public Buildings
Service, Portfolio Management (9PT), has prepared a Record of Decision
for the development of a new U.S. Courthouse in Los Angeles, CA.
The purpose of the proposed action is to meet the U.S. Courts'
expansion need, and consolidate the U.S. Courts' operations into one
location to increase efficiency and security.
[[Page 59845]]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Javad Soltani, Asset Manager,
General Services Administration, Public Buildings Service, Portfolio
Management, at (415) 522-3493.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Record of Decision is as follows:
Record of Decision
The United States General Services Administration (GSA) has
published a Final Environmental Impact Statement on the following
project: Los Angeles U.S. Courthouse, Los Angeles, California.
GSA announces its decision in accordance with the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 40 CFR parts 1500-1508 and the
Regulations issued by the Council on Environmental Quality, November
29, 1978, to construct a new U.S. Courthouse.
I. Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action
Three major federal buildings are located in the downtown Los
Angeles Civic Center area--the Federal Building at 300 North Los
Angeles Street, the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building & Courthouse
at 255 East Temple Street, and the historic U.S. Courthouse at 312
North Spring Street.
The existing federal buildings in downtown Los Angeles cannot
adequately house the U.S. Courts and their specialized requirements.
The U.S. Courts and courts-related agencies current space deficit
greatly impacts their daily operations and the manner in which the
judicial system is able to address its caseload. This has created a
problem in achieving their mission to deliver justice efficiently
and expeditiously in a safe and timely manner.
The ``U.S. Courts (Los Angeles) Prospectus Development Study''
(Kaplan et al., 1998) estimated that given projected case-loads, the
U.S. Courts and courts-related agencies would need to expand from
their current occupancy by 31 percent in 10 years. The existing
federal buildings in downtown Los Angeles cannot provide this space
and adequately house the U.S. Courts and their specialized
requirements.
A ``Stand-Alone Courthouse Site Evaluation'' study was prepared
in June 2000 by CH2M HILL. The evaluation concluded that a stand-
alone courthouse was the only option that would meet the long-term
needs of the U.S. Courts. None of the existing federal buildings
would lend themselves to the extensive remodeling that is required
by the U.S. Courts and court-related agencies. Additionally, the
surrounding properties are unsuitable for construction of a new
courthouse.
Therefore, the purposes for the proposed action are: (1) meet
the U.S. Courts' expansion need, and (2) consolidate the U.S.
Courts' operations into one location to increase efficiency and
security.
II. Alternatives Examined
Prior to beginning this EIS there were several studies completed
to analyze the feasibility of several alternative methods to meet
the long-term needs of the U.S. Courts in Los Angeles.
The ``U.S. Courts Feasibility Study and Master Plan: Los
Angeles'' was prepared in 1997 to assist GSA in determining a plan
to meet the long-term needs of the U.S. Courts, Central District of
California, in downtown Los Angeles. Agency requirements for
function, operation, and adjacencies were considered as part of the
process. Compliance with the U.S. Courts Design Guide was determined
to be critical. For operational and functional reasons, it was
determined that the preferred alternative must include all U.S.
Courts in one complex.
A ``Companion Courthouse Site Evaluation' was prepared in May
2000 to document the site development consequences for sites being
considered at the time by the GSA for a new companion courthouse. A
companion courthouse would serve as an extension of the existing
courthouse facilities in downtown Los Angeles by providing
supplemental space. The consequences of this action that were
considered in the evaluation included: conflicts with future city
plans for the sites, potential for site contamination, tunneling
costs, demolition costs and utility relocation, and other important
issues determined through scoping.
Following this study, it was determined that a companion
courthouse could not meet all of the criteria for the project, and a
stand-alone building was the only option to meet the long-term
requirements of the U.S. Courts. Finally, a ``Stand-Alone Courthouse
Site Evaluation'' study was prepared in June 2000 to document the
site development consequences for a new stand-alone courthouse.
Based on the previous studies and scoping process, the following
alternatives were analyzed in the EIS:
Site A
Site A encompasses 3.11 acres of the city block bounded by West
Temple Street, North Spring Street, West First Street, and North
Broadway. Currently, Site A is occupied by a parking lot and vacant
area where a building was once located. A mixture of office
buildings generally characterizes the area surrounding Site A. The
Los Angeles County Criminal Courts Buildings is located on the north
half of the block. To the east, across North Spring Street, is the
landmark City Hall building. To the south, across West First Street,
is the historic art deco Los Angeles Times Mirror building. West,
across North Broadway, are the Los Angeles County Law Library, Court
of Flags, and Hall of Records. Site A is currently owned by Los
Angeles County and the State of California and has a zoning
designation of C-4 Commercial.
Site B
Site B is comprised of a full city block (3.75 acres) bounded by
West First Street, South Broadway, West Second Street, and South
Hill Street. Currently, Site B is occupied by the Junipero Serra
State of California Office Building and an adjacent parking
structure. The area surrounding Site B is generally characterized as
a mixture of office buildings and privately owned parking lots. To
the north of Site B, across West First Street, is the Los Angeles
County Law Library. To the east, across South Broadway, is the
historic art deco Los Angeles Times Mirror building. To the south,
across West Second Street, are the Kawada Hotel and an office
building. To the west, across South Hill Street, is a privately
owned parking lot. Site B is currently owned by the State of
California and has a zoning designation of C-4 Commercial.
Site C
Site C consists of a full city block (3.3 acres) bounded by West
First Street, South Olive Street, West Second Street, and South
Grand Avenue. Currently, Site C is occupied by an above ground
parking structure. A mixture of public and private buildings and
privately owned parking lots generally characterizes the area
surrounding Site C. To the north of the site, across West First
Street, is the Los Angeles County Courthouse. To the east, across
South Olive Street, is a privately owned parking facility. To the
south, across West Second Street, are the Colburn School of
Performing Arts and a privately owned parking lot. To the west,
across South Grand Avenue, is the future site of the Walt Disney
Concert Hall (under construction).
No Action Alternative
Section 1502.14(d) of NEPA requires that a No Action Alternative
be examined in the EIS. Under this alternative the U.S. Courts and
federal agencies would continue to be housed in the Roybal Federal
Buildings & Courthouse and U.S. Courthouse 312 North Spring. The
Courts and court-related agencies would outgrow their existing
facilities and not be able to expand. They would continue to operate
under growing space deficits and caseload quantities would continue
to increase.
Preferred Alternative
GSA has selected Site B as the preferred site for the new Los
Angeles U.S. Courthouse. Site B best meets the need of GSA in
providing a location for the U.S. Courthouse because the site
provides the area that can accommodate the structure while meeting
the security requirements of the U.S. Courthouse facility. In
addition, Site B best fits the surrounding uses and proximity to
adjacent court-related facilities that will provide for efficient
court operations.
Site A would require variances for floor area ratio and height
restrictions on portions of the site and would require exceptions to
development restrictions related to the proposed open space mall
associated with the Los Angeles Civic Center area.
Site C would require rezoning to accommodate the new Los Angeles
U.S. Courthouse. The presence of the large-scale U.S. Courthouse
would have a negative impact on the visual aspects associated with
the Walt Disney Concert Hall on the adjacent block. In addition,
parking at this location would be deficient in approximately 257
parking spaces within a \1/4\-mile radius based on the City of Los
Angeles Parking Code.
Environmentally Preferable Alternative
The No Action Alternative is the environmentally preferable
alternative, which results in the least damage to the environment.
However, it does not meet the primary objective of meeting the
projected
[[Page 59846]]
needs of the U.S. Courts. The U.S. Courts would be required to
utilize existing substandard facilities that do not meet U.S. Courts
Design Guide.
III. Environmental Consequences and Mitigation
The following discussion presents the findings and mitigation
identified in the EIS for Site B.
Geology and Landform
According to the California Department of Conservation Division
of Mines and Geology Seismic Hazard Zones Map (March 25, 1999), Site
B is located in an area where historic occurrence of liquefaction,
or local geological, geotechnical and groundwater conditions
indicate a potential for permanent ground displacements. Impacts are
significant but mitigatable.
Mitigation. Mitigation for liquefaction potential is required in
the building design as defined in Public Resources Code Section
2693(c). A comprehensive geotechnical survey of the site has been
performed. Construction and building design measures recommended by
the geotechnical study will be incorporated into the overall design
of the building.
Hydrology
Site B is not located in a flood zone according to FEMA Flood
Insurance Rate Maps. The site is located within La Brea Subarea sub-
basin of the Central Groundwater Basin. Groundwater extends to a
depth of at least 1,600 feet and includes several distinct water
bearing aquifers. The depth to groundwater is estimated to be
approximately 30 to 40 feet below the ground surface. Groundwater
flow direction is to the south and southeast. According to the Los
Angeles Hydrologic Basin Planning Map and the Water Quality Control
Plan for the Los Angeles Basin, all aquifers in the project area are
designated as being of beneficial use (LARWQCP, 1994).
Short-term impacts to hydrology were found to be significant,
but mitigatable.
Mitigation. Construction plans will implement erosion and
sediment control measures. Grading and other activities involving
soil displacement should, to the extent feasible, be conducted
during the dry season, May-October. A spill control and
countermeasure plan will be prepared to properly address any spills
of hazardous construction materials.
Vegetation and Wildlife
There have been no recorded occurrences of threatened,
endangered, or sensitive plants, animals, or natural communities in
the immediate vicinity Site B. Short-term and long-term impacts to
vegetation and wildlife were found to be less than significant.
Therefore, no mitigation measures are required.
Mitigation. None.
Shadows
On the summer solstice, June 21, the shadows cast by the
proposed U.S. courthouse are smallest, and at noon and 3:00 PM only
the streets and sidewalk areas adjacent to the proposed structure
are impacted. At 9:00 AM the shadow from the proposed structure
extends to the east and impacts small portions of the Kawada Hotel.
At the vernal and autumnal equinoxes (March 21 and September
21), the shadows cast by the proposed U.S. courthouse are longer
than those at the summer solstice. In addition to the sidewalks,
parking areas, and streets being shaded in the immediate vicinity of
the proposed courthouse, the open parking lot to the west of Site B
will be significantly shaded. At 3:00 PM, most of the Los Angeles
County Law Library to the north of Site B will be shaded.
The shadows on the winter solstice (December 21) are long enough
to block sunlight at several neighboring buildings. At 9:00 AM, the
shadows from the proposed building extend west past Grand Avenue,
almost completely shading the parking structure on Site C. At noon
the shadows extend to the north and shade a small part of the lower
floors of the County Courthouse and the surface parking lot on the
other side of Hill Street. At 3:00 PM, the shadows extend northeast
covering most of the Los Angeles County Law Library and
approximately half of the Court of Flags, open spaces within the
Civic Center area. This is considered an adverse affect since the
cool winter temperatures will be amplified with the shading.
During most of the year the shading from the proposed U.S.
courthouse at Site B does not pose a significant impact. However,
the impact to open space areas at 3:00 PM on the winter solstice is
adverse, and not mitigatable. The impact is significant.
Mitigation. None.
Air Quality
Published air quality monitoring data indicated ambient levels
of PM10 that exceed the State ambient air standard were
recorded at one of the monitoring stations located near the study
area. The PM10 emissions are generated by mobile source
exhaust, fugitive dust sources, and various industrial sources.
The study area is in a commercial zone surrounded by other
commercial businesses. Most of the air pollution in this area is
produced by vehicular traffic. The air quality in the Civic Center
area of downtown Los Angeles may be affected by the construction of
the new courthouse by contributing to the level of total suspended
particulate (TSP), PM10, and ozone in the ambient air
measured on a 24-hour or daily average.
Particulate matter, in the form of TSP and PM10, will
be generated in the construction process. Ozone may be generated
from the photochemical reaction of exhaust gases (CO and VOCs) in
the atmosphere from mobile sources used during construction and
vehicular traffic. Fugitive particulate matter emissions will be
generated by various construction activities such as earthmoving,
excavation, and grading operations. CO and VOC emissions will also
be generated from the exhaust of the construction vehicles. Other
organic gaseous emissions may be emitted from solvents, adhesives,
non water-based paints, some insulation materials, and asphaltic
material. These emissions contribute to the formation of ozone in
the lower atmosphere.
Since Los Angeles County is in non-attainment for both
PM10 and ozone, and since ambient air monitors near the
study area have recorded elevated levels of these pollutants,
control measures may be required to minimize air pollution generated
from construction activities and building operations.
This project is expected to have a significant short-term impact
on the regional air quality due to construction activities. These
activities are expected to last from 3-4 years, and could elevate
levels of ozone and PM during periods of peak activity. It is
expected that long-term, non-construction related air quality
impacts from this project could also be significant due to the
vehicle trip generated by the courthouse employees, staff, and civil
servants.
Construction Impacts
The emissions from construction activities are primarily from
demolition, excavation, off-road mobile source equipment, and on-
road motor vehicles (construction worker trips). The mitigation
measures listed below are intended to minimize the emissions
associated with construction activities. Construction activities to
build the new courthouse would be subject to SCAQMD Rule 403, which
requires application of best available control measures to reduce
fugitive dust emissions.
Building Operations Impacts
The increase in 2,000 gross daily vehicle trips identified in
the traffic section may result in potential significant impacts to
air quality. This would elevate emission levels and contribute to
increased pollutant levels in the project area.
SCAQMD Rule 2202 is designed to reduce mobile source emissions
from employee commuting. This rule provides employers with options
to meet an emission reduction target for their worksite. GSA
promotes the Employee Commute Reduction Program and will provide a
mass transit subsidy to its employees to reduce worker trips and
vehicle emissions. This program reduces vehicles trips and miles
traveled by implementing carpooling, rideshare programs, public
transportation vouchers, and alternative transportation.
Mitigation
Construction-Related Mitigation Measures:
1. Restrict construction activities that affect traffic flow to
off-peak hours
2. Route construction trips to avoid congested streets
3. Provide dedicated turn lanes for movement of construction
equipment on- and off-site
4. Obtain electrical power from power poles instead of
electrical generators
5. Use ``clean'' fuels for mobile construction equipment instead
of diesel
6. Do not allow trucks to idle for more than two minutes
7. Water active portions of construction site daily
8. Apply non-toxic soil stabilizers to graded areas that are
will be inactive for 10 days or more
[[Page 59847]]
9. Suspend excavation and grading when wind speeds (as
instantaneous gusts) exceeds 25 miles per hour
10. Earth material transported off-site will be covered or
trucks will maintain at least two feet of freeboard
11. Paved streets adjacent to the construction site shall be
swept as needed to remove dust and silt that may have accumulated as
a result of construction activities
12. Curtail all construction requiring heavy equipment during
second stage smog alerts
The SCAQMD identified no feasible mitigation measures that could
be implemented to reduce emissions associated with construction
worker trips to and from construction sites. Health and Safety Code
Sec. 40929 specifically prohibits air districts and other public
agencies from requiring an employee trip reduction program making
such mitigation infeasible. Furthermore, the fact that most
construction workers would be coming from different parts of the
district makes carpooling impractical. No other feasible measures
have been identified to reduce emissions from this source.
Building Operations Mitigation Measures:
1. Provide mass transit vouchers to all jurors located outside
of the metropolitan Los Angeles area.
2. Provide mass transit information and schedules with each
juror's information packet.
Noise
Site B is located in an urban environment, the Civic Center area
of downtown Los Angeles. The majority of consistent existing noise
levels are dominated by traffic related sources. The noise levels
vary by time of day. Daytime noise levels are predominantly louder
than nighttime noise levels, especially during peak morning and
evening traffic periods.
There would be a minor increase in traffic volumes due to the
construction of a new courthouse. From a noise perspective, this
traffic increase should result in noise levels less than 3 dBA. A
noise increase less than 3 dBA is not perceptible and no further
studies or mitigation is recommended. The impact is adverse, but
minor.
Mitigation. None.
Land Use
Site B covers a full city block bounded by West First Street,
South Broadway, West Second Street, and South Hill Street.
Currently, the Junipero Serra State of California Office Building
and an adjacent parking structure occupy Site B.
The area surrounding Site B is primarily a mixture of office
buildings and privately-owned parking lots. To the north of Site B,
across West First Street, is the Law Library. To the east, across
South Broadway, is the historic art deco Los Angeles Time mirror
building. To the south, across West Second Street, are the Kawada
Hotel and an office building. To the west, across South Hill Street,
is a privately-owned parking lot.
This proposed alternative Site B is designated as Commercial
District C-4. Retail activity is usually the primary focus of the
Downtown Center, but it can also accommodate a wide range of uses,
including public facilities such as the proposed courthouse
building.
The proposed land use for Site B is consistent with local land
use policies and compatible with the adjacent existing or proposed
land use, therefore there are no adverse impacts.
Mitigation. None.
Commercial Activity
Employment in Los Angeles County grew by 2.1 percent in 1999 and
is projected to grow in 2000 and 2001, but at a slightly slower
rate. The University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Anderson
forecast projects Los Angeles County employment growth of 2 percent
in 2000 and 1.9 percent in 2001. The Los Angeles County Economic
Development Corporation forecasts similar growth (1999 Real Estate
Planning Guide, NAI, Inc. & Landauer Associates, Inc. 1999).
The Framework Element's economic development policies are
designed to facilitate job growth by emphasizing that Los Angeles
plays a proactive role in the retention and attraction of businesses
in order to have a sufficient job base to maintain and enhance the
quality of life. Two such policies include the concentration of
commercial and office development in centers, corridors, and in
proximity to transit stations and retain the City's employment base
and an ongoing assessment of their specific land use requirements
(General Plan of the City of Los Angeles, Framework Element, January
26, 2000).
Economic development and job opportunities in the downtown area
are a key component to the City's General Plan. Construction of the
proposed U.S. Courthouse at Site B would create new short-term and
long-term employment in the area, thus increasing the aggregate
level of disposable income. It would also create a stronger
municipal tax base.
Per Southern California Association of Governments, the proposed
project will result in a total direct, indirect and induced
employment impact of nearly 7,000 jobs (1,391 jobs per year) over
the five-year construction period. A total of 3,304 jobs would be in
the construction sector with the other jobs coming from indirect
purchases of goods and materials and induced spending from the wages
paid to workers. The total impact on output from the project is $715
million (1997 dollars) or $143 million annually. The project would
have a total impact on value added of $397 million or $79 million
(1997 dollars) annually over the five-year construction period. The
impact is beneficial.
Mitigation. None.
Real Estate & Socioeconomics
Upon completion of the new courthouse facility, consolidation of
the federal agencies currently located in other buildings throughout
the city will be used to backfill the existing facilities, thus
providing an increase in the supply of rental office space
throughout the city.
The implementation of the proposed project at Site B would not
displace existing housing or retail/commercial tenants. The addition
of employees and visitors to the area may provide additional
opportunities to businesses in the area. The impact is beneficial.
Mitigation. None.
Demographics
Historically, the Central City has attracted only a small
residential population. Currently, land-use policies are encouraging
residential development in the city. The total housing stock of
Central City has increased by over 800 units since 1996. The City
will continue to offer opportunities for higher density residential
development specifically in the Bunker Hill, Spring Street and South
Park areas world (Annual Report on Growth and Infrastructure, Third
Edition, 1999).
Economic development and job opportunities in the downtown area
are a key component of the City's General Plan. Construction of the
proposed U.S. Courthouse at Site B would create new short-term and
long-term employment in the area, and may indirectly increase local
population and a need for affordable housing. Employment and income
would have both direct and indirect benefits for the area economy.
Construction of the proposed U.S. Courthouse at Site B would result
in overall beneficial impacts on the local economy.
Mitigation. None.
Archaeological Resources
The Junipero Serra State Office building and associated parking
garage occupies the majority of this block. The only open space is
on the southern one-third of the block. This area could not be
surveyed because it is currently covered with asphalt. No
archaeological resources were previously recovered within Site B.
While archaeological sensitivity is not considered high for this
site, there is the potential for small areas of undisturbed soil to
yield either historic or prehistoric features. This impact has the
potential to be significant, but mitigatable.
Mitigation. An archaeological and Native American monitor should
be present during construction excavation. If any cultural resources
are found, work should be halted in the area immediately until the
resource can be assessed and treatment is determined through
consultation under Section 106 of the NHPA. Depending on the
resource(s) that are discovered, the impact may be significant.
If human remains are unearthed during construction, all activity
must stop and a mitigation plan prepared to protect the remains.
Additionally, the GSA Historic Official must immediately notify the
State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) by telephone, followed
with written notification. The Native American tribe culturally
affiliated with the geographic area must also be contacted by
telephone and written correspondence. Activity at the site may
resume thirty days after certification issued by the GSA Historic
Official. This certification is contingent upon agreement between
the GSA and the Native American Tribe for recovery of the remains.
[[Page 59848]]
Historic Resources
Site B exhibited a residential look in the early period. The
1888 Sanborn map recorded mostly single story dwellings and stores
on the block. There were a number of changes by 1906. A two-story
Police station and three-story jail sat on the northwest portion of
the site. Several multi-story structures stood on the southern
portion of the block, including the California Hotel, the Mason
Opera House, and the Union League Club.
The block changed little over the next 40 years, but in the
early 1960s, most of the northern portion of the block was cleared
to make way for the Junipero Serra State Office Building. This L-
shaped multi-story building was accompanied by a multi-level parking
structure and together; they occupy the northern two-thirds of the
block. The few storefronts that remained on the southern portion of
the block were gone by 1970, replaced by a paved parking lot. The
block looks much the same today as it did in 1970.
The area surrounding the block currently consists of the Los
Angeles Times Building to the east, the Los Angeles Law Library to
the north, four buildings to the south (including the Kawada Hotel
and the Los Angles Law Center), and empty lots to the west.
On-Site Historic Resources
One building is situated on Site B, the Junipero Serra State
Office Building. Although this structure is less than 50 years old,
it was found potentially eligible based on its association with
well-known architects, J.E. Stanton and William Stockwell. These
architects also took part in designing several other public
buildings in downtown Los Angeles and at the University of
California at Los Angeles and the University of Southern California
campuses.
Adjacent Historic Resources
Site B is bordered by several structures, which were examined
for this study. Three buildings border the southern side of Site B.
None of these buildings are considered eligible due to the fact that
they are not associated with persons or events significant in
history, do not represent an unusual architectural style, are not
outstanding examples of their architectural style, or have lost
integrity through alterations. Two buildings border the site and are
considered eligible. One building adjacent to Site B was previously
determined eligible for listing in the NRHP, and one other building
is potentially eligible.
Neither of these buildings will be directly affected by the
project, but potential indirect impacts must be considered. If these
buildings retained their historical setting, construction of a new
buildings could affect the setting. However, the historical setting
of these buildings has not remained intact, since several buildings
surrounding them are both newer and older than the structures in
question. Construction of a new building adjacent to these buildings
would not have an affect and no mitigation is necessary.
The Junipero Serra State Office Building is located on Site B.
This building will be directly affected, as it will need to be
demolished. Documentation and supplemental information were provided
to the California Office of Historic Preservation. After reviewing
that information, the State Historic Preservation Officer has
determined that the Junipero Serra Office Building is not eligible
for inclusion into the NRHP.
Mitigation. None.
Electricity
Existing electrical facilities consist of underground lines
located along West First Street, South Broadway, West Second Street,
and South Hill Street. The LADWP will supply power to this site
through one of these underground lines.
Project implementation at Site B would result in the
introduction of a federal courthouse with approximately 1,200,000
gross square feet (GSF), which in turn will increase the electrical
demand onsite. The specific design is not available for the proposed
courthouse; therefore, exact electrical demands could not be
determined.
Construction of the proposed courthouse may require expansion of
the substation serving the site. This expansion may cause some
short-term service interruptions in the vicinity of the new
courthouse. However, any interruption in service would be temporary
and considered less than significant.
The project design should also be in accordance with applicable
electrical codes, including the National Fire Protection Association
Code, the National Electric Code, as well as City and County
electrical codes. To maximize energy conservation, it is recommended
that energy saving equipment be installed as stated in the energy
conservation regulations contained in Title 24 of the California
Code.
Impacts associated with providing electricity for the proposed
alternative are considered to be less than significant.
Mitigation. None.
Natural Gas
Site B is serviced by underground high-pressure natural gas
lines from both Broadway and 2nd Streets.
Project implementation at Site B would result in the
introduction of a Federal Courthouse with approximately 1,200,000
gross square feet (GSF), thereby increasing natural gas demand
onsite. Although natural gas consumption required by the proposed
Courthouse has not been determined, demand would primarily be
associated with heating of the facility.
It is not anticipated that the additional natural gas demands
for the proposed project would adversely affect natural gas service
in the project are. Therefore, impacts to natural gas associated
with project implementation would be less than significant.
Mitigation. None.
Solid Waste
Site B is occupied by the State of California Office Building
and an adjacent parking structure that will require removal of the
structure, thus creating a larger increase in solid waster than
would occur at the proposed Sites A and C. Special demolition and
solid waste removal will be the responsibility of a contractor
selected to perform the demolition and hauling of the materials to
the City landfill.
Project implementation at Site B would result in the
introduction of a Federal Courthouse land use with approximately
1,200,000 gross square feet (GSF), thereby increasing the solid
waste generation onsite.
Solid waste generated at the proposed Site B would increase with
the construction of a new courthouse. The overall amount of solid
waste collected in the downtown area would not significantly
increase, nor will it significantly impact the overall capacity of a
landfill. There is an impact, but it is not significant.
Mitigation. GSA will implement a solid waste management program
at the new courthouse.
Water Supply
The State of California Office Building is serviced from 1st
Street by a twelve-inch water main, from Hill Street with a twelve-
inch water main and from Broadway with an eight-inch water main.
Service to the site would have to be expanded, and would involve
site connection to water lines located in the streets surrounding
the site. Connection would be made utilizing standard construction
connection procedures, and are not expected to result in any service
interruption.
Project implementation at the site would result in the
introduction of a Federal Courthouse land use with approximately
1,200,000 gross square feet (GSF), thereby increasing the water
demand onsite. The infrastructure development will be evaluated
along with the development proposal. Although it appears that the
existing infrastructure is sufficient to serve any one of the
alternatives, an infrastructure capacity evaluation will determine
the need for any necessary system enhancements. Therefore, impacts
to the water supply are considered to be less than significant.
Mitigation. None.
Wastewater
The City of Los Angeles Public Works Department indicates that
the capacity of the existing sewer lines located at Site B are
sufficient to accommodate existing flows, however, projected flows
of the proposed courthouse must be evaluated during design before
any upgrades to the sewer lines can be determined. There is an
impact, but it is not significant.
Mitigation. None.
Police Protection
The proposed federal courthouse would not significantly increase
the daytime population of the downtown area. The existing Roybal
Federal Building & Courthouse and the U.S. Courthouse 312 North
Spring will be backfilled by employees who are currently housed in
other buildings throughout the region; therefore, the downtown
population will increase by approximately 800 after implementation
of the proposed project. This increase should not result in a
significant level-of-service impact to the LAPD.
The Federal Protection Services (FPS) has legal jurisdiction
over federal buildings and has law enforcement officers who usually
are responsible for the interior of the building and the sidewalks
surrounding the structure.
[[Page 59849]]
Usually the FPS has a Memorandum of Understanding with the local
police with the FPS and shares jurisdiction.
There will be a temporary need for security to protect against
theft of equipment, trespassing and vandalism during construction.
Standards security measures during construction activities include
the installation of chain-link fencing around the perimeter of the
project site, and securing of all construction equipment during
periods of non-use.
So long as proper safety measures, such as well lighted and
secure parking areas, are incorporated into the design, it does not
appear that the proposed will have a direct impact on the LAPD's
current police staffing numbers or their ability to provide adequate
police protection.
Impacts associated with project implementation at this site are
considered to be less than significant.
Mitigation. None.
Fire Protection
A fire flow rate of 12,000 gallons per minute is required for
the Downtown Area and the average response time for Fire Stations,
3, 4 and 9 within the Downtown Area is within 5 minutes 90% of the
time. With three fire stations possessing adequate manpower and
equipment resources within close proximity to the site, the
consideration of increased personnel and/or equipment would be
unnecessary for the implementation of this project at Site B.
However, the potential for construction related accidents could
temporarily increase the utilization of these resources. A fire
inspector is required to be onsite from the start of construction
through final sign-off of the shall structure.
Fire flow to the downtown areas is considered to be adequate to
serve high-rise structures located in the Downtown Area. However,
fire flow calculations and flow test based upon final site design
would be required in order to assure adequate fire flow is provided
to the proposed project site.
The proposed courthouse at Site B should not require additional
fire protection personnel and equipment; therefore impacts to fire
protection services are considered less than significant.
Mitigation. None.
Traffic
During the AM peak hour signalized intersections in the study
area operate at LOS D or better. With the exception of one
unsignalized intersection, Grand Avenue at the 101 & I-110 ramps
(LOS F), all of the unsignalized intersections operate at Los C or
better.
During the PM peak hour, all of the signalized intersections
were found to operate at LOS D or better. With the exception of one
unsignalized interstation, Grand Avenue at the 101 & I-110 ramps
(LOS F), all of the unsignalized intersections operate at LOS D or
better.
From any location in the Civic Center area of downtown Los
Angeles, public transit is located within one block. Generally,
during the peak periods local bus lines operate on short headways
ranging from 3 to 15 minutes. The express bus services range from
single trips on the longer distance services to between 5 and 15
minutes on most other routes. Regional connectivity to sites A, B,
and C is also provided via connections with the Metro Red and Blue
Lines as well as Metrolink. Additional public transportation
services are provided by taxicabs. These services are available at
Taxi stands, generally located nearby major hotels or via radio
dispatch.
With the project in place four intersections would operate at
LOS E during the morning peak hour. The remaining intersections
would operate at LOS D or better. Compared to the future baseline
conditions (without project) there would be a worsening in the level
of service at four intersections. Two intersections would go from
LOS B to LOS C. Two intersections would go from LOS C to LOS D. Four
intersections would be significantly impacted based on the City of
Los Angeles Criteria. Three of these intersections would operate at
LOS D or better. The forth, Olive Street at 1st Street, would
(continue to) operate at LOS E.
At the unsignalized intersections, one of the intersections
would continue to operate at LOS F.
At the signalized intersections during the PM peak hour, two
intersections would operate at LOS E and one at LOS F. The remaining
intersections would operate at LOS D or better. Compared to the
future baseline conditions (without project) there would be a
worsening in the level of service at four intersections. Three would
go from LOS B to LOS C. One intersection would go from LOS D to LOS
E. Three intersections would be significantly impacted based on the
City of Los Angeles Criteria. Two of these intersections would
operate at LOS D or better. One intersection, Main Street at Temple
Street, would deteriorate from LOS D to LOS E.
At the unsignalized intersections, one of the intersections
would continue to operate at LOS F.
In sum, during the morning peak hour, four intersections would
be significantly impacted. During the evening peak hour, three
intersections would be impacted. The impact is significant.
Mitigation. As noted in the traffic analysis, during the morning
peak hour, four intersections would be significantly impacted.
During the evening peak hour, three intersections would be impacted.
All but two of the intersections would operate at LOS of D or
better. During the morning peak hour the intersection of Olive
Street at 1st Street would operate at LOS E with the addition of
project related traffic. This impact can be mitigated as follows:
Restripe the westbound approach to accommodate a second
westbound left turn lane.
Construct a new traffic signal to provide protected left
turn phasing for eastbound and westbound traffic.
The implementation of these measures would improve the LOS to D.
During the evening peak hour the intersection of Main Street/
Temple Street would operate at LOS E with the addition of project
related traffic. No feasible mitigation measures could be
identified.
Parking
A parking analysis was conducted for the project site. The
quarter-mile walking distance used in the analysis extends from just
north of Temple Street in the north, almost to Los Angeles Street to
the east, between 3rd and 4th Streets to the south, and almost to
Hope Street to the west. There are 8,710 parking spaces in this
walking zone. Of these, 89 percent of these are generally occupied
resulting in about 997 available spaces.
The total code requirement for parking is 763 spaces. Site B
will provide 352 spaces as part of the building structure, which
means the remaining 411 spaces must be provided within the quarter-
mile walking radius. In addition, the structure itself will displace
some 125 spaces resulting in a net parking requirement of 536 spaces
(411 plus the displaced 125 spaces). Thus, there will be an excess
of 461 spaces within the ``walking distance'' area. There are no
adverse impacts.
Mitigation. None.
Hazardous Materials
The Junipero Serra State Office Building and state-owned parking
garage are listed with the appropriate regulatory agencies as small
quantity generators of non-acutely hazardous waste, and as
underground storage tank sites. The listing of this facility as a
small quantity generator implies that the facility is operating in
accordance with local regulations regarding the generation of
hazardous waste.
Historically, Site B contained several businesses that may have
been engaged in hazardous waste activities. One gasoline/oil station
occupied 102 South Hill Street from at least 1950-1955. A print shop
occupied 311 West Second Street from at least 1906-1960. An
additional print shop is depicted at 315 West Second Street on a
1906 Sanborn Map. Asbestos containing material (ACM) has been
identified throughout the building in pipe wrapping, heat exchanger
wrapping, and used as sprayed-on sound and fire proofing. The ACM
observed was in generally good condition.
Soil and groundwater analytical results for gasoline, diesel,
heavy hydrocarbons, and volatile organic compounds were below the
detection limit for all of the analyses tested. Soil samples
analyzed for Title 22 Metals had concentrations that were
significantly less than the California Title 22 Hazardous Waste
threshold.
Lead-based paint was detected in multiple locations within the
building at 107 South Broadway Street including the boiler room,
stairwells, and restrooms.
There are adverse impacts, but they are mitigatable.
Mitigation. The Phase I Environmental Site Assessment dated
November 22, 2000 and the Phase II Subsurface Investigated dated
January 2001 at Site B, recommends the following remediation
measures take place prior to construction.
Based on the nature of activities at the Site (vehicle
service and multiple underground storage tanks), additional concerns
may be identified during any construction or demolition activities.
The reports also recommend that personnel
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trained in hazardous materials and the identification of
environmental issues is present at the Site during any construction
or demolition activities.
There are currently four (4) underground storage tanks
(USTs) located on the Site. One 5,000-gallon steel tank with diesel
fuel is located along the east side of the Junipero Serra State
Building (107 South Broadway Street). Three 10,000 fiberglass USTs
(diesel and unleaded gasoline) are located underneath the sidewalk
at the parking garage. All of the tanks appear to be encased within
vaults; therefore, subsurface sampling in the areas of the tanks was
not performed. Based on the information obtained during the Phase I
Assessment, none of these tanks are currently in use. The reports
recommend that all of the underground storage tanks on-site be
removed or returned to service (upgrading required) in accordance
with appropriate local and state regulations.
Approximately 19 hydraulic lifts are located on the
bottom floor of the parking garage (122 South Hill Street). One of
the lifts is not functioning and has a vault flooded with a
substance with motor oil characteristics (Section 4.2). The reports
recommend that the lift be repaired or removed in accordance with
appropriate regulations. In addition, the fluid contained within the
lift should be removed, as it is a threat to soil and groundwater in
the area.
Asbestos containing material (ACM) and lead-based paint has been
documented at the Site. Prior to any demolition/construction
activities, all ACM and lead-based paint should be abated in
accordance with appropriate local and state regulations. The results
and recommendations contained in the Limited Lead-Based Paint
Inspection Report and any ACM reports at the Junipero Serra State
Building should be provided to any individuals involved in the
disruption of any painted surfaces or ACM.
IV. Conclusion
The General Services Administration believes there are no
additional outstanding issues to be resolved with respect to the
proposed project. GSA will proceed with construction of the Los
Angeles U.S. Courthouse at Site B and incorporate all the mitigation
measures identified, with the exception of those associated with
traffic impacts. The traffic mitigation measures will be implemented
by others and are beyond the control of GSA.
Dated: August 22, 2002.
Peter G. Stamison,
Regional Administrator, Pacific Rim Region.
[FR Doc. 02-24200 Filed 9-23-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-34-M