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Forest Products Laboratory Modernization Project
Thank you to all who submitted comments!
The
public comment period for this action has ended and the final decision is
listed below.
Modernization Plan
Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact
Proposed Modernization of Facilities Project
US Forest Service, Forest
Products Laboratory
City of Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin
Decision and Reasons for the Decision
Background
Since 1910, the Forest Products Laboratory in Madison (FPL), Wisconsin
has served as the nation's leading wood research institute. FPL uses science
and technology to conserve and extend the nation's forest resources, and
its mission is to promote healthy forests and forest-based economies through
the efficient, sustainable use of wood resources. FPL’s research scientists
evaluate ways to promote clean water, better homes, improved recycling processes,
and healthier forests, and have developed many breakthrough technologies
that affect everyday life .
Adequate and up-to-date research facilities are critical to the success
of any research program. Several of the FPL’s research facilities
currently have aging equipment and inadequate facilities. The lack of available,
unrestricted space severely limits the capability to use the existing equipment
and to acquire and use state-of-the-art equipment, resulting in safety concerns.
The FPL needs the proposed project to resolve existing safety concerns and
support its goal of improving the functionality of the research facilities,
enhancing employee productivity, achieving significant cost savings, and
providing an improved working environment.
The environmental assessment (EA) documents the analysis of two alternatives
to meet this need.
Decision
Based upon my review of the alternatives, I have decided to implement
the Proposed Action. This involves construction of a new multi-use laboratory
and an addition to the existing Fire Research Laboratory, the installation
of new equipment in the Advanced Fiber Processing and Paper Products Laboratory,
and the renovation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning in the
administrative office structure at the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL)
complex.
My decision includes the installation and maintenance of best management
practices for erosion control and development of plans for storm water management
during the final design of the buildings. Following completion of construction,
FPL will permanently stabilize all disturbed areas with a combination of
grass, trees, and shrubs.
When compared to the No Action alternative, the Proposed Action will meet
the purpose and need by improving the functionality of the FPL research
laboratories and meeting sustainable objectives, including protection of
the health of building occupants; efficient use of energy, water, and materials;
and minimal environmental impacts. The project will comply with all applicable
local, state, and federal regulations applicable to construction and management
of these facilities. This alternative meets requirements under the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 and the Forest Service Notice, Comment,
and Appeal Procedures at 36 CFR 215.
Other Alternatives Considered
In addition to the selected alternative, I considered one other alternative,
No Action. Page 9 of the EA presents a comparison of these alternatives.
No Action
Under the No Action alternative, current management plans would continue
to guide management of the project area.
On May 2, 2006 during scoping, FPL mailed a proposal for modernization
to potentially affected people, tribes, organizations, and other agencies
for comment.
No person, tribe, organization, or other agency identified any substantive
issues regarding the effects of the proposed action during scoping. A legal
advertisement published in the Wisconsin State Journal and The
Capital Times on August 3, 2006 publicized the completion of the Final
EA and invited public comment. FPL received no comments on the Final EA
during the public comment period.
Finding of No Significant Impact
After considering the environmental effects described in the EA, I have
determined that these actions will not have a significant effect on the
quality of the human environment considering the context and intensity of
impacts (40 CFR 1508.27). Thus, an environmental impact statement will not
be prepared. I base my finding on the following:
- My finding of no significant environmenal effects is not biased by
the beneficial effects of the action.
- There will be no significant effects on public health and safety, because
only slight beneficial impacts to employee health and safety from
improved working conditions are likely to result. Noise during construction
would be temporary and would not result in significant impacts. (See EA
pages 15-16.)
- There will be no significant effects on unique characteristics of the
area because proposed buildings will fit in with the existing land
uses, landscaping, and buildings in this urban setting, and there is little
habitat for wildlife and listed species. (See EA pages 20-24.)
- There are no ecologically critical areas such as historic or cultural
resources, park lands, prime farmlands, welands, wild and scenic rivers
within the project area that could be affected. (See EA pages 11-15).
- The action is not likely to establish a precedent for future actions
with significant effects, because the construction will fit in with
the existing land uses, landscaping, and buildings in this urban setting
and is infill development on the campus. (see EA page 24.)
- The cumulative impacts are not significant. (See EA pages 27-28).
- The action will have no significant adverse effect on districts, sites,
highways, structures, or objects listed in or eligible for listing
in the National Register of Historic Places, or cause loss or destruction
of significant scientific, cultural, or historical resources, because
none of these eligible historic or prehistoric sites exist within
the project area (see EA pages 16-19). The Wisconsin Historical Society,
Office of Preservation Planning, concurred with the findings that no historic
properties will be affected in a letter dated August 22, 2006 .
- The action will not adversely affect any endangered or threatened species
or its habitat that has been determined to be critical under the Endangered
Species act of 1973, because there is little habitat for wildlife
and no listed species will be affected. (See EA pages 20-24).
- The action will not violate Federal, State, and local laws or requirements
for the protection of the environment. Applicable laws and regulations
were considered in the EA.
Findings Required by Other Laws and Regulations
This decision to modernize FPL facilities through construction and other
improvements is consistent with FPL objectives and Forest Service guidance,
including the regulation requiring that new facilities meet the Silver Level
of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building
Rating System.
In compliance with Executive Order (EO) 12898: Environmental Justice and
EO 13045: Protection of Children, none of the activities under the Proposed
Action will disproportionately affect minority and low-income populations
or children under 18 years of age. (See EA pages 26-27.)
Administrative Review or Appeal Opportunities
This decision is not subject to administrative review (appeal) pursuant
to 36 CFR Part 215.12 because FPL received no substantive comments expressing
concerns during the 30-day comment period for the Final EA.
Implementation Date
Implementation of the decision may occur five (5) business days from the
date of signature of this Decision Notice.
Contact
For additional information concerning this decision or the Forest Service
appeal process, contact the FPL by mail to the FPL Modernization Project
Manager, Forest Products Laboratory, One Gifford Pinchot Drive, Madison,
Wisconsin 53726; or facsimile: (608) 231-9592. Find information regarding
the EA electronically above.
/ S/
CHRIS RISBRUDT
Director
Forest Products Laboratory
Forest Products Laboratory
One Gifford Pinchot Drive
Madison, WI 53726-2398
Voice: 608-231-9200
FAX: 608-231-9592
TTY: 608-231-9544
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